Daily Current Affairs- 22nd May 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 22nd May 2025

Konkan Railway to Merge with Indian Railways

In the News: The Maharashtra government has given its consent for the merger of the Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) with Indian Railways, becoming the last of the shareholder states to agree to the proposal. This move aims to resolve the financial and operational constraints that have hindered the growth of KRCL. The merger had already received the consent of other key stakeholders, Karnataka, Goa, and Kerala, and Maharashtra's approval was the final piece needed to proceed.

Key Points

• Final State Approval: Maharashtra's recent agreement completes the consensus among the four shareholder states—Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, and Kerala—clearing the path for the merger.
• Financial Constraints: KRCL has faced financial challenges due to limited revenue streams and increasing infrastructure demands, prompting the need for integration with Indian Railways to access central funding.
• Conditions for Merger: Maharashtra's approval is contingent upon two conditions: the retention of the "Konkan Railway" name post-merger and reimbursement of over ₹394 crore contributed by the state during KRCL's formation in 1990.
• Operational Enhancements: The merger is expected to facilitate infrastructure upgrades, including track doubling and improved passenger amenities, enhancing the overall efficiency and safety of the Konkan Railway network.
• Strategic Importance: The 741-kilometer Konkan Railway line is a vital corridor connecting Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala, playing a crucial role in passenger and freight transportation along India's western coast. 

Chhattisgarh Encounter: Who Was Basava Raju, Top Maoist Leader Killed in Abujhmad?

In the News: On May 21, 2025, Indian security forces achieved a significant milestone in their counter-insurgency efforts by eliminating Nambala Keshava Rao, widely known as Basava Raju, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Maoist).

• The 70-year-old leader was killed during a 50-hour-long operation named 'Operation Kagar' in the dense forests of Abujhmad, Chhattisgarh. This operation also resulted in the deaths of 26 other Maoist insurgents. Basava Raju was considered the topmost leader of the CPI (Maoist) and was instrumental in orchestrating several major attacks against security forces.

Key Points

• Educational Background: Basava Raju hailed from Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh and held a B.Tech degree from the Regional Engineering College (now NIT) Warangal. He was actively involved in student politics and was associated with the Radical Students Union during his college years.
• Rise in Maoist Ranks: After the resignation of Muppala Lakshmana Rao (alias Ganapathy) in 2018, Basava Raju ascended to the position of General Secretary of the CPI (Maoist), making him the supreme commander of the Maoist movement in India.
• Mastermind Behind Major Attacks: He was believed to be the chief strategist behind several deadly attacks, including the 2010 Dantewada massacre where 76 CRPF personnel were killed, and the 2013 Jeeram Ghati ambush that resulted in the deaths of several Congress leaders.
• Operation Kagar: The operation that led to his death was meticulously planned, involving electronic surveillance and intelligence inputs from surrendered Maoists. Basava Raju was killed in a second encounter after escaping an initial gunfight, highlighting the strategic depth of the operation.
• Impact on Maoist Movement: His death has left the CPI (Maoist) leaderless for the first time in decades, significantly weakening the insurgency. The Central Committee of the group has now shrunk to 18 members, its smallest size ever.
• Union Home Ministry's Commitment: Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated the government's commitment to eradicating Maoism in Chhattisgarh by March 31, 2026. He described the elimination of Basava Raju as a landmark achievement in the battle to eliminate Naxalism and applauded the brave security forces for this major breakthrough. 

PM Modi Inaugurates 103 Amrit Stations Across 18 States Under ₹1,100 Crore Plan

In the News: On May 22, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated 103 redeveloped railway stations across 86 districts in 18 states and Union Territories under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS). The initiative, with an investment exceeding ₹1,100 crore, aims to modernize railway infrastructure and enhance passenger amenities nationwide.

Key Points

• Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS): Launched in 2023, ABSS is a long-term program by Indian Railways to redevelop over 1,300 stations in phases, focusing on modern facilities, improved connectivity, and integration of local heritage.
• Geographical Spread: The 103 stations inaugurated span 18 states and Union Territories, including Uttar Pradesh (19 stations), Gujarat (18), Maharashtra (15), Tamil Nadu (9), and others.
• Modern Amenities: Upgraded stations feature climate-controlled waiting areas, escalators, lifts, digital displays, and eco-friendly designs, enhancing the travel experience for passengers.
• Cultural Integration: The redevelopment emphasizes preserving regional architectural styles and cultural elements, making stations symbols of local heritage.
• Economic Impact: The modernization is expected to boost regional development, tourism, and economic growth by improving connectivity and infrastructure. 

 Golden Dome Missile Defence System – 2025

In the News: In May 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled the "Golden Dome," an ambitious missile defence initiative designed to shield the United States from advanced missile threats, including ballistic, hypersonic, and space-launched weapons. Drawing inspiration from Israel's Iron Dome, the Golden Dome aims to integrate land, sea, and space-based technologies to create a comprehensive defence shield. The project is projected to cost between $175 billion and $542 billion, with an initial $25 billion allocated. General Michael Guetlein of the U.S. Space Force has been appointed to lead the initiative, which aspires to be operational by the end of Trump's term in January 2029.

Key Points

• Strategic Objectives: The Golden Dome is intended to protect the U.S. homeland from a spectrum of missile threats, including cruise missiles, intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), hypersonic weapons, and fractional orbital bombardment systems (FOBS). The system plans to deploy a network of satellites equipped with sensors and interceptors to detect and neutralize threats during various phases of flight.
• Technological Framework: Combining ground-based radars, sea-based interceptors, and space-based assets, the Golden Dome aims for a layered defence strategy to increase interception success rates. The system will incorporate cutting-edge interceptors capable of engaging high-speed and maneuverable targets, addressing the challenges posed by emerging missile technologies.
• Budget and Funding An initial $25 billion has been approved for the project's commencement, with total costs estimated between $175 billion and $542 billion over two decades.
• International Perspectives: Canada has expressed interest in participating in the Golden Dome project, potentially enhancing North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) capabilities. China and Russia have criticized the initiative, viewing it as a move that could escalate the militarization of space and disrupt strategic stability. 

India Reaffirms Global Health Commitment at 78th World Health Assembly

In the News: At the 78th World Health Assembly held in Geneva in May 2025, India reiterated its dedication to global health equity under the theme "One World for Health." Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava highlighted India's advancements in healthcare, emphasizing initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and the nation's role in promoting equitable access to medical resources. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a video address, underscored the significance of inclusive health reforms and technology-driven solutions in achieving universal health coverage.

Key Points

• Ayushman Bharat Expansion: India's flagship health insurance scheme, Ayushman Bharat, now covers over 580 million people, including all citizens above 70 years of age, providing free treatment and financial protection for advanced medical procedures.
• Digital Health Initiatives: The establishment of unique digital health identities has facilitated the integration of insurance, medical records, and health benefits. India's free telemedicine service has enabled over 340 million consultations, enhancing healthcare accessibility across the nation.
• Disease Elimination Efforts: India has been certified as Trachoma-Free by the WHO and is committed to eliminating diseases such as tuberculosis, leprosy, lymphatic filariasis, measles, rubella, and kala-azar.
• Support for Pandemic Agreement: India expressed strong support for a legally binding international framework to enhance global cooperation during health emergencies, emphasizing equitable access to medical countermeasures, transparent data sharing, and technology transfer, particularly for the Global South.
• Global Collaboration and Equity: Prime Minister Modi highlighted India's scalable and sustainable health models as solutions for health challenges in developing countries, reaffirming the nation's commitment to sharing best practices and fostering global health equity. 

Asiatic Lion Population Surge in Gujarat

In the News: Gujarat has recorded a remarkable increase in its Asiatic lion population, reaching 891 individuals in 2025, up from 674 in 2020—a 32% rise over five years. This growth, announced during the 16th Asiatic Lion Census, reflects the success of conservation efforts like Project Lion and highlights the species' expanding presence beyond traditional habitats.

Key Points:

• Population Growth: The Asiatic lion population in Gujarat increased by 32% from 674 in 2020 to 891 in 2025. This marks a 70% rise since 2015, when the count was 523, and a 119% increase since 2010.
• Expanded Habitat Range: Over half of the lions (507 individuals) now reside outside traditional protected areas like Gir National Park, indicating successful territorial expansion. Lions have been spotted in 58 talukas across 11 districts, including new areas such as Barda Sanctuary and coastal regions.
• Demographic Details: The 2025 census recorded 196 adult males, 330 adult females, 140 sub-adults, and 225 cubs. The increase in adult females suggests a strong potential for continued population growth.
• Conservation Efforts: Initiatives like Project Lion have focused on habitat restoration, strengthening the prey base, and mitigating human-wildlife conflicts, contributing to the population surge. : The census involved around 3,000 participants and covered 35,000 square kilometers over four days.
• Ongoing Challenges: Between 2020 and 2024, 669 lion deaths were recorded, with 57 attributed to unnatural causes, highlighting the need for continued conservation vigilance. Experts emphasize the importance of expanding quality forest habitats to ensure the long-term survival of the species. 

Tamil Nadu Records 397 Wetland and 401 Terrestrial Bird Species in 2025 Synchronised Survey

In the News: In March 2025, Tamil Nadu conducted its annual Synchronised Bird Census, revealing a total of 7.85 lakh birds across 798 species. The survey documented 5.52 lakh wetland birds from 397 species and 2.32 lakh terrestrial birds from 401 species, highlighting the state's rich avian biodiversity.

Key Points

• Survey Overview: The census was conducted in two phases: Phase 1 on March 8–9 covered 934 wetlands across all 38 districts, while Phase 2 on March 15–16 surveyed 1,093 terrestrial sites, including urban parks, rural landscapes, and protected areas.
• Migratory Birds: The survey recorded 1,13,606 migratory birds from 136 species, underscoring Tamil Nadu's role as a critical stopover along the Central Asian Flyway. Notable migratory species included the Greater Flamingo, Greylag Goose, Eurasian Curlew, and Pied Avocet.
• Resident Species: Common resident wetland birds observed were the Little Egret, Little Cormorant, Asian Openbill, Black-headed Ibis, and Indian Pond Heron. Terrestrial areas frequently hosted species like the House Crow, Common Myna, Rose-ringed Parakeet, and Indian Peafowl.
• Endangered and Nocturnal Birds: The census documented 26 of the 37 endangered bird species known in Tamil Nadu, along with 17 nocturnal species, reflecting the survey's comprehensive methodology and focus on conservation priorities.
• Habitat Distribution: Approximately 49% of the wetland bird population was recorded in coastal districts, highlighting the ecological richness of these regions.
• Conservation Initiatives: In response to the findings, the Forest Department announced plans to implement year-round bird monitoring with increased community participation to enhance data collection and conservation awareness.