11 May 2025 Current Affairs

Peace deal struck, but Pak. violations persist , India-Pakistan Agree to Pause Hostilities After 3 Days of Conflict

Conflict Overview

• Trigger: Terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, J&K
• Terror Group Involved: Lashkar-e-Taiba
• Led to India-Pakistan military conflict (land, air, and sea)

Ceasefire Announcement

• Ceasefire agreed on May 11 at 5:00 PM IST
• Announced by EAM S. Jaishankar
• Initiated via call between DGMOs of both countries
• Next DGMO meeting set for May 12 at 12 PM

Ceasefire Violations & Response

• Cross-border firing and explosions in Srinagar continued
• J&K CM Omar Abdullah called out violations publicly
• India warned of strong response to breaches
• Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri: “India will respond firmly”

India’s Actions Against Pakistan

• Indus Waters Treaty suspended
• 14 types of visas revoked (except diplomatic & LTV)
• Imports and postal links frozen
• Kartarpur Corridor suspended
• India maintains zero-tolerance policy on terrorism

Major India-Pakistan Wars

• 1947-48: First Kashmir War
• 1965: Second war over Kashmir
• 1971: Led to Bangladesh’s independence
• 1999: Kargil War
• 2016: Uri attack → Surgical strike
• 2019: Pulwama attack → Balakot airstrike

Key Takeaways

• Know terror outfits: LeT, JeM
• Understand impact of terror on foreign policy, treaties, and trade
• Be familiar with diplomatic & military responses
• Key doctrine: “Terror = Act of War”

IMD Forecasts Early Southwest Monsoon in 2025

Overview

• Kerala Monsoon Onset: Expected on May 27 (earlier than usual June 1).
• Monsoon Coverage: Entire India by July 8.
• Withdrawal Period: Starts around September 17, ends by October 15.

Rainfall Outlook (2025)

• Above-Normal Monsoon: IMD forecasts 105% of 87 cm LPA.
• No El Niño effect this season.
• Classification:

- Deficient: <90% of LPA
- Below Normal: 90–95%
- Normal: 96–104%
- Above Normal: 105–110%
- Excess: >110%

Significance of Monsoon

• Supports 42.3% of population via agriculture
• Contributes 18.2% to GDP
• Crucial for reservoirs, drinking water, power

Types of Monsoon Winds in India

1. Southwest Monsoon (June–September)

• Main rainy season; enters via Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal
• Heavy rainfall across most of India

2. Northeast Monsoon (October–December)

• Dry, cool winds blow from land to sea
• Brings rain to Tamil Nadu, south Andhra Pradesh

3. Western Disturbances

• Extra-tropical storms from the Mediterranean
• Affect northwest India (Punjab, Haryana, J&K) in winter
• Bring rain & snow in December–March, crucial for Rabi crops

El Niño - Quick Notes

• Warming of Pacific Ocean near South America
• Disrupts Indian Monsoon, often causes drought
• Opposite phenomenon: La Niña (cooling) – may lead to excess rainfall
• Monitored by IMD & global meteorological agencies

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), established in 1875, operates under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Headquartered in New Delhi, it provides weather forecasts, cyclone alerts, monsoon tracking, and climate data. It uses radars, satellites, and models to issue warnings crucial for agriculture, aviation, and disaster management.

Miss World 2025 - Opening Ceremony

Overview

Held in Hyderabad, Telangana; began March 2025 at Gachibowli Indoor Stadium.

• Inaugurated by CM A. Revanth Reddy, alongside Julia Morley (Miss World Chairperson) and reigning Miss World Krystyna Pyszková.
• Cultural performances from Telangana; participants from 110 countries.
• Miss India Nandini Gupta led the Indian contingent, received grand applause.
• Finale scheduled on May 31, 2025 at Hitex Exhibition Centre.

India’s Miss World Winners

• Reita Faria (1966) – First Asian to win Miss World.
• Aishwarya Rai (1994) – Became a Bollywood icon.
• Diana Hayden (1997)
• Yukta Mookhey (1999)
• Priyanka Chopra (2000) – Later became a global star.
• Manushi Chhillar (2017) – Last Indian to win the title.

India’s Miss Universe Winners

• Sushmita Sen (1994) – First Indian Miss Universe.
• Lara Dutta (2000) – Won the same year as Priyanka Chopra.
• Harnaaz Sandhu (2021) – Brought the title back after 21 years.

Quick Facts:

• India is one of the few countries to have won both Miss World & Miss Universe in the same year (2000).
• India has 6 Miss World and 3 Miss Universe titles to date.
• Beauty pageants often promote women’s empowerment, cultural diplomacy, and public service causes.

IMF Approves $2.4 Billion Loan to Pakistan

Overview

1. On May 9, 2025, the IMF Executive Board approved $2.4 billion for Pakistan:

• $1 billion under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF)
• $1.4 billion under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF)

2. This is Pakistan’s 25th IMF loan since 1948.

India’s Stand

India abstained from voting, citing:

• Pakistan’s poor track record in previous IMF agreements.
• Concerns over funds being misused for state-sponsored terrorism.
• IMF rules prevented a “No” vote - only “Yes” or abstention allowed.

IMF Voting Power Disparity

1. IMF voting is based on financial contributions (quotas):

• India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan: 3.05% combined vote.
• U.S.: 16.49%, Japan: 6.14%, China: 6.08%, UK/France/Germany: Higher than India’s group.

2. As a continuation of a previous package, the loan was not open for full voting — India’s dissent was noted but couldn’t block the approval.

Quick Notes: International Monetary Fund (IMF)

• Founded: 1944 (Bretton Woods Conference), HQ: Washington D.C.
• Members: 190 countries.
• Purpose: Ensure global financial stability, provide loans, and offer economic surveillance.
• Provides:

- Short- and medium-term loans to countries in financial distress.

- Policy advice and support for structural reforms.

• Major programmes: EFF, RSF, Stand-By Arrangements.

IPL Set to Resume Pending Government Nod

Overview

• IPL 2025, suspended due to India-Pakistan military tensions, is likely to resume before the coming weekend, subject to central government clearance.
• The BCCI plans to complete the remaining 17 matches before May 31, with the final likely before WTC final preparations begin.

Background: Week-Long Suspension

• IPL was halted on May 2 following cross-border hostilities after the Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistan-based terror groups.
• Tensions led to match cancellations, including PBKS vs DC in Dharamshala.

Revised Venues

• Matches to be played mainly in Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
• Mumbai or Ahmedabad may host playoff games if needed.

WTC Final Context

• Australia vs South Africa in the WTC Final at Lord’s on June 11.
• BCCI aims to finish IPL in time for players to join national teams.
• Coordination with Cricket Australia (CA) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) underway to retain overseas players till IPL concludes.

Points Table Issue

• The PBKS vs DC match was called off mid-innings but not yet reflected in the points table.
• BCCI may opt for a full replay; Punjab Kings may push to resume from where play was stopped.