The Hindu News Paper analysis Dec 2025 & Practice Qns

Edition : International Table of Contents

Page 03 : GS 3 : Science and Tech

India’s space sector has undergone rapid liberalisation in recent years, with private start-ups increasingly encouraged to complement the capabilities of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). In this context, former ISRO Chairman S. Somanath’s remarks highlighting the lack of innovation, over-reliance on classical design approaches, and poor integration of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Twins in aerostructure start-ups raise critical concerns about the quality and depth of India’s aerospace innovation ecosystem.

Key Analysis

1. Persistence of “Classical Approach” in Aerostructures

Classical approaches refer to traditional, linear design and testing methods that rely heavily on physical prototyping, incremental improvements, and legacy engineering practices.

While these methods are reliable, they are time-consuming, cost-intensive, and less adaptable to complex modern aerospace requirements.

Globally, aerospace leaders are shifting toward model-based systems engineering (MBSE), generative design, and simulation-driven development, areas where Indian start-ups lag.

2. Limited Integration of Artificial Intelligence

AI can significantly enhance aerostructure design through:

Optimisation of material usage and weight reduction

Predictive maintenance and fault detection

Faster design iterations via machine learning-based simulations

Mr. Somanath’s concern indicates that most Indian aerospace start-ups are not leveraging AI as a core design tool, but rather treating it as an auxiliary or theoretical concept.

3. Slow Adoption of Digital Twin Technology

Digital twins are virtual replicas of physical systems that allow real-time monitoring, testing, and optimisation across the life cycle of aerospace components.

Advanced space agencies and aerospace firms use digital twins to reduce failure risks, lower costs, and shorten development cycles.

The absence of scalable digital twin deployment in India’s aerostructure sector reflects:

Gaps in high-quality data availability

Limited interdisciplinary collaboration between software, AI, and hardware engineers

Inadequate industry–academia–research linkages

4. Structural Issues in the Start-up Ecosystem

Many start-ups focus on manufacturing contracts rather than deep-tech innovation.

Risk-averse funding patterns and limited access to high-end testing infrastructure discourage disruptive experimentation.

Collaboration deficits among academia, industry, and government agencies restrict cross-pollination of ideas.

Significance for India

India’s ambitions in human spaceflight, reusable launch vehicles, space stations, and defence aerospace systems demand cutting-edge aerostructure innovation.

Without moving beyond legacy approaches, Indian start-ups risk becoming subcontractors rather than global technology leaders.

The issue also affects India’s goal of becoming a self-reliant and competitive space economy under initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and IN–SPACe-led private participation.

Way Forward

Promote AI-first and digital twin–centric design frameworks through targeted funding and policy incentives.

Strengthen industry–academia–ISRO collaboration, especially in computational mechanics, materials science, and data-driven engineering.

Encourage conferences and platforms, as suggested by Mr. Somanath, to move beyond presentations toward problem-solving and collaborative innovation models.

Conclusion

1. Somanath’s critique serves as a timely reality check for India’s aerospace start-up ecosystem. While policy liberalisation has expanded participation, true technological leadership requires a shift from classical, hardware-centric approaches to integrated, digital, and AI-driven innovation models. Addressing these gaps is essential if India is to transition from a capable spacefaring nation to a global hub of advanced aerospace innovation.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Ques : The future of aerospace innovation lies in integration of digital technologies rather than incremental improvements in hardware. Discuss this statement in light of India’s emerging private space sector, with special reference to AI-driven design and digital twins. (250 Words)

Page 04 : GS 2 : International Relations / Prelims

India and the Netherlands have agreed to expand their security and defence cooperation, marking a significant step in strengthening their Strategic Partnership. During talks between India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the Netherlands’ Foreign Affairs Minister David van Weel in New Delhi, both sides emphasised co-development, co-production, and enhanced military-to-military engagement. This development reflects India’s broader push to diversify defence partnerships and align them with emerging geopolitical and technological realities, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

Key Analysis

1. Strategic Significance of the Defence Partnership

The Netherlands is a technologically advanced European power with strengths in defence manufacturing, maritime security, cyber capabilities, and high-end engineering.

Deepening defence ties with the Netherlands complements India’s engagement with the European Union and reduces over-dependence on a limited set of defence suppliers.

The exchange of a Letter of Intent on Defence Cooperation provides an institutional framework to ensure continuity and long-term collaboration.

2. Focus on Co-development and Co-production

Emphasis on co-development and co-production aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and defence indigenisation objectives.

Collaboration in niche and emerging technologies—such as advanced materials, sensors, naval systems, cyber and AI-enabled defence solutions—can enhance India’s domestic defence industrial base.

A proposed defence industrial roadmap indicates a shift from buyer–seller relations to technology partnership models.

3. Indo-Pacific Dimension

Both countries reiterated commitment to a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, a concept central to India’s foreign and security policy.

For India, European engagement in the Indo-Pacific helps multilateralise regional security, counterbalance coercive actions, and uphold freedom of navigation and international law (UNCLOS).

The Netherlands’ growing Indo-Pacific outreach adds strategic weight to India’s regional vision.

4. 4. Defence Industry and Military-to-Military Engagement

Strengthening military-to-military cooperation improves interoperability, training, and strategic trust.

Connecting defence industries encourages private-sector participation, innovation, and integration into global defence supply chains.

Such cooperation supports India’s ambition to emerge as a defence manufacturing and export hub.

5. People-to-People Ties as a Strategic Asset

The Indian diaspora in the Netherlands acts as a soft-power bridge, reinforcing political trust and economic cooperation.

Strong societal linkages provide resilience to the bilateral relationship beyond formal agreements.

Challenges and Considerations

Translating intent into outcomes requires clarity on technology transfer, intellectual property rights, and regulatory alignment.

Defence collaboration must be insulated from geopolitical pressures and competing alliance frameworks.

Sustained institutional coordination is necessary to avoid symbolic partnerships without substantive delivery.

Conclusion

The expansion of India–Netherlands defence cooperation reflects India’s evolving strategic posture—one that prioritises technology-driven partnerships, diversification of defence ties, and alignment with like-minded democracies. If effectively implemented, this partnership can contribute not only to India’s defence indigenisation and security preparedness but also to the broader goal of maintaining stability and rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question 

Ques : With reference to India–Netherlands defence cooperation, consider the following statements:

1. India and the Netherlands have agreed to promote co-development and co-production of defence equipment.
2. A Letter of Intent on Defence Cooperation was exchanged to provide an institutional framework for collaboration.
3. The defence partnership explicitly includes cooperation in emerging and niche technologies.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans : (d)

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Ques : Examine the strategic significance of India–Netherlands defence cooperation in the context of the Indo-Pacific region. What challenges may arise in translating defence agreements into tangible outcomes?

Page 06 & 07

Syllabus : GS 2 : Social Justice / Prelims

1. Rising Global Diabetes Burden: A Looming Public Health Challenge

The International Diabetes Federation’s Diabetes Atlas (11th edition), published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology (2025), projects that the number of people living with diabetes will rise from about 580 million in 2024 to nearly 900 million by 2050. The findings underline an unchecked global epidemic, with middle-income countries, including India, expected to bear the heaviest burden.

Core Analysis

Scale and Distribution of the Crisis

Diabetes prevalence is projected to increase from 11.11% (2024) to nearly 13% by 2050.

Urban areas will continue to dominate the diabetes load, reflecting lifestyle changes, sedentary behaviour, and dietary transitions.

Rural prevalence remains stagnant, highlighting inequitable access to diagnosis and care rather than lower disease burden.

India’s Position

India ranks second globally, with nearly 90 million people with diabetes, after China.

By 2050, India will retain this position, signalling long-term stress on healthcare systems and productivity.

Implications for Development

Diabetes contributes to cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and disability, increasing out-of-pocket expenditure and pushing households into poverty.

The trend threatens India’s demographic dividend and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 on health.

Need for Stronger Interventions

Experts stress prevention through lifestyle modification, early screening, and primary healthcare strengthening.

Current efforts remain fragmented and treatment-focused rather than prevention-oriented.

Conclusion

The projected diabetes surge represents not merely a medical issue but a developmental and economic challenge. For India and other middle-income countries, shifting from curative care to preventive, population-wide strategies is essential to slow progression and safeguard long-term human capital.

2. Intimate Partner Violence: An Under-recognised Public Health Crisis

A recent Lancet analysis using Global Burden of Disease (2023) data reframes intimate partner violence (IPV) as a major public health risk, particularly for women in South Asia. The study shows that IPV is a stronger determinant of poor health outcomes than obesity, smoking, or alcohol use, demanding a paradigm shift in how health systems respond to domestic violence.

Key Analysis

IPV as a Health Risk Factor

IPV is linked to mental disorders (PTSD, depression), chronic pain, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and adverse reproductive outcomes.

It acts as a chronic exposure, accumulating harm over years rather than appearing as a single clinical event.

Health System Blind Spots

Women frequently present with non-specific symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, and chronic pain, which are treated symptomatically.

Medical education largely confines IPV to forensic or legal contexts, leaving clinicians ill-equipped to identify or manage it in routine care.

Structural and Institutional Gaps

Lack of trauma-informed care, weak referral pathways, and family resistance prevent effective intervention.

IPV lies at the intersection of healthcare, law enforcement, and social services, leading to fragmented accountability.

Public Health Implications

Failure to recognise IPV perpetuates preventable non-communicable diseases and long-term disability among women.

Treating diabetes, hypertension, and mental illness without addressing underlying violence leads to poor outcomes.

Conclusion

Recognising intimate partner violence as a public health and chronic disease risk factor is crucial for effective healthcare delivery. Integrating IPV screening, trauma-informed care, and gender-sensitive training into medical education and primary healthcare can transform responses from reactive to preventive, advancing both women’s health and social justice.

UPSC Mains Practice Question 

Ques: Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is increasingly being recognised as a major public health risk rather than merely a social or legal issue. Examine how IPV contributes to chronic illness and disability among women in India, and evaluate the limitations of the existing health system response. (150 Words)

Page 10 : GS 3 : Science and Tech / Prelims

On December 15, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) announced the launch of DHRUV64, a 64-bit indigenous microprocessor developed under India’s Microprocessor Development Programme. The announcement reflects India’s strategic intent to reduce dependence on imported semiconductor technologies and strengthen technological sovereignty amid global supply-chain disruptions and geopolitical uncertainties.

Background and Key Features

Developer:
DHRUV64 has been developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under MeitY.

Technical Overview:

64-bit, dual-core processor

Clock speed: 1 GHz

General-purpose design

Intended for embedded systems, industrial automation, telecommunications, and strategic applications

Strategic Rationale: Microprocessors form the backbone of modern electronics—from telecom infrastructure to industrial control systems. Dependence on foreign processors creates vulnerabilities related to supply shocks, export controls, cybersecurity, and technology denial regimes.

India’s Indigenous Processor Ecosystem

DHRUV64 is part of a broader indigenous processor ecosystem, including:

SHAKTI – IIT Madras (RISC-V based, strategic and academic use)

AJIT – IIT Bombay (safety-critical and aerospace applications)

VIKRAM – ISRO–Semiconductor Laboratory (space systems)

THEJAS32 / THEJAS64 – C-DAC (under Digital India RISC-V programme)

Together, these processors address needs ranging from space and defence to industrial automation and academic research.

Role of RISC-V and DIR-V

RISC-V is an open-source Instruction Set Architecture (ISA), allowing countries to design processors without paying licensing fees.

DHRUV64 is part of the Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) initiative, aimed at creating a portfolio of RISC-V processors for civilian and strategic use.

Open architecture supports customisation, security auditing, and long-term strategic autonomy.

Critical Gaps and Unanswered Questions

Despite its strategic importance, MeitY’s announcement leaves several concerns unaddressed:

Lack of Performance Benchmarks

No data on real-world performance, power efficiency, cache design, memory bandwidth, or I/O capabilities.

Fabrication Ambiguity

The fabrication location and foundry details are undisclosed, raising concerns about supply-chain indigenisation.

Ambiguity of “Fully Indigenous”

It is unclear whether indigenisation applies to:

Core microarchitecture

SoC integration

Fabrication

Toolchains

Critical IP blocks

Ecosystem Readiness

No clarity on:

Developer boards

OS support (Linux, RTOS, etc.)

Security certifications

Government-backed anchor customers

Roadmap Uncertainty

Future processors DHANUSH (28 nm) and DHANUSH+ (14–16 nm) have been announced, but timelines and manufacturing readiness remain unclear.

Government Schemes Supporting Indigenous Semiconductor Development

To address structural gaps, the government has launched multiple initiatives:

Chips to Startup (C2S) Programme – ₹250 crore to build chip design talent

Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme – incentives for semiconductor design startups

INUP-i2i – access to nanofabrication facilities for academia and industry

India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) –

₹1.6 lakh crore investment

10 approved projects across six states (as of 2025)

These schemes aim to strengthen design capability, fabrication capacity, and human capital.

Conclusion

DHRUV64 represents an important milestone in India’s pursuit of technological self-reliance in semiconductors, particularly in processor design. However, for it to transition from a symbolic achievement to a commercially and strategically viable product, greater transparency, ecosystem support, fabrication clarity, and anchor adoption by government and public sector units are essential.

In the long run, India’s success in indigenous processors will depend not merely on designing chips, but on building a complete, trusted semiconductor value chain—from design and fabrication to software, testing, and market adoption. DHRUV64 is a step forward, but the journey towards true semiconductor sovereignty is still underway.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question 

Ques : With reference to the DHRUV64 microprocessor, consider the following statements:

1. DHRUV64 is a 64-bit dual-core general-purpose processor developed by C-DAC under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
2. It is based on the RISC-V instruction set architecture and is part of the Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) programme.
3. DHRUV64 has been fabricated at the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), Mohali.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans : a)

UPSC Mains Practice Question 

Ques : Examine the significance of the Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) programme in strengthening India’s semiconductor ecosystem. Highlight the challenges that limit the commercial adoption of indigenous processors like DHRUV64. (150 Words)

Page 12 : GS 3 : Indian Economy

In December 2025, the Union Finance Minister tabled the Securities Market Code Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha, marking a major step towards reforming India’s securities market regulation. The Bill seeks to consolidate three key laws governing the capital market into a single, modern legal framework and has been referred to the Standing Committee on Finance for detailed scrutiny.

Background and Objectives

The Bill was first announced in the Union Budget 2021–22, reflecting the government’s long-term intent to simplify and rationalise financial sector laws. India’s securities market is currently governed by multiple legislations enacted at different times, leading to regulatory overlaps, compliance complexity, and fragmented enforcement.

Primary objectives of the Bill include:

Consolidation and simplification of securities laws

Strengthening investor protection

Facilitating capital mobilisation at scale

Improving ease of doing business

Modernising regulatory and enforcement mechanisms

Key Provisions of the Bill

1. Consolidation of Laws

The Bill seeks to unify:

Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956

SEBI Act, 1992

Depositories Act, 1996

This consolidation aims to create a single Securities Market Code, reducing legal ambiguity and duplication.

2. Strengthening SEBI’s Institutional Capacity

SEBI’s Board strength to be increased from 9 to 15 members.

Composition to include:

Chairperson

Two Central Government nominees

One RBI nominee (ex-officio)

11 other members, with at least five whole-time members

This reflects the growing complexity and size of India’s capital markets.

3. Decriminalisation of Minor Violations

Minor, procedural, and technical violations to be shifted from criminal prosecution to civil penalties.

Criminal punishment to be restricted to serious offences such as:

Insider trading

Market manipulation

Trading on material non-public information

This aligns with broader economic reforms aimed at reducing regulatory fear and compliance burden.

4. Civil Penalties and Time Limitation

“Unlawful gains or losses” to attract civil penalties.

No inspection permitted if eight years have elapsed since the date of contravention.

This introduces certainty and predictability for market participants.

5. Conflict of Interest Safeguards

Mandatory disclosure of direct or indirect interests by SEBI board members before decision-making.

Aimed at enhancing transparency and regulatory credibility.

Significance of the Bill

Investor Confidence: A clearer, predictable regulatory framework can enhance domestic and foreign investor trust.

Capital Market Deepening: Simplified regulation supports long-term goals of financialisation of savings and capital formation.

Ease of Doing Business: Decriminalisation reduces fear of prosecution for technical lapses.

Regulatory Efficiency: Consolidation improves enforcement consistency and adjudication speed.

Concerns and Criticisms

Concentration of Power: Opposition members raised concerns that the Bill grants excessive authority to SEBI, potentially violating the principle of separation of powers.

Regulatory Overreach: Expanded powers without adequate checks may affect accountability.

Parliamentary Oversight: The effectiveness of safeguards will depend on the recommendations of the Standing Committee.

These concerns highlight the need for robust checks and balances within the regulatory framework.

Conclusion

The Securities Market Code Bill, 2025 represents a structural reform in India’s capital market regulation, aiming to align the legal framework with the needs of a fast-growing and increasingly sophisticated economy. While the consolidation of laws and decriminalisation of minor offences are progressive steps, concerns regarding regulatory concentration and accountability warrant careful parliamentary scrutiny.

If implemented with adequate safeguards, the Bill has the potential to strengthen investor protection, enhance market efficiency, and support India’s ambition of becoming a global financial hub, while maintaining regulatory balance and institutional integrity.

Page : 08 : Editorial Analysis

Context :

Energy consumption is a critical determinant of human development. As India aspires to transition into a developed economy with a Human Development Index (HDI) above 0.9, the scale, reliability, and sustainability of its energy supply become decisive factors. In this context, the passage of the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025 marks a significant policy intervention aimed at expanding nuclear energy as a core component of India’s long-term, low-carbon energy strategy.

Key Analysis

1. Energy–Human Development Linkage

Empirical evidence shows a strong correlation between per capita Final Energy Consumption (FEC) and HDI.

Estimates suggest that to reach an HDI of 0.9, India would require nearly 24,000 TWh of annual energy generation, a more than tenfold increase from the current level (~1,950 TWh in 2023–24).

This growth must occur alongside decarbonisation and electrification of end-use sectors, including industry, transport, and hydrogen production.

2. Limits of Renewable Energy Alone

While solar, wind, and hydro are essential for decarbonisation, their potential in India is constrained by:

Land availability in a densely populated country

Geographical and ecological limits to large hydro expansion

Intermittency of solar and wind, leading to reliability challenges

Large-scale energy storage to address daily and seasonal variability remains technologically and economically prohibitive at present.

3. Strategic Role of Nuclear Energy

Nuclear power provides baseload electricity, independent of weather or time of day, making it indispensable in a stable, decarbonised energy mix.

India has developed strong indigenous capabilities across the nuclear fuel cycle, including reactor design (PHWRs), fuel fabrication, heavy water production, waste management, and regulatory oversight.

With multiple 700 MW PHWR units operational or under construction, nuclear energy is technically feasible, scalable, and cost-competitive for India.

4. SHANTI Bill, 2025: Key Significance

The Bill consolidates earlier legal frameworks, including the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, providing regulatory clarity.

It formally recognises the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board under the new law, strengthening institutional continuity.

The legislation reinforces the principle that primary responsibility for safety and security lies with the licensee, aligning India with global nuclear governance norms.

The target of 100 GW nuclear capacity by mid-century signals long-term policy commitment and investor confidence.

5. Developmental and Climate Implications

Nuclear energy supports India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and its net-zero aspirations.

It enables clean electricity for hydrogen production, crucial for decarbonising steel, fertilisers, and chemicals.

A reliable nuclear backbone reduces dependence on fossil fuels while ensuring affordable power for economic growth.

Challenges and Considerations

Public perception and safety concerns must be addressed through transparency and community engagement.

Uranium import dependence necessitates robust international cooperation.

Nuclear expansion must be synchronised with renewables to ensure a balanced and resilient energy mix.

Conclusion

The SHANTI Bill represents a bold and strategic policy choice at a time when India faces the twin challenges of rapid development and climate responsibility. Given the scale of energy required to achieve high human development and the limitations of renewables alone, nuclear power emerges as an indispensable pillar of India’s decarbonised energy future. Ambitious targets backed by institutional reform and indigenous capability reflect India’s resolve to align energy security with sustainable development.