May 2025 Current Affairs – Comprehensive Notes
POLITY AND GOVERNANCE
Census 2026-27: For the first time since 1941, this census will collect data on caste beyond Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
It will utilize both mobile-app and traditional pen-paper modes for data collection.
Legal Basis:
This is supported by Entry 69 of the 7th Schedule of the Constitution and the Census Act 1948.
The Registrar General and Census Commissioner (RG&CC) has the authority to add questions without needing a constitutional amendment.
Need for Caste Data:
It is mandated by Article 340 of the Constitution to investigate conditions of socially and educationally backward classes.
Enables evidence-based policy formulation to target specific communities.
Aids in sub-categorisation exercises (e.g., the Rohini Commission for OBCs) to ensure equitable distribution of benefits.
Essential for legal validation of Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservations.
Aims to create a single, comprehensive national caste directory.
Challenges in Data Collection:
Potential for self-reporting errors, as seen in the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC).
Discrepancies between Central and State caste lists.
Risk of politicisation of caste data.
Concerns regarding data privacy for individuals.
Way Forward for a Successful Census:
Encourage a participatory design process involving various stakeholders.
Utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) for de-duplication and data accuracy.
Develop an exhaustive draft caste list before the census.
Implement comprehensive training for census enumerators.
Private-Member Bills (PMB): These are legislative proposals introduced by any Member of Parliament (MP) who is not a minister.
Requires a one-month notice period and admission by the Speaker in Lok Sabha or Chairman in Rajya Sabha.
In Lok Sabha (LS), PMBs are typically discussed on Fridays during the last hours of the session. In Rajya Sabha (RS), they are taken up on alternate Fridays.
Historically, only 14 Private-Member Bills have become law in India, with the last one passed in 1970.
Significance of PMBs:
They serve as a source of policy innovation, such as the Right-to-Disconnect Bill of 2019.
Can trigger important parliamentary debates, like the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill in 2014.
Allows MPs to express views and propose legislation beyond their party's official whip or agenda.
Reasons for Decline in PMB Success:
Frequent parliamentary disruptions.
Limited dedicated sitting time for discussions on PMBs.
Lack of adequate research support for drafting complex bills.
A perception of low success rates discourages MPs from introducing them.
Suggested Reforms for PMBs:
Allocate protected time slots for PMB discussions.
Establish a dedicated research cell to assist MPs in drafting bills.
Form a screening committee to prioritize and review PMBs.
Consider adopting mechanisms similar to the UK's 10-Minute-Rule, which allows MPs to make a brief case for a bill.
News-in-Shorts (Key Judicial and Policy Updates):
Supreme Court on Digital Access: The Supreme Court has affirmed that inclusive digital access is part of the Right to Life (Article 21). It instructed a revamp of e-KYC (Know Your Customer) processes to accommodate acid-attack survivors and visually-impaired individuals, following a petition by Amar Jain.
Arbitral Awards by SC: The Supreme Court ruled that courts can modify arbitral awards only to sever invalid parts, correct clerical errors, or add post-award interest, exercising its powers under Article 142.
Rohingya Deportation: Possession of a UNHCR card does not grant protection against deportation. Deportation falls under Section 3 of the Foreigners Act 1946 and the Passport Act 1920. States are empowered to carry out such actions via Articles 258 and 239 of the Constitution.
Pedestrians' Rights: Pedestrians have a right to unobstructed, disabled-friendly footpaths under Article 21. There is a mandatory requirement for encroachment removal and states must formulate specific policies for this.
Sikkim Statehood Milestone: Sikkim recently celebrated 50 years of statehood, achieved through the 36th Amendment in 1975, which also inserted Article 371F providing special provisions for the state. Article 2A, which had made Sikkim an 'associate state', was subsequently repealed.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Concluded: A comprehensive FTA encompassing 27 chapters has been concluded between India and the UK.
This agreement ensures 99% of Indian exports to the UK will face zero duty.
India, in return, will gradually reduce duties on 90% of UK goods over time.
The FTA includes significant mobility concessions, easing movement for professionals.
It grants the UK access to India's government procurement opportunities.
A Social Security Agreement (DCC) is part of the pact, benefiting employees on 3-year postings.
Lessons Learned: The negotiations highlighted the benefits of phased liberalization and the importance of sensitive lists for protected sectors (like dairy and plastics), providing a template for future talks, including those with the European Union (EU).
CPEC Extension to Afghanistan: This development raises significant concerns for India.
India's Concerns:
Strategic encirclement through increased Chinese and Pakistani influence in the region.
Potential negative impact on India's Chabahar port project and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
Fear that Afghanistan could become a terror launch-pad under a less stable regime.
Concerns about a potential race for rare-earths in Afghanistan, given its vast mineral resources.
India's Counter-steps: Actively pursuing and strengthening alternative connectivity and strategic initiatives such as Chabahar Port, INSTC, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), and the QUAD security dialogue.
India-Turkey Ties Strain: Relations between India and Turkey have experienced tension.
Turkish President Erdogan's condemnation of India's Operation Sindoor (a hypothetical counter-terrorism operation) caused diplomatic friction.
Clearance for Celebi Aviation, a Turkish company, was reportedly revoked in India.
Turkey's growing defence axis with Pakistan and its consistent support for Pakistan's stance on Kashmir are major points of contention.
India's Leverage: India is utilizing its diplomatic ties with Turkey's regional rivals and strategic partners, such as Greece, Cyprus, and Israel, to counter Turkish policies.
IMF Lending to Pakistan (Extended Fund Facility + Resilience and Sustainability Facility totaling billion):
India abstained from voting on this loan package at the IMF.
India's Concerns: Fears that the funds could be misused, potentially for supporting terrorism activities.
Pakistan's History: Pakistan has been a serial borrower from the IMF, having sought assistance in 28 out of the last 35 years, indicating chronic economic instability.
IMF Systemic Issues: Criticisms of the IMF itself include voting imbalances favoring developed nations, weaknesses in its evaluation processes, and the often harsh austerity impacts of its loan conditions on recipient countries.
UN Peacekeeping Ministerial 2025 in Berlin: India has made significant pledges for future UN peacekeeping efforts.
India committed to deploying a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) company and a women's police unit, along with providing extensive training.
Understanding Peacekeeping:
Based on the Capstone Doctrine for UN peace operations.
Operates under the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) principle in certain situations.
Currently, there are 11 ongoing UN peacekeeping missions globally.
Challenges Faced: Includes opposition from host governments, targeting of peacekeepers, and issues with the overall credibility of missions.
Multilateral Briefs (Updates on International Organizations):
New Development Bank (NDB): Algeria has become the 9th member of this BRICS-founded multilateral development bank, which maintains equal share capital among its members.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): Headquartered in Vienna, the IAEA was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005 for its work in preventing nuclear proliferation through safeguards under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1267 Committee: India provided a briefing to this committee, which deals with sanctions against Al-Qaeda and associated individuals/entities, specifically regarding the The Resistance Front (TRF).
Asian Productivity Organization (APO): India is set to chair the APO for the 2025-26 term.
ECONOMY
Northeast as a Frontrunner in Development: The Northeast region of India is being promoted under the EAST (Act East through trade, tourism, and talent) vision.
Key Sectors and Potential:
Textiles: Accounts for 53% of national looms, indicating a strong handloom and traditional textile sector.
Hydro Potential: Possesses an immense 60 GW estimated hydropower potential.
IT Parks: Development of IT parks to boost the tech sector.
Multi-Modal Logistics: Progress in logistics infrastructure like the Jogighopa multi-modal logistics park.
Tourism: Home to 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, attracting significant tourist interest.
Literacy: Achieves a high literacy rate of over 85%.
Enduring Challenges:
Connectivity: The Chicken Neck corridor (Siliguri Corridor) is a narrow strategic choke point connecting the region to the rest of India.
Insurgency: Ongoing challenges from various insurgent groups.
Narco-trade: Proximity to the Golden Triangle poses risks of drug trafficking.
AFSPA: The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, due to security concerns, has socio-political implications.
Natural Disasters: Susceptibility to earthquakes, floods, and landslides.
Key Schemes:
North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS)
PM-DevINE (Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North-East Region)
Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER)
Way Forward: Diversify trade corridors, focus on insurgent rehabilitation, and implement Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS).
Revamped Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2025: This new version aims to provide more timely and accurate labor market data.
Will provide monthly national Current Weekly Status (CWS) estimates.
Rural quarterly estimates will continue.
Adopts a calendar-year cycle for data collection.
Increases the sample size by times for broader coverage.
Introduces district-level strata for more granular data.
Includes new socio-economic modules to capture a wider range of indicators.
Existing Issues with PLFS:
Definitional mismatch in labor force concepts.
Relatively small sample size in previous iterations.
Lag in data availability and reporting.
Recommendations: The need for AI validation of data and the importance of conducting enterprise surveys to complement household data.
Vizhinjam Trans-shipment Port: Located in Kerala, this port is a significant maritime infrastructure project.
It is India’s first deep-water trans-shipment port.
Boasts a natural draft of 20 meters, allowing very large vessels.
Strategically located only 10 nautical miles from the international Suez Canal shipping route.
Developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) landlord model.
Need for the Port: Currently, about 75% of Indian cargo is trans-shipped through foreign ports like Colombo (Sri Lanka) and Klang (Malaysia), incurring extra costs and time. Vizhinjam aims to capture this traffic.
Challenges Faced:
High construction and operational costs.
Presence of deep-water drafts in competitor ports.
Customs and regulatory issues that can hinder efficiency.
Other Maritime Initiatives: Related efforts include the Galathea Bay International Container Trans-shipment Port (ICTP) in Great Nicobar, relaxation of Cabotage laws (allowing foreign ships to carry cargo between Indian ports), and the comprehensive Maritime Vision 2047.
National Road Safety Board Not Yet Operational: Despite provisions, the National Road Safety Board remains non-functional, drawing criticism from the Supreme Court.
The SC expressed concern, referring to Section 215B of the Motor Vehicles Act 2019, which mandates its establishment.
India's Grim Record: India accounts for a staggering 11% of global road deaths.
Strategies to Improve Road Safety:
Adopt a Safe-System approach focusing on safer roads, vehicles, speeds, road users, and post-crash responses.
Implement Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS).
Launch programs like iRASTE (Intelligent Solutions for Road Safety through Technology and Engineering).
Introduce cashless treatment schemes for road accident victims, providing financial aid up to ₹ lakh for 7 days.
DMF & PMKKKY Overhaul 2024: The District Mineral Foundation (DMF) and Prime Minister's Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) are undergoing significant reforms.
Fund Allocation: 70% of DMF funds are now mandated for high-priority areas such as water supply and health services in mining-affected regions.
An Endowment Fund is to be created with 10% of the DMF contributions.
Previous Issues:
Low fund utilization, with only about 40% of funds being spent.
Excessive dominance of official members in DMF management.
Lack of regular independent audits.
Proposed Reforms:
Increase community representation in DMF decision-making.
Mandatory 5-year plans for resource utilization.
Regular Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) review and audit of DMF funds.
Macro Snippets (Economic Updates in Brief):
India's Economy: India is projected to be the 4th largest economy globally, according to the IMF World Economic Outlook (WEO).
US Remittance Tax: The US has proposed a 3.5% tax on remittances, which could impact inflows to countries like India.
RBI AIF Norms: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued new norms for Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs).
Predatory Pricing: New cost rules are being considered to address predatory pricing practices.
Payments Regulatory Board: Regulations are being developed for a new Payments Regulatory Board.
Digital Lending Guidelines: Comprehensive guidelines for digital lending, including Central Information Management Systems (CIMS) and Lender Service Provider (LSP) due diligence.
SEBI Warning on Opinion Trading: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has warned against unregulated opinion trading platforms.
Exports Record: India's exports reached a record billion USD.
Land Digitization: The SVAMITVA scheme (Survey of Villages Abadi and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) is digitizing land records.
Repairability Index: A framework for a Repairability Index has been proposed for electronic devices like smartphones, based on six parameters.
WAVES Summit & IICT: The WAVES summit and IICT (Indian Institute of Cinematic Technology) were held for the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC-XR) sector.
SECURITY
New Security Doctrine Post-Operation Sindoor: Following Operation Sindoor (a significant security operation, possibly referencing a fictional or simulated event for strategic planning), a new national security doctrine has emerged.
Key Tenets:
Commitment to decisive retaliation against threats.
Rejection of nuclear blackmail as a deterrent.
No distinction between terrorists and their state sponsors.
Emphasis on deterrence-by-punishment rather than just denial.
Willingness to use economic levers, such as potentially suspending the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
Focus on narrative warfare overseas to counter hostile propaganda.
Defence Technology in Operation Sindoor: Operation Sindoor showcased advanced indigenous as well as imported defence technologies.
Command & Control: Utilization of the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) and Multi-Mission Command (MCC) systems.
Air Defence Systems:
Akashteer (an advanced air defence control system) and TRIGUN communications system.
Navigation: Reliance on India's own Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) satellite system.
Layered Air Defence: A comprehensive -layer air defence system comprising:
D4 and MANPADS (Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems)
Akash (medium-range surface-to-air missile system)
Spyder (short-range quick-reaction air defence missile system)
Barak-8 (long-range surface-to-air missile system)
S-400 Triumf (advanced Russian-made air defence missile system)
Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system.
Offensive Capabilities: Deployment of Rafale fighter jets equipped with SCALP (Storm Shadow) long-range stand-off missiles.
Indigenous Missile: Use of the indigenous BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
Social-Media Influencer Threats: The rise of social media has introduced new security challenges from influencers.
Legal Framework: Such threats can fall under various sections of the Official Secrets Act (OSA).
Risks: They pose risks of spreading misinformation, facilitating espionage activities, and undermining national security.
Indian Measures to Counter:
Section 69A of the IT Act, which allows the government to block public access to information.
The Intermediary Guidelines for social media platforms.
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) fact-check unit to counter fake news.
Global Outreach vs. State-Sponsored Terror: India is actively engaging internationally to combat state-sponsored terrorism.
This involves sending multi-party delegations to highlight concerns and garner support.
India has successfully gained support from many nations against terrorism.
Hurdles Encountered:
Persistent efforts by some international actors to re-hyphenate India's terrorism concerns with Pakistan.
Challenges in navigating the roles and procedures of UNSC committees related to counter-terrorism.
BrahMos Testing Facility: A new BrahMos testing facility has been established in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, as part of the UP Defence Corridor development.
Golden Dome US Missile Shield: Reference to the theoretical Golden Dome missile shield concept in the US, often used in global air defence comparisons.
Naxalism Status: Updates on the left-wing extremism (Naxalism) situation.
Mention of the Karreguttalu operation as a significant anti-Naxal operation.
Anti-Naxal Strategy: The SAMADHAN strategy (Smart leadership, Aggressive strategy, Motivation and training, Actionable intelligence, Dashboard-based KPIs, Harnessing technology, Action plan for each theatre, No access to financing) and use of SCA (Security Related Expenditure Scheme) and SIS (Special Infrastructure Scheme).
Decline Factors: Acknowledged decline in Naxal influence due to various factors, but persistent gaps remain.
Crypto-Hawala Nexus: The emerging threat of cryptocurrency being used in conjunction with the traditional Hawala system for illegal financial transfers.
Risks: The anonymity offered by cryptocurrencies combined with the parallel structure of Hawala creates significant money laundering and terror financing risks.
Indian Legal Gaps: Current Indian legal frameworks have gaps in adequately addressing this nexus.
Need for Action: Requires FATF (Financial Action Task Force)-style regulations, international cooperation, and advanced AI analytics for detection.
Quick Bites (Security Snippets):
FRI (Financial Resources Indicator) used by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
New board members for the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB).
UN VoTAN (Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking).
Bhargavastra anti-drone system.
MIGM (Miniature Inertial Guidance Module) mine.
HawkEye 360 sales.
Igla-S man-portable air defence system.
Operation Hawk.
IMDEX Asia (International Maritime Defence Exhibition).
Nomadic Elephant XVII (a joint military exercise).
ENVIRONMENT
2025 Basel/Rotterdam/Stockholm COPs (Conferences of the Parties): These international conventions aim to control hazardous chemicals and waste.
Basel Convention: Focus on developing technical guidelines for managing Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP) waste.
Rotterdam Convention: New chemicals like carbosulfan and fenthion were added to the prior informed consent (PIC) procedure.
Stockholm Convention: The Supreme Court (SC) in India specifically added chlorpyrifos, LC-PFCAs (Long-Chain Perfluorocarboxylic Acids), and MCCPs (Medium-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins) to the list of controlled substances.
India's Duties: India is obligated to manage and control its e-waste and textile waste under these conventions.
India ABS (Access and Benefit-Sharing) Regulations 2025: New regulations designed to implement the Nagoya Protocol on genetic resources.
Digital Sequence Information (DSI): For the first time, DSI related to genetic resources is included in the regulatory framework.
Benefit-Sharing: Introduces a graded benefit-sharing mechanism based on turnover slabs (0.1-0.5%) for users of genetic resources.
Prior Informed Consent (PIC): Mandates PIC from local communities and biodiversity boards before accessing resources.
An endowment fund of 10% of the benefit-sharing amount will be created.
The regulations specifically cover high-value species like red sanders, given their commercial importance.
Himalayan Ecology and Sagarmatha Sambaad: Discussions on the fragile Himalayan ecosystem were a key part of the Sagarmatha Sambaad (Everest Dialogue) forum.
India's Call: India presented a -point call for action to address climate change impacts in the Himalayas.
Warming Trend: The Himalayan region is experiencing warming at a rate times faster than the global average.
Glacier Retreat: Rapid retreat and melting of glaciers are significant concerns.
Initiatives: Efforts like the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) and SECURE Himalaya are in place to address these challenges.
Urban Floods: Bengaluru's recent experiences highlight the growing problem of urban flooding.
Causes: A combination of natural factors (heavy rainfall) and anthropogenic causes (unplanned urbanization, encroachment on water bodies, inadequate drainage).
Global Best Practices: Examples from around the world offer solutions:
Singapore's ABC Waters Programme: Focuses on Active, Beautiful, Clean waters by integrating water bodies into urban landscapes.
Vienna's New Danube: A flood protection and leisure area providing resilience.
China's Sponge Cities: Initiatives to absorb and reuse rainwater using permeable surfaces and green infrastructure.
FAO GIAHS (Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems): The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN designated 6 new sites globally.
India's Existing Sites: India already has 3 GIAHS sites: Saffron Heritage of Kashmir, Koraput Traditional Agriculture (Odisha), and Kuttanad Below Sea-level Farming (Kerala).
Environmental Snippets:
SC bans ex-post-facto EC: The Supreme Court has banned ex-post-facto Environmental Clearances, meaning projects must obtain ECs before commencing work.
CAQM directions on stubble: Commission for Air Quality Management issued directions to control stubble burning.
NCPOR 25 yrs: The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research completed 25 years.
IEA Methane tracker: International Energy Agency's report on global methane emissions.
Asiatic lion census 891: The latest census reported 891 Asiatic lions.
Ladakh snow leopard 477: A recent survey estimated 477 snow leopards in Ladakh.
Operation Olivia: A successful operation to protect Olive Ridley turtles.
Tsarap Chu CR: Tsarap Chu river designated as a Conservation Reserve.
Yala glacier dead: Reports indicate the Yala glacier in Nepal has largely disappeared.
Solar efficiency eased (<200 W 18%): Solar module efficiency requirements eased for those below 200 W (now 18%).
E-methanol plant Denmark: Denmark established an e-methanol production plant.
RIMES declaration: Reference to a declaration from the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System for Africa and Asia (RIMES).
Wild banana Musa indandamanensis record infructescence: A wild banana species in the Andaman Islands recorded an exceptionally large fruit cluster.
Atmospheric memory & monsoon: Research on how atmospheric memory influences monsoon patterns.
SOCIAL ISSUES
HDR (Human Development Report) 2025: Key findings regarding India's human development status.
India HDI: India's Human Development Index (HDI) value is , placing it at rank 130 globally.
IHDI Loss: The Inequality-adjusted HDI (IHDI) shows a 30% loss due to inequality, highlighting disparities.
MPI: The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) indicates 16.4% of the population is multidimensionally poor.
GII: The Gender Inequality Index (GII) ranks India at 102 globally.
Concerns: Persistent challenges of inequality and a significant gender gap across various indicators.
SRS (Sample Registration System) 2021: Vital statistics from India's demographic survey.
Crude Birth Rate (CBR): births per 1,000 population.
Total Fertility Rate (TFR): children per woman, with 16 states achieving the replacement level of 2.1.
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): deaths per 1,000 live births.
Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR): maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.
Life Expectancy: years.
Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB): females per 1,000 males.
Urban Poverty: A persistent challenge exacerbated by rapid urbanization.
SAHAYOG Odisha: Mentions SAHAYOG as an initiative in Odisha aimed at addressing urban poverty.
Causes: Primarily driven by unplanned urbanization, leading to inadequate infrastructure and exclusion from social security nets.
Key Schemes:
Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) for sanitation.
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) for skill development and livelihood opportunities.
PM SVANidhi (PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNibhar Nidhi) for street vendors.
Need: Emphasizes the crucial need for inclusive planning to ensure equitable urban development.
Mizoram Full Functional Literacy: Mizoram has achieved full functional literacy, meaning its population possesses basic reading, writing, and arithmetic skills necessary for daily life.
ULLAS Scheme Features: Details about the Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society (ULLAS) scheme, focusing on adult education and lifelong learning.
Care Economy & Digitalization: Discussion on the growing importance of the care economy (services for children, elderly, sick) and the transformative role of digitalization in this sector.
Ageing Initiatives: Various initiatives focused on welfare and support for the elderly population.
Kozhikode joins WHO age-friendly network: The city of Kozhikode in Kerala has been recognized by WHO for its efforts to create an age-friendly urban environment.
GRID 2025: 83.4 m IDPs: The Global Report on Internal Displacement (GRID) 2025 reported an estimated million internally displaced persons (IDPs) globally, highlighting humanitarian crises.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Satellite Internet: The emergence of satellite-based internet services in India, with key players like Airtel/Jio-SpaceX.
DoT Security Instructions:
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued strict security guidelines:
SMZ (Security Monitoring Zone) of 50 km near borders.
Requirement for geo-fencing to restrict service areas.
Mandatory use of NavIC (India's own satellite navigation system) by 2029.
Pros & Challenges: Satellite internet offers advantages like universal coverage but faces challenges related to cost, latency, and regulatory hurdles.
Deepfakes: The increasing sophistication and threat posed by deepfake technology.
US Legislation: Reference to the US Take It Down Act, aimed at removing non-consensual intimate imagery, including deepfakes.
Indian Legal Gaps: Existing Indian laws have gaps in effectively addressing deepfake issues.
Solutions: Development of AI-based detection mechanisms and ongoing ethical debates about their regulation.
Gene-editing therapy for CPS-1 deficiency: A medical breakthrough involving gene-editing therapy for Carbamoyl Phosphate Synthetase 1 (CPS-1) deficiency, a rare metabolic disorder.
Techniques: Involves CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) technology.
Types: Distinction between somatic gene editing (affecting an individual's body cells, not inheritable) and germline gene editing (affecting reproductive cells, inheritable).
Ethical Debates: Raises significant ethical debates concerning genetic manipulation and its societal implications.
ISRO PSLV-C61 failure: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)'s PSLV-C61 mission experienced a rare failure of its third stage during launch.
EOS-09 SAR: Refers to the Earth Observation Satellite-09, which is a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite.
WHO Pandemic Agreement (Art 19) & PABS draft: The World Health Organization (WHO) is working on a new pandemic agreement, specifically Article 19, and a draft for the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) system.
WOAH 1st global animal health report; AMR threat: The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) released its first global animal health report, highlighting the serious threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
Trachoma elimination certificate to India: India has received a certificate from WHO for successfully eliminating trachoma, a leading infectious cause of blindness.
Liquid carbon structure deciphered: Scientists have successfully deciphered the complex liquid carbon structure, a significant advancement in material science.
CULTURE
Statues of Sushruta & Charaka Unveiled: New statues honoring two ancient Indian medical pioneers, Sushruta and Charaka, have been unveiled.
Sushruta's Contributions: Known for his Sushruta Samhita, an ancient Sanskrit text on medicine and surgery, and his pioneering work in plastic surgery techniques, including rhinoplasty.
Charaka's Contributions: Author of the Charaka Samhita, a foundational text of Ayurveda, and propounder of the Tridosha theory (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) about bodily humors.
Karni Mata Temple Rats: Reference to the unique Karni Mata Temple in Rajasthan, famous for its thousands of sacred rats (kabas) that are worshipped.
Gallantry Awards Hierarchy: Information on the ranking structure of India's gallantry awards for bravery, such as Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra.
Khel Ratna: Mention of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, India's highest sporting honor.
Pulitzer: Reference to the Pulitzer Prize, a prestigious award for achievements in journalism, literature, and music.
Metre Convention Sesquicentennial: Celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Metre Convention, a treaty that established the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) and standardized the metric system.
ETHICS
Right to Die with Dignity: The complex ethical and legal debate surrounding the right to a dignified death.
Santhara child case: Reference to a legal case concerning 'Santhara' (Jain practice of Sallekhana or fast unto death), specifically involving a child, raising questions about consent and religious freedom.
France bill: Mention of a bill in France addressing the right to end-of-life care and assisted dying.
SC 2018 Common Cause: The Supreme Court of India's 2018 judgment in the Common Cause v. Union of India case recognized the right to die with dignity as part of the right to life under Article 21, allowing passive euthanasia under strict guidelines.
Ethical Dilemmas: Highlights the conflict between autonomy (individual's right to choose) and sanctity of life (belief that all life is sacred and should be preserved).
Suggested Guidelines: The need for clear guidelines and safeguards for the implementation of such a right.
Business Downsizing Ethics: The ethical considerations involved when companies reduce their workforce.
Microsoft etc.: Reference to large corporations like Microsoft that have undergone significant downsizing.
Dilemmas: Involves dilemmas between utilitarian ethics (greatest good for the greatest number, e.g., company's survival) and Kantian ethics (treating employees as ends in themselves, not merely as means).
Solutions: Emphasizes adhering to codes of conduct and exploring humane alternatives to mass layoffs, such as re-skilling or internal transfers.
SCHEMES
APY (Atal Pension Yojana) 10 Years: The pension scheme recently completed a decade since its launch.
Subscribers: Has garnered 7.66 crore (76.6 million) subscribers.
Pension: Provides a guaranteed minimum pension of ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 per month upon retirement.
Eligibility: Open to non-taxpayers aged 18-40 years.
PMSBY & PMJJBY Decade: The Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) also marked ten years.
Enrolment: PMSBY has 44 crore (440 million) enrolments, and PMJJBY has 23 crore (230 million) enrolments, providing affordable insurance coverage.
National Scheme for Upgradation of ITIs & 5 NSTI Centres: A major initiative to enhance skill development infrastructure.
Funding: Involves an investment of ₹60,000 crore (600 billion INR).
Structure: Implemented through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model.
Funding Partners: Supported by loans from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank.
Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups Revamped: The scheme to support startups' access to credit has been revised.
NCGTC Cover: Provides credit guarantee cover up to ₹20 crore (200 million INR) through the National Credit Guarantee Trust Company (NCGTC).
Revised SHAKTI Coal Allocation: The SHAKTI (Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyla Effectively for Transforming India) coal allocation policy has been updated.
Windows: Introduces two new windows for coal allocation.
No PPA: Allows coal allocation even without a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
Pit-head Focus: Prioritizes allocation for power plants located near coal mines (pit-head).
Import Substitution: Aims to incentivize the use of domestic coal and reduce imports.
PLACES & PERSONALITIES
Map Bullets (Geographical Locations and Features):
Dirang geothermal (Arunachal): Refers to the geothermal sites located in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh, indicating potential for geothermal energy.
Gundaram Satavahana inscription (Telangana): An ancient inscription from the Satavahana period found in Gundaram, Telangana, significant for historical studies.
Zudpi jungles: Likely refers to 'Zudpi' forests or jungles, often a local term for certain forest types or degraded forests, typically found in Maharashtra.
Hesaraghatta grassland CR (Karnataka): Hesaraghatta Grassland Conservation Reserve in Karnataka, highlighting efforts to conserve grassland ecosystems.
Yala glacier (Nepal): A glacier located in Nepal, mentioned in the environmental section as potentially 'dead' or significantly retreated.
Kilauea, Perito Moreno, etc.: Examples of prominent glaciers/volcanoes: Kilauea (active volcano in Hawaii) and Perito Moreno (large glacier in Patagonia, Argentina), used for comparative or illustrative purposes.
Personalities (Notable Individuals):
Adi Shankaracharya: A pivotal philosopher and theologian who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta in Hinduism.
Maharana Pratap: A legendary Rajput ruler of Mewar, known for his resistance against the Mughal Empire.
V D Savarkar: Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, an influential figure in the Hindu nationalist movement, a freedom fighter and political activist.
Kartar Singh Sarabha: A prominent Indian revolutionary from Punjab, one of the most famous martyrs of the Ghadar Movement.
F Ali Ahmed: Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, the fifth President of India.
Sukhdev: Sukhdev Thapar, a prominent Indian revolutionary who participated in the independence movement, a close associate of Bhagat Singh.
M R Srinivasan: Mandyam Ranga Srinivasan, a distinguished Indian nuclear scientist and engineer, known for his contributions to India's nuclear power program.
Jayant Narlikar: Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, an eminent Indian astrophysicist, known for his work in cosmology and for co-developing the Hoyle-Narlikar theory of gravity.