Current Affairs - May 11, 2025 Current Affairs

Operation Sindoor, launched on 7th May 2025 by the Indian Armed Forces, was a precision strike operation targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The operation was a response to the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack in April 2025. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi played key roles in communicating the details of this mission to the public and media, representing the coordinated efforts of India’s Army, Navy, and Air Force. Their leadership in the briefing underlined the transparency and strategic intent behind the operation, as well as honouring the memory of the victims.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the maiden flight of its Stratospheric Airship Platform at an altitude of approximately 17 kilometres. This high-altitude test was a key step toward advancing India’s capabilities in persistent earth observation and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). The platform operates in the stratosphere, which spans from around 17 km to 50 km above Earth. As a High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS), the airship offers unique advantages over traditional satellites and aircraft by maintaining prolonged coverage over specific areas. This successful trial lays the foundation for future development of stratospheric surveillance and communication platforms.

During Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force employed several high-precision weapons to ensure accurate targeting with minimal collateral damage. Among these, the SCALP cruise missile, also known as "Storm Shadow," played a crucial role. Developed by the European defence company MBDA, SCALP is designed for deep strikes against fortified and high-value targets. It is typically launched from platforms like the Rafale fighter jet and has a strong combat track record, having been deployed in missions in Iraq, Libya, Syria, and more recently, Ukraine. Its long-range and precision capabilities make it a vital asset for modern air operations.

The Indian Navy is set to acquire the advanced stealth warship INS Tamal from Russia under the framework of a 2016 Indo-Russian deal. As part of this agreement, four frigates were planned—two to be constructed in Russia and two in India. INS Tamal is the second ship built by Russia after INS Tushil. The vessel boasts stealth features, high-speed capability, and is equipped with advanced weaponry, including torpedoes and BrahMos missiles. Its ability to deploy helicopters further enhances its surveillance and combat functionality. The project reflects the longstanding defence partnership between India and Russia, particularly in naval modernization.

The Bhakra Nangal Dam, comprising the Bhakra Dam in Himachal Pradesh and the Nangal Dam in Punjab, is central to the water-sharing conflict between Punjab and Haryana. Managed by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), the project plays a vital role in distributing water to multiple northern states, including Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. The current controversy arose when Haryana demanded an additional 4,500 cusecs of water, leading to Punjab's opposition and Haryana's threat to approach the Supreme Court. This decades-old issue reflects deep political and regional tensions, particularly concerning the implementation of the Satluj-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, which remains incomplete.

India, despite having one of the largest cooperative movements globally, with over 8.5 lakh cooperatives, still reflects significant gender disparity in cooperative participation. As per the 2023 NITI Aayog report, only 2.52% of these cooperatives are women-only, highlighting the underrepresentation of women in formal cooperative structures. This figure underscores the need for greater gender inclusion in cooperative governance and support systems. Cooperative societies, by their nature, are intended to be inclusive and community-driven, but historical, structural, and cultural barriers have limited women's active participation. Enhancing women’s role in cooperatives could contribute significantly to social equity and grassroots economic empowerment.

In the 2025 Human Development Report (HDR) titled "A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of AI," India has been placed at the 130th position out of 193 countries and territories. This ranking reflects India's continued progress in human development despite persistent inequality challenges. The report provides insights into global trends in human development, the growing impact of AI on work and society, and increasing disparities between high- and low-ranking nations. India's position highlights both its advancements and the need for inclusive policy interventions to ensure sustained human development.

Vembanad Lake, also known as Vembanad Kayal or Kochi Lake, is India’s longest lake and the largest in Kerala, spanning across Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam. Designated a Ramsar site in 2002, it plays a vital ecological and cultural role, supporting biodiversity, traditional fishing, and events like the famous Vallam Kali boat race. However, the lake is experiencing alarming degradation due to pollution, encroachment, and invasive species, resulting in a sharp 66% drop in fish catch and weakened flood control. Fed by four rivers and divided by the Thanneermukkom barrage, the lake’s health is crucial to the region’s environmental sustainability.

INS Sharda participated in a joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) at Maafilaafushi Atoll in the Maldives. This exercise aligns with India’s "MAHASAGAR" vision to promote security and cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. The engagement is part of India's broader strategic and humanitarian outreach, building on past efforts like Operation Castor following the 2004 tsunami. Strengthening interoperability with the MNDF through such joint initiatives ensures both nations are better prepared to handle regional humanitarian emergencies, further reinforcing India's role as a net security provider in the region.

The fourth phase of the Regional Rural Bank (RRB) consolidation under the One State-One RRB (OS-OR) policy has been implemented in 10 states and one Union Territory. This initiative is part of an ongoing effort by the Department of Financial Services to streamline rural banking and enhance efficiency by consolidating multiple RRBs into a single entity per state. The consolidation aims to improve the profitability, asset quality, and operational capacity of RRBs, contributing to broader rural economic development. The move also sets the stage for increased credit flow and stronger financial infrastructure in rural areas, despite concerns regarding staffing and integration challenges.