{"id":7128,"date":"2025-12-19T21:17:13","date_gmt":"2025-12-19T21:17:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/?p=7128"},"modified":"2025-12-20T15:05:48","modified_gmt":"2025-12-20T15:05:48","slug":"short-notes-on-current-affairs-18-12-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/?p=7128","title":{"rendered":"Short notes on Current Affairs 18.12.2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">SHANTI Bill, 2025<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overview of the Bill<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025 was passed by the Lok Sabha.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The Bill aims to open India\u2019s nuclear power sector to private participation, including foreign companies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Despite Opposition demands, the Bill was not referred to a parliamentary standing committee.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The Bill now moves to the Rajya Sabha for consideration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Government\u2019s Objectives<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Increase nuclear power capacity as part of India\u2019s clean energy transition.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Support India\u2019s 2070 net-zero emissions target.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve grid stability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Encourage <strong>private investment<\/strong> to accelerate nuclear expansion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Scale nuclear capacity from <strong>8.8 GW currently to 100 GW by 2047<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Support new technologies such as:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>220 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (Bharat SMRs)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Backed by a \u20b920,000-crore Nuclear Mission announced in the Union Budget.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Legal Change: Nuclear Liability Framework<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The Bill removes a crucial clause from the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Earlier, nuclear plant operators could seek recourse from suppliers if faulty equipment caused an accident.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">This clause was originally introduced to:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Protect Indian public interest<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Address safety concerns post-Bhopal gas tragedy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Its removal is aimed at:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Addressing foreign suppliers\u2019 concerns over unlimited liability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Making India\u2019s nuclear sector more attractive to global players<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Historical Context<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">In 2008, the BJP opposed the UPA government\u2019s nuclear policy, citing the absence of supplier liability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Ironically, the same clause later became a deterrent to foreign participation, even after:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The India\u2013U.S. Civil Nuclear Deal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India\u2019s waiver from Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) restrictions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The government argues that technological advancements have changed the risk landscape since 2010.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Government\u2019s Justification<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">According to Science Minister Jitendra Singh:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reactor technology has evolved, especially with SMRs, which are:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Smaller<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Designed for dense population areas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Associated with lower catastrophic risk<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A graded liability regime is necessary to:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Encourage innovation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Attract private capital<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make SMR projects financially viable<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Operator liability remains capped at <strong>\u20b93,000 crore<\/strong>, but:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Additional compensation can come from:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A nuclear insurance pool<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A proposed Nuclear Liability Fund, financed through tariffs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Opposition\u2019s Major Criticisms<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Public safety and accountability<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Opposition leaders argued that removing supplier liability weakens accountability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Questioned why foreign suppliers should be shielded in case of accidents.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Liability cap concerns<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u20b93,000 crore cap seen as:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Arbitrary<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inadequate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unchanged since 2010 despite inflation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Global disaster comparisons<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fukushima clean-up: ~$182 billion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chernobyl impact: ~$700 billion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Indian cap: ~\u20b93,000 crore (~$400 million)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Demand for scrutiny<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Several MPs demanded referral to a parliamentary committee for deeper examination.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Current State of India\u2019s Nuclear Sector<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Nuclear power contributes:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>~1.5% of installed capacity<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>~3% of electricity generation<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Remains a strategic and highly regulated sector, traditionally dominated by the public sector.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Broader Implications<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"font-size:17px\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Represents a major shift in India\u2019s nuclear governance framework.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seeks to balance:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Energy security<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Climate goals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Investment attractiveness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Raises unresolved questions about:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Long-term safety<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Public liability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fair risk-sharing between operators, suppliers, and the state<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Success depends on:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Strong regulatory oversight<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transparent safety standards<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Effective compensation mechanisms in worst-case scenarios<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">Commissioning of INAS 335 (Ospreys)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Event<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">INAS 335 (Ospreys), the second Indian Naval Air Squadron to operate MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, was commissioned at INS Hansa, Goa.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The ceremony was presided over by Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Significance of the Commissioning<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Marks a major milestone in the modernisation of Indian naval aviation, particularly rotary-wing capabilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Establishes the first operational MH-60R squadron on the western seaboard, strengthening maritime security in the Arabian Sea and western Indian Ocean.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Follows the commissioning of the first MH-60R squadron at Kochi in March 2024, indicating phased induction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Capabilities of MH-60R Helicopters<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">MH-60R is a <strong>multi-role, advanced maritime helicopter<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Enhances:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Surveillance and reconnaissance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Search and rescue operations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Significantly boosts the Navy\u2019s rotary-wing combat, detection, and response capabilities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strategic Importance of INS Hansa<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">INS Hansa, located in <strong>Goa<\/strong>, is a critical naval air station on the western coast.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Previously hosted major capability upgrades, including:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Commissioning of the second P-8I maritime patrol aircraft squadron in 2022<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Acts as a hub for long-range maritime surveillance and air operations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Broader Naval Aviation Modernisation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">MH-60R helicopters complement:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft (for wide-area surveillance and submarine tracking)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Upcoming MQ-9B Sea Guardian remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs), with 15 units under acquisition<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Together, these platforms enable:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Network-centric warfare<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Persistent maritime domain awareness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enhanced deterrence and rapid response<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Historical Context<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The commissioning holds symbolic importance as 2025 marks 75 years since the Government of India approved the formation of the Fleet Air Arm.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Highlights the evolution of Indian naval aviation from its inception to a technology-intensive force multiplier.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overall Assessment<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"font-size:17px\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The commissioning of INAS 335 reflects India\u2019s focus on:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Maritime security<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Indigenisation and modernisation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strengthening presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">It reinforces India\u2019s ability to address:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Submarine threats<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Surface combat challenges<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Surveillance gaps along key sea lanes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Represents a critical step toward a capability-driven, multi-layered maritime defence architecture.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">DESERT CYCLONE\u2013II<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The Indian Army has dispatched a contingent to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to participate in the second edition of the <strong>India\u2013UAE Joint Military Exercise, <\/strong>DESERT CYCLONE\u2013II.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The joint exercise is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi from December 18 to December 30.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The Indian contingent consists of 45 personnel, mainly drawn from a Mechanised Infantry Regiment battalion, highlighting India\u2019s focus on mechanised warfare capabilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The UAE Land Forces are represented by an equally sized contingent, drawn from the 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion, ensuring parity and balanced participation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">DESERT CYCLONE\u2013II is designed as a bilateral military engagement, reflecting the growing strategic and defence partnership between India and the UAE.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The primary objective of the exercise is to <strong>enhance interoperability<\/strong>, enabling both armies to operate more effectively together in joint operational scenarios.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The exercise also aims to <strong>strengthen defence cooperation<\/strong>, including the exchange of tactical knowledge, operational procedures, and best practices in mechanised infantry operations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Conducting the exercise in a <strong>desert environment<\/strong> provides realistic training conditions relevant to regional security challenges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The exercise underscores <strong>India\u2019s expanding defence diplomacy<\/strong> and its commitment to deeper military collaboration with key partners in West Asia.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Overall, DESERT CYCLONE\u2013II reinforces mutual trust, operational synergy, and long-term military cooperation between the Indian Army and the UAE Land Forces.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Ship Sarthak<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Ship Sarthak, an offshore patrol vessel, entered Chabahar Port in Iran on December 16 for a four-day visit lasting until December 19.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">This visit marks the <strong>first-ever port call by an Indian Coast Guard ship to Chabahar<\/strong>, making it a significant milestone in India\u2013Iran maritime engagement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">According to the Defence Ministry, the port call highlights India\u2019s expanding maritime presence and strategic outreach in the region.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The visit underscores India\u2019s capability and commitment to supporting secure sea lines of communication, particularly for Afghanistan and Central Asia, regions that rely on Chabahar for trade access.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Chabahar Port is strategically important as it provides India with alternative connectivity bypassing Pakistan, strengthening regional trade and logistics.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The visit aligns with India\u2019s maritime vision frameworks of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and MAHASAGAR, which emphasize secure, inclusive, and cooperative maritime engagements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">ICG Ship Sarthak is scheduled to participate in a range of professional interactions, likely including maritime cooperation, best-practice exchanges, and capacity-building activities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The ship will also engage in community-oriented activities, reflecting India\u2019s emphasis on maritime diplomacy and people-to-people outreach.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Overall, the port call reinforces India\u2019s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and strengthens strategic maritime partnerships in West Asia and beyond.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">Uniform Definition of the Aravalli Hills and Ranges<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Background &amp; Supreme Court Intervention<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">In <strong>November 2025<\/strong>, the Supreme Court (SC) issued an order to:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Set a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pause granting new mining lease<strong>s<\/strong> within the Aravalli areas across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">This follows decades of <strong>over-exploitation of the Aravalli range<\/strong> and previous legal interventions, including a 2009 SC ban on mining in select Haryana districts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Significance of the Aravalli Range<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Age &amp; Geography: Nearly 2 billion years old, India\u2019s oldest mountain range, stretching 650 km from Delhi to Gujarat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Ecological Role:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prevents <strong>desertification<\/strong> of the Indo-Gangetic plains.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Arrests the eastward spread of the Thar Desert into Haryana, Rajasthan, and western Uttar Pradesh.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stabilizes climate, biodiversity, and groundwater recharge.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Hydrological Importance:<\/strong> Source of rivers such as Chambal, Sabarmati, and Luni; supports critical water-recharge systems.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Mineral Wealth:<\/strong> Sandstone, limestone, marble, granite, and metals like lead, zinc, copper, gold, tungsten.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Environmental Concerns:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Excessive quarrying<\/strong> over the past four decades has deteriorated air quality and groundwater recharge.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Illegal mining<\/strong> remains an ongoing issue.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>International Commitments:<\/strong> India is bound by the UN Convention to Combat Desertification to protect ecosystems like the Aravallis.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Past Actions Against Mining<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"font-size:17px\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Environment Ministry:<\/strong> Rules since the early 1990s restricted mining to sanctioned projects, but violations persisted.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>2009 SC Ban:<\/strong> Imposed in Faridabad, Gurugram, and Mewat (Haryana).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>May 2024 SC Directive:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prohibited new leases and renewals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Directed the <strong>Central Empowered Committee (CEC)<\/strong> to examine the range and recommend measures.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>CEC Recommendations (March 2024):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Complete scientific mapping of the Aravalli range.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Macro-level environmental impact assessments for mining.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ban mining in ecologically sensitive areas (protected habitats, water bodies, tiger corridors, aquifer recharge zones, NCR).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regulate stone-crushing units.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No new leases until proper mapping and impact assessments are done.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>June 2025 \u2018Green Wall\u2019 Project:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Expand green cover in a 5-km buffer zone across 29 districts of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aim: Restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Need for a Uniform Definition<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">States and expert groups used inconsistent criteria to define Aravalli hills and ranges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Forest Survey of India (FSI, 2010) criteria: Based on slope (&gt;3\u00b0), foothill buffer (100m), inter-hill distance (500m), and enclosed area.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>SC Committee (2025) Decision:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Only hills above 100 metres are considered part of the Aravalli range.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Objection: Too narrow, may allow mining on smaller hills, breaking the continuity of the range.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Counterpoint: Prior slope-based definitions excluded even large areas; 100m threshold is more inclusive.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SC\u2019s Other Directions<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Prepare a <strong>Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM)<\/strong> covering the entire range:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Identify areas of absolute mining prohibition.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Map zones for limited, regulated mining.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Map sensitive habitats and wildlife corridors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Evaluate cumulative ecological impacts and ecological carrying capacity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Articulate restoration and rehabilitation measures.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reason for No Total Ban<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">SC opted for a <strong>calibrated approach<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Existing legal mining continues under tight regulation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>New mining paused until scientific plan is ready.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Permanently sensitive areas remain off-limits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>SHANTI Bill, 2025 Overview of the Bill Government\u2019s Objectives Key Legal Change: Nuclear Liability Framework Historical Context Government\u2019s Justification Opposition\u2019s Major Criticisms Current State of India\u2019s Nuclear Sector Broader Implications Commissioning of INAS 335 (Ospreys) Key Event Significance of the Commissioning Capabilities of MH-60R Helicopters Strategic Importance of INS Hansa Broader Naval Aviation Modernisation Historical [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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