UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 July 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 July 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 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 July (2025)
• Peering into India’s Digital Divide
Peering into India’s Digital Divide
GS Paper 3:
• FATF’s Comprehensive Update on Terrorist Financing Risks 2025
FATF’s Comprehensive Update on Terrorist Financing Risks 2025
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Kerala Semicircular Classroom
Kerala Semicircular Classroom
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• The Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017
The Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017
• Kharai camels
Kharai camels
• Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) Dating
Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) Dating
• Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross
Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross
• Coartem Baby – First Malaria Drug for Infants
Coartem Baby – First Malaria Drug for Infants
• Indigenous Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS)
Indigenous Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS)
Mapping:
• Bulgaria
Bulgaria
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 July 2025
#### GS Paper 2:
Peering into India’s Digital Divide
Syllabus: Governance
Source: TH
Context: The Comprehensive Modular Survey: Telecom 2025 (CMS) by the NSS reveals deep insights into India’s digital usage patterns, highlighting a shift from basic connectivity to meaningful digital empowerment.
About Peering into India’s Digital Divide:
What is Digital Divide?
• Definition: Digital divide refers to the unequal access to digital technologies (like smartphones, Internet, ICT skills) across different population groups.
• Key Features: Access Gap: Variations in mobile ownership and internet availability. Usage Gap: Differences in the purpose (e.g., entertainment vs. education) of digital use. Skill Gap: Inability to use ICT productively, like word processing or cybercrime reporting. Gender Gap: Lower digital empowerment among women and girls.
• Access Gap: Variations in mobile ownership and internet availability.
• Usage Gap: Differences in the purpose (e.g., entertainment vs. education) of digital use.
• Skill Gap: Inability to use ICT productively, like word processing or cybercrime reporting.
• Gender Gap: Lower digital empowerment among women and girls.
Trends in Digital Divide in India (NSS 2025):
• Access Trends: 97.1% youth use mobile phones; 73.4% own them. Ownership: Urban youth – 82%, Rural – 69.3%, Males – 83.3%, Females – 63%.
• 97.1% youth use mobile phones; 73.4% own them.
• Ownership: Urban youth – 82%, Rural – 69.3%, Males – 83.3%, Females – 63%.
• Usage Trends: 91.3% of young women now use Internet (up from 77.1% in 2022). 30.4% use Internet only for entertainment and higher among females (36%).
• 91.3% of young women now use Internet (up from 77.1% in 2022).
• 30.4% use Internet only for entertainment and higher among females (36%).
• Skill Trends: 85.1% can send attachments, only 32.2% created presentations, 22.9% drafted documents. Online banking: 68.7% youth, Female (57.5%) vs. Male (79.3%); Rural (63.4%) vs. Urban (79.7%).
• 85.1% can send attachments, only 32.2% created presentations, 22.9% drafted documents.
• Online banking: 68.7% youth, Female (57.5%) vs. Male (79.3%); Rural (63.4%) vs. Urban (79.7%).
• Connectivity: 91.6% urban households vs. 83.3% rural households have Internet. Only 7.2% of households have fibre-optic connections; rural share only 3.2%.
• 91.6% urban households vs. 83.3% rural households have Internet.
• Only 7.2% of households have fibre-optic connections; rural share only 3.2%.
First-Generation Digital Inclusion Reforms
• BharatNet Expansion: BharatNet connected over 1.7 lakh Gram Panchayats with optical fibre, enabling digital services in remote villages. It became the backbone for e-governance, e-health, and online education in rural areas.
• Digital India Framework: The Digital India Mission aimed at universal access through CSCs, digital lockers, and online government services.
• PMGDISHA Literacy Drive: Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan aimed to train 6 crore rural individuals in basic digital skills.
• UPI and JAM Trinity: The Jan Dhan–Aadhaar–Mobile linkage and UPI enabled low-cost, real-time digital payments.
Outcomes of First-Gen Reforms:
• Universal Mobile Usage: About 97% of youth now use mobile phones for calls and internet, including 92.7% in rural areas. This marks a near-saturation of basic digital access across India.
• UPI’s Dominance in Payments: UPI usage among youth touched 80.7%, while Net banking remained low at 0.7%. This shows India’s fintech adoption is mobile-first and mass-based.
• Mobile-Centric Internet: Smartphones with cheap data packs made mobile internet the primary access tool in rural India. Desktop or broadband-based access remains limited.
• Rise in Female Internet Users: Female internet usage in rural India rose from 77.1% to 91.3%, indicating a major shift in gender access. This reflects a quiet digital empowerment underway.
Persistent Shortcomings in Digital Divide:
• Gender Gap in Ownership: Only 56.9% of rural young women own mobile phones, compared to 81.2% of men. Access without ownership limits autonomy and private use.
• Lack of Productive Skills: Just 32.2% of youth created a digital presentation, only 22.9% drafted a document. Digital use is skewed towards consumption, not creation.
• Dependence on Male Relatives: Women often rely on family phones, leading to restricted use and compromised privacy. This dependence hinders empowerment and equal participation.
• Low Civic Tech Awareness: Only 26.9% of youth know how to file cybercrime complaints; rural and female awareness is below 22%. This limits their ability to seek redress online.
• Weak Financial Fluency: Just 18.8% of youth use both UPI and Net banking. Multimodal digital banking literacy remains underdeveloped, especially in rural areas.
Way Forward: Second-Generation Inclusion
• From Access to Empowerment: Focus must shift from access to enabling youth to use digital tools creatively and productively. This includes skill-building, problem-solving, and content creation.
• Women-Centric Interventions: Train SHGs and rural women to use mobile apps for business, education, and healthcare. Digital tools must serve as income and knowledge multipliers.
• Last-Mile Infrastructure Push: Strengthen fibre-to-village networks and set up school-based and panchayat-level digital hubs. Public Wi-Fi and community centres can support access.
• Digital in School Curricula: ICT training, document creation, presentations, and cyber hygiene must be taught in schools. It will ensure productive engagement from an early age.
• Expand Digital Financial Skills: Train women and rural youth in using Net banking, UPI, and secure wallets. Financial fluency beyond UPI is crucial for true participation.
• Localized Awareness Campaigns: Use local languages to promote internet use for health, e-learning, job search, and governance. Content should match rural needs and cultural context.
Conclusion:
India has achieved near-universal digital access, but meaningful use remains unequal. A second-generation push must focus on ownership, skills, and autonomy to truly bridge the divide. A mobile phone in every hand must also mean equal power in every mind.
• What is the status of digitalization in the Indian economy? Examine the problems faced in this regard and suggest improvements. (2023)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 July 2025 GS Paper 3:
FATF’s Comprehensive Update on Terrorist Financing Risks 2025
Syllabus: Terrorism
Source: TH
Context: The FATF’s 2025 report highlights how accused in major terror incidents in India—including the Gorakhnath attack and Pulwama bombing—used online payment platforms, VPNs, and e-commerce sites to fund and execute terrorism.
Summary of FATF’s Comprehensive Update on Terrorist Financing Risks 2025:
• Digital Tools in Terror Financing: Increasing use of e-commerce, crypto assets, VPNs, and fintech platforms to fund terrorist activities anonymously.
E.g.: Gorakhnath attacker used PayPal and VPNs to fund ISIL-linked operations.
• Terrorist Abuse of E-Commerce (EPOMs): Terrorists exploit e-commerce platforms (like Amazon) to purchase materials covertly.
E.g.: Pulwama bomber bought aluminium powder via Amazon.
• Crypto & Anonymity Tools: Growth in unregulated crypto markets and mixer services pose serious tracking challenges for investigators.
• Third-Party Payment Gateways: Online intermediaries are used to route funds between foreign sources and terrorists, complicating traceability.
• Lone Actor Threats Rising: Radicalised individuals act independently, often funded via online crowdfunding, social media, or gaming platforms.
• Trade-Based Terror Financing: Use of under/over-invoicing via online storefronts to launder funds and move value undetected.
• Geographic Spread: South Asia, West Africa, Sahel, and Middle East remain high-risk regions; India cited as a critical case study.
• Global Weak Oversight: Many jurisdictions lack sufficient KYC, AML, and CTF frameworks for digital platforms.
Role of Digital Technology in Terror Activities:
• E-commerce use: Terrorists procure explosives and raw materials through online marketplaces, bypassing regulatory oversight.
*E.g.* Aluminium powder for the Pulwama attack was bought via Amazon.
• Cryptocurrencies: Digital currencies offer anonymous, borderless transactions without reliance on formal banking, making detection difficult. This allows groups like ISIS to raise funds covertly via blockchain wallets.
