20 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Getting the ‘micropicture’ at the panchayat level

Source: Page 8, The Hindu (20 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 2 (Governance, Local Self Government)

Context

The editorial advocates for effective utilisation of the Panchayat Assessment Index (PAI) to improve developmental outcomes at the grassroots level by linking data with local governance action.

Content:

Panchayat Assessment Index (PAI) and Local Governance

• PAI aims to create real-time performance report cards for Gram Panchayats (GPs).

• It assesses GPs on various developmental and administrative parameters like health, education, sanitation, and local infrastructure.

Significance of Data-Driven Local Governance

• Constituency-level reports help MPs and MLAs target interventions effectively.

• Data visualisation tools enable communities to understand performance gaps and act accordingly.

• Coordination between civil society, frontline workers, and government departments is critical for improving performance.

Challenges

• Limited availability of trained data analysts at district/block levels.

• Poor digital literacy and lack of institutional handholding at the GP level.

Way Forward:

• Institutionalise regular publication of PAI reports.

• Encourage academic institutions under Unnat Bharat Abhiyan to adopt GPs for support.

• Mobilise CSR funds and MPLADS for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the local level.

Practice Question:

“How can real-time data tools like the Panchayat Assessment Index (PAI) enhance accountability and governance in rural India?” (250 words / 15 marks)

2. Arrest of Ashoka University professor raises concerns on academic freedom

Source: The Hindu Editorial (20 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 2 (Fundamental Rights, Freedom of Speech, Higher Education)

Context

The arrest of a university professor over social media posts about Operation Sindoor raises concerns about freedom of speech and the deteriorating state of academic autonomy.

Content:

Academic Freedom Under Threat

• FIRs were filed over the professor’s social media reflections on war and pluralism.

• Charges include “promoting enmity” and “endangering sovereignty,” highlighting misuse of sedition-like provisions.

Freedom of Expression in Academia

• Universities are meant to foster critical thinking and open discussion.

• Arrests like this curb dissent and discourage reflective scholarship on national security and policy.

Larger Trend of Criminalising Dissent

• Increasing use of draconian laws against public intellectuals.

• BJP-led states have often misused law to intimidate scholars and journalists.

Way Forward:

• Urgently protect spaces of academic inquiry through judicial review and institutional autonomy.

• Reform laws that enable arbitrary arrests on vague or politically motivated grounds.

• Encourage discourse that upholds constitutional values and pluralism.

Practice Question:

“What are the implications of curbing academic freedom in a democracy? Discuss with recent examples from India.” (250 words / 15 marks)

3. India must share evidence of terror trail to pressure Pakistan

Source: The Hindu (20 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 2 (India and Its Neighbourhood, International Relations)

Context

In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, India must sustain global support by diplomatically showcasing concrete evidence of Pakistan’s complicity in terrorism.

Content:

Need for Evidence-Based Diplomacy

• Operation Sindoor gained global legitimacy due to India’s targeted, measured response.

• Major powers showed restraint in criticism, aided by India’s diplomatic briefings.

Avoiding Internationalisation

• India must prevent bilateral issues with Pakistan from becoming multilateral via UN or third-party mediation.

• Use evidence-sharing at forums like the UN Security Council to isolate Pakistan.

Strategic Messaging and Soft Power

• Press briefings by women officers of different faiths projected an inclusive, rational national image.

• Highlighting non-targeting of civilian areas built trust internationally.

Way Forward:

• Institutionalise back-channel diplomacy for crisis de-escalation.

• Document and publish credible evidence of Pakistan’s terror infrastructure.

• Use strategic restraint to reinforce India’s global credibility.

Practice Question:

“How can India use evidence-based diplomacy to isolate state sponsors of terrorism? Discuss with recent examples.” (150 words / 10 marks)

4. UGC proposes uniform teaching calendar across India

Source: The Indian Express (20 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 2 (Governance, Education Policy)

Context

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has proposed a nationwide unified academic calendar to streamline higher education timelines and reduce academic disruptions.

Content:

Proposal Details

• All universities to follow a common academic schedule beginning August and ending May.

• Aim is to bring predictability in admissions, exams, and job placements.

Rationale Behind the Reform

• Disruptions due to COVID-19 highlighted the inefficiencies of varied state university calendars.

• Uniformity will improve coordination for national-level entrance and recruitment exams.

Implementation Challenges

• State universities have varying autonomy and local calendars.

• Faculty hiring and semester system may need overhaul.

Way Forward:

• Conduct stakeholder consultations with state governments and faculty bodies.

• Offer transitional support and phased implementation plan.

• Ensure flexibility for universities in conflict-prone or geographically diverse regions.

Practice Question:

“Discuss the benefits and challenges of implementing a uniform academic calendar across Indian higher education institutions.” (150 words / 10 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. RBI caps Regulated Entities’ (REs) investment in AIFs

Source: Page 1, The Hindu National Edition (19 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 3 – Indian Economy, Capital Markets, Banking Regulation

Context

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued revised draft norms on investments made by Regulated Entities (REs) in Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), strengthening governance and transparency in financial markets.

Analysis of the news:

• Individual REs can now invest a maximum of 10% of corpus in an AIF scheme.

• Collective ceiling for all REs capped at 15% per AIF scheme.

• If an AIF invests in a debtor company of an RE (with >5% corpus), 100% provisioning is mandatory.

• The move enhances credit discipline and financial system integrity, aligning with SEBI’s due diligence requirements.

2. Farakka Barrage: 50 Years of Strategic Importance

Source: The Hindu Editorial (19 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 1 – Geography; GS Paper 2 – India-Bangladesh Relations

Context

May 21 marks 50 years since the commissioning of the Farakka Barrage, built to rejuvenate the flow in the Hooghly River and save Kolkata Port.

Analysis of the news:

• It diverts Ganga water into the Hooghly via a 38 km feeder canal.

• It has economic, environmental, and diplomatic significance, especially with Bangladesh.

• The barrage is central to the India-Bangladesh Ganga water-sharing treaty.

• It underscores India’s efforts to address port silting and navigation issues.

3. NSDL Reduces IPO Size Amid Regulatory Tightening

Source: Indian Express Business, Page 5 (20 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 3 – Infrastructure, Science & Tech

Context

National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) revised its IPO offering from 5.7 crore to 5 crore equity shares due to SEBI’s stake-holding regulations

Analysis of the news:

• Major shareholders like HDFC Bank, IDBI, NSE will dilute their stakes.

• SEBI rules cap ownership at 15% per entity in Market Infrastructure Institutions.

• Indicates market deepening and investor diversification in India’s financial system.

• IPO remains an Offer for Sale (OFS), not a fresh issue.

Check more: 19 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs