Daily Insights December 4, 2025

Daily Insights December 4, 2025

1. INTEGRATED MAIN PARACHUTE AIRDROP TEST (IMAT) – GAGANYAAN MISSION

Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2198289

Key Points:

• ISRO successfully conducted IMAT for India’s first human spaceflight programme (Gaganyaan)

• Test validated parachute system under extreme descent conditions with deliberate disreefing delay

• Assessed structural integrity and load-bearing performance under asymmetric forces

• Third-party validation through Design Review Team, Independent Assessment Committee, and National Advisory Panel

• Supports Government target of first crewed Gaganyaan mission by Q1 2027

• Demonstrates India’s indigenous capability for human space missions and safety protocols

• Crew training and ground recovery preparations continuously improved

• Risk assessment framework aligned with global standards for human spaceflight

UPSC Relevance: Science & Technology, Space Exploration, India’s Scientific Achievements

2. NISAR SATELLITE – NASA-ISRO JOINT MISSION

Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2198276

Key Points:

• NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) successfully launched July 30, 2025 from Sriharikota

• Joint development with investment exceeding $1.5 billion; weight 2,392 kg

• Features dual radar: L-Band SAR (NASA) and S-Band SAR (ISRO) on 12-meter unfurlable antenna

• Mission life: 5 years; revisits entire Earth’s land and ice surfaces every 12 days

• Open-data policy: All data freely available within 1-2 days, near real-time during emergencies

• ISRO expenditure: ₹504.78 crores for satellite development, ₹340 crores for launch

• Applications: Disaster management, agriculture, climate monitoring for Global South nations

• Symbolises India-US cooperation in space exploration under Vishwa Bandhu vision

UPSC Relevance: India-US Relations, Space Technology, International Cooperation, Environmental Monitoring

3. INDIA-RUSSIA CIVIL NUCLEAR COOPERATION

Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2198342

Key Points:

• MoU to be signed during Putin’s visit (December 4-5) for 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit

• Focus on small modular reactors (SMRs) of Russian design for deployment in India

• Rosatom authorized to negotiate on localization of equipment production in India

• Budget 2025-26: ₹20,000 crore outlay for developing 5 indigenous SMRs by 2033

• BARC initiated design work on indigenous SMRs for technology demonstration at DAE site

• Bharat Small Reactors (BSR) for captive industrial use: RFP deadline extended to March 31, 2026

• Draft Atomic Energy Bill 2025 in advanced processing stage for comprehensive nuclear framework

• Strategic bilateral cooperation for energy security and nuclear technology advancement

UPSC Relevance: India-Russia Relations, Nuclear Energy Policy, Energy Security, Infrastructure Development

4. COAL MINES AND LOCAL DEVELOPMENT

Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2198220

Key Points:

• FY 2025-26 coal production target: 1,157 Million Tonnes (1,157 MT)

• Coal India Ltd (CIL): 875 MT; SCCL: 72 MT; Captive/Commercial: 210 MT

• Long-term target: ~1.5 Billion Tonnes by FY 2029-30

• 133 coal mines auctioned with Peak Rated Capacity of 276.04 MTPA

• Expected annual revenue: ₹38,710 crore; Capital investment: ₹41,407 crore

• Employment generation: 3,73,199 persons once operationalised

• Coal gasification scheme: ₹8,500 crore approved; 7 projects selected

• Abandoned mines under Revenue Sharing model: 28 with LoA; coal production started in 2 mines (FY 2025-26)

• Reduces import dependency; supports Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative

UPSC Relevance: Economic Development, Resource Management, Employment Generation, Industrial Policy

5. PM-WANI WI-FI ACCESS NETWORK INTERFACE SCHEME

Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2198211

Key Points:

• 3,91,599 Wi-Fi hotspots operational across country (as of November 26, 2025)

• Delhi leads with 1,98,275 hotspots; followed by Uttar Pradesh (47,549), Gujarat (11,857)

• Public Data Offices (PDOs) expanded to 3,91,599 agents of PDOAs

• Scheme approved December 9, 2020 to accelerate broadband proliferation

• Aligns with National Digital Communications Policy (NDCP) 2018 objectives

• Key reforms (September 16, 2024): regulatory oversight minimization for local entrepreneurs

• TRAI tariff order (June 16, 2025): FTTH plans up to 200 Mbps offered to PDOs at ≤ twice consumer price

• Supports financial inclusion and digital transformation in rural areas

• Encourages local entrepreneurship in digital ecosystem

• Read More about PM-WANI

UPSC Relevance: Digital Infrastructure, Financial Inclusion, Grassroots Entrepreneurship, Technology Access

6. NESIDS PROJECTS IN ASSAM

Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2198115

Key Points:

• North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) approved 2017-18; restructured 2022-23

• Two components: NESIDS-Roads and NESIDS-Other Than Roads Infrastructure

• Assam: 20 road projects sanctioned since 2017; 14 completed

• No projects pending due to land or clearance issues in Assam

• Impact study (IIM Shillong) shows long-term socio-economic benefits

• Enhances trade connectivity, tourism, and regional mobility

• Aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities)

• Road infrastructure improves multi-sectoral support and implementing mechanisms

• Part of comprehensive Northeast development strategy under regional growth focus

UPSC Relevance: Regional Development, Infrastructure Planning, Northeast India, Sustainable Development Goals

7. INDIA-AI IMPACT SUMMIT 2026

Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2198216

Key Points:

• Summit scheduled February 19-20, 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

• First global AI summit hosted by Global South nation; includes heads of state and global leaders

• 3 Sutras (guiding principles): People, Planet, Progress

• 7 Chakras (thematic priorities): Human Capital, Inclusion, Safe & Trusted AI, Resilience, Science, Democratizing AI Resources, AI for Economic Development & Social Good

• 8 new foundational models launched from 506 proposals (Avatar AI, Bharat Gen, BrahmAI, Yukti, etc.)

• 30 IndiaAI Data & AI Labs launched in first wave (27 with NIELIT, 3 with Intel)

• AI Pitch Fest (UDAAN) to showcase global startups and Tier 2&3 Indian ventures

• Global innovation challenges and research symposium planned

• ₹38,000 GPUs deployed (target: 570 Data Labs across country by 2030)

UPSC Relevance: Technology Governance, Global Leadership, Innovation Ecosystem, Future Skills Development

8. SVAMITVA YOJANA – PROPERTY RIGHTS AND RURAL EMPOWERMENT

Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2198174

Key Points:

• Nearly 3.44 lakh villages targeted for coverage

• Drone survey and property card distribution ongoing

• Ministry of Panchayati Raj target: All targeted villages covered by March 2026

• Property cards provide legal documentation of ownership in villages

• Empowers rural populations with land rights and collateral for credit access

• States/UTs incorporating postcard issuance procedures in respective Acts

• Supports financial inclusion and land dispute resolution

• Aligns with rural development and women empowerment objectives

• Digital mapping via drone technology for accurate property demarcation

• Read More

UPSC Relevance: Rural Development, Property Rights, Digital India, Financial Inclusion, Women Empowerment

9. BHARATMALA PARIYOJANA – INFRASTRUCTURE CONNECTIVITY

Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2198346

Key Points:

• Total expenditure under Bharatmala: ₹4,92,562 crore

• Phase-I: 796 projects awarded (26,425 km length); 21,248 km constructed (till September 2025)

• High-speed greenfield corridors: 6,669 km awarded; 4,610 km completed

• National Highway network expanded from 1,32,499 km (March 2019) to 1,46,560 km

• 4-lane and above NH: increased 1.4 times (31,066 km to 43,512 km)

• Less than 2-lane highways reduced from 27% to 9% of total network

• Access-controlled expressways: 3,052 km operationalized

• Average freight speed on expressways: improved from 30-35 km/h to ~50 km/h

• Road safety measures implemented at design, construction, and operation stages

• Enhances regional connectivity, reduces logistics costs, supports Make in India

UPSC Relevance: Infrastructure Development, Economic Growth, Regional Connectivity, Transportation Policy

10. ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION FRAMEWORK CHALLENGES

Key Points:

• India confronting deepening environmental emergency from decade-long policy dilution

• Forest Conservation Act amendments sidelined essential safeguards

• Chronic underfunding and growing post-facto clearances undermined accountability

• Aravalli range erosion due to relaxed mining norms; uranium-tainted groundwater reports

• Supreme Court recalls judgment on retrospective environmental clearances (2-1 majority)

• Green Credit Programme amended (August 2025): 40% canopy density mandate after 5 years

• Ramsar wetland sites: India reached 94 sites (highest in South Asia)

• PM Surya Ghar scheme: 4,946 MW rooftop solar by July 2025

• Green vs. Green conflict: renewable energy expansion fragmenting wildlife habitats

• Great Indian Bustard: numbers dropped below 150 due to power line collisions

• Urgency for policy reset restoring protections, empowering communities, strengthening institutions

UPSC Relevance: Environmental Law, Regulatory Framework, Sustainable Development, Climate Action

11. INDIA’S CRITICAL MINERALS MISSION

Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2198342 & Multiple Sources

Key Points:

• National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) launched 2025 (spans 2024-25 to 2030-31)

• Budget allocation: ₹16,300 crore; anticipated ₹18,000 crore PSU/stakeholder investments

• 30 critical minerals identified; 24 included under MMDR Act for exclusive government auction

• Exploration: 1,200+ projects by GSI; ~100 blocks targeted for auction

• China dominance: 90% global processing; 70% production (despite only 30% reserves)

• Rare Earth Permanent Magnets scheme: ₹7,280 crore for domestic manufacturing

• Recycling capacity: ₹1,500 crore scheme targeting 270 kiloton per annum recovery

• 7 Centres of Excellence in premier institutions (IITs, CSIR)

• Target: 1,000 patents by 2030-31 across exploration-extraction value chain

• Overseas mineral acquisition through KABIL; strategic stockpile establishment

• Missing link: inadequate processing, refining capacity; long gestation periods (10-15 years)

UPSC Relevance: Mineral Policy, Self-Reliance, Strategic Resources, Technology Development, Geopolitical Competition

12. FUGITIVE ECONOMIC OFFENDERS – ₹58,082 CRORE DEBT

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/vijay-mallya-nirav-modi-fugitive-economic-offenders-owe-rs-58000-cr-govt-10396520/

Key Points:

• 15 Fugitive Economic Offenders (FEOs) owe ₹58,082 crore to public sector banks

• Principal amount: ₹26,645 crore; Interest accrued: ₹31,437 crore (as of October 31, 2025)

• Key offenders: Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, Sandesara Brothers (Sterling Biotech)

• Vijay Mallya: ₹6,848.28 crore principal (SBI); ₹11,960.05 crore with interest

• Sandesara Brothers: ₹18,694.32 crore (₹7,875.40 principal; ₹10,818.92 interest)

• Recovery achieved: ₹19,187 crore (~33% recovery rate)

• Outstanding: ₹38,895 crore balance unpaid

• 9 of 15 FEOs linked to major financial frauds involving PSBs

• Only 2 in one-time settlement negotiations

• Declared under Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 (applies for ₹100+ crore frauds)

• Challenges: weak compliance culture, enforcement gaps, criminal deterrence issues

UPSC Relevance: Financial Crime, Banking Regulation, Economic Offenders, Public Sector Management, Governance

13. GANGA-YAMUNA WATER DIVERSION PROPOSAL

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/delhi-ganga-water-diversion-via-eastern-yamuna-canal-being-considered-101751910

Key Points:

• Delhi government exploring proposal to divert ~500 cusecs of Ganga water to Yamuna

• Diversion via Eastern Yamuna Canal

• Objective: Improve Yamuna river flow during non-monsoon season

• Addresses water quality and availability concerns in Yamuna during dry months

• Farmer concerns: Roadblock due to agricultural irrigation impact

• Intergovernmental coordination needed: Involves Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, UP states

• Historical context: 1994 Yamuna River Basin States agreement on water sharing

• Environmental implications: Ecological flow maintenance, ecosystem preservation

• Urban water security vs. agricultural water needs tension

• Part of broader Yamuna Master Plan for river rejuvenation (2027 deadline for cleaning)

UPSC Relevance: Water Resource Management, River Basin Disputes, Inter-State Water Sharing, Environmental Conservation

14. UKRAINE-RUSSIA PEACE TALKS AND GEOPOLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/12/4/russia-ukraine-war-list-of-key-events-day-1379

Key Points:

• US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met Putin in Moscow (December 3)

• Putin stated partial acceptance of US peace proposals; many proposals deemed unacceptable

• Ukrainian President Zelensky preparing for US talks in Miami (December 4)

• 91 UN nations voted for resolution on Ukrainian deportees’ return; Russia voted against (11 others abstained: 57)

• EU proposed €90 billion support package for Ukraine (2026-2027 coverage)

• EU agreed phased phaseout of Russian gas imports by September 2027

• NATO commitment: 2/3 of NATO members pledged $4 billion weapons through PURL initiative

• Australia and New Zealand supporting PURL initiative

• Russia claims territorial gains (Chervone village, Zaporizhia); Ukraine reports strikes on Russian oil facilities

• Diplomacy ongoing; no major breakthrough; expert-level negotiations continuing

• Implications: Global security architecture, energy security (Europe), humanitarian crisis

UPSC Relevance: International Relations, Geopolitics, United Nations, Regional Conflicts, Global Security

15. GLOBAL ECONOMIC GROWTH AND TRADE DYNAMICS

Source: https://www.oecd.org & https://unctad.org

Key Points:

• OECD upgrades 2025 global growth forecast to 3.2% (from 3.3% in 2024)

• Global trade rose ~4% early 2025 despite tariff concerns and policy uncertainty

• Trade resilience driven by AI investments and structural shifts (services expanding)

• UNCTAD reports global growth will slow to 2.6% due to financial volatility

• Developing economies forecast 4.3% growth (significantly outpacing advanced economies)

• India: Growing at 6.7% (fastest major economy; upgraded from 6.5%)

• China: Expected 5% growth (same as 2024; slower than historical rates)

• Eurozone: 1.3% growth (improved from 0.8% in 2024)

• Dollar dominance in global finance: SWIFT payment share risen from 39% to ~50% in 5 years

• Developing economies face: higher financing costs, capital flow volatility, climate-related risks

• Supply chain diversification occurring: South-South trade growing above average

• Financial shocks increasingly affecting real economy; policy uncertainty persisting

UPSC Relevance: Global Economy, Trade Policy, India’s Economic Position, Financial Markets, Development Challenges

PIB

The Hindu

Daily Insights