UPSC Current Affairs 8 December 2025

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticeGS 2: E GovernanceGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

Surveillance apps in welfare, snake oil for accountability, Pg6

Government's surveillance apps for welfare schemes fail to ensure accountability, foster corruption, and demotivate sincere workers, leading to exclusion and inefficiency.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticeGS 2: E GovernanceGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

Surveillance apps in welfare, snake oil for accountability, Pg6

Government's surveillance apps for welfare schemes fail to ensure accountability, foster corruption, and demotivate sincere workers, leading to exclusion and inefficiency.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

A black Friday for aviation safety in India, Pg6

Aviation safety jeopardized as DGCA relaxes flight duty rules under pressure, prioritizing airline interests over passenger safety, raising serious governance concerns.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

A black Friday for aviation safety in India, Pg6

Aviation safety jeopardized as DGCA relaxes flight duty rules under pressure, prioritizing airline interests over passenger safety, raising serious governance concerns.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Balance, not swing, Pg6

India signals strategic autonomy by hosting Putin amidst Western pressure, balancing ties with Russia and navigating geopolitical complexities.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Balance, not swing, Pg6

India signals strategic autonomy by hosting Putin amidst Western pressure, balancing ties with Russia and navigating geopolitical complexities.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 4: Right to Information and Transparency in GovernmentGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Swap app mandates for digital literacy, Pg7

Government withdraws mandatory 'Sanchar Saathi' app preloading after backlash, raising concerns over privacy, surveillance, and digital rights.

Swap app mandates for digital literacy, Pg7

Government withdraws mandatory 'Sanchar Saathi' app preloading after backlash, raising concerns over privacy, surveillance, and digital rights.

GS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: E GovernanceGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

The evolution of pension reforms in India, Pg7

India's pension system evolves: From IGNOAPS to e-SHRAM, aiming for financial inclusion and dignity for the elderly, especially in the informal sector.

GS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: E GovernanceGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

The evolution of pension reforms in India, Pg7

India's pension system evolves: From IGNOAPS to e-SHRAM, aiming for financial inclusion and dignity for the elderly, especially in the informal sector.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 1: Modern HistoryGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure

What are concerns over the draft ISI Bill, 2025?, Pg8

Controversy erupts over draft ISI Bill, 2025, as academicians fear loss of autonomy and government overreach.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 1: Modern HistoryGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure

What are concerns over the draft ISI Bill, 2025?, Pg8

Controversy erupts over draft ISI Bill, 2025, as academicians fear loss of autonomy and government overreach.

EthicsGS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 4: Accountability and Ethical Governance

What the Nithari acquittals reveal about the justice system, Pg8

Nithari case acquittals expose flaws in India's justice system, highlighting wrongful prosecutions, lack of accountability, and denial of victim's rights.

EthicsGS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 4: Accountability and Ethical Governance

What the Nithari acquittals reveal about the justice system, Pg8

Nithari case acquittals expose flaws in India's justice system, highlighting wrongful prosecutions, lack of accountability, and denial of victim's rights.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

What are the legalities involved in organ transplants?, Pg9

Analysis of India's organ transplant laws, highlighting legal ambiguities hindering deceased donations and proposing amendments for clarity and increased availability.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

What are the legalities involved in organ transplants?, Pg9

Analysis of India's organ transplant laws, highlighting legal ambiguities hindering deceased donations and proposing amendments for clarity and increased availability.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 3: Space Technology

U.S. official begins five-day India visit to advance strategic partnership, Pg10

U.S. Under Secretary visits India to bolster strategic ties, economic cooperation, and tech collaboration amidst ongoing tariff concerns.

U.S. official begins five-day India visit to advance strategic partnership, Pg10

U.S. Under Secretary visits India to bolster strategic ties, economic cooperation, and tech collaboration amidst ongoing tariff concerns.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 1: Indian GeographyGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Rajnath unveils border infrastructure projects, Pg12

Defence Minister inaugurates ₹5,000 crore border infrastructure projects, including Shyok Tunnel, enhancing connectivity and security across strategic regions.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 1: Indian GeographyGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Rajnath unveils border infrastructure projects, Pg12

Defence Minister inaugurates ₹5,000 crore border infrastructure projects, including Shyok Tunnel, enhancing connectivity and security across strategic regions.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 2: E Governance

National intelligence grid gains traction as Central agencies, police scour for information, Pg12

NATGRID gains traction with 45,000 monthly requests; agencies urged to scale up usage amid rising cyber incidents.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 2: E Governance

National intelligence grid gains traction as Central agencies, police scour for information, Pg12

NATGRID gains traction with 45,000 monthly requests; agencies urged to scale up usage amid rising cyber incidents.

GS 1: Indian GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Grassland soils, not trees, anchor India’s climate resilience, PgII

Grassland restoration emerges as key climate strategy; soil carbon sequestration potential highlighted in Banni and Solapur grasslands.

GS 1: Indian GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Grassland soils, not trees, anchor India’s climate resilience, PgII

Grassland restoration emerges as key climate strategy; soil carbon sequestration potential highlighted in Banni and Solapur grasslands.

GS 1: Physical GeographyGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 1: Salient Features of World's Physical Geography

Filaments: gentle giants in space, PgII

Astronomers discover 50-million-lightyear-long rotating cosmic filament, challenging galaxy formation theories and revealing universe's largest spinning structure.

GS 1: Physical GeographyGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 1: Salient Features of World's Physical Geography

Filaments: gentle giants in space, PgII

Astronomers discover 50-million-lightyear-long rotating cosmic filament, challenging galaxy formation theories and revealing universe's largest spinning structure.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Tokyo protests after Chinese military aircraft ‘locks radar’ on Japanese jets, Pg14

China-Japan tensions escalate as Chinese jets 'lock radar' on Japanese fighters near Okinawa, prompting Tokyo's strong protest and souring relations.

Tokyo protests after Chinese military aircraft ‘locks radar’ on Japanese jets, Pg14

China-Japan tensions escalate as Chinese jets 'lock radar' on Japanese fighters near Okinawa, prompting Tokyo's strong protest and souring relations.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 4: Corporate Governance

Question mark over role of IndiGo high-profile board, its risk committee in run-up to crisis, Pg1

IndiGo faces DGCA scrutiny over flight disruptions amidst pilot shortage; board's preparedness questioned regarding new Flight Duty Time Limitations.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 4: Corporate Governance

Question mark over role of IndiGo high-profile board, its risk committee in run-up to crisis, Pg1

IndiGo faces DGCA scrutiny over flight disruptions amidst pilot shortage; board's preparedness questioned regarding new Flight Duty Time Limitations.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas

Rajnath inaugurates Shyok Tunnel in eastern Ladakh, 124 other strategic border projects, Pg5

Rajnath Singh inaugurates strategically crucial Shyok Tunnel enhancing military mobility near LAC amid ongoing border tensions with China.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas

Rajnath inaugurates Shyok Tunnel in eastern Ladakh, 124 other strategic border projects, Pg5

Rajnath Singh inaugurates strategically crucial Shyok Tunnel enhancing military mobility near LAC amid ongoing border tensions with China.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityPrelimsGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and AccountabilityGS 2: Representation of the People's Act

SIR process is riddled with opacity and arbitrariness, Pg11

Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls faces scrutiny over transparency, disenfranchisement risks, and procedural flaws.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityPrelimsGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and AccountabilityGS 2: Representation of the People's Act

SIR process is riddled with opacity and arbitrariness, Pg11

Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls faces scrutiny over transparency, disenfranchisement risks, and procedural flaws.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Government BudgetingGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

RBI's interest cut supports growth, amid uncertainties, Pg11

RBI cuts interest rates amid growth, inflation dynamics, and global uncertainties, projecting 7.5% GDP growth for FY26.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Government BudgetingGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

RBI's interest cut supports growth, amid uncertainties, Pg11

RBI cuts interest rates amid growth, inflation dynamics, and global uncertainties, projecting 7.5% GDP growth for FY26.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: Disaster and Disaster ManagementGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

South Asia needs climate solidarity, Pg11

South Asian nations propose regional climate body (SACCC) to combat climate change impacts, pooling resources and knowledge for resilience.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: Disaster and Disaster ManagementGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

South Asia needs climate solidarity, Pg11

South Asian nations propose regional climate body (SACCC) to combat climate change impacts, pooling resources and knowledge for resilience.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and EmploymentGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

India-US deal uncertainty puts over $2-bn apparel orders, jobs at risk, Pg13

India-US trade deal uncertainty jeopardizes $2 billion apparel orders, threatening jobs as negotiations stall and tariffs loom.

India-US deal uncertainty puts over $2-bn apparel orders, jobs at risk, Pg13

India-US trade deal uncertainty jeopardizes $2 billion apparel orders, threatening jobs as negotiations stall and tariffs loom.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 2: E Governance

UIDAI to mandate registration for Aadhaar verification seekers, Pg13

UIDAI mandates registration for entities seeking Aadhaar verification to prevent misuse and ensure data protection under the Aadhaar Act.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 2: E Governance

UIDAI to mandate registration for Aadhaar verification seekers, Pg13

UIDAI mandates registration for entities seeking Aadhaar verification to prevent misuse and ensure data protection under the Aadhaar Act.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: BiotechnologyGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

Your sweat can be a disease tracker, Pg14

AI-powered sweat-analyzing wearables offer needle-free, real-time health monitoring, potentially detecting diabetes, cancer, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s risks early.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: BiotechnologyGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

Your sweat can be a disease tracker, Pg14

AI-powered sweat-analyzing wearables offer needle-free, real-time health monitoring, potentially detecting diabetes, cancer, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s risks early.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 3: Biotechnology

Chemicals poisoning your gut, Pg14

Cambridge study reveals 168 common chemicals disrupt gut bacteria, promoting antibiotic resistance; machine learning model predicts microbiome harm.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 3: Biotechnology

Chemicals poisoning your gut, Pg14

Cambridge study reveals 168 common chemicals disrupt gut bacteria, promoting antibiotic resistance; machine learning model predicts microbiome harm.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

Weight loss drug use now has a much-needed protocol, Pg14

WHO releases first-ever guidelines for weight-loss drugs, prioritizing access for high-risk adults with obesity-related comorbidities and advocating for chronic care models.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

Weight loss drug use now has a much-needed protocol, Pg14

WHO releases first-ever guidelines for weight-loss drugs, prioritizing access for high-risk adults with obesity-related comorbidities and advocating for chronic care models.

Why the rupee has a capital account problem, Pg16

Rupee's depreciation driven by dwindling capital inflows, not current account deficit, raising concerns despite strong GDP growth.

Why the rupee has a capital account problem, Pg16

Rupee's depreciation driven by dwindling capital inflows, not current account deficit, raising concerns despite strong GDP growth.

EthicsGS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Parliament and State Legislatures

How hate speech is regulated in India, and what a Karnataka Bill has proposed, Pg16

Karnataka proposes stringent anti-hate speech law with jail terms up to 10 years and collective organizational liability.

EthicsGS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Parliament and State Legislatures

How hate speech is regulated in India, and what a Karnataka Bill has proposed, Pg16

Karnataka proposes stringent anti-hate speech law with jail terms up to 10 years and collective organizational liability.

News Analysis

Surveillance apps in welfare, snake oil for accountability, Pg6

Surveillance apps in welfare, snake oil for accountability, Pg6

A black Friday for aviation safety in India, Pg6

A black Friday for aviation safety in India, Pg6

​Balance, not swing, Pg6

​Balance, not swing, Pg6

Swap app mandates for digital literacy, Pg7

Swap app mandates for digital literacy, Pg7

The evolution of pension reforms in India, Pg7

The evolution of pension reforms in India, Pg7

What are concerns over the draft ISI Bill, 2025?, Pg8

What are concerns over the draft ISI Bill, 2025?, Pg8

What the Nithari acquittals reveal about the justice system, Pg8

What the Nithari acquittals reveal about the justice system, Pg8

What are the legalities involved in organ transplants?, Pg9

What are the legalities involved in organ transplants?, Pg9

U.S. official begins five-day India visit to advance strategic partnership, Pg10

U.S. official begins five-day India visit to advance strategic partnership, Pg10

Rajnath unveils border infrastructure projects, Pg12

Rajnath unveils border infrastructure projects, Pg12

National intelligence grid gains traction as Central agencies, police scour for information, Pg12

National intelligence grid gains traction as Central agencies, police scour for information, Pg12

Grassland soils, not trees, anchor India’s climate resilience, PgII

Grassland soils, not trees, anchor India’s climate resilience, PgII

Filaments: gentle giants in space, PgII

Filaments: gentle giants in space, PgII

Tokyo protests after Chinese military aircraft ‘locks radar’ on Japanese jets, Pg14

Tokyo protests after Chinese military aircraft ‘locks radar’ on Japanese jets, Pg14

Question mark over role of IndiGo high-profile board, its risk committee in run-up to crisis, Pg1

Question mark over role of IndiGo high-profile board, its risk committee in run-up to crisis, Pg1

Rajnath inaugurates Shyok Tunnel in eastern Ladakh, 124 other strategic border projects, Pg5

Rajnath inaugurates Shyok Tunnel in eastern Ladakh, 124 other strategic border projects, Pg5

SIR process is riddled with opacity and arbitrariness, Pg11

SIR process is riddled with opacity and arbitrariness, Pg11

RBI's interest cut supports growth, amid uncertainties, Pg11

RBI's interest cut supports growth, amid uncertainties, Pg11

South Asia needs climate solidarity, Pg11

South Asia needs climate solidarity, Pg11

India-US deal uncertainty puts over $2-bn apparel orders, jobs at risk, Pg13

India-US deal uncertainty puts over $2-bn apparel orders, jobs at risk, Pg13

UIDAI to mandate registration for Aadhaar verification seekers, Pg13

UIDAI to mandate registration for Aadhaar verification seekers, Pg13

Your sweat can be a disease tracker, Pg14

Your sweat can be a disease tracker, Pg14

Chemicals poisoning your gut, Pg14

Chemicals poisoning your gut, Pg14

Weight loss drug use now has a much-needed protocol, Pg14

Weight loss drug use now has a much-needed protocol, Pg14

Why the rupee has a capital account problem, Pg16

Why the rupee has a capital account problem, Pg16

How hate speech is regulated in India, and what a Karnataka Bill has proposed, Pg16

How hate speech is regulated in India, and what a Karnataka Bill has proposed, Pg16

More News Analysis

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Balance, not swing, Pg6

Balance, not swing, Pg6