UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 15th May 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS3/Economy

Centre Revamps Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)

Why in News?

The Union Government has announced plans to revamp the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), which was initiated in 2017, to incorporate employment and unemployment data from rural areas as well.

Key Takeaways

• The revamped PLFS will start from January 2025.
• Monthly estimates of key labour market indicators will be introduced.
• Quarterly estimates will now include rural areas.
• Annual reporting will shift to a calendar year basis.
• Enhanced data scope and increased sample size for improved accuracy.

Additional Details

• Objective:The main aim of the PLFS is to provide reliable and timely data on various employment parameters, including:
  • Employment and unemployment levels
  • Labour force participation rate (LFPR)
  • Worker population ratio (WPR)
  • Unemployment rate (UR)
  • Nature of employment (e.g., regular salaried, self-employed, casual labour)
• Significance: The PLFS addresses the critical gap in high-frequency employment data in India, enabling stakeholders like the government, economists, and researchers to track labour market trends effectively.
• Introduction of Monthly Estimates: Starting with the first monthly bulletin in May 2025, key labour indicators will be reported monthly, allowing for timely insights.
• Quarterly Estimates for Rural Areas: For the first time, quarterly employment estimates will be available for rural areas, with the first quarterly bulletin set for release in August 2025.
• Enhanced Data Scope: The survey will now include additional data points such as household income sources, land ownership, vocational training details, and educational background.
• Improved Sample Size: The sample size will increase significantly to approximately 2.72 lakh households, enhancing the representation and reliability of the estimates.
• Comparability with Previous Data: Users should be mindful of methodological changes when comparing data post-January 2025 with earlier PLFS rounds.

The revamp of the PLFS aims to provide a comprehensive and accurate picture of the Indian labour market, facilitating better policy-making and economic planning.

GS1/Geography

Madku Island

Why in News?

The Chhattisgarh High Court is currently overseeing various development initiatives taking place at Madku Dweep, a location of considerable local significance.

Key Takeaways

• Madku Island is located on the banks of the Shivnath River, the longest tributary of the Mahanadi River, in the Bilaspur district.
• The island covers an area of approximately 24 hectares and is shaped like a frog, which is reflected in its name.
• It is also known as Kedar Tirth and Harihar Kshetra Kedar Dweep.

Additional Details

• Archaeological Significance: The island has yielded prehistoric stone tools, epigraphs, and coins, alongside stone inscriptions dating back to the 3rd century BC. Notably, one inscription was in Brahmi script and another in Shankha script.
• Madku Dweep is home to numerous ancient idols representing deities such as Lord Shiva, Ganesha, Shiv-Parvati, and Nandi.
• A total of 19 temples have been excavated on the island, with eighteen facing east and the central temple facing west. The architectural style is believed to resemble that of the Great Kalchuris.
• The island hosts an annual Christian fair known as Masihi Mela, which has been celebrated since 1909 every February, attracting attendees from across Chhattisgarh and beyond.

In summary, Madku Island is not only a site of natural beauty but also a place of great historical and cultural significance, making it a focal point for ongoing development and archaeological interest.

GS3/Defence & Security

Shakargarh Bulge

Why in News?

The Shakargarh Bulge has gained attention due to a significant concentration of tanks and armored vehicles by the Pakistan army in the region. This situation underlines the area's strategic importance in the context of regional security dynamics.

Key Takeaways

• The Shakargarh Bulge is a critical geographical area that protrudes into India, bordered by the Ravi and Chenab rivers.
• It features flat terrain and is near vital road and rail networks, making it a strategic corridor for military movements.
• The proximity of Shakargarh to Indian cities such as Amritsar, Pathankot, Batala, and Gurdaspur heightens its significance for the Indian Army.
• This area was historically significant during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, particularly noted for the Battle of Basantar.

Additional Details

• Geography: The Shakargarh Bulge comprises flat land that facilitates troop and vehicle movement, enhancing its military utility.
• Historical Significance: The Battle of Basantar, a crucial 12-day engagement in the 1971 war, took place in this region and influenced the western front's outcome.

In conclusion, the Shakargarh Bulge remains a focal point of military strategy and historical significance, reflecting ongoing tensions in the region. Its geographical features and proximity to key Indian cities underscore its importance in defense planning and operations.

GS2/International Relations

Colombia Joins China's Belt and Road Initiative

Why in News?

Colombia has recently formalized its participation in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) during a significant meeting of Latin American leaders held in Beijing. This move highlights Colombia's growing geopolitical importance and its desire to enhance international collaboration.

Key Takeaways

• Colombia is strategically located as the "Gateway of South America," linking the continent with Central and North America.
• The country is rich in natural resources, making it an attractive partner for foreign investment and energy cooperation.
• Colombia's membership in the OECD since 2020 reflects its commitment to global economic governance standards.

Geopolitical Features of Colombia

• Capital: Bogotá
• Geographical Significance: Colombia is located in the northwest of South America, sharing land borders with Venezuela, Brazil, Panama, Peru, and Ecuador, and maritime boundaries with the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
• Natural Resources: The country is endowed with resources such as petroleum, natural gas, coal, and gold.
• Regions: Colombia is divided into two primary regions: the Andes Mountains and broad lowland plains.
• Major Landmarks: The highest point in Colombia is Pico Cristobal Colon, with significant rivers including the Magdalena, Amazon, and Orinoco.
• Climate: The climate varies from tropical along the coasts and eastern plains to cooler temperatures in the highlands, contributing to Colombia's ecological diversity.
• Cultural Collaboration: India has signed an Audio-visual Co-production Agreement with Colombia, promoting collaboration in the cultural and creative sectors.

In conclusion, Colombia's recent alignment with China's Belt and Road Initiative underscores its strategic positioning and potential for international partnerships, reflecting its rich natural resources and commitment to global development standards.

GS2/International Relations

Golden Dragon 2025

Why in News?

Recently, Cambodia and China have embarked on their largest-ever joint military exercise, known as Golden Dragon 2025, which encompasses land, sea, and air operations. This exercise aims to enhance military cooperation and strategic ties between the two nations.

Key Takeaways

• The Golden Dragon military exercise is an annual bilateral drill initiated in late 2016.
• The official theme for Golden Dragon 2025 focuses on joint counter-terrorism operations and humanitarian relief.
• The exercise is being conducted at the Ream Naval Base in Sihanoukville, Cambodia.

Additional Details

• Inauguration of Ream Naval Base: The base was officially inaugurated in April 2025 with the arrival of Chinese warships, underscoring China's expanding naval presence in the Gulf of Thailand.
• The exercise incorporates advanced military technologies such as reconnaissance and attack drones, surgical robots, and robot dogs, reflecting a transition towards tech-driven warfare capabilities.
• The Golden Dragon drills are taking place alongside the U.S.-Philippines-led 'Balikatan' exercise, which involves troops from the U.S., Philippines, Australia, and Japan.
• China's access to dual-use ports in countries like Cambodia highlights strategic concerns similar to those seen in Sri Lanka (Hambantota) and Pakistan (Gwadar).
• The exercise exemplifies China's growing capability to project military power beyond its borders, aligning with its "String of Pearls" strategy.

In conclusion, Golden Dragon 2025 represents a significant step in China-Cambodia military relations, emphasizing the importance of international military exercises in fostering cooperation and addressing regional security challenges.

GS1/History & Culture

What are Agamas?

Why in News?

The Supreme Court has tasked a committee formed by the Madras High Court with the identification of Agamic temples as opposed to non-Agamic temples in Tamil Nadu, with a deadline of three months for this assessment.

Key Takeaways

• The Agamas are a significant collection of scriptures within Hindu devotional traditions.
• They encompass various aspects of Hindu philosophy, rituals, and temple practices.