• This allows groups like ISIS to raise funds covertly via blockchain wallets.
• VPNs & Encrypted Apps: Virtual Private Networks mask user locations and encrypted apps prevent interception of communications. Terror suspects use these tools to coordinate attacks while avoiding law enforcement detection.
• Terror suspects use these tools to coordinate attacks while avoiding law enforcement detection.
• Crowdfunding Platforms: Terror-linked campaigns are launched under social causes to attract global donors without disclosing real intent. Funds raised this way are diverted to finance radicalisation and weapons procurement.
Challenges in Countering Digital Terrorism
• Jurisdictional Gaps: Transactions often span multiple countries, complicating legal access and law enforcement cooperation.
• Dark Web Use: Terrorists use the dark web to buy arms, communicate, and move crypto, evading traditional surveillance.
• Weak KYC Norms: Many fintech platforms fail to verify user identity rigorously, allowing fake accounts to move funds freely.
• Evolving Modus Operandi: Terror groups quickly adapt to new tech tools and digital platforms, outpacing existing regulations.
• Data Localisation Loopholes: When service providers store data abroad, investigators face legal hurdles in retrieving crucial information.
Recommended Measures:
• Strengthen Digital KYC: Mandate stringent verification procedures for all online transactions, especially on wallets and marketplaces. Real-Time Monitoring: Deploy AI/ML-based systems to track abnormal spending patterns and keyword-linked purchases.
• Cross-Border Data Sharing: Create mutual legal assistance treaties (MLATs) and data exchange protocols with tech-hosting nations.
• Crypto Regulation: Introduce binding guidelines for crypto exchanges to report suspicious activity and maintain audit trails.
• Platform Accountability: E-commerce platforms must monitor and flag purchases of dual-use materials and verify seller legitimacy.
Conclusion:
The FATF’s findings underscore the urgent need for robust digital oversight, especially as technology becomes central to modern terror operations. India’s experiences reflect a global trend of tech-enabled terrorism. Strengthening institutional and legal responses is crucial for national and global security.
• Winning of Hearts and Minds in terrorism-affected areas is an essential step in restoring the trust of the population. Discuss the measures adopted by the Government in this respect as part of the conflict resolution in Jammu and Kashmir. (2023)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 July 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Kerala Semicircular Classroom
Context: Inspired by the Malayalam film Sthanarthi Sreekuttan, several Kerala schools have adopted a semicircular classroom seating arrangement, breaking away from the traditional row-based system.
• This shift aims to eliminate student hierarchies and promote inclusion and engagement in learning environments.
About Kerala Semicircular Classroom:
• A semicircular layout places students in an arc, facing the teacher at the center.
• It breaks the front-bencher vs back-bencher division, fostering equal participation.
• Originally suggested under the District Primary Education Programme (1994), it is now revived through public influence.
Importance and Educational Impact:
• Inclusive Learning Environment: Encourages equal attention to all students regardless of academic performance.
• Improved Teacher-Student Interaction: Teacher remains central, enhancing communication and non-verbal engagement.
• Better Classroom Dynamics: Reduces disruptive behaviour by removing physical and psychological segregation.
• Boosts Confidence and Peer Learning: Children become more willing to participate, ask questions, and help each other.
• Psychological Well-being: Creates a friendly, less intimidating learning space for students who otherwise feel sidelined.
Relevance to UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• GS Paper 2 (Governance & Education): Topics like school reforms, inclusive education, and innovative pedagogy directly relate. Case study potential for New Education Policy (NEP 2020) and value-based education reforms.
• Topics like school reforms, inclusive education, and innovative pedagogy directly relate.
• Case study potential for New Education Policy (NEP 2020) and value-based education reforms.
• GS Paper 4 (Ethics in Education): Demonstrates ethical governance in education – breaking stereotypes, fostering equality, and promoting dignity.
• Demonstrates ethical governance in education – breaking stereotypes, fostering equality, and promoting dignity.
• Essay & Interview: Useful as an example of bottom-up educational reform, film-inspired social change, and behavioral nudges in public systems.
• Useful as an example of bottom-up educational reform, film-inspired social change, and behavioral nudges in public systems.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 July 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP):
The Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017
Source: IE
Context: The Kerala High Court ordered the arrest of the Liberian ship MSC Akiteta II after the Kerala government filed an admiralty suit seeking ₹9,531 crore compensation for marine ecosystem damage.
