29 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. A Case of Practical, Pragmatic and Innovative Education

Source: Editorial Page, The Hindu, 29 May 2025

Topic: GS2: Education & Governance

Context

The editorial analyzes the post-implementation impact of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 on employability and innovation.

Employability and Flexibility

• NEP allows multi-entry and multi-exit academic options.

• Vocational training and internships enhance real-world skills.

Research and Innovation Ecosystem

• R&D cells active in over 240 universities.

• Policies like ANRF and SPARC promote global research collaboration.

Global Recognition

• 11 Indian universities in QS Top 500.

• Sharp increase in patents filed by Indian institutions.

Employment Trends

• Regular employment is rising; casual labour is decreasing.

• Women’s employment rate post-2018 has significantly improved.

Conclusion 

NEP 2020 is reshaping India’s education landscape by bridging the academic-industry gap and promoting innovation and sustainable job creation.

Practice Question:

“Evaluate how the NEP 2020 addresses the twin challenges of employability and innovation in higher education.” (250 words / 15 marks)

2. Nurdle Spill is a Wake-up Call: Expert

Source: Page 6, The Hindu, 29 May 2025

Topic: GS3: Environment / Disaster Management

Context

Plastic nurdles from a sunken cargo ship washed ashore in Kerala, posing ecological risks.

Content:

What are Nurdles?

• Plastic pellets used in manufacturing.

• Classified as primary microplastics (1–5 mm in diameter).

Environmental Impact

• Habitat contamination, entry into marine food chains.

• Risk of micro and nano plastic pollution.

Government Response

• • Rapid response teams activated.

  • Volunteers and drones deployed for cleanup.

Conclusion 

The incident underlines the need for robust marine pollution laws and stricter shipping safety protocols to protect coastal ecosystems.

Practice Question:

“Discuss the environmental hazards of microplastic pollution with reference to recent incidents on Indian coasts.” (250 words / 15 marks)

3. Seven Summits and a Young Achiever

Source: Page 6, The Hindu, 29 May 2025

Topic: GS1: Indian Society / Youth and Inspiration

Context

A 16-year-old from Hyderabad becomes the youngest Indian to scale the highest peaks on all continents.

Content:

The Achievement

• Vishwanath Karthikey Padakanti climbed Mount Everest, completing the Seven Summits challenge.

Inspirational Aspects

• Started climbing during the COVID-19 lockdown.

• Mentored by Indian Army veteran Lt. Romil Barthwal.

Broader Significance

• Inspires youth towards adventure sports.

• Encourages resilience, fitness, and national pride.

Conclusion 

Such personal achievements can serve as powerful symbols for youth empowerment and national motivation in a competitive world.

Practice Question:

“Discuss the role of adventure and sports achievements in inspiring youth and nation-building.” (150 words / 10 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. Kumbakonam Vetrilai Receives GI Tag

Source: Page 5, The Hindu (29 May 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 1: Indian Culture; GS Paper 2: Governance

Context

Kumbakonam Vetrilai, a premium variety of betel leaf grown in Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur district, has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

Analysis of the news:

• GI tags are issued under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

• Protects products with unique geographical origin and qualities.

• Tamil Nadu already has GI tags for several items including Kancheepuram Silk, Thanjavur Dolls, etc.

Way Forward:

• Promote GI-tagged goods through rural branding.

• Support GI artisans/farmers via MSME schemes.

• Use GI status for cultural diplomacy and exports.

2. Delhi’s Water Crisis and Legal Gaps

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.

3. Indo-German Green & Sustainable Development Partnership

Source: Page 13, The Indian Express (29 May 2025)

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

Context

India and Germany are marking 25 years of strategic partnership with a focus on green growth, where Germany has pledged €10 billion support over the next decade.

• Analysis of the news:

  • Focus areas: renewable energy, biodiversity, smart cities.

  • Supports India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

  • Private sector, youth collaboration, and green technologies are key drivers.

  Way Forward:

  • Leverage Indo-German cooperation for energy transition.

  • Expand joint R&D on climate-resilient tech.

  • Use German financial support for green MSMEs and urban transformation.

Check more: 28 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs