Daily Current Affairs — 16 December 2025
5 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
Mangroves’ Cells Help Plants Survive in Saltwater
Context A new study published in Current Biology explains the cellular adaptations that enable mangrove species to tolerate extreme salt stress, offering insights for developing salt-tolerant crops in the future. Key Highlights of the Study Key cellular traits (not stomata-based): Mangroves do not rely on smaller or more numerous stomata to increase photosynthesis. Instead, they exhibit: unusually small leaf epidermal pavement cells and thicker cell walls, which together give them more mechanica
Siliserh Lake and Kopra Jalashay Designated as New Ramsar Sites
Context India designated Siliserh Lake and Kopra Jalashay as its 95th and 96th Ramsar Sites, increasing the countrys total to 96, up from 26 in 2014. What are the Wetlands? The Ramsar Convention’s definition for wetlands includes: “areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres”.
Appointment to Chief Information Commissioner
Context The President of India administered the oath of office to Raj Kumar Goyal as the Chief Information Commissioner of the Central Information Commission. About Central Information Commission The Central Information Commission (CIC) is a statutory body in India, established under the provisions of the Right to Information Act (2005). The Central Information Commission consists of a Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and not more than ten Information Commissioners (IC).
Dowry Eradication Urgent Constitutional, Social Necessity: SC
In News The Supreme Court issued systemic directions to strengthen enforcement of anti-dowry laws. SC observed that dowry is a deep-rooted social evil cutting across communities and requires institutional accountability, not merely penal provisions. SC Directions Judicial Monitoring: High Courts must monitor pending cases under IPC Sections 304-B (dowry death) and 498-A (cruelty) for expeditious disposal, with the judgment circulated for compliance review.
Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin): VB G RAM G Bill, 2025
Context The Union Minister of Rural Development and Agriculture Farmers’ Welfare introduced the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin): VB G RAM G Bill, 2025 in Lok Sabha. About It will replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA). The move will mark a shift from a “demand-driven framework” to a “supply-driven scheme”.