UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 May 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 May 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 May (2025)
• Judicial transfers: Help or hindrance?
Judicial transfers: Help or hindrance?
GS Paper 3:
• US Research Fund Crunch and Indian Opportunity
US Research Fund Crunch and Indian Opportunity
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Five-Point Global Action Plan to Protect Fragile Mountain Ecosystems
Five-Point Global Action Plan to Protect Fragile Mountain Ecosystems
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Jnanpith Award
Jnanpith Award
• RBI Surplus Transfer
RBI Surplus Transfer
• World Food Prize
World Food Prize
• Narayanpatna Goat
Narayanpatna Goat
• Bird Flu
Bird Flu
• GRAIL mission
GRAIL mission
Mapping:
• Lebanon
Lebanon
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 May 2025
#### GS Paper 2:
Judicial transfers: Help or hindrance?
Syllabus: Judiciary
Source: DH
Context: Two Bar Associations recently protested the Supreme Court collegium’s transfer recommendations involving judges from the Karnataka and Delhi High Courts.
• The protests reignited debates on judicial independence, executive interference, and the lack of a structured transfer policy.
About Judicial transfers: Help or hindrance?
• What are Judicial Transfers?
• Judicial transfer refers to moving a judge from one High Court to another based on administrative needs or public interest.
• Judicial transfer refers to moving a judge from one High Court to another based on administrative needs or public interest.
• Constitutional Provision:
• Article 222(1) of the Constitution empowers the President to transfer a judge in consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
• Article 222(1) of the Constitution empowers the President to transfer a judge in consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
• Procedure of Judicial Transfers:
• Initiation: Proposed by the CJI, considering judicial performance and administrative grounds. Consultation: Mandatory with CJs of both High Courts and senior SC judges familiar with the judge’s work. Collegium Recommendation: For judges, it includes the CJI and two senior-most SC judges; for CJs, the full 5-member collegium is involved. Executive Approval: Law Ministry processes the file to PM to President grants final approval. Notification: Department of Justice issues transfer orders via Gazette.
• Initiation: Proposed by the CJI, considering judicial performance and administrative grounds.
• Consultation: Mandatory with CJs of both High Courts and senior SC judges familiar with the judge’s work.
• Collegium Recommendation: For judges, it includes the CJI and two senior-most SC judges; for CJs, the full 5-member collegium is involved.
• Executive Approval: Law Ministry processes the file to PM to President grants final approval.
• Notification: Department of Justice issues transfer orders via Gazette.
Need for Judicial Transfers:
• Prevent Local Influence: Reduces chances of bias from local networks or pressures.
• Promote Judicial Neutrality: Helps in maintaining independence by avoiding prolonged stay in one High Court.
• Strengthen Judicial Administration: Enables redistribution of judicial expertise across High Courts.
• Fill Urgent Vacancies: Used (though controversially) to address temporary judge shortages.
• Encourage Diversity: Intended to promote inclusivity and regional representation.
Issues Surrounding Judicial Transfers:
• Executive Interference Risk: E.g., Justice Muralidhar’s midnight transfer raised concerns of retaliation for “inconvenient” judgments.
• Opacity in Collegium Decisions: Supreme Court Observer (2021) found that 59% of transfer orders had no reasons given.
• Disruption to Judicial Continuity: Part-heard cases suffer delays; judges face local law and language barriers.
• Impact on Seniority: Transfers can disrupt promotion prospects as seniority is calculated inter se within a court.
• No Solution to Vacancies: Shifting judges only relocates the problem and all HCs except Sikkim and Meghalaya are under strength.
• Tokenism in Diversity Push: As of 2023, only 4% SC/ST judges and 14% women judges in HCs — transfers don’t solve root issues.
Way Ahead:
• Codify a Transparent Transfer Policy: With clear, objective criteria and stated reasons for public trust.
• Ensure Routine Transfers: Transfers should be non-arbitrary and planned to avoid speculation or bias.
• Use Retired Judges & Fast-Track Appointments: Better approach to deal with judicial vacancies than transfers.
• Enhance Collegium Accountability: Publishing detailed justifications can restore faith in the process.
• Diversity at Entry Level: Focus on recruitment reforms, reservations, and mentorship for underrepresented groups.
Conclusion:
Judicial transfers, when routine and transparent, can enhance administrative efficiency. However, arbitrary and opaque transfers risk judicial independence and public confidence. To preserve the judiciary’s credibility, systemic reforms are more effective than reactive relocations.
• “Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy.” Comment. (UPSC-2023)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 May 2025 GS Paper 3:
US Research Fund Crunch and Indian Opportunity
Syllabus: Science and Technology
Source: IE
Context: The US National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) are facing unprecedented budget cuts, leading to large-scale termination of scientific research grants.
About US Research Fund Crunch and Indian Opportunity:
About US Fund Crunch:
• Nature of Crisis: The US FY26 budget proposes a 55% cut to NSF funding, leading to the termination of 1,400+ research grants and cancellation of 1,000 graduate fellowships.
• Impacted Sectors: Research in public health, climate science, digital innovation, and disaster resilience are all severely affected.
• Economic Ripple: NIH grant cuts alone could cause a $6.1 billion GDP loss and 46,000 job cuts, particularly impacting university towns and scientific communities.
• Global Talent Migration: European nations like France are opening refugee science programs to absorb displaced researchers.
Opportunity for India:
• Reclaiming Talent: India can attract top Indian-origin researchers in the US and global scientists seeking stable research environments.
E.g. VAIBHAV and VAJRA fellowships can be scaled to encourage long-term relocation.
• Bridge Funding: India can take over ongoing Indo-US NIH projects, ensuring continuity in public health and biomedical research.
• Boost Knowledge Economy: Leveraging the crisis, India can position itself as a global science hub by offering infrastructure, autonomy, and funding.
• Philanthropic Push: With ₹1.31 lakh crore in social philanthropy in 2024, Indian private foundations can co-invest in global research excellence.
Challenges for India:
• Limited Research Funding: India’s R&D spend is just 0.64% of GDP, compared to the OECD average of 2.7%.
• Bureaucratic Bottlenecks: Complex grant procedures and delayed disbursements deter international talent.
• Academic Rigidities: Lack of autonomy, tenure uncertainty, and administrative interference affect innovation in Indian institutions.
• Diversity and Inclusion Gaps: Skewed representation across caste, gender, and region in academia limits broad-based scientific progress.
Way Ahead:
• Expand Fellowship Programs: Widen VAIBHAV/VAJRA into multi-year schemes with enhanced funding and transparent selection.
• Ease Institutional Norms: Grant more autonomy to research institutions, enable faster funding approvals, and foster collaborative labs.
• Incentivize Relocation: Offer infrastructure, tax benefits, and relocation support to foreign and diaspora scientists.
• Public-Private Collaboration: Encourage Indian corporates and philanthropists to co-fund basic science through CSR and endowments.
• Global Collaboration Hubs: Create interdisciplinary research clusters linked to SDGs and climate resilience to attract global partners.
Conclusion:
India stands at a historic crossroads where global brain circulation can be turned into brain gain. With timely reforms and strategic investments, the country can leapfrog into the top tier of global science leaders. This window may never reopen.
• Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades. (UPSC-2015)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 May 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Five-Point Global Action Plan to Protect Fragile Mountain Ecosystems
Context: Union Environment Minister addressed the 1st Sagarmatha Sambaad in Nepal, presenting a five-point global action plan to protect fragile mountain ecosystems, with a focus on the Himalayas.
About Five-Point Global Action Plan to Protect Fragile Mountain Ecosystems:
What It Is?
• It is a strategic framework proposed by India to promote climate-resilient, inclusive, and cooperative conservation of mountain ecosystems globally, especially within the Himalayan region.
Five-Point Global Action Plan to Protect Fragile Mountain Ecosystems:
• Enhanced Scientific Cooperation: Foster transboundary research and monitoring on glaciers, biodiversity, and hydrology in mountain systems.
• Building Climate Resilience: Develop early warning systems, climate-resilient infrastructure, and disaster preparedness (e.g., for GLOFs).
• Empowering Mountain Communities: Mainstream local knowledge and livelihoods into climate policies and promote green jobs and sustainable tourism.
• Providing Green Finance: Push for adequate and predictable climate finance from developed nations, aligned with UNFCCC and Paris Agreement obligations.
• Recognizing Mountain Perspectives: Ensure mountain issues are integrated in global climate negotiations, SDG targets, and development finance frameworks.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• GS Paper 3 – Environment & Ecology Climate change impacts on fragile ecosystems, cryosphere, and transboundary biodiversity.
• Climate change impacts on fragile ecosystems, cryosphere, and transboundary biodiversity.
• GS Paper 2 – International Relations & Environmental Agreements
• India’s engagement in global environmental diplomacy and climate governance.
• India’s engagement in global environmental diplomacy and climate governance.
• GS Paper 1 – Geography Issues related to mountain ecosystems, disaster vulnerability, and sustainable development.
• Issues related to mountain ecosystems, disaster vulnerability, and sustainable development.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 May Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Jnanpith Award
Source: PIB
Context: President of India presented the 58th Jnanpith Award to Jagadguru Rambhadracharya (Sanskrit) in New Delhi.
• Renowned poet Gulzar (Urdu poet) also received the award but could not attend due to health reasons.
About Jnanpith Award:
• What is the Jnanpith Award? India’s highest literary honour, awarded annually for outstanding contribution to Indian literature.
• India’s highest literary honour, awarded annually for outstanding contribution to Indian literature.
• Established in: 1961 by the Bharatiya Jnanpith Trust, founded by industrialist Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain.
• Objective: To honour literary excellence in Indian languages and promote the cultural and intellectual heritage of India.
• Historical Background: Idea conceived on Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain’s 50th birthday (22 May 1961). First award conferred in 1965.
• Idea conceived on Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain’s 50th birthday (22 May 1961).
• First award conferred in 1965.
• Eligibility Criteria: Only Indian citizens are eligible. The award is open to all Indian languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, and English. (from the 49th award). A language becomes ineligible for 3 years once awarded.
• Only Indian citizens are eligible.
• The award is open to all Indian languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, and English. (from the 49th award).
• A language becomes ineligible for 3 years once awarded.
• Selection Process: Proposals Invited: From universities, literary bodies, critics, and readers across the country. Language Advisory Committees (LACs): Each language has a 3-member committee of literary experts. LACs are reconstituted every 3 years. Free to consider names beyond submitted proposals. Evaluation Criteria: Comprehensive assessment of an author’s entire literary contribution. Must reflect contemporary relevance and cultural impact. Selection Board: Comprises 7 to 11 eminent scholars of high integrity. Recommendations from LACs are reviewed for final decision. Award Details: Award Components: Cash prize (currently ₹11 lakh), Citation and plaque. Earlier awarded for a specific work (first 17 awards); now recognizes overall literary contribution.
• Proposals Invited: From universities, literary bodies, critics, and readers across the country.
• Language Advisory Committees (LACs): Each language has a 3-member committee of literary experts. LACs are reconstituted every 3 years. Free to consider names beyond submitted proposals.
• Each language has a 3-member committee of literary experts.
• LACs are reconstituted every 3 years.
• Free to consider names beyond submitted proposals.
• Evaluation Criteria: Comprehensive assessment of an author’s entire literary contribution. Must reflect contemporary relevance and cultural impact.
• Comprehensive assessment of an author’s entire literary contribution.
• Must reflect contemporary relevance and cultural impact.
• Selection Board: Comprises 7 to 11 eminent scholars of high integrity. Recommendations from LACs are reviewed for final decision.
• Comprises 7 to 11 eminent scholars of high integrity.
• Recommendations from LACs are reviewed for final decision.
• Award Details: Award Components: Cash prize (currently ₹11 lakh), Citation and plaque. Earlier awarded for a specific work (first 17 awards); now recognizes overall literary contribution.
