15 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. China’s Xi Jinping Heads to Europe Amid Strained Ties with the West

Source: Page 8, The Hindu Editorial (15 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 2 (International Relations)

Context

Amid growing tensions with the US and concerns over China’s support to Russia during the Ukraine war, President Xi Jinping embarked on a European tour aimed at mending relations with key European nations.

Content:

China’s Diplomatic Outreach to Europe:

• Xi visited France, Serbia, and Hungary, highlighting a selective and strategic European engagement.

• China’s economic ties with Europe remain crucial amidst Western pushback and trade protectionism.

Geopolitical Context:

• The EU has been pressuring China to adopt a more neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict.

• France seeks to balance its strategic autonomy with transatlantic ties, evident in Macron’s nuanced approach.

Implications for India:

• India must closely monitor China’s diplomatic rebalancing as it could impact Europe’s Indo-Pacific posture.

• EU-China engagement could dilute Western pressure on China, impacting global trade alignments.

Way Forward:

• India should continue deepening its EU ties, leveraging the Indo-Pacific framework.

• Diplomatic agility is needed as China recalibrates ties to reduce over-dependence on the Global South and manage decoupling from the West.

Practice Question:

“Examine the significance of China’s recent diplomatic engagement with Europe in the context of shifting global power dynamics. How should India calibrate its foreign policy in response?” (250 words / 15 marks)

2. India’s Forest Cover Report Highlights Decline in Northeastern States

Source: Page 9, The Indian Express (15 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 3 (Environment and Ecology)

Context

The Forest Survey of India (FSI) report indicates a worrying decline in forest cover in the Northeastern region, despite an overall increase at the national level.

Content:

Key Highlights of the Report:

• Forest cover decline: Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh see net losses.

• Reasons: Jhum cultivation, infrastructure development, illegal logging, and encroachment.

Challenges:

• Land use conflicts and shifting cultivation practices.

• Policy gaps in monitoring and community forest rights.

• Insufficient incentivization for forest conservation.

Environmental Significance:

• The Northeast is a biodiversity hotspot and a critical carbon sink.

• Loss of forest cover impacts monsoon patterns and river basin health.

Way Forward:

• Promote agroforestry and sustainable livelihood models.

• Strengthen the Forest Rights Act and involve local communities.

• Enhance satellite-based monitoring for real-time interventions.

Practice Question:

“Discuss the major causes for the decline in forest cover in the Northeastern states of India and suggest policy measures to address the ecological imbalance.” (250 words / 15 marks)

3. Electoral Bonds: SC Verdict Sparks Political Debate Over Transparency

Source: The Hindu, Page 1 (15 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 2 (Governance)

Context

The Supreme Court’s decision declaring the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional has reignited debates about political funding transparency in India.

Content:

Judgment Highlights:

• The SC held the scheme violated the right to information under Article 19(1)(a).

• Electoral bonds allowed anonymous donations, skewing the level playing field.

Implications:

• Brings political funding under judicial scrutiny.

• May lead to demands for broader electoral reforms.

Challenges Going Forward:

• Need for clean political funding mechanisms.

• Balancing donor privacy with public accountability.

Way Forward:

• Enact a robust public funding framework.

• Enhance Election Commission’s oversight powers.

• Introduce mandatory disclosures for political contributions.

Practice Question:

“Critically examine the Supreme Court’s verdict on electoral bonds in light of transparency and accountability in Indian democracy.” (150 words / 10 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. China’s Xi Jinping Heads to Europe Amid Strained Ties with the West

Source: Page 8, The Hindu National Edition (15 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 2 (International Relations)

Context

President Xi Jinping’s European visit aimed at recalibrating diplomatic ties with France, Serbia, and Hungary amid tensions over China’s support to Russia.

Analysis of the news:

• Xi Jinping visited France, Serbia, Hungary in May 2025.

• Aimed to improve relations with EU amidst Ukraine war tensions.

• China refers to its policy as part of “standardisation” of diplomatic narratives.

• France is pushing strategic autonomy within EU policies.

• India-EU ties could be influenced by China’s outreach to Europe.

2. India’s Forest Cover Report Highlights Decline in Northeastern States

Source: Page 9, The Indian Express (15 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 3 (Environment)

Context

Forest Survey of India report shows decline in forest cover in Northeastern states like Nagaland and Manipur.

Analysis of the news:

• Forest Survey of India (FSI) releases biennial forest reports.

• Decline noted in Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur.

• Reasons: Shifting cultivation (jhum), infrastructure expansion.

• India’s total forest cover: Approx. 24.62% of geographical area.

• NE India is a biodiversity hotspot under Indo-Burma region.

Check more: 14 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs