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Current Affairs Update – May 2025

Stay informed with the latest developments in national security, international diplomacy, human development, space exploration, and economic reforms. Below are the major highlights from India and around the world.

1. Operation Sindoor: India’s Targeted Strikes Against Terror Infrastructure

Why in News?

On May 6, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, a strategic military operation involving precision airstrikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This action was in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which killed 26 civilians, including 25 Indians and one Nepalese citizen.

Operation Details

• Objective: Target infrastructure linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
• Execution: Conducted over 23 minutes using Rafale jets equipped with SCALP missiles and AASM Hammer bombs.
• Targets: Nine locations, including Bahawalpur, Muridke, Tehra Kalan, Sialkot, Bhimber, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad.
• Civilian Impact: Pakistan reported 8 deaths and 35 injuries.

Strategic Significance

• Doctrine of Strategic Restraint: India emphasized a “focused, measured, and non-escalatory” approach by avoiding military installations.
• Symbolism: Named ‘Sindoor’ by PM Modi to honor the widows of the Pahalgam victims.

International and Domestic Reactions

• Pakistan: Termed it an “act of war” and claimed retaliation.
• Global Community: Urged restraint to prevent escalation.
• Public Sentiment in India: Strong support for the armed forces across sectors.

2. Human Development Index 2024: Insights for India

Why in News?

The 2024 UNDP Human Development Report placed India in the Medium Human Development category, ranked 132 out of 191 countries.

HDI Indicators

• Life Expectancy: 70.1 years
• Mean Years of Schooling: 6.7 years
• Expected Years of Schooling: 11.9 years
• GNI per Capita (PPP): $7,130

Global Trends

• Uneven post-pandemic recovery
• Climate risks and inequality remain pressing
• HDI increasingly reflects more than just economic output

Way Forward for India

• Improve education, health, and income equality
• Integrate climate resilience in policy-making
• Promote inclusive development strategies

3. India–UK Free Trade Agreement: A New Era of Bilateral Cooperation

Why in News?

On May 6, 2025, India and the United Kingdom signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) after three years of negotiations.

Key Provisions

• Tariffs:
  • India to reduce tariffs on 90% of UK goods (e.g., whisky, automobiles).
  • UK to eliminate duties on 99% of Indian exports (e.g., textiles, food, jewelry).
• Services & Mobility: Enhanced trade services and social security exemptions for Indian professionals.

Expected Impact

• Trade Boost: £25.5 billion (~$34 billion) annually by 2040
• UK Economic Gain: £4.8 billion per year

Challenges

• Exclusion of financial/legal services pending further talks
• Domestic concerns in the UK regarding visas and tax implications

4. Global Fight Against Terrorism: 2025 Developments

Why in News?

Terrorist threats have expanded globally, with growing footprints in Africa and Asia. The Global Terrorism Index 2025 shows an increase in the number of affected nations from 58 to 66.

Key Updates

• Africa: ISWAP and ISGS gain territory in the Sahel.
• Russia: Supports Taliban against ISIS-K.
• US: Conducted airstrikes in Somalia.
• Domestic Threats: Rise of lone-actor terrorism in the US and UK.

India’s Role

• Continues facing cross-border terrorism.
• The Pahalgam attack drew global condemnation.
• Strengthening diplomatic ties and international counter-terror cooperation.

5. Food vs. Fuel Debate: Balancing Energy and Food Security

Why in News?

Rising food prices and expanding biofuel demand have intensified the food vs. fuel debate, especially in the context of climate change and energy transition.

Key Issues

• Biofuel Production: Diverts food crops like maize and sugarcane.
• Food Prices: Adversely impacts low-income populations.
• Land Use & Climate: Deforestation and water scarcity are environmental concerns.

India’s Position

• Ethanol Target: 20% blending by 2025.
• Feedstocks: Sugarcane and maize dominate.
• Sustainable Alternatives: Investing in second-generation biofuels from non-edible biomass.

Global Perspective

• Supporters: Biofuels reduce emissions and boost energy security.
• Critics: Ethical concerns over food scarcity.

6. Safe Harbour Clause: Legal Shield Explained

Definition

A Safe Harbour Clause provides legal immunity to entities complying with specified rules, widely used in copyright, tax, finance, and data protection laws.

Key Areas of Application

• Copyright Law: DMCA protection for online platforms
• Taxation: Avoids penalties with proper documentation
• Finance: Reduces liability during market volatility
• Data Privacy: Protection under GDPR if compliant

Pros & Cons

• Advantages: Encourages compliance, reduces uncertainty, promotes innovation
• Challenges: Potential misuse, evolving legal interpretations

7. Indian Judiciary: Strengthening Democracy

Recent Focus

The Indian judiciary is in the spotlight for recent constitutional judgments, ongoing reforms, and debates around appointments.

Structure

• Supreme Court (apex)
• High Courts (state-level supervision)
• Subordinate Courts (district and below)

Challenges

• 45+ million case backlog
• Collegium system controversy
• Judicial overreach concerns
• Rural access to justice

Reforms & Innovations

• E-Courts: Technology to improve efficiency
• Judicial Reforms: NJAC discussion, tribunal reforms
• Landmark Judgments: Rights, environment, social justice

8. Gaganyaan Mission: India’s Human Spaceflight Dream

Why in News?

India’s Gaganyaan Mission has been rescheduled for 2027 due to technical and COVID-19-related delays.

Mission Objectives

• Goal: Launch a 3-member crew into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for 3 days
• Launch Vehicle: HLVM3
• Budget: $2.32 billion (includes plans for a national space station by 2035)

Timeline

• 2025: Three uncrewed test missions (Gaganyaan-1, 2, and 3)
• 2027: First crewed mission

Crew and Training

• Four Indian Air Force pilots selected
• Initial training in Russia; advanced training in Bengaluru

Significance

• Strategic global positioning with the US, Russia, and China
• Growth in indigenous space technology
• Boost for the space sector and related industries

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