CURRENT AFFAIRS
15 May, 2025
1. INDIA’S NEW ANTI-TERROR DOCTRINE –
• In a national address, the Prime Minister of India articulated a new strategic and military doctrine against cross-border terrorism, reflecting India’s zero tolerance policy towards terrorism.
• It also embedded India’s fight within the broader global war on terror, directly referencing international attacks and alliances.
• India launched Operation Sindoor, following the Pahalgam terror attack (April 22, 2025), a decisive retaliatory strike on nine key terror-linked targets in Pakistan.
• This operation marks the most intense military engagement with Pakistan since the Kargil conflict (1999) and represents the evolution of India’s Security Doctrine.
2. TOTAL FERTILITY RATE –
3. INDIA’S INFLATION EASES IN APRIL 2025 AMID DECLINING FOOD PRICES –
• The Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) data for April 2025, released on May 13, 2025, shows a marked decrease in inflation rates across rural, urban, and combined segments.
• The year-on-year CPI inflation stood at 3.16%, and food inflation plummeted to 1. 78% — the lowest since October 2021 — signaling a crucial improvement in India’s price stability.
Key Highlights
• Headline Inflation (CPI)
• April 2025: 3.16% (provisional)
• March 2025: 3.34%
• Lowest YoY inflation since July 2019
4. INDIA SUCCESSFULLY TESTS BHARGAVASTRA: INDIGENOUS SYSTEM TO COUNTER DRONE SWARMS-
• The test firing of Bhargavastra comes at a crucial time when drone swarms are becoming a dominant feature in battlefield strategies worldwide. With recent hostile drone incursions reported near India’s borders, especially from Pakistani-operated drones, India’s indigenous solution reflects its readiness to tackle evolving aerial threats.
• The successful trial demonstrates India’s technological edge and commitment to strengthening national security.
Aim and Objectives
• To develop an indigenous system capable of detecting, targeting, and neutralizing hostile drone swarms.
• To integrate hard-kill and soft-kill methods to ensure versatile defence against drones.
• To provide a mobile, adaptable system deployable across varied terrains, including high-altitude regions.
• To enhance India’s network-centric warfare capabilities by enabling near-simultaneous engagements.
5. NEERAJ CHOPRA HONOURED WITH HONORARY LT. COLONEL RANK IN TERRITORIAL ARMY –
• The Ministry of Defence’s Department of Military Affairs issued a notification on May 13, 2025, announcing that Ex-Subedar Major Neeraj Chopra will receive the honorary Lieutenant Colonel rank in the Territorial Army, effective April 16, 2025. This comes as part of the government’s effort to honour distinguished civilians and service members for their national contributions.
Who is Neeraj Chopra?
• Born in Khandra village, Panipat, Haryana.
• Olympic Gold Medalist in Tokyo 2020 (held in 2021).
• Silver Medalist at the Paris Olympics 2024.
• World Champion in 2023 (Budapest World Athletics Championships).
• Formerly held the post of Subedar Major in the Indian Army.
About the Honorary Rank
• Conferred under Para-31 of the Territorial Army Regulations, 1948.
• Recognizes exceptional individuals contributing to national pride.
• The honorary title allows limited ceremonial participation in military events.
Territorial Army (TA) Overview
• Established on October 9, 1949.
• Functions as a part-time volunteer force supporting the regular Indian Army.
• Involved in war support, disaster relief, and nation-building.
• Celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2024.
MCQ QUIZ
Q1. High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is developed by which country ?
a) United States
b) France
c) Israel
d) Russia
Q2. Which glacier in Nepal is believed to be the first glacier to be declared “dead” due to significant shrinkage and retreat ?
a) Khumbu Glacier
b) Yala Glacier
c) Imja Glacier
d) Ngozumpa Glacier
Q3. Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project Dam is built on which river ?
a) Chenab
b) Sutluj
c) Narmada
d) Godavari
Q4. With reference to India’s automobile sector, consider the following statements:
1. The automobile sector contributes over 10% to India’s GDP.
2. India is the world’s largest manufacturer of buses.
3. India’s electric vehicle market is expected to surpass ₹80,000 crore by 2025.
How many of the above statements are correct ?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None
Explanation-
• Statement 1 is incorrect — the automobile sector contributes 7.1%, not over 10%, to India’s GDP.
• Statement 2 is correct — India is the world’s largest manufacturer of buses.
• Statement 3 is incorrect — India’s EV market is projected to reach ₹50,000 crore (~$7.09 billion) by 2025.
• Thus, one statement is correct.
Q5. The term “Double Contribution Convention” in the context of the India–UK FTA refers to:
a) Double taxation of export-related profits in both countries
b) Exemption from simultaneous social security contributions in host and home countries
c) Requirement for joint investment from public and private sectors
d) Tax rebates for businesses operating in both nations
Explanation-
• The Double Contribution Convention prevents Indian employees and their employers from paying into UK’s social security system for short-term postings (up to 3 years), avoiding duplication and reducing the cost of cross-border employment.
Answer Key
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
A | B | A | A | B |