26 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Clash erupts after march to Manipur Raj Bhavan foiled

Source: Page 1, The Hindu (26 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 2: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice

Context

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) staged a civil disobedience protest against perceived disrespect towards Manipur’s identity by the Governor and state administration.

Content:

• Background:

  • Manipur is under President’s Rule since February 2025.

  • COCOMI launched a boycott campaign against Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla after an incident involving masking “Manipur State Transport” from an official vehicle during the Shirui Lily Festival.

• Issues Raised:

  • Accusation of undermining state identity.

  • Demand for public apology from the Governor.

  • Removal of top state officials – Chief Secretary, DGP, and Security Adviser.

• Implications:

  • Highlights deepening ethnic and administrative tensions.

  • Questions raised over Centre’s handling of the crisis.

  • Reflects mistrust in state machinery by civil society groups.

• Constitutional Angle:

  • The Governor’s role under Article 356 (President’s Rule) and Article 371C (special provisions for Manipur).

Way Forward:

• Dialogue-based conflict resolution.

• Greater decentralisation and inclusive governance.

• Confidence-building measures in ethnic conflict zones.

Practice Question:

“Discuss the constitutional provisions and challenges involved in the administration of a state under President’s Rule. Use Manipur as a contemporary case study.” (250 words / 15 marks)

2. Caste count a means to include those left behind, says PM

Source: Page 1 & 12, The Hindu (26 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 2: Governance, Polity & Social Justice

Context

PM Modi at NDA CMs’ conclave backed caste-based data collection through the decennial census to promote inclusive development.

Content:

• Significance:

  • Census as a tool for targeted welfare.

  • First NDA-level public articulation supporting caste enumeration.

• Political & Social Context:

  • Long-standing demand from regional parties.

  • Caste data seen as critical for revising reservations and welfare schemes.

• Challenges:

  • Risk of politicising caste.

  • Administrative complexities in enumeration and categorisation.

• Constitutional Basis:

  • Equality and affirmative action under Articles 15(4), 16(4), and 46.

Way Forward:

• Ensuring data transparency and integrity.

• Using data to identify and uplift the most marginalised, not for electoral gain.

Practice Question:

“What are the merits and challenges of including caste enumeration in the decennial census? How can this aid inclusive governance?” (250 words / 15 marks)

3. All crew members of sunken ship off Kerala coast rescued

Source: Page 6, The Hindu (26 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 3: Disaster Management, Environment, Maritime Security

Context

Indian Navy and Coast Guard successfully rescued 24 crew from MSC Elsa 3, which sank with hazardous cargo off the Kerala coast.

Content:

• Incident Overview:

  • 640 containers onboard; 13 had hazardous materials.

  • Environmental risks from oil spills and container drift.

• Disaster Preparedness:

  • Prompt action by INS Sujata and Coast Guard.

  • Activation of Kerala State Disaster Management Authority.

• Environmental Concerns:

  • Potential marine pollution.

  • Advisory to coastal districts to maintain vigilance.

• Maritime Strategy:

  • Need for better tracking and monitoring of merchant vessels.

  • Regional cooperation on maritime disasters.

Practice Question:

“Critically analyse India’s preparedness in handling maritime environmental disasters. What institutional improvements are needed to strengthen coastal security and response?” (150 words / 10 marks)

4. Operation Sindoor showcases India’s defence self-reliance

Source: Page 1, 12 & Editorial Pages, The Hindu (26 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 3: Security, Science & Technology, International Relations

Context

Operation Sindoor is being hailed as a landmark in India’s counter-terrorism and defence indigenisation strategy.

Content:

• Operation Overview:

  • Conducted between May 7-10 after the Pahalgam attack.

  • Targeted terrorist bases in PoJK and Pakistan.

• Strategic Highlights:

  • Successful use of indigenous systems (Akash, Spyder).

  • Multi-layered air defence integration (S-400 to short-range SAMs).

• Expert Insights:

  • Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy: Confidence in indigenous tech is rising.

  • Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Arjun Subramaniam: Air power now central to India’s deterrence doctrine.

• Geopolitical Messaging:

  • Clear message to Pakistan.

  • Boost to India’s defence exports and indigenous military-industrial complex.

• Concerns:

  • Escalation risks.

  • Budgetary constraints on air power modernisation.

Way Forward:

• Invest in niche tech (counter-drone, AI-based targeting).

• Strengthen integrated tri-service planning.

Practice Question:

“Discuss how Operation Sindoor has redefined India’s military deterrence strategy. What lessons does it offer for indigenisation in defence production?” (150 words / 10 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. Constitutional Crisis and Civil Protest in Manipur Under President’s Rule

Source: Page 1, The Hindu (26 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 2: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice

Context

A mass protest led by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) highlighted the tensions between the state administration under President’s Rule and civil society in Manipur.

Analysis of the news:

• Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 2025.
• A civil disobedience movement was triggered by an alleged symbolic insult to the state identity.

• Triggers and Demands:

  • The phrase “Manipur State Transport” was allegedly masked on an official vehicle.

  • Protesters demanded a public apology from the Governor and removal of senior state officials.

• Constitutional Provisions:

  • Article 356 empowers the President to take over state governance.

  • Article 371C provides special administrative arrangements for Manipur.

• Concerns Raised:

  • Administrative disconnect between Centre and people.

  • Growing ethnic mistrust and fragile federal balance.

• Way Forward:

  • Rebuilding trust via dialogue.

  • Ensuring decentralised and inclusive decision-making.

  • Promoting peace and development in conflict-prone regions.

2. The Role of Caste Census in Strengthening Social Justice

Source: Page 1, The Hindu (26 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 2: Governance, Polity & Social Justice

Context

PM Modi’s endorsement of caste enumeration during the upcoming decennial census marks a policy shift towards data-driven social welfare.

Analysis of the news:

• Significance:

  • Could reshape welfare schemes through better targeting.

  • First clear backing of caste data collection by the NDA government.

• Contextual Relevance:

  • Long-standing demand of regional parties and social justice advocates.

  • Useful for recalibrating reservation quotas and welfare outreach.

• Challenges:

  • Administrative: Classification, verification, overlaps.

  • Political: Risk of caste polarisation and vote-bank politics.

• Constitutional Dimensions:

  • Affirmative action rooted in Articles 15(4), 16(4), and 46.

  • Aims to promote equality and uplift marginalised groups.

• Way Forward:

  • Transparent methodology and data use.

  • Protection against misuse for narrow political ends.

3. Maritime Disaster Response and Environmental Risk Management off Indian Coast

Source: Page 6, Indian Express (26 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 3: Disaster Management, Environment, Maritime Security

Context

The sinking of cargo ship MSC Elsa 3 off the Kerala coast posed environmental risks and tested India’s maritime disaster response mechanisms.

Analysis of the news:

• Incident Overview:

  • The ship carried 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous materials.

  • All 24 crew members rescued through coordinated operations by the Navy and Coast Guard.

• Disaster and Environmental Risk:

  • Risk of oil spills and floating debris.

  • Coastal alert issued for Alappuzha, Kollam, Ernakulam, and Thiruvananthapuram.

• Institutional Response:

  • Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) activated.

  • Navy and Coast Guard deployed for containment and rescue.

• Strategic Takeaways:

  • Need for stricter monitoring of maritime traffic.

  • Highlights importance of maritime domain awareness (MDA) and inter-agency coordination.

4. Operation Sindoor: A New Milestone in Indigenous Military Deterrence

Source: Page 1 & 12, The Hindu (26 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 3: Security, Science & Technology, International Relations

Context

Operation Sindoor reflects India’s enhanced offensive capability and self-reliance in defence technology following a terror attack in Pahalgam.

Analysis of the news:

• Operational Details:

  • Cross-border strike conducted between May 7–10 targeting terror bases.

  • First major use of integrated indigenous defence systems in combat-like scenario.

• Technology and Strategy:

  • Used Akash, Spyder, and S-400 layered air defence systems.

  • Successful coordination between Air Force and Army units.

• Expert Views:

  • Highlights shift towards precision airpower.

  • Reinforces India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat push in defence.

• Geopolitical Messaging:

  • Sends a deterrent signal to hostile neighbours.

  • Demonstrates India’s capacity for swift, surgical response.

• Way Forward:

  • Invest in AI-based defence systems and counter-drone tech.

  • Deepen tri-service operational integration and innovation.

Check more: 24 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs