Daily Current Affairs — 13 December 2025
5 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).