Daily Insights December 22, 2025

Daily Insights December 22, 2025

1. INDIA-OMAN COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT (CEPA)

CONTEXT

India and Oman signed a historic Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement marking a major shift in India’s regional trade strategy and consolidating strategic partnerships in the Gulf region at a critical time of evolving geopolitical dynamics and supply chain realignment.​

ABOUT THE NEWS

• Date of Agreement: December 20, 2025

• Significance: Oman’s first bilateral trade agreement since 2006; India’s second CEPA in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) after the UAE (2022)​

• Honor Bestowed: PM Narendra Modi conferred with the “Order of Oman” by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik—an award instituted in 1970, previously held by global leaders for exceptional bilateral contributions​

• Ministry Responsible: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)

• Key Features:

• Zero-duty access on 98.08% of Oman’s tariff lines covering 99.38% of India’s exports by value​

• Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQs) protecting sensitive sectors including agriculture, bullion, and base metal scrap​

• Ambitious services liberalisation across 127 sub-sectors (IT, business services, healthcare, education)​

• Enhanced Mode 4 commitments: Intra-Corporate Transferees quota increased from 20% to 50%; contractual service suppliers stay extended from 90 days to 2 years​

• World’s first comprehensive commitment on Traditional Medicine across all modes of supply (AYUSH sector boost)​

• 100% FDI in services sectors​

• Bilateral Trade (FY 2024–25): USD 10.6 billion; India’s exports ~USD 4.1 billion; imports ~USD 6.5 billion​

• Trade Imbalance Challenge: India faces a structural deficit of approximately USD 2.5 billion annually​

UPSC EXAMINATION RELEVANCE

Prelims Focus: GCC membership, bilateral trade frameworks, Mode 4 commitments under GATS, tariff liberalisation
Mains Focus: India’s West Asian diplomatic strategy, energy security cooperation, services sector expansion, supply chain diversification away from Western markets
Keywords for Revision: CEPA, TRQ, Mode 4, AYUSH, GCC, Oman’s geostrategic position at Persian Gulf-Arabian Sea confluence

2. KAKORI TRAIN ACTION ANNIVERSARY (BALIDAAN DIWAS)

CONTEXT

The nation observes Balidaan Diwas (December 19) commemorating the revolutionary sacrifice of freedom fighters who challenged British colonial authority through armed struggle, shifting India’s national movement from non-violence to armed resistance.​

ABOUT THE NEWS

• Balidaan Diwas Date: December 19, 2025

• Historical Event: Kakori Train Action—August 9, 1925

• Martyrs Honoured: Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqullah Khan, Thakur Roshan Singh (hanged December 19, 1927)

• Organization: Hindustan Republican Association (HRA), founded October 1924 in Kanpur​

• Founding Ideologue: Sachindra Nath Sanyal (wrote “The Revolutionary,” 1925)

• Action Details:

• Train robbed: 8-down train from Shahjahanpur to Lucknow near Kakori station​

• Target: Official British treasury funds

• Deliberate Restraint: Passengers not harmed (distinguishing feature from mere dacoity)​

• Other Participants: Chandrashekhar Azad, Rajendra Lahiri, Sachindranath Bakshi, Mukundi Lal, Banwari Lal, Manmathnath Gupta​

• Legal Proceeding: Kakori Conspiracy Case 1925; 18-month trial followed executions

• HSRA Reorganization: HRA reorganized as Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (1928) under Chandrashekhar Azad with formal socialist ideology

• Major HSRA Actions:

• Assassination of J.P. Saunders (1928) avenging Lala Lajpat Rai’s death​

• Central Legislative Assembly bombing (1929) by Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt​

• Viceroy Irwin’s train bombing attempt (1929)

• Historical Significance: Marked shift from Gandhi’s non-cooperation movement (1922) disillusioning youth towards revolutionary methods; Hindu-Muslim unity exemplified by Bismil and Khan​

UPSC EXAMINATION RELEVANCE

Prelims Focus: HRA formation year, HSRA major actions, revolutionaries’ names and timeline, constitutional implications
Mains Focus: Indian freedom struggle’s ideological evolution, impact of Russian Revolution (1917) on Indian revolutionaries, revolutionary movement vs. Gandhian approach, women’s roles in freedom struggle
Keywords: Revolutionary Movement, Armed Resistance, Composite Nationalism, Lala Lajpat Rai

3. BHARAT STAGE (BS) EMISSION NORMS AND VEHICULAR POLLUTION

CONTEXT

As Delhi confronts severe air quality degradation, stricter vehicular pollution controls underscore the critical role of regulatory frameworks in environmental protection and the gap between compliance standards and practical implementation.​

ABOUT THE NEWS

• Policy Implementation Date: December 19, 2025 (Delhi enforcement)

• Delhi’s New Restriction: Non-BS VI private vehicles registered outside Delhi banned; PUCC (Pollution Under Control Certificate) requirement enforced​

• Ministry Responsible: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)

• Implementing Agency: Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

• Evolution of BS Norms:

• BS I (2000): Mandated by Supreme Court in 1999 (Euro I equivalent)​

• BS II (2001): Delhi adopted earlier

• BS III (2005): Delhi implemented

• BS IV (2017): National rollout​

• BS VI (2020): Implemented nationwide, skipping BS V​

• BS VI Phase-II (2023): Real Driving Emissions (RDE) testing introduced​

• BS VII (2026-27): Planned for future alignment​

• BS VI Emission Reduction Targets:

• Petrol vehicles: NOx emissions cut by 25%​

• Diesel vehicles: HC+NOx reduced by 43%; NOx by 68%; Particulate Matter by 82%​

• Sulphur content in fuel: Reduced from 50 mg/kg (BS-IV) to 10 mg/kg (BS-VI)​

• Delhi’s Vehicle Fleet Complexity:

• Mixed BS standards due to earlier adoption of stricter norms than national standards​

• BS II (2001), BS III (2005), BS IV (2010) implementation predates national timeline​

• Why Older Vehicles Pollute More:

• Lack of advanced exhaust after-treatment systems (Diesel Particulate Filters, Selective Catalytic Reduction)​

• Engine ageing causing poor fuel-air mixing and incomplete combustion​

• Weak maintenance practices amplifying emissions with vehicle age​

• Real-world emissions rise sharply for CO and particulate matter in aged vehicles​

UPSC EXAMINATION RELEVANCE

Prelims Focus: BS norms progression, RDE testing, CPCB role, specific emission reduction percentages, fuel sulphur content standards
Mains Focus: Federalism in environmental regulation, technology-driven pollution control, trade-off between economic growth and environmental protection, compliance challenges in implementation
Keywords: Vehicular Emissions, Air Quality Index (AQI), Technology Adoption, Regulatory Effectiveness, Environmental Health

4. GOA LIBERATION DAY

CONTEXT

Goa Liberation Day (December 19) commemorates India’s strategic military operation ending 451 years of Portuguese colonial rule, underscoring India’s non-aligned foreign policy and willingness to assert sovereignty when diplomatic channels failed.​

ABOUT THE NEWS

• Goa Liberation Day: December 19, 2025

• Historical Operation: Operation Vijay—December 19, 1961

• Portuguese Rule Duration: 1510-1961 (451 years after Afonso de Albuquerque’s conquest)

• Key Figures Honoured: Prabhakar Vaidya, Bala Raya Mapari, Nanaji Deshmukh, Jagannath Rao Joshi

• Liberation Movement Organizations:

• Goa National Congress (1928): Founded by Tristão de Bragança Cunha at Indian National Congress session in Calcutta​

• Azad Gomantak Dal (AGD): Armed struggle faction promoting violent resistance​

• Strategic Dichotomy: Division between Satyagraha and armed struggle delayed unified action

• Key Milestones:

• 1946: Ram Manohar Lohia’s historic Goa rally advocating civil liberties and integration with India​

• 1961: Operation Vijay annexed Goa, Daman, and Diu, ending Portuguese rule​

• 1974: India-Portugal treaty recognizing Indian sovereignty; diplomatic relations restored​

• Statehood: Goa attained full statehood on May 30, 1987, becoming India’s 25th state (previously Union Territory with Daman & Diu)​

• Geopolitical Context: India initially hesitated from forceful action due to projecting peaceful image and Portugal’s NATO membership; exhausted diplomatic options preceded Operation Vijay

UPSC EXAMINATION RELEVANCE

Prelims Focus: Operation Vijay date, Portuguese rule duration, Goa statehood year (1987), constitutional status evolution
Mains Focus: India’s foreign policy evolution (non-alignment, assertion of sovereignty), limitations of diplomatic approaches, integration of colonial remnants, federalism in Indian Union
Keywords: Operation Vijay, Colonialism, Sovereignty, Integration, Non-aligned Foreign Policy

5. PAMIR-KARAKORAM ANOMALY (GLACIAL STABILITY)

CONTEXT

Scientists investigating deep ice cores from the Kon-Chukurbashi ice cap in Tajikistan to explain the counterintuitive phenomenon of glacier stability in a warming world, with critical implications for water security in South Asia.​

ABOUT THE NEWS

• Research Focus: Kon-Chukurbashi ice cap, Tajikistan

• Anomaly Definition: Glaciers in Karakoram and Pamir ranges remain stable or growing since late 1900s, contradicting global warming-induced shrinkage in Himalayas, Alps, Andes, and Rocky Mountains​

• Geographic Scope:

• Primarily Karakoram Range (Gilgit-Baltistan, parts of Ladakh)​

• Western Pamir Mountains (Tajikistan, Afghanistan)

• K2 location (8,611m, second-highest mountain after Mount Everest)​

• Proposed Causative Factors:

• Increased winter precipitation: Western Disturbances bring heavier snowfall​

• High, steep topography: Mountains provide natural shading and high-altitude accumulation zones​

• Summer cloud cover: Reduces solar radiation and melting​

• Protective debris cover: Insulates lower glacier ice​

• Moisture source: Western Disturbances, not Indian Monsoon​

• Scientific Evidence Analysis:

• Satellite altimetry (ICESat-2) and gravity data (GRACE) reveal anomaly weakening in recent periods​

• Field-based ice-core evidence still under analysis

• India-Specific Relevance:

• Karakoram glaciers feed Indus River and tributaries​

• Relative glacier stability helps maintain more reliable river flows into Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir​

• Water security implications for agriculture and hydropower in region

UPSC EXAMINATION RELEVANCE

Prelims Focus: Karakoram location, K2 height, glacier anomaly phenomenon, Western Disturbances vs. Indian Monsoon, ICESat-2 and GRACE satellite systems
Mains Focus: Climate change patterns in Hindu Kush-Karakoram-Himalayas, glacier-fed river systems and water security, regional climate variability, geopolitical implications of water resources
Keywords: Glacier Dynamics, Climate Anomaly, Water Security, Karakoram, Indus River System

6. INDIA-RUSSIA RELOS AGREEMENT (RECIPROCAL LOGISTICS SUPPORT)

CONTEXT

India and Russia operationalise a landmark defence logistics arrangement enabling reciprocal military access across the Arctic, Indo-Pacific, and expanding military cooperation without formal military alliance obligations.​

ABOUT THE NEWS

• Agreement Status: Set to operationalise upon formal exchange of instruments of ratification

• RELOS Scope: Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support covering troops, warships, military aircraft movement

• Ministry Responsible: Ministry of Defence (India)

• Functional Provisions:

• Mutual use of airspace​

• Port calls by naval vessels​

• Refuelling, repairs, maintenance, supplies​

• Application to joint military exercises, training, and HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) operations​

• Extension mechanism: Scope expandable by mutual consent​

• Geographic Coverage:

• Russian network: Over 40 military bases from Vladivostok (Pacific Ocean) to Murmansk (Arctic region)​

• Strategic Access: Provides India access to critical logistical hubs in two distinct strategic theatres​

• Strategic Significance for India:

• Long-range operational reach and endurance for Navy and Air Force deployments​

• Critical for Russian-origin platform operations (fighter jets, naval ships)​

• Enhances Indo-Pacific strategy capability​

• Improves logistical readiness for distant operations beyond traditional sphere​

• Strategic Significance for Russia:

• Access to Indian ports and airfields strengthens presence in Indian Ocean Region (IOR)​

• Reinforces Russia’s role in multipolar global order​

• Comparable Agreements with USA:

• LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement)​

• COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement)​

• BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement)​

• RELOS adapted specifically for India-Russia dynamics rather than direct replication​

UPSC EXAMINATION RELEVANCE

Prelims Focus: RELOS components, Mode 4 commitments, LEMOA/COMCASA/BECA differences, geographic coverage of Russian bases
Mains Focus: India’s strategic autonomy and multi-alignment approach, logistics infrastructure as power projection tool, Indo-Pacific strategy operationalisation, Arctic geopolitics implications
Keywords: RELOS, Strategic Partnership, Military Cooperation, Logistics Support, Indo-Pacific, Arctic Engagement

7. BHARAT TAXI: COOPERATIVE-RUN RIDE-SHARING PLATFORM

CONTEXT

India launches a homegrown cooperative taxi service as an alternative to private ride-sharing platforms, prioritising driver welfare, zero surge pricing, and digital integration through government platforms.​

ABOUT THE NEWS

• Platform Name: Bharat Taxi

• Operator: Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited (cooperative structure)

• Launch Location & Timeline: Delhi, 2027

• Financial Model: Zero-commission initially; 100% ride payments go directly to drivers​

• Proposed Structure: ~20% cooperative fee (later redistributed as driver incentives) versus profit extraction by private platforms​

• Ministries/Divisions Involved:

• National e-Governance Division (NeGD)

• Digital India Corporation

• Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY)​

• Unique Features:

• No surge pricing under normal conditions (dynamic pricing only in emergencies)​

• Driver verification and integration with Delhi Police​

• Real-time ride tracking and 24×7 customer care​

• Integration with government platforms: DigiLocker, UMANG, API Setu​

• Competitive Alternative: Directly competes with Uber, Rapido, and other private ride-aggregators

• Policy Implication: Government intervention in gig economy to ensure worker protections and consumer welfare

UPSC EXAMINATION RELEVANCE

Prelims Focus: Cooperative principles in business, digital integration platforms (DigiLocker, UMANG), gig economy regulation, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology initiatives
Mains Focus: Government role in platform economy, worker rights protection, cooperative movement revival, digital government integration, alternative economic models to corporate monopolies
Keywords: Cooperative Model, Gig Economy, Digital Integration, Government Innovation, Consumer Protection

8. INDI LIME GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION (GI) EXPORT EXPANSION

CONTEXT

GI-tagged Indi Lime from Karnataka’s Vijayapura district achieves export milestone reflecting India’s successful branding of region-specific agricultural products in premium international markets, leveraging trade agreements.​

ABOUT THE NEWS

• Product: GI-tagged Indi Lime (Citrus aurantifolia)

• Source: Vijayapura district, Karnataka

• GI Characteristics: Distinctive aroma, high juice content, longer shelf life

• Export Timeline:

• First International Export: August 24, 2025 (3 MT to Dubai)​

• Subsequent UAE Exports: ~12 MT to Dubai (four times initial quantity)​

• Oman Export: December 19, 2025 (3 MT)​

• UK Export Flag-off: 350 kg​

• Cumulative Export: ~12.35 MT from Vijayapura district

• Trade Agreement Relevance: India-Oman CEPA (December 2025) creates expanded market access for agricultural and processed food products​

• Authority: Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) actively supporting promotion, branding, and export

• Farmer Benefits:

• Premium price realisation through international markets​

• Reduced dependence on domestic price fluctuations​

• Income improvement for farming communities associated with GI product​

• Global Quality Compliance: GI status enables compliance with international phytosanitary standards and quality benchmarks

UPSC EXAMINATION RELEVANCE

Prelims Focus: GI registration and benefits, APEDA role, export markets for Indian agricultural products, farmer income diversification
Mains Focus: Agricultural exports and farm income, geographical indication as intellectual property protection, trade agreements facilitating agri-exports, farmer welfare through international market access
Keywords: GI Products, Agricultural Exports, APEDA, Trade Liberalisation, Farmer Incomes, Agri-Export

9. VIKSIT BHARAT—GUARANTEE FOR ROZGAR AND AJEEVIKA MISSION (GRAMIN) BILL 2025

CONTEXT

The President assents to a landmark legislative reform replacing MGNREGA with a modernised rural employment framework linking wage guarantees to productive infrastructure, reflecting policy evolution aligned with changing rural demographics and development priorities.​

ABOUT THE NEWS

• Full Name: Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB—G RAM G) Bill, 2025

• Presidential Assent Date: December 21, 2025

• Bill Introduction: December 16, 2025 (Lok Sabha)

• Replaced Act: Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005

• Ministry Responsible: Ministry of Rural Development

• Enhanced Entitlements:

• Increased guarantee: 125 days per financial year (from 100 days under MGNREGA)​

• Aggregated 60-day no-work period (ensures agricultural labour availability during peak sowing/harvesting)​

• Weekly wage disbursement or within 15 days of work completion​

• Four Priority Infrastructure Verticals:

• Water-related works (agriculture support, groundwater recharge)​

• Core rural infrastructure (roads, connectivity)​

• Livelihood infrastructure (storage, markets, production assets)​

• Climate resilience (water harvesting, flood drainage, soil conservation)​

• Decentralised Planning Framework:

• Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans (bottom-up planning)​

• Spatial integration with PM Gati Shakti national system​

• Unified Viksit Bharat National Rural Infrastructure Stack​

• Financial Architecture:

• Shift from central sector to centrally sponsored scheme​

• States share cost and responsibility through normative allocation (60:40 Centre-State ratio)​

• Enhanced support: 90:10 for North Eastern and Himalayan states​

• 100% central funding for Union Territories without legislatures​

• Total estimated annual requirement: ₹1,51,282 crore (Centre’s share: ₹95,692.31 crore)

• Administrative Capacity Enhancement: Expenditure ceiling increased from 6% to 9% for staffing, training, technical capacity​

• Technology & Transparency:

• AI and biometric authentication for irregularity identification​

• GPS and mobile-based real-time work monitoring​

• Real-time MIS dashboards with weekly public disclosures​

• Mandatory social audits every six months (Gram Sabha participation)​

• Accountability Mechanisms:

• Central government enforcement powers for compliance​

• Authority to suspend fund releases for serious irregularities​

• Directorate to investigate complaints and implement corrections​

• Unemployment Allowance: Restored as meaningful statutory safeguard after 15 days of non-provision of employment

• Rationale for Reform:

• MGNREGA structural limitations reached post-pandemic​

• Rural poverty declined from 27.1% (2011-12) to 5.3% (2022-23)​

• Rural livelihoods diversified and digitally integrated

• Need to align with contemporary rural realities

UPSC EXAMINATION RELEVANCE

Prelims Focus: Bill name, presidential assent date, enhanced employment days, four priority verticals, financial ratio (60:40), MGNREGA replacement
Mains Focus: Evolution of rural employment policy, infrastructure-linked employment, federalism in welfare delivery, technology in governance, poverty alleviation strategies, rural development integration
Keywords: Rural Employment, MGNREGA vs. VB-GRAM G, Panchayat Planning, Infrastructure Development, Social Safety Nets

10. PM SVANidhi SCHEME RESTRUCTURING & EXTENSION (2025-2030)

CONTEXT

The Union Cabinet approves restructured PM SVANidhi scheme extending support for street vendors beyond COVID relief into comprehensive economic empowerment, aligning with financial inclusion and digital transformation objectives.​

ABOUT THE NEWS

• Scheme Name: Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi)

• Restructuring Approval: August 27, 2025 (Union Cabinet)

• Extended Lending Period: March 31, 2030 (from earlier December 31, 2024 deadline)​

• Total Scheme Outlay: ₹7,332 crore​

• Target Beneficiaries: 1.15 crore (including 50 lakh new beneficiaries)​

• Original Launch: June 1, 2020 (COVID-19 pandemic relief)

• Joint Implementation:

• Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)​

• Department of Financial Services (DFS)

• Enhanced Loan Structure:

• First tranche: ₹15,000 (increased from ₹10,000)​

• Second tranche: ₹25,000 (increased from ₹20,000)​

• Third tranche: ₹50,000 (unchanged)​

• Financial Inclusion Features:

• UPI-linked RuPay Credit Card for beneficiaries repaying second loan timely​

• Digital cashback incentives on retail and wholesale transactions​

• Expanded Coverage: Beyond statutory towns to census towns and peri-urban areas

• Scheme Achievements (as of December 9, 2025):

• Loans Disbursed: 96 lakh loans worth ₹13,797 crore​

• Beneficiaries: 68 lakh street vendors​

• Digital Activity: 47 lakh beneficiaries conducting 557 crore digital transactions worth ₹6.09 lakh crore​

• Digital Cashback Earned: ₹241 crore​

• ‘SVANidhi se Samriddhi’ Component:

• 46 lakh beneficiaries profiled across 3,564 Urban Local Bodies​

• 1.46 crore scheme sanctions (welfare linkage integration)​

• Connection to 8 government welfare schemes​

• Capacity Building: Entrepreneurship, financial literacy, digital skills, hygiene/food safety training (FSSAI partnership for food vendors)

• Awards & Recognition:

• Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration (2023)—Innovation Category​

• Silver Award for Excellence in Government Process Re-engineering for Digital Transformation (2022)

• Policy Vision: Transition from COVID-relief to sustainable micro-entrepreneurship through formal financial system integration

UPSC EXAMINATION RELEVANCE

Prelims Focus: SVANidhi scheme year (2020), current beneficiary count, loan amounts, RuPay Credit Card feature, extended deadline (2030)
Mains Focus: Financial inclusion of informal economy, street vendor welfare, digital payment integration, cooperative-style support systems, urban poverty alleviation, women entrepreneurship
Keywords: PM SVANidhi, Financial Inclusion, Urban Livelihoods, Informal Economy, Digital Payment, Street Vendors

11. DIVYA KALA MELA: EMPOWERMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

CONTEXT

The Divya Kala Mela concludes its 28th edition showcasing entrepreneurial capabilities of Divyang artisans and entrepreneurs, reinforcing commitment to inclusive economic participation and social dignity.​

ABOUT THE NEWS

• Event Duration: December 13-21, 2025 (9-day mela)

• Venue: Kartavya Path, India Gate, New Delhi

• Edition Status: 28th edition since initiative began at same venue in December 2022​

• Organising Ministry: Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

• Cumulative Impact (28 editions nationwide):

• Participant Divyang artisans/entrepreneurs: 2,362​

• Total business generated: ₹23 crore​

• Delhi edition alone: ₹2 crore+ sales (home décor, organic food, handicrafts dominant)​

• Special Job Fair (December 16, 2025):

• Participation: 157 Divyang youth​

• Shortlisted: 99 candidates​

• Outcome: On-the-spot job offers from reputed companies​

• Financial Inclusion Support:

• National Divyang Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC): Sanctioned loans exceeding ₹1.05 crore​

• ALIMCO: Distribution and registration of assistive devices​

• Cultural Component:

• “Divya Kala Shakti” programme featuring Divyang artists (dance, music performances)​

• Powerful messaging on artistic expression beyond physical limitations​

• Experience & Awareness Zones:

• Adaptive sports: Blind Cricket, Boccia​

• Immersive understanding of Divyang capabilities and challenges​

• Social sensitivity and inclusion fostering

• Policy Message: Persons with disabilities seek “opportunity, not sympathy”—emphasis on equal partnership in nation-building

• Future Commitment: Similar initiatives planned across India for truly inclusive, dignified, opportunity-driven society

UPSC EXAMINATION RELEVANCE

Prelims Focus: Divya Kala Mela dates, venue, number of editions, DEPwD ministry responsibility, NDFDC and ALIMCO roles
Mains Focus: Disability rights and empowerment, inclusive economic participation, social dignity and equality, government support mechanisms for Divyang, livelihoods for marginalised communities
Keywords: Disability Empowerment, Social Inclusion, Economic Participation, Divyang, Equal Opportunities, Assistive Technology

12. ISRO BLUEBIRD BLOCK-2 SATELLITE LAUNCH (LVM3-M6 MISSION)

CONTEXT

ISRO prepares for a landmark satellite launch enabling direct-to-device cellular broadband globally, marking India’s critical role in next-generation satellite communication infrastructure and commercial space operations.​

ABOUT THE NEWS

• Mission Designation: LVM3-M6

• Launch Date: December 24, 2025 (scheduled)

• Launch Venue: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh​

• Launch Pad: Second Launch Pad​

• Launch Vehicle: LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-III)—India’s heavy-lift launch vehicle​

• Satellite: BlueBird Block-2

• Satellite Operator: AST SpaceMobile (US-based company—commercial partnership)​

• Orbital Insertion: Low Earth Orbit (LEO)​

• Satellite Technical Features:

• Next-generation communication satellite​

• Direct-to-device cellular broadband capability​

• 4G and 5G connectivity directly to standard smartphones​

• No specialised hardware required​

• Voice, messaging, streaming, and data services capability​

• Global coverage intended​

• Pre-Launch Tradition: ISRO Chairman Dr V. Narayanan and senior scientists offered prayers at Tirumala Tirupati Temple (December 21-22) seeking blessings—long-standing ISRO practice before major launches

• Strategic Significance:

• Marks India-US commercial space cooperation​

• Demonstrates ISRO’s heavy-lift capacity for international payloads​

• Expands global satellite communication landscape​

• Supports global direct-to-device connectivity ambitions​

UPSC EXAMINATION RELEVANCE

Prelims Focus: LVM3-M6 mission date, launch site (Satish Dhawan), satellite name (BlueBird Block-2), orbital type (LEO), AST SpaceMobile partnership
Mains Focus: India’s space sector capabilities and commercial utilisation, satellite technology applications, India-US cooperation in space, communication infrastructure and digital inclusion, private-public partnerships in space sector
Keywords: ISRO, LVM3, Satellite Communication, LEO, BlueBird, Direct-to-Device, Space Commerce

PIB

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