Stay ahead in your UPSC preparation with the top editorials and issue-based analysis from The Hindu, Indian Express, and relevant reports. All topics below are linked to GS1 , GS2 & GS3, with a focus on exam-relevant insights, keywords, and actionable conclusions.
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1.
Jnanpith Award: India’s Highest Literary Honor
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Why in News?
The 58th Jnanpith Award was recently conferred upon poet-lyricist Gulzar and Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya for their outstanding contributions to Indian literature.
Key Features
- Instituted in 1961 by the Bharatiya Jnanpith Trust, the award recognizes exceptional literary contributions in Indian languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and English.
- First recipient – Malayalam poet G. Sankara Kurup won the award in 1965 for his poetry collection Odakkuzhal.
- Prize includes – A citation plaque, cash prize, and a bronze replica of Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of wisdom.
- Recent winners – Vinod Kumar Shukla has been named the 59th Jnanpith Award recipient for 2024.
Significance
- Recognizes literary excellence – Honors authors who shape Indian literature.
- Encourages diverse linguistic representation – Covers multiple Indian languages, promoting regional literature.
- Strengthens India’s literary heritage – Celebrates writers who contribute to cultural and intellectual discourse.
Way Forward
- Expand outreach – Promote regional literature through digital platforms.
- Encourage young writers – Provide mentorship and grants for emerging authors.
- Preserve literary archives – Digitize past award-winning works for accessibility
2.
Trump-Putin Call: Ceasefire Talks Begin Amid Ukraine Conflict
{pg.1, GS2}Why in News?
U.S. President Donald Trump held a two-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 19, 2025, discussing the Ukraine war and ceasefire negotiations.
Key Points
- Ceasefire Talks Initiated – Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine will immediately begin negotiations toward a ceasefire.
- Putin’s Response – The Russian leader expressed willingness to work on a peace accord, but no specific timeline was discussed.
- Trump’s Frustration – The U.S. President signaled he was not prepared to impose new sanctions on Moscow, despite European pressure.
- Zelenskyy’s Reaction – Trump also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but details of their conversation remain unclear.
Significance
- Potential Breakthrough – If successful, this could be the first major diplomatic step toward ending the three-year-long war.
- Geopolitical Impact – The U.S. approach to Russia-Ukraine relations may shift under Trump’s leadership.
- European Concerns – Some NATO allies worry that Trump’s soft stance on sanctions could weaken pressure on Russia.
Way Forward
- Further negotiations between Russia and Ukraine to define ceasefire terms.
- International mediation to ensure lasting peace.
- Monitoring U.S. policy shifts regarding sanctions and military aid.
3.
Old and Unsafe: Fire Hazards in Aging Buildings
{pg.8,GS2}Why in News?
A tragic fire incident in Hyderabad’s Gulzar Houz killed 17 people, including 8 children, highlighting the dangers of old, unsafe buildings.
Key Features
- Aging infrastructure – Many old city neighborhoods have crumbling commercial structures with poor ventilation and limited exits.
- Fire safety risks – Overloaded electrical systems, single staircases, and narrow passages make escape difficult.
- Structural audits needed – Cities must conduct fire safety audits to identify high-risk buildings.
Significance
- Prevents future disasters – Identifying unsafe buildings can save lives.
- Encourages urban renewal – Upgrading infrastructure improves safety and livability.
- Raises awareness – Helps communities understand fire hazards and take precautions.
Way Forward
- Mandatory fire safety audits for old commercial and residential buildings.
- Community engagement – Train volunteer fire champions to advocate safety measures.
- Stronger regulations – Ensure strict enforcement of fire codes in urban areas.
4.
Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI): Measuring Rural Development
{pg.8,GS2}Why in News?
The Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2022-23 was recently released, providing a multidimensional assessment of Gram Panchayats’ progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Key Features
- Developed by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, PAI evaluates 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats on SDG-linked themes.
- Nine thematic areas include poverty eradication, health, education, water security, governance, and gender equality.
- Data-driven approach – Panchayats can compare their performance with others at the block, district, and state levels.
- Evidence-based planning – Helps local governments identify gaps and prioritize development efforts.
Significance
- Strengthens grassroots governance – Empowers Panchayats to track and improve their development indicators.
- Aligns with India’s SDG 2030 agenda – Ensures local implementation of global sustainability goals.
- Encourages transparency – Provides real-time data for policymakers and citizens.
Way Forward
- Expand digital integration – Improve data collection and validation for more accurate assessments.
- Enhance funding for Panchayats – Support local development projects based on PAI rankings.
- Encourage community participation – Involve citizens in monitoring and improving Panchayat performance.
5.
Combating Obesity: A Growing Public Health Challenge
{pg.9,GS2}Why in News?
India is witnessing a rapid rise in obesity, particularly among adolescents, prompting urgent policy discussions on nutrition, food labeling, and lifestyle changes. The World Obesity Atlas 2024 ranks India among the countries with the steepest annual increases in childhood obesity.
Key Features
- Nutrition Paradox – India faces both undernutrition and obesity, creating a dual burden.
- Ultra-Processed Foods – Aggressive marketing and easy availability of high-sugar, high-sodium foods are fueling obesity rates.
- Government Initiatives – Programs like POSHAN Abhiyaan, Fit India Movement, and Eat Right India aim to promote healthier diets and physical activity.
- Urban Farming & Natural Diets – Experts advocate for locally grown, organic foods to counter obesity-related diseases.
Significance
- Health Risks – Obesity increases the likelihood of diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular issues.
- Economic Burden – Rising obesity rates strain healthcare systems and reduce workforce productivity.
- Social Movement – Delhi CM Rekha Gupta has called for a nationwide campaign to tackle obesity through awareness and policy reforms.
Way Forward
- Stronger Food Regulations – Transparent food labeling laws to help consumers make informed choices.
- Community Engagement – Encouraging urban farming and local food production to promote natural diets.
- Public-Private Partnerships – Collaborative efforts like Mission Obesity Care to drive policy changes and awareness.
6.
India’s Relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan: Growing Strains
{pg.9,GS2}Why in News?
India’s diplomatic and trade relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan have come under strain after both nations voiced support for Pakistan following India’s Operation Sindoor, a military strike against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Key Features
- Turkey and Azerbaijan’s stance – Both countries criticized India’s military actions, calling them provocative and urging diplomatic solutions.
- Boycott calls in India – Indian traders and travel platforms have started boycotting Turkish and Azerbaijani goods and tourism, including Turkish apples and marble imports.
- Trade impact – India enjoys a trade surplus with both nations, exporting mineral fuels, chemicals, and auto parts while importing marble, gold, and crude oil.
- Defense concerns – Pakistan reportedly used Turkish-made drones in its failed attempts to target Indian military installations.
Significance
- Geopolitical shifts – India may reassess its diplomatic ties with Turkey and Azerbaijan, potentially strengthening relations with Armenia and Iran.
- Economic consequences – A trade freeze could impact Indian exports, but Azerbaijan’s economy may suffer more due to India’s crude oil purchases.
- Security implications – Turkey’s military cooperation with Pakistan raises concerns for India’s regional security strategy.
Way Forward
- Diplomatic recalibration – India may engage with alternative trade partners to reduce reliance on Turkey and Azerbaijan.
- Strategic alliances – Strengthening ties with Armenia and Iran could counterbalance Turkey-Azerbaijan-Pakistan cooperation.
- Trade diversification – India could shift imports from Turkey and Azerbaijan to other suppliers.
7.
MGNREGS Coverage: Expanding Reach, Declining Employment
{pg.14,GS2}Why in News?
A recent LibTech India report highlights a mismatch between the coverage and delivery of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). While registered households increased by 8.6%, the actual employment provided under the scheme has declined.
Key Features
- Rise in registered households – Increased from 13.80 crore in FY 2023-24 to 14.98 crore in FY 2024-25.
- Decline in employment days – Average workdays per household fell by 4.3%, from 52.42 days to 50.18 days.
- Regional variations – States like Odisha (-34.8%), Tamil Nadu (-25.1%), and Rajasthan (-15.9%) saw sharp declines, while Maharashtra (+39.7%), Himachal Pradesh (+14.8%), and Bihar (+13.3%) recorded increases.
- Budget constraints – The Union government allocated ₹86,000 crore for FY 2024-25, significantly lower than the ₹2.64 lakh crore recommended by experts.
Significance
- Employment security concerns – The decline in workdays raises questions about implementation challenges.
- Budgetary limitations – Reduced funding affects wage payments and project execution.
- Impact on rural livelihoods – Fewer workdays limit income opportunities for rural households.
Way Forward
- Increase budget allocation – Ensure adequate funding for timely wage payments.
- Improve implementation efficiency – Address delays and administrative bottlenecks.
- Strengthen monitoring mechanisms – Enhance transparency and accountability in fund utilization.
8.
E-Zero FIR: A New Initiative for Cybercrime Reporting
{pg.14,PRELIMS}Why in News?
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched the E-Zero FIR initiative in Delhi, allowing automatic registration of cyber financial crimes above ₹10 lakh reported on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) and helpline 1930.
Key Features
- Automatic FIR Registration – Cyber financial crimes above ₹10 lakh reported on NCRP or 1930 will be converted into FIRs without requiring victims to visit a police station.
- Nationwide Expansion Planned – Currently a pilot project in Delhi, but will soon be extended across India.
- Integration with Law Enforcement – The system links I4C’s NCRP, Delhi Police’s e-FIR system, and NCRB’s Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS).
- Victim-Friendly Process – Complainants can visit the cybercrime police station within three days to convert the Zero FIR into a regular FIR.
Significance
- Faster Investigations – Enables swift action against cybercriminals, reducing delays in FIR registration.
- Improved Cybersecurity – Strengthens India’s cybercrime response framework, making digital transactions safer.
- Victim Protection – Helps victims recover lost money and ensures punitive action against cyber fraudsters.
Way Forward
- Expand to all states – Ensure nationwide implementation for broader cybercrime coverage.
- Enhance AI-driven tracking – Use machine learning to detect fraud patterns and prevent cybercrimes.
- Public Awareness Campaigns – Educate citizens on reporting cyber frauds and using the 1930 helpline effectively.
DEEPIKA PARASHAR
