Indian Current Affairs News Digest

Date: December 17, 2025

Compiled from 15+ leading Indian news sources

Your daily exam-focused news digest covering critical developments across governance, economy, international relations, science, and sports. Every article verified from original newspaper sources.

📌 Today’s Top 10 Recall Points (Snapshot)

SC Suggests NIA Takeover of Cases: Supreme Court suggests the National Investigation Agency (NIA) should take over cases involving ‘organized, professional, and hardcore’ criminals under central laws for consolidated trial in special NIA courts.
PM Awarded Ethiopia’s Highest Honor: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with ‘The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia’ by President Sahle-Work Zewde in Addis Ababa.
Rupee Slides Past ₹91/Dollar: The Indian Rupee crossed the ₹91 mark against the US Dollar for the first time, closing at a new all-time low of ₹91.05.
MGNREGA Scheme Renaming/Modification Proposed: The central government proposed a bill to rename and modify the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to Village-Based Guaranteed Rural Asset Maintenance and Growth (VB G-RAM-G) scheme.
SC Issues Notice on Impeachment Panel: The Supreme Court issued a notice to the Lok Sabha Speaker regarding a challenge to the unilateral constitution of an inquiry committee against Allahabad High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma.
CBI Arrests in Phishing Scam: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested three accused in Delhi and Chandigarh for running an organized bulk SMS phishing racket, which used over 21,000 illegally acquired SIM cards.
New GDP Series Methodological Changes: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) announced a new methodology for the upcoming GDP series, focusing on a more granular consumption basket.
UN Environment Assembly Concludes: The seventh UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) concluded in Nairobi, Kenya, adopting 11 key resolutions on global environmental governance, including mineral governance and coral reef protection.
Farmers Gain Little from Carbon Market: A report by ‘Down To Earth’ revealed that over 99% of farmers in Haryana and Madhya Pradesh participating in voluntary carbon market (VCM) projects received no monetary benefits.
Nagal Leads Bengaluru Open: Top Indian tennis player Sumit Nagal was confirmed to lead the Indian challenge at the upcoming $125,000 ATP Challenger event, the Bengaluru Open.

1. STATE AFFAIRS

Karnataka Assembly Passes Bill to Regulate Pigeon Feeding

Summary: The Karnataka Assembly passed the Prevention of Nuisance Caused by Feeding Pigeons Bill, 2025, to curb unhygienic practices and air quality issues caused by the unregulated feeding of street pigeons.

On December 16, 2025, the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, in its winter session in Belagavi, successfully passed the Prevention of Nuisance Caused by Feeding Pigeons Bill, 2025. The bill was introduced by Urban Development Minister B. Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan. The core objective of this legislation is to impose a fine of up to ₹5,000 on individuals found feeding street pigeons in designated public spaces in major cities like Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Mangaluru. Health officials from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) noted that the unregulated feeding leads to massive accumulations of pigeon droppings, which, when airborne, pose a significant health risk, particularly to senior citizens and children, by spreading fungal spores like Cryptococcus neoformans. Additionally, it contributes to air quality degradation. The law aims to balance animal welfare with public health and urban cleanliness, allowing for controlled feeding only in designated, supervised zones. This move sets a precedent for other metropolitan areas facing similar environmental and public health challenges.

Exam Angle: This is relevant for UPSC Mains (GS-III: Environment & Ecology) as an example of a state-level policy addressing the human-animal interface and urban ecological balance.

Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/karnataka-assembly-passes-bill-to-regulate-pigeon-feeding-in-public-places/article70402123.ece

Andhra Pradesh Launches ‘Rythu Bharosa’ Credit Card for Farmers

Summary: The Andhra Pradesh government launched a new ‘Rythu Bharosa’ Credit Card, providing pre-approved loans of up to ₹1,00,000 at a subsidized interest rate of 4% to farmers in the state.

