Daily Current Affairs- 28th May 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 28th May 2025

INS Tarini Completes World Voyage: A Triumph of Nari Shakti and Seamanship

In the News: On May 29, 2025, the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini is scheduled to return to Goa, marking the successful completion of Navika Sagar Parikrama II—a historic circumnavigation of the globe by an all-women crew. Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K and Roopa A embarked on this ambitious journey on October 2, 2024, covering approximately 25,600 nautical miles over eight months, relying solely on wind power.

Key Developments:

• Expedition Overview: The voyage, named Navika Sagar Parikrama II, involved circumnavigating the globe in a double-handed mode, a first for Indian women sailors. The route included port calls at Fremantle (Australia), Lyttelton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands), and Cape Town (South Africa).
• Challenges Faced: The crew navigated through treacherous waters, including the Drake Passage and Cape Horn, and faced extreme weather conditions with wind speeds up to 95 km/h and waves reaching heights of 7 meters.
• Scientific Contributions: During the expedition, the crew collaborated with the National Institute of Oceanography and the Wildlife Institute of India to collect data on marine microplastics and large sea mammals, contributing to environmental research.
• Significance: This voyage underscores the Indian Navy's commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women in challenging roles. The successful circumnavigation enhances India's stature in global maritime endeavors and showcases the nation's capabilities in ocean sailing.
• Flag-In Ceremony: A grand welcome is planned at the Mormugao Port Trust in Goa on May 29, 2025, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expected to attend. 

India Secures Record $81.04 Billion in FDI in FY 2024–25

In the News: India achieved a historic milestone in the fiscal year 2024–25 by attracting a provisional Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflow of $81.04 billion, marking a 14% increase from the previous year's $71.28 billion. This surge underscores India's growing appeal as a global investment destination and reflects the country's robust economic policies and investor-friendly reforms.

Key Developments:

• Sectoral Distribution:
  • Services Sector: Led the FDI inflows, receiving $9.35 billion, accounting for 19% of the total, and registering a 77% growth over the previous year.
  • Computer Software and Hardware: Secured 16% of the total FDI equity inflows.
  • Trading Sector: Attracted 8% of the total FDI equity inflows.
  • Manufacturing Sector: Witnessed an 18% increase, reaching $19.04 billion, highlighting India's emergence as a manufacturing hub.
• Top Source Countries:
  • Singapore: Remained the largest contributor with $14.94 billion, constituting 30% of the total FDI equity inflows.
  • Mauritius: Contributed 17% of the total FDI equity inflows.
  • United States: Accounted for 11% of the total FDI equity inflows.
• Leading Recipient States:
  • Maharashtra: Attracted the highest share with 39% of the total FDI equity inflows.
  • Karnataka: Received 13% of the total FDI equity inflows.
  • Delhi: Accounted for 12% of the total FDI equity inflows.
• Policy Reforms and Initiatives:
  • The Indian government has implemented several reforms to liberalize FDI norms across various sectors, including allowing 100% FDI under the automatic route in coal mining, contract manufacturing, and insurance intermediaries.
  • The number of countries investing in India increased from 89 in FY 2013–14 to 112 in FY 2024–25, indicating a broader global interest. 

Cargo Ship Sinks Near Kerala Coast: Impact of Oil Spills and Cleanup Measures

In the News: On May 25, 2025, the Liberian-flagged container vessel MSC ELSA 3 sank approximately 38 nautical miles off the coast of Kerala, India, while en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi. The ship was carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous materials such as calcium carbide, and substantial quantities of fuel—84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil. All 24 crew members were safely rescued. The incident has raised significant environmental concerns, particularly regarding potential oil spills and their impact on marine ecosystems.

Key Developments:

• Oil Spill Threat: The sinking of MSC ELSA 3 poses a significant risk of oil spills, which can have devastating effects on marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, fish populations, and seabirds. Oil spills can also impact the livelihoods of coastal communities dependent on fishing and tourism.
• Hazardous Materials: The presence of hazardous substances like calcium carbide on board raises concerns about chemical reactions upon contact with water, potentially releasing flammable gases and toxic compounds.
• Plastic Pollution: Reports indicate that plastic pellets (nurdles) from the cargo have begun washing ashore, contributing to long-term pollution and posing ingestion risks to marine life.
• Cleanup Efforts: The Indian Coast Guard has initiated efforts to contain and mitigate the oil spill using dispersants and containment booms. Advanced oil spill mapping technology and satellite assessments are being utilized to plan the containment strategy.
• Scientific Monitoring: Kerala's state government has launched a scientific response, including geotagged sampling of water, sand, and sediment to assess contamination levels and guide cleanup operations.
• Public Safety Measures: Fishing activities have been banned within a 20 nautical mile radius of the incident site, and residents have been advised to avoid contact with washed-ashore containers and materials. 

India’s AMCA Stealth Jet Project Approved

In the News: On May 27, 2025, India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the execution model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, marking a significant milestone in India's pursuit of indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter capabilities. The AMCA project aims to bolster the Indian Air Force's operational strength and self-reliance in advanced military technologies.

Key Developments:

• Project Overview: The AMCA is envisioned as a twin-engine, fifth-generation stealth multirole combat aircraft designed to perform air superiority, ground strike, and electronic warfare missions. It will feature advanced stealth capabilities, supercruise, and state-of-the-art avionics.
• Execution Model: The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will lead the project, inviting both public and private sector participation through a competitive bidding process. This marks a shift from previous models that primarily involved state-run entities like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• Private Sector Involvement: The new execution model opens doors for private companies to contribute to the development and production of the AMCA, aiming to leverage their capabilities and foster a robust domestic aerospace ecosystem.
• Strategic Significance: The approval comes amid rising regional tensions and aims to enhance India's strategic and defense posture. The AMCA project is expected to be a cornerstone in modernizing the Indian Air Force and reducing dependence on foreign defense imports.
• Development Timeline: The project plans to roll out the first prototype by 2028-29, with serial production expected by 2038-39 and service induction by 2034. 

ASEAN-GCC Summit 2025: Strengthening Economic and Strategic Ties

In the News: On May 27, 2025, Kuala Lumpur hosted the second ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, bringing together leaders from Southeast Asia and the Gulf region. The summit aimed to enhance economic cooperation, address global trade challenges, and explore avenues for deeper collaboration between the two blocs.

Key Developments:

• Economic Collaboration: Leaders emphasized the potential for increased trade and investment between ASEAN and GCC countries. Discussions included exploring a Free Trade Agreement and enhancing cooperation in sectors like energy, finance, and digital economy.
• Strategic Partnerships: The summit highlighted the importance of mutual respect, non-interference, and adherence to international law as foundations for a robust ASEAN-GCC partnership.
• Global Trade Dynamics: Amid rising protectionism, leaders called for the removal of trade barriers and reaffirmed their commitment to a multilateral trading system centered on the World Trade Organization.
• Joint Initiatives: The summit concluded with a joint statement outlining plans for collaborative efforts in areas such as sustainable development, counter-terrorism, and cultural exchange. 

How the Madden-Julian Oscillation Helped Trigger the Early Onset of the Monsoon

In the News: On May 24, 2025, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced the onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala, marking an early arrival by eight days—the earliest since 2009. A significant contributing factor to this early onset was the favorable phase of the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), which enhanced convection and moisture transport over the Indian Ocean region.

Key Developments:

• Understanding the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO): The MJO is a large-scale atmospheric disturbance characterized by an eastward-moving pulse of cloud and rainfall near the equator. It influences tropical weather patterns, including the Indian monsoon, by modulating atmospheric circulation and convection.
• MJO's Role in the 2025 Early Monsoon: In mid-May 2025, the MJO entered a phase conducive to enhanced convection over the Indian Ocean. This active phase led to increased cloud formation and precipitation, creating favorable conditions for the monsoon's early onset over Kerala.
• Impact on Monsoon Progression: The active MJO phase not only triggered the early onset over Kerala but also accelerated the monsoon's advancement across other parts of India. Notably, Mumbai experienced monsoon rains two weeks ahead of its typical schedule, marking the earliest arrival on record for the city.
• Other Contributing Factors: While the MJO played a pivotal role, other atmospheric and oceanic conditions also supported the early monsoon. These included neutral El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions, a low-pressure system over the Arabian Sea, and a trough extending across Vidarbha, all of which enhanced moisture inflow and convection over the Indian subcontinent. 

World Hunger Day 2025: Empowering Communities for Sustainable Food Security

In the News: On May 28, 2025, the global community observed World Hunger Day, emphasizing the theme “Sowing Resilience”. Initiated by The Hunger Project in 2011, this annual event highlights the importance of empowering communities, especially women and smallholder farmers, to develop sustainable solutions to end hunger. The 2025 observance focused on the interconnection between climate change and food insecurity, advocating for climate-resilient agricultural practices and community-led initiatives to combat hunger.

Key Developments:

• Theme – “Sowing Resilience”: The 2025 theme underscores the need to build resilience against climate-induced food insecurity. It promotes investment in climate-smart agriculture, such as drought-resistant crops and sustainable farming techniques, to ensure long-term food security.
• Empowerment of Women and Smallholder Farmers: Recognizing that women produce up to 80% of food in many developing countries, the day highlighted the importance of providing them with resources, training, and market access. Empowering smallholder farmers is seen as crucial for sustainable agriculture and community resilience.
• Maternal and Child Nutrition: Former UK development ministers called for global prioritization of maternal nutrition, noting that one billion adolescent girls and women suffer from malnutrition. They advocated for initiatives like the Child Nutrition Fund to provide antenatal micronutrient supplements, improving health outcomes for mothers and children.
• Community-Led Initiatives: The 8th National Convention of the Right to Food Campaign in Jaipur concluded with the 'Jaipur Declaration', emphasizing the need for inclusive policies and better implementation of food security schemes. The declaration called for intensified efforts against global hunger and malnutrition.