{"id":3641,"date":"2025-12-17T07:41:43","date_gmt":"2025-12-17T07:41:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/?p=3641"},"modified":"2025-12-17T14:11:43","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T14:11:43","slug":"current-affairs-17th-december-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/2025\/12\/17\/current-affairs-17th-december-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Current Affairs 17th December 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

1. 21 param vir chakra awardees<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

GS PAPER II-\u00a0Indian Polity and Governance<\/strong><\/p>\n

Context\u00a0 :<\/strong>President Droupadi Murmu has inaugurated the \u201cParam Vir Dirgha\u201d gallery, where portraits of all 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees now replace portraits of 96 British Aides-de-Camp in the corridors of Rashtrapati Bhavan on Vijay Diwas.<\/p>\n

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

Event: Inauguration of \u201cParam Vir Dirgha\u201d gallery at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Vijay Diwas.\u200b<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Location: Corridors of Rashtrapati Bhavan that earlier carried portraits of British Aides\u2011de\u2011Camp.\u200b<\/li>\n
  • Purpose: To honour PVC awardees and to symbolically shed colonial imagery in a key national institution.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Param Vir Chakra: meaning<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Meaning: \u201cParam Vir Chakra\u201d roughly means \u201cWheel\/Medal of Supreme Bravery.\u201d\u200b<\/li>\n
    • Nature: It is India\u2019s highest military decoration for wartime gallantry.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Key features of PVC<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      • Criteria: Awarded for \u201cmost conspicuous bravery or pre\u2011eminent act of valour or self\u2011sacrifice\u201d in the presence of the enemy on land, sea or air.\u200b<\/li>\n
      • Institution: Instituted on 26 January 1950 with effect from 15 August 1947 by the Government of India.\u200b<\/li>\n
      • Authority: Conferred by the President of India on members of all three armed forces without distinction of rank or gender.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Number of awards<\/strong><\/p>\n

          \n
        • Total awards: 21 Param Vir Chakras have been awarded so far.\u200b<\/li>\n
        • Nature of awards: A large proportion have been awarded posthumously for supreme sacrifice in wars, mainly Indo\u2011Pak conflicts.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Significance of displaying PVC portraits<\/strong><\/p>\n

            \n
          1. a) Honouring national heroes<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
              \n
            • Public recognition: Places the faces of all 21 PVC awardees in the nation\u2019s highest constitutional residence, giving them pride of place in state ceremonial space.\u200b<\/li>\n
            • Institutional memory: Ensures that their acts of valour and sacrifice are formally woven into the visual memory of the Republic\u2019s head of state.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                \n
              1. b) Educational value<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                  \n
                • Civic education: Gallery aims to educate visitors, students and dignitaries about stories of courage, sacrifice and defence of sovereignty.\u200b<\/li>\n
                • Role\u2011model effect: Provides concrete biographies and battle narratives that can inspire youth towards service, discipline and patriotism.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                    \n
                  1. c) Psychological and cultural impact<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                      \n
                    • National pride: Replacing colonial officers with Indian heroes boosts collective self\u2011esteem and pride in indigenous military capability.\u200b<\/li>\n
                    • Value transmission: Constant visual exposure in such a symbolic building reinforces values of bravery, duty and self\u2011sacrifice as core to Indian nationhood.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                      British Aides\u2011de\u2011Camp: who and why it matters<\/strong><\/p>\n

                        \n
                      • Identity: British Aides\u2011de\u2011Camp were senior British military officers who served as personal staff and ceremonial assistants to the Viceroy and other colonial authorities.\u200b<\/li>\n
                      • Earlier display: Their portraits reflected the colonial elite who once commanded Indian soldiers and symbolised imperial authority over India.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                        Significance of replacing ADC portraits<\/strong><\/p>\n

                          \n
                        • Symbolic inversion: Shifts the visual narrative from foreign commanders to Indian soldiers who fought and died for independent India.\u200b<\/li>\n
                        • Ownership of history: Asserts that the Rashtrapati Bhavan now celebrates those who defended the Republic, not those who represented colonial rule.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                          Decolonisation of India\u2019s public space<\/strong><\/p>\n

                            \n
                          • Policy trend: Replacement aligns with wider efforts like renaming islands, roads and institutions and redesigning symbols to shed colonial names and insignia.\u200b<\/li>\n
                          • Constitutional fit: Supports the constitutional resolve to secure dignity and fraternity by reflecting India\u2019s own culture, heritage and \u201csanatan values\u201d in public spaces.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                            Constitutional and democratic perspective<\/strong><\/p>\n

                              \n
                            • Sovereign identity: As the President is head of state and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, honouring PVC awardees in Rashtrapati Bhavan affirms sovereignty and democratic control over the military.\u200b<\/li>\n
                            • Republican ethos: Visual culture of state buildings now centres citizens\u2011in\u2011uniform rather than imperial rulers, matching the Constitution\u2019s break from colonialism and commitment to democratic, people\u2011centric governance.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                               <\/p>\n

                              2. Indian Army receives final batch of Apache helicopters<\/span><\/h2>\n

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

                              Context :<\/strong>Final three AH\u201164E Apaches handed over to the Indian Army, completing a six\u2011helicopter squadron.<\/p>\n

                                \n
                              • The helicopters will now be inducted and based at 451 Army Aviation Squadron, Jodhpur.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                Background of the Apache deal<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                  \n
                                • Contract signed around February 2020 between India and the United States government\/Boeing for six AH\u201164E for the Army.<\/li>\n
                                • Value is about 600 million USD, including helicopters, spares, weapons and support.<\/li>\n
                                • First three helicopters delivered earlier this year; last three arrived recently after some delay due to supply\u2011chain issues.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                  What is AH\u201164E Apache? (basics)<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                    \n
                                  • Twin\u2011engine, tandem\u2011seat attack helicopter originally developed by the US; AH\u201164E is its latest advanced variant.<\/li>\n
                                  • Designed for close air support, anti\u2011tank warfare, armed reconnaissance and high\u2011intensity battlefield roles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                    Key features of AH\u201164E<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                      \n
                                    • Advanced sensors including mast\u2011mounted fire\u2011control radar and electro\u2011optical\/infrared systems for all\u2011weather, day\u2011night operations.<\/li>\n
                                    • Armed with 30\u2011mm chain gun, Hellfire class anti\u2011tank missiles, rockets and air\u2011to\u2011air missiles.<\/li>\n
                                    • Network\u2011centric avionics, datalinks and improved engines give higher speed, range and payload.<\/li>\n
                                    • Better survivability due to armour, redundancy and electronic warfare\/self\u2011protection suites.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                      Why Jodhpur is important (strategic)<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                        \n
                                      • Located close to the Western front, enabling quick deployment towards Pakistan border sectors.<\/li>\n
                                      • Offers good infrastructure, existing airbase and connectivity for Army Aviation operations.<\/li>\n
                                      • Allows integration with other formations in Rajasthan desert sector for offensive and defensive roles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                        Army vs Air Force Apache squadrons<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                          \n
                                        • Indian Air Force already operates Apaches; role mainly deep strike, interdiction and air support from IAF bases.<\/li>\n
                                        • Army Apache squadron gives ground formations direct control of attack helicopters for close support.<\/li>\n
                                        • Enhances coordination with armoured and mechanised units in Western theatre.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                          India\u2013US defence cooperation angle<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                            \n
                                          • Apache deal is part of broader high\u2011end defence acquisitions from the US (C\u201117, C\u2011130J, P\u20118I, MH\u201160R etc.).<\/li>\n
                                          • Reflects strategic partnership, interoperability and shared interest in Indo\u2011Pacific security.<\/li>\n
                                          • Involves not only platforms but also training, maintenance, and possible future joint projects.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                            Challenges highlighted<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                              \n
                                            • Delivery delays due to global supply\u2011chain disruptions pushed back original timelines.<\/li>\n
                                            • High acquisition and life\u2011cycle costs place pressure on the defence budget.<\/li>\n
                                            • Need for adequate indigenous maintenance, spares management and crew training to avoid dependence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                               <\/p>\n

                                              3. Inhalable microplastics ,a hidden toxin worsening the air in our cities<\/span><\/h2>\n

                                              GS paper III-Environment and Ecology<\/p>\n

                                              Context :<\/strong>First city\u2011scale study measured inhalable microplastics in ambient air across Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and other cities.<\/p>\n

                                                \n
                                              • Researchers showed these particles can carry toxic metals and chemicals deep into human lungs, worsening urban air\u2011pollution risks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                What are inhalable microplastics?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                  \n
                                                • Tiny plastic fragments or fibres, generally below about 100 micrometres, small enough to be breathed into the respiratory tract.<\/li>\n
                                                • They originate from breakdown of larger plastic products, synthetic textiles, tyres, packaging and other polymer materials.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                  Why are they dangerous?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                    \n
                                                  • Size allows them to bypass upper\u2011airway defences and lodge deep inside bronchi and alveoli.<\/li>\n
                                                  • Their surfaces adsorb heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants and microbes, acting as \u201ctoxic carriers.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                    Key findings of IISER Kolkata study<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                      \n
                                                    • Cities like Kolkata and Delhi showed the highest atmospheric loads of inhalable microplastics.<\/li>\n
                                                    • Detected particles ranged roughly from about 10\u2013100 micrometres, with some even finer fragments.<\/li>\n
                                                    • Many particles were fibres from textiles and tyres, plus fragments containing additives like phthalates.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                      Why more dangerous than expected<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                        \n
                                                      • Very low mass but very high\u00a0number<\/strong>of particles increases total lung\u2011deposited dose.<\/li>\n
                                                      • Irregular shapes and fibrous forms make clearance by cilia and macrophages difficult.<\/li>\n
                                                      • Ability to transport co\u2011pollutants means combined, not just individual, toxicity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                        Health impacts identified<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                          \n
                                                        • Chronic exposure linked to inflammation of airways, reduced lung function and aggravated asthma or COPD.<\/li>\n
                                                        • Potential cardiovascular effects through systemic inflammation and particle translocation into bloodstream.<\/li>\n
                                                        • Endocrine\u2011disrupting chemicals like phthalates may affect reproductive and metabolic health over time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                          Sources of inhalable microplastics<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                            \n
                                                          • Wear and tear of vehicle tyres and brake linings on roads.<\/li>\n
                                                          • Synthetic clothing fibres shed during washing, drying and daily use.<\/li>\n
                                                          • Degradation of plastic waste, packaging, paints and construction materials.<\/li>\n
                                                          • Indoor sources like carpets, upholstery and household dust that can re\u2011suspend outdoors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                            Why AQI fails to capture this threat<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                              \n
                                                            • AQI is built mainly around \u201ccriteria pollutants\u201d like PM\u2082.\u2085, PM\u2081\u2080, SO\u2082, NO\u2082, CO and ozone.<\/li>\n
                                                            • Microplastics are hidden\u00a0inside<\/strong>the PM fraction, but their composition and toxicity are not separately measured.<\/li>\n
                                                            • AQI reports mass concentration, not number or type of particles, so plastic\u2011rich air and mineral\u2011dust\u2011rich air can show same value.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                              Policy and governance implications<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                \n
                                                              • Need to expand monitoring protocols to characterise composition of particulate matter, including plastic content.<\/li>\n
                                                              • Framing standards or guidelines for microplastic levels in air, similar to emerging norms for water and food.<\/li>\n
                                                              • Stronger regulation of plastic production, waste management, tyre and textile shedding in urban areas.<\/li>\n
                                                              • Urban planning must integrate plastic\u2011pollution control with clean\u2011air action plans and climate policies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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

                                                                  \n
                                                                • Shows air pollution is not only about traditional gases and dust but also about \u201cnew age\u201d contaminants like plastics.<\/li>\n
                                                                • Highlights transboundary dimension, as microplastic\u2011laden air masses can cross city and national borders.<\/li>\n
                                                                • Strengthens India\u2019s case for global rules on plastic production, waste trade and microplastic emissions under multilateral forums.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                   <\/p>\n

                                                                  4. FSSAI launches egg safety drive after \u2018nitrofurans presence\u2019 triggers uproar<\/span><\/h2>\n

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

                                                                  Context :<\/strong>FSSAI has ordered nationwide sampling and testing of branded and unbranded eggs for nitrofuran residues after public uproar.<\/p>\n

                                                                    \n
                                                                  • The move follows social\u2011media claims that a major egg brand contained a carcinogenic, banned veterinary drug, prompting regulatory scrutiny.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                    Egg safety drive \u2013 what it is<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                      \n
                                                                    • A targeted surveillance and laboratory\u2011testing campaign to detect banned veterinary\u2011drug residues, especially nitrofurans, in eggs.<\/li>\n
                                                                    • Aims to verify compliance with food\u2011safety standards, reassure consumers, and take enforcement action where violations are found.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                      Nitrofurans \u2013 nature and classification<\/strong><\/p>\n