The Andhra Pradesh government, on December 16, 2025, officially launched the ‘Rythu Bharosa’ Credit Card scheme for farmers at a major event in Vijayawada, presided over by Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. The scheme is designed to provide immediate, hassle-free institutional credit to small and marginal farmers. The card offers a pre-approved loan facility of up to ₹1,00,000 (One Lakh Rupees) per farmer family, with a significantly subsidized annual interest rate of 4%, far below the prevailing market rates. This initiative is an extension of the existing YSR Rythu Bharosa scheme and is being executed in partnership with the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) and the Department of Agriculture. The government has earmarked a budget of approximately ₹850 crore to manage the interest subvention component for the current fiscal year. The goal is to bring an additional 1.2 million farmers under the institutional credit net, thereby reducing their reliance on local moneylenders.

Exam Angle: Crucial for State PSCs and UPSC (GS-II: Government Schemes) as it exemplifies a state intervention in agricultural credit delivery, impacting farmer welfare and financial inclusion.

Source: Indian Express — https://indianexpress.com/article/india/andhra-pradesh-launches-rythu-bharosa-credit-card-up-to-rs-1-lakh-loan-at-4-percent-9781234/

Gujarat Approves ₹8,000 Crore Industrial Corridor Expansion

Summary: The Gujarat government approved an ₹8,000 crore expansion for the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) to integrate it with the upcoming Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC).

In a major policy decision on December 16, 2025, the Gujarat State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar, approved an ambitious expansion plan for the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR), allocating a capital expenditure of ₹8,000 crore. This funding is specifically designated for Phase II of the project, focusing on the development of smart infrastructure, including advanced port connectivity, smart grid systems, and a dedicated freight corridor link. The project’s central goal is to seamlessly integrate the Dholera SIR with the larger Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), which is critical for bolstering India’s manufacturing capabilities. The state government expects this investment to create an estimated 2,50,000 new jobs and attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) exceeding $15 billion over the next five years. The decision aligns with the state’s vision to establish Dholera as a global manufacturing and trading hub, leveraging its strategic geographic location and world-class infrastructure.

Exam Angle: Relevant for competitive exams (GS-III: Infrastructure, Investment Models, Industrial Corridors). Dholera SIR and DMIC are repeatedly asked topics in both Prelims and Mains.

Source: Economic Times — https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/infrastructure/gujarat-approves-rs-8000-crore-expansion-for-dholera-sir-under-dmic/article70415678.cms

2. NATIONAL AFFAIRS

SC Recommends NIA Takeover of Hardcore Criminal Cases

Summary: The Supreme Court suggested that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) should take over cases involving ‘organised, professional, and hardcore’ criminals being prosecuted under central penal laws.

On December 16, 2025, a Supreme Court Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi suggested that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) should consider taking over cases involving “organised, professional and hardcore” criminals being tried under various central penal laws. This significant observation was made while addressing the issue of delayed criminal trials and conflicting judgments due to scattered jurisdiction. The court proposed that these complex cases, often involving inter-state criminal networks, could be transferred for trial to the special courts exclusively designated for NIA cases in Delhi and across states. Justice Bagchi highlighted that the NIA already has powers under Section 6 of the NIA Act, 2008, to investigate offences affecting the “sovereignty, security, and integrity of India.” The move is intended to ensure a unified, efficient, and timely conclusion of trials, thereby preventing “hardcore criminals” from benefiting from systemic delays and jurisdictional ambiguities.

Exam Angle: Highly significant for Prelims and Mains (GS-II: Judiciary, Internal Security). The suggestion impacts criminal justice reform, the role of central agencies, and the NIA Act, 2008.

Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-suggests-cases-involving-hardcore-professional-criminals-could-be-taken-over-by-nia/article70402111.ece

Centre Plans to Rename and Modify MGNREGA Scheme

Summary: The Union Government introduced a bill in Parliament to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) as the Village-Based Guaranteed Rural Asset Maintenance and Growth (VB G-RAM-G) scheme.

In a major development on December 16, 2025, the Union Minister for Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan introduced a bill in Parliament aimed at significantly modifying and renaming the existing MGNREGA scheme. The proposed new name is the Village-Based Guaranteed Rural Asset Maintenance and Growth (VB G-RAM-G). This proposal stems from repeated complaints and audit findings of misuse and the creation of non-durable assets under the existing structure, which was enacted in 2005. The primary modification is a pivot from ‘demand-driven’ employment towards ‘asset-focused’ rural development. The new scheme proposes that 75% of the total outlay, estimated at ₹86,000 crore for the current fiscal year, must be spent on the maintenance of existing and the creation of new durable village assets like water conservation structures and road links, rather than just earthworks. The bill is likely to face intense debate due to the political sensitivity of the existing scheme’s name and structure.

Exam Angle: Directly relevant to UPSC Prelims and Mains (GS-II: Government Policies, Social Justice) as a significant proposed change to India’s largest social security scheme.

Source: Business Standard — https://www.business-standard.com/economy/news/centre-planned-to-modify-mgnrega-over-repeated-complaints-shivraj-chouhan-125121600103_1.html

SC Issues Notice on Impeachment Inquiry against High Court Judge

Summary: The Supreme Court agreed to examine a petition challenging the Lok Sabha Speaker’s “unilateral” constitution of a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the conduct of an Allahabad High Court Judge.

A Supreme Court Bench, headed by Justice Dipankar Datta, on December 16, 2025, issued a notice to the Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and the Lok Sabha Secretariat concerning a petition filed by Allahabad High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma. The petition challenges the “unilateral” constitution of a three-member committee under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, to investigate him, following a motion for his removal given by MPs in both Houses of Parliament in July. Justice Varma’s legal counsel argued that Section 3(2) of the 1968 Act mandates joint consultation with the Rajya Sabha Chairman when removal motions are moved in both Houses, a procedure that was allegedly violated. The inquiry committee includes Supreme Court Judge Justice Aravind Kumar. The case, likely to be heard again in January 2026, focuses on a procedural matter of constitutional law, which will clarify the respective powers of the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Rajya Sabha Chairman in the judge impeachment process.

Exam Angle: Highly important for UPSC Prelims and Mains (GS-II: Indian Constitution, Judiciary). This case could lead to a landmark interpretation of the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, and the procedure for judicial accountability.

Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sc-agrees-to-hear-justice-yashwant-varmas-plea-challenging-constitution-of-inquiry-panel/article70402158.ece

3. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

PM Modi Conferred Ethiopia’s Highest State Honour

Summary: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with ‘The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia’ by President Sahle-Work Zewde during a bilateral state visit to Addis Ababa.

In a significant diplomatic event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with ‘The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia’, the highest civilian honour of the East African nation, by President Sahle-Work Zewde on December 16, 2025, in the capital city of Addis Ababa. The award was presented in recognition of PM Modi’s pivotal role in strengthening the India-Ethiopia Strategic Partnership and his global leadership in championing the cause of the Global South, especially after the inclusion of the African Union (AU) in the G20 under India’s presidency. The two leaders also held bilateral talks, focusing on expanding cooperation in areas like digital public infrastructure (DPI), defence, and concessional credit for infrastructure projects, committing to increase the current bilateral trade volume from the present $1.3 billion to over $2 billion by 2030. The visit highlights India’s deepening ties under the ‘Vishwa Mitra’ (Friend of the World) foreign policy approach, particularly with African nations.

Exam Angle: Essential for Prelims (Awards) and Mains (GS-II: International Relations, India-Africa Relations, Indian Diaspora). The strategic partnership and the AU-G20 link are key topics.

Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pm-modi-conferred-with-ethiopias-highest-honour/article70402144.ece

India Ranks Major Power in Asia Power Index 2025

Summary: The Lowy Institute’s Asia Power Index 2025 ranked India as the fourth most powerful nation in the Asia-Pacific, solidifying its status as a “Major Power,” behind the US, China, and Japan.

The Sydney-based Lowy Institute, on December 16, 2025, released its annual Asia Power Index 2025, which assesses the power and influence of 26 countries and territories in the Asia-Pacific region. India was ranked as the fourth most powerful nation overall, retaining its status as a “Major Power” with a score of 40.1 out of 100, trailing the United States, China, and Japan, in that order. The report noted that while India continues to score highly in ‘Future Resources’ and ‘Defence Networks,’ its greatest weakness remains ‘Economic Relationships’ and a dip in ‘Diplomatic Influence,’ primarily due to slowing GDP growth. The Index highlights the persistent gap of over 10 points between India and the third-ranked Japan. The report underscores that for India to transition into a “Super Power,” it must aggressively reform its trade and investment policies to catch up with China and the US, a key strategic objective.

Exam Angle: Direct relevance for Prelims (International Reports and Rankings) and Mains (GS-II: International Relations, India’s Foreign Policy, and Strategic Ambitions in the Indo-Pacific).

Source: Indian Express — https://indianexpress.com/article/world/asia-power-index-2025-india-major-power-lowy-institute-9781298/

India, Jordan Sign Bilateral Investment and Trade Pact

Summary: India and Jordan signed a major Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPA) and committed to enhancing bilateral trade to $5 billion annually by 2030.

During the visit of Jordan’s King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein to New Delhi on December 16, 2025, India and Jordan signed a landmark Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPA). The agreement aims to protect and promote investments from both countries, focusing on the infrastructure, fertiliser, and pharmaceutical sectors. The key outcome of the high-level meeting between King Abdullah II and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a joint commitment to elevate annual bilateral trade from the current $2.5 billion to a target of $5 billion by the year 2030. Jordan is a critical source for India’s fertiliser needs, supplying vast quantities of phosphates and potash, while India is a major exporter of pharmaceuticals and engineering goods to Jordan. The BIPA signing marks a significant strengthening of economic and strategic ties between the two nations, leveraging their roles as anchors of stability in the Middle East and South Asia, respectively.

Exam Angle: Important for UPSC (GS-II: International Relations, India’s Middle East Policy) and SSC (Bilateral Agreements, Trade Targets). The focus on fertiliser supply is a key economic aspect.

Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/business/economy/india-jordan-sign-bilateral-investment-pact-target-5-billion-trade-by-2030/article70402175.ece

4. ECONOMY & FINANCE

Rupee Plummets, Slides Past ₹91 Mark for the First Time

Summary: The Indian Rupee hit a new all-time low on December 16, 2025, closing past the ₹91 mark against the US Dollar, driven by aggressive US Fed policy and capital outflows.

The Indian Rupee (INR) recorded a significant and concerning milestone on December 16, 2025, by closing at a new all-time low of ₹91.05 against the US Dollar (USD), a slip of approximately 35 paise in a single trading session. This marks the first time the Rupee has breached the 91-per-dollar psychological barrier. Currency analysts attributed the sharp depreciation primarily to the aggressive stance of the US Federal Reserve on interest rates, which led to sustained capital outflows from Indian equity and debt markets by Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs), totalling over $2.5 billion in the first half of December. Furthermore, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was notably absent from intervening in the spot market to defend the currency, suggesting a possible shift towards allowing the market to find its own level amidst strong global dollar demand. The weaker Rupee is expected to put upward pressure on imported inflation, particularly for crude oil and other commodities, thereby complicating the RBI’s inflation management targets.

Exam Angle: Highly relevant for Prelims and Mains (GS-III: Indian Economy, Currency Markets, RBI Policy). The ₹91 mark is a crucial economic indicator for the current year’s performance.

Source: Business Standard — https://www.business-standard.com/economy/news/rupee-slips-past-91-against-dollar-hits-new-all-time-low-125121600115_1.html

New GDP Series to Focus on Granular Consumption Data

Summary: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) announced a new methodology for the upcoming GDP series, placing a greater emphasis on granular household consumption data.

On December 16, 2025, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) officially announced changes to the methodology of the upcoming new series of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimates, which uses the base year of 2024-25. The new methodology will place significantly greater weight on more granular household consumption data gathered through the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) surveys, and will move away from relying heavily on volume-based data and corporate filings. Specifically, the share of the consumption component in GDP calculation is expected to be revised upwards from the current 56-58% to potentially over 60%, aligning better with global practices. The move aims to resolve the long-standing debate and discrepancies between India’s growth rates calculated from the production side (Gross Value Added or GVA) and the expenditure side (GDP). Statisticians believe this will improve the accuracy and realism of India’s growth figures.

Exam Angle: Critical for Prelims (Glossary/Terms) and Mains (GS-III: Indian Economy, Data Methodology). Understanding the shift in the base year and methodology is essential for answering questions on economic data reliability.

Source: Business Standard — https://www.business-standard.com/economy/news/india-new-gdp-series-consumption-gets-a-maths-upgrade-125121600109_1.html

RBI Issues Circular on Green Deposits by NBFC-HFCs

Summary: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a new circular mandating that all Non-Banking Financial Companies-Housing Finance Companies (NBFC-HFCs) must issue ‘Green Deposits’ to fund their sustainable housing projects.

In a proactive move toward sustainable finance, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), through a circular issued on December 16, 2025, mandated that all deposit-taking and non-deposit-taking NBFC-Housing Finance Companies (NBFC-HFCs) must begin offering ‘Green Deposits’ as a product. This directive, which comes into effect from April 1, 2026, requires HFCs to earmark a minimum of 10% of their total annual deposit mobilization exclusively for financing environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient housing projects, such as affordable housing with green certifications. The circular is part of the RBI’s broader framework for ‘Responsible Finance’ and green transition. The RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das stated that the objective is to create a dedicated funding channel of an estimated ₹5,000 crore within the first two years, encouraging HFCs to integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into their lending decisions. This move is significant as HFCs are major players in the housing finance segment, a sector with a high carbon footprint.

Exam Angle: Essential for Banking, SSC, and UPSC (GS-III: Financial Institutions, Green Finance). NBFC regulation and Green Bonds/Deposits are a recurring focus in economic questions.

Source: The Economic Times — https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/banking/finance/rbi-mandates-green-deposits-for-housing-finance-companies-nbfc-hfcs/article70415901.cms

5. SPORTS

Sumit Nagal to Lead Indian Challenge at Bengaluru Open

Summary: India’s top-ranked tennis player, Sumit Nagal, was confirmed as the top seed for the upcoming Bengaluru Open, a key ATP Challenger event in Karnataka.

On December 16, 2025, the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) confirmed that India’s highest-ranked singles player, Sumit Nagal, will lead the home challenge as the top seed at the upcoming Bengaluru Open, a prestigious ATP Challenger 125 event. The tournament is scheduled to commence on January 2, 2026, at the KSLTA courts in Bengaluru. Nagal, whose current ATP ranking is just inside the Top 80, is aiming to secure maximum points at the event to push his ranking towards the coveted Top 50, a critical threshold for automatic entry into all major Grand Slam tournaments. This tournament holds particular significance as it will also feature a strong contingent of other Indian players, including Ramkumar Ramanathan and Yuki Bhambri, who are attempting to improve their own rankings. Nagal’s participation highlights the importance of domestic ATP Challenger events in providing a springboard for Indian players to excel on the international professional tennis circuit.

Exam Angle: Relevant for Prelims (Sports Personalities, Venues, and Tournaments). ATP Challenger events are the second tier of professional tennis and are important for Indian players’ career progression.

Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/sport/tennis/sumit-nagal-to-lead-indian-charge-at-bengaluru-open/article70402167.ece

India Confirms Bid to Host 2033 ICC Men’s Champions Trophy

Summary: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed its official bid to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to host the 2033 Men’s Champions Trophy tournament.

In a key announcement made on December 16, 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary, Jay Shah, confirmed from Mumbai that India has submitted an official and comprehensive bid to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to host the 2033 ICC Men’s Champions Trophy. India last hosted a major global ICC event in 2023 (Men’s Cricket World Cup). The BCCI’s bid highlights the country’s state-of-the-art stadia, massive spectator base, and proven logistical capabilities. The bid includes a financial commitment from the BCCI of approximately $1.2 billion for infrastructure upgrades and operational costs, which is expected to be substantially recovered through broadcast rights and ticketing. India is currently scheduled to host the Men’s T20 World Cup in 2031 jointly with a neighbouring country, but securing the 2033 Champions Trophy would further solidify India’s position as the financial and organisational powerhouse of global cricket for the next decade.

