Stay ahead in your UPSC preparation with the top editorials and issue-based analysis from The Hindu, Indian, 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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- Social Issues (GS-I) – Role of community movements in child rights.
- Governance & Policy (GS-II) – Impact of grassroots initiatives on policy implementation.
- Economy & Development (GS-III) – Effects of child labour eradication on economic growth.
IRCTC Tatkal Ticket Booking to Require Aadhaar from July 1
🔸 Key Changes Announced
- Aadhaar Authentication Mandatory – From July 1, 2025, Tatkal bookings on IRCTC’s website and app will require Aadhaar-linked authentication.
- OTP Verification for Offline Bookings – Starting July 15, 2025, Tatkal tickets booked at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters and through authorized agents will require OTP verification sent to the passenger’s Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
- Restrictions on Travel Agents – To prevent bulk bookings, agents will be barred from booking Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the opening window:
- AC Classes: 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
- Non-AC Classes: 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
🔸 Why This Change?
- Preventing Ticket Hoarding – Indian Railways aims to curb misuse by unauthorized agents and ensure fair access to Tatkal tickets.
- Enhancing Security – Aadhaar-based authentication will reduce fraudulent bookings and improve transparency.
- Streamlining the Process – The new system will prioritize genuine passengers over automated bulk bookings.
🔸 What Passengers Need to Do
- Link Aadhaar to IRCTC Account before July 1, 2025 to avoid booking issues.
- Ensure Aadhaar-linked mobile number is active for OTP verification from July 15, 2025.
- Plan Tatkal bookings accordingly, considering agent restrictions during peak hours.
2.
Velpur’s Success in Ending Child Labour
🔸 Why in News?
Velpur Mandal in Nizamabad district, Telangana, was once notorious for child labour, but through community-driven efforts, it has become a rare success story in eliminating child labour entirely.
🔸 Key Initiatives
- Community-Led Drive (2001) – A grassroots movement ensured that all children aged 5-15 attended school, preventing them from being engaged in labour.
- Strict Enforcement of Laws – Authorities actively monitored workplaces to prevent child exploitation.
- Educational Support – Schools provided free meals, books, and uniforms, reducing financial burdens on families.
- Local Leadership Involvement – Village elders and panchayat leaders played a crucial role in ensuring compliance.
🔸 Impact & Results
- 100% School Retention – Every child in Velpur now attends school, with zero dropouts.
- Complete Eradication of Child Labour – No child in Velpur is engaged in hazardous or exploitative work.
- Model for Other Regions – Velpur’s success is now studied as a case model for child labour eradication.
🔸 Way Forward
- Scaling the Velpur Model – Encouraging other districts to adopt similar community-driven approaches.
- Strengthening Rehabilitation Programs – Ensuring rescued children receive education and vocational training.
- Continuous Monitoring – Preventing relapses into child labour through regular inspections.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
- Social Issues (GS-I) – Role of community movements in child rights.
- Governance & Policy (GS-II) – Impact of grassroots initiatives on policy implementation.
- Economy & Development (GS-III) – Effects of child labour eradication on economic growth
3.
Profit Over Safety: A Stark Reality
🔸 Why in News?
A recent stampede in Bengaluru during the RCB IPL victory celebrations resulted in 11 deaths, highlighting the lack of safety measures at large-scale events. The tragedy underscores how profit motives often override public safety, leading to avoidable disasters.
🔸 Key Issues Identified
- Overcrowding for Profit – Stadiums and event organizers maximize ticket sales, often exceeding safe capacity limits.
- Lack of Safety Protocols – Exit routes, crowd control, and emergency response are frequently overlooked.
- VIP Privileges Over Public Safety – Reports indicate preferential seating for officials, while general spectators face unsafe conditions.
🔸 The Bigger Picture
- Public Spaces Lack Safety Standards – From food fairs to stadium events, fire hazards, poor wiring, and inadequate exits are common.
- Regulatory Loopholes – Licenses for events are often granted without strict adherence to safety norms.
- Compensation vs. Accountability – Victims’ families receive minimal compensation, while systemic failures remain unaddressed.
🔸 Way Forward
- Mandatory Safety Deposits – Event organizers should set aside funds for crowd safety measures.
- Stronger Compliance Checks – Authorities must enforce safety regulations before granting event approvals.
- Public Awareness & Accountability – Citizens must demand better safety standards at public gatherings.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
- Governance & Policy (GS-II) – Role of regulatory oversight in public safety.
- Social Issues (GS-I) – Impact of profit-driven negligence on human lives.
- Economy & Development (GS-III) – Balancing economic interests with ethical responsibilities.
4.
Rise in Violent Crimes by Juveniles in India
🔸 Key Findings
- Juvenile crime rates have increased by 35% over the past decade, according to NCRB data.
- More than 75% of juveniles apprehended for crimes belong to the 16-18 age group, with 99% being boys.
- Serious offenses like robbery, assault, and murder have seen a notable rise, particularly in urban areas.
🔸 Causes Behind the Surge
- Family Breakdown & Poverty – Unstable home environments and financial distress contribute to juvenile delinquency.
- Peer Pressure & Media Influence – Exposure to violent content and social pressures can lead to criminal behavior.
- Lack of Rehabilitation Programs – Inconsistent implementation of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, affects reform efforts.
🔸 Way Forward
- Strengthening Rehabilitation Measures – Focus on education, vocational training, and psychological support.
- Community-Based Interventions – Encouraging local engagement to prevent youth involvement in crime.
- Stricter Monitoring & Policy Reforms – Enhancing juvenile crime tracking and early intervention programs.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
- Governance & Policy (GS-II) – Role of Juvenile Justice Act in crime prevention.
- Social Issues (GS-I) – Impact of poverty and family instability on youth crime.
- Security & Law (GS-II) – Need for effective policing and rehabilitation strategies.
5.
A Different Approach to the Caste Census
🔸 Why in News?
The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Modi, has decided to conduct caste enumeration in the upcoming Census 2027. This marks a shift from previous debates on caste census, moving towards a social management approach rather than a top-down welfare model.
🔸 Key Findings from State-Level Caste Surveys
- Bihar Caste Survey (2023)
- OBCs & EBCs together form 63% of the population.
- Scheduled Castes (SCs) account for 19.65%, while Scheduled Tribes (STs) make up 1.68%.
- General category comprises only 15.52%.
- Over 34% of Bihar’s families live on less than ₹200 per day, with 44% of SC households below that line.
- Telangana Caste Survey (2025)
- Backward Classes (BCs) constitute 56.33% of the population.
- BC Muslims form a significant 10.08%.
These findings highlight that marginalized communities form the majority but remain underrepresented in education, employment, and governance.
🔸 What is the Social Management Approach?
Unlike traditional welfare models, which often fail to address layered inequities, a social management approach:
- Starts with data to target need-based interventions.
- Treats caste as a developmental variable, rather than a stigma.
- Uses caste data to design policies with greater equity and efficiency.
For example, Tamil Nadu uses data from the Backward Classes Commission to adjust reservation policies, scholarships, and governance. Karnataka’s caste survey is being used to recalibrate reservation policies in education and jobs.
🔸 Potential Benefits of a National Caste Census
- Disaggregated Budgeting – Funds allocated based on caste-based gaps in healthcare, infrastructure, and education.
- Diversity Audits – Institutions can track who occupies power and who doesn’t.
- Policy Monitoring – Ensuring schemes like PM Awas Yojana or Skill India reach targeted caste groups.
🔸 Challenges & Concerns
- Social Divide – Critics argue that a caste census could deepen divisions rather than bridge inequalities.
- Data Accuracy – Past efforts, like the 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC), faced data inconsistencies.
- Political Sensitivities – The move is politically charged, with opposition parties pushing for caste enumeration.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
- Governance & Policy (GS-II) – Role of data-driven policymaking in social justice.
- Social Issues (GS-I) – Impact of caste enumeration on affirmative action.
- Economy & Development (GS-III) – Effects of caste-based budgeting on economic growth.
6.
CJI: Constitution Does Not Ignore Caste, Poverty, Injustice
🔸 Why in News?
Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, in his Oxford Union address, emphasized that the Indian Constitution does not avert its gaze from caste, poverty, exclusion, and injustice. Instead, it actively intervenes to recalibrate power and restore dignity.
🔸 Key Highlights from CJI’s Speech
- Constitution as a Social Document – The CJI stated that the Constitution does not pretend that all are equal in a deeply unequal society but dares to intervene.
- Personal Journey – Justice Gavai, the second Dalit Chief Justice of India, credited the Constitution for his rise from a municipal school to the highest judicial office.
- Empowerment of Marginalized Groups – He highlighted that Dalits, Adivasis, women, minorities, and persons with disabilities were active participants in drafting the Constitution, ensuring justice and equality.
🔸 The Constitution’s Role in Social Justice
- Affirmative Action – The Constitution ensures representation through reservations in education, jobs, and legislatures.
- Judicial Interventions – Landmark verdicts like Mandal Commission, NALSA, and Women’s Quota Amendment have expanded constitutional protections.
- Recognition Over Charity – The CJI stressed that oppressed communities never sought charity but demanded dignity and rightful inclusion.
🔸 Way Forward
- Strengthening Constitutional Protections – Ensuring continued judicial activism to uphold social justice.
- Expanding Representation – Encouraging greater participation of marginalized groups in policy-making.
- Public Awareness – Educating citizens on constitutional rights and protections.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
- Governance & Policy (GS-II) – Role of constitutional provisions in social justice.
- History & Culture (GS-I) – Impact of historical inequalities on legal frameworks.
- Judiciary & Law (GS-II) – Evolution of affirmative action through judicial interpretation.
7.
CEC: India’s Electoral Roll Preparation Among the Most Transparent in the World
🔸 Why in News?
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, speaking at the Stockholm International Conference on Electoral Integrity, emphasized that India’s electoral roll preparation is one of the world’s most rigorous and transparent exercises.
🔸 Key Highlights from CEC’s Address
- Annual Sharing with Political Parties – Electoral rolls are shared with recognized national and state parties every year during revision and before elections, ensuring accountability and transparency.
- Claims, Objections & Appeals – Since 1960, the system has allowed political parties and citizens to raise claims and objections, reinforcing electoral integrity.
- Massive Election Workforce – India’s election process involves over 20 million personnel, including polling staff, police forces, observers, and political party agents, making it the largest electoral operation globally.
🔸 Addressing Allegations of Voter Data Manipulation
- Congress Allegations – Opposition parties, including Congress, have raised concerns about fudging voter data, particularly in Maharashtra’s electoral rolls.
- Election Commission’s Response – The ECI has dismissed these allegations, calling them baseless, and reaffirmed that India’s electoral process remains highly monitored.
🔸 Way Forward
- Strengthening Electoral Integrity – The ECI continues to refine voter registration processes to ensure accuracy and fairness.
- Global Collaboration – The CEC held bilateral meetings with election officials from Mexico, Indonesia, South Africa, Germany, and the UK, discussing voter participation and electoral technology.
- Public Awareness Initiatives – The ECI aims to enhance voter education to increase trust in the electoral process.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
- Governance & Policy (GS-II) – Role of electoral transparency in democratic governance.
- Security & Law (GS-II) – Impact of electoral integrity on political stability.
- International Relations (GS-II) – India’s engagement in global electoral management discussions.
8.
India-UK Joint Naval Exercise in Arabian Sea
🔸 Why in News?
The Indian Navy and the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy conducted a high-intensity Passage Exercise (PASSEX) in the North Arabian Sea on June 9 and 10, 2025. The drill showcased advanced operational coordination and reinforced strategic maritime cooperation between the two nations.
🔸 Key Highlights
- Indian Navy Assets – INS Tabar (stealth frigate), a conventional submarine, and the P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft participated.UK Carrier Strike Group – HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Richmond were deployed for the exercise.
- Complex Naval Drills – Included coordinated anti-submarine warfare operations, tactical manoeuvres, integrated helicopter operations, and professional exchange of officers.
🔸 Strategic Significance
- Strengthening Maritime Security – The exercise enhances domain awareness and operational readiness in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Deepening Bilateral Defence Ties – India and the UK continue to expand military cooperation, reinforcing freedom of navigation and rules-based international order.
- Regional Stability – The drill comes amid rising maritime challenges, including Chinese naval expansion and recent India-Pakistan tensions.
🔸 Way Forward
- Expanding Joint Exercises – Future collaborations may include multilateral naval drills with Quad nations.
- Technology Sharing – Strengthening defence technology partnerships for enhanced maritime surveillance.
- Operational Coordination – Increasing interoperability between Indian and UK naval forces for joint missions
9.
Indian Army Contingent in Mongolia for Khaan Quest
🔸 Why in News?
The Indian Army contingent has arrived in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to participate in the multinational military exercise Khaan Quest, scheduled from June 14 to 28, 2025.
🔸 Key Highlights
- Indian Representation – A 40-member contingent from the Kumaon Regiment, including one woman officer and two women soldiers.
- Multinational Participation – The exercise includes forces from multiple nations, enhancing peacekeeping capabilities.
- Advanced Tactical Drills – Training covers cordon and search operations, counter-IED drills, casualty evacuation, and combat first aid.
🔸 Strategic Significance
- Strengthening Peacekeeping Readiness – The exercise prepares forces for UN peacekeeping missions under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
- Enhancing Interoperability – Joint drills improve coordination among global military forces.
- Deepening India-Mongolia Defence Ties – Reinforces bilateral military cooperation between India and Mongolia.
10.
Centre to Revise AC Temperature Range for Energy Efficiency
🔸 Why in News?
The Government of India, through the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), is working on a framework to standardize air conditioner temperature settings between 20°C and 28°C to improve energy efficiency and reduce electricity consumption.
🔸 Key Changes Proposed
- Mandatory Default Temperature Range – ACs will be restricted from cooling below 20°C or heating above 28°C.
- Appliance Modifications – Manufacturers will need to reprogram AC firmware to comply with the new temperature settings.
- Implementation Across Sectors – The rule will apply to residential, commercial, and vehicle air-conditioning systems.
🔸 Why This Change?
- Energy Savings – Raising AC temperature by just 1°C can reduce electricity usage by 6%, helping cut carbon emissions.
- Reducing Grid Load – India’s peak power demand hit 241 GW on June 9, making efficient cooling essential.
- Health Benefits – Experts suggest 24°C to 26°C as the ideal indoor temperature to prevent respiratory issues and fatigue.
🔸 Industry & Public Response
- Manufacturers Support the Move – Companies like Voltas, LG, Blue Star, and Haier have welcomed the initiative, citing sustainability benefits.
- Public Concerns – Some consumers worry about losing control over AC settings, while others appreciate lower electricity bills.
🔸 Way Forward
- Finalizing Guidelines – The government is consulting appliance makers and automakers before setting enforcement timelines.
- Public Awareness Campaigns – Educating consumers on energy-efficient cooling practices.
- Monitoring Compliance – Ensuring manufacturers adhere to new standards without passing extra costs to consumers.
11.
India Unlikely to Ratify High Seas Treaty at UN Ocean Conference
🔸 Why in News?
India is unlikely to ratify the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, also known as the High Seas Treaty, at the ongoing United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France.
🔸 Key Reasons for Delay
- Pending Legislative Amendments – India signed the treaty in September 2024, but formal ratification requires amendments to the Biological Diversity Act.
- Parliamentary Approval Needed – The government is expected to take up the ratification process after the Monsoon Session (July 12–August 12, 2025).
- Resource Sharing Concerns – The treaty mandates equitable sharing of marine resources, but India seeks clarity on economic benefit distribution.
🔸 Global Status of the Treaty
- 49 countries have ratified the treaty so far. Once 60 countries complete ratification, the treaty will enter into legal force.
- India remains committed to marine conservation but is taking a cautious approach before ratification.
🔸 India’s Ocean Conservation Efforts
- Samudrayaan Mission – India’s manned submersible project aims to explore ocean depths up to 6,000 meters by 2026.
- Ban on Single-Use Plastics – India has implemented a nationwide ban to reduce marine pollution.
- Blue Economy Investments – Over $80 billion invested in sustainable ocean projects.
🔸 Way Forward
- Finalizing Legislative Amendments – Ensuring legal compatibility before ratification.
- Strengthening Marine Governance – Enhancing India’s ocean conservation policies.
- Global Collaboration – India continues to engage with international stakeholders on marine biodiversity.
12.
Centre to Use Quality Control Orders to Boost Exports
🔸 Why in News?
The Indian government is shifting its export strategy by prioritizing quality control over subsidies, aiming to make Indian industries globally competitive.
🔸 Key Developments
- Quality Control Orders (QCOs) as a Regulatory Tool – Instead of providing more subsidies, the government will enforce QCOs to ensure minimum quality standards for exports.
- Non-Subsidy Support for Industries – The government will ease land acquisition and regulatory hurdles to help exporters comply with global standards.
- Rare Earth Battery Production Under Discussion – Amid China’s export restrictions, India is considering subsidies for rare earth battery production.
🔸 Strategic & Economic Impact
- Boosting Export Competitiveness – QCOs will push Indian industries to meet international benchmarks.
- Reducing Dependence on Subsidies – The shift aims to create self-sustaining industries rather than relying on government aid.
- Concerns Over MSME Impact – Some experts argue that QCOs may hurt small businesses, limiting their ability to compete globally.
🔸 Way Forward
- Balancing Quality & Accessibility – Ensuring QCOs do not create barriers for small exporters.
- Expanding Trade Partnerships – Strengthening global trade agreements to enhance market access.
- Monitoring Industry Compliance – Establishing support mechanisms for businesses adapting to new quality norms.
DEEPIKA PARASHAR
