December 5, 2025 - Current Affairs

Expansion of PM JI-VAN Yojana To Accelerate Advanced Biofuel Production

Context

Recently, the Union Government has expanded the scope and timeline of the Pradhan Mantri Jaiv Indhan–Vatavaran Anukool Fasal Awashesh Nivaran (JI-VAN) Yojana, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable development and energy security.

About PM JI-VAN & Its 2024 Upgrades

It was launched in 2019 under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoP&NG).

It is implemented by the Centre for High Technology (CHT) that operated under the MoP&NG.

Define ‘Fake News’, Amend Penal Provisions to Take Action: Parliamentary Panel

Context

A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and IT, released a report titled "Review of Mechanism to Curb Fake News."

Major Highlights

Define Fake News: It has asked the government to define the term 'fake news' and incorporate suitable clauses in the existing regulatory framework to combat misinformation and protect freedom of speech.

Amendments: There is a need to amend the penal provisions for publishing/telecasting fake news in relevant Acts/Rules/Guidelines for each form of media (print, electronic, digital).

Antarctic Ozone Hole Closes Early in 2025

In News

The Antarctic ozone hole that formed in August 2025 closed earlier than usual, offering hope for recovery amid record global warming.

What is the Ozone Hole?

It is a seasonal thinning of the stratospheric ozone layer particularly in the southern polar region — was first discovered in 1985.

The ozone hole is not technically a “hole” where no ozone is present, but is actually a region of exceptionally depleted ozone in the stratosphere over the Antarctic.

It happens at the beginning of the Southern Hemisphere spring (August–October).

Karnataka’s Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill

Context

The State Cabinet approved the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025, to effectively curb, prevent, dissemination, publication or promotion of hate speech and hate crimes, which cause disharmony and hatred in society.

Key Features of the Bill

Purpose and Scope: It seeks to prevent dissemination, publication, and promotion of hate speech and hate crimes.

It aims to curb actions causing injury, disharmony, enmity, or hatred against individuals, groups, or organisations.

It is applicable to both persons and institutions.

BNHS to Reintroduce Two Vulture Species in Assam

Context

The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), is set to reintroduce two critically endangered vulture species, Slender-billed Vultures (Gyps tenuirostris) and White-rumped Vultures (Gyps bengalensis), in Assam.

Vulture

Vultures are one of the 22 species of large carrion-eating birds that live mostly in the tropics and subtropics.

India is home to nine species of Vulture namely the Oriental white-backed, Long-billed, Slender-billed, Himalayan, Red-headed, Egyptian, Bearded, Cinereous and the Eurasian Griffon.

News In Short 05-12-2025

In News

Mahad marks the birthplace of one of India’s first human rights movements initiated by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.

About Mahad Satyagraha (1927)

Mahad Satyagraha, launched by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on 20 March 1927 at Chavdar Tale, Mahad (Maharashtra), was the first major civil rights movement of Dalits.

Its objective was to secure the right of untouchables to access public drinking water denied due to caste discrimination.

Ambedkar, along with key associates such as Anandrao Chitre, Bapu Sahastrabuddhe, Sambhaji Gaikwad and Ramchandra More, led thousands to drink water from the public tank, asserting that essential resources cannot be monopolised by upper castes.