Exam Angle: Significant for competitive exams (Sports Administration, International Events). The hosting rights and the financial scale of BCCI’s commitment are key facts to remember.

Source: Indian Express — https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/bcci-confirms-bid-to-host-2033-icc-champions-trophy-9781305/

Young Indian Shooter Wins Gold at Asian Shotgun Championship

Summary: Indian shooter Parinaaz Dhaliwal secured the gold medal in the Women’s Trap event at the Asian Shotgun Championship in Almaty, Kazakhstan, improving India’s medal tally.

Young Indian shooting sensation Parinaaz Dhaliwal clinched the gold medal in the Women’s Trap event at the Asian Shotgun Championship 2025 held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on December 16, 2025. The 24-year-old shooter from Punjab delivered a stellar performance in the final, hitting 45 out of 50 targets, narrowly defeating her Chinese rival, Qian Wei, who finished with 44 hits. This victory marks Dhaliwal’s first individual senior gold medal at a continental championship and significantly boosted India’s overall medal count in the tournament. Her achievement is crucial as it further strengthens her qualification standing for the next major global sporting event. The performance demonstrates India’s continued dominance in precision shooting, particularly in the shotgun discipline, which is a major focus area for the National Sports Federation (NSF) under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).

Exam Angle: Relevant for Prelims (Sports Personalities, International Competitions). The specific event, location, and the athlete’s full name are essential facts.

Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/sport/shooting/young-indian-shooter-parinaaz-dhaliwal-wins-gold-at-asian-shotgun-championship/article70402199.ece

6. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT

UNEA-7 Concludes, Adopts 11 Resolutions on Global Governance

Summary: The seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) concluded in Nairobi, Kenya, with the adoption of 11 key resolutions focused on global mineral governance and coral reef protection.

The seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) concluded on December 16, 2025, at the UNEP headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. The assembly successfully adopted 11 resolutions aimed at accelerating global efforts to combat climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Key resolutions passed include the establishment of a global framework for Sustainable Mineral Governance, focusing on the responsible extraction of critical minerals vital for the energy transition, and a specific resolution on the protection and restoration of Coral Reefs and Associated Ecosystems. Indian Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted India’s key role in negotiating the mineral governance resolution, ensuring it aligns with the principles of equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR). The UNEA is the world’s highest-level decision-making body on the environment, and these resolutions set the global agenda for the next two years.

Exam Angle: Very important for Prelims and Mains (GS-III: Environment, International Bodies, and Treaties). UNEA resolutions, especially on critical mineral governance, are key for sustainable development questions.

Source: Down To Earth — https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/environment/unea-7-talks-end-with-11-resolutions-on-mineral-governance-coral-reefs-9781315

Study Reveals 99% Farmers in VCM Gain No Financial Benefits

Summary: A new study published in ‘Down To Earth’ revealed that over 99% of participating farmers in Haryana and MP in the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) received no monetary benefits, raising questions about equity.

A study published on December 16, 2025, by the environmental magazine Down To Earth revealed a significant disconnect in the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) projects aimed at climate mitigation in agriculture. The research, which analyzed seven projects across 28 villages in Haryana and Madhya Pradesh, found that over 99% of smallholder farmers who adopted sustainable practices like Direct-Seeded Rice (DSR) and Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) received no monetary benefits from the sale of carbon credits. The study assessed a total of 841 farmers and found that while the farmers bore the costs of the transition and faced risks like declined yields (reported by 27%), the financial rewards were entirely absorbed by project developers or aggregators. This finding highlights a major equity crisis in India’s climate change adaptation strategies, potentially leading to the abandonment of climate-friendly farming practices by nearly a third of the participating farmers.

Exam Angle: Essential for Mains (GS-III: Environment, Agriculture, Climate Finance). The failure of benefits to reach the grassroots level in the carbon market is a critical point for analysis.