Context: The President of India has granted assent to the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, which was passed during the Winter Session of Parliament, marking a major reform in India’s civil nuclear energy governance. About the SHANTI Act, 2025 A comprehensive and unified legislation governing India’s civil nuclear sector.It replaces: and creates a single integrated framework for: Aim Key Features of the Act 1. Opening the Nuclear Sector to Non-Government Entities 2. Revised Nuclear Liability Framework 3. Change in Operator’s Right of Recourse 4. Expanded Territorial Jurisdiction for Claims 5. Statutory Status to Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) 6. Atomic Energy Redressal Advisory Council

Context: The Supreme Court of India has accepted the Centre’s new definition of the Aravalli Hills, restricting legal protection to landforms rising 100 metres or more above local relief.This has triggered the nationwide #SaveAravalli campaign, with environmental experts and civil society warning of large-scale ecological risks. About the Save Aravalli Campaign About Aravalli Hills The Aravalli Hills are among the oldest mountain ranges in the world, stretching ~800 km from Gujarat–Rajasthan to Haryana–Delhi. Though modest in height, they are ecologically critical to north-western India. Ecological & Economic Significance Ecological Shield Water Security Climate Resilience

Source: PIB Why in News? The President of India has granted assent to the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, passed during the Winter Session of Parliament.The Act replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005. About Viksit Bharat–G RAM G Act, 2025 A revamped statutory framework for rural employment, repositioning wage employment as an integrated instrument for: Aligned with the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision. Aims Key Features 1. Increased Guaranteed Employment 2. Centrally Sponsored Scheme with Revised Funding Pattern 3. Normative Allocations & State Responsibility 4. Pause During Peak Agricultural Seasons 5. Decentralised & Integrated Planning 6. Focus on Priority Development Domains Works restricted to four thematic areas: 7. Strengthened Governance & Monitoring 8. Technology-Driven Transparency & Accountability

Why in News? The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved USD 206 million in emergency assistance for Sri Lanka under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. About the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) The Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) is an IMF emergency lending facility that provides quick, low-access financial assistance to member countries facing urgent balance-of-payments (BoP) needs, particularly during: Aim

Context: India and the Netherlands have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate on the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat. About National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) The NMHC is a flagship cultural and heritage initiative of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, aimed at presenting India’s 4,500–5,000-year-old maritime legacy through a world-class museum and cultural complex. About Lothal Excavation: Key Importance:

Indian wildlife conservationist Vivek Menon has been elected as the Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) for the 2025–2029 term. About IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) The Species Survival Commission (SSC) is the largest and most influential scientific network of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), focused on conserving species and halting biodiversity loss worldwide. Established Organisational Position

Source: TH Context: The Supreme Court of India has strengthened conservation safeguards for the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB) while revising power transmission alignments under the Green Energy Corridor (GEC) in Rajasthan and Gujarat.The move seeks to balance renewable energy expansion with species protection, especially in priority bustard habitats. About the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world and the state bird of Rajasthan.It is a flagship grassland species and a crucial indicator of ecosystem health in India’s arid and semi-arid landscapes. Conservation Status Population

Source: PIB Context: On December 20, 2025, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), released the Toolkit for the 10th edition of Swachh Survekshan (SS) in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Swachh Survekshan is recognized as the world’s largest urban cleanliness survey, conducted annually under the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban (SBM-U). About the Toolkit Swachh Survekshan 2025–26 Theme Citizen Participation (Major Reform)

Source: Mint Why in News? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has stated in its December State of the Economy report that despite persistent global headwinds—including trade and policy uncertainties—India’s economic growth remains resilient, anchored by strong domestic demand, particularly private consumption and investment. Key Takeaways from the RBI Report 1. Growth Performance 2. Demand & Sectoral Trends 3. Global Environment 4. Financial Markets & External Sector 5. Monetary Policy Response