Daily Current Affairs 23-December-2025

Seven elephants were recently killed after being hit by the Delhi-bound Rajdhani Express in Assam’s Hojai district, highlighting the urgent need for stronger mitigation measures against elephant–train accidents.

Background of issue:

• India hosts more than half of the global Asian elephant population.
• Train collisions are a major human-induced threat to their survival.
• Between 2010–2020, 1,160 elephants died due to unnatural causes. Electrocution: 741 deaths. Train accidents: 186 deaths.
• Railway infrastructure indirectly contributes to multiple causes of mortality.

Impact of Linear Transport Infrastructure (LTI)

• Railways, highways, and canals fragment habitats.
• Restrict access to food and water, increasing stress and vulnerability.
• Long-term survival of herds is negatively affected.

Behavioural Factors

• Most collisions occur at night.
• Male elephants are more prone, especially during crop-raiding seasons.
• Seasonal movement patterns increase exposure to railway tracks.

Preventive Measures – Crossings and Route Planning

• IUCN (2023) handbook stresses avoiding elephant corridors during infrastructure planning.
• Wildlife crossings reduce mortality by up to 98%.
• Types: Underpasses (beneath bridges/flyovers). Overpasses (green bridges/tunnels).
• For elephants, crossings must be open and spacious (minimum 6–7 m height).
• Placement guided by GPS telemetry and camera traps to identify hotspots.

Technology-Based Solutions

• Early-warning systems alert train operators in advance.
• Locomotive-based systems: FLIR cameras detect obstructions up to 750 m.
• Ground-based systems: cameras, acoustic, and seismic sensors at crossing points.
• AI and machine learning improve accuracy, reducing false alarms.

Indian Railways’ Initiatives

• Pilot projects using AI-based monitoring launched in 2023 (Northeast Frontier Railway).
• Extended to Kerala–Tamil Nadu border in 2024.
• Early results show promising outcomes, but adoption remains limited.

Conclusion:

Elephant–train collisions in India highlight the urgent need for habitat-sensitive infrastructure and advanced warning systems. Long-term solutions must prioritize ecological planning alongside technological innovation to ensure elephant conservation.

The Union government is examining whether to introduce data exclusivity in the pharmaceutical sector, amid trade talks and investment considerations.

What is Data Exclusivity?

• When a new drug is developed, companies submit clinical trial data to prove safety and effectiveness.
• Data exclusivity gives the innovator exclusive rights over this data for a fixed period.
• During this time, regulators cannot use the same data to approve generic versions, even if the patent has expired.
• Generic companies must either: Wait until exclusivity ends, or Conduct fresh clinical trials, which are costly and time-consuming.
• It is different from patents: Patents protect the invention. Data exclusivity protects the test data used for approval.

India’s Pharma Model and Role of Generics

• India is a global leader in generic medicines. Nearly 90% of Indian pharma firms focus on generics, not new drug discovery.
• This model ensures Low-cost medicines for Indian patients and exports to developing countries India’s image as the “pharmacy of the Global South”
• Currently, Indian law does not recognise data exclusivity, allowing quick generic entry after patent expiry.

Government’s Current Position

• Inter-ministerial discussions are ongoing involving Commerce Ministry, DPIIT, Health Ministry, and Pharma Department.
• The issue is linked to trade negotiations, especially with EFTA countries, and attracting foreign investment.
• However, the Health Ministry has stated that it has no formal proposal to introduce data exclusivity, showing lack of consensus.

Impact on Access to Medicines

• Possible consequences include, Delayed availability of generics and Higher drug prices due to extended monopolies
• Data exclusivity may protect even off-patent drugs, indirectly extending monopoly beyond the 20-year patent term.

Implications for Generic Drug Industry

• Indian generic firms may face Higher costs due to mandatory clinical trials, Reduced competitiveness in global markets
• Tools like compulsory licensing and patent challenges may lose effectiveness if regulatory approval itself is blocked.

Concerns Around Drug Regulation

• CDSCO has hinted that existing rules create an unequal field between innovators and generics.
• Public health experts fear of Patent evergreening, Unnecessary trials and Delayed entry of affordable medicines

Conclusion

While data exclusivity may attract investment, it risks weakening India’s generic-driven pharma strength and limiting access to affordable medicines. A cautious, public-health-first approach is essential.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited India on December 4–5 for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, marking his first visit since the Ukraine war.

Background of India–Russia Relations

• India and Russia share a long-standing strategic partnership rooted in mutual trust, defence cooperation, and diplomatic support.
• The 1971 India–Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation transformed South Asia’s strategic balance and enabled India’s decisive role in the creation of Bangladesh.
• Russia has consistently supported India on security matters, particularly when Western countries adopted a pro-Pakistan stance.
• Since the Gorbachev era and especially under President Putin, bilateral relations have steadily deepened through regular summits and close political engagement.

Impact of the Russia–Ukraine War

• The Russia–Ukraine conflict posed a major test for India–Russia relations.
• India adopted a neutral position, refusing to condemn Russia or join Western sanctions.
• This approach led to friction with the U.S. and Europe but reinforced India’s foreign policy principle of strategic autonomy.

Outcomes of the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit

• The Joint Statement reaffirmed the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
• Both sides reiterated mutual respect for each other’s core national interests and long-term cooperation.
• The summit highlighted new areas of collaboration such as connectivity, transport corridors, technology, and industrial cooperation.
• Specific emphasis was placed on the Northern Sea Route through the Arctic and the Chennai–Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor.

Notable Absence of Defence Cooperation

• Defence cooperation, traditionally the backbone of India–Russia relations, was largely absent from the Joint Statement.
• This silence may reflect a deliberate diplomatic choice to avoid controversy in the current global climate.
• It also raises questions about whether India is gradually rebalancing its defence relationships.

Russia’s Role in India’s Defence Preparedness

• Russia remains India’s most reliable and historically significant defence supplier.
• Major defence platforms such as the S-400 air defence system, BrahMos missile, Sukhoi Su-30 MKI aircraft, T-90 tanks, and transport helicopters form the core of India’s military strength.
• These systems proved their effectiveness during Operation Sindoor in May 2025.
• Joint manufacturing and defence technology collaboration between India and Russia have further strengthened defence ties.

Strategic Concerns with the West

• India has diversified defence procurement to include France and Israel, but Russian support remains critical.
• The U.S. decision to approve major upgrades for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet raises doubts about Western reliability as a strategic partner.
• Excessive dependence on Western suppliers could undermine India’s long-term security interests.

Conclusion

Putin’s visit demonstrated that India–Russia relations remain strong despite geopolitical turbulence.
While defence cooperation received less public emphasis, the partnership continues to be strategically significant.