UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 May 2025

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 May 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles

InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.

GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 May (2025)

• India-Pakistan Tension and The Subcontinent’s Challenge

India-Pakistan Tension and The Subcontinent’s Challenge

• South Asia Press Freedom Report 2024–25

South Asia Press Freedom Report 2024–25

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

• Plastic Pollution Crisis in the Himalayas

Plastic Pollution Crisis in the Himalayas

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

• Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore

Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore

• Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS)

Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS)

• International Monetary Fund (IMF)

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

• Thalassemia

Thalassemia

• Three Jan Suraksha Schemes

Three Jan Suraksha Schemes

• United Nations Forum on Forests

United Nations Forum on Forests

Mapping:

• Gomti River

Gomti River

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 May 2025

#### GS Paper 2 :

India-Pakistan Tension and The Subcontinent’s Challenge

Syllabus: International Relation

Source: IE

Context: Following the Pahalgam terror attack and killing 26 civilians, India launched Operation Sindoor across Pakistan and PoK, triggering retaliatory actions from Pakistan.

• Tensions have reached their highest point since Balakot 2019, with concerns about possible regional escalation and nuclear risks.

About India-Pakistan Tension and The Subcontinent’s Challenge:

Historical Context of India-Pakistan Tensions:

Strategic Implications:

• On India: Economic Costs: Military escalation diverts resources; past wars have slowed down GDP growth by 0.5–1.2% (Source: RBI reports post-Kargil). Security Recalibration: India has demonstrated its ability to retaliate without cross-border movement (e.g., drone strikes), redefining deterrence norms. Diplomatic Leverage: India is pressing at IMF and multilateral forums to block Pakistan’s bailout pathways.

• Economic Costs: Military escalation diverts resources; past wars have slowed down GDP growth by 0.5–1.2% (Source: RBI reports post-Kargil).

• Security Recalibration: India has demonstrated its ability to retaliate without cross-border movement (e.g., drone strikes), redefining deterrence norms.

• Diplomatic Leverage: India is pressing at IMF and multilateral forums to block Pakistan’s bailout pathways.

• On the Global Stage: Nuclear Risk Concerns: As nuclear states, India-Pakistan escalation draws global anxiety—UN and major powers have called for de-escalation. China’s Role: Pakistan’s strategic alliance with China raises the possibility of multi-front conflict (especially in Ladakh or Arunachal). Regional Instability: Repeated conflict in South Asia undermines global confidence in the region’s investment climate and development trajectory.

• Nuclear Risk Concerns: As nuclear states, India-Pakistan escalation draws global anxiety—UN and major powers have called for de-escalation.

• China’s Role: Pakistan’s strategic alliance with China raises the possibility of multi-front conflict (especially in Ladakh or Arunachal).

• Regional Instability: Repeated conflict in South Asia undermines global confidence in the region’s investment climate and development trajectory.

Key Challenges to South Asia:

• Leadership Vacuum: Absence of long-term visionary leadership has kept historical grievances unresolved.

• E.g. Failed post-Musharraf dialogues on Kashmir autonomy.

• Terror as State Policy: Pakistan’s tolerance or support for non-state actors’ fuels insecurity across borders.

• Lack of Regional Integration: SAARC remains dysfunctional; trade within South Asia is only 5% of total trade.

• People-to-People Divide: Nationalistic narratives overshadow cultural and human linkages, increasing hostility.

• External Power Play: China’s overt support to Pakistan and US disengagement from the region worsen strategic uncertainty.

Way Ahead:

• Backchannel Diplomacy: Reinitiate confidential talks through Track II channels to create space for dialogue.

• Border Management: Strengthen intelligence and technological surveillance to prevent terrorist infiltration.

• Revive SAARC/BBIN Dialogues: Focus on shared economic and environmental goals to rebuild trust.

• IMF & FATF Leverage: Use multilateral forums to push for action against terror financing networks.

• Domestic Consensus: Build cross-party unity in India on national security issues, avoiding politicization.

Conclusion:

India and Pakistan must recognize that prolonged hostility benefits neither and only hampers the region’s economic and social progress. Military options offer short-term tactical gains but political solutions remain the only sustainable path. Regional peace is essential for realizing the potential of a rising South Asia.

• “Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs of several member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).” Explain with suitable.

South Asia Press Freedom Report 2024–25

Syllabus: Governance

Source: TH

Context: The 23rd Annual South Asia Press Freedom Report 2024–25, titled “Frontline Democracy: Media and Political Churn”, has flagged India as part of a wider trend of shrinking press freedom.

About South Asia Press Freedom Report 2024–25:

• Publisher: Asia Press Freedom group

• Coverage: 8 South Asian countries – India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives

Key Findings:

• 250+ media rights violations recorded; 69 journalists jailed/detained, 20 killed in the line of duty.

• India ranked 151st globally in press freedom; Bhutan fell to 152nd, its lowest ever.

• Pakistan saw its most violent year for journalists in two decades.

• Major risks stem from disinformation, legal suppression, surveillance, and AI-related threats.

Issues Surrounding Press Freedom:

• Legal and Institutional Pressure: Frequent use of UAPA, PMLA, sedition, and defamation laws against critical journalists.

Example: Income Tax and ED raids on dissenting media outlets.

• Disinformation Ecosystem: Political party “IT Cells” amplifies hate speech and fake news, undermining public trust. Global Risks Report 2024 names manipulated information the biggest short-term global threat.

• Political party “IT Cells” amplifies hate speech and fake news, undermining public trust.

• Global Risks Report 2024 names manipulated information the biggest short-term global threat.

• Choking of Independent Media: Denial of government advertisements, restrictions on digital media platforms, and selective internet shutdowns.

• AI and Gig Economy Risks: AI-generated content threatens journalistic authenticity; gig workers face low wages and job insecurity.

• Gender Inequality: Limited representation of women in newsroom leadership roles; widespread gender-based harassment in the media.

Consequences of Declining Press Freedom:

• Self-Censorship: Fear of legal action and violence compels media houses to avoid critical reporting.

• Democratic Deficit: Weakens the fourth pillar of democracy, hampering accountability and transparency.

• Public Mistrust: Rising perception of media bias erodes trust in institutions.

• Information Access Shrinks: Laws like India’s DPDP Act 2023 and amended RTI provisions block legitimate public queries.

Way Ahead:

• Media Law Reforms: Pass the Media Transparency Bill 2024 to curb monopolies and politicised ad distribution.

• Independent Regulatory Framework: Establish a media ombudsman to review censorship complaints and promote fair editorial standards.

• Protect Journalists’ Rights: Enact labour protections for freelance and gig journalists; ensure legal aid and safety mechanisms.

• Fact-Checking Infrastructure: Invest in independent fact-checking bodies to counter disinformation, especially during elections.

• Promote Digital Pluralism: Support independent and community-driven media to balance dominant corporate and political narratives.

Conclusion:

Press freedom in South Asia is under acute strain due to state control, legal harassment, and disinformation. India must act now to safeguard journalistic integrity, ensure citizens’ right to know, and protect democratic institutions. A free and fair press is the bedrock of participatory governance.

• “In the Indian governance system, the role of non-state actors has been only marginal.” Critically examine this statement. (UPSC – 2016)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 May 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Plastic Pollution Crisis in the Himalayas

Context: A new report from The Himalayan Cleanup 2024 shows that over 70% of plastic waste in the Indian Himalayas is non-recyclable, with single-use food and beverage packaging being the dominant source of pollution.

About Plastic Pollution Crisis in the Himalayas:

• Main Source: Over 80% of plastic waste in the Himalayas originates from single-use food and beverage packaging.

• Non-Recyclable Waste: 71% of collected plastic is non-recyclable, including multi-layered plastics (MLP), with limited or no market value.

• Top Polluting Brands: Instant noodles (Wai Wai, Maggi), energy drinks (Sting, Mountain Dew), and snacks (Lays, Bingo) contribute significantly.

Policy Recommendations from THC 2024 Report:

• Ban Multi-Layered Plastics (MLPs): These form nearly 68.5% of waste and are non-recyclable.

• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Hold brands accountable for their packaging waste.

• Ban Junk Food & Energy Drinks near Schools: To reduce child exposure and littering.

• Mandatory Labelling: Enforce clear, front-of-pack warnings on high-risk products.

• Shift from Recycling to Redesign: Embrace a ‘design-out-waste’ approach for sustainable packaging.

• Strengthen Local Bodies: Equip rural and mountain municipalities with resources and training for waste management.

Relevance in UPSC Syllabus

• GS Paper 3 – Environment

• Pollution and Solid Waste Management: Case study for non-recyclable plastic. Conservation and Ecology: Highlights threats to Himalayan ecosystems. Disaster and Vulnerability: Waste mismanagement in fragile regions.

• Pollution and Solid Waste Management: Case study for non-recyclable plastic.

• Conservation and Ecology: Highlights threats to Himalayan ecosystems.

• Disaster and Vulnerability: Waste mismanagement in fragile regions.

• GS Paper 2 – Governance & Policy

• Environmental Governance: Regulatory gaps in plastic packaging. Policy Interventions: Need for integrated waste management in hilly areas.

• Environmental Governance: Regulatory gaps in plastic packaging.

• Policy Interventions: Need for integrated waste management in hilly areas.

• Essay & Ethics

• Topics on sustainable living, corporate responsibility, and ecological ethics.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 May Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore

Source: NDTV

Context: Prime Minister of India paid tribute to Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore on his birth anniversary (Tagore Jayanti), lauding his impact on India’s cultural, literary, and educational landscape.

About Rabindranath Tagore:

• Birth and Background:

• Born on 7 May 1861 in Kolkata (then Calcutta), Bengal Presidency. Son of Debendranath Tagore, a prominent Brahmo Samaj reformer. Grew up in a culturally rich household that inspired his literary journey.

• Born on 7 May 1861 in Kolkata (then Calcutta), Bengal Presidency.

• Son of Debendranath Tagore, a prominent Brahmo Samaj reformer.

• Grew up in a culturally rich household that inspired his literary journey.

• Education:

• Educated at home with strong emphasis on Sanskrit, English, and Upanishadic texts. Sent to England at age 17 but did not complete formal education. Advocated holistic education, later founding Santiniketan to promote integrated learning.

• Educated at home with strong emphasis on Sanskrit, English, and Upanishadic texts.

• Sent to England at age 17 but did not complete formal education.

• Advocated holistic education, later founding Santiniketan to promote integrated learning.

• Contribution to India’s Freedom Movement:

• Supported the Swadeshi Movement through writings and songs. Opposed British repressive policies and renounced his Knighthood in 1919 after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Maintained ideological differences with Mahatma Gandhi, yet deeply respected him.

• Supported the Swadeshi Movement through writings and songs.

• Opposed British repressive policies and renounced his Knighthood in 1919 after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

• Maintained ideological differences with Mahatma Gandhi, yet deeply respected him.

• Contribution to Literature:

• Authored over 50 volumes of poetry, 12 novels, numerous plays, short stories, and essays. Key works include: Gitanjali (Nobel Prize, 1913) Gora, Ghare Baire, The Post Office, Raktakaravi Composed over 2,000 songs, including India’s national anthem, Jana Gana Mana.

• Authored over 50 volumes of poetry, 12 novels, numerous plays, short stories, and essays.

• Key works include: Gitanjali (Nobel Prize, 1913) Gora, Ghare Baire, The Post Office, Raktakaravi

• Gitanjali (Nobel Prize, 1913)

• Gora, Ghare Baire, The Post Office, Raktakaravi

• Composed over 2,000 songs, including India’s national anthem, Jana Gana Mana.

• Global Recognition:

• First non-European Nobel Laureate in Literature (1913). Built bridges of understanding with literary figures like W.B. Yeats and Romain Rolland.

• First non-European Nobel Laureate in Literature (1913).

• Built bridges of understanding with literary figures like W.B. Yeats and Romain Rolland.

• Philosophy and Vision:

• Promoted Universal Humanism, blending Eastern spiritual values with Western liberalism. Advocated for harmony between man and nature, freedom in education, and dignity of individuals. Believed in anti-dogmatic spirituality rooted in the Upanishads.

• Promoted Universal Humanism, blending Eastern spiritual values with Western liberalism.

• Advocated for harmony between man and nature, freedom in education, and dignity of individuals.

• Believed in anti-dogmatic spirituality rooted in the Upanishads.

Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS)

Source: FE

Context: The Government has notified an expansion of the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS), doubling the guarantee limit from ₹10 crore to ₹20 crore and reducing guarantee fees for startups in Champion Sectors.

About Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS):

• What is CGSS?

• A flagship credit guarantee initiative aimed at providing collateral-free funding support to DPIIT-recognised startups. Designed to enable term loans, working capital, venture debt, and other fund-based/non-fund-based instruments.

• A flagship credit guarantee initiative aimed at providing collateral-free funding support to DPIIT-recognised startups.

• Designed to enable term loans, working capital, venture debt, and other fund-based/non-fund-based instruments.

• Established In:

• October 2022, under the Startup India Action Plan. Operationalised by National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC).

• October 2022, under the Startup India Action Plan.

• Operationalised by National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC).

• Ministry: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

• Objective and Significance:

• Lower perceived risk for lenders financing startups. Enable debt-based early-stage funding without collateral. Foster R&D, innovation, and domestic manufacturing in priority sectors. Aligns with the Viksit Bharat vision and Startup India movement.

• Lower perceived risk for lenders financing startups.

• Enable debt-based early-stage funding without collateral.

• Foster R&D, innovation, and domestic manufacturing in priority sectors.

• Aligns with the Viksit Bharat vision and Startup India movement.

• Eligibility Criteria for Startups:

• Recognised by DPIIT as per official notifications. Not classified as Non-Performing Asset (NPA) and not in default to any lender. Eligibility certified by the lending institution.

• Recognised by DPIIT as per official notifications.

• Not classified as Non-Performing Asset (NPA) and not in default to any lender.

• Eligibility certified by the lending institution.

• Eligible Lenders:

• Scheduled Commercial Banks Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) rated BBB and above with ₹100+ crore net worth SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs)

• Scheduled Commercial Banks

• Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) rated BBB and above with ₹100+ crore net worth

• SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs)

• Key Features of the Expanded Scheme:

• Guarantee Limit Raised: From ₹10 crore to ₹20 crore per borrower. Guarantee Coverage: 85% of amount in default for loans up to ₹10 crore. 75% for loans exceeding ₹10 crore. Annual Guarantee Fee (AGF) reduced to 1% for 27 Champion Sectors (earlier 2%). Coverage through Trustee (NCGTC) for eligible fund instruments (venture debt, subordinated debt, debentures, etc.). Operational Reforms: Streamlined process, automatic guarantee issuance via NCGTC portal. Umbrella-based Guarantee: Covers pooled investments, up to 5% of investment or ₹20 crore cap, based on actual losses.

• Guarantee Limit Raised: From ₹10 crore to ₹20 crore per borrower.

• Guarantee Coverage: 85% of amount in default for loans up to ₹10 crore. 75% for loans exceeding ₹10 crore.

• 85% of amount in default for loans up to ₹10 crore.

• 75% for loans exceeding ₹10 crore.

• Annual Guarantee Fee (AGF) reduced to 1% for 27 Champion Sectors (earlier 2%).

• Coverage through Trustee (NCGTC) for eligible fund instruments (venture debt, subordinated debt, debentures, etc.).

• Operational Reforms: Streamlined process, automatic guarantee issuance via NCGTC portal.

• Umbrella-based Guarantee: Covers pooled investments, up to 5% of investment or ₹20 crore cap, based on actual losses.

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Source: DH

Context: India abstained from an IMF vote approving new financial assistance to Pakistan and raised concerns over Pakistan’s repeated misuse of IMF funds, and its poor reform record linked to cross-border terrorism risks.

About International Monetary Fund (IMF):

• What is the IMF?

• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is a global financial institution that promotes international monetary cooperation, economic stability, and trade expansion. It was established as part of the Bretton Woods Agreement to maintain global economic order post-World War II.

• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is a global financial institution that promotes international monetary cooperation, economic stability, and trade expansion.

• It was established as part of the Bretton Woods Agreement to maintain global economic order post-World War II.

• Established In:

• Year: 1945 Operational Since: 1947

• Year: 1945

• Operational Since: 1947

• Headquarters: Located in Washington D.C., United States

• Key Functions:

• Surveillance: Monitors global and national economic developments via reports like World Economic Outlook and Global Financial Stability Report. Capacity Building: Provides technical training and policy advice on public finance, monetary policy, data analytics, and governance. Lending: Offers short- and long-term financial support to help countries manage balance-of-payment crises.

• Surveillance: Monitors global and national economic developments via reports like World Economic Outlook and Global Financial Stability Report.

• Capacity Building: Provides technical training and policy advice on public finance, monetary policy, data analytics, and governance.

• Lending: Offers short- and long-term financial support to help countries manage balance-of-payment crises.

• Sources of Funding:

• IMF’s primary resources come from member country quotas, determined by each country’s relative size in the world economy. Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) supplement reserves and enhance liquidity.

• IMF’s primary resources come from member country quotas, determined by each country’s relative size in the world economy.

• Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) supplement reserves and enhance liquidity.

• Loan Instruments:

• Extended Fund Facility (EFF): For structural economic reforms. Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF): Aims to strengthen long-term economic sustainability. Stand-by Arrangements (SBA): Provides rapid crisis support. Loans often carry conditionalities, termed Structural Adjustment Programs, which require recipient countries to implement economic reforms.

• Extended Fund Facility (EFF): For structural economic reforms.

• Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF): Aims to strengthen long-term economic sustainability.

• Stand-by Arrangements (SBA): Provides rapid crisis support.

• Loans often carry conditionalities, termed Structural Adjustment Programs, which require recipient countries to implement economic reforms.

Thalassemia

Source: TH

Context: On World Thalassemia Day, experts revealed that West Bengal’s Thalassemia carrier rate (6–10%) is well above the national average (3–4%), due to low awareness and limited genetic screening.

About Thalassemia:

• What is Thalassemia?

• Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder where the body produces insufficient or abnormal haemoglobin, impairing oxygen delivery. It is one of the most common single-gene disorders globally, especially prevalent in South Asia.

• Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder where the body produces insufficient or abnormal haemoglobin, impairing oxygen delivery.

• It is one of the most common single-gene disorders globally, especially prevalent in South Asia.

• Caused By:

• Result of mutations or deletions in genes that produce haemoglobin chains (alpha or beta). Passed genetically from both parents, either as a carrier (minor) or a full expression (major).

• Result of mutations or deletions in genes that produce haemoglobin chains (alpha or beta).

• Passed genetically from both parents, either as a carrier (minor) or a full expression (major).

• Types of Thalassemia: Alpha Thalassemia:

• Alpha Thalassemia:

• Involves up to 4 gene deletions; severity depends on how many are missing. Most common in people of Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, and African ancestry.

• Involves up to 4 gene deletions; severity depends on how many are missing.

• Most common in people of Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, and African ancestry.

• Beta Thalassemia:

• Caused by mutations in the beta-globin gene. Prevalent among people of Mediterranean, South Asian, and Chinese descent. Includes:

• Caused by mutations in the beta-globin gene.

• Prevalent among people of Mediterranean, South Asian, and Chinese descent.

• Thalassemia Minor (carrier, mild or no symptoms)

• Thalassemia Major / Cooley Anaemia (severe form needing lifelong transfusions)

• Symptoms: Fatigue and weakness, Pale or yellow skin (jaundice), Facial bone deformities, Growth retardation, Enlarged spleen and liver, and Shortness of breath

• Impacts:

• Affects quality and longevity of life; untreated major cases may result in death before age 30. Leads to social, emotional, and financial burden, especially in high-prevalence regions.

• Affects quality and longevity of life; untreated major cases may result in death before age 30.

• Leads to social, emotional, and financial burden, especially in high-prevalence regions.

• Treatment:

• Regular blood transfusions to maintain haemoglobin levels. Iron chelation therapy to prevent iron overload. Bone marrow/stem cell transplantation: only curative option in select cases. Supportive care: vaccinations, nutritional support, and mental health counselling.

• Regular blood transfusions to maintain haemoglobin levels.

• Iron chelation therapy to prevent iron overload.

• Bone marrow/stem cell transplantation: only curative option in select cases.

• Supportive care: vaccinations, nutritional support, and mental health counselling.

Three Jan Suraksha Schemes

Source: PIB

Context: The three Jan Suraksha Schemes—PMJJBY, PMSBY, and APY—have completed 10 years of providing life insurance, accident insurance, and pension support to India’s underprivileged.

About Three Jan Suraksha Schemes:

• Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)

• Launched: 9th May 2015 Aim: To provide life insurance coverage in case of death from any cause.

• Launched: 9th May 2015

• Aim: To provide life insurance coverage in case of death from any cause.

• Key Features:

• Eligibility: Individuals aged 18–50 years with a bank or post office account. Coverage: ₹2 lakh payable on death from any cause. Premium: ₹436 per annum. Duration: 1-year cover from 1st June to 31st May (auto-renewable). Implementing Agencies: LIC and other approved life insurers via banks/post offices.

• Eligibility: Individuals aged 18–50 years with a bank or post office account.

• Coverage: ₹2 lakh payable on death from any cause.

• Premium: ₹436 per annum.

• Duration: 1-year cover from 1st June to 31st May (auto-renewable).

• Implementing Agencies: LIC and other approved life insurers via banks/post offices.

• Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)

• Launched: 9th May 2015 Aim: To offer affordable accident insurance for death or disability.

• Launched: 9th May 2015

• Aim: To offer affordable accident insurance for death or disability.

• Key Features:

• Eligibility: Individuals aged 18–70 years with a bank or post office account. Coverage:

• Eligibility: Individuals aged 18–70 years with a bank or post office account.

• Coverage:

• ₹2 lakh for death or total disability

• ₹1 lakh for partial disability

• Premium: ₹20 per annum. Duration: 1-year cover from 1st June to 31st May (auto-renewable). Implementing Agencies: Public and private general insurance companies via banks/post offices.

• Premium: ₹20 per annum.

• Duration: 1-year cover from 1st June to 31st May (auto-renewable).

• Implementing Agencies: Public and private general insurance companies via banks/post offices.

• Atal Pension Yojana (APY)

• Launched: 9th May 2015 Aim: To provide guaranteed pension to workers in the unorganised sector.

• Launched: 9th May 2015

• Aim: To provide guaranteed pension to workers in the unorganised sector.

• Key Features:

• Eligibility: Individuals aged 18–40 years, not paying income tax. Pension Benefits: ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 per month after age 60, based on contribution. Contribution Frequency: Monthly, quarterly, or half-yearly. Implementing Agency: PFRDA under the National Pension System (NPS). Premature Death: Spouse can continue contributions till age 60 of the original subscriber.

• Eligibility: Individuals aged 18–40 years, not paying income tax.

• Pension Benefits: ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 per month after age 60, based on contribution.

• Contribution Frequency: Monthly, quarterly, or half-yearly.

• Implementing Agency: PFRDA under the National Pension System (NPS).

• Premature Death: Spouse can continue contributions till age 60 of the original subscriber.

United Nations Forum on Forests

Source: UN

Context: India actively participated in United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF20) held at UN Headquarters, New York, presenting achievements in sustainable forest management.

About United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF):

• What is UNFF?

• UNFF is a functional commission under ECOSOC, dedicated to forest policy dialogue and coordination. It provides a platform for all countries to discuss and promote sustainable forest management (SFM) globally.

• UNFF is a functional commission under ECOSOC, dedicated to forest policy dialogue and coordination.

• It provides a platform for all countries to discuss and promote sustainable forest management (SFM) globally.

• Established year: 2000

• Established by: UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) through Resolution 2000/35

• Headquarters: New York, United States (UN Headquarters)

• Objectives:

• Promote management, conservation, and sustainable development of all types of forests. Strengthen long-term political commitment for forests. Support implementation of Agenda 21, Rio Forest Principles, and global forest goals.

• Promote management, conservation, and sustainable development of all types of forests.

• Strengthen long-term political commitment for forests.

• Support implementation of Agenda 21, Rio Forest Principles, and global forest goals.

• Key Functions:

• Coordinate forest policy across UN member states. Oversee the UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030. Foster global cooperation to halt deforestation and forest degradation. Organize biennial sessions: Odd years: Technical exchange, implementation reviews. Even years: Policy development, decision-making.

• Coordinate forest policy across UN member states.

• Oversee the UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030.

• Foster global cooperation to halt deforestation and forest degradation.

• Organize biennial sessions: Odd years: Technical exchange, implementation reviews. Even years: Policy development, decision-making.

• Odd years: Technical exchange, implementation reviews.

• Even years: Policy development, decision-making.

India and United Nations Forum on Forests:

• India’s Participation at UNFF20:

• Highlighted commitment to Voluntary National Contributions (VNCs) under the UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030. Reported that forest and tree cover has increased to 25.17% of geographical area.

• Highlighted commitment to Voluntary National Contributions (VNCs) under the UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030.

• Reported that forest and tree cover has increased to 25.17% of geographical area.

• Key National Achievements Shared:

• Restoration under Aravalli Green Wall Project. 7.86% rise in mangrove cover over the last decade. 1.55 lakh hectares afforested under Green India Mission. 1.4 billion seedlings planted under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign.

• Restoration under Aravalli Green Wall Project.

• 7.86% rise in mangrove cover over the last decade.

• 1.55 lakh hectares afforested under Green India Mission.

• 1.4 billion seedlings planted under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign.

• Major Global Contributions:

• Invited nations to join the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). Pushed for inclusion of Dehradun CLI (2023) outcomes on forest fire management and certification in global mechanisms. Applauded CLI contributions by Congo, DPR Korea, and Austria.

• Invited nations to join the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA).

• Pushed for inclusion of Dehradun CLI (2023) outcomes on forest fire management and certification in global mechanisms.

• Applauded CLI contributions by Congo, DPR Korea, and Austria.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 May 2025 Mapping:

Gomti River

Source: HT

Context: The Gomti River in Lucknow is at risk of becoming ecologically dead due to rising untreated sewage, declining oxygen levels, and increasing faecal coliform levels.

About Gomti River:

• Origin:

• Arises from Gomat Taal (Fulhaar Jheel) near Madho Tanda, Pilibhit district, Uttar Pradesh.

• Course:

• Flows entirely through Uttar Pradesh, traversing districts like Lucknow, Sitapur, Sultanpur, Jaunpur, Faizabad, and others. Joins the Ganga River at Kaithi in Ghazipur district.

• Flows entirely through Uttar Pradesh, traversing districts like Lucknow, Sitapur, Sultanpur, Jaunpur, Faizabad, and others.

• Joins the Ganga River at Kaithi in Ghazipur district.

• Length & Basin:

• Total Length: ~960 km Drainage Area: ~18,750 sq km (7,240 sq miles) Perennial river with sluggish flow except during the monsoon season.

• Total Length: ~960 km

• Drainage Area: ~18,750 sq km (7,240 sq miles)

• Perennial river with sluggish flow except during the monsoon season.

• Major Tributaries: Sai River, Chowka River, Kathina River, Saryu River, and Sarayan River.

• Cultural and Religious Significance:

• Considered sacred in Hinduism, believed to be the daughter of Rishi Vashishtha. Mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana as one of the five transcendental rivers. The rare Gomti Chakra is found in its sands.

• Considered sacred in Hinduism, believed to be the daughter of Rishi Vashishtha.

• Mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana as one of the five transcendental rivers.

• The rare Gomti Chakra is found in its sands.

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Table of Contents

GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 May (2025)

India-Pakistan Tension and The Subcontinent’s Challenge

South Asia Press Freedom Report 2024–25

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

Plastic Pollution Crisis in the Himalayas

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore

Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS)

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Thalassemia

Three Jan Suraksha Schemes

United Nations Forum on Forests

Mapping:

Gomti River

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 May 2025

India-Pakistan Tension and The Subcontinent’s Challenge

South Asia Press Freedom Report 2024–25

Plastic Pollution Crisis in the Himalayas

Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore

Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS)

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Thalassemia

Three Jan Suraksha Schemes

United Nations Forum on Forests

Gomti River