UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29 May 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29 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.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 1 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29 May (2025)
• NSO Household Consumption Expenditure Surveys and Poverty
NSO Household Consumption Expenditure Surveys and Poverty
GS Paper 3:
• WMO Global Climate Forecast 2025–2029
WMO Global Climate Forecast 2025–2029
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Menstrual Hygiene Survey 2025
Menstrual Hygiene Survey 2025
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Minimum Support Prices (MSP)
Minimum Support Prices (MSP)
• Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS)
Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS)
• Quality Council of India (QCI)
Quality Council of India (QCI)
• Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950
Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950
• Interpol Issue First Ever Silver Notice
Interpol Issue First Ever Silver Notice
• India’s First Gene-Edited Sheep
India’s First Gene-Edited Sheep
Mapping:
• Mount Kanchenjunga
Mount Kanchenjunga
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS –29 May 2025
#### GS Paper 1:
NSO Household Consumption Expenditure Surveys and Poverty
Syllabus: Poverty
Source: IE
Context: Recent NSO Household Consumption Surveys (2022–23 and 2023–24) and a World Bank report confirm a sharp fall in poverty rates in India, largely driven by high GDP growth and reduced inequality.
Key Highlights of NSO Household Consumption Expenditure Surveys and Poverty:
Key Indicator | Details
Updated Poverty Lines (Rangarajan Committee) | Rural: ₹972 (2011–12) to ₹1,837 (2022–23) to ₹1,940 (2023–24)
| Urban: ₹1,407 (2011–12) to ₹2,603 (2022–23) to ₹2,736 (2023–24)
Poverty Ratio (All India) | Declined from 29.5% (2011–12) to 9.5% (2022–23) and 4.9% (2023–24)
Extreme Poverty (World Bank definition) | Share of people living below $2.15/day (PPP) reduced from 16.2% to 2.3% (2011–12 to 2022–23)
Distribution of the Poor | Over 50% of poor are concentrated between 75–100% of the poverty line threshold, enabling better targeting
Consumption Inequality | Gini Coefficient declined from 0.310 (2011–12) to 0.253 (2023–24), showing improved spending equity
Rural-Urban Contribution | Both contributed equally to poverty reduction; urban areas showed faster inequality reduction
Survey Improvements | Introduced updated thresholds, refined sampling, and expanded sectoral insights in the 2022–23 and 2023–24 rounds
Poverty Trends in India (2011–2024)
• Sharp Decline in Headcount Ratio: Poverty fell from 29.5% (2011–12) to 4.9% (2023–24) — a reduction of 24.6 percentage points.
• Global Benchmark Progress: Extreme poverty (<$2.15/day) dropped from 16.2% to 2.3% (World Bank). $3.65/day poverty line fell from 61.8% to 28.1%.
• Extreme poverty (<$2.15/day) dropped from 16.2% to 2.3% (World Bank).
• $3.65/day poverty line fell from 61.8% to 28.1%.
• Impact of Growth and Inflation: GDP growth increased to 9.2% in 2023–24. CPI inflation fell to 5.4%, aiding purchasing power.
• Poverty Clustered Near Threshold: Over 50% of the poor lie just below the poverty line, making targeted support more effective.
Challenges to Poverty Eradication in India:
• Vulnerability to Shocks: Large sections hover around the poverty line and may fall back due to health or climate crises.
• Uneven Safety Nets: Welfare coverage, especially for urban poor and migrants, remains patchy (e.g., limited urban PDS access).
• Food Inflation Concerns: Food inflation rose to 7.5% in 2023–24, which disproportionately affects the poor.
• Data Gaps in Urban Poverty: Recent surveys underrepresent informal workers and unregulated job sectors.
• Regional Disparities: States like Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha continue to report higher poverty despite national averages improving.
Way Ahead:
• Targeted Cash Transfers: Expand schemes like PM-GKAY and DBT for LPG to reach transient poor above poverty line.
• Resilient Rural Employment: Strengthen NREGA allocations with climate-resilient job creation.
• Urban Social Protection Framework: Develop a unified urban social safety net for gig workers and migrant families.
• Invest in Education & Nutrition: Bridge learning and nutritional gaps via PM-POSHAN and Saksham Anganwadi.
• Continuous Poverty Tracking: Institutionalize annual multidimensional poverty audits using real-time data sources.
Conclusion:
India has made commendable strides in poverty reduction, bringing it down to below 5% for the first time. This has been driven by robust GDP growth and improved consumption equity. Sustained focus on inclusive safety nets and economic resilience will be key to eradicating poverty permanently.
• Explain various types of revolutions that took place in agriculture after Independence in India. How have these revolutions helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India? (UPSC-2017)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29 May 2025 GS Paper 3:
WMO Global Climate Forecast 2025–2029
Syllabus: Climate Change
Source: WMO
Context: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released a new decadal climate forecast, warning that global temperatures between 2025 and 2029 are expected to remain at or above record levels, significantly increasing climate-related risks and development challenges.
About WMO Global Climate Forecast 2025–2029:
• Temperature Range: Annual global mean surface temperature is projected to be 1.2°C to 1.9°C above pre-industrial (1850–1900) levels.
• Record-Breaking Heat: 80% chance that one year between 2025–2029 will exceed 2024, the hottest year on record. 86% chance that one year will cross the 1.5°C threshold.
• 80% chance that one year between 2025–2029 will exceed 2024, the hottest year on record.
• 86% chance that one year will cross the 1.5°C threshold.
• Five-Year Average Warming: 70% probability that 2025–2029 average will exceed 1.5°C, up from 47% in last year’s report.
• 70% probability that 2025–2029 average will exceed 1.5°C, up from 47% in last year’s report.
• Long-Term Context: 1.5°C target in Paris Agreement refers to multi-decade averages, but short-term overshoots are now increasingly likely.
Key Issues Highlighted in the Report:
• Accelerated Arctic Warming: Winter temperatures in the Arctic are expected to be 2.4°C above the 1991–2020 average, over 3.5× faster than global average.
• Decline in Sea Ice: Further reductions predicted in the Barents Sea, Bering Sea, and Sea of Okhotsk, impacting biodiversity and indigenous livelihoods.
• Changing Precipitation Patterns: Wetter conditions expected in Sahel, Alaska, Northern Europe. Drier conditions over the Amazon and parts of South Asia, intensifying drought risks.
• Wetter conditions expected in Sahel, Alaska, Northern Europe.
• Drier conditions over the Amazon and parts of South Asia, intensifying drought risks.
• Regional Variability: South Asia may witness continued wet years, though not uniformly across seasons.
Consequences of Predicted Warming:
• Extreme Weather Intensification: Every fraction of warming drives stronger heatwaves, floods, and droughts, impacting both urban systems and agrarian economies.
• Melting Ice and Rising Seas: Sustained warming leads to glacial melt, contributing to sea-level rise and coastal threats.
• Ocean Heating & Acidification: Increased temperatures cause marine ecosystem degradation, endangering fisheries and food chains.
• Threat to Sustainable Development: Warming undermines SDGs, especially food security, water access, and public health in vulnerable regions.
Way Ahead:
• Strengthen Climate Action (NDCs): Nations must revise and scale up their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) at COP30 for alignment with Paris targets.
• Accelerate Renewable Transitions: Shift to clean energy and net-zero pathways is vital to reduce GHG emissions.
• Boost Adaptation Planning: Implement climate-resilient infrastructure and early warning systems in high-risk zones.
• Enhance Global Climate Monitoring: Expand WMO-led efforts for decadal forecasting, regional risk assessments, and public policy guidance.
• Protect Natural Carbon Sinks: Preserve forests, wetlands, and oceans which act as critical buffers against rising CO₂ levels.
Conclusion:
The WMO’s forecast reinforces the urgency of aggressive climate action. The likelihood of surpassing 1.5°C even temporarily signifies increasing systemic risks. Without immediate global commitment, climate extremes will become the new normal.
• Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of climate change in the Indian sub-continent. (UPSC- 2014)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29 May 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Menstrual Hygiene Survey 2025
Context: The everteen Menstrual Hygiene Survey 2025 reveals alarming misinformation on social media regarding menstrual health, with only 11.5% of women trusting online advice during emergencies.
About Menstrual Hygiene Survey 2025:
• What is Menstrual Hygiene? Menstrual hygiene refers to safe and healthy practicesduring menstruation, including: Use of clean sanitary products (pads, cups, tampons), Proper disposal methods, and Access to sanitation facilities and education.
• Menstrual hygiene refers to safe and healthy practicesduring menstruation, including: Use of clean sanitary products (pads, cups, tampons), Proper disposal methods, and Access to sanitation facilities and education.
• Key Statistics (India & Global)
• 71.6% of Indian women find social media informative on periods, but only 11.5% trust it in emergencies. 82.7% experience menstrual pain, yet 41.5% use no pain relief. 87.8% use sanitary pads, while 5.7% opt for disposable period panties (Survey 2025). 35.4% buy menstrual products online due to convenience. Globally, 500 million women lack access to menstrual hygiene facilities (UNICEF).
• 71.6% of Indian women find social media informative on periods, but only 11.5% trust it in emergencies.
• 82.7% experience menstrual pain, yet 41.5% use no pain relief.
• 87.8% use sanitary pads, while 5.7% opt for disposable period panties (Survey 2025).
• 35.4% buy menstrual products online due to convenience.
• Globally, 500 million women lack access to menstrual hygiene facilities (UNICEF).
• Challenges in Menstrual Hygiene:
• Misinformation & Myths: False remedies (e.g., coffee for cramps, menstrual blood for skincare). Superstitions (avoiding temples, not washing hair).
• Misinformation & Myths: False remedies (e.g., coffee for cramps, menstrual blood for skincare). Superstitions (avoiding temples, not washing hair).
• False remedies (e.g., coffee for cramps, menstrual blood for skincare).
• Superstitions (avoiding temples, not washing hair).
• Stigma & Privacy Concerns: 6%avoid discussing menstruation online due to privacy fears. 4%fear judgment (Survey 2025).
• 6%avoid discussing menstruation online due to privacy fears.
• 4%fear judgment (Survey 2025).
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• GS Paper I (Society & Social Issues) Gender & Health: Menstrual hygiene is linked to women’s health, gender equality, and social stigma. Urban-Rural Divide: Disparities in access to menstrual products and sanitation facilities.
• Gender & Health: Menstrual hygiene is linked to women’s health, gender equality, and social stigma.
• Urban-Rural Divide: Disparities in access to menstrual products and sanitation facilities.
• GS Paper II (Governance & Policies) Government Schemes: SUVIDHA, Swachh Bharat Mission (Menstrual Hygiene Management). Rights & Education: Right to sanitation under SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation).
• Government Schemes: SUVIDHA, Swachh Bharat Mission (Menstrual Hygiene Management).
• Rights & Education: Right to sanitation under SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation).
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29 May Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Minimum Support Prices (MSP)
Source: TOI
Context: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved revised Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 14 Kharif crops for the 2025–26 marketing season.
About Minimum Support Prices (MSP):
• What is MSP? MSP is the minimum guaranteed price offered by the government to farmers for their crops, even if market prices fall. It protects farmers from distress sales and ensures income stability.
• MSP is the minimum guaranteed price offered by the government to farmers for their crops, even if market prices fall. It protects farmers from distress sales and ensures income stability.
• Who Determines It? MSP is recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) and approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).
• MSP is recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) and approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).
• When was MSP Introduced? First introduced in 1966–67 during the Green Revolution, primarily for wheat and paddy.
• First introduced in 1966–67 during the Green Revolution, primarily for wheat and paddy.
• MSP Calculation Method A2+FL Formula: A2 = Paid-out costs (labour, seeds, irrigation, etc.) FL = Imputed value of family labour Margin: Government ensures 50% or more margin over production costs.
• A2+FL Formula: A2 = Paid-out costs (labour, seeds, irrigation, etc.) FL = Imputed value of family labour
• A2 = Paid-out costs (labour, seeds, irrigation, etc.)
• FL = Imputed value of family labour
• Margin: Government ensures 50% or more margin over production costs.
• Crops Covered Under MSP Kharif Crops: Cereals: Paddy, Jowar, Bajra, Ragi, Maize Pulses: Tur (Arhar), Moong, Urad Oilseeds: Groundnut, Sunflower, Soyabean, Sesamum, Niger-seed Commercial: Cotton Rabi Crops: Wheat, Barley, Gram, Lentil (Masur), Rapeseed & Mustard, Safflower Commercial Crops: Copra, Jute and Toria and De-husked Coconut also covered under related MSPs. Key Features of MSP: Announced Twice Yearly: Declared before the Kharif and Rabi sowing seasons to guide farmers’ planting decisions. Prevents Exploitation: Ensures a minimum guaranteed price to protect farmers from market volatility and distress sales. Encourages Crop Diversification: Offers higher MSPs for pulses and oilseeds to shift focus from water-intensive cereals. Budget 2018–19 Mandate: MSP fixed at 5 times the cost of production (A2+FL) to ensure fair profits for farmers. Promotes Nutritional Crops: Higher MSP for millets and Shree Anna supports healthier diets and climate-resilient farming.
• Kharif Crops: Cereals: Paddy, Jowar, Bajra, Ragi, Maize Pulses: Tur (Arhar), Moong, Urad Oilseeds: Groundnut, Sunflower, Soyabean, Sesamum, Niger-seed Commercial: Cotton
• Cereals: Paddy, Jowar, Bajra, Ragi, Maize
• Pulses: Tur (Arhar), Moong, Urad
• Oilseeds: Groundnut, Sunflower, Soyabean, Sesamum, Niger-seed
• Commercial: Cotton
• Rabi Crops: Wheat, Barley, Gram, Lentil (Masur), Rapeseed & Mustard, Safflower
• Wheat, Barley, Gram, Lentil (Masur), Rapeseed & Mustard, Safflower
• Commercial Crops: Copra, Jute and Toria and De-husked Coconut also covered under related MSPs.
• Copra, Jute and Toria and De-husked Coconut also covered under related MSPs.
• Key Features of MSP: Announced Twice Yearly: Declared before the Kharif and Rabi sowing seasons to guide farmers’ planting decisions. Prevents Exploitation: Ensures a minimum guaranteed price to protect farmers from market volatility and distress sales. Encourages Crop Diversification: Offers higher MSPs for pulses and oilseeds to shift focus from water-intensive cereals. Budget 2018–19 Mandate: MSP fixed at 5 times the cost of production (A2+FL) to ensure fair profits for farmers. Promotes Nutritional Crops: Higher MSP for millets and Shree Anna supports healthier diets and climate-resilient farming.
• Announced Twice Yearly: Declared before the Kharif and Rabi sowing seasons to guide farmers’ planting decisions.
• Prevents Exploitation: Ensures a minimum guaranteed price to protect farmers from market volatility and distress sales.
• Encourages Crop Diversification: Offers higher MSPs for pulses and oilseeds to shift focus from water-intensive cereals.
• Budget 2018–19 Mandate: MSP fixed at 5 times the cost of production (A2+FL) to ensure fair profits for farmers.
• Promotes Nutritional Crops: Higher MSP for millets and Shree Anna supports healthier diets and climate-resilient farming.
Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS)
Source: PIB
Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) for FY 2025–26, maintaining a 1.5% interest subvention on short-term Agri loans to promote affordable credit access for farmers.
About Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS):
• What is MISS? MISS is a central sector scheme that offers concessional short-term crop loans to farmers via the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) at reduced interest rates, incentivizing timely repayment.
• MISS is a central sector scheme that offers concessional short-term crop loans to farmers via the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) at reduced interest rates, incentivizing timely repayment.
• Launched In: Originally introduced in 2006–07 to improve credit availability and reduce rural indebtedness.
• Implementing Agencies: Jointly implemented by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and NABARD through Public Sector Banks, RRBs, Cooperative Banks, and Private Sector Banks.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare
• Objectives of MISS:
• Enhance credit flow to agriculture and allied sectors. Provide short-term working capital for farming, dairy, animal husbandry, and fisheries. Reduce borrowing costs for small and marginal farmers. Encourage prompt repayment through interest incentives. Offer financial relief during natural calamities.
• Enhance credit flow to agriculture and allied sectors.
• Provide short-term working capital for farming, dairy, animal husbandry, and fisheries.
• Reduce borrowing costs for small and marginal farmers.
• Encourage prompt repayment through interest incentives.
• Offer financial relief during natural calamities.
• Key Features of MISS (2025–26):
• Subsidised Interest Rate: Farmers get loans up to ₹3 lakh at 7% interest. An interest subvention of 1.5% is given to lending institutions. Prompt repayment incentive (PRI) of 3% lowers the effective rate to 4%. Sectoral Coverage: Applicable to crop loans, animal husbandry, and fisheries (up to ₹2 lakh). Loan Limit Enhancement: Under Budget 2025–26, limit proposed to be raised to ₹5 lakh for expanding agri-needs. Calamity Support: 2% subvention on restructured loans in the event of natural disasters. Massive Outreach: Covers over 7.75 crore KCC accounts nationwide, fostering rural credit inclusion. Digital Reforms: Kisan Rin Portal (KRP) launched in 2023 for fast and transparent claim processing.
• Subsidised Interest Rate: Farmers get loans up to ₹3 lakh at 7% interest. An interest subvention of 1.5% is given to lending institutions. Prompt repayment incentive (PRI) of 3% lowers the effective rate to 4%.
• Farmers get loans up to ₹3 lakh at 7% interest.
• An interest subvention of 1.5% is given to lending institutions.
• Prompt repayment incentive (PRI) of 3% lowers the effective rate to 4%.
• Sectoral Coverage: Applicable to crop loans, animal husbandry, and fisheries (up to ₹2 lakh).
• Loan Limit Enhancement: Under Budget 2025–26, limit proposed to be raised to ₹5 lakh for expanding agri-needs.
• Calamity Support: 2% subvention on restructured loans in the event of natural disasters.
• Massive Outreach: Covers over 7.75 crore KCC accounts nationwide, fostering rural credit inclusion.
• Digital Reforms: Kisan Rin Portal (KRP) launched in 2023 for fast and transparent claim processing.
Quality Council of India (QCI)
Source: News on Air
Context: Minister of State for Commerce and Industry inaugurated the new unified headquarters of the Quality Council of India (QCI) at the World Trade Centre, New Delhi.
About Quality Council of India (QCI):
• What is QCI? QCI is an autonomous national accreditation body responsible for ensuring quality assurance in products, services, and processes across sectors, through independent third-party assessments.
• QCI is an autonomous national accreditation body responsible for ensuring quality assurance in products, services, and processes across sectors, through independent third-party assessments.
• Established In: 1996, based on recommendations from an EU Expert Mission and inter-ministerial consultations.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade – DPIIT)
• Headquarters: Now located at World Trade Centre (WTC), New Delhi
• Objectives of QCI:
• Promote quality standards across public and private sectors. Provide independent accreditation and third-party assessment. Enhance quality of life and public service delivery through better governance standards. Act as a nodal body to implement National Quality Campaigns aligned with global benchmarks.
• Promote quality standards across public and private sectors.
• Provide independent accreditation and third-party assessment.
• Enhance quality of life and public service delivery through better governance standards.
• Act as a nodal body to implement National Quality Campaigns aligned with global benchmarks.
• Structure and Governance
• Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model involving the government and industry associations — CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM. Registered under Societies Registration Act, 1860. Governing Council of 39 members with equal representation from government, industry, and stakeholders. The Chairperson is nominated by the Prime Minister of India.
• Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model involving the government and industry associations — CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM.
• Registered under Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• Governing Council of 39 members with equal representation from government, industry, and stakeholders.
• The Chairperson is nominated by the Prime Minister of India.
• Key Functions of QCI:
• Accreditation Services: Through bodies like NABL, NABH, NABET, NBQP, ensuring quality in labs, healthcare, environment, etc. Third-party Assessments: Independent evaluation of services, infrastructure, and government programs. Policy Implementation: Supports quality mandates under schemes like Swachh Bharat, Ayushman Bharat, etc. Capacity Building: Trains personnel for quality audits and quality improvement across sectors. Global Collaboration: Aligns India’s quality ecosystem with international benchmarks and WTO standards.
• Accreditation Services: Through bodies like NABL, NABH, NABET, NBQP, ensuring quality in labs, healthcare, environment, etc.
• Third-party Assessments: Independent evaluation of services, infrastructure, and government programs.
• Policy Implementation: Supports quality mandates under schemes like Swachh Bharat, Ayushman Bharat, etc.
• Capacity Building: Trains personnel for quality audits and quality improvement across sectors.
• Global Collaboration: Aligns India’s quality ecosystem with international benchmarks and WTO standards.
Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950
Source: TH
Context: The Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking protection of V.D. Savarkar’s name under the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950.
About Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950:
• What is It? A regulatory legislation to prevent the commercial or improper use of national emblems, names, and symbols that hold public significance or represent national institutions.
• A regulatory legislation to prevent the commercial or improper use of national emblems, names, and symbols that hold public significance or represent national institutions.
• Enforced On:1st September, 1950, through Gazette notification.
• Nodal Authority: Central Government – empowered to amend the Schedule and issue rules under the Act.
• Objectives of the Act:
• Prohibit misuse of names/emblems associated with national institutions or public trust. Protect the dignity of names and symbols associated with the Indian government, historic personalities, and international bodies. Maintain decorum in commercial branding, preventing deceptive or misleading affiliations.
• Prohibit misuse of names/emblems associated with national institutions or public trust.
• Protect the dignity of names and symbols associated with the Indian government, historic personalities, and international bodies.
• Maintain decorum in commercial branding, preventing deceptive or misleading affiliations.
• Key Features:
• Prohibition Clause (Section 3): Disallows the use of specified names/emblems for business, trade, patents, or advertising without Central Government permission. Scope (Section 1 & 2): Applies across India and Indian citizens abroad. “Name” includes abbreviations, and “emblem” includes flags, seals, and coats of arms. Ban on Registrations (Section 4): Authorities cannot register companies, trademarks, or patents bearing protected names/emblems. Penalty (Section 5): Misuse punishable by fine up to ₹500. Mandatory Sanction (Section 6): Prior sanction from the Centre is needed before prosecution. Dynamic Schedule: The Schedule includes protected items such as the Indian National Flag, Mahatma Gandhi’s name, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and others.
• Prohibition Clause (Section 3): Disallows the use of specified names/emblems for business, trade, patents, or advertising without Central Government permission.
• Scope (Section 1 & 2): Applies across India and Indian citizens abroad. “Name” includes abbreviations, and “emblem” includes flags, seals, and coats of arms.
• Applies across India and Indian citizens abroad.
• “Name” includes abbreviations, and “emblem” includes flags, seals, and coats of arms.
• Ban on Registrations (Section 4): Authorities cannot register companies, trademarks, or patents bearing protected names/emblems.
• Penalty (Section 5): Misuse punishable by fine up to ₹500.
• Mandatory Sanction (Section 6): Prior sanction from the Centre is needed before prosecution.
• Dynamic Schedule: The Schedule includes protected items such as the Indian National Flag, Mahatma Gandhi’s name, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and others.
Interpol Issue First Ever Silver Notice
Source: NIE
Context: Interpol has issued its first-ever Silver Notice at India’s request to track illicit assets linked to former French Embassy official Shubham Shokeen, accused in a major visa fraud.
About Interpol Issue First Ever Silver Notice:
• What is a Silver Notice?
• A colour-coded Interpol alert launched in January 2025. Aimed at identifying, tracking, and recovering criminally acquired assets worldwide.
• A colour-coded Interpol alert launched in January 2025.
• Aimed at identifying, tracking, and recovering criminally acquired assets worldwide.
• How It Works?
• Member countries can request a Silver Notice to locate assets linked to crimes such as: Fraud, corruption, money laundering, narcotics, and environmental crimes. It enables countries to exchange asset-related intelligence and initiate: Freezing, seizure, or confiscation of these assets under domestic laws. Information is first reviewed by Interpol’s General Secretariat to prevent misuse or politically motivated targeting.
• Member countries can request a Silver Notice to locate assets linked to crimes such as: Fraud, corruption, money laundering, narcotics, and environmental crimes. It enables countries to exchange asset-related intelligence and initiate: Freezing, seizure, or confiscation of these assets under domestic laws. Information is first reviewed by Interpol’s General Secretariat to prevent misuse or politically motivated targeting.
• Fraud, corruption, money laundering, narcotics, and environmental crimes.
• It enables countries to exchange asset-related intelligence and initiate:
• Freezing, seizure, or confiscation of these assets under domestic laws.
• Information is first reviewed by Interpol’s General Secretariat to prevent misuse or politically motivated targeting.
• Authority and Issuance:
• In India, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) acts as the nodal agency for all Interpol matters. Only member countries can issue such notices, subject to pilot phase limits (9 notices per country till Nov 2025). The notice is shared with 195 Interpol member countries for real-time cooperation.
• In India, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) acts as the nodal agency for all Interpol matters.
• Only member countries can issue such notices, subject to pilot phase limits (9 notices per country till Nov 2025).
• The notice is shared with 195 Interpol member countries for real-time cooperation.
• Key Features of Silver Notice:
• Asset-Focused Tool: Unlike the Red Notice (for people), Silver Notice targets illicit assets. Transnational Reach: Aids asset tracking across borders using global police coordination. Supports Financial Investigations: Useful in crypto scams, shell firms, real estate laundering, etc. Strengthens Legal Cooperation: Provides basis for bilateral asset recovery requests.
• Asset-Focused Tool: Unlike the Red Notice (for people), Silver Notice targets illicit assets.
• Transnational Reach: Aids asset tracking across borders using global police coordination.
• Supports Financial Investigations: Useful in crypto scams, shell firms, real estate laundering, etc.
• Strengthens Legal Cooperation: Provides basis for bilateral asset recovery requests.
India’s First Gene-Edited Sheep
Source: IE
Context: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-Kashmir) has successfully produced India’s first gene-edited sheep, enhancing muscle mass by 30%.
About India’s First Gene-Edited Sheep:
• What It Is? A genetically modified lamb with enhanced muscle mass, developed by editing the myostatin gene, which regulates muscle growth in sheep.
• A genetically modified lamb with enhanced muscle mass, developed by editing the myostatin gene, which regulates muscle growth in sheep.
• Developed By: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-Kashmir)
• Technology Used:
• CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing – a Nobel Prize-winning precision genome editing technique. Conducted under international biosafety protocols, ensuring no foreign DNA was inserted.
• CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing – a Nobel Prize-winning precision genome editing technique.
• Conducted under international biosafety protocols, ensuring no foreign DNA was inserted.
• Key Features:
• Muscle Enhancement: 30% higher muscle mass than Indian breeds — a trait found in European breeds like Texel. Non-Transgenic: Does not involve foreign DNA insertion, different from GMOs, increasing chances of regulatory acceptance. Multipurpose Use: Can be extended for disease resistance, improved reproduction, and even animal twinning. Efficient Research Output: Result of 4 years of dedicated research, supported by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
• Muscle Enhancement: 30% higher muscle mass than Indian breeds — a trait found in European breeds like Texel.
• Non-Transgenic: Does not involve foreign DNA insertion, different from GMOs, increasing chances of regulatory acceptance.
• Multipurpose Use: Can be extended for disease resistance, improved reproduction, and even animal twinning.