• Award Components: Cash prize (currently ₹11 lakh), Citation and plaque.
• Cash prize (currently ₹11 lakh),
• Citation and plaque.
• Earlier awarded for a specific work (first 17 awards); now recognizes overall literary contribution.
RBI Surplus Transfer
Source: LM
Context: The RBI may transfer a record ₹2.5 to ₹3 lakh crore as surplus to the government for FY 2024–25.
• The Central Board reviewed the Economic Capital Framework (ECF) on May 15, 2025, ahead of deciding the transfer amount.
About RBI Surplus Transfer:
• What is Surplus Transfer?
• The RBI transfers its net profit—i.e., total income minus expenditure—to the Central Government, after making necessary provisions. This process is termed as surplus transfer and not dividend payment, since RBI is not a commercial entity.
• The RBI transfers its net profit—i.e., total income minus expenditure—to the Central Government, after making necessary provisions.
• This process is termed as surplus transfer and not dividend payment, since RBI is not a commercial entity.
• Legal Framework:
• Governed by Section 47 of the RBI Act, 1934. The Act mandates that, after making provisions for: Bad and doubtful debts, Depreciation in assets, Staff benefits and superannuation, And other routine banking contingencies, the remaining surplus must be transferred to the Government of India.
• Governed by Section 47 of the RBI Act, 1934.
• The Act mandates that, after making provisions for: Bad and doubtful debts, Depreciation in assets, Staff benefits and superannuation, And other routine banking contingencies, the remaining surplus must be transferred to the Government of India.
• Bad and doubtful debts,
• Depreciation in assets,
• Staff benefits and superannuation,
• And other routine banking contingencies, the remaining surplus must be transferred to the Government of India.
• Major Sources of RBI’s Income: RBI earns income primarily through:
• RBI earns income primarily through:
• Interest from foreign assets like bonds, treasury bills, and deposits with other central banks. Interest on domestic securities, mainly government bonds. Short-term lending to banks (e.g., repo operations). Commission for managing borrowings of Central and State governments. Service charges for managing the currency and payment systems.
• Interest from foreign assets like bonds, treasury bills, and deposits with other central banks. Interest on domestic securities, mainly government bonds. Short-term lending to banks (e.g., repo operations). Commission for managing borrowings of Central and State governments. Service charges for managing the currency and payment systems.
• Interest from foreign assets like bonds, treasury bills, and deposits with other central banks.
• Interest on domestic securities, mainly government bonds.
• Short-term lending to banks (e.g., repo operations).
• Commission for managing borrowings of Central and State governments.
• Service charges for managing the currency and payment systems.
• Key Expenditures of RBI:
• Printing of currency notes. Staff salaries and retirement benefits. Commission to banks and primary dealers involved in public debt transactions.
• Printing of currency notes.
• Staff salaries and retirement benefits.
• Commission to banks and primary dealers involved in public debt transactions.
• How is the RBI Surplus Transfer Amount Decided?
• Based on Economic Capital Framework (ECF): Adopted on August 26, 2019, following the recommendations of the Bimal Jalan Committee. Contingent Risk Buffer (CRB) Range: Risk provisioning is maintained within 5.5%–6.5% of the RBI’s balance sheet. Surplus = Income – Expenditure – Risk Provisions: After accounting for operational expenses and CRB provisioning, the remaining balance is the transferable surplus. Approved by RBI Central Board: Final decision taken in the Board meeting post financial year-end (July–June).
• Based on Economic Capital Framework (ECF): Adopted on August 26, 2019, following the recommendations of the Bimal Jalan Committee.
• Contingent Risk Buffer (CRB) Range: Risk provisioning is maintained within 5.5%–6.5% of the RBI’s balance sheet.
• Surplus = Income – Expenditure – Risk Provisions: After accounting for operational expenses and CRB provisioning, the remaining balance is the transferable surplus.
• Approved by RBI Central Board: Final decision taken in the Board meeting post financial year-end (July–June).
World Food Prize
Source: DTE
Context: Mariangela Hungria, Brazilian microbiologist, won the 2025 World Food Prize for pioneering biological nitrogen fixation and reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers.
• Her innovations sparked Brazil’s ‘Micro Green Revolution’, significantly boosting crop yields and lowering input costs.
About Micro Green Revolution:
• What is It?
• A movement led by microbiologist Mariangela Hungria, focusing on biological solutions to agricultural productivity, particularly microbial seed and soil inoculants.
• A movement led by microbiologist Mariangela Hungria, focusing on biological solutions to agricultural productivity, particularly microbial seed and soil inoculants.
• Key Features:
• Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF): Using microorganisms like rhizobia and Azospirillum brasilense to naturally convert atmospheric nitrogen into soil-absorbable form. Reduced chemical fertilizer dependency: Saving farmers up to $40 billion annually in Brazil. Enhanced crop productivity: Soybean yield surged from 15 million tonnes (1979) to 173 million tonnes (2025). Common beans and pastures saw significant yield gains. Restoring degraded lands: First microbial inoculants for pasture grasses, improving biomass and livestock forage.
• Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF): Using microorganisms like rhizobia and Azospirillum brasilense to naturally convert atmospheric nitrogen into soil-absorbable form.
• Reduced chemical fertilizer dependency: Saving farmers up to $40 billion annually in Brazil.
• Enhanced crop productivity: Soybean yield surged from 15 million tonnes (1979) to 173 million tonnes (2025). Common beans and pastures saw significant yield gains.
• Soybean yield surged from 15 million tonnes (1979) to 173 million tonnes (2025).
• Common beans and pastures saw significant yield gains.
• Restoring degraded lands: First microbial inoculants for pasture grasses, improving biomass and livestock forage.
About World Food Prize:
• What is It?
• The World Food Prize is the most prestigious global award recognizing contributions to enhancing food quantity, quality, and accessibility.
• The World Food Prize is the most prestigious global award recognizing contributions to enhancing food quantity, quality, and accessibility.
• Established: In 1986 by Nobel Laureate Norman Borlaug, supported initially by General Foods Corporation.
• Administered by: World Food Prize Foundation, headquartered at the Hall of Laureates, Des Moines, Iowa, USA.
• First Laureate: S. Swaminathan (1987) – Pioneer of India’s Green Revolution.
• Award Features:
• $500,000 cash prize, diploma, and commemorative sculpture by Saul Bass. Awarded annually in Des Moines, Iowa, during the Borlaug Dialogue Symposium. Recognizes individuals in agriculture, nutrition, food technology, policy, soil science, and hunger alleviation.
• $500,000 cash prize, diploma, and commemorative sculpture by Saul Bass.
• Awarded annually in Des Moines, Iowa, during the Borlaug Dialogue Symposium.
• Recognizes individuals in agriculture, nutrition, food technology, policy, soil science, and hunger alleviation.
Narayanpatna Goat
Source: DTE
Context: The Narayanpatna goat, native to Odisha’s Eastern Ghats, has drawn attention for its disease resistance and climate resilience, but faces threats due to unscientific crossbreeding and lack of breed recognition.
About Narayanpatna Goat:
• What is It?
• A non-descriptive native goat breed reared by tribal communities in Koraput district, Southern Odisha. Known for its hardiness, reproductive efficiency, and adaptability to harsh agro-climatic conditions.
• A non-descriptive native goat breed reared by tribal communities in Koraput district, Southern Odisha.
• Known for its hardiness, reproductive efficiency, and adaptability to harsh agro-climatic conditions.
• Native Region:
• Found in Narayanpatna and Bandhugaon blocks of Koraput (Odisha), within the Eastern Ghats. Reared under extensive, low-input systems in hilly, forested terrains with tropical monsoon climate.
• Found in Narayanpatna and Bandhugaon blocks of Koraput (Odisha), within the Eastern Ghats.
• Reared under extensive, low-input systems in hilly, forested terrains with tropical monsoon climate.
• Key Features:
• Physical Traits: Medium-to-large size; coat colours vary from white with black/brown patches to pure shades. Curved horns, drooping ears, and robust frame. Bucks weigh 30–35 kg, does 25–30 kg. Reproductive Traits: First kidding at 16–18 months. Kidding interval: 8–10 months. Twins are common, increasing productivity. Disease Resistance: Naturally selected for resistance to common endo- and ecto-parasites. Requires minimal veterinary intervention. Economic Importance: Source of meat, income, and cultural exchange during rituals and marriages. Acts as a financial buffer during crop failures. Women and children play active roles in rearing, promoting gender-inclusive livelihoods.
• Physical Traits: Medium-to-large size; coat colours vary from white with black/brown patches to pure shades. Curved horns, drooping ears, and robust frame. Bucks weigh 30–35 kg, does 25–30 kg.
• Medium-to-large size; coat colours vary from white with black/brown patches to pure shades.
• Curved horns, drooping ears, and robust frame.
• Bucks weigh 30–35 kg, does 25–30 kg.
• Reproductive Traits: First kidding at 16–18 months. Kidding interval: 8–10 months. Twins are common, increasing productivity.
• First kidding at 16–18 months.
• Kidding interval: 8–10 months.
• Twins are common, increasing productivity.
• Disease Resistance: Naturally selected for resistance to common endo- and ecto-parasites. Requires minimal veterinary intervention.
• Naturally selected for resistance to common endo- and ecto-parasites.
• Requires minimal veterinary intervention.
• Economic Importance: Source of meat, income, and cultural exchange during rituals and marriages. Acts as a financial buffer during crop failures. Women and children play active roles in rearing, promoting gender-inclusive livelihoods.
• Source of meat, income, and cultural exchange during rituals and marriages.
• Acts as a financial buffer during crop failures.
• Women and children play active roles in rearing, promoting gender-inclusive livelihoods.
Bird Flu
Source: BS
Context: Brazil, the world’s largest chicken exporter, reported its first case of bird flu on a commercial poultry farm, raising alarms over global poultry supply chains.
About Bird Flu:
• What is Bird Flu (Avian Influenza)?
• Bird flu is a viral infection caused by influenza Type A viruses, primarily affecting birds, but it can also infect mammals, including humans.
• Bird flu is a viral infection caused by influenza Type A viruses, primarily affecting birds, but it can also infect mammals, including humans.
• Symptoms:
• In birds: Sudden death, respiratory distress, swelling, reduced egg production. In humans (rare): Fever, cough, sore throat, respiratory issues, sometimes leading to severe complications or death.
• In birds: Sudden death, respiratory distress, swelling, reduced egg production.
• In humans (rare): Fever, cough, sore throat, respiratory issues, sometimes leading to severe complications or death.
• Transmission: Spreads via direct contact with infected birds, droppings, or contaminated surfaces.
• Zoonotic: Can cross species barrier, typically bird-to-human. Limited human-to-human transmission reported globally (CDC), but not yet in the US.
• Limited human-to-human transmission reported globally (CDC), but not yet in the US.
• Other Affected Species:
• Detected in cats, dogs, dairy cows, sheep, and some wild mammals. Notably, house cats and livestock have shown increasing vulnerability in recent outbreaks.
• Detected in cats, dogs, dairy cows, sheep, and some wild mammals.
• Notably, house cats and livestock have shown increasing vulnerability in recent outbreaks.
• Vaccine Availability:
• No approved human vaccine exists currently. Poultry vaccines are available and used in countries like France and the US to curb outbreaks.
• No approved human vaccine exists currently.
• Poultry vaccines are available and used in countries like France and the US to curb outbreaks.
GRAIL mission
Source: TOI
Context: A new NASA study using data from the GRAIL mission has revealed why the Moon’s nearside and farside look so different, solving a decades-old lunar mystery.
About GRAIL mission:
• What is GRAIL?
• GRAIL (Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory) was a NASA lunar science mission aimed at mapping the Moon’s gravitational field in high resolution.
• GRAIL (Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory) was a NASA lunar science mission aimed at mapping the Moon’s gravitational field in high resolution.
