1. PRESIDENT MURMU PAYS HOMAGE TO DR. RAJENDRA PRASAD ON BIRTH ANNIVERSARY
SUBJECT: POLITY
- President Droupadi Murmu paid tribute to India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, on his 141st birth anniversary at Rashtrapati Bhavan, highlighting his role in the freedom struggle and contributions to constitutional values like unity and social justice.
- Dr. Prasad, born on December 3, 1884, in Ziradei, Bihar, served as President from 1950 to 1962, advocating for Gandhian principles and rural development, which remain relevant in modern governance.
- The event underscores the continuity of constitutional institutions, emphasizing Article 52’s role in maintaining the office of the President as a symbol of national integrity and federal harmony.
- It also aligns with ongoing discussions on enhancing democratic inclusivity, drawing parallels to Dr. Prasad’s efforts in bridging regional divides during the Constituent Assembly debates.
- Concepts: Article 52 – Establishes the President’s office for ceremonial and unifying functions; Constitutional Morality – Dr. Prasad’s legacy promotes ethical governance beyond partisan politics.
2. CHILD MARRIAGES SURGE 47% IN MADHYA PRADESH, DAMOH EMERGES AS HOTSPOT
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- Child marriages in Madhya Pradesh have risen 47% since 2020, with Damoh district reporting 115 cases in 2025 alone, the highest in five years, driven by poverty and cultural norms in tribal and backward regions.
- The surge highlights vulnerabilities in Bundelkhand and Gwalior-Chambal areas, where economic distress exacerbates the issue, prompting calls for intensified enforcement of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.
- Nationwide data shows similar trends, with over 500 cases in MP this year, underscoring gaps in awareness and community interventions amid post-pandemic recovery challenges.
- Government initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao aim to address root causes, but district-level hotspots indicate the need for targeted education and economic support programs.
- Concepts: Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 – Criminalizes child unions to protect rights; National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Tracks rising incidences linked to socio-economic factors.
3. INDIA COMPLETES EVACUATION OF NATIONALS FROM SRI LANKA AMID CYCLONE DITWAH RELIEF
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- India successfully evacuated its remaining citizens from Sri Lanka as Cyclone Ditwah caused widespread devastation, dispatching a mobile field hospital and aid to support recovery efforts, reinforcing the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.
- The operation highlights strengthened bilateral ties, with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake praising India’s timely humanitarian assistance in joint rescues, fostering deeper crisis-response collaboration.
- It aligns with India’s proactive role in regional disasters, building on previous aid to Maldives and Bangladesh, while advancing multipolar diplomacy through forums like BIMSTEC.
- The relief underscores commitments under the UNCRPD for inclusive disaster aid, ensuring vulnerable groups receive equitable support in Indo-Pacific humanitarian responses.
- Concepts: Neighbourhood First Policy – Prioritizes proactive aid to immediate neighbours; Indo-Pacific Strategy – Enhances maritime security and humanitarian ties for regional stability.
4. RBI DESIGNATES SBI, HDFC, AND ICICI AS DOMESTIC SYSTEMICALLY IMPORTANT BANKS FOR 2025
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- The Reserve Bank of India retained State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank as Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs) for 2025, imposing higher capital buffers to mitigate risks from their systemic influence on financial stability.
- This designation acknowledges their critical role in credit flows and economic resilience, with additional requirements ensuring they absorb shocks during volatility, as seen in recent rupee fluctuations.
- It supports broader reforms like Basel III compliance, aiming to bolster depositor confidence and sustain growth amid global uncertainties, including US tariff threats.
- The move aligns with IMF recommendations for enhanced oversight, potentially unlocking more lending for MSMEs while maintaining inflation at 4.2%.
- Concepts: Basel III Framework – Mandates higher capital for D-SIBs to prevent contagion; Financial Stability Report – RBI’s tool for assessing systemic risks under IMF Article IV consultations.
5. INDIAN NAVY SET TO COMMISSION THIRD INDIGENOUS SSBN INS ARIDHAMAN
SUBJECT: DEFENCE
- The Indian Navy is preparing to commission INS Aridhaman, its third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, enhancing sea-based deterrence with 75% indigenization and advanced stealth features.
- Built under Project 75I with significant MSME contributions, the SSBN extends India’s second-strike capability, integrating K-4 missiles for strategic depth in the Indo-Pacific.
- The commissioning, led by Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, marks a milestone in Aatmanirbhar Bharat, reducing import reliance and boosting underwater endurance to over 90 days.
- It strengthens maritime domain awareness amid regional tensions, complementing Arihant-class vessels for credible nuclear triad completion.
- Concepts: Nuclear Triad – Ensures survivable deterrence via sea, air, land platforms; Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 – Promotes indigenous production for strategic autonomy.
