Daily Current Affairs 2025  

25/12/2025

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CA-25/12/2025

• AILA, the Artificially Intelligent Lab Assistant developed by IIT Delhi researchers, has generated significant buzz in scientific and media circles since its announcement on December 22, 2025.
• Recent coverage highlights its breakthrough in autonomously running Atomic Force Microscope experiments, marking a shift toward AI-driven labs.​

• AILA, or Artificially Intelligent Lab Assistant, is an AI agent developed by IIT Delhi researchers in collaboration with teams from Denmark and Germany.
• It autonomously conducts complex scientific experiments, such as operating an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), analyzing results, and making real-time decisions without human intervention.

• Memorable Acronym: Short, catchy, and easy to pronounce — feels human yet clearly technological.
• Identity: “Lab Assistant” suggests precision, reliability, and a role in research or education.
• Flexibility: Could be branded for science labs, educational platforms, or even creative studios.

• Controls delicate instruments like AFM to image nanoscale materials, adjusting parameters for high-resolution results.
• Reduces experiment optimization time from 24 hours to 7-10 minutes, saving manpower and accelerating research.​
• Observes data outputs, decides corrections, and iterates until optimal results, mimicking a trained scientist.​

• Education: Helping students with structured notes, quizzes, and explanations (like a digital teaching assistant).
• Research: Assisting scientists with data organization, experiment tracking, or literature reviews.
• Creative Labs: Supporting design, brainstorming, and prototyping in innovation hubs.

• Organizer: National Commission for Women (NCW)
• Duration: 6 months
• Grant Amount: ₹1,00,000 (one‑time financial support)
• Target Group: Young Indian citizens aged 21–30 with at least a bachelor’s degree
• Deadline: Applications typically close on 31 December 2025 for the current cycle

• Encourage policy‑focused research on women’s rights, safety, dignity, and empowerment
• Strengthen evidence‑based policymaking by bridging research with law, advocacy, and implementation
• Provide a national platform for young scholars to contribute to gender equality and social justice

• Women’s safety and dignity
• Gender‑based violence and access to justice
• Cybersecurity and online safety
• Implementation of POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) framework in workplaces
• Women’s leadership and political participation
• Health, nutrition, education, and skill development
• Economic empowerment and labour participation

• Age: 21–30 years
• Education: Minimum bachelor’s degree (any discipline)
• Citizenship: Must be an Indian citizen
• Proposal: Submission of a clear, innovative research proposal on women‑centric issues

• Short duration: Six months may limit depth of research; applicants should design focused, achievable projects.
• Competitive selection: Fellowship is prestigious, so proposals must be innovative and policy‑relevant.
• Funding scope: ₹1 lakh is supportive but may not cover extensive fieldwork; scholars should plan budgets carefully.

• Rocket Used: LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3), nicknamed Baahubali, ISRO’s heaviest rocket
• Payload: BlueBird Block-2 satellite, weighing 6,100 kg – the heaviest payload ever launched from Indian soil
• Customer: AST SpaceMobile (USA), under a commercial deal with NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL)
• Orbit: Injected into a 520 km Low Earth Orbit (LEO) about 15 minutes after liftoff
• Purpose: To provide direct-to-smartphone cellular broadband connectivity worldwide, even in remote areas
• Technology: Features a 223 m² phased-array antenna, making it the largest commercial communications satellite ever deployed in LEO

Feature	Details
Mission Number	6th operational flight of LVM3
Payload Record	Heaviest satellite (6,100 kg) launched by ISRO
Commercial Impact	Strengthens India’s role in the global space launch market
Applications	Space-based 5G broadband, direct-to-mobile connectivity
Past LVM3 Missions	Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, OneWeb satellites

• Operator: AST SpaceMobile, USA
• Launch Vehicle: ISRO’s LVM3-M6 (also called "Bahubali" rocket)
• Launch Site: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
• Mass: 6,100 kg (record-breaking payload for India)
• Orbit: Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
• Mission Type: Dedicated commercial mission by ISRO’s NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL)

• Direct-to-Device Connectivity: Enables space-based cellular broadband services directly to regular mobile phones, bypassing terrestrial cell towers.
• Global Coverage: Designed to provide high-speed internet access worldwide, especially in remote or underserved regions.
• Commercial Collaboration: Part of ISRO’s growing role in international satellite launches, strengthening India’s position in the global space market.

• Policy reforms like the Patents (Amendment) Rules 2024 streamlined processes, while digital tools such as AI-powered trademark search and IP Saarthi chatbot boosted efficiency.
• Domestic innovation surged, signaling self-reliance in R&D across industry, academia, and startups.
• Over five years, filings grew 44% from 4.77 lakh in FY21, with GIs up 380% and designs 266%.

