UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 May 2025

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 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 – 28 May (2025)

• Experiential Learning

Experiential Learning

GS Paper 3:

• India Crypto Policy

India Crypto Policy

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

• Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC)

Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC)

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

• Department Of Posts New Digital Platforms

Department Of Posts New Digital Platforms

• Honey Mission

Honey Mission

• Eco-Fishing Ports

Eco-Fishing Ports

• Two Indian Peacekeepers Awarded Dag Hammarskjöld Medal

Two Indian Peacekeepers Awarded Dag Hammarskjöld Medal

• Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO)

Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO)

• Made in India Fifth-Generation Fighter Jet

Made in India Fifth-Generation Fighter Jet

Mapping:

• Dugong

Dugong

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS –28 May 2025

#### GS Paper 2:

Experiential Learning

Syllabus: Education

Source: TH

Context: Article in newspaper highlights India’s exam-centric education and advocates experiential learning for cultivating higher-order thinking skills.

• Aligns with NEP 2020 reforms promoting critical thinking and real-world application of knowledge.

About Experimental Learning:

What is Experiential Learning?

• A learner-centric approach where knowledge is gained through experience, reflection, and application (David Kolb, 1984).

• Key Features: “Learning by Doing” through hands-on activities. Builds skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity. Follows a four-stage cycle:

• “Learning by Doing” through hands-on activities.

• Builds skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity.

• Follows a four-stage cycle:

• Starting with a concrete experience

• Moving to reflective observation

• Followed by abstract conceptualisation

• Finally leading to active experimentation.

Why India Needs Experiential Learning:

• Exam-Centric Limitations: 80% of students in India struggle with application-based questions (ASER Report 2023).

• Unequal Learning Outcomes: Urban-rural and public-private divides hinder holistic education access.

• Low Higher-Order Thinking: Present rote learning model restricts skills like analysis, evaluation, and innovation.

• Cognitive Diversity: As per Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences, different students learn differently—visual, kinaesthetic, or auditory.

Implementing Experiential Learning in India:

• Pedagogical Strategies: Flipped Classrooms: Students learn theory at home; apply and discuss in class. Field Projects: Linking science with real-world problems via outdoor experiments. Collaborative Learning: Group tasks, role-playing, and peer feedback. Simulation & Tech: Use of AR/VR in history, geography, and STEM simulations.

• Flipped Classrooms: Students learn theory at home; apply and discuss in class.

• Field Projects: Linking science with real-world problems via outdoor experiments.

• Collaborative Learning: Group tasks, role-playing, and peer feedback.

• Simulation & Tech: Use of AR/VR in history, geography, and STEM simulations.

• Best Practices: Inquiry-based learning in Navodaya Vidyalaya’s. Activity-based learning adopted in Tamil Nadu schools has improved retention and engagement.

• Inquiry-based learning in Navodaya Vidyalaya’s.

• Activity-based learning adopted in Tamil Nadu schools has improved retention and engagement.

Challenges:

• Logistics & Training: Shortage of trained educators; lack of labs and digital tools in rural schools.

• Contextual Readiness: Not all students may be prepared; e.g., Grade 8 students reading at Grade 2 level (ASER 2022).

• Uniform Policy Pitfalls: One-size-fits-all frameworks ignore socio-economic and cultural diversity.

Way Ahead:

• Policy Integration: Embed experiential modules within existing curriculum without disrupting current structure.

• Capacity Building: Train teachers under DIKSHA and NCERT’s new training modules.

• Tech + Community: Use digital platforms and local knowledge holders (farmers, artisans) for learning activities.

• Assessment Reform: Shift from memory-based tests to portfolio-based, outcome-focused evaluation.

• Public-Private Partnerships: Leverage NGOs and Ed-Techs for scalable implementation.

Conclusion:

Experiential learning transforms the classroom into a laboratory of life. It nurtures curious, self-driven learners ready to face real-world challenges. Integrating it within India’s education system is not just desirable but essential for equitable, quality learning.

• ‘Earn while you learn’ scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful.” Comment. (UPSC – 2021)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 May 2025 GS Paper 3:

India Crypto Policy

Syllabus: Science and Technology

Source: IE

Context: A Trump-linked US firm, World Liberty Financial Inc (WLFI), has signed an MoU with Pakistan’s Crypto Council to develop a crypto-based financial system, prompting geopolitical and security concerns for India.

About India Crypto Policy:

Pakistan’s Crypto Pact with WLFI:

• MoU Signed: Pakistan’s newly-formed Crypto Council and WLFI have agreed to introduce stablecoins, monetize rare earth assets, and position Pakistan as a regional crypto hub.

• High-Level Support: Endorsed by PM Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir, the deal includes use of blockchain for financial inclusion and trade.

• Diaspora Link: Pakistan is leveraging its US-based diaspora to connect with Trump’s team and global crypto investors.

Strategic Risks to India:

• Terror Financing via Crypto: The decentralized and pseudo-anonymous nature of cryptocurrencies makes them ideal for illicit financing, raising concerns akin to hawala networks, as highlighted by FATF.

• Cross-border Laundering Risk: Crypto assets can bypass formal banking channels, enabling money laundering across jurisdictions—a threat amplified by Pakistan’s crypto pivot.

• Geopolitical Influence Operations: Through crypto deals like the WLFI-Pakistan MoU, Islamabad is leveraging tech diplomacy to gain US favor, which could reduce India’s strategic tech advantage in the region.

• Diaspora-led Influence Shift: Pakistan is actively using its US-based tech diaspora to establish crypto alliances—contrasting India’s diaspora focus on traditional tech sectors.

• Strategic Oversight Parallels: Just as India underestimated Pakistan’s nuclear capability in the 1970s, ignoring the early-stage crypto pivot could similarly allow adversaries to reshape financial power balances.

India’s Regulatory and Strategic Crypto Vacuum:

• Tax Without Law: India taxes crypto (30% + 1% TDS) but has no legal framework—flagged by the Supreme Court in May 2025.

• User Boom, No Oversight: With 100+ million users (Triple-A), there’s no central regulator, exposing users to scams.

• Cybersecurity Gaps: Lacking compliance norms, India faces major frauds—e.g., ₹900 crore GainBitcoin scam.

• No Investor Safeguards: Unlike SEBI or RBI, crypto lacks grievance redressal or risk protection.

• Slow CBDC Rollout: The RBI’s e₹ pilot lacks clear links to private crypto, limiting India’s digital currency leadership.

Way Ahead for India:

• National Crypto Strategy: Develop a centralized strategy combining monetary, cybersecurity, and geopolitical objectives.

• Regulatory Clarity: Establish a Digital Asset Regulatory Authority to streamline compliance, prevent misuse, and guide innovation.

• Financial Intelligence Monitoring: Enhance FIU-IND tracking of crypto-linked transactions to identify risks and track terror financing.

• Global Alignment: Coordinate with G20, FATF, and IMF for global crypto standards and cross-border data-sharing.

• CBDC Push: Accelerate RBI’s e₹ project, giving India a sovereign edge in digital currency without undermining the banking system.

• Awareness Campaigns: Educate youth and investors about legal status, risks, and financial literacy in crypto.

Conclusion:

India cannot afford to overlook the emerging crypto-geopolitical nexus involving Pakistan and the US. With over 100 million users, India must urgently develop a clear, forward-looking crypto strategy that ensures national security, financial integrity, and technological leadership.

• How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture triggered by science-based technologies? (10 M)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 May 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC)

Context: The Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC), in its 38th meeting, recommended a 36% hike in stipend for apprentices under NAPS and NATS.

About Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC):

• Statutory Body under the Apprentices Act, 1961, advising the Government on apprenticeship policies and implementation.

• Chaired by the Union Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

• Includes members from Central Ministries, industries, UGC, AICTE, NSDC, and state apprenticeship advisors.

Key Recommendations by CAC:

• Stipend Hike: ₹5,000–₹9,000 revised to ₹6,800–₹12,300 (36% rise), linked to CPI and adjusted biennially.

• Micro-Apprenticeships & AEDP: Promotion of apprenticeship-embedded degree programs with new definitions like “Degree Apprenticeship” and “Contractual Staff”.

• Inclusivity: Definition of “Person with Benchmark Disability” included, with reserved training places.

• Digital Flexibility: Allows online/blended mode for basic and practical training.

• Regional Boards: Proposed to improve NATS administration and outreach.

• New Industrial Coverage: Shift from 1987 to NIC 2008 classification, covering emerging sectors (IT, biotech, renewable energy).

• Stipend Rationalisation: Variable based on local cost of living.

• Insurance Cover: Proposal for insurance for apprentices during contract period.

Relevance to UPSC Syllabus:

• GS Paper 2: Governance, Welfare Schemes Skilling & Employment: Role of apprenticeship in enhancing employability and bridging industry-academia gaps. Inclusive Policy Design: Empowerment through reforms for youth, women, and persons with disabilities.

• Skilling & Employment: Role of apprenticeship in enhancing employability and bridging industry-academia gaps.

• Inclusive Policy Design: Empowerment through reforms for youth, women, and persons with disabilities.

• GS Paper 3: Economic Development Human Capital Formation: Apprenticeship as a tool for capacity building and demographic dividend utilization. Industry-Skill Alignment: Boost to MSMEs, IT, green jobs, and digital skilling.

• Human Capital Formation: Apprenticeship as a tool for capacity building and demographic dividend utilization.

• Industry-Skill Alignment: Boost to MSMEs, IT, green jobs, and digital skilling.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 May Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Department Of Posts New Digital Platforms

Source: PIB

Context: The Department of Posts launched two new digital platforms — ‘Know Your DIGIPIN’ and ‘Know Your PIN Code’ — to modernize India’s addressing and geospatial infrastructure, in line with the National Geospatial Policy 2022.

About Department Of Posts New Digital Platforms:

About Know Your DIGIPIN Portal:

• Ministry Involved: Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications.

• Objective: To enable digital address precision using geo-coded grids and enhance last-mile service delivery across India.

• Developed By: In collaboration with IIT Hyderabad and NRSC, ISRO.

• Features:

• Geo-coded Addressing: Each DIGIPIN corresponds to a precise latitude-longitude grid, offering high-resolution location identification.

• Address-as-a-Service (AaaS): Supports government, private firms, and users with standardized and secure address solutions.

• Open-Source Platform: Technical data and source code are hosted on GitHub, promoting innovation and public adoption.

• GIS Integration: Enables accurate logistics, disaster response, and e-governance by integrating GIS into address systems.

• Inclusivity: Facilitates digital inclusion of rural and remote areas by offering uniform address identifiers.

About Know Your PIN Code Portal:

• Ministry Involved: Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications.

• Objective: To modernize the traditional six-digit PIN Code system using geospatial technology and GNSS-based mapping.

• Features:

• Geo-fencing of PIN Codes: Digitally maps boundaries of over 1.5 lakh PIN Codes to improve accuracy.

• Location-based PIN Retrieval: Users can identify the correct PIN using real-time GNSS location inputs.

• Public Feedback System: Enables citizens to submit suggestions to refine the PIN dataset for continuous improvement.

• Open Data Access: The geo-referenced PIN Code data is available on the Open Government Data (OGD) Platform.

• Support for Delivery Services: Enhances e-commerce, emergency response, and postal logistics with accurate regional mapping.

Honey Mission

Source: News on Air

Context: Prime Minister highlighted India’s rise as a global honey-producing leader, citing a 60% surge in production and the success of the Honey Mission.

About Honey Mission:

• Launched By: Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) under the Ministry of MSME, in 2017.

• Objective: To promote sustainable beekeeping, ensure pollination support, enhance income of farmers, and strengthen rural entrepreneurship.

• Key Features: Skill Development: More than 50,000 beekeepers trained through CBRTI, Pune in modern apiculture. Income Generation: Beekeepers earned ₹325 crore from 20,000 MT honey, with ₹25 crore in exports in FY 2024–25. Holistic Model: Supports production, processing plants, marketing, and digital access (e.g., selling on GeM portal). Empowerment Focus: Engages youth, tribal farmers, and women, boosting self-reliance.

