22 May 2025 - Daily Current Affairs Updates

GS Paper 1 – History, Culture & Geography

What’s the News: Astrophysicist Jayant Narlikar, co-creator of the Hoyle–Narlikar theory, passed away at 86.
Why it Matters:
- Challenged Big Bang with steady-state theory: Universe has no beginning/end.
- Developed a unique fusion of Indian and global science: From Cambridge to IUCAA Pune.
UPSC Relevance:
- Value Addition for GS1/Essay: Role of Indian scientists in post-independence nation-building.
- Ethics link: Simplicity and science communication as a public responsibility.

What’s the News: Manipur resumed its Shirui Lily Festival after 2 years.
Significance:
- Named after Shirui Lily – Manipur’s state flower, endangered, grows only in Shirui Hills.
- Links ecology, culture, tourism (Tangkhul Naga folklore).
UPSC Value Addition:
- Use in environmental ethics: human-nature relationship.
- Add as an example under “Bio-cultural conservation” in environment, tribal development, or GS1 culture.

What’s the News: Irula tribe’s role in anti-venom production highlighted.
Why Important:
- Contributes 80% of venom used in anti-snake venom (ASV).
- Their ecological knowledge is critical for snake conservation and human safety.
UPSC Linkages:
- GS1 Tribal Culture + GS3 Environment: Community-based conservation.
- Ethics: Traditional wisdom meets public health utility.

What’s the News: Indian scientists prove Jarosite can date geological events—key for Mars research.
Why It Matters:
- Luminescence dating technique validated using Kachchh desert analog for Martian conditions.
UPSC Utility:
- Great example in space tech meets geology (GS1 + GS3).
- Can be quoted in answers on “India’s contribution to space exploration”.

What’s the News: SC mandates 3 years of legal practice for lower judiciary aspirants.
Why Important:
- Improves judicial quality and competence.
- Aligns with Article 234 & 235: appointment and control of subordinate judiciary.
UPSC Linkages:
- Polity: Appointment to judicial services.
- Ethics: Experience-based responsibility, professional readiness.

What’s the News: Literacy hits 98.2%, first state to surpass national benchmark.
Why It Matters:
- Achieved under ULLAS (Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram) and NEP 2020.
- Emphasizes functional literacy—not just reading, but usable skills.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS2 Social Justice: Adult education success story.
- Essay/GS2: Mizoram as a model of inclusive education, use of digital tools (DIKSHA, ULLAS app).

What’s the News: Indian Navy inducts stitched-plank sail ship based on Ajanta cave murals.
Why It Matters:
- Promotes India’s maritime heritage, cultural diplomacy, ancient navigation.
- Built without nails – using coir, resin, and Harappan-style anchors.
UPSC Add-on:
- GS3 Security + Culture: India’s soft power at sea.
- Can be cited in “Blue Economy”, “Sagarmala”, or even in Ethics (cultural responsibility).

What’s the News: Webb Telescope detects convective methane clouds on Saturn’s moon Titan.
Importance:
- Titan has methane-ethane lakes; shows Earth-like atmospheric activity.
- Opens research on prebiotic chemistry and life-supporting conditions.
UPSC Relevance:
- Use in space tech, astrobiology, or GS3 questions on ISRO collaborations with global missions.

What’s the News: Tripura's Kamalpur Nagar Panchayat introduces PBAT-based compostable bags.
About PBAT:
- Biodegradable, composts in 180 days.
- Better flexibility than PLA, cheaper than traditional plastics.
UPSC Usage:
- Mention in answers on plastic waste management, bio-economy, or Green Alternatives in Urban Governance.
- Also useful for Ethics questions on sustainability.