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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🇮🇳 “India Will Never Accept Mediation”: PM Modi to Trump
🗞️ Why in News
During a 35-minute phone call on June 17, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly told U.S. President Donald Trump that India has never accepted, does not accept, and will never accept third-party mediation, especially on matters concerning Pakistan and terrorism.
🔑 Key Highlights
- The call replaced a planned in-person meeting at the G7 Summit, which was canceled due to Trump’s early return amid the Iran-Israel conflict.
- PM Modi emphasized that the ceasefire with Pakistan was reached directly through military channels, not via U.S. mediation.
- He reiterated that India views terrorism as an act of war, not a proxy conflict, referencing Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory strikes after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
- Modi clarified that no trade deals or mediation discussions were entertained during this period.
🌍 Significance
- Reasserts Sovereignty: Reinforces India’s long-standing position of bilateralism in dealing with Pakistan.
- Strategic Messaging: Sends a clear signal to global powers that India won’t tolerate unsolicited intervention.
- Domestic Consensus: Reflects complete political unanimity in India on rejecting third-party mediation.
- Counterterrorism Posture: Highlights India’s shift toward a more assertive doctrine post-Operation Sindoor.
2.
🌐 G7 Summit 2025: A Failed Summit in Form and Substance
The G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, held in June 2025, is being widely described as a “failed summit” due to its inability to deliver consensus on major global crises and its fractured diplomatic optics.
🗞️ Why It’s Being Called a Failure
- No Joint Statement: The summit ended without a unified communiqué on key issues like the Russia-Ukraine war, Israel-Iran conflict, or terrorism, due to U.S. resistance to language critical of Israel.
- Trump’s Early Exit: U.S. President Donald Trump left the summit prematurely, canceling his scheduled meeting with PM Modi and weakening the summit’s cohesion.
- Disunity on Global Crises: Trump’s proposal to expand the G7 into a “G9” by including Russia and China was met with disapproval, especially from Ukraine’s delegation.
- Canada’s Political Flux: The host nation’s newly elected government under Mark Carney was still settling in, leading to last-minute invitations and logistical disarray.
🇮🇳 India’s Role and Response
- PM Modi’s planned bilateral with Trump was replaced by a 35-minute phone call, during which he firmly rejected any third-party mediation on Pakistan.
- India expressed disappointment that the G7 failed to issue a statement on terrorism, a key concern for New Delhi.
- Modi’s meeting with Canadian PM Carney led to a partial thaw in India-Canada ties, including the decision to restore High Commissioners.
🧭 Strategic Takeaway
The summit’s failure underscores