10 May 2025 Current Affairs

India Responds Swiftly to Pakistani Missile and Drone Attack

Pakistan’s Provocation:

 Late on May 8, Pakistan launched a coordinated attack using drones and missiles targeting military installations in Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur, and other strategic areas in northern and western India.

Indian Interception:

  India’s air defence network intercepted and neutralised a substantial number of munitions before they could cause damage.

  No casualties or significant material losses were reported.

Indian Response:

•    Retaliatory strikes launched on the same night.
•    Pakistani air defence systems, including one in Lahore, were targeted and neutralised.
•    India used loitering munitions (Harop drones) for precision strikes.

Systems Deployed by India:

1. S400 Triumf:

• Longrange system from Russia; capable of intercepting threats up to 400 km.

2. Akash Missile System:

• Indigenous shortrange SAM; effective against low altitude targets.

3. Barak8 (MRSAM):

• Indo-Israeli medium range system; highly effective against aerial threats like drones and cruise missiles.

4. Integrated Counter UAS Grid:

• Used to detect and neutralise drones and lowflying UAVs.

Preventive Measures:

• Blackouts were enforced in Punjab, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
•  Over 100 CRPF companies (10,000+ personnel) deployed to Jammu region for enhanced security.

First American Elected Pope: Leo XIV (Robert Prevost)

• Robert Prevost, a 69 year old U.S. born Augustinian missionary, elected as Pope Leo XIV the first American pope in Church history.
• He succeeded Pope Francis and emphasized peace, dialogue, and evangelisation in his first address.
• Prevost spent decades in Peru, holds dual citizenship (U.S. and Peru), and headed the Vatican’s office of bishops before election.
• His papal election broke the informal taboo against U.S. popes due to America's global influence.
• He was a leading candidate with strong backing from Francis, who viewed him as a likely successor.
• Elected on Day 2 of the conclave, amid cheers of “Habemus Papam” from St. Peter’s Square.
• The last pope named Leo was Leo XIII (1878–1903), known for modernizing Church views on society and economics.

 Justice Yashwant Varma Case: Removal Proceedings Initiated

 What Happened?

 Partially burnt sacks of cash were found in the former official residence of Justice Yashwant Varma (Delhi HC) after a fire on March 14, 2025.

 An inhouse committee of 3 judges (Justices Sheel Nagu, G.S. Sandhawalia, Anu Sivaraman) conducted a detailed probe.

 CJI Sanjiv Khanna forwarded the report + judge’s reply to the President and PM, paving way for removal proceedings in Parliament.

 Justice Varma had been transferred to Allahabad High Court earlier.

Constitutional Provisions for Judge Removal

 Under Article 217 (High Court) and Article 124 (Supreme Court): Judges can be removed for proved misbehaviour or incapacity. Removal motion must be passed by both Houses with special majority:

• Majority of total membership, and
• Two thirds of members present and voting.

 Based on 2014 SC Judgment: If judge doesn’t resign/retire voluntarily after inquiry, CJI sends report to executive.

Quick Notes on Supreme Court of India:

• Established under Article 124 of the Constitution.
• Highest judicial body; final interpreter of the Constitution.
• Headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI).
• Judges hold office till 65 years (High Court: till 62).
• Can take up constitutional, civil, and criminal cases.

Most important Points

• Article 124 (SC) & 217 (HC): Judge removal process
• Special majority: Total majority + 2/3rd present & voting
• Inhouse procedure and CJI’s role
• 2014 judgment: Basis for current process

 Cash sack incident → inquiry → CJI → President/PM → Parliament

Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in India: Key Highlights

Current Status:

• MMR Decline: India's MMR decreased to 93 per 100,000 live births during 2019–21, down from 97 in 2018–20 and 103 in 2017–19 .

Agewise Distribution

• Highest MMR: Women aged 20–29 years.
• Second Highest: Women aged 30–34 years.
• These are prime reproductive years, highlighting risks during peak childbearing age .

Statewise MMR (2019–21)

1. Highest MMR States:

• Madhya Pradesh: 175
• Assam: 167
• Uttar Pradesh: 151

2. States Achieving SDG Target (MMR <70):

• Kerala: 30
• Maharashtra: 38
• Telangana: 56
• Tamil Nadu: 58
• Andhra Pradesh: 58
• Jharkhand: 61
• Gujarat: 70 .

Major Causes of Maternal Deaths

• Complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
• Unsafe abortions.
• Lack of timely medical intervention.
• Inadequate access to skilled healthcare profession.

Government Initiatives

• Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY): Promotes institutional deliveries.
• Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA): Provides quality antenatal care.
• Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres: Offers comprehensive primary healthcare services.
• POSHAN Abhiyaan: Focuses on improving nutritional outcomes for pregnant women and children .

 UK–USA Trade Deal 

 Deal Announcement: U.S. President Donald Trump and U.K. PM Keir Starmer announced a bilateral trade agreement — first U.S. deal after Trump’s new universal tariffs (≥10%) on all trading partners.

 Nature: Agreement on framework/contours of a deal — not a formal signed treaty yet.

Key Highlights:

1. Automobiles:

• U.K. can now export up to 1,00,000 cars/year to the U.S. at 10% tariff (down from 27.5%).

2. Steel & Aluminium:

• U.K. exports will now be tariff free, ending previous 25% tariffs.

3. Agriculture & Food:

• U.K. to eliminate tariffs on U.S. ethanol.
• Both sides agree to expand beef market access.
• U.K. retains strict food safety norms (e.g. no hormone beef or chlorinated chicken).

4. Other Sectors:

• Aircraft, digital goods, and industrial items also discussed; details awaited.

5. U.S. View:

• Expected to unlock $5 billion in U.S. agricultural exports.

6. Digital Tax:

• U.K. will continue its 2% digital services tax; no rollback as part of deal.

Strategic Importance:

• It signifies post Brexit U.K. trade independence and U.S. return to bilateralism.
• U.K. scores two major deals in one week: with U.S. and India.
• Shows shift towards protectionist dealmaking by U.S. under Trump.

India’s Trade Footprint:

India has recently signed major trade pacts with:

• UAE – CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement)
• U.K. – FTA signed the same week as U.K.U.S. deal
• Australia – ECTA (Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement)
• South Korea – CEPA (in place since 2010, under review for upgrading)

Rohit Sharma Retires from Test Cricket

• Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket at age 38, a week after his birthday.
• He ends with 4,301 runs in 67 Tests, averaging 40.57 with 10 centuries, including twin tons on debut in 2013.
• Rohit served as India’s all-format captain, overseeing key transitions and winning 12 out of 24 Tests.
• Known for honesty, team first mindset, and mentoring youngsters, he retires as India’s 2nd most successful Test captain after Virat Kohli.

Exam Quick Facts

• Debut: 2013 vs West Indies (delayed due to injury in 2010).
• Leadership: Took over as all format captain in 2022.
• Final phase: Decline in form, team losses, and personal priorities influenced exit.

 NEWS REPORT: IPL 2025 Suspended Amid IndiaPakistan Conflict

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has suspended the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 for one week due to escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan.

The suspension follows a series of disturbing incidents, including cross-border missile strikes and a terror attack in Pahalgam. Concerns deepened after the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match in Dharamsala was halted midway due to a floodlight failure, sparking security fears.

Franchises, broadcasters, and key stakeholders were consulted before the decision was made. Several international players have already started arranging return flights to their home countries. The BCCI is also exploring the possibility of moving the tournament to a neutral venue, such as the United Kingdom, if the situation does not improve.

The cricketing body will review developments and announce a revised schedule shortly.

Short Notes: History of IPL

• Launched in 2008 by the BCCI as a franchise based T20 league.
• The Rajasthan Royals won the inaugural season under Shane Warne.
• Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) are the most successful teams with multiple titles.
• Suspended previously in 2020 due to COVID19; part of it was held in the UAE.