May 28, 2025

Current Affairs

Early Onset of Monsoon in India

Context: India Meteorological Department (IMD) has declared the monsoon onset over Kerala on May 24, 2025, eight days ahead of its normal date schedule of June 1. The onset of monsoon marks the beginning of the four-month (June-September) southwest monsoon season over India, which brings over 70% of the country’s annual rainfall.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims & Mains: Key facts about Indian monsoon- southwest monsoon season over India.

What factors contributed to the early onset of Monsoon?

Multiple, large-scale atmosphere-oceanic and local factors developed and favoured the early monsoon onset this year. The monsoon arrived over the south Andaman Sea and neighbourhood areas on May 13, against a normal of May 21.

The IMD termed the onset took place under very favourable conditions, including:

1. The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO): It is one of the most important and complex ocean-atmospheric phenomena influencing Indian monsoons with origins in the Indian Ocean. A key feature is that a disturbance of clouds, wind and pressure moves eastward at a speed of 4-8 metres per second. Within 30 to 60 days, MJO winds can travel around the world and cause significant weather changes during their movement. In a favourable phase, it can enhance rainfall over India during the monsoon season.

2. Mascarene High: Mascarene High is a high-pressure area found around the Mascarene Islands (in the south Indian Ocean) during the monsoon period. The variation in the intensity of high pressure is responsible for heavy rains along India’s west coast.

3. Convection: An increase in the convective activity, i.e., the vertical transport of heat and moisture in the atmosphere also brings rainfall. E.g., a convective system over Haryana moved south-eastward and led to rains in the Delhi region (in mid May).

4. Somali Jet: It is a low-level, inter-hemispheric cross-equatorial wind band originating near Mauritius and north Madagascar. During May, after crossing the east coast of Africa, it reaches the Arabian Sea and the west coast of India. A strong Somali jet is associated with the strengthening of monsoon winds.

5. Heat-low: Following the movement of the Sun to the northern hemisphere, marking the summer season, a low-pressure area develops in the Arabian Sea. The development of a heat-low pressure zone over Pakistan and adjoining areas acted as a suction device for moist air along the monsoon trough, and its strong presence influences good monsoon rainfall.

6. Monsoon trough: It is an elongated low-pressure area extending from the heat low to the north Bay of Bengal. The north-south swinging of this trough causes rainfall during the June–September period across the core monsoon zone. Pressure gradient and monsoon onset vortex, a cyclonic formation in the Arabian Sea, also play a role in good monsoon.

7. Neutral El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions were observed during the period, which typically support a normal or stronger monsoon, unlike El Niño years that often suppress rainfall over India.

What is the onset of Monsoon?

The monsoon season in India typically lasts from June to September, although its timing and intensity can vary across different regions.

Pre-monsoon period (March to May): During this time, temperatures rise across the country due to the increasing solar radiation. As summer approaches, the landmass of the Indian subcontinent heats up faster than the surrounding oceans, causing a low-pressure area to develop over the region.
Arrival of the southwest monsoon (end of May to mid-June): The southwest monsoon is responsible for the majority of the rainfall in India. It begins with the onset of the monsoon over the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Moisture-laden winds from the Indian Ocean are drawn towards the low-pressure area over the Indian subcontinent, creating a monsoon trough.
- Factors affecting onset of monsoon:
  - Intense heating of the Indian landmass and formation of intense low pressure.
  - Shifting of ITCZ over Gangetic plain.
  - Withdrawal of sub-tropical westerly Jetstream.
  - Deflection of SE trades after crossing the equator towards Indian west coast.
Advancement of the monsoon (June to July): The monsoon winds gradually advance across the country, starting from the southernmost state of Kerala and progressing northwards. This northward progression is known as the “monsoon onset line” and is closely monitored by meteorological departments.
Onset over different regions: The onset of the monsoon occurs at different times across various regions of India. The western coast and northeastern states receive the monsoon rains first, followed by the central and northern parts of the country. The Himalayan region experiences the monsoon last.

Monsoon progression and rainfall: Once the monsoon sets in, it brings heavy rainfall to different parts of India. The amount and distribution of rainfall vary from region to region. The western coast and north eastern states generally receive more rainfall compared to the arid regions in the northwest.

How does IMD declares that monsoon has arrived in India?

Following are the guidelines to be followed:

Rainfall
- If after 10th May, 60% of the available 14 stations report rainfall of 2.5 mm or more for two consecutive days, the onset over Kerala be declared on the 2nd day.
Low outgoing longwave radiation
- INSAT derived OLR value should be below 200 wm-2 in the box confined by Lat. 5-10ºN and Long. 70-75ºE.
Wind field
- Depth of westerlies should be maintained upto 600 hPa, in the box equator to Lat. 10ºN and Long. 55ºE to 80ºE. The zonal wind speed over the area bounded by Lat. 5-10ºN, Long. 70-80ºE should be of the order of 15 – 20 Kts. at 925 hPa. The source of data can be RSMC wind analysis/satellite derived winds.

Note – Similar to above the onset of NE monsoon also has its own criteria:
India Meteorological Department (IMD) made the following criteria in August 1988 for declaring NE monsoon onset, which was further amended in August 2006 (IMD, 2008).

The criteria are:

Withdrawal of Southwest monsoon up to Latitude 15-degree N
Onset of persistent surface easterlies over Tamil Nadu Coast
Depth of easterlies up to 850 hPa over Tamil Nadu Coast
Fairly widespread rainfall over coastal Tamil Nadu, South Coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining areas.

Impact of Climate Change on Monsoon:

According to IMD, there has been overall decrease in monsoonal rainfall of about 6%-10% since 1951. However, changes in monsoon remains within 10% of the long period average (LPA).
Intermittent rainfall has increased with increase in dry as well as wet spells.
Onset of monsoon and its withdrawal has also been delayed. For e.g. based on data from 1901-1940, the date of withdrawal was 1 September which was revised to 17^th Sept in 2020. Despite this, monsoon 2023 was delayed by around 20 days.
It has impacted the regional spread also. Indo-Gangetic plains + Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal -> reduced. Saurashtra and Kutch, southeastern Rajasthan, northern Tamil Nadu, -> Increased
Rainfall extremes have risen by 3 times.

RoDTEP Scheme for DTAs set to extend

Context: The government has restored the RoDTEP scheme for exporters done by Advance Authorisation (AA) holders, Export-Oriented Units (EOUs), and units in Special Economic Zones (SEZs). The scheme had expired in February 2025. The decision aims to enhance competitiveness in overseas trade and support small and medium enterprises facing thin margins.

The government is considering extending the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme for the Domestic Tariff Units (DTAs) beyond September 30, 2025.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: RoDTEP scheme- Prelims related facts.

What is the RoDTEP Scheme?

The RoDTEP scheme was introduced in January 2021, replacing the existing MEIS (Merchandise Exports from India Scheme).
Purpose:
- To ensure that the exporters receive the refunds on the embedded taxes and duties previously non-recoverable.
- To boost exports which were relatively poor in volume previously.
Need:
- The US had challenged India’s key export subsidy schemes in the WTO.
- The WTO dispute panel ruled against India, stating that India’s export subsidy programmes violated WTO’s trade norms.
- The RoDTEP Scheme ensures Indian exporters are supported, while staying WTO-compliant.
Eligibility criteria:
- All sectors, including the textiles sector, can avail benefits of RoDTEP Scheme.
- Manufacturer exporters and merchant exporters (traders).
- Special Economic Zone Units and Export Oriented Units.
- Goods exported via courier through e-commerce platforms.
- There is no particular turnover threshold to claim RoDTEP.
- Re-exported products are not eligible.
- Exported products need to have the country of origin as India.

Features of RoDTEP Scheme

Refund of the previously Non-refundable duties and taxes: The scheme provides refund of duties and taxes which are levied at central, state and local level and are not refunded under any other mechanism. They include:
- Central and State Excise Duty on fuel for transportation of export goods (petrol, diesel, CNG, PNG, etc.)
- Coal cess or duty levied by States on electricity consumed for manufacturing of export goods
- Mandi tax levied by APMCs
- Toll tax and stamp duties on import-export documentation
- Value added tax (VAT) wherever applicable.
Automated system of Credit:
- Refunds under the scheme are issued in the form of transferrable electronic scrips, which could be used for paying Basic Customs Duty on import of goods.
- The e-scrips (duty scrips) can be transferred electronically to another party.
- The benefit will not be in the form of direct credit to the bank account.
- These duty credits are maintained and tracked through an electronic ledger.
Quick verification through Digitisation:
- Through the digital platform, clearance happens at a much faster rate.
Multi-sector Scheme:
- RoDTEP covers all sectors, including the textiles sector.

CBSE introduces Sugar Boards

Context: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made it mandatory for schools to set up sugar boards in schools to educate students on the risks of high sugar intake.

The National Commission For Protection of Child Rights has pushed for the introduction of a ‘sugar board’ in all schools- not only CBSE affiliated but affiliated to various State boards.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Key facts about the Initiative- Sugar Boards.

Mains: Efforts by the government in promoting healthy dietary habits and nutritional intake.

What are Sugar Boards?

Sugar board is a visual representation of the quantity of sugar contained in commonly consumed foods and drinks.
Objective: To educate students about the risks of excessive sugar intake.
It provides essential information including- recommended sugar intake, sugar content in commonly consumed foods (such as junk food and cold drinks), health risks associated with high sugar consumption and healthier dietary alternatives.
Significance: It is a significant initiative towards nutritional literacy and preventive healthcare to create awareness in nearly 2 crore students and their families.

Sugar Intake and Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes

Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in Type 2 Diabetes among children, a condition primarily seen in adults. The incidence of Type 2 Diabetes among children and adolescents is 397 per lakh population, next only to China which has 734 estimated cases per lakh.
Studies indicate that sugar constitutes 13% of daily calorie intake for children aged 4-10 years and 15% of those aged 11-18 years, substantially exceeding the recommended limit of 5%.

This alarming trend is attributable to high sugar intake and easy availability of sugary snacks, beverages and processed foods within school environments.

India’s Regulatory Stand

Food Standards and Safety Authority of India (FSSAI) had convened a scientific panel of experts in 2025 to decide on a High Fat, Salt and Sugar (HFSS) definition pertaining only to school meals. However, the FSSAI has still not set HFSS standards or finalized the ‘health-star rating system’, for front-of-pack labelling regulations.
While there are regulations in place for making claims on packaged food, FSSAI has not fixed a cut-off for High Fat, Salt, Sugar consumption for the Indian population.
India currently relies on World Health Organisation (WHO) cut-offs for ideal HFSS intake. For instance, WHO guidelines restrict daily sugar intake in adults and children to 25 grams (six teaspoons).

Experts emphasise the need for India-specific sugar intake cut-offs based on indigenous epidemiological data, as Indians are genetically more prone to heart diseases, necessitating studies on BMI, insulin resistance, and other health indicators.

The initiative must be complemented by stringent food regulations in school canteens, formulation of India-specific HFSS standards, and widespread parental and community engagement.

Also Read: Tackling Obesity and Regulating Ultra-Processed Foods in India

Tianwen-2 Mission

Context: China is about to launch a space mission called Tianwen-2 to explore a small asteroid named Kamo‘oalewa.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts related to Tianwen-2 Mission.

Tianwen-2 Mission:

Tianwen-2 aims to explore a near Earth asteroid named Kamo‘oalewa.
The mission will use touch-and-go technique, which has been successfully implemented by the United States’ OSIRIS-Rex and Japan’s Hayabusa2 missions. In touch-and-go technique, the spacecraft hovers close to the surface of the asteroid, while a robotic arm fires an object or burst of gas to knock fragments into a collection chamber.
Depending on the surface conditions, the Tianwen-2 probe might also use anchor and attach technique. In this technique, four robotic arms extend and drill into the surface to retrieve material.
After collecting the samples, the mission will drop them on Earth. The probe will then head towards the main asteroid belt for another mission (towards comet 311P/PANSTARRS). The fragments collected by Tianwen-2 will return to Earth about 2.5 years after the launch.
If successful, China will join the US and Japan as the third country to bring back asteroid samples to Earth.

Kamo‘oalewa Asteroid:

It is a near-Earth asteroid discovered in 2016 by the Pan-STARRS 1 telescope in Hawaii. It is quite small, measuring just 40 to 100 metres in diameter.
It belongs to a rare class called quasi-satellites- celestial bodies that orbit the Sun but remain gravitationally close to Earth.
It appears to follow Earth’s orbit in a "leading and trailing" motion due to its highly elliptical path. This gives the impression the asteroid orbits Earth.

Significance of the Mission

Kamo‘oalewa has garnered attention due to its unusual orbit and unknown origin. Scientists believe exploring this asteroid would help them find clues about quasi-satellites, and how their orbits evolved over time.
Some researchers suggest that Kamo‘oalewa could be the first known asteroid composed of lunar material. The exploration of the asteroid could settle the hypothesis that the Moon was formed as a result of a collision between the Earth and another small planet (Kamo‘oalewa could be a small remnant of that collision).

Rise of AI Powered Autonomous Satellites

Context: Rise of AI-powered autonomous satellites has the potential to transform space operations, but at the same time it has created new legal, ethical, and geopolitical challenges.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Outer Space Treaty (1967), Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects (1972), UNCOPUOS.

Mains: AI powered autonomous satellites - Applications & Challenges

Autonomous Satellites

Autonomous satellites are designed to perform their functions with minimal to no human intervention by utilising a suite of advanced technologies and algorithms.
Onboard intelligence in satellites is called satellite edge computing and allows satellites to analyse their environment, make decisions, and act autonomously like self-driving cars on the ground.

Applications of Autonomous Satellites

Automated space operations: Independent manoeuvring in space to perform tasks like docking, inspections, in-orbit refuelling, and debris removal.
Self-diagnosis and repair: Monitoring their own health, identifying faults, and executing repairs without human intervention.
Route planning: Optimising orbital trajectories to avoid hazards and obstacles or to save fuel.
Targeted geospatial intelligence: Detecting disasters and other events of interest in real-time from orbit and coordinating with other satellites intelligently to prioritise areas of interest.
Combat support: Providing real-time threat identification and potentially enabling autonomous target tracking and engagement, directly from orbit.

Challenges associated with Autonomous Satellites:

As satellites become more intelligent and autonomous, the stakes rise geometrically:

AI Hallucinations and misidentification of threat: A satellite hallucinating can misclassify a harmless commercial satellite as hostile, and respond with defensive actions. This could potentially escalate tensions between nations.
Legal Vacuum and Liability Ambiguities: Existing treaties like the Outer Space Treaty (1967) and Liability Convention (1972) are premised on human control. If an autonomous satellite causes damage or collision, it is unclear who bears legal responsibility- the state, private operator, software developer, or the AI itself. This creates a normative gap in international law complicating enforcement and redressal.
Geopolitical and Security Risks: AI’s dual-use capabilities (i.e., civilian + military) create misinterpretation risks in geopolitically sensitive contexts.
Ethical Concerns: AI satellites collect enormous volumes of surveillance and environmental data. Without safeguards, this data can be misused for military, commercial, or surveillance purposes.

Outer Space Treaty (1967):

Also known as Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, is the foundational international treaty governing space exploration and use.
Opened for signature in 1967, it establishes several key principles including-
- prohibition of weapons of mass destruction in space
- commitment to peaceful uses of space
- outer space is the province of all mankind.
India ratified the Treaty in 1982.

Key Articles of the Treaty :

Article I: Outer space shall be free for exploration and use by all states; access must be on the basis of equality.
Article II: No state can claim sovereignty over outer space or celestial bodies.
Article IV: Prohibits the placement of nuclear weapons or any weapons of mass destruction in outer space.
Article VI: States are responsible for national space activities, including those by non-governmental entities. Activities must be authorised and continually supervised by the state.
Article VII: States are internationally liable for any damage caused by their space objects to other states or their property.

Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects (1972):

It elaborates on liability provisions in Article VII of the Outer Space Treaty.
India is a signatory and has ratified the Liability Convention.

Key Provisions:

Absolute Liability: Regardless of fault, launching states are strictly liable for damage caused by their space objects on Earth or to aircraft in flight.
Fault-Based Liability: For damages occurring in outer space, liability is based on proving fault.
Joint Liability: If multiple states are involved in launching a space object, they are jointly and severally liable.

Claims Mechanism: Claims must be presented through diplomatic channels, and a claims commission may be established for disputes.

Way Forward

AI-driven satellite systems must be tested and certified by neutral international bodies to ensure safety and predictability. Bodies like United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) or International Standards Organisation could:
- Test AI response to critical scenarios like collision risk, sensor malfunctions, or communication failures.
- Conduct adversarial testing by feeding unexpected or manipulated data to check how AI responds under stress.
- Mandate decision-logging mechanisms so that every autonomous action, especially manoeuvres, can be audited later for accountability.
Adopting pooled insurance and strict liability regimes similar to aviation and maritime sectors can ensure fair, predictable compensation mechanisms without lengthy legal disputes.
Formulation of clear international rules on how AI satellites collect, store, and share data, to protect privacy and prevent misuse.

With thousands of autonomous systems projected to operate in low-earth orbit by 2030, the probability of collisions, interference or geopolitical misinterpretation is rising. Autonomous satellites demand a new regulatory architecture that balances innovation with responsibility, and sovereignty with global cooperation.

Practice MCQ:

Q. Consider the following statements with reference to the Outer Space Treaty (1967):

1. It prohibits any nation from claiming sovereignty over outer space.

2. It requires that all space activities be authorised and continually supervised by the state.

3. It explicitly regulates the use of artificial intelligence in space missions.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Mains Practice Question:

Q. Explain how the increasing autonomy of satellites through AI poses new challenges to space safety and security. What regulatory and technical frameworks are needed to address them?