{"id":3364,"date":"2025-12-01T08:47:01","date_gmt":"2025-12-01T08:47:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/?p=3364"},"modified":"2025-12-01T11:53:59","modified_gmt":"2025-12-01T11:53:59","slug":"current-affairs-01st-december-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/2025\/12\/01\/current-affairs-01st-december-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Current Affairs 01st December 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

1. New finds highlight Great Nicobar project sites biodiversity<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

GS PAPER III-ENVIRONMNET AND ECOLOGY<\/p>\n

A new snake species, Lycodon irwini, and a potentially new bird species, the Great Nicobar Crake, underscore Great Nicobar Island\u2019s exceptional yet threatened biodiversity.<\/p>\n

New snake species: Lycodon irwini<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Newly discovered wolf snake, endemic to Great Nicobar Island.\u200b\"\"<\/li>\n
  • Named after Australian wildlife expert Steve Irwin.\u200b<\/li>\n
  • Slender, nocturnal, about 1.2 m long.\u200b<\/li>\n
  • Uniform glossy black body, lacking white cross\u2011bands.\u200b<\/li>\n
  • Distinct scale counts and head shape separate it from related species.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Range and conservation (snake)<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Known only from a small area on eastern Great Nicobar.\u200b<\/li>\n
    • Prefers undisturbed tropical evergreen forest floor.\u200b<\/li>\n
    • Extremely few records so far, indicating rarity.\u200b<\/li>\n
    • Scientists suggest assessment as Endangered under IUCN criteria.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Potential new bird: Great Nicobar Crake (Rallina sp.)\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      • Rail\u2011like bird, tentatively described from Great Nicobar.\u200b<\/li>\n
      • Belongs to genus Rallina, hence called Great Nicobar Crake.\u200b<\/li>\n
      • Small, reddish\u2011brown bird, with strong legs and long toes.\u200b<\/li>\n
      • Occupies damp forest floor and wetland edges.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Knowledge gaps about the crake<\/strong><\/p>\n

          \n
        • True taxonomic status not yet fully resolved.\u200b<\/li>\n
        • Population size and exact distribution remain unknown.\u200b<\/li>\n
        • Very limited data on breeding biology and nesting sites.\u200b<\/li>\n
        • No formal IUCN assessment specific to this form yet.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Other new species since 2021<\/strong><\/p>\n

            \n
          • Around 40 new species reported from Great Nicobar surveys.\u200b<\/li>\n
          • Include frogs, crabs, geckos and many insect groups.\u200b<\/li>\n
          • Several species described from project\u2011affected forest areas.\u200b<\/li>\n
          • Discoveries show island remains biologically under\u2011explored.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Why Great Nicobar is biologically important<\/strong><\/p>\n

              \n
            • Part of Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO\u2019s MAB.\u200b<\/li>\n
            • Hosts about 650 plant species and over 1,800 animal species.\u200b<\/li>\n
            • Roughly 24% endemism in some faunal groups.\u200b<\/li>\n
            • Contains rainforest, mangroves, coastal and coral\u2011linked habitats.\u200b<\/li>\n
            • Supports rare species like Nicobar megapode and tree shrew.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              Conservation concerns<\/strong><\/p>\n

                \n
              • Mega infrastructure plans risk large\u2011scale forest diversion.\u200b<\/li>\n
              • Habitat fragmentation threatens narrowly distributed endemics.\u200b<\/li>\n
              • Coastal works may alter nesting beaches and intertidal zones.\u200b<\/li>\n
              • Invasive species and climate\u2011driven sea\u2011level rise add pressure.\u200b<\/li>\n
              • Strong EIAs, protected corridors and long\u2011term monitoring are essential<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                 <\/p>\n

                2. India needs research pipelines <\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

                GS\u2011III\u2013 Economy &Science and technology <\/strong><\/p>\n

                Context :<\/strong>Article by Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar argues India needs predictable \u201cresearch pipelines\u201d beyond episodic CSR grants.\u200b<\/p>\n

                  \n
                • Focus is on linking corporate R&D spending with universities through clear, scalable policies.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  Why public grants are not enough ?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \n
                  • Government grants alone cannot match the scale and speed of private sector innovation.\u200b<\/li>\n
                  • Reliance only on public funds leaves research vulnerable to budget cuts and changing priorities.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    How other countries built ecosystems<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \u00a0United States<\/strong><\/p>\n

                      \n
                    • US firms invest huge R&D outlays and work with universities via joint centres and long\u2011term contracts.\u200b<\/li>\n
                    • Programmes like NSF\u2019s Industry\u2013University centres fund pre\u2011competitive research relevant to industry.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                      China<\/strong><\/p>\n

                        \n
                      • Chinese tech and auto firms spend a high share of revenue on R&D, with some above 7\u20138%.\u200b<\/li>\n
                      • Companies collaborate with universities through shared labs and large mission\u2011oriented projects.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                        Key idea<\/strong><\/p>\n

                          \n
                        • Countries that turned science into industry matched firm R&D to university strengths.\u200b<\/li>\n
                        • They created predictable pipelines: labs, PhD cohorts, and pilot lines serving industry needs.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                          India\u2019s current situation<\/strong><\/p>\n

                          Company\u2011wise R&D intensity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                          Company (India)<\/strong><\/td>\nSector \/ Focus<\/strong><\/td>\nR&D spending snapshot<\/strong><\/td>\nR&D intensity (R&D as % of sales or revenue)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
                          Tata Motors<\/td>\nAutomobiles<\/td>\nR&D outlay about \u20b94,348 crore in FY24<\/td>\nAround 6\u20137% of revenue.\u00a0\u200b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                          Sun Pharma<\/td>\nPharmaceuticals<\/td>\nAbout 6.7% of global revenues spent on R&D in FY24<\/td>\nRoughly 6\u20137% intensity.\u00a0\u200b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                          Dr. Reddy\u2019s<\/td>\nPharmaceuticals<\/td>\nR&D spend \u2248 \u20b92,911 crore in FY24<\/td>\nAbout 8\u20139% of revenue.\u00a0\u200b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                          Bharat Electronics<\/td>\nDefence electronics<\/td>\nR&D \u2248 6.24% of turnover in FY24<\/td>\nAbout 6% intensity.\u00a0\u200b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                          Tata Steel \/ others<\/td>\nCapital\u2011intensive industry<\/td>\nSignificant but lower R&D ratios compared with global peers<\/td>\nOften below leading global benchmarks.\u00a0\u200b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
                            \n
                          • India\u2019s GERD is about 0.65% of GDP, with enterprises funding nearly two\u2011fifths.\u200b<\/li>\n
                          • Private R&D lacks predictable pipelines and structured links with universities.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                            What India needs to do ?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                            \u00a0Set clear R&D mandates<\/strong><\/p>\n

                              \n
                            • Fix three\u2011year sectoral R&D\u2011to\u2011sales ratios for autos, pharma, electronics, defence etc.\u200b<\/li>\n
                            • Tie these ratios to energy, climate and technology goals relevant to India\u2019s needs.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                              \u00a0Strengthen industry\u2013university collaboration<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                \n
                              • Use campus programmes that bring industry mentors and PhD scholars together.\u200b<\/li>\n
                              • Create multi\u2011university centres working on problem portfolios, not isolated projects.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                \u00a0Modernise tax incentives<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                  \n
                                • Link tax deductions to measurable R&D outputs like patents, standards and field trials.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                • Support universities through tax\u2011smart instruments that reward joint IP and prototypes.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                  Teach how to collaborate<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                    \n
                                  • Train faculty and students in IP, negotiation and working with firms.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                  • Design adjunct positions and dual\u2011track roles so researchers move between labs and industry.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                    Improve disclosure by listed companies<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                      \n
                                    • Ask boards to report R&D as strategic investment, not incidental expense.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                    • Publish R&D metrics in accessible formats and Indian languages to signal seriousness.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                      Final message of the article<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                        \n
                                      • India must treat corporate R&D as a long\u2011term pipeline feeding universities and industry together.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                      • With clear targets, strong partnerships and transparent reporting, India can match global innovation leaders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                         <\/p>\n

