The Hindu, December 5, 2025, here are the detailed
current affairs topics relevant for UPSC (Civil
Services) and TNPSC (Group I, II) exams.
I have categorized them by subject (Polity,
International Relations, Economy, etc.) to help you organize your study notes.
1. Internal
Security & Cyber Crimes
Topic: “Digital Arrest” Scams & Cyber Fraud
·
Context: The Supreme Court has directed the CBI to conduct a pan-India
investigation into cybercrimes, specifically “Digital Arrest” scams.
·
Key Details:
o
The Scam: Fraudsters impersonate police/officials via video calls, accusing victims
of crimes and forcing money transfers to avoid arrest.
o
Scale: Losses exceed ₹3,000 crore, targeting senior citizens mostly3.
o
Mechanism: Uses “mule” bank accounts and “layering” of funds. The
RBI has been asked to use AI/ML to trace these funds.
o
International Link: Many “scam centers” operate from Southeast Asia (Myanmar),
often using trafficked workers.
·
Exam Point of View:
o
Mains (GS III): Challenges to internal security through communication networks; money
laundering.
o
Prelims: Definition of “Digital Arrest”; Role of IT Rules 2021
(Intermediaries must cooperate).
Topic: Resurgence of “Urban Terror”
·
Context: A new terror module (Al-Falah) involving educated professionals (doctors)
has been identified, unlike the foreign-sponsored attacks of the past.
·
Key Details:
o
The shift is from Pakistan-sponsored groups (like in
2008) to indigenous, self-radicalized actors.
o
Mains (GS III): Radicalization of the educated youth; Linkages between non-state actors
and internal security.
2. International
Relations (IR)
Topic: India-Russia Relations (Putin’s Visit)
·
Context: Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India amidst Western sanctions9.
·
Key Focus Areas:
o
Trade: India’s oil imports from Russia rose from <2% to 40%.
o
Connectivity: Development of the Eastern Maritime Corridor (Chennai to
Vladivostok).
o
Defence: Supply of S-400 systems and technology transfer.
o
Migration: A new Labor Mobility Agreement to send Indian skilled workers to
Russia.
·
Exam Point of View:
o
Mains (GS II): India’s “Strategic Autonomy” (balancing West and Russia); Energy
security.
Topic: India’s Neighborhood Challenges
·
Context: Growing hostility on both Western (Pakistan) and Eastern (Bangladesh)
flanks.
·
Details:
o
Pakistan: 27th Constitutional Amendment increases military control; absolute
authority to the Army Chief.
o
Bangladesh: Warming ties with Pakistan (recent Navy ship visit after 50 years).
o
Mains (GS II): India and its neighborhood relations; “String of Pearls” theory
(Pakistan presence in Bay of Bengal).
3. Environment
& Geography
Topic: World Soil Day (December 5)
·
Theme 2025: “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities”.
·
Key Concepts:
o
Urban Soil Importance: Acts as a “living filter,” carbon sink, and flood barrier.
o
Heat Islands: Healthy soil/vegetation reduces the “Urban Heat Island” effect.
o
Soil Sealing: Concrete/asphalt covers soil, preventing water absorption and causing
urban floods.
·
Exam Point of View:
o
Mains (GS I/III): Urbanization problems; Environmental degradation; Disaster Management
(Urban Floods).
4. Polity &
Social Justice
Topic: Acid Attack Survivors & Disabilities Act
·
Context: The Supreme Court observed that acid attack survivors should be treated as
persons with disabilities under the RPWD Act, 2016.
·
Key Ruling: “No sympathy” for attackers; proposal for special courts for
day-to-day trials.
·
Exam Point of View:
o
Mains (GS II): Mechanisms, laws, institutions for vulnerable sections (Women/Disabled).
Topic: Assam Accord vs. Citizenship Orders
·
Context: Supreme Court is reviewing a 2025 Order that allows certain immigrants
staying up to Dec 31, 2024, to remain in Assam.
·
Conflict: This contradicts the Assam Accord (Section 6A of Citizenship Act),
which set the cut-off date as March 25, 1971.
·
Exam Point of View:
o
Mains (GS II): Federalism; Citizenship issues in North East; Constitutional validity of
Section 6A.
5. Economy
Topic: Tobacco Taxation & GST
·
Context: Parliament approved a Bill to levy Central Excise Duty on tobacco.
·
Why? The GST Compensation Cess (which previously covered this) is ending
in December 2025. Tobacco remains in the “demerit category” taxed at
40%.
·
Exam Point of View:
o
Prelims/Mains (GS III): GST framework; Sin Goods/Demerit Goods taxation.
6. Important Case
Study (for Ethics/Essay)
Topic: Rural Revitalization in China
·
Concept: The “Xichou Spirit” – turning barren rocky areas into fertile
land through sheer human will.
·
Strategy: “East helping West” – Developed eastern provinces invest in poor
western provinces (e.g., Shanghai investing in Yunnan tea cooperatives).
·
Utility: Can be used as a case study for Poverty Alleviation
(GS II) or Ethics (Determination/Governance).
Leave a Reply