1. Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025 Notified
Subject: Polity & Governance
- The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has officially notified the DPDP Rules, 2025, fully operationalizing the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
- Key provision includes the introduction of registered Consent Managers to handle user consents for data processing by fiduciaries.
- Establishes an independent Data Protection Board (DPB) for investigating breaches, imposing penalties up to ₹250 crore, and ensuring compliance.
- Mandates significant data fiduciaries (SDFs) to appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO) based in India and conduct annual impact assessments.
- Rules emphasize verifiable parental consent for minors under 18 and prohibit targeted advertising for children, enhancing child data safety.
- Compliance deadline: Existing data processing practices must align within six months; new rules integrate with Aadhaar and other digital ecosystems.
- Exemptions apply to government entities for sovereignty and public order, subject to oversight by the Central government.
- Concepts: Right to Privacy (Article 21 of the Constitution), Delegated Legislation under Article 73, Data Localization Principles.
2. Global TB Report 2025 Highlights India’s Progress and Gaps
Subject: National Issues & Health
- The World Health Organization’s Global TB Report 2025 indicates India achieved a 21% reduction in new TB cases and 28% in deaths since 2015, far below the 50% and 75% global targets.
- India accounts for 26% of the world’s TB burden, with 2.71 million cases and over 300,000 deaths reported in 2024.
- Treatment coverage improved to 70% from 55% in 2015, but drug-resistant TB cases rose 12% due to diagnostic gaps in rural areas.
- Government initiatives like Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana provided nutritional support to 10 million patients, while BPaL regimen adoption shortened treatment for multi-drug resistant cases.
- Funding increased 15% in FY26 under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), aiming for 85% case detection by 2027 via AI-enabled X-ray screening.
- Report urges enhanced multilateral aid; India’s integration with Ayushman Bharat offers free diagnostics to 500 million beneficiaries.
- Genomic surveillance pilots launched in 10 high-burden states to track mutations and prevent outbreaks.
- Concepts: Federalism in Health (Concurrent List, Entry 6), Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Universal Health Coverage.
3. Supreme Court Reiterates Creamy Layer Exclusion in SC Reservations
Subject: Polity & Social Justice
- A Supreme Court bench led by CJI B.R. Gavai reaffirmed the creamy layer principle for Scheduled Castes (SCs) to prevent affluent sections from availing reservation benefits.
- Emphasizes sub-classification within SCs to prioritize the most marginalized, building on the 2024 State of Punjab vs Davinder Singh verdict.
- Court directed data-driven implementation, linking exclusion to income thresholds above ₹8 lakh annually, similar to OBC criteria.
- States like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are piloting creamy layer thresholds for SC promotions in public services, affecting 15% of government jobs.
- Judgment links to EWS quota, urging periodic reviews to avoid elite capture and ensure affirmative action reaches intended beneficiaries.
- Over 2.5 lakh SC families identified as creamy layer in a 2024 census, freeing up slots for underprivileged communities.
- Concepts: Articles 15(4) and 16(4) (Reservation Provisions), Sub-classification Doctrine (E.V. Chinnaiah vs State of Andhra Pradesh), Equality Code (Articles 14-18).
4. India-France Garuda Air Exercise Strengthens Bilateral Ties
Subject: Defence & International Relations
- The 11th edition of the bilateral Garuda air exercise commenced at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base in France, involving 150 personnel from both air forces.
- Focus areas include Rafale interoperability, cyber defense simulations, and large-scale force engagements in contested airspace.
- Indian Air Force deployed Su-30MKI fighters and C-17 Globemasters, while French forces contributed Rafales for joint maritime strike drills.
- Exercise incorporates drone swarm tactics and AI-driven command systems, preparing for hybrid warfare scenarios in the Indo-Pacific.
- Aligns with the 2024 India-France Horizon 2047 Roadmap, enhancing joint logistics and technology transfers under the Rafale-M deal.
- Builds on previous editions; 2025 version emphasizes green aviation with sustainable fuel trials amid climate commitments.
- Concepts: Joint Military Exercises (as per Defence Cooperation Agreements), Strategic Autonomy (Non-alignment 2.0), Indo-Pacific Framework.
5. Heavy Rainfall Triggers School Holidays in Tamil Nadu Districts
Subject: Tamil Nadu & Disaster Management
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an Orange Alert for Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu, forecasting 115-204 mm rainfall in 24 hours.
- Schools and colleges declared holidays on November 17-18 in northern districts due to waterlogging and safety risks from a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal.
- Over 200 relief camps activated; NDRF teams deployed in Chennai, rescuing 500 residents from flooded low-lying areas.
- State government allocated ₹50 crore for emergency infrastructure repairs, including pumping stations and urban drainage upgrades.
- Power disruptions affected 15% of urban households; Tamil Nadu Electricity Board restored 80% supply by evening.
- Agricultural impact: 10,000 hectares of paddy fields submerged in Delta districts, prompting crop insurance claims under PMFBY.
- Concepts: Disaster Management Act, 2005 (Sections 3-6 on NDMA/SDRF), Climate Resilience (National Action Plan on Climate Change).
