SNIPPETS: 19 DECEMBER 2025

POLITY

• Securities Markets Code Bill, 2025 introduced by Nirmala Sitharaman + consolidates SCRA 1956, SEBI Act 1992, Depositories Act 1996 + creates unified, principle-based, tech-friendly framework + expands SEBI Board (9 to 15) with conflict disclosure + enhances SEBI powers, SRO/MII delegation, regulatory sandbox + decriminalises minor violations, classifies civil vs serious offences + boosts inter-regulatory coordination, investor protection, capital mobilisation, and ease of doing business.

SCIENCE

• DHRUV64, an indigenous 64-bit dual-core (1 GHz) RISC-V microprocessor, launched by MeitY and developed by C-DAC under the Microprocessor Development Programme, supports industrial automation, telecom, embedded and strategic systems + strengthens Atmanirbhar Bharat via cybersecurity, supply-chain resilience and strategic autonomy + aligns with DIR-V (open-source ISA, no licence fees) + complements initiatives like SHAKTI, AJIT, VIKRAM, THEJAS + backed by DLI, Chips to Startup and India Semiconductor Mission, though benchmarks, fabrication and ecosystem details remain undisclosed.

DEFENCE

• Indian Navy commissioned second MH-60R squadron INAS 335 (Ospreys) at INS Hansa, Goa on 11 Dec 2024 + US-made Sikorsky–Lockheed Martin multi-role helicopters + boost ASW, anti-surface warfare, surveillance, SAR + enhance maritime domain awareness in IOR amid Chinese–Pakistani naval activity + align with Atmanirbhar Bharat via indigenisation + part of ₹15,000+ crore deal (2020) for 24 helicopters, strengthening SLOC protection and deterrence.
• Second edition of the India–UAE Joint Military Exercise DESERT CYCLONE–II, scheduled to be held at Abu Dhabi

INTERNATIONAL ISSUE

• India–Oman CEPA signed in Muscat + Oman zero-duty on 98.08% tariff lines (38% Indian exports) + India tariff removal on 79% products (94.81% import value) + 100% FDI in Omani services + logistics, IT, healthcare boost + labour mobility for Indians + local currency trade talks + energy security (crude, LNG, fertilisers) + gateway to West Asia–Africa + 6th NDA trade pact, complementing India–UAE CEPA.