• This marks a rare and significant use of The Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017 for environmental damages in Indian territorial waters.
About The Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017:
• What is it? A central legislation that consolidates and updates laws on maritime claims, jurisdiction, arrest of ships, and enforcement of maritime liens in India.
• A central legislation that consolidates and updates laws on maritime claims, jurisdiction, arrest of ships, and enforcement of maritime liens in India.
• Objectives of the Act:
• Ensure uniform legal framework for adjudication of maritime claims. Modernize outdated colonial laws (1861 & 1890 Acts). Empower more High Courts with maritime jurisdiction beyond colonial ports
• Ensure uniform legal framework for adjudication of maritime claims.
• Modernize outdated colonial laws (1861 & 1890 Acts).
• Empower more High Courts with maritime jurisdiction beyond colonial ports
• Key Features of the Act:
• Jurisdictional Expansion: Grants maritime jurisdiction to High Courts of Kerala, Karnataka, Odisha, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, in addition to earlier ones like Bombay and Madras. Types of Maritime Claims Covered (Sec 4): Includes damage to the environment, oil spills, cargo damage, unpaid wages, collisions, and ownership disputes. Arrest of Vessels (Sec 5): Courts can order the “arrest” of a ship to secure maritime claims — even if the ship isn’t the direct offender but is linked by ownership. Action In Rem vs In Personam: Allows legal action directly against the vessel (in rem) or against the shipowner (in personam). Environmental Protection Provisions: Explicitly includes compensation for marine environmental damage, making it powerful for state claims like Kerala’s. Alignment with UNCLOS and IMO Conventions: Harmonizes India’s admiralty framework with international maritime law standards
• Jurisdictional Expansion: Grants maritime jurisdiction to High Courts of Kerala, Karnataka, Odisha, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, in addition to earlier ones like Bombay and Madras.
• Types of Maritime Claims Covered (Sec 4): Includes damage to the environment, oil spills, cargo damage, unpaid wages, collisions, and ownership disputes.
• Arrest of Vessels (Sec 5): Courts can order the “arrest” of a ship to secure maritime claims — even if the ship isn’t the direct offender but is linked by ownership.
• Action In Rem vs In Personam: Allows legal action directly against the vessel (in rem) or against the shipowner (in personam).
• Environmental Protection Provisions: Explicitly includes compensation for marine environmental damage, making it powerful for state claims like Kerala’s.
• Alignment with UNCLOS and IMO Conventions: Harmonizes India’s admiralty framework with international maritime law standards
• Significance:
• Environmental Accountability: Allows state governments to seek compensation for marine pollution (e.g. MSC Elsa III disaster). Investor Confidence: Provides transparent legal processes for maritime disputes, supporting port-led development (e.g., Sagarmala). Fisheries & Coastal Economy Protection: Secures compensation for loss of livelihood — Kerala claimed ₹526 crore for fishermen. Legal Empowerment of Non-Metropolitan Ports: Ensures regional high courts like Kerala can exercise full admiralty jurisdiction.
• Environmental Accountability: Allows state governments to seek compensation for marine pollution (e.g. MSC Elsa III disaster).
• Investor Confidence: Provides transparent legal processes for maritime disputes, supporting port-led development (e.g., Sagarmala).
• Fisheries & Coastal Economy Protection: Secures compensation for loss of livelihood — Kerala claimed ₹526 crore for fishermen.
• Legal Empowerment of Non-Metropolitan Ports: Ensures regional high courts like Kerala can exercise full admiralty jurisdiction.
Kharai camels
Source: TOI
Context: A herd of 33 rare Kharai camels from Gujarat’s Singach village was caught in the Arabian Sea tide near Jamnagar while grazing on mangroves.
About Kharai camels:
• What is the Kharai Camel? Kharai camel is a rare swimming camel breed of Gujarat, uniquely adapted to coastal and marshy ecosystems. It is India’s ninth recognized camel breed, known for foraging in saline environments.
• Kharai camel is a rare swimming camel breed of Gujarat, uniquely adapted to coastal and marshy ecosystems. It is India’s ninth recognized camel breed, known for foraging in saline environments.
• Habitat and Distribution:
• Native to Kutch region of Gujarat, especially Bhachau, Abdasa, Lakhpat, and parts of Devbhoomi Dwarka and Jamnagar. Approximately 4,000 Kharai camels are found in Gujarat, with 2,000 in coastal Kutch alone. Inhabits mangrove islands and swims through shallow sea water to graze.
• Native to Kutch region of Gujarat, especially Bhachau, Abdasa, Lakhpat, and parts of Devbhoomi Dwarka and Jamnagar.
• Approximately 4,000 Kharai camels are found in Gujarat, with 2,000 in coastal Kutch alone.
• Inhabits mangrove islands and swims through shallow sea water to graze.
• Origin and Cultural Link:
• Closely associated with the Rabari and Fakirani Jat communities, who manage them through traditional pastoral systems.
• Closely associated with the Rabari and Fakirani Jat communities, who manage them through traditional pastoral systems.
• Maldharis are a pastoralist community of Gujarat, meaning “owner of livestock”. They traditionally rear Kharai camels, cattle, and goats in Kutch and Gir forest regions.
• They traditionally rear Kharai camels, cattle, and goats in Kutch and Gir forest regions.
• The word ‘Kharai’ comes from Gujarati ‘khara’ meaning salty, referring to their saline habitat.
• The word ‘Kharai’ comes from Gujarati ‘khara’ meaning salty, referring to their saline habitat.
• Key Characteristics:
• Swimming Ability: Can swim up to 3 km in the Arabian Sea to access mangrove grazing grounds. Adapted Physiology: Can survive on saline vegetation, unlike most camel breeds. Dromedary Type: Single-humped, muscular, and can weigh up to 500 kg. Monsoon Migration: Moves to mangrove islands during the rainy season for weeks. Diet Specialisation: Primarily feeds on mangroves, a rare trait among camelids.
• Swimming Ability: Can swim up to 3 km in the Arabian Sea to access mangrove grazing grounds.
• Adapted Physiology: Can survive on saline vegetation, unlike most camel breeds.
• Dromedary Type: Single-humped, muscular, and can weigh up to 500 kg.
• Monsoon Migration: Moves to mangrove islands during the rainy season for weeks.
• Diet Specialisation: Primarily feeds on mangroves, a rare trait among camelids.
• Significance and Conservation Importance:
• Ecological Role: Maintains balance in fragile coastal ecosystems through sustainable grazing. Cultural Heritage: Embodies the indigenous pastoral economy and resilience of nomadic life. Climate Resilience: Represents climate-adapted livestock vital for climate-smart agriculture.
• Ecological Role: Maintains balance in fragile coastal ecosystems through sustainable grazing.
• Cultural Heritage: Embodies the indigenous pastoral economy and resilience of nomadic life.
• Climate Resilience: Represents climate-adapted livestock vital for climate-smart agriculture.
Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) Dating
Source: TH
Context: The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) has sent 23 charcoal samples from 7 excavation sites for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) Dating to the Beta Analytic Laboratory in the U.S.
About Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) Dating:
• What is AMS Dating?
• A precise radiocarbon dating technique that identifies the ratio of Carbon-14 isotopes in archaeological materials. Unlike conventional radiometric methods, AMS counts individual atoms rather than detecting decay.
• A precise radiocarbon dating technique that identifies the ratio of Carbon-14 isotopes in archaeological materials.
• Unlike conventional radiometric methods, AMS counts individual atoms rather than detecting decay.
• Objectives:
• To determine the age of ancient materials with high precision. To enable dating with very small sample sizes (as low as 20 mg). To support non-destructive analysis of rare artifacts.
• To determine the age of ancient materials with high precision.
• To enable dating with very small sample sizes (as low as 20 mg).
• To support non-destructive analysis of rare artifacts.
• How AMS Works?
• Sample Preparation: Material is converted to graphite after chemical pretreatment. Ionization: A cesium beam bombards the graphite, creating negatively charged carbon ions. Acceleration: Ions are accelerated using tandem electrostatic accelerators. Stripping & Detection: Ions pass through a stripper to become positively charged. Magnetic fields separate isotopes (C-12, C-13, C-14) based on mass. C-14 atoms are counted to determine age.
• Sample Preparation: Material is converted to graphite after chemical pretreatment.
• Ionization: A cesium beam bombards the graphite, creating negatively charged carbon ions.
• Acceleration: Ions are accelerated using tandem electrostatic accelerators.
• Stripping & Detection: Ions pass through a stripper to become positively charged. Magnetic fields separate isotopes (C-12, C-13, C-14) based on mass. C-14 atoms are counted to determine age.
• Ions pass through a stripper to become positively charged.
• Magnetic fields separate isotopes (C-12, C-13, C-14) based on mass.
• C-14 atoms are counted to determine age.
• Key Features:
• High Precision: Achieves lower background noise and higher accuracy. Minimal Sample Size: Requires 1,000x less sample than traditional methods. Faster Turnaround: Results within hours vs days in radiometric techniques. Less Destructive: Ideal for precious or tiny archaeological samples. High Sensitivity: Detects trace levels of C-14, even in blood or seeds
• High Precision: Achieves lower background noise and higher accuracy.
• Minimal Sample Size: Requires 1,000x less sample than traditional methods.
• Faster Turnaround: Results within hours vs days in radiometric techniques.
• Less Destructive: Ideal for precious or tiny archaeological samples.
• High Sensitivity: Detects trace levels of C-14, even in blood or seeds
• Applications:
• Archaeology: Dating of wood, charcoal, bones, potsherds. Geology & Oceanography: Sediment analysis, ocean carbon maps. Biomedical Research: Drug tracing, microdosing studies. Climate Science: 3D carbon isotope mapping of marine systems.
• Archaeology: Dating of wood, charcoal, bones, potsherds.
• Geology & Oceanography: Sediment analysis, ocean carbon maps.
• Biomedical Research: Drug tracing, microdosing studies.
• Climate Science: 3D carbon isotope mapping of marine systems.
Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross
Source: News on Air
Context: Brazil has conferred its highest civilian honour — Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross — on Prime Minister of India during his official visit.
About Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross:
• What it is? Brazil’s highest civilian award, exclusively given to foreign dignitaries for exceptional service to Brazil.
• Brazil’s highest civilian award, exclusively given to foreign dignitaries for exceptional service to Brazil.
• Awarded by: Conferred by the President of Brazil, who serves as the ex officio Grand Master of the Order.
• Conferred by the President of Brazil, who serves as the ex officio Grand Master of the Order.
• History & Significance: Founded on 1 December 1822 by Emperor Pedro I to commemorate Brazil’s independence and coronation. Re-established in 1932 by President Getúlio Vargas as a republican order to honor foreign heads of state and global leaders. Symbolizes Brazil’s diplomatic goodwill, especially towards Global South
• Founded on 1 December 1822 by Emperor Pedro I to commemorate Brazil’s independence and coronation.
• Re-established in 1932 by President Getúlio Vargas as a republican order to honor foreign heads of state and global leaders.
• Symbolizes Brazil’s diplomatic goodwill, especially towards Global South
• About India–Brazil Agreements: Defence & Security Cooperation: Signed a pact to jointly combat terrorism, transnational organized crime, and enhance strategic coordination. Digital Public Infrastructure: MoU on exchange of digital solutions, including the adoption of India’s UPI-like model in Brazil. Renewable Energy & Sustainability: Joint agreement to collaborate in renewables, green technology, and energy transition. Agriculture & Food Security: MoU between India’s ICAR and Brazil’s EMBRAPA for agri-tech, seed R&D, and climate-resilient farming. Intellectual Property (IPR): Signed MoU between DPIIT (India) and Brazil’s Ministry of Trade to strengthen IPR policy exchange and innovation. Classified Information Exchange: Framework for mutual protection of sensitive information in defence, science, and technology sectors. Bilateral Trade Monitoring Mechanism: Institutionalized a ministerial-level mechanism to monitor and boost trade, commerce, and investment flows.
• Defence & Security Cooperation: Signed a pact to jointly combat terrorism, transnational organized crime, and enhance strategic coordination.
• Digital Public Infrastructure: MoU on exchange of digital solutions, including the adoption of India’s UPI-like model in Brazil.
• Renewable Energy & Sustainability: Joint agreement to collaborate in renewables, green technology, and energy transition.
• Agriculture & Food Security: MoU between India’s ICAR and Brazil’s EMBRAPA for agri-tech, seed R&D, and climate-resilient farming.
• Intellectual Property (IPR): Signed MoU between DPIIT (India) and Brazil’s Ministry of Trade to strengthen IPR policy exchange and innovation.
• Classified Information Exchange: Framework for mutual protection of sensitive information in defence, science, and technology sectors.
• Bilateral Trade Monitoring Mechanism: Institutionalized a ministerial-level mechanism to monitor and boost trade, commerce, and investment flows.
Coartem Baby – First Malaria Drug for Infants
Source: TOI
Context: Switzerland has approved Coartem Baby, the first-ever malaria treatment for newborns and infants, developed by Novartis. Eight African nations are expected to follow with fast-track approvals.
About Coartem Baby – First Malaria Drug for Infants:
• What it is?
• A new pediatric formulation of artemether-lumefantrine, named Coartem Baby, specifically designed for infants weighing 2–5 kg (newborns to under 6 months).
• A new pediatric formulation of artemether-lumefantrine, named Coartem Baby, specifically designed for infants weighing 2–5 kg (newborns to under 6 months).
• Developed by:
• Novartis, in collaboration with Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) and other global health partners.
• Novartis, in collaboration with Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) and other global health partners.
• Objective:
• To close the treatment gap for malaria in the most vulnerable age group — newborns and very young infants, previously excluded from clinical trials and vaccination coverage.
• To close the treatment gap for malaria in the most vulnerable age group — newborns and very young infants, previously excluded from clinical trials and vaccination coverage.
• Key Features:
• Dissolves easily, even in breast milk. Cherry-flavoured to ensure better infant compliance. Clinically tested dose ratio for infants with immature liver function. Approved under Swiss medic’s Marketing Authorisation for Global Health Products pathway. Will be offered largely not-for-profit in malaria-endemic countries.
• Dissolves easily, even in breast milk.
• Cherry-flavoured to ensure better infant compliance.
• Clinically tested dose ratio for infants with immature liver function.
• Approved under Swiss medic’s Marketing Authorisation for Global Health Products pathway.
• Will be offered largely not-for-profit in malaria-endemic countries.
• Significance:
• Fills a critical public health gap: no malaria drugs were previously approved for babies under 4.5 kg. Improves safety by eliminating off-label dosing from older children’s formulations. Expected to be approved soon in 8 African nations: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Nigeria, Malawi, Mozambique, Burkina Faso, and Ivory Coast. Addresses malaria risk in ~30 million newborns born annually in Africa’s endemic zones.
• Fills a critical public health gap: no malaria drugs were previously approved for babies under 4.5 kg.
• Improves safety by eliminating off-label dosing from older children’s formulations.
• Expected to be approved soon in 8 African nations: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Nigeria, Malawi, Mozambique, Burkina Faso, and Ivory Coast.
• Addresses malaria risk in ~30 million newborns born annually in Africa’s endemic zones.
Indigenous Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS)
Source: NIE
Context: The Indian Army is set to induct its first regiment of indigenous Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) after successful trials, marking a major leap in artillery modernization.
About Indigenous Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS):
• What it is?
• ATAGS is a 155mm/52 calibre long-range towed artillery gun system designed for precision firepower. It is part of a mission to replace ageing artillery in the Indian Army with modern, high-performance guns.
• ATAGS is a 155mm/52 calibre long-range towed artillery gun system designed for precision firepower.
• It is part of a mission to replace ageing artillery in the Indian Army with modern, high-performance guns.
• Developed by:
• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems Ltd and Bharat Forge Ltd under Make in India.
• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems Ltd and Bharat Forge Ltd under Make in India.
• Objective:
• To develop a futuristic artillery platform capable of high-mobility, rapid deployment, and long-range accuracy for battlefield superiority.
• To develop a futuristic artillery platform capable of high-mobility, rapid deployment, and long-range accuracy for battlefield superiority.
• Key Features:
• Firing Range: Proven capability of up to 48 km. Deployment Time: Can be operational within 90 seconds. Firing Modes: Burst, Intense, and Sustained fire. Automation: Fully electric drive system replacing traditional hydraulics for better field reliability. Handling System: Includes automatic ammunition loading and onboard crane. Precision and Lethality: Wider firing arc for enhanced destructive coverage. Indigenous Content: Over 80% components sourced domestically.
• Firing Range: Proven capability of up to 48 km.
• Deployment Time: Can be operational within 90 seconds.
• Firing Modes: Burst, Intense, and Sustained fire.
• Automation: Fully electric drive system replacing traditional hydraulics for better field reliability.
• Handling System: Includes automatic ammunition loading and onboard crane.
• Precision and Lethality: Wider firing arc for enhanced destructive coverage.
• Indigenous Content: Over 80% components sourced domestically.
• Significance:
• Marks a major step in self-reliant defence manufacturing. Strengthens India’s capability for long-range and precision artillery warfare. Reduces dependence on foreign defence imports. Enables “shoot and scoot” tactics with next-gen Mounted Gun System (MGS) variant.
• Marks a major step in self-reliant defence manufacturing.
• Strengthens India’s capability for long-range and precision artillery warfare.
• Reduces dependence on foreign defence imports.
• Enables “shoot and scoot” tactics with next-gen Mounted Gun System (MGS) variant.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 July 2025 Mapping:
Bulgaria
Source: NBC
Context: EU finance ministers have officially approved Bulgaria’s entry into the eurozone from January 1, 2026, making it the 21st member of the single currency area.
About Bulgaria:
• Location: Southeastern Europe; eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula
• Capital: Sofia
• Neighbours: Romania, Black Sea, Turkey and Greece, Serbia and North Macedonia.
• Geographical Features of Bulgaria Major River: The Danube Riverforms Bulgaria’s northern border with Romania. It is a key transportation route and supports agriculture, trade, and tourism.
• Major River: The Danube Riverforms Bulgaria’s northern border with Romania.
• It is a key transportation route and supports agriculture, trade, and tourism.
• Mountains: Balkan Mountains (Central Spine)– Also called Stara Planina, they run east-west, dividing Bulgaria into northern and southern regions. Rila and Rhodope Ranges (South)– Home to Musala Peak (highest in the Balkans) and scenic landscapes, popular for hiking and skiing.
• Balkan Mountains (Central Spine)– Also called Stara Planina, they run east-west, dividing Bulgaria into northern and southern regions.
• Rila and Rhodope Ranges (South)– Home to Musala Peak (highest in the Balkans) and scenic landscapes, popular for hiking and skiing.
• Other Natural Landmarks: Black Sea Coastline (Eastern Tourism Hub)– Famous for resorts like Sunny Beach and historic cities like Varna and Burgas. Sofia Basin (West)– A fertile lowland where the capital Sofia is located, surrounded by mountains.
• Black Sea Coastline (Eastern Tourism Hub)– Famous for resorts like Sunny Beach and historic cities like Varna and Burgas.
• Sofia Basin (West)– A fertile lowland where the capital Sofia is located, surrounded by mountains.
• Cultural Crossroad of East and West: Blends Slavic, Ottoman, Greek, and Thracian Known for Orthodox churches, Ottoman mosques, Roman ruins, and diverse cuisine(yogurt, banitsa, kebapche).
• Blends Slavic, Ottoman, Greek, and Thracian
• Known for Orthodox churches, Ottoman mosques, Roman ruins, and diverse cuisine(yogurt, banitsa, kebapche).
About Eurozone: The Single Currency Area
• What it is? A monetary union of European Union (EU) countries that use the euro (€) as their official currency.
• A monetary union of European Union (EU) countries that use the euro (€) as their official currency.
• Established: 1999 (virtual transactions), 2002 (physical euro notes and coins)
• Governing Institutions: European Central Bank (ECB), Eurogroup, and national central banks
• Key Features:
• Single Currency: Enables seamless cross-border trade and travel within the EU Monetary Integration: Coordinated interest rates and inflation targeting Stability Mechanisms: Includes bailout frameworks (e.g., ESM) and fiscal oversight Eligibility Criteria: Low inflation, stable exchange rates, sound public finances (Maastricht criteria) Members: 20 countries before Bulgaria and Croatia was the most recent entrant (2023)
• Single Currency: Enables seamless cross-border trade and travel within the EU
• Monetary Integration: Coordinated interest rates and inflation targeting
• Stability Mechanisms: Includes bailout frameworks (e.g., ESM) and fiscal oversight
• Eligibility Criteria: Low inflation, stable exchange rates, sound public finances (Maastricht criteria)
• Members: 20 countries before Bulgaria and Croatia was the most recent entrant (2023)
Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE
Official Facebook Page HERE
Twitter Account HERE
Instagram Account HERE
LinkedIn: HERE