27 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Greater share – States deserve a bigger share of central taxes in post-GST era

Source: Page 6, The Hindu (27 May 2025)

Topic: GS2 – Indian Polity and Governance

Context

During the 10th NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting, several Chief Ministers demanded increased fiscal devolution to states, including a call to increase the tax devolution from 41% to 50%.

Content:

• Current Scenario:

  • States get 41% of central taxes post-15th Finance Commission.

  • GST subsumed state-level indirect taxes, reducing states’ autonomy in fiscal matters.

• Key Demands:

  • Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin urged for 50% devolution of central taxes.

  • Andhra Pradesh CM proposed sub-groups of states to focus on GDP growth and governance.

• Issues Highlighted:

  • GST Council meetings are irregular.

  • Centre using coercive methods to enforce compliance.

  • States’ combined own tax revenue has improved from 6.6% to 7.2% of GSDP (2017–2025), but GST revenues lag behind expectations.

• Analysis:

  • The imbalance in fiscal federalism undermines cooperative federalism.

  • Need for institutionalised and frequent dialogues through NITI Aayog and GST Council.

• Way Forward:

  • Consider restructuring the devolution formula.

  • Increase frequency of GST and NITI Aayog meetings.

  • Empower states for fiscal sustainability.

Practice Question:

“Critically examine the implications of GST on fiscal federalism in India. Should the Centre consider increasing the devolution of taxes to the States in the post-GST era?” (250 words / 15 marks)

2. India pushing back ‘illegal’ immigrants to Bangladesh

Source: Page 10, The Hindu (27 May 2025)

Topic: GS2 – International Relations, Internal Security

Context

India deported over 500 undocumented immigrants from Bangladesh in the last month via chartered flights.

Content:

• Recent Developments:

  • 160 Bangladeshi nationals deported via IAF flight from NCR to Tripura.

  • Earlier deportations from Gujarat and Rajasthan.

  • MEA asked Bangladesh to verify 2,369 illegal migrants.

• Policy Shift:

  • Emphasis on “push back” over legal deportation.

  • MHA has directed states to expedite identification and deportation.

• Concerns:

  • Human rights and international law considerations.

  • Risk of diplomatic tensions with Bangladesh.

  • Vulnerability of women and children in the process.

• Way Forward:

  • Create transparent, humanitarian repatriation protocols.

  • Coordinate with Bangladesh to ensure due process.

Practice Question:

“India’s approach towards undocumented immigrants has shifted in recent years. Discuss the legal, ethical, and diplomatic challenges involved in the deportation of illegal migrants.” (250 words / 15 marks)

3. Bangladesh Army at odds with interim govt. on Myanmar corridor

Source: Page 10, The Hindu (27 May 2025)

Topic: GS2 – International Relations, Security

Context

Bangladesh Army opposes interim government’s plan to open a humanitarian corridor to Myanmar’s Rakhine State, citing security threats.

Content:

• Background:

  • Interim govt. proposed corridor to aid Rohingyas in Rakhine.

  • Army fears it could empower non-state actors like the Arakan Army.

• Security Concerns:

  • Region is known for drug and arms smuggling.

  • Lack of military consultation in key foreign policy decisions.

• Political Dynamics:

  • Army seeks elections by December 2025.

  • BNP supports Army’s position.

• Implications for India:

  • Corridor may affect stability in the Northeast.

  • May alter refugee dynamics and cross-border security.

Practice Question:

“Evaluate the regional security implications of the proposed humanitarian corridor between Bangladesh and Myanmar. How does it impact India’s security calculus in the Northeast?” (150 words / 10 marks)

4. Operation Sindoor validates India’s technological resilience

Source: Page 6, The Hindu (27 May 2025)

Topic: GS3 – Security, Science and Technology, Economy

Context

Operation Sindoor showcased India’s indigenous defence capabilities, highlighting the progress under Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Content:

• Highlights of Operation Sindoor:

  • Precision strikes using indigenous equipment.

  • Validation of indigenous R&D and defence production.

• Defence Sector Growth:

  • ₹23,622 crore defence exports in FY25.

  • Target: ₹50,000 crore by 2029.

  • Major contributors: private sector, DRDO, ISRO.

• Shift in Defence Imports:

  • Reduced dependence on Russia.

  • Increasing partnerships with France, U.S., Israel.

• Broader Technological Push:

  • Missions in AI, quantum tech, space (e.g., Bhashini, Gaganyaan).

  • Role of private sector and startups in tech development.

• Way Forward:

  • Greater private sector R&D.

  • Enhanced global partnerships.

  • Develop dual-use technologies for both defence and civilian sectors.

Practice Question:

“Operation Sindoor marked a turning point in India’s strategic self-reliance.” Critically examine the role of indigenous defence manufacturing in India’s national security strategy.” (150 words / 10 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. India pushing back ‘illegal’ immigrants to Bangladesh

Source: Page 10, The Hindu (27 May 2025)

Topic: GS2 – Internal Security, International Relations

Context

India deports undocumented immigrants to Bangladesh by air and land routes.

Analysis of the news:

• Over 160 undocumented Bangladeshi migrants deported via IAF aircraft.

• First instance of air deportation used instead of lengthy legal deportation process.

• Total 300 deported earlier from Gujarat via Agartala border.

• New policy prioritizes identification and expedited return of undocumented immigrants.

2. Bangladesh Army at odds with govt. on Myanmar corridor

Source: Page 10, The Hindu (27 May 2025)

Topic: GS2 – International Relations

Context

Bangladesh military opposes civilian government’s proposal for a humanitarian corridor to Myanmar.

Analysis of the news:

• Proposed corridor: Chittagong (Bangladesh) to Rakhine (Myanmar).

• Concerns: Involvement of non-state actors like Arakan Army; smuggling risks.

• Army not consulted on major decisions; demanding elections in Dec 2025.

3. Operation Sindoor: A showcase of self-reliant India

Source: Page 6, Indian Express (27 May 2025)

Topic: GS3 – Defence, Economy, S&T

Context

Indigenous military technologies were used in precision strikes under Operation Sindoor.

Analysis of the news:

• ₹23,622 crore worth of defence exports in FY25; private sector contributed ₹15,233 crore.

• Goals: ₹50,000 crore exports by 2029.

• Key programs: Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, National Quantum Mission, India Semiconductor Mission.

• Sectors: AI, defence tech, clean mobility, satellite tech.

4. Greater share – States deserve a bigger share of central taxes in post-GST era

Source: Page 6, The Hindu (27 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 3: Security, Science & Technology, International Relations

Context

Operation Sindoor reflects India’s enhanced offensive capability and self-reliance in defence technology following a terror attack in Pahalgam.

Analysis of the news:

• Tamil Nadu CM: Raise tax share from 41% to 50%.

• GST compensation period ended; states want revenue autonomy.

• Combined own tax revenue of states improved to 7.2% of GSDP in 2024–25.

Check more: 26 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs