LEGAL NEWS

Supreme Court’s Uniform Definition of the Aravalli Hills and Range

• The Supreme Court has framed a single, binding definition for the Aravalli Hills and Range to bring uniformity in environmental regulation.

• The definitions were finalised through a judgment delivered on 20 November 2025.

• The ruling accepted the recommendations of an expert committee constituted earlier in 2025, pursuant to a May 2024 court direction.

• A legally recognised Aravalli hill now includes any landform in notified districts rising 100 metres or more above the surrounding terrain, along with its slopes and linked features.

• The Aravalli range is defined as a cluster of two or more such hills located within 500 metres, including scientifically identified connecting zones.

• The committee was led by the MoEFCC Secretary and comprised representatives from key Aravalli states and national expert institutions.

• The move addresses regulatory gaps across states that had facilitated illegal mining and ecological damage.

• The decision supports India’s commitments under UNCCD and complements initiatives such as the Aravalli Green Wall Project.

• The Court has halted fresh mining leases until a sustainable mining management plan is prepared, with studies indicating that most of the Aravalli landscape will remain protected.

IMPORTANT DAYS

National Consumer Day 2025 observed on 24 December

• Observed annually on 24 December to promote consumer awareness and strengthen the consumer movement.

• The day focuses on educating citizens about their rights, duties, and protections as consumers.

• The 2025 theme emphasises justice delivery through technology: “Efficient and Speedy Disposal through Digital Justice.”

• This date marks the Presidential assent to the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.

• The 1986 Act was later replaced by the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, effective from 20 July 2020.

• Under the 2019 law, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) was established in July 2020.

• The CCPA functions as a regulatory watchdog to protect collective consumer interests.

• e-Jagriti, launched on 1 January 2025, has emerged as a key digital grievance redressal platform for consumers in India.

National Farmers’ Day 2025 Observed on 23 December

• Observed annually on 23 December to recognise the vital role of farmers in India’s growth and development.

• The day commemorates the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh.

• Chaudhary Charan Singh is widely known for his strong commitment to farmers’ rights and rural welfare.

• Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan paid tributes on the occasion.

• His vision was highlighted as being relevant to the goal of building a self-reliant India (Atmanirbhar Bharat).

• Farmers were praised as the foundation of the nation, reflecting resilience, dedication and hard work.

• The government continues to implement schemes for farmers’ economic security and sustainable agriculture.

• Major initiatives include PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, PM Fasal Bima Yojana and PM Kisan Maandhan Yojana, supporting a sector that employs nearly half of India’s population.

AWARDS

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025: Celebrating Excellence in Science

• President Droupadi Murmu presented the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025 at a ceremony held in New Delhi.

• The award represents India’s highest honour for outstanding work in science, technology and innovation.

• The 2025 ceremony marked the second edition of this national scientific recognition.

• Awards were conferred under four categories: Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shree, Vigyan Yuva–Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, and Vigyan Team.

• The Vigyan Ratna was awarded posthumously to eminent astrophysicist Prof. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, a Padma Vibhushan awardee.

• Prof. Narlikar is renowned for the Hoyle–Narlikar theory, which explained gravitation and matter creation within a steady-state universe model.

• Eight senior scientists received the Vigyan Shree, while fourteen young researchers were honoured with the Vigyan Yuva award.

• The Vigyan Team award was bestowed on CSIR’s Aroma Mission, highlighting collaborative excellence in science-led innovation.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

China–India Trade Dispute at the World Trade Organization

• China has approached the WTO dispute mechanism, marking a fresh escalation in trade frictions with India.

• Beijing has requested formal consultations, alleging unfair treatment of Chinese products by Indian policies.

• The dispute focuses on solar and information technology goods, sectors where China is a major global exporter.

• China has questioned India’s tariff structure and policy preference for locally manufactured products over imports.

• Incentives under India’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, particularly for high-efficiency solar PV modules, are under challenge.

• The core allegation relates to local value addition conditions, which China claims breach multilateral trade norms.

• China has invoked provisions of GATT 1994, the Subsidies Agreement, and the TRIMs Agreement to support its case.

• WTO consultations are the initial dispute stage, PLI schemes promote manufacturing, and China is India’s second-largest trading partner.

BOOKS AND AUTHORS

Book Release Honouring Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s Vision and Legacy

• The Vice-President of India unveiled the book “Sanatan Sanskriti Ki Atal Drishti” at the Vice-President’s Enclave in New Delhi.

• The publication coincides with the centenary birth year of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

• The book is authored by Vasudev Devnani, Speaker of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly.

• C. P. Radhakrishnan described the work as relevant and timely.

• The Vice-President portrayed Vajpayee as a value-driven statesman.

• Personal anecdotes highlighted Vajpayee’s parliamentary mentorship.

• Vajpayee’s contribution was recalled through Operation Shakti and his slogan integrating defence, farming and science.

• From an exam perspective: Vajpayee’s birth anniversary is observed as Good Governance Day.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

ISRO Launches BlueBird Block-2 Communication Satellite

• ISRO successfully launched the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite from Sriharikota aboard the LVM3-M6 mission.

• The satellite was precisely placed into its designated Low Earth Orbit.

• This launch marked the sixth operational mission of India’s Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3).

• LVM3, earlier known as GSLV Mk III, is ISRO’s most powerful launch vehicle.

• Weighing about 6,100 kg, BlueBird Block-2 became the heaviest payload delivered to Low Earth Orbit by LVM3.

• The satellite was developed by US-based AST SpaceMobile.

• The constellation aims to deliver direct space-based cellular broadband connectivity.

• The satellite was transported to India from the United States on 19 October.