1. PARLIAMENT CLEARS SHANTI BILL FOR NUCLEAR SECTOR REFORMS
SUBJECT: POLITY
- Parliament passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, enabling private sector participation in nuclear energy while maintaining government oversight on safety and security aspects.
- The Bill aims to expand India’s nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047, reducing fossil fuel dependence and supporting clean energy transitions.
- Opposition parties protested, alleging risks to safety standards and liability norms, with demands for broader consultations.
- Supreme Court Collegium recommended appointments to High Courts, reinforcing judicial independence amid ongoing debates on reforms.
- Fresh guidelines issued by the Election Commission on electoral funding transparency following Supreme Court directives.
- Winter Session witnessed intense discussions on governance bills, with focus on federalism and security issues.
- Concepts: Article 246 – Atomic energy under Union List; Legislative Procedure – Role of standing committees in bill scrutiny.
2. TAMIL NADU DRAFT ELECTORAL ROLL RELEASED WITH OVER 97 LAKH DELETIONS
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- Election Commission published Tamil Nadu’s integrated draft electoral roll post-Special Intensive Revision, deleting over 97 lakh voters, reducing total to 5.43 crore; Chennai alone saw 14.25 lakh removals.
- Deletions primarily of duplicates, deceased, and shifted voters; claims and objections period open till January 18, 2026, with final roll in February.
- Voters can verify names online via CEO Tamil Nadu portal or offline at designated centres.
- Madras High Court directed finalisation of SOP for political rallies by January 5, addressing permissions and safety concerns.
- Deputy Chief Minister flagged off new electric buses to enhance urban transport infrastructure.
- National unemployment rate dipped, with new initiatives in AI-driven health screening and wildlife conservation.
- Concepts: Representation of the People Act – Voter list accuracy; Article 326 – Adult franchise and electoral integrity.
3. INDIA-OMAN CEPA SIGNED TO ENHANCE TRADE AND INVESTMENT
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- India and Oman formalised the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, granting duty-free access to 98% of Indian exports and liberalising services and investment flows.
- The pact is set for implementation within three months, boosting bilateral trade beyond $10.6 billion.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi conferred Oman’s highest civilian honour, recognising efforts in deepening ties.
- India assumed BRICS presidency for 2026, prioritising reforms in UN, IMF, and WTO.
- Russia ratified reciprocal logistics support pact with India for mutual military access.
- Diplomatic engagements strengthened security concerns with neighbours amid regional developments.
- Concepts: Economic Diplomacy – FTAs for market access; Multilateralism – BRICS for global south advocacy.
4. NET DIRECT TAX COLLECTIONS SURGE TO ₹17.04 TRILLION
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- Net direct tax collections reached ₹17.04 trillion till December 17, up 8% year-on-year, driven by corporate taxes and advance collections.
- Gross collections rose to ₹20.01 trillion, reflecting resilient economic activity.
- Trade deficit with China projected to hit $106 billion in 2025 due to rising imports in electronics and machinery.
- ICICI Prudential AMC shares surged on debut, valuing the firm at $14.4 billion amid strong investor interest.
- India-Oman trade ties bolstered with new CEPA, expected to drive export growth.
- OECD praised India’s growth trajectory, supported by consumption and policy reforms.
- Concepts: Fiscal Management – Tax buoyancy for revenue; Trade Balance – Addressing bilateral deficits through agreements.
5. INDIAN NAVY COMMISSIONS SECOND MH-60R SQUADRON
SUBJECT: DEFENCE
- Indian Navy commissioned the second squadron of MH-60R multi-role helicopters at Visakhapatnam, enhancing anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrol capabilities.
- Indigenous Diving Support Craft DSC A20 commissioned, supporting underwater operations with advanced design.
- Negotiations advanced for five Fleet Support Vessels to bolster naval logistics and endurance.
- Desert Cyclone-II joint exercise with UAE underway, focusing on interoperability in urban and sub-conventional scenarios.
- HAL awarded contract for AESA radars on Dornier aircraft, boosting surveillance.
- Border forces reported drone recoveries and seizures, maintaining high vigilance.
- Concepts: Indigenisation – Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives; Bilateral Cooperation – Joint exercises for strategic partnerships.
