24.05.2025 Current Affairs

One-Liner Current Affairs

Polity, Governance & Judiciary

• The Rajya Sabha passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, which prescribes up to 10 years imprisonment and ₹1 crore fine for organised exam paper leaks and tampering.
• The bill applies to all central recruitment agencies including UPSC, SSC, RRB, and also allows states to adopt it through resolutions.
• The Supreme Court flagged poor action by states and the Centre over mob lynching, questioning delay in implementing 2018 Tehseen Poonawalla judgment guidelines.
• The SC directed 7 states to submit fresh affidavits citing concrete steps and FIRs filed in lynching-related cases.
• The Indian Navy is testing indigenous unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) for surveillance and mine detection, aiming to deploy them in the Indian Ocean Region.
• The Defence Acquisition Council cleared proposals to procure high-speed drones, night-fighting devices, and digital soldier gear under emergency powers.
• The Supreme Court addressed the ethical and legal conflict surrounding stray dogs, emphasizing protection under the Constitution but urging citizens to feed them responsibly.
• Article 243(W) and 51A(g), along with Animal Birth Control Rules 2023, govern the humane management of stray dog populations.
• Presidential Reference under Article 143 was discussed in the SC regarding the powers of Governors and the President on state bills.
• The SC upheld a previous Allahabad High Court directive mandating a two-month cooling period before arrest in 498A IPC cases, protecting against misuse in matrimonial disputes.

International Relations

• At the UN Peacekeeping Summit, India proposed setting up an international Accountability Mechanism for crimes against peacekeepers, especially in Africa.
• India contributes over 6,000 troops to UN missions and is advocating for better training, protective gear, and fast-track grievance systems.
• The US announced withdrawal from UNESCO, citing ideological differences and perceived bias. This is its third exit, which could shift influence to countries like China.
• UNESCO’s role includes global heritage site recognition, education metrics, and the Man and Biosphere Programme.

Environment, Climate Change & Geography

• The Yamuna River breached the danger mark again in Delhi after intense rainfall in the upper catchment, triggering alerts for low-lying areas.
• Delhi’s flood vulnerability is linked to encroachments on floodplains, outdated embankments, and reduced capacity of stormwater drains.
• Landslides in Uttarakhand near Chamoli blocked key roads due to heavy rain, highlighting climate vulnerability in Himalayan terrain.
• Arctic Amplification is intensifying winter warming in the Arctic, reducing albedo and releasing greenhouse gases through permafrost thawing.
• India’s urban centers face rising climate risks; by 2070, flooding risk may rise up to 7x, and heat stress may cut 20% of working hours in major cities by 2050.
• The World Bank estimates India needs $2.4 trillion by 2050 for resilient and green urban infrastructure.
• The island nation of Vanuatu has approached the ICJ to classify environmental destruction as “ecocide”, highlighting small island climate diplomacy.
• The Great Ruaha River in Tanzania is drying due to mismanagement and climate change, affecting East African ecosystems.

Economy, Infrastructure & Innovation

• The government launched the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Accelerator Programme under G20 India presidency to scale platforms like UPI, CoWIN, DigiLocker globally.
• India will provide technical, regulatory, and legal templates to partner countries to build their own DPI ecosystems.
• IRDAI proposed a ‘cashless everywhere’ policy for motor insurance, allowing cashless claims at all garages and not just insurer-linked ones, enhancing consumer freedom.
• India recorded a 44% rise in IP filings in the last five years, with GI tags up by 380%, attributed to reforms like online portals, reduced forms, and startup incentives.
• Key schemes: NIPAM, SIPP, and AI-powered Trademark search; India also adopted the Locarno Classification for industrial design standardization.
• Financial Inclusion Index rose to 67 in FY25, reflecting deeper penetration of financial services in rural and semi-urban India.

Science & Technology

• WiFEX (Winter Fog Experiment) completed 10 years of research into North India’s fog dynamics, enhancing short-term weather prediction models.
• Biostimulants — plant-friendly compounds to improve stress resistance and yields — are being decoupled from fertilizers to encourage their independent use in agriculture.
• Health Ministry launched Mission Swasthya Ghar in urban slums of 50 cities to reduce non-communicable diseases (diabetes, hypertension, etc.).
• It will involve community health workers, urban ASHAs, and mobile vans for door-to-door screening and referrals.
• Delhi HC highlighted the poor care facilities in state-run mental health institutions, directing time-bound improvements in infrastructure and staffing.

Ethics, Social Issues & Law

• The debate on stray dogs raises ethical concerns around animal welfare vs public safety, as India recorded 37 lakh dog bite cases in 2024.
• Utilitarian versus deontological approaches dominate the narrative on public responsibility towards strays and abandoned pets.
• Section 498A of IPC, now reflected in Section 85 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, continues to be a legal tool to protect women, but also raises concerns of misuse.

Cultural Heritage & Places in the News

• Restoration work began on the Barakhamba Tomb (14th century, Delhi Sultanate) under ASI and INTACH, including cleaning graffiti and conserving sandstone carvings.
• The tomb, located near Connaught Place, is part of Delhi’s urban archaeological legacy but is often overlooked due to the commercialization of its surroundings.
• Chola Gangam Lake, also known as Ponneri Lake in Tamil Nadu, is being restored; Rajendra Chola built it I to celebrate northern victories.
• The lake stands as a historic symbol of Chola engineering and commemorates Gangaikondacholapuram, the dynasty’s second capital.

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls

Context: Ahead of the July 25 deadline, the Election Commission revealed that about 15 lakh voters in Bihar have not yet submitted their enumeration forms under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with 1 lakh voters remaining untraceable.

Key Highlights

• Current SIR Status:
  • 15 lakh voters are yet to submit the enumeration forms.
  • 1 lakh voters are reported untraceable.
  • Over 98.01% of electors have been covered in the SIR process.
• Voter Roll Adjustments:
  • 20 lakh voters identified as deceased.
  • 28 lakh voters have permanently migrated.
  • 7 lakh voters found enrolled in multiple locations.
• Party Participation:
  • EC shared lists of “incorrectly included electors” and non-submitters with 1.5 lakh booth-level agents on June 20.
  • Agents were nominated by district heads of 12 major political parties in Bihar.
• Next Steps:
  • Draft electoral roll will be published on August 1 after Phase 1 of SIR.
  • Objections or corrections can be submitted by voters or political parties till September 1.
• How Electors Can Respond:
  • Forms can be filled out online via https://electors.eci.gov.in or the ECINet mobile app.
  • Printed forms can be signed and submitted via family members, WhatsApp, or directly to BLOs.

2025 Vice-Presidential Election

Context: Following the resignation of Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Election Commission of India has initiated preparations for the 2025 Vice-Presidential election and will announce the poll schedule shortly.

Key Highlights

• Reason for Poll:
  • Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on health grounds, leading to a rare mid-term vacancy.
• EC Mandate & Framework:
  • Election conducted under Article 324 of the Constitution.
  • Governed by the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, and Rules, 1974.
• Preparatory Activities Initiated:
  • Finalisation of Electoral College list.
  • Appointment of Returning Officer and Assistant Returning Officer(s).
  • Compilation and circulation of background material on past VP elections.
• Electoral College Composition:
  • Comprises elected and nominated members of both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha.
• Nomination Process:
  • Requires support of at least 20 proposers and 20 seconders (MPs).
  • Nomination must be submitted in person to the Returning Officer between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on appointed days.

Tourist Visas for Chinese Nationals

Context: India has resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals after a five-year hiatus, signaling a cautious step toward normalising bilateral relations disrupted by the 2020 Galwan clashes.

Key Highlights:

• Announcement by Embassy: The Indian Embassy in Beijing declared the resumption of tourist visa services for Chinese nationals on Wednesday.
• Break in Visa Services: Tourist visas for Chinese citizens had been suspended since the COVID-19 pandemic and further strained due to the 2020 LAC standoff.
• Chinese Reaction: China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the move as a “positive” development in bilateral ties.
• Context of Suspension: Ties between India and China deteriorated after the Galwan Valley clashes in June 2020, which led to a freeze in people-to-people exchanges.
• Current Significance: The move is seen as part of broader diplomatic efforts to gradually ease tensions and rebuild engagement.

Separate Bench to Hear a Plea filed by Justice Yashwant Varma

Context: Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai has agreed to form a separate Bench to hear a plea filed by Justice Yashwant Varma challenging the in-house inquiry process and recommendation for his removal, raising critical constitutional concerns.

Key Highlights:

• Bench Formation: CJI Gavai will not be part of the Bench as he was involved in prior consultations; a new Bench will be constituted to hear the matter.
• Petition Details: The plea, filed on behalf of Justice Varma, challenges the in-house judicial inquiry mechanism and former CJI Sanjiv Khanna’s recommendation to the PM and President for his removal.
• Allegation in Petition: The petition claims the in-house procedure is a “parallel, extra-constitutional” process that bypasses Parliament’s exclusive authority to remove judges under Articles 124 and 218.
• Constitutional Concerns Raised: According to the plea, removal should strictly follow procedures under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, which ensures formal charges, cross-examination, and proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Background of the Case: The removal recommendation followed an inquiry that found unaccounted cash in the official residence of Justice Varma after a fire incident in March 2025.
• Recent Developments: A removal motion was also initiated in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha through notices by MPs.
• Petitioner’s Identity: The petitioner is anonymous but is confirmed to be a sitting judge of the Allahabad High Court.

ICJ declared that failing to act against climate change

Context: In a landmark advisory opinion, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) declared that failing to act against climate change may constitute a breach of international law, and affected nations could seek reparations, marking a major development in global climate governance.

Key Highlights:

• ICJ’s Landmark Ruling:
  • Countries may be violating international law if they fail to take adequate steps to address climate change.
  • The ICJ emphasized that such failure could be an “internationally wrongful act“.
• Recognition of Rights: The ICJ stated that a “clean, healthy, and sustainable environment” is now considered a human right, strengthening the legal foundation for climate-related claims.
• Legal Implications: Opens the door for:
  • Inter-state disputes at the ICJ on climate responsibility.
  • Domestic lawsuits against governments for inaction.
  • Enforcement through investment treaties and other legal instruments.
• Support and Backing: The case was initiated by Vanuatu, a climate-vulnerable island nation, and supported by over 130 countries, including major emitters like the U.S. and China.
• Public and Activist Response: Climate activists and civil society groups celebrated the decision, with banners and live public screenings outside the ICJ in The Hague.
• UN Role: The UN General Assembly requested the advisory opinion in 2023 after years of advocacy by island nations threatened by sea level rise.
• Significance: Though non-binding, the opinion sets a powerful precedent in international law, influencing both global norms and domestic climate litigation.

Net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Plummeted by 98%

Context: India’s net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) plummeted by 98% in May 2025, mainly due to lower incoming investments and a surge in repatriations by foreign companies, according to RBI data.

Key Highlights:

• Sharp Decline in Net FDI:
  • Net FDI stood at $35 million in May 2025.
  • This is 98% lower than May 2024 ($2.2 billion).
  • It is 99% lower than April 2025 ($3.9 billion).
• Gross Inflows Down:Gross FDI inflows into India in May 2025 were $7.2 billion,
  • Down 18% from April 2025 ($8.7 billion).
  • Down 11% from May 2024.
• Surge in Repatriation/Disinvestment:
  • Outflows due to repatriation/disinvestment by foreign firms in May 2025 were $5 billion.
  • This was over 200% higher than April 2025.
  • Nearly 24% higher than May 2024.
• Indian Companies’ Outward FDI:
  • Indian firms invested $2.1 billion abroad in May 2025.
  • 34% lower than April 2025.
  • 18.5% higher than May 2024.
• Overall Reason for Decline: A Combination of lower gross FDI inflows and higher repatriation led to the dramatic fall in net FDI.

U.S. administration’s proposed high tariffs

Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has flagged concerns over rising global trade tensions due to the U.S. administration’s proposed high tariffs, warning that these could hinder global economic recovery and impact India’s economic prospects.

Key Highlights:

• Global Economic Risks:
  • U.S. plans for high import tariffs from August 1, 2025, are creating major uncertainties.
  • These tariffs may raise average trade barriers to levels not seen since the 1930s.
• Impact on Financial Markets:
  • Financial markets appear optimistic but may be underpricing macroeconomic risks.
  • There is concern that additional sectors may face new high tariffs.
• Spillover Effects of U.S. Trade Policy:
  • Global focus has shifted back to U.S. trade strategies and their international repercussions.
  • Current optimism may be based on hopes of less disruptive trade deals.
• Opportunities for India:
  • Amidst rising geo-economic fragmentation, India could deepen its role in global value chains.
  • India can build more resilient trade partnerships to counter global trade instability.
• Ongoing Trade Negotiations: Intense negotiations are underway to close trade deals before the U.S. tariffs are enforced.

Trade Pact with Washington

Context: Recent U.S. trade deals with Japan and Indonesia reveal the high-pressure tactics employed by the U.S. to secure favorable terms. These developments hold crucial lessons for India as it negotiates its trade pact with Washington.

Key Highlights:

• Unfinalised Deals: The Japan and Indonesia trade agreements announced by the U.S. have not been officially signed yet.
• Japan’s Cautionary Model: Japan has successfully ring-fenced rice imports, safeguarding key agricultural interests.
• Concerns from the Indonesia Deal:
  • The U.S.–Indonesia pact includes sharp tariff cuts, committed large-scale purchases, and regulatory concessions.
  • Experts view this as an outcome of aggressive U.S. trade pressure.
• Warning for India:
  • Ex-Director General of Foreign Trade Ajay Srivastava warns India not to repeat Indonesia’s mistakes.
  • India should avoid giving up regulatory control and domestic safeguards under U.S. pressure.
• Strategic Caution Needed: Experts emphasize the need for India to negotiate firmly and protect sensitive sectors, especially agriculture and regulatory autonomy.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to improve tax compliance

Context: The Income Tax Department has leveraged Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools over the past four years to improve tax compliance, leading to a significant increase in voluntary tax disclosures and revenue.

Key Highlights:

• Revenue Boost via AI:
  • AI tools enabled the identification and nudging of over 1 crore taxpayers to update their returns.
  • This led to ₹11,000 crore in additional tax revenue over four years.
• Foreign Asset Disclosures:
  • AI-assisted systems uncovered ₹29,000 crore in undisclosed foreign assets in FY 2024–25.
  • Additionally, ₹1,000 crore in foreign income linked to cryptocurrencies or VDAs was disclosed.
• AI Implementation Process:
  • AI tools are deployed at various platforms like the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC) in Bengaluru.
  • The tools work by analyzing Annual Information Statements (AIS) of 40 crore taxpayers, identifying those who haven’t filed returns.
• Targeted Compliance Measures:
  • Out of 40 crore AIS holders, only 9 crore file returns; AI identifies potential defaulters among the remaining 31 crore.
  • For filers, AI checks for inaccuracies or underreporting in submitted returns.
• Non-Intrusive Strategy:
  • The NUDGE framework is used to send soft letters prompting voluntary compliance.
  • Taxpayers can either revise returns or justify current filings in response.