On May 30, 2025, India and the world witnessed significant developments across various sectors. India continues to focus on strengthening democratic institutions, supporting farmers, and conserving wildlife. The long-pending appointment of the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha has raised questions about parliamentary norms. At the same time, the government has increased the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 14 Kharif crops and extended the interest subvention scheme to aid farmers. On the conservation front, the dhole, an endangered wild dog species, is receiving attention for its protection through both in-situ and ex-situ efforts.

Awareness regarding daily UPSC current affairs is crucial for cracking the UPSC Prelims, excelling in UPSC Mains. It helps perform well in the UPSC personality test, thus becoming an informed and effective UPSC civil servant.

Below are the current affairs and headlines of the day taken from The Hindu, Indian Express, Press Information Bureau & All India Radio as required for UPSC preparation:

'Operation Sindoor': India's Assertive Stance on Terrorism

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper II (Security)

IN NEWS

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday, May 30, 2025, made a significant statement aboard INS Vikrant, India's indigenous aircraft carrier, declaring "Operation Sindoor is not just a military action but India's frontal assault against terrorism."
• His remarks, made off the coast of Goa, included a stern warning to Pakistan against supporting cross-border terrorism, emphasizing India's readiness to use "methods Pakistan cannot even think of."
• The operation, launched on May 7, 2025, followed the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, targeting terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

India's Evolving Anti-Terrorism Doctrine

Rajnath Singh's statements underscore a notable evolution in India's counter-terrorism doctrine, moving towards a more proactive and uncompromising stance.

• Proactive Retaliation: The operation signifies India's willingness to engage in pre-emptive or punitive strikes against terrorist infrastructure across borders, irrespective of the political or geographical sensitivities.
• Ending 'Tolerance': The minister explicitly stated that India's tolerance for state-sponsored terrorism has ceased, marking a departure from previous diplomatic approaches that prioritized de-escalation without direct military action.
• Integrated Approach: Singh highlighted the "seamless synergy" among the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with inter-ministerial coordination, indicating a unified and integrated national security response. The Indian Navy's aggressive deployment in the Arabian Sea, for instance, played a crucial role in containing the Pakistani Navy.
• "Made in India" Imperative: The success of Operation Sindoor was linked to India's growing indigenous defence capabilities, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) in national security.

Impact and Future Implications

The operation and the Defence Minister's subsequent remarks have significant implications:

• Deterrence: It aims to establish a strong deterrent against future acts of cross-border terrorism.
• International Message: It reinforces India's position on global terrorism and its resolve to protect its sovereignty and citizens.
• Redefined Engagement with Pakistan: Rajnath Singh indicated that any future talks with Pakistan would be solely focused on the issue of terrorism and the status of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), reiterating India's claim over the territory.
• "Operation Not Over": The cryptic remark, "Operation Sindoor is not yet over; it's just a pause," suggests an ongoing readiness to act against terror threats.

Know more about the India-Pakistan Relations!

Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper II (Polity)

IN NEWS

• The position of Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha has remained vacant since the beginning of the 17th Lok Sabha in 2019. 

• The government’s reluctance to appoint the Deputy Speaker, especially from the Opposition, has sparked debates about constitutional conventions and the spirit of parliamentary democracy.

Know the Roles and Responsibilities of the Lok Sabha Speaker!

Constitutional Provisions

• Article 93 – The Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha states that the House of the People shall choose two members – one to be the Speaker and the other the Deputy Speaker. Uses the term “as soon as may be”, implying urgency and necessity, not discretionary delay.
• Article 94 – Vacation and Resignation Provides for resignation, vacation, and removal of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. Ensures continuity of the Deputy Speaker’s role unless:
  • He resigns.
  • He ceases to be a member of the House.
  • He is removed by a resolution passed by a majority of the House.
• Article 95: When the Speaker is absent, the Deputy Speaker discharges all functions.

Election and Tenure

• Elected by Lok Sabha members through a simple majority.
• No fixed time frame is prescribed in the Constitution, but the phrase “as soon as may be” denotes that the election should not be unduly delayed.
• Rule 8 of the Rules of Procedure (1952) empowers the Speaker to fix the date for the election of the Deputy Speaker.
• The Deputy Speaker remains in office until:
  • He ceases to be an MP,
  • Resigns, or
  • Is removed by Effective Majority (majority of more than 50% of the total effective strength of the House, meaning those who are actually present and voting, rather than the full theoretical membership).

Know the Importance of Loksabha Speaker & Deputy Speaker in India!

MSP Increased for 14 Kharif Crops

Source: The Indian Express

Syllabus: GS Paper III (Economy)

IN NEWS

• On May 28, 2025, the Union Cabinet approved an increase in MSP for 14 Kharif crops for the 2025–26 season. 

• The highest MSP hike (in percentage terms) was for ragi (13.89%), and the lowest was for moong (0.99%). 

• Additionally, the Cabinet also extended the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) for FY 2025–26 to support short-term agricultural credit.

What is Minimum Support Price (MSP)? 

MSP is the minimum price at which the government guarantees to purchase crops from farmers. It acts as a safety net to protect farmers from any sharp fall in market prices. It ensures remunerative prices for farmers and promotes agricultural production of specific crops.

Who Decides MSP?

• MSP is recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).
• Final decision is taken by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister.

List of Kharif Crops under MSP (2025–26)

Here is the list of Kharif crops under MSP (2025–26) presented in a clean table format:

Arguments in Favour of MSP

• Price assurance for farmers during market fluctuations.
• Boosts food security through government procurement for PDS.
• Encourages production of specific crops, ensuring balanced cropping patterns.
• Helps stabilize farmer incomes and prevents farmer distress.

Arguments Against MSP

• Skewed incentives: Overemphasis on rice and wheat leads to monoculture, depleting groundwater.
• Procurement bias: Major procurement happens in Punjab, Haryana, marginalizing other states.
• Leads to fiscal burden and foodgrain stockpiling.
• Market distortions and underutilization of agricultural reforms.
• Poor infrastructure for procurement and lack of awareness among small farmers.

Know more about the Kharif and Rabi Crops!

Dhole

Syllabus: GS Paper III (Environment)

IN NEWS

• On World Dholes Day, the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park in Visakhapatnam celebrated its status as the zoo with the highest population of dholes in India. 

• This highlights ex-situ conservation efforts for the endangered Asiatic wild dog species, amid concerns of habitat loss and declining wild populations.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Endangered
• CITES: Appendix II
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (India): Schedule II

Characteristics

• Physical Appearance: Rusty reddish coat, bushy black tail, white underparts. Smaller and leaner than wolves; larger ears and shorter snout.
• Social Behavior: Highly social and pack-oriented animals. Live and hunt in groups of 5–12, sometimes more.
• Communication: Do not bark like domestic dogs; use whistles, screams, and chattering sounds.