02 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs
1. India Gets U.S. Support in Fight Against Terror
Source: Page 1, The Hindu International Edition (May 02, 2025)
| Topic: GS2 – International Relations; GS3 – Internal Security |
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Content:
- Diplomatic Support: U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth affirmed solidarity with India in a call with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, stating that India has a right to defend itself against terrorism.
- Reference to Pakistan: Rajnath Singh highlighted Pakistan’s historical support to terror groups, urging the international community to unequivocally condemn such acts.
- Global Involvement: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for de-escalation between India and Pakistan and reaffirmed commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism.
- Military Activity: Indian and Pakistani navies issued NOTAMs for exercises in the Arabian Sea. Continued ceasefire violations were reported along the LoC.
- International Response: Several countries, including the U.K., Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, urged both nations to maintain peace and security in South Asia.
- Domestic Call for Peace: Families of victims, such as Navy Lt. Vinay Narwal’s wife, called for peace and denounced communal backlash against Kashmiris and Muslims.
Practice Question:
check more – 02 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs
| Critically examine the role of international diplomacy in supporting India’s counter-terrorism efforts, with reference to the recent Pahalgam attack and U.S. intervention. (250 words) |
2. Why India’s Heatwaves Are Increasing, and What Can Be Done
Source: Indian Express, Section – Explained, Page – 13 (May 02, 2025)
| Topic: GS1 – Geography, GS3 – Environment & Disaster Management |
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Content:
- Definition and Criteria: According to IMD, heatwaves are declared when temperatures in plains are ≥40°C with a deviation of ≥4.5°C from the normal.
- Rising Temperatures: Northern and central India have reported temperatures exceeding 45°C in early May 2025.
- Climate Change Factor: Global warming has increased the frequency of extreme heat events across South Asia.
- Urban Heat Island Effect: Dense construction and vehicular pollution in cities are intensifying heatwaves locally.
- Jet Stream and Weather Pattern Shifts: Altered atmospheric circulation is prolonging dry, hot spells.
- Impacts on Society: Health hazards (heatstroke), agricultural losses (especially wheat), water stress, and productivity dips are some consequences.
- Policy Response: IMD alerts, city heat action plans, and initiatives under NAPCC aim to improve resilience.
- Challenges: Low awareness, poor urban planning, lack of green cover, and coordination issues among agencies.
- Way Forward: Promote cool roofs, urban afforestation, localized forecasts, inclusion of heatwaves as disaster category, and climate-adaptive infrastructure.
