Daily Insights December 30, 2025

Daily Insights December 30, 2025

1: SUPREME COURT STAYS ARAVALLI HILLS 100-METRE DEFINITION ORDER

Context:
The Supreme Court, in a landmark decision on December 29, 2025, temporarily suspended its own November 20 order that had accepted a 100-metre height definition for the Aravalli Hills. The move came after significant public dissent and concerns raised by environmental experts and the Forest Survey of India (FSI) regarding the ecological implications of this narrower definition.

About:

• Three-member bench: Led by Chief Justice Surya Kant; issued the stay order on December 29, 2025

• Previous order stayed: November 20 order accepting the 100-metre definition for Aravalli Hills

• New High-Powered Expert Committee: Constitution mandated to comprehensively review the previous committee’s recommendations

• Key concern: Only 1,048 hills out of 12,081 Aravalli Hills in Rajasthan meet the 100-metre elevation threshold

• FSI’s stand: Opposed the 100-metre definition; advocated for a 3-degree slope formula to protect ecological integrity

• Mining implications: The definition directly affects mining lease renewals and environmental protection in Aravalli region

• Suo motu case: Returnable on January 21, 2026

• CJI’s direction: Committee to examine ecological integrity, mining impacts in excluded areas, and multi-temporal effects of implementation

• Environmental counsel support: Amicus curiae K. Parameshwar warned that 100-metre definition would cause “dispersal of geographical feature”

• Significance: Reflects judiciary’s role in balancing development against environmental conservation

2: INDIA TO HOST GLOBAL AI IMPACT SUMMIT IN FEBRUARY 2026; INVITES CHINA

Context:
India announced the India AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled from February 15-20 in New Delhi, marking the first AI governance summit hosted by a Global South nation. The event aims to build consensus on inclusive and democratised AI governance with participation from over 100 countries, including the United States and China.

About :

• Dates: February 15-20, 2026; hosted in New Delhi

• Confirmed participants: Over 100 countries expected; 20+ heads of state including France, Brazil, Estonia, Switzerland

• Attendance: 50+ CEOs (Bill Gates, Anthropic’s Dario Amodei, Adobe’s Shantanu Narayen, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, Nvidia’s Jensen Huang expected)

• Prime Minister’s role: Will inaugurate expo (Feb 16), host gala dinner (Feb 18), lead opening ceremony and CEO roundtable (Feb 19)

• Core objective: Achieve a consensus declaration on AI governance with focus on Global South priorities

• Seven working groups: Will shape outcomes on governance, inclusion, innovation, and social impact

• Global reports: Yoshua Bengio preparing scientific report; IEA and UN Women preparing AI-related outputs

• Public events: Innovation festival (Feb 15, Central Park), ~800 parallel AI events across India, 150,000+ attendees expected

• MeitY involvement: IT Secretary S Krishnan leading preparations; extended formal invitation to China

• Diplomatic significance: First summit bringing US and China together for AI governance discussions

3: PROJECT CHEETAH — BOTSWANA CHEETAHS TRANSLOCATION LIKELY IN JAN-FEB 2026

Context:
India is working to finalise permissions for translocating five African cheetahs from Botswana under Project Cheetah. A three-member delegation from Botswana recently visited Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar sanctuary to assess habitat readiness, advancing this major wildlife conservation initiative.

About :

• Number: 5 cheetahs (from 8 announced during President Murmu’s Nov 2025 visit to Botswana)

• Quarantine status: Currently in quarantine at Mokolodi Nature Reserve, Botswana

• Timeline: Permissions and clearances expected Jan-Feb 2026

• Proposed release sites: Kuno National Park or Gandhi Sagar sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh (final decision pending)

• Export permits required: CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) clearance needed

• Transportation logistics: Right aircraft type being arranged for international flight

• Post-arrival quarantine: 2-3 months required after arrival in India; Department of Animal Husbandry approval needed

• Botswana delegation visit: Veterinarians and anti-poaching expert visited both sites in December 2025

• Current Indian population: 27 cheetahs total (14 in Kuno wild, 13 in enclosures; 3 in Gandhi Sagar)

• Project significance: World’s first intercontinental large carnivore reintroduction initiative; cheetahs extinct in India since 1952

4: DEFENCE ACQUISITION COUNCIL CLEARS ₹79,000 CRORE DEFENCE PROCUREMENT PACKAGE

Context:
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved proposals worth ₹79,000 crore on December 29, 2025, to enhance capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces across Army, Navy, and Air Force. This represents a major push toward Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing.

About :

• Total approval: ₹79,000 crore Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) accorded

• Meeting date: December 29, 2025

• Chair: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

• Army acquisitions: Loiter Munition System for Artillery, Low-Level Lightweight Radars, Long-Range Guided Pinaka Rockets (120 km range), Integrated Drone Detection & Interdiction System Mk-II

• Navy acquisitions: Bollard Pull Tugs, High-Frequency Software-Defined Radios, High-Altitude Long-Endurance Drones (surveillance in Indian Ocean Region), 30-mm Naval Guns, Advanced Lightweight Torpedoes

• Air Force acquisitions: Automatic Take-off and Landing Recording Systems, Astra Mark-Two Beyond-Visual-Range Missiles, Full-Mission Simulators for Tejas, SPICE-1000 Precision Guidance Kits

• Indigenous focus: Emphasis on domestically developed systems, in line with Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision

• Modernisation objective: Strengthen combat capabilities against emerging threats

• Strategic alignment: Follows Operation Sindoor (₹67,000 crore cleared in August 2025)

5: TIGER DEATHS IN MADHYA PRADESH REACH 55 IN 2025 — HIGHEST SINCE PROJECT TIGER BEGAN

Context:
Madhya Pradesh, home to the world’s largest tiger population, recorded 55 tiger deaths in 2025, the highest annual toll since Project Tiger’s launch in 1973. Of these deaths, poaching is suspected in 36 cases, raising critical questions about wildlife protection and forest management effectiveness.

About :

• Total deaths in 2025: 55 tigers (highest since 1973)

• Suspected poaching cases: 36 deaths attributed to poaching

• Natural causes: 38+ deaths

• Electrocution deaths: 7 cases (illegal live wires on farmland)

• Non-targeted killings: 7 cases (intent was to kill wild boar, not tigers)

• Tiger population basis: MP has 785 tigers (2022 All-India Tiger Estimation) — highest globally

• Annual trend: 2023: 44 deaths; 2024: 47 deaths; 2025: 55 deaths (increasing trend)

• Geographic hotspots: Satpura-Narmadapuram landscape (Tawa backwaters), Sanjay Tiger Reserve (Sidhi), Kuno-Madhav-Ranthambore corridor

• Trafficking network: DNA-confirmed poaching involving multi-state organized networks; 5 tigers seized in Kuno-Madhav-Ranthambore corridor

• Enforcement response: Special Tiger Strike Force (STSF) investigations; May 2025 conviction of international trafficker Tashi Sherpa

• Key issue: Poaching exploiting buffer zones and farm edges where surveillance is weak; electrification of fields as emerging threat

6: INSV KAUNDINYA EMBARKS ON MAIDEN TRANSOCEANIC VOYAGE TO OMAN

Context:
The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya, a traditionally built stitched sailing vessel, sailed from Porbandar, Gujarat on December 29, 2025, on its maiden international voyage to Muscat, Oman. This historic expedition revives India’s ancient maritime heritage and signals cultural diplomacy in the Indian Ocean Region.

About the :

• Flag-off: December 29, 2025, from Porbandar, Gujarat

• Destination: Muscat, Sultanate of Oman

• Voyage duration: 8-10 days to reach Porbandar initially; then transoceanic journey

• Construction method: Hand-stitched using ancient Tankai method (no engines, no modern power tools)

• Design inspiration: Ajanta cave paintings (Cave 17) depicting ancient Indian ships

• Development: Tripartite project between Ministry of Culture, Indian Navy, Hodi Innovations; keel laid Sept 12, 2023; commissioned May 21, 2025

• Crew: 4 officers, 13 naval sailors; Commander Vikas Sheoran as skipper; Commander Y Hemant Kumar as Officer-in-Charge

• Heritage craftsmanship: Traditional shipwrights from Kerala, led by master shipwright Babu Sankaran

• Scientific validation: IIT Madras conducted hydrodynamic studies to ensure safety and stability

• Significance: Living monument to India’s maritime heritage; symbol of peaceful ocean exploration; revival of ancient trade routes

• Diplomatic outreach: Strengthens India-Oman bilateral ties; demonstrates India’s cultural diplomacy

7: COUNTRIES RAISE CONCERN OVER COUNTERFEIT RABIES VACCINE IN INDIA

Context:
Australia, the US, and UK issued alerts warning travellers and healthcare providers about counterfeit batches of the rabies vaccine Abhayrab (manufactured by Indian Immunologicals Limited) circulating in India since November 2023. The alerts raised alarm due to rabies being nearly 100% fatal if untreated.

About:

• Vaccine involved: Abhayrab (rabies vaccine by Indian Immunologicals Limited — PSU)

• Counterfeit batch number: KA24014 (manufactured March 2024; expiry Feb 2027)

• Circulation period: November 2023 onward

• Countries issuing alerts: Australia (Dec 22, 2025), US (CDC), UK public health authorities

• Detection: Identified internally by IIL in January 2025 through quality surveillance systems

• Company notification: IIL informed CDSCO and state regulators in January 2025

• Regulatory response: Delhi drugs department public notice issued March 28, 2025 (74-day gap from initial detection)

• Risk category: Counterfeit vaccines differ in formulation, packaging, labelling, and manufacturing

• Public impact: People vaccinated since Nov 2023 in India advised to consider replacement doses

• Medical reassurance: Dr. MK Sudarshan (APCRI) noted that multiple-dose protocol (5 doses standard) plus immunoglobulin provides protection even if one dose is inefficacious

• Policy concern: Absence of public alert during 74-day regulatory gap raised questions on drug governance

8: YEAR-END REVIEW 2025 — MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ ACHIEVEMENTS

Context:
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj released its Year-End Review 2025 on December 29, showcasing significant achievements in grassroots governance through digital tools, capacity building, and empowerment initiatives. The review highlights progress in land governance, women leadership, and tribal community engagement.

About the :

• SVAMITVA Scheme progress: 2.75+ crore property cards generated; drone surveys completed in 3.28 lakh villages (95% of target)

• Digital governance: Gram Manchitra, SVAMITVA GIS platforms, eGramSwaraj (₹34,573 crore online payments processed)

• AI-powered tools: SabhaSaar (AI-summarizer for Gram Sabha meetings in 13 regional languages via BHASHINI)

• Women empowerment: Sashakt Panchayat Netri Abhiyan launched; 44,421 women elected representatives trained

• Youth engagement: Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS) involving JNVs and EMRS students

• Tribal empowerment: 16,000+ staff deployed for PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act) implementation across 10 PESA states

• Financial autonomy: Own Source Revenue (OSR) initiatives; 1.10 lakh elected representatives trained via IIM Ahmedabad module

• Infrastructure: Construction sanctioned for 1,638 Gram Panchayat Bhawans

• International recognition: Meri Panchayat m-Governance platform won WSIS Champion Award 2025

• Key challenge: Functional devolution declined from 35.34% to 29.18% despite 73rd Amendment mandate

Source: https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily–analysis/year-end-review-2025-ministry-of-panchayati-raj | GS-2: Governance; GS-3: Rural Development

9: VIKSIT BHARAT SHIKSHA ADHISHTHAN (VBSA) BILL 2025 INTRODUCED IN PARLIAMENT

Context:
The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill 2025 was introduced in the Lok Sabha during the Winter Session and referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee. The Bill aims to unify fragmented higher education regulation and implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

About :

• Legislative proposal: Bill introduced in Lok Sabha Winter Session 2025

• Referral: Directed to Joint Parliamentary Committee for review

• Constitutional basis: Entry 66 (standards for higher education), Union List

• Bodies to be repealed: University Grants Commission (1956), AICTE (1987), NCTE (1993)

• New apex body: Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (overarching authority)

• Three specialized councils: Viniyaman Parishad (Regulation), Gunvatta Parishad (Accreditation), Manak Parishad (Standards)

• Professional standards: Council of Architecture (CoA) will function as PSSB under NEP 2020

• Governance framework: Single-window interactive systems; public digital disclosure portal for transparency

• NEP 2020 alignment: Aims to boost research, innovation, autonomy, and multidisciplinarity in HEIs

• Global competitiveness: Seeks to elevate India’s ranking through world-class education and accreditation systems

• Key gaps addressed: GER (28% vs G20 average), faculty shortages (IITs 40%, IIMs 31% vacancies), R&D investment (~0.7% GDP), employability (60-73% demand-supply gap)

10: YEAR-END REVIEW 2025 — MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS TRANSFORMATION

Context:
The Ministry of Railways released its Year-End Review 2025 on December 29, highlighting major infrastructure upgrades, freight capacity expansion, and technology-driven operations. The review showcases rail modernisation contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and inclusive growth.

About :

• Passenger services: 164 Vande Bharat trains operational; 15 new trains in 2025; Sleeper variant being rolled out

• Amrit Bharat Trains: 30 services operational (non-AC, affordable); 13 new in 2025

• Namo Bharat Rapid Rail: 2 services (Bhuj-Ahmedabad, Jaynagar-Patna)

• Electrification: 99.2% BG network electrified; 14 zones + 25 states/UTs = 100% electrified (higher than UK 39%, Russia 52%, China 82%)

• Freight operations: India world’s 2nd-largest freight carrier; DFCs (Eastern & Western): 403 trains/day; 1 billion tonne milestone (FY 2025-26)

• Wagon production: 41,929 wagons (FY 2024-25) — highest in 3 years; 33,703 in Jan-Nov 2025

• High-speed rail (MAHSR): 55.63% physical progress (Nov 2025); ₹85,801 crore spent (69.62%)

• Safety achievements: Consequential accidents: 2004-14 avg 171/yr → 2025-26 (till Nov) 11 incidents

• Special trains 2025: 43,000+ trips (Maha Kumbh 17,340; Summer 12,417; Chhath 12,383)

• Safety budget: ₹39,463 cr (2013-14) → ₹1,16,470 cr (2025-26)

• Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals: 25 commissioned for first/last-mile logistics efficiency

Source: https://www.legacyias.com/pib-summaries-29-december-2025/ | GS-3: Infrastructure & Transport

11: AUSTRALIA ELIMINATES TARIFFS ON 100% OF INDIAN EXPORTS UNDER ECTA

Context:
Under the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA), Australia provided duty-free access to 100% of Indian exports effective January 1, 2026. The move marks a major milestone in bilateral trade relations and benefits exporters across multiple sectors.

About :

• Agreement: India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA)

• Effective date: January 1, 2026

• Coverage: 100% duty-free access for all Indian exports

• ECTA status: Operational since December 2022 (early-harvest deal)

• Broader negotiations: India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) currently underway

• Export growth: India’s exports to Australia rose 8% in 2024-25

• Sector benefits: Manufacturing, chemicals, textiles, plastics, pharmaceuticals, petroleum products, gems & jewellery

• Agricultural gain: Fruits & vegetables, marine products, spices; sharp rise in coffee exports

• MSMEs boost: Full tariff removal to unlock opportunities for labour-intensive industries

• Supply-chain impact: Strengthened resilience, market diversification, Indo-Pacific integration

• Economic outcome: Wider market access, sustained export growth, improved trade balance over 3-year period

12: MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT — FOUR LABOUR CODES EFFECTIVE FROM NOVEMBER 21, 2025

Context:
The Government of India implemented all four Labour Codes effective November 21, 2025, consolidating 29 existing central labour laws into a unified framework. The codes represent a major labour law reform aimed at modernising employment regulation and expanding social security coverage.

About the :

• Four Labour Codes: Code on Wages (2019), Industrial Relations Code (2020), Code on Social Security (2020), Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions Code (2020)

• Implementation date: November 21, 2025

• Laws consolidated: 29 existing central labour laws

• Geographic scope: Nation-wide implementation; supporting rules under state and central jurisdictions still being notified

• Coverage expansion: Broader definition of “Employee” and “Worker”; 50% wage cap on deductions

• Key changes: New definitions, expanded social security coverage, revised employment norms

• Compliance burden: Reduced regulatory complexity; unified threshold (50+ contract labour)

• Social security enhancement: Expanded coverage under Code on Social Security

• Employer impact: Need to update HR policies, compliance procedures, and payroll systems

• Transitional status: Phased rule-making across states; employers to begin compliance preparation

• Significance: Modernises labour law framework aligned with contemporary employment practices

13: SRIMANTA SANKARDEVA — REDEVELOPED BATADRAVA THAN INAUGURATED IN ASSAM

Context:
The Union Home Minister inaugurated the redeveloped Batadrava Than, the birthplace of 15th-16th century Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankardeva, in Assam’s Nagaon district. The venue honours his contributions to Assamese literature, culture, and the Indian Bhakti movement.

About:

• Historical figure: Srimanta Sankardeva (1449-1568), Assamese Bhakti saint and social reformer

• Redevelopment site: Batadrava Than, Nagaon district, Assam

• Religious philosophy: Founder of Neo-Vaishnava movement; established Eka-Sarana-Nama-Dharma (Mahapurushiya dharma)

• Core principle: Worship of single deity Vishnu (as Krishna) through seeking refuge (Sarana)

• Bhakti emphasis: Two forms emphasized — Sravana (hearing God’s name) and Kirtana (chanting God’s name)

• Institutional legacy: Established Namghars (prayer halls) and Satras (monasteries) promoting social inclusivity

• Literary contributions: Translated 8 of 12 books of Bhagavata Purana into Brajavali; Adi Dasama most popular

• Cultural innovations: Created Ankiya Naats (one-act plays), Bhaona (theatrical performance), Sattriya dance, Borgeets (devotional songs)

• Social impact: Promoted universal brotherhood; united Assam’s heterogeneous society under Neo-Vaishnava philosophy

• Living legacy: Sattriya, Namghars, Satras remain vital cultural institutions promoting literature, music, theatre, dance

• Significance for UPSC: Indian Bhakti movement context, regional culture, saint-social reformers, literary contributions

Source: https://www.drishtiias.com/current-affairs–analysis-editorials/-analysis/30-12-2025 (Srimanta Sankardeva section) | GS-1: Culture & History

14: PINAKA LONG RANGE GUIDED ROCKET (LRGR 120) MAIDEN FLIGHT TEST SUCCESSFUL

Context:
India successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR 120) with a strike range of approximately 120 kilometres. The guided variant represents a significant upgrade of the existing Pinaka system, enhancing the Indian Army’s precision-strike capability.

About:

• Weapon system: Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR 120)

• Strike range: ~120 kilometres

• Developer: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE)

• Test status: Maiden flight test successful

• Guidance systems: Inertial navigation, mid-course updates, terminal guidance for high accuracy

• Launcher compatibility: Launches from existing Pinaka launcher platform (cost-effective upgrade path)

• Previous variants: Pinaka Mark I (40 km range), Mark II (70-80 km, expandable to 120 km and eventually 300 km)

• Salvo capability: Upgraded launchers can fire 12 rockets in single salvo

• Indigenous focus: Fully developed domestically by DRDO

• Military benefit: Enhances Army’s rapid-fire artillery capability against tactical and operational targets

• Aatmanirbhar alignment: Demonstrates self-reliance in defence technology development

15: RASHTRA PRERNA STHAL INAUGURATED IN LUCKNOW — TRIBUTE TO VAJPAYEE, DEENDAYAL UPADHYAY, AND MOOKERJEE

Context:
The Prime Minister inaugurated Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow on the 101st birth anniversary of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee (December 25). The multi-leader tribute site features 65-foot bronze statues and a lotus-shaped museum honouring three ideological leaders who shaped modern India.

About:

• Location: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

• Inauguration: December 25, 2025 (Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s 101st birth anniversary)

• Theme: Unity, self-respect, and service

• Three leaders honoured: Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay, Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee

• Architectural feature: 65-foot bronze statues; lotus-shaped museum

• Atal Bihari Vajpayee: PM 3 times (1996; 1998-99; 1999-2004); Padma Vibhushan (1994); Bharat Ratna (2015); Good Governance Day (Dec 25)

• Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay: RSS ideologue; founder Bharatiya Jana Sangh; Antyodaya philosophy (uplifting disadvantaged); Integral Humanism; Antyodaya Diwas (Sept 25)

• Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee: Youngest Vice-Chancellor, Calcutta University (1934); founder Bharatiya Jan Sangh (1951, later BJP); opposed Article 370; “Lion of Parliament” (sharp parliamentary orator)

• Historical span: Represents intellectual continuum from pre-independence nationalism to post-independence governance

PIB

THE HINDU

Daily Insights