Daily Current Affairs Update – 27 May 2025

1. Time to Democratize the Supreme Court: SC Judge’s Call for Reform

Context:
 A sitting judge of the Supreme Court of India has highlighted the need for a more democratic functioning of the apex court, moving beyond the traditionally centralized authority of the Chief Justice of India (CJI).

Key Highlights:

• The Chief Justice of India is regarded as primus inter pares (first among equals), yet enjoys disproportionate administrative powers:
  
  
  • Master of the Roster: Has sole discretion in bench formation and case allocation.
  • Listing Control: Can delay or expedite hearings.
  • Constitution Bench Assignments: Often presides over major constitutional benches; rarely in dissent. (Only 14 dissents by CJI since 1950)
  • Administrative Head: Sole authority on judicial registry and institutional workflow.

Important Case References:

• State of Rajasthan v. Prakash Chand
• Shanti Bhushan v. Supreme Court of India (2018)

Progressive Measures Taken So Far:

• Judges’ roster made public (2018)
• CJI declared as a “public authority” under RTI (2019)
• Assets of judges published online
• Judicial appointment process made transparent (2025)

UPSC Relevance:

• GS II: Judiciary reforms, separation of powers, transparency
• Ethics: Power concentration, public accountability

2. Kerala Faces Ecological Risk from Oil Spill & Hazardous Cargo

Context:
 An oil spill threat emerged along Kerala’s coast after a Liberian-flagged container vessel carrying Calcium Carbide capsized.

Chemical Hazard:

• Calcium Carbide reacts with water to release acetylene gas – highly flammable and explosive in marine conditions.

Environmental Impact of Oil Spills:

• Ecosystem Damage: Toxicity to algae, benthic organisms (e.g., clams, mussels)
• Fish Contamination: Impacts commercial fishing and fish hatcheries
• Disruption in Marine Food Chain
• Tar Pollution: Affects ocean floor species

Response Technologies:

1. Bioremediation
   1. Oilzapper & Oilivorous-S (TERI innovations)
   1. Microbes convert hydrocarbons into harmless CO₂ and water
2. Sorbents
   1. Milkweed fiber (naturally available in Rajasthan)
3. Oil Booms
   1. Floating barriers to contain spill spread
4. Skimmers
   1. Mechanically separate oil from surface

Legal Framework:

• MARPOL Convention (1973)
• BUNKER Convention (2001) – Shipowner liability
• Merchant Shipping Act (1958) – Domestic regulatory backing
• National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (1996) – Indian Coast Guard is nodal agency

UPSC Relevance:

• GS III: Disaster Management, Environment, Pollution Control
• GS II: Institutional coordination
  

3. WHO Integrates Indian Traditional Medicine into ICHI

Context:
 India has partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) to include a dedicated module for Traditional Medicine under the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI).

About ICHI:

• Global framework for recording, analyzing health interventions
• Complements ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases)
• Covers areas: acute care, mental health, public health, rehabilitation, and now AYUSH systems

Significance for AYUSH:

• Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Yoga systems now have standardized codes
• Enables:
  
  • Transparent billing for Ayush servicesInsurance integrationResearch-friendly clinical documentation
  • Global mainstreaming of Indian systems

UPSC Relevance:

• GS II: Health sector reforms, international collaboration
• GS III: Science & Tech, AYUSH

4. India Becomes 4th Largest Global Economy (IMF WEO 2025)

Context:
 According to the World Economic Outlook (IMF), India has overtaken Japan to become the 4th largest economy in the world.

Growth Enablers:

1. Structural Factors:
   1. Demographic dividend (median age ~29)
   1. Urbanization, rising middle class consumption
2. Policy Reforms:
   1. GST, IBC, Corporate tax cuts
   1. National Infrastructure Pipeline, PM Gati Shakti
   1. Atmanirbhar Bharat, PLI schemes
3. Technology & Digital Economy:
   1. UPI, JAM Trinity
   1. IT and software services exports
   1. Digital Public Infrastructure

• External Trends:
  • FDI growth
  • ‘China+1’ strategy and supply chain realignments
  • Partnership platforms like IMEC, QUAD

Outlook:

• Expected to become 3rd largest economy within 2.5–3 years
• Leadership in renewable energy and regulatory strength

UPSC Relevance:

• GS III: Economy, growth strategy, infrastructure
• Essay / Interview: Global economic positioning

 

5. Northeast India as Strategic Trade Gateway

Context:
 The Prime Minister articulated a vision for the Northeast under the policy acronym EAST – Empower, Act, Strengthen, Transform – highlighting its strategic importance in India’s regional and global positioning.

Strategic Dimensions:

1. Regional Connectivity:
   1. Gateway to Southeast Asia, vital for Act East Policy
   1. Infrastructure Projects:
      1. India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway
      1. Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project

• Economic Integration:
  
  • Semiconductor manufacturing plant in AssamExpansion of bio-economy, bamboo industry, petroleum, eco-tourism
  • Aims to raise India–ASEAN trade from $125B to $200B in a decade
• Security Importance:
  • Borders with China, Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh
  • Siliguri Corridor (Chicken’s Neck) is a key vulnerability
• Cultural Emphasis:
  • Region described as ‘Ashta Lakshmis’ – 8 northeastern states viewed as growth centers

UPSC Relevance:

• GS II & III: Internal Security, Regional Development, IR
• Essay / Interview: Northeast in India’s economic & strategic vision

6. IMD Declares Early Monsoon Onset in Kerala

Context:
 The India Meteorological Department (IMD) declared the onset of the Southwest Monsoon over Kerala, 8 days earlier than the usual June 1st schedule.

Reasons Behind Early Onset:

1. Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO):
    Enhanced convection and cloud formation
2. Mascarene High Pressure System:
    Strengthened pressure gradient, pulling moist winds to India
3. Somali Jet Stream:
    Low-level winds from Southwest Indian Ocean intensified monsoon flow
4. Heat Low over Northwest India:
    A strong surface low-pressure area created a suction effect
5. Convective Activity & OLR (Outgoing Longwave Radiation):
    Decrease in OLR (<200 W/m²) indicated active rainfall conditions

IMD Criteria for Onset Declaration:

• ≥60% of 14 key stations receive ≥2.5mm rainfall for two consecutive days
• Westerly winds at 925 hPa between 15–20 knots
• OLR < 200 W/m²

UPSC Relevance:

• GS I & III: Climatology, Agriculture, Water Resources
• Geography Optional: Monsoon dynamics
  

7. Governing Council of NITI Aayog – 10th Meeting

Context:
 The Prime Minister chaired the 10th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog.

About NITI Aayog:

• Think Tank of the Government – not a constitutional or statutory body
• Composed of:
  • PM as Chairperson
  • All Chief Ministers
  • Lt Governors of UTs with legislature

• Platform for:
  
  • Cooperative federalism
  • Sectoral and inter-governmental policy coordination

UPSC Relevance:

• GS II: Governance, Cooperative Federalism, Policy Institutions
  
  

8. Traditional Makhana Export Strategy Released

Context:
 A report titled “Strategies to Boost India’s Makhana Exports” was launched during the Buyer-Seller Meet in Patna.

Organizing Agencies:
 MoFPI, Bihar Government, APEDA, ICRIER, and TPCI

Key Facts on Makhana (Euryale ferox):

• Aquatic crop grown in stagnant waters
• India: 90% of global production
  • Bihar alone contributes ~85–90%

Health Benefits:

• Rich in amino acids, vitamins, antioxidant
• Low glycemic index, fat-free, anti-aging

Export Challenges:

• Only 1–2% of output exported
• Lack of standardized packaging and classification

Recommendations:

• Introduce dedicated HSN codes
• Set up grading & packaging hubs
• Launch Makhana Board under PPP model

UPSC Relevance:

• GS III: Agriculture, Export Policy
• Essay / Interview: Agri-export diversification
  
  

9. Documentary on Turtle Conservation Wins Dadasaheb Phalke Award

Context:
 A film on the Asian Giant Softshell Turtle (Pelochelys cantorii) in Kerala won a national documentary award.

Species Details:

• Local Name: Bhimanama in Kerala
• Habitat: Rivers, estuaries, coastal mudflats
• Status: Critically Endangered (IUCN)
• Protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act

Traits:

• Powerful jaws, ambush predator
• Rarely observed; needs urgent conservation focus

UPSC Relevance:

• GS III: Biodiversity, Species Conservation
• Ethics: Environmental Ethics
  
  

10. Jarosite Found in Gujarat – Mars Research Parallel

Context:
 Indian scientists studied Jarosite deposits in Kachchh, Gujarat – a mineral also found on Mars.

Why it Matters:

• Jarosite indicates past water presence
• Can preserve organic molecules like glycine – important for astrobiology

Properties:

• Yellow-brown mineral
• Contains potassium, iron, sulfate
• Found in acidic, water-influenced environments

UPSC Relevance:

• GS III: Space Tech, Planetary Science
• Science & Tech Optional: Earth-Mars comparative studies
  
  

11. PBAT-Based Compostable Bags Introduced in Tripura

Context:
 Tripura launched PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate) compostable bags to combat plastic pollution.

About PBAT:

• Biodegradable plastic made from corn starch and sugarcane
• Safe, flexible, and non-toxic alternative to polythene

UPSC Relevance:

• GS III: Environment, Waste Management
• Science & Tech: Sustainable materials

12. Doctrine of Essentiality & Waqf Board

Context:
 The Union Government told the Supreme Court that Waqf is not an essential religious practice, invoking the Doctrine of Essentiality.

Doctrine Overview:

• Established in Shirur Mutt Case (1954)
• Only essential religious practices are protected under Article 25
• Non-essential practices must comply with constitutional morality

Implications:

• Brings equality and secularism into judicial review of religious institutions

UPSC Relevance:

• GS II: Fundamental Rights, Religion vs Constitution
• Polity Optional: Religious jurisprudence

13. iGOT Karmayogi Crosses 1 Crore Users

Context:
 The Government’s civil servant training platform iGOT Karmayogi crossed 1 crore registered users.

About the Platform:

• Part of Mission Karmayogi
• Managed by Karmayogi Bharat SPV
• Offers courses on governance, public policy, technology
• Issues KID (Karmayogi ID) to each user

UPSC Relevance:

• GS II: Civil Services Reform
• Ethics: Capacity Building