08.05.25

Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 08-05-2025

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SCALP Missile

  • SCALP Missiles Used in Operation Sindoor: Reportedly launched from Indian Rafale jets targeting deep-terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK.

  • Long-Range Cruise Missile: The SCALP (also known as Storm Shadow) is a long-range, air-launched cruise missile.

  • Deep Strike Capability: Designed for deep strike missions against high-value, fixed targets.

  • Jointly Developed: Developed jointly by the United Kingdom and France.

  • Extensive Service: In service with multiple air forces, including those of Egypt, India, Italy, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.

  • Range and Warhead: Has a range of approximately 500 km and carries a 450 kg conventional warhead.

  • Stealth and Precision: Designed for stealth, low altitude flight to evade radar, and precision targeting. Utilizes terrain-following navigation, GPS/INS guidance, and infrared terminal homing.

  • Rafale Integration: India has integrated the SCALP missile with its Rafale fighter jets.

Anak Krakatau

  • Unnoticed Ground Movement: Satellite analysis reveals years of ground movement preceded Anak Krakatau’s 2018 collapse, previously undetected. Why: Highlights the potential for improved monitoring techniques to predict future events.

  • Location: Anak Krakatau is a stratovolcano in the Sunda Strait, Indonesia, between Java and Sumatra. Why: Contextualizes the volcano’s geographical setting and proximity to populated areas.

  • Ring of Fire: It’s part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for high volcanic and seismic activity. Why: Explains its position in a tectonically active zone.

  • Emergence: Anak Krakatau emerged from the sea in 1927, offspring of the 1883 Krakatoa eruption. Why: Establishes its relatively recent formation and connection to a major historical event.

  • Frequent Eruptions: It has experienced frequent strombolian eruptions, leading to its growth. Why: Characterizes its typical eruptive style.

  • Multiple Magma Chambers: Sits above multiple magma chambers. Why: Explains the possible nature of the eruptions in this area

  • 2018 Collapse & Tsunami: A 2018 eruption caused a flank collapse, triggering a deadly tsunami impacting Sumatra and Java. Why: Details a recent catastrophic event and its consequences.

India’s Green Hydrogen Standard

  • Launch of Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI): Launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) to certify green hydrogen production.

  • Objective: To promote a green hydrogen market in India, reduce carbon emissions, boost exports, and encourage energy-intensive sectors to adopt green hydrogen.

  • Focus on MSMEs: MNRE organized a workshop to explore opportunities for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the green hydrogen supply chain, recognizing their crucial role in innovation and localized solutions.

  • Certification Process: Verification by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) Accredited Carbon Verification (ACV) Agency to ensure compliance. Certificates are non-tradeable and cannot be used for emission reduction credits.

  • Offset Mechanism: BEE offers an offset mechanism under CCTS for hard-to-abate sectors using green hydrogen.

  • Applicability: Scheme applies to green hydrogen production from electrolysis or biomass conversion.

  • Export Hubs: Selected international port cities like Kandla, Paradip, and Tuticorin as key green hydrogen production centers for export.

  • Curbing Greenwashing: Aims to ensure transparency and credibility, preventing false eco-friendly claims.

  • MSME Opportunities: Focus on component manufacturing, operations and maintenance services, and rural hydrogen generation for MSMEs.

  • National Green Hydrogen Mission Goals (by 2030):

    • At least 5 MMT annual green hydrogen production
    • ~125 GW renewable energy capacity addition
    • Over Rs. 8 lakh crore in investments
    • Over 6 lakh jobs
    • Rs. 1 lakh crore reduction in fossil fuel imports
    • ~50 MMT annual greenhouse gas emissions abatement

India and the Arctic

  • Arctic Geopolitical Shift: The Arctic is transforming from a zone of scientific cooperation to a region of geopolitical and military competition due to climate change opening new sea routes like the Northern Sea Route (NSR).
  • Militarization and Commercialization: Arctic states are increasing military presence and commercial activities, driven by access to resources and strategic positioning. Russia, China, and the US are key players.
  • Potential Impact on India: A militarized Arctic could undermine India’s maritime interests by diverting trade through the NSR, affecting India’s vision for regional connectivity (MAHASAGAR) and its role in the Indo-Pacific.
  • India’s Arctic Approach: India’s engagement includes scientific expeditions, research stations (Himadri, IndArc), and observer status in the Arctic Council. The 2022 Arctic Policy focuses on scientific research, climate, and economic cooperation.
  • Gaps in India’s Strategy: India lacks a long-term geopolitical and economic strategy, has limited private sector involvement, hasn’t capitalized on the NSR, faces challenges from China’s growing Arctic influence, and has underdeveloped infrastructure focus and indigenous engagement policies.
  • Recalibrating India’s Strategy: India needs to institutionalize Arctic engagement, align with Arctic countries on technology and infrastructure, strengthen connectivity (India-Russia-Nordic shipping corridor, Chennai-Vladivostok EMC), propose a Blue Economy Treaty, and use space capabilities for Arctic monitoring.
  • Russia-China coordination: Growing Russia-China strategic coordination in the Arctic and China’s expanding naval presence in the Indian Ocean are making it harder for India to focus solely on its maritime interests in the south.
  • Nordic State Concerns: Nordic states are uneasy about India’s ties with Russia, especially amid the Ukraine conflict.

INS Sharda to Maldives for HADR

  • INS Sharda Deployed to Maldives: INS Sharda arrived at Maafilaafushi Atoll, Maldives for a joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise. The exercise is planned for 04 to 10 May 2025.
  • HADR Exercise Purpose: To enhance interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) in responding to humanitarian challenges and natural disasters.
  • Focus Areas: Disaster Response Coordination, Search and Rescue Operations, Medical Assistance, Logistical Support, Joint Drills, Training Sessions, and Community Engagement.
  • MAHASAGAR Vision: The deployment aligns with India’s “MAHASAGAR” vision, emphasizing collaborative efforts for security, growth, and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.
  • India-Maldives Defence Cooperation: The exercise demonstrates strong defence and maritime cooperation between India and Maldives.
  • Historical Context: India’s commitment to HADR in the Maldives is highlighted by Operation Castor after the 2004 tsunami.
  • Operational Excellence: INS Sharda’s past achievements, such as rescuing hostages off Somalia, reinforce India’s maritime security role.
  • Bilateral Exercises: India and Maldives conduct “Ekuverin” (Army) and “Ekatha” (Navy) exercises, strengthening defence ties.

Thalassemia Day

  • International Thalassemia Day: Observed annually on May 8th. Aims to promote global awareness, prevention, and early diagnosis of thalassemia.
  • Theme 2025: “Together for Thalassemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritizing Patients.” This highlights the importance of collaborative efforts and patient-centered care in thalassemia management.
  • Global Burden: India is a major contributor. With 50 million beta thalassemia carriers, India accounts for 25% of global thalassemia cases. This emphasizes the urgent need for prevention and management strategies in India.
  • Treatment Approaches: Regular blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy are crucial for managing thalassemia. Bone marrow or stem cell transplantation offers a potential cure in severe cases.
  • National Health Mission (NHM) Support: The NHM provides support to States/UTs for thalassemia screening, treatment, and infrastructure. This underscores the government’s commitment to addressing thalassemia.
  • Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Integration: Integration of thalassemia testing into the RCH program is recommended for early carrier detection and genetic counseling. This aims to reduce the disease burden through informed reproductive choices.
  • National Program for Prevention and Control of Hemoglobinopathies (NPPCH): Focuses on raising awareness, counseling, and testing services. The program seeks to improve early identification and support for affected individuals.
  • Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana (TBSY): Offers financial assistance for Bone Marrow Transplants via Coal India Ltd.’s CSR at empanelled hospitals. This provides critical financial support for potentially life-saving treatment.

Naming Dispute

  • Naming Dispute: The water body has been historically known as the “Persian Gulf” since the 16th century. However, many Arab countries prefer “Arabian Gulf.”
  • Trump’s Potential Action: There were concerns Donald Trump would officially rename it “Arabian Gulf” during a visit to Saudi Arabia, aligning with Arab states’ preference, but this didn’t happen.
  • Iran’s Strong Opposition: Iran strongly opposes any name change, asserting historical naming rights and has done so in the past, including threatening to sue Google.
  • Historical Usage: “Persian Gulf” is widely recognized in historical records, treaties, and cartographic references.
  • Geopolitical Importance: The Persian Gulf is a vital geopolitical chokepoint for global oil shipments, connected to the Arabian Sea via the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Institutional Recognition: The International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) still recognizes the water body as the Persian Gulf.
  • Strategic Implications: Islands within the Gulf, like Qeshm (Iran) and Bahrain, hold strategic military and economic value.
  • Energy Security: Approximately 30% of the world’s oil exports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the region’s importance to global energy security.
  • Trump’s Previous Actions: Trump has a history of attempting to change geographical names, like calling the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America,” which led to conflict with the Associated Press.
  • Symbolic Significance: Changing the name is seen by Iran as a hostile act with no legal or geographical effect but will bring the wrath of Iranians.

India Fire Safe

  • Recent Fires: Kolkata hotel fire (14 deaths) and Ajmer hotel fire (4 deaths) highlight a recurring problem in India.
  • Urbanization & Infrastructure:
    • Illegal constructions violate safety norms (setback rule).
    • Non-fire-resistant materials used.
    • Poor urban planning hinders fire engine access.
    • Many buildings have only one staircase, violating National Building Code (NBC).
  • Governance Issues:
    • Political interference leads to regularization of unsafe buildings.
    • Lack of public awareness about fire drills and exits.
  • Industrial/Commercial Issues:
    • Faulty machinery and poor maintenance (HVAC systems).
    • Unsafe handling of hazardous materials.
  • Climate Change: Extreme heat leads to overloaded electrical systems and AC compressor bursts.
  • Regulations:
    • National Building Code (NBC) 2016: primary standard but often not followed.
    • Model Building Bye Laws 2016, Fire Prevention Act 2005, Emergency Services Bill 2019, and Fire Service Modernization Scheme 2023 exist but need better implementation.
  • Solutions:
    • Smart infrastructure (AI detection, fire-resistant materials).
    • Retrofitting buildings with fire-retardant materials.
    • More breathing apparatuses for firefighters.
    • Safe industrial practices (hazardous material management).
    • Climate resilience strategies (green spaces, water recycling).
    • Maintain low-height sidewalks for fire engine access.
    • Retractable metallic staircases for emergency escapes.
  • Kolkata’s Situation: Kolkata’s inner city hasn’t seen redevelopment unlike other metropolises, resulting in outdated safety features and use of flammable materials.
  • Preventable Tragedies: Fires are often described as accidents but are largely preventable with proper
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    safety measures and efficient mitigation strategies.

India Fire Safe

Piprahwa Jewels

  • Auction Controversy: Buddhist scholars and monks worldwide are concerned about the upcoming auction of ancient Piprahwa Gems in Hong Kong.
  • Religious Significance: The gems are widely considered to be imbued with the presence of the Buddha and hold significant religious, archaeological, and historical value for Buddhists.
  • Historical Context: The Piprahwa Gems were discovered in a stupa in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India, believed to contain the Buddha’s remains (circa 480 BC).
  • Discovery and Distribution: William Claxton Peppé, a British engineer, excavated the gems in 1898. The British Crown claimed the find, gifting bone and ash fragments to Siam (Thailand), while most of the gems went to the Indian Museum in Kolkata, and Peppé retained a portion.
  • Auction Details: Descendants of William Claxton Peppé are auctioning the gems, expecting to fetch around 9.7 million pounds.
  • Differing Opinions: Some Southeast Asian art specialists consider the gems, bone, and ash to be Buddha’s remains that should not be auctioned. However, a descendant of Peppe claims that Buddhist temples and experts consulted did not classify the gems as bodily remains.

Piprahwa Jewels

Ocean Microplastics

  • Microplastics Deeply Embedded: Microplastics aren’t just surface pollutants; they’ve infiltrated deep into the ocean’s structure, impacting biogeochemical and carbon cycles.
  • Vertical Distribution: Smaller microplastic particles (1-100 micrometres) are found as deep as 100 meters within ocean gyres, while larger fragments concentrate near the surface.
  • Ocean Gyres as Traps: Gyres, slow-moving circular currents, act as whirlpools, concentrating plastic debris, including microplastics.
  • Significant Plastic Input: Estimated plastic input from 1950-2015 is 17-47 million metric tonnes. Fishing gear is a key source, with over 56 polymer types detected.
  • Carbon Cycle Disruption: Microplastic pollution adds allochthonous carbon, potentially skewing carbon dating by up to 420 years and disrupting the ocean’s carbon cycle. Microplastic carbon can rise up to 5% of total particulate organic carbon at 2000m depth in subtropical gyres.
  • Biogeochemical Alterations: Microplastics disrupt microbial nitrification and denitrification, releasing metabolites that alter nutrient cycles.
  • Health Concerns: Microplastics can attach to red blood cells (reducing oxygen transport) and have been found in placentas and fetal organs, posing health risks, especially to children.
  • Detailed Analysis: The study synthesised data from 1,885 ocean stations (2014-2024) to understand microplastic distribution across depths, focusing on the subsurface layer (50 cm below the surface).
  • Regulations: Global efforts include the UNEP Plastics Treaty. India has implemented a ban on single-use plastics and Plastic Waste Management Rules.

Snow Leopard Watch

  • Rare Sighting: Tourists in Himachal Pradesh’s Spiti Valley experienced a rare encounter with a snow leopard during a road trip from Kaza to Nako.
  • Elusive Predator: Snow leopards, known as the “ghost of the mountains,” are rarely seen by humans due to their elusive nature.
  • Scientific Classification: The snow leopard’s scientific name is Panthera uncia.
  • Habitat: They inhabit high-altitude regions of Central and South Asia, ranging from 1,800 to 5,500 meters in elevation.
  • Distribution: Snow leopards are found in 12 countries, including China, India, Nepal, Russia, and Mongolia. In India, they reside in the high-altitude areas of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Physical Adaptations: Their pale grey fur with dark rosettes provides camouflage in rocky terrains. They have a dense undercoat for insulation and a long tail for balance and warmth.
  • Solitary Nature: Snow leopards are typically solitary animals, except during mating season or when raising offspring.
  • Conservation Status: The snow leopard is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List,
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    is in CITES Appendix I, and is under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.
  • Population Estimate: Scientists estimate that only between 3,920 and 6,390 snow leopards remain in the wild, despite their vast range of over 2 million sq. km.

Operation Vermillion

  • Operation Sindoor: A retaliatory precision strike by the Indian Armed Forces on terror camps in Pakistan and PoK.
  • Precision Targeting: 21 terror camps across 9 locations were hit with minimal collateral damage using niche-technology weapons.
  • Key Weapons Deployed:
    • HAMMER: French air-to-ground smart weapon, range up to 70 km, all-weather precision, autonomous, resistant to jamming.
    • SCALP: Air-launched stealth cruise missile, range up to 450 km, terrain-hugging flight, INS, GPS, and terrain referencing for accuracy.
    • METEOR: Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), effective in electronic warfare, extended No-Escape Zone.
    • BRAHMOS: Supersonic cruise missile, speed up to Mach 3, range increased to 450-500 km, Fire-and-Forget Principle, versatile platforms.
    • Loitering Munitions: Kamikaze drones for surveillance and precision strikes on mobile or time-sensitive targets.
  • India’s Arsenal Build-up: The operation showcased India’s growing arsenal of precision-guided long-range weapons and drones.
  • No Collateral Damage: Carefully selected warheads were used to avoid collateral damage, as stated by IAF Wing Commander Vyomika Singh.
  • Autonomous Capabilities: The weapons systems feature autonomous guidance, jamming resistance, and all-weather capabilities.
  • Strategic Implications: Operation Sindoor and beyond signify India’s preparedness to tackle terrorism challenge and the Pakistan issue effectively.

Haenyeo: Genetic Legacy

  • Genetic and Physiological Adaptations: Haenyeo divers from Jeju Island, South Korea, exhibit genetic and physiological adaptations due to their unique diving practices.

  • Diving Culture: They dive up to 10 meters without oxygen masks to harvest shellfish. UNESCO recognized their culture as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016.

  • Bradycardia and Blood Pressure: Long-term diving has shaped traits like bradycardia (slowing of heart rate) and blood pressure regulation.

  • Study Findings: Research confirms these adaptations, including a robust diving reflex leading to bradycardia during simulated dives.

  • Spleen Size: Spleen size differences were attributed to regional factors rather than genetic adaptation, despite being larger in Jeju residents compared to Seoul.

  • Genetic Distinction: Jeju Island residents are genetically distinct from mainland Koreans, diverging ~5,000-7,000 years ago.

  • Gene Variant (rs66930627): A specific gene variant is more common in Jeju residents and linked to lower diastolic pressure, potentially evolved to reduce hypertension risks during pregnancy.

  • Pregnancy-Associated Hypertension: The genetic variant identified may reduce pregnancy-associated hypertension risks.

  • Impact on Island Population: Diving during pregnancy has influenced the genetic makeup of the island’s population.

Red Cross Day

  • Event: World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, observed annually on May 8th.
  • Purpose: Honors volunteers and employees of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement for their humanitarian work. Commemorates the birth of Henry Dunant, founder of the ICRC and first Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
  • Theme 2025: “Keeping Humanity Alive” – Reflects commitment to humanitarian service amidst rising inequalities, health crises, and conflicts. Emphasizes upholding humanitarian ideals and spreading kindness.
  • Historical Context: Established in 1948 to mark Henry Dunant’s birthday. Inspired by his witnessing the Battle of Solferino in 1859, leading to the formation of the ICRC in 1863 and the Geneva Conventions.
  • Movement: The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the world’s largest humanitarian network.
  • Significance: Recognizes volunteers aiding in emergencies, wars, and disasters. Promotes the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntarism, unity, and universality.
  • Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS): Founded in 1920, provides disaster relief and healthcare. The President of India is its President, and the Union Health Minister is its Chairman.

Handedness

  • Chirality Breakthrough: Researchers discovered a chiral quantum state in KV₃Sbâ‚…, a material previously considered non-chiral.
  • What is Chirality? A property where an object isn’t superimposable on its mirror image; also known as “handedness.” Crucial in biochemistry and quantum physics.
  • KV₃Sbâ‚… and Kagome Lattices: KV₃Sbâ‚… is a quantum material with a Kagome lattice structure (corner-sharing triangles) used to study quantum phenomena.
  • Scanning Photocurrent Microscope (SPCM): A tool that can detect nonlinear electromagnetic responses in materials, used in the research
  • Chirality Detection: SPCM detected handedness in photocurrent, confirming the circular photogalvanic effect (CPGE), a sign of chirality.
  • Symmetry Breaking: KV₃Sbâ‚… displayed spontaneous symmetry breaking (charge density wave/CDW) when cooled.
  • Chiral Confirmation: Differential response to right- and left-handed circularly polarized light proves broken inversion and mirror symmetry at 4 Kelvin.
  • Significance: First confirmation of intrinsic chiral charge order in a bulk topological quantum material.
  • Chirality in Chemistry: Relates to molecules not superimposable on their mirror image, often due to an asymmetric carbon atom.
  • Enantiomers: Non-superimposable mirror-image forms of a chiral molecule.
  • Inorganic Chirality: Chirality can exist in inorganic and organometallic compounds.

Jenu Kuruba

  • Recent Re-occupation: Jenu Kuruba families have recently begun re-occupying their ancestral homes inside Nagarhole National Park.

  • PVTG Status: The Jenu Kuruba are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). This highlights their unique vulnerability and need for protection.

  • Location: Primarily found in the Kodagu and Mysore districts of Karnataka. This specifies their geographical concentration.

  • Etymology & Occupation: “Jenu” means honey in Kannada, reflecting their traditional occupation of honey collection and forest produce gathering. This explains their name and primary livelihood.

  • Traditional Livelihood: Historically reliant on land and forest resources for income. This underscores their dependence on the natural environment.

  • Alternative Names: Also known as “Then Kurumba” or “Kattu Naikar.” This provides alternative names for the tribe.

  • Settlements: Live in small settlements called Hadi. This specifies the name of their traditional living spaces.

  • Social Structure: Semi-nomadic lifestyle with a decentralized social structure, led by a headman (Yajamana) and ritual head (Gudda). This shows their self-governance.

  • Belief System: They have deep rooted beliefs in supernatural entities and their songs and dances often revolve around agriculture, rituals and religious belief.

Kosmos 482 Mystery

  • Kosmos 482 Re-entry: A 500 kg lander module from the Soviet Kosmos 482 mission is predicted to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere around May 10, 2025, after over 50 years in space.

  • Failed Venus Mission: Launched March 31, 1972, Kosmos 482 was intended to land on Venus as part of the Venera program but a timer malfunction in the rocket’s upper stage left it stranded in Earth orbit.

  • Venera Program: The Venera program was a Soviet effort (1961-1984) involving 28 probes to explore Venus. Venera 8, Kosmos 482’s twin, successfully landed and transmitted data.

  • Malfunction Details: The upper stage shut down prematurely, failing to propel Kosmos 482 out of Earth orbit. The main spacecraft burned up, but the lander module remained in orbit.

  • Uncontrolled Re-entry: Re-entry will be uncontrolled, lacking aerobraking or parachutes due to its age.

  • Titanium Construction: The titanium body is likely to withstand atmospheric re-entry temperatures.

  • Potential Impact Zone: Its orbit places it between 52 degrees North and South latitude (Africa, Australia, Americas, parts of Europe and Asia).

  • Low Risk: The chances of it hitting someone are extremely low.

IMDEX Asia 2025

  • INS Kiltan’s Arrival: Indian Naval Ship INS Kiltan arrived in Singapore for IMDEX Asia 2025 at the Changi Exhibition Centre. This participation emphasizes the strong maritime partnership between India and Singapore.

  • Bilateral & Multilateral Engagements: The ship’s crew will participate in professional exchanges with the Republic of Singapore Navy and other navies attending IMDEX Asia 2025. These activities aim to improve naval cooperation, interoperability, and mutual understanding.

  • Public Engagement: Planned activities include guided tours for school children, cross-deck visits with other navies, and curated visits for defense industries. This encourages awareness of maritime security and India’s naval history.

  • India’s Commitment: The visit demonstrates the Indian Navy’s dedication to regional security, stability, and the enduring relationship between India and Singapore as maritime partners.

  • IMDEX Asia Overview: IMDEX Asia is a leading maritime and defense exhibition in the Asia-Pacific region, held biennially in Singapore. It showcases naval platforms, technologies, and fosters high-level strategic dialogue.

  • IMSC’s Role: The International Maritime Security Conference (IMSC) is a key component of IMDEX. It brings together navy chiefs, policymakers, and maritime stakeholders to enhance maritime security cooperation and address challenges in the maritime domain. The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) jointly organize it.