17 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Supreme Court warns Centre on ‘Distorting Electoral Bonds Ruling’

Source: Page 1, The Hindu Editorial (17 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 2: Polity and Governance

Context

The Supreme Court of India has issued a warning to the Central Government over alleged misrepresentation of the Electoral Bonds judgment, reiterating the importance of judicial pronouncements being implemented in letter and spirit.

Content:

Background:

• The Electoral Bonds Scheme was introduced in 2018 as a means of transparent political funding.

• The SC in February 2024 struck down the scheme citing violation of the Right to Information and democratic principles.

Recent Development:

• The Centre, in an affidavit, reportedly misrepresented the SC’s direction on the timing of disclosures.

• The SC has warned that such distortions can undermine judicial integrity.

Constitutional and Legal Aspects:

• Article 19(1)(a): Right to Information as part of Freedom of Speech.

• Article 32 & 226: Judicial review and enforcement of fundamental rights.

• Principle of separation of powers and respect for judiciary.

Implications:

• Highlights tension between Executive and Judiciary.

• Raises concerns over transparency in electoral funding.

• Reaffirms the judiciary’s role in safeguarding democratic norms.

Way Forward:

• Strengthening institutional respect and checks.

• Legal reforms to enhance transparency in political financing.

• Clarifying boundaries of executive interpretation of court judgments.

Practice Question:

Discuss the constitutional and ethical concerns raised by the implementation of the Electoral Bonds Scheme. How does the Supreme Court’s recent intervention impact democratic accountability in India?” (250 words / 15 marks)

2. India Deepens Pacific Island Outreach Amid China Tensions

Source: Page 11, The Hindu Editorial (17 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 2: International Relations

Context

India is enhancing its diplomatic and developmental ties with Pacific Island Countries (PICs) to counter China’s increasing influence in the Indo-Pacific.

Content:

Geostrategic Context:

• Pacific Island nations are vital for maritime routes and regional influence.

• China’s economic presence and security ties in the region have grown significantly.

India’s Initiatives:

• FIPIC (Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation).

• Offers in healthcare, IT, renewable energy, and climate adaptation.

• Capacity building and humanitarian aid to PICs.

Strategic Importance:

• Strengthening Act East Policy.

• Building India’s soft power and developmental diplomacy.

• Ensuring regional stability and countering China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Challenges:

• Limited logistical and financial outreach compared to China.

• Political instability in PICs.

• Climate vulnerability of island nations.

Way Forward:

• Increase people-to-people contact and educational exchanges.

• Leverage the Indian diaspora and multilateral platforms.

• Collaborate with Quad partners for joint projects in PICs.

Practice Question:

Examine the strategic significance of Pacific Island Countries (PICs) in India’s Indo-Pacific vision. What steps should India take to enhance its engagement in the region?” (250 words / 15 marks)

3. Inflation Cools in April, but Food Prices Remain Sticky

Source: The Hindu, Page 13 (17 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 3: Economy

Context

April 2025 witnessed a decline in headline inflation, but core inflation and food prices remain persistently high, raising concerns for the RBI and policymakers.

Content:

Data Highlights:

• CPI inflation dropped to 4.6% in April.

• Core inflation remains elevated due to food and services.

• Pulses, vegetables, and milk drove food inflation.

Implications:

• Pressure on household budgets, especially the poor.

• Impact on interest rates and monetary policy stance.

• Potential challenges for rural consumption recovery.

Policy Measures:

• RBI may adopt a cautious stance in future MPC meetings.

• Need for supply-side interventions to address food inflation.

• Coordination between fiscal and monetary authorities.

Way Forward:

• Strengthening food supply chains.

• Buffer stock management and price monitoring.

• Long-term agricultural reforms to boost productivity.

Practice Question:

Food inflation remains a persistent challenge in India despite declining overall inflation. Critically analyze the causes and suggest policy interventions to manage food price volatility. (150 words / 10 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. Bihar Govt. Approves Plan to Rename Gaya City as ‘Gaya Jee’

Source: Page 4, The Hindu National Edition (17 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 1: Indian Culture; GS Paper 2: Governance

Context

The Bihar Cabinet has officially approved the renaming of Gaya city to ‘Gaya Jee’ due to its historical and religious significance.

Analysis of the news:

• Gaya is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists.

• Believed to be the place where Lord Vishnu performed penance and Lord Buddha meditated.

• Renaming aligns with a broader trend of restoring traditional names with cultural resonance.

• Cabinet also approved:

  • Formation of Bihar State Jeevika Fund Credit Cooperative Society Ltd.

  • Proposal for Jeevika Bank to provide credit to women SHGs.

  • Setting up of a Cancer Care and Research Society in the state.

2. IMF’s Assistance to Pakistan May Fund Terror Infrastructure: Rajnath

Source: The Hindu Editorial (17 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 2: International Relations; GS Paper 3: Internal Security

Context

India’s Defence Minister questioned IMF’s $1 billion assistance to Pakistan, citing that the funds may be indirectly used for terrorism financing.

Analysis of the news:

• The IMF approved a tranche of loan to Pakistan under its Extended Fund Facility (EFF).

• India argues the funds could support terror infrastructure.

• Reference to Operation Sindoor, where Indian Air Force struck terror camps in PoK.

• Singh called this “indirect terror funding” if IMF doesn’t ensure accountability.

Check more: 16 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs