13 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. “With China, Learn to Say No”

Source: Page 6, The Hindu Delhi Edition (13 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 2 (International Relations)

Context

India’s diplomatic approach to China in the backdrop of increasing strategic assertiveness by Beijing.

Content:

• The editorial discusses how India needs a recalibrated and firmer approach toward China, especially in light of recent border standoffs and China’s behavior in multilateral forums.

Key Points:

• China’s Assertiveness: Through aggressive posturing on borders and economic expansion via the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China is reshaping regional geopolitics.

• India’s Need for Strategic Autonomy: Rather than passive alignment, India must prioritize national interest and push back diplomatically and economically when needed.

• Relevance of QUAD and Indo-Pacific Strategy: Cooperation with like-minded democracies remains key to balancing China’s rise.

• Need for Economic Self-Reliance: Strengthening domestic manufacturing and reducing dependence on Chinese imports is essential.

Way Forward:

• Establish red lines in bilateral relations.

• Prioritize national interest over appeasement.

• Use strategic forums like SCO, BRICS judiciously while keeping the national agenda central.

Practice Question:

“India’s relationship with China is marked by competition and cooperation.” Discuss the strategic challenges India faces in dealing with China and suggest a balanced policy approach. (250 words / 15 marks)

2. What the SC ruling on minority rights means

Source: Page 10, The Indian Express (13 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 2 (Polity & Governance)

Context

Supreme Court’s significant judgment regarding minority status and rights under Article 30 of the Indian Constitution.

Content:

• The SC addressed the scope of Article 30 and the criteria for a group to claim minority status in a state.

Key Highlights:

• Judicial Stand: The Supreme Court held that minorities can be identified at the state level, not just nationally.

• Implications:

  • Promotes federalism and cultural autonomy.

  • Can impact reservation and institutional control debates.

• Minority Educational Institutions: Under Article 30(1), they are entitled to establish and administer institutions without state interference, ensuring protection of linguistic and religious minorities.

Critical Analysis:

• Strengthens constitutional safeguards.

• Balances group rights with state’s regulatory role.

• May raise concerns of uniformity in central educational policy.

Practice Question:

Discuss the significance of the Supreme Court’s ruling on minority identification at the state level in the context of Article 30. What are the implications for Indian federalism and minority rights?(250 words / 15 marks)

3. NASA’s Lunar Mission: Artemis II Takes Shape

Source: The Hindu, Page 14 (13 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 3 (Science and Technology – Developments and their applications)

Context

NASA’s Artemis II mission planning update as part of its strategy to return humans to the Moon.

Content:

• Artemis II is NASA’s first crewed mission to orbit the Moon after more than 50 years.

Relevance for India:

• Enhances understanding of international space cooperation.

• Offers learning for India’s Gaganyaan mission and deep-space ambitions.

Scientific Significance:

• Prepares groundwork for sustainable lunar presence.

• Incorporates cutting-edge tech like life-support systems, AI, and deep-space communication.

India’s Opportunities:

• Collaboration in space exploration with NASA, ESA.

• Commercial partnership under the Artemis Accords framework.

Practice Question:

“International cooperation in space exploration is key to the future of science and diplomacy.” Evaluate this statement in the context of missions like Artemis II. (150 words / 10 marks)

4. Decoding the AAP Ordinance Verdict

Source: Page 1, The Indian Express (13 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 2 (Indian Polity – Federalism, Separation of Powers)

Context

Supreme Court’s interpretation of the Centre’s ordinance on Delhi’s administrative control.

Content:

Case Overview:

• Ordinance challenged by Delhi Govt. curtailed its power over services.

• SC ruled that elected govt must have control over “services”, barring police, public order and land.

Implications:

• Strengthens cooperative federalism.

• Reinforces democratic accountability and representative governance.

• Clarifies constitutional interpretation of Article 239AA.

Critical Viewpoint:

• Need for permanent mechanism to resolve Union-Territory conflicts.

• Strengthens role of judiciary in protecting federal balance.

Practice Question:

In light of recent Supreme Court rulings, analyze the evolving nature of Centre-State relations in the context of Union Territories like Delhi. (250 words / 15 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. Supreme Court flags ‘selective’ arrests under UAPA

Source: Page 1, The Hindu National Edition (13 May 2025)

Topic: GS2 (Polity and Governance), GS4 (Ethics in Governance)

Context

SC criticizes the “cherry-picking” approach in arrests under UAPA, indicating possible misuse of anti-terror laws.

Analysis of the news:

• Issue:

  • Allegation of selective arrests in protests and political movements.

  • Court questions the delay and discretion in arresting co-accused under UAPA.

• Legal Framework:

  • Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 – meant to combat terrorism.

  • The Act allows extended detention without bail, drawing criticism for potential human rights violations.

• SC Observation:

  • Emphasizes need for non-discriminatory, time-bound action.

  • Calls for review mechanisms and accountability in enforcement.

• Ethical Dimensions:

  • Rule of law vs. national security.

  • Responsibility of law enforcement agencies to avoid political bias.

• Way Forward:

  • Judicial oversight and regular reviews of cases under UAPA.

  • Legislative scrutiny to ensure constitutional safeguards.

2. Border dispute flares up between Assam and Meghalaya again

Source: Page 4, The Indian Express (13 May 2025)

Topic: GS2 (Federalism, Inter-State Relations)

Context

Renewed clashes in disputed border areas between Assam and Meghalaya raise concerns over unresolved inter-state boundaries.

Analysis of the news:

• Legacy issue from reorganization of states in 1972.
• Disputed areas include 12 sectors along the border.

• Recent Developments:

  • Clashes over administrative control and encroachments.

  • Casualties and property damage reported.

• Constitutional Provisions:

  • Article 131: Inter-state disputes to be resolved by SC.

  • Inter-state councils, Zonal Councils as conflict resolution forums.

• Way Forward:

  • Finalization of boundary demarcations through dialogue.

  • Role of neutral fact-finding commissions.

  • Emphasis on local governance and citizen consultation.

3. India’s defence exports touch ₹21,000 crore: MoD

Source: Page 10, The Indian Express (13 May 2025)

Topic: GS3 (Economy, Security)

Context

India’s defence exports surge as part of Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, strengthening its position as an emerging arms supplier.

Analysis of the news:

• Key Data:

  • FY 2024–25: Defence exports crossed ₹21,000 crore.

  • Major export items: BrahMos missiles, LCA Tejas components, drones, surveillance systems.

• Policy Drivers:

  • Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) 2020.

  • Simplified licensing and export clearances.

  • Public-Private Partnerships and corporatization of OFBs (Ordnance Factories).

• Global Impact:

  • Exports to ASEAN, Middle East, and African nations.

  • Enhances India’s strategic footprint.

• Way Forward:

  • Expanding R&D in defence tech.

  • Addressing quality and delivery challenges.

  • Strategic tie-ups with foreign OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers).

Check more: 12 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs