{"id":3458,"date":"2025-12-05T07:14:16","date_gmt":"2025-12-05T07:14:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/?p=3458"},"modified":"2025-12-05T13:45:38","modified_gmt":"2025-12-05T13:45:38","slug":"current-affairs-05th-december-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/2025\/12\/05\/current-affairs-05th-december-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Current Affairs 05th December 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>1. PM welcomes putin at airport in warm gesture,hails India -Russia <span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Partnership<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>GS PAPER II-IR <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>CONTEXT :<\/strong>Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Delhi for a short but intensive official visit after a gap of four years.\u200b<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The visit occurs amid the Ukraine war, Western sanctions on Russia and scrutiny of India\u2019s close ties with Moscow.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>High\u2011level engagement &amp; protocol<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>PM Modi breaking usual protocol to receive Putin at Palam air base indicates exceptional warmth and priority status.\u200b\u200b<\/li>\n<li>A private dinner at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg before formal talks shows high political comfort and room for candid discussions.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Full ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, wreath\u2011laying at Rajghat and state banquet elevate the visit to top\u2011tier state protocol.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>23rd India\u2011Russia Annual Summit<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The Hyderabad House summit is the institutional anchor of the \u201cSpecial and Privileged Strategic Partnership\u201d.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Agenda includes defence ties, energy, trade settlement, nuclear cooperation and regional issues including Ukraine and Indo\u2011Pacific.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Defence cooperation focus<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Russia remains one of India\u2019s largest defence suppliers, accounting for around one\u2011third of recent imports.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Talks likely cover S\u2011400 deliveries, possible fighter and submarine projects, spares, maintenance and joint production under Make in India.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Both sides emphasise shifting from pure buyer\u2011seller to technology transfer, co\u2011development and local manufacturing.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Economic &amp; energy dimensions<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Discussions aim to stabilise trade hit by sanctions, using national currencies and alternative payment systems.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Oil, gas, fertilisers and nuclear energy (including small modular reactors) are key pillars for India\u2019s energy security.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Sberbank and Indian authorities explore expanding financial links, including routes for Russian investment in Indian markets.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Geo\u2011political significance<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Visit signals that India will preserve strategic autonomy and multi\u2011alignment despite Western pressure on Russia.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>For Moscow, Delhi optics demonstrate it is not diplomatically isolated and still has major partners in Asia.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Strong India\u2011Russia ties help New Delhi balance China, retain leverage in Eurasia and maintain options in a fluid world order.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What this visit signals for ties<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Continuity: Partnership remains \u201ctime\u2011tested\u201d and resilient, even as India diversifies with US, Europe and others.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Adaptation: Shift towards joint manufacturing, high\u2011tech, connectivity and financial innovation to bypass sanctions constraints.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>High trust: Unusual protocol, direct leadership engagement and dense agenda show political trust remains strong at the top level.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>2. Wildlife body BNHS to release 6 critically endangered vultures in Assam in 2026<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>GS PAPER III-ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY<\/p>\n<p><strong>CONTEXT :<\/strong>BNHS plans to release six captive\u2011bred critically endangered vultures in Assam in Jan 2026.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>They are slender\u2011billed and white\u2011rumped vultures bred at BNHS Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre, Rani, Kamrup.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Why Kamrup and Biswanath districts?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Sites fall within natural range of slender\u2011billed and white\u2011rumped vultures.<\/li>\n<li>Landscape lies close to Kaziranga NP, offering suitable grassland\u2013wetland\u2013riverine habitat.<\/li>\n<li>Area still has small wild vulture flocks, aiding social integration of released birds.<\/li>\n<li>Forest department and local community networks already engaged in vulture conservation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Process before final release (soft release)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Birds kept in large pre\u2011release aviaries at chosen sites for minimum about three months.<\/li>\n<li>This allows acclimatisation to local climate, food sources and topography.<\/li>\n<li>During this period they observe wild scavengers and learn to locate carcasses.<\/li>\n<li>Human contact is minimized to reduce tameness and promote natural behaviour.<\/li>\n<li>After aviary phase, doors are opened; supplementary food may be provided initially.<\/li>\n<li>Post\u2011release, birds are usually monitored using wing tags or telemetry where available.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Biology and life cycle of vultures (general Old\u2011World vultures)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Large soaring raptors, specialised scavengers feeding mainly on carrion.<\/li>\n<li>Excellent eyesight; locate carcasses visually, often using thermal air currents.<\/li>\n<li>Social birds, often roost, feed and breed in colonies.<\/li>\n<li>Sexual maturity typically around 4\u20136 years of age.<\/li>\n<li>Nesting on cliffs or tall trees; usually 1 egg per breeding season.<\/li>\n<li>Both parents share incubation and chick\u2011rearing duties.<\/li>\n<li>Long\u2011lived species; some can survive 40\u201350+ years in the wild.<\/li>\n<li>Play key ecosystem role by rapidly disposing of carcasses and controlling disease spread.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Species being released (slender\u2011billed and white\u2011rumped)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Slender\u2011billed vulture (Gyps tenuirostris)<\/strong>:\n<ul>\n<li>Critically Endangered; once widespread in Gangetic plains and Southeast Asia.<\/li>\n<li>Identified by long thin bill and largely pale plumage with dark flight feathers.<\/li>\n<li>Population crashed mainly due to diclofenac poisoning from livestock carcasses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>White\u2011rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis)<\/strong>:\n<ul>\n<li>Critically Endangered; historically the most abundant vulture in South Asia.<\/li>\n<li>Medium\u2011sized Gyps vulture with white rump patch and contrasting dark body.<\/li>\n<li>Suffered &gt;90% decline due to veterinary diclofenac; also impacted by habitat loss.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Vultures in India \u2013 overall status and threats<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>India has 9 vulture species; 3 are Critically Endangered (white\u2011rumped, slender\u2011billed, Indian vulture).<\/li>\n<li>Populations collapsed from tens of millions in 1980s\u201390s to small remnant numbers.<\/li>\n<li>Main threat was veterinary diclofenac; causes kidney failure when vultures eat treated carcasses.<\/li>\n<li>Other threats: other toxic NSAIDs, poisoning from carcasses laced to kill predators, power\u2011line collisions.<\/li>\n<li>Conservation response: ban on veterinary diclofenac, promotion of vulture\u2011safe drugs like meloxicam.<\/li>\n<li>Establishment of Vulture Safe Zones and captive\u2011breeding centres (like BNHS facilities).<\/li>\n<li>Release programmes aim to rebuild wild, self\u2011sustaining vulture populations in key landscapes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Causes of vulture decline in India<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Widespread veterinary use of diclofenac in cattle; vultures died of kidney failure after eating treated carcasses.<\/li>\n<li>Later, other toxic NSAIDs (ketoprofen, aceclofenac, etc.) also posed similar risk.<\/li>\n<li>Loss of nesting trees and disturbance around colonies due to felling, development and traffic.<\/li>\n<li>Food scarcity where traditional carcass\u2011dumping practices changed or carcasses are buried\/burnt.<\/li>\n<li>Electrocution and collisions with power lines and wind turbines in some areas.<\/li>\n<li>Poisoning from carcasses laced to kill feral dogs or carnivores.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>BNHS and partners \u2013 key conservation efforts<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Captive breeding:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>BNHS set up Vulture Conservation Breeding Centres (e.g., Pinjore, Rani\u2011Kamrup, others) to breed Critically Endangered species.<\/li>\n<li>Hundreds of chicks reared in captivity as a safety population for future releases.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reintroduction and vulture\u2011safe zones:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Soft\u2011release of captive\u2011bred birds in selected landscapes with safe food and reduced threats.<\/li>\n<li>Creation of large \u201cvulture\u2011safe zones\u201d (100\u2013150 km radius) around colonies with strict NSAID control.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Drug policy and advocacy:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Scientific work helped prove link between diclofenac and vulture deaths.<\/li>\n<li>Supported government bans on veterinary diclofenac and promotion of meloxicam and other safe alternatives.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Community and state partnerships:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Working with state Forest Departments (e.g., Assam, Haryana, MP) for protection and monitoring.<\/li>\n<li>Village meetings to educate livestock owners, vets and carcass handlers on vulture\u2011safe drugs.<\/li>\n<li>Support for community\u2011run \u201cJatayu restaurants\u201d\/carcass\u2011dumps providing safe food.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Research and monitoring:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Tagging vultures with rings and transmitters to track movements and survival.<\/li>\n<li>Regular population surveys to assess recovery trends and effectiveness of bans.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>3. India&#8217;s Climate Ambitions<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>GS paper III-ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY<\/p>\n<p><strong>Context :<\/strong>India is preparing to submit its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for the 2035 target year, focusing on more ambitious emissions and renewable energy goals. Experts stress the need for a clear, economy-wide climate transition plan to meet global expectations and maintain India\u2019s leadership credibility.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What Are Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)?<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-3459 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-05-124121-300x170.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"344\" height=\"195\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-05-124121-300x170.png 300w, https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-05-124121.png 372w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 344px) 100vw, 344px\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Climate commitments each country sets under the Paris Agreement.<\/li>\n<li>India updates its targets every five years.<\/li>\n<li>Encompass emissions reduction, renewable capacity, adaptation measures, climate finance, and technology transfer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>India\u2019s Current Climate Targets under NDCs<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Reduce carbon emissions intensity by 45% by 2030, compared to 2005.<\/li>\n<li>Ensure 50% of installed power capacity from non-fossil sources (solar, wind, hydro, nuclear, biomass) by 2030.<\/li>\n<li>Create an additional carbon sink of 2.5\u20133 billion tonnes CO\u2082 through afforestation.<\/li>\n<li>Promote sustainable lifestyles via the LIFE Movement.<\/li>\n<li>Boost climate adaptation strategies in vulnerable sectors like agriculture and water.<\/li>\n<li>Mobilize domestic and international climate finance and technology.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Recent Performance Highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Achieved the 50% non-fossil power capacity target ahead of schedule (June 2025).<\/li>\n<li>Renewables supplied over half of daily electricity demand for the first time (July 2025).<\/li>\n<li>Emission intensity reduced by 36%, surpassing interim goals.<\/li>\n<li>India ranks globally among the top in renewable capacity.<\/li>\n<li>Rapid electrification of transport, especially railways and urban buses, aiding emission cuts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Challenges Facing India\u2019s Climate Goals<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Absolute emissions continue rising due to economic growth; peak emissions expected only by about 2035.<\/li>\n<li>Heavy reliance on coal complicates rapid emissions reduction without alternatives.<\/li>\n<li>Annual investment needs of approximately $62 billion stretch fiscal capacities.<\/li>\n<li>Technology gaps remain in long-duration storage, green hydrogen, and carbon capture.<\/li>\n<li>Global climate finance commitments lag, increasing India\u2019s self-reliance burden.<\/li>\n<li>Transitioning coal-dependent states requires socio-economic adjustments.<\/li>\n<li>Adaptation efforts lag behind rising climate risks such as heatwaves and extreme weather.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Strategic Steps Ahead for India<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Officially announce an emissions peak around 2035 to strengthen credibility.<\/li>\n<li>Aim for 80% non-fossil power capacity by 2035 with expanded solar, wind, and storage.<\/li>\n<li>Phase out new unabated coal plants from 2030 and retire aging coal units progressively.<\/li>\n<li>Accelerate the electrification of transport modes to reduce oil imports and urban pollution.<\/li>\n<li>Enhance the carbon credit trading scheme with stricter rules and broader coverage.<\/li>\n<li>Reform electricity pricing to support renewable integration and grid flexibility.<\/li>\n<li>Re-establish the Prime Minister\u2019s Council on Climate Change for better federal coordination.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">4. A day to pause and come down to earth\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>GS Paper III :Environment &amp; Ecology<\/p>\n<p><strong>Context :<\/strong>Observed every year on 5 December, led by FAO\/UN, to raise awareness on soil\u2019s importance for life.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>It focuses each year on a specific theme to promote sustainable soil management and policy action.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Theme 2025: \u201cHealthy Soils for Healthy Cities\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Shifts attention from rural farmlands to urban landscapes and city ecosystems.<\/li>\n<li>Emphasises that beneath concrete lies living soil crucial for food, water, climate resilience and wellbeing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Why urban soil matters?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Acts as a \u201cnatural air\u2011conditioner\u201d, moderating urban heat and reducing \u201cheat island\u201d effects.<\/li>\n<li>Functions like a sponge, absorbing rainwater, reducing floods and recharging groundwater.<\/li>\n<li>Supports urban biodiversity and food systems, including trees, parks, community and rooftop gardens.<\/li>\n<li>Enhances mental and physical health by enabling green spaces that reduce stress and encourage activity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Threats to urban soil<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Sealing by concrete and asphalt blocks air\u2013water flow, suffocating soil life.<\/li>\n<li>Pollution from construction debris, industrial waste and vehicle emissions contaminates soil.<\/li>\n<li>Loss of organic matter and compaction weaken soil structure and plant growth.<\/li>\n<li>Excessive chemical fertilisers and pesticides degrade soil biology and water quality.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Blueprint for healthy urban soil<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Restore and protect urban soils through organic amendments, reduced sealing and rehabilitation of degraded land.<\/li>\n<li>Replace hard surfaces with soil\u2011based green infrastructure such as parks, rain gardens and tree belts.<\/li>\n<li>Promote urban agriculture via community and backyard gardens, even container gardening on balconies.<\/li>\n<li>Adopt eco\u2011friendly soil management: fewer chemicals, more mulching, conservation tillage, native plants.<\/li>\n<li>Improve soil literacy: school activities, citizen science, composting of kitchen waste into urban compost.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Core message: healthy cities need healthy soil<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Resilient cities depend not just on steel and concrete but on living, breathing soil systems.<\/li>\n<li>Caring for urban soil improves climate resilience, food security, water management and public health together.<\/li>\n<li>Urban policy, planning and citizen behaviour must treat soil as critical infrastructure, not an expendable substrate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">5. Academics protest against Bill to revamp Indian Statistical Institute<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>GS paper II-POLITY<\/p>\n<p><strong>Context :<\/strong>Draft Indian Statistical Institute Bill 2025 proposes repealing 1959 Act, sparking protests in Kolkata.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Over 1,500 academics and global petition with 1,800 signatures oppose the changes.<img decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-3460 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-05-124220-300x173.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"376\" height=\"217\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-05-124220-300x173.png 300w, https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-05-124220.png 518w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 376px) 100vw, 376px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>Protests by students, faculty, staff since September 2025 over governance overhaul.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Background<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>ISI founded in 1931 as statistical lab at Presidency College, Kolkata, for advancing statistics.<\/li>\n<li>Declared Institution of National Importance in 1959 via Parliamentary Act for research and training.<\/li>\n<li>Headquarters in Kolkata; centres in Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Tezpur; focuses on stats, math, economics.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Origin of ISI<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Founded December 17, 1931, by Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis with economists and mathematicians.<\/li>\n<li>Registered April 28, 1932, as non-profit society under Societies Registration Act 1860.<\/li>\n<li>Evolved from Mahalanobis&#8217;s 1920s lab to promote theoretical\/applied statistics in India.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>ISI Act 1959 Purpose<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Grant ISI status as Institution of National Importance for national grants and degree powers.<\/li>\n<li>Enable statistical research, training, and applications in planning, agriculture, economics.<\/li>\n<li>Retain autonomous society structure under West Bengal Societies Act for internal governance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Salient Features of ISI Act 1959<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Establishes 33-member Council as highest body with elected members, govt reps, UGC nominee.<\/li>\n<li>Director appointed by Council; ensures academic\/admin autonomy in appointments, operations.<\/li>\n<li>Authorizes degrees\/diplomas in stats, math; publishes Sankhya journal; zero tuition fees.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Why Academics Protesting the Repeal<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Bill strips autonomy by empowering BoG (govt-dominated) to override Academic Council decisions.<\/li>\n<li>Converts autonomous society to statutory body under full Union control, eroding federal balance.<\/li>\n<li>No consultation with stakeholders; ignores review committees&#8217; amendment suggestions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">6. Mahad Satyagraha<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>GS PAPER I-Indian history<\/p>\n<p><strong>CONTEXT :<\/strong>98th anniversary of Mahad Satyagraha observed on Dec 6, 2025 amid Ambedkar death anniversary events.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The Hindu article highlights its role in shaping India\u2019s constitutional morality against caste.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Background<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Mahad town in pre-independence Bombay Province was centre of caste discrimination.<\/li>\n<li>1923 municipal resolution allowed Dalits water access, later revoked under upper-caste pressure.<\/li>\n<li>Dr. Ambedkar led first mass protest in 1927 for public tank rights.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What is Mahad Satyagraha<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Non-violent civil disobedience on 19-20 March 1927 at Chavdar Tank, Mahad.<\/li>\n<li>~3,000 Dalits led by Ambedkar drank water, asserting human right to public resources.<\/li>\n<li>Second phase (Dec 1927): Manusmriti burnt, demanding gender equality and social justice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>How the Mahad Satyagraha(s) Shaped Constitutional Discourse<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>United depressed classes, laid foundation for anti-untouchability laws.<\/li>\n<li>Influenced Article 17 (abolition of untouchability) and equality provisions in Constitution.<\/li>\n<li>Promoted women\u2019s rights, inheritance equality, and rejection of caste-based texts.<\/li>\n<li>Established constitutional remedies over religious sanctions for social reform.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">7. DRDO conducted a high\u2011speed rocket\u2011sled test of a fighter aircraft escape<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>GS PAPER III-SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY<\/p>\n<p><strong>CONTEXT :<\/strong>DRDO conducted a high\u2011speed rocket\u2011sled test of a fighter aircraft escape system at ~800 km\/h.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The trial validated critical safety functions and was hailed by the Defence Minister as a major self\u2011reliance milestone.<img decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-3461 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-05-124304-300x173.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"357\" height=\"206\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-05-124304-300x173.png 300w, https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-05-124304.png 356w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 357px) 100vw, 357px\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What was tested?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A full fighter aircraft escape system mounted on a rocket\u2011propelled sled.<\/li>\n<li>Dynamic performance of canopy\u2011cutting, ejection seat, and pilot\u2011recovery mechanisms under high speed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What is an aircraft escape system?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>An integrated safety system that allows a pilot to exit a disabled aircraft in an emergency.<\/li>\n<li>It includes the ejection seat, canopy severance device, restraint systems, survival pack and parachute.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Ejection system \u2013 key elements<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Explosive\/rocket charges that propel the ejection seat (with pilot) clear of the aircraft.<\/li>\n<li>Timers and sensors that control seat trajectory, separation, and parachute deployment.<\/li>\n<li>Life\u2011support and survival gear to keep the aircrew safe till ground or water recovery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What did this test validate?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Canopy severance:<\/strong>\u00a0Ability to fracture and clear the cockpit canopy fast without injuring the pilot.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ejection sequencing:<\/strong>\u00a0Correct order and timing of canopy break, seat firing, and separation events.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Complete aircrew recovery:<\/strong>\u00a0Safe trajectory and simulated landing of an instrumented dummy \u201cpilot\u201d.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What is the Rail Track Rocket Sled facility?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A long ground track where test articles are mounted on sleds driven by rocket motors.<\/li>\n<li>Allows replication of high flight speeds and loads while keeping tests observable and instrumented.<\/li>\n<li>Used to test escape systems, missiles, warhead effects and other dynamic events safely on ground.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Significance for India<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Demonstrates indigenous capability to design and dynamically test advanced ejection systems.<\/li>\n<li>Enhances pilot safety for current and future fighters (LCA Mk\u20111\/2, AMCA, trainers, etc.).<\/li>\n<li>Reduces dependence on foreign escape\u2011system vendors and associated testing infrastructure.<\/li>\n<li>Strengthens India\u2019s position as a defence technology developer and supports export potential of combat aircraft.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">8. PM-WANI Scheme<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Context :<\/strong>Government informed Lok Sabha that\u00a0<strong>3.91 lakh+ PM\u2011WANI Wi\u2011Fi hotspots<\/strong>\u00a0are active across India as of 26 November 2025, with Delhi and Uttar Pradesh having the highest numbers.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Scheme overview<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Nature of scheme:<\/strong>\u00a0National public Wi\u2011Fi framework to provide cheap broadband via decentralised hotspots run by small entrepreneurs.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Nodal ministry:<\/strong>\u00a0Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Launch approval:<\/strong>\u00a0Cleared by Union Cabinet on\u00a0<strong>9 December 2020<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Core objective:<\/strong>\u00a0Democratise internet access and advance NDCP\u20112018 goals of universal, affordable broadband.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Institutional design <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Key stakeholders and roles<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Public Data Offices (PDOs):<\/strong>\u00a0Local shops or establishments that actually run Wi\u2011Fi hotspots and sell access to users.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOAs):<\/strong>\u00a0Back\u2011end entities providing authentication, accounting and support to many PDOs.<\/li>\n<li><strong>App Providers:<\/strong>\u00a0Develop apps through which users discover PM\u2011WANI hotspots and authenticate or pay.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Central Registry (managed by C\u2011DoT):<\/strong>\u00a0Maintains records of PDOs, PDOAs and App Providers for interoperability and oversight.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Liberal regulatory framework<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>No licence or fee:<\/strong>\u00a0Anyone can become a PDO without telecom licence, spectrum charges or complex compliance.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use of FTTH connections:<\/strong>\u00a0PDOs may backhaul their hotspot using ordinary FTTH broadband plans, lowering entry cost.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Roaming across PDOAs:<\/strong>\u00a0Users can move between hotspots of different PDOAs with seamless authentication like roaming.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mobile data offload:<\/strong>\u00a0Telecom operators may route part of cellular traffic to PM\u2011WANI Wi\u2011Fi to decongest mobile networks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Tariff and consumer protection measures<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>TRAI tariff cap:<\/strong>\u00a0FTTH plans up to 200 Mbps must be sold to PDOs at\u00a0<strong>not more than twice<\/strong>\u00a0the corresponding retail price.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Consent\u2011based promotions:<\/strong>\u00a0Any advertising or promotional content by apps\/PDOAs requires explicit user consent.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Developmental significance<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Digital inclusion and local economy<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Bridging digital divide:<\/strong>\u00a0Public hotspots extend internet access to rural areas, small towns and low\u2011income urban settlements.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Micro\u2011entrepreneurship:<\/strong>\u00a0Creates lakhs of small Wi\u2011Fi businesses at kirana shops, CSCs, eateries and transport hubs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Governance and services<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Boost to digital services:<\/strong>\u00a0Enables digital payments, online education, telemedicine, e\u2011governance and e\u2011commerce in underserved areas.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Support to NDCP\u20112018 vision:<\/strong>\u00a0Contributes to targets of high\u2011speed broadband for all citizens and key institutions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>1. PM welcomes putin at airport in warm gesture,hails India -Russia Partnership GS PAPER II-IR CONTEXT :Russian President<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3467,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3458","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-daily-current-affairs"],"featured_image_urls":{"full":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/India-Russia_Diplomatic_Relations__PM_Welcomes_Putin_at_Airport.jpg",2496,1664,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/India-Russia_Diplomatic_Relations__PM_Welcomes_Putin_at_Airport-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/India-Russia_Diplomatic_Relations__PM_Welcomes_Putin_at_Airport-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/India-Russia_Diplomatic_Relations__PM_Welcomes_Putin_at_Airport-768x512.jpg",640,427,true],"large":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/India-Russia_Diplomatic_Relations__PM_Welcomes_Putin_at_Airport-1024x683.jpg",640,427,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/India-Russia_Diplomatic_Relations__PM_Welcomes_Putin_at_Airport-1536x1024.jpg",1536,1024,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/India-Russia_Diplomatic_Relations__PM_Welcomes_Putin_at_Airport-2048x1365.jpg",2048,1365,true],"morenews-large":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/India-Russia_Diplomatic_Relations__PM_Welcomes_Putin_at_Airport-825x575.jpg",825,575,true],"morenews-medium":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/India-Russia_Diplomatic_Relations__PM_Welcomes_Putin_at_Airport-590x410.jpg",590,410,true]},"author_info":{"display_name":"Nithin DTPoperator","author_link":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/author\/nithindtp\/"},"category_info":"<a href=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/category\/daily-current-affairs\/\" rel=\"category tag\">DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS<\/a>","tag_info":"DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS","comment_count":"0","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3458","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3458"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3458\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3466,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3458\/revisions\/3466"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3467"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3458"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3458"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3458"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}