Daily Current Affairs Update – 15 May 2025

1. Justice B.R. Gavai Appointed as 52nd Chief Justice of India

Context: Justice B.R. Gavai has been appointed as the 52nd Chief Justice of India, becoming the second Dalit to hold this position.

Key Highlights:

• Appointed under Article 124(2) of the Constitution, which empowers the President to appoint the Chief Justice of India.
• Follows the convention of appointing the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court.
• The appointment process involves the outgoing CJI recommending the successor, which is then forwarded by the Union Law Minister to the Prime Minister, who advises the President

Constitutional Provisions:

• Article 124: Deals with the establishment and constitution of the Supreme Court, including the appointment of judges.
• The Chief Justice of India is appointed by the President of India.
  

Memorandum of Procedure (MoP):

The current process follows a well-established convention and MoP:

1. The Union Law Minister seeks the recommendation of the outgoing CJI.
2. The outgoing CJI recommends the senior-most judge.
3. The Prime Minister forwards the name to the President, who makes the appointment.
4. Though the Constitution does not mandate appointing the senior-most judge, it has become a binding convention.
   

Eligibility Criteria for a Supreme Court Judge (Article 124(3)):

To become a Supreme Court judge (and hence eligible to become CJI), a person must:

• Be a citizen of India, and
• Have served as a High Court judge for at least 5 years, or
• Been an advocate in a High Court for at least 10 years, or
• Be, in the opinion of the President, a distinguished jurist (though this has never been used).
  

Oath of Office:

• Administered by the President of India.
• The CJI swears to uphold the Constitution and the law.
  

Tenure & Retirement:

• No fixed term; the judge retires at 65 years.
• Justice Gavai will have a short tenure (till Nov 2025), similar to some of his predecessors.
  

Removal Process:

• Under Article 124(4), the CJI can be removed for proven misbehavior or incapacity through:
  
  
  • A motion passed in both Houses of Parliament by a two-thirds majority in the same session.
    
  • Followed by a Presidential order.
• The process is governed by the Judges Inquiry Act, 1968.
  

Powers & Functions of the CJI:

Judicial Powers:

• Presides over Constitution Benches and landmark cases.
• Has the final say in the interpretation of the Constitution.
  

Administrative Powers:

• Master of the Roster: Decides which bench hears which case.
• Heads the Supreme Court administration.
• Plays a key role in judicial appointments and transfers through the Collegium System.
  

Special Powers:

• Under Article 128, can invite retired SC or HC judges to sit on the SC bench.
• Can advise the President on matters of law (Article 143).
  

Historical Context:

• First CJI: Justice Harilal J. Kania (1950).
• Justice Gavai is among the few from a Dalit background to rise to this position, highlighting progress in social representation within the judiciary.
  

Prelims Special:

UPSC Prelims 2021 Question:

Q. With reference to Indian judiciary, consider the following statements : (UPSC CSE – 2021 Prelims)

1. 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 prior permission of the President of India.
2. A High Court in India has the power to review its own judgement as the Supreme Court does.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct?

 (a) 1 only

 (b) 2 only

 (c) Both 1 and 2

 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a)

Source: IE

2. India Showcases SVAMITVA Scheme at World Bank Land Conference 2025

Context:
 India participated as a Country Champion at the World Bank Land Conference held in Washington D.C., where it showcased the progress of the SVAMITVA Scheme – a rural land governance reform.

About the World Bank Land Conference 2025:

• A biennial international forum hosted by the World Bank.
• Brings together governments, researchers, private sector, and civil society to discuss land administration and tenure security.
• Theme for 2025: “Securing Land Tenure and Access for Climate Action”
  

About SVAMITVA Scheme:

Full Form:
Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas

Launched by:
Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Govt. of India – in collaboration with the Survey of India

Objectives:

• To provide property ownership rights to residents in rural abadi areas.
• Facilitate monetization of land assets for credit, dispute resolution, and development.
  

Key Implementation Features:

1. MoU Signing:
    A Memorandum of Understanding is signed between State Governments and Survey of India.
2. Drone Surveys:
    High-resolution drone-based imaging maps each property in abadi areas at a scale of 1:500.
3. CORS Network:
    Uses Continuously Operating Reference Stations for precise geo-referencing via Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) corrections.
4. Gram Manchitra Platform:
    GIS-based planning tool for spatial planning of rural areas.
5. Dispute Resolution & Verification:
    Participatory approach through Gram Sabha, ensuring legal boundary acceptance.
6. Issuance of Property Cards:
    Digitally signed and legally valid Property Cards (Sampatti Patrak) are issued, facilitating ownership and access to finance.

Benefits of the Scheme:

• Empowers villagers with legal ownership and formal documentation.
• Reduces land-related disputes and encourages financial inclusion.
• Promotes e-Governance in land administration.
• Lays the foundation for rural infrastructure planning.

Source: PIB

3. ‘MY Bharat’ Portal – A National Movement for Youth Empowerment

Context:
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has promoted the use of the ‘MY Bharat’ portal to empower Indian youth and involve them in nation-building by 2047 (Amrit Kaal).

About MY Bharat Portal:

Full Form: Mera Yuva Bharat
Launched On: October 31, 2023
Developed by: Digital India Corporation under Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

Key Objectives:

• To empower youth and help them achieve personal and professional goals.
• Foster youth-led development in alignment with the goal of Viksit Bharat @2047.
• Create phygital (physical + digital) engagements for experiential learning.
  

Major Features:

1. Experiential Learning:
    Facilitates hands-on training in industries, NGOs, and governance.
2. Volunteer for Bharat:
    Encourages youth participation in community service and disaster relief.
3. Resources and Mentorship:
    Offers access to sector experts, startup mentors, and motivational speakers.
4. Language Inclusivity:
    Available in 15 Indian languages for better reach across rural and urban areas.
5. Career Readiness Tools:
    Helps users explore careers and improve skills via structured learning modules.
   

Target Audience:

• Youth between 15–29 years.
• Institutions such as NSS, NYKS, educational campuses, and rural youth clubs.
  

Prelims Special:

4. Primates in Peril Report 2023–2025

Context:
A team of international researchers released the latest edition of the Primates in Peril report, listing the world’s 25 most endangered primates. It highlights major global conservation concerns, including some species native to India.

About the Report:

• Published biennially by institutions like IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group, Bristol Zoological Society, and others.
• Covers regions: Africa, Asia, Madagascar, and South America (Neotropics).
• Aim: To raise awareness and prioritize conservation funding and action.
  

Key Findings (2023–2025):

• 9 species from Asia, 6 from Africa, 4 from Madagascar, and 6 from South America are on the list.
• Examples of critically endangered species:
  
  • Tapanuli Orangutan (Sumatra, Indonesia)
  • Cross River Gorilla (Nigeria & Cameroon)
    

India-Specific Note:

Though not listed, two Indian primates were considered but excluded from the final list:

1. Phayre’s Langur (Trachypithecus phayrei):
   • Habitat: Northeast India, Bangladesh, Myanmar
   • IUCN Status: Endangered (20+ years)
   • Threats: Habitat loss, forest encroachment, population drop (50–80% in 3 generations)
     
2. Western Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock):
   • Habitat: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Bangladesh
   • IUCN Status: Endangered
   • Threats: Habitat fragmentation, illegal trade, infrastructure development
     

Key Features of Primates (for Prelims):

• Binocular vision, large brain, opposable thumbs (in most), flexible shoulders
• Smallest primate: Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur (~30g)
• Largest primate: Eastern Gorilla (200+ kg)
  

UPSC Prelims 2023 Question:

Q. Consider the following fauna:

1. Lion-tailed Macaque
2. Malabar civet
3. Sambar Deer

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) Only one
 (b) Only two
 (c) All three
 (d) None

Answer: (b)

Source: DTE

5. Mission D3: Tribal-Led Social Reform in Madhya Pradesh

Context:
Mission D-3, a grassroots movement in the tribal districts of Alirajpur and Jhabua, was launched in November 2024 by local youth to reform wedding customs.

What is Mission D-3?

• “D-3” stands for Dahej (Dowry), Daru (Liquor), and DJ (Loud Music).
• Aims to promote debt-free and simple weddings.
• Focused on tribal communities, especially:
  
  • Bhil
  • Bhilala
    

Tribal Context:

Bhils:

• One of India’s largest Scheduled Tribes
• Primarily in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra
  

Bhilala:

• Sub-group of Bhils with Rajput lineage
• Reside mostly in Malwa and Nimar regions of MP
• Known for owning land and being referred to as Mukhi, Darbar, Thakur locally
  

Significance of Mission D3:

• Reduces financial stress on tribal families
• Encourages community consensus and leadership
• Serves as a model for cultural reform through local participation

Source: NIE

6. Tsarap Chu Declared India’s Largest Conservation Reserve

Context:
The Himachal Pradesh government has officially declared Tsarap Chu as a Conservation Reserve under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. It becomes the largest such reserve in India, covering 1,585 sq km.

Legal Framework:

• Declared under Section 36A(1) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Allows state governments to designate community-managed protected areas for wildlife conservation and ecological protection.

 Location:

• Located in Spiti Valley, Lahaul-Spiti district, HP
• Borders:
  
  • Ladakh (North)Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary (East)Chandratal Wildlife Sanctuary (West)
  • Kabjima Nala (South)
    

Ecological Significance:

• Lies in the Trans-Himalayan biodiversity hotspot
• Maintains alpine and sub-alpine ecosystems
• Acts as a corridor between existing sanctuaries
• Protects snow-fed catchments, promoting climate resilience

Key Fauna:

• Flagship species: Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)
• Others: Tibetan wolf, Himalayan ibex, Bharal (blue sheep), Tibetan argali, Kiang (wild ass)
• Notable birds: Rose Finch, Yellow-billed Chough, Tibetan Raven
  

Prelims Special:

UPSC Prelims 2023 Question:

Q. Consider the following statements:

Once the Central Government notifies an area as a ‘Community Reserve”

1.the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State becomes the governing authority of such forest

2.hunting is not allowed in such area.

3.People of such area are allowed to collect non-timber forest produce.

4.People of such area are allowed traditional agricultural practices.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) only one
(b) only two
(c) only three
(d) all four

Answer: (b)

Source: DTE