UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 May 2025

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 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 – 19 May (2025)

• Copyright Challenges in the Age of Generative AI

Copyright Challenges in the Age of Generative AI

GS Paper 3:

• Retrospective Environmental Clearances

Retrospective Environmental Clearances

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

• Mixed Green Manure

Mixed Green Manure

• Operation Gideon Chariots

Operation Gideon Chariots

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

• Gyan Bharatam Mission

Gyan Bharatam Mission

• Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC)

Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC)

• 50th Anniversary of Sikkim

50th Anniversary of Sikkim

• ISRO PSLV-C61

ISRO PSLV-C61

• Bird-Wing Eruption

Bird-Wing Eruption

• Official Secrets Act, 1923

Official Secrets Act, 1923

Mapping:

• New Caledonia

New Caledonia

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 May 2025

#### GS Paper 2:

Copyright Challenges in the Age of Generative AI

Syllabus: Governance

Source: TH

Context: A legal storm is brewing over copyright infringement by generative AI models, as India’s publishers sue OpenAI for unauthorized training on their content.

• This reignites the global debate on how copyright law adapts to artificial intelligence.

About Copyright Challenges in the Age of Generative AI:

• What is Copyright? Copyright is a legal right granted to creators to protect original literary, artistic, musical, and dramatic works from unauthorized reproduction or commercial use.

• Types of Works Protected: Literary (books, software code) Artistic (paintings, designs) Musical (songs, compositions) Dramatic (plays, screenplays) Cinematographic films, sound recordings

• Literary (books, software code)

• Artistic (paintings, designs)

• Musical (songs, compositions)

• Dramatic (plays, screenplays)

• Cinematographic films, sound recordings

• Key Features of Copyright Law: Protection of Expression, Not Ideas: Copyright safeguards the original expression (form, structure) of ideas, not the ideas or concepts themselves. Exclusive Economic and Moral Rights: Authors get the right to reproduce, distribute, and monetize their work, along with moral rights like attribution and integrity. Duration of Protection: In India, copyright generally lasts for 60 years after the author’s death, ensuring long-term economic benefit to their heirs. Exceptions – Fair Use & Education: Some uses like private study or research are exempt; however, India’s exceptions are narrowly defined compared to the broad U.S. ‘fair use’ doctrine.

• Protection of Expression, Not Ideas: Copyright safeguards the original expression (form, structure) of ideas, not the ideas or concepts themselves.

• Exclusive Economic and Moral Rights: Authors get the right to reproduce, distribute, and monetize their work, along with moral rights like attribution and integrity.

• Duration of Protection: In India, copyright generally lasts for 60 years after the author’s death, ensuring long-term economic benefit to their heirs.

• Exceptions – Fair Use & Education: Some uses like private study or research are exempt; however, India’s exceptions are narrowly defined compared to the broad U.S. ‘fair use’ doctrine.

Significance of Copyright in the AI Era:

• Incentivizes innovation: Assures returns to human creators whose content is used in AI training.

• Maintains originality: Prevents AI from mimicking styles or expressions without due credit/payment.

• Regulates content ownership: Establishes boundaries between machine assistance and creative authorship.

• Protects the creative economy: Essential for publishers, media, and artists facing deepfake and content reproduction risks.

Key Issues: AI and Copyright Law

• Unauthorized Training on Protected Works: Generative AI platforms train on copyrighted material like books and images without permission, violating creators’ rights.

E.g. ANI and Federation of Indian Publishers sued OpenAI in Delhi HC.

• Ambiguity in Fair Use: The U.S. uses a flexible four-factor test for fair use, while India permits only specific exceptions, limiting adaptability to AI.

E.g. EU allows data mining for research but mandates opt-out for commercial AI

• Lack of Human Authorship: AI-generated content without substantial human input is not copyrightable, as courts mandate that only humans can be authors.

• Non-expressive vs. Expressive Use: AI can lawfully learn from factual, non-expressive data, but replicating artistic expressions like poems violates copyright.

E.g. Reproduction of style or specific works (e.g., Mickey Mouse) crosses legal limits.

• Inequality Among AI Developers: Larger companies with vast data access gain an edge, while smaller players are disadvantaged by opt-outs and costly licensing requirements.

Way Forward:

• Update Legal Frameworks: Amend India’s Copyright Act to address AI-specific concerns like data mining, consent, and attribution norms.

• Define AI-Generated Work Ownership: Grant limited protection only when a human significantly contributes to AI-created output, distinguishing it from fully automated works.

• Global Standardization: India can adopt EU’s balanced approach—allowing research data mining but requiring opt-outs for commercial use with clear regulations.

• Ensure Transparency: Mandate disclosure of AI training datasets and sources to protect authors’ rights and encourage responsible AI development.

• Encourage Licensing Ecosystems: Promote structured, voluntary licensing markets for AI developers to access copyrighted content legally and fairly.

Conclusion:

The evolution of copyright law must align with the rise of generative AI, protecting creators without stifling technological progress. While courts debate infringement, policymakers must design a future-ready legal architecture. A balanced, transparent, and fair copyright regime is essential for AI-driven creativity to flourish.

• Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does Al help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of Al in healthcare? (UPSC-2023)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 May 2025 GS Paper 3:

Retrospective Environmental Clearances

Syllabus: Environment Impact Assessment

Source: IE

Context: The Supreme Court of India struck down (Vanashakti v. Union of India) the Centre’s 2017 notification and 2021 SOP that allowed retrospective environmental clearances to industries, calling them unconstitutional and violative of the right to a clean environment.

About Retrospective Environmental Clearances:

• Definition: Ex-post facto or retrospective green clearances allow industries to start projects without prior environmental clearance and seek approval later.

• Legal Basis: These clearances violate the mandatory pre-approval system under the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

About 2017 EIA Notification:

• Issued by: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC)

• Intent: Provided a one-time 6-month amnesty window for violators to apply for environmental clearance post-facto.

• Scope: Covered industries that had commenced operations or changed scope without prior approval.

• Process: Appraisal was centralized; violations were still subject to action by State Pollution Control Boards.

Criticism of Retrospective Clearances:

• Undermines Due Process: Skips essential stages like public hearing, expert appraisal, and site inspection.

• Weakens Environmental Governance: Encourages violators by regularising illegal acts.

• Violates Environmental Principles: Contravenes the “precautionary” and “polluter pays” principles upheld by Indian environmental jurisprudence.

• Leads to Irreparable Damage: Example – Pollution in Delhi due to unchecked industrial activity cited by SC.

Supreme Court Judgment Highlights (Vanashakti v. Union of India):

• Held Unconstitutional: Declared the 2017 notification and 2021 SOP violative of Article 21 (Right to Life) and Article 14 (Right to Equality).

• Illegal Even as One-time Measure: SC noted that even a “one-time” relaxation can’t override the public’s right to a healthy environment.

• Violation of Past Orders: Cited Common Cause (2017) and Alembic Pharma (2020) cases that denounced post-facto approvals.

• Mandated Compliance: Barred the Centre from issuing any such retrospective clearance mechanisms in the future.

• Exposed Government Strategy: SC flagged the SOP as a disguised attempt to bring in post-facto approvals without using the term.

Significance of Supreme Court Verdict:

• Upholds Environmental Rule of Law: Reinforces the mandatory nature of prior environmental clearance under the EIA 2006 framework.

• Protects Right to Clean Environment: Strengthens Article 21 by affirming the citizen’s right to a pollution-free environment.

• Discourages Regulatory Evasion: Sends a strong message against regularising illegal industrial activities post-facto.

• Boosts Judicial Oversight on Executive Actions: Asserts constitutional limits on executive discretion, preventing dilution of environmental safeguards.

• Ensures Environmental Justice: Safeguards the rights of affected communities and ecosystems from unchecked industrial expansion.

Conclusion:

The judgment reaffirms that environmental compliance is non-negotiable. Development cannot come at the cost of ecological degradation. Upholding the sanctity of the EIA process is essential for safeguarding public health and intergenerational equity.

• How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006? (UPSC-2020)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 May 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Mixed Green Manure

Context: The National Seeds Corporation (NSC) has introduced two mixed green manure kits to promote eco-friendly soil enrichment practices, enhancing sustainability in Indian agriculture.

About Mixed Green Manure:

What is It?

• Mixed green manure involves cultivating multiple plant species together specifically to be ploughed back into the soil to enhance fertility and structure.

• Unlike single-species green manures, this method offers complementary benefits through synergistic crop interactions.

Key Features:

• Crop Diversity: Combines legumes (e.g., cowpea, guar) for nitrogen fixation with cereals (e.g., maize, sorghum) for biomass and soil structure.

• Deep and Fibrous Roots: Crops like Dhaincha and Sunhamp loosen compacted soil; fibrous roots improve aggregation and aeration.

• Natural Weed Control: Some plants secrete allelopathic chemicals that inhibit weed growth; dense cover suppresses weeds physically.

• Biodiversity Enhancement: Supports beneficial soil microbes, pollinators, and natural pest predators.

Significance:

• Reduces Chemical Dependency: Lessens need for synthetic fertilizers and herbicides.

• Improves Soil Health: Increases organic carbon content and microbial activity.

• Supports Sustainable Agriculture: Aligns with goals of natural farming and regenerative practices.

• Cost-Effective: Kits are subsidised and suitable for small and marginal farmers (half-acre coverage)

Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus

• GS Paper 3 – Agriculture: Soil health and organic farming Sustainable cropping patterns Agroecology and natural resource management

• Soil health and organic farming

• Sustainable cropping patterns

• Agroecology and natural resource management

• Prelims: Farming practices, government initiatives, green manure, National Seeds Corporation

Operation Gideon Chariots

Context: Israel launched Operation Gideon Chariots in Gaza to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages. The operation follows failed negotiations and intensified strikes amidst global humanitarian concerns.

About Operation Gideon Chariots:

• What is It?

• A large-scale military offensive launched by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza Strip. It marks a renewed escalation in the conflict, especially after the breakdown of ceasefire negotiations in Doha.

• A large-scale military offensive launched by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza Strip.

• It marks a renewed escalation in the conflict, especially after the breakdown of ceasefire negotiations in Doha.

• Launched By:

• Objective:

• Primary aim: Secure the release of remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Secondary aim: Intensify military pressure to neutralize Hamas’s operational capability.

• Primary aim: Secure the release of remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

• Secondary aim: Intensify military pressure to neutralize Hamas’s operational capability.

• Areas Affected:

• Northern Gaza, including Jabaliya refugee camp, witnessed heavy bombardment. Over 150 people killed in 24 hours (Gaza Health Ministry) and 3,000+ deaths since March escalation.

• Northern Gaza, including Jabaliya refugee camp, witnessed heavy bombardment.

• Over 150 people killed in 24 hours (Gaza Health Ministry) and 3,000+ deaths since March escalation.

Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:

• GS Paper 2 – International Relations

• India–West Asia Relations: Strategic interests, diaspora, and humanitarian diplomacy. International Peace & Security: Role of UN and international community in conflict resolution. Global Conflict Hotspots: Understanding contemporary geopolitical flashpoints like Gaza.

• India–West Asia Relations: Strategic interests, diaspora, and humanitarian diplomacy.

• International Peace & Security: Role of UN and international community in conflict resolution.

• Global Conflict Hotspots: Understanding contemporary geopolitical flashpoints like Gaza.

• Essay / Ethics:

• Themes of just war, humanitarian law, and peacebuilding. Ethical dilemmas in military interventions vs. civilian protection.

• Themes of just war, humanitarian law, and peacebuilding.

• Ethical dilemmas in military interventions vs. civilian protection.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 May Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Gyan Bharatam Mission

Source: TH

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the revamped Gyan Bharatam Mission (formerly National Manuscripts Mission) on June 9, 2025.

About Gyan Bharatam Mission:

• What it is: A revamped national initiative for identifying, conserving, digitising, and sharing India’s vast manuscript wealth.

• Announced in: Union Budget 2025–26, under the Ministry of Culture.

• Ministry Involved: Ministry of Culture; anchored by Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA).

• Objective: To survey, catalogue, preserve, and provide access to over one crore manuscripts from academic institutions, museums, libraries, and private collectors.

• Key Features:

• Budget allocation increased from ₹3.5 crore to ₹60 crore.

• Encourages private manuscript holders to collaborate through access policies.

• Focuses on digitisation and metadata creation for rare texts.

• Aims to promote Sanskrit and Indian classical knowledge systems.

• Linked with institutions like CIIL, IIT Bombay, Samskriti Foundation.

About National Manuscripts Mission (NMM):

• What it is: A national initiative launched to document, conserve and digitise India’s ancient manuscript heritage.

• Launched in: February 2003.

• Parent Organisation: Operates under IGNCA, Ministry of Culture.

• Aim: To preserve India’s intellectual legacy and make manuscripts accessible to researchers and the public.

• Key Features:

• India’s manuscript wealth estimated at 1 crore+, across 80+ scripts and 60+ languages.

• Till 2025, digitised metadata for 52 lakh manuscripts, but only ~1.3 lakh uploaded.

• 80% of manuscripts lie with private collectors and NMM promotes incentives for sharing.

• Conservation of over 9 crore folios achieved in 21 years.

• Emphasis on universal access, awareness, and collaboration with global digital platforms like Google Arts & Culture.

Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC)

Source: TH

Context: Tamil Nadu has transferred the management of its ₹50 crore Endangered Species Conservation Fund from the defunct SFDA to the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC).

• This aims to fast-track urgent conservation projects for species like Malabar civet and Salim Ali’s fruit bat.

About Advanced Institute of Wildlife Conservation (AIWC):

• What it is: A research and conservation institute under the Tamil Nadu Forest Department providing science-backed solutions for wildlife protection.

• Established in: October 2017, located in Vandalur, Chennai.

• Objective: To promote evidence-based conservation, research, and capacity building for protecting wildlife across Tamil Nadu.

• Core Functions: Conduct field-based and captive wildlife research. Collaborate with zoological parks and institutions for training and education. Offer scientific advisories and facilitate conservation technology deployment. Support grant-funded research on threatened species under the new fund.

• Conduct field-based and captive wildlife research.

• Collaborate with zoological parks and institutions for training and education.

• Offer scientific advisories and facilitate conservation technology deployment.

• Support grant-funded research on threatened species under the new fund.

• Recent Focus: Studying and conserving rare species like Salim Ali’s fruit bat and the Malabar large-spotted civet.

About Malabar Large-Spotted Civet:

• What it is: A critically endangered carnivorous mammal found in the Western Ghats, also known as Viverra civettina.

• IUCN Status: Critically Endangered (CR)

• Physical Traits: Weighs around 18–20 lbs and estimated to be 4 feet in length. Features include grey fur with dark spots, five white tail rings, and a distinct black dorsal crest.

• Weighs around 18–20 lbs and estimated to be 4 feet in length.

• Features include grey fur with dark spots, five white tail rings, and a distinct black dorsal crest.

• Biological Traits: Nocturnal and solitary in behavior. Females usually bear 2–3 offspring per litter.

• Nocturnal and solitary in behavior.

• Females usually bear 2–3 offspring per litter.

• Habitat: Previously in lowland forests, now confined to cashew plantations and fragmented habitats due to deforestation.

• Dietary Habits: Feeds on reptiles, birds, amphibians, fish, small mammals, eggs, and fruits.

50th Anniversary of Sikkim

Source: IT

Context: Prime Minister of India greeted the people of Sikkim on the 50th anniversary of its statehood. This milestone commemorates the peaceful integration of the Himalayan kingdom into the Union of India in 1975.

About Sikkim:

• Location: Part of Northeastern India and shares international borders with Nepal (west), Bhutan (east), China (north), and Indian state West Bengal (south).

• Capital: Gangtok, known for its fusion of Tibetan Buddhist culture and modernity.

• Statehood: Became the 22nd state of India through the 36th Constitutional Amendment in 1975.

• Historical Background: Originally ruled by the Namgyal dynasty (Chogyals) from 1642–1975. Became a British protectorate in 1861 under the Treaty of Tumlong. Post-independence, remained an Indian protectorate through the 1950 Indo-Sikkim Treaty. Merged with India following a 1975 referendum, where over 97% voted for abolishing monarchy and joining India.

• Originally ruled by the Namgyal dynasty (Chogyals) from 1642–1975.

• Became a British protectorate in 1861 under the Treaty of Tumlong.

• Post-independence, remained an Indian protectorate through the 1950 Indo-Sikkim Treaty.

• Merged with India following a 1975 referendum, where over 97% voted for abolishing monarchy and joining India.

• Key Features of Sikkim:

• First 100% Organic State in India — pioneered sustainable agriculture.

• Ecological Richness: Part of the Eastern Himalayas biodiversity hotspot, home to species like the red panda and Himalayan blue poppy.

• Cultural Diversity: Home to Lepchas, Bhutias, and Nepalis; preserves vibrant Buddhist traditions.

• Strategic Importance: Acts as a buffer state between India and China; region of historical and geopolitical significance, especially near Doklam.

• Tourism & Development: Focus on eco-tourism, clean energy, and heritage preservation.

ISRO PSLV-C61

Source: HT

Context: ISRO’s 101st launch using PSLV-C61 failed mid-flight, due to a chamber pressure drop during the third stage. The mission aimed to place EOS-09 in Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit.

About ISRO’s PSLV-C61:

• What it is: The PSLV-C61 was the 63rd flight of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the 27th in the PSLV-XL configuration.

• Developed by: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

• Mission Objective: To launch EOS-09, an Earth Observation Satellite, into Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO).

• Vehicle Features: Height: 44.5 m, Lift-off Mass: 321 tonnes Four-stage launch vehicle with six solid strap-on boosters Stages: Alternating solid and liquid propulsion Stage 3 Failure: Chamber pressure in solid motor dropped, leading to mission failure

• Height: 44.5 m, Lift-off Mass: 321 tonnes

• Four-stage launch vehicle with six solid strap-on boosters

• Stages: Alternating solid and liquid propulsion

• Stage 3 Failure: Chamber pressure in solid motor dropped, leading to mission failure

• Sustainability Effort: Planned Orbit Change Thrusters (OCT) & passivation of PS4 to reduce orbital debris.

About EOS-09 Satellite:

• What it is: EOS-09 is a remote sensing satellite, a successor to EOS-04, developed to serve multi-sectoral imaging applications.

• Objective: Provide high-resolution, all-weather Earth imagery using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). Support disaster monitoring, agriculture, forestry, and urban planning.

• Provide high-resolution, all-weather Earth imagery using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).

• Support disaster monitoring, agriculture, forestry, and urban planning.

• Key Features: Launch Mass: 1696.24 kg SAR Payload for day/night and all-weather capabilities Mission Life: 5 years Equipped with deorbiting fuel for post-mission disposal compliance.

• Launch Mass: 1696.24 kg

• SAR Payload for day/night and all-weather capabilities

• Mission Life: 5 years

• Equipped with deorbiting fuel for post-mission disposal compliance.

Bird-Wing Eruption

Source: HT

Context: A massive solar flare event, named the “bird-wing” eruption, was observed on the Sun’s northern hemisphere and is expected to impact Earth.

About Bird-Wing Eruption:

• What is the “Bird-Wing” Event?

• A visually dramatic solar eruption with plasma shaped like wings, observed by NASA satellites. The ejected plasma stream spanned over 1 million km, twice the Earth-Moon distance.

• A visually dramatic solar eruption with plasma shaped like wings, observed by NASA satellites.

• The ejected plasma stream spanned over 1 million km, twice the Earth-Moon distance.

• Features of the Event:

• Involved both a solar flare and a coronal mass ejection (CME). Plasma ejection occurred on the Sun’s northern hemisphere. Radiation already caused radio blackouts across parts of Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

• Involved both a solar flare and a coronal mass ejection (CME).

• Plasma ejection occurred on the Sun’s northern hemisphere.

• Radiation already caused radio blackouts across parts of Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

• What Are Solar Flares?

• Solar flares are intense bursts of electromagnetic radiation released due to reconnection of magnetic field lines. Often accompanied by CMEs, which are explosive outflows of charged solar plasma. Speed: Flares travel at light speed, CMEs take 1–3 days to reach Earth (speed: 250–3000 km/s).

• Solar flares are intense bursts of electromagnetic radiation released due to reconnection of magnetic field lines.

• Often accompanied by CMEs, which are explosive outflows of charged solar plasma.

• Speed: Flares travel at light speed, CMEs take 1–3 days to reach Earth (speed: 250–3000 km/s).

• Impact on Earth:

• Geomagnetic Storms: Disrupt satellite operations, GPS systems, radio communication, and power grids. Auroras: Enhanced Northern/Southern Lights activity possible at lower latitudes. Space Weather Alerts: Agencies on high alert for further space-based disruptions.

• Geomagnetic Storms: Disrupt satellite operations, GPS systems, radio communication, and power grids.

• Auroras: Enhanced Northern/Southern Lights activity possible at lower latitudes.

• Space Weather Alerts: Agencies on high alert for further space-based disruptions.

Official Secrets Act, 1923

Source: BT

Context: Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Rani was arrested, for allegedly leaking sensitive information to a Pakistani High Commission official during Operation Sindoor, under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and Section 152 of the BNSS.

About the Official Secrets Act, 1923 (OSA):

• Came into force: 1923 (British colonial era), modeled on the British OSA 1911.

• Objective: To protect the sovereignty, defence, and intelligence infrastructure of India from espionage and unauthorized disclosures.

• Key Features:

• Scope: Applies to government officials, civilians, foreign nationals, or any individual in possession of classified information. Secrecy Scope: Covers official codes, passwords, maps, documents, military locations, sketches, plans, and any sensitive government information. Wide Interpretation: Any action that may prejudice national safety or aid an enemy is considered an offence.

• Scope: Applies to government officials, civilians, foreign nationals, or any individual in possession of classified information.

• Secrecy Scope: Covers official codes, passwords, maps, documents, military locations, sketches, plans, and any sensitive government information.

• Wide Interpretation: Any action that may prejudice national safety or aid an enemy is considered an offence.

• Prohibited Acts under the Act:

• Spying (Section 3): Unauthorized collection, communication, or publication of secret data useful to enemies. Wrongful Communication (Section 5): Even unintentional or careless handling leading to disclosure is punishable. Other Acts: Wearing unauthorized uniforms (Section 6) Forgery of official documents Attempting or abetting any OSA offence (Section 9)

• Spying (Section 3): Unauthorized collection, communication, or publication of secret data useful to enemies.

• Wrongful Communication (Section 5): Even unintentional or careless handling leading to disclosure is punishable.

• Other Acts: Wearing unauthorized uniforms (Section 6) Forgery of official documents Attempting or abetting any OSA offence (Section 9)

• Wearing unauthorized uniforms (Section 6)

• Forgery of official documents

• Attempting or abetting any OSA offence (Section 9)

• Powers of Authorities:

• Search and Seizure: Officers have powers to raid premises and seize documents suspected of violating the Act. No Need for Public Disclosure: Prosecutions under OSA can be kept confidential for national interest.

• Search and Seizure: Officers have powers to raid premises and seize documents suspected of violating the Act.

• No Need for Public Disclosure: Prosecutions under OSA can be kept confidential for national interest.

• Penalty Provisions:

• Section 3 (Spying): Up to 14 years imprisonment for offences related to defence/armed forces. Up to 3 years in other cases. Section 5 (Wrongful Communication): Up to 3 years, or fine, or both. Section 9: Covers attempt, abetment, or incitement—treated as same offence.

• Section 3 (Spying): Up to 14 years imprisonment for offences related to defence/armed forces. Up to 3 years in other cases.

• Up to 14 years imprisonment for offences related to defence/armed forces.

• Up to 3 years in other cases.

• Section 5 (Wrongful Communication): Up to 3 years, or fine, or both.

• Section 9: Covers attempt, abetment, or incitement—treated as same offence.

• Additional Charge under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): Section 152 – Act Endangering Sovereignty, Unity and Integrity

• Section 152 – Act Endangering Sovereignty, Unity and Integrity

• Offence: Promoting secession, rebellion, or separatist activities through speech, media, or financial means. Punishment: Life imprisonment, or up to 7 years and fine. Exemption: Peaceful criticism of government actions for lawful reform is not punishable.

• Offence: Promoting secession, rebellion, or separatist activities through speech, media, or financial means. Punishment: Life imprisonment, or up to 7 years and fine. Exemption: Peaceful criticism of government actions for lawful reform is not punishable.

• Offence: Promoting secession, rebellion, or separatist activities through speech, media, or financial means.

• Punishment: Life imprisonment, or up to 7 years and fine.

• Exemption: Peaceful criticism of government actions for lawful reform is not punishable.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 May 2025 Mapping:

New Caledonia

Source: TH

Context: Talks over a new political status for New Caledonia broke down on May 8, 2025, after loyalist factions rejected France’s proposal for “sovereignty in partnership”.

About New Caledonia:

• Location: Situated in the Southwestern Pacific Ocean, about 1,500 km east of Australia.

• Capital city: Nouméa.

• Political Control: It is a French overseas collectively, with administrative ties to France but enjoys a high degree of autonomy.

• Geopolitical Neighbours: Surrounded by Australia to the west, Vanuatu to the north, and Fiji to the northeast.

• Historical Context: Colonised by France in 1853 as a penal colony. Indigenous Kanak people resisted colonisation, leading to civil strife in the 1980s. 1998 Nouméa Accord granted significant autonomy and promised referendums on independence (held in 2018, 2020, and 2021 — all rejected). Post-2021 unrest revived demands for full independence, especially after a disputed referendum boycott by the Kanak-led FLNKS.

• Colonised by France in 1853 as a penal colony.

• Indigenous Kanak people resisted colonisation, leading to civil strife in the 1980s.

• 1998 Nouméa Accord granted significant autonomy and promised referendums on independence (held in 2018, 2020, and 2021 — all rejected).

• Post-2021 unrest revived demands for full independence, especially after a disputed referendum boycott by the Kanak-led FLNKS.

• Geographical & Ecological Features:

• Topography: Main island: Grande Terre — 310 km long and 50 km wide. Rugged terrain with Mount Panié (1,628 m) as the highest point. Enclosed by one of the world’s largest coral reef lagoons (New Caledonian Barrier Reef – UNESCO World Heritage Site).

• Main island: Grande Terre — 310 km long and 50 km wide.

• Rugged terrain with Mount Panié (1,628 m) as the highest point.

• Enclosed by one of the world’s largest coral reef lagoons (New Caledonian Barrier Reef – UNESCO World Heritage Site).

• Rivers & Climate Longest river: Diahot River (100 km). Subtropical climate: East coast receives over 3,000 mm rainfall/year and west coast is drier (1,000 mm/year).

• Longest river: Diahot River (100 km).

• Subtropical climate: East coast receives over 3,000 mm rainfall/year and west coast is drier (1,000 mm/year).

• Biodiversity: Home to Amborella trichopoda, a rare evolutionary link in plant taxonomy. Hosts endemic birds like the kagu, but lacks native mammals and frogs.

• Home to Amborella trichopoda, a rare evolutionary link in plant taxonomy.

• Hosts endemic birds like the kagu, but lacks native mammals and frogs.

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