UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 May 2025

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 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.

GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 May (2025)

• WHO Pandemic Agreement

WHO Pandemic Agreement

GS Paper 3:

• India’s Small Farmers

India’s Small Farmers

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

• Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI)

Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI)

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

• International Booker Prize – 2025

International Booker Prize – 2025

• Mizoram India’s First Fully Literate State

Mizoram India’s First Fully Literate State

• 16th Asiatic Lion Census

16th Asiatic Lion Census

• Blue Talks

Blue Talks

• Golden Dome

Golden Dome

• INSV Kaundinya – Stitched Sail Ship

INSV Kaundinya – Stitched Sail Ship

• BrahMos-NG (Next Generation) Missile

BrahMos-NG (Next Generation) Missile

Mapping:

• Arabian Sea

Arabian Sea

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS –22 May 2025

#### GS Paper 2:

WHO Pandemic Agreement

Syllabus: Health & International Relations

Source: BS

Context: The World Health Assembly formally adopted the WHO Pandemic Agreement, a global legal treaty to improve preparedness for future pandemics.

About WHO Pandemic Agreement:

• What is the WHO Pandemic Agreement?

• A legally binding international treaty under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution — only the second such treaty after the 2003 Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

• Aim: To ensure equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics, and build a coordinated global response mechanism during future pandemics.

• Binding Nature: Becomes enforceable once 60 countries ratify Countries retain sovereignty over domestic health decisions and WHO cannot mandate laws or restrictions.

• Countries retain sovereignty over domestic health decisions and WHO cannot mandate laws or restrictions.

• Members Involved: Adopted by 124 countries, with 11 abstentions. The US withdrew from negotiations following policy shifts under President Trump.

Need for the Pandemic Treaty:

• COVID-19 exposed systemic failures in global health equity and coordination.

E.g. A 2022 Nature study found 1 million deaths could have been avoided with fair vaccine distribution.

• Vaccine hoarding by wealthy nations left poorer countries behind.

• The Independent Panel Report (2021) cited “uncoordinated global response and inequalities” as reasons for avoidable human loss.

• The treaty aims to prevent such global disparities in future pandemics.

Key Features of the WHO Pandemic Treaty:

• Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS):

• Countries must share pathogen samples and genome data; in return, pharma companies must provide:

• 10% of vaccine output free to WHO

• 10% at affordable prices to low-income countries.

• Technology Transfer & Capacity Building:

• Encourages knowledge-sharing and tech transfer to enable local production of vaccines and treatments in developing nations.

• Equity-Based Distribution Framework:

• Prioritises public health risk over geopolitics in vaccine allocation. Prevents vaccine hoarding and promotes transparent supply chains.

• Prioritises public health risk over geopolitics in vaccine allocation.

• Prevents vaccine hoarding and promotes transparent supply chains.

• Global Supply Chain & Financing Mechanism:

• Calls for a Coordinated Financial Mechanism and a Global Supply Chain and Logistics Network (GSCL) for emergency response. Ensures countries in crisis receive timely access to life-saving resources.

• Calls for a Coordinated Financial Mechanism and a Global Supply Chain and Logistics Network (GSCL) for emergency response.

• Ensures countries in crisis receive timely access to life-saving resources.

• National Health Policy Alignment:

• Countries must develop frameworks to guarantee access to pandemic-related innovations derived from public funding.

• One Health Approach:

• Emphasises interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, promoting early detection and prevention of zoonotic diseases.

Significance of the Pandemic Treaty:

• Enhances Global Solidarity: Builds trust in multilateral health systems for coordinated action.

• Boosts Pandemic Readiness: Creates an enforceable global framework for early detection, equitable distribution, and response.

• Protects Developing Nations: Ensures access to innovation and treatment, bridging the North–South divide.

• Limits of Power: WHO cannot override national laws, maintaining state sovereignty while ensuring international cooperation.

• Economic Protection: Reduces global health and economic disruptions by institutionalising preparedness mechanisms.

Conclusion:

The WHO Pandemic Agreement is a landmark in international public health diplomacy. It reflects lessons from COVID-19 and aims to correct past inequities in global health responses. Implementation and ratification will now be key to transforming this global consensus into meaningful protection for all.

• “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse. (UPSC – 2021)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 May 2025 GS Paper 3:

India’s Small Farmers

Syllabus: Agriculture

Source: DTE

Context: A detailed analysis published recently highlights the urgent need to transition small farmers from dependency to dignity by fostering agripreneurship, equity, and sustainable market access.

About India’s Small Farmers:

• Definition: Small and marginal farmers are those who own less than 2 hectares of land (Agricultural Census 2015–16).

• Extent: They constitute over 85% of all farmers but cultivate just 45% of net sown area.

• Contribution: Despite feeding the nation, most live in vulnerability and poverty, lacking adequate resources, voice, or market access.

Challenges Faced by Small Farmers:

• Climate Vulnerability & Input Costs:

• Dependence on erratic monsoons with minimal irrigation. Rising costs of seeds, fertilizers, and diesel shrink net income (RBI Handbook 2022).

• Dependence on erratic monsoons with minimal irrigation.

• Rising costs of seeds, fertilizers, and diesel shrink net income (RBI Handbook 2022).

• Market Access & Price Realisation:

• Only 7% benefit from MSP and most face distress sales to middlemen (Shanta Kumar Committee 2015). Lack of storage and processing infrastructure worsens price volatility.

• Only 7% benefit from MSP and most face distress sales to middlemen (Shanta Kumar Committee 2015).

• Lack of storage and processing infrastructure worsens price volatility.

• Institutional Credit & Indebtedness:

• Only 30% access formal credit (NABARD 2016–17), while others depend on high-interest informal loans. ₹10.09 lakh crore in corporate loan write-offs (RBI 2022) highlight systemic credit inequality.

• Only 30% access formal credit (NABARD 2016–17), while others depend on high-interest informal loans.

• ₹10.09 lakh crore in corporate loan write-offs (RBI 2022) highlight systemic credit inequality.

• Dependency on Subsidies: Subsidies and loan waivers offer short-term relief, but foster long-term dependency and discourage diversification.

• Lack of Agripreneurial Skills:

• Limited access to training in business planning, value chain management, and digital platforms. Infrastructure gaps hinder transformation to market-oriented production.

• Limited access to training in business planning, value chain management, and digital platforms.

• Infrastructure gaps hinder transformation to market-oriented production.

Key Government Schemes for Small Farmers:

• PM-KISAN (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi): Provides ₹6,000 per year in direct income support to small and marginal farmers in three equal instalments.

• PMFBY (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana): Offers crop insurance to protect farmers against yield loss due to natural calamities at minimal premium.

• PMKSY (Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana): Focuses on improving irrigation efficiency and ensuring “Har Khet Ko Pani” for small landholders.

• e-NAM (National Agriculture Market): A digital platform connecting mandis to offer better price discovery and reduce middlemen for small farmers.

• Formation of 10,000 FPOs (Farmer Producer Organisations): Empowers smallholders to collectively access markets, inputs, and credit through organised producer groups.

Way Forward:

• Promote Agripreneurship & Diversification: Encourage farmers to transition from subsistence to business models, leveraging tools like AgriBazaar, Ninjacart, and e-NAM.

• Strengthen FPOs & SHGs: Support 10,000+ FPOs with finance, training, and market linkages to scale collective marketing and value addition.

• Reform Rural Credit Architecture: Prioritise lending to cooperatives, SHGs, and FPOs, and scale up digital lending platforms with regulatory oversight.

• Encourage Organic & Sustainable Farming:

• Promote organic production via schemes like PKVY, targeting 2 million hectares, and $1.2 billion in exports (2024, APEDA). Facilitate certifications (NPOP, Fairtrade) and use blockchain traceability to build premium value chains.

• Promote organic production via schemes like PKVY, targeting 2 million hectares, and $1.2 billion in exports (2024, APEDA).

• Facilitate certifications (NPOP, Fairtrade) and use blockchain traceability to build premium value chains.

• Implement 4P Models (Public-Private-Producer Partnership): Involve corporates in equitable value chains with legal safeguards, transparent procurement, and CSR-driven rural investment.

• Invest in Rural Digital Infrastructure: Bridge rural-urban digital divides through digital literacy, drone-based input delivery, and access to real-time agri-data.

• Align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Promote practices supporting SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 13 (Climate Action) via agroecology and value-added agriculture.

Conclusion:

India’s agricultural progress hinges on uplifting its small and marginal farmers through dignity, opportunity, and enterprise. Post-COVID tools—e-commerce, FPOs, and digital platforms—offer the means to bridge gaps in credit, markets, and technology. A shift from relief to resilience can unlock India’s true rural potential for a sustainable and just future.

• Explain various types of revolutions, took place in Agriculture after Independence in India. How have these revolutions helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India? (UPSC – 2017)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 May 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI)

Context: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) launched the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) to combat mobile-based cyber fraud.

About Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI):

• What is FRI?

• FRI is a multi-dimensional analytical tool that flags mobile numbers based on their likelihood of being involved in financial fraud.

• Launched By: Developed and introduced by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communications.

• Objective: To provide advance intelligence to financial institutions and prevent cyber-enabled financial frauds.

• Key Features:

• Risk Classification: Categorizes mobile numbers as Medium, High, or Very High risk. Integration with Digital Payments: Alerts banks and UPI platforms when a flagged number is involved in a transaction. Stakeholder Empowerment: Enables banks, NBFCs, and payment service providers to take additional customer protection measures. Proactive Cyber Shield: Acts as a pre-transaction validation tool to reduce fraud attempts. Real-time Application: Works in coordination with fraud detection systems and verification protocols.

• Risk Classification: Categorizes mobile numbers as Medium, High, or Very High risk.

• Integration with Digital Payments: Alerts banks and UPI platforms when a flagged number is involved in a transaction.

• Stakeholder Empowerment: Enables banks, NBFCs, and payment service providers to take additional customer protection measures.

• Proactive Cyber Shield: Acts as a pre-transaction validation tool to reduce fraud attempts.

• Real-time Application: Works in coordination with fraud detection systems and verification protocols.

Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus

• GS Paper 2 – Governance

• Government Policies & Interventions: Covers initiatives for digital governance and citizen protection. Transparency & Accountability: Promotes data-driven regulation to counter fraud.

• Government Policies & Interventions: Covers initiatives for digital governance and citizen protection.

• Transparency & Accountability: Promotes data-driven regulation to counter fraud.

• GS Paper 3 – Cybersecurity & Technology

• Challenges of Cyber Security: Addresses rising digital payment frauds and prevention tools. Science & Tech in Daily Life: Application of AI/analytics in public financial systems.

• Challenges of Cyber Security: Addresses rising digital payment frauds and prevention tools.

• Science & Tech in Daily Life: Application of AI/analytics in public financial systems.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 May Facts for Prelims (FFP)

International Booker Prize – 2025

Source: HT

Context: Banu Mushtaq, Kannada author and activist, has won the International Booker Prize 2025 for her short story collection Heart Lamp, translated into English by Deepa Bhasthi.

About International Booker Prize, 2025:

• Established: 2005

• Given By: Booker Prize Foundation, UK

• Frequency: Annually awarded

• Purpose: Honors the best translated work of fiction into English from any language.

• Award Amount: £50,000 (shared equally between author and translator)

• Key Features:

• Focuses exclusively on translated fiction, unlike the Booker Prize which is for English-original works.

• Recognizes literary excellence, cultural richness, and the art of translation.

• Indian Winners (International Booker)

• Geetanjali Shree – Tomb of Sand (2022), translated by Daisy Rockwell (First Hindi work to win)

• Banu Mushtaq – Heart Lamp (2025), translated by Deepa Bhasthi (First Kannada work to win

About Banu Mushtaq:

• Born: April 3, 1948, Hassan, Karnataka

• Professions: Advocate, journalist, writer, women’s rights activist, former municipal councillor

• Associated with: Bandaya Movement – Kannada protest literature for social justice

• Literary Career:

• Began writing in 1974, first published in Prajamatha.

• Reported for Lankesh Patrike (1981–1990), mentored by P. Lankesh.

• Transitioned to law and continued writing on gender, caste, and religious issues.

• Heart Lamp (2025 Winner):

• A collection of 12 short stories written between 1990 and 2023.

• Portrays the lives of ordinary South Indian Muslim women, dealing with patriarchy, faith, family, and autonomy.

• Translated from Kannada by Deepa Bhasthi, who also became the first Indian translator to win this prize.

• Other Notable Works:

• Benki Male (1999) – Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award

• Haseena Mattu Itara Kathegalu (2015) – Translated as Haseena and Other Stories

• Her short story “Black Cobra” was adapted into the award-winning film Hasina by Girish Kasaravalli.

Mizoram India’s First Fully Literate State

Source: CNBC

Context: The Chief Minister of Mizoram officially declared the state as fully literate. With this, Mizoram has become the first state in India to achieve complete literacy.

• Earlier, on 24.06.2024, Ladakh became the first administrative unit to declare full literacy.

About Mizoram India’s First Fully Literate State:

• What is ‘Full Literacy’?

• A state is considered fully literate when its literacy rate exceeds 95%, as per the benchmark defined under the ULLAS scheme. Mizoram achieved a literacy rate of 98.2% as per the PLFS 2023–24, surpassing the threshold. Mizoram (literacy rate in 2011 Census: 91.33%) Initiative Used: Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram under ULLAS

• A state is considered fully literate when its literacy rate exceeds 95%, as per the benchmark defined under the ULLAS scheme.

• Mizoram achieved a literacy rate of 98.2% as per the PLFS 2023–24, surpassing the threshold.

• Mizoram (literacy rate in 2011 Census: 91.33%)

• Initiative Used: Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram under ULLAS

About ULLAS Scheme (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society):

• Launched: FY 2022–2027

• Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme

• Ministry: Ministry of Education

• Budget Outlay: ₹1037.90 crore (₹700 Cr Centre + ₹337.90 Cr State share)

• Objectives:

• Promote inclusive adult education aligning with NEP 2020

• Target non-literates aged 15+ across India

• Enhance functional literacy, digital skills, and vocational learning

• Key Components:

• Foundational Literacy & Numeracy (FLN): Teaches basic reading, writing, and arithmetic skills to non-literate adults. Critical Life Skills: Covers essential knowledge like health awareness, financial literacy, and family welfare. Basic Education: Offers education equivalent to primary, middle, and secondary schooling. Vocational Skills: Imparts job-oriented skills to boost employability at the local level. Continuing Education: Provides lifelong learning through cultural, scientific, and recreational courses.

• Foundational Literacy & Numeracy (FLN): Teaches basic reading, writing, and arithmetic skills to non-literate adults.

• Critical Life Skills: Covers essential knowledge like health awareness, financial literacy, and family welfare.

• Basic Education: Offers education equivalent to primary, middle, and secondary schooling.

• Vocational Skills: Imparts job-oriented skills to boost employability at the local level.

• Continuing Education: Provides lifelong learning through cultural, scientific, and recreational courses.

• Implementation Features:

• Volunteer-Based Teaching: Uses trained community volunteers as educators for adult learners. Digital-First Delivery: Learning materials are delivered via mobile apps, TV, radio, and online platforms. Enrolment Stats: Over 2.37 crore learners and 40.84 lakh volunteer teachers have registered as of 2025. Assessment Method: Learners are evaluated through the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT).

• Volunteer-Based Teaching: Uses trained community volunteers as educators for adult learners.

• Digital-First Delivery: Learning materials are delivered via mobile apps, TV, radio, and online platforms.

• Enrolment Stats: Over 2.37 crore learners and 40.84 lakh volunteer teachers have registered as of 2025.

• Assessment Method: Learners are evaluated through the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT).

16th Asiatic Lion Census

Source: DD News

Context: Gujarat Chief Minister announced the completion of the 16th Asiatic Lion Population Census, reporting a population of 891 lions.

About 16th Asiatic Lion Census:

• Conducted By: Gujarat Forest Department under the supervision of the State Wildlife Division.

• Total Lion Population: 891 lions, including 196 adult males and rest include females, sub-adults, and cubs.

• Area Coverage: Spanned 35,000 sq km across 58 talukas in 11 districts.

• Census Methodology:

• Conducted in two phases:

• Phase 1: Direct Beat Verification Phase 2: Final Enumeration

• Phase 1: Direct Beat Verification

• Phase 2: Final Enumeration

• Data Insights:

• Notable range expansion beyond Gir forest. Growing habitat connectivity and stable sub-populations outside protected areas.

• Notable range expansion beyond Gir forest.

• Growing habitat connectivity and stable sub-populations outside protected areas.

About Asiatic Lions (Panthera leo persica):

• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (Recently it was reclassified as Vulnerable from Endangered status)

• CITES: Appendix I

• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I

• Habitat:

• Current Range: Gir National Park and surrounding areas in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. Historical Range: From West Bengal to Madhya Pradesh in central India, and parts of West Asia.

• Current Range: Gir National Park and surrounding areas in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat.

• Historical Range: From West Bengal to Madhya Pradesh in central India, and parts of West Asia.

• Biological & Physical Features:

• Size: Males: 160–190 kg; Females: 110–120 kg. Height: Approx. 110 cm at shoulder; length up to 2.92 m (including tail). Distinct Feature: A visible belly fold, less prominent mane compared to African lions. Coat Color: Varies from sandy to buff-grey, sometimes with a silvery sheen. Social Structure: Lives in small prides, lesser in size and complexity than African lion groups.

• Size: Males: 160–190 kg; Females: 110–120 kg.

• Height: Approx. 110 cm at shoulder; length up to 2.92 m (including tail).

• Distinct Feature: A visible belly fold, less prominent mane compared to African lions.

• Coat Color: Varies from sandy to buff-grey, sometimes with a silvery sheen.

• Social Structure: Lives in small prides, lesser in size and complexity than African lion groups.

Blue Talks

Source: PIB

Context: India hosted the Second Blue Talks in collaboration with France and Costa Rica to support global marine conservation goals.

• The event aimed to strengthen dialogue ahead of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) scheduled in Nice, France.

About Blue Talks:

• What It Is?

• A multilateral consultation platform that brings together governments, scientists, and civil society to build consensus for sustainable ocean use.

• Held At: New Delhi, hosted by Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), in partnership with the Embassies of France and Costa Rica.

• Objectives:

• Foster stakeholder dialogues on the future of ocean sustainability. Accelerate progress on SDG 14 (Life Below Water). Promote global cooperation in marine research, education, and innovation. Launch strategic knowledge tools.

• Foster stakeholder dialogues on the future of ocean sustainability.

• Accelerate progress on SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

• Promote global cooperation in marine research, education, and innovation.

• Launch strategic knowledge tools.

About 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3)

• What It Is?

• A global UN event to advance marine conservation and sustainable use of ocean resources under SDG 14.

• Hosted by: France and Costa Rica

• Organised by: United Nations with participation from member states, NGOs, academia, civil society, private sector, and international bodies.

• Objectives:

• Support actions to conserve oceans, reduce marine pollution, and build global partnerships. Promote BBNJ Agreement ratification for biodiversity governance in high seas. Adopt the “Nice Ocean Action Plan” — a legally non-binding but politically impactful declaration.

• Support actions to conserve oceans, reduce marine pollution, and build global partnerships.

• Promote BBNJ Agreement ratification for biodiversity governance in high seas.

• Adopt the “Nice Ocean Action Plan” — a legally non-binding but politically impactful declaration.

• Conference History:

• 1st UNOC (2017) – Held in New York, USA focused on raising awareness and voluntary commitments. 2nd UNOC (2022) – Hosted by Portugal, emphasized innovation and science-led solutions. Upcoming 3rd UNOC (2025) Venue: Nice, France Theme: “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.”

• 1st UNOC (2017) – Held in New York, USA focused on raising awareness and voluntary commitments.

• 2nd UNOC (2022) – Hosted by Portugal, emphasized innovation and science-led solutions.

• Upcoming 3rd UNOC (2025) Venue: Nice, France Theme: “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.”

• Venue: Nice, France

• Theme: “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.”

Golden Dome

Source: NDTV

Context: US President Donald Trump announced the final design selection for the ‘Golden Dome’ missile defence shield.

About Golden Dome:

• What is the Golden Dome?

• A proposed next-gen missile defence system integrating space-based and terrestrial technologies. Conceptualized as a strategic shield for intercepting ballistic and hypersonic missiles at launch.

• A proposed next-gen missile defence system integrating space-based and terrestrial technologies.

• Conceptualized as a strategic shield for intercepting ballistic and hypersonic missiles at launch.

• Launched By: Announced by Donald Trump in January 2025, under the US Department of defence.

• Objective:

• To protect US territory from long-range missile threats including ICBMs from rival nations like Russia and China. Aims to operationalize space-based weapons for early missile interception — effectively realizing space warfare capability.

• To protect US territory from long-range missile threats including ICBMs from rival nations like Russia and China.

• Aims to operationalize space-based weapons for early missile interception — effectively realizing space warfare capability.

• Key Features of the Golden Dome:

• Space-Based Interceptors: Thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) to track and intercept threats at launch phase. Satellite-Enabled Targeting: Advanced surveillance, detection, and response systems leveraging AI and real-time data. Ground and Sea Integration: Complements satellite systems with radar arrays, sensor grids, and naval/missile units on Earth. Inspired by Iron Dome, Beyond in Scope: Unlike Israel’s Iron Dome, it targets long-range, high-altitude, and spaceborne threats, not just short-range projectiles. Strategic Scale: Designed to cover the entire continental US, unlike the Iron Dome which defends compact territories.

• Space-Based Interceptors: Thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) to track and intercept threats at launch phase.

• Satellite-Enabled Targeting: Advanced surveillance, detection, and response systems leveraging AI and real-time data.

• Ground and Sea Integration: Complements satellite systems with radar arrays, sensor grids, and naval/missile units on Earth.

• Inspired by Iron Dome, Beyond in Scope: Unlike Israel’s Iron Dome, it targets long-range, high-altitude, and spaceborne threats, not just short-range projectiles.

• Strategic Scale: Designed to cover the entire continental US, unlike the Iron Dome which defends compact territories.

• Significance:

• Strategic Superiority: Positions the US ahead in space militarization amidst growing threats from China and Russia. Technological Leap: Would become the first true space-based missile defence system if operationalized.

• Strategic Superiority: Positions the US ahead in space militarization amidst growing threats from China and Russia.

• Technological Leap: Would become the first true space-based missile defence system if operationalized.

INSV Kaundinya – Stitched Sail Ship

Source: HT

Context: The Indian Navy formally inducted INSV Kaundinya, a stitched sail ship inspired by 5th-century Ajanta cave paintings, at Karwar Naval Base.

• The ship will undertake a transoceanic voyage from Gujarat to Oman later this year, reviving India’s ancient maritime heritage.

About INSV Kaundinya – Stitched Sail Ship:

• What It Is?

• A fully functional stitched sailing ship built using ancient Indian shipbuilding techniques, inducted as an Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV).

• Inspiration: Modeled on a 5th-century CE ship depicted in Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra — showcasing India’s maritime heritage through art.

• Developed By: Jointly developed under a tripartite agreement (July 2023) between: Ministry of Culture (Funding Agency) Indian Navy (Technical Validation & Oversight) Hodi Innovations (Shipbuilder)

• Ministry of Culture (Funding Agency)

• Indian Navy (Technical Validation & Oversight)

• Hodi Innovations (Shipbuilder)

• Objectives:

• Revive and demonstrate traditional Indian shipbuilding methods. Celebrate India’s ancient maritime trade and navigation skills. Promote cultural diplomacy and heritage awareness globally.

• Revive and demonstrate traditional Indian shipbuilding methods.

• Celebrate India’s ancient maritime trade and navigation skills.

• Promote cultural diplomacy and heritage awareness globally.

• Key Features:

• Construction Technique: Built using stitched plank technique, where wooden planks are joined using coir rope, coconut fibre, and natural resin — no nails used. Design Validation: Reconstructed using iconographic extrapolation from Ajanta paintings, with hydrodynamic testing at IIT Madras. Artistic Elements: Sails feature Gandabherunda and Sun motifs, bow has a Simha Yali, deck holds a Harappan-style stone anchor. Traditional Rigging: Equipped with square sails and steering oars, replicating ancient sea-faring designs. Naming Legacy: Named after Kaundinya, the legendary Indian mariner who sailed to Southeast Asia, symbolizing historical Indo-Pacific ties.

• Construction Technique: Built using stitched plank technique, where wooden planks are joined using coir rope, coconut fibre, and natural resin — no nails used.

• Design Validation: Reconstructed using iconographic extrapolation from Ajanta paintings, with hydrodynamic testing at IIT Madras.

• Artistic Elements: Sails feature Gandabherunda and Sun motifs, bow has a Simha Yali, deck holds a Harappan-style stone anchor.

• Traditional Rigging: Equipped with square sails and steering oars, replicating ancient sea-faring designs.

• Naming Legacy: Named after Kaundinya, the legendary Indian mariner who sailed to Southeast Asia, symbolizing historical Indo-Pacific ties.

BrahMos-NG (Next Generation) Missile

Source: TH

Context: The BrahMos-NG (Next Generation) missile is nearing flight testing, with the existing BrahMos missile’s range extended to 800 km under development.

About BrahMos-NG (Next Generation):

• What It Is?

• BrahMos-NG is a smaller, lighter, and more versatile supersonic cruise missile designed for deployment across a wider range of platforms, including fighter aircraft, ships, and submarines.

• Developed By: Jointly developed by India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia under the BrahMos Aerospace partnership.

• Objective:

• To offer a miniaturized, stealthier, and more agile missile system capable of engaging land and sea-based targets with ultra-precision. Designed to equip multiple platforms, including LCA Tejas, Su-30MKI, naval vessels, and submarines.

• To offer a miniaturized, stealthier, and more agile missile system capable of engaging land and sea-based targets with ultra-precision.

• Designed to equip multiple platforms, including LCA Tejas, Su-30MKI, naval vessels, and submarines.

• Key Features of BrahMos-NG:

• Reduced Size & Weight: Weighs approximately 1.5 tonnes vs. the original’s 2.5 tonnes, allowing integration on more platforms including light fighters. High Speed & Range: Maintains Mach 2.8 speed with a 400–450 km range, with ongoing tests extending range up to 800 km. Stealth Capabilities: Enhanced with next-gen stealth technology and low radar signature. Versatile Launch Options: Can be launched from air, land, ships, submarines (via torpedo tubes and vertical launch systems). Advanced ECCM: Improved Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM) for better resistance against jamming. Precision Targeting: Suitable for land-attack roles, anti-ship missions, and underwater warfare scenarios.

• Reduced Size & Weight: Weighs approximately 1.5 tonnes vs. the original’s 2.5 tonnes, allowing integration on more platforms including light fighters.

• High Speed & Range: Maintains Mach 2.8 speed with a 400–450 km range, with ongoing tests extending range up to 800 km.

• Stealth Capabilities: Enhanced with next-gen stealth technology and low radar signature.

• Versatile Launch Options: Can be launched from air, land, ships, submarines (via torpedo tubes and vertical launch systems).

• Advanced ECCM: Improved Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM) for better resistance against jamming.

• Precision Targeting: Suitable for land-attack roles, anti-ship missions, and underwater warfare scenarios.

• BrahMos-NG is Superior to BrahMos:

• Miniaturization enables compatibility with more aircraft including Tejas, Rafale, and MiG-29. Faster deployment and reload cycles due to reduced logistics burden. Higher platform density: Multiple missiles can be mounted on a single aircraft or ship. Future-proof design aligned with modern stealth, mobility, and modularity requirements.

• Miniaturization enables compatibility with more aircraft including Tejas, Rafale, and MiG-29.

• Faster deployment and reload cycles due to reduced logistics burden.

• Higher platform density: Multiple missiles can be mounted on a single aircraft or ship.

• Future-proof design aligned with modern stealth, mobility, and modularity requirements.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 May 2025 Mapping:

Arabian Sea

Source: FPJ

Context: The IMD has forecast a low-pressure system forming over the east-central Arabian Sea, likely to intensify into a depression in the next 36 hours.

About Arabian Sea:

• Location: The Arabian Sea is a northwestern extension of the Indian Ocean, bordered by India to the east and the Arabian Peninsula to the west.

• Neighbouring Nations: Coastal countries: India, Pakistan, Iran, Oman, Yemen, and Somalia. Key maritime links: Gulf of Oman (to Persian Gulf) and Gulf of Aden (to Red Sea).

• Coastal countries: India, Pakistan, Iran, Oman, Yemen, and Somalia.

• Key maritime links: Gulf of Oman (to Persian Gulf) and Gulf of Aden (to Red Sea).

• Indian Coastal States: Indian states bordering the Arabian Sea include: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Lakshadweep UT.

• Geographical Features: Depth: Average depth ~2,734 m and max depth at Wheatley Deep ~5,803 m Major Submarine Features: Carlsberg Ridge (seismic, mid-ocean ridge) Murray Ridge, Somali and Arabian Basins Indus submarine canyon and abyssal cone Key Islands: Socotra (Yemen), Kuria Muria Islands (Oman), Lakshadweep (India) Role in Monsoon: Monsoon Influence: Southwest monsoon winds (April–November) gather moisture from the Arabian Sea, triggering heavy rains in India. Upwelling near the Somali and Arabian coasts aids in nutrient cycling and monsoon onset. Ocean Currents: Hosts the Somali Current, one of the fastest ocean currents (~13 km/hr), seasonally reversing with monsoons. Drives clockwise circulation during summer and weakens during winter monsoon. Sediments & Marine Geology: High sedimentation from the Indus River. Known for ferromanganese nodules, hydrogen sulfide zones, and polymetallic sulfides.

• Depth: Average depth ~2,734 m and max depth at Wheatley Deep ~5,803 m

• Major Submarine Features: Carlsberg Ridge (seismic, mid-ocean ridge) Murray Ridge, Somali and Arabian Basins Indus submarine canyon and abyssal cone

• Carlsberg Ridge (seismic, mid-ocean ridge)

• Murray Ridge, Somali and Arabian Basins

• Indus submarine canyon and abyssal cone

• Key Islands: Socotra (Yemen), Kuria Muria Islands (Oman), Lakshadweep (India)

• Socotra (Yemen), Kuria Muria Islands (Oman), Lakshadweep (India)

• Role in Monsoon: Monsoon Influence: Southwest monsoon winds (April–November) gather moisture from the Arabian Sea, triggering heavy rains in India. Upwelling near the Somali and Arabian coasts aids in nutrient cycling and monsoon onset. Ocean Currents: Hosts the Somali Current, one of the fastest ocean currents (~13 km/hr), seasonally reversing with monsoons. Drives clockwise circulation during summer and weakens during winter monsoon. Sediments & Marine Geology: High sedimentation from the Indus River. Known for ferromanganese nodules, hydrogen sulfide zones, and polymetallic sulfides.

• Monsoon Influence: Southwest monsoon winds (April–November) gather moisture from the Arabian Sea, triggering heavy rains in India. Upwelling near the Somali and Arabian coasts aids in nutrient cycling and monsoon onset.

• Southwest monsoon winds (April–November) gather moisture from the Arabian Sea, triggering heavy rains in India.

• Upwelling near the Somali and Arabian coasts aids in nutrient cycling and monsoon onset.

• Ocean Currents: Hosts the Somali Current, one of the fastest ocean currents (~13 km/hr), seasonally reversing with monsoons. Drives clockwise circulation during summer and weakens during winter monsoon.

• Hosts the Somali Current, one of the fastest ocean currents (~13 km/hr), seasonally reversing with monsoons.

• Drives clockwise circulation during summer and weakens during winter monsoon.

• Sediments & Marine Geology: High sedimentation from the Indus River. Known for ferromanganese nodules, hydrogen sulfide zones, and polymetallic sulfides.

• High sedimentation from the Indus River.

• Known for ferromanganese nodules, hydrogen sulfide zones, and polymetallic sulfides.

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Table of Contents

GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 May (2025)

WHO Pandemic Agreement

GS Paper 3:

India’s Small Farmers

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI)

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

International Booker Prize – 2025

Mizoram India’s First Fully Literate State

16th Asiatic Lion Census

Blue Talks

Golden Dome

INSV Kaundinya – Stitched Sail Ship

BrahMos-NG (Next Generation) Missile

Mapping:

Arabian Sea

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS –22 May 2025

WHO Pandemic Agreement

India’s Small Farmers

Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI)

International Booker Prize – 2025

Mizoram India’s First Fully Literate State

16th Asiatic Lion Census

Blue Talks

Golden Dome

INSV Kaundinya – Stitched Sail Ship

BrahMos-NG (Next Generation) Missile

Arabian Sea