India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate Post-Pahalgam Terror Attack
📌 Why in News?
A major security crisis has erupted between India and Pakistan following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, killing 26 Hindu tourists.
India’s Response
Operation Sindoor:
Conducted on May 6, targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK.
Focused on dismantling groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.
Diplomatic Actions:
Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Visa ban on Pakistani nationals.
Closure of the Attari–Wagah border.
Pakistan’s Counteractions
Claimed to have downed Indian aircraft and reported 31 civilian casualties.
Responded with drone and missile attacks, intercepted by India.
Suspended the Shimla Agreement and closed its airspace to India.
Current Situation
Increased cross-border shelling and civilian evacuations.
Social media restrictions and suspended flights in both countries.
International Reactions
UN and global leaders call for restraint.
Concern over nuclear escalation in the region.
⚖️ Supreme Court Upholds Centre’s Authority to Deport Rohingya
📌 Why in News?
SC ruled that the Centre has legal power to deport Rohingya immigrants, even if they hold UNHCR cards.
Key Points
Rohingya without valid documents are illegal under the Foreigners Act, 1946.
UNHCR identity cards don’t grant protection from deportation.
Deportation must follow due legal procedures.
Implications
Raises concerns over human rights and non-refoulement obligations.
Sparks debate on India’s refugee policy.
India-UK Free Trade Agreement: A Boon or Bane for Farmers?
📌 Why in News?
The India-UK FTA is nearing completion, with concerns about its impact on Indian agriculture.
Opportunities
Boosts exports (textiles, pharma, IT).
Opens preferential UK market access.
Concerns
Cheap UK agricultural imports may hurt small Indian farmers.
Risks to dairy and poultry sectors.
Suggested Safeguards
Strategic tariff imposition on sensitive imports.
Involving farmers in negotiation processes.
Enhancing global competitiveness of Indian agro-products.
👨⚖️ Allegations Against Justice Yashwant Varma: Inquiry Report Submitted
📌 Why in News?
CJI Sanjiv Khanna has submitted an inquiry report on unaccounted cash found at Justice Varma’s residence to the President and PM.
Timeline:
March 14: Cash found after fire incident.
March 22: Inquiry committee formed.
May 4: Report submitted.
Possible Outcomes
If allegations hold, judge may be asked to resign or face removal under Article 124(4).
👩⚕️ Maternal Mortality Ratio Sees Major Decline
📌 Why in News?
India’s MMR has dropped from 130 (2014–16) to 97 (2018–20), with current estimates at 80 in 2023.
Significance:
Indicator of improved public health and maternal care.
Progress towards SDG target (<70 per 100,000 by 2030).
Challenges Ahead:
Regional disparities in states like UP and Bihar.
Accessibility issues in rural healthcare.
Way Forward:
Focused maternal health programs.
Use of digital tools for monitoring.
Collaboration with international health bodies.
🧬 Wider Genetic Screening Urged for Diabetes Patients
📌 Why in News?
Indian researchers recommend increased genetic screening to manage the rising burden of Type 2 Diabetes.
Why It Matters:
India has over 77 million diabetes patients.
Genetic variants affect disease progression and treatment.
Key Actions Needed:
Inclusion in national health programs.
Investment in testing infrastructure.
Awareness campaigns on personalized medicine.
🌱 Draft Climate Finance Taxonomy Released
📌 Why in News?
The Ministry of Finance unveiled a draft taxonomy to guide green investments and align with India’s 2070 net-zero goals.
Features:
Defines climate-positive sectors and technologies.
Reduces greenwashing.
Seeks stakeholder input by June 25, 2025.
Impact:
Boosts investor confidence in green finance.
Aims for sustainable growth under ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.
📉 New CCI Rules to Curb Predatory Pricing in Digital Markets
📌 Why in News?
CCI notified new regulations under the Competition Act to assess predatory pricing more effectively.
Highlights:
Updated cost benchmarks for digital and e-commerce sectors.
Sector-agnostic, case-by-case evaluation.
Aligns with international standards.
Expected Outcomes:
Ensures fair pricing and market competition.
Protects small businesses from anti-competitive practices.
