Current Affairs - May 25, 2025 Current Affairs

The original Consumer Protection Act in India was enacted in 1986, marking a significant step toward safeguarding consumer rights. This legislation laid the foundation for establishing consumer forums and redressal agencies across the country to address grievances related to unfair trade practices, defective goods, and deficient services. It was a pioneering effort to institutionalize consumer justice within India's legal framework. Over time, the law has evolved to meet emerging challenges, especially with the rise of digital commerce. However, the foundational act of 1986 remains crucial in shaping the consumer rights movement and guiding subsequent reforms, including the updated 2019 version.

Mauritius is the country designated to regain control over the Chagos Archipelago under a recent agreement with the United Kingdom. However, the deal notably excludes Diego Garcia, the largest island in the archipelago, which will remain under UK-U.S. control for military purposes through a 99-year lease. This arrangement continues to spark controversy, especially among the Chagossian diaspora, many of whom were forcibly evicted in the 1960s. Despite international pressure from bodies like the ICJ and the UN General Assembly, the partial handover highlights the tension between decolonisation efforts and strategic military interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

The lion population has seen a substantial increase over a five-year period, with a reported rise of 32% from 2020 to 2025, reaching a total of 891 individuals. This percentage reflects the effectiveness of conservation efforts and habitat management in the region. It's important to distinguish this from other statistics, such as the 27% increase in adult females and the 16.67% increase in territorial range, which relate to different aspects of lion population dynamics.

The imposition of service tax on broadcasting services falls under the Finance Act of 1994, utilizing the residuary powers of Parliament outlined in Entry 97 of the Union List. This classification allows the Centre to tax broadcasting as a service, while states can simultaneously impose entertainment tax under their jurisdiction, specifically Entry 62 of the State List. The Supreme Court has upheld this dual taxation model, endorsing the aspect theory in taxation law. Recognizing the 1994 Act as the legal origin for service tax in this domain helps clarify the division of powers and resolves potential conflicts in fiscal policy enforcement.

The 2025 World Hydrogen Summit was held in the Netherlands, specifically in Rotterdam, a key global hub for energy and shipping. India used this international forum to showcase its National Green Hydrogen Mission, aiming to boost green hydrogen production capacity by 2030. The event focused on advancing clean energy technologies and fostering global cooperation on hydrogen. India’s initiatives, including certification schemes and the development of green hydrogen hubs at major ports, reflect its commitment to sustainable energy. The Netherlands, known for its strong emphasis on renewable energy and innovation, was a fitting host for this summit.

Indian scientists have achieved a significant milestone by successfully assembling the chromosome-level genome of the Indian yak, a vital high-altitude species. This breakthrough utilized long-read sequencing and advanced bioinformatics to accurately map genes to specific chromosomes. The genomic data is expected to enhance allele mining, which helps identify valuable genetic traits like disease resistance and productivity. This research supports improved livestock management, especially in Indian Himalayan regions such as Ladakh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh. The accomplishment marks a key advancement in India's scientific capabilities and commitment to conserving indigenous animal species.

INSV Kaundinya is a unique stitched sailship recently inducted by the Indian Navy at the Karwar Naval Base. It is a handcrafted reconstruction of a 5th-century vessel shown in Ajanta cave paintings, built using traditional methods with coir rope, coconut fibre, and natural resin. The project was a collaboration between the Union Culture Ministry, the Indian Navy, and Hodi Innovations, aiming to revive ancient Indian shipbuilding. The ship symbolizes India’s maritime legacy and is named after the legendary mariner Kaundinya. It also underscores India's cultural diplomacy and the Navy’s evolving role as a preserver of maritime heritage.

The Shirui Lily Festival is celebrated in the northeastern state of Manipur, specifically in the Ukhrul district where the rare and endangered Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae) naturally grows. This unique pinkish-white flower blooms in the Shirui Hills and holds deep cultural and ecological significance. After a two-year break due to ethnic conflict, the festival's return in 2025 marks a step toward peace and cultural revival. The festival, first held in 2017, not only promotes ecotourism and conservation but also showcases the rich heritage of the Tangkhul Naga community through music, dance, and local traditions.

The theme for the International Day for Women in Maritime 2025 is "An Ocean of Opportunities for Women." This theme reflects a global push to promote gender balance and inclusive growth in the maritime sector. India's Sagar Mein Samman initiative aligns with this theme by focusing on increasing women's participation, safety, and leadership in maritime professions. The initiative also supports the UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 (gender equality) and India’s own Maritime Vision 2030, highlighting a significant rise in women seafarers and aiming for greater female representation in technical maritime roles by 2030.

The concept of mandatory registration of Waqfs in India originates from the Mussalman Wakf Act of 1923. This legal requirement has been consistently upheld through subsequent legislation, including the Waqf Act of 1954 and the Waqf Act of 1995. Even the 2025 Amendment Act does not alter this obligation but rather emphasizes its continued relevance. The historical significance of the 1923 Act lies in its foundational role in regulating Islamic charitable endowments within the country's legal framework. Understanding this origin is crucial to evaluating the continuity and changes in waqf-related governance over the years.