{"id":3480,"date":"2025-12-06T06:51:20","date_gmt":"2025-12-06T06:51:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/?p=3480"},"modified":"2025-12-08T07:44:51","modified_gmt":"2025-12-08T07:44:51","slug":"current-affairs-06th-december-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/2025\/12\/06\/current-affairs-06th-december-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Current Affairs 06th December 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

1. Repo rate cut by 25 bps<\/span> <\/strong><\/h2>\n

GS Paper III<\/strong>: Indian Economy<\/p>\n

Context :<\/strong>RBI\u2019s Monetary Policy Committee cut the repo rate by 25 bps to 5.25% with immediate effect, its fourth cut under Governor Sanjay Malhotra.<\/p>\n

    \n
  • The move follows Q2 real GDP growth jumping to 8.2% and headline inflation falling to 1.7%, below the 2\u20136% target band.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Why repo rate is important?<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Repo is the rate at which RBI lends short-term funds to commercial banks; it anchors overall interest rates in the economy.<\/li>\n
    • Changes in repo quickly transmit to loan and deposit rates, affecting EMIs, savings returns, investment, and growth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Associated policy rates after the cut<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      • Standing Deposit Facility (SDF): 5.0%<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Floor rate at which RBI absorbs surplus liquidity without collateral.<\/li>\n
      • Repo Rate (policy rate): 5.25%<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Main policy rate for RBI lending to banks against government securities.<\/li>\n
      • Marginal Standing Facility (MSF): 5.5%<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Emergency overnight borrowing window for banks at a penal rate.<\/li>\n
      • Bank Rate: 5.5%<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Long-term reference rate aligned with MSF, used for some penalty and refinance calculations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Meaning of these changes<\/strong><\/p>\n

          \n
        • Narrow corridor of 5.0\u20135.5% signals finely calibrated easing while retaining monetary discipline.<\/li>\n
        • Lower policy rates should reduce borrowing costs, support credit growth, and still remain consistent with low inflation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          RBI\u2019s monetary policy stance<\/strong><\/p>\n

            \n
          • MPC retained a\u00a0\u201cneutral\u201d stance<\/strong>, meaning future moves can be hikes or cuts depending on data.<\/li>\n
          • Rationale cited: sharp disinflation led by food, easing core inflation, but need to watch growth\u2013inflation balance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            \u2018Goldilocks\u2019 scenario<\/strong><\/p>\n

              \n
            • \u201cGoldilocks\u201d refers to the combination of strong growth with very low, within-target inflation.<\/li>\n
            • With growth near 8% and inflation around 2\u20133%, RBI views the current phase as unusually favourable yet needing careful support.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

               <\/p>\n

              2. Chiles lesson for india coal conudrum<\/span><\/h2>\n

              GS PAPER II-IR<\/p>\n

              Context :<\/strong>India has slipped in the Climate Change Performance Index, mainly due to slow progress on phasing down coal-based power.<\/p>\n

                \n
              • An article compares India\u2019s situation with Chile\u2019s experience of planned coal exit to draw lessons for India\u2019s energy transition.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                Why coal is a conundrum for India<\/strong><\/p>\n

                  \n
                • Coal gives cheap, reliable electricity and jobs, especially in poorer coal-belt States.<\/li>\n
                • But it drives air pollution, health damage and rising emissions, worsening climate risks.<\/li>\n
                • Phasing it out too fast risks social and economic disruption; too slow worsens climate loss.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  India\u2019s energy status: the big picture<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \n
                  • Coal supplies over half of India\u2019s total energy use and about three\u2011fourths of electricity generation.<\/li>\n
                  • Renewables are rising fast and now form roughly half of installed power capacity, but their share in actual generation is still much lower.<\/li>\n
                  • India is also still adding some new coal capacity, locking in future emissions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    Chile\u2019s transition \u2013 what did they do differently?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                      \n
                    • Cut coal\u2019s share in power sharply (from about 43% to around 17\u201318%) by 2024.<\/li>\n
                    • Used strict emission standards, carbon pricing and removal of coal subsidies to disincentivise coal.<\/li>\n
                    • Ran large auctions and stable policies to rapidly scale solar and wind.<\/li>\n
                    • Planned early for alternative industries and reskilling to absorb workers from coal regions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                      Why India cannot copy Chile directly<\/strong><\/p>\n

                        \n
                      • India\u2019s coal dependence (plants, employment, State revenues) is far deeper and more geographically concentrated.<\/li>\n
                      • Many districts in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and West Bengal have few non\u2011coal economic options.<\/li>\n
                      • India\u2019s political economy and federal structure make quick privatisation and plant closures more complex.<\/li>\n
                      • Power\u2011sector finances and grid flexibility are weaker, so absorbing very high renewables is harder.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                        Why coal phase\u2011out is still a \u201cno\u2011regrets\u201d policy<\/strong><\/p>\n

