22 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Top Maoist leader among 27 killed in Chhattisgarh

Source: Page 1, The Hindu, Delhi Edition (22 May 2025)

Topic: GS3: Internal Security, GS2: Governance

Context

A major anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh led to the death of 27 Maoists, including top leader Basavaraju, marking a key moment in the government’s anti-insurgency efforts.

Content:

Background:

• Basavaraju: General Secretary, CPI (Maoist), key ideologue and strategist.

• Killed in an encounter in Bastar, Chhattisgarh (Abujhmad area).

Significance:

• Marks a milestone in counter-insurgency strategy.

• Government aims to eliminate Naxalism by March 2026.

Security Implications:

• Weakens the Central Committee of CPI(Maoist).

• May lead to temporary disruption in Maoist operations.

• But risks of retaliation and regrouping exist.

Policy/Strategic Reflections:

• Need to complement military action with:

  1. Tribal development

  2. Land rights enforcement

  3. Trust-building through transparent governance

• Continuous focus on intelligence-led operations

Practice Question:

“Critically examine the evolving nature of Left Wing Extremism in India and assess the effectiveness of recent government measures to combat it.” (250 words / 15 marks)

2. Heart Lamp glows, story collection wins the Booker Prize

Source: Page 1 & 6, The Hindu, Delhi Edition (22 May 2025)

Topic: GS1: Indian Society & Culture, GS2: Vulnerable Sections

Context

Kannada writer Banu Mushtaq won the 2025 International Booker Prize for her short story collection “Heart Lamp”, a literary milestone for Indian regional languages.

Content:

Highlights:

• First Kannada work and short story collection to win the prize.

• Translator: Deepa Bhasthi; translation praised for its “radical” approach.

Themes in the Work:

• Explores Muslim women’s lives in patriarchal and communal contexts.

• Speaks of resilience, resistance, and gender justice.

Cultural Significance:

• Highlights India’s linguistic and literary diversity.

• Builds on the legacy of writers like Geetanjali Shree and Perumal Murugan.

Implications for Society & Governance:

• Reinforces the role of literature in social awareness and cultural diplomacy.

• Encourages investment in translations of regional literature for global platforms.

Practice Question:

“How do regional languages and literature contribute to the socio-cultural fabric of India? Illustrate with recent examples.” (250 words / 15 marks)

3. Development without the savaging of urban biodiversity

Source: Page 6, The Hindu(22 May 2025)

Topic: GS3: Environment, Urbanization, Biodiversity

Context

On the occasion of the International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22), this editorial emphasizes the threats to biodiversity in urban areas due to unplanned development and proposes sustainable city models.

Content:

Urban Biodiversity Crisis:

• Urban expansion is threatening native ecosystems.

• Only 10.26% average forest cover in Indian metro cities.

• Chennai and Hyderabad lost forest cover between 2021 and 2023.

Importance of Urban Biodiversity:

• Health benefits: Pollution control, temperature regulation, flood mitigation, spiritual and recreational services.

• Economic benefits: Tree services valued at ₹8 crore/km² per annum in some cities.

Policy & Frameworks:

• Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) – Target 12 promotes green and blue spaces in urban planning.

• UN Habitat’s 3-30-300 Principle – Every home should:

  • See 3 trees

  • Live in a locality with 30% canopy cover

  • Have a park within 300m

Best Practices:

• Chennai’s Koyambedu market greening initiative

• Pallikaranai Marshland declared a Ramsar site

• Greening mandates for construction approvals

Way Forward:

• Enforce legal protection of water bodies

• Mandate rooftop/kitchen gardens

• Ensure urban local bodies mainstream biodiversity in planning

• Community participation essential

Practice Question:

“Discuss the role of urban biodiversity in sustainable development. Suggest policy measures for conserving biodiversity in rapidly urbanizing Indian cities.” (150 words / 10 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. 194 OCI cards cancelled by MHA since 2014: RTI

Source: Page 1, The Hindu National Edition (22 May 2025)

Topic: GS2: Polity & Governance

Context

The Ministry of Home Affairs has cancelled a total of 194 Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards since 2014, with 57 cancellations in 2024 alone.

Analysis of the news:

• Citizenship provisions under the Indian Constitution and Citizenship Act.

• Rights of OCI holders vs. Indian citizens.

• Section 7D: discretionary power of the executive, implications for free speech.

Critical Insights:

• Growing concern over potential misuse of executive discretion.

• Debate on balancing national interest with democratic freedoms.

2. Top Maoist leader among 27 killed in Chhattisgarh

Source: Page 1, The Hindu National Edition (22 May 2025)

Topic: GS3: Internal Security

Context

In a major anti-Naxal operation, 27 Maoists were killed, including CPI(Maoist) General Secretary Basavaraju, in Bastar, Chhattisgarh.

Analysis of the news:

• Operation in Abhujhmad forest in Bastar (unsurveyed territory).

• Targeted high-ranking Central Committee and Politburo members of CPI(Maoist).

• Government’s target: End Naxalism by March 2026.

Security Significance:

• Eliminates top leadership, weakens insurgent command.

• Highlights importance of intelligence-led operations.

3. Development without the savaging of urban biodiversity

Source: Page 6, The Hindu National Edition (22 May 2025)

Topic: GS3: Environment, Urbanization

Context

On International Day for Biodiversity (May 22), the editorial urges a shift towards green urban planning to conserve biodiversity.

Analysis of the news:

• Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF): 30×30 target.

• UN Habitat’s 3-30-300 Rule: 3 trees viewable, 30% canopy, 300m access to green space.

• City Biodiversity Index: Kochi, Gangtok, and Nagpur among assessed cities.

Problems & Solutions:

• Urban green cover: Avg. only 10.26% in cities.

• Chennai & Hyderabad lost forest area.

• Promote native species, urban greening, roof/kitchen gardens.

• Case: Chennai’s Koyambedu greening model.

Check more: 21 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs