Daily Current Affairs- 2nd May 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 2nd May 2025

 

7th-Century Vikramaditya I Inscription Unearthed in Davangere

A significant archaeological discovery has been made at Madapura Lake in Nyamati taluk, Davangere district, Karnataka. A stone inscription dating back to the 7th century CE, during the reign of Vikramaditya I of the Badami Chalukya dynasty, was unearthed during lake desilting operations. This find offers valuable insights into the administrative and social structures of that era.

• Measuring approximately five feet in length, the stone slab contains 17 lines inscribed in Old Kannada (Halegannada)
• It documents a land grant of six mattaru (traditional land measure) to village elders (Ojas) for their role in lake construction. Mentions the waiving of certain taxes for local villagers, reflecting welfare-oriented governance. References an official named Singhavenna, who administered the region known as 'Ballavi 70', indicating governance over a cluster of 70 villages. 

Supreme Court Declares Digital Access a Fundamental Right

In a landmark judgment delivered on April 30, 2025, the Supreme Court of India ruled that digital access is an intrinsic component of the fundamental right to life and liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Court directed the revision of digital Know Your Customer (KYC) norms to make them accessible to persons with disabilities, particularly those with visual impairments and facial disfigurements. The ruling mandates that the state proactively design and implement an inclusive digital ecosystem that serves not only the privileged but also the marginalized and historically excluded. 

Uttar Pradesh Pioneers Night Landings for Fighter Jets on Expressway

In a historic development, Uttar Pradesh has become the first state in India to facilitate night landings of fighter jets on an expressway. On May 2, 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted day and night landing drills on a specially prepared 3.5-km stretch of the under-construction Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur district.

• The Ganga Expressway's airstrip is India's inaugural expressway segment equipped for both day and night fighter jet operations, featuring advanced lighting and navigation systems .
• Aircraft Participating: The exercise showcased a range of IAF aircraft, including Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000, MiG-29, Jaguar, C-130J Super Hercules, An-32, and Mi-17 V5 helicopters . 

National Security Advisory Board Reconstituted; Former R&AW Chief Alok Joshi Appointed Chairman

In a significant move to bolster India's national security framework, the Union Government has reconstituted the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB), appointing former Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) chief Alok Joshi as its new Chairman. This reconstitution comes in the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, underscoring the need for enhanced strategic oversight.  Established in 1998, the NSAB serves as a multi-disciplinary body that provides long-term analyses and policy recommendations on national security issues to the National Security Council (NSC). 

India's First Inter-State Cheetah Conservation Corridor Launched

India has initiated its first inter-state cheetah conservation corridor, connecting Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, to facilitate the free movement and breeding of reintroduced cheetahs. This corridor spans approximately 17,000 square kilometers, linking Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh with Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan.  The corridor is part of a 25-year plan under Project Cheetah, aiming for phased releases and habitat development. 

Global Call to Ban Chlorpyrifos Gains Momentum

At the recent Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions in Geneva, a significant push was made to ban the pesticide chlorpyrifos globally by listing it under Annex A of the Stockholm Convention, which would mandate its elimination without exemptions.

• Chlorpyrifos is a highly toxic organophosphate pesticide linked to severe health issues, including developmental harm in children and neurotoxicity.
• Global Usage and Bans: Despite being banned in over 40 countries, including members of the EU and the USA, chlorpyrifos remains in use in several nations, including India, where it is applied to various crops.
• India's Stance: India opposed the proposed global ban, citing the absence of viable alternatives and potential threats to food security. 

  Global Wind Report 2025: Record Growth Amidst Challenges

The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) released its Global Wind Report 2025, highlighting a record addition of 117 GW of wind capacity in 2024, bringing the total global capacity to 1,136 GW. Despite this achievement, the report emphasizes that the current growth rate falls short of the 320 GW annual installations needed to meet the UN's 2030 renewable energy targets.

• China led with 8 GW of new installations, followed by the USA, Brazil, India, and Germany. As of March 2025, India achieved a cumulative wind power capacity of 50.04 GW, ranking 4th globally. States like Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu are leading contributors. However, challenges like land acquisition complexities and non-modernized grids persist.