28 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Delhi Government’s Call for Water Rationing Amid Crisis

Source: Page 1, The Indian Express (28 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 2 – Governance; GS Paper 3 – Environment

Context

Facing a severe water shortage, the Delhi Government has appealed to citizens for rationing water and imposed restrictions due to reduced water levels in the Yamuna river and low supply from neighboring states.

Content:

• Water Crisis Factors:

  • Declining water levels in Yamuna due to early heat waves and low rainfall.

  • Inter-state water disputes with Haryana affecting Delhi’s share.

  • Infrastructure inefficiency, leakages, and overuse in urban areas.

• Governance Challenges:

  • Lack of robust water-sharing mechanisms between states.

  • Delhi’s dependence on neighboring states for drinking water (80–85%).

  • Ineffective urban water management and non-revenue water losses.

• Legal and Constitutional Issues:

  • Article 262 & Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.

  • Interstate coordination failures despite legal provisions.

• Way Forward:

  • Reviving traditional water harvesting structures.

  • Promoting demand-side water governance and behavioral change.

  • Strengthening interstate water dispute resolution frameworks.

  • Investing in water recycling and greywater reuse technologies.

Practice Question:

“Urban water crises in Indian metropolitan cities stem from both natural and governance failures.” Discuss with reference to the recent situation in Delhi.” (250 words / 15 marks)

2. India Urges Reform of Global Financial Institutions at G77 Meet

Source: International Page, Indian Express (28 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations, GS Paper 3 – Economy

Context

At the G77 Summit, India emphasized the need to reform Bretton Woods institutions (IMF and World Bank) to address developmental challenges of the Global South.

Content:

• India’s Argument:

  • Current global financial architecture favors developed nations.

  • Unequal voting rights and inadequate resource allocation to Global South.

  • Need for inclusive and fair multilateralism.

• Why Reform is Needed:

  • Persistent debt crisis in developing countries.

  • Inequitable pandemic recovery and climate finance flows.

  • Role of IMF conditionalities in impeding domestic policy space.

• India’s Proposed Reforms:

  • Democratic representation in IMF/World Bank.

  • Enhancing climate finance access for South countries.

  • Supporting SDR (Special Drawing Rights) reallocation.

• Relevance to India’s Diplomacy:

  • Strengthening India’s voice as leader of the Global South.

  • Strategic autonomy in international financial negotiations.

  • Building alliances with like-minded countries in multilateral forums.

Practice Question:

“The reform of Bretton Woods institutions is crucial to achieving equitable global development.” Evaluate in the context of India’s position at multilateral forums.” (250 words / 15 marks)

3. CAG to Audit Environmental Impact of Major Infrastructure Projects

Source: Page 9, Indian Express (28 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 3 – Environment, Infrastructure

Context

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has launched a special audit of environmental clearances and compliance for major infrastructure projects, raising concerns about ecological oversight.

Content:

• What is Being Audited:

  • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes.

  • Monitoring of conditions post-clearance.

  • Compensatory afforestation and biodiversity offsets.

• Key Concerns:

  • Poor post-clearance monitoring.

  • EIA reports often outdated or inadequate.

  • Ignoring cumulative environmental impacts of multiple projects.

• Significance:

  • Accountability in environmental governance.

  • Balancing infrastructure push with sustainability.

  • Preventing disasters due to ecological neglect (e.g., Joshimath).

• Way Forward:

  • Reforming the EIA process to enhance transparency and independence.

  • Use of technology (remote sensing, AI) for environmental compliance tracking.

  • Strengthening local participation and grievance redressal in clearances.

Practice Question:

“Critically examine the role of audit institutions in ensuring environmental governance in India.” (150 words / 10 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. Delhi Government’s Call for Water Rationing Amid Crisis

Source: Page 1, Indian Express (28 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 2: Governance; GS Paper 3: Environment

Context

Delhi faces an acute water crisis due to low water levels in the Yamuna, exacerbated by heatwaves, poor rainfall, and inter-state water disputes. The government has urged citizens to ration water usage and imposed emergency measures.

Analysis of the news:

• Article 262 and the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 govern water-sharing disputes.

• Despite legal structures, coordination mechanisms remain ineffective.

Way Forward:

• Revive traditional water harvesting (baolis, johads).

• Promote behavioral change through water conservation campaigns.

• Invest in wastewater recycling and greywater reuse.

• Strengthen inter-state dispute resolution platforms.

2. India Urges Reform of Global Financial Institutions at G77 Meet

Source: International Page, Indian Express (28 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 2: Governance, Polity & Social Justice

Context

At the G77 Summit, India called for restructuring the Bretton Woods institutions (IMF and World Bank) to better serve the Global South and promote fair multilateralism.

Analysis of the news:

India’s Key Concerns:

• Unfair global governance dominated by advanced economies.

• Unequal voting rights and decision-making power.

• Inadequate climate and development finance for poorer nations.

Rationale for Reform:

• Debt crises and financial vulnerabilities in developing nations.

• Disproportionate recovery from COVID-19 and inequitable vaccine and fund access.

• IMF conditionalities affecting policy autonomy.

India’s Reform Agenda:

• Democratize IMF/World Bank governance structures.

• Push for equitable SDR allocation and easier climate finance.

• Advocate South-South solidarity in multilateral negotiations.

Strategic Relevance:

• Enhances India’s leadership as voice of the Global South.

• Aligns with India’s ambition for strategic autonomy in global economic forums.

3. CAG to Audit Environmental Impact of Major Infrastructure Projects

Source: Page 9, Indian Express (28 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 3: Environment, Infrastructure

Context

India’s Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has initiated a special audit of environmental clearances granted to major infrastructure projects, reflecting concerns about ecological governance and compliance.

Analysis of the news:

Scope of Audit:

• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process scrutiny.

• Monitoring compliance with post-clearance conditions.

• Effectiveness of compensatory afforestation and biodiversity offsets.

Major Concerns:

• Outdated or superficial EIA reports.

• Negligence in post-clearance monitoring.

• Cumulative ecological damage from multiple unchecked projects.

Significance of the Move:

• Strengthens accountability in environmental decision-making.

• Encourages balance between development and sustainability.

• Timely in light of ecological crises like Joshimath subsidence.

Suggested Reforms:

• Make EIA process transparent and science-driven.

• Use AI, satellite imaging, and GIS for real-time monitoring.

• Involve local communities and improve public hearings.

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Check more: 27 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs