Daily Current Affairs- 26th May 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 26th May 2025

National Writeshop in Delhi Launches Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0

In the News: On May 26–27, 2025, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj organized a two-day National Writeshop at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi to officially launch the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) Version 2.0. This enhanced framework aims to empower Gram Panchayats with data-driven tools for improved planning, monitoring, and governance aligned with Localized Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs).

Key Pointers:

• Objective of PAI 2.0: PAI 2.0 serves as an upgraded tool to evaluate and enhance grassroots governance by assessing the performance of Gram Panchayats across nine LSDG-aligned themes: poverty alleviation, health, education, water sufficiency, clean environment, infrastructure, governance, social justice, and women's empowerment.
• Enhancements Over PAI 1.0:
  • Reduction of indicators from 516 to 147 to streamline data collection and focus on quality.
  • Integration with national data portals for automated updates.
  • Introduction of a mobile-friendly portal interface with intuitive dashboards.
  • Implementation of data validation and anomaly detection tools.
  • Incorporation of a Decision Support System (DSS) to identify development gaps and prioritize resource allocation.
• Event Highlights:
  • Launch of the PAI 2.0 portal, Local Indicator Framework (LIF) Booklet for FY 2023–24, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Technical sessions covering the PAI 1.0 baseline report, methodology and framework of PAI 2.0, and demonstrations of portal functionalities.
  • Hands-on training for participants on portal configuration, data entry, validation, and planning using PAI outputs.
  • Experience-sharing sessions by State and UT teams on implementing PAI 1.0 and plans for PAI 2.0 integration with Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs).
• Participants:
  The Writeshop witnessed participation from teams of 32 States and Union Territories, officials from various departments such as Health, Education, Women and Child Development, Public Health Engineering, and technical experts from organizations like NITI Aayog, National Informatics Centre (NIC), UNICEF, UNFPA, Tribal Research Institutes, and the Piramal Foundation.

Emergence of COVID-19 Subvariant NB.1.8.1 in India

In the News: In April 2025, India identified a new COVID-19 subvariant, NB.1.8.1, through genomic sequencing conducted by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG). This subvariant, a descendant of the Omicron lineage JN.1, was first detected in Tamil Nadu. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified NB.1.8.1 as a "Variant Under Monitoring" due to its potential for increased transmissibility and immune evasion.

Key Pointers:

• Detection and Spread:1.8.1 was first identified in India in April 2025, with a confirmed case in Tamil Nadu. As of May 26, 2025, India reported over 1,000 active COVID-19 cases, with NB.1.8.1 contributing to the surge.  The variant has also been detected in other countries, including China, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the United States, indicating its international spread.
• Classification and Mutations:1.8.1 is a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant JN.1, which itself is a descendant of BA.2.86. The variant carries specific spike protein mutations—A435S, V445H, and T478I—that may enhance its ability to bind to human cells and potentially evade immune responses.
• Symptoms and Severity: Symptoms associated with NB.1.8.1 are similar to those of previous Omicron variants and include sore throat, fatigue, mild cough, fever, muscle aches, nasal congestion, headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, and gastrointestinal issues. Current data suggest that NB.1.8.1 does not cause more severe illness compared to earlier variants, with most cases presenting mild to moderate symptoms.
• Public Health Response: The WHO has designated NB.1.8.1 as a "Variant Under Monitoring," indicating that it is being closely observed for changes in transmissibility, severity, or impact on public health measures.
• Vaccination and Immunity: While NB.1.8.1 may have some ability to evade immunity from previous infections or vaccinations, existing vaccines are still expected to provide significant protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. 

India Surpasses Japan to Become the World’s 4th Largest Economy

In the News: In May 2025, India officially overtook Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, as confirmed by NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam. This milestone, based on International Monetary Fund (IMF) data, reflects India's robust economic growth and positions it just behind the United States, China, and Germany in terms of nominal GDP.

Key Pointers:

• GDP Milestone: India's nominal GDP reached approximately $4.187 trillion in 2025, marginally surpassing Japan's estimated $4.186 trillion. This achievement marks a significant shift in global economic rankings.
• Growth Trajectory: India continues to be the world's fastest-growing major economy, with projections indicating over 6% growth in the coming years. The IMF forecasts India's GDP to rise to $5.58 trillion by 2028, potentially overtaking Germany to become the third-largest economy.
• Contributing Factors: Key drivers of India's economic ascent include strong domestic consumption, strategic reforms, increased investments, and integration into global trade networks. The country's young workforce and expanding service and technology sectors have also played pivotal roles.
• Per Capita Income: India's per capita income has doubled over the past decade, reaching $2,880 in 2025, up from $1,438 in 2013-14, indicating improved living standards and economic well-being.
• Public and Industry Reactions: The achievement has been met with national pride. Industrialist Anand Mahindra remarked that surpassing Japan was once a distant dream, now realized. Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan also expressed his admiration, highlighting the nation's progress. 

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait Discover Oil in Neutral Zone After 5 Years

In the News: On May 26, 2025, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait jointly announced a significant oil discovery in the Partitioned Neutral Zone, marking the first such find since the resumption of production operations in 2020. The discovery underscores the ongoing energy collaboration between the two nations and their commitment to bolstering global energy supplies.

Key Pointers:

• Location of Discovery: The oil was discovered in the North Wafra Wara-Burgan field, situated approximately 5 kilometers north of the existing Wafra field within the Partitioned Neutral Zone shared by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
• Production Details: The newly discovered well, named Wara-Burgan-1, has an initial output exceeding 500 barrels per day, with an API gravity between 26 and 27 degrees, indicating medium-grade crude oil.
• Operational Collaboration: The discovery was made by Wafra Joint Operations, a collaborative venture between Saudi Arabia Chevron and Kuwait Gulf Oil Company (KGOC), reflecting the strong bilateral cooperation in energy exploration and production.
• Historical Context: This marks the first oil discovery in the Partitioned Neutral Zone since the resumption of production in mid-2020, following a five-year hiatus due to operational disagreements between the two countries. 

Six African Nations Sign MoU to Eliminate Kala-Azar

In the News: On May 22, 2025, six East African countries—Chad, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan—signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to eliminate visceral leishmaniasis, commonly known as kala-azar. The agreement was formalized during a World Health Organization (WHO) and African Union (AU) side event at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva.

Key Pointers:

• Disease Overview: Kala-azar is a life-threatening parasitic disease caused by Leishmania parasites, transmitted through the bites of infected female sandflies. Symptoms include prolonged fever, weight loss, fatigue, and enlargement of the spleen and liver. If left untreated, the disease is almost always fatal.
• Regional Impact: Over 70% of global kala-azar cases are reported in Eastern Africa. Children under 15 years old constitute approximately half of those affected in the region.
• Collaborative Efforts: The MoU is supported by organizations such as the WHO, AU, and the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi). Additional countries, including Cameroon, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania, joined in calling for improved cross-border cooperation to tackle neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
• Global Context: NTDs affect over 1 billion people annually, predominantly in impoverished communities. As of May 2025, 56 countries have eliminated at least one NTD, with notable progress in Africa. 

Tamil Nadu Space Industrial Policy: A Strategic Boost to India’s Space Sector

In the News: In April 2025, the Tamil Nadu Cabinet approved the Tamil Nadu Space Industrial Policy 2025, aiming to position the state as a significant player in India's burgeoning space economy. The policy seeks to attract ₹10,000 crore in investments and generate 10,000 high-value jobs over the next five years.

Key Pointers:

• Investment and Employment Goals: Targeting ₹10,000 crore in investments over five years. Aiming to create 10,000 direct and indirect high-value jobs in the space sector.
• Strategic Infrastructure Development: Establishment of 'Space Bays'—dedicated industrial clusters in districts like Madurai, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Virudhunagar—to house space-tech companies and startups. Development of a spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam in Thoothukudi district, facilitating efficient launches into polar orbits.
• Policy Objectives: Fostering a comprehensive space-tech ecosystem encompassing manufacturing, services, and downstream applications. Encouraging participation from startups, MSMEs, and large enterprises across the space-tech value chain. Building a future-ready skilled workforce through education and training initiatives.
• Incentives and Support Mechanisms: Provision of structured incentive packages for companies investing in the space sector, including capital subsidies and support for green initiatives. Establishment of the Tamil Nadu Emerging Sector Seed Fund (TNESSF) with a ₹500 crore corpus to support aerospace and defence sectors.
• Collaborations and Partnerships: Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) and IN-SPACe to facilitate manufacturing, R&D, and development of space-grade components.
• Alignment with National Space Policy: The policy aligns with the Indian Space Policy 2023, which emphasizes private sector participation and the establishment of a comprehensive framework for space activities. 

Tianwen-2 Mission: China’s Dual Asteroid and Comet Exploration Endeavor

In the News: On May 29, 2025, China is set to launch its Tianwen-2 mission, marking its first attempt at an asteroid sample-return and subsequent comet exploration. The mission aims to collect samples from the near-Earth asteroid 469219 Kamoʻoalewa and later study the main-belt comet 311P/PANSTARRS, showcasing China's growing capabilities in deep-space exploration.

Key Pointers:

• Mission Objectives: Collect and return samples from asteroid 469219 Kamoʻoalewa to Earth. Conduct a rendezvous and study of comet 311P/PANSTARRS after the sample return. Demonstrate advanced space technologies, including autonomous navigation and multi-target mission planning.
• Mission Timeline:
  • Launch Date: May 29, 2025, from Xichang Satellite Launch Center using a Long March 3B/E rocket.
  • Asteroid Rendezvous: Expected arrival at Kamoʻoalewa in July 2026.
  • Sample Collection and Departure: Depart asteroid in April 2027 after sample collection.
  • Sample Return: Re-entry capsule to land on Earth in November 2027.
  • Comet Rendezvous: Arrival at comet 311P/PANSTARRS anticipated in January 2035.
• Target: Asteroid 469219 Kamoʻoalewa:
  • A quasi-satellite of Earth, maintaining a stable orbit near our planet.
  • Approximately 50 meters in diameter with a rapid rotation period of about 28 minutes.
  • Spectral analysis suggests a composition similar to lunar material, indicating a possible origin from the Moon.
• Sampling Techniques: Utilizes both "anchor-and-attach" and "touch-and-go" methods for sample collection. Employs robotic arms equipped with drills to secure the spacecraft to the asteroid's surface, mitigating the risk of rebound due to low gravity. Aims to collect at least 100 grams of surface material for return to Earth.
• Comet 311P/PANSTARRS Exploration: After delivering the asteroid samples to Earth, the spacecraft will use Earth's gravity for a slingshot maneuver to set course for comet 311P/PANSTARRS. The mission will study the comet's activity, composition, and structure over an extended period.