UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 December 2025 Summary
This segment discusses significant current events affecting India, focusing on the UPSC syllabus relevance and connections.
Indian Ocean: Cradle of a New Blue Economy
The Indian Ocean is becoming central to global economic and geopolitical dynamics, necessitating a new Blue Economy framework. India historically leads in ocean governance, advocating for seabed resources as common heritage and promoting sustainability through international agreements. Challenges like climate vulnerability, illegal fishing, and declining marine productivity jeopardize this potential. A Blue Economy strategy emphasizes cooperative governance, ecosystem restoration, and climate resilience, aligning with new global financing trends for ocean initiatives.
Centre of Choice for PwBD Candidates
The UPSC has introduced a ‘Centre of Choice’ facility for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), ensuring their preferred exam center, irrespective of capacity. This initiative enhances accessibility, aligns with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, and aims to create a more equitable examination environment.
Sustainable Nuclear Energy (Shanti Bill)
India’s Cabinet approved the SHANTI Bill, reforming nuclear governance and allowing private sector participation in nuclear energy development. This will facilitate the growth of nuclear capacity to meet energy demands and support India’s climate targets.
Proposed Renaming of MGNREGA
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) may be renamed “Pujya Bapu Gramin Rozgar Yojana” with an increase in guaranteed workdays from 100 to 125. This program aims to enhance livelihood security in rural areas and weaken migration pressures due to unemployment.
CoalSETU Policy
A new policy named CoalSETU allows industrial buyers to secure long-term coal linkages through auctions, promoting market efficiency and transparency while aiming to reduce reliance on coal imports.
Savarkar’s Poem Anniversary
The cultural significance of Savarkar’s poem “Sagara Pran Talamalala” marked its 115th anniversary. The poem reflects an exiled revolutioner’s yearning for his homeland, symbolizing the struggles of Indian freedom fighters.
100% FDI in Insurance
The Cabinet has approved increasing the foreign direct investment (FDI) limit in insurance from 74% to 100%. This aims to invite global investments and enhance competition while ensuring regulatory compliance.
Tapanuli Orangutans
Recent flooding in Indonesia’s Batang Toru region has threatened the critically endangered Tapanuli orangutan population. Their habitat is limited, making them the most endangered great ape species.
Geminid Meteor Shower
The annual Geminid meteor shower will peak between December 13-15, 2025, showcasing up to 120 meteors per hour, primarily visible in the Northern Hemisphere. This event can enhance public interest in space science.
Ramsar Site Additions
Siliserh Lake and Kopra Jalashay were designated as Ramsar sites, increasing India’s total to 96. These wetlands are vital for biodiversity, including various bird and mammal species, and face environmental threats requiring conservation efforts.
Conclusion
By contextualizing these events within the UPSC framework, this summary illustrates how interlinked and significant current affairs shape India’s governance, environmental policies, and social justice initiatives. Understanding these facets is essential for comprehensive exam preparation and informed citizenry.
