31 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Give up Azhar, Saeed before talks, says Rajnath

Source: Page 1, The Hindu, 30 May 2025

Topic: GS2: International Relations; Internal Security

Context

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made a strong statement regarding Pakistan’s accountability in anti-terror operations.

Content:

• India’s Anti-Terror Stance:

  • India demands the handover of terrorist leaders Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar before any peace dialogue.

  • The statement came during Operation Sindoor, launched as a maritime counterterrorism operation.

  Strategic Significance:

  • Rajnath Singh emphasized the Indian Navy’s growing global role.

  • Asserted India’s shift from being a regional power to becoming a global maritime force.

  Counterterrorism Diplomacy:

  • India’s emphasis is now on precondition-based diplomacy, especially with states like Pakistan.

  • The government’s approach mixes hard power projection with strategic deterrence.

  Way Forward:

  • Maintain international pressure on Pakistan via FATF and UN sanctions.

  • Enhance naval and strategic maritime presence in the Indian Ocean Region.

Practice Question:

“India’s regional diplomacy today reflects a doctrine of deterrence rooted in counterterrorism objectives.” Discuss with reference to Operation Sindoor and recent statements by Indian leadership. (250 words / 15 marks)

2. PM to attend 300th birth anniversary celebrations of Ahilyabai in M.P.

Source: Page 4, The Hindu, 30 May 2025

Topic: GS1: Indian Culture and Heritage

Context

Commemorative celebrations organized to honor Ahilyabai Holkar’s contributions.

Content:

• Ahilyabai’s Legacy:

  • Prominent queen of Indore, known for welfare-oriented governance and temple construction across India.

  • Promoted education and economic empowerment of women, especially through weaving Maheshwari sarees.

  Commemoration by Government:

  • PM Modi to release commemorative coin and stamp.

  • Event part of a larger effort to recognize heritage figures under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

  Cultural Significance:

  • Reinforces women’s contributions in pre-modern India.

  • Important for ethical and cultural narratives in UPSC essay and ethics papers.

Practice Question:

Ahilyabai Holkar’s reign was a blend of cultural nationalism and gender-sensitive governance. Evaluate. (250 words / 15 marks)

3. GDP growth at 6.5% in 2024-25, slowest since pandemic

Source: Page 1, The Hindu, 30 May 2025

Topic: GS3: Indian Economy

Context

Despite strong Q4 performance (7.4%), FY25 GDP growth slowed due to weak Q1–Q3 performance.

Content:

Quarter-wise GDP Overview:

• Q4 growth: 7.4% (vs 8.4% previous year)

• FY25 average growth: 6.5% — lowest since FY21.

Sectoral Insights:

• Manufacturing and construction drove Q4 growth.

• Agriculture remained under pressure due to weather variability and global commodity price shifts.

Policy Significance:

• • Highlights post-pandemic recovery still in progress.

  • Need to enhance private investment and job creation.

Practice Question:

“India’s post-pandemic economic recovery needs more than statistical growth — it needs inclusive and job-rich development.” Critically analyse. (150 words / 10 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. GDP Growth at 6.5% in FY 2024-25, Slowest Since Pandemic

Source: Page 1, The Hindu (30 May 2025)

Topic: GS3: Indian Economy

Context

Over three months after President’s Rule in Manipur, ethnic tensions continue despite reduced Provisional GDP estimates for FY 2024-25 show overall growth at 6.5%, lowest since 2020-21 pandemic year.

Prelims Facts:

• Real GDP growth in Q4 of FY25 was 7.4%.

• FY25 full-year GDP growth is 6.5%.

• Q4 FY24 growth was 8.4% (higher than FY25 Q4).

• Data released by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

• Reflects slowing recovery despite Q4 acceleration.

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Check more: 30 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs