9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 29th January, 2025

Dear Friends,
9 PM Brief is our prime initiatives for the preparation of current affairs. What we are providing in this initiative:
- Ensure that all relevant facts, data, and arguments from today’s newspaper are readily available to you.
- We have widened the sources to provide you with content that is more than enough and adds value not just for GS but also for essay writing.
It is our endeavor to provide you with the best content, and your feedback is essential for the same. We will be anticipating your feedback and ensure the blog serves as an optimal medium of learning for all the aspirants.
For previous editions of 9 PM Brief – Click Here
For individual articles of 9 PM Brief– Click Here
Download Factly and 9 PM Weekly Compilations | Arranged Subject-wise and Topic-wise |
Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 2
Evolving Legal and Scientific Debate on Gender in the US and UK
This post on Evolving Legal and Scientific Debate on Gender in the US and UK has been created based on article “In US, UK, the gender battleground” published in The Hindu on 29th January 2025.
UPSC Syllabus topic: GS Paper 2- Polity
Context: The article discusses the evolving legal and policy debates surrounding gender identity and medical interventions for transgender children in the US and the UK. It highlights recent developments in both countries, focusing on the intersection of science, rights, and legal interpretation.
What recent policy change has the US government made regarding gender?
- On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order stating that the US government officially recognizes only two sexes, which are “not changeable.”
- The implications of this order remain unclear, but it underscores the intensifying legal debates around gender identity in the US, UK, and other Western democracies.
What are the current legal restrictions on gender-affirming treatments in the US?
- Around half of US states have passed laws prohibiting sex-transition procedures for children.
- Tennessee’s 2023 law bans three specific treatments for minors:
- Puberty blockers
- Cross-sex hormones
- Sex-transition surgeries
- The Biden administration and transgender families challenged this law, claiming it violated the US Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection.
- The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the law, ruling that it applies equally to all children, regardless of their gender identity.
- The case was heard by the US Supreme Court in December 2024, with a ruling expected in summer 2025.
How has the UK’s approach to gender-affirming treatments changed?
- Until early 2024, children with gender dysphoria in the UK were commonly prescribed puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones.
- In April 2024, an independent review found insufficient evidence to prove that puberty blockers were safe or effective.
- Following this review, the UK government banned puberty blockers for minors until at least 2027, when the next review is scheduled.
- Cross-sex hormones remain legal but are now subject to stricter regulations.
How have UK courts handled disputes over gender-affirming treatment for minors?
- A legal case involved a child born female who identified as male from the age of 12.
- His parents, who were separated, disagreed on medical intervention:
- The father supported gender-affirming treatment.
- The mother opposed it and sought court intervention.
- By the time the case reached the English Court of Appeal in late 2024, the child was 16 and legally able to consent to treatment under English law.
- However, the court upheld the mother’s request to keep the case open, citing the rapidly changing regulatory landscape.
- This decision means that if the child opts for cross-sex hormones before turning 18, the court retains the right to veto the decision.
What are the key legal and ethical issues arising from these cases?
1) Are laws prohibiting gender-affirming medical treatments discriminatory?
- Critics argue that laws like Tennessee’s discriminate against transgender individuals.
- Supporters argue that such laws are based on scientific evidence and aim to restrict treatments that lack sufficient research support.
2) How involved should courts be in assessing the scientific basis of these laws?
- In the US Supreme Court case, a key issue was whether Tennessee’s law should face strict judicial scrutiny.
- The Court appeared to lean toward accepting the law’s validity.
- The English Court similarly stated that medical policy decisions should be left to the medical profession, not judges.
3) How interventionist should courts be when a child consents to treatment?
- In the UK case, the court ruled that it would intervene only to prevent “grave and irreversible mental or physical harm.”
- However, courts in other jurisdictions may take a different stance.
Substantive Equality in Child Marriage Laws
This post on Substantive Equality in Child Marriage Laws has been created based on article “Substantive equality in child marriage laws” published in The Hindu on 29th January 2025.
UPSC Syllabus topic: GS Paper 2- Polity
Context: The article discusses the legal inconsistencies and gender-based disparities in child marriage laws in India, specifically focusing on the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006. It highlights how the law allows different timeframes for men and women to seek annulment of a child marriage, reinforcing patriarchal notions.
What was the Sanjay Chaudhary v. Guddan (2024) case about?
- The case involved a couple who married as children—the husband was 12, and the wife was 9.
- When the husband was 20 years, 10 months, and 28 days old, he initially sought divorce but later amended his plea to annul the marriage under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006.
- Section 3 of the PCMA allows any individual who was married as a child to seek annulment, provided they file the petition within two years of reaching adulthood.
How does the definition of ‘child’ differ under various laws?
- Under the PCMA, a child is defined as a girl below 18 and a boy below 21. However, under the Majority Act, 1875, legal adulthood is attained at 18 for both genders.
- The PCMA’s literal reading suggests both genders must seek annulment before turning 20.
- However, a previous Madras High Court ruling (T. Sivakumar v. The Inspector of Police, 2011) extended this period to 23 for males.
How did the Allahabad High Court interpret the law differently?
- The Allahabad High Court ruled that males above 18 who enter a marriage knowingly cannot claim ignorance and should have the same annulment period (until 20) as females.
- It criticized the gendered assumption that men should be older and financially stable while women are perceived as dependents and child-bearers.
How did the Supreme Court influence the Allahabad High Court’s ruling?
- In Independent Thought v. Union of India (2017), the Supreme Court casually mentioned that a male child could annul his marriage before 23, even though the case primarily focused on marital rape exceptions.
- The Allahabad High Court, bound by this precedent, allowed annulment beyond 20 years.
- This interpretation is problematic as it creates an unfair advantage for men by giving them more time to exit a child marriage while leaving women disproportionately vulnerable. This contradicts the PCMA’s goal of protecting women’s rights.
Why is raising the marriage age to 21 problematic?
Raising it to 21 would:
- Restrict adults (18-21 years) from exercising rights they already have, such as voting and entering contracts.
- Increase parental and state control over young women’s choices.
- Criminalize self-initiated marriages, leading to social and legal complications.
- Cause more arrests, family breakdowns, and burden the criminal justice system.
What does data from the 2024 Enfold Proactive Health Trust and Civic Data Lab study reveal?
- 4% of child marriages were self-initiated.
- In 80% of these cases, the girl’s family filed complaints, whereas only 30.9% of arranged or forced marriages were reported.
- Raising the marriage age would worsen the situation by increasing state intervention in consensual relationships.
What alternative measures can promote gender equality and better health outcomes?
- Ensuring free and compulsory education till 18 years.
- Expanding social security schemes to support young women.
- Providing barrier-free healthcare access for adolescents.
- Introducing comprehensive sexuality education to promote informed decision-making.
Restricting Skilled Immigration: A Self-Defeating Strategy for the U.S.
This post on Restricting Skilled Immigration: A Self-Defeating Strategy for the U.S. has been created based on article “The U.S.’s immigration blocks as a self-defeating path” published in The Hindu on 29th January 2025.
UPSC Syllabus topic: GS Paper 2-International Relations
Context: The article argues that restricting skilled immigration, particularly through H-1B visa limitations, is counterproductive to the U.S. economy. It highlights how skilled immigrants do not just take jobs but create them, fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
How Do Skilled Immigrants Contribute to the U.S. Economy?
- Skilled immigrants in the U.S. do not just fill jobs; they create them by launching startups, filing patents, and driving innovation.
- They contribute to expanding employment opportunities rather than displacing native workers.
What Is the Common Misconception About H-1B Visa Restrictions?
- The belief that restricting skilled immigration will create more jobs for native workers is flawed.
- Research shows that limiting H-1B visas does not increase hiring of U.S. workers but instead pushes companies to hire talent abroad.
What Are the Effects of H-1B Visa Restrictions on Job Creation?
- A study found that a 1% reduction in H-1B employment leads to a 10-20% increase in foreign hiring.
- For every 10 denied H-1B positions, U.S. companies hire 8 foreign workers abroad.
- Immigrant-founded firms attract more investment and create jobs at a higher rate than native-founded companies.
- More than 50% of America’s billion-dollar startups have been founded by immigrants.
Do H-1B Workers Suppress Native Wages?
- Research by Giovanni Peri and others found that hiring foreign STEM workers increases productivity and wages for native workers.
- Foreign STEM workers account for 30-50% of aggregate productivity growth and 4-8% of skill-biased productivity growth in the U.S.
- The median wage for H-1B workers was twice the median wage for the general U.S. workforce in 2021.
- Between 2003 and 2021, wages for H-1B workers grew by 52%, compared to a 39% rise in overall U.S. wages.
How Does Skilled Immigration Impact Innovation?
- A 10% increase in foreign STEM workers leads to a 0.5-0.6% rise in native wages and a 3-0.7% increase in patents per capita.
- A 1% increase in immigrant college graduates leads to a 9-18% rise in patents per capita.
- Up to 71% of Silicon Valley’s tech workforce consists of foreign-born employees, highlighting their role in U.S. technological leadership.
What Is ‘Brain Circulation,’ and How Does It Benefit India?
- Around 70% of H-1B visas go to Indian professionals
- Previously seen as “brain drain,” it is now regarded as “brain circulation,” benefiting both India and the U.S.
- The skills and experience gained abroad strengthen India’s technology and innovation ecosystem.
How Do U.S. Visa Restrictions Benefit Other Countries?
- Canada has benefited from U.S. immigration restrictions by attracting more skilled workers and tech companies.
- When the U.S. restricts skilled immigration, it does not protect jobs—it outsources them to other nations.
What Are the Proposed Solutions for U.S. Immigration Policies?
- More flexibility in H-1B visas: Caps should be adjusted to reflect market demand rather than being fixed.
- Fast-track processing for critical skills and dedicated pathways for entrepreneurs.
- Permanent residency opportunities for STEM graduates to retain skilled talent.
- Modernized labor market policies, including transparent wage determinations and real-time analytics for job matching.
How Can India Transform Its Approach to Skilled Migration?
India should shift from being just a talent exporter to becoming a key player in global innovation networks through:
- Creating innovation clusters: Developing world-class hubs with tax incentives and research grants.
- Setting new paradigms: Moving from following global trends to leading them, as seen with IndiaStack and UPI.
- Building a robust innovation ecosystem: Encouraging risk-taking and entrepreneurship with initiatives like a startup visa program.
What Steps Can India Take to Optimize Talent Mobility?
- Streamlining OCI processes and pension portability agreements.
- Establishing automated talent mobility systems and joint research funding programs.
- Encouraging shared patent applications and technology transfer agreements.
The Budget Pipeline and India’s Foreign Policy Ambitions
This post on India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) budget has been created based on article “The Budget pipeline and India’s foreign policy ambitions” published in The Hindu on 29th January 2025.
UPSC Syllabus topic: GS Paper 2-International Relations
Context: The article examines the allocation of India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) budget and its implications for the country’s foreign policy ambitions. Despite a significant 23% budget increase last year, the MEA remains one of the least-funded ministries, limiting India’s ability to meet global expectations and expand its diplomatic influence. It also argues that India’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 requires stronger international partnerships, regional integration, and diplomatic investments.
Why Is the MEA Budget Important?
- The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) plays a crucial role in implementing India’s foreign policy and global ambitions.
- Despite its importance, it remains one of the least-funded ministries, affecting diplomatic outreach and project execution.
- In 2023, the MEA budget saw a rare 23% increase, compared to the usual 4% annual rise between 2017-2023.
- Even with 96% budget utilization, the MEA’s allocation remains just 0.4% of total government expenditure.
