- The Supreme Court restored the condition that a minimum of three years practice as an advocate is required for candidates applying to entry-level judicial service examinations.
- The issue dates back to the 14th Law Commission Report, 1958, which proposed 3–5 years of experience as a requirement for lower subordinate judges in every State.
- For higher judiciary, an All India Judicial Services (AIJS), a centralised recruitment system for judges, was proposed. The AIJS required no practical experience.
- The Supreme Court’s 1992 ruling in All India Judges’ Association vs Union of India supported allowing fresh graduates in the AIJS. Read More
Home / Daily Current Affairs / 21-05-2025
Daily Current Affairs – 21 May, 2025
PDF - WHO Member States approved a historic resolution calling for adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, aimed at making the world safer from future pandemics.
- Establishment of a Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) system, to be negotiated and presented at next year’s World Health Assembly.
- Creation of a Coordinating Financial Mechanism and a Global Supply Chain and Logistics Network (GSCL) to ensure equitable and timely access to pandemic-related health products.
- Pharmaceutical companies in the PABS system must provide 20% of their real-time production of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics to WHO for equitable distribution, prioritizing developing countries. Read More
WHO Adopts Pandemic Agreement
In News
Key Provisions
- During the recent India-Pakistan crisis, misinformation was spread in social media platforms.
- Growing Internet Penetration: India is on track to surpass 900 million internet users, making it highly vulnerable to disinformation without appropriate regulations.
- Diverse Landscape, High Risk: India's political, social, and linguistic diversity creates fertile ground for manipulated narratives, voter influence, and social unrest.
- Beyond Politics: Disinformation contributes to consumer boycotts, economic conflicts, international tensions.
- Decline of Legacy Media Trust: Public trust in traditional news sources is eroding. Read More
Disinformation Concerns in India
Context
India’s Disinformation Challenge:
- Government e Marketplace (GeM), India’s national public procurement portal, marked its 8th Incorporation Day.
- GeM is a one stop portal to facilitate online procurement of common use Goods & Services required by various Government Departments / Organizations / PSUs.
- It was launched in 2016, and is operated by the GeM SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle), a 100% government-owned company under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- Aim: To enhance transparency, efficiency and speed in public procurement.
- The purchases through GeM by Government users have been authorized and made mandatory by the Ministry of Finance in 2017. Read More
GeM Celebrates 8th Incorporation Day
Context
Government e-Marketplace
- A new oil war is unfolding through production and pricing strategies rather than armed conflict, with far-reaching global economic implications.
- Recently OPEC+ decided to increase crude oil output by 411,000 barrels per day (bpd) from June 2025.
- This marks the third consecutive month of production increase, reversing part of the 2.2 million bpd voluntary cuts taken in 2023.
- This move caused Brent crude prices to drop sharply, indicating a highly sensitive oil market. Read More
The New Oil Conflict
Context
Background
- Recently, Dr. M.R. Srinivasan, renowned nuclear scientist and former Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) chairman passed away.
- Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR): India has entered Stage II of its nuclear programme with the core-loading of the PFBR at Kalpakkam.
- Expansion Plans: 10 new reactors are approved and exploring private sector participation to accelerate growth, including Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMRs).
- International Collaborations: India has signed agreements with Russia, France, and the U.S. for nuclear technology exchange. Read More
MR Srinivasan: A Key Architect of India’s Nuclear Programme
Context
Recent Advancements
- The Shirui Lily festival returns to Manipur after a two-year pause because of the long-drawn conflict in the state.
- Organised by Manipur Department of Tourism, first held in 2017.
- Named after the Shirui Lily (state flower of Manipur), the festival coincides with the flower’s blooming season (April to June).
- Held annually in Ukhrul district, home to the Tangkhul Naga community.
- This will promote eco-tourism, cultural heritage, and awareness about the endangered Shirui Lily. Read More
