UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 26th May 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/Polity

A Shift in Free Speech Jurisprudence

Why in News?

Recently, the Supreme Court granted interim bail to Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, who was arrested in Haryana over social media posts regarding Operation Sindoor—India’s military action against terrorist bases in Pakistan and PoK. The Court, however, did not halt the ongoing investigation into the matter.

Key Takeaways

• The case raises a significant constitutional question regarding the protection of unpopular speech under Article 19(1)(a), which guarantees freedom of speech.
• Professor Mahmudabad faces serious charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, resulting from two FIRs.

Additional Details

• Charges Under the First FIR:
  • Section 152: Penalizes acts that endanger the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India (Punishment: Up to 7 years imprisonment).
  • Section 196(1)(b): Targets actions disturbing communal harmony and public tranquillity.
  • Section 197(1)(c): Covers imputations or assertions prejudicial to national integration.
  • Section 299: Criminalizes deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings.
• Charges Under the Second FIR:
  • Section 79: Penalizes acts, words, or gestures intended to insult the modesty of a woman.
  • Section 353: Covers statements that conduce to public mischief (Punishment: Up to 3 years imprisonment).
• Key Highlight: Among all charges, Section 152 is the most severe, carrying a potential prison term of up to seven years, while others are punishable by up to three years.
• The defence argued that Professor Mahmudabad's posts reflected patriotism and lacked criminal intent.

The Court observed that some of the professor's statements had a "dual meaning" and questioned his motives, suggesting he sought "cheap popularity" amid a national crisis. The Bench emphasized that free speech should not cause harm to others.

Court’s Directions

• Investigation Participation: The professor must fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
• No Further FIRs: The court directed that no additional FIRs be filed regarding the two controversial posts.
• Formation of SIT: A three-member SIT comprising senior IPS officers from outside Haryana and Delhi will be established to assess the intent and meaning of the posts.
• Conditional Bail: Interim bail was granted with conditions including surrendering his passport and avoiding commentary on the posts or related matters.

Limits on Restrictions under Article 19(2)

The Constitution permits restrictions on free speech only on eight specific grounds under Article 19(2), such as incitement to violence or threats to public order. The Supreme Court has consistently ruled that no additional restrictions beyond these are permissible.

Key Judicial Precedents

• Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015): The Court struck down Section 66A of the IT Act, ruling that vague terms like "annoyance" or "hatred" cannot justify criminalizing speech.
• Kaushal Kishore v. State of Uttar Pradesh (2023): A Constitution Bench reaffirmed that Article 19(2) is exhaustive and no additional restrictions can be introduced.
• Supreme Court’s Recent Precedent (March 2025): The Court emphasized that speech must be evaluated from the perspective of reasonable individuals, not overly sensitive viewpoints, reinforcing the strong defense of free expression.

Analysts have criticized the increasing trend of judicial inconsistency, noting that judges sometimes allow personal biases to influence decisions, which undermines genuine constitutional protections while appearing to maintain neutrality.

GS1/Geography

The Maths of How India’s Coastline Lengthened Without Gaining Land

Why in News?

The Ministry of Home Affairs has updated India’s coastline length to 11,099 km in its 2023-24 report, significantly increasing it from the previous measurement of 7,516.6 km. This change is attributed to advancements in cartographic technology rather than physical alterations to the coastline.

Key Takeaways

• The increase in coastline length is due to the use of high-resolution mapping techniques.
• The updated measurement has implications for maritime security and disaster preparedness.

Additional Details

• High-Resolution Mapping Techniques: Earlier measurements utilized low-resolution maps (1:4,500,000), which overlooked finer coastal features. The new figure employs high-resolution charts (1:250,000), capturing intricate details such as estuaries and tidal flats.
• Coastline Paradox: The length of a coastline varies based on the measurement scale used; finer measurements reveal more irregularities, resulting in increased lengths.
• Measurement Tools: Technologies such as Electronic Navigation Charts (ENCs), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and LIDAR-GPS were instrumental in providing accurate and detailed mapping of the coastline.

The revision of India's coastline length highlights the significance of modern technology in enhancing our understanding of geographic features, thereby impacting various sectors including maritime security, resource management, and disaster preparedness.

GS3/Environment

Schistura Densiclava: New Fish Species Discovered in Meghalaya’s Cave

Why in News?

A new species of fish, named Schistura densiclava, has recently been discovered inside a limestone cave in Meghalaya. This cave has gained attention due to a conflict surrounding a Shivalinga-like stone formation located within it.

Key Takeaways

• Discovery location: Krem Mawjymbuin, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya.
• Type: It is a troglophile loach, adapted to living in caves while also capable of surviving in surface streams.

Additional Details

• Research Team: The identification of this species was led by Kangkan Sarma from Gauhati University’s Zoology Department.
• Habitat Conditions: Found in a fast-flowing cave stream, located 60 meters inside the cave, characterized by low oxygen levels and a temperature of 18°C.
• Family: It belongs to the Nemacheilidae family, which includes small, bottom-dwelling freshwater fishes.
• Key Features:
  • Body Color and Markings: The fish exhibits a pale yellow-green body with 14 to 20 greyish-black bars along its sides.
  • Name Meaning: The name densiclava is derived from Latin, meaning "thick stripe," referring to a distinct dark stripe near the dorsal fin.
  • Adaptation Traits: Unlike many cave-dwelling species, it retains pigmentation and functional eyesight, allowing it to thrive both underground and in surface waters.
• Sexual Dimorphism:
  • Males: Typically slimmer with irregular body patterns and puffier cheeks.
  • Females: More robust with uniform markings.
• Genetic Confirmation: DNA testing has confirmed that this fish is a completely new species.
• Endemism: This species appears to be endemic to Krem Mawjymbuin, meaning it is not found elsewhere.

The discovery of Schistura densiclava not only highlights the rich biodiversity of the region but also raises awareness about the conservation of unique ecosystems.

Regarding Peacock tarantula (Goody tarantula), consider the following statements:

I. It is an omnivorous crustacean.

II. Its natural habitat in India is only limited to some forest areas.

III. In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• Options: (a) I only (b) I and III (c) II only (d) II and III

GS3/Economy

Achievements, Challenges, and the Way Forward in Agricultural Trade in India

Why in News?

Amidst global economic uncertainties and domestic policy challenges, it is essential to analyze India's trade performance in the fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25), focusing on the growth of exports, the rising trade deficit, and the complexities of agricultural trade. The article emphasizes the necessity for sustainable strategies and consistent trade policies.

Key Takeaways

• Total exports reached $820.93 billion, a 6.5% increase from FY24.
• The trade deficit grew to $94.26 billion, up from $78.39 billion in FY24.
• Agricultural exports increased by 6.3% to $52 billion, but growth remains inadequate to meet the 2030 target of $100 billion.

Additional Details

• Export-Import Performance:
  • Total Exports: $820.93 billion (Merchandise: $437.42 billion, Services: $383.51 billion).
  • Total Imports: $915.19 billion (Merchandise: $720.24 billion, Services: $194.95 billion).
  • Trade-to-GDP ratio is 41.4%, with a nominal GDP of $4.19 trillion estimated by the IMF.
• Agricultural Trade - A Mixed Picture:
  • Agri-exports were $52 billion, indicating a growth of 6.3% from $48.9 billion in FY24.
  • The agri-trade surplus declined from $27.7 billion in FY14 to $13.8 billion in FY25.
  • Constraints include global price fluctuations and domestic policy issues such as export bans on key commodities.
• Case Study - Rice Exports in FY25:
  • Volume exported: 20.2 MMT, valued at $12.5 billion (25% of agri-exports).
  • Lessons from previous years indicate that government controls can impact global prices.
  • After lifting most restrictions in late 2024, rice exports rebounded significantly.
• Sustainability Challenge in Rice Production:
  • Resource intensity is high, with water usage between 3,000 to 5,000 litres/kg.
  • Investment in R&D and sustainable practices is crucial for enhancing productivity and environmental sustainability.
• Agri-Imports - Rising Concerns:
  • Total agri-imports reached $38.2 billion, up 16.5% from FY24.
  • Edible oils constitute a significant portion of imports, highlighting the need for a targeted domestic policy.
  • Government support and incentives are necessary to promote local oil palm cultivation and improve processing efficiency.

In conclusion, India's agricultural trade policy must prioritize consistency and transparency while balancing domestic needs and export objectives. The focus should be on productivity enhancement, sustainability, and leveraging trade for rural growth and farmer welfare.

GS3/Environment

The Coastline Paradox

Why in News?

In December 2024, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs announced a significant update in its 2023-2024 annual report, stating that the length of India’s coastline has increased from 7,516.6 km to 11,098.8 km. This revised figure is currently under review and does not stem from any territorial expansion or geological changes such as tectonic activity.

Key Takeaways

• The original coastline measurement of 7,516.6 km was recorded in the 1970s using available measurement techniques.
• The discrepancy in coastline length is attributed to the geometry of measuring coastlines, known as the coastline paradox.

Additional Details

• Coastline Paradox: This concept was first identified by British mathematician and physicist Lewis Fry Richardson and later examined mathematically by Benoît Mandelbrot in 1967. It describes how the length of a coastline increases with more precise measurements.
• The paradox highlights that as the measuring scale becomes smaller and more detailed, the measured length of the coastline increases due to the intricate contours and jagged edges that smaller scales can capture.
• For instance, using a 200-km ruler would smooth over significant features, while a 50-km ruler would reveal more details. At 1 km, even minor features like estuaries and tidal flats are included.
• This leads to the conclusion that hypothetically, if one were to measure with a unit the size of a water molecule, the coastline length could approach infinity.

The coastline paradox illustrates the inherent complexity in measuring geographical features, revealing that a finite geographical area can yield an infinite measurement due to the nature of fractals in coastlines.

GS3/Defence & Security

The Air Power Use Discourse and Operation Sindoor

Why in News?

India's national security strategy has experienced a significant transformation since independence, evolving from a reluctance to use military force to a more assertive posture in asserting national power. This shift, particularly exemplified by Operation Sindoor, marks a strategic move towards integrating air power as a key component of national security.

Key Takeaways

• India's military strategy is transitioning from a land-centric approach to a multi-domain operational model.
• Operation Sindoor represents a shift towards proactive military strategies emphasizing prevention and pre-emption.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) is being recognized for its strategic importance, particularly following the Balakot air strikes.

Additional Details

• Historical Context: India's post-independence military thought was dominated by a continental mindset, prioritizing ground forces due to long land borders with Pakistan and China.
• Emergence of New Paradigms: Operation Sindoor indicates a move towards using air power not just as support but as a central element in military operations, allowing for more flexible and immediate responses to threats.
• Challenges: The IAF faces institutional competition and financial constraints that hinder its modernization and operational capabilities against growing threats.
• The focus for the future should be on integrated operations across all military domains, enhancing overall effectiveness rather than competing for supremacy.

The evolution of India’s approach to air power reflects a broader understanding of contemporary security challenges. Operation Sindoor exemplifies this shift, demonstrating the need for a cohesive, integrated military strategy that leverages all domains effectively to ensure national security.

GS2/Polity

Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967) Case

Why in News?

The Golaknath case (IC Golaknath v. State of Punjab, 1967) is a pivotal judgment in India's constitutional history, marking the first instance where the Supreme Court ruled that Parliament cannot amend fundamental rights.

Key Takeaways

• First case to restrict Parliament's power to amend fundamental rights.
• Supreme Court's ruling emphasized the protection of civil liberties.
• Introduced the concept of prospective overruling for legal stability.

Additional Details

• Case Name: IC Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967) - A landmark case in Indian constitutional history.
• Background: The Golaknath family from Punjab contested the Punjab Security of Land Tenures Act, 1953, which declared their land surplus under land ceiling laws.
• Claim of Violation: They argued that the law infringed upon their Fundamental Right to property, protected under Articles 19(1)(f) and 31.
• Ninth Schedule Issue: The Act was included in the Ninth Schedule by the 17th Constitutional Amendment, rendering it immune to judicial review.
• Main Legal Question: Could Parliament amend fundamental rights through Article 368, or would such amendments be invalid under Article 13(2)?
• Arguments: Petitioners claimed that fundamental rights are sacrosanct, while the government maintained that Parliament had full power to amend the Constitution.
• Supreme Court Verdict: On February 27, 1967, in a 6:5 majority, the Court held that amendments to fundamental rights are considered "law" and are subject to judicial review, applying the ruling only prospectively.
• Overruled Judgments: The decision overturned earlier rulings such as Sankari Prasad (1951) and Sajjan Singh (1964), which had allowed unrestricted amendments.

The Golaknath case has had a lasting impact on the Indian constitution, reinforcing the judiciary's role in protecting civil liberties and asserting the sanctity of fundamental rights against legislative overreach.

Consider the following statements:

• 1. The Parliament of India can place a particular law in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
• 2. The validity of a law placed in the Ninth Schedule cannot be examined by any court, and no judgment can be made on it.

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

GS3/Science and Technology

Tianwen-2 Mission

Why in News?

China is preparing to launch its first asteroid sampling mission, known as Tianwen-2, aimed at studying and collecting samples from the near-Earth asteroid 469219 Kamo‘oalewa. If successful, this mission will place China among a select group of countries, including the United States and Japan, that have returned asteroid samples to Earth.

Key Takeaways

• Tianwen-2 is China's inaugural asteroid sample return mission.
• Kamo‘oalewa is a unique quasi-satellite of Earth that has been in its orbit for approximately 100 years.
• The mission employs advanced techniques for sample collection and post-sample exploration.

Additional Details

• Kamo‘oalewa: Discovered in 2016 using the Pan-STARRS 1 telescope in Hawaii, this asteroid orbits the Sun while remaining close to Earth, creating an illusion of orbiting our planet.
• Mission Type: Tianwen-2 is focused on exploring Kamo‘oalewa, which may contain lunar fragments from past collisions.
• Sample Collection Techniques:
  • Touch-and-Go Technique: Utilizes a projectile or gas to loosen and collect surface material.
  • Anchor-and-Attach Technique: Employs robotic arms to anchor and drill for deeper samples.
• Post-Sample Phase: After returning samples, the probe will continue its journey to the main asteroid belt for further exploration.
• Key Technologies: The mission will utilize high-resolution cameras, intelligent onboard systems, and precise control mechanisms to navigate low-gravity environments.

The Tianwen-2 mission represents a significant step for China in the field of space exploration, building on its previous achievements such as the Tianwen-1 Mars mission, which successfully landed on Mars in July 2020.

Overall, the Tianwen-2 mission not only aims to enhance our understanding of asteroids but also contributes to the broader goals of planetary science and exploration.

GS3/Science and Technology

Tamil Nadu’s Strategic Push to Boost the Space Sector

Why in News?

Recently, the Tamil Nadu Cabinet approved the State’s Space Industrial Policy aimed at enhancing development and attracting investments in the space sector. This initiative follows similar policies in Karnataka and Gujarat and aligns with the Indian Space Policy 2023 introduced by the Union government to strengthen the national space ecosystem.

Key Takeaways

• The policy focuses on satellite manufacturing, launch services, and satellite-based applications.
• It aims to provide a comprehensive framework for private sector participation in the space ecosystem.
• Investment target of ₹10,000 crore over the next five years, creating approximately 10,000 jobs.

Additional Details

• IN-SPACe: The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center will serve as a single-window agency for authorizing space activities by non-government entities.
• ISRO's Role: Focused on research and development, new technologies, and capacity building while shifting operational activities to the private sector.
• Private Sector Involvement: Encourages participation in all phases from design and manufacturing to launch and data services.
• Upcoming Facilities: The new spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam is set to expand India’s satellite launch capacity.
• Vendor Ecosystem: Tamil Nadu has over 250 suppliers that support ISRO, indicating a robust supply chain for space-related components.
• Financial Incentives: Includes payroll subsidies for R&D companies and structured incentive packages for investments below ₹300 crore.

This strategic initiative not only enhances Tamil Nadu's role in the national space sector but also aims to integrate advanced space technologies into various public services, thereby improving governance and public welfare.

GS3/Science and Technology

Bharat Forecasting System (BFS)

Why in News?

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is set to implement the Bharat Forecasting System (BFS), which boasts the highest resolution among global weather models, significantly enhancing the accuracy of weather predictions.

Key Takeaways

• The BFS is an indigenously developed advanced weather forecasting system created by the Pune-based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).
• It offers forecasts with a 6 km resolution, the highest in the world, allowing for precise predictions of localized weather events.
• Powered by the Arka supercomputer, the BFS will reduce forecasting time significantly compared to the previous system.
• The system utilizes data from a network of 40 Doppler Weather Radars, with plans to expand to 100 radars for more localized nowcasts.

Additional Details

• Resolution: The 6 km resolution enables the BFS to accurately predict small-scale weather features such as heavy rainfall and cyclones, in contrast to the previous 12 km resolution of the Global Forecast System (GFS).
• Supercomputer Specifications: The Arka supercomputer operates at 11.77 petaflops and has a storage capacity of 33 petabytes, greatly enhancing processing speed and data management.
• Geographical Coverage: The BFS can provide detailed forecasts for the tropical region between 30 degrees South and 30 degrees North latitudes, while the Indian mainland extends from 8.4 degrees North to 37.6 degrees North.
• Integration of AI: The BFS incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to improve its forecasting capabilities.
• Accessibility: Unlike many global forecasting models, BFS data will be made available to researchers worldwide, promoting collaborative advancements in meteorological science.

In summary, the Bharat Forecasting System represents a significant advancement in India's meteorological capabilities, ensuring timely and precise weather forecasts that can better inform and protect communities across the country.

GS3/Economy

PLI Scheme for 11 Pharma Products Rolled Out

Why in News?

The Department of Pharmaceuticals has called for drug manufacturers to submit applications to benefit from the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. This invitation is specifically for 11 pharmaceutical products that were either unsubscribed or partially subscribed, including Neomycin, Gentamycin, Erythromycin, Streptomycin, Tetracycline, Ciprofloxacin, and Diclofenac Sodium, aimed at enhancing domestic production capacity.

Key Takeaways

• The PLI scheme was launched in March 2020.
• It aims to boost domestic manufacturing, reduce import dependency, and create employment opportunities.
• Initially focused on mobile manufacturing, electronic components, and medical devices, it has since expanded to 14 key sectors, including pharmaceuticals.
• The incentive structure offers 1% to 4% incentives on incremental sales.
• The scheme has attracted significant investments and improved the global competitiveness of Indian industries.

Additional Details

• Target Area: The scheme is designed to promote the manufacturing of bulk drugs and formulations within India.
• Product Focus: It encourages domestic production of Key Starting Materials (KSMs), Drug Intermediates (DIs), and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).
• Strategic Aim: The initiative aims to reduce import dependence, particularly on China.
• Financial Allocation: The total financial outlay for the pharmaceutical PLI scheme is ₹6,940 crore.

This initiative represents a significant step toward enhancing India's self-reliance in the pharmaceutical sector and decreasing reliance on foreign imports.

GS3/Economy

Short Selling and Associated Risks

Why in News?

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is currently evaluating a proposal to ease restrictions on short selling for most stocks. A prior proposal from January 2024 that aimed to prohibit short-selling in stocks outside the futures and options segment created significant uncertainty in the market.

Key Takeaways

• Short selling is a trading strategy that involves selling stocks with the intention of buying them back at a lower price.
• The practice can lead to significant risks, including unlimited losses and market volatility.

Additional Details

• What is Short Selling? Short selling is a strategy where an investor sells a stock first and buys it later, aiming to profit from a price drop. This contrasts with standard trading methods where investors buy low and sell high.
• How It Works: An investor borrows a stock from a broker, sells it at the market price, and later repurchases it at a lower price to return it. For example, if a stock is sold at ₹2,100 and later bought back at ₹1,900, the profit is ₹200. Conversely, if the price rises to ₹2,300, the loss incurred would be ₹200.
• Types of Short Selling:
  • Short Selling in the Spot Market: This type allows shorting only for intraday trading, meaning the stock must be bought back before 3:30 p.m. on the same trading day. Failure to do so results in short delivery, which can incur heavy penalties.
  • Short Selling in the Futures Market: This allows traders to hold their short positions overnight and is generally considered riskier, requiring higher margin deposits, making it suitable mainly for experienced traders.
• Risks Associated with Short Selling:
  • Unlimited Losses: If the stock price rises sharply, the losses can be extensive.
  • Short Delivery Risk: Not buying back in the spot market can lead to penalties and financial losses.
  • Liquidity Risk: Difficult-to-trade stocks may cause delays in buybacks, leading to losses.
  • High Margin Requirements: The substantial margin costs in futures trading limit participation from retail investors.
  • Market Volatility: Sudden price movements can lead to unexpected losses.
  • Not for Beginners: Due to its complexity and inherent risks, short selling is generally unsuitable for novice investors.

Given the complexities and risks involved in short selling, it is essential for investors to thoroughly understand the mechanisms and implications before engaging in this trading strategy.

Consider the following statements:

Statement I: As regards returns from an investment in a company, generally, bondholders are considered to be relatively at lower risk than stockholders.

Statement II: Bondholders are lenders to a company whereas stockholders are its owners.

Statement III: For repayment purposes, bondholders are prioritized over stockholders by a company.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

• (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
• (b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement I explains Statement II
• (c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
• (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct