Current Affairs – May 27, 2025

{GS1 – Geo – PG – Climatology} Bharat Forecasting System *

• Context (TH): India Meteorological Department will soon adopt the Bharat Forecasting System (BFS), an indigenous advanced weather forecasting model.

• Developed by the Pune-based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), powered by Arka, a new supercomputer at IITM with 11.77 petaflops computing speed and 33 petabytes storage.
  • Arka reduces forecasting run-time from 10 hours (previous Pratyush supercomputer) to ~4 hours.
• It integrates numerical weather prediction (NWP) with AI & machine learning for enhanced accuracy.
  • A Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) model uses mathematical equations and computer simulations to forecast weather based on atmospheric physics and real-time observational data.
• Provides the world’s highest forecasting resolution of 6 km x 6 km grid, doubling the detail from the earlier 12 km Global Forecast System (GFS) used in India.
• Covers tropical regions between 30° South and 30° North latitudes, comfortably encompassing the Indian mainland (8.4°N to 37.6°N).
• Utilizes data from 40 Doppler Weather Radars nationwide; plans to increase to 100 radars for comprehensive nowcasts. (Nowcasts are short-term weather forecasts up to two hours ahead).

Advantages Over Previous Systems and Global Comparisons

• BFS provides finer spatial detail than global models by European, British, and US agencies, which offer 9-14 km resolution.
• More precise predictions enable better disaster management, agriculture planning, water resource management, and public safety measures.

Also refer to Localised Monson Forecasting.

{GS1 – MIH – Personalities} Kartar Singh Sarabha

• Context (NSF): Birth anniversary of eminent freedom fighter Kartar Singh Sarabha was celebrated.

About Kartar Singh Sarabha

• Born on 24 May 1896 in Sarabha village, Ludhiana (Punjab), from a prosperous family.
• Migrated to the USA for higher education and enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley.
• Role in Freedom Struggle: Joined the Ghadar Party in 1913 at the age of 15 in the USA, which aimed to overthrow British rule through armed rebellion.
  • Edited the Punjabi edition of the Ghadar newspaper and translated content from Urdu to Gurmukhi.
  • Played a key role in setting up the Ghadar printing press in San Francisco.
  • Covertly delivered 100 pistols and ammunition to the Komagata Maru.
  • Returned to India in 1914 to mobilize support among Indian soldiers, especially in cantonments across Punjab, Lahore, Ferozepur, and Rawalpindi. Established a arms manufacturing unit in Ludhiana.
  • Collaborated with Ras Bihari Bose to plan an armed revolt in February 1915, which was foiled due to betrayal by a British spy.
  • Arrested and tried under the First Lahore Conspiracy Case; charged with sedition and waging war against the British Crown.
  • Executed at the age of 19 on 16 November 1915 alongside Vishnu Ganesh Pingle.

Credit: cms

• Legacy: Known for his fearless activism, courage, and deep commitment to India’s freedom.
  • Became a key inspiration for Bhagat Singh, who regarded him as a personal idol.
  • Sohan Singh Bhakna, president of the Ghadar Party, affectionately referred to him as his “General.”

Also Read > Shaheed Diwas.

{GS2 – MoYAS – Schemes} Khelo India Games

• Context (PIB): To harness sports potential of Northeast region, Government to stage Khelo India Northeast Games every year.

Key Features of Khelo India

• Launch: The ‘Khelo India – National Programme for Development of Sports‘ was launched in 2016-17 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
• Time period: The scheme was revamped and approved for 3 years, from 2017-18 to 2019-20 at a financial outlay of Rs. 1756 crore. Later it was extended for 1 year up to 2020-21.
  • It has been extended again for an additional 5 years, from 2021-22 to 2025-26 at financial outlay of Rs. 3790.50 crore.
• Aims:
  • To encourage sports all over the country, thus allowing the population to harness the power of sports through its cross-cutting influence, holistic development of children & youth, community development, social integration, gender equality, healthy lifestyle, etc.
  • To create sustainable physical & social infrastructure with convergent use of different schemes of the Government of India/States/UTs, Corporate Social Responsibility Funds, etc.
    • The Scheme will also use innovative financial models under Public Private Partnerships (PPP) in furtherance of the objectives.
• Twin Objective: mass participation and promotion of excellence in sports across the country.
• Components: The Khelo India Scheme (2021-22 to 2025-26) comprises of the following Components:
  1. Creation and Upgradation of Sports Infrastructure
  2. Sports Competitions and Talent Development
  3. Khelo India Centres and Sports Academies
  4. Fit India Movement
  5. Promotion of Inclusiveness through Sports.
• The Khelo India Scheme is being implemented in both rural and urban areas of the country ensuring equal opportunities for sports development.

Key Achievements under the Scheme

• Infrastructure: Approval of 321 new sports infrastructure projects, notification of 1045 Khelo India Centres (KICs), 34 Khelo India State Centres of Excellence, accreditation of 306 sports academies.
• Khelo India Games: 17 editions of the Khelo India Games have been conducted, with participation from over 50,000 athletes.
• Khelo India Athletes (KIAs): The scheme has identified and supported 2845 KIAs across the country who are provided with coaching, equipment, medical care, and a monthly Out of Pocket Allowance.

Government Initiatves to Harness Sports Potential of Northeast Region

• Under the Khelo India scheme Rs 439 crore was sanctioned in 2021 for 64 sports infrastructure projects across the Northeast region.
• The Northeast region is home to 250 KICs, which is training more than 8,000 athletes, and 8 Khelo India State Centres of Excellence that is paving the way for a robust grassroots ecosystem.
• As of now, 3 National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs) in Guwahati, Itanagar, and Imphal are providing world-class training to 600 athletes.
• The Northeast region hosted the Khelo India University Games Ashtalakshmi in 2023.

Also Read: Khelo Indian Youth Games

{GS2 – Polity – IC} PM chairs Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog

• Context (PIB): PM chaired the 10^th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog.

• This year’s theme was Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat@2047.

Key Highlights of Meeting

• Investment-Friendly Charter: The PM directed NITI Aayog to prepare an Investment-Friendly Charter to attract investments and foster economic growth.
• Tourism Development: A call was made for each state to develop at least 1 world-class tourist destination, aiming to boost local economies and attract international visitors.
• Nari Shakti: PM urged to change laws for women so that they can join the growth trajectory. He observed that there should be reforms in public and private sectors for working women with focus on their ease of working.
• River Interlinking: PM encouraged States to Interlink Rivers within States to battle water scarcity as well as floods. He appreciated Bihar which has recently started Kosi-Mochi connection grid.

{GS2 – Social Sector – Health} WHO Agreement on Traditional Medicine

• Context (PIB): India Partners with WHO to Mainstream Ayush Globally through a landmark Agreement on Traditional Medicine Interventions.

• The agreement marks the beginning of work on a dedicated Traditional Medicine module under the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI). With the inclusion of a traditional medicine module, AYUSH will now be recognized in globally standardized terms.
  • AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) are traditional and complementary medicine systems. The Ministry of Ayush in India oversees these systems.
• The combined impact of ICD-11 for diseases and the new ICHI module for interventions will ensure that Ayush becomes an integral, evidence-based, and policy-recognized part of global healthcare systems.

What is Traditional Medicine?

• It is the sum of the knowledge, skills and practices based on the theories, beliefs and experiences indigenous to different cultures, used in the maintenance of health and the prevention, diagnosis, improvement or treatment of physical and mental illness.
• 170 of WHO’s 194 Member States have reported on the use of herbal medicines, acupuncture, yoga, indigenous therapies and other forms of traditional medicines.
• Many countries recognize traditional medicine as a valuable source of healthcare and have taken steps to integrate practices, products and practitioners into their national systems.
• For millions, especially those living in remote and rural areas, it continues to be the 1^st choice for health and well-being, offering care that is culturally acceptable, available and affordable.
• The 2018 Declaration of Astana on primary health care acknowledges the need to include traditional medicine knowledge and technologies in the delivery of primary health care in pursuit of health for all.

{GS2 – Vulnerable Sections – Women} Maternity Leave as a Reproductive Right

• Context (ET): In K. Umadevi v. Govt of Tamil Nadu, the Supreme Court overturned a High Court order that denied maternity leave for a third child. It held that maternity leave is a protected reproductive right under Article 21 and cannot be overridden by state population policies.

Key Observations by the Court

• Maternity leave is equal to reproductive autonomy: More than a workplace benefit, maternity leave is intrinsic to a woman’s health, dignity, and autonomy.
• Fundamental right-Article 21: Reproductive rights fall within the right to life and personal liberty, which includes the right to health. Suchita Srivastava v. Chandigarh Administration (2009) affirmed reproductive autonomy under Article 21.
• Article 42(Directive Principles of State Policy): Mandates the State to provide just and humane working conditions and ensure maternity relief, reinforcing the welfare mandate.
• International human rights alignment: The ruling aligns with global obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), both of which recognize reproductive health as a human right.
• Population policy vs rights: Population control is a valid objective but cannot override constitutional guarantees. Policies must be balanced and rights-based.

Legal Framework Governing Maternity Benefits in India

• Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 (Amended in 2017): Applies to workplaces with 10 or more employees.
  • Provides:
    • 26 weeks’ paid leave (for women with up to two children).
    • 12 weeks’ leave (for women with more than two children).
    • Coverage includes adoption, surrogacy, and miscarriage.
• Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Act, 1948: Applicable to women working in ESI-covered establishments. Offers financial and leave benefits during maternity through employer-employee contributions.

Significance of Judgement

• Restricts arbitrary denial: Protects women from being denied maternity leave due to rigid or outdated state service rules.
• Recognizes changing family structures: Accommodates modern realities like remarriage, guardianship, and non-traditional parenting.
• Reaffirms central law supremacy: Under Art 254, central maternity laws override conflicting state rules.
• Advances gender justice: Reinforces that economic growth must align with social protection, ensuring dignity and equality for working women.

Also Read > Fundamental Rights, DPSP.

{GS2 – Vulnerable Sections – Women} Women in Judiciary **

• Context (TH): The SC reinstated a Scheduled Tribe woman judicial officer from Rajasthan, ruling that her termination during probation for a minor disclosure lapse violated principles of natural justice.
• The judgment highlights systemic challenges faced by women, especially from marginalized communities, in accessing and sustaining judicial careers.

Supreme Court Observations

• Emphasized the importance of gender diversity in enhancing the quality of judicial decisions.
• Identified three pillars for meaningful participation:
  • Entry into legal profession
  • Retention and career growth
  • Advancement to senior judicial roles
• Stressed that representation challenges societal perceptions and gender stereotypes.
• Observed that women judges increase trust among female litigants and enhance access to justice.
• Women’s visibility in the judiciary can facilitate leadership opportunities across whole government.

Current State of Women’s Representation

• In High Courts:
  • Women constitute only 14.27% (109 out of 764) of all High Court judges.
  • Eight High Courts have just one woman judge each.
  • Three High Courts—Uttarakhand, Meghalaya, and Tripura—have no women judges.
  • Allahabad High Court, India’s largest, has just 3 women judges, accounting for only 2% of its strength.
  • Women are often appointed at an average age of 53, compared to men at 51.8—reducing chances for elevation to Chief Justice roles.
  • Only the Gujarat High Court currently has a woman Chief Justice.
• In the Supreme Court:
  • As of 2025, there are only two women judges: Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice Bela Trivedi.
  • With Justice Trivedi retiring in June 2025, the SC will be left with just one-woman judge.
  • Since 2021, 28 men have been appointed to the Supreme Court, but no woman.
  • Only one woman has ever been directly elevated from the Bar to the SC, compared to nine men.

Systemic Barriers to Women’s Inclusion

• Opaque Collegium System: Lacks transparency and gender-inclusive guidelines; decisions are made within a male-dominated framework.
• Institutional Bias: Women face stricter scrutiny during appointments and career progression.
• Government Reluctance: Since 2020, nine women recommended for High Court judgeships were not confirmed; five were outright rejected.
  • Excuses like lack of ‘eligible candidates’ mask systemic inequality, not actual unavailability of talent.
• Cultural and Social Barriers: Patriarchal norms, limited mentorship, and difficulty balancing work-family demands discourage women from long-term judicial careers.

Constitutional and Legal Provisions

• Article 14 guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws.
• Article 15 prohibits discrimination on grounds including gender.
• Article 16 ensures equal opportunity in public employment without discrimination.
• Article 39(a) (Directive Principle) mandates that men and women receive equal justice and free legal aid.
• Judicial precedents have promoted diversity, recognizing that equitable representation enhances the legitimacy and responsiveness of justice institutions.

{GS3 – Infra – Initiatives} Kiru Hydropower Project

• Context (BS): The CBI filed a chargesheet against former Jammu and Kashmir Governor over alleged irregularities in the Kiru hydropower project.

• It will be developed near the convergence point of river Chenab and the Singad and Bela streams, near the Patharnakki and Kiru villages in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir.
• It is being constructed between the existing Kirthai II (upstream) and Kwar (downstream) hydel power projects, at an estimated cost of Rs 4,287 crore.
• It is being developed by the Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited (CVPPPL).
  • It is a joint venture of the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, the Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation and the Power Trading Corporation.

{GS3 – S&T – Defence – Missile} Minuteman III *

• Context (ToI): United States Air Force conducted a successful test launch of the LGM-30G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
  • ICBM is a long-range missile capable of delivering nuclear warheads across continents.

Minuteman III ICBM

• The Minuteman is a 1970-era program which the Air Force plans to replace with the LGM-35A Sentinel system. Minuteman III is to be used as a “viable deterrent” until LGM achieves full capability.
  • LGM stands for silo-launched (L), surface attack (G) and guided missile (M).
• Originally built by Douglas Aircraft; later managed by McDonnell Douglas and now Boeing.
• Operational Since 1970s: 1^st US missile to feature MIRVs (Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicles). (MIRV allows a single missile to strike multiple targets with separate warheads).
• Originally intended for a 10-year service life, the Minuteman III has been continuously modernized pending its replacement by the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) in 2029.
• Physical Specifications: 18.2 m tall, 1.85 m in diameter and weighs over 34,000 kg at launch.
• Reaches speeds of Mach 23 (15,000 mph) and has a range of about 13,000 km.
• Payload: Initially had three MIRV warheads; now reduced to one warhead per missile under arms control.
• Launch Setup: Deployed in hardened underground silos with dual-officer crews and reinforced launch control systems. It operates using a three-stage, solid-fuel rocket engine.
• Backup Systems: Supported by airborne launch controllers to ensure retaliation capability during crises.
• Role in Nuclear Triad: It is the only land-based leg of the U.S. nuclear triad, alongside air and sea-based systems. (Nuclear Triad: Strategic military structure ensuring second-strike capability through land, sea and air-based platforms.)
• Reliability: Maintains nearly 100% test success rate, underscoring its credibility as a strategic deterrent.

{Prelims – In News} Karni Mata Temple

• Context (IE): PM visited the Karni Mata temple in Rajasthan.

About Karni Mata Temple

Credit: EP

• Location: Deshnok, near Bikaner, Rajasthan.
• Deity: Dedicated to Karni Mata, a 14^th – 15^th century mystic woman and incarnation of Goddess Durga, born as Ridhi Kanwar in 1387 CE in Suwap village near Phalodi (Rajasthan).
• Architecture: Features marble and silver architecture with Rajput-Mughal elements, commissioned in the early 20^th century by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner.
• Unique Feature: Home to over 25,000 rats (Kaba), believed to be reincarnated descendants of Karni Mata’s family (Charan Community ancestors) and considered sacred.
• Sacred Beliefs:
  • Rats are holy and allowed to roam freely.
  • Prasad touched by rats is considered auspicious and curative.
  • Sightings of white rats are deemed especially lucky.
  • Despite high rat population, there have been no recorded disease outbreaks or foul odour.
  • Rats remain within the temple; their numbers have remained stable for centuries.

Significance

• Religious & Cultural:
  • Kuldevi (tutelary deity) of the Charan caste; temple priests come from this community.
  • Revered by Rathore Rajputs, Meghwals, Malis, and other local communities.
  • Associated with the founding of Jodhpur and Bikaner by Rathore rulers.
  • Represents a blend of folk traditions, caste identity, and local deity worship.
  • Gained more prominence post-Partition as access to Hinglaj Mata temple (now in Pakistan) declined.

• Military Tradition:
  • Historically worshipped by the Bikaner princely state’s armed forces.
  • Regiments like Karni Battalion, Sadul Infantry, and Vijay Battery had her as a patron deity.
  • Modern units like the 19 Rajput Battalion and 41 Field Regiment continue to observe traditions.

{Species – Discovery – Animal} Mosura fentoni

• Context (TH): Scientists recently discovered Mosura fentoni, a small yet highly specialised radiodont from the Cambrian period, revealing early innovations in arthropod evolution.

Source: TH

• New Cambrian Species: Mosura fentoni is a newly discovered extinct marine predator from ~506 MYA, found in the Burgess Shale of British Columbia, Canada.
  • It is part of Radiodonta, an extinct group of stem-arthropods, and a distant ancestor of modern insects, spiders and crustaceans.
• Small but Advanced: Despite its small size (1.5–6 cm), M. fentoni displays highly specialised anatomical adaptations for swimming and respiration.
• Segmented Body Structure: Its body is divided into 26 segments across three zones — neck, mesotrunk with six paddle-like swimming flaps and posterotrunk with up to 16 segments.
• Highly Evolved Respiratory System: Shows early innovation in respiratory efficiency among Cambrian marine organisms, rare for its size and era.
  • Breathing Tagma: The posterotrunk is packed with fine gills and functions as a specialised respiratory zone, similar to the oxygen-collecting tails of modern horseshoe crabs.
• Locomotion Specialisation: The six flaps on the mesotrunk acted as propulsive structures, indicating strong swimming capabilities.
• Early Arthropod Diversity: Its advanced features suggest that radiodonts were already experimenting with segment specialisation before the rise of modern arthropods.
• Evolutionary Placement: Placed near the base of the hurdiid subgroup within Radiodonta, offering insights into early arthropod body plan evolution.
• Fossil Context: Discovered during studies of the Cambrian Explosion, known as Cambrian Big Bang.
  • The Cambrian period saw a major evolutionary event marked by the rapid emergence of complex, hard-bodied animal life, replacing the earlier soft-bodied Ediacaran fauna.
  • This biotic shift is tracked geologically through changes in carbon and strontium isotope compositions in rocks, aiding stratigraphic correlation across the Proterozoic-Cambrian boundary.

{Species – Discovery – Fish} Schistura densiclava

• Context (TH): A newly discovered troglophile fish species, Schistura densiclava, has been discovered inside Krem Mawjymbuin cave in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district.

Source: TH

• Morphological Traits: Pale yellow-green body with 14–20 vertical bars; thick stripe near the dorsal fin inspired the name “densiclava” (Latin: thick stripe).
• Taxonomy: Belongs to the Nemacheilidae family of bottom-dwelling freshwater fishes known for inhabiting fast-flowing benthic streams.
• Habitat: Found 60 meters inside the limestone cave at 18°C and low oxygen levels, showing adaptation to dark, low-oxygen aquatic habitats.
• Troglophile Adaptation: Can live in both cave (subterranean) and surface (epigean) waters, retaining pigmentation and functional eyesight unlike typical cave-dwelling species.
• Sexual Dimorphism: Males are slimmer with irregular patterns and puffier cheeks; females are sturdier with consistent markings.
• Endemism and Biodiversity Value: The species is endemic to this single cave and is the 6^th known cave-dwelling fish from Meghalaya, underscoring the region’s subterranean biodiversity.
  • The others are Garra dampaensis, Garra tamangi, Garra kempi (LC), Schistura papulifera (CR) and Schistura sijuensis (EN).

{Species – Discovery – Insect} Caliphaea sinuofurcata

• Context (NET): New damselfly species, Caliphaea sinuofurcata was discovered in Arunachal Pradesh.

About Caliphaea Sinuofurcata

Credit: NET

• Common name: Bearded Bronzeback Damselfly
• Genus: Caliphaea | Family: Calopterygidae (broad-winged damselflies)
• Only the second Caliphaea species in India — first (C. confusa) was documented over 165 yrs ago.
• Physical Characteristics: Shiny, metallic copper-green body with olive and yellow markings.
  • Slender, lightly brown-tinted wings.
  • Dense black bristles (“beard-like”) around mouthparts — hence the common name “Bearded Bronzeback.”
  • The name sinuofurcata refers to the twisted, forked shape of male paraprocts (used in species recognition and mating).
• Location: Endemic to Arunachal Pradesh (Upper Siang and Lower Dibang Valley).
• Habitat: Rocky, seasonal streams in mid-elevation (1200–1300 m) broadleaf evergreen forests.
  • Prefers partially sunlit, undisturbed streamside vegetation.
• Behaviour: It flies low near the ground, perches on streamside vegetation, and avoids disturbed areas, indicating a strong preference for undisturbed, pristine freshwater ecosystems.
• Conservation status: Not yet assessed by IUCN (recently described).
  • Potentially vulnerable due to narrow range and habitat specificity.

{Species – Plant – LC} Moringa *

• Context (TH): Booming global demand for PKM-1 moringa for its nutritional and commercial promise.

• Botanical Identity: Moringa oleifera (LC). Commonly known as drumstick tree, is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree native to India; Widely cultivated in tropical Asia, Africa & Central America.
• It is known for its edible leaves, flowers, and pods.
• Dubbed “The Miracle Tree” for its high nutritional density, medicinal uses & multi-purpose benefits.
  • Nutritional Value: Leaves & flowers are rich in macronutrients (protein, carbohydrate) & micronutrients (vitamins, calcium, iron), helping combat child malnutrition in Senegal, Rwanda & Madagascar.
• Cultivation Suitability: Thrives in deep sandy loam soil (pH 6.5-8) and warm temperatures (25-30°C).

PKM-1 Variety

• Developed in 1980s by Horticulture College & Research Institute, Periyakulam through germplasm study.
• Characteristics:
  • Propagated through seeds (not cuttings like native varieties).
  • Begin yielding within 6 months.
  • Annual crop with sustained yields for up to 3 years, with average yield ~20 tonnes/acre/year.
  • Individual trees can yield up to 37 kg of drumsticks with proper care.
  • Short height (~6 feet), enabling easy harvesting and greater resilience to storm damage.

• Global Footprint: Widely adopted in African nations for its fast yield and high nutritional profile.