UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 May 2025

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 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 – 13 May (2025)

• State of the World’s Nursing 2025 Report

State of the World’s Nursing 2025 Report

• Clientelism, Patronage, and Freebies in Politics

Clientelism, Patronage, and Freebies in Politics

GS Paper 3:

• War and Disinformation: A Tactical Weapon

War and Disinformation: A Tactical Weapon

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

• Mission D3

Mission D3

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

• Chambal River

Chambal River

• MY Bharat Portal

MY Bharat Portal

• Drone-based Quantum Key Distribution

Drone-based Quantum Key Distribution

• Geotubing

Geotubing

• Phayre’s Langur and Western Hoolock Gibbon

Phayre’s Langur and Western Hoolock Gibbon

Mapping:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 May 2025

#### GS Paper 2 :

State of the World’s Nursing 2025 Report

Syllabus: Health

Source: DTE

Context: The WHO’s “State of the World’s Nursing 2025” report warns of a worsening global nursing shortage, with Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean expected to face 70% of the shortfall by 2030.

About State of the World’s Nursing 2025 Report:

Status of Nursing in India

• India’s nurse-to-population ratio: Approximately 30 nurses per 10,000 people — below WHO’s recommended threshold.

• Nursing education: India has scaled up nursing graduate numbers but faces quality inconsistencies and faculty shortages.

• Migration trend: India remains a top source of foreign-trained nurses, especially to the UK, Gulf, and Australia.

• Workforce retention: Many nurses migrate due to low wages, limited leadership roles, and poor workplace conditions.

Key Issues in India’s Nursing Sector:

• Inadequate Workforce: WHO norms require 44.5 health workers/10,000 people; India falls short, especially in rural areas.

• Urban-Rural Disparity: Concentration of nurses in urban private hospitals limits access in rural PHCs and CHCs.

• Poor Working Conditions: Long hours, wage delays, inadequate mental health support, and unsafe workspaces deter retention.

• Lack of Leadership Roles: Low presence of Chief Nursing Officers at state/national levels limits policy influence.

• Low Public Investment: Limited fiscal space and infrastructure bottlenecks hamper training and employment expansion.

• International Migration: Heavy nurse outflow depletes domestic capacity; bilateral agreements lack equitable returns.

Way Ahead:

• Scale up Training Capacity: Expand nursing colleges with adequate faculty and clinical infrastructure (E.g., NEP’s emphasis on vocational education).

• Invest in Leadership and Governance: Appoint Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs) and build state-level nursing councils to drive reforms.

• Improve Retention Strategies: Offer better wages, safety, mental health support, and career growth pathways.

• Enhance Rural Deployment: Implement rural return incentives and bonded scholarships to place nurses in underserved regions.

• Leverage Digital & AI Tools: Expand blended learning, digital records training, and AI-integrated curriculum for future-readiness.

• Strengthen International Cooperation: Secure bilateral agreements that compensate source countries like India for nurse outmigration (e.g., India–UK healthcare MoUs).

Conclusion:

The WHO’s 2025 report reveals deep global nursing inequities, with Africa and Asia set to face the brunt of shortages. India must urgently invest in nursing education, employment, and leadership to meet SDG targets and ensure UHC. Empowering nurses today is key to building a resilient, equitable, and future-ready healthcare system.

• “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse. (UPSC-2021)

Clientelism, Patronage, and Freebies in Politics

Syllabus: Governance

Source: TH

Context: Recent debates have reignited scrutiny over freebies, often conflated with patronage and clientelism, raising concerns over democratic integrity.

About Clientelism, Patronage, and Freebies in Politics:

Differences in Clientelism, Patronage, and Freebies

• Clientelism A reciprocal, election-driven exchange where politicians offer individual benefits (cash, gifts, liquor) in return for assured votes. Involves monitoring and potential retribution; relies on party brokers or local networks to ensure loyalty (e.g., vote buying in urban slums or rural belts).