                                        3. Sky roots first orbital rocket<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

                                        GS paper III-science and Technology<\/p>\n

                                        Context :<\/strong>Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Skyroot Aerospace\u2019s first orbital rocket,\u00a0Vikram\u2011I<\/strong>, and its new \u201cInfinity Campus\u201d in Hyderabad.<\/p>\n

                                          \n
                                        • The event highlights India\u2019s shift to an open, innovation\u2011driven and private\u2011sector\u2011led space ecosystem.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                          Background: India\u2019s evolving space ecosystem<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                            \n
                                          • Space sector liberalisation since 2020 has allowed private firms to build and launch rockets and satellites.<\/li>\n
                                          • Over 300 space startups now operate in India, supported by ISRO, IN\u2011SPACe and various incubators.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                            What did PM Modi emphasize?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                              \n
                                            • \u201cUnprecedented opportunity\u201d in space :<\/strong>India is at a pivotal stage to expand its role in the global space economy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                              The Prime Minister underlined that policy reforms have created this window of opportunity.<\/p>\n

                                                \n
                                              • Rising private sector role :<\/strong>Private startups are now designing launch vehicles, satellites and downstream services.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                Government acts as an enabler, with ISRO sharing infrastructure and expertise.<\/p>\n

                                                  \n
                                                • Launch of Vikram\u2011I orbital rocket :<\/strong>Vikram\u2011I is Skyroot\u2019s first\u00a0orbital\u2011class<\/strong>launch vehicle for putting satellites into Low Earth Orbit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                  Its unveiling marks a major milestone for India\u2019s private launch capabilities.<\/p>\n

                                                    \n
                                                  • Skyroot\u2019s \u201cInfinity Campus\u201d :<\/strong>New R&D and manufacturing campus in Hyderabad to design, assemble and test rockets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                    \u00a0<\/strong>Aims to serve as a hub for talent, innovation and future vehicle development.<\/p>\n

                                                    About Skyroot Aerospace<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                      \n
                                                    • Hyderabad\u2011based private space startup founded by former ISRO engineers.<\/li>\n
                                                    • First Indian private company to launch a rocket (sub\u2011orbital Vikram\u2011S in 2022).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                      What PM Modi said about Skyroot ?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                        \n
                                                      • Praised the founders as role models for young space entrepreneurs.<\/li>\n
                                                      • Stressed that their risk\u2011taking and confidence show how startups can transform the nation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                        Why this is important for India ?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                        \u00a0Boost to Indian private space sector<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                          \n
                                                        • Validates the business model of private launch startups and attracts more investment.<\/li>\n
                                                        • Reduces exclusive dependence on ISRO for launching small satellites.<\/li>\n
                                                        • Strengthens Make in India and self\u2011reliance in high\u2011technology manufacturing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                          \u00a0Tapping the global space economy<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                            \n
                                                          • Global space economy is currently around\u00a0USD 450\u2013500 billion<\/strong>\u00a0and rising fast.<\/li>\n
                                                          • Projections suggest it could exceed\u00a0USD 1 trillion<\/strong>\u00a0by 2040, led by satellites and launch services.<\/li>\n
                                                          • India seeks a larger share through low\u2011cost rockets, satellite production and space\u2011based services.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                            \u00a0Youth empowerment<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                              \n
                                                            • Space startups open careers in launch\u2011vehicle design, satellite systems and avionics.<\/li>\n
                                                            • Also create roles in AI\u2011based space analytics, telecom, navigation and remote\u2011sensing applications.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                              \u00a0Strategic importance<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                \n
                                                              • A diverse private launch capability supports resilient access to space for national needs.<\/li>\n
                                                              • Enhances technological depth, supply\u2011chain strength and global competitiveness in space services.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                What is Vikram\u2011I? <\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                Vikram\u2011I rocket \u2013 key features<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                  \n
                                                                • Private\u00a0orbital<\/strong>\u00a0rocket developed by Skyroot Aerospace.<\/li>\n
                                                                • Designed to carry roughly\u00a0up to 300 kg<\/strong>\u00a0payload to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).<\/li>\n
                                                                • Built using advanced carbon\u2011composite structures to reduce weight and increase strength.<\/li>\n
                                                                • Employs a combination of solid fuel stages and a liquid (or hybrid) upper stage for precision.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                  Importance of Vikram\u2011I<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                    \n
                                                                  • Makes India one of the few countries with a private company building orbital launchers.<\/li>\n
                                                                  • Targets the growing global small\u2011satellite market for Earth observation and communication.<\/li>\n
                                                                  • Positions Skyroot to compete with small\u2011satellite launch providers like Rocket Lab and smaller vehicles from SpaceX.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                    Overall significance<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                      \n
                                                                    • The inauguration of Vikram\u2011I and the Infinity Campus signals that India\u2019s space story is no longer only about ISRO.<\/li>\n
                                                                    • It showcases a maturing ecosystem where startups, policy reforms and youth innovation together drive India\u2019s rise as a competitive space power.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                       <\/p>\n

                                                                      4. Italy becomes latest nation to legally recognise \u2018femicide\u2019: What it means<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
                                                                        \n
                                                                      • GS-I: Society :Gender issues, patriarchy, status of women, social empowerment.\"\"<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                        Contex:<\/strong>Italy has enacted a landmark law that explicitly recognises\u00a0femicide<\/strong>\u00a0as a distinct offence, punishable with life imprisonment.<\/p>\n

                                                                        Meaning of femicide<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                          \n
                                                                        • Femicide is the\u00a0intentional killing of a woman or girl because she is a woman<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                                                                        • It usually involves intimate partners, relatives or others driven by control, misogyny or rigid gender roles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                          Core characteristics<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                            \n
                                                                          • It is a\u00a0gender\u2011motivated crime<\/strong>, rooted in power imbalance, coercion and domination over women.<\/li>\n
                                                                          • Law and criminology often group cases into\u00a0partner\u2011related, family\u2011related and non\u2011family femicides<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                                                                          • It is treated as a\u00a0separate legal category<\/strong>\u00a0because the victim\u2019s gender or gender identity is a central motive.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                            Why criminalizing femicide matters ?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                              \n
                                                                            • Gives\u00a0formal legal recognition<\/strong>\u00a0to gender\u2011specific motives and recurring patterns of lethal violence.<\/li>\n
                                                                            • Enables\u00a0systematic data collection and official statistics<\/strong>, improving targeted laws, policing and welfare measures.<\/li>\n
                                                                            • Helps society understand links between\u00a0toxic masculinity, harassment, coercive control and eventual killings<\/strong>, supporting early\u2011stage prevention.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                               <\/p>\n

                                                                              5. AIDS and TB fight -Tamil Nadu Shows the way again<\/h2>\n

                                                                              GS paper III-Science and technology -bitechnology<\/p>\n

                                                                              Context :<\/strong>Tamil Nadu\u2019s innovative model for TB and AIDS control has shown effective outcomes.<\/p>\n

                                                                                \n
                                                                              • The state drastically reduced TB mortality and improved AIDS management.<\/li>\n
                                                                              • It aligns with national and global goals of disease elimination by 2025.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                                What Are AIDS and TB?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                • AIDS is caused by HIV, which weakens immunity, making the body prone to infections.<\/li>\n
                                                                                • TB is a bacterial infection mainly affecting lungs but can spread to other organs.<\/li>\n
                                                                                • HIV increases the risk of TB development due to immune suppression.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                                  How They Affect Human Health ?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                                    \n
                                                                                  • HIV\/AIDS leads to reduced immunity and susceptibility to infections like TB.<\/li>\n
                                                                                  • TB causes prolonged illness, lung damage, and can lead to death if untreated.<\/li>\n
                                                                                  • Co-infection worsens health outcomes and complicates treatment strategies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                                    Background<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                                      \n
                                                                                    • India bears the highest global burden of TB and has many HIV-positive cases.<\/li>\n
                                                                                    • HIV escalates TB incidence, complicating TB control efforts.<\/li>\n
                                                                                    • Central programs: National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) and National AIDS Control Programme (NACP).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                                      Government Initiatives<\/strong><\/p>\n