Daily Current Affairs

China Plans World’s First Fusion-Fission Hybrid Nuclear Reactor

Why in the News?

China has announced plans to build the world’s first hybrid fusion-fission nuclear plant named Xinghuo by 2030, aiming for a Q factor above 30 and a power output of 100 MW.

360° Info.:

The Xinghuo project seeks to revolutionize nuclear energy by combining two processes: fusion and fission.

• Nuclear Fusion is the process where two light atomic nuclei (like hydrogen isotopes) combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing immense energy. This is the same reaction that powers the sun and produces a large number of high-energy neutrons, though it currently yields limited power output on Earth due to technological constraints.

• Nuclear Fission, on the other hand, involves splitting heavy atomic nuclei (like uranium-235 or plutonium-239), which releases energy and more manageable power, but depends on neutron availability and generates long-lived radioactive waste.

A fusion-fission hybrid system leverages fusion’s abundant neutrons to:

• Sustain fission reactions more efficiently

• Breed new fuel from uranium-238 or thorium-232

• Reduce radioactive waste and environmental risks

• Increase fuel availability, making it more sustainable

With a Q factor (output/input) target above 30, Xinghuo could become a game-changer in clean energy. For aspirants, it’s relevant to science and tech, environment, and energy policy, making it important for both Prelims and Mains.

India to Build Its First Indigenous Polar Research Vessel

Why in the News?

India has taken a major step towards constructing its first home-built Polar Research Vessel (PRV) through an MoU between Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and Norway’s Kongsberg, bolstering polar research capabilities and indigenous shipbuilding.

360° Info.:

The Polar Research Vessel (PRV) will play a crucial role in enhancing India’s presence and scientific capabilities in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. It will provide logistical support to Indian research stations like Maitri and Bharati in Antarctica, and Himadri in the Arctic, enabling year-round expeditions and scientific exploration.

Key features of the vessel:

• Equipped with advanced oceanographic sensors and laboratories for studying climate change, polar ecosystems, glaciology, and deep-sea resources.

• Designed to navigate ice-covered waters, making it suitable for extreme polar conditions.

• Will be operated by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa.

Strategic relevance:

• Supports India’s maritime vision under initiatives like SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), MAHASAGAR, and Sagarmala 2.0.

• Aims to boost India’s indigenous shipbuilding as part of the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, targeting top-five global shipbuilder status.

• Enhances India’s geostrategic footprint in polar governance, scientific diplomacy, and sustainable ocean research.

This development is significant for UPSC topics under science & technology, environment, India’s foreign policy, and blue economy.

Laws Passed by Parliament or State Assemblies Not Contempt of Court: Supreme Court

Why in the News?

The Supreme Court, in the case of Nandini Sundar & Ors. vs. State of Chhattisgarh, ruled that laws enacted by legislatures, even if contrary to prior court decisions, do not constitute Contempt of Court (CoC).

360° Info:

This ruling addresses the constitutional balance between legislative powers and judicial authority. The Court clarified that Parliament or State Legislatures have the power to:

• Remove the legal basis of a court judgment, and

• Revalidate a law that was previously struck down by altering its foundational basis.

This does not amount to contempt, provided the new law does not directly override a judicial verdict without altering the underlying legal issue.

What is Contempt of Court?

Contempt refers to actions that undermine the authority, dignity, or functioning of courts.

Types of Contempt:

• Civil Contempt: Wilful disobedience of a court order or undertaking.

• Criminal Contempt:

  • Scandalising the court
  • Prejudicing a fair trial
  • Obstructing the administration of justice

Legal and Constitutional Framework:

• Contempt of Courts Act, 1971
• Rules to Regulate SC Proceedings (1975)
• Article 129: Supreme Court’s contempt power
• Article 215: High Court’s contempt power
• Article 142: Allows SC to ensure complete justice
• Article 19(2): Free speech can be reasonably restricted for contempt

Safeguards under the 1971 Act:

• Innocent publication

• Fair and reasonable criticism of judicial acts

• Accurate and bona fide reporting of court proceedings

This verdict is important for Polity (GS Paper II), especially regarding separation of powers, judicial review, and legislative supremacy.

Government of India Launches Krishi Nivesh Portal to Transform Agricultural Investments

Why in the news?

The Government of India has launched the Krishi Nivesh Portal, a unified digital platform that consolidates multiple agricultural schemes to simplify investment tracking and speed up loan approvals, boosting private sector investment in agriculture.

360° Info:

What is the Krishi Nivesh Portal?

• A centralized digital platform launched by the Government of India.
• Integrates various agricultural investment schemes from different ministries and states.
• Aims to simplify and streamline agricultural investments for farmers, entrepreneurs, and producer organizations.

Key Features and Functionality:

• Aggregates information on 17 flagship schemes including Agriculture Infrastructure Fund and PM-KUSUM.

• Enables users to:

  • Track investment opportunities geographically.

  • Monitor status of loan and scheme applications.

  • Access detailed information about each scheme in one place.

• Enhances ease of doing business in agriculture by providing a one-stop solution.

Integration of Government Schemes:

• Combines schemes from 14 central ministries such as agriculture, food processing, rural development, and renewable energy.

• Includes schemes from 9 state departments, reducing fragmented information.

• Government plans to onboard about 300 additional schemes for broader coverage.

Impact on Agricultural Investment:

• Encourages private sector investment critical for boosting productivity and infrastructure.

• Government allocated Rs 1.31 lakh crore for these schemes in FY 2025.

• Private investments in agriculture stood at Rs 2.79 lakh crore in the previous fiscal year.

• Portal addresses challenges like slow loan disbursal and lack of centralized information.

Future Prospects:

• Expected to include:

  • Credit-linked schemes.

  • Public-private partnership projects.

  • Venture capital and startup investments in agriculture.

• Aims to build a robust, transparent, and efficient investment environment.

• Supports modernization of agriculture, improved value chains, and sustainability goals.

Government’s Vision:

• Bridge information gaps between various departments and ministries.

• Promote seamless coordination to boost agricultural investments.

• Align with broader goals of rural development, increased farmer income, and food security.

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Jharkhand to Establish First Tiger Safari in Barwadih Western Forest Range Amid Community Concerns

Why in the news?

Jharkhand government plans to create its first tiger safari in the Barwadih Western Forest Range of Palamau Tiger Reserve to promote tourism and conservation education. However, concerns have been raised regarding the potential impact on local forest communities.

360° Info:

A tiger safari is a controlled environment for viewing tigers, mainly created in buffer zones to manage tourist flow and increase chances of tiger sightings. This concept was introduced by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in 2012.

Key points about tiger safaris:

• Initially designed for rescued or conflict-prone tigers; zoo-bred tigers allowed after 2019 amendments.

• The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) ensures animal welfare and project compliance.

• Supreme Court (March 2024) ruled tiger safaris must not be located within core or buffer zones of reserves, protecting natural habitats.

Jharkhand’s plan includes:

• Location: Barwadih Western Forest Range, Palamau Tiger Reserve.

• Area: Approximately 150 hectares.

• Tigers: Only rescued tigers, no wild ones.

• Employment: Expected to generate around 200 local jobs in various roles.

Project timeline:

• Currently in ideation phase.

• Detailed Project Report (DPR) to be prepared by Forest Department.

• DPR to be submitted to NTCA and CZA for approval (5–6 months).

• Construction phase expected to last about 18 months post-approval.

Community concerns:

• Risk of marginalizing forest-dwelling communities by restricting grazing and forest produce collection.

• Impact on Adivasi livelihoods and local economies.

• Locals often perceived as threats to biodiversity, causing social tension.

Calls for action:

• Activists urge consultation with local communities and Gram Sabha consent.

• Emphasis on transparency and respecting community rights to avoid legal issues.

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17 Women Cadets Graduate from NDA, Marking a Historic Step for Women in Indian Armed Forces

Why in the news?

Seventeen women cadets have graduated from the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, highlighting the expanding role of women in India’s military leadership. This milestone follows recent policy changes allowing women permanent commissions and entry into combat roles.

360° Info:

The journey of women in the Indian armed forces has been gradual but significant. It began with the establishment of the Military Nursing Service in 1888, allowing women to serve in medical roles. Over time, their roles expanded:

• In 1958, women doctors began receiving regular commissions in the armed forces.

• The Women Special Entry Scheme introduced in 1992 allowed women to join select non-combat branches, though without permanent commissions.

• A landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2020 granted women permanent commissions and eligibility for command positions in the military.

Following these legal changes, the NDA opened its doors to women cadets in 2021, marking a historic shift. The academy adopted a gender-neutral training regime, integrating women fully with their male counterparts. This integration includes shared squadrons and identical rigorous training programs.

The graduation of 17 women cadets is a milestone, symbolizing progress toward equal opportunities. It opens pathways for women to join combat arms and aspire for leadership roles traditionally held by men.

Despite progress, challenges persist:

• Need for policies supporting maternity leave, childcare, and spousal postings.

• Cultural shifts required to foster an inclusive environment.

• Revision of promotion and evaluation criteria to accommodate women’s unique challenges in service.

This evolving landscape promises a more diverse and capable Indian armed forces in the years ahead.

Operation Shield: Western Border States Conduct Mock Drills for Emergency Readiness

Why in the News?

States and Union Territories along India’s western border recently conducted coordinated mock drills under Operation Shield to evaluate preparedness against potential external threats.

360° Info:

Operation Shield is a coordinated civil defence and emergency preparedness exercise initiated to simulate and assess India’s response to possible external security threats, particularly along the western border states such as Rajasthan, Punjab, Gujarat, and Jammu & Kashmir. The operation aims to test real-time preparedness against situations like enemy air raids, missile strikes, drone intrusions, and mass evacuations.

Key components of the drill include:

• Silent and general recalls of civil defence volunteers to assess mobilization capabilities.

• Evacuation drills for vulnerable populations, ensuring safe and timely relocation procedures.

• Inter-agency coordination between local administration, police, armed forces, disaster management authorities, medical services, and fire departments.

• Testing of communication systems, public alert mechanisms, and rapid-response protocols.

The operation is supervised jointly by state authorities and central agencies, such as the Ministry of Home Affairs and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). These exercises help identify logistical or infrastructural gaps, assess public awareness levels, and strengthen grassroots-level crisis management capacity.

For aspirants, this topic links to internal security (GS Paper III), disaster preparedness, border management, and civil defence frameworks, making it crucial for both Prelims and Mains understanding.

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ADB Pledges $10 Billion to Strengthen India’s Urban Infrastructure

Why in the News?

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has committed $10 billion to support India’s urban development, including metro rail expansion and encouraging private investment through the Urban Challenge Fund.

360° Info:

The Asian Development Bank (ADB), established in 1966 and headquartered in Manila, Philippines, is a multilateral development finance institution that promotes economic development and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. It has 69 member countries, with 50 from Asia-Pacific and 19 from other regions. Major shareholders include Japan and the USA (each holding 15.6% voting power), followed by China, India, and Australia.

ADB’s recent $10 billion funding commitment to India targets comprehensive urban infrastructure enhancement, focusing on:

• Metro rail network expansion in key metropolitan cities to improve urban mobility and reduce traffic congestion.

• Supporting the Urban Challenge Fund, designed to mobilize private sector investments in urban projects such as affordable housing, sanitation, waste management, and smart city initiatives.

• Promoting climate-resilient infrastructure that can withstand environmental challenges, aligning with India’s goals under the National Urban Policy Framework.

• Encouraging technology-driven, sustainable, and people-centric urban growth models.

This partnership is crucial to India’s ongoing urban transformation, helping accommodate rapid urbanization while promoting inclusivity and environmental sustainability. It also reflects ADB’s strategic emphasis on regional development, infrastructure financing, and green urbanization.

For aspirants, this topic relates to international development institutions (GS Paper II), urbanization and infrastructure (GS Paper III), and India’s sustainable development goals.

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India’s Private Telecom Operators Raise Concerns Over Satellite Communication Pricing

Why in the news?

India’s private telecom companies have expressed concerns about the pricing structure for satellite-based communication networks. This issue is significant as satellite communication plays a vital role in expanding connectivity across remote and underserved regions.

360° Info:

Satellite Communication (SATCOM) involves using artificial satellites as relay stations in space to transmit data over long distances. Unlike terrestrial communication, SATCOM enables wireless communication over vast areas, including places where conventional infrastructure is difficult to establish, such as remote villages, mountains, and oceans.

The technology operates primarily over radio frequencies and depends on satellites positioned in different orbital paths:

• Low Earth Orbit (LEO): Satellites orbiting close to Earth, enabling low latency and better connectivity for services like internet.

• Medium Earth Orbit (MEO): Positioned higher than LEO, used for navigation systems like GPS.

• Geostationary Satellite Orbit (GSO): Satellites that stay fixed over a point on the Earth, commonly used for TV broadcasting and weather forecasting.

Private telecom operators in India rely on SATCOM to enhance coverage, especially in rural and difficult terrains. However, these operators have raised concerns about the pricing model imposed for accessing satellite networks, which they argue could hinder affordable and widespread connectivity expansion. This issue has wider implications for India’s digital inclusion goals, telecom sector growth, and the government’s push for universal internet access under initiatives like Digital India.

Understanding satellite communication’s role and the ongoing pricing debate is essential for aspirants studying the evolving telecommunications landscape, digital infrastructure policies, and their socio-economic impacts.

India Reaffirms Glacier Protection at Global Dushanbe Conference

Why in the News?

India participated in the High-Level International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, and reiterated its commitment to safeguard Himalayan glaciers amid growing global concern over climate change impacts.

360° Info.:

Glaciers, often called the world’s natural freshwater reservoirs, store nearly two-thirds of Earth’s freshwater and play a critical role in regulating climate, river systems, and monsoons. Their rapid retreat due to global warming is emerging as a major environmental and socio-economic threat, especially in mountainous regions like the Hindu Kush Himalayas (HKH).

• The HKH region, which stretches across eight countries including India, hosts over 54,000 glaciers, contributing significantly to the flow of major South Asian rivers like the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra.

• Glaciers influence monsoon patterns through temperature gradients that drive atmospheric circulation.

• They also serve as climate archives, preserving thousands of years of atmospheric and temperature data, crucial for understanding long-term climate trends.

India has taken several initiatives:

• The National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) under the NAPCC focuses on glacier health and sustainable development.

• Establishment of glacier monitoring centres and promotion of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) risk assessment.

• Global cooperation through frameworks like the Paris Agreement and partnerships with institutions such as ICIMOD.

The Dushanbe conference emphasized the need for urgent global collaboration, particularly with 2025 declared as the International Year of Glaciers Preservation and the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences (2025–2034), led by UNESCO and WMO. These steps aim to protect fragile cryospheric ecosystems and ensure water security for millions.

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IndiaAI Mission Scales Up with Over 34,000 GPUs for AI Development

Why in the News?

India’s compute capacity under the IndiaAI Mission crossed 34,000 GPUs, significantly boosting AI innovation by enabling large-scale model training and promoting indigenous AI suited to Indian needs.

360° Info.:

The IndiaAI Mission, launched in 2024 by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), is a flagship initiative aimed at making India a global AI powerhouse. With the recent addition of 15,916 new GPUs, the nation’s total AI compute capacity has now crossed 34,000 GPUs, a major leap in enabling high-performance computing required for training large language models (LLMs) and other advanced AI systems.

Key components of the mission include:

• IndiaAI Compute Capacity: To ensure access to scalable computing infrastructure.

• IndiaAI Innovation Centres: Incubating research and product development in key sectors.

• IndiaAI Kosh: A centralized data platform to support model training with quality datasets.

This infrastructure has already supported indigenous AI models like Sarvam-1, a multilingual LLM trained specifically for Indian linguistic and cultural contexts. It also fosters AI startups and research through public-private collaboration and funding.

However, challenges persist:

• High energy consumption and cooling requirements of GPU clusters.

• Infrastructure costs and maintenance in remote or underdeveloped regions.

• Concerns about bias in training data, explainability, and ethical use of AI.

For UPSC aspirants, this development links to topics in science and technology, innovation policy, digital economy, and ethics in AI, relevant for both Prelims and Mains.

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Integral Humanism: Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s Vision for India

Why in the News?

Born on September 25, 1916, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s ideology of Integral Humanism continues to shape contemporary discourse on governance, economy, and Indian cultural thought.

360° Info.:

Integral Humanism (Ekatma Manavvad), propounded by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya in 1965, presents an indigenous model of development rooted in India’s cultural ethos and spiritual traditions. It offers a middle path between capitalism and socialism, focusing on human-centric progress rather than material accumulation.

Key pillars of the philosophy:

• Primacy of the Whole: Society is seen as an organic entity where individual well-being is linked to collective welfare.

• Supremacy of Dharma: Upholds ethical governance guided by moral duty rather than material interest.

• Autonomy of Society: Advocates bottom-up development, with self-reliant villages forming the backbone of the economy.

Core principles include:

• Antyodaya – the upliftment of the most deprived as the benchmark for policy success.

• Emphasis on Chiti (cultural identity) and Virat (collective national consciousness) as drivers of unity and purpose.

• Promotion of decentralized governance, local resource utilization, and sustainable living in harmony with nature.

The philosophy rejects Western individualism and consumerism, instead integrating spiritual values with economic development. It continues to influence Indian policymaking, especially in rural development, education, and social welfare, and holds relevance in debates on Indian models of governance and socio-economic thought.