UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 21st May 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS1/History & Culture

Shirui Lily Festival

Why in News?

The 2025 edition of the Shirui Lily Festival was celebrated after a two-year hiatus due to ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur.

Key Takeaways

• The festival is a five-day cultural and ecological event held in the Ukhrul district of Manipur.
• The event celebrates the endemic Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae), a rare flower unique to the Shirui Hills.
• The Shirui Lily was discovered in 1946 and recognized at the Royal Horticultural Society show in 1948.
• Designated as the State Flower of Manipur in 1989, the Shirui Lily faces threats from tourism and invasive species.

Additional Details

• Shirui Lily: This rare, bluish-pink bell-shaped flower is found only in the Shirui Hills, approximately 18 km from Ukhrul town. Its conservation is critical due to its endangered status.
• The festival aims to raise awareness of the ecological significance of the Shirui Lily and promote conservation efforts to protect it.

The Shirui Lily Festival not only celebrates a unique natural heritage but also emphasizes the importance of environmental conservation in the region.

GS2/International Relations

Trade Diplomacy: India-Bangladesh Trade-Related Tensions

Why in News?

India has recently shifted from its historically cooperative trade relations with Bangladesh by imposing restrictions on Bangladeshi readymade garments and other goods. This change comes in light of growing concerns regarding Bangladesh's political alignment, particularly under the interim government led by Mohammed Yunus, which has shown increasing ties with China and Pakistan.

Key Takeaways

• India's trade restrictions reflect dissatisfaction with Bangladesh's current government and its foreign policy shifts.
• Yunus's political statements during his visit to China have heightened India's security concerns regarding its northeastern region.
• The trade move may exacerbate anti-India sentiments within Bangladesh and create instability in the northeastern states of India.

Additional Details

• Bangladesh's Move to China: The restrictions were primarily imposed as a reaction to Yunus's invitation for Chinese access to India's northeast, which alarmed Indian policymakers.
• Political Statements: Yunus's comments describing India’s northeast as landlocked and proposing that China could use Bangladesh as a transit route raised significant concerns in India regarding regional security.
• Impact on Strategic Interests: The trade restrictions could lead to heightened anti-India sentiment, destabilization in the northeastern region, and limit India's diplomatic leverage in influencing political developments in Bangladesh.

In light of these developments, it is essential for India to engage with all political stakeholders in Bangladesh, including the Awami League, BNP, and civil society, to maintain stability and promote democratic transitions. Balancing strategic interests with economic diplomacy is crucial for preserving India's influence in the region.

GS1/Indian Society

Irula Tribe

Why in News?

The Irula community in Kunnapattu, Tamil Nadu, is facing challenges related to eviction and a lack of legal recognition, with nearly half of its members without legal ownership of their land despite having lived there for generations.

Key Takeaways

• The Irula are a Dravidian ethnic group indigenous to the Nilgiri Mountains in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
• They are classified as one of Tamil Nadu's Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
• The community is renowned for its traditional knowledge of snake handling and venom extraction.

Additional Details

• Language: The Irula speak a language that is related to other Dravidian languages such as Tamil and Kannada.
• Religious Beliefs: The Irula practice pantheism, acknowledging the presence of spirits in both humans and objects. Their principal deity is a virgin goddess named Kanniamma, who is associated with cobras.
• The Irula traditionally live in small settlements called mottas, located on steep hillsides, surrounded by gardens, forests, and fields.
• They are known for their expertise in traditional medicine and snake-catching. Their ability to locate snakes using their tracks, smell, and droppings is legendary.
• The Irula Snake Catchers’ Industrial Cooperative Society is a major producer of anti-snake venom (ASV) in India, supplying approximately 80% of the country's ASV.

The Irula community faces significant struggles regarding their rights and access to resources, emphasizing the need for recognition and support to preserve their unique cultural heritage and livelihoods.

GS2/Polity

Doctrine of Presumption of Constitutionality

Why in News?

Recently, petitioners challenged the Supreme Court's assertion that parliamentary statutes enjoy a presumption of constitutionality, specifically regarding the new Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which they described as a "creeping acquisition" of Waqf properties belonging to the Muslim community.

Key Takeaways

• The doctrine asserts that laws passed by Parliament or State Legislatures are presumed constitutional.
• The burden of proof lies with those challenging the constitutionality of the law.
• This principle is rooted in the respect for democratic processes and legislative authority.
• The Supreme Court has consistently upheld this doctrine, emphasizing the need for clear violations of constitutional provisions to declare a law unconstitutional.

Additional Details

• Fundamental Principle: The doctrine is a cornerstone of Indian constitutional law, emphasizing that legislation is valid until proven otherwise.
• Judicial Approach: The Supreme Court reinforces this presumption, advocating for legislative respect and discouraging excessive judicial interference in legislative matters.
• This doctrine promotes stability in the legal framework, ensuring that laws remain effective until courts declare them unconstitutional.
• It also reflects the democratic ethos by maintaining a balance between legislative and judicial powers.

In summary, the doctrine of presumption of constitutionality plays a crucial role in India's legal system, ensuring that laws are respected and upheld unless a clear constitutional breach is demonstrated.

GS3/Environment

Operation Olivia: Protecting Olive Ridley Turtles

Why in News?

The Indian Coast Guard's (ICG) annual initiative, 'Operation Olivia', has recently achieved a milestone by safeguarding over 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles that nested at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha.

Key Takeaways

• 'Operation Olivia' is conducted annually from November to May.
• It focuses on ensuring safe nesting areas for Olive Ridley turtles, particularly in Odisha's Gahirmatha Beach and nearby coastal regions.
• The operation involves continuous patrolling and aerial surveillance to protect turtles during their breeding season.
• Since its inception, the ICG has carried out over 5,387 surface patrol sorties and 1,768 aerial missions.

Additional Details

• Integrated Conservation Approach: The ICG collaborates with local communities and promotes the use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in fishing nets. They also sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with NGOs to enhance conservation education and sustainable fishing practices.
• Significance for Biodiversity: The conservation of Olive Ridley turtles is crucial for maintaining marine biodiversity along India's eastern coast.

Through these comprehensive efforts, 'Operation Olivia' plays a vital role in creating a sustainable environment for Olive Ridley turtles, contributing to their conservation and the health of marine ecosystems.

GS3/Environment

Stitch in Time: On Judiciary and Environment Ministry Notifications

Why in News?

The Supreme Court has recently invalidated two orders from the Environment Ministry that permitted industrial operations even after breaching environmental regulations.

Key Takeaways

• The Supreme Court struck down notifications allowing industries to bypass mandatory environmental clearances.
• Industries were enabled to regularise violations by paying fines through executive orders without parliamentary approval.

Additional Details

• Illegal Notifications: The Court declared that the notifications issued by the Union Environment Ministry violated the core principles of the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006. This included allowing industries to operate or modify practices without necessary approvals.
• Regularisation of Violations: The notifications provided a mechanism for projects that violated environmental laws to seek regularisation by paying fines, instead of amending the Environment Protection Act through Parliament.
• The "one-time" window in 2017 and the 2021 standard operating procedure permitted industries to avoid penalties by applying for clearances retroactively.
• Centre's Justification: The government aimed to prevent disruption of economic activities and cited legal precedents for a balanced approach in handling violations.
• Impact of the Verdict: Industries that regularised under the 2017 and 2021 orders will not face penalties due to this ruling. However, new or expanding projects must now strictly obtain prior environmental clearance.

The ruling underscores the need for improved monitoring and compliance by regional environmental boards, putting pressure on state pollution control boards to enforce environmental laws more stringently. The way forward involves strengthening enforcement and streamlining the clearance process to balance industrial growth with environmental protection.

GS3/Economy

Potato Cultivation in India

Why in News?

India is projected to become the world’s largest potato producer, surpassing China by 2050, as indicated by experts from the International Potato Center (CIP) based in Peru.

Key Takeaways

• The International Potato Center (CIP) focuses on enhancing potato and related crops.
• India is the second-largest potato producer, with potential growth in production volume.

Additional Details

• International Potato Center (CIP): Founded in 1971, CIP is headquartered in Lima and operates across over 20 countries, maintaining the world’s largest Potato Gene Bank.
• Potato (Solanum tuberosum): Known as the "King of Vegetables," it is India’s fourth most important food crop after rice, wheat, and maize.
• Origin: Introduced to India by Portuguese traders in the 17th century.
• Geographic Spread: Cultivated in 23 states, with 85% of production from the Indo-Gangetic plains in North India.
• Top Producing States:
  • Uttar Pradesh: ~30% of total output
  • West Bengal: ~23.5%
  • Bihar: ~17%
  • Other contributors: Punjab, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh
• Climate Needs: Ideal growth temperature is 24°C, with tuber formation at 20°C.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soils that retain moisture.
• Planting Seasons:
  • Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand: Spring (Jan–Feb), Summer (May)
  • Punjab, Haryana, UP, Bihar, Bengal: Main crop in October
  • MP, Maharashtra, Karnataka: Both kharif and rabi seasons
• Seed Management: Use disease-free, sprouted seeds (30–50g); popular varieties include Kufri Jyoti, Kufri Bahar, Kufri Pukhraj, and Kufri Chandramukhi.
• Fertilization & Irrigation: Balanced nutrients, especially phosphorus and potassium; drip irrigation is recommended.
• Harvesting: Potatoes are ready in 90–120 days, harvested manually or mechanically.
• Global Rank: India is the second-largest producer with over 50 million tonnes/year, projected to reach 100 million tonnes by 2050.
• Growth Drivers: Expansion is driven by a large cultivation area, strong domestic demand, and government support.
• Tuber Crop Potential: Promoting potato crops can enhance nutrition, livelihoods, and climate resilience.