• Launch Year: Launched in 2011 using a Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral.
• Organizations Involved: Conducted by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in collaboration with MIT for scientific oversight.
• Key Features:
• Consisted of two spacecraft, named Ebb and Flow, flying in tandem around the Moon. Measured minute variations in gravitational pull to reveal the Moon’s internal composition. Ended with a controlled impact on the lunar surface after successful mission completion.
• Consisted of two spacecraft, named Ebb and Flow, flying in tandem around the Moon.
• Measured minute variations in gravitational pull to reveal the Moon’s internal composition.
• Ended with a controlled impact on the lunar surface after successful mission completion.
Key Discoveries from GRAIL:
• Tidal Deformation & Gravitational Asymmetry: The Moon’s nearside flexes more than the far side due to Earth’s gravitational pull, indicating asymmetry in internal structure.
• Volcanic History & Heat Distribution: The nearside was more volcanically active, with dark basaltic plains (“known as mare”). Higher concentrations of heat-producing elements like thorium and titanium warmed the nearside mantle up to 200°C more than the farside.
• The nearside was more volcanically active, with dark basaltic plains (“known as mare”).
• Higher concentrations of heat-producing elements like thorium and titanium warmed the nearside mantle up to 200°C more than the farside.
• Crustal Thickness Variation: Nearside crust is thinner, allowing magma to erupt more easily, forming flat plains. Far side remains rugged and cratered due to thicker crust and less volcanic activity.
• Nearside crust is thinner, allowing magma to erupt more easily, forming flat plains.
• Far side remains rugged and cratered due to thicker crust and less volcanic activity.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 May 2025 Mapping:
Lebanon
Source: DD News
Context: A UN peacekeeping patrol in southern Lebanon was attacked by civilians with metal rods and axes; no casualties were reported, though vehicles were damaged.
About Lebanon:
• Located in: Western Asia, on the eastern Mediterranean coast.
• Capital: Beirut
• Neighbouring Countries: Bordered by Syria, Israel, and the Mediterranean Sea.
• Geological Features:
• Mountains:
• Lebanon Mountains: Dominant limestone-sandstone ridge; highest peak at Qurnat al-Sawdāʾ (3,088 m).
• Anti-Lebanon Range: Runs parallel to the Lebanon Mountains; includes Mount Hermon (2,814 m).
• Plains and Valleys:
• Bekaa Valley: Fertile rift valley between the two mountain ranges; part of the Great East African Rift System.
• Rivers:
• Litani River: Longest River within Lebanon; flows southward into the Mediterranean.
• Orontes River and Kabir River also serve as significant drainage channels.
About UN Peacekeepers:
• What It Is? UN Peacekeeping involves the deployment of military personnel, police, and civilians to conflict zones to maintain peace and security under UN mandates.
• UN Peacekeeping involves the deployment of military personnel, police, and civilians to conflict zones to maintain peace and security under UN mandates.
• Established In: Started in 1948, when the UN deployed observers in West Asia following the Arab-Israeli armistice.
• Key Features: Mandated by: UN Security Council through formal resolutions. Managed by: UN Department of Peace Operations (DPO). Core Principles: Consent of the parties Impartiality Non-use of force, except in self-defence or defence of mandate Funding: Approved by the UN General Assembly and contributed by member states. Objective: Help countries navigate the transition from conflict to peace, ensure humanitarian aid, and support institution-building.
• Mandated by: UN Security Council through formal resolutions.
• Managed by: UN Department of Peace Operations (DPO).
• Core Principles: Consent of the parties Impartiality Non-use of force, except in self-defence or defence of mandate
• Consent of the parties
• Impartiality
• Non-use of force, except in self-defence or defence of mandate
• Funding: Approved by the UN General Assembly and contributed by member states.
• Objective: Help countries navigate the transition from conflict to peace, ensure humanitarian aid, and support institution-building.
Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE
Official Facebook Page HERE
Twitter Account HERE
Instagram Account HERE
LinkedIn: HERE