On May 14 2025, India and the world witnessed significant developments across various sectors. India and Pakistan recently held DGMO-level talks to reduce border tensions, while the Prime Minister addressed the nation on key issues. At the same time, the International Maritime Organization’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) met to discuss how to protect the oceans from pollution. Back home, growing plastic waste in the Himalayan region is becoming a serious problem, harming the environment and affecting mountain communities. These events show how India is focusing on peace, global responsibility, and protecting nature.

Awareness regarding daily UPSC current affairs is crucial for cracking the UPSC Prelims, excelling in UPSC Mains. It helps perform well in the UPSC personality test, thus becoming an informed and effective UPSC civil servant.

Below are the current affairs and headlines of the day taken from The Hindu, Indian Express, Press Information Bureau & All India Radio as required for UPSC preparation:

India-Pakistan DGMO level Talks and PM’s address to the Nation

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper II (International Relations)

In News:

• On May 12, 2025, India and Pakistan agreed to consider immediate steps for troop reduction along their borders and forward areas.

• The agreement was reached in Director-General of Military Operations (DGMO) level talks between both countries.

• On May 12, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation following Operation Sindoor, India’s largest counter-terror offensive since Kargil.

• The address came after a brief cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan, post the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

• The PM's speech laid out a new counter-terrorism doctrine, marking a strategic shift in India’s security posture, especially in relation to Pakistan’s nuclear threats.

Key Agreements at DGMO-Level Talks:

• Ceasefire Adherence:
  • Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to not initiate firing across the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB).
  • Emphasis on strict observance of the ceasefire understanding, originally reaffirmed in February 2021.
• Immediate Troop Reduction:
  • Agreement to consider immediate measures for reduction of troops from forward areas and along the borders.
  • Intended to de-escalate the heightened tensions and build confidence post recent hostilities (May 7–10).
• No Aggressive Posturing:
  • Both armies agreed to avoid aggressive military maneuvers, provocations, or inimical actions near the border.
• Commitment to Peaceful Dialogue:
  • Reaffirmation of commitment to resolve issues through military dialogue mechanisms and hotline communication channels.
  • DGMOs to maintain regular contact to monitor the ground situation and prevent miscommunication.
• Non-Use of Force:
  • Mutual understanding to not use force or open fire unless in response to direct threat.
  • Agreement to prevent inadvertent escalations or misunderstandings that could trigger conflict.
• Civilian Protection:
  • Breed to ensure safety of civilian populations living in border areas by avoiding actions that could cause displacement or casualties.

Know more about the India-Pakistan Relations!

Significance of the Agreements

• Marks an effort toward stabilizing the LoC and IB after a brief but intense period of hostilities.
• Reinforces the role of DGMO-level talks as a confidence-building mechanism (CBM) between nuclear-armed neighbors.
• Enhances civil-military cooperation and deconfliction, especially important after Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror incident.

Know more about the India-Pakistan Ceasefire Agreement 2025!

IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper III (Environment)

In News:

• The 83rd session of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC-83) witnessed a significant breakthrough with the adoption of a Market-Based Measure (MBM) for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping.

• This marks the first mandatory global emissions levy framework for any international industry.

Why does Green Shipping Matter?

• Critical to meeting Paris Agreement goals and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
• Shipping is a cross-border industry, requiring uniform international regulation.
• IMO has already:
  • Adopted technical and operational efficiency measures
  • Set targets:
    • 40% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030
    • 70% by 2040
    • Net-zero by 2050

Read the article on the Strategic Significance of the Eastern Maritime Corridor!

Know more about the Indian Ocean Region IOR!

Himalayan Plastic Waste

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper III (Environment)

In News:

• A report from the Zero Waste Himalaya Alliance revealed that 84.2% of plastic waste in the Himalayan region is from single-use food and beverage packaging.

• The Himalayan Cleanup (THC) 2024, conducted across 9 Himalayan States, audited 1,21,739 pieces of trash, of which 1,06,857 were plastic.

• Around 70% of this plastic is non-recyclable, pointing to a systemic production issue, not just post-consumption waste management failures.

National-Level Initiatives to Tackle Plastic Pollution

• Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 (amended in 2022): Mandates Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic producers.
  • Phased ban on identified single-use plastic items from July 2022. 
• Swachh Bharat Mission: Promotes clean cities and plastic waste segregation at source.

• India Plastics Pact (2021): Voluntary initiative to eliminate unnecessary single-use plastics by 2030.

Read the article on the Dangers of Plastic!

Global Initiatives to Tackle Plastic Pollution

• UNEA Global Plastic Treaty (under negotiation): Aims to create a legally binding international agreement on plastic pollution by 2025.
• Basel Convention Amendment (2019): Includes plastic waste under transboundary hazardous waste control.
• Clean Seas Campaign (UNEP): Promotes behavioral change to reduce marine plastic pollution.
• Break Free From Plastic Movement: Global movement tracking corporate polluters and promoting plastic alternatives.

Know more about the Basel Convention 1989!