UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 May 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 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 3 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 May (2025)
• Bengaluru Urban Flooding
Bengaluru Urban Flooding
• Climate Physical Risk (CPR)
Climate Physical Risk (CPR)
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Operation Abhyaas
Operation Abhyaas
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Golden Temple
Golden Temple
• Shirui Lily Festival
Shirui Lily Festival
• Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer
• Elimination of Trachoma
Elimination of Trachoma
• Three Digital Initiatives to Streamline PDS
Three Digital Initiatives to Streamline PDS
• Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)
Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)
Mapping:
• Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki
Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS –21 May 2025
#### GS Paper 3:
Bengaluru Urban Flooding
Syllabus: Disaster Management
Source: TOI
Context: Bengaluru witnessed over 130 mm rainfall in just 12 hours, leading to severe urban flooding that left 3 dead, 500 homes inundated, and major roads, underpasses, and lakes overwhelmed.
About Bengaluru Urban Flooding:
What is Urban Flooding?
• Urban flooding refers to the overflow of water in densely built environments due to poor drainage and excessive rainfall.
• Unlike rural floods, it occurs rapidly and overwhelms infrastructure—seen in cities like Mumbai (2005), Chennai (2015), and Hyderabad (2020).
Causes of Urban Flooding in Bengaluru:
• Natural Causes:
• Heavy Monsoon Rains: South-west monsoon causes intense rainfall; July averages often exceed 100 mm in a day. Topography: The city sits on an undulating terrain with natural low-lying basins like Hebbal, Koramangala-Challaghatta valleys.
• Heavy Monsoon Rains: South-west monsoon causes intense rainfall; July averages often exceed 100 mm in a day.
• Topography: The city sits on an undulating terrain with natural low-lying basins like Hebbal, Koramangala-Challaghatta valleys.
• Man-made Causes:
• Encroachment of Lakes & Wetlands: Bengaluru has lost 79% of its water bodies in the last 40 years (IISc data). Poor Drainage Maintenance: Rajakaluves (storm drains) are choked, buried, or encroached, reducing water-carrying capacity. Outdated City Plans: CDP and zoning regulations have not evolved with urban density and climate risks. Unregulated Construction: Tech parks and apartments are often built over floodplains, violating environmental norms. Lack of Coordination: Civic bodies function in silos, delaying response and long-term planning.
• Encroachment of Lakes & Wetlands: Bengaluru has lost 79% of its water bodies in the last 40 years (IISc data).
• Poor Drainage Maintenance: Rajakaluves (storm drains) are choked, buried, or encroached, reducing water-carrying capacity.
• Outdated City Plans: CDP and zoning regulations have not evolved with urban density and climate risks.
• Unregulated Construction: Tech parks and apartments are often built over floodplains, violating environmental norms.
• Lack of Coordination: Civic bodies function in silos, delaying response and long-term planning.
Impacts of Urban Flooding:
• Loss of Life & Property: Monsoon 2025 led to 3 deaths and submerged areas like Koramangala, Bellandur, and ORR.
• Economic Disruptions: IT corridor shutdowns cost crores; flooding impacts India’s $194B tech exports sector.
• Public Health Crisis: Waterlogging spreads vector-borne diseases and contamination-related infections.
• Transport & Power Outages: Prolonged disruption of metro, roads, and electrical systems during peak rains.
Global Best Practices:
• Singapore’s SWAN System: Smart sensors detect water level rise and activate flood alerts in real-time.
• Netherlands’ “Room for the River”: Managed retreat and river expansion reduce flood pressure in cities.
• China’s “Sponge Cities“: Permeable pavements, green roofs, and wetlands absorb excess water sustainably.
• FLOAT House (New Orleans): Floating homes adapt to changing water levels, minimizing displacement.
Way Forward:
• Restore Natural Drainage: Reconnect lakes, wetlands, and rajakaluves following IISc & NDMA recommendations.
• Regular Desilting: Institutionalize desilting of secondary/tertiary drains before monsoons, with third-party audits.
• Urban Planning Reform: Revise Bengaluru’s CDP to include flood zoning and green infrastructure mandates.
• Smart Flood Management: Use IoT-based water monitoring systems and integrate early warning dashboards.
• Clear Political Accountability: Strengthen BBMP’s autonomy and conduct regular audits to fix administrative gaps.
Conclusion:
Bengaluru’s repeated flooding is no longer a seasonal mishap but a governance failure. Restoring ecological wisdom and enforcing climate-resilient urban planning is not optional—it is a necessity. A city of lakes must not become a city under water.
• The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discussing the reasons for urban floods, highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events. (UPSC-2016)
Climate Physical Risk (CPR)
Syllabus: Disaster Management
Source: TH
Context: Union Home Minister recently emphasized the need for proactive climate risk assessments amidst rising extreme weather events. The article highlighted India’s fragmented approach to Climate Physical Risk (CPR) and called for a unified national framework.
About Climate Physical Risk:
What is Climate Physical Risk (CPR)?
• Definition: CPR refers to potential damage from acute (e.g. floods, heatwaves) and chronic (e.g. shifting rainfall patterns, droughts) climate events.
• Formula: As per IPCC, CPR = Hazard × Exposure × Vulnerability.
• As per IPCC, CPR = Hazard × Exposure × Vulnerability.
• Features:
• Hazard: Refers to climate-induced events like floods, cyclones, droughts, or wildfires that pose direct environmental threats.
• Exposure: Denotes the presence of people, infrastructure, or economic assets in areas susceptible to hazards.
• Vulnerability: Captures the ability of systems, communities, or infrastructure to withstand and bounce back from these
Global & Indian Context:
• Global Context:
• Mandatory Climate Disclosures: Countries now require companies to disclose physical climate risks under standards like ISSB S2 and the EU Taxonomy. Universal Relevance: Both Global North and South face extreme events—e.g., heatwaves in Europe and wildfires in the US.
• Mandatory Climate Disclosures: Countries now require companies to disclose physical climate risks under standards like ISSB S2 and the EU Taxonomy.
• Universal Relevance: Both Global North and South face extreme events—e.g., heatwaves in Europe and wildfires in the US.
• Indian Context:
• High Exposure: Over 80% of Indians live in districts prone to climate disasters, including floods, droughts, and heatwaves (World Bank). Fragmented Framework: CPR data is dispersed across IMD, IITs, and NIDM without a standardised, national-level risk assessment system.
• High Exposure: Over 80% of Indians live in districts prone to climate disasters, including floods, droughts, and heatwaves (World Bank).
• Fragmented Framework: CPR data is dispersed across IMD, IITs, and NIDM without a standardised, national-level risk assessment system.
Key Challenges in India’s CPR Management:
• Fragmentation: CPR studies are isolated across ministries, lacking standardisation.
• Modelling Issues: Global models like RCPs/SSPs miss India’s hyper-local climate variations.
• Data Gaps: No central repository for risk metrics at district or panchayat level.
• Private Sector Barriers: Limited tools for businesses to assess value chain exposure.
Initiatives Taken So Far:
• Adaptation Communication (2023): India submitted its first climate adaptation report to UNFCCC under Article 7 of the Paris Agreement.
• National Adaptation Plan (NAP): Work is underway for a full NAP covering nine sectors with district-level detailing.
• RBI Framework: Incorporating climate risks into India’s financial sector supervision mechanisms.
Way Forward:
• India-Specific CPR Tool: Must include local climate modelling, real-time risk dashboards, and sector-wise vulnerability indices.
• Central Risk Repository: Enable data-sharing across ministries, states, and private entities.
• Financial Alignment: Direct climate finance to adaptation (e.g. resilient roads, heat-resilient crops).
• Public-Private Partnerships: Empower industries to map risks and integrate climate resilience in ESG and sustainability audits.
• Transparent Standards: Use science-based methodologies with real-time data integration and citizen feedback loops.
Conclusion:
India’s development must be climate-proofed. CPR is not just a risk metric — it’s a governance imperative. A unified, locally rooted, and future-ready system is essential to turn resilience from buzzword to blueprint.
• Discuss about the vulnerability of India to earthquake related hazards. Give examples including the salient features of major disasters caused by earthquakes in different parts of India during the last three decades. (UPSC-2021)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 May 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Operation Abhyaas
Context: Operation Abhyaas, a large-scale civil defence preparedness drill, was recently held in several places in India as directed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to assess emergency response readiness amid heightened national security concerns.
About Operation Abhyaas:
• What it is: A multi-agency civil defence exercise conducted to simulate coordinated emergency responses, especially in urban areas during crises like blackouts, terror strikes, and natural disasters.
• Organised by: Civil Defence Organisation under the Ministry of Home Affairs, with participation from SDRF, Fire Services, NDRF, Police, Home Guards, CRPF, NCC, and medical teams.
• Aim: To strengthen inter-agency coordination and build community awareness in responding to large-scale emergencies or wartime-like situations.
• Key Features: High-rise fire evacuation drills, water rescues, and rope-based rescue simulations. Blackout drills including air-raid sirens, curtain blackout instructions, and emergency kit preparedness. Multi-location participation, including Raichur Railway Station where SCR civil defence teams simulated station-based crisis response.
• High-rise fire evacuation drills, water rescues, and rope-based rescue simulations.
• Blackout drills including air-raid sirens, curtain blackout instructions, and emergency kit preparedness.
• Multi-location participation, including Raichur Railway Station where SCR civil defence teams simulated station-based crisis response.
Significance for UPSC Syllabus:
• GS Paper II – Governance: Reflects roles of MHA, SDRF, Civil Defence in decentralised emergency governance.
• Reflects roles of MHA, SDRF, Civil Defence in decentralised emergency governance.
• GS Paper III – Disaster Management: Showcases real-time civil defence infrastructure and mock drills as part of capacity building. Blackout and evacuation protocols represent community-level resilience planning.
• Showcases real-time civil defence infrastructure and mock drills as part of capacity building.
• Blackout and evacuation protocols represent community-level resilience planning.
• Essay / Ethics Paper: Themes of humanitarian response, public trust, and ethical disaster management.
• Themes of humanitarian response, public trust, and ethical disaster management.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 May Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Golden Temple
Source: IT
Context: The Indian Army has denied media reports about deploying air defence guns at the Golden Temple during Operation Sindoor.
About Golden Temple (Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar):
• What is the Golden Temple? The Golden Temple, or Sri Darbar Sahib, is the holiest Sikh shrine located in Amritsar, Punjab. It represents Sikhism’s core values of equality, humility, and service.
• The Golden Temple, or Sri Darbar Sahib, is the holiest Sikh shrine located in Amritsar, Punjab. It represents Sikhism’s core values of equality, humility, and service.
• Foundation Laid: 1577 CE by Guru Ram Das Ji, the fourth Sikh Guru.
• Constructed by: Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Guru, completed in 1604.
• Land Acquisition: Land bought from local landlords (zamindars).
• Foundation Laid by: Hazrat Mian Mir, a Muslim saint from Lahore, showing interfaith harmony.
• Key Personalities Involved: Guru Arjan Dev Ji: Architect and visionary of the central Sikh shrine. Baba Budha Ji: First appointed granthi (reader of Guru Granth Sahib). Maharaja Ranjit Singh: Beautified the temple with golden plating in the 19th century.
• Guru Arjan Dev Ji: Architect and visionary of the central Sikh shrine.
• Baba Budha Ji: First appointed granthi (reader of Guru Granth Sahib).
• Maharaja Ranjit Singh: Beautified the temple with golden plating in the 19th century.
• Architectural Features: Design: Built on a lower level to symbolize humility; has four entrances for universal access. Structure: Constructed on a 67 ft square platform in the Amrit Sarovar (holy pool). Materials: Features gold-covered domes and marble architecture with inlay work. Dome: Fluted, lotus-shaped with a “kalash” and canopy on top. Langar (Community Kitchen): Serves free meals to over 1 lakh people daily, upholding Sikh values of equality.
• Design: Built on a lower level to symbolize humility; has four entrances for universal access.
• Structure: Constructed on a 67 ft square platform in the Amrit Sarovar (holy pool).
• Materials: Features gold-covered domes and marble architecture with inlay work.
• Dome: Fluted, lotus-shaped with a “kalash” and canopy on top.
• Langar (Community Kitchen): Serves free meals to over 1 lakh people daily, upholding Sikh values of equality.
• Historical Significance: Repeatedly attacked during Mughal and Afghan invasions in the 18th century. Operation Blue Star (1984): Military action to remove militants caused major damage and public unrest.
• Repeatedly attacked during Mughal and Afghan invasions in the 18th century.
• Operation Blue Star (1984): Military action to remove militants caused major damage and public unrest.
Shirui Lily Festival
Source: TOI
Context: The Shirui Lily Festival resumed in Manipur after a two-year hiatus due to ethnic conflict, marking the first major movement of Meiteis through Kuki-Zo regions amid tight security.
About Shirui Lily Festival:
• What is the Shirui Lily Festival?
• Organised by: Manipur Tourism Department First Held: 2017 Venue: Ukhrul district, home to the Tangkhul Naga tribe Occasion: Coincides with the blooming season of the Shirui Lily in May Objective: Promote eco-tourism and raise awareness about the endangered lily species
• Organised by: Manipur Tourism Department
• First Held: 2017
• Venue: Ukhrul district, home to the Tangkhul Naga tribe
• Occasion: Coincides with the blooming season of the Shirui Lily in May
• Objective: Promote eco-tourism and raise awareness about the endangered lily species
• Key Features of the Festival:
• Cultural Programs: Traditional dances, music, and folk performances. Eco-Initiatives: Trash collection drives and awareness campaigns. Competitions: Cooking contests, beauty pageants, and sports events. Duration: Held from May 20 to May 25 annually during bloom season.
• Cultural Programs: Traditional dances, music, and folk performances.
• Eco-Initiatives: Trash collection drives and awareness campaigns.
• Competitions: Cooking contests, beauty pageants, and sports events.
• Duration: Held from May 20 to May 25 annually during bloom season.
About Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae):
• What is the Shirui Lily?
• Botanical Name: Lilium mackliniae, named by botanist Frank Kingdon-Ward after his wife Jean Macklin
• Local Name: Kashong Timrawon
• Found In: Shirui Hills, Ukhrul District, Manipur at 2,673 m elevation
• Discovery: Identified in 1946, though locally known for centuries
• Features & Significance:
• Unique Habitat: Endemic to a narrow altitudinal range in Shirui Hill range. Conservation Status: Endangered due to habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species. Cultural Symbolism: Protected by mythic deity Philava, spiritual and ecological emblem of the Tangkhul community. State Flower: Recognised as the official state flower of Manipur. Scientific Efforts: ICAR-NEH scientists led by Dr. Manas Sahoo undertook lab-to-land micropropagation to conserve the species.
• Unique Habitat: Endemic to a narrow altitudinal range in Shirui Hill range.
• Conservation Status: Endangered due to habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species.
• Cultural Symbolism: Protected by mythic deity Philava, spiritual and ecological emblem of the Tangkhul community.
• State Flower: Recognised as the official state flower of Manipur.
• Scientific Efforts: ICAR-NEH scientists led by Dr. Manas Sahoo undertook lab-to-land micropropagation to conserve the species.
Prostate Cancer
Source: BS
Context: Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer, drawing global attention to the disease, its symptoms, and treatment options.
About Prostate Cancer:
• What is Prostate Cancer?
• Prostate cancer arises in the prostate gland, a small organ in men that produces seminal fluid. It is one of the most common cancers in men, particularly after age 50.
• Prostate cancer arises in the prostate gland, a small organ in men that produces seminal fluid.
• It is one of the most common cancers in men, particularly after age 50.
• Global and Indian Scenario:
• Globally: Prostate cancer is the 2nd most diagnosed cancer in men with over 1.4 million new cases and nearly 400,000 deaths in 2022 (GLOBOCAN). India: It ranks among the top 10 cancers in men, with 37,948 new cases and 18,386 deaths in 2022, and rising incidence in urban areas.
• Globally: Prostate cancer is the 2nd most diagnosed cancer in men with over 1.4 million new cases and nearly 400,000 deaths in 2022 (GLOBOCAN).
• India: It ranks among the top 10 cancers in men, with 37,948 new cases and 18,386 deaths in 2022, and rising incidence in urban areas.
• Causes and Risk Factors:
• Age: Risk increases sharply after age 50. Family History: A close relative with prostate cancer doubles one’s risk. Genetics: BRCA1/2 mutations and Lynch syndrome increase vulnerability. Race: Men of African ancestry have higher risk and severity. Diet & Lifestyle: High intake of red meat, fats, and sedentary habits contribute.
• Age: Risk increases sharply after age 50.
• Family History: A close relative with prostate cancer doubles one’s risk.
• Genetics: BRCA1/2 mutations and Lynch syndrome increase vulnerability.
• Race: Men of African ancestry have higher risk and severity.
• Diet & Lifestyle: High intake of red meat, fats, and sedentary habits contribute.
• Common Symptoms of Prostate Cancer:
• Frequent or painful urination: Indicates urinary tract irritation due to prostate enlargement or tumor pressure. Weak urine flow or dribbling: Caused by blockage in the urethra due to prostate gland swelling. Erectile dysfunction: Tumor or treatment may impair nerves or blood vessels linked to erection. Blood in urine or semen: A sign of inflammation, prostate damage, or tumor-related bleeding. Bone pain (in advanced stages): Metastatic cancer often spreads to bones, causing persistent pain.
• Frequent or painful urination: Indicates urinary tract irritation due to prostate enlargement or tumor pressure.
• Weak urine flow or dribbling: Caused by blockage in the urethra due to prostate gland swelling.
• Erectile dysfunction: Tumor or treatment may impair nerves or blood vessels linked to erection.
• Blood in urine or semen: A sign of inflammation, prostate damage, or tumor-related bleeding.
• Bone pain (in advanced stages): Metastatic cancer often spreads to bones, causing persistent pain.
• Diagnosis Methods:
• PSA Blood Test: Detects elevated prostate-specific antigen, often a marker of cancer presence. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A doctor manually examines the prostate for lumps or hardness. Biopsy: Tissue samples from the prostate confirm cancer by microscopic analysis. Imaging (MRI/Bone Scans): Helps determine how far the cancer has spread within the body.
• PSA Blood Test: Detects elevated prostate-specific antigen, often a marker of cancer presence.
• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A doctor manually examines the prostate for lumps or hardness.
• Biopsy: Tissue samples from the prostate confirm cancer by microscopic analysis.
• Imaging (MRI/Bone Scans): Helps determine how far the cancer has spread within the body.
• Treatment Options:
• Active Surveillance: Regular monitoring without immediate treatment for low-risk cancers. Surgery (Prostatectomy): Surgical removal of the prostate to eliminate localized cancer. Radiation Therapy: Targets and destroys cancer cells using focused radiation beams. Hormone Therapy: Lowers testosterone levels to slow or stop cancer cell growth. Chemotherapy & Immunotherapy: Used when cancer is advanced or unresponsive to other treatments.
• Active Surveillance: Regular monitoring without immediate treatment for low-risk cancers.
• Surgery (Prostatectomy): Surgical removal of the prostate to eliminate localized cancer.
• Radiation Therapy: Targets and destroys cancer cells using focused radiation beams.
• Hormone Therapy: Lowers testosterone levels to slow or stop cancer cell growth.
• Chemotherapy & Immunotherapy: Used when cancer is advanced or unresponsive to other treatments.
Elimination of Trachoma
Source: WHO
Context: India has officially received the WHO Certificate of Elimination of Trachoma as a Public Health Problem at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva.
• India is now the third country in WHO South-East Asia Region (after Nepal and Myanmar) to eliminate trachoma.
About Elimination of Trachoma:
• What is Trachoma?
• Definition: A contagious bacterial eye disease caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. Transmission: Spread via direct contact (hands, clothes, bedding) and vectors like flies carrying discharge from infected eyes/nose. Reservoir: Children are the main source of transmission in endemic communities.
• Definition: A contagious bacterial eye disease caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.
• Transmission: Spread via direct contact (hands, clothes, bedding) and vectors like flies carrying discharge from infected eyes/nose.
• Reservoir: Children are the main source of transmission in endemic communities.
• Global and Indian Data:
• Global burden: Endemic in 38 countries. Affects 1.9 million people with visual impairment or blindness. In 2023, 130,746 surgeries and 32.9 million antibiotic treatments were conducted globally. Recently Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Mauritania has been validated by the WHO for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem. India: Active surveillance through NPCBVI since 2019. National Trichiasis Survey conducted in 200 districts (2021–24). Declared trachoma-free in October 2023, certified in May 2025.
• Global burden: Endemic in 38 countries. Affects 1.9 million people with visual impairment or blindness. In 2023, 130,746 surgeries and 32.9 million antibiotic treatments were conducted globally. Recently Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Mauritania has been validated by the WHO for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem.
• Endemic in 38 countries.
• Affects 1.9 million people with visual impairment or blindness.
• In 2023, 130,746 surgeries and 32.9 million antibiotic treatments were conducted globally.
• Recently Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Mauritania has been validated by the WHO for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem.
• India: Active surveillance through NPCBVI since 2019. National Trichiasis Survey conducted in 200 districts (2021–24). Declared trachoma-free in October 2023, certified in May 2025.
• Active surveillance through NPCBVI since 2019.
• National Trichiasis Survey conducted in 200 districts (2021–24).
• Declared trachoma-free in October 2023, certified in May 2025.
• Symptoms and Impact:
• Early: Red eyes, discharge, eye pain, photophobia. Advanced: Trachomatous trichiasis (inward eyelashes scraping cornea) leads corneal opacity which in turn lead to irreversible blindness. Women are 4 times more likely to be affected due to frequent exposure from caregiving roles.
• Early: Red eyes, discharge, eye pain, photophobia.
• Advanced: Trachomatous trichiasis (inward eyelashes scraping cornea) leads corneal opacity which in turn lead to irreversible blindness. Women are 4 times more likely to be affected due to frequent exposure from caregiving roles.
• Women are 4 times more likely to be affected due to frequent exposure from caregiving roles.
• Transmission and Risk Factors: Close contact in crowded homes: Living in close quarters increases the likelihood of direct transmission of eye and nasal discharges. Poor hygiene, lack of water and sanitation: Unclean environments support bacterial survival and spread due to infrequent face washing and poor waste disposal. Spread mainly among preschool-aged children in endemic zones: Young children are frequent carriers due to repeated infections and close interactions. Flies act as vectors in unsanitary settings: Eye-seeking flies transfer the bacteria from infected discharges to others in unhygienic environments.
• Close contact in crowded homes: Living in close quarters increases the likelihood of direct transmission of eye and nasal discharges.
• Poor hygiene, lack of water and sanitation: Unclean environments support bacterial survival and spread due to infrequent face washing and poor waste disposal.
• Spread mainly among preschool-aged children in endemic zones: Young children are frequent carriers due to repeated infections and close interactions.
• Flies act as vectors in unsanitary settings: Eye-seeking flies transfer the bacteria from infected discharges to others in unhygienic environments.
• Distribution:
• Endemic in Africa, South Asia, parts of Latin America, Australia, and the Middle East. 21 countries validated by WHO as having eliminated it, including India, China, Nepal, Pakistan, Iran, Morocco, and Vietnam.
• Endemic in Africa, South Asia, parts of Latin America, Australia, and the Middle East.
• 21 countries validated by WHO as having eliminated it, including India, China, Nepal, Pakistan, Iran, Morocco, and Vietnam.
Three Digital Initiatives to Streamline PDS
Source: PIB
Context: Union Minister launched three new digital platforms—Depot Darpan, Anna Mitra, and Anna Sahayata—to streamline India’s Public Distribution System (PDS), ensuring transparency, efficiency, and accountability.
About Three Digital Initiatives to Streamline PDS:
About the Three Digital Initiatives:
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has unveiled three tech-driven initiatives to modernize warehousing, empower frontline workers, and improve grievance redressal under PM-GKAY and NFSA.
• Depot Darpan Initiative: Aim: Improve infrastructure and operational performance of food grain depots under FCI and CWC. Key Features: Digital self-assessment portal for depot-level performance tracking. Composite ratings based on a 60:40 ratio (Operations: Infrastructure).
• Aim: Improve infrastructure and operational performance of food grain depots under FCI and CWC.
• Key Features: Digital self-assessment portal for depot-level performance tracking. Composite ratings based on a 60:40 ratio (Operations: Infrastructure).
• Digital self-assessment portal for depot-level performance tracking.
• Composite ratings based on a 60:40 ratio (Operations: Infrastructure).
• IoT integration for real-time monitoring, CCTV surveillance, and live analytics.
• Capital infusion: ₹1000 crore (FCI) & ₹280 crore (CWC) for depot upgrades.
• Anna Mitra Initiative: Aim: Empower field-level PDS stakeholders through real-time data access. Key Features: Mobile app launched for FPS dealers, DFSO officers, and food inspectors. Enables access to stock details, sales reports, alerts, and FPS performance.
• Aim: Empower field-level PDS stakeholders through real-time data access.
• Key Features: Mobile app launched for FPS dealers, DFSO officers, and food inspectors. Enables access to stock details, sales reports, alerts, and FPS performance.
• Mobile app launched for FPS dealers, DFSO officers, and food inspectors.
• Enables access to stock details, sales reports, alerts, and FPS performance.
• Conducts geo-tagged inspections and stock verifications.
• Currently rolled out in Assam, Uttarakhand, Tripura, and Punjab in Hindi and English.
• Anna Sahayata Initiative: Aim: Provide advanced, accessible grievance redressal for PMGKAY Key Features: Utilizes WhatsApp, IVRS, and Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) for filing complaints. Built for accessibility, speed, and multilingual reach.
• Aim: Provide advanced, accessible grievance redressal for PMGKAY
• Key Features: Utilizes WhatsApp, IVRS, and Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) for filing complaints. Built for accessibility, speed, and multilingual reach.
• Utilizes WhatsApp, IVRS, and Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) for filing complaints.
• Built for accessibility, speed, and multilingual reach.
• Pilot phase in Gujarat, Jharkhand, Telangana, Tripura, and Uttar Pradesh in 5 languages.
Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)
Source: TH
Context: Union Home Minister launched a revamped Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) portal, aimed at enhancing digital accessibility, security, and service delivery.
About Overseas Citizen of India (OCI):
• What is the OCI Card? The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card is a form of permanent residency available to Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), allowing them to live and work in India indefinitely, with certain exceptions.
• The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card is a form of permanent residency available to Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), allowing them to live and work in India indefinitely, with certain exceptions.
• Introduced in: August 2005 under Section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955.
• Objective: Strengthen India’s ties with the global Indian diaspora by granting multiple rights akin to long-term residency.
• Eligibility Criteria for OCI: A person is eligible for OCI if they:
• A person is eligible for OCI if they:
• Were citizens of India on or after 26th January 1950, or eligible to become citizens then. Are children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren of such individuals. Are a minor child of Indian citizens or of OCI cardholders. Are a foreign spouse of an Indian citizen/OCI holder, with marriage subsisting for 2+ years (subject to security clearance).
• Were citizens of India on or after 26th January 1950, or eligible to become citizens then. Are children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren of such individuals. Are a minor child of Indian citizens or of OCI cardholders. Are a foreign spouse of an Indian citizen/OCI holder, with marriage subsisting for 2+ years (subject to security clearance).
• Were citizens of India on or after 26th January 1950, or eligible to become citizens then.
• Are children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren of such individuals.
• Are a minor child of Indian citizens or of OCI cardholders.
• Are a foreign spouse of an Indian citizen/OCI holder, with marriage subsisting for 2+ years (subject to security clearance).
• Not eligible:
• If applicant or their ancestors were ever citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh. If applicant is serving or retired foreign military personnel.
• If applicant or their ancestors were ever citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh.
• If applicant is serving or retired foreign military personnel.
• Key Benefits of an OCI Cardholder:
• Lifelong, multiple-entry visa for visiting India. Exemption from FRRO registration, irrespective of duration of stay. Parity with Indian citizens in domestic airfares and ticket fees for national monuments and parks. Parity with NRIs in: Adoption of Indian children. Admission in Indian educational institutions against NRI or supernumerary seats. Purchase of non-agricultural properties. Pursuing professions like doctors, lawyers, architects, and CAs. Faculty appointments allowed in premier institutes like IITs, NITs, IIMs, and AIIMS.
• Lifelong, multiple-entry visa for visiting India.
• Exemption from FRRO registration, irrespective of duration of stay.
• Parity with Indian citizens in domestic airfares and ticket fees for national monuments and parks.
• Parity with NRIs in: Adoption of Indian children. Admission in Indian educational institutions against NRI or supernumerary seats. Purchase of non-agricultural properties. Pursuing professions like doctors, lawyers, architects, and CAs.
• Adoption of Indian children.
• Admission in Indian educational institutions against NRI or supernumerary seats.
• Purchase of non-agricultural properties.
• Pursuing professions like doctors, lawyers, architects, and CAs.
• Faculty appointments allowed in premier institutes like IITs, NITs, IIMs, and AIIMS.
• Latest Rules & Restrictions (as of 2021 notification): OCI cardholders must take special permission for:
• OCI cardholders must take special permission for:
• Research, missionary, journalistic activities, or mountaineering. Visiting restricted/protected/prohibited areas. Interning with or working in foreign diplomatic missions in India.
• Research, missionary, journalistic activities, or mountaineering. Visiting restricted/protected/prohibited areas. Interning with or working in foreign diplomatic missions in India.
• Research, missionary, journalistic activities, or mountaineering.
• Visiting restricted/protected/prohibited areas.
• Interning with or working in foreign diplomatic missions in India.
• Also, OCIs are treated at par with foreign nationals under FEMA 2003, reversing earlier parity with NRIs in economic/financial matters.
• Key Restrictions on OCI cardholders:
• Cannot vote or contest elections. Cannot hold Indian constitutional positions (e.g., President, Vice President, Supreme Court Judge). Cannot hold regular government jobs. Cannot buy agricultural or plantation property.
• Cannot vote or contest elections.
• Cannot hold Indian constitutional positions (e.g., President, Vice President, Supreme Court Judge).
• Cannot hold regular government jobs.
• Cannot buy agricultural or plantation property.
• Renunciation of OCI:
• Any OCI cardholder may voluntarily renounce OCI status. Upon registration of renunciation, they cease to be OCI holders. The same applies to their minor children registered under the OCI scheme.
• Any OCI cardholder may voluntarily renounce OCI status.
• Upon registration of renunciation, they cease to be OCI holders.
• The same applies to their minor children registered under the OCI scheme.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 May 2025 Mapping:
Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki
Source: News on Air
Context: Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in Indonesia erupted multiple times over the weekend and again on Monday, prompting the government to raise the alert level to the highest tier.
About Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki:
• What it is: A stratovolcano forming part of a twin volcanic system with Lewotobi Perempuan, often symbolised as a “husband-wife” pair.
• Located in: Southeast Flores Island, Indonesia; part of the Lesser Sunda Islands volcanic arc.
• Geological Features:
• Twin peaks: Laki-laki (more active) and Perempuan (less active).
• Formed due to subduction of the Indo-Australian Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate.
• Known for frequent eruptions, pyroclastic activity, and ash columns reaching over 5 km.
About Indonesia:
• Location: Archipelagic country in Southeast Asia; lies between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
• Capital: Jakarta (on the island of Java).
• Indonesia is relocating its capital from Jakarta to a new city called Nusantara.
• Borders: Shares land borders with Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste.
• Geological Features:
• Islands: Over 17,000 islands – major ones include Sumatra, Java, Borneo (Kalimantan), Sulawesi, New Guinea (Papua).
• Mountains/Volcanoes: Over 100 active volcanoes including Merapi, Agung, Sinabung, and Krakatoa; part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
• Rivers: Longest: Kapuas (1,140 km) in Kalimantan. Others: Barito, Mahakam, Mamberamo.
• Longest: Kapuas (1,140 km) in Kalimantan.
• Others: Barito, Mahakam, Mamberamo.
• Tectonic Setting: Junction of Indo-Australian, Eurasian, and Pacific plates—making it one of the most seismically active regions globally.
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