17 December 2025 Current Affairs (With PDF)

Stay updated with 17 December 2025 Current Affairs on this page! We bring you the most relevant and important news updates from around the world and India, specially curated for competitive exams and different entrance exams. Today's Current Affairs cover all significant national and international headlines, legal updates, economic news, and environmental highlights to boost your preparation. With our crisp, to-the-point coverage, you can confidently tackle current affairs questions in your exams.

India’s Imperative to Fortify Biosecurity

Why in News

With rapid advances in biotechnology and rising risks of cross-border disease transmission, biosecurity has emerged as a critical national security and public health concern for India.

What is Biosecurity

Biosecurity refers to the policies, practices, and systems designed to prevent the intentional misuse, accidental release, or spread of biological agents, toxins, and sensitive biotechnologies.

Why India Needs Strong Biosecurity

1. Agriculture & Food Security Risks

Heavy reliance on agriculture and livestock exposes India to agro-terrorism and bio-sabotage.

2. Geographical Vulnerabilities

Porous land borders and vast maritime boundaries increase risks of cross-border movement of pathogens and invasive species.

3. Threat from Non-State Actors

Easy access to low-cost toxins (e.g., ricin) raises the threat of asymmetric biological warfare.

4. Biotechnology Proliferation

Advanced biotech tools (gene editing, synthetic biology) heighten risks of dual-use misuse and accidental laboratory leaks.

5. Public Health Security

Biosecurity breaches can overwhelm healthcare systems, as seen in zoonotic spillovers and emerging infectious diseases.

Existing Biosecurity Initiatives

1. Global

• Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), 1975: Prohibits development, production, and stockpiling of biological weapons.
• Australia Group: Informal export-control regime preventing the proliferation of chemical and biological weapons.

2. India

• Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: Regulates hazardous microorganisms and GMOs.
• WMD and Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Act, 2005: Criminalizes biological weapons.
• Biosafety Rules, 1989
• NDMA Guidelines on Biological Disasters

Way Forward

1. Legislative & Regulatory Strengthening

• Enact a dedicated Biosecurity Law addressing contemporary threats, including the dual-use dilemma.
• Learn from global best practices: US National Biodefense Strategy, Australia’s Biosecurity Act

2. Institutional Architecture

• Establish a Nodal Biosecurity Agency to ensure seamless coordination among health, agriculture, environment, defence, and intelligence bodies.

3. Research & Capacity Building

• Invest in defence-oriented virology, vaccines, diagnostics, and rapid-response bio-threat mitigation.
• Strengthen laboratory biosafety and bio-risk management.

4. New-Age Biodefence Technologies

• Microbial forensics for attribution of biological incidents.
• Digital surveillance tools, including social media analytics, for early threat detection.

Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025

Why in News

The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025 has been introduced in the Lok Sabha to restructure India’s higher education regulation framework in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aiming to enhance quality, coordination, and institutional autonomy.

Objective of the Bill

• To empower Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) to achieve global standards of excellence.
• To create a coherent, streamlined regulatory ecosystem that advances the vision of NEP 2020.

Key Provisions

1. Repeal of Existing Legislations

• University Grants Commission (UGC) Act, 1956
• All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) Act, 1987
• National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) Act, 1993

2. Establishment of Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA)

• A single umbrella commission to regulate higher education.
• Replaces UGC, AICTE, and NCTE as the central regulatory authority.

3. Composition of the Commission

• President and up to 12 Members (excluding ex-officio members and Member Secretary).
• Appointments to be made by the President of India.

4. Scope and Coverage

• All HEIs currently governed by the Ministry of Education, UGC, AICTE, and NCTE will fall under VBSA for standard-setting and regulation.

5. Three Councils under VBSA

• Viksit Bharat Shiksha Viniyaman Parishad – Regulatory Council
• Viksit Bharat Shiksha Gunvatta Parishad – Accreditation Council
• Viksit Bharat Shiksha Manak Parishad – Standards Council

6. Professional Standard Setting Bodies (PSSBs)

• Council of Architecture (CoA) under the Architects Act, 1972 to function as a PSSB, as envisaged in NEP 2020.

7. Funding Framework

• Financial allocation to centrally funded HEIs will remain outside the purview of VBSA, ensuring funding autonomy.

8. Enhanced Enforcement Powers

• Regulatory Council empowered to impose penalties for non-compliance: Minimum: ₹10 lakh, Maximum: ₹2 crore

Significance

The Bill marks a decisive shift towards regulatory consolidation, outcome-based standards, and quality assurance, seeking to reduce fragmentation in higher education governance and align India’s academic ecosystem with global benchmarks under Viksit Bharat vision.

Dowry Eradication: An Urgent Constitutional & Social Necessity — Supreme Court

In State of U.P. v. Ajmal Beg, the Supreme Court termed dowry eradication an urgent constitutional and social necessity and issued directions to strengthen enforcement of the Dowry Prohibition Act (DPA), 1961.

Key Directions of the Supreme Court

• Appointment & Empowerment of Dowry Prohibition Officers (DPOs): States must appoint DPOs, provide adequate resources, and widely publicise their contact details.
• Expeditious Disposal of Cases: High Courts to review and fast-track cases under Section 304-B IPC (dowry death) and Section 498-A IPC (cruelty).
• Capacity Building & Sensitisation: Periodic training for police and judicial officers to handle genuine cases sensitively while identifying frivolous complaints.
• Awareness & Social Reform: Grassroots awareness programmes by district administrations and integration of anti-dowry content in educational curricula.

Dowry in India

• Definition (DPA, 1961): Any property or valuable security given or agreed to be given, directly or indirectly, at or before or after marriage.
• Current Status (NCRB): 14% rise in dowry-related cases in 2023; 15,000+ cases registered; 6,100+ deaths reported

Legal Framework & Measures

• Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961: Minimum 5 years’ imprisonment and fine for giving/taking dowry.
• Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita (BNS): Section 80 (earlier Section 304-B IPC) — dowry death.
• Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005: Protection against domestic abuse.
• National Commission for Women: Reviews laws and investigates dowry harassment complaints.

Petra & Ellora Caves

Why in News

India and Jordan signed a twinning agreement between the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ellora Caves (India) and Petra (Jordan), highlighting shared heritage of rock-cut architecture and cultural exchange.

Ellora Caves

• Location: Charanandri Hills, Maharashtra, near the Elaganga River
• Period: c. 600–1000 CE
• Patronage: Predominantly under the Rashtrakuta and Yadava dynasties
• Architecture: Monumental rock-cut caves carved into basalt cliffs, Excavated top-down, a hallmark of advanced engineering
• Religious Significance: Unique coexistence of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain caves, Symbol of religious tolerance and syncretism
• Art: Houses mural paintings associated with all three religions
• UNESCO Status: World Heritage Site

Petra Caves

• Location: Southern Jordan
• Nickname: “Rose City” due to pink sandstone cliffs
• Historical Importance: Capital of the Nabataean Kingdom from around 4th century BCE
• Architecture: Structures are half-built and half-carved into rock, Integrated with dramatic natural landscape of mountains, gorges, and narrow passages (Siqs)
• UNESCO Status: World Heritage Site

Cho La and Dok La Passes

Why in News

Cho La and Dok La passes in Sikkim have been opened for battlefield tourism under the Bharat Rannbhoomi Darshan initiative.

Bharat Rannbhoomi Darshan Initiative

• Joint Initiative: Indian Army & Ministry of Tourism
• Objective: Enable citizens to visit historic war zones and militarily significant sites, promoting heritage awareness, patriotism, and defence tourism.

About the Passes

1. Cho La Pass

• Location: Chola Range, Eastern Himalayas, Sikkim
• Altitude: ~ 17,782 ft
• Connectivity: Links Sikkim with the Chumbi Valley
• Strategic Context: Nathu La and Jelep La passes are also part of the Chola range, Site of the 1967 Indo-China skirmishes, a landmark episode in India–China border history.

2. Doka La (Doklam) Pass

• Location: East Sikkim, on the edge of the Doklam Plateau
• Geopolitical Significance: Near the tri-junction of India, Bhutan, and China
• Strategic Context: Site of the 2017 India–China border standoff, underscoring its importance in regional security dynamics.

DHRUV64 Microprocessor

Why in News

India has launched DHRUV64, its first fully indigenous 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor.

About DHRUV64

• Type: 64-bit, dual-core microprocessor
• Clock Speed: 1.0 GHz
• Significance: First fully indigenous high-performance processor designed for modern electronic devices.

Key Details

• Developer: Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC)
• Programme: Developed under India’s Microprocessor Development Programme (MDP)
• Function: Acts as the brain of devices like computers, laptops, mobiles, and embedded systems.

Ekam AI and SAMBHAV

Why in News

The Indian Army showcased Ekam AI and SAMBHAV during Vijay Diwas celebrations, highlighting indigenous defence technology innovations.

Ekam AI

• Nature: Fully indigenous and secure Artificial Intelligence platform
• Designed For: Sensitive and classified environments
• Key Features: Advanced data analysis and information processing, Document management and retrieval, Decision-support for commanders and planners
• Strategic Significance: Operates without foreign software or external cloud dependence, ensuring data sovereignty and cyber security, Strengthens India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence AI

SAMBHAV

• Nature: Portable satellite-based communication system
• Core Function: Provides mobile connectivity in areas lacking conventional communication infrastructure
• Deployment: Rapidly deployable in remote, border, and disaster-hit areas
• Utility: Enhances battlefield communication for soldiers, Supports civilian communication and disaster response during emergencies

Central Information Commission (CIC)

Why in News

Raj Goyal recently assumed charge as the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC).

About Central Information Commission

1. Genesis:

• Statutory body established under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.

2. Composition:

• Headed by a Chief Information Commissioner and up to 10 Information Commissioners.

3. Functions:

• Receives and inquires into complaints related to denial or violation of RTI provisions.
• Hears second appeals against decisions of Central Public Information Officers (CPIOs).
• Ensures transparency and accountability in public authorities under the RTI framework.

4. Appointment:

• President of India appoints the CIC and ICs on the recommendation of a committee comprising:
• Prime Minister – Chairperson
• Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha
• Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister

5. RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019:

• Empowers the Central Government to determine the term of office, salaries, allowances, and service conditions of the CIC and ICs.
• Earlier, these were fixed and linked to the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners.

UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)

Why in News

The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) has completed two decades of efforts aimed at bridging cultural, religious, and civilizational divides worldwide.

About UN Alliance of Civilizations

• Launched: 2005
• Founding Countries: Republic of Türkiye and Spain
• Secretariat: New York, USA

Objectives

• Promote dialogue and cooperation among cultures, religions, and civilizations
• Reduce polarization, extremism, and conflict driven by cultural or religious misunderstandings
• Strengthen mutual respect, tolerance, and social cohesion across societies

Key Features

Maintains a global network of partners, including:

• UN Member States
• International and regional organizations
• Civil society groups, youth organizations, and media networks

Works across areas such as education, youth engagement, migration, media, and peacebuilding

National Energy Conservation Award (NECA)

Why in News

Chandigarh secured first position in NECA 2025 for its exemplary performance in energy conservation and energy efficiency initiatives.

About National Energy Conservation Award

• Administered by: Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
• Ministry: Ministry of Power, Government of India
• Frequency: Annual
• Purpose of the Award: Recognises outstanding achievements by States/UTs, industries, institutions, and municipalities in: Energy conservation, Efficient energy use, Adoption of best practices and innovative technologies

Basis of Evaluation

• State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI): A comprehensive national assessment framework, Developed by BEE in collaboration with Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE)
• Key Parameters under SEEI: Buildings, Industry, Transport, Municipal services

Exercise Ekatha 2025

Why in News

The Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff of India visited Maldives to attend the closing ceremony of the 8th edition of Exercise Ekatha 2025.

About Exercise Ekatha

• Nature of Exercise: Annual bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
• Inception: Launched in 2017 as part of India–Maldives defence cooperation.
• Edition: 8th edition conducted in 2025.
• Objectives: Strengthen maritime cooperation and mutual trust, Enhance interoperability between naval forces, Improve coordination in maritime security operations, including search and rescue.
• Key Features of 2025 Edition: Extensive professional exchanges and operational interactions, Focus on operational synergy and best practices in maritime domain awareness.

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