1. SUPREME COURT ADDRESSES ARAVALLI HILLS AND CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS
SUBJECT: POLITY
- The Supreme Court stayed its earlier order redefining the Aravalli Hills, directing an expert panel to assess environmental and mining impacts for balanced decision-making.
- The court ruled against arbitrary passport denials in pending criminal cases, upholding personal liberty under Article 21.
- Judicial oversight continued on electoral roll revisions, with concerns raised over the Special Intensive Revision process affecting voter inclusivity.
- Debates on Waqf amendments and governors’ powers reinforced discussions on federalism and separation of powers.
- High-profile cases throughout the year underscored the importance of judicial independence in governance.
- Concepts: Basic Structure Doctrine – Protects essential constitutional features like judicial review; Article 21 – Ensures protection of life and personal liberty.
2. AIR POLLUTION AND WEATHER ALERTS DOMINATE NATIONAL CONCERNS
SUBJECT: NATIONAL ISSUES
- Air pollution affected all states and union territories, exceeding WHO standards, highlighting a widespread environmental challenge.
- Dense fog disrupted northern India, while light to moderate rainfall was forecasted in Tamil Nadu’s Western Ghats regions.
- A racial hate crime incident involving the killing of Anjel Chakma prompted demands for a national anti-hate law.
- Investigations into cyber frauds, including digital arrests, intensified with directives for probing mule accounts.
- Mock civil defence drills across districts simulated scenarios to improve inter-agency coordination and preparedness.
- Concepts: Disaster Management Act, 2005 – Guides national and state responses to crises; Environmental Impact Assessment – Promotes sustainable policy implementation.
3. INDIA MANAGES TRADE AND REGIONAL DYNAMICS IN GLOBAL RELATIONS
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- Trade relations with the US navigated tariff challenges, while advancing agreements with Australia, UK, EFTA, Oman, and New Zealand for enhanced market access.
- Cautious progress in China ties followed LAC disengagement, complemented by strong energy partnerships with Russia.
- Regional risks escalated with warnings of potential India-Pakistan conflict over Kashmir-related issues in the coming year.
- Instability in Bangladesh and evolving engagements with Afghanistan reflected ongoing neighbourhood priorities.
- Diplomatic efforts in West Asia reinforced security and bilateral cooperation in a complex geopolitical landscape.
- Concepts: Strategic Autonomy – Enables balanced multilateral engagements; Neighbourhood First Policy – Emphasizes proactive regional stability measures.
4. INDIA BECOMES FOURTH-LARGEST ECONOMY WITH STRONG GROWTH INDICATORS
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- India overtook Japan as the world’s fourth-largest economy, with GDP surpassing $4.18 trillion and positive projections ahead.
- Q2 FY 2025-26 recorded 8.2% real GDP growth, supported by robust consumption, industry, and services sectors.
- Inflation dropped to 0.71% in November, fostering an ideal high-growth, low-inflation scenario.
- Unemployment decreased to 4.7%, indicating healthier labour market trends across regions.
- Exports showed resilience amid global pressures, backed by substantial forex reserves.
- Concepts: Gross Value Added (GVA) – Reflects core production performance; Fiscal Consolidation – Supports growth through effective monetary and fiscal policies.
5. MAJOR DEFENCE CONTRACTS AND TESTS ADVANCE INDIGENIZATION
SUBJECT: DEFENCE
- Defence Ministry inked contracts worth ₹4,666 crore for carbines and heavyweight torpedoes to strengthen operational capabilities.
- Acquisition approvals worth ₹79,000 crore covered advanced systems like Pinaka rockets, drones, and detection radars under indigenous categories.
- Successful Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket test demonstrated 120 km precision, boosting artillery self-reliance.
- Additional MQ-9 drone lease for the Navy enhanced maritime domain awareness and interoperability.
- Year-end reviews noted progress in precision technologies, new unit formations, and strategic deployments.
- Concepts: Strategic Autonomy – Reduces import dependence through domestic development; Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 – Promotes private sector participation in manufacturing.