Additional Details

• Definition: The term Agama means tradition or "that which has come down." These texts address topics such as cosmology, philosophical doctrines, meditation practices, and more.
• Branches:The Agama texts primarily branch into three categories:
  • Shaivism: Pertaining to Lord Shiva.
  • Vaishnavism: Associated with Lord Vishnu.
  • Shaktism: Focused on Adi Shakti.
• The Agamas do not derive their authority from the Vedas, yet they maintain a Vedic spirit and are respected within the tradition.
• Agamic traditions are particularly prominent in many South Indian temples, especially in Tamil Nadu, where they guide daily rituals and festivals.

The Agamas play a crucial role in the spiritual and cultural life of Hindu communities, reflecting a rich heritage that continues to influence contemporary practices.

GS3/Environment

Key Facts about Adyar River

Why in News?

A Rs 1,500-crore project aimed at rejuvenating and restoring a 'dead' 44-km stretch of the Adyar River has faced delays since 2023, leaving it choked within the city of Chennai.

Key Takeaways

• The Adyar River originates near Chembarambakkam Lake in Kanchipuram district.
• It is one of the three rivers flowing through Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and empties into the Bay of Bengal at the Adyar Estuary.
• The estuary, covering about 300 acres, was designated as a protected wildlife reserve in 1987.
• The river is 42.5 kilometers (26.4 miles) long and plays a crucial role in Chennai's estuarine ecosystem.
• Adyar Creek, formed by sandbars at the river's mouth, serves as a natural channel for tidal waters returning to the sea.
• The river collects surplus water from approximately 200 tanks, lakes, small streams, and rainwater drains within a catchment area of 860 sq.km.
• It is heavily polluted, as most of the city's waste is discharged into this river.

Additional Details

• Adyar Estuary: This estuary is significant for its biodiversity and was recognized for protection to preserve its ecological balance.
• The river's ecosystem is vital for maintaining the environmental health of Chennai, impacting both wildlife and urban residents.

The ongoing issues related to the Adyar River highlight the challenges of urban waste management and the need for effective restoration projects to protect vital waterways.

GS2/International Relations

Operation Sindoor — A Reshaping of Confrontation

Why in News?

The recent standoff between India and Pakistan, particularly highlighted by Operation Sindoor, represents a significant shift in modern warfare strategy. This conflict is characterized by technological advancements and non-traditional methods of engagement, indicating a departure from conventional military confrontations.

Key Takeaways

• The conflict underscores the impact of drone warfare and information operations in modern military engagements.
• India's strategic response emphasizes technological self-reliance and layered defense systems.
• The rise of information warfare highlights the importance of narrative control and psychological operations.

Additional Details

• Drone Warfare: The extensive use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) marks a transition from traditional air combat to asymmetric warfare. For instance, India intercepted 300-400 Turkish-made Songar drones, showcasing Pakistan's ambitious drone strategy.
• Layered Defense: India’s air defense mechanism integrates indigenous technologies like the Akash and QRSAM with advanced imported systems such as the S-400, creating a robust multi-layered network to counter diverse aerial threats.
• Information Warfare: Pakistan's utilization of digital platforms for psychological operations illustrates the modern battlefield's shift towards narrative management, employing strategies like disinformation and manipulated social media to influence perceptions.
• Strategic Deterrence: India's measured deterrence strategy, which combines military strength with diplomatic engagement, reflects a new approach that moves beyond the binary of peace and war.
• Joint Operations: Operation Sindoor exemplifies unprecedented coordination among India's military branches, facilitated by the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), enhancing operational effectiveness through real-time intelligence sharing.

The India-Pakistan standoff serves as a case study in the evolving landscape of warfare in the 21st century. Success in this context is defined not just by military might but by the ability to navigate complex domains such as technology, information, and psychological resilience. As military engagements become increasingly multidimensional, India must continue to focus on innovation and strategic foresight to maintain its operational edge.

GS1/Indian Society

Southern States Witness Sharper Decline in Birth Rates Than National Average

Why in News?

Recently, the Registrar General of India published the Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report for 2021, highlighting significant changes in birth rates across various states in India.

Key Takeaways

• The national crude birth rate (CBR) decreased to 19.3 births per 1,000 population from 2016 to 2021.
• Southern states such as Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and Kerala are experiencing a decline in birth rates at nearly double the national average.
• While southern states show a rapid decline, northern and eastern states have much slower rates of decrease.

Additional Details

• Decline in Birth Rates: In 2021, Tamil Nadu had a 2.35% annual decline, Delhi 2.23%, and Kerala 2.05%. This contrasts sharply with states like Rajasthan (0.48%) and Bihar (0.86%).
• Registered Birth Trends: Southern states such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh have consistently reported a decline in registered births since 2012, while northern states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have seen increases.
• Total Fertility Rate (TFR) and Gross Reproduction Rate (GRR): India's TFR in 2021 is declining, with significant differences between states. For instance, states with higher TFR and GRR include those with TFRs of 3.0 and GRRs of 1.4.
• Implications for Policy: The demographic shifts necessitate targeted policies in education, healthcare, and urban planning to address the contrasting realities of population growth in different regions.

The evolving demographic landscape in India indicates a critical transition, with southern states leading towards population stabilization while northern states continue to experience population growth. Understanding these trends is vital for effective social and economic planning in the future.

GS2/Polity

Justice B.R. Gavai Takes Charge as 52nd Chief Justice of India

Why in News?

Justice B.R. Gavai has been sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI), marking a significant event in the Indian judiciary.

Key Takeaways

• Justice B.R. Gavai is the new Chief Justice of India.
• The Chief Justice is the head of the Supreme Court and the highest-ranking judicial officer in the country.

About the Chief Justice of India

• Role: The CJI acts as the "Master of the Roster," holding exclusive authority to:
  • Constitute benches
  • Allocate cases among judges
  • Decide the schedule of hearings
• The CJI leads both the judicial and administrative functions of the Supreme Court.
• Holds administrative control as recognized in the case of State of Rajasthan v. Prakash Chand (1997).
• Referred to as "first among equals" among Supreme Court judges.

Powers and Functions of the CJI

Judicial Functions:

• Assigns judges to the Constitution Benches (Article 145).
• Handles interpretation of important legal and constitutional matters (Article 145).
• Exercises judicial leadership by steering jurisprudential direction.
• Protects fundamental rights through the Supreme Court’s original and appellate jurisdiction (Article 32).

Administrative Functions:

• Maintains court roster and case listing based on judicial precedent.
• Supervises court staff and administration, ensuring smooth functioning (Supreme Court Rules, 2013).
• Holds disciplinary authority over subordinate judicial officers.

Advisory Function:

• Provides advisory input when consulted by the President (Article 143).

Appointment and Terms

• According to Article 124 of the Constitution, the President of India appoints the CJI.
• Traditionally, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court is appointed, though there have been exceptions (e.g., Justice A.N. Ray in 1973).
• Qualifications: Must be a citizen of India and have served at least five years as a High Court judge or practiced as a High Court advocate for ten years, or be deemed a distinguished jurist.

Selection Procedure

• Governed by the Memorandum of Procedure for Appointment of Supreme Court Judges.
• The Union Law Minister seeks the outgoing CJI’s recommendation, which is then processed by:
  • Prime Minister
  • Law Ministry
  • President of India appoints the new CJI.
• No specific timeline is defined, but recommendations must be made at the "appropriate time."

Tenure and Removal

• The CJI serves until the age of 65 years.
• Can only be removed through a process requiring:
  • Approval by both Houses of Parliament.
  • Majority of total membership and a two-thirds majority of members present and voting.
• Grounds for removal include proven misbehavior or incapacity.

UPSC 2021 Question Reference

With reference to the Indian judiciary, consider the following statements:

• Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit and act as a Supreme Court judge by the Chief Justice of India with the prior permission of the President of India.
• A High Court in India has the power to review its own judgment as the Supreme Court does.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

This information outlines the current status and functions of the Chief Justice of India, emphasizing the importance of this role in the Indian judiciary system.

GS3/Science and Technology

Development of Genome Edited Rice in India

Why in News?

Recently, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that India has become the first country globally to develop rice varieties using genome editing technology.

Key Takeaways

• India has introduced new rice varieties through genome editing.
• These varieties aim to improve yield, resilience, and environmental impact.

Additional Details

• New Varieties:A collaborative team led by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed two new rice varieties:
  • DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala): Derived from the high-yielding Samba Mahsuri rice.
  • Pusa DST Rice 1: Developed from Maruteru 1010 (MTU1010) variety.
• Benefits of New Varieties:
  • Higher Yield: Kamala yields 5.37 tonnes/ha compared to Samba Mahsuri's 4.5 tonnes/ha; Pusa DST Rice 1 yields 3,508 kg/ha, which is 9.66% more than MTU1010's 3,199 kg/ha.
  • Drought Tolerance: Kamala is more resilient to drought, allowing farmers to harvest crops successfully in water-scarce conditions.
  • Early Maturity: Kamala matures 20 days earlier, enabling faster crop cycles and reduced resource use.
  • Salinity and Alkalinity Resistance: Pusa DST Rice 1 performs better under coastal salinity and alkaline soils, improving yield by 30.4% and 14.66% respectively.
  • Reduced Environmental Impact: The early maturity of Kamala reduces methane emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation.
• Concerns Regarding Genome-Edited Varieties:
  • Lack of Transparency: Criticism arose regarding the announcement of these varieties without sufficient field-level data.
  • Regulatory Concerns: There are legal questions about exempting genome-edited crops from GM regulations, potentially bypassing biosafety evaluations.
  • Seed Sovereignty and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): Activists worry that patented gene-editing tools could undermine farmers' rights and grant excessive control to corporations.
• Availability for Farmers: ICAR expects certified seeds of these varieties to be accessible within two years, following necessary IPR registration and seed multiplication processes.

In summary, while the development of genome-edited rice varieties like Kamala and Pusa DST Rice 1 presents significant advancements in agriculture, it also raises important concerns regarding transparency, regulation, and farmer rights that need to be addressed for successful implementation.

GS3/Science and Technology

Desalination Technology

Why in News?

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully developed an indigenous high-pressure nanoporous multilayered polymeric membrane aimed at enhancing seawater desalination capabilities. This initiative falls under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat program and is strategically significant for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

Key Takeaways

• The new membrane technology addresses the operational needs of the Indian Coast Guard.
• It is designed to resist chloride ion-induced instability in saline water.
• This technology will be integrated into Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) to provide self-reliant freshwater capabilities onboard.

Additional Details

• Desalination Technology: This process involves the removal of dissolved salts and minerals from saline or brackish water, making it suitable for human consumption.
• Common Desalination Techniques:
  • Reverse Osmosis (RO): A pressure-driven membrane-based filtration method.
  • Thermal Desalination: Utilizes evaporation-condensation processes using heat.
• Desalination Plant Functionality: Converts seawater into freshwater by removing salts to meet drinking or industrial quality standards.
• Working of Reverse Osmosis: Involves applying external pressure to move water from a high-solute (saline) side to a low-solute (freshwater) side through a semi-permeable membrane, effectively filtering out salts and impurities.
• Seawater typically contains around 35,000 ppm of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), while RO technology can reduce this to between 200-500 ppm, rendering it potable.

This innovative membrane technology represents a significant advancement in desalination, enhancing India's capability to produce freshwater from seawater and aligning with national objectives for self-reliance.