                          \n
                        • Avoids long\u2011term climate damage; unchecked warming can shave several percentage points off future GDP.<\/li>\n
                        • Reduces massive health costs; more coal capacity is linked with higher mortality near plant sites.<\/li>\n
                        • Prevents stranded assets by avoiding new coal plants that may later become uneconomic.<\/li>\n
                        • Frees capital and grid space for cleaner, cheaper renewables plus storage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                          Financing the coal transition<\/strong><\/p>\n

                            \n
                          • Use blended finance: public funds for communities, workers and grids; private capital for renewables and storage.<\/li>\n
                          • Create a dedicated \u201cjust transition\u201d fund to support reskilling, MSMEs and diversification in coal districts.<\/li>\n
                          • Channel multilateral climate finance and green bonds into transmission, storage and RE manufacturing.<\/li>\n
                          • Use carbon pricing \/ removal of coal subsidies to create fiscal room for transition spending.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                            Way forward<\/strong><\/p>\n

                              \n
                            • Announce a coal road map: no new unabated coal, time\u2011bound retirement of the oldest and dirtiest plants.<\/li>\n
                            • Prioritise aggressive renewables plus storage, grid upgrades and flexible gas\/hydro to back them.<\/li>\n
                            • Reform DISCOMs and power markets to favour clean dispatch and long\u2011term RE contracts.<\/li>\n
                            • Prepare district\u2011level just\u2011transition plans for coal belts, with skilling, social protection and new industries.<\/li>\n
                            • Integrate coal phase\u2011down into India\u2019s broader growth, employment and climate strategies, with clear milestones.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                               <\/p>\n

                              3. How 5 owl eggs were saved and a \u2018miracle\u2019 hatched at a Telangana quarry.<\/span><\/h2>\n

                              GS PAPER III-environment and ecology<\/p>\n

                              Context :<\/strong>Mining at a stone quarry in Yenakathala, Vikarabad district, Telangana, was stopped for about a month to protect five eggs of a rock eagle owl found in a rock crevice.<\/p>\n

                                \n
                              • The quarry is bearing an estimated loss of around \u20b935 lakh to allow safe incubation and hatching, making it a notable example of\"\" industry\u2011supported wildlife conservation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                Rock eagle owl \u2013 basic description<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                  \n
                                • Common name: Rock eagle owl \/ Indian eagle-owl \/ Bengal eagle-owl.<\/li>\n
                                • Scientific name:\u00a0Bubo bengalensis<\/em>.<\/li>\n
                                • Large, horned owl with prominent ear tufts, orange eyes, brown\u2011grey plumage and white throat patch with dark streaks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                  Taxonomy<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                    \n
                                  • Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Aves.<\/li>\n
                                  • Order: Strigiformes (owls).<\/li>\n
                                  • Family: Strigidae (typical owls).<\/li>\n
                                  • Genus:\u00a0Bubo<\/em>; Species:\u00a0B. bengalensis<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                    Habitat<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                      \n
                                    • Prefers rocky hills, cliffs, escarpments, quarries and scrub forests.<\/li>\n
                                    • Nests in rock ledges, crevices and sometimes on ground in scrubby, undisturbed terrain.<\/li>\n
                                    • Often associated with semi\u2011arid and dry deciduous landscapes, not dense evergreen forests.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                      Distribution<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                        \n
                                      • Largely confined to the Indian subcontinent.<\/li>\n
                                      • Found across most of India except high Himalayas and very wet forests.<\/li>\n
                                      • Also occurs in parts of Nepal, Pakistan and adjoining South Asian regions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                        Breeding and behaviour<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                          \n
                                        • Lays eggs (usually 2\u20135) in rock ledges, crevices or ground scrapes with minimal nesting material.<\/li>\n
                                        • Incubation lasts around 6\u20138 weeks; both parents guard and feed chicks.<\/li>\n
                                        • Nocturnal predator feeding on rodents, small mammals, birds, reptiles and large insects; important natural pest controller.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                          Conservation status \u2013 list & status (table)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                                          Framework \/ list<\/strong><\/td>\nStatus \/ protection level<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
                                          IUCN Red List<\/td>\nLeast Concern (population trend decreasing).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                          CITES<\/td>\nAppendix II (regulated international trade).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                          Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 \u2013 India<\/td>\nListed in Schedule I in this context\/article, implying highest legal protection and strict penalties for hunting or trade.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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

                                            \n
                                          • High\u2011level legal protection reflects ecological role and vulnerability to habitat loss, quarrying and illegal trade.<\/li>\n
                                          • The Telangana quarry incident showcases on\u2011ground implementation of legal protection through voluntary industrial cooperation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                             <\/p>\n

                                            4. Do\u00a0 we nned to change cities \u00a0are governed in India ?<\/span><\/h2>\n

                                            GS paper II-POLITY<\/p>\n

                                            Context :<\/strong>The rise of Zohra Mamdani as New York\u2019s youngest City Council Member has sparked debate in India over the absence of comparable empowered civic leadership. Simultaneously, elections and restructuring in Indian cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad reveal the systemic weaknesses in India\u2019s urban governance model.<\/p>\n

                                            Urban Governance Model Challenges<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                              \n
                                            • Despite rapid urbanisation, Indian cities remain under State government control with limited municipal autonomy.<\/li>\n
                                            • City Mayors lack real power and visibility; municipal decisions are dominated by State officials and political priorities.<\/li>\n
                                            • The 74th Constitutional Amendment intended to decentralise authority but has not delivered genuine administrative or fiscal independence to municipalities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                              Article 243-R and Municipal Leadership<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                \n
                                              • Directly elected municipal members are mandated by the Constitution.<\/li>\n
                                              • State Legislatures decide how Mayors are elected and their tenure, often opting for indirect elections that produce weak, largely ceremonial Mayors.<\/li>\n
                                              • As a result, State governments and municipal commissioners overshadow Mayors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                Structural Weaknesses of Mayoral Authority<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                  \n
                                                • Chief Ministers hold key powers over policing, planning, and civic institutions, reducing Mayors to figureheads.<\/li>\n
                                                • Municipal governance is subordinated to State Assembly politics and priorities.<\/li>\n
                                                • Limited autonomy under the 74th Amendment and absence of local accountability restrict effective mayoral leadership.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                  Reasons for Invisibility of Mayors<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                    \n
                                                  • India\u2019s historical development of local governance differs from Western models; municipalities gained constitutional legitimacy only recently.<\/li>\n
                                                  • Political reluctance has stalled reforms, with State governments retaining control of finances, planning, and administrative cadre.<\/li>\n
                                                  • Fear of strong urban leadership undermining State political power deters empowerment of Mayors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                    Public and Political Dynamics Affecting Mayoral Power<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                      \n
                                                    • Local civic issues generate low public demand and mobilisation for empowered governance.<\/li>\n
                                                    • State and national political narratives overshadow urban service concerns.<\/li>\n
                                                    • Bureaucrats dominate city administrations, limiting Mayors\u2019 scope for innovation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                      Limitations of the 74th Amendment in Practice<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                        \n
                                                      • State laws dilute decentralisation by maintaining control over finances, land, and key departments.<\/li>\n
                                                      • State Finance Commissions are underpowered or non-functional.<\/li>\n
                                                      • Overlapping functions among various urban bodies weaken overall accountability and governance clarity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                        Financial Autonomy: Key to Effective Urban Governance<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                          \n
                                                        • Municipalities lack sufficient revenue sources to manage essential services like transport, sanitation, and climate resilience.<\/li>\n
                                                        • Property tax collections remain low, and grants depend heavily on State discretion.<\/li>\n
                                                        • Fragmented budgeting and poor integration of municipal priorities into overall fiscal planning hamper efficient governance.<\/li>\n
                                                        • Predictable financial devolution is critical for infrastructure development and improved urban outcomes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                          Need for Urban Political Architecture Reform<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                            \n
                                                          • Fragmented authority and overlapping mandates\u2014as seen in Delhi\u2014complicate governance.<\/li>\n
                                                          • Cities require clear, unified command structures to manage interdependent systems like land, water, and waste management.<\/li>\n
                                                          • Strengthening mayoral powers and visibility is essential for accountability and effective urban administration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                            India\u2019s urban governance remains highly centralised under State governments, marginalising Mayors and weakening municipal accountability. The 74th Amendment\u2019s promise of decentralisation is unfulfilled, resulting in fragmented authority and inadequate fiscal capacity. To cope with urban growth, climate challenges, and service demands, India must empower municipal bodies structurally, ensure fiscal autonomy, and cultivate visible, accountable city leadership.<\/p>\n

                                                             <\/p>\n

                                                            \u00a05. INS Aridhaman<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

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

                                                            Context :<\/strong>The Indian Navy has announced the upcoming induction of INS Aridhaman, India\u2019s third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), marking a significant boost to its strategic maritime capabilities.<\/p>\n

                                                            Overview of INS Aridhaman\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                              \n
                                                            • The second vessel in the Arihant-class series of SSBNs<\/li>\n
                                                            • Developed under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) program<\/li>\n
                                                            • Constructed at the Ship Building Centre, Visakhapatnam<\/li>\n
                                                            • Enhances India\u2019s nuclear triad by providing a credible sea-based nuclear deterrent<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                              Strategic Importance<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                \n
                                                              • Strengthens India\u2019s deterrence under the No First Use nuclear doctrine<\/li>\n
                                                              • Reinforces India\u2019s status as a blue water navy, capable of operating across deep oceans<\/li>\n
                                                              • Expands India\u2019s maritime security and strategic presence in the Indian Ocean Region<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                Blue Water Navy Explained<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                A blue water navy refers to a maritime force with the capability to operate globally, beyond coastal waters, projecting power across the world\u2019s deep oceans.<\/p>\n

                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                6. Rainbow Water Snake<\/span><\/h2>\n

                                                                GS PAPER III-Environment and ecology<\/p>\n

                                                                Context :<\/strong>A Rainbow Water Snake (Enhydris enhydris) has been recorded for the first time in Uttar Pradesh, with photographic proof from the buffer zone of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve.<\/p>\n

                                                                Dudhwa Tiger Reserve Details<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                  \n
                                                                • Situated along the Indo-Nepal border in Lakhimpur Kheri district, Uttar Pradesh
                                                                  \n

                                                                  \"\"<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                • Established in 1988, spanning 1,284 sq km<\/li>\n
                                                                • Comprises Dudhwa National Park, Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, and Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary<\/li>\n
                                                                • Buffer zone covers North Kheri, South Kheri, and parts of Shahjahanpur forest divisions<\/li>\n
                                                                • Features Tarai Bhabar ecosystem of the Upper Gangetic Plains, with rivers like Sharda, Geruwa, Suheli, and Mohana\u2014all tributaries of the Ghagra River<\/li>\n
                                                                • Vegetation dominated by North Indian Moist Deciduous forests, including Sal, Asna, Asidha, Haldu, Simal, and Kanju.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                  Rainbow Water Snake Profile<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                    \n
                                                                  • Scientific name: Enhydris enhydris; IUCN status: Least Concern<\/li>\n
                                                                  • \"\"Mildly venomous, piscivorous freshwater species<\/li>\n
                                                                  • Native to South and Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand<\/li>\n
                                                                  • Prefers marshlands, ponds, rice fields, and other freshwater habitats<\/li>\n
                                                                  • Grows up to 130 cm, with brown to greenish-brown body, pale belly, and two pale stripes converging near the crown.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                     <\/p>\n

                                                                    7. New Delhis relative isolation, Indias tryst with terror<\/span><\/h2>\n

                                                                    GS PAPER II-POLITY<\/p>\n

                                                                    CONTEXT :<\/strong>India confronts unusual diplomatic isolation across West Asia, Europe, and the Indo-Pacific, alongside South Asian turmoil in Pakistan and Bangladesh, and a resurgence of sophisticated Pakistan-linked urban terror modules in Jammu & Kashmir, Delhi, and other cities.<\/p>\n

                                                                    India’s Current Strategic Challenges<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                      \n
                                                                    • Combines geopolitical marginalisation with rising regional hostility and complex terror threats from Pakistan-backed networks.<\/li>\n
                                                                    • South Asia experiences political, military, and institutional upheaval, shrinking India’s influence.<\/li>\n
                                                                    • Distinct from past scenarios due to isolation paired with revived urban terrorism.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                      Causes of India’s Diplomatic Isolation<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                        \n
                                                                      • Perceived as an ‘outlier’ in global order-shaping, with limited roles in key regions.<\/li>\n
                                                                      • Acts as a virtual onlooker in major geopolitical shifts despite high stakes.<\/li>\n
                                                                      • Lacks stable regional support amid South Asian instability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                        Regional Hostility Impacting India’s Position<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                          \n
                                                                        • Pakistan and Bangladesh adopt increasingly unfriendly stances, with Pakistan’s anti-India rhetoric escalating.<\/li>\n
                                                                        • Pakistan’s military restructuring includes a new Chief of Defence Forces with nuclear oversight and a 27th Amendment tilting civil-military balance.<\/li>\n
                                                                        • Bangladesh shows pro-Pakistan signals through naval visits and re-engagement, heightening regional tensions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                          Escalating Counter-Terror Challenges<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                            \n
                                                                          • Urban terror revival in metropolitan areas after years of decline.<\/li>\n
                                                                          • Pakistan-state collusion with Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed; encrypted channels for radicalisation and logistics.<\/li>\n
                                                                          • J&K-Delhi corridor sees attacks; professionals (doctors, academics) recruited for planning.<\/li>\n
                                                                          • Patterns resemble 1993 Bombay blasts and 2008 Mumbai attacks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                            Unique Features of Renewed Terror Threat<\/strong><\/p>\n