• A reciprocal, election-driven exchange where politicians offer individual benefits (cash, gifts, liquor) in return for assured votes.

• Involves monitoring and potential retribution; relies on party brokers or local networks to ensure loyalty (e.g., vote buying in urban slums or rural belts).

• Patronage A long-term relationship where politicians distribute sustained benefits like jobs, loans, or subsidies to build loyal voter bases. Operates through institutional capture or access to state resources (e.g., state recruitment biases, cooperative bank appointments).

• A long-term relationship where politicians distribute sustained benefits like jobs, loans, or subsidies to build loyal voter bases.

• Operates through institutional capture or access to state resources (e.g., state recruitment biases, cooperative bank appointments).

• Freebies Universally targeted schemes aimed at broad social classes or groups with no electoral strings attached (e.g., free bus rides for women, DBT to female accounts). These are state-funded, transparent, and auditable, reducing intermediary influence and fostering inclusion.

• Universally targeted schemes aimed at broad social classes or groups with no electoral strings attached (e.g., free bus rides for women, DBT to female accounts).

• These are state-funded, transparent, and auditable, reducing intermediary influence and fostering inclusion.

Issues Surrounding These Practices:

• Conflation Muddies Debate: Equating clientelism with universal welfare leads to misguided criticism of inclusive policies (e.g., DBT schemes labelled as freebies).

• Undocumented Clientelism: Election-time inducements, such as cash or liquor, remain underreported but directly distort democratic choice.

• Democratic Undermining: Clientelism undermines voter autonomy and entrenches inequality, while formal freebies may enhance social outcomes.

• Urban Bias & Access Gaps: Patronage and clientelism often exclude rural poor or marginalised groups, while freebies aim for equitable access.

• Lack of Monitoring Mechanisms: Informal practices like clientelism are hard to audit or regulate, making them politically invisible yet powerful.

Way Ahead:

• Differentiate Welfare from Vote-Buying: Establish legal and policy boundaries to distinguish universal welfare schemes from reciprocal political inducements.

• Institutionalise Accountability: Strengthen election expenditure audits, enforce Model Code of Conduct, and empower ECI surveillance units.

• Promote Transparent DBT Systems: Expand tech-enabled, cashless delivery models that reduce political mediation and leakage.

• Educate Voters on Electoral Ethics: Run voter literacy campaigns to reduce acceptance of inducements and promote informed democratic participation.

• Regulate Long-term Patronage Networks: Institute transparent hiring and allocation processes in state jobs and local development schemes.

Conclusion:

While clientelism and patronage threaten democratic fairness through selective incentives, well-structured freebies aim at inclusive development. India must refine its policy and electoral frameworks to discourage informal political exchanges while strengthening transparent welfare delivery. Differentiating these concepts is crucial to safeguarding both democracy and development.

• Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in the light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct. (UPSC-2022)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 May 2025 GS Paper 3:

War and Disinformation: A Tactical Weapon

Syllabus: National Security

Source: DH

Context: Amid a recent India-Pakistan ceasefire, Pakistan intensified a state-sponsored disinformation campaign through doctored visuals and fake narratives to distort global and domestic perceptions.

About War and Disinformation: A Tactical Weapon

What is Disinformation?

• Disinformation refers to deliberate dissemination of false or misleading content intended to manipulate public opinion or discredit opponents.

• In modern warfare, it is a non-kinetic strategy to influence enemy morale and shape international narratives without physical aggression.

Objectives of Disinformation During War:

• Destabilize morale of the adversary (e.g., false reports of Indian drone crashes).

• Shape global opinion to gain diplomatic space (e.g., showing fake civilian casualties).

• Divide domestic populations through communal misinformation (e.g., fake missile strike in Amritsar).

• Undermine trust in institutions, media, and democratic processes.

Modes of Disinformation:

• Social Media Virality: Doctored images, misattributed videos (e.g., Turkish drone video passed as Pakistani strike).

• Fake Telegram Channels: Circulating natural disaster footage as war-related.

• Narrative Hijacking: Use of news templates and fake official-looking handles.

• Meme Warfare and influencers amplifying emotion-laced propaganda.

Consequences of Disinformation in Wartime:

• National Security Threat: Disinformation can provoke panic, disrupt civil order, and influence military decision-making.

• Erosion of Public Trust: Constant exposure to falsehoods leads to information fatigue and loss of faith in media.

• Diplomatic Fallout: False narratives impact international reputation, affecting India’s position in multilateral forums.

• Communal Polarization: Targeted lies can trigger riots or deepen sectarian rifts, as seen in false missile strike claims.

Challenges in Countering Disinformation:

• Speed of Spread: Fake news spreads faster than fact-checking; virality outpaces verification.

• Deepfakes and AI Tools: Technology enables hyper-realistic fake content, difficult to debunk in real-time.

• Lack of Media Literacy: A large population lacks critical digital skills to distinguish fact from fiction.

• No Border for Propaganda: Disinformation transcends national boundaries, making legal enforcement complex.

Way Ahead:

• Strengthen Fact-Checking Ecosystem: Invest in independent fact-checking networks and partnerships with social media firms.

• Media Literacy Campaigns: Integrate digital literacy into school curricula (E.g., Finland’s model of critical media education).

• International Cooperation: Build alliances to trace cross-border info-warfare; strengthen cyber diplomacy with like-minded nations.

• Legal and Regulatory Tools: Update IT Rules to tackle deepfakes and coordinated disinformation networks, ensuring free speech is not curbed.

• Empower Institutions: Equip Election Commission, defence agencies, and PIB Fact Check units with real-time monitoring tools and crisis response teams.

Conclusion:

Disinformation is not just digital noise; it is a strategic weapon in modern hybrid warfare. To protect national integrity and democratic discourse, India must proactively counter narrative manipulation both online and offline. Media literacy, institutional capacity, and global partnerships are vital to win the war of perception.

• What do you understand about the concept of “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss. (UPSC-2014)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 May 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Mission D3

Context: Mission D3, a social reform movement started in November 2024 by tribal youths in Alirajpur and Jhabua districts, is successfully eliminating dowry, liquor, and DJ music from tribal weddings.

About Mission D3:

• What is Mission D3?

• A grassroots social campaign led by Bhil and Bhilala tribal youths to cleanse tribal marriages of 3Ds: Dahej (Dowry), Daroo (Liquor), and DJ music.

• Aim: To promote simple, debt-free weddings and prevent financial exploitation of poor tribal families.

• To curb the cycle of debt and migration post-marriage.

• Key Features:

• Community-driven: Initiated by activist Nitesh Alawa and supported by local leaders, police, and MLAs. Rapid adoption: Spread across Jhabua and Alirajpur with visible support from elected officials and traditional musicians. Social impact: Families now save ₹1–5 lakh otherwise spent on unnecessary customs, preventing reliance on moneylenders. Cultural revival: Traditional instruments like dhols and madals are replacing DJs in marriage ceremonies.

• Community-driven: Initiated by activist Nitesh Alawa and supported by local leaders, police, and MLAs.

• Rapid adoption: Spread across Jhabua and Alirajpur with visible support from elected officials and traditional musicians.

• Social impact: Families now save ₹1–5 lakh otherwise spent on unnecessary customs, preventing reliance on moneylenders.

• Cultural revival: Traditional instruments like dhols and madals are replacing DJs in marriage ceremonies.

Relevance in UPSC Exam

• GS Paper 1 – Indian Society

• Tribal customs, social reform movements, and cultural transformation.

• GS Paper 2 – Governance and Policy

• Role of civil society and grassroots activism in policy impact and social change.

• GS Paper 4 – Ethics and Integrity

• Public participation, value-based leadership, and reform from within the community.

• Essay / Case Study

• Use as a case study on ethical leadership, customary reform, or community empowerment.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 May Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Chambal River

Source: DTE

Context: Illegal sand mining is rampant in the Chambal River region across states, threatening biodiversity and endangering officials and journalists.

• It jeopardises the conservation efforts in the National Chambal Sanctuary, home to rare and endangered species like the Gharial and Ganges dolphin.

About Chambal River:

• Origin: Bhadakla Falls near Janapav Hills (843 m elevation), Indore district, Madhya Pradesh.

• Length: Approx. 1,024 km.

• Mouth: Confluences with the Yamuna River in Jalaun district, Uttar Pradesh.

• States Flowing Through: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh

• Major Tributaries:

• Right Bank: Banas, Kali Sindh, Parbati, Shipra Other Tributaries: Kuno, Seep, Kuwari, Mej, Gambhir, etc.

• Right Bank: Banas, Kali Sindh, Parbati, Shipra

• Other Tributaries: Kuno, Seep, Kuwari, Mej, Gambhir, etc.

• Chambal is a Tributary of: Yamuna River, hence part of the Ganga drainage system.

• River Characteristics:

• Known as India’s cleanest river. Ancient name: Charmanvati (Mahabharata). Flows through Vindhyan scarplands, badlands, ravines, forming deep gorges. Major dams: Gandhi Sagar, Rana Pratap Sagar, Jawahar Sagar.

• Known as India’s cleanest river.

• Ancient name: Charmanvati (Mahabharata).

• Flows through Vindhyan scarplands, badlands, ravines, forming deep gorges.

• Major dams: Gandhi Sagar, Rana Pratap Sagar, Jawahar Sagar.

About National Chambal Sanctuary:

• Tri-state protected riverine zone (Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh).

• Spread over 5,400 sq. km along 425 km of Chambal River.

• Established to conserve critically endangered and riverine species.

• Key Features:

• Primary Focus: Conservation of Gharial (world’s largest population), Ganges Dolphin, and Red-crowned Roof Turtle Other Wildlife: Mugger crocodile, smooth-coated otter, striped hyena, Indian wolf 8 rare turtle species like Indian narrow-headed softshell turtle Mammals: Sambhar, Nilgai, Indian gazelle, Bengal fox, langur, etc. Flora: Dry deciduous forests (Kathiar-Gir ecoregion). Topography: Ravines, sandy stretches, and hilly terrain. Recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA).

• Primary Focus: Conservation of Gharial (world’s largest population), Ganges Dolphin, and Red-crowned Roof Turtle

• Other Wildlife: Mugger crocodile, smooth-coated otter, striped hyena, Indian wolf 8 rare turtle species like Indian narrow-headed softshell turtle

• Mugger crocodile, smooth-coated otter, striped hyena, Indian wolf

• 8 rare turtle species like Indian narrow-headed softshell turtle

• Mammals: Sambhar, Nilgai, Indian gazelle, Bengal fox, langur, etc.

• Flora: Dry deciduous forests (Kathiar-Gir ecoregion).

• Topography: Ravines, sandy stretches, and hilly terrain.

• Recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA).

MY Bharat Portal

Source: News on Air

Context: Union Minister appealed to youth in Patna to actively join the ‘MY Bharat’ portal and contribute to nation-building initiatives.

About MY Bharat Portal:

• What is MY Bharat?

• Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. It provides a tech-driven institutional platform for youth development and youth-led transformation.

• Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

• It provides a tech-driven institutional platform for youth development and youth-led transformation.

• Launched in: October 31, 2023 on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

• Objectives:

• Foster inclusive youth participation in national development. Prepare youth as change-makers for Amrit Kaal and Viksit Bharat@2047. Provide equal opportunities for learning, volunteering, and mentorship.

• Foster inclusive youth participation in national development.

• Prepare youth as change-makers for Amrit Kaal and Viksit Bharat@2047.

• Provide equal opportunities for learning, volunteering, and mentorship.

• Key Features:

• Volunteer Mobilisation: Youth are engaged in public welfare, disaster relief, awareness campaigns. Digital Profiles: Young individuals can list skills, interests, and activities to connect with opportunities. Experiential Learning: Hands-on exposure through projects with local bodies, businesses, and NGOs. Mentorship & Networking: Facilitates access to mentors and peer networks across the country. Govt Scheme Dissemination: Youth act as grassroots ambassadors to spread awareness about govt schemes.

• Volunteer Mobilisation: Youth are engaged in public welfare, disaster relief, awareness campaigns.

• Digital Profiles: Young individuals can list skills, interests, and activities to connect with opportunities.

• Experiential Learning: Hands-on exposure through projects with local bodies, businesses, and NGOs.

• Mentorship & Networking: Facilitates access to mentors and peer networks across the country.

• Govt Scheme Dissemination: Youth act as grassroots ambassadors to spread awareness about govt schemes.

Drone-based Quantum Key Distribution

Source: DD News

Context: The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) signed an MoU with Synergy Quantum India to jointly develop drone-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems.

About Quantum Key Distribution (QKD):

• What is Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)?

• QKD is a secure method of key exchange that uses quantum mechanics instead of mathematical encryption algorithms to share cryptographic keys.

• How QKD Works?

• Photons (light particles) with random quantum states are transmitted over a channel. The no-cloning theorem and measurement disturbance principle ensure any eavesdropping is detectable. After transmission, both parties compare a subset to detect errors or interception. Final keys are extracted after error correction and privacy amplification.

• Photons (light particles) with random quantum states are transmitted over a channel.

• The no-cloning theorem and measurement disturbance principle ensure any eavesdropping is detectable.

• After transmission, both parties compare a subset to detect errors or interception.

• Final keys are extracted after error correction and privacy amplification.

• Types of QKD:

• Prepare-and-Measure Protocols: Sender prepares photons in known states (e.g., BB84 protocol). Used to detect interception. Entanglement-Based Protocols: Relies on quantum entanglement. Change in one entangled particle affects its pair, enabling tamper detection. Discrete Variable QKD (DV-QKD): Uses individual photons and polarization for data encoding. Continuous Variable QKD (CV-QKD): Uses laser properties like amplitude and phase for encoding (e.g., Silberhorn protocol).

• Prepare-and-Measure Protocols: Sender prepares photons in known states (e.g., BB84 protocol). Used to detect interception.

• Sender prepares photons in known states (e.g., BB84 protocol).

• Used to detect interception.

• Entanglement-Based Protocols: Relies on quantum entanglement. Change in one entangled particle affects its pair, enabling tamper detection.

• Relies on quantum entanglement.

• Change in one entangled particle affects its pair, enabling tamper detection.

• Discrete Variable QKD (DV-QKD): Uses individual photons and polarization for data encoding.

• Continuous Variable QKD (CV-QKD): Uses laser properties like amplitude and phase for encoding (e.g., Silberhorn protocol).

• Key Features:

• Tamper detection: Any interception is instantly detectable. Provable security: Based on physical laws, not computational complexity. Quantum-resilient: Immune to future threats from quantum computers.

• Tamper detection: Any interception is instantly detectable.

• Provable security: Based on physical laws, not computational complexity.

• Quantum-resilient: Immune to future threats from quantum computers.

About Drone-Based Quantum Key Distribution Technology:

• What is Drone-Based Quantum Key Distribution Technology?

• A futuristic application of QKD via drones, enabling secure key exchange over dynamic and remote locations without dependency on fixed fiber-optic infrastructure.

• Features:

• Mobility & Flexibility: Can be deployed quickly in disaster zones, border areas, or rural setups. Uses Decoy-State BB84 Protocol: Enhances security and efficiency using polarization encoding. Targeted for TRL 6+: Demonstrates a system prototype in a relevant environment. Boosts Secure Communication: Especially vital for defense, surveillance, and confidential data transfer. Atmanirbhar Bharat-Aligned: Promotes indigenous research and innovation in quantum technologies.

• Mobility & Flexibility: Can be deployed quickly in disaster zones, border areas, or rural setups.

• Uses Decoy-State BB84 Protocol: Enhances security and efficiency using polarization encoding.

• Targeted for TRL 6+: Demonstrates a system prototype in a relevant environment.

• Boosts Secure Communication: Especially vital for defense, surveillance, and confidential data transfer.

• Atmanirbhar Bharat-Aligned: Promotes indigenous research and innovation in quantum technologies.

Geotubing

Source: TH

Context: A joint study by NIOT and KSCADC confirmed that geotubing offshore breakwaters at Poonthura (Kerala) effectively controlled coastal erosion and promoted sustainable beach formation.

About Geotubing:

• What is Geotubing?

• Geotubing uses large, tubular geotextile containers (geotubes) filled with sand or slurry, placed underwater to reduce wave energy and prevent erosion. In Poonthura, three vertical layers of 15-meter circumference geotubes were installed perpendicular to the coast, forming submerged breakwaters that trap and deposit sand.

• Geotubing uses large, tubular geotextile containers (geotubes) filled with sand or slurry, placed underwater to reduce wave energy and prevent erosion.

• In Poonthura, three vertical layers of 15-meter circumference geotubes were installed perpendicular to the coast, forming submerged breakwaters that trap and deposit sand.

• Materials Used:

• Made from high-performance woven geotextiles, typically polypropylene (PP) or polyester (PET). These textiles offer permeability, durability, and resistance to UV rays, chemicals, and microbial degradation.

• Made from high-performance woven geotextiles, typically polypropylene (PP) or polyester (PET).

• These textiles offer permeability, durability, and resistance to UV rays, chemicals, and microbial degradation.

• Key Features of Geotubes:

• Submerged Barrier: Absorbs and dissipates wave energy before it reaches the shore. Sand Accumulation: Facilitates natural beach nourishment by promoting sand deposition.

• Submerged Barrier: Absorbs and dissipates wave energy before it reaches the shore.

• Sand Accumulation: Facilitates natural beach nourishment by promoting sand deposition.

• Advantages of Geotubing:

• Durability: High resistance to tension, UV radiation, chemicals, and microbial erosion. Eco-Friendly: Non-polluting and helps in wetland and coastal restoration. Cost-Effective: Cheaper than concrete or steel structures; easy to install. Customisable: Tubes can be tailored to project needs, suitable for varied terrain. Multi-purpose Use: Effective in flood control, riverbank reinforcement, sludge dewatering, and landfill containment.

• Durability: High resistance to tension, UV radiation, chemicals, and microbial erosion.

• Eco-Friendly: Non-polluting and helps in wetland and coastal restoration.

• Cost-Effective: Cheaper than concrete or steel structures; easy to install.

• Customisable: Tubes can be tailored to project needs, suitable for varied terrain.

• Multi-purpose Use: Effective in flood control, riverbank reinforcement, sludge dewatering, and landfill containment.

• Applications of Geotubes:

• Coastal Protection: Breakwaters, seawalls, and dune reinforcements. River & Lake Management: Riverbank stabilisation and sediment control. Wastewater Treatment: Dewatering sludge in industrial and municipal setups. Infrastructure Projects: Foundations for roads, railways, ports, and reservoirs. Environmental Remediation: Site isolation and pollution control.

• Coastal Protection: Breakwaters, seawalls, and dune reinforcements.

• River & Lake Management: Riverbank stabilisation and sediment control.

• Wastewater Treatment: Dewatering sludge in industrial and municipal setups.

• Infrastructure Projects: Foundations for roads, railways, ports, and reservoirs.

• Environmental Remediation: Site isolation and pollution control.

Phayre’s Langur and Western Hoolock Gibbon

Source: DTE

Context: The ‘Primates in Peril 2023–2025’ report has listed Cross River Gorilla and Tapanuli Orangutan among the 25 most endangered primates globally.

• Two Indian species — Phayre’s Langur and Western Hoolock Gibbon — were considered for the final list, highlighting their growing conservation concern.

About Primates in Peril 2023–2025:

What It Is?

• A biennial global report identifying the 25 most endangered primates worldwide based on scientific assessments.

Published By:

• An international team of primatologists, supported by institutions like IUCN, Bristol Zoological Society, and Conservation International.

Global Distribution of Threatened Species

• Africa: 6 species

• Asia: 9 species

• Madagascar: 4 species

• Neotropics (South America): 6 species

• 15 primates are newly added. (Of them 8 features for the first time).

About Phayre’s Langur (Trachypithecus phayrei):

• Status:

• IUCN Red List: Endangered Distribution: Northeast India, East Bangladesh, and Western Myanmar Habitat: Tropical evergreen, deciduous, and bamboo-dominated forests

• IUCN Red List: Endangered

• Distribution: Northeast India, East Bangladesh, and Western Myanmar

• Habitat: Tropical evergreen, deciduous, and bamboo-dominated forests

• Features:

• Physical: Deep bluish-brown coat, spectacle-like white rings around eyes Males weigh ~7.9 kg; females ~6.9 kg Tail longer than body, aiding arboreal movement Biological & Social: Lives in arboreal groups, mainly diurnal and folivorous. Distinct sagittal crest on head; vocal and territorial behavior. Diet: Primarily leaf-eating (colobine); also consume fruits and seeds Shows specialized craniodental adaptations for seed consumption.

• Physical: Deep bluish-brown coat, spectacle-like white rings around eyes Males weigh ~7.9 kg; females ~6.9 kg Tail longer than body, aiding arboreal movement

• Deep bluish-brown coat, spectacle-like white rings around eyes

• Males weigh ~7.9 kg; females ~6.9 kg

• Tail longer than body, aiding arboreal movement

• Biological & Social: Lives in arboreal groups, mainly diurnal and folivorous. Distinct sagittal crest on head; vocal and territorial behavior.

• Lives in arboreal groups, mainly diurnal and folivorous.

• Distinct sagittal crest on head; vocal and territorial behavior.

• Diet: Primarily leaf-eating (colobine); also consume fruits and seeds Shows specialized craniodental adaptations for seed consumption.

• Primarily leaf-eating (colobine); also consume fruits and seeds

• Shows specialized craniodental adaptations for seed consumption.

About Western Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock):

• Status

• IUCN Red List: Endangered WPA: Schedule I CITES: Appendix II Distribution: Northeast India, Eastern Bangladesh, Western Myanmar Habitat: Tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests

• IUCN Red List: Endangered

• WPA: Schedule I

• CITES: Appendix II

• Distribution: Northeast India, Eastern Bangladesh, Western Myanmar

• Habitat: Tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests

• Features:

• Physical: Males are black with white brows, females are grey-brown Known for vocal duets and white rings around eyes and mouth Biological & Social: Lives in monogamous pairs with strong territorial behavior Moves by brachiation at speeds up to 55 km/hr Diet: Primarily frugivorous, supplemented by insects and leaves Arboreal and diurnal, relying heavily on tall canopy cover

• Physical: Males are black with white brows, females are grey-brown Known for vocal duets and white rings around eyes and mouth

• Males are black with white brows, females are grey-brown

• Known for vocal duets and white rings around eyes and mouth

• Biological & Social: Lives in monogamous pairs with strong territorial behavior Moves by brachiation at speeds up to 55 km/hr

• Lives in monogamous pairs with strong territorial behavior

• Moves by brachiation at speeds up to 55 km/hr

• Diet: Primarily frugivorous, supplemented by insects and leaves Arboreal and diurnal, relying heavily on tall canopy cover

• Primarily frugivorous, supplemented by insects and leaves

• Arboreal and diurnal, relying heavily on tall canopy cover

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 May 2025 Mapping:

Source: TOI

Context: A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck Shigatse in Tibet at a shallow depth of 10 km, as reported by the China Earthquake Administration.

About Tibet:

• Located in Central Asia, Tibet is officially known as the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) of China.

• Capital: Lhasa, situated at an elevation of 3,650 metres.

• Neighbouring Regions and Countries: China, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and

• Physical Features of Tibet: Topography:

• Topography:

• Known as the “Roof of the World”, Tibet lies on the Tibetan Plateau, averaging 4,500–5,000 metres elevation. Major landforms: Qiangtang Plateau in the north – high-altitude, cold desert. Deep valleys and ravines in the southeast. Himalayas in the south and Kunlun Mountains in the north.

• Known as the “Roof of the World”, Tibet lies on the Tibetan Plateau, averaging 4,500–5,000 metres elevation.

• Major landforms: Qiangtang Plateau in the north – high-altitude, cold desert. Deep valleys and ravines in the southeast. Himalayas in the south and Kunlun Mountains in the north.

• Qiangtang Plateau in the north – high-altitude, cold desert.

• Deep valleys and ravines in the southeast.

• Himalayas in the south and Kunlun Mountains in the north.

• Mountains and Peaks:

• Mount Everest (Qomolangma) – World’s tallest peak on the Tibet–Nepal border. Mount Kailash – Sacred to Hindus and Buddhists. Other Ranges: Gangdise, Himalayas, Kunlun, Tanglha.

• Mount Everest (Qomolangma) – World’s tallest peak on the Tibet–Nepal border.

• Mount Kailash – Sacred to Hindus and Buddhists.

• Other Ranges: Gangdise, Himalayas, Kunlun, Tanglha.

• Major Rivers Originating in Tibet:

• Yarlung Tsangpo (Upper Brahmaputra) – Cuts through the Himalayas into India. Indus, Sutlej, Mekong, Salween, Yangtze – All originate here. Notable lakes: Lake Nam, Lake Siling, Lake Mapam (Manasarovar).

• Yarlung Tsangpo (Upper Brahmaputra) – Cuts through the Himalayas into India.

• Indus, Sutlej, Mekong, Salween, Yangtze – All originate here.

• Notable lakes: Lake Nam, Lake Siling, Lake Mapam (Manasarovar).

• Flora:

• Dominant vegetation includes grasslands, alpine shrubs, and sparse forests of bamboo, rhododendrons, oaks, and conifers. Medicinal and edible plants like gro-ba, om-bu, and khres-pa grow in river valleys and wet lowlands.

• Dominant vegetation includes grasslands, alpine shrubs, and sparse forests of bamboo, rhododendrons, oaks, and conifers.

• Medicinal and edible plants like gro-ba, om-bu, and khres-pa grow in river valleys and wet lowlands.

• Fauna: Tibet hosts over 100 mammals like wild yak, snow leopard, musk deer, and Tibetan antelope.

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Table of Contents

GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 May (2025)

State of the World’s Nursing 2025 Report

Clientelism, Patronage, and Freebies in Politics

GS Paper 3:

War and Disinformation: A Tactical Weapon

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

Mission D3

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

Chambal River

MY Bharat Portal

Drone-based Quantum Key Distribution

Geotubing

Phayre’s Langur and Western Hoolock Gibbon

Mapping:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 May 2025

State of the World’s Nursing 2025 Report

Clientelism, Patronage, and Freebies in Politics

War and Disinformation: A Tactical Weapon

Mission D3

Chambal River

MY Bharat Portal

Drone-based Quantum Key Distribution

Geotubing

Phayre’s Langur and Western Hoolock Gibbon