What Is India’s Foreign Policy Vision?
- The vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047 relies on strong global partnerships.
- India aims to lead the Global South, enhance regional connectivity, and strengthen ties with ASEAN and the Quad.
- It has also launched global initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
Why Is an Increased MEA Budget Necessary?
- Partner countries expect timely project completion, financial support, and strong diplomatic engagement.
- In 2022, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs recommended raising the MEA budget to 1% of total expenditure (a 63% increase).
- While this is unlikely, even a gradual rise to 6%-0.8% would demonstrate commitment to India’s foreign policy goals.
What Are the Key Areas Needing More Funds?
Two major areas require increased funding:
- Economic tools for regional integration and cooperation:
- India’s regional influence is challenged by Bangladesh’s leadership change, Myanmar’s instability, Nepal’s strained ties, and Maldives’ “India Out” stance.
- China’s growing presence in South Asia makes it crucial for India to offer stronger economic support to its neighbors.
- Institutional capacity building:
- The MEA needs more resources to expand human capital and strengthen research expertise.
How Has India’s Foreign Aid Policy Changed?
- In 2024-25, India’s foreign aid declined by 10%, but loans to foreign governments increased by 29%.
- 50% of India’s grants go to neighboring countries, with notable shifts:
- Bhutan remains the largest recipient, focusing on energy cooperation (hydropower and grid connectivity).
- Bangladesh’s aid fell from ₹200 crore (2023-24) to ₹120 crore (2024-25).
- Sri Lanka’s aid increased by 63%, reflecting stronger engagement.
Why Is India Shifting from Grants to Loans?
- India has moved from direct grants to Lines of Credit (LoCs), with 45% of LoCs directed to neighboring nations.
- Bangladesh is the largest LoC recipient at $7.86 billion.
- While LoCs support sustainable infrastructure, they require better oversight and disbursement mechanisms, increasing pressure on India’s diplomatic system.
How Does the MEA’s Institutional Capacity Affect India’s Diplomacy?
- Strengthening diplomatic institutions and expertise is essential for long-term foreign policy success.
- The MEA’s training budget grew by 30% in 2024-25, but overall capacity-building allocations remain inadequate.
- The Indian Foreign Service (IFS) is understaffed, with slow expansion plans and limited lateral recruitment.
Are India’s Research and Cultural Diplomacy Budgets Sufficient?
- In 2024-25, funding for foreign missions, training, and cultural diplomacy grew by only 7%.
- Key institutions saw budget cuts:
- Nalanda University’s funding fell by 20%.
- South Asian University’s budget was cut by 22%.
- While India spends on global conferences and dialogues, it must also support policy-relevant research in Indian universities and think tanks.
Why Is Declassification and Digitization Important for India’s Foreign Policy?
- External Affairs Minister Jaishankar noted that Track 1 (government diplomacy) is ahead of Track 2 (scholarly and public policy research).
- To bridge this gap, the MEA should invest in:
- Declassification and digitization of historical records.
- Public e-access to documents to help scholars analyze India’s diplomatic history.
- Encouraging Track 2 research to help policymakers learn from past successes and failures.
What Is the Way Forward for India’s Foreign Policy Budget?
- Increasing MEA funding is essential to meet India’s growing diplomatic responsibilities.
- Budget increases should prioritize:
- Expanding regional economic support to counter China’s influence.
- Strengthening diplomatic institutions and research capacity.
- Enhancing foreign aid oversight and project execution.
- Investing in digitization and historical research for better foreign policy planning.
ASER 2024 report shows recovery in rural education
Source: The post ASER 2024 report shows recovery in rural education has been created, based on the article “ASER report brings good news — classrooms have recovered post Covid” published in “Indian Express” on 29th January 2025
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education.
Context: The article discusses the ASER 2024 report on children’s learning in rural India. It shows a full recovery from post-pandemic learning losses. Government schools have improved the most. The National Education Policy 2020 has helped strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy across states.
For detailed information on Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2023 read this article here
What Does the ASER 2024 Report Reveal?
- Recovery in Reading Skills:
- There’s a full recovery to pre-pandemic levels among Class III students, with 27.1% now able to read at Class II level, up from 20.5% in 2022.
- Class V students show similar recovery trends, with 48.8% capable of reading Class II level texts, nearly returning to the 50.5% mark of 2018.
- Improvement in Arithmetic:
- The proportion of Class III students capable of doing subtraction has increased to 33.7% in 2024, the highest in a decade.
- For Class V, those able to do division rose to 30.7% in 2024, showing significant improvement.
- Government Schools Leading Recovery:
- Government schools have outperformed private schools, particularly in arithmetic, where Class III subtraction skills increased by 36.6% between 2022 and 2024.
- Role of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020:
- The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 played a major role. It focused on foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN). Unlike past programs, this is the first nationwide push for improving learning outcomes.
- State-Specific Progress:
- Almost all states improved compared to 2022. Low-performing states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu showed remarkable progress. For example, Uttar Pradesh- Class III reading at Class II level rose from 6% (2014) to 27.9% (2024).
- High-performing states like Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra also recovered from pandemic losses. In these states, learning levels in Class III government schools had dropped by half in 2022 but have now improved.
What Is the Overall Impact?
The overall impact is positive, showing that concerted efforts under the NEP 2020 across various states are enhancing foundational literacy and numeracy among primary school children, setting a foundation for future educational achievements.
Question for practice:
Examine how the ASER 2024 report highlights the role of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in improving foundational literacy and numeracy in rural India.
GS PAPER - 3
Wheat prices are rising despite government efforts
Source: The post Wheat prices are rising despite government efforts has been created, based on the article “GRAINY PICTURE: Several questions arise from the recent trend of wheat prices” published in “Business Standard” on 29th January 2025
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security
Context: The article discusses rising wheat prices despite government market interventions. It highlights speculative activity, weather concerns, and subsidy burdens. It also examines food stock levels, the impact of free grain distribution, and debates on revising the public distribution system amid poverty decline.
Why Are Wheat Prices Rising Despite Government Intervention?
- Wheat prices in Delhi reached ₹3,360 per quintal, even though the government released large stocks through the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS).
- In FY24, 10 million tonnes of wheat were pumped into the market to cool prices.
- However, in November 2023, only 2.5 million tonnes were allocated, and about 1.76 million tonnes were sold. Despite this, wheat prices rose by ₹150 per quintal in Delhi.
- Low stocks with flour millers and biscuit makers – They have limited supplies and need more wheat.
- Speculative activity – Traders are hoarding wheat, expecting further price increases.
- High auction prices – The reserve price was ₹2,325 per quintal, but actual auction prices were much higher, showing high demand.
Is Weather a Concern for the Wheat Crop?
- A sharp rise in day temperatures in North India raised concerns about wheat crops.
- Scientists say night temperatures remain normal, keeping the 24-hour average at 15-16°C, which is ideal for wheat growth.
- However, if night temperatures rise, wheat crops could be affected.
How Are Government Food Subsidies Impacting Wheat Stocks?
- The government provides free wheat and rice to 800 million people under Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY) until FY29.
- 74% of the ₹205,250 crore food subsidy budget was spent by November 2024, compared to 58% last year.
- Wheat stocks were 18.41 million tonnes in January 2025, slightly above 16.35 million tonnes last year.
- Higher auction prices than the ₹2,325 per quintal reserve price indicate unsatiated demand.
- Food subsidy overspending may exceed budget estimates if spending continues at the same rate.
What Are the Key Takeaways?
- Wheat prices are rising despite record production (113.29 million tonnes in 2023-24).
- Market demand, speculation, and weather concerns contribute to price hikes.
- Food subsidies are putting pressure on government finances.
- Experts suggest reforming PDS and adjusting food subsidy policies.
- India’s poverty has declined, but millions still struggle with low incomes.
Question for practice:
Discuss the reasons behind rising wheat prices despite government interventions and the impact of food subsidies on wheat stocks.
China built powerful AI model with less resources
Source: The post China built powerful AI model with less resources has been created, based on the article “In DeepSeek breakthrough, lessons for India” published in “Indian Express” on 29th January 2025
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Science and Technology-Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology
Context: A Chinese company built an AI model as strong as those from OpenAI and Google. It used less time and money. This challenges the idea that AI needs big resources. Open-sourcing it changes AI’s future. India can learn and benefit from this shift.
What is the Chinese AI Breakthrough?
- Model Development: A Chinese company developed an AI model called DeepSeek, which rivals or exceeds the capabilities of models from major companies like OpenAI and Google DeepMind.
- Time and Budget: DeepSeek was built in just over two months with a budget of less than $6 million, compared to the billions typically invested by tech giants.
- Under Sanctions: Achieved despite U.S. sanctions limiting access to advanced chips and hardware, showing innovation can overcome resource limitations.
- Open-Sourcing: The model is open-sourced, making it accessible to anyone, which democratizes AI technology and challenges the need for costly infrastructure.
What Are the Implications for the AI Industry?
- AI Development Becomes Cheaper and Faster – DeepSeek was built in two months with less than $6 million, challenging the idea that AI requires billions of dollars.
- Tech Giants Face Challenges – Companies like OpenAI and Google DeepMind invested billions in AI, but DeepSeek shows that AI can be developed efficiently.
- Impact on Nvidia and Data Centers – AI models may no longer need large GPU clusters, reducing dependence on Nvidia’s expensive hardware.
- Investment Shift – Venture capital may move from big AI infrastructure to smaller, innovative AI startups.
What Are the Risks of Open-Sourcing AI?
- Making powerful AI models freely available raises concerns about misuse by bad actors, including criminal groups and rogue states.
- Governments must create rules for responsible AI use to prevent abuse while allowing innovation.
What Does This Mean for India?
- India Can Compete Without Huge Investments: AI progress no longer depends on billions in funding and massive computing power. India can build efficient AI models with its strong software talent and frugal engineering mindset.
- AI for Key Sectors: India can develop cost-effective AI applications in agriculture, healthcare, and education, benefiting millions.
- Learning from China’s Necessity-Driven Innovation: India can use limited resources wisely to create world-class AI models, just as China did under sanctions.
Question for practice:
Examine how the development of DeepSeek challenges the notion that AI progress requires massive financial and computational resources.
Protecting old trees and animals is important
Source: The post Protecting old trees and animals is important has been created, based on the article “Ageing trees and animals are more valuable than we think” published in “Live mint” on 29th January 2025
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Environment
Context: The article explains why protecting old trees and animals is important. Ancient trees store carbon and help fight climate change. Old animals support ecosystems and may offer medical benefits. Scientists and policymakers are now working to protect these irreplaceable natural resources.
Why Do Old Trees and Animals Matter?
- Importance of Old Trees
- Old trees store more carbon than younger trees. This helps fight climate change.
- William Keeton, a forest ecologist, says ancient trees play a major role in carbon storage.
- The US lost 99% of its old-growth forests since 1500 CE. Most remaining forests are in the Pacific Northwest.
- These forests were saved because they housed the endangered spotted owl.
- Old trees provide shelter for wildlife. Fallen giant trees create habitats for salmon.
- Importance of Old Animals
- Rockfish live over 200 years and produce millions of eggs. Killing them can collapse fisheries.
- Female orcas live up to 100 years and guide younger pod members.
- Old elephants and wolves maintain social order in their groups.
- North Atlantic right whales have a median lifespan of 22 years, but Southern right whales can live 130 years.
- Sea sponges live for thousands of years, but fishing destroys them, and they cannot regrow quickly.
What Policies Exist to Protect Old Trees?
- US Forest Service Initiative (2022): Launched a project specifically to protect old-growth forests for their intrinsic value. Unfortunately, the plan was withdrawn due to incomplete approvals before a change in presidency.
- Mapping and Discussion: The first-ever comprehensive survey of old growth in the U.S. was completed, identifying both ancient and mature forests that could potentially become old growth. This initiated broader discussions on conservation strategies.
What Needs to Be Done?
- Scientists suggest adding protections under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
- Conservation efforts should include both old trees and ancient animals. Saving them is crucial because they cannot be replaced.
Question for practice:
Discuss why protecting old trees and ancient animals is crucial for the environment and ecosystems.
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
Organophosphate
News- Recently, doctors treating patients from J&K’s Baddal village said that organophosphate could be behind the 17 deaths that had spread panic in the village.
About Organophosphate
Organophosphates are chemical compounds formed through the esterification process involving phosphoric acid and alcohol.
Esterification is a chemical reaction where two reactants like alcohol and acid combine to create an ester as the reaction product. |
Common Applications:
- Pesticides and Insecticides: Widely used in agriculture to control pests and insects.
- Herbicides: Used for weed control.
- Chemical Warfare: Certain organophosphates are employed as nerve agents, disrupting the transmission of nerve signals, leading to paralysis or death.
- Industrial Uses: Used in manufacturing plastics, solvents, and other chemicals.
Key Facts about Lao PDR (People’s Democratic Republic)
News- The Indian Embassy in Lao PDR has successfully rescued 67 Indian nationals who were trafficked and coerced into working in cyber scam centers within the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ).
About Lao PDR (People’s Democratic Republic)

- Capital: Vientiane
- Location: A landlocked country in Southeast Asia, part of the Golden Triangle (a major opium-producing region) along with Thailand and Myanmar.
- Bordering Countries: Shares borders with China (North), Vietnam (Northeast and East), Cambodia (South), Thailand (West), and Myanmar (Northwest).
- Regional Membership: A member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Geographical Features
- Plateaus: Xiangkhouang, Bolovens, and Khammouan.
- Mountain Ranges: Annamite Range, Luang Prabang Range.
- Highest Peak: Phu Bia
- Major River: Mekong River (Forms part of the border with Myanmar and Thailand; the capital Vientiane is located on its banks).
- Climate– Tropical Monsoon Climate: Distinct wet and dry seasons.
Political System
- One of the world’s few openly communist states.
- Governance: A one-party state where the General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party holds supreme authority over the state and government.
Asian Waterbird Census
News– As per Asian Waterbird 2025 census, a record 39,725 birds of 106 species were sighted in the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary and its surrounding wetlands.
About Asian Waterbird Census
- It is a citizen-science programme that supports the conservation and management of wetlands and waterbirds worldwide.
- It is conducted annually and is part of the global International Waterbird Census (IWC).
- It was initiated in 1987 in the Indian subcontinent and has since expanded to cover major regions of Asia, including East Asia, Southeast Asia, Japan, and Australasia.
- The census, thus covers the entire East Asian – Australasian Flyway and a large part of the Central Asian Flyway.
- In India, the census is organized by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in early January each year.
Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)
|
Enhanced Certificate of Origin (eCoO) 2.0 System
News- The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has launched the enhanced Certificate of Origin (eCoO) 2.0 System.
About Enhanced Certificate of Origin (eCoO) 2.0 System
- It is a significant upgrade designed to simplify the certification process for exporters and enhance trade efficiency.
- Key features:
- This enhanced platform provides various user-friendly features, including multi-user access, allowing exporters to grant authorization to multiple users under a single Importer Exporter Code (IEC).
- Additionally, the system now supports Aadhaar-based e-signing alongside digital signature tokens, providing greater flexibility.
- The platform also introduces an in-lieu Certificate of Origin feature, allowing exporters to request corrections to previously issued certificates through an easy online application process.
About Certificate of Origin
It is a document used in international trade to certify that the goods being exported originated in a specific country.