Decades-long inter-state water dispute over the Mhadei (Mahadayi) River between Goa and Karnataka, also involving Maharashtra.
The river originates in Karnataka, flows primarily through Goa (78% basin share), and empties into the Arabian Sea.
The Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT) awarded Karnataka a total of 13.42 tmcft water, including permission to divert 1.72 tmcft from the Kalasa stream and 2.18 tmcft from the Bandura stream to the Malaprabha basin.
A recent scientific paper by CSIR-NIO and INCOIS scientists concluded that Karnataka’s tribunal-approved diversion plans would not significantly impact Goa overall, though the Kalasa diversion might affect a part of the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, suggesting mitigation measures like check dams.
The paper also stated the diversions would not impact navigation in the Mandovi estuary or Cumbarjua Canal.
The paper’s findings sparked protests in Goa, with demonstrators questioning the scientists’ motives, timing, and objectivity, alleging bias favouring Karnataka.
Both Goa and Karnataka have challenged the MWDT verdict before the Supreme Court.
The dispute remains an emotional issue in both states despite the tribunal order.
Canary Islands
Thousands of people recently protested against mass tourism.
Located off the northwest coast of Africa in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Politically part of Spain, despite proximity to Africa.
Part of the Macaronesia region, approx 100 km from Morocco.
It is Macaronesia’s largest and most populated archipelago.
Major islands include Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote.
Formed by volcanic eruptions; home to Teide Peak, the highest point in Spain.
Popular tourist destination due to its subtropical climate and location.
New Caledonia
French Overseas Minister’s high-stakes attempt to broker a new political accord collapsed recently, plunging the territory into profound uncertainty.
This follows a history of colonial tension since New Caledonia became French in 1853, leading to independence movements by the indigenous Kanak people.
The 1998 Nouméa Accord promised three independence referendums; the 2018 and 2020 votes favoured France, while the 2021 vote also favoured France but was boycotted by pro-independence parties, leading to contested legitimacy.
Recent violent riots in May 2024 over a proposed change to voting eligibility rules (unfreezing the electoral roll) highlighted deep divisions and prompted the recent failed talks.
The proposed “sovereignty in partnership” model was rejected by hardline loyalists who saw it as disguised independence, while their counter-proposal of partition was rejected by France and independents.
New Caledonia is strategically important to France in the Pacific, particularly given increasing global interest and China’s influence, and holds about 25% of the world’s nickel reserves, a vital economic resource.
The collapse of talks means crucial provincial elections scheduled by November 2025 will proceed without prior agreement on the territory’s future status.
Recent studies indicate the shingles vaccine may significantly reduce risks of cardiovascular diseases (23%) and lower the risk of developing dementia, which is news as the vaccine’s primary purpose is preventing shingles reactivation.
A unique Welsh study, designed as a “natural experiment,” provided strong evidence that the shingles vaccine reduced dementia diagnoses by about 20% over seven years, adding significant credibility to previous findings often limited by study biases.
The newer Shingrix vaccine has also been linked to a reduction in dementia risk (17% in a US study), suggesting the potential benefit may extend to both types of available shingles vaccines.
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (same as chickenpox) reactivating, causing painful rashes and potentially severe complications like vision loss or brain inflammation, making prevention via vaccination important news.
The vaccine is recommended for individuals aged 50 and above and adults with weakened immune systems, highlighting its importance for vulnerable populations and the potential for newly discovered benefits.
Why the vaccine reduces dementia is still being studied, with theories including preventing the virus’s potential cognitive effects or immune system changes triggered by the vaccine providing protection.
Presidential Reference
Presidential Reference is a mechanism under Article 143 of the Indian Constitution where the President seeks the Supreme Court’s advisory opinion on significant law or fact questions, serving to get judicial clarity without initiating litigation.
Article 143 has two components: (1) for questions of public importance, and (2) for disputes on pre-Constitution treaties, defining the scope of reference.
The SC’s opinion is advisory, not legally binding on the President or having precedential value, though it holds significant persuasive authority.
The current news is President Droupadi Murmu’s reference seeking SC opinion, specifically on whether judicial timelines can be set for the President and Governors to act on state Bills, highlighting a contemporary constitutional debate.
This specific reference has generated political opposition, notably from Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin, demonstrating its political impact.
The procedure requires the President to act on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers, and the matter must be heard by a minimum 5-judge bench of the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court has discretion and may refuse to answer a reference if the question is vague or outside its judicial purview.
Originating from the Government of India Act, 1935, this power is rarely exercised, with only around 15 references made in the past 75 years, indicating its exceptional nature.
Parasnath Dispute
Parasnath Hill (Marang Buru) is sacred to both Jains (nirvana site for 20 tirthankaras, temples) and Santals (supreme deity Marang Buru, most sacred religious site, seat of justice, Santal Hul origin). Why: Deep religious and cultural importance for both communities.
The dispute centers on conflicting religious practices, especially the Santals’ traditional Sendra festival (ritual hunt). Why: This practice contrasts sharply with Jain values of non-violence.
Historically, courts (Patna HC 1917, Privy Council) upheld Santal customary hunting rights on the hill. Why: Recognised Santal tradition over Jain objection at the time.
Post-Independence, Santal rights over the hill were impacted, partly by its designation as a wildlife sanctuary. Why: Reduced access and ability to perform traditional rituals.
Recently, the Jharkhand High Court directed enforcement of a ban on meat, alcohol, and intoxicants on the hill and surrounding area based on a central government memo. Why: Aims to respect Jain sentiments, impacting local Santals.
Despite restrictions, Santals recently performed the Sendra hunt and filed a counter-petition asserting their rights. Why: Continuing to assert traditional claims and practices.
RS-24 Yars
Russia reportedly plans a “training and combat” launch of the RS-24 Yars ICBM to intimidate Ukraine and the West.
The RS-24 Yars (NATO SS-29) is a Russian intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system, believed to have entered service in February 2010.
It is designed to replace Russia’s SS-19 and SS-18 ICBMs.
It is capable of penetrating highly protected targets and current Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Systems.
The Yars is a three-stage, solid propellant, MIRV-capable missile.
It can be deployed in silos and on mobile platforms.
Estimated range is between 2,000 km and 10,500 km.
It can carry up to 10 MIRVs, each potentially armed with a 300-kiloton thermonuclear warhead.
The missile features flight maneuvering and deploys active/passive decoys to counter missile defenses.
Twister
Recent Deadly Outbreak: Over 20 people died in the southern United States, specifically Missouri and Kentucky, due to severe storms and tornado outbreaks.
What it is: A tornado is a violently rotating column of air from a thunderstorm to the ground.
Appearance: Often visible as a funnel cloud, but can be just a swirl of dust in low humidity.
Speed and Intensity: Wind speeds typically range from 105 to 322 km/h, making them highly destructive. They can move rapidly, around 97 km/h.
Formation: They form from the collision of warm, moist air and cool, dry air, often within thunderstorms and low-pressure systems.
Location: Most common in mid-latitude regions where air masses meet, with the highest frequency in the United States (“Tornado Alley”).
Measurement: Intensity is classified using the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale (EF0 to EF5) based on wind speed and damage.
PwD Access & Empowerment
Why in News: The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) organized the Inclusive India Summit on Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) on May 15, 2025, leading to new initiatives and collaborations.
Key Points:
Inclusive India Summit organized by DEPwD, SBI Foundation, NAB, APD, and Mission Accessibility on GAAD.
Three MoUs signed by DEPwD with I for Humanity Foundation, Nipman Foundation & YLAC, and Ramp my city Foundation.
Initiatives include developing an ‘Accessibility Index’ and toolkits for auditing public buildings, promoting barrier-free infrastructure (healthcare centres, tourist spots, government buildings), and organizing hackathons, national competitions, and awards for awareness and inclusion.
Focus on ensuring accessibility in built environment, transportation, technology (AI chatbot for scheme info), education (inclusive schools), and livelihood for Divyangjan.
Accessibility and inclusion highlighted as a collective duty of society, not just the government.
Emphasizes equal rights, participation, dignity, self-reliance, and overcoming physical, informational, and attitudinal barriers.
Nipah
Health experts have raised concerns about the deadly Nipah virus’ transmission from animals to humans in Kerala.
Nipah is a zoonotic virus primarily transmitted by fruit bats, which can also spread through contaminated food or human-to-human contact, causing severe illness (encephalitic syndrome) with a high fatality rate (40-75%).
A 42-year-old woman in Valanchery, Malappuram, is critically ill with Nipah virus, remaining in a coma on ventilator support.
Authorities are conducting extensive contact tracing, identifying 112 contacts across several districts; 42 contacts have tested negative so far.
Fever surveillance is underway in the affected area, and a joint investigation with the Animal Husbandry department is starting to survey domestic animals (focus on cats and dogs) for potential virus sources.
Diagnosis is via RT-PCR; there are currently no vaccines for humans or animals.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated Nipah as a priority disease.
India Hooch Deaths
Why in News: A major hooch tragedy in Punjab claimed lives (initially 21, later rising), making it a significant recent event highlighting a recurring public health crisis in India.
Key Event: Deaths and hospitalisations occurred after consuming spurious liquor, primarily in Amritsar district, Punjab.
Cause Identified: Preliminary investigations confirm methanol, a highly toxic chemical, was used to prepare the illicit liquor.
Methanol: It’s a cheap industrial chemical often illegally added to increase potency but is poisonous upon ingestion, causing severe organ damage, blindness, coma, or death.
Broader Causes (Why it happens): Economic vulnerability drives demand for cheap hooch; widespread misuse and illegal diversion of industrial methanol; weak regulation and enforcement against illegal brewing; alleged political and bureaucratic complicity; lack of public awareness and community reporting mechanisms.
Action Taken: Police arrested several individuals including alleged distributors and the ‘kingpin’ who procured methanol online; two police officers (DSP, SHO) and two Excise officials were suspended for negligence; FIRs registered under relevant laws; search for methanol suppliers is ongoing; compensation announced for victims’ families.
Political Reaction: Opposition parties criticised the ruling government, demanding resignations and a judicial inquiry, alleging the tragedy couldn’t occur without political/bureaucratic/police support.
Victims: Mostly from economically weaker sections and daily wagers from several villages.
Regulatory Gap: Methanol is not classified as a “poison” under the relevant Act, complicating legal prosecution.
Prevention Needs: Effective enforcement and monitoring (including methanol tracking), public awareness, access to affordable regulated alcohol, socio-economic support, and accountability of officials.
58th Jnanpith
The 58th Jnanpith Award for the year 2023 was conferred upon Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya and renowned poet-lyricist Gulzar.
The award was presented by the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, at a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi on May 16, 2025.
Jagadguru Rambhadracharya is a revered Sanskrit scholar, Hindu spiritual leader, founder of Tulsi Peeth, and prolific author known for over 240 works including four Sanskrit epics. He is a Padma Vibhushan recipient.
Gulzar (Sampooran Singh Kalra) is a celebrated Urdu poet, lyricist, author, and filmmaker, known for pioneering the Triveni poetic form and significant contributions to Hindi cinema. He has received multiple prestigious awards including the Padma Bhushan, Sahitya Akademi Award, Dadasaheb Phalke Award, an Oscar, and a Grammy.
Gulzar could not attend the award ceremony due to health reasons.
The Jnanpith Award, India’s oldest and highest literary honour established in 1961, is conferred annually by Bharatiya Jnanpith for outstanding contributions to Indian literature.
Recipients receive a cash prize of Rs 11 lakh, a statue of Vagdevi/Saraswati, and a citation.
Nicaragua quits UNESCO
Nicaragua announced its withdrawal from UNESCO.
Why: In protest against UNESCO awarding the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize to Nicaraguan newspaper La Prensa.
The Nicaraguan government opposed the prize being given to La Prensa.
The Prize: It is the UN’s only journalism award, established in 1997, presented annually on World Press Freedom Day (May 3rd), honoring contributions to press freedom and named after Colombian journalist Guillermo Cano.
UNESCO: A United Nations agency founded in 1945, promoting peace and equality through global cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication.
Nicaragua: Largest country in Central America, gained independence in 1821, predominantly mestizo population.
Jnanpith
The President of India conferred the 58th Jnanpith Award on Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Ji on May 16, 2025, at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi.
Gulzar also received the 58th Jnanpith Award but could not attend the ceremony.
The Jnanpith Award is the highest literary honour of India, given for outstanding contributions to Indian literature in any of the languages mentioned in Schedule VIII of the Constitution and English.
It was instituted in 1961 and is sponsored by the Bharatiya Jnanpith cultural organization.
The award includes a cash prize, a citation, and a bronze replica of Vagdevi (Saraswati).
The first recipient was Malayalam poet G. Sankara Kurup in 1965.
The President highlighted the significant role of literature and writers in uniting and awakening society and nation-building.
Jagadguru Rambhadracharya was praised for his extraordinary service to literature and society through his multi-faceted contributions despite being physically challenged.
NOTA Made Mandatory
Why in News: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court (SC) by the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy seeking to make the NOTA (None of the Above) option compulsory in all elections, including those with a single candidate.
What is NOTA: Allows voters to reject all candidates while maintaining secrecy. Introduced in 2013 following a Supreme Court directive (PUCL vs Union of India Case, 2013) to protect voter secrecy and empower voters.
Current Status: Available in Lok Sabha, State Assembly, and Panchayat elections (though not uniformly). First used in 2013 state elections. Its vote share has generally remained low (around 1% in Lok Sabha, slightly higher in some state elections like Bihar 2.48% in 2015).
Impact: Currently, NOTA does not affect the election outcome; the candidate with the highest votes wins regardless of the NOTA count.
Arguments For Compulsory NOTA:
Expands voter choice, allowing dissatisfaction expression without abstaining.
Ensures voters can express dissent even in single-candidate elections.
Promotes political accountability by signaling dissatisfaction, encouraging parties to field better candidates.
NOTA votes can serve as an indicator of public discontent.
Arguments Against Compulsory NOTA:
Has no impact on election results currently.
Uncontested elections are rare scenarios (only 6 Lok Sabha since 1971, 9 since 1952).
May reflect biases (e.g., caste prejudice) rather than genuine candidate rejection.
Could lead to voter apathy or disillusionment if it has no electoral consequence, potentially weakening representative democracy.
EC argues it’s a rarity and requires legislative changes.
Judicial Context: SC mandated NOTA inclusion (PUCL 2013) but excluded it from indirect elections like Rajya Sabha (Shailesh Manubhai Parmar 2018) citing potential distortion.
Potential Reforms: Suggestions include fixing a minimum winning vote percentage, mandating re-election if NOTA crosses a threshold (like some State ECs have done), disqualifying candidates getting fewer votes than NOTA, and improving voter education.
Portugal
Portugal recently held its third general election in three years (May 19, 2025), highlighting significant political instability.
The incumbent center-right Democratic Alliance won but failed to secure a majority, leading to another minority government.
This reflects growing public discontent with traditional parties like the Democratic Alliance and the center-left Socialists, which have alternated power for 50 years.
A major factor is the surge in support for the hard-right populist party Chega (Enough), which campaigns on curbing immigration and cracking down on corruption, potentially becoming the second-largest party.
Reasons for voter frustration include corruption scandals, a severe housing crisis (soaring prices/rents), rising cost of living, and increased immigration.
Portugal is a unitary semi-presidential republic on the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula with two autonomous regions (Madeira and Azores).
Lisbon is the capital, historically significant as a major seaport and center during the Age of Discovery.
PSLV
PSLV-C61 mission failed on May 18, 2025, while attempting to place the EOS-09 satellite into orbit.
Why: This is the most recent significant event involving the PSLV, marking a rare mission failure for ISRO’s typically reliable launch vehicle.
The failure occurred due to an issue in the rocket’s third stage during flight.
Why: Pinpoints the specific part of the rocket that malfunctioned, which is crucial information for understanding the incident.
ISRO chairman V. Narayanan stated the issue was a loss of chamber pressure in the third-stage motor casing.
Why: Provides the preliminary technical cause identified for the mission failure.
ISRO plans to assess the reasons for the pressure loss and later reattempt the mission with another EOS-09 satellite.
Why: Outlines ISRO’s immediate response and future plans following the failure.
PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) is a four-stage launch vehicle developed by ISRO, known as India’s third-generation satellite launch vehicle.
Why: Provides fundamental context about what PSLV is and its origin.
It is primarily designed for launching satellites into Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbits (SSPOs) but can also reach GTO and sub-Geosynchronous orbits.
Why: Explains its primary purpose and versatility in orbital placements.
PSLV uses alternate solid and liquid propulsion systems across its four stages, with specific propellants like HTPB, UDMH/N₂O₄ (Vikas engine), MMH/MON. The XL configuration uses strap-on boosters.
Why: Describes the technical design and power source of the rocket, highlighting its engineering features.
PSLV is called the ‘Workhorse of ISRO’ due to its consistent performance, high success rate, and ability to launch multiple satellites.
Why: Explains its reputation and importance to India’s space program despite the recent failure.
PSLV-C61/EOS-09
ISRO’s PSLV-C61 mission on May 18, 2025, failed to place the EOS-09 Earth Observation Satellite into orbit. Why: A technical glitch occurred in the rocket’s third stage.
The failure was specifically due to a fall in chamber pressure in the third stage’s solid motor during its operation. Why: This prevented the stage from performing its function of providing high thrust post-atmospheric phase.
This was the 101st mission for ISRO and the 63rd flight of the PSLV. Why: Provides context on the frequency of launches and the PSLV’s significant use.
The PSLV is known as ISRO’s highly reliable “workhorse,” making this failure rare. Why: This is only the third failure in the PSLV’s history since its first launch in 1993.
EOS-09 (also called RISAT-1B) is an advanced Earth observation satellite equipped with a C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload. Why: Designed for all-weather, high-resolution imaging for various applications including land-use mapping, disaster management, and defence.
The mission was intended for a sun-synchronous polar orbit for consistent daily coverage. Why: This orbit is ideal for earth observation satellites like EOS-09.
ISRO stated that the mission could not be accomplished and will conduct an analysis to find the root cause of the third-stage anomaly. Why: Indicates the official outcome and the agency’s immediate next step to understand the failure.
Animal A-to-I Editing
Researchers highlight the ongoing puzzle of why A-to-I mRNA editing is widespread and persists in animals and fungi, even when simpler genetic changes (like a DNA base change from A to G) could seemingly achieve a similar result.
A-to-I mRNA editing is a process where ADAR enzymes change adenosine (A) to inosine (I) in mRNA after it’s transcribed from DNA.
Why it’s significant: Ribosomes read inosine (I) as guanine (G). This changes the ‘codon’ (three-letter code for an amino acid), potentially altering the final protein’s sequence and function without changing
Potential risks: It can change crucial stop codons (like UAG or UGA) to a coding codon (UGG for tryptophan), causing ribosomes to read through and produce abnormally long, potentially non-functional proteins. This makes its persistence puzzling.
New research from China studied this in the fungus Fusarium graminearum. They found that A-to-I editing of specific ‘PSC’ genes (containing premature stop codons) is essential for the fungus’s sexual development, though not its asexual growth.
Why this helps explain complexity for some genes: For some genes (like PSC69/PSC64), the unedited version is beneficial during the asexual stage. This explains why the DNA sequence itself isn’t simply a G from the start; the editing allows for different outcomes depending on the life stage.
However, the study only provided clues for a small fraction of edited sites, confirming that making sense of the widespread nature of this editing remains a difficult challenge.
Indrayani
PCMC recently demolished 36 illegal bungalows from the River Villa project in Chikhali. Why: The structures were located within the blue flood line of the Indrayani River.
The Indrayani River is located in Maharashtra.
It is a tributary of the Bhima River, which is a tributary of the Krishna River.
It originates from the Western Ghats near Lonavala.
The rain-fed river flows 103.5 km through the Pune district and merges with the Bhima River at Tulapur.
It has religious importance with sacred towns Alandi (Sant Dnyaneshwar’s samadhi) and Dehu (Sant Tukaram’s hometown) on its banks.
The river passes through the industrial town of Pimpri-Chinchwad.
It is used for irrigation and local agriculture.
Valvan Dam on the river is a hydroelectric generating station.
