1. SUPREME COURT DIRECTS CBI TO PROBE CYBER FRAUDS AMID ELECTORAL REFORM DEMANDS
SUBJECT: POLITY
- The Supreme Court has ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to intensify probes into ‘digital arrest’ cyber frauds, including scrutiny of banks involved in mule accounts, to strengthen digital governance and law enforcement.
- Parliamentary discussions highlighted the need for electoral reforms, with opposition parties pushing for debates on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and its implications for voter inclusivity and federalism.
- A nationwide petition campaign urged the Supreme Court to enhance animal protection laws, including legal representation for animals, critiquing biases in democratic systems.
- The Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme was emphasized as a central sector initiative by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, focusing on skill development and empowerment for minority communities.
- In Tamil Nadu, BJP leaders criticized the DMK government over women’s safety issues following an alleged assault case in Karur, demanding stricter enforcement measures.
- The PMK founder announced decisions on alliances for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections during the party’s general council meeting, signaling shifts in regional political dynamics.
- Concepts: Article 110 – Regulates Money Bill certification for legislative fiscal oversight; Judicial Review – Allows courts to check lower decisions and executive actions.
2. INDIA REPORTS 97% DROP IN MALARIA CASES AMID ONGOING HEALTH INITIATIVES
SUBJECT: NATIONAL ISSUES
- India achieved a 97% reduction in malaria cases in 2025, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighting national efforts towards disease elimination through surveillance and vector control.
- Dense fog warnings were issued across northern states including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, affecting travel and prompting safety measures until December 30.
- The Civil Aviation Ministry set up a 24×7 Passenger Assistance Control Room to handle grievances and improve operational efficiency in air travel.
- Nationwide mock drills for civil defence were conducted to enhance community preparedness, simulating scenarios like border tensions and inter-agency coordination.
- In Tamil Nadu, remnants of weather systems brought moderate rainfall to districts like Chennai and Tiruvallur, leading to school holidays and forecasts of heavy rain.
- The Enforcement Directorate intensified actions against cyber frauds and money laundering, conducting searches in multiple states linked to extortion cases.
- Concepts: Disaster Management Act, 2005 – Defines roles of NDMA and SDMA in crisis response; Right to Health – Under Article 21, ensuring public health and life protection.
3. INDIA CONCLUDES FTA NEGOTIATIONS WITH NEW ZEALAND AMID GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- India finalized bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with New Zealand in December 2025, aiming to boost trade while addressing concerns over imports and safeguards.
- Diplomatic ties with Russia advanced, focusing on energy and defence cooperation, with emphasis on multipolar advocacy and joint ventures.
- The US approved arms sales worth $92.8 million to India, enhancing defence interoperability and recognizing India’s role in the Indo-Pacific region.
- India strengthened relations with ASEAN through a 10-year defence partnership framework with the US, expanding on the 2016 Major Defense Partner status.
- Ongoing fishermen disputes with Sri Lanka prompted calls for intervention to protect Tamil Nadu fishermen’s livelihoods amid regional tensions.
- India navigated ties with China, addressing LAC disengagement and selective economic reopenings during SCO engagements.
- Concepts: Non-Alignment 2.0 – Guides India’s balanced foreign policy; Neighbourhood First Policy – Prioritizes stable relations with immediate neighbors.
4. INDIA’S GDP PROJECTED AT 7.3% GROWTH FOR FY 2025-26 DESPITE GLOBAL CHALLENGES
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- India’s economy demonstrated resilience with a projected 7.3% real GDP growth for FY 2025-26, driven by domestic reforms and consumption, as per economic analyses.
- The IMF upgraded India’s FY26 growth forecast to 6.8%, noting contained inflation at 4.2% and gains in formal jobs, while cautioning on urban demand slowdowns.
- Anti-dumping duties were imposed on two Chinese products for five years, protecting domestic industries from unfair trade practices.
- Rural consumption rose to 7.9%, supported by MSP increases and remittances, helping counter urban softening and bolstering overall economic momentum.
- In Tamil Nadu, the state recorded double-digit growth, with strong industrial progress, record IT exports, and investments in aerospace sectors.
- Forex reserves stood at $650 billion, providing a cushion against volatility, with RBI interventions stabilizing the rupee amid FII outflows.
- Concepts: Balance of Payments – Manages import strains and currency stability; Atmanirbhar Bharat – Aligns with PLI schemes for export growth targeting $2 trillion by 2030.
5. DEFENCE ACQUISITION COUNCIL CLEARS PROPOSALS WORTH $8.8 BILLION FOR MODERNIZATION
SUBJECT: DEFENCE
- The Defence Acquisition Council approved procurement proposals valued at nearly $8.8 billion for radars, radios, and equipment to bolster Army, Navy, and Air Force capabilities.
- India’s defence production hit record highs in 2025, with exports surging and increased private sector involvement under indigenization initiatives.
- Focus on self-reliance led to cancellation of imports for key equipment like helicopters and missiles, shifting to domestic alternatives.
- US-India ties progressed through INDUS-X for AI co-development and secure supply chains, aligning with Quad for regional deterrence.
- India-Russia military cooperation emphasized advanced arms joint ventures, supporting India’s large volunteer forces.
- Post-Galwan enhancements included LAC infrastructure buildup and adoption of anti-PLA technologies for confidence-building.
- Concepts: Strategic Autonomy – Promotes import curbs and diverse alliances; Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 – Facilitates private sector involvement in indigenization.
