Heart Lamp wins Intl Booker
- “Heart Lamp,” a collection of short stories by Banu Mushtaq, translated by Deepa Bhasthi, won the 2025 International Booker Prize.
- This is historic as it’s the first time a work originally in Kannada has won the prestigious award.
- It is also the first collection of short stories to win the International Booker Prize.
- The book features stories portraying the struggles of women, particularly Muslim girls and women, under patriarchy, gender discrimination, and oppression, drawing on Mushtaq’s experience as a lawyer and activist.
- The themes echo the Bandaya Sahitya movement and universalize the experiences of women facing inequality and limited choices.
- The prize, worth GBP 50,000, is shared equally between the author and the translator, recognizing the crucial role of translation.
- This win marks a significant moment for Indian regional literature and highlights the importance of translating diverse voices and stories.
- Banu Mushtaq is the second Indian writer to win the prize, following Geetanjali Shree in 2022.
Chagos
- The UK has decided to hand over the sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago, including the strategically important island of Diego Garcia, to Mauritius under a historic deal.
- India welcomed this decision, stating it consistently supported Mauritius’s legitimate claim based on its principles of decolonisation, respect for sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
- The agreement marks the culmination of the decolonisation process for Mauritius, resolving a long-standing dispute over the islands, which the UK has held for over 50 years since separating them from Mauritius before its independence.
- Under the deal, the UK will retain full responsibility for the security of the Diego Garcia island, which hosts a strategic US military base.
- India views the formal resolution of the dispute as a milestone achievement and a positive development for the region, aligning with international law and a rules-based order.
- India reaffirmed its commitment to work with Mauritius and others to strengthen maritime security and regional stability in the Indian Ocean.
- The Chagos Archipelago is located in the central Indian Ocean, about 1,000 miles south of India, and was home to the Chagossian people, who were forcibly removed by the British after 1965.
- The International Court of Justice dismissed the UK’s right to govern the islands in 2019, calling for withdrawal.
ASD
- CDC reported an increase in autism prevalence from 1 in 36 children (2020) to 1 in 31 (2022), raising public and political attention.
- US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a major research effort focusing on environmental toxins as a cause, calling autism “preventable.”
- This government focus contrasts with the scientific consensus that autism is caused by a complex interplay of genetics (strong role, up to 91% heritability) and various environmental factors, not a single toxin.
- Experts refute the idea that the rise is solely due to toxins, attributing it largely to increased awareness, broader diagnostic criteria, and better screening.
- The scientifically debunked claim that vaccines cause autism persists, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, contributing to dangerous vaccine hesitancy.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder is not a single condition but a spectrum with wide variability in communication, social interaction, behavior, intellectual function, and support needs, making a “one-size-fits-all” prevention approach difficult.
- Framing autism as simply preventable and blaming parents is seen as scientifically inaccurate, socially irresponsible, and reinforces stigma.
- The current need focuses on improving early diagnosis and intervention globally, especially for underserved families facing barriers, alongside combating misinformation and focusing on maternal health.
Polar Ocean Research India
- Union Earth Sciences Minister inaugurated “Sagar Bhavan” and “Polar Bhavan” at the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa. Why: Marks a significant upgrade in India’s infrastructure for polar and ocean research, enhancing its capabilities.
- NCPOR, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is India’s nodal agency for polar and oceanographic research, established in 1998 in Goa. Why: It is responsible for planning and executing India’s expeditions and coordinating scientific research in polar and oceanic domains, including strategic projects like the Deep Ocean Mission.
- “Polar Bhavan” is the largest new facility, featuring state-of-the-art labs, accommodation, conference halls, the Science on Sphere visualisation platform, and will house India’s first Polar and Ocean Museum. Why: Expands research capacity, provides advanced scientific visualisation tools, and facilitates public scientific outreach.
- “Sagar Bhavan” includes critical -30°C ice core laboratories, +4°C storage units for archiving samples, and a Class 1000 metal-free clean room. Why: Essential for specialized analysis and long-term preservation of crucial environmental samples from polar and ocean regions.
- The new facilities position NCPOR among a select group globally with integrated polar and ocean research capabilities. Why: Strengthens India’s contribution to global climate and ocean science research.
- Minister highlighted that the facilities will boost India’s role in ocean geopolitics, climate study (including monitoring polar ice melt impacting India’s coastline), and support the Blue Economy and Deep Ocean Mission. Why: Links NCPOR’s scientific work directly to national strategic goals and global challenges.
- NCPOR manages India’s research stations in Antarctica (Maitri, Bharati), Arctic (Himadri), and Himalayas (Himansh). Why: Maintains India’s crucial scientific presence and research continuity in these sensitive and important regions.
- India’s polar engagement is governed by the Arctic Policy (2022) and Indian Antarctic Act (2022). Why: Provide the necessary legal and policy framework for responsible, science-led activities in polar regions.
India Physical Climate Risks
- India faces significant Climate Physical Risks (CPRs) threatening over 80% of its population and economy.
- CPRs are direct impacts of climate change, categorized as Acute (e.g., floods, heatwaves) or Chronic (e.g., rising sea levels, temperature).
- Key CPRs in India include rising temperatures (0.7°C increase), erratic monsoons, widespread droughts/water scarcity (600M face stress), rising sea levels (27M potentially impacted by 2100), food security threats (reduced crop yields), and economic/infrastructure damage.
- Challenges include dependence on fossil fuels, insufficient climate finance, reliance on imported green tech, vulnerability of renewable projects to climate impacts, low R&D spending, and fragmented data/assessments.
- Climate assessments are fragmented across agencies, lacking a unified system, and global models miss India’s hyper-local reality.
- The lack of a comprehensive framework means adaptation is reactive rather than proactive.
- There is a shift towards mandatory climate risk reporting.
- India is developing its National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and submitted its first Adaptation Communication.
- An India-specific CPR assessment tool is needed for informed public and private decision-making, combining localized modeling and granular data.
Srinivasan & India Nuclear
- Dr. M. R. Srinivasan, former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and a pioneer of India’s nuclear programme, passed away.
- He joined the Department of Atomic Energy in 1955 and contributed to India’s first nuclear reactor, Apsara.
- Served as Principal Project Engineer for India’s first atomic power station at Tarapur and Chief Project Engineer for the Madras Atomic Power Station.
- He was the Founder-Chairman of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), under whose leadership 18 nuclear power units were developed.
- Held significant roles including Senior Advisor to the International Atomic Energy Agency and Member of the Planning Commission and National Security Advisory Board.
- Received Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan for his contributions.
- India’s Nuclear Power Programme, primarily formulated by Dr. Homi J. Bhabha, is a strategic three-stage plan for peaceful use, aiming for self-reliance.
- The programme utilizes India’s limited uranium and abundant thorium resources via a closed fuel cycle.
- Stage 1 uses Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) with natural uranium, producing plutonium. This stage is commercially mature.
- Stage 2 involves Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) using plutonium from Stage 1 to breed more fuel and generate power. A 500 MWe FBR has started.
- Stage 3 aims for sustainable large-scale power using thorium-based reactors converting thorium to uranium-233. This stage is currently at pilot scale.
- India is setting up Bhavni, the world’s first thorium-based plant using Uranium-233.
- To accelerate capacity, India is importing reactors like the VVERs at Kudankulam built with Russian collaboration.
- Nuclear energy is India’s 5th-largest source of electricity, contributing around 3% currently.
- The Department of Atomic Energy projects the nuclear share to rise to 8.6% by 2032 and 16.6% by 2052.
K Veeraswami 1991
- The news is triggered by the seizure of cash at Justice Varma’s residence, leading the Vice President to challenge the K Veeraswami judgment (1991) and in-house inquiries after the SC rejected FIR petitions but allowed the in-house inquiry to continue. Why: Highlights ongoing debate on judicial accountability mechanisms.
- K Veeraswami Judgment (1991) classified judges as public servants under the Prevention of Corruption Act but crucially required the Chief Justice of India’s (CJI) approval for prosecution (registering an FIR). Why: This was intended to protect the judiciary from executive interference by providing built-in immunity requiring the head of the judiciary’s consent.
- Judicial Immunity: Unlike the President and Governors (Article 361), judges have no immunity under the Constitution. The VP argues sanction for prosecution should come from the President (the appointing authority vested with executive power under Article 53), challenging the Veeraswami premise. Why: Raises a constitutional argument against the CJI sanction requirement based on the principle of sanction from the appointing authority and lack of explicit constitutional immunity for judges.
- Judicial Accountability Processes:
- In-House Inquiry: A process where a panel of judges determines a prima facie case; findings are sent to the President/PM for impeachment consideration. Why: Developed by the SC as an alternative when the constitutional removal process (impeachment) is difficult; used in the Varma case.
- Impeachment (Article 124): The only constitutional removal process, initiated by Parliament. Why: It’s the prescribed method but has a very high bar and has never succeeded in 75 years, leading to calls for other mechanisms like criminal investigation.
- Justice Varma Case Status: The SC dismissed the petition for an FIR, noting the in-house inquiry report had been sent to the President and PM. Why: Suggests reliance on the in-house inquiry/impeachment path and potentially the protection offered by the Veeraswami judgment requiring CJI sanction for direct criminal prosecution.
Golden Dome
- US President announced the creation of the ‘Golden Dome’ missile defence programme. Why? To counter advanced aerial threats globally, including missiles from space.
- It’s planned as a missile defense project using space-based sensors and interceptors. Why? To create a multi-layered shield to neutralize various threats like hypersonic, ballistic, cruise missiles, and drones shortly after launch.
- If realized, it could be the first truly space-based weapon system. Why? It proposes deploying interceptors directly in orbit, unlike current space defense tech mostly focused on reconnaissance.
- It is inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome and Ronald Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative (‘Star Wars’). Why? It aims for a multi-layered defense concept similar to these projects but on a much larger, space-integrated scale.
- It’s significantly different and more ambitious than the Iron Dome. Why? While Iron Dome is a short-range, ground-based radar system for smaller threats, Golden Dome is envisioned as a defense covering land, sea, and space, designed to intercept intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and threats from major powers.
- The concept of orbital weaponry has historical roots. Why? Similar ideas were explored by Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union, and the US during the Cold War, showing a long-standing interest in space-based defense.
- The proposed timeline (operational by Jan 2029) and cost ($175 billion) face skepticism from experts. Why? The project is currently considered more of a “concept” than a concrete plan, making realistic timelines and cost estimates difficult to project.
- Funding and procurement face political hurdles. Why? Proposed initial funding is tied to a contentious bill, and potential involvement of specific companies like SpaceX is raising concerns.
Keezhadi Unearthing
- Archaeologist asked to revise report: The ASI has requested Amarnath Ramakrishna, who led the Keezhadi excavation, to resubmit his report after revisions.
- Why: Two experts suggested corrections to make the 982-page report “more authentic.” Specific issues include needing better justification for the 8th-5th century BCE dating of Period I, determining other periods based on scientific dates and stratigraphy, requiring layer numbers alongside depth for dates, and missing or unclear maps, drawings, and plans.
- Report submission and delay: Ramakrishna submitted his report on Jan 30, 2023, after being transferred in 2017. The request for revision comes over two years later.
- Why: The ASI cites technical and evidentiary requirements for authenticity and consistency analysis.
- Significance of Keezhadi: Located near Madurai on the Vaigai River, it’s a major Sangam-era urban settlement (estimated 5th century BCE – 3rd century CE), revealing a literate, craft-oriented society.
- Why: Findings suggest early urbanisation in South India, comparable to Adichanallur’s significance. Carbon dating points to settlement from at least 200 BCE, with ASI suggesting pre-300 BCE maximum for the earliest period based on current knowledge.
- Criticism of delay: Former IAS officer R. Balakrishnan calls the ASI’s decision “unprecedented” and “pathetic,” suggesting pressure or bias against southern archaeology, referencing similar delays with the Adichanallur report.
- Why: Delays in publishing findings hinder understanding and public access to significant historical discoveries.
Nagarahole Tigers
- Members of 52 Jenu Kuruba tribal families inside Nagarahole Tiger Reserve put up a board claiming land rights under the Forest Rights Act (FRA). This is news because it’s a direct assertion of traditional land ownership rights by indigenous communities within a highly protected tiger reserve, challenging the forest department’s exclusive control.
- The board, placed next to a forest department warning, reads “Our forest, our land, we rule”. This is significant as it symbolically and explicitly states their claim to ancestral land and autonomy inside the reserve area.
- The tribal families decided in a Gram Sabha to file a case against a local Gram Panchayat officer for allegedly interfering with their FRA rights. This highlights the ongoing struggle for recognition and implementation of tribal rights against perceived obstruction from local administration.
- They are protesting the rejection of 13 FRA applications and demand reconsideration for all 52 families. This is news as it points to disputes and rejections within the FRA process itself, impacting the lives of tribal communities.
- The families set a deadline of May 26 for the government to grant them Community Forest Resource Rights (CFR) and other FRA rights. This sets a specific timeline for their demands and signals potential future action if not met.
- Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, located in Karnataka and part of the UNESCO recognized Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, is where this event is occurring, providing the critical context of human rights claims within a major conservation area known for wildlife like tigers and elephants.
Chenab Valley
- Anti-terror operation: Security forces launched a major operation against terrorists in Kishtwar district, part of the Chenab Valley.
- Why: This is news as it highlights ongoing security challenges and counter-terrorism efforts in the region.
- Soldier killed: Tragically, one soldier succumbed to injuries sustained during a fierce gunfight in the Kishtwar operation.
- Why: The loss of a soldier underscores the danger and intensity of the security situation faced by forces in the area.
- Location context (Chenab Valley): The operation took place in Chhatru, a remote location within Kishtwar district, which is part of the Chenab Valley in the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Why: Provides geographical context for the news event, identifying the specific area known for its rugged terrain and strategic importance, including districts like Kishtwar, Doda, and Ramban.
- Heightened activity: The remote Chhatru location in Kishtwar has seen increased militant activity over the past year.
- Why: Explains why security forces are actively conducting operations there, indicating a persistent security threat in specific pockets of the valley.
iGOT Karmayogi
- Crossed 1 crore registered civil servants, marking a 30-fold growth since Jan 2023. This is key news because it signifies rapid digital adoption and a major milestone in transforming civil services capacity building nationwide for a future-ready public administration.
- Achieved pan-India reach with over 60% users from States/UTs, demonstrating widespread integration across diverse government levels (top 5 states: Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh).
- Issued over 3.1 crore learning certificates, totaling 3.8 crore learning hours. This highlights significant user engagement and learning impact on the platform.
- Offers over 2,400 courses in 16 languages, aligned with the indigenous Karmayogi Competency Model. This is relevant as it provides tailored, contextualized, and competency-based training for Indian civil servants.
- Operates as a core component of Mission Karmayogi, aimed at creating a professional, citizen-centric civil service by promoting a shift to role-based, competency-driven training.
- Future plans include enhancing regional languages and user experience (AI); interest from other countries in its Digital Public Infrastructure model signals potential global relevance and scalability.
Charaka & Sushruta
- Vice President of India unveiled statues of Charaka and Sushruta at Raj Bhavan, Goa.
- Charaka: Considered the Father of Medicine in India (Ayurveda). Authored Charaka Samhita, a foundational text covering physiology, diagnosis, prevention, and internal medicine. Emphasised medical ethics and preventive care.
- Sushruta: Revered as the Father of Surgery, possibly the world’s first documented surgeon (7th century BCE). Authored Sushruta Samhita, detailing over 300 surgical procedures (including rhinoplasty, skin grafting, cataract surgery) and 120 surgical instruments. Emphasised anatomical knowledge, surgical training, hygiene, and evidence-based principles.
- The unveiling signifies honoring India’s rich medical and intellectual legacy.
- The statues are intended as inspirational centers, reminding Indians of their civilizational depth of knowledge and ancient scientific achievements.
- The event aligns with a broader focus on returning to India’s roots, promoting traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, and challenging the notion that ancient Indic knowledge is regressive.
- It highlights India’s contribution to global health, referencing initiatives like the Ayush Ministry and the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar.
- The Vice President urged leveraging these ancient treasures through research, innovation, and modern validation for contemporary challenges.
Ganga Dolphins
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News: A recent study by the Wildlife Institute of India highlights severe chemical pollution risks to endangered Gangetic dolphins.
- Why: This is a major threat discovered through scientific research, indicating the dolphins are exposed to hazardous chemicals via their food, impacting their survival.
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Status & Significance: India’s National Aquatic Animal, functionally blind, relies on echolocation, population has declined over 50% since 1957.
- Why: Their endangered status and role as an indicator of river health make any new threat particularly concerning for conservation efforts and the wider ecosystem.
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Key Threat: High levels of harmful Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) like DEHP, DnBP, banned pesticides (DDT, Lindane), and heavy metals found in fish they eat.
- Why: These chemicals, from agricultural runoff, industrial waste, etc., disrupt hormonal and reproductive systems, posing a direct biological threat despite legal protection.
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Consequences: High risk from specific pollutants (DEHP, DnBP, DDT, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, PCBs); study warns of potential extinction similar to the Yangtze river dolphin.
- Why: This underscores the severity of the pollution problem and the potential irreversible loss of one of the world’s few remaining river dolphin species.
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Call to Action: Study recommends including these chemicals in conservation monitoring and establishing a national framework to assess/regulate river contamination.
- Why: Despite protection laws (Schedule I, IUCN Endangered), actionable policy and pollution control are crucial for the species’ survival, highlighting a gap between legal status and effective conservation.
Kaundinya
- The Indian Navy inducted INSV Kaundinya, a sailing vessel, marking a significant step in reviving India’s ancient maritime heritage by constructing a ship using traditional methods.
- It is the first ‘stitched ship’ built using the 2,000-year-old Tankai method, where planks are stitched with coir rope and sealed, avoiding metal fasteners. This technique makes the ship lighter, more flexible, and durable compared to metal-fastened vessels, preserving ancient shipbuilding skills.
- The ship is named after Kaundinya, a legendary 1st-century Indian mariner known for his voyage to Southeast Asia, where he co-founded the Kingdom of Funan. This name pays homage to the first known Indian mariner to undertake voyages with global historical impact, whose story is preserved in Cambodian and Vietnamese sources.
- Its design is modeled after a 5th-century ship depicted in Ajanta cave paintings, inspired by historical texts like Yuktikalpataru, and accounts of foreign travelers, providing a visual and historical basis for recreating ancient vessels.
- INSV Kaundinya is set to embark on a historic voyage to Oman by the end of 2025, retracing ancient trade routes to reaffirm India’s deep ties with the Indian Ocean world and demonstrate the capabilities of these traditional ships for long-distance voyages.
- The project is a tripartite effort involving the Indian Navy, the Ministry of Culture, and a Goa-based shipbuilding company, highlighting a formal initiative to blend defence, culture, and traditional craftsmanship.
- The ship incorporates culturally significant features like Gandabherunda, Sun motifs, Simha Yali, and a Harappan-style stone anchor, evoking rich maritime traditions and symbolizing India’s ancient seafaring identity.
Tiangong
- Chinese scientists discovered a new species of bacteria, Niallia tiangongensis, on the surfaces inside the Tiangong Space Station during the Shenzhou 15 mission.
- Why: This is the first new bacterial species found aboard Tiangong and provides insight into microbial life adapting to the unique space environment.
- The bacteria can hydrolyse (break down) gelatine. Why: This ability could be useful in nutrient-limited space environments.
- It shows adaptations like enhanced biofilm formation, oxidative stress response, and radiation damage repair. Why: These mechanisms aid survival in extreme space conditions, important for understanding life beyond Earth and managing contamination.
- Understanding microbes on space stations is essential for astronaut health and maintaining spacecraft functionality. Why: Microbes can impact crew health and equipment.
- Tiangong Space Station, meaning ‘Sky Palace’, is China’s permanently crewed station in Low Earth Orbit, the final step of its Manned Space Program. Why: Represents a major achievement in China’s space efforts.
- Its first module, Tianhe, launched in 2021. It includes Wentian and Mengtian science modules and a planned Xuntian telescope module. Why: Describes its composition and development.
- Tiangong is smaller and lighter than the International Space Station. Why: Provides context on its scale.
- It can accommodate up to three astronauts normally, or six during handovers. Why: Details its operational capacity.
- Its aims are to build a reliable station, ensure astronaut safety, and provide conditions for scientific and technological experiments in space. Why: States the station’s core objectives.
- It functions as an in-orbit laboratory supporting experiments in space life sciences, microgravity physics, material science, fundamental physics, and external platforms. Why: Highlights its role in advancing space research.
SRI Fund Scheme
- Supports MSMEs with equity infusion, aiming to help those with potential grow into large units.
- Has invested approximately ₹10,979 crore in 577 MSMEs as of March 2025, showing its progress in funding businesses.
- Possesses a total corpus of ₹50,000 crore (₹10,000 crore from Government, ₹40,000 crore from private funds), providing substantial financial support.
- Operates using a Mother-Fund and Daughter-Fund structure to channel investments effectively.
- Implemented by NSIC Venture Capital Fund Limited (NVCFL), the designated SEBI-registered fund.
- Facilitates faster business growth, job creation, and supports MSMEs listing on stock exchanges.
- Helps MSMEs contribute to India’s self-reliance by producing relevant technologies, goods, and services.
- Daughter Funds are mandated to invest at least 5 times the capital received from SRI Fund into eligible MSMEs, amplifying the scheme’s reach.
PM E-Drive
- ₹2,000 crore allocated under PM E-Drive to set up 72,000 public EV charging stations across India. Why: To build a robust national charging grid and reduce range anxiety for EV users.
- PM E-DRIVE scheme is a flagship initiative (total ₹10,900 crore, 2024-2026). Why: To accelerate electric mobility through demand incentives and charging infrastructure support.
- Scheme aims to reduce transport emissions, improve air quality, and enhance energy security. Why: To decrease fossil fuel dependency and promote cleaner transport.
- Supports adoption of various EVs (2Ws, 3Ws, buses, etc.). Why: To encourage citizens to switch to electric vehicles.
- Provides direct demand incentives via e-vouchers after EV purchase. Why: To directly support buyers and boost adoption.
- Charging stations will cover key cities, highways, airports, and high-traffic locations. Why: To ensure convenient access across the country.
- BHEL considered as nodal agency for demand aggregation and developing a Unified EV Super App. Why: To coordinate infrastructure deployment and provide a single digital platform for users (real-time info, booking, payment).
- Deployment is being fast-tracked through inter-ministerial meetings. Why: To ensure collaborative and efficient implementation across government bodies.
- Project expected to reduce carbon emissions, promote Make in India manufacturing, and create green jobs. Why: To achieve broader environmental, economic, and social benefits.