• Innovation Momentum: The surge reflects India’s push toward becoming a global innovation hub, with startups, MSMEs, and research institutions filing more patents.
• Domestic Strength: The majority of patent filings now come from Indian residents, marking a shift from dependency on foreign filings to homegrown R&D.
• Brand Building: Trademark filings show India’s consumer and corporate sectors are actively protecting brand identity in a competitive market.
• Policy Support: Government initiatives like Digital India, Startup India, and faster IPR processing timelines have contributed to this record growth.

• Quality vs. Quantity: While filings are rising, ensuring the quality of patents and their commercialization remains critical.
• Awareness Gap: Many small businesses and creators still lack awareness of IPR benefits, especially in rural areas.
• Global Benchmarking: India’s filings are growing fast, but still trail behind global leaders like the US and China in absolute numbers.

• Economic Development: Strengthening innovation ecosystems.
• Inclusive Governance: Empowering startups and MSMEs through legal protection.
• Social Justice: Safeguarding creative and indigenous knowledge via copyrights and geographical indications.

• Open Market Operations (OMOs):
  RBI will buy ₹2 lakh crore worth of government securities in four tranches of ₹50,000 crore each (Dec 29, Jan 5, Jan 12, Jan 22).
• Forex Swap Auction:
  A $10 billion USD/INR buy-sell swap with a three-year tenor will be conducted on Jan 13, 2026.
• Objective:
  To ease funding pressures, stabilize short-term rates, and ensure orderly liquidity conditions in the banking system.

• Liquidity turned deficit on December 17, 2025, despite prior RBI support via variable rate repo auctions and earlier OMOs, due to rupee defense amid US trade uncertainties and FPI outflows.
• RBI emphasized maintaining ample liquidity without targeting a specific surplus, building on ₹1.45 trillion already infused in December 2025 and ₹6.5 lakh crore in bond buys year-to-date.​

• For Banks:
  More liquidity means easier access to funds, potentially lowering short-term borrowing costs.
• For Markets:
  Bond yields may soften as RBI buys government securities, while forex markets could see reduced volatility.
• For Economy:
  Supports credit flow to businesses and households, especially important during year-end tax outflows.

• Inflationary Pressure: Large liquidity injections can fuel inflation if not carefully managed.
• Currency Impact: The $10 billion swap could influence INR stability; RBI must balance liquidity with forex market confidence.
• Temporary Relief: These measures address immediate deficits but structural liquidity management remains crucial.

Factor	Traditional Advertising	Creator Economy
Trust	Top-down, brand-driven	Peer-like, authentic voices
Reach	Mass media	Digital-first, niche communities
Engagement	Passive consumption	Interactive, participatory
Impact on Spending	Limited attribution	30%+ direct purchase influence
Future Growth	Incremental	Exponential ($1T by 2030)

• Oversaturation: Too many creators can dilute trust if content feels repetitive or commercialized.
• Regulation & transparency: Disclosure of paid partnerships is critical to maintain credibility.
• Platform dependency: Creators and brands rely heavily on algorithms of Instagram, YouTube, etc., which can shift suddenly.
• Consumer fatigue: Constant exposure may lead to skepticism if authenticity is questioned.

• Brands: Must treat creators as long-term partners, not just campaign tools. Agile strategies and community engagement are essential.
• Consumers: Benefit from personalized recommendations and trust-based discovery, but should remain cautious of hidden sponsorships.
• Economy: Creator-led commerce is becoming a structural pillar of digital consumption, reshaping how products are marketed and sold.

• Birth name: Munshi Ram (also called Brihaspati)
• Born: 22 February 1856, Talwan village, Jalandhar, Punjab
• His father, Lala Nanak Chand, was a police officer in the East India Company.
• Though deprived of formal schooling in early years, he developed a pragmatic outlook shaped by life experiences.

• Arya Samaj Leadership: Became a disciple of Swami Dayanand Saraswati and took sannyas, adopting the name Shraddhanand.
• Educational Reforms: Founded Gurukul Kangri University in Haridwar (1902), promoting Vedic education and national pride.
• Social Reform: Championed the Shuddhi Movement (purification and reconversion to Hinduism), aimed at consolidating Hindu society in the 1920s.
• Advocated social equality, upliftment of marginalized communities, and women’s education.
• Played a key role in Sangathan (organization), strengthening Hindu unity against colonial and communal challenges.

• Actively participated in the Indian independence movement.
• His speeches and writings inspired national awakening and resistance against British rule.
• Worked to align social reform with political liberation, making him a unique figure bridging spirituality and nationalism.

• Remembered as a towering figure of courage, reform, and education, whose vision continues to inspire movements for inclusive governance and social justice.

• The Mahasagar Doctrine is India’s expanded maritime and geopolitical vision, unveiled in 2025, building upon the earlier SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policy.
• It emphasizes India’s leadership in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and the Global South, focusing on security, trade, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.

• MAHASAGAR stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
• The word Mahasagar means "Great Ocean," symbolizing India’s ambition to expand its influence beyond the Indian Ocean.

• Strengthen India’s leadership in the Indian Ocean and Global South.
• Promote inclusive growth, security, and sustainable development.
• Enhance trade, technology-sharing, and economic cooperation.
• Build resilience against climate change and disasters.
• Expand connectivity and infrastructure projects.

1. Security Cooperation – Maritime safety, counter-piracy, naval exercises.
2. Trade for Development – Economic integration, technology transfer, trade facilitation.
3. Capacity Building & Disaster Management – Humanitarian aid, reconstruction packages (e.g., Sri Lanka cyclone aid worth USD 450 million).
4. Sustainable Development – Climate resilience, renewable energy, blue economy.
5. Connectivity & Infrastructure – Ports, shipping lanes, digital networks.

• Positions India as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean.
• Counters China’s Maritime Silk Route and growing influence in IOR.
• Strengthens India’s role in the Global South, aligning with South-South cooperation.
• Enhances India’s soft power through humanitarian aid and inclusive development.

Aspect	SAGAR (2015)	MAHASAGAR (2025)
Focus	Indian Ocean security & growth	Global South security, trade, development
Scope	Maritime-centric	Maritime + economic + geopolitical
Acronym	Security and Growth for All in the Region	Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions
Key Objective	Net security provider in IOR	Leadership role in Global South
Example Initiative	Naval cooperation	$450M aid to Sri Lanka, Mauritius outreach

• Capital of Vijayanagara Empire: Hampi was the last great Hindu kingdom’s capital, flourishing between the 14th and 16th centuries.
• Cultural hub: Its rulers built magnificent temples, palaces, and market streets admired by travelers from Persia, Portugal, and beyond.
• Decline: In 1565, the city was conquered by the Deccan Sultanates, pillaged for six months, and eventually abandoned.

• Virupaksha Temple: Still an active place of worship, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Vittala Temple: Famous for the iconic stone chariot and musical pillars.
• Hazara Rama Temple: Known for intricate carvings depicting Ramayana scenes.
• Lotus Mahal: A blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture, used as a royal retreat.
• Elephant Stables: Grand domed chambers for royal elephants.
• Achyutaraya Temple: A large temple complex showcasing Vijayanagara artistry.

• Conservation issues: Looting, weathering, and encroachment have threatened the site.
• Endangered status: It was listed as endangered between 1999–2006 due to neglect and development pressures.

• Core Role: The ICAO Council acts as ICAO’s executive body, responsible for setting policies, adopting standards, and supervising the Secretariat when the Assembly is not in session.
• Membership: Out of ICAO’s 193 member states, 36 are elected every three years by the Assembly to serve on the Council.
• Leadership: The Council elects a President (non-voting) who manages its work and guides diplomatic engagements.
• Headquarters: ICAO is based in Montreal, Canada, where the Council meets regularly.

• Oversight of ICAO Secretariat: Ensures the Secretariat implements Assembly resolutions and Council decisions.
• Policy & Standards: Adopts international Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) for aviation safety, security, efficiency, and environmental protection.
• Budget & Work Programme: Approves ICAO’s budget and sets priorities for technical and diplomatic work.
• Dispute Resolution: Acts as a quasi-judicial body to settle disputes between member states on aviation matters.
• Global Representation: Balances representation among states of chief importance in air transport, states contributing to international air navigation facilities, and states ensuring geographic representation.

• Regional Trade Hub: Will enhance Kuwait’s share in global supply chains and strengthen its logistics infrastructure
• Security & Connectivity: Positioned to create a secure corridor linking Gulf trade routes with Asia and Europe
• Economic Diversification: Expected to boost GDP, create jobs, and reduce reliance on oil revenues
• Geopolitical Significance: Seen as a key node in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, increasing Kuwait’s importance in regional geopolitics

• Regional Tensions: The port’s location near Iraq has previously raised concerns about sovereignty and navigation rights.
• Environmental Impact: Bubiyan Island is ecologically sensitive, requiring careful management of dredging and construction.
• Dependence on China: While beneficial for financing and expertise, heavy reliance on Chinese firms may raise geopolitical risks.

• Origin: Emerged in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu during the Nayaka period (1600 AD) and flourished under the Maratha rulers (1676–1855).
• Influences: Inspired by Vijayanagara traditions, temple art, and devotional themes.
• Recognition: Awarded Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2007–08, protecting its authenticity.

• Medium: Traditionally painted on wooden panels (palagai padam).
• Materials: Use of gesso (lime paste), natural colors, and gold foil for embellishment.
• Themes: Primarily Hindu gods and goddesses—Krishna, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Balaji.
• Style:
  • Bright, flat colors with bold outlines.
  • Figures adorned with semi-precious stones and gold leaf.
  • Ornate arches and decorative borders framing the deity.

• Devotional Art: Created as offerings in temples and homes, symbolizing prosperity and spirituality.
• Legacy: Passed down through generations of artisans, maintaining its distinctive identity despite modern adaptations.
• Modern Use: Popular in home décor, exhibitions, and cultural showcases, while retaining its sacred aura.

Feature	Thanjavur Painting	Madhubani Painting	Pattachitra
Origin	Tamil Nadu	Bihar	Odisha
Medium	Wooden panels	Handmade paper/walls	Cloth/canvas
Themes	Hindu deities	Mythology, folklore	Hindu epics
Style	Gold foil, gems, bold outlines	Geometric, vibrant colors	Intricate detailing
Recognition	GI tag (2007–08)	GI tag (2007)	GI tag (2004)

• Authenticity vs. Commercialization: Mass-produced imitations dilute traditional craftsmanship.
• Preservation: Requires skilled artisans and awareness to sustain heritage.
• Cost: Genuine Thanjavur paintings are expensive due to gold and labor-intensive techniques.

• PMLA aims to prevent money laundering, seize tainted property, penalize offenders, and impose record-keeping duties on banks and financial institutions.
• It enforces obligations on reporting entities to verify client identities and report suspicious transactions to FIU-IND.​

• Offence Definition (Section 3): Involves processes like concealment, possession, or use of proceeds from scheduled crimes, including indirect assistance.​
• Punishment (Section 4): Rigorous imprisonment of 3-7 years (up to 10 years for narcotics-related cases) plus fines; offences are cognizable and non-bailable.​
• Attachment and Confiscation (Sections 5, 8): Enforcement Directorate (ED) can provisionally attach properties linked to laundering, confirmed by an Adjudicating Authority.​

• ED and FIU-IND hold summoning rights (Section 50), inspection, and evidence collection powers, with PMLA overriding conflicting laws (Section 71).
• Scheduled offences from acts like NDPS, IPC, or FEMA trigger PMLA application.​

• Supreme Court in Vijay Madanlal Choudhary v. Union of India upheld PMLA's stringency, affirming standalone money laundering offences and twin bail conditions under Section 45.
• Enacted under Article 253 for international compliance, it came into force on July 1, 2005.​

• Enacted in 2012: Passed by the Indian Parliament on 22 May 2012, notified in November 2012.
• Scope: Applies to all children (below 18 years), covering offences like penetrative sexual assault, aggravated assault, sexual harassment, and use of children for pornography.
• Gender-neutral law: Protects both boys and girls equally.
• Special Courts: Mandates setting up of Special Courts for speedy trial of offences.
• Child-friendly procedures: Statements of the child must be recorded in safe environments, preferably by women police officers, without aggressive questioning.
• Mandatory reporting: Any person aware of child sexual abuse must report it; failure to do so is punishable.
• Confidentiality: Identity of the child victim cannot be disclosed in media or public.

• Penetrative Sexual Assault (Section 3): Includes penetration by penis, object, or body part; punishable by 10 years to life imprisonment plus fine.​
• Aggravated Penetrative Sexual Assault (Section 5): By trusted persons (e.g., teachers, relatives) or on children under 12; minimum 20 years to life or death penalty.​
• Sexual Assault (Section 7): Non-penetrative touching with sexual intent; 3-5 years imprisonment.​
• Sexual Harassment (Section 11): Non-contact acts like stalking or showing pornography; up to 3 years.​
• Using Child for Pornography (Section 13): 5-7 years for first offense, increasing for repeats.​

• NCPCR (National Commission for Protection of Child Rights) monitors implementation, including designation of Special Courts, appointment of prosecutors, and training of police.
• POCSO Rules, 2020: Strengthened provisions for awareness, reporting, and victim rehabilitation.

• Delayed trials despite provision for speedy justice.
• Low conviction rates due to poor investigation and hostile witnesses.
• Misuse concerns: Some argue false cases are filed, though courts emphasize the Act’s necessity.
• Need for awareness: Many citizens remain unaware of mandatory reporting obligations.

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