• Skill Development: More than 50,000 beekeepers trained through CBRTI, Pune in modern apiculture.

• Income Generation: Beekeepers earned ₹325 crore from 20,000 MT honey, with ₹25 crore in exports in FY 2024–25.

• Holistic Model: Supports production, processing plants, marketing, and digital access (e.g., selling on GeM portal).

• Empowerment Focus: Engages youth, tribal farmers, and women, boosting self-reliance.

About Honey Production in India:

• Ministry Involved: Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), under the Ministry of MSME.

• Key Mission: Honey Mission – launched to promote beekeeping as a tool for income and self-reliance.

• Data Snapshot:

• Honey production has risen from ~75,000 MT to 1.25 lakh MT in the last 11 years (~60% growth). India now ranks among the top honey-producing countries globally. In FY 2024–25, honey exports under KVIC touched ₹25 crore.

• Honey production has risen from ~75,000 MT to 1.25 lakh MT in the last 11 years (~60% growth).

• India now ranks among the top honey-producing countries globally.

• In FY 2024–25, honey exports under KVIC touched ₹25 crore.

• Top States in Honey Entrepreneurship: Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, West Bengal, and Arunachal Pradesh.

• Export Status: India is among the top 10 honey exporters

• Organic Honey Success: Tribal honey like ‘Sonhani’ from Korea district (Chhattisgarh) showcases value addition and global outreach.

Eco-Fishing Ports

Source: TW

Context: The Department of Fisheries and Agence Française de Développement (AFD) held a Technical Dialogue on Eco-Fishing Ports in New Delhi to promote sustainable, smart, and inclusive fishing harbour infrastructure under India’s Blue Economy framework.

About Eco-Fishing Ports:

• Launched by: Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.

• Objective: To develop environmentally sustainable and economically viable fishing harbours with minimal ecological footprint.

• Key Features: Green Design Elements: Integration of eco-friendly breakwaters, STPs, rainwater harvesting, and renewable energy (solar/wind). Smart Infrastructure: Use of IoT, sensor networks, and predictive modelling for real-time monitoring and harbour operations. Social Inclusiveness: Encourages community participation, women empowerment, and local governance via co-management societies. Post-Harvest Efficiency: Focus on safe fish handling, cold storage, and hygienic practices to improve seafood quality and exports. Climate Resilience: Incorporates marine debris removal, environmental standards, and climate-adaptive design for coastal sustainability.

• Green Design Elements: Integration of eco-friendly breakwaters, STPs, rainwater harvesting, and renewable energy (solar/wind).

• Smart Infrastructure: Use of IoT, sensor networks, and predictive modelling for real-time monitoring and harbour operations.

• Social Inclusiveness: Encourages community participation, women empowerment, and local governance via co-management societies.

• Post-Harvest Efficiency: Focus on safe fish handling, cold storage, and hygienic practices to improve seafood quality and exports.

• Climate Resilience: Incorporates marine debris removal, environmental standards, and climate-adaptive design for coastal sustainability.

About Blue Ports Initiative:

• Launched by: Government of India in partnership with FAO.

• Under: Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

• Objective: To establish model fishing harbours that integrate blue economy principles for sustainable marine growth.

• Key Features: Three Pilot Harbours: Vanakbara (Daman & Diu), Karaikal (Puducherry), and Jakhau (Gujarat). Smart Technologies: Use of AI, data analytics, and remote sensing for efficient port management. Eco-Infrastructure: Emphasis on energy-efficient lighting, electric equipment, composting, and waste recycling. Value Chain Enhancement: Improves fish landing, processing, storage, and market linkage to boost coastal livelihoods. International Collaboration: Aligns with FAO’s Blue Growth agenda to leverage global best practices in marine conservation.

• Three Pilot Harbours: Vanakbara (Daman & Diu), Karaikal (Puducherry), and Jakhau (Gujarat).

• Smart Technologies: Use of AI, data analytics, and remote sensing for efficient port management.

• Eco-Infrastructure: Emphasis on energy-efficient lighting, electric equipment, composting, and waste recycling.

• Value Chain Enhancement: Improves fish landing, processing, storage, and market linkage to boost coastal livelihoods.

• International Collaboration: Aligns with FAO’s Blue Growth agenda to leverage global best practices in marine conservation.

Two Indian Peacekeepers Awarded Dag Hammarskjöld Medal

Source: DH

Context: Two Indian peacekeepers Brigadier General Amitabh Jha and Havildar Sanjay Singh will be posthumously awarded the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal on the International Day of UN Peacekeepers.

About Two Indian Peacekeepers Awarded Dag Hammarskjöld Medal:

About India and UN Peacekeepers:

• India’s Global Role: India is the 4th largest contributor of uniformed personnel to UN peacekeeping, with over 5,300 Indian troops serving in missions across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

• Honoured Peacekeepers 2025: Brig. Gen. Amitabh Jha served under UNDOF (Golan Heights). Hav. Sanjay Singh served under MONUSCO (Congo). Both will receive the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal for laying down their lives in the pursuit of global peace.

• Brig. Gen. Amitabh Jha served under UNDOF (Golan Heights).

• Hav. Sanjay Singh served under MONUSCO (Congo).

• Both will receive the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal for laying down their lives in the pursuit of global peace.

• Legacy of Recognition: In 2023, Major Radhika Sen was honoured as the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year.

• Cumulative Contribution: Since 1948, more than 179 Indian peacekeepers have made the supreme sacrifice — the highest among all UN member states.

About UN Peacekeepers:

• Established In: 1948, with the first mission in the Middle East (UNTSO).

• Coordinated By: Department of Peace Operations (DPO) under the UN Secretariat.

• Personnel Involved: Currently, 68,000+ military, police, and civilian personnel from 125 countries serve in 11 active UN missions.

• Key Objectives: Conflict Management: Monitor ceasefires and support peace agreements in volatile regions. Civilian Protection: Safeguard at-risk populations, particularly in conflict zones. Rule of Law & Institution Building: Assist with elections, judicial systems, and public institutions. Disarmament and Reintegration: Help ex-combatants reintegrate into civilian life through DDR programmes. Humanitarian Assistance: Support humanitarian agencies and aid delivery in post-conflict recovery.

• Conflict Management: Monitor ceasefires and support peace agreements in volatile regions.

• Civilian Protection: Safeguard at-risk populations, particularly in conflict zones.

• Rule of Law & Institution Building: Assist with elections, judicial systems, and public institutions.

• Disarmament and Reintegration: Help ex-combatants reintegrate into civilian life through DDR programmes.

• Humanitarian Assistance: Support humanitarian agencies and aid delivery in post-conflict recovery.

• Legal Mandate: Operates under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, empowered by the UN Security Council.

• Instruments of Peace: Peacekeepers are often called Blue Helmets and represent military, police, and civilian roles in missions authorized by the UN.

Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO)

Source: IE

Context: The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) played a key role in triggering the early onset of the southwest monsoon in Kerala and Mumbai.

About Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO):

• What is MJO?

• The MJO is an eastward-moving tropical atmospheric disturbance involving clouds, rainfall, winds, and pressure patterns. Discovered in 1971 by Roland Madden and Paul Julian, it typically completes a global circuit every 30–60 days. It features two alternating phases: Enhanced Convective Phase: Characterized by increased rainfall and greater cloud formation due to rising air and moisture convergence. Suppressed Convective Phase: Marked by reduced rainfall and clearer skies, as sinking dry air inhibits cloud development.

• The MJO is an eastward-moving tropical atmospheric disturbance involving clouds, rainfall, winds, and pressure patterns.

• Discovered in 1971 by Roland Madden and Paul Julian, it typically completes a global circuit every 30–60 days.

• It features two alternating phases: Enhanced Convective Phase: Characterized by increased rainfall and greater cloud formation due to rising air and moisture convergence. Suppressed Convective Phase: Marked by reduced rainfall and clearer skies, as sinking dry air inhibits cloud development.

• Enhanced Convective Phase: Characterized by increased rainfall and greater cloud formation due to rising air and moisture convergence.

• Suppressed Convective Phase: Marked by reduced rainfall and clearer skies, as sinking dry air inhibits cloud development.

• How is MJO Formed?

• Surface convergence of winds initiates rising air motion in the tropics. This leads to condensation and cloud formation, supported by upper-level divergence. The entire dipole system moves from west to east across the equator, especially between 30°N and 30°S latitude.

• Surface convergence of winds initiates rising air motion in the tropics.

• This leads to condensation and cloud formation, supported by upper-level divergence.

• The entire dipole system moves from west to east across the equator, especially between 30°N and 30°S latitude.

• Factors Influencing MJO:

• Sea Surface Temperature (SST) anomalies, particularly in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Atmospheric moisture content and zonal wind anomalies. Seasonal conditions like El Niño, which can amplify or suppress MJO activity.

• Sea Surface Temperature (SST) anomalies, particularly in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

• Atmospheric moisture content and zonal wind anomalies.

• Seasonal conditions like El Niño, which can amplify or suppress MJO activity.

• Impacts of MJO: On Indian Monsoon:

• On Indian Monsoon:

• MJO in its active phase over the Indian Ocean can:

• Trigger early monsoon onset, as seen in 2024 and 2025.

• Boost cyclogenesis and increase rainfall intensity during its passage.

• Improve intra-seasonal rainfall variability and monsoon breaks.

• Global Influence:

• Modulates cyclone frequency and strength across ocean basins. Alters jet streams, influencing weather extremes in the U.S., Europe, and Australia. Can cause cold surges, heatwaves, and floods in mid-latitude regions. Acts as a short-term climate modulator unlike ENSO, which has seasonal effects.

• Modulates cyclone frequency and strength across ocean basins.

• Alters jet streams, influencing weather extremes in the U.S., Europe, and Australia.

• Can cause cold surges, heatwaves, and floods in mid-latitude regions.

• Acts as a short-term climate modulator unlike ENSO, which has seasonal effects.

Made in India Fifth-Generation Fighter Jet

Source: TOI

Context: The Defence Minister has officially approved the execution of the indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter jet project, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

About Made in India Fifth-Generation Fighter Jet:

• What It Is?

• A next-generation stealth-enabled fighter jet, designed and built in India to enhance the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) deep-strike and air superiority capabilities.

• Organisations Involved: Ministry of Defence, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

• Key Features:

• Stealth technology with reduced radar cross-section. Advanced avionics with integrated sensors and data fusion. Super cruise capability (sustained supersonic flight without afterburners). Network-centric warfare and electronic warfare systems. Multi-role capability for air-to-air, air-to-ground, and surveillance missions.

• Stealth technology with reduced radar cross-section.

• Advanced avionics with integrated sensors and data fusion.

• Super cruise capability (sustained supersonic flight without afterburners).

• Network-centric warfare and electronic warfare systems.

• Multi-role capability for air-to-air, air-to-ground, and surveillance missions.

• Global Examples: F-22 Raptor (USA), F-35 Lightning II (USA), Sukhoi Su-57 (Russia), and Chengdu J-20 (China)

About Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA):

• What is AMCA?

• A fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter aircraft being developed indigenously for the Indian Air Force. Envisioned to replace aging MiG and Jaguar fleets, and operate alongside Tejas LCA and MRFA platforms.

• A fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter aircraft being developed indigenously for the Indian Air Force.

• Envisioned to replace aging MiG and Jaguar fleets, and operate alongside Tejas LCA and MRFA platforms.

• Features:

• Stealth Design: Radar-absorbing materials, internal weapon bays. Advanced Avionics: AESA radar, AI-enabled flight controls, sensor fusion. Twin-engine Configuration: Capable of super cruise and high manoeuvrability. Multi-role Capability: Air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance. Digital Fly-by-Wire System with advanced cockpit interface.

• Stealth Design: Radar-absorbing materials, internal weapon bays.

• Advanced Avionics: AESA radar, AI-enabled flight controls, sensor fusion.

• Twin-engine Configuration: Capable of super cruise and high manoeuvrability.

• Multi-role Capability: Air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance.

• Digital Fly-by-Wire System with advanced cockpit interface.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 May 2025 Mapping:

Species: Dugong

Source: TH

Context: World Dugong Day was observed to raise awareness about the conservation needs of dugongs, with India reaffirming its focus on habitat protection in areas like Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar.

About Dugongs:

• What it is: Dugongs (Dugong dugon) are large, herbivorous marine mammals often called “sea cows.” They are the only extant species of the Dugongidae family and closely related to manatees.

• Habitat in India:

• Warm shallow coastal waters Found in: Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Gulf of Kutch, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

• Warm shallow coastal waters

• Found in: Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Gulf of Kutch, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

• IUCN Status:

• Global: Vulnerable India: Regionally Endangered Schedule I species under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (highest legal protection)

• Global: Vulnerable

• India: Regionally Endangered

• Schedule I species under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (highest legal protection)

• Features of Dugongs: Physical Characteristics:

• Physical Characteristics:

• Body shape: Dugongs have a torpedo-shaped body with flipper-like forelimbs and no dorsal fin for streamlined swimming. Size: They can grow up to 3 meters long and weigh around 300 kg. Lifespan: Dugongs can live up to 70 years in the wild.

• Body shape: Dugongs have a torpedo-shaped body with flipper-like forelimbs and no dorsal fin for streamlined swimming.

• Size: They can grow up to 3 meters long and weigh around 300 kg.

• Lifespan: Dugongs can live up to 70 years in the wild.

• Biological Traits:

• Diet: Dugongs are herbivores that feed mainly on seagrass, consuming 20–30 kg daily. Teeth: Their teeth regenerate throughout life due to constant wear from abrasive seagrass.

• Diet: Dugongs are herbivores that feed mainly on seagrass, consuming 20–30 kg daily.

• Teeth: Their teeth regenerate throughout life due to constant wear from abrasive seagrass.

• Reproductive Traits:

• Maturity: They reach reproductive maturity at around 9–10 years of age. Birth cycle: Dugongs give birth once every 3–5 years, making reproduction slow. Population growth: Their population increases at a maximum rate of about 5% per year.

• Maturity: They reach reproductive maturity at around 9–10 years of age.

• Birth cycle: Dugongs give birth once every 3–5 years, making reproduction slow.

• Population growth: Their population increases at a maximum rate of about 5% per year.

• Social Behaviour:

• Grouping: Dugongs are usually solitary or seen in mother-calf pairs. Habitat preference: Unlike manatees, dugongs live strictly in marine environments and avoid human interaction.

• Grouping: Dugongs are usually solitary or seen in mother-calf pairs.

• Habitat preference: Unlike manatees, dugongs live strictly in marine environments and avoid human interaction.

• Ecological Importance:

• Known as “gardeners of the sea” for maintaining healthy seagrass beds. Promote biodiversity by nurturing fish nurseries. Play a vital role in carbon sequestration and coastal ecosystem stability.

• Known as “gardeners of the sea” for maintaining healthy seagrass beds.

• Promote biodiversity by nurturing fish nurseries.

• Play a vital role in carbon sequestration and coastal ecosystem stability.

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Table of Contents

GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 May (2025)

Experiential Learning

GS Paper 3:

India Crypto Policy

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC)

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

Department Of Posts New Digital Platforms

Honey Mission

Eco-Fishing Ports

Two Indian Peacekeepers Awarded Dag Hammarskjöld Medal

Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO)

Made in India Fifth-Generation Fighter Jet

Mapping:

Dugong

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS –28 May 2025

Experiential Learning

India Crypto Policy

Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC)

Department Of Posts New Digital Platforms

Honey Mission

Eco-Fishing Ports

Two Indian Peacekeepers Awarded Dag Hammarskjöld Medal

Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO)

Made in India Fifth-Generation Fighter Jet

Species: Dugong