Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 07-05-2025

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India-UK FTA

  • India-UK FTA Signed: India and the UK have signed a Free Trade Agreement, a significant step for the world’s 5th and 6th largest economies.
  • Trade Boost: Expected to boost bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually from 2040. Trade totalled £42.6 billion in 2024.
  • Key Trade Aspects: UK is India’s 4th largest export destination, and India is UK’s 11th largest trading partner. Bilateral trade projected to double by 2030.
  • Tariff Reductions: Zero-duty access for 99% of Indian exports to the UK. Automobile tariffs cut to 10% under quota, down from over 100%. Whisky and gin tariffs will be halved from 150% to 75%.
  • Labor Mobility: Includes provisions for labor mobility, with about 100 additional annual visas for Indian professionals, especially in IT and healthcare.
  • Double Contribution Convention: Agreement to prevent professionals from paying social security in both countries.
  • Significance of FTAs for India: Enhanced market access, investment inflows, supply chain resilience, technology access, services sector growth, and professional mobility.
  • Concerns: Rising trade deficits, low FTA utilization (25%), competitiveness challenges, non-tariff barriers, complex certification, and IPR tensions.
  • India’s Strategy to Enhance FTAs: Integrate PLI scheme with FTAs, value chain integration, MSME integration, targeted negotiation, boost R&D, prioritize services, and renegotiate existing FTAs.
  • UK Perspective: The deal is the “biggest and most economically significant” bilateral trade agreement it has signed since leaving the EU.
  • Geopolitical Context: Aim to diversify supply chains and hedge against future shifts in US policy.

IXPE: X-ray Vision

  • IXPE Mission: A joint NASA and Italian Space Agency mission launched December 9, 2021. It’s the first satellite to measure X-ray light polarisation.

  • Focus on Blazars: IXPE studied BL Lacertae (BL Lac), a blazar known for variability and intense emissions. Blazars are active galactic nuclei (AGN) with jets pointed towards Earth.

  • X-ray Emission Mystery: IXPE aimed to determine how X-rays are generated in black hole jets. Competing theories involved protons (high X-ray polarization) or electrons (low X-ray polarization).

  • Key Finding: Low X-ray Polarization: IXPE found weak X-ray polarization (no more than 7.6%) from BL Lac’s jets. Optical light showed very high polarisation (up to 47.5%).

  • Electron-Based X-ray Generation: Low X-ray polarisation disproves proton-based models.

  • Compton Scattering Confirmed: X-rays are generated via Compton Scattering. High-speed electrons scatter infrared photons, boosting them to X-ray energies.

  • Significance: IXPE is solving the long-standing mystery of how X-rays are generated in jets. Showing relativistic electron activity links to X-ray generation.

Ancient Fires

  • Ancient Wildfires Discovered: Scientists found evidence of palaeofires (ancient wildfires) from the Permian Period (around 250 million years ago) in the Godavari Basin, India.

  • Palaeofires Defined: Palaeofires are ancient wildfires preserved in geological records, crucial for understanding past vegetation, climate, and coal formation. Study spanned Late Silurian to Quaternary periods.

  • Research Methods: Researchers used Palynofacies analysis, Raman Spectroscopy, Rock-Eval Pyrolysis, and FTIR Spectroscopy to analyze microscopic organic matter and fossil charcoal.

  • Organic Matter Types:

    • Translucent Organic Matter (TrOM): Pollen and plant debris.
    • Palaeofire Charcoal (PAL-CH): Direct evidence of burning.
    • Oxidised Charcoal (OX-CH): Transported or altered post-burning.

  • In-situ vs. Ex-situ Charcoal: The study successfully differentiated between charcoal formed on-site (in situ) and charcoal transported from elsewhere (ex situ), resolving a geological debate.

  • Stratigraphy Matters: Rock layering revealed that regressive phases (sea-level drop) preserved concentrated fire residues, while transgressive phases (sea-level rise) showed dispersed, oxidized charcoal.

  • Permian Conditions: High atmospheric oxygen levels during the Permian likely increased wildfire frequency and intensity.

  • Raniganj Coalfield: This was one of the first Indian sites showing macroscopic charcoal in coal seams, suggesting palaeofires in ancient peat-forming environments.

  • Climate Change Relevance: Understanding palaeofires helps with carbon cycling and sequestration, relevant for modern climate change mitigation.

  • Decoding the Fire Story: The study published in ACS Omega provides a clear differentiation between in situ and ex situ charcoal—a major leap in palaeofire research.

  • BSIP Lucknow’s Role: Scientists from Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) Lucknow, DST, led the research.

HDR 2025

  • Global HDI Stagnation: The 2025 HDR reveals a worldwide stall in Human Development Index (HDI) progress. Factors like trade tensions, debt crises, and jobless industrialization are cited as potential exacerbating factors.

  • Report Theme: The 2025 HDR, “A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of AI”, emphasizes the vital role of Artificial Intelligence in shaping future human development.

  • Top and Bottom Performers: Iceland leads the HDI rankings at 0.972, while South Sudan is at the bottom with 0.388.

  • India’s Rank: India is ranked 130th out of 193 countries and territories on the HDI.

  • India’s HDI Improvement: India’s HDI value increased from 0.676 in 2022 to 0.685 in 2023, remaining in the medium human development category.

  • Long-Term Growth: India’s HDI value has increased by over 53% since 1990, outpacing global and South Asian averages.

  • HDI Components Improvement: India’s life expectancy rose to 72 years in 2023, expected schooling years increased to 13, and average schooling years rose to 6.9. The per capita Gross National Income (GNI) jumped to $9,047 (PPP 2021).

  • AI Talent: India is among the top 10 in the Global AI Index among low- and middle-income countries, demonstrating a high level of self-reported AI skills penetration and improving retention of domestic AI talent.

  • Regional Comparison: Among India’s neighbours, China, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan rank higher. Bangladesh is at par with India.

  • Inequality Challenge: Inequality reduces India’s HDI by 30.7%, highlighting significant income and gender disparities.

Bhimgad Sanctuary

  • Public Trespassing: Unchecked public trespassing into Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) continues, raising concerns among conservationists.

  • Illegal Activities: Visitors are cooking non-vegetarian food, engaging in recreational activities, and disturbing the natural habitat within the protected area, including at Vajrapoha waterfalls.

  • Police Involvement: Earlier in January, police personnel from Khanapur allegedly entered the sanctuary without permission for a booze party; no punitive measures were taken.

  • Ministerial Directive: Forest minister Eshwar Khandre directed the forest department to take immediate action, but violations persist.

  • Social Media Evidence: Videos on social media show visitors bathing under Vajrapoha waterfalls and taking selfies in restricted areas.

  • Access Point: Locals claim most visitors access the site through Jamboti village.

  • Lack of Surveillance: Environmentalists point to a serious lapse in forest surveillance, particularly by the Khanapur Range Forest Officer.

  • Fishing Violations: People are also fishing in the Mahadayi River at Krishnapur village, within the sanctuary’s jurisdiction.

  • Official Response: The Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) claims no illegal entry has been officially reported near Vajrapoha or Bhimgad; FIR was filed in January against earlier trespassing.

  • Chapoli Village Incident: Viral videos reportedly involve relatives of residents from Chapoli village accessing the falls via an internal route for a religious festival; investigation is ongoing.

  • Significance of BWS: The Sanctuary is ecologically sensitive and home to endangered species, including the Wroughton’s Free-tailed Bat.

GLEX 2025

  • India hosts the 12th Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX 2025) in New Delhi from May 7-9, 2025.

  • The theme is “Reaching New Worlds: A Space Exploration Renaissance,” emphasizing innovation, inclusivity, and international cooperation.

  • GLEX 2025 is jointly organized by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) (host), and Astronautical Society of India (ASI) (co-host).

  • Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister, will inaugurate the summit, highlighting India’s growing role in global space leadership.

  • The conference signifies India’s transition from a regional space power to a key international player.

  • Over 1800 delegates are expected, including 233 international delegates from 36 countries.

  • A record 1,275 abstracts were submitted from 57 countries (822 from India and 453 internationally), indicating significant global interest.

  • Strong student participation with 562 abstracts submitted emphasizes the next generation’s engagement in space exploration.

  • The conference includes 10 parallel technical sessions, covering 15 thematic areas, with over 240 interactive presentations.

  • Plenary Sessions will feature prominent figures like Dr. Jitendra Singh, Josef Aschbacher (ESA), Kazuyoshi Kawasaki (Japan), V. Narayanan (ISRO), and others.

  • An astronaut outreach program will feature nearly 10 astronauts, including Hazzaa AlMansoori (UAE), Alper Gezeravci (Türkiye), and Rakesh Sharma (India).

  • Dr. Jitendra Singh will inaugurate a space exhibition with stalls from 22 organizations, including Indian space startups, global companies, and ISRO.

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Oversight Power: India

  • Need for Strengthening: India’s focus on “Maximum Governance” requires matching “Maximum Accountability” through a stronger Parliament. Existing oversight tools like Question Hour and Standing Committees are underperforming.
  • Constitutional Basis: Constitution framers like Dr. Ambedkar chose a parliamentary system for its daily executive accountability via questions, motions, debates, and periodic elections. Articles 75, 108, 111, 113 & 114 support parliamentary oversight.
  • Oversight Mechanisms: Question Hour, Zero Hour, Parliamentary Committees (Standing Committees, PAC, Estimates Committee), no-confidence motions, and debates are key mechanisms.
  • Success Stories: Examples include Railways’ dividend waiver (2015), Motor Vehicles Act amendments (2017), NHAI project streamlining, uranium mine recommendations, and PAC’s exposure of Commonwealth Games corruption.
  • Judicial Support: Landmark SC cases (S.R. Bommai, State of Kerala vs. K. Ajith, Manohar Lal Sharma) reinforce executive accountability and the importance of constitutional principles.
  • Key Gaps:
    • Disruptions reduce Question Hour effectiveness (only 60% functional in 17th Lok Sabha).
    • Committee reports rarely debated or implemented.
    • Lack of post-legislative scrutiny to evaluate law impact.
    • Limited public access and engagement with committee findings.
    • Underutilization of technology (AI, data analytics).
  • Needed Reforms:
    • Institutionalize post-legislative scrutiny (like UK model).
    • Use AI and data analytics for smarter oversight.
    • Build MP capacity with research support (PRS-style unit, fellows program).
    • Promote transparency (translations, visual explainers, public dashboards).
  • Role of Technology: Leverage Artificial Intelligence and data analytics to help MPs swiftly flag irregularities, track policy trends, and frame sharper, evidence-based questions.
  • Strengthening Committee Work: Making oversight findings more accessible; through translations in local languages, visual explainers, or short videos.
  • The Way Forward: Strengthening legislative oversight means honouring the mandate citizens have given their representatives; to make sure the machinery of government stays transparent, accountable, and truly “of the people, by the people, and for the people”.

Crimson Tide

  • Retaliation for Pahalgam Attack: Operation Sindoor was launched by India in response to the April 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack.
  • Precision Strikes: Indian Armed Forces conducted precision strikes on May 7, 2025, targeting nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
  • Targeted Terrorist Groups: Targeted terror facilities linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
  • No Pakistani Military Targets: Strikes were focused and non-escalatory, avoiding Pakistani military facilities.
  • Advanced Weaponry: Indian Air Force used SCALP Cruise Missiles, HAMMER Precision-Guided Bombs, and Loitering
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    Munitions for high accuracy.
  • Operation Name Significance: “Sindoor” was chosen as a tribute to the victims, especially the widows of the Pahalgam attack.
  • Coordinated Effort: Executed through coordinated efforts of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, conducted from Indian territory.
  • Accountability: Launched to hold those responsible for the Pahalgam attack accountable.
  • Leadership: Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi led the Indian government’s briefing about the operation.
  • Past Operations: This operation joins a history of Indian military actions, including those from the 1965, 1971 wars, Operation Meghdoot, Kargil conflict operations, and the 2016 and 2019 strikes, highlighting India’s strategic responses to threats.

Road Accident Fund 2025

  • Nationwide Cashless Treatment: The Indian government launched a scheme providing cashless medical treatment to road accident victims across the country. Why: Ensures immediate medical attention regardless of the victim’s financial status.

  • Eligibility: Any individual injured in a road accident involving a motor vehicle on any public road in India qualifies. Why: Broad coverage aims to assist all road accident victims.

  • Benefit Cap & Duration: Treatment capped at Rs 1.5 lakh, valid for up to seven days from the accident date. Why: Sets a defined limit to manage resources and focus on initial critical care.

  • Designated vs. Non-Designated Hospitals: Cashless treatment is fully available at designated hospitals; non-designated hospitals provide stabilization measures only. Why: Creates a network of equipped hospitals for comprehensive care while acknowledging the role of other facilities.

  • National Health Authority (NHA) Coordination: NHA is the coordinating agency, working with police, hospitals, and State Health Agencies. Why: Centralizes administration for effective implementation and standardized processes.

  • State Road Safety Council Nodal Agency: State Road Safety Councils are responsible for implementation within their jurisdiction, including hospital onboarding and payment processing via a dedicated portal. Why: Decentralizes operations for localized management and better outreach.

  • Steering Committee Oversight: A 17-member committee headed by the road transport secretary monitors scheme implementation. Why: Provides high-level supervision and accountability.

KLIP: A Mega Irrigation Project

  • KLIP Damage: The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) found “irreparable damage” to three barrages within the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP).

  • KLIP Overview: A multi-purpose irrigation project on the Godavari River in Telangana, designed to irrigate 45 lakh acres across 20 districts (plus Hyderabad/Secunderabad).

  • Scale: World’s largest multi-stage lift irrigation project. It has seven links, 28 packages, spans 500 km, and boasts a canal network over 1,800 km.

  • Water Allocation: Aims for 240 TMC of water for irrigation, Hyderabad’s municipal water, industrial use, and drinking water for villages.

  • Pranahita River: Upstream influence is at the confluence of the Pranhita and Godavari. The Pranahita is formed by the Wardha, Painganga, and Wainganga rivers.

Lagrangian Growth Model

  • New Carbon Export Estimation Method: Researchers from MBARI and Florida State University have developed a new method using a Lagrangian Growth-Advection Model to estimate oceanic carbon export from satellite data.
  • Combines Lagrangian and Advection Approaches: The model integrates Lagrangian tracking of fluid particles with advection (fluid movement) and growth (property changes) to map phytoplankton succession and carbon export.
  • Tracks Surface Ocean Currents: The model specifically focuses on tracking surface ocean currents, especially in upwelling regions like the California Current.
  • Key Innovations:
    • Incorporates spatial and temporal lags between carbon production and export.
    • Accounts for zooplankton activity, ocean advection of plankton, and biological succession.
    • Offers an alternative to models solely reliant on ocean color data.
  • Validation: The model’s predictions align with deep-sea carbon monitoring data, including data from Station M.
  • Improved Accuracy: The model better captures previously unexplained pulses of carbon flux observed in deep-sea monitoring.
  • Why it Matters: This model contributes to understanding the ocean’s role in carbon sequestration and climate regulation. Existing models relying on ocean color are limited in capturing subsurface and temporal carbon transfer lags. This new method addresses these limitations.
  • Lagrangian Definition: Lagrangian refers to tracking individual particles or water parcels as they move with ocean currents.

Bagram Airfield: Key Base

  • US President’s Claim: The US President claimed China now occupies Bagram Airfield, vacated by US forces in 2021.
  • Strategic Location: Bagram Airfield is the largest air base in Afghanistan, north of Kabul in Parwan province, controlling access to key regions via the Salang Tunnel and highways.
  • Historical Significance: Built by the Soviets in the 1950s, vital during the Cold War and Soviet-Afghan War (1979-89). US forces used it as a hub during the War on Terror after 2001, expanding it significantly.
  • American Exit: US forces vacated Bagram on July 2nd, 2021, with the Taliban taking control on August 15th, as part of the US withdrawal agreement.
  • Taliban Denial: The Taliban denies Chinese presence at Bagram, stating it is under their control.
  • China’s Interest: China’s growing ties with the Taliban raise concerns about its strategic ambitions in the region, including potential security interests related to its Xinjiang province.
  • Nuclear Facility proximity: The closest Chinese nuclear testing site, Lop Nur in Xinjiang, is 2,000 km from Bagram. A nuclear weapons facility, Koko Nur, is further east in Qinghai province.

Bagram Airfield: Key Base

Caste Census: India’s Divide

  • Caste Enumeration Approved: The Indian government has approved including caste enumeration in the upcoming Census, reviving a practice discontinued post-independence.
  • Government Rationale: The government aims to ensure social fabric doesn’t face political pressure and society becomes stronger economically and socially. They cite Article 246 to say census is a union subject so caste enumeration is best handled in the main census.
  • Historical Context: Caste enumeration existed in British-era censuses (1881-1931). Post-1951, it was limited to SCs/STs. 2011 SECC was conducted, but flawed.
  • Need for Census: Updated data is needed to address gaps in OBC and other caste group data, inform policy, reassess reservation quotas.
  • Addressing SECC Flaws: Aims to rectify inaccuracies of SECC 2011, such as an unstandardized caste list and flawed self-reporting.
  • Affirmative Action: Data informs equitable distribution of reservation benefits and political representation.
  • Concerns: Risks reinforcing caste identities, deepening social divisions, and political exploitation.
  • Challenges: Lack of standardized caste list, challenges in self-reporting and mobility claims, misclassification, and institutional capacity constraints.
  • Accuracy Measures: Listing castes, incorporating Aadhaar for verification, multi-tier verification, transparent grievance redressal, and leveraging AI/ML are proposed.
  • Sub-Categorization: Implement Rohini Commission’s recommendations for OBC sub-categorization.
  • Socio-Economic Integration: Supplement data with indicators like MPI and address regional disparities.
  • Fair Usage: Treat census as a tool for inclusive development, not vote-bank politics, and monitor policy outcomes.
  • Political Context: States conducted own surveys but these varied in transparency and intent, raising concerns. Centre decided that including it in the main census will ensure a holistic approach.

Yangtze Porpoise

  • Historical Range Mapping: Chinese scientists used classical poetry (Tang Dynasty to modern times) to reconstruct the historical distribution of the Yangtze finless porpoise.
  • Methodology: 724 poems referencing the porpoise were analyzed, identifying 362 with specific location information. This allowed for mapping the species’ historical presence.
  • Range Contraction: The porpoise’s range contracted by 65% from the Tang Dynasty to modern times. A sharp decline occurred from the Qing Dynasty (142 grids) to the present (59 grids).
  • Habitat Loss: Tributaries and lakes experienced a 91% range reduction, while the main stem of the Yangtze saw a 33% decrease.
  • Cause of Decline: Dam construction, beginning in the 1950s, is a primary driver, blocking movement between habitats.
  • Scientific Validation of Art: The study validates using historical art forms to track wildlife range changes and other environmental trends.
  • Critically Endangered Status: The Yangtze finless porpoise is critically endangered, with only 1,000-1,800 individuals remaining. It is the only freshwater porpoise species.
  • Extinction Risk: High risk of extinction, paralleling the Baiji dolphin’s fate.
  • Ecological Importance: The porpoise is a key indicator species for the Yangtze River’s health.
  • Only Freshwater Porpoise: It is the only known freshwater porpoise in the world.

INS Tamal

  • Induction of INS Tamal: The Indian Navy is inducting INS Tamal, its second advanced warship, amid heightened tensions with Pakistan.

  • Type of Warship: INS Tamal is a state-of-the-art, Krivak-III class stealth guided missile frigate.

  • India-Russia Deal: It’s part of a $2.5 billion deal between India and Russia for four stealth frigates (two Russian-built, two Indian-built).

  • Significance: INS Tamal is the last major warship to be imported, marking a shift towards indigenous warship design and construction in India.

  • Indigenous Production: The remaining two frigates from the deal, Triput and Tavasya, are under construction at Goa Shipyard Limited with technology transfer.

  • Blue Water Operations: Designed for diverse naval warfare, including air, surface, underwater, and electronic warfare.

  • Specifications: 125 meters long, 3,900-tonne displacement, incorporating both Russian design and approximately 26% Indian-sourced components.

  • Performance: Cruising speed of up to 30 knots (55 km/h), with a range of 3,000 kilometres per deployment.

  • Missile Systems: Equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and vertically launched Shtil surface-to-air missiles, anti-submarine torpedoes, and rocket launchers.

  • Helicopter Operations: Can support multi-role helicopter operations for enhanced mission reach.

  • Stealth Technology: Features radar-evading stealth technology.

Stratospheric Airship

  • Successful Maiden Flight: DRDO successfully conducted the first flight trials of its Stratospheric Airship Platform on May 3, 2025, in Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh.
  • Altitude Achieved: The airship reached an altitude of approximately 17 km.
  • Data Collection: Onboard sensors collected data to develop high-fidelity simulation models for future high-altitude flights. This is crucial for refining the airship’s design and operational capabilities.
  • System Evaluation: In-flight deployment of envelope pressure control and emergency deflation systems, followed by retrieval for further investigation.
  • Flight Duration: The flight lasted for about 62 minutes.
  • Enhanced ISR Capabilities: The system will significantly enhance India’s earth observation and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, making India one of the few nations with this technology. It allows for persistent surveillance over specific areas.
  • Indigenous Development: Developed by Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, Agra, showcasing indigenous technological advancement.
  • HAPS (High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite): Functions as a HAPS, designed for long-endurance operations in the stratosphere (17-22 km). It offers persistent surveillance and communication capabilities, unlike satellites.
  • Strategic Importance: Emphasized by Raksha Mantri (Defence Minister), highlighting its strategic importance in strengthening India’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
  • DRDO Chief’s Remarks: DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat considers the flight a milestone towards realizing long-endurance, high-altitude platform systems.

Stratospheric Airship