U.S. Federal Court Blocks Trump’s Tariffs
Context: A U.S. federal court has ruled that President Donald Trump overstepped his authority by imposing sweeping tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), 1977, which has damaged his trade policy.
Key Highlights:
Court Ruling:
- The Court of International Trade ruled on May 28, 2025, that most of Trump’s tariffs were unconstitutional.
- Held that IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose unlimited tariffs globally.
- Set aside tariffs imposed citing “national emergency,” including duties on China, Canada, and Mexico.
Legal Basis & Dispute:
- Trump cited trade deficits and drug influx as a “national emergency” to justify tariffs.
- Plaintiffs included U.S. businesses and state governments, arguing that the President violated Congress’s power over taxation and trade.
- The court concluded that an unbounded delegation of tariff authority to the executive is unconstitutional.
Political & International Reactions:
- The White House called the judgment “blatantly wrong” and filed an appeal.
- Trump officials claim the ruling won’t derail negotiations with China, Japan, or the EU.
- China, Canada, and Japan welcomed the decision but called for scrapping all tariffs.
- Asian markets rallied, but the European response was mixed.
Conclusion:
- The court blocked broad-based duties, but 25% tariffs on steel, aluminium, and autos remain intact.
- Trump’s use of IEEPA to control trade has triggered a constitutional debate on the limits of executive power.
India Hopes U.S. Will Process Student Visas on Merit Amid Screening Pause
Context: Following a temporary pause in new student visa appointments by U.S. missions globally, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed hope that Indian students’ visa applications will be processed fairly and on time.
Key Highlights:
Visa Screening Pause:
- U.S. embassies/consulates worldwide, including India, paused scheduling new student (F, M, J category) visa interviews.
- The pause follows anticipated guidance from the U.S. State Department on enhanced social media screening of applicants.
India’s Response:
- MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal acknowledged that issuing visas is a sovereign function of the U.S.
- However, he emphasized India’s expectation that Indian students’ applications be considered on merit and processed in time for the new academic term.
Indian Students in the U.S.:
- Over 3.3 lakh Indian students were studying in the U.S. in 2023-24, forming ~30% of the international student population, the largest group by nationality.
Diplomatic Engagement:
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s U.S. Visit:
- Focus areas:
- Technology, Trade, and Talent
- Defence and Energy cooperation
- Strengthening Quad, IMEEC, and I2U2 partnerships
- MEA did not confirm if the visa issue or the Trump administration’s remarks on India-Pak ceasefire mediation were formally raised.
- EAM S. Jaishankar will visit Washington in June 2025 for the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
- India to host the Quad Summit in November 2025.
Tobacco Affordability Threatens Cancer Control in India
Tobacco Affordability:
- In India, tobacco remains highly affordable despite global trends of price-driven deterrence.
- Bidis and smokeless tobacco (SLT) are particularly cheap, making them accessible even to daily wage workers.
- 87% of vendors sell single cigarette sticks — bypassing health warnings and making smoking accessible and impulse-driven.
Usage Statistics (GATS2):
- 42% of men and 14% of women in India use tobacco.
- India is home to 70% of the world’s smokeless tobacco users.
- Despite bidi preference in rural India, cigarette consumption is rising, especially among youth.
Health Impact:
- India has the highest global cancer incidence & mortality rates among males.
- Leading tobacco-related cancers:
- India: Lip and oral cancers, followed by lung cancer.
- Globally (males): Lung cancer.
- Secondhand smoke exposure remains a key health risk.
Economic Impact:
- Cost of tobacco use (2017–18): ₹1.77 lakh crore (1.04% of GDP)
- Smoking: 74% of costs
- SLT: 26%
- Costs include healthcare burden, productivity loss, and family income disruptions.
Policy Challenges:
- Undershifting: Companies absorb taxes to retain low consumer prices.
- No ban on single-stick sales (unlike in 88 countries).
- Weak enforcement of packaging and warning norms.
- Political and industry interference undermines efforts.
Recommended Policy Actions:
| Measure | Description |
| Taxation | Regular hikes that outpace income growth; raise GST to meet the WHO’s 75% MRP tax goal. |
| Ban single sticks | Enforce pack-only sales to preserve warning visibility and reduce accessibility. |
| Plain packaging | Deter new users; enhance the impact of health warnings. |
| Revenue use | Allocate tobacco tax revenue to fund cancer screening in underserved regions. |
| Restrict sale | Ban sales near tea stalls and schools to break cultural links (e.g., “chai-sutta” tradition). |
| Enforcement | Routine inspections, penalties for violations, and vendor licensing. |
Science behind scent
What is the Skin Microbiome?
- It refers to the community of bacteria living on human skin.
- These microbes help regulate:
- pH levels
- Oil content
- Dryness
- They also interact with perfume chemicals, affecting how a scent develops on different people.
Perfumes & Microbiome Interaction:
- A perfume that smells good on one person may not smell the same on another.
- Reason: No two people have the same skin microbiome.
- Perfume effectiveness depends on how its ingredients interact with the skin’s bacteria.
Health Concerns of Perfume Overuse:
- Excessive application due to mismatch can cause:
- Skin irritation
- Hormonal effects
- Cardiac issues
- Carcinogenic exposure (due to volatile chemical compounds)
Bacteria Responsible for Body Odour:
| Bacteria | Location | Role |
| Cutibacterium acnes | Sebaceous areas (face, back, chest, armpit, groin) | Produces musky odour via lipid breakdown |
| Corynebacterium | Moist areas (armpit, groin) | Converts sweat into pungent volatile sulphur compounds |
| Staphylococcus epidermidis | Common across the face, scalp, and armpits | Has a balancing role; suppresses odour-producing bacteria |
Note: Sweat itself has no odour; bacterial activity creates the smell.
E-Rupee in Circulation Grows Sharply in FY2024–25
- According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the total value of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), also known as the e-rupee, in circulation:
- Was ₹234 crore at the end of March 2024
- Rose to ₹1,016 crore by March 2025
Govt. Gauging Impact of U.S. Court Ruling on Trump-Era Tariffs
- The Indian government is analyzing the implications of a recent U.S. court verdict that ruled former President Donald Trump’s retaliatory tariffs as “unconstitutional.”
- The ruling pertains to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), 1977, which Trump used to impose tariffs under a declared economic emergency.
- The U.S. Court of International Trade ruled on May 28, 2025, that the IEEPA does not give the U.S. President unlimited tariff-imposing powers.
- The tariffs had already been paused by Mr. Trump until July 8.
- The development comes as India-U.S. FTA (Free Trade Agreement) negotiations are ongoing.
- Next round: June 5–6 in India
- Led on Indian side by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal
- The previous Indian delegation visited the U.S. for a week-long round of discussions.
No Talks till Pakistan Renounces Terror, Vacates PoK
India’s firm stance: No engagement with Pakistan until it abjures cross-border terrorism.
Talks and terror don’t go together.
- India is open to discussing the handing over of noted terrorists listed and shared with Pakistan earlier.
- Jammu & Kashmir discussions (if any) will only relate to Pakistan vacating Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
- The Indus Waters Treaty remains in abeyance due to Pakistan’s continued support for terrorism.
- India also rejected third-party mediation, asserting that any India-Pakistan engagement must be bilateral.
The statement follows:
- The Operation Sindoor, in which India targeted terror camps inside Pakistan.
- A terror rally in Lahore, where Lashkar-e-Taiba members, including Talha Saeed and Muzammil Hashmi, threatened India.
- Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s diplomatic outreach (Turkey, Azerbaijan, Iran) and offer of talks with India were also dismissed due to these developments.
PoJK Will Voluntarily Return to India
Context:
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke at the CII Annual Business Summit 2025 in New Delhi.
- He reaffirmed India’s stand on Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) and cross-border terrorism.
- The statement follows the recent Operation Sindoor targeting terror bases in Pakistan and public rallies by wanted terrorists in Lahore.
- His remarks are aligned with India’s long-standing policy of “no talks until terror ends.”
Key Highlights
PoJK and National Unity
- PoJK residents are part of the Indian family, separated geographically and politically.
- Singh expressed confidence that they would voluntarily return to the Indian mainstream in the future.
- Emphasized the vision of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.”
No Dialogue Until Terror Ends
- India will not hold discussions on:
- Trade
- Indus Waters Treaty
- Jammu and Kashmir status
- Until Pakistan credibly ends cross-border terrorism.
Redefined Terror Strategy
- India has changed its approach to dealing with terrorism.
- Operation Sindoor cited as proof of India’s improved military capability.
Boost to Indigenous Defence Production
- India is becoming a producer and exporter of defence equipment.
- ‘Make in India’ is a national security pillar.
- Goal: make “Made in India” as valuable as “Made in Japan” once was.
Strategic Self-Reliance
- Domestic defence capability enables effective counter-terrorism operations.
- Reduces dependence on foreign defence imports.
CII Annual Business Summit 2025
Context:
- Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, addressed the CII Annual Business Summit 2025 in New Delhi.
- His speech focused on delays in defence projects, the need for indigenous design and manufacturing, and the vital role of private industry.
- These remarks come against the backdrop of the success of Operation Sindoor and India’s push for self-reliance in defence.
Key Highlights
Concerns Over Project Delays
- No major defence project has been completed on time so far.
- Questions raised about unrealistic project timelines and contract practices.
- Urged stakeholders to be more realistic and responsible during defence project agreements.
Call to Private Sector
- Encouraged Indian private firms to:
- Develop world-class defence products
- Contribute to nation-building, even if profits are limited
- Cited the opening up of defence sector as a major opportunity for private players.
Trust & Accountability
- Emphasized the need to build and retain trust between armed forces and the private sector.
- All stakeholders are critical links in the national security chain.
Operation Sindoor
- Termed it a “national victory” and a display of India’s advanced air power.
- Cited as a successful demonstration of operational capability.
Changing Nature of Warfare
- Stressed the importance of adapting to:
- New technologies
- Changing character of war
- Need for strategic realignment in approach and execution.
Self-Reliance and AMCA Project
- Hailed the government’s decision to involve the private sector in Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) development.
- Called this a “big step,” showing national confidence in Indian industry.
Beyond Manufacturing: Design & Development
- Noted that self-reliance must go beyond production to include:
- Designing
- Capacity building
- Advocated for creating a domestic ecosystem for defence innovation.
BSF launched arms training for Village Defence Guards (VDGs)
Context:
- Following Operation Sindoor and recent terror incidents, the Border Security Force (BSF) has launched arms training for Village Defence Guards (VDGs) in Jammu border areas.
- This is part of strengthening civilian involvement as a “second line of defence” against terrorist infiltration from Pakistan.
Key Highlights
Village Defence Guards (VDGs) Initiative
- Civilians living in the border villages of Jammu are being trained in arms handling.
- Aim: To act as a support force to BSF and the Army during infiltrations or attacks.
- Revived in 2022 after two decades due to increased terrorist activity.
- Over 22 civilians killed in the last three years in terrorist incidents in regions like:
- Chenab Valley
- Kathua-Samba
- Rajouri and Poonch
Massive Security Deployment for Amarnath Yatra
- 52,000+ CAPF personnel sanctioned for Amarnath Yatra 2025 (July 3 – August 9).
- Includes 581 companies (90–100 personnel each), the highest in three years.
- Follows the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadow killing 26 civilians.
Security Objectives
- Enhance civilian preparedness in vulnerable areas.
- Prevent terror infiltration and protect religious events like the Amarnath Yatra.
- Display of a proactive internal security policy using community defence and high-level monitoring.
Three new judges to the Supreme Court
Context
- The Supreme Court of India has reached its full sanctioned strength of 34 judges following the appointment of three new judges by the Central government on May 30, 2025.
- The appointments were made after recommendations from the SC Collegium and in consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
Judges Appointed
- Justice N.V. Anjaria
- Current Position: Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court.
- Career Start: 1988.
- CJ of Karnataka HC since: February 25, 2024.
- Justice Vijay Bishnoi
- Current Position: Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court.
- Career Start: 1989.
- Permanent Judge, Rajasthan HC: Since January 2015.
- Justice Atul S. Chandurkar
- Current Position: Judge, Bombay High Court.
- Career Start: 1988.
- Additional Judge, Bombay HC: Appointed in June 2013.
Significance
- With these appointments, all 34 positions in the Supreme Court are now filled.
- The appointments were confirmed by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal via social media (X).
- Swearing-in to be conducted by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai on May 31, 2025.
Collegium’s Role
- The SC Collegium had forwarded its recommendations three days before the Centre’s approval.
- Reflects a swift appointment process amid previous delays in judicial appointments.
First batch of women cadets graduating from NDA
Context: On May 30, 2025, the National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune, held its 148th convocation ceremony, marking a historic milestone as the first batch of 17 women cadets graduated.
- This event follows the 2021 Supreme Court verdict allowing women to appear for the NDA examination, leading to their induction into the premier tri-services training institute.
Key Highlights
- 17 women cadets graduated from NDA for the first time, making it a landmark achievement for gender inclusion in the armed forces.
- A total 339 cadets received degrees (B.Sc., B.A., and B.Tech.) during the convocation.
Outstanding Cadets
- Shriti Daksh:
- First woman cadet to win Silver Medal and Chief of Air Staff Trophy.
- Topper in the B.A. stream.
- Lucky Kumar:
- Won Chief of Army Staff Trophy (Topper in B.Sc. stream).
- Capt. Prince Kumar Kushwaha:
- Received Chief of Naval Staff Trophy (Topper in Computer Science).
- Capt. Udayveer Singh Negi:
- Topped in B.Tech. stream.
- Vice-Chancellor Poonam Tandon (Chief Guest): Praised the performance of women cadets, emphasized “Service has no gender.”
- NDA Commandant Vice-Admiral Gurcharan Singh: Called the women cadets “hope” and said their service to the nation will be “gurudakshina” to NDA
- Cadets are conferred degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi.
- The Passing Out Parade (POP) of the 148th course will be held on May 31, 2025.
CDS visit to Singapore
Context:
- General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of India, is scheduled to visit Singapore from May 30 to June 1, 2025.
- He will attend the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual defence and security summit organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).
- The summit is a key platform for defence and strategic discussions involving global military and policy leaders.
Key Highlights
- General Chauhan will hold bilateral meetings with Chiefs of Defence and senior military officials from countries including:
- Australia, European Union, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, U.K., and U.S.
Significance of Shangri-La Dialogue
- Asia’s premier defence and security summit.
- Brings together Defence Ministers, military chiefs, policy makers, and strategic experts globally.
- This year, leaders from 40 nations will focus on Indo-Pacific security challenges.
- Provides a platform to:
- Strengthen defence cooperation.
- Discuss mutual security interests.
- Enhance India’s strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region
Election Commission’s (EC) new dashboard
Context
- The Election Commission (EC) is launching a new integrated dashboard called ECINET.
- ECINET aims to consolidate over 40 existing apps and websites into a single platform for all stakeholders.
- It is planned to be operational before the upcoming Bihar Assembly election and during the ongoing Assembly byelections.
Key Highlights
- ECINET rollout timeline:
- Some modules will be available during the current byelections on June 19 (five Assembly seats across four states).
- Full dashboard expected to be live for the Bihar Assembly election.
- Background & purpose:
- Introduced after Gyanesh Kumar became Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) in February 2025.
- Designed to standardize poll management amid concerns about electoral roll anomalies and voter ID duplications.
- Other EC initiatives since February:
- Direct integration with the Registrar General of India for automatic removal of deceased electors.
- Training of grassroots polling officers for improved election management.
- Reduction of maximum electors per polling station from 1,500 to 1,200.
- Additional polling booths planned for densely populated areas.
- Goal: No voter should have to travel more than 2 km to vote.
- Redesigned voter information slips for better clarity.
- Mobile phone deposit facility at polling stations’ entrances.
- Political engagement:
- Over 4,700 meetings held with more than 28,000 political party representatives.
- Ongoing and planned further consultations after the byelections.
- Training efforts:
- Over 3,500 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and supervisors trained.
- These trainers will cascade training to a network of over 1.05 million polling functionaries.
11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum
Context: Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla will lead the Indian Parliamentary Delegation to the 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in Brasília, Brazil
Key Highlights:
- Forum Theme: The overarching theme is ‘The Role of BRICS Parliaments in Building More Inclusive and Sustainable Global Governance’
- Speaker’s Address:
- Strengthening BRICS Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation
- Reforming multilateral peace and security architecture
- Responsible and inclusive Artificial Intelligence
- New paths for economic development
- Deputy Chairman’s Participation: Shri Harivansh will focus on:
- Global health initiatives
- Climate and sustainability dialogues
- Additional Sessions: The forum will feature working sessions on:
- Women Parliamentarians’ Meeting
- Chairs of International Affairs Committees
- Expected Outcome: A Joint Statement is anticipated to be adopted at the end of the summit.