UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 May 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 May 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 May (2025)
• IMO’s draft Net-Zero Framework
IMO’s draft Net-Zero Framework
• India–USA Energy Programs
India–USA Energy Programs
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Lancet Report on Sexual Violence Against Children
Lancet Report on Sexual Violence Against Children
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Revised SHAKTI Policy 2025
Revised SHAKTI Policy 2025
• Ayurvedic Manuscripts
Ayurvedic Manuscripts
• Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN)
Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN)
• Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
• Biju Patnaik & Battle of Stalingrad
Biju Patnaik & Battle of Stalingrad
• Precision-Guided Missiles in Operation Sindoor
Precision-Guided Missiles in Operation Sindoor
Mapping:
• Maldives
Maldives
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 May 2025
#### GS Paper 2 :
IMO’s draft Net-Zero Framework
Syllabus: International Relation
Source: IMO
Context: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has approved the draft Net-Zero Framework to combat climate change by reducing GHG emissions from shipping, aiming for net-zero emissions by around 2050.
About IMO’s draft Net-Zero Framework:
What is the Framework?
• A legally binding global plan to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from the maritime shipping sector.
• First initiative to combine global emissions limits with carbon pricing for an entire industrial sector.
Key Features:
• Legal Basis: New Chapter 5 of MARPOL Annex VI (Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships).
• Global Fuel Standard (GFI): Mandates reduction in GHG fuel intensity per energy unit used by ships (well-to-wake model).
• Carbon Pricing: Ships exceeding GFI limits must purchase remedial units; low-GHG ships earn surplus credits.
• IMO Net-Zero Fund: Redistributes carbon revenues to: Reward zero-emission ships. Fund R&D, capacity building, and climate resilience in SIDS & LDCs.
• Reward zero-emission ships.
• Fund R&D, capacity building, and climate resilience in SIDS & LDCs.
• Coverage: Targets ships over 5,000 GT—responsible for 85% of maritime CO₂ emissions.
• Compliance Mechanism: Transfer surplus units between ships. Buy credits via IMO fund. Bank own surplus credits.
• Transfer surplus units between ships.
• Buy credits via IMO fund.
• Bank own surplus credits.
Significance of the Draft IMO Net-Zero Framework:
• First Global Sector-Wide Regulation: Unifies emissions cap and carbon pricing across international waters.
• Drives Low-Carbon Innovation: Incentivizes adoption of green fuels, onboard CCS, and hybrid technologies.
• Climate Alignment: Supports Paris Agreement goals and 2023 IMO Strategy targets.
• Equity Focused: Assists vulnerable nations via climate financing and technology transfers.
• Energy Transition Catalyst: Spurs investment into ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen-based fuels in maritime logistics.
Limitations of the Framework:
• Delayed Enforcement: Actual implementation begins in 2027, despite urgency.
• Data Transparency Challenges: Measuring “well-to-wake” emissions is complex and may face reporting gaps.
• Equity Concerns: Higher compliance costs may impact developing maritime nations disproportionately.
• No Binding Rules on Ship Design: Current measures focus on fuel; design innovations like wind propulsion remain voluntary.
• Market Readiness: Limited global availability of zero-emission fuels to meet upcoming GFI standards.
Way Forward:
• Accelerate Fuel Innovation: Boost global investments in green methanol, ammonia, and electro fuels.
• Inclusive Dialogue: Ensure Small Island States (SIDS) and LDCs get fair access to green tech and funding.
• Real-Time Tracking Systems: Deploy blockchain-based emissions tracking to improve compliance transparency.
• Complementary Ship Design Rules: Introduce parallel Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) updates for new builds.
• Capacity Building: Support training, retrofitting programs, and local shipyard upgrades for clean technology assimilation.
Conclusion:
The IMO Net-Zero Framework marks a milestone in climate governance by regulating maritime emissions globally. While ambitious in structure and purpose, timely implementation, fuel innovation, and equitable mechanisms will be vital for success. This can set a global precedent for other high-emission sectors.
• ‘Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos”. Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) in protecting the environment and enhancing maritime safety and security. (UPSC-2023)
India–USA Energy Programs
Syllabus: International Relations
Source: TH
Context: U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance recently reaffirmed cooperation with India on energy and defence, while India highlighted energy security, technology transfer, and critical minerals as key bilateral focus areas.
About India–USA Energy Programs:
Measure so far:
• Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP): Covers biofuels, solar, hydrogen, and energy efficiency.
• U.S.-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET): Focuses on clean tech, AI, quantum, and SMRs (Small Modular Reactors).
• Nuclear Energy Cooperation: Includes technology transfer and potential investment in India’s 100 GW nuclear goal.
• Critical Minerals MoU (2024): Targets resilient mineral supply chains and third-country co-investment.
Why Is Such a Partnership Needed?
• Energy Security: India needs predictable energy supply with minimal disruption to fuel its $5-trillion economy goal.
E.g. India’s energy import bill crossed $153 billion in FY24.
• Climate Goals: Net-zero by 2070 needs diversified low-carbon energy including nuclear, renewables, and green hydrogen.
• Supply Chain Resilience: China controls 90% of rare earth processing — India needs alternate, democratic mineral partnerships.
• Infrastructure Financing: Nuclear power alone may need $180 billion by 2047, demanding global capital and technology infusion.
Challenges to India–USA Energy Cooperation:
• Civil Liability Law Roadblock: India’s 2010 Nuclear Damage Act hinders private U.S. investment in nuclear plants.
• Slow Deployment Timelines: Nuclear projects in India often take 9+ years; costly and delayed outcomes.
• Geopolitical Uncertainties: Global trade tensions, tariffs, and protectionism may stall mineral supply chains and joint ventures.
• Lack of Private Sector Incentives: Limited clarity on offtake guarantees, waste disposal norms, and return assurance for SMRs.
• Data Silos & Tech Transfer Barriers: No shared database or secure digital platforms for mineral traceability or R&D collaboration.
Way Ahead:
• Reform Liability Law: Amend the Civil Liability Act to allow foreign and private capital in India’s nuclear sector.
E.g. Holtec’s SMR tech transfer to L&T & Tata Consulting needs legal safeguards.
• Joint Strategic Mineral Stockpiling: Use India’s Petroleum Reserves and U.S. National Defense Stockpile to hedge supply risks.
• Launch India-U.S. Mineral Exchange: Create a secure digital hub for traceability, trade, and co-investment using blockchain.
• Quad as Multiplier: Expand trilateral mineral partnerships with Australia & Japan for processing, R&D, and African outreach.
• Fast-Track Nuclear Deployment: Standardise designs, cut approval time, and build 5–6 GW of nuclear annually by early 2030s.
• Financing Frameworks: Restructure domestic lending and enable green bonds or multilateral funding for nuclear and minerals.
Conclusion:
India–U.S. energy cooperation is crucial for a stable, green, and geopolitically resilient future. It requires long-term planning, patient execution, and institutional innovation. From critical minerals to modular reactors, this partnership can anchor India’s net-zero journey and bolster strategic autonomy.
• How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics? (UPSC- 2022)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 May 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Lancet Report on Sexual Violence Against Children
Context: A Lancet study revealed that over 30% of girls and 13% of boys in India faced sexual violence before the age of 18, highlighting a deep-rooted child safety crisis.
About Lancet Report on Sexual Violence Against Children:
What is the Study?
• Published in The Lancet, the report is a global meta-analysis covering over 200 countries (1990–2023), led by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), University of Washington.
• It estimates age-standardised prevalence of child sexual abuse globally for the first time using consistent metrics.
Key Findings:
• India: 30.8% of girls and 13% of boys experienced sexual abuse before 18. Highest prevalence for girls in South Asia.
• 30.8% of girls and 13% of boys experienced sexual abuse before 18.
• Highest prevalence for girls in South Asia.
• Global Average (2023): 18.9% females, 14.8% males experienced childhood sexual abuse. 70% of victims were first abused before the age of 18.
• 18.9% females, 14.8% males experienced childhood sexual abuse.
• 70% of victims were first abused before the age of 18.
Impacts of Child Sexual Abuse:
• Leads to lifelong mental health disorders: depression, anxiety, PTSD.
• Affects education, trust in institutions, and future socio-economic participation.
• Creates an intergenerational trauma cycle, affecting family and community wellbeing.
• Highlights systemic failures in prevention, reporting, and survivor rehabilitation.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• GS Paper 2 – Governance, Social Justice
• Issues related to children, POCSO Act, child protection mechanisms (NCPCR, ICPS). Policy gaps, Centre–State coordination, and data-led governance.
• Issues related to children, POCSO Act, child protection mechanisms (NCPCR, ICPS).
• Policy gaps, Centre–State coordination, and data-led governance.
• GS Paper 4 – Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude
• Moral responsibility of institutions towards vulnerable populations. Case studies on ethical leadership, public trust, and safeguarding dignity of minors.
• Moral responsibility of institutions towards vulnerable populations.
• Case studies on ethical leadership, public trust, and safeguarding dignity of minors.
• Essay / Case Study
• Useful in essays on “Justice for Children”, “Safeguarding the Vulnerable”, and governance reforms.
• Useful in essays on “Justice for Children”, “Safeguarding the Vulnerable”, and governance reforms.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 May Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Revised SHAKTI Policy 2025
Source: PIB
Context: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the Revised SHAKTI Policy 2025 to streamline coal allocation for thermal power plants through two simplified windows, enhancing transparency and flexibility.
About Revised SHAKTI Policy 2025:
• Nodal Ministries: Ministry of Coal (MoC) and Ministry of Power (MoP)
• Objectives:
• Ensure transparent, flexible, and demand-based coal allocation. Promote long-term thermal power capacity planning. Encourage coal import substitution and optimize logistics. Enable market-driven electricity pricing and deeper power markets.
• Ensure transparent, flexible, and demand-based coal allocation.
• Promote long-term thermal power capacity planning.
• Encourage coal import substitution and optimize logistics.
• Enable market-driven electricity pricing and deeper power markets.
• Key Features of Revised SHAKTI Policy Two-Window Structure
• Two-Window Structure
• Window-I (Notified Price):
• Window-I (Notified Price):
• Window-I (Notified Price):
• For Central/State Gencos and IPPs with PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements).
• Coal allocated on nomination or tariff-based bidding.
• Window-II (Premium Basis):
• Window-II (Premium Basis):
• Window-II (Premium Basis):
• Open to any power generator, including imported coal-based (ICB) plants.
• No PPA required. Flexibility to sell power in markets or bilateral deals.
• Key Reforms and Highlights
• Simplification: Previous 8 coal linkage categories now mapped to just two windows. No PPA Mandate (Window-II): Empowers plants to sell power freely in power exchanges or contracts. Encouragement for Private Sector: Boosts Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and private investment in thermal sector. Support for Greenfield and Brownfield Projects: Especially near pithead locations for cost efficiency. Import Substitution: ICB plants can switch to domestic coal, reducing forex outgo. Coal Rationalization: Lower landed cost and efficient rail logistics reduce final tariffs. Flexibility for FSA Holders: Can bid for coal beyond annual quota under Window-II. Market Linkages: Allows sale of surplus electricity in power markets, enhancing market liquidity. Empowered Committee: Headed by Secretaries of Power, Coal, and Chairperson of CEA to resolve implementation issues swiftly. Zero Additional Expenditure: No financial burden on coal companies.
• Simplification: Previous 8 coal linkage categories now mapped to just two windows.
• No PPA Mandate (Window-II): Empowers plants to sell power freely in power exchanges or contracts.
• Encouragement for Private Sector: Boosts Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and private investment in thermal sector.
• Support for Greenfield and Brownfield Projects: Especially near pithead locations for cost efficiency.
• Import Substitution: ICB plants can switch to domestic coal, reducing forex outgo.
• Coal Rationalization: Lower landed cost and efficient rail logistics reduce final tariffs.
• Flexibility for FSA Holders: Can bid for coal beyond annual quota under Window-II.
• Market Linkages: Allows sale of surplus electricity in power markets, enhancing market liquidity.
• Empowered Committee: Headed by Secretaries of Power, Coal, and Chairperson of CEA to resolve implementation issues swiftly.
• Zero Additional Expenditure: No financial burden on coal companies.
Ayurvedic Manuscripts
Source: PIB
Context: The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) under the Ministry of AYUSH has revived two rare Ayurvedic manuscripts: Dravyaratnākara Nighaṇṭu and Dravyanamākara Nighaṇṭu.
About Ayurvedic Manuscripts:
What are Ayurvedic Manuscripts?
• Ancient manuscripts in Ayurveda serve as textual repositories of medicinal knowledge including plant names, therapeutic uses, formulations, and pharmacological actions.
• Nighaṇṭus are traditional lexicons in Ayurveda that list and explain the properties of medicinal substances, drawn from plant, mineral, and animal sources.
About Dravyaratnākara Nighaṇṭu:
• Author: Mudgala Paṇḍita
• Composed: 1480 AD
• Key Features: Contains 18 chapters offering deep insights into drug synonyms, actions, and compositions. Draws references from Dhanvantari and Raja Nighaṇṭus. Introduces novel therapeutic substances used across classical Ayurvedic disciplines. Widely referenced in Maharashtra till the 19th century. Revived and edited by Dr. S.D. Kamat, a noted Ayurveda scholar.
• Contains 18 chapters offering deep insights into drug synonyms, actions, and compositions.
• Draws references from Dhanvantari and Raja Nighaṇṭus.
• Introduces novel therapeutic substances used across classical Ayurvedic disciplines.
• Widely referenced in Maharashtra till the 19th century.
• Revived and edited by Dr. S.D. Kamat, a noted Ayurveda scholar.
About Dravyanamākara Nighaṇṭu:
• Attributed to: Bhisma Vaidya
• Period: Undated, considered a post-Dhanvantari supplement
• Key Features: Acts as a specialised appendix to the Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu. Comprises 182 verses, dealing specifically with homonyms in drug names. Valuable for disciplines like Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana. Offers clarity on complex naming overlaps, vital for Ayurvedic pharmacology. Edited and annotated by Dr. S.D. Kamat, known for reviving other Nighaṇṭus as well.
• Acts as a specialised appendix to the Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu.
• Comprises 182 verses, dealing specifically with homonyms in drug names.
• Valuable for disciplines like Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana.
• Offers clarity on complex naming overlaps, vital for Ayurvedic pharmacology.
• Edited and annotated by Dr. S.D. Kamat, known for reviving other Nighaṇṭus as well.
Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN)
Source: ANI
Context: The Quad countries—India, Australia, Japan, and the US—conducted a Tabletop Exercise in Hawaii to simulate the launch of the Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN).
About Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN):
• What is IPLN?
• IPLN is a multilateral initiative to develop a shared logistics framework that enables civilian disaster response coordination across the Indo-Pacific region. It supports faster, efficient deployment of humanitarian aid through shared logistics infrastructure and interoperability.
• IPLN is a multilateral initiative to develop a shared logistics framework that enables civilian disaster response coordination across the Indo-Pacific region.
• It supports faster, efficient deployment of humanitarian aid through shared logistics infrastructure and interoperability.
• Participating Countries: India, United States, Japan, and Australia.
• Launch:
• Simulated via a Tabletop Exercise (TTX) hosted at the Asia-Pacific Centre for Security Studies, Honolulu, Hawaii. Complementary to the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) and the Quad Pandemic Preparedness Workshop.
• Simulated via a Tabletop Exercise (TTX) hosted at the Asia-Pacific Centre for Security Studies, Honolulu, Hawaii.
• Complementary to the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) and the Quad Pandemic Preparedness Workshop.
• Key Features:
• Shared Logistics Coordination: Enhances supply chain responsiveness for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions. Civilian-First Focus: Targets natural disaster preparedness, including response to cyclones, tsunamis, and health emergencies. Interoperability and Trust: Builds mutual logistical support systems and strengthens operational coordination among Quad partners. Technology-Driven: Emphasizes digital logistics mapping, joint resource planning, and real-time tracking systems. Flexible and Scalable: Applicable across Indo-Pacific islands, coastal states, and remote zones needing rapid crisis response.
• Shared Logistics Coordination: Enhances supply chain responsiveness for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions.
• Civilian-First Focus: Targets natural disaster preparedness, including response to cyclones, tsunamis, and health emergencies.
• Interoperability and Trust: Builds mutual logistical support systems and strengthens operational coordination among Quad partners.
• Technology-Driven: Emphasizes digital logistics mapping, joint resource planning, and real-time tracking systems.
• Flexible and Scalable: Applicable across Indo-Pacific islands, coastal states, and remote zones needing rapid crisis response.
• Strategic and Humanitarian Significance:
• Strengthens regional disaster resilience and emergency preparedness architecture. Reinforces Quad’s image as a force for good beyond security—focused on health, disaster relief, and humanitarian values. Builds synergy with initiatives like One Health approach and Quad-led Pandemic Preparedness Program.
• Strengthens regional disaster resilience and emergency preparedness architecture.
• Reinforces Quad’s image as a force for good beyond security—focused on health, disaster relief, and humanitarian values.
• Builds synergy with initiatives like One Health approach and Quad-led Pandemic Preparedness Program.
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
Source: HT
Context: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved a one-year extension for CBI Director Praveen Sood, an IPS officer of Karnataka cadre, beyond his scheduled retirement.
About Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI):
• What is the CBI?
• The CBI is India’s premier investigating agency, tasked with probing high-profile cases of corruption, economic offences, and serious crimes. It is neither a constitutional nor a statutory body, but derives its powers from the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946.
• The CBI is India’s premier investigating agency, tasked with probing high-profile cases of corruption, economic offences, and serious crimes.
• It is neither a constitutional nor a statutory body, but derives its powers from the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946.
• Origin: Traces back to 1941, when the Special Police Establishment (SPE) was set up during WWII.
• Formed as CBI: Officially established by a Home Ministry resolution on 1 April 1963, following the recommendations of the Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption.
• Administrative Control: Works under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India.
• Organizational Structure:
• Headed by a Director (rank: DGP, IPS). Supported by Special Directors, Joint Directors, Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), and Superintendents of Police (SPs).
• Headed by a Director (rank: DGP, IPS).
• Supported by Special Directors, Joint Directors, Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), and Superintendents of Police (SPs).
• Director Appointment Process:
• Appointed by a three-member Selection Committee under the DSPE Act: Prime Minister (Chairperson) Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Chief Justice of India or his nominee
• Appointed by a three-member Selection Committee under the DSPE Act: Prime Minister (Chairperson) Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Chief Justice of India or his nominee
• Prime Minister (Chairperson)
• Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha
• Chief Justice of India or his nominee
• Tenure: Fixed 2 years, extendable annually up to 5 years (as per DSPE Amendment Act, 2021).
• Key Functions of CBI:
• Anti-Corruption: Probes corruption and misconduct by Central Govt employees, PSU staff, and Union Territory officials. Economic Offences: Investigates bank frauds, money laundering, and financial scams. Special Crimes: Handles sensational cases like murder, terrorism, kidnapping, when referred by states or courts. Interpol Nodal Agency: Acts as India’s liaison with Interpol for international crime coordination. Judicial Assignments: Investigates cases on the direction of Supreme Court or High Courts. Data & Intelligence: Maintains criminal records, crime statistics, and helps in inter-state police coordination.
• Anti-Corruption: Probes corruption and misconduct by Central Govt employees, PSU staff, and Union Territory officials.
• Economic Offences: Investigates bank frauds, money laundering, and financial scams.
• Special Crimes: Handles sensational cases like murder, terrorism, kidnapping, when referred by states or courts.
• Interpol Nodal Agency: Acts as India’s liaison with Interpol for international crime coordination.
• Judicial Assignments: Investigates cases on the direction of Supreme Court or High Courts.
• Data & Intelligence: Maintains criminal records, crime statistics, and helps in inter-state police coordination.
Biju Patnaik & Battle of Stalingrad
Source: FP
Context: Russia honoured Biju Patnaik with a memorial plaque at its embassy in New Delhi for his crucial role during the Battle of Stalingrad (1942–43).
About Biju Patnaik:
• Early Life and Profession:
• Born in Cuttack (1916), Biju Patnaik was a renowned freedom fighter, aviator, and politician. Joined the Royal Indian Air Force in 1936 as a transport and rescue pilot.
• Born in Cuttack (1916), Biju Patnaik was a renowned freedom fighter, aviator, and politician.
• Joined the Royal Indian Air Force in 1936 as a transport and rescue pilot.
• Contribution to Russia in WWII:
• Flew supply missions during the Battle of Stalingrad, aiding the besieged Soviet Red Army. Risked German air defences to deliver essential arms and supplies under extreme combat conditions.
• Flew supply missions during the Battle of Stalingrad, aiding the besieged Soviet Red Army.
• Risked German air defences to deliver essential arms and supplies under extreme combat conditions.
• Role in India’s Freedom Movement:
• Supported the Quit India Movement by flying secret missions for nationalist leaders. Helped rescue freedom fighters from Burma and facilitated Indonesia’s fight for independence, for which he was honoured by Indonesia as well.
• Supported the Quit India Movement by flying secret missions for nationalist leaders.
• Helped rescue freedom fighters from Burma and facilitated Indonesia’s fight for independence, for which he was honoured by Indonesia as well.
About Battle of Stalingrad (1942–1943)
• Overview:
• A major World War II battle fought between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union in Stalingrad (now Volgograd) from July 17, 1942 to February 2, 1943.
• A major World War II battle fought between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union in Stalingrad (now Volgograd) from July 17, 1942 to February 2, 1943.
• Strategic Aims: Hitler sought control of Stalingrad to secure oil-rich Caucasus, cut off Soviet logistics via the Volga River, and win a symbolic victory by capturing the city named after Josef Stalin.
• Key Features:
• Urban warfare at its bloodiest: House-to-house combat, massive civilian casualties, and near-total destruction of the city. German forces controlled 90% of the city by late 1942. Soviet Operation Uranus in November encircled 300,000 Axis troops, cutting them off from supplies.
• Urban warfare at its bloodiest: House-to-house combat, massive civilian casualties, and near-total destruction of the city.
• German forces controlled 90% of the city by late 1942.
• Soviet Operation Uranus in November encircled 300,000 Axis troops, cutting them off from supplies.
• Outcome and Significance:
• Soviet victory marked a turning point in WWII; German forces began retreating thereafter. Nearly 100,000 German soldiers captured, including Gen. Friedrich Paulus. The battle bolstered Soviet morale and marked the beginning of the Nazi collapse on the Eastern Front.
• Soviet victory marked a turning point in WWII; German forces began retreating thereafter.
• Nearly 100,000 German soldiers captured, including Gen. Friedrich Paulus.
• The battle bolstered Soviet morale and marked the beginning of the Nazi collapse on the Eastern Front.
Precision-Guided Missiles in Operation Sindoor
Source: DH
Context: India conducted ‘Operation Sindoor’, targeting 21 terror camps across 9 locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
• The strikes used precision-guided missiles like SCALP, HAMMER, BrahMos, and loitering munitions, ensuring minimal collateral damage.
About Precision-Guided Missiles in Operation Sindoor:
• What is Operation Sindoor?
• A retaliatory military operation carried out by India using precision missile strikes against terrorist infrastructure. It demonstrated India’s resolve against cross-border terrorism, with strategic restraint to avoid civilian/military casualties.
• A retaliatory military operation carried out by India using precision missile strikes against terrorist infrastructure.
• It demonstrated India’s resolve against cross-border terrorism, with strategic restraint to avoid civilian/military casualties.
• Key Missiles Used in Operation Sindoor
• SCALP Cruise Missile (Storm Shadow) Manufacturer: MBDA (France) Range: ~450 km Features: Air-launched, deep-strike cruise missile with stealth capabilities. Guided by INS + GPS + terrain referencing + infrared seeker. Ideal for fixed hardened targets like command centres or bunkers. Operates in all weather and at low altitude, reducing radar detection.
• Manufacturer: MBDA (France)
• Range: ~450 km
• Features: Air-launched, deep-strike cruise missile with stealth capabilities. Guided by INS + GPS + terrain referencing + infrared seeker. Ideal for fixed hardened targets like command centres or bunkers. Operates in all weather and at low altitude, reducing radar detection.
• Air-launched, deep-strike cruise missile with stealth capabilities.
• Guided by INS + GPS + terrain referencing + infrared seeker.
• Ideal for fixed hardened targets like command centres or bunkers.
• Operates in all weather and at low altitude, reducing radar detection.
• HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) Manufacturer: Safran (France) Range: ~70 km Features: All-weather guided glide bomb usable from Rafale aircraft. Compatible with various bomb weights (125–1000 kg). Resistant to jamming, autonomous with INS/GPS/laser/IR guidance. Effective for close air support and deep-strike missions.
• Manufacturer: Safran (France)
• Range: ~70 km
• Features: All-weather guided glide bomb usable from Rafale aircraft. Compatible with various bomb weights (125–1000 kg). Resistant to jamming, autonomous with INS/GPS/laser/IR guidance. Effective for close air support and deep-strike missions.
• All-weather guided glide bomb usable from Rafale aircraft.
• Compatible with various bomb weights (125–1000 kg).
• Resistant to jamming, autonomous with INS/GPS/laser/IR guidance.
• Effective for close air support and deep-strike missions.
• BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile Manufacturer: BrahMos Aerospace (India-Russia JV) Speed: ~Mach 2.8–3 Range: Up to 450–500 km (recently extended) Features: Operates on “fire-and-forget” principle. Carries 200–300 kg conventional warhead. Penetrates deep and strikes targets within minutes. Used by all three services: Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Manufacturer: BrahMos Aerospace (India-Russia JV)
• Speed: ~Mach 2.8–3
• Range: Up to 450–500 km (recently extended)
• Features: Operates on “fire-and-forget” principle. Carries 200–300 kg conventional warhead. Penetrates deep and strikes targets within minutes. Used by all three services: Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Operates on “fire-and-forget” principle.
• Carries 200–300 kg conventional warhead.
• Penetrates deep and strikes targets within minutes.
• Used by all three services: Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Loitering Munitions (Kamikaze Drones) Use: Surveillance + precise attack after target identification. Features: Can hover over a battlefield and strike opportunistically. Effective against mobile or time-sensitive targets. Enhances tactical advantage with minimal risk to personnel.
• Use: Surveillance + precise attack after target identification.
• Features: Can hover over a battlefield and strike opportunistically. Effective against mobile or time-sensitive targets. Enhances tactical advantage with minimal risk to personnel.
• Can hover over a battlefield and strike opportunistically.
• Effective against mobile or time-sensitive targets.
• Enhances tactical advantage with minimal risk to personnel.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 May 2025 Mapping:
Maldives
Source: ET
Context: INS Sharda arrived at Maafilaafushi Atoll, Maldives to participate in a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise.
About Maldives:
• South Asia, located in the north-central Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India.
• Capital: Malé – also the most populous city.
• Geography:
• An archipelago of ~1,200 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls, of which ~200 are inhabited. Low-lying terrain: None of the islands rise above 1.8 metres (6 feet). Protected by barrier reefs from monsoon damage.
• An archipelago of ~1,200 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls, of which ~200 are inhabited.
• Low-lying terrain: None of the islands rise above 1.8 metres (6 feet).
• Protected by barrier reefs from monsoon damage.
• Strategic Atoll: Maafilaafushi – a northern atoll often used for naval exercises and logistics support.
• Official Language: Dhivehi (Maldivian), an Indo-Aryan language.
• Other spoken languages: Arabic, Hindi, English.
• Religion: Islam is the state religion.
• Ethnic Composition:
• Dominated by Maldivian ethnic group, with ancestry tracing to Tamils, Sinhalese, Arabs, and traders from Africa and Southeast Asia.
• Dominated by Maldivian ethnic group, with ancestry tracing to Tamils, Sinhalese, Arabs, and traders from Africa and Southeast Asia.
• Strategic Importance:
• Lies on major global shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean. Serves as a critical maritime partner for India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and MAHASAGAR doctrines. Proximity to Lakshadweep (~400 km) enhances India’s naval surveillance and regional outreach.
• Lies on major global shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean.
• Serves as a critical maritime partner for India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and MAHASAGAR doctrines.
• Proximity to Lakshadweep (~400 km) enhances India’s naval surveillance and regional outreach.
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