CURRENT AFFAIRS
25 July, 2025
1. INDIA WITNESSES 44% SURGE IN IP FILINGS OVER FIVE YEARS –
• Recently, the Minister of State for Commerce & Industry informed the Lok Sabha that India has recorded a significant increase in Intellectual Property (IP) filings in recent years.
• Filings increased by 44%, from 4.77 lakh in 2020–21 to 6.89 lakh in 2024–25
• Category-wise surge: a 380% increase in Geographical indications, followed by Designs (266%), Patents (180%), Copyright (83%), and Trademarks (28%).
Drivers of the Surge in IP Filings
• Procedural Reforms
• Timelines fixed for processing and granting of patents
• Number of trademark forms reduced from 74 to 8
• Simplified filing procedures for patents, trademarks, and copyrights
• Introduction of ‘Certificate of Inventorship’ to recognize inventors
• Fee Concessions: 80% fee reduction for Startups, MSMEs, and Educational Institutions for Patents, 75% for Designs, 50% for Trademarks and Discounts for Advance Patent Renewals.
2. HENLEY PASSPORT INDEX 2025: INDIA MOVES UP 8 SPOTS, NOW RANKED 77TH –
• Recently, the Indian passport has climbed 8 spots, reaching the 77th rank in the Henley Passport Index 2025, reflecting improved global mobility.
• As of July 2025, Indian passport holders can travel to 59 countries without a prior visa, up from 57 earlier.
• This includes a mix of visa-free, visa-on-arrival, and e-visa access without pre-departure approval.
The two newly added countries that Indian passport holders can now access without a prior visa are:
• Vietnam (visa-free for up to 15 days)
• Thailand (extended visa-free access for up to 30 days)
About Henley Passport Index
• Introduction: It is a global ranking of countries based on the number of destinations their passport holders can access without a prior visa.
• Significance: It is regarded as a benchmark for global mobility, reflecting the strength of a country’s diplomatic ties and international agreements.
• Compilation: The index is compiled by Henley & Partners and uses data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), along with independent research.
• It is updated quarterly, providing insights into trends in travel freedom and visa regulations worldwide.
3. THAILAND-CAMBODIA BORDER CONFLICT –
• The Thailand-Cambodia border conflict intensified in July 2025, with military strikes and deadly clashes resulting in civilian casualties and diplomatic strain. Both nations accuse each other of sovereignty violations amid ongoing disputes over territory and historic temples. The situation remains volatile with military engagements and political repercussions.
Recent Military Clashes and Strikes
• In late July 2025, Thailand’s army launched air strikes targeting Cambodian military positions along their disputed border. Thailand deployed F-16 fighter jets and claimed to have destroyed Cambodian regional support units. Fighting occurred at six locations, prompting evacuation of Thai border residents. Cambodia accused Thailand of excessive force while Thailand condemned Cambodian landmine placements injuring Thai soldiers.
Disputed Areas and Historical Context
• The conflict centres on a border spanning over 800 kilometres, rooted in colonial-era maps from 1907. Both countries claim sovereignty over areas including the Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple near Surin province and the Preah Vihear temple on the Cambodia-Thailand border. These sites hold religious and cultural significance and have been flashpoints for decades.
4. BRAZIL JOINS SOUTH AFRICA’S GENOCIDE CASE AGAINST ISRAEL –
• Brazil is preparing to formally join South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. The case, filed in 2023, alleges that Israel’s military actions extend beyond targeting Hamas militants and involve attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. Brazil’s move reflects growing international concern over alleged violations of international law in the conflict.
Background of the South Africa Genocide Case
• South Africa filed a lawsuit at the ICJ under the 1948 Genocide Convention. It claims Israel’s military strikes in Gaza violate its obligations by targeting civilian areas such as schools, hospitals, and shelters. The case argues that these actions constitute acts of genocide against Palestinians. Israel denies these allegations, stating its operations focus solely on Hamas militants.
5. INDIA-UK COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC AND TRADE AGREEMENT SIGNED –
• India and the United Kingdom signed a landmark trade agreement in 2025, deepening their bilateral economic ties amid global geopolitical tensions. The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) promises tariff reductions and expanded market access. This deal, finalised after over three years of negotiations, aims to double trade between the two nations by 2030.
Overview of the Agreement
• CETA removes tariffs on 99 per cent of Indian exports to the UK and allows 90 per cent of UK goods tariff-free entry into India. Key Indian sectors benefiting include textiles, footwear, gems, jewellery, seafood, and engineering products.
• UK exports such as medical devices and aerospace components gain easier access to the Indian market. The agreement awaits UK parliamentary approval after Indian cabinet clearance.
MCQ QUIZ
Q1. What is the name of the scheme that allows young Indians to live, work, or study in the UK for up to 2 years ?
a) India-UK Graduate Exchange Programme
b) India Young Professionals Scheme
c) UK-India Skilled Worker Visa
d) UK-India Tourist Visa Plus
Q2. Which city is the host of IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 ?
a) Paris
b) Abu Dhabi
c) New Delhi
d) Beijing
Q3. Chola Gangam Lake, that was recently seen in news, is located in which state ?
a) Tamil Nadu
b) Karnataka
c) Odisha
d) Maharashtra
Q4. Which state is the Siang Valley located in ?
a) Assam
b) Arunachal Pradesh
c) Meghalaya
d) Nagaland
Explanation-
• The Siang Valley is located in the state of Arunachal Pradesh in northeastern India. The Siang Valley is a significant region in India’s geography due to its strategic location near the India-China border, its rich biodiversity, and its agricultural potential.
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding Article 143 of the Indian Constitution:
1. Article 143 empowers the President to refer a matter of law or fact to the Supreme Court for its advisory opinion.
2. The advisory opinion given by the Supreme Court under Article 143 is binding on the President.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation-
• Article 143(1) allows the President to seek an advisory opinion from the Supreme Court. Thus first statement is correct.
• However, the advisory opinion is not binding, though it carries persuasive value. Thus second statement is incorrect.
Answer Key
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
B | B | A | B | A |