On May 5, 2025, India and the world witnessed significant developments across various sectors. The water fight between Punjab and Haryana is still going on. This shows how hard it is for states to share water fairly. A new seaport in Vizhinjam has started working. This will help India trade more with other countries. India is also becoming better friends with Angola, a country in Africa. This shows India wants to work more with African nations. At the same time, changes in Australia’s government and economy are important. India is paying attention because Australia is a big part of the Indo-Pacific region. 

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:

Punjab-Haryana Water Dispute

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper II (Polity)

In News:

• An interstate water dispute has erupted between Punjab and Haryana over the release of additional water from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).

• BBMB ordered release of 8,500 cusecs of water daily to Haryana, including 4,500 cusecs extra, sparking opposition from the Punjab government.

• Both states held all-party meetings; Punjab refused to comply and considered legal action, while Haryana decided to move the Supreme Court.

What is the Issue?

• Haryana’s Demand: Sought 8,500 cusecs of water from BBMB citing urgent drinking water needs in Hisar, Sirsa, and Fatehabad.
• Punjab’s Objection: Claims Haryana has already overdrawn its annual water share (3.110 MAF vs 2.987 MAF allocated).
• Punjab cites reduced dam levels due to scanty Himalayan snowfall; fears water shortage for paddy and cotton cultivation.
• Punjab has blocked additional flow at Nangal Dam; Haryana claims violation of constitutional rights.

List of Inter-State Water Disputes in India!

What is BBMB (Bhakra Beas Management Board)? A statutory body managing the Bhakra-Nangal and Beas Projects on the Satluj River. Set up under Section 79 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966. Renamed from Bhakra Management Board to BBMB in 1976 after inclusion of Beas projects like the Pong and Pandoh Dams. Background Originally, the Bhakra-Nangal project was a unified venture under the undivided Punjab. After reorganisation in 1966, control was passed to BBMB to serve the interests of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi. BBMB ensures equitable distribution of water and electricity generated from the river valley projects.

Constitutional and Statutory Provisions Related to Inter-State River Water Disputes

• Article 262: Parliament may legislate for the adjudication of disputes relating to inter-state rivers.
• Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956:
  • Provides a mechanism for the Central Government to set up tribunals to adjudicate disputes.
  • Binds states to the tribunal’s award.
• Entry 56, Union List (Seventh Schedule): Centre has the power to regulate interstate rivers and river valleys.
• Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966: Established BBMB to manage water and power sharing post-state bifurcation.

Know more about the Teesta River Dispute Between India and Bangladesh!

Vizhinjam International Seaport

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper III (Economy)

In News:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on April 26, 2025.
• The ₹8,800-crore project is India’s first dedicated container transshipment port.
• Developed through a public-private partnership (PPP) between the Kerala government and the Adani Group.

Read the Statewise List of Major Ports!

India–Angola Relations

Source: The Hindu 

Syllabus: GS Paper II (International Relations)

In News:

• President João Lourenço of Angola visited India after 38 years, marking a historic diplomatic event.

• The visit coincided with the 40th anniversary of formal diplomatic ties between India and Angola (established in 1985).

Key Outcomes from the 2025 Visit

• Signed Agreements / MoUs:
  • MoU on Ayurveda and Traditional Medicine: Enhancing healthcare cooperation and knowledge exchange.
  • MoU on Agriculture: Aimed at increasing productivity and knowledge- sharing in sustainable farming.
  • Cultural Cooperation Programme (2025–2029): Focused on promoting bilateral cultural exchanges.
• Strategic and Defence Cooperation:
  • $200 Million Line of Credit (LOC) approved by India for the modernization of Angola’s armed forces.
  • Discussion on maintenance and overhaul of defence platforms.
  • India to assist in training of Angolan military personnel.
• Multilateral and Developmental Cooperation:
  • Angola signed the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework, becoming its 123rd member.
  • Angola was invited to join:
    • Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
    • Big Cat Alliance
    • Global Biofuels Alliance
  • Plans to expand cooperation in:
    • Digital Public Infrastructure
    • Space technology
    • Critical minerals and fertilizers
    • Diamond processing
• People-to-People Ties:
  • Launch of a Youth Exchange Programme.
  • Recognition of the growing popularity of Yoga and Bollywood in Angola.

Read the article on India-Africa Relations!

Know more about India's Relations with Neighbouring Countries!

Australia

Source: The Hindu 

Syllabus: Miscellaneous

In News:

• Anthony Albanese, leader of the center-left Labor Party, won a second consecutive three-year term as Prime Minister of Australia in 2025.

• Australia follows a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy.

• The Governor-General represents the British monarch, currently King Charles III, as ceremonial head of state.

Know more about the India Australia Relations!

Geographical Aspects

• Continent: Australia is both a country and a continent, also referred to as Oceania when including surrounding islands.
• Hemisphere: Entirely in the Southern Hemisphere
• Surrounding Water Bodies:
  • Timor Sea, Arafura Sea, Coral Sea, Tasman Sea, Southern Ocean and Indian Ocean.
• 6th largest country in the world by area
• Smallest continent but largest island.
• Major Physical Features
  • Western Plateau: Covers most of Western Australia; includes deserts like:
    • Great Victoria Desert
    • Great Sandy Desert
    • Gibson Desert
  • Eastern Highlands (Great Dividing Range):
    • Extends along the east coast
    • Includes Australian Alps and Blue Mountains
    • Highest peak: Mount Kosciuszko (2,228 m)
  • Central Lowlands:
    • Includes Lake Eyre Basin and Murray-Darling Basin
    • Arid to semi-arid region with sparse population
    • The Great Barrier Reef: World's largest coral reef system
  • Vegetation:
    • Dominated by grasslands, scrublands, and eucalyptus forests
    • Rainforests in the northeast (Daintree Rainforest)
    • Savannas in the tropical north
• Natural Resources:
  • Minerals: Rich in iron ore, coal, gold, bauxite, lithium, uranium
  • Energy Resources: Significant natural gas and coal reserves

Know more about the Australia Group (AG)!