The Hindu (02.12.2025) provided, here are the curated Current Affairs notes structured for UPSC (Civil Services) and TNPSC (Group 1, 2, 4) exams.
1. Polity & Governance (GS II / TNPSC Unit V)
Topic: Supreme Court orders CBI probe into 'Digital Arrests'
· News: The Supreme Court has given the CBI a "free hand" to investigate 'digital arrest' scams across India, overriding the requirement for state consent.
· Key Points:
o Legal Context: Usually, under Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, the CBI needs state consent to investigate crimes within a state's jurisdiction. The SC used its extraordinary powers to bypass this for these specific cybercrimes.
o The Scam: Fraudsters impersonate police/CBI officials on video calls, claiming the victim is under "digital arrest" for crimes like money laundering.
o Institutions Involved: The probe will be coordinated with the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) and Interpol.
· Exam Perspective: Federalism (CBI jurisdiction), Cyber Security structures (I4C).
Topic: New Regulations for Pan Masala & Tobacco
· News: The Centre introduced the Health Security & National Security Cess Bill, 2025.
· Key Points:
o It seeks to levy a cess on machines used to manufacture pan masala to fund health and national security.
o This replaces the GST Compensation Cess on tobacco, which is being discontinued as the loan repayment period ends.
· Exam Perspective: GST Compensation, Cess vs. Tax, Revenue sourcing.
2. Economy (GS III / TNPSC Unit VI)
Topic: Masala Bonds Controversy
· News: The ED has issued notices to Kerala officials regarding Masala Bonds issued by KIIFB.
· Concept: Masala Bonds are rupee-denominated bonds issued by Indian entities in overseas markets. The investor bears the currency risk, not the issuer.
· Issue: Alleged violation of FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) guidelines.
· Exam Perspective: Definition of Masala Bonds, External Commercial Borrowings (ECB), FEMA.
Topic: Rare Earth Elements (REE) & India's Self-Reliance
· News: Union Cabinet approved a ₹7,280-crore scheme to manufacture rare earth permanent magnets.
· Why? China controls 90% of global REE processing. India imports 53,000 metric tonnes despite having 8% of global reserves (Monazite sands in Kerala/TN/Odisha).
· Usage: EVs, defense, electronics.
· Exam Perspective: Critical Minerals, Supply Chain Resilience, Monazite sands distribution in India.
3. Science & Technology (GS III / TNPSC Unit I)
Topic: Sanchar Saathi App Mandate
· News: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has ordered smartphone makers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all new phones starting March 2026.
· Function: It verifies the authenticity of IMEI numbers, reports scam calls, and helps block stolen phones.
· Exam Perspective: E-governance initiatives, Cyber security tools.
Topic: Bioremediation (Environment)
· Context: A solution to India's pollution crisis.
· Definition: Using microorganisms (bacteria, fungi) to degrade toxic pollutants into harmless by-products.
· Types:
o In-situ: Treating contamination at the site (e.g., spraying bacteria on oil spills).
o Ex-situ: Removing soil/water to treat it elsewhere.
· Exam Perspective: Environmental pollution control techniques.
Topic: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
· News: India released the National Action Plan on AMR 2.0 (2025-29).
· Concept: "One Health" approach—recognizing the connection between human health, animal health, and the environment.
· Exam Perspective: Public Health, Antibiotic usage policies.
4. International Relations & Defense (GS II / GS III)
Topic: Biological Weapons Convention (BWC)
· News: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke at the 50th anniversary of the BWC.
· Concern: Threat of bioterrorism by "non-state actors" and the lack of a compliance verification mechanism in the BWC.
· Exam Perspective: International Treaties, Disarmament, Bioterrorism.
Topic: Heron Mk II Drones
· News: Indian Armed Forces are procuring satellite-linked Heron Mk II UAVs from Israel.
· Features: Long endurance, satellite connectivity for long-range surveillance.
· Exam Perspective: India-Israel Defence relations, Modernization of Armed Forces.
5. Social Issues / Data Points
· Poverty Trends: Extreme poverty reduction is stalling globally. While Asia (including India) has grown, poverty is becoming concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa.
· HIV Stats: Mizoram reported the highest annual new HIV incidence rate in India (0.90 per 1,000), followed by Nagaland.
Practice MCQs for UPSC/TNPSC
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding 'Masala Bonds':
1. They are bonds issued outside India but denominated in Indian Rupees.
2. The currency risk is borne by the Indian issuer.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 only
B) 2 only
C) Both 1 and 2
D) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: A (Currency risk is borne by the investor )
Q2. The 'Sanchar Saathi' initiative, recently seen in the news, is associated with:
A) Providing free Wi-Fi in rural areas
B) Tracking and blocking lost/stolen mobile phones
C) Digital literacy for senior citizens
D) Satellite communication for fishermen
Answer: B
Q3. Which of the following best describes 'Bioremediation'?
A) Using chemicals to clean up oil spills
B) Using microorganisms to degrade environmental pollutants
C) Converting waste plastic into fuel
D) Capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
Answer: B
Q4. According to recent government reports, which Indian state currently has the highest estimated annual new HIV incidence rate?
A) Maharashtra
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Mizoram
D) Nagaland
Answer: C
Q5. With reference to the 'Heron Mk II' recently procured by Indian Armed Forces, consider the following:
1. It is an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
2. It is procured from the United States.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
A) 1 only
B) 2 only
C) Both 1 and 2
D) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: A (It is procured from Israel )
Current Affairs notes){kind=link}
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