21 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Operation Sindoor: India’s Diplomatic Outreach Begins

Source: Page 1 & 12, The Hindu, Delhi Edition (21 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 2: International Relations; Internal Security

Context

Following Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror bases in Pakistan, India has initiated a diplomatic campaign through multi-party delegations to brief foreign governments and highlight its zero-tolerance doctrine on terrorism.

Content:

Background:

• Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, as a counterterrorism measure targeting Pakistan-based terror outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

• India emphasized the operation’s focus on non-escalatory precision strikes that avoided civilian casualties.

Diplomatic Campaign:

• Multi-party delegations are being sent to over 25 countries, including current and future members of the UN Security Council.

• The effort is aimed at highlighting Pakistan’s continued support for terrorism and India’s responsible counter-response.

• This includes MPs across party lines, like Abhishek Banerjee (TMC) and Priyanka Chaturvedi (Sena-UBT), showcasing bipartisan consensus.

Political Dynamics:

• Initially, opposition parties criticized lack of consultation, but later relented in “national interest”.

• Opposition leaders also demanded greater transparency, including an all-party meeting.

Analysis:

• The outreach signifies a shift towards strategic communication diplomacy, reinforcing India’s stance on global platforms.

• It demonstrates India’s ability to integrate military action with diplomatic finesse, essential in a multipolar world.

Practice Question:

“Discuss the significance of India’s post-Operation Sindoor diplomatic outreach in shaping its global counterterrorism narrative. How does this reflect India’s evolving security and foreign policy approach?” (250 words / 15 marks)

2. Petitioners Question Waqf Act in Supreme Court

Source: Page 6 & 12, The Hindu, Delhi Edition (21 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 2: Polity and Governance; Minority Rights

Context

The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 is under constitutional scrutiny, with over 100 petitions challenging its provisions for infringing on minority rights under Article 25.

Content:

Key Concerns:

• The Act is seen as a “creeping acquisition” of Waqf properties without compensation.

• Section 3C allows disputes that can freeze Waqf properties without a clear timeline or independent process.

• Section 3D voids Waqf status of properties declared as protected monuments.

• Inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf boards violates the community’s right to manage religious affairs.

Kerala’s Stand:

• Kerala has moved the SC to intervene, citing the impact on its large Muslim population and the established efficiency of its Waqf Board.

Legal Arguments:

• Presumption of constitutionality can be rebutted with prima facie evidence of rights violation.

• Critics cite discrimination in comparison to other religious endowments (Hindu, Sikh).

Broader Implications:

• Raises questions on secular governance, state interference in religious institutions, and property rights of minorities.

Practice Question:

“Critically examine the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 in light of Article 25 and the rights of minority religious institutions.” (250 words / 15 marks)

3. Delhi Records Lowest Fertility Rate in India

Source: Page 1, The Hindu(21 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 1: Society; GS Paper 2: Health

Context

The SRS report (2021) reveals that Delhi has recorded the lowest Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in India at 1.4, a significant decline from 1.9 in 2011.

Content:

Reasons for Decline:

• Urban lifestyle shifts: More women in workforce, delayed marriages, career priorities.

• Rising cost of childcare and inflation.

• Infertility linked to PCOS, sedentary lifestyle, stress.

• Social trends favoring smaller families or single-child households.

Implications:

• May lead to ageing population, pressure on pension and healthcare systems.

• Positive from population stabilization perspective.

• Urban-centric development model influencing demographic trends.

Policy Relevance:

• Need for supportive reproductive healthcare, affordable childcare, and family-friendly work policies.

• Aligns with SDG targets on health, education, and gender equality.

Practice Question:

“Analyze the causes and consequences of declining fertility rates in urban India. How should policy adapt to this demographic shift?” (150 words / 10 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. Delhi Records Lowest Total Fertility Rate in India

Source: Page 1, The Hindu National Edition (21 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 1: Indian Society & GS Paper 2: Health

Context

The SRS 2021 data shows Delhi’s fertility rate has dropped to 1.4, the lowest in India.

Analysis of the news:

• Delhi’s TFR in 2021: 1.4, down from 1.9 in 2011 → a 26.3% decline.

• National TFR: 2.0; Bihar has the highest at 3.0.

• Key reasons: women’s empowerment, late marriages, high cost of raising children, increased PCOS.

• Indicates Delhi may face population ageing sooner than other Indian states.

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