Current Affairs for 13 December 2025

Agentic AI: India's Endeavor in Autonomous Intelligence

Context

Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella recently stated that the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the applications of Agentic AI are accelerating rapidly in India.

What is Agentic AI ?

• Agentic AI is an advanced form of artificial intelligence that focuses on autonomous decision-making and execution.
• It involves AI agents—machine learning models—that mimic human decision-making processes to solve problems in real time.
• While traditional AI primarily reacts to commands or analyzes data, Agentic AI, with minimal human intervention:
• Can set goals
• Can plan
• Can execute tasks
• The term 'Agentic' refers to 'agency,' meaning these systems have the ability to act independently in a goal-oriented manner.

Key Components of Agentic AI

• Perception: Agentic AI begins by perceiving its environment and gathering information from various sources, such as sensors, databases, and user interfaces.
• Reasoning: Using Large Language Models (LLMs), Agentic AI analyzes the collected data to understand the context, identify relevant information, and generate potential solutions.
• Planning: Agentic AI then uses the gathered information (data) for planning, which includes setting goals, breaking them down into smaller steps, and finding the best way to achieve them. 
• Action: Based on its plan, the agentic AI takes action, which may involve completing tasks, making decisions, or interacting with other systems.
• Reflection: After taking action, the AI ​​learns from the results. It evaluates the success or failure of its actions and uses this feedback to adjust its plans and actions in the future.

Key Differences Between Agentic AI and Generative AI

• Agentic AI is built upon Generative AI (GenAI) technology, utilizing Large Language Models (LLMs) to operate in dynamic environments.
• While generative models focus on creating content (text, images, or code) based on learned patterns, agentic AI extends this capability by applying generative output to specific, goal-oriented tasks and autonomously completing complex tasks.
• For example, generative AI models like OpenAI's ChatGPT can create text, images, or code, but an agentic AI system uses these to autonomously complete specific tasks and make decisions with the help of external tools, allowing machines to actively interact with their environment.

Conclusion

Agentic AI is paving new paths for autonomous intelligence in India. While generative AI focuses on creation and generation, agentic AI transforms this into autonomous decision-making and task execution. This technology has the potential to deliver efficient, faster, and goal-oriented solutions across industries, finance, healthcare, and everyday processes.

Champions of the Earth Award

Recently, Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary of the Environment, Climate Change and Forests Department of Tamil Nadu, was awarded the 2025 Champions of the Earth Award by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

About the Champions of the Earth Award

• This prestigious award was established in 2005 and is presented by UNEP. It is the United Nations' highest environmental honor, recognizing individuals and organizations that have made exceptional contributions to environmental protection and safeguarding the planet.
• UNEP annually honors leaders and innovators who are developing effective, long-term, and innovative solutions to address the 'triple planetary crisis' of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste.

Awards in Four Key Categories

Policy Leadership

Public sector leaders known for driving environmental action at national and global levels. They shape the discourse, lead ambitious commitments, and implement policies for the betterment of the planet.

Inspiration and Action

Leaders recognized for taking bold and impactful steps to protect our planet. They bring about positive change in society, challenge behavioral norms, and inspire millions.

Entrepreneurial Vision

Visionary innovators who dare to disrupt the status quo to build a sustainable and clean future. They develop new systems and technologies and present groundbreaking solutions.

Science and Innovation

Scientists and technical experts who push the boundaries of technology to maximize environmental benefits. Their work brings new dimensions to scientific progress for sustainable development.

The Nuclear Energy Bill, 2025: A Decisive Step Towards Baseload Power, SMRs, and Nuclear Reforms in India

India’s energy transition has reached a critical juncture. Despite rapid expansion of renewable energy, challenges such as baseload power deficits, grid instability, and deep decarbonisation requirements have brought nuclear energy back to the centre of policy discourse.

In this context, the Nuclear Energy Bill, 2025, approved by the Union Cabinet, is being viewed as a historic reform in one of India’s most closed sectors—the civil nuclear energy domain. 

Background and Key Provisions of the Bill

Amendment to the Atomic Energy Act, 1962

Status quo till now:

• Complete ownership and operation of nuclear power plants rested exclusively with the government through the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).
• Participation of private and foreign entities was prohibited.

Proposed reforms:

• Allowing private companies up to 49% equity participation in nuclear power projects.
• Expanding private sector involvement in:
  • Nuclear mining
  • Fuel fabrication
  • Equipment manufacturing
  • Plant operations
• Opening pathways for foreign investment via Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs). 

Reform of the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA), 2010

Problematic clause – Operator’s Right of Recourse:

• In case of a nuclear accident, the operator (NPCIL) can seek compensation from suppliers.
• This provision was seen as a major investment deterrent by foreign firms such as Westinghouse and EDF.

Proposed solutions:

• Fixing an upper cap on liability
• Creation of a government-backed insurance pool/fund
• Aligning India’s liability framework with global nuclear liability norms

These reforms would unlock the commercial potential of the India–US Civil Nuclear Agreement (2008). 

India’s Baseload Power Challenge and the Nuclear Option

Limitations of Renewable Energy

• Solar and wind energy are intermittent
• Energy storage technologies remain costly and insufficient
• Peak evening demand + low solar output often leads to grid stress

Why Nuclear Energy Matters

• Provides 24×7 reliable baseload power
• Much lower carbon emissions than coal
• Enhances energy security while supporting climate commitments 

Nuclear Capacity Expansion Roadmap

Global Comparison

• United States: ~100 GW
• France: ~65 GW
• China: ~58 GW 

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): India’s New Strategic Pivot

What are SMRs ?

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are advanced nuclear reactors that:

• Typically generate 50–300 MW
• Are factory-built in modular form and assembled on-site
• Are safer, smaller, more flexible, and cost-effective compared to large reactors

India’s Initiatives

• ₹20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission for SMR R&D
• Target to commission 5 indigenous SMRs by 2033
• Three key designs developed by BARC:
  1. BSMR – 200 MW (LWR)
  2. SMR – 55 MW (LWR)
  3. BSR – 220 MW (PHWR)

These developments position India as a future exporter of nuclear technology.

Role of the Private Sector: Opportunities and Challenges

Interested Private Players

• Reliance, Tata Power, Adani Power
• JSW Energy, Hindalco, Jindal Steel
• 16 potential sites identified across 6 states

Proposed Model

• Ownership & operation: NPCIL
• Capital investment: Private companies
• Benefit: Captive power supply for industry

Key Challenges

• Ambiguity over ownership and tariff structures
• Long-term financial viability
• Regulatory oversight and nuclear safety concerns

Geopolitical and Strategic Dimensions

1. India–US Relations
   • Revival of civil nuclear cooperation
   • Trust-building for broader trade and investment agreements
2. Energy Diplomacy
   • Interest from Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds
   • Continued cooperation with:
   • Russia (Kudankulam project)
   • France (technology and fuel cycle support)
3. Climate Leadership
   • Supports India’s Net Zero by 2070 commitment
   • Gradual reduction in coal dependency

Net Zero 2070: 

• Announced by India at COP-26
• Objective: Achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2070
• Implemented through a five-point climate action plan, including:
  • Reducing emission intensity by 2030
  • Achieving 50% energy from renewables by 2030
  • Expanding non-fossil fuel capacity to 500 GW by 2030

Nuclear Power Plants of India

All commercial nuclear power plants in India are operated by NPCIL – Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (under the Department of Atomic Energy).

India’s Nuclear Power Status (Quick Facts – Prelims Ready)

• Total Nuclear Power Stations: 8
• Total Operational Reactors: 22
• Total Installed Capacity: ~7.5–8 GW
• Major Reactor Technologies:-
  • PHWR (Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor) – Indigenous technology. 
  • LWR (Light Water Reactor – VVER) – Russian collaboration. 

List of Nuclear Power Plants in India

National Film Heritage Mission: Preserving India’s Cinema Legacy

Why in News ?

In response to a question in the Lok Sabha, the Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting informed that 1,469 film titles, amounting to nearly 4.3 lakh minutes of cinematic content, have been digitised so far under the National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM).

Background & Context

India is one of the world’s largest film-producing nations, with over a century of cinematic history spread across multiple languages and regions. However, much of this heritage has remained vulnerable due to:

• Ageing and deteriorating celluloid film reels
• Poor storage conditions
• Technological obsolescence

Recognising cinema as an important component of India’s cultural heritage, the government launched the National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM) to systematically restore, preserve, and digitise India’s film legacy for future generations.

What is the National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM) ?

• Launched: 2015
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
• Implementing Agency: National Film Archive of India (NFAI), Pune

The mission is India’s first comprehensive, structured effort to safeguard the nation’s cinematic heritage using modern archival and digital technologies.

Key Objectives of NFHM

• Condition Assessment:
  • Scientific evaluation of film reels to determine deterioration and remaining lifespan
• Restoration & Preservation:
  • 2K/4K digital picture and sound restoration of landmark Indian films
  • Creation of new picture and sound inter-negatives for long-term preservation
• Digitisation:
  • Conversion of analog films into high-quality digital formats for archival and access purposes
• Archival Infrastructure:
  • Construction of modern film vaults with controlled temperature and humidity
• Capacity Building:
  • Training programmes and workshops for archival professionals
  • Strengthening in-house technical expertise
• Digital Management:
  • Development of a web-based, end-to-end IT solution for cataloguing, tracking, and managing film assets

Progress Achieved Under NFHM

• 1,469 film titles digitised
• Approximately 4.3 lakh minutes of restored and digitised film content
• Covers classics across languages, regions, and genres
• Helps prevent permanent loss of culturally significant films

National Film Archive of India (NFAI): Key Facts

• Established: February 1964
• Status: Media unit under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
• Headquarters: Pune
• Regional Centres: Bengaluru, Kolkata, Thiruvananthapuram
• International Linkage: Member of the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF) since 1969

Mandate & Functions:

• Acquisition and preservation of India’s cinematic heritage
• Conservation of:
  • Celluloid films
  • Stills, posters, lobby cards
  • Glass slides, scripts, song booklets
• Promotion of film culture through:
  • Screenings and retrospectives
  • Film appreciation courses
  • Research and academic engagement

Significance of NFHM

• Preserves cinema as a living cultural memory
• Supports academic research, film studies, and cultural education
• Enables future digital access to classic Indian films
• Strengthens India’s cultural diplomacy and soft power
• Aligns with broader goals of Digital India and heritage digitisation

Sanchar Mitra Scheme: Youth for Digital Safety

Why in News ?

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, the Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development informed that 222 educational institutions are currently participating in the Sanchar Mitra Scheme, a youth-centric digital awareness initiative of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

Background & Context

India’s rapid digitalisation, expansion of mobile connectivity, and adoption of online services have been accompanied by a sharp rise in telecom frauds, cyber scams, misinformation, and unsafe digital practices. While regulatory and technological solutions are essential, the government has increasingly recognised the need for grassroots awareness and behavioural change.

Against this backdrop, the Sanchar Mitra Scheme was conceptualised as a people-centric and youth-driven outreach programme, leveraging students as trusted community messengers to promote safe and responsible use of telecom and digital services.

What is the Sanchar Mitra Scheme ?

• Nature: A youth-oriented outreach and awareness initiative
• Launched by: Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications
• Objective: To harness the energy, credibility, and reach of young students to spread awareness about digital safety, telecom fraud prevention, and responsible use of communication technologies

Under the scheme, selected student volunteers are designated as “Sanchar Mitras” (Friends of Communication).

Key Objectives of the Scheme

• Promote safe digital behaviour among citizens
• Raise awareness about telecom frauds, cyber threats, and mobile safety
• Disseminate information on government digital and telecom initiatives
• Build a bridge between policy, technology, and citizens through youth engagement

Who Can Become a Sanchar Mitra ?

• Students from technical and professional institutions offering courses in:
  • Telecom
  • Electronics
  • Computer Science
  • Cybersecurity
  • IT and allied disciplines
• Institutions must formally agree to participate in the scheme
• Selection and coordination are done through DoT’s field formations

Training and Capacity Building

• Sanchar Mitras receive structured training from:
  • Domain experts
  • National Communications Academy–Technology (NCA-T)
• Training modules include:
  • Cybersecurity and telecom fraud prevention
  • Emerging telecom technologies (5G, IoT, etc.)
  • Telecom policies, regulations, and consumer rights
  • Safe digital practices and responsible online behaviour

Roles and Responsibilities of Sanchar Mitras

• Conduct community outreach programmes in:
  • Schools and colleges
  • Villages and urban neighbourhoods
  • Public spaces and local events
• Educate citizens on:
  • Mobile safety and SIM-related frauds
  • Phishing, spoofing, and cyber scams
  • Secure use of digital and telecom services
• Act as local digital ambassadors, strengthening trust between citizens and institutions

Incentives and Opportunities for Sanchar Mitras

Top-performing Sanchar Mitras may receive, on a best-effort basis:

• Exposure to R&D projects and telecom start-ups
• Participation in policy formulation and standards-setting exercises
• Involvement in field surveys and DoT initiatives
• Opportunities to attend national conferences, workshops, and telecom events

Recognition and incentives are coordinated through DoT units using existing institutional resources and partnerships.

Implementation Mechanism

• Implemented across all States and Union Territories
• Coordinated through Licensed Service Area (LSA) field offices of the DoT
• Designed to be scalable, low-cost, and community-centric

Significance of the Scheme

• Strengthens digital literacy and cyber resilience at the grassroots
• Encourages youth participation in governance and public awareness
• Complements regulatory efforts against telecom fraud with behavioural change
• Supports India’s broader goals of Digital India, secure digital public infrastructure, and citizen empowerment

India’s Poverty Decline: Trends and Challenges

Why in News ?

A recent research paper by Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, concludes that India has “virtually eliminated” extreme poverty between 2011–12 and 2023–24, with extreme poverty levels declining to around 2%. The findings have renewed debate on poverty measurement, welfare effectiveness, and the future focus of India’s social policy.

Background & Context

Poverty reduction has remained a central objective of India’s development strategy since Independence. While early decades focused on food security and basic needs, the post-2000 period witnessed a shift toward targeted welfare delivery, consumption growth, and multidimensional approaches.

In the absence of official poverty estimates after 2011–12, recent academic and policy studies — including this paper — have attempted to reassess poverty trends using consumption data, welfare coverage, and non-monetary indicators.

Key Highlights of the Study on Poverty

1. Extreme Poverty Nearly Eliminated

• Poverty declined sharply from 21.9% (2011–12) to 2.3% (2023–24).
• This indicates near-elimination of extreme poverty, driven by:
  • Rising household consumption
  • Improved nutrition
  • Wider access to welfare schemes and basic services

2. Broad-Based Decline Across Social Groups

• Significant poverty reduction recorded among:
  • Scheduled Castes (SCs)
  • Scheduled Tribes (STs)
  • Other Backward Classes (OBCs)
  • Forward Castes (FCs)
• ST poverty declined to 8.7%, though it remains higher than other groups.

3. Narrowing Religious Poverty Gaps

• Rural poverty among Muslims is now marginally lower than among Hindus, reversing the perception of persistently higher Muslim poverty.
• Indicates convergence driven by welfare coverage and consumption growth.

4. Faster Poverty Reduction in Rural India

• Rural poverty fell by 22.5 percentage points, compared to 12.6 points in urban areas.
• Factors include:
  • Expansion of food security schemes
  • Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT)
  • Growth in rural consumption

5. Near-Zero Poverty States and UTs

• Regions with poverty levels close to zero:
  • Himachal Pradesh
  • Sikkim
  • Goa
  • Delhi
  • Chandigarh
  • Daman & Diu

What is Poverty ? (Conceptual Clarity)

World Bank Definition

Poverty is defined as “pronounced deprivation in well-being”, where individuals lack sufficient income or consumption to meet basic needs.

• International Extreme Poverty Line: USD 3.00 per person per day (2021 PPP)

Indian Context

• Poverty is measured using a poverty line, defined as the minimum expenditure required for socially acceptable basic needs.
• The poverty ratio reflects the proportion of the population living below this line.

Poverty Estimation in India: Evolution

Post-Independence

• Planning Commission (1962): First official estimates
• Alagh Committee (1979): Calorie-based norms
• Lakdawala Committee (1993): Consumption expenditure approach

Tendulkar Committee (2009)

• Shifted away from calorie norms
• Introduced uniform Poverty Line Basket (PLB)
• Used Mixed Reference Period (MRP)
• Poverty Line (2011–12):
  • ₹816 (rural)
  • ₹1,000 (urban)

Rangarajan Committee (2014)

• Separate rural and urban PLBs
• Poverty Line:
  • ₹972 (rural)
  • ₹1,407 (urban)
• Not officially adopted by the government

Multidimensional Poverty Measurement

Global MPI

• Developed by UNDP and OPHI
• Measures deprivations in:
  • Health
  • Education
  • Living standards

National MPI (India)

• Computed by NITI Aayog using NFHS data
• Multidimensional poverty declined from:
  • 29.17% (2013–14) → 11.28% (2022–23)
• About 24.82 crore people exited multidimensional poverty

Inequality Trends

• Gini Index declined from 28.8 (2011–12) to 25.5 (2022–23)

Types of Poverty 

Factors Contributing to Poverty in India (PRESSURE Framework)

• P – Persistent Inequality: Top 10% hold ~57% of national income
• R – Rural Dependence: Agriculture employs 46% but contributes only 18% to GDP
• E – Education Deficits: ASER 2024 shows weak foundational learning
• S – Social Exclusion: Low female labour participation and wage gaps
• S – Slum Vulnerability: 17% urban population in slums (Census 2011)
• U – Unemployment & Informality: Youth unemployment at 10.2%; 80% informal workforce
• R – Regional Disparities: Bihar >25% poverty vs near-zero in Kerala
• E – Environmental Stress: Climate shocks disproportionately affect the poor

Measures to Reduce Poverty: PROSPER Strategy

• P – Strengthen Public Services: Health, nutrition, education (Ayushman Bharat, POSHAN, Samagra Shiksha)
• R – Rural Livelihood Diversification: PM-KUSUM, dairy, fisheries, MGNREGA assets
• O – Skilling & Employment: PMKVY, labour-intensive manufacturing
• S – Social Safety Nets: ONORC, PMAY-U 2.0, DBT
• P – Women & Marginalised Inclusion: SHGs, Aspirational Districts
• E – Climate Resilience: Water conservation, Mission LiFE
• R – Regional Balancing: PM-JANMAN, Aspirational Blocks Programme