09 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Why India’s claim of PoK is legally valid

Source: Page 10, The Hindu International Edition (May 09, 2025)

Topic: GS2: International Relations, GS1: Post-independence consolidation

Context

In light of recent statements by India on reclaiming Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), this editorial outlines the legal and historical basis of India’s stance.

Content:

• Legal Basis of Claim:
  

• • • The Instrument of Accession signed by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1947 made Jammu & Kashmir an integral part of India.
      
    • This instrument was unconditional and complete in law, granting India jurisdiction.
      
      
  • UN Resolutions:
    
    
    • Resolutions of the UN Security Council called for Pakistan to vacate PoK before a plebiscite could be conducted — a condition never fulfilled.
      
    • Thus, international law does not weaken India’s claim.
      
      
  • China-Pakistan Involvement:
    
    
    • China’s involvement through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Gilgit-Baltistan adds geopolitical complexity but doesn’t override legal realities.
      
      
  • Strategic Implication:
    
    
    • Reclaiming PoK is as much about legal rights as national security, given terrorism and regional instability.
      

Practice Question:

“India’s claim over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is rooted in both law and history.” Discuss the legal, historical, and strategic dimensions of India’s claim to PoK. (250 words / 15 marks)

2. India’s push for Global South in climate finance

Source:  Page 10, The Hindu International Edition (May 09, 2025)

Topic: GS3: Environment, GS2: International Institutions

Context

As climate negotiations intensify, India is emerging as a voice for the Global South in advocating equitable climate finance.

Content:

• Background:
  
  
  • Developed nations have failed to meet the $100 billion annual commitment.
    
  • The burden of climate change disproportionally affects the Global South.
    
    
• India’s Advocacy:
  
  
  • At international forums like COP and G20, India has pushed for a ‘Loss and Damage’ fund and emphasized ‘Common but Differentiated Responsibilities.’
    
  • Spearheading the International Solar Alliance and LiFE mission are examples.
    
    
• Challenges:
  
  
  • Fragmentation within Global South countries.
    
  • Delay in green technology transfer.
    
  • Debt crisis in developing countries worsens their adaptive capacity.
    

Conclusion/Way Forward – India must deepen South-South cooperation and work to institutionalize equitable climate funding mechanisms

Practice Question:

“India is becoming a significant voice for the Global South in the climate change discourse.” Critically analyze India’s role in promoting equitable climate finance. (250 words / 15 marks)

3. A challenge to secularism in Assam’s delimitation

Source: Page 10, The Hindu, 09 May 2025

Topic: GS2: Polity and Governance

Context

Assam’s delimitation process raises concerns over representation and alleged religious bias.

Content:

• Issue:
  
  
  • The delimitation exercise has redrawn constituencies in a way that critics claim disadvantages Muslim-majority areas.
    
  • The EC has defended the move on demographic grounds.
    
    
• Constitutional Angle:
  
  
  • Delimitation is meant to ensure equitable representation.
    
  • However, selective or biased implementation undermines secularism.
    
    
• Potential Consequences:
  
  
  • May lead to alienation of minority groups.
    
  • Risks setting a precedent of communal gerrymandering.
    

Conclusion/Way Forward – Upholding the secular fabric of the Constitution should guide all electoral boundary decisions. Judicial review may become necessary.

Practice Question:

Delimitation must be a neutral exercise rooted in constitutional values. Examine the recent delimitation in Assam in light of this statement. (150 words / 10 marks)

4. India needs a stronger semiconductor push

Source:  Page 8, The Indian Express, 09 May 2025

Topic: GS3: Science and Technology, GS3: Economy

Context

Despite recent MoUs and incentives, India’s semiconductor ambitions remain fragile without foundational reforms.

Content:

• Recent Developments:
  
  
  • Government approved new semiconductor facilities under India Semiconductor Mission.
    
  • Partnerships with US and Taiwan players announced.
    
    
• Key Issues:
  
  
  • Shortage of skilled manpower.
    
  • Absence of a robust R&D ecosystem.
    
  • Dependence on foreign tech and capital equipment.
    
    
• Global Competition:
  
  
  • China, US, and EU have significantly advanced manufacturing bases.
    
  • India risks falling behind unless structural gaps are addressed.
    

Conclusion/Way Forward – Investment in human capital, incentives for design startups, and infrastructure upgradation are critical.

Practice Question:

“India’s semiconductor strategy needs to move beyond incentives to deep structural reforms.” Discuss. (250 words / 15 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. Supreme Court affirms Centre’s power to deport Rohingyas under Foreigners Act

Source: The Hindu, Page 1, 09 May 2025

Topic: GS2: Polity and Governance

Context

The Supreme Court has reiterated that the Centre can deport Rohingyas under the Foreigners Act if found to be “foreigners”.

Analysis of the news:

• India is not a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention.
  
• The Supreme Court observed that Article 19 (Right to reside and settle) is available only to citizens.
  
• The principle of non-refoulement (not sending refugees to a place where they risk persecution) was cited by petitioners but not accepted as binding.
  
• Deportation under Section 3 of the Foreigners Act, 1946, upheld.
  
• Case to be heard in detail in July.
  

Prelims Fact Pointers:

• India is not a signatory to 1951 UN Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol.
  
• Section 3 of the Foreigners Act, 1946 empowers the Centre to expel foreigners.
• Non-refoulement is a principle of customary international law, not legally binding on non-signatory states.

2. Bihar launches ‘Mukhya Mantri Neera Samvardhan Yojana’

Source: The Hindu, Page 4, 09 May 2025

Topic: GS1: Society, GS3: Agriculture

Context

Bihar government initiates a scheme to promote palm nectar (neera) production and support toddy tappers.

Analysis of the news:

• ₹8 per litre incentive to toddy tappers via DBT.
  
• Scheme targets 2 lakh palm trees, 20,000 tappers.
  
• Incentives also provided to tree owners.
  
• Neera is a non-alcoholic, nutrient-rich drink from palm trees.
  

Prelims Fact Pointers:

• Neera: Unfermented sap from palm trees; high in minerals like potassium and iron.
  
• Implemented by Prohibition, Excise, and Jeevika departments.
• DBT = Direct Benefit Transfer.

Check more: 08 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs