On May 27, 2025, India and the world witnessed significant developments across various sectors. From legislative discipline to ancient urban culture, recent developments span a wide range. The suspension of MLAs has sparked constitutional debates, while the Keezhadi excavation continues to reshape our understanding of South India's early civilization. In public health, the ICMR’s SCD Stigma Scale aims to address social challenges faced by sickle cell patients. On the economic front, the RBI’s record dividend transfer boosts government finances significantly.

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:

Suspension of MLAs

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper II (Polity) 

In News:

• Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader revoked the six-month suspension of 18 MLAs.

• The Speaker suspended 18 MLAs for six months due to "gross indiscipline".

Procedure for Suspension of an MLA

The suspension of an MLA is governed by the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the respective State Legislative Assembly.

Typical process

• The Speaker identifies acts of indiscipline or disruption in the House.
• A motion for suspension may be moved by a member or allowed by the Speaker.
• The motion is put to vote and passed by a majority of members present.
• In certain cases, the Speaker can suspend an MLA unilaterally, similar to the power under Rule 373 in the Lok Sabha.
• The duration of suspension is generally determined either by the House through the motion or at the discretion of the Speaker.

Read the article on the State Legislative Council!

Key Supreme Court Judgments on Suspension and Legislative Privileges

Raja Rampal v. Lok Sabha Speaker (2007)

The Supreme Court held that legislative privileges are subject to judicial review. Suspension or expulsion of MPs or MLAs can be challenged in court if it violates fundamental rights or constitutional provisions. This judgment affirmed that the legislature’s internal actions are not entirely immune from judicial scrutiny.

Amarinder Singh v. Punjab Vidhan Sabha (2010)

The Court ruled that even actions taken under legislative privileges must align with constitutional values. It clarified that legislatures do not have unlimited punitive powers under the guise of privilege and must act within constitutional limits.

Shiv Sena MLAs Suspension Case (2022)

In this case, 12 MLAs from the Maharashtra Assembly were suspended for one year. The Supreme Court held the suspension unconstitutional, stating that:

• Suspension cannot extend beyond the ongoing session.
• As per Article 190(4), an MLA’s seat becomes vacant if they are absent for 60 days without permission.
• Long-term suspension indirectly causes disqualification, which is a power reserved for the Governor or Election Commission, not the Assembly.

These rulings collectively emphasize that legislative powers, especially concerning suspension and disqualification, must be exercised within constitutional bounds and are open to judicial review.

Procedure for Revoking Suspension

Keezhadi Excavation Site

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper I (Art & Culture) 

In News:

In May 2025, archaeologist K. Amarnath Ramakrishna defended his excavation report on the Keezhadi site in Tamil Nadu. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had requested revisions to the chronology and periodisation in the report.

ASI’s concerns:

• Need for reorientation of the period names

• Insufficient justification for dating Period I (8th century BCE to 5th century BCE)

Significance of Keezhadi

• Challenges the notion that urbanisation began only in North India
• Bridges the gap between Indus Valley Civilization and Sangam Age
• Proves presence of Tamil-Brahmi script, indicating early literacy
• Reveals an artisan-driven economy with industrial activity
• Confirms existence of trade networks in Iron Age South India
• Establishes South India's parallel cultural and urban development trajectory

Read the article on Indus Valley Civilization! 

ICMR-SCD Stigma Scale

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper III (Science & Technology) 

In News:

• The Lancet (South-East Asia) has validated the ICMR-SCD Stigma Scale for India (ISSSI) as a robust and culturally relevant tool.

• This is India's first stigma scale for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and the fourth globally.

• The tool captures the multidimensional stigma faced by SCD patients and caregivers in the Indian context.

What is Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)?

A genetic blood disorder caused by two mutated β-globin genes, producing abnormal haemoglobin (HbS). Red blood cells become sickle-shaped under low oxygen, blocking blood flow.

Causes

• Autosomal recessive inheritance: Both parents must carry the defective gene.
• HBB gene mutation: Point mutation affects the β-globin chain of haemoglobin.

Symptoms

• Severe pain episodes (vaso-occlusive crises)
• Chronic fatigue
• Swelling of hands and feet
• Jaundice and anemia
• Delayed growth, frequent infections
• Organ damage (spleen, liver, kidneys), stroke in severe cases

Burden in India

• Second-highest global burden after Sub-Saharan Africa
• Highly prevalent among tribal and disadvantaged communities

National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (2023–2047)

• Screening of 7 crore people
• Counseling, early care, and reducing mortality

RBI’s Dividend Transfer

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper III (Economy) 

In News:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced a record dividend transfer of ₹2.69 lakh crore to the Union Government for the accounting year 2024–25.

• This is 27% higher than last year’s transfer of ₹2.10 lakh crore.

• The transfer comes under the revised Economic Capital Framework (ECF) and includes a higher Contingent Risk Buffer (CRB) set at 7.5%, up from 6.5% last year.

What is a Dividend Transfer by RBI?

The RBI earns surplus through:

• Interest income on government securities and foreign assets
• Foreign exchange gains
• Fees and commissions

After provisioning for operational expenses and risk buffers, the remaining surplus is transferred to the Government of India as dividend. This transfer acts as non-tax revenue for the government and supports fiscal consolidation.

Key Highlights

• Amount transferred: ₹2,68,590.07 crore
• Previous year’s transfer: ₹2,10,874 crore (2023–24)
• Increase: 27%
• Economic Capital Framework: Updated and approved by RBI’s Central Board on May 15, 2025
• Contingent Risk Buffer (CRB):
  • Raised from 6.5% to 7.5%
  • CRB was 5.5% during COVID-19 years (2018–22)
• Drivers of surplus:
  • Robust forex sales
  • Higher interest income
  • Steady returns on investments