{"id":3543,"date":"2025-12-10T09:23:32","date_gmt":"2025-12-10T09:23:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/?p=3543"},"modified":"2025-12-10T10:45:02","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T10:45:02","slug":"current-affairs-10th-december-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/2025\/12\/10\/current-affairs-10th-december-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Current Affairs 10th December 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a01. <\/span><\/strong>SURYAKIRAN-XIX : India -Nepal<\/span> <\/strong><\/h2>\n

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

Context :<\/strong>The 19th edition of the India\u2013Nepal joint military exercise\u00a0SURYA KIRAN-XIX (2025)<\/strong>\u00a0has\u00a0concluded at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    \n
  • The Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both armies witnessed the final\u00a0battalion\u2011level validation exercise<\/strong>\u00a0at the Foreign Training Node, Pithoragarh.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    What is Exercise SURYA KIRAN?<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    • It is a\u00a0bilateral joint military exercise<\/strong>\u00a0between the\u00a0Indian Army and the Nepali Army<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
    • Conducted\u00a0alternately in India and Nepal<\/strong>, usually every year.<\/li>\n
    • Aims to enhance\u00a0interoperability, counter\u2011terrorism skills, jungle and mountain warfare capability<\/strong>, and to strengthen\u00a0defence cooperation<\/strong>\u00a0between the two countries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      SURYA KIRAN\u2011XIX (2025 edition)<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Location<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      • Held at the\u00a0Foreign Training Node (FTN), Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand, India<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Participants<\/strong><\/p>\n

          \n
        • Indian Army contingent<\/strong>\u00a0(infantry battalion group and supporting arms).<\/li>\n
        • Nepali Army contingent<\/strong>\u00a0of comparable strength.<\/li>\n
        • Senior leadership: DGMO, Indian Army (Lt Gen Manish Luthra) and DGMO, Nepali Army (Maj Gen Anup Jung Thapa) attended the validation phase.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Key highlights of the 2025 exercise<\/strong><\/p>\n

          \u00a0Battalion\u2011level validation exercise<\/strong><\/p>\n

            \n
          • Culminated in a\u00a0two\u2011day battalion\u2011level field training exercise<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
          • Validated\u00a0joint planning, command and control, and execution<\/strong>\u00a0of missions by mixed groups of Indian and Nepali troops.<\/li>\n
          • Emphasis on\u00a0Chapter VII\u2013type UN peacekeeping operations<\/strong>\u00a0(peace enforcement) as well as sub\u2011conventional operations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            \u00a0Focus on counter\u2011terrorism<\/strong><\/p>\n

              \n
            • Training in\u00a0counter\u2011terrorism and counter\u2011insurgency<\/strong>\u00a0in\u00a0mountainous and complex terrain<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
            • Practice of:\n
                \n
              • Intelligence\u2011based surgical missions<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
              • Room intervention and hostage rescue<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
              • Cordon and search operations<\/strong>\u00a0at battalion\/company\/small\u2011team level.<\/li>\n
              • Aerial insertion<\/strong>\u00a0of troops to enhance rapid\u2011response capability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                \u00a0Use of modern technology<\/strong><\/p>\n

                  \n
                • Included\u00a0cutting\u2011edge systems<\/strong>\u00a0such as:\n
                    \n
                  • ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) platforms.<\/li>\n
                  • Precision\u2011targeting drones<\/strong>\u00a0and loitering munitions.<\/li>\n
                  • Advanced day\/night weapon sights<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                  • AI\u2011enabled surveillance feeds<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                  • Modern\u00a0operational and logistics management tools<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0battlefield communication systems<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    Symbolic diplomacy: \u201cTree of Friendship\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

                      \n
                    • As a gesture of enduring partnership, the DGMOs of both armies\u00a0jointly planted a \u201cTree of Friendship\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0at the exercise location.<\/li>\n
                    • Symbolizes:\n
                        \n
                      • Timeless bonds<\/strong>\u00a0between India and Nepal.<\/li>\n
                      • Commitment to\u00a0long\u2011term strategic cooperation<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0people\u2011to\u2011people ties<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                        Significance of SURYA KIRAN for India\u2013Nepal relations<\/strong><\/p>\n

                          \n
                        • Defence cooperation pillar:<\/strong>\u00a0Provides an institutionalised platform for regular\u00a0military\u2011to\u2011military engagement<\/strong>, building trust and interoperability.<\/li>\n
                        • Border security:<\/strong>\u00a0Both share an\u00a0open border<\/strong>; joint drills help to tackle\u00a0cross\u2011border terrorism, smuggling, and trans\u2011national crime<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                        • Disaster response and peacekeeping:<\/strong>\u00a0Enhances joint capability for\u00a0HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief)<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0UN peacekeeping operations<\/strong>, where both contribute troops.<\/li>\n
                        • Strategic reassurance:<\/strong>\u00a0Signals\u00a0mutual confidence<\/strong>\u00a0and India\u2019s role as Nepal\u2019s principal security partner, balancing external influence in the region.<\/li>\n
                        • Cultural and historical ties:<\/strong>\u00a0Reinforces the traditional\u00a0\u201cRoti\u2011Beti\u201d relationship<\/strong>\u00a0and the long history of Nepali soldiers serving in Indian Gorkha regiments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                           <\/p>\n

                          2. Over 30% students in Odish schools drop out<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

                          GS Paper 2 (Polity & Governance) \u2013 Social Justice \/ Education \/ Welfare Schemes<\/p>\n

                          Context :<\/strong>CAG audit report (Dec 2025) flags over 30% dropout in Odisha before higher secondary, with GER declining 2018-23 vs national rise.<\/p>\n

                            \n
                          • Highlights 61,487 out-of-school children not re-enrolled 2018-23; transition rate from upper primary to secondary at 70.3%.<\/li>\n
                          • Questions data anomalies like >100% transition in Bhadrak\/Nuapada districts; no analysis by Odisha Education Dept.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                            What is Gross Enrolment Ratio<\/strong><\/p>\n

                              \n
                            • GER measures total enrolment in education level (e.g., secondary) as % of official school-age population, including over\/under-age students.<\/li>\n
                            • Reflects access\/participation; national higher secondary GER improved 2018-23, but Odisha’s declined amid high dropouts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                              What is CAG Report<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                \n
                              • Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India audits govt finances\/performance; this report audits Odisha’s school education sector.<\/li>\n
                              • Tabled Dec 2025; flags inefficiencies like unanalyzed NER decline, poor infrastructure, and ineffective dropout arrest measures.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                Why Decline of Gross Enrolment Ratio<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                  \n
                                • Ineffective measures to curb dropouts from upper primary to secondary, per CAG; no root-cause analysis by state dept.<\/li>\n
                                • Inadequate school infrastructure\/facilities as key indicative reasons; 3.12-7.26% annual dropout rate across classes.<\/li>\n
                                • Data discrepancies (e.g., >100% transitions) suggest enrolment inflation, masking true retention issues in Odisha.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                  Initiatives Taken by State Government (Odisha) and India<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                    \n
                                  • Odisha<\/strong>: ‘Aasa School Jiba’ campaign (Aug 2025) statewide drive to prevent dropouts in 2025-26 academic year.<\/li>\n
                                  • Odisha<\/strong>: NIOS MoU (Nov 2025) accredits schools in high-dropout districts for flexible learning\/re-enrolment of out-of-school kids.<\/li>\n
                                  • Odisha<\/strong>: Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Scheme benefits 3L+ students with financial aid to cut economic barriers\/dropouts.<\/li>\n
                                  • Odisha<\/strong>: Re-enrolled 1,800 dropouts in Malkangiri (Oct 2025) via open schooling; regularized 13K junior teachers for quality.<\/li>\n
                                  • India<\/strong>: UDISE+ 2024-25 data shows national dropout halving via midday meals, scholarships for marginalized groups.<\/li>\n
                                  • India<\/strong>: NIPUN Bharat (2021-on) targets foundational literacy\/numeracy by 2026-27; Vidya Pravesh aids 4.2Cr Grade 1 entrants.<\/li>\n
                                  • India<\/strong>: Union Budget 2025-26 boosts infrastructure\/scholarships; NEP 2020 pushes 100% GER by 2030 with secondary reforms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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

                                      \n
                                    • Conduct dept-level analysis of dropout causes; integrate child tracking surveys for real-time monitoring\/retention.<\/li>\n
                                    • Enhance infrastructure (e.g., Sishu Vatika expansion) and teacher training; scale ANWESHA-like models for ST\/SC retention.<\/li>\n
                                    • Promote community awareness\/digital tools; align state schemes with national like midday meal expansions for equity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                       <\/p>\n

                                      3. National Mission on Edible Oils<\/span><\/h2>\n

                                      Context :<\/strong>The National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO) is in the news as a key government initiative launched to reduce India\u2019s dependence on edible oil imports and achieve self-sufficiency (Atmanirbharta) in edible oil production. It aims to strengthen the domestic oilseed ecosystem through focused interventions in both oil palm cultivation and traditional oilseed crop production.<\/p>\n

                                      What is NMEO?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                        \n
                                      • A government mission to boost domestic edible oil production.<\/li>\n
                                      • Focuses on oil palm expansion and traditional oilseed crop improvement.<\/li>\n
                                      • Provides financial and technical support to farmers and stakeholders.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                        Broad Objectives of NMEO<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                          \n
                                        • Achieve Atmanirbharta in edible oil production.<\/li>\n
                                        • Expand oil palm cultivation and increase crude palm oil output.<\/li>\n
                                        • Improve seed quality and crop yields for major oilseeds.<\/li>\n
                                        • Provide price assurance to oil palm farmers.<\/li>\n
                                        • Strengthen value chains and market linkages.<\/li>\n
                                        • Promote awareness for healthy edible oil consumption.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                          NMEO \u2013 Oil Palm (2021)<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                            \n
                                          • Centrally sponsored scheme with Rs. 11,040 crore budget.<\/li>\n
                                          • Target: 6.5 lakh hectares under oil palm by 2025-26.<\/li>\n
                                          • Increase crude palm oil production to 11.20 lakh tonnes by 2025-26.<\/li>\n
                                          • Focus on states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Northeast.<\/li>\n
                                          • Provides support for seedlings, drip irrigation, and rejuvenation.<\/li>\n
                                          • Introduced Viability Price to protect farmers from price volatility.<\/li>\n
                                          • Fund sharing: 60:40 general states, 90:10 NE states, 100% UTs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                            NMEO \u2013 Oilseeds (2024)<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                              \n
                                            • Seven-year mission (2024-25 to 2030-31) with Rs. 10,103 crore outlay.<\/li>\n
                                            • Increase oilseed production from 39 to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31.<\/li>\n
                                            • Expand oilseed cultivation area from 29 to 33 million hectares.<\/li>\n
                                            • Focus on nine major oilseeds like groundnut, soybean, and rapeseed.<\/li>\n
                                            • Cluster-based interventions by FPOs and cooperatives.<\/li>\n
                                            • Provide free seeds, farmer training, and advisory services.<\/li>\n
                                            • Strengthen seed production via the SATHI portal.<\/li>\n
                                            • Use Krishi Mapper and Krishi Sakhis for implementation and monitoring.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                               <\/p>\n

                                              4. Bio stimulants: The green solution for sustainable Indian agriculture<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

                                              GS PAPER III-economy -Agriculture\"\" <\/strong><\/p>\n

                                              Context <\/strong>: Recent regulatory shift: Provisional registrations for biostimulants expired on June 16, 2025, leaving only 132 approved products under Fertiliser Control Order (FCO), boosting quality and farmer trust.<\/p>\n

                                                \n
                                              • Growing sustainability push: Amid high chemical fertiliser use (139.81 kg\/ha nationally in 2023-24), biostimulants highlighted as eco-friendly alternative to reduce soil degradation and emissions.<\/li>\n
                                              • Seaweed potential: India’s seaweed production at 74,083 tonnes vs. 9.7 million tonnes potential, positioning it as key for blue economy and reducing fertiliser imports.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                What are Biostimulants?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                  \n
                                                • Substances\/micro-organisms stimulating natural plant processes, independent of nutrient content.<\/li>\n
                                                • Enhance nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, crop quality, and climate resilience.<\/li>\n
                                                • Derived from waste like seaweed, humic acids, protein hydrolysates, vitamins.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                  Why Biostimulants Important?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                    \n
                                                  • Reduce chemical fertilizer dependency and input costs for farmers.<\/li>\n
                                                  • Improve soil health, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity.<\/li>\n
                                                  • Boost climate resilience against drought, salinity, temperature stress.<\/li>\n
                                                  • Support UN SDGs: zero hunger, climate action, life on land.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                    Key Objectives Using Biostimulants<\/strong><\/p>\n