UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 May 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 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 1 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 May (2025)
• Santara (Sallekhana)
Santara (Sallekhana)
GS Paper 4:
• Whistleblowing
Whistleblowing
• Ethical Obligation to Refugee
Ethical Obligation to Refugee
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Guttala Sculptural Inscription
Guttala Sculptural Inscription
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Asian Productivity Organization (APO)
Asian Productivity Organization (APO)
• Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL)
Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL)
• Keezhadi Excavation
Keezhadi Excavation
• Amrit Bharat Railway Stations
Amrit Bharat Railway Stations
• Jarosite
Jarosite
• WHO Recognises 4 Nations for Trans Fat Elimination
WHO Recognises 4 Nations for Trans Fat Elimination
Mapping:
• Chagos Islands
Chagos Islands
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS –23 May 2025
#### GS Paper 1:
Santara (Sallekhana)
Syllabus: Jainism
Source: NDTV
Context: Recently a three-year-old girl in Indore reportedly died after being administered Santhara by a Jain monk, bringing the ancient Jain ritual of voluntary fasting unto death back into public and legal discourse.
About Santhara (Sallekhana):
• Definition: Santhara or Sallekhana is a Jain religious vow of voluntary fasting unto death, undertaken to purify the soul and attain moksha.
• Religious Association: Practiced in Jainism by both monks and laypersons under extreme conditions like terminal illness, old age, or famine.
• Features: Involves gradual withdrawal from food and water. Taken only with spiritual maturity and under religious supervision. Involves forgiveness, detachment, and spiritual reflection.
• Involves gradual withdrawal from food and water.
• Taken only with spiritual maturity and under religious supervision.
• Involves forgiveness, detachment, and spiritual reflection.
About Key Jain Practices:
Core Doctrines of Jainism:
• Ahiṃsa (Non-violence): Jains believe in absolute non-violence towards all living beings, including insects and microbes, making it a foundational ethical principle.
• Satya (Truthfulness): Speaking truth is mandatory, but it must not harm others—truth should be spoken with compassion and care.
• Asteya (non-stealing): One must not take anything that is not willingly offered, emphasizing ethical acquisition and honesty.
• Brahmacharya (Chastity): Celibacy for monks and sexual restraint for householders, promoting control over desires and spiritual discipline.
• Aparigraha (non-possessiveness): Detachment from material and emotional possessions is stressed to reduce greed and promote liberation.
Triratna (Three Jewels of Jainism):
• Samyak Darshan (Right Faith): Having correct perception of truth, free from doubts, is the first step toward spiritual liberation.
• Samyak Jnana (Right Knowledge): True knowledge must be free from doubt and error, grounded in understanding reality and karma.
• Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct): Moral and disciplined behavior aligned with Jain principles, essential for attaining moksha (liberation).
Legal Status of Santhara in India:
• 2015 Rajasthan High Court Ruling: Declared Santhara illegal, equating it with suicide under IPC Section 306.
• Supreme Court Stay: In August 2015, the SC stayed the order, recognising the practice under the constitutional right to religious freedom (Article 25).
• Current Status: Legally protected as a religious practice, subject to consent and religious guidance.
Significance in Jainism:
• Spiritual Goal: Seen as a peaceful, dignified exit from life aimed at shedding karma and achieving liberation (moksha).
• Historical Practice: Followed by Jain sages like Bhadrabahu and Chandragupta Maurya in Shravanabelagola.
• Literary References: Found in Jain texts like Ratnakaranda Shravakachara and Tamil works like Silappadikaram and Neelakesi.
Conclusion:
Santhara represents a deeply spiritual and ethical tradition in Jainism, reflecting values of detachment, discipline, and non-violence. While its legality has sparked debates, it continues to be a constitutionally protected religious practice in India. Balancing religious freedom and modern ethics remains crucial in its discourse.
• The Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate. (UPSC – 2020)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 May 2025 GS Paper 4:
Whistleblowing
Syllabus: Whistleblowing
Source: FT
Context: The World Economic Forum (WEF) is conducting an internal investigation into its founder Klaus Schwab after whistleblower allegations of ethical and financial misconduct.
About Whistleblowing:
• Definition: Whistleblowing is the lawful disclosure of misconduct or unethical activity within an organization to authorized entities.
• Ethical Basis: Aristotelian Ethics: Focuses on moral character rather than just rules or consequences. Ross’s Prima Facie Duty Theory: In whistleblowing, the duty to prevent harm and promote justice outweighs the duty of loyalty to one’s employer. Bhagavad Gita – “Karmanye vadhikaraste” meaning one must perform one’s duty without attachment to results, even in face of adversity.
• Aristotelian Ethics: Focuses on moral character rather than just rules or consequences.
• Ross’s Prima Facie Duty Theory: In whistleblowing, the duty to prevent harm and promote justice outweighs the duty of loyalty to one’s employer.
• Bhagavad Gita – “Karmanye vadhikaraste” meaning one must perform one’s duty without attachment to results, even in face of adversity.
Key Features of Whistleblowing:
• Right Information: Involves exposing violations of law, fraud, corruption, abuse of authority, or threats to public safety.
• Protected Disclosure: Done through authorized channels like an internal ombudsman, regulator, or court.
• Scope: Applies to both government and corporate wrongdoing (e.g. insider trading, embezzlement, toxic workplace).
• Anonymity and Protection: Effective mechanisms often ensure identity safeguards and protection from retaliation.
Importance of Whistleblowing in Ethics:
• Promotes Accountability: 2018 whistleblower complaint in a major bank led to top-level resignations and internal audits.
• Protects Public Interest: Helps avert systemic failures (e.g. housing finance fraud exposed in 2020).
• Reinforces Governance: Whistleblower complaints are a top tool in detecting corporate fraud, according to ACFE studies.
• Saves Costs: KPMG (2023) found companies with proactive mechanisms were 70% better at early fraud detection.
Global & Indian Legal Frameworks:
• Global Laws:
• US SEC Whistleblower Program: $600 million awarded in FY 2023, incentivising ethical disclosures. EU Whistleblower Protection Directive: Ensures confidentiality, non-retaliation, and right to legal redress. UN Convention Against Corruption: Recognizes whistleblowing as a key anti-corruption tool.
• US SEC Whistleblower Program: $600 million awarded in FY 2023, incentivising ethical disclosures.
• EU Whistleblower Protection Directive: Ensures confidentiality, non-retaliation, and right to legal redress.
• UN Convention Against Corruption: Recognizes whistleblowing as a key anti-corruption tool.
• Indian Laws:
• Whistleblower Protection Act, 2014: Covers public servants; lacks corporate coverage and anonymity. Companies Act 2013: Mandates vigil mechanisms in certain companies to report ethical violations and fraud. SEBI Guidelines (2021): AMCs must adopt whistleblower policies, especially for insider trading and market abuse. RTI Act, 2005: Empowers citizens to expose corruption in public offices.
• Whistleblower Protection Act, 2014: Covers public servants; lacks corporate coverage and anonymity.
• Companies Act 2013: Mandates vigil mechanisms in certain companies to report ethical violations and fraud.
• SEBI Guidelines (2021): AMCs must adopt whistleblower policies, especially for insider trading and market abuse.
• RTI Act, 2005: Empowers citizens to expose corruption in public offices.
Challenges to Whistleblowing:
• Fear of Retaliation: 51% of Indian whistleblowers face victimisation (Global Integrity Report 2024).
• Lack of Confidence: Over 50% cite distrust in complaint resolution or fear of professional backlash.
• No Corporate Protection Law: Private sector whistleblowers remain vulnerable.
• Social Stigma: Cultural hesitance and peer loyalty prevent internal disclosures.
Way Forward:
• Enforce Whistleblower Protection Act: Bring it into force with amendments to cover private sector and anonymous tips.
• Strengthen Vigil Mechanisms: Every organization must ensure independent hotlines, legal support, and training.
• Reward Ethical Action: SEBI model of monetary rewards should be extended across regulators.
• Transparency Culture: Strong leadership must encourage ethical disclosures and recognize whistleblowers.
Conclusion:
Whistleblowing remains a cornerstone of ethical governance, exposing corruption and promoting transparency. However, without legal protection and cultural change, whistleblowers risk serious retaliation. India must institutionalize protections and promote ethical courage to uphold accountability in public and corporate life.
• Whistleblower, who reports corruption and illegal activities, wrongdoing and misconduct to the concerned authorities, runs the risk of being exposed to grave danger, physical harm and victimization by the vested interests, accused persons and his team. What policy measures would you suggest to strengthen the protection mechanism to safeguard the whistleblower? (UPSC-2022)
Ethical Obligation to Refugee
Syllabus: Applied Ethics
Source: AE
Context: The World Refugee Crisis is once again in focus after a 3-year-old refugee girl died during forced displacement, reviving global debates on ethical responsibilities and humanitarian obligations.
About Ethical Obligation to Refugees:
• Definition & Moral Claim: Ethical obligation refers to the moral responsibility of states and individuals to protect innocent people fleeing persecution, war, or violence.
• Global Refugee Data: As of 2025, there are 43.7 million refugees worldwide (UNHCR). 75% remain in the Global South in precarious conditions.
• Types of Refugees: Conflict Refugees: Flee war zones (e.g., Syria, Ukraine, Afghanistan). Persecuted Minorities: Escape religious or ethnic oppression (e.g., Rohingya, Yazidis). Climate Refugees: Displaced by rising seas, droughts (e.g., small island nations, Sub-Saharan Africa).
• Conflict Refugees: Flee war zones (e.g., Syria, Ukraine, Afghanistan).
• Persecuted Minorities: Escape religious or ethnic oppression (e.g., Rohingya, Yazidis).
• Climate Refugees: Displaced by rising seas, droughts (e.g., small island nations, Sub-Saharan Africa).
Obligations of States Towards Refugees:
• Negative Obligations: Do No Harm
• Border Abuse: Many Global North states inflict violence at borders (e.g., Calais, EU-Turkey border, US-Mexico wall). Containment Policies: Policies like the EU–Libya agreement trap refugees in unsafe zones, violating rights. Detention & Encampment: Indefinite detention in Libya and forced camps in Greece breach the right to movement and dignity.
• Border Abuse: Many Global North states inflict violence at borders (e.g., Calais, EU-Turkey border, US-Mexico wall).
• Containment Policies: Policies like the EU–Libya agreement trap refugees in unsafe zones, violating rights.
• Detention & Encampment: Indefinite detention in Libya and forced camps in Greece breach the right to movement and dignity.
• Positive Obligations: Protect and Assist
• Resettlement Programs: Accepting refugees through humanitarian visas ensures autonomy and dignity (e.g., Ukrainian visa schemes by UK/EU in 2022). Safe Routes & Rights Access: Facilitate legal travel, employment, and education for refugees (e.g., Eurostar free travel for Ukrainians). Infrastructure Aid to Host Countries: Invest in refugee support in Global South nations to prevent desperation-led migration (e.g., Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon)
• Resettlement Programs: Accepting refugees through humanitarian visas ensures autonomy and dignity (e.g., Ukrainian visa schemes by UK/EU in 2022).
• Safe Routes & Rights Access: Facilitate legal travel, employment, and education for refugees (e.g., Eurostar free travel for Ukrainians).
• Infrastructure Aid to Host Countries: Invest in refugee support in Global South nations to prevent desperation-led migration (e.g., Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon)
Philosophical Justifications:
• Singer’s Samaritan Principle: If you can prevent great suffering without significant sacrifice, it is morally wrong not to act.
• Arendt’s Theory of Rightlessness: Refugees lose rights not due to lack of humanity but lack of national protection — denying them redress and dignity.
• Moral Equality Principle: The moral worth of all refugees (Ukrainian or not) is equal; ethical response must be consistent and universal.
Significance of Ethical Obligations Toward Refugees:
• Individual Level
• Moral Responsibility: Upholding compassion and moral universality by aiding those fleeing persecution affirms our shared humanity. Ethical Agency: Enables individuals to act with moral courage and resist bystander apathy in the face of human suffering.
• Moral Responsibility: Upholding compassion and moral universality by aiding those fleeing persecution affirms our shared humanity.
• Ethical Agency: Enables individuals to act with moral courage and resist bystander apathy in the face of human suffering.
• Institutional Level:
• Democratic Legitimacy: Institutions that respect refugee rights strengthen rule of law, social justice, and procedural fairness. Ethical Governance: Promotes accountability, human dignity, and equitable policy-making based on Kantian respect for persons.
• Democratic Legitimacy: Institutions that respect refugee rights strengthen rule of law, social justice, and procedural fairness.
• Ethical Governance: Promotes accountability, human dignity, and equitable policy-making based on Kantian respect for persons.
• Global Level:
• Global Justice & Solidarity: Reinforces cosmopolitan ethics and fosters collective moral responsibility under international human rights frameworks. Moral Leadership: Ethical refugee policies enhance soft power and global norm entrepreneurship, setting standards for humane governance.
• Global Justice & Solidarity: Reinforces cosmopolitan ethics and fosters collective moral responsibility under international human rights frameworks.
• Moral Leadership: Ethical refugee policies enhance soft power and global norm entrepreneurship, setting standards for humane governance.
Conclusion:
Global North states cannot ignore or actively harm refugees under the guise of border control. Ethical obligations—both to refrain from harm and to actively protect—are grounded in universal moral principles. A humane, rights-respecting approach, as extended to Ukrainian refugees, must be institutionalised for all.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 May 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Guttala Sculptural Inscription
Context: A 16th-century sculptural inscription found near Chandrashekara temple, Guttala (Haveri district, Karnataka), records the death of 6,307 people due to a drought in 1539 CE, making it India’s earliest epigraphic evidence of a humanitarian disaster.
About Guttala Sculptural Inscription:
• Found near Chandrashekara temple, Guttala village, Karnataka.
• Written in Kannada script and language on a stone slab.
What Does It Say?
• Dated Saka 1461, August 18, 1539 CE.
• Records that 6,307 people died due to “bara” (drought).
• A local named Marulaih Odeya, son of Nanideva Odeya, buried the dead in baskets to earn merit for ruler Timmarasa Svami.
• Sculpture depicts Marulaih carrying a basket with dead bodies.
Key Features:
• Rare sculptural and textual record of a natural disaster in Indian history.
• Includes exact toll and social response.
• Depicts humanitarian act and local governance structure (mention of “seeme” – territorial unit).
• Offers visual iconography to complement textual epigraphy.
Relevance in UPSC Syllabus:
• GS Paper 1 – Indian Art and Culture
• Epigraphy and inscriptions as a source of history. Regional heritage of Karnataka and socio-cultural dynamics during Vijayanagara/post-Vijayanagara period.
• Epigraphy and inscriptions as a source of history.
• Regional heritage of Karnataka and socio-cultural dynamics during Vijayanagara/post-Vijayanagara period.
• GS Paper 3 – Disaster Management
• Community-led disaster responses in historical contexts. Learning from traditional coping mechanisms.
• Community-led disaster responses in historical contexts.
• Learning from traditional coping mechanisms.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 May Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Asian Productivity Organization (APO)
Source: News on Air
Context: India has formally assumed the Chairmanship of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) for the 2025–26 term during the 67th Governing Body Meeting.
About Asian Productivity Organization (APO):
• What It Is?
• APO is a Tokyo-based intergovernmental body working to boost productivity across the Asia-Pacific region.
• APO is a Tokyo-based intergovernmental body working to boost productivity across the Asia-Pacific region.
• Established: Founded in 1961, with India as a founding member.
• Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
• Current Members: 21 member economies including India, Japan, Iran, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and others.
• Objectives:
• Promote sustainable socioeconomic growth through enhanced productivity. Support inclusive, innovation-led development across industry, agriculture, services, and public sectors.
• Promote sustainable socioeconomic growth through enhanced productivity.
• Support inclusive, innovation-led development across industry, agriculture, services, and public sectors.
• Core Functions:
• Policy Advisory: Guides governments on national productivity strategies. Capacity Building: Organizes training, workshops, and research programs. Centres of Excellence: Supports innovation and excellence across member economies. Green Productivity: Promotes environmentally sustainable practices. Digital and Innovation Ecosystem: Enhances regional cooperation on digital productivity and entrepreneurship.
• Policy Advisory: Guides governments on national productivity strategies.
• Capacity Building: Organizes training, workshops, and research programs.
• Centres of Excellence: Supports innovation and excellence across member economies.
• Green Productivity: Promotes environmentally sustainable practices.
• Digital and Innovation Ecosystem: Enhances regional cooperation on digital productivity and entrepreneurship.
Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL)
Source: HT
Context: The Maharashtra government officially approved the merger of Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) with Indian Railways, clearing the last hurdle for full integration.
About Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL):
• What It Is?
• KRCL is a special purpose vehicle created under the Ministry of Railways in 1990, distinct from Indian Railways.
• KRCL is a special purpose vehicle created under the Ministry of Railways in 1990, distinct from Indian Railways.
• Coverage: The line stretches 741 km through Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and coastal Kerala, connecting Roha to Mangaluru.
• Strategic Importance:
• Built across the Western Ghats, it overcame extreme terrain with engineering innovation, showcasing Indian technical expertise. Acts as a lifeline for passengers and freight, reducing travel time significantly and enabling economic integration of the Konkan region.
• Built across the Western Ghats, it overcame extreme terrain with engineering innovation, showcasing Indian technical expertise.
• Acts as a lifeline for passengers and freight, reducing travel time significantly and enabling economic integration of the Konkan region.
• Why Separate from Indian Railways?
• KRCL was structured as a joint venture model: GOI (51%), Maharashtra (22%), Karnataka (15%), Goa and Kerala (6% each). Its separation allowed independent decision-making and faster project execution in difficult geography.
• KRCL was structured as a joint venture model: GOI (51%), Maharashtra (22%), Karnataka (15%), Goa and Kerala (6% each).
• GOI (51%), Maharashtra (22%), Karnataka (15%), Goa and Kerala (6% each).
• Its separation allowed independent decision-making and faster project execution in difficult geography.
• Additional information:
• The Indian Railways have 70 divisions under its 17 zones. Recent addition is Jammu Railway division. If you include Metro Railway and Kolkata India has 19 zones in total. Each zone has a General Manager (GM) in charge. A Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) leads each division.
• The Indian Railways have 70 divisions under its 17 zones. Recent addition is Jammu Railway division. If you include Metro Railway and Kolkata India has 19 zones in total.
• Recent addition is Jammu Railway division.
• If you include Metro Railway and Kolkata India has 19 zones in total.
• Each zone has a General Manager (GM) in charge. A Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) leads each division.
Keezhadi Excavation
Source: TH
Context: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has asked archaeologist Amarnath Ramakrishna to resubmit the Keezhadi excavation report with revisions, citing the need for scientific accuracy and better period classification.
About Keezhadi Excavation:
• What Is Keezhadi?
• Keezhadi is an archaeological site near Madurai, Tamil Nadu, along the Vaigai river basin, explored by ASI and later by the Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Department.
• Keezhadi is an archaeological site near Madurai, Tamil Nadu, along the Vaigai river basin, explored by ASI and later by the Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Department.
• Discovered In: Initial excavations began in 2015, following surveys conducted across 293 sites in the Vaigai valley during 2013–14.
• Location:
• Excavation site: Pallichanthai Thidal, Sivaganga district. Excavated area: Only 1 out of 100 acres, yet over 4,000 artefacts have been unearthed.
• Excavation site: Pallichanthai Thidal, Sivaganga district.
• Excavated area: Only 1 out of 100 acres, yet over 4,000 artefacts have been unearthed.
• Key Findings
• Carbon dating (AMS) of charcoal shows urban habitation existed by 200 BCE. Discovery of urban features: brick structures, ring wells, pottery, graffiti, beads, and water storage facilities. Artefacts suggest links with North India and Western trade networks during the Sangam Age. A large, decorative pot, unique to Tamil excavations, was also unearthed—highlighting artistic and cultural advancement.
• Carbon dating (AMS) of charcoal shows urban habitation existed by 200 BCE.
• Discovery of urban features: brick structures, ring wells, pottery, graffiti, beads, and water storage facilities.
• Artefacts suggest links with North India and Western trade networks during the Sangam Age.
• A large, decorative pot, unique to Tamil excavations, was also unearthed—highlighting artistic and cultural advancement.
• Cultural Significance:
• Supports theories of a pre-Sangam urban Tamil civilisation. Mention of settlements like Manalur and Konthagai in Tiruvilayadal Puranam links the site to classical Tamil texts. Establishes Keezhadi as a centre of literacy, trade, and craftsmanship, challenging North-centric civilisational narratives.
• Supports theories of a pre-Sangam urban Tamil civilisation.
• Mention of settlements like Manalur and Konthagai in Tiruvilayadal Puranam links the site to classical Tamil texts.
• Establishes Keezhadi as a centre of literacy, trade, and craftsmanship, challenging North-centric civilisational narratives.
Amrit Bharat Railway Stations
Source: ET
Context: Prime Minister inaugurated 103 Amrit Bharat railway stations across 86 districts in 18 States/UTs via video conference from Deshnoke, Rajasthan.
About Amrit Bharat Railway Stations:
• What It Is?
• A centrally sponsored initiative to redevelop and modernize 1,275 railway stations across India with a long-term, phased vision.
• A centrally sponsored initiative to redevelop and modernize 1,275 railway stations across India with a long-term, phased vision.
• Launched In: 2022 by the Ministry of Railways, Government of India.
• Objectives:
• Enhance passenger experience through improved infrastructure. Promote heritage preservation, tourism, and regional economic development. Integrate stations into multimodal urban mobility hubs.
• Enhance passenger experience through improved infrastructure.
• Promote heritage preservation, tourism, and regional economic development.
• Integrate stations into multimodal urban mobility hubs.
• Key Features of Amrit Bharat Railway Stations:
• Master Plan Approach: Development carried out in phases based on future needs. Passenger Amenities: Improved accessibility, waiting halls, executive lounges, toilets, lifts, escalators. Free Wi-Fi, better signage, digital passenger information systems. Business lounges, retail kiosks (under One Station One Product), and roof plazas. Architectural Integration: Reflects local art, culture, and heritage in station design. Green Infrastructure: Focus on eco-friendly buildings, sustainable materials, and Divyangjan-friendly facilities. Multimodal Connectivity: Seamless links with metro, bus terminals, and city transport systems. Economic Boost: Expected to generate employment, enhance tourism, and promote local handicrafts.
• Master Plan Approach: Development carried out in phases based on future needs.
• Passenger Amenities: Improved accessibility, waiting halls, executive lounges, toilets, lifts, escalators. Free Wi-Fi, better signage, digital passenger information systems. Business lounges, retail kiosks (under One Station One Product), and roof plazas.
• Improved accessibility, waiting halls, executive lounges, toilets, lifts, escalators.
• Free Wi-Fi, better signage, digital passenger information systems.
• Business lounges, retail kiosks (under One Station One Product), and roof plazas.
• Architectural Integration: Reflects local art, culture, and heritage in station design.
• Green Infrastructure: Focus on eco-friendly buildings, sustainable materials, and Divyangjan-friendly facilities.
• Multimodal Connectivity: Seamless links with metro, bus terminals, and city transport systems.
• Economic Boost: Expected to generate employment, enhance tourism, and promote local handicrafts.
• Significance of the Scheme:
• Cultural Preservation: Protects and showcases India’s regional heritage and traditions. Tourism Promotion: Station aesthetics attract tourists, especially in heritage zones. Urban Transformation: Converts railway premises into vibrant public spaces and city centres. Digital & Physical Modernization: Bridges the gap between traditional rail infrastructure and future-ready smart transport hubs. Inclusive Development: Special focus on facilities for persons with disabilities, women, and senior citizens.
• Cultural Preservation: Protects and showcases India’s regional heritage and traditions.
• Tourism Promotion: Station aesthetics attract tourists, especially in heritage zones.
• Urban Transformation: Converts railway premises into vibrant public spaces and city centres.
• Digital & Physical Modernization: Bridges the gap between traditional rail infrastructure and future-ready smart transport hubs.
• Inclusive Development: Special focus on facilities for persons with disabilities, women, and senior citizens.
Jarosite
- •Source: TH*
Context: A team of Indian scientists has discovered that Jarosite, a mineral common on Mars, can act as a natural luminescent clock, recording geological events from the last 25,000 years.
• The study was conducted on jarosite samples from Kachchh, Gujarat, simulating Mars-like conditions and testing their luminescence response to radiation.
About Jarosite:
• What is Jarosite?
• Jarosite is a hydrous sulfate mineral composed of potassium, ferric iron (Fe³⁺), and sulfate, with the formula KFe₃(SO₄)₂(OH)₆. It is commonly associated with acid mine drainage, oxidized ore deposits, and acidic sulfate soils.
• Jarosite is a hydrous sulfate mineral composed of potassium, ferric iron (Fe³⁺), and sulfate, with the formula KFe₃(SO₄)₂(OH)₆.
• It is commonly associated with acid mine drainage, oxidized ore deposits, and acidic sulfate soils.
• Where is Jarosite Found?
• On Earth: Found in arid regions, mine tailings, Antarctica ice cores, and acidic clay-rich environments like Kachchh (India) and Sierra Peña Blanca (Mexico). On Mars: Detected by NASA’s Spirit, Opportunity, and Curiosity rovers, indicating oxidizing and acidic conditions on the Martian surface.
• On Earth: Found in arid regions, mine tailings, Antarctica ice cores, and acidic clay-rich environments like Kachchh (India) and Sierra Peña Blanca (Mexico).
• On Mars: Detected by NASA’s Spirit, Opportunity, and Curiosity rovers, indicating oxidizing and acidic conditions on the Martian surface.
• Physical & Chemical Properties:
• Crystal Structure: Trigonal system and brittle with basal cleavage. Colour: Dark yellow to yellow-brown. Hardness: 2.5–3.5 (Mohs scale). Lustre: Vitreous to dull and translucent to opaque. Thermal Stability: Retains luminescence up to 450°C, ideal for Martian rover operations. Chemical Property: Iron analogue of alunite and formed by oxidation of iron sulfides (like pyrite).
• Crystal Structure: Trigonal system and brittle with basal cleavage.
• Colour: Dark yellow to yellow-brown.
• Hardness: 2.5–3.5 (Mohs scale).
• Lustre: Vitreous to dull and translucent to opaque.
• Thermal Stability: Retains luminescence up to 450°C, ideal for Martian rover operations.
• Chemical Property: Iron analogue of alunite and formed by oxidation of iron sulfides (like pyrite).
• Applications:
• Planetary Dating Tool: Can act as a natural radiation clock to date Martian dust storms, floods, or volcanic events within a 25,000-year window. Mars Missions: Ideal for use in Mars rovers with heaters and LEDs to detect age without damaging sample. Environmental Indicator: Used to trace oxidation stages in mining or glacial processes on Earth and Mars. Geological Marker: Can help detect ice age layers in deep Earth cores.
• Planetary Dating Tool: Can act as a natural radiation clock to date Martian dust storms, floods, or volcanic events within a 25,000-year window.
• Mars Missions: Ideal for use in Mars rovers with heaters and LEDs to detect age without damaging sample.
• Environmental Indicator: Used to trace oxidation stages in mining or glacial processes on Earth and Mars.
• Geological Marker: Can help detect ice age layers in deep Earth cores.
WHO Recognises 4 Nations for Trans Fat Elimination
Source: DTE
Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) recognised Austria, Norway, Oman, and Singapore for eliminating industrially produced trans fats from their national food supply.
About WHO Recognises 4 Nations for Trans Fat Elimination:
• What is Trans Fat?
• Definition: Trans fats (trans-fatty acids) are unsaturated fats that undergo hydrogenation, turning liquid oils into solid fats. Types: Naturally occurring: Found in red meat and dairy (in small amounts). Industrially produced: Found in partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) used in processed foods.
• Definition: Trans fats (trans-fatty acids) are unsaturated fats that undergo hydrogenation, turning liquid oils into solid fats.
• Types: Naturally occurring: Found in red meat and dairy (in small amounts). Industrially produced: Found in partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) used in processed foods.
• Naturally occurring: Found in red meat and dairy (in small amounts).
• Industrially produced: Found in partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) used in processed foods.
• Sources of Trans Fat:
• Fried & processed foods: Biscuits, cakes, margarine, vanaspati ghee Baked goods: Pies, pastries, refrigerated dough Cooking fats: Shortening, stick margarine
• Fried & processed foods: Biscuits, cakes, margarine, vanaspati ghee
• Baked goods: Pies, pastries, refrigerated dough
• Cooking fats: Shortening, stick margarine
• Health Hazards of Trans Fats: Raises Bad Cholesterol (LDL): Trans fats increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, which leads to cholesterol buildup in arteries. Lowers Good Cholesterol (HDL): They simultaneously reduce high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, which normally helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream. Triggers Arterial Blockage: The imbalance between LDL and HDL causes plaque formation in arteries, narrowing them and leading to stroke or coronary heart disease. Increases Obesity and Diabetes Risk: Being energy-dense (9 kcal/g), trans fats promote weight gain, and prolonged consumption can impair insulin sensitivity, triggering type 2 diabetes. Massive Global Health Impact: WHO (2024) estimates 278,000 annual deaths from trans-fat consumption, accounting for nearly 7% of cardiovascular-related mortalities worldwide.
• Raises Bad Cholesterol (LDL): Trans fats increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, which leads to cholesterol buildup in arteries.
• Lowers Good Cholesterol (HDL): They simultaneously reduce high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, which normally helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.
• Triggers Arterial Blockage: The imbalance between LDL and HDL causes plaque formation in arteries, narrowing them and leading to stroke or coronary heart disease.
• Increases Obesity and Diabetes Risk: Being energy-dense (9 kcal/g), trans fats promote weight gain, and prolonged consumption can impair insulin sensitivity, triggering type 2 diabetes.
• Massive Global Health Impact: WHO (2024) estimates 278,000 annual deaths from trans-fat consumption, accounting for nearly 7% of cardiovascular-related mortalities worldwide.
• Target: Global Policy (WHO): Launched in 2018, WHO aims to eliminate industrial trans fats by 2025, targeting 90% global and 70% regional population coverage. India’s Policy: Since January 2022, India enforces a <2% trans-fat limit in oils/fats under FSSAI’s 2021 Regulations, aligning with WHO best practices.
• Global Policy (WHO): Launched in 2018, WHO aims to eliminate industrial trans fats by 2025, targeting 90% global and 70% regional population coverage.
• India’s Policy: Since January 2022, India enforces a <2% trans-fat limit in oils/fats under FSSAI’s 2021 Regulations, aligning with WHO best practices.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 May 2025 Mapping:
Chagos Islands
Source: LM
Context: The United Kingdom has officially agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, ending decades of British control.
About Chagos Islands:
• Location: The Chagos Archipelago consists of over 60 small islands located in the central Indian Ocean, south of the Maldives, and east of Seychelles.
• The Chagos Archipelago consists of over 60 small islands located in the central Indian Ocean, south of the Maldives, and east of Seychelles.
• The largest island, Diego Garcia, hosts a key US-UK military base.
• The largest island, Diego Garcia, hosts a key US-UK military base.
• Previous Control:
• The islands were under British rule since 1814, ceded by France. In 1965, the UK separated Chagos from Mauritius, forming the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) before Mauritius gained independence in 1968.
• The islands were under British rule since 1814, ceded by France.
• In 1965, the UK separated Chagos from Mauritius, forming the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) before Mauritius gained independence in 1968.
• Strategic Significance:
• Diego Garcia has served as a critical logistics and intelligence base for US military operations in West Asia, South Asia, and East Africa. It has hosted over 2,500 personnel, nuclear-capable aircraft, and surveillance systems.
• Diego Garcia has served as a critical logistics and intelligence base for US military operations in West Asia, South Asia, and East Africa.
• It has hosted over 2,500 personnel, nuclear-capable aircraft, and surveillance systems.
About UK–Mauritius Chagos Sovereignty Deal (2025):
• After a UK High Court ruling, England Prime Minister signed a treaty handing sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
• The deal includes a 99-year lease of Diego Garcia to the UK and US for continued military use.
• The UK will pay Mauritius approximately £101 million/year, totalling billions over the lease period.
• Significance:
• Marks the completion of Mauritius’s decolonisation process.
• Balances sovereignty claims with strategic military requirements of Western allies.
• Seen as a “win-win”—recognising Mauritian control while maintaining UK-US security presence.
India’s Official Stance: India has consistently supported Mauritius’s claim over Chagos in line with its principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty, and international law.
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