30 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Slow and Unsteady: Ethnic violence has abated but peace continues to elude Manipur

Source: Editorial Page, The Hindu, 30 May 2025

Topic: GS Paper 2: Governance; GS Paper 3: Internal Security

Context

More than three months into President’s Rule in Manipur, signs of normalization remain weak despite a decline in overt violence.

Content:

• Background:

  • Ethnic clashes between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities began in May 2023.

  • President’s Rule imposed after state government’s failure to manage the situation.

• Current Status:

  • Decrease in visible violence and weaponized militancy.

  • No return of displaced persons or normalcy in trade/mobility.

  • Ethnic distrust persists, further worsened by symbolic missteps (e.g., obscuring bus signage to avoid conflict).

• Governance Challenges:

  • Slow rehabilitation efforts.

  • Dominance of extremist discourse over democratic state institutions.

• Way Forward:

  • Disarmament of insurgent and chauvinist groups.

  • Reinstate trust in public institutions.

  • Consider Assembly restoration only after cross-community consensus.

Practice Question:

“Despite a decline in violence, Manipur remains far from reconciliation. Discuss the key challenges in post-conflict governance and suggest institutional responses to build lasting peace.” (250 words / 15 marks)

2. Danger in the Sea: India’s response to maritime disasters must be faster and better

Source: Page 10, The Hindu, 30 May 2025

Topic: GS Paper 3: Disaster Management, Environment, Infrastructure

Context

The sinking of MSC Elsa 3 off Kerala raises concerns over India’s maritime disaster preparedness.

Content:

• Incident Details:

  • MSC Elsa 3 sank carrying 640 containers (13 with hazardous goods).

  • Oil and chemical pollution risks loom large.

• Environmental Concerns:

  • Hazardous materials: calcium carbide, rubber solution.

  • Plastic pellet pollution already observed.

  • 365 tonnes of heavy fuel oil at risk of leaking.

• Disaster Management Analysis:

  • Kerala took swift action using floating booms and emergency vessels.

  • Coordination and execution better than past incidents (e.g., 2017 Chennai oil spill).

• Institutional Framework:

  • National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOS-DCP).

  • Coast Guard is the nodal agency.

• Way Forward:

  • Improve inter-agency coordination and response speed.

  • Invest in maritime disaster infrastructure.

  • Mandatory hazardous cargo disclosure and tracking.

Practice Question:

“India’s growing maritime traffic poses significant environmental and disaster risks. Evaluate the preparedness of India’s institutions in handling maritime environmental crises.” (250 words / 15 marks)

3. Rewriting the script of early childhood education

Source: Page 10, The Hindu, 30 May 2025

Topic: GS Paper 2: Education, Human Resources Development, Welfare Schemes

Context

India’s early childhood education (ECE) system is under-resourced, despite clear benefits to long-term human capital development.

Content:

• Problem Statement:

  • Early childhood outcomes are highly unequal due to poverty.

  • India underinvests in ECE (₹1,263 per child vs ₹37,000 for formal schooling).

• Heckman Curve Insight:

  • Investments in ECE yield high returns ($7–12 per dollar).

  • Skills gaps by age 5 persist throughout life.

• Challenges:

  • Lack of trained ECE educators.

  • Inadequate time and oversight at Anganwadis.

  • Low parental involvement in foundational education.

• Best Practices:

  • UP: Hiring 11,000 ECE educators.

  • Odisha: Launch of Shishu Vatikas and kits.

  • Madhya Pradesh: Bal Choupal for parent engagement.

• Recommendations:

  • Increase funding for trained teachers and ECE oversight.

  • Involve parents through tech-enabled platforms.

  • Create national ECE monitoring and performance benchmarks.

Practice Question:

“Discuss the importance of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) in breaking the cycle of poverty. How can Indian states strengthen ECCE delivery systems?” (150 words / 10 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. Ethnic Tensions Persist in Manipur Despite President’s Rule

Source: Page 10, The Hindu (30 May 2025)

Topic: GS2: Governance, Internal Security

Context

Over three months after President’s Rule in Manipur, ethnic tensions continue despite reduced violence.

Analysis of the news:

• President’s Rule declared in Manipur in early 2025.

• Ethnic tensions between Meitei and Kuki-Zo remain unresolved.

• Displacement and lack of free movement persist.

• Recent controversy over hiding state name on a bus during festival travel.

2. Shipwreck Off Kochi Declared State-Specific Disaster

Source: Page 4, Indian Express (30 May 2025)

Topic: GS3: Disaster Management, Environment

Context

Kerala declared the MSC Elsa 3 shipwreck as a state-specific disaster due to pollution threats.

Analysis of the news:

• MSC Elsa 3 sank with over 640 containers, including hazardous materials.

• Five containers with calcium carbide, plastic pellets released, minor oil spill reported.

• Kerala’s disaster response included containment booms, emergency ships.

3. Push for Early Childhood Education in India

Source: Page 10, The Hindu (30 May 2025)

Topic: GS2: Social Justice, Education

Context

States are scaling efforts to improve Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE).

• Analysis of the news:

  • Heckman Curve shows high ROI on early education (up to $12 per dollar).

  • India spends only ₹1,263 per child on ECCE.

  • Initiatives:

    • UP hiring 11,000 ECE teachers for Balavatikas.

    • Odisha launching Shishu Vatikas.

    • MP using Bal Choupals for parent engagement.

Check more: 29 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs