14 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs
1. India’s Balancing Act in West Asia
Source: Page 8, The Hindu Editorial (14 May 2025)
| Topic: GS Paper 2 (International Relations) |
| Context |
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Content:
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India has longstanding strategic and economic interests in West Asia—energy security, diaspora welfare, and maritime trade routes are crucial.
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Recent developments:
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Iran-Israel tensions threaten regional stability.
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India inaugurated Chabahar Port deal despite US concerns, signaling strategic autonomy.
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Simultaneous engagement with both Iran and Israel showcases India’s multi alignment policy.
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Analysis:
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Energy & Trade Dependence:
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West Asia supplies over 60% of India’s crude imports.
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GCC countries are key trading partners and hosts to millions of Indian workers.
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Strategic Significance of Chabahar:
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Connects India to Afghanistan and Central Asia bypassing Pakistan.
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Counters China’s influence via Gwadar Port in Pakistan.
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Diplomatic Tightrope:
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Balancing ties with Iran and the US-Israel bloc.
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India’s neutral stance on Gaza conflict aligns with strategic autonomy but invites criticism from both sides.
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Way Forward:
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Strengthen maritime and defense cooperation with like-minded countries.
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Use platforms like I2U2, SCO, and INSTC to deepen regional engagement.
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Advocate for peaceful resolution while securing national interests.
Practice Question:
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India’s interests in West Asia require a fine balancing act amidst geopolitical rivalries. Discuss with reference to recent developments and India’s strategic initiatives. (250 words / 15 marks) |
2. Chabahar Port Agreement: A Strategic Milestone
Source: Page 1, The Indian Express (14 May 2025)
| Topic: GS Paper 2 (India and its Neighbourhood, International Relations) |
| Context |
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Content:
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Agreement signed between India Ports Global Ltd. (IPGL) and Iran’s Port and Maritime Organization.
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India to invest ~$120 million and provide $250 million in credit facilities.
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US warned of possible sanctions due to ties with Iran.
Key Points:
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Geostrategic Importance:
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Offers access to landlocked Afghanistan and Central Asia.
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Counterweight to Pakistan’s Gwadar (developed by China).
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Economic Diplomacy:
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Enhances India’s presence in the region and aligns with Act West policy.
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Boosts regional trade corridors like INSTC.
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Challenges:
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US sanctions on Iran pose investment and operation risks.
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Political instability in Iran, and Pakistan-China resistance.
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Conclusion:
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Despite risks, Chabahar remains vital for India’s strategic depth and regional integration.
Practice Question:
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Evaluate the significance of the Chabahar Port agreement for India’s connectivity and strategic interests in Central Asia. (250 words / 15 marks) |
3. SC’s Ruling on Minority Rights in UTs
Source: The Hindu, Page 1 (14 May 2025)
| Topic: GS Paper 2 (Polity and Constitution) |
| Context |
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Content:
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A five-judge Constitution Bench ruled that minority status is context-dependent.
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For example, Hindus in Lakshadweep and Muslims in Ladakh can be considered minorities.
Key Constitutional Provisions:
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Article 29 & 30: Rights of minorities to conserve language, culture, and establish institutions.
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Article 350A & 350B: Special officer for linguistic minorities.
Implications:
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Better protection for cultural and educational rights of minorities in UTs.
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May influence reservation and institutional autonomy for minority-run organizations.
Way Forward:
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Clearer policy guidelines to avoid misuse or overextension of minority privileges.
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Decentralized determination of minority status.
Practice Question:
| The concept of ‘minority’ in India has evolved through constitutional interpretation. Discuss in the light of recent Supreme Court rulings. (150 words / 10 marks) |
4. RBI Report Flags Private Investment Concerns
Source: Page 11, The Indian Express (14 May 2025)
| Topic: GS Paper 3 (Economy – Growth & Investment) |
| Context |
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Content:
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Private investment as a percentage of GDP remains below pre-COVID levels.
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High interest rates and global uncertainty affect investor confidence.
Key Concerns:
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Investment-Led Growth:
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Public capex driving growth; private sector still cautious.
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Low capacity utilization in several sectors.
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External Headwinds:
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Slowing global demand, supply chain risks, geopolitical tensions (Ukraine, West Asia).
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Policy Measures Suggested:
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Improve ease of doing business.
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Ensure policy stability, reduce regulatory overreach.
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Incentivize sectors with strong multiplier effects (infrastructure, green energy).
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Practice Question:
| Reviving private investment is key to sustainable economic growth. Analyze the reasons for its sluggishness and suggest policy remedies. (250 words / 15 marks) |
Prelims Facts
1. Centre to Push for Mid-Course Review of Green Climate Fund
Source: Page 10, The Hindu National Edition (14 May 2025)
| Topic: GS Paper 3 (Environment and Climate Change) |
| Context |
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Analysis of the news:
Green Climate Fund (GCF) – Overview:
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Established under the UNFCCC in 2010.
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Objective: Assist developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change.
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Funded by contributions from developed countries; managed by a board with equal representation.
India’s Concerns:
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Access Issues: Difficult and bureaucratic processes deter many developing countries.
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Equity and Fairness: Perception of bias in approval and disbursal mechanisms.
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Insufficient Funds: Actual mobilization far below the $100 billion per year target.
India’s Position:
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India is advocating for:
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Simplification of approval procedures.
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Mid-course review of GCF functioning.
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Enhanced transparency and predictability in fund disbursal.
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Better alignment with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
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Relevance for India:
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As a climate-vulnerable developing country, India requires robust financial support to meet its energy transition and resilience goals.
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Ensuring fair access to international climate finance is critical for achieving net-zero targets.
Conclusion/Way Forward:
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Global climate negotiations must address systemic inequities in climate finance.
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Reforming the GCF will be central to fostering trust and ambition in global climate action.
2. China’s Mediation in Middle East Draws Global Focus
Source: Page 9, The Hindu Editorial (14 May 2025)
| Topic: GS Paper 2 (International Relations) |
| Context |
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Analysis of the news:
China’s Strategy:
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Diplomatic offensive aiming to present itself as a peace broker in West Asia.
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Beijing leverages economic clout and neutrality in regional disputes.
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Strategic interests in energy security and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Key Developments:
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Mediated Iran-Saudi rapprochement in 2023.
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Recently engaged Egypt, Qatar, and the Arab League over Gaza truce.
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Advocating a “two-state solution” in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Implications for India:
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Shifting geopolitical alignments in India’s extended neighborhood.
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Challenges India’s strategic interests and influence in the Gulf.
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Necessitates recalibration of India’s West Asia policy to protect diaspora and energy security.
Conclusion:
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China’s growing role in West Asia reflects its ambition to counterbalance Western influence.
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India must intensify diplomatic and economic engagement with the region.
Check more: 13 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs
