Editorials Analysis – 15 May 2025

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  Category: Indian Polity & Judiciary Summary Points: • Justice B.R. Gavai sworn in as 52nd CJI by President Droupadi Murmu • First Buddhist to become Chief Justice of India • Will serve a 6-month tenure till November 23, 2025 • Likely to preside over key cases: Places of Worship Act, Waqf (Amendment) Act • Part of landmark verdicts: Article 370 abrogation, Electoral Bonds, Rajiv Gandhi case • Son of Dalit leader and former Governor R.S. Gavai Detailed Explanation for...

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  Category: Social Issues / Population & Demography   Summary Points: SRS 2021 report shows Delhi, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu’s birth rates are falling twice as fast as national average. All-India Crude Birth Rate in 2021: 19.3; annual decline rate: 1.12% (2016–2021). Tamil Nadu: 2.35%, Delhi: 2.23%, Kerala: 2.05% decline rate. Slowest declines in Rajasthan, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Assam, MP, WB, UP. Uttarakhand only state to show increase in birth rate. TFR and GRR also high in Bihar, UP, Rajasthan,...

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  Category: Polity & Governance (Appointments – UPSC) Summary Points: • Former Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar appointed as UPSC Chairman • He succeeds Preeti Sudan, whose term ended on April 29 • Appointment approved by President Droupadi Murmu • Ajay Kumar is a 1985-batch retired IAS officer from Kerala cadre • Served as Defence Secretary from Aug 2019 to Oct 2022 • UPSC Chairman’s tenure: 6 years or until the age of 65  Detailed Explanation for RAS Mains Preparation: •...

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Category: Defence & Strategic Affairs   Summary Points: • Indigenous Akash missile system proved superior to Pakistan's Chinese HQ-9 during Operation Sindoor • All Indian strikes were executed with zero asset loss, indicating precise surveillance and strike capability • Defence Minister highlights ₹23,622 crore worth of defence exports in 2024-25 • India’s systems neutralized Chinese and Turkish weaponry used by Pakistan • Indigenous systems like Akashteer and IACCS enhanced India's air defence • Situation along western border now calm  ...