Daily Current Affairs — 31 May 2025
6 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
South Asia's largest' Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Inaugurated
In News The Delhi Power Minister inaugurated a 20-MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Kilokari, South Delhi . Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are large-scale batteries used to store energy from renewable sources like solar and wind for later use. They vary in size, design, and technology, and play a crucial role in making green energy more reliable and flexible.
India will have 1 Billion Internet Users by this Fiscal Year
Context The Minister of Communications announced at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 that India’s Internet user base is set to touch 1 billion by the end of FY26. Challenges Last-Mile Connectivity: Difficult terrain, low affordability, and lack of digital skills still limit access in remote areas. Data Privacy and Cybersecurity: India needs stronger laws and greater public awareness to protect user data.
Government Achieves Fiscal Deficit Target of 4.8% for FY25
Context The Government of India has successfully met its fiscal deficit target of 4.8% of GDP for the financial year 2024-25, as per provisional data released by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA). What is the fiscal deficit? Fiscal Deficit is defined as excess of total budget expenditure (revenue and capital) over total budget receipts (revenue and capital) excluding borrowings during a fiscal year.
India and New Zealand: Strengthening Defence and Security Ties
Context Recently, New Zealands Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs visited India and emphasized Indias role as a ‘geopolitical giant’ and an ‘indispensable security actor’. About India-New Zealand Relations India and New Zealand established their diplomatic relations in 1952. Both countries are members of the Commonwealth, sharing democratic values and governance principles.
Push for Russia-India-China Revival
In News Russia is actively pushing for the revival of the Russia-India-China (RIC) trilateral format, a strategic dialogue that has been largely dormant for nearly five years. What is the RIC format? Initiated in the late 1990s by former Russian Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov, the RIC format was conceived as a strategic counterweight to Western dominance.
Bonded Labourer in India
In Context The recent death of nine-year-old Venkatesh, taken as ‘collateral’ for his mother’s unpaid debt vividly illustrates the harsh realities and enduring challenges of bonded labor in India, despite its legal prohibition. Current Landscape and Statistics Prevalence: As of 2021, an estimated 11 million people in India were living in modern slavery, the highest number globally. Rescue and Rehabilitation Efforts: Between April 2024 and January 2025, approximately 250 bonded labourers were res