• Efficient Research Output: Result of 4 years of dedicated research, supported by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
• Significance of the Achievement:
• Boost to India’s Livestock Sector: Offers a blueprint for improving meat yield and quality in Indian sheep breeds. Global Recognition: Positions India on the global map of advanced genome editing research. Biotech Policy Alignment: Supports India’s evolving regulatory framework for gene-edited organisms, which is distinct from GMO laws. Sustainability & Food Security: Enhances productivity per animal, reducing resource use and supporting sustainable livestock farming. Foundation for Future Innovation: Builds on SKUAST’s earlier success of cloning Noori, the world’s first cloned Pashmina goat (2012).
• Boost to India’s Livestock Sector: Offers a blueprint for improving meat yield and quality in Indian sheep breeds.
• Global Recognition: Positions India on the global map of advanced genome editing research.
• Biotech Policy Alignment: Supports India’s evolving regulatory framework for gene-edited organisms, which is distinct from GMO laws.
• Sustainability & Food Security: Enhances productivity per animal, reducing resource use and supporting sustainable livestock farming.
• Foundation for Future Innovation: Builds on SKUAST’s earlier success of cloning Noori, the world’s first cloned Pashmina goat (2012).
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29 May 2025 Mapping:
Mount Kanchenjunga
- •Source: NDTV*
Context: Sikkim Chief Minister has urged the Centre to request a ban on scaling Mount Kanchenjunga from Nepal, citing its deep spiritual significance to Sikkim’s indigenous communities.
About Mount Kanchenjunga:
• Location:
• Lies in the eastern Himalayas, straddling the India–Nepal border, 74 km north-northwest of Darjeeling. Stands at an elevation of 8,586 metres (28,169 ft), making it the third-highest mountain in the world and the highest peak in India.
• Lies in the eastern Himalayas, straddling the India–Nepal border, 74 km north-northwest of Darjeeling.
• Stands at an elevation of 8,586 metres (28,169 ft), making it the third-highest mountain in the world and the highest peak in India.
• States Associated:
• Located between Sikkim (India) and Taplejung District (Nepal). The Indian side lies within the Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim.
• Located between Sikkim (India) and Taplejung District (Nepal).
• The Indian side lies within the Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim.
• Geographical Features:
• Comprises five prominent peaks, referred to as the “Five Treasures of the Snow” in Sikkimese belief. Surrounded by four major glaciers: Zemu Glacier (northeast), Talung Glacier (southeast), Yalung Glacier (southwest), and Kanchenjunga Glacier (northwest). Receives heavy summer snowfall due to monsoons, with lighter winter snow.
• Comprises five prominent peaks, referred to as the “Five Treasures of the Snow” in Sikkimese belief.
• Surrounded by four major glaciers: Zemu Glacier (northeast), Talung Glacier (southeast), Yalung Glacier (southwest), and Kanchenjunga Glacier (northwest).
• Receives heavy summer snowfall due to monsoons, with lighter winter snow.
• Cultural Importance:
• Revered as a sacred mountain and abode of guardian deity ‘Dzoe-Nga’. Considered inviolable by Sikkim’s Bhutia and Lepcha communities. Climbing is banned from the Indian side under Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 and Article 371(F), which protects Sikkim’s customs post-merger with India.
• Revered as a sacred mountain and abode of guardian deity ‘Dzoe-Nga’.
• Considered inviolable by Sikkim’s Bhutia and Lepcha communities.
• Climbing is banned from the Indian side under Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 and Article 371(F), which protects Sikkim’s customs post-merger with India.
• Historical Significance:
• Believed to be the highest peak until Mount Everest was confirmed in 1856. First climbed in 1955 by Joe Brown and George Band (British expedition). Climbers traditionally stop short of the summit to honour religious sentiments. Charles Evans also led an expedition on the southwest face in 1955.
• Believed to be the highest peak until Mount Everest was confirmed in 1856.
• First climbed in 1955 by Joe Brown and George Band (British expedition).
• Climbers traditionally stop short of the summit to honour religious sentiments.
• Charles Evans also led an expedition on the southwest face in 1955.
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