1. CABINET APPROVES SHANTI BILL TO OPEN NUCLEAR SECTOR TO PRIVATE PARTICIPATION
SUBJECT: POLITY
- The Union Cabinet approved the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, allowing private sector participation in nuclear power generation, mineral exploration, and fuel fabrication while retaining government control over sensitive operations.
- This reform amends the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, consolidates existing laws, establishes an independent nuclear safety regulator, and revises liability frameworks to encourage investments.
- The bill aligns with India’s ambitious target of scaling nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047, supporting clean energy goals and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- Cabinet also approved 100% FDI in the insurance sector via amendments to the Insurance Laws, aimed at attracting foreign capital and enhancing market efficiency.
- Home Minister Amit Shah announced that Maoism is nearing elimination by March 2026, with plans to develop Bastar as a premier tribal region by 2030.
- The Geminid meteor shower peaked, providing spectacular views across India with potential for 100-120 meteors per hour in dark skies.
- Concepts: Legislative Consolidation – Modernizes fragmented nuclear laws for efficiency; Energy Federalism – Coordinates national security with private innovation in strategic sectors.
2. SILISERH LAKE DESIGNATED AS INDIA’S 96TH RAMSAR SITE
SUBJECT: NATIONAL ISSUES
- Siliserh Lake in Rajasthan’s Alwar district was officially recognized as India’s 96th Ramsar site, underscoring its global significance for wetland biodiversity and conservation.
- Meghalaya inaugurated Soil Lake in East Garo Hills, promoting sustainable water management, ecological restoration, and community-based environmental initiatives.
- Residents in Thiruparankundram, Tamil Nadu, staged a peaceful fast protesting delays in implementing court orders for traditional Karthigai Deepam lighting ceremonies on the hill.
- The Geminid meteor shower reached its peak, captivating skywatchers nationwide with bright streaks visible under clear conditions.
- Foreign exchange reserves saw a slight uptick of over $1 billion, bolstering economic stability amid fluctuating global markets.
- Stage 3 GRAP measures were enforced in Delhi-NCR following a drop to severe air quality, restricting construction and certain vehicles.
- Concepts: International Environmental Obligations – Fulfills commitments under Ramsar Convention for wetland protection; Judicial Enforcement – Highlights challenges in implementing court directives on cultural practices.
3. INDIA ACCELERATES BUSINESS VISAS FOR CHINESE PROFESSIONALS
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- India implemented faster processing for business visas to Chinese executives, a move welcomed by China as a positive signal for deepening economic cooperation.
- Senior officials from India and China concluded consultations in Beijing, reporting steady advancements in bilateral relations post-border disengagement agreements.
- Diplomatic efforts focused on trade diversification, addressing tariff barriers, and enhancing people-to-people exchanges.
- Progress was noted in potential free trade agreements with key partners to expand market access and investment flows.
- Ongoing engagements strengthened humanitarian and strategic partnerships with neighboring countries through sustained dialogue.
- Preparations advanced for multilateral forums emphasizing balanced diplomacy and regional stability.
- Concepts: Trade Facilitation Measures – Eases visa norms to boost commercial ties; Diplomatic Confidence-Building – Sustains momentum in border management and economic reopenings.
4. CABINET CLEARS 100% FDI IN INSURANCE SECTOR
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- The Cabinet approved raising foreign direct investment in insurance to 100%, expected to draw significant inflows, deepen penetration, and foster competition.
- Approval of the SHANTI Bill is projected to unlock private funding for nuclear infrastructure, aiding expansion of clean energy capacity.
- Foreign exchange reserves climbed to around $687 billion, offering a strong cushion against external economic pressures.
- Sustained demand under rural employment schemes supported inclusive growth and countered urban slowdowns.
- Policy reforms in key sectors reinforced investor sentiment, driving domestic market resilience.
- Marginal forex reserve growth reflected prudent management amid global uncertainties.
- Concepts: Investment Liberalization – Removes caps to enhance sectoral capital and efficiency; Reserve Management – Stabilizes currency through RBI oversight and inflows.
5. INDIGENOUS HYDROGEN-POWERED VESSEL ADVANCES GREEN MARITIME TECH
SUBJECT: DEFENCE
- India’s first indigenous hydrogen-powered passenger vessel began operations in Varanasi, highlighting progress in sustainable inland waterway technologies.
- ISRO prepared for the December 15 launch of BlueBird-6, the heaviest American commercial satellite at 6.5 tonnes, via LVM3 rocket, boosting international space partnerships.
- Continued emphasis on indigenization targeted full domestic production of critical defence equipment by set timelines.
- Air Independent Propulsion systems were integrated into submarines, significantly extending underwater operational endurance.
- Border infrastructure development incorporated advanced technologies for enhanced readiness and coordination.
- Focus remained on self-reliance through innovations in green propulsion and strategic mobility.
- Concepts: Technological Self-Reliance – Advances Atmanirbhar initiatives in eco-friendly defence applications; International Collaboration – Strengthens space ties while prioritizing indigenous capabilities.