Policy Measure for Potato Farmers: Operation Greens

• Overview: Launched by the Government of India in 2018, modeled after Operation Flood, aiming to stabilize supply and prices of Tomato, Onion, and Potato (TOP) crops.
• Implementation: Managed by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), with an initial budget of ₹500 crore.
• Objectives:
  • Stabilize supply and prices of potatoes, tomatoes, and onions to protect farmers and consumers.
  • Reduce post-harvest losses by improving storage, processing, and logistics infrastructure.

In summary, potato cultivation is a vital aspect of India's agricultural landscape, with significant economic implications and future growth potential. The government's initiatives, like Operation Greens, aim to support farmers and stabilize the market.

In context to cluster bean (Guar):

Cluster bean is traditionally used as a vegetable or animal feed in India and has recently gained importance. Which one of the following statements is correct in this context?

• (a) The oil extracted from seeds is used in the manufacture of biodegradable plastics.
• (b) The gum made from its seeds is used in the extraction of shale gas.
• (c) The leaf extract of this plant has the properties of antihistamines.
• (d) It is a source of high-quality biodiesel.

GS2/Polity

Supreme Court Reinstates Three-Year Practice Rule for Judicial Services

Why in News?

The Supreme Court has reinstated the three-year minimum practice requirement for law graduates to apply for positions in the judicial services, marking a significant shift in judicial recruitment policy.

Key Takeaways

• The Supreme Court's verdict aims to enhance the efficiency and competence of judicial officers through prior practical legal experience.
• The requirement for three years of legal practice was originally proposed in the 14th Law Commission Report (1958).
• Concerns have been raised about the potential barriers this rule creates for aspiring judicial officers, particularly for underprivileged groups.

Additional Details

• Background: The requirement for prior legal practice was abolished in 2002 based on the Justice Shetty Commission's recommendation, which aimed to attract young talent to the judiciary.
• Supreme Court’s Rationale: The court emphasized that academic knowledge and pre-service training cannot replace the necessity of hands-on experience in the courtroom.
• Criticism: Critics argue the rule could limit access to judicial careers, especially for economically disadvantaged individuals and women facing professional setbacks.
• Proposed Reforms: Suggestions include enhancing judicial training, reforming examination processes, and creating dual-entry pathways for judicial aspirants.

The Supreme Court's decision, while aimed at improving judicial quality, raises significant questions about inclusivity and the retention of talented individuals in the legal profession. A more balanced approach may be necessary to ensure that aspiring judges are adequately trained without imposing undue barriers.

GS3/Science and Technology

Govt Opens Spectrum for Fast WiFi: Big Boost for Tech Industry

Why in News?

The Indian government has announced a proposal to allow licence-free usage of a segment of the 6GHz spectrum, aiming to enhance WiFi speeds and connectivity across the country. This initiative is expected to significantly benefit major technology companies such as Sony, Apple, and Meta, as it facilitates improved performance for advanced devices, including the PlayStation Pro and VR equipment.

Key Takeaways

• The government has designated a portion of the 6GHz spectrum (5925–6425 MHz) for licence-free WiFi use.
• This decision supports high-speed internet access, particularly for real-time applications like gaming and streaming.

Additional Details

• Wireless Connectivity: Wireless devices communicate through radio waves, which vary in wavelength and frequency. These factors affect data capacity, transmission speed, and range.
• Understanding the Frequency Bands:
  • 2.4 GHz: Offers a longer range with slower speeds and higher interference.
  • 5 GHz: Provides faster speeds but has a shorter range and more congestion.
  • 6 GHz: Delivers the fastest speeds with the least congestion, designed exclusively for the latest devices.
• The 6GHz band offers 1200 MHz of spectrum, more than double the capacity of the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands combined.
• This band supports seven 160 MHz channels, enhancing high-speed data transmission.
• Only Wi-Fi 6E devices can access this spectrum.

This strategic move by the Indian government is poised to improve WiFi speeds for both personal and business users, fostering a more robust tech ecosystem while ensuring space for future mobile technologies. Despite the positive outlook, some industry experts argue that the limited portion of the spectrum may not fully harness the potential of WiFi 6E and 7, urging the government to consider expanding access for broader digital infrastructure development.

GS1/Indian Society

Scheme-based workers, the struggle for an identity

Why in News?

Recent developments surrounding Scheme-Based Workers (SBWs), especially Anganwadi workers, ASHAs, and Mid-Day Meal (MDM) workers, have sparked renewed discussions on labor identity, social security, and worker rights.

Key Takeaways

• SBWs are essential in providing social welfare but lack formal employee recognition.
• They face numerous challenges, including low wages and lack of social security benefits.
• The government shows reluctance to regularize SBWs due to financial implications.

Additional Details

• Who are Scheme-Based Workers (SBWs): Workers engaged in various government social welfare schemes without formal recognition as government employees. Approximately 60 million workers are classified as SBWs, including Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs), Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), and Mid-Day Meal Workers (MDMWs).
• Roles Performance:
  • Childcare and Nutrition: SBWs ensure nutritional support and preschool education for children and lactating mothers.
  • Public Health Outreach: They connect rural communities with healthcare services, assisting in maternal care and vaccination drives.
  • Educational Support: They enhance school enrollment and retention through the provision of mid-day meals.
• Challenges Faced:
  • Lack of Worker Status: Classified as "volunteers" or "honorary workers," denying them recognition as formal government employees.
  • Absence of Minimum Wages: Many SBWs earn honorariums below minimum wage standards, with Anganwadi workers earning between ₹4,500 to ₹9,000 per month.
  • No Social Security Benefits: SBWs lack access to pensions, health insurance, and maternity benefits.
  • Policy Delay: Governments often delay regularization citing financial burdens and the need for long-term planning.
  • Collective Action Suppression: Strikes by SBWs are often met with state repression, limiting their rights to protest.
• Government Reluctance Reasons:
  • Financial Burden: Regularizing SBWs would significantly increase salary and welfare expenses for the government.
  • Policy Ambiguity: Governments cite the need for long-term policy formulation without committing timelines for action.
  • Privatization Push: Initiatives to privatize welfare delivery threaten the employment security of SBWs.
• Support from Trade Unions and Courts:
  • Unions have mobilized SBWs to demand rights and fair compensation, with recent strikes leading to negotiations for better pay.
  • Judicial recognition has evolved, with rulings supporting the rights of SBWs, such as eligibility for gratuity.
• Policy Implications:
  • Recognizing SBWs as formal employees would increase government expenditure on salaries and social security.
  • New frameworks for recruitment and service conditions would be necessary.
  • This could set a precedent for other informal workers seeking similar recognition.

In conclusion, it is crucial for the government to develop and implement clear policies that grant SBWs formal worker status, ensuring fair wages and necessary social security benefits, thereby enhancing their identity and rights.

GS3/Science and Technology

Jarosite: A Natural Clock on Mars

Why in News?

A recent study conducted by researchers from India has focused on jarosite samples obtained from Kachchh, Gujarat. This region has terrain conditions that are comparable to those found on Mars, making it a significant site for the study of geological processes.

Key Takeaways

• Jarosite: A yellow-brown mineral composed of potassium, iron, and sulphate, typically found in arid, saline environments.
• Research Aim: To determine if jarosite can serve as a “natural clock” on Mars, enabling the tracking of geological events through radiation-induced luminescence.

Additional Details

• Scientific Methodology: The researchers collected six jarosite vein samples from Kachchh and analyzed them using luminescence dating, a technique that measures the light emitted by minerals as they release energy accumulated from natural radiation over time.
• The testing process included:
  • Washing grains with weak acid to enhance brightness.
  • Irradiating and heating the samples, followed by cooling and repeating the cycle to analyze their luminescent properties.
• The team identified four distinct luminescent emissions at temperatures of 100°C, 150°C, 300°C, and 350°C, demonstrating thermal stability even after heating the samples to 450°C.
• Choice of Kachchh: The Kachchh region was selected due to its extreme aridity and salinity, characteristics that closely resemble Martian terrain, thus making it an ideal site for testing jarosite's behavior in extraterrestrial-like conditions.

This research highlights the potential of jarosite as a valuable geological indicator on Mars, providing insights into the planet's history and geological events.