16 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Put Pak. nuclear arsenal under IAEA watch: India

Source: Page 1, The Hindu Editorial (16 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 2 (International Relations & Internal Security)

Context

During his visit to J&K post-Operation Sindoor, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh questioned the safety of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons and called for IAEA supervision over them, citing Pakistan’s “irresponsible conduct”.

Content:

Key Highlights:

• India’s Defence Minister raised global concerns over Pakistan’s nuclear safety.

• Stressed that nuclear threats will not deter India’s counter-terrorism resolve.

• Asserted that attacks on Indian soil will be seen as acts of war, not isolated incidents.

Analysis:

• Strategic Significance: Highlights India’s proactive defence posture and assertive diplomacy.

• Non-Proliferation Norms: Call for IAEA oversight reflects global norms on nuclear safety.

• Pakistan’s Response: Pakistan countered with allegations of a nuclear black market in India.

Implications:

• Raises international awareness about South Asia’s nuclear risk.

• Diplomatic attempt to isolate Pakistan and seek global support.

• Reinforces India’s stand against cross-border terrorism and nuclear brinkmanship.

Way Forward:

• Strengthen international diplomatic efforts to pressurize Pakistan.

• India must showcase its own nuclear safety standards as a benchmark.

• Engage multilaterally for broader nuclear disarmament dialogue.

Practice Question:

Critically evaluate India’s stance on nuclear security in South Asia in light of recent demands for IAEA supervision over Pakistan’s arsenal. What are the implications for regional and global stability?” (250 words / 15 marks)

2. Restore Kancha Gachibowli forest or risk jail for officials: SC to Telangana

Source: Page 6, The Hindu Editorial (16 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 3 (Environment and Ecology, Governance)

Context

The Supreme Court warned Telangana State officials over illegal deforestation in Kancha Gachibowli for an IT park and demanded forest restoration or legal action.

Content:

Issue:

• Over 100 acres of forest were illegally cleared during a long weekend to avoid judicial scrutiny.

• The court criticized the clandestine nature of the operation and questioned the state’s intentions.

Ecological Impact:

• Forest Survey of India confirmed the area had moderate to high forest density.

• Loss of biodiversity, carbon sinks, and local climate regulation capacity.

Governance Concerns:

• Highlights conflict between infrastructure development and environmental conservation.

• Raises questions on accountability of state machinery in violating green norms.

Legal & Policy Implications:

• Emphasizes judicial activism in enforcing environmental laws.

• Reiterates the importance of transparent and consultative land use policy.

Way Forward:

• Telangana must initiate restoration with afforestation measures and penal action against erring officials.

• Need for state-centre synergy on sustainable urban planning.

• Strengthen public oversight on land diversion decisions.

Practice Question:

Discuss the role of judiciary in upholding environmental governance with reference to the Kancha Gachibowli forest case. How can sustainable development be ensured amid rapid urbanization?” (250 words / 15 marks)

3. Study on Mahadayi river diversion sparks fresh protest in Goa

Source: The Hindu, Page 6 (16 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 1/2 (Geography – Water disputes; Federalism)

Context

A scientific paper suggesting limited ecological impact of Karnataka’s Mahadayi river diversion triggered protests in Goa, reviving a decades-old inter-state water dispute.

Content:

Background:

• Mahadayi river dispute between Karnataka and Goa has lasted over 20 years.

• Karnataka’s plans to divert 3.9 TMC from Kalasa and Bhandura tributaries.

New Study:

• Finds minimal impact of approved diversions on Goa’s water security.

• However, diversion from Kalasa could impact Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary.

Protest & Political Fallout:

• Goa’s local groups and political parties question the study’s motives.

• Emotional and ecological stakes remain high in Goa.

Legal Aspect:

• Both states have challenged the tribunal’s 2018 verdict in the Supreme Court.

• Raises the issue of scientific input in adjudicating environmental justice.

Way Forward:

• Establish independent, multilateral ecological assessments in water disputes.

• Promote basin-level water-sharing agreements based on sustainability and equity.

• Enhance Centre-State mediation mechanisms for interstate disputes.

Practice Question:

Examine the constitutional and ecological dimensions of inter-state water disputes in India. How can scientific research be better integrated into the resolution process?” (150 words / 10 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. Retail & Wholesale Inflation at Multi-Month Lows

Source: Page 10, The Hindu National Edition (16 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 3 (Economy)

Context

Retail and wholesale inflation fell to 69-month and 13-month lows respectively due to a high base effect and easing food prices.

Analysis of the news:

• April 2025 Retail Inflation (CPI): 3.84% (69-month low)

• WPI Inflation: 0.7% (13-month low)

• Major contributors: Vegetable prices contracted by 11%, pulses by 5.2%.

• Crude oil inflation in WPI at 22-month low.

• RBI’s MPC has already cut interest rates twice in 2025.

• Importance of base effect: Last year’s vegetable inflation was ~30%.

2. India’s Forest Cover Report Highlights Decline in Northeastern States

Source: The Hindu Editorial (16 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 2 (International Relations)

Context

India is pushing for fencing the 1,643 km India-Myanmar border and reviewing the Free Movement Regime amid the Manipur crisis.

Analysis of the news:

• India-Myanmar border length: 1,643 km

• Manipur-Myanmar border: 398 km

• Free Movement Regime (FMR): Allows local tribal communities to travel 16 km across border without visa

• Border states: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram

• Estimated fencing cost: ₹31,000 crore.

Check more: 15 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs