Current Affairs – December 18, 2025

{GS2 – Governance} Marital Rape Law Reform

• Context (IE): The debate on criminalising marital rape has resurfaced after the introduction of a Private Member’s Bill seeking the removal of the marital rape exception under Section 63 of the BNS (2023).

• According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), around 30% of married women have experienced spousal violence, yet marital rape is still legally exempt.

Why the Marital Rape Exception is a Colonial Relic?

• Colonial Patriarchal Logic: Rooted in British common law, which treated wives as the property of husbands, presuming permanent sexual consent after marriage (Doctrine of Coverture).
• Doctrine of Implied Consent: Based on the outdated idea that marriage constitutes irrevocable consent, now rejected in modern constitutional democracies.
• Incompatible With Constitution: Contradicts Article 14 (equality) and Article 21 (life, dignity, bodily autonomy) as interpreted by the Supreme Court.
• Rejected Elsewhere: The United Kingdom itself abolished the marital rape exception in 1991, exposing the anachronistic nature of India’s retention.
• Ignored Expert Advice: The Justice Verma Committee (2013) categorically recommended removal of the exception, calling it legally indefensible.

Read More> Marital Rape

{GS2 – IR} Rising Security Concerns in Bangladesh

• Context (TH): India summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to convey strong concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Bangladesh.

• The move followed a radical group in Dhaka announcing a march to the Indian High Commission over alleged Indian interference.

India’s Security Concerns in Bangladesh

• Provocative Rhetoric: Bangladeshi leaders threatening to isolate India’s Northeastern states raise territorial concerns.
• Radical Networks: Expanding influence of groups linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Pakistan’s ISI heightens security risks.
• Minority Violence: Violence against Hindus and other minorities creates humanitarian concern for India.
• Safe Haven: Bangladesh risks becoming a refuge for anti-India forces & Northeast separatist groups.

Other Evolving Pain-Points for India

• Trilateral Axis: First-ever China-Pakistan-Bangladesh trilateral meetings signal coordinated strategic pressure on India.
• Defence Rapprochement: Dhaka-Islamabad defence engagement reverses earlier security cooperation with India.
• Teesta Project: China’s push into the Teesta River Management Project raises debt-trap concerns near Indian borders.
• Extradition Dilemma: Sheikh Hasina’s extradition issue reflects tension between sovereignty obligations and bilateral relations.

Read More > India-Bangladesh Relations

{GS2 – IR} India & Argentina Signed Work Plan 2025–27 **

• Context (NOA | PIB): India and Argentina signed the Work Plan 2025–27 to deepen cooperation in agricultural research, capacity building, and technology exchange.

• It was signed between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Argentina’s National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA).
• The plan establishes collaboration across natural resource management, sustainable agronomy, animal biotechnology, and value chain development.
• Implementation: It will be executed through joint research projects, germplasm exchange, expert engagements, training programmes, and study visits.

About India–Argentina Relations

• It dates to 1848, when Argentine traveller Lucio V. Mansilla visited India; Rabindranath Tagore’s 1924 Buenos Aires visit initiated cultural links.
• India opened its embassy in Buenos Aires in 1949; PM Modi visited Argentina in 2025, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian PM in 57 years.
• Diplomatic Milestones: The two countries marked 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2024; ties were elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2019.
• Economic Relations: India and Argentina are working to expand the India–MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to reduce tariffs on a wider range of goods.
• Trade Ties: India is Argentina’s 4^th largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching about USD 5.2 billion in 2024.
  • India imports vegetable oils, cereals, pulses, leather, and chemicals, while exporting petroleum products, agrochemicals, textiles, drugs, and two-wheelers.

Key Areas of Cooperation

• Minerals: Argentina, part of the Lithium Triangle (with Chile and Bolivia); India’s PSU KABIL has secured lithium exploration and mining concessions in Argentina.
• Energy: India’s Heavy Water Board signed a 2024 agreement to supply heavy water to Argentina.
• Defence: A MoU was signed between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Argentine Air Force in 2023 for helicopter spare parts supply and maintenance
• Space: ISRO and Argentina’s CONAE cooperate on satellite data sharing, ground station support; Argentina has participated in ISRO’s UNNATI training program.
• Multilateral Platforms: Both are members of the G20 and G77; Argentina supports India’s UNSC permanent membership bid, while India backs Argentina’s sovereignty claim over the Malvinas Islands.

Read More > About Argentina | India and the Global South

{GS3 – IE} National Pension System Reforms 2025

• Context (FE | HBL): The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority has revised National Pension System norms in 2025 to enhance flexibility for non-government subscribers.

Key Changes Made in NPS 2025

• Enhanced Lump-sum Withdrawal: Up to 80% withdrawal allowed at exit for non-government subscribers. The earlier limit was 60% lump sum + 40% annuity.
• Government Subscribers: 60% lump-sum withdrawal continues without any change.

Corpus-Based Withdrawal Rules

• Corpus ≤ ₹5 lakh: 100% lump-sum withdrawal permitted.
• Corpus ≤ ₹8 lakh: Full withdrawal (100%) allowed at superannuation.
• Corpus ₹8–12 lakh: ₹6 lakh lump sum, remaining amount used for annuity / structured withdrawal.
• Corpus > ₹12 lakh: For Non-government Subscribers Up to 80% lump sum + 20% annuity, and for Government Subscribers Up to 60% lump sum + 40% annuity

Exit & Deferment Provisions

• Normal Exit: Allowed after 15 years of subscription or on attaining 60 years, whichever is earlier.
• Deferment Option: Subscribers may defer lump-sum withdrawal or annuity purchase up to age 85.
• Premature Exit: At least 80% of corpus must be annuitised. If corpus ≤ ₹5 lakh, full withdrawal allowed.

Special Situations

• Death of Subscriber: Entire accumulated corpus paid to nominee / legal heir.
• Missing Subscriber: 20% interim relief to nominees. The remaining amount paid after the legal presumption of death under Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.
• Renunciation of Citizenship: Full lump-sum withdrawal permitted after closing the NPS account.
• Disability: For ≥75% disability, exit is allowed with medical certification from a government doctor.

{GS3 – IE} Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) Tolling System *

• Context (TOI): The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways announced the nationwide rollout of the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) system by the end of 2026.

• The MLFF is a barrier-free electronic tolling system that enables toll collection without needing vehicles to stop or slow down.
• It uses a combination of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to read FASTags and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to capture Vehicle Registration Numbers (VRN).
• Unlike FASTag lanes with boom barriers, MLFF removes physical toll booths and gates entirely.
• Implementing Bodies: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and its subsidiary IHMCL.
• Future Integration: The system is designed to integrate with GNSS-based satellite tolling for distance-based pay-as-you-use charging.
• Key Benefits: MLFF reduces congestion, fuel consumption, emissions, and supports the National Logistics Policy target of reducing logistics costs to single digits.
• Inaugural Sites: India’s first barrier-free toll plaza began on NH-48 in Gujarat, followed by NH-44 in Haryana in 2025.

{GS3 – Envi – RE} Bioenergy Expansion Drive **

• Context (PIB): India has scaled up bioenergy deployment over the last decade under the National Bioenergy Programme (NBP) to improve energy security and meet climate commitments.

Key Achievements in the Bioenergy Sector

• Installed Capacity: Addition of 2,361 MW biomass power and 227.56 MWe waste-to-energy capacity.
• Biogas Coverage: Installation of 2.88 lakh biogas plants, strengthening decentralised energy access.
• Fiscal Support: ₹998 crore outlay under National Bioenergy Programme (NBP), Phase-I (2022–26).
• State Leadership: Maharashtra (1,073 MW) and Karnataka (537 MW) emerged as leading producers.

Significance of Bioenergy for India

• Energy Security: India imports nearly 85% of its crude oil and 50% of natural gas; bioenergy reduces dependence using domestic residues.
• Climate Mitigation: Livestock methane accounts for nearly 44% of agricultural emissions; biogas plants directly curb methane release.
• Waste Management: India generates about 62 million tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, with over 50% biodegradable, suitable for bioenergy.
• Rural Incomes: Over 140 million tonnes of crop residue generated annually can supplement farm incomes through biomass markets.

Challenges Faced in the Bioenergy Sector

• Regional Skew: North East States together account for <1% of installed biomass capacity.
• Residue Burning: Nearly 20–25 million tonnes of paddy straw are burnt annually.
• Urban Constraints: Source segregation remains below 30% in many cities, limiting efficiency.
• Financial Stress: Biomass power tariffs average ₹6–7 per unit, often higher than solar and wind.
• Technology Gap: Advanced biomass gasification and torrefaction remain limited.

Way Forward

• Decentralised Energy: Expand village-level biogas and Bio-CNG clusters with assured offtake; E.g., India’s SATAT scheme linking farmers to fuel markets.
• Feedstock Security: Create organised biomass supply chains through cooperatives; E.g., Punjab straw aggregation pilots reducing stubble burning.
• Urban Integration: Mandate 100% wet-waste segregation for cities above 1 million population.
• Financial Viability: Enable carbon credit monetisation and long-term PPAs; E.g., EU biogas plants earning revenue via carbon markets.
• Technology Upgrade: Promote co-firing and advanced pellets to increase efficiency; E.g., NTPC biomass co-firing pilots and Denmark’s district heating biomass model.

{GS3 – Envi} Delhi Restricts Vehicular Movement for Air Pollution

• Context (HT): The Delhi government has tightened restrictions on vehicular movement as air pollution remains in the severe category across the national capital and surrounding regions.

Recent Steps Taken by the Delhi Government to Curb Vehicular Pollution

• Vehicle Prohibition: BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles are completely banned from operating across the Delhi-NCR region.
• Impound Rule: Diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years can now be impounded.
• Fuel Restriction: Petrol pumps must deny fuel to vehicles that do not possess a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.
  • Plate Surveillance: AI-enabled Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras scan vehicle number plates in real time at fuel stations.
• Traffic Management: Real-time Google Maps data is used to optimise traffic signal timings and reduce idling-related emissions.
• Truck Ban: Trucks carrying construction materials are completely banned, including those meeting BS-VI emission standards.
• Shared Mobility: The government launched a car-pooling application to promote shared rides to reduce the number of private vehicles.

Restrictions under GRAP IV

• Work Policy: A mandatory 50% work-from-home rule applies to both government and private offices to reduce daily commuting.
• Entry Control: Only BS-VI compliant vehicles, CNG vehicles, and Electric Vehicles are permitted to enter Delhi from other states.

Read More > Controlling Air Pollution

{Prelims – S&T} ISRO Released RESPOND Basket 2025 *

• Context (TH): The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has officially released the RESPOND Basket 2025, inviting research proposals from academia.

• RESPOND (REsearch SPonsored by the Department of Space) is a strategic initiative to strengthen collaboration between ISRO and academic institutions.
• The RESPOND Basket 2025 comprises the most important research problems identified by ISRO and the Department of Space (DoS).
• It provides academic participants with insights into the requirements, expected outcomes, and areas of collaboration for India’s upcoming space missions.
• Eligibility: Individuals or groups of scientists and faculty affiliated with academic institutions or autonomous R&D institutions can submit proposals.
• Significance: It promotes problem-driven research, bridges the gap between theoretical research and mission deployment and builds a future-ready talent pipeline for India’s space programme.

{Prelims – S&T} Annatto

• Context (PIB): The CSIR–Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR–CFTRI), Mysuru, a constituent laboratory of CSIR, had undertaken research projects on annatto.

• Annatto is a natural food colouring and flavouring agent derived from the seeds of the Achiote tree.
  • The Achiote tree is native to tropical regions of America but is now widely cultivated in India, Kenya, and the Philippines. It is known as the “Lipstick Tree” and as Sinduri in Sanskrit and Hindi.
• Annatto contains two main carotenoid pigments—bixin (oil-soluble, reddish orange) and norbixin (water-soluble, yellow orange).
• It is the second most used natural food dye, after caramel, adding a yellow-orange hue to foods.
• Industry Use: To colour Cheddar cheese, butter, margarine, snacks, smoked fish, and cosmetic products.
• Health Benefits: It is rich in antioxidants like tocotrienols and shows antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties; it is traditionally used to treat heartburn, fevers, and skin issues.
• Production: Peru is the largest producer. In India, it is mainly grown in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, and Gujarat.
  • India’s export share is rising due to ‘clean-label’ demand.

{Prelims – Diseases} Diabetic Retinopathy

• Context (PIB): Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) launched India’s first AI-driven community screening programme for Diabetic Retinopathy (DR).

• The programme uses MadhuNetrAI, a web-based AI tool for automated retinal image screening at the community level, generating real-time disease prevalence data.

About Diabetic Retinopathy

• It is a microvascular complication of diabetes caused by long-term high blood sugar, damaging the retina and is a leading cause of preventable blindness in adults.
• The disease progresses from early vessel damage (non-proliferative stage) to an advanced stage where abnormal new blood vessels grow, leading to severe vision loss.
• It is diagnosed mainly through a dilated eye examination, with imaging tests used to detect fluid leakage and retinal damage.

Read More > Role of AI in Healthcare

{Prelims – Exercise} Desert Cyclone II

• Context (TH): The 2^nd edition of the India-United Arab Emirates (UAE) joint military exercise Desert Cyclone II is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi from 18-30 December 2025.

About Exercise Desert Cyclone

• It is an annual bilateral joint military exercise between Indian Army and United Arab Emirates Land Forces.
• It focuses on urban sub-conventional operations under a UN peacekeeping mandate, including built-up area combat, heliborne operations, and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) integration.
• The first edition was conducted in January 2024 at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan, and focused on counter-terrorism and peacekeeping in desert and semi-desert terrain.

Read More > Major Military Exercises of India

{Prelims – Reports} Global Value Chain Development Report 2025 *

• Context (ET): The fifth biennial Global Value Chain Development Report, titled ‘Rewiring GVCs in a Changing Global Economy’, was recently published.

• The report is jointly published by the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Economic Forum (WEF) and other partners to analyse global value chain trends.

Key Findings of the Report

• GVC Share: The share of GVC trade declined marginally from 48% in 2022 to 46.3% in 2024.
• Model Shift: Firms and governments are shifting from cost-driven models to security- and resilience-driven value chain strategies.
• Services Role: Services such as design, logistics, and research contribute over one-third of total value added in manufacturing exports.
• Regional Hubs: Global trade is increasingly concentrated in Asia, Europe, and North America, while 10 economies account for 53.5% of export value-added.
• Digital Gap: Africa and Latin America lag significantly in digital readiness under the Global Value Chain Readiness Index.
• Localisation Trend: Firms are producing closer to end markets to reduce logistics disruptions and tariff-related uncertainties.
• Core Drivers: The report identifies three Ds: digitalisation, diversification, and decarbonization as key forces reshaping global value chains.

{Prelims – Awards} Param Vir Chakra

• Context (TH): President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the ‘Param Vir Dirgha’ at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Vijay Diwas, displaying portraits of Param Vir Chakra awardees.

About Param Vir Chakra

• It is India’s highest military decoration, instituted on 26 January 1950 with retrospective effect from 15 August 1947 for acts of supreme valour and self-sacrifice in war.
• It is awarded to personnel of all ranks of the Army, Navy and Air Force (including reserve and auxiliary forces) and it can be awarded posthumously.
• Only 21 Param Vir Chakras have been awarded so far, of which 14 are posthumous; the first recipient was Major Somnath Sharma for the 1947 Battle of Badgam.

Read More > Gallantry Awards

{Prelims – In News} Battle of Adwa (1896)

• Context (DDN): PM Modi paid tribute at the Adwa Victory Memorial in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

• The museum commemorates Ethiopia’s victory over Italian forces during the 1896 Battle of Adwa.

Battle of Adwa (1896)

• The Battle of Adwa marked Ethiopia’s decisive victory over Italy during the 1^st Italo-Ethiopian War.
• Colonial Defeat: It became the first major defeat of a European colonial power by an African state.
• Treaty Dispute: The war arose from discrepancies between the Amharic and Italian versions of the Treaty of Wuchale (1889).
  • Discrepancy: Amharic text allowed optional Italian mediation, while Italian text imposed mandatory control over Ethiopia’s foreign relations.
• Outcome: Italy signed the Treaty of Addis Ababa, formally recognising Ethiopia’s absolute independence and sovereignty.

Significance of Battle of Adwa

• The Ethiopian victory shattered entrenched myths of European invincibility and racial superiority.
• Ethiopia’s success provided tangible proof for other anti-colonial resistance movements worldwide.
• The battle inspired hope and confidence among independence movements, including India.