December 13, 2025 - Current Affairs

Cabinet Approves SHANTI Bill

Context

The Union Cabinet has approved the Atomic Energy Bill, 2025, titled SHANTI (Sustainable Harnessing of Advancement of Nuclear Technology for India).

The Bill seeks to create a unified and modern legal framework for India’s nuclear sector.

About

Traditionally, nuclear power plants in India have been owned and operated only by state-owned Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and its fully-owned subsidiary Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam (BHAVINI).

To allow private sector participation government has to amend key legislations;

Atomic Energy Act, 1962, a framework for nuclear energy development and regulation.

Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, ensuring compensation mechanisms for nuclear incidents.

Cabinet Approves India-Oman Free Trade Pact

Context

The Union Cabinet has approved the proposed Free Trade Agreement between India and Oman.

About

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement approval comes ahead of the Prime Minister’s three-nation tour to Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman.

It was approved by the lower house of Parliament of Oman as well.

The PM visit to Oman will be his second visit to the country and coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

FTA: Negotiations for the agreement began officially in 2023.

In FTAs two trading partners either significantly reduce or eliminate customs duties on a maximum number of goods traded between them.

New Fight for Spectrum in Space

Context

The rapid expansion of satellite megaconstellations, driven by soaring demand for high-speed connectivity, has intensified the global race for limited spectrum and orbital slots.

What is Satellite Spectrum?

Satellite spectrum refers to the radio frequencies used for satellite communications.

These frequencies enable satellite-based systems to transmit data and signals between satellites in orbit and ground stations.

Unlike terrestrial spectrum, satellite spectrum operates without national territorial limits and is managed globally by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

Satellite spectrum is divided into different frequency bands, each suited for specific types of communication

NITI Aayog Releases Report on “Deepening the Corporate Bond Market in India”

Context

NITI Aayog has released the report titled “Deepening the Corporate Bond Market in India".

About

The report examines the current state, challenges, and future roadmap for strengthening India’s corporate bond market—a key financing avenue for corporations, infrastructure, MSMEs, and emerging sectors.

A deep and liquid corporate bond market helps mobilise long-term capital, reducing over-reliance on bank credit and supporting economic growth.

It is critical for financing infrastructure, climate actions, MSMEs, and emerging sectors aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047 goals.

India out of Pax Silica Initiative

Context

India has been excluded from the US-led Pax Silica initiative, a new US critical mineral diversification plan.

About

Pax Silica is a US-led strategic initiative to build a secure, prosperous, and innovation-driven silicon supply chain from critical minerals.

The inaugural Pax Silica Summit convenes counterparts from: Japan, Republic of Korea, Singapore, the Netherlands, The United Kingdom, Israel, United Arab Emirates, and Australia.

Together, these countries are home to the most important companies and investors powering the global AI supply chain.

News In Short 13-12-2025

In News

India has expressed concern over reports of damage to conservation facilities at the Preah Vihear temple complex.

About Preah Vihear Temple

It is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Cambodia, near the border with Thailand.

It was built mainly during the reigns of Khmer kings Suryavarman I and Suryavarman II (9th–12th centuries CE).

It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.