Daily Current Affairs- 13th May 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 13th May 2025

Supreme Court Abolishes Point-Based System for Senior Advocate Designations

In the News: On May 13, 2025, the Supreme Court of India overhauled the process for conferring the designation of Senior Advocate by discarding the existing point-based assessment method. This decision, delivered by a bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka, Ujjal Bhuyan, and SVN Bhatti, directs all High Courts to amend their rules within four months to align with the new guidelines.

Key Points:

• Background: The point-based system was introduced following the 2017 Indira Jaising judgment, aiming to bring uniformity and transparency to the designation process. Applicants were evaluated on a 100-point scale considering factors like years of practice, reported judgments, publications, and interview performance.
• Reason for Change: The Supreme Court observed that the point-based assessment had not achieved its intended objectives and was not flawless. It noted that assessing an advocate's caliber and legal standing through a numerical format was neither rational nor objective.
• New Guidelines:
  • Full Court Decision: The authority to confer the Senior Advocate designation now rests with the full court of the Supreme Court or the respective High Courts.
  • Application Review: Eligible applications, along with supporting documents vetted by the Permanent Secretariat, will be presented to the full court for consideration.
  • Consensus and Voting: Efforts should be made to reach a consensus; if not possible, decisions will be made through a democratic voting process. The use of secret ballots is left to the discretion of the respective courts.
  • Eligibility Criteria: The minimum requirement of 10 years of legal practice remains unchanged.
  • Application Process: Advocates can continue to apply for the designation, and the act of applying will be considered as consent. Additionally, the full court may confer the designation without an application in deserving cases.
  • No Individual Recommendations: Individual judges are no longer permitted to recommend candidates for the designation.
  • Annual Exercise: At least one round of designation should be conducted every calendar year.
• Inclusivity Emphasis: The Court emphasized the need for diversity and representation, directing High Courts to ensure that lawyers practicing in trial courts and specialized tribunals are also considered for the Senior Advocate designation. High Courts may seek inputs from principal district judges or heads of tribunals regarding such applicants. 

Operation Keller: Indian Security Forces Neutralize Key Militants in Shopian, Jammu & Kashmir

In the News: On May 13, 2025, Indian security forces conducted a significant counter-terrorism operation, codenamed 'Operation Keller,' in the Keller area of Shopian district, Jammu & Kashmir. The operation resulted in the elimination of three militants, including Shahid Kuttay, the chief of The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy group of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), who was identified as the mastermind behind the recent Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives.

Key Points:

• Background: The operation was initiated based on specific intelligence inputs regarding the presence of militants in the Keller area. Security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation, which escalated into a gunfight after militants opened fire.
• Eliminated Militants: Among the three militants killed, two have been identified as members of Lashkar-e-Taiba. Shahid Kuttay, the TRF chief, was among those neutralized. He was reportedly involved in orchestrating the Pahalgam attack and had been a high-priority target for security agencies.
• Operation Details: The encounter took place in the early hours of May 13. Security forces employed a 'search and destroy' strategy to locate and neutralize the militants. The operation was conducted with precision to avoid collateral damage, and no civilian casualties were reported.
• Significance: This operation marks a significant achievement in India's ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the region. The elimination of high-profile militants like Shahid Kuttay is expected to disrupt the operational capabilities of TRF and LeT in Jammu & Kashmir. 

Trump Accepts $400 Million Boeing 747-8 Gift from Qatar

In the News: In May 2025, President Donald Trump announced plans to accept a luxurious Boeing 747-8 aircraft, valued at approximately $400 million, as a gift from Qatar's royal family. The aircraft, dubbed a "palace in the sky," is intended to serve temporarily as Air Force One, replacing the aging fleet pending the completion of new aircraft by Boeing. The decision has sparked significant ethical and legal debates concerning the acceptance of such a gift from a foreign government.

Key Points:

• Aircraft Details: The Boeing 747-8, previously used by Qatar's royal family, features opulent amenities, including multiple lounges, bedrooms, bathrooms, and a private office. The aircraft is currently stationed at San Antonio International Airport, where it is undergoing modifications to meet U.S. military specifications.
• Intended Use: President Trump plans to utilize the aircraft as a temporary Air Force One due to delays in Boeing's delivery of new presidential aircraft. Post-presidency, the plane is slated to be transferred to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation by January 2029.
• Legal and Ethical Concerns: The acceptance of the aircraft has raised questions regarding the U.S. Constitution's Emoluments Clause, which prohibits federal officials from accepting gifts from foreign states without congressional approval. While the White House asserts that the gift is to the U.S. government and not to Trump personally, critics argue that the eventual transfer to his presidential library could constitute a personal benefit.
• Security Implications: Defense and security officials have expressed concerns about the aircraft's suitability as Air Force One, citing the extensive retrofitting required to meet security and communication standards. The process is expected to be time-consuming and costly, potentially negating the benefits of accepting the gift. 

Trump Announces End to U.S. Sanctions on Syria

In the News: On May 13, 2025, President Donald Trump declared the lifting of all U.S. sanctions on Syria during a speech at the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum in Riyadh. This decision marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, aiming to support Syria's reconstruction efforts following the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad.

Key Points:

• Announcement Details:
  • President Trump stated that the sanctions had "served their purpose" and that it was time for Syria to "move forward."
  • The move was made at the behest of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
• Meeting with Syrian President:
  • Trump is scheduled to meet with Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh.
  • Al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, was a leader of al-Qaeda's affiliate in Syria but severed ties with the group in 2016.
• Regional and International Reactions:
  • The decision aligns with efforts by Gulf nations to stabilize Syria and counter Iranian influence in the region.
  • European Union countries had previously eased certain sanctions on Syria to support humanitarian efforts.
• Implications for U.S. Policy:
  • The lifting of sanctions represents a departure from previous U.S. policy, which maintained economic pressure on Syria due to human rights concerns and the Assad regime's actions during the civil war.
  • The move may open avenues for increased diplomatic engagement and economic investment in Syria. 

Taliban Bans Chess in Afghanistan Over Islamic Law Concerns

In the News: On May 12, 2025, the Taliban government in Afghanistan officially banned the game of chess, labeling it as "haram" (forbidden) on religious grounds. This action represents the latest in a series of restrictions imposed by the Taliban on entertainment and sports since their return to power.

Key Points:

• Official Ban and Rationale: The Taliban's Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice announced the suspension of chess across Afghanistan. The decision was based on concerns that the game is associated with gambling, which is prohibited under Islamic law.
• Suspension of National Chess Federation: Alongside the ban on the game itself, the Afghanistan National Chess Federation (ANCF) has been suspended until further notice.
• Historical Context: This is not the first time the Taliban has targeted chess. During their previous rule from 1996 to 2001, the game was also banned for similar reasons. 

Justice B.R. Gavai Appointed as 52nd Chief Justice of India

In the News: On May 14, 2025, Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI), succeeding Justice Sanjiv Khanna. His appointment is historically significant, as he becomes the first Buddhist and only the second Dalit to hold the position of CJI, following Justice K.G. Balakrishnan. 

Key Points:

• Early Life and Education: Born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Maharashtra, Justice Gavai hails from a family deeply influenced by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's philosophy. He pursued his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (B.A.LL.B.) from Nagpur University.
• Legal Career: Justice Gavai began his legal practice in 1985, working under the guidance of Barrister Raja S. Bhonsale. He practiced independently at the Bombay High Court from 1987 to 1990 and subsequently at the Nagpur Bench. He served as Assistant Government Pleader and Additional Public Prosecutor at the Nagpur Bench from 1992 to 1993 and was appointed as Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor in 2000.
• Judicial Appointments: Elevated as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court on November 14, 2003, and became a Permanent Judge on November 12, 2005. He was appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India on May 24, 2019.
• Notable Judgments:
  • Part of the Constitution Bench that upheld the abrogation of Article 370, revoking Jammu and Kashmir's special status.
  • Authored the majority opinion upholding the Union Government's 2016 Demonetisation Scheme.
  • Involved in the high-profile contempt proceedings against senior advocate Prashant Bhushan, addressing issues of free speech and judicial accountability.
• Tenure as CJI: Justice Gavai's tenure as Chief Justice is expected to last until his retirement on November 23, 2025. 

EOS-09 Earth Observation Satellite: Enhancing India's Surveillance and Environmental Monitoring

In the News: India is set to launch the EOS-09 satellite, also known as RISAT-1B, on May 18, 2025, at 6:59 AM IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This mission, designated PSLV-C61, aims to bolster the nation's capabilities in border surveillance, disaster management, and environmental monitoring through advanced radar imaging technology.

Key Points:

• Satellite Specifications:
  • Name: EOS-09 (RISAT-1B)
  • Mass: Approximately 1,710 kg
  • Launch Vehicle: PSLV-C61
  • Orbit: Sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of ~529 km
  • Payload: C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
  • Imaging Capability: High-resolution, all-weather, day-and-night imaging
  • Imaging Modes: Five modes, including sub-meter resolution
• Strategic Importance:
  • EOS-09 will enhance India's border monitoring capabilities, particularly along sensitive regions adjoining Pakistan and China.
  • The satellite's real-time imaging will support anti-infiltration and counter-terrorism operations.
  • It complements existing satellites like Resourcesat, Cartosat, and RISAT-2B, providing a comprehensive surveillance network.
• Civil Applications:
  • Agriculture: Monitoring crop health, soil moisture, and drought conditions.
  • Disaster Management: Assessing flood extents, landslides, and cyclone impacts.
  • Environmental Monitoring: Tracking deforestation, urban sprawl, and coastal changes.
  • Urban Planning: Assisting in infrastructure development and land-use planning.
• Technological Advancements:
  • The C-band SAR allows imaging through clouds and during nighttime, overcoming limitations of optical sensors.
  • The satellite's design ensures consistent lighting conditions for imaging, crucial for time-series analyses.
• Launch Observations: A delegation from the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology is scheduled to witness the launch, highlighting its national significance.