23 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. ASI Asks Archaeologist Who Led Keezhadi Excavations to Rewrite Report

Source: Page 4, The Hindu, Delhi Edition (23 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 1: Indian Culture

Context

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has requested Amarnath Ramakrishna, the lead archaeologist at Keezhadi, to rewrite his excavation report, raising concerns about period classification and dating accuracy.

Content:

• Keezhadi Excavations: Uncovered a Sangam-era urban settlement dated back to 200 BCE.

• Scientific Dating Concerns: ASI questioned justification of the early period (8th–5th century BCE) and demanded correlation of Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) dates with stratigraphy.

• Institutional Interference: Delay in approving reports can obstruct academic transparency.

Significance for UPSC:

• Highlights the intersection of archaeology, history-writing, and institutional autonomy.

• Reflects the importance of scientific methods (AMS, stratigraphy) in dating archaeological findings.

• Raises ethical questions on preservation vs. political narrative building in heritage interpretation.

Way Forward:

• Encourage academic autonomy in heritage research.

• Institutionalize standardized archaeological reporting norms and timelines.

• Digitize and publicly release verified archaeological datasets for scholarly review.

Practice Question:

“Scientific discoveries in archaeology often become battlegrounds of historical interpretation. Critically analyze this statement with reference to the Keezhadi excavations.” (250 words / 15 marks)

2. Use International Law to Take on Pakistan-Backed Terror

Source: Page 10, The Hindu, Delhi Edition (23 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 2: International Relations; Internal Security

Context

In light of Operation Sindoor, the article proposes legal strategies, particularly “lawfare,” for India to counter Pakistan’s role in cross-border terrorism.

Content:

• International Lawfare: Leveraging conventions like the ICSFT, SAARC Terrorism Convention to highlight Pakistan’s support for terror.

• ICJ Jurisdiction: Possibility of suing Pakistan under international treaties (like ICSFT, Terrorist Bombing Convention).

• Evidence-Based Diplomacy: Importance of consistent documentation and legal presentation of evidence.

Challenges:

• Jurisdictional limitations (Pakistan’s reservations on ICJ jurisdiction).

• India’s own reservations limiting recourse.

• Need for institutional expertise in international legal instruments.

Way Forward:

• India should withdraw limiting reservations and prepare a robust international legal campaign.

• Establish a dedicated International Law and Strategic Affairs Cell within MEA.

• Integrate legal strategy with diplomatic outreach globally.

Practice Question:

“Lawfare offers a potent non-kinetic strategy to tackle cross-border terrorism. Discuss with reference to India’s legal options against Pakistan.” (250 words / 15 marks)

3. Tariff Wars and a Reshaping of AI’s Global Landscape

Source: Page 10, The Hindu(23 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 3: Economy ; GS Paper 2: International Relations

Context

With new US tariffs post-2024 elections affecting AI hardware imports, there is a shift in global tech supply chains impacting India’s strategic position.

Content:

• Rising AI Hardware Tariffs: Increased costs for AI accelerators, chips disrupting global innovation.

• US-China Tech Rivalry: Strategic decoupling creating opportunities for “third option” nations like India.

• India’s Edge: Availability of skilled engineers, growing AI ecosystem, initiatives like semiconductor fabrication support.

Challenges for India:

• Heavy dependence on imported AI hardware.

• Need for resilient, scalable domestic AI infrastructure.

• Supply chain uncertainties affecting FDI and R&D.

Way Forward:

• Strengthen India’s AI hardware capabilities through the Semicon India Programme.

• Incentivize joint ventures with AI-focused tech majors.

• Build regulatory flexibility to attract global players amid US-China tensions.

Practice Question:

“Tariff-induced economic realignments can either isolate or empower emerging economies. Analyze India’s position in the global AI race in light of recent US-China tech tensions.” (150 words / 10 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. ASI asks archaeologist who was in charge of Keezhadi excavations to rewrite report

Source: Page 4, The Hindu National Edition (23 May 2025)

Topic:GS Paper 1: Indian Culture

Context

The ASI has asked the lead archaeologist of the Keezhadi excavations to revise his submitted report for greater scientific accuracy and proper periodization.

Analysis of the news:

• Keezhadi Site is located near Madurai, Tamil Nadu; believed to belong to the Sangam Age (c. 200 BCE).

• Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) was used for dating charcoal samples from the site.

• ASI disputes the earlier classification of Period I as 8th to 5th century BCE.

• Keezhadi reveals signs of urban culture, script, and craft specialization, indicating a complex civilization in South India.

Important Prelims Pointers:

• Keezhadi site is along the Vaigai River.

• The site has drawn comparisons to the Indus Valley Civilization for its town planning.

• Tools, pottery, and inscriptions in Tamil-Brahmi script were found.

• The archaeologist in charge: Amarnath Ramakrishna.

2. Use international law to take on Pakistan-backed terror

Source: Page 10, The Hindu National Edition (23 May 2025)

Topic: GS3:GS Paper 2: International Relations, GS Paper 3: Internal Security

Context

Following Operation Sindoor, India is urged to use “lawfare” (law as a weapon of war) to internationally corner Pakistan on terrorism.

Analysis of the news:

• Lawfare: Strategic use of legal systems to achieve military or geopolitical objectives.

• Relevant treaties:

  • ICSFT – International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism

  • Terrorist Bombing Convention (1997)

  • SAARC Regional Convention on Suppression of Terrorism

• These treaties include compromissory clauses permitting disputes to be taken to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

• India has made a reservation under the ICJ clause in the Terrorist Bombing Convention, unlike Pakistan.

Important Prelims Pointers:

• Kulbhushan Jadhav Case was heard under ICJ’s jurisdiction.

• UNSC Resolution 1373 obligates member-states to combat terror financing.

3. Tariff wars and a reshaping of AI’s global landscape

Source: Page 10, The Hindu National Edition (23 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 3: Economy

Context

Rising tariffs in the U.S. post-2024 elections are affecting global AI hardware supply chains, opening geopolitical space for India.

Analysis of the news:

• The U.S. imposed up to 27% tariff on AI hardware imports in 2025.

• Electronics imports to the U.S. in 2024 = $486 billion.

• Key imported items: AI accelerators, logic chips – from China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Mexico.

• India’s opportunity: Projected 327 GW AI data center power demand by 2030.

• ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits) are set to dominate AI inference hardware by 2028 (50% share).

Important Prelims Pointers:

• Ricardian Trade Theory: Trade is based on comparative advantage, not absolute advantage.

• India produces 1.5 million engineering graduates annually.

• AMD’s $400 million AI R&D campus in Bengaluru.

• India’s AI policy includes IndiaAI Mission and semiconductor initiatives under Digital India.

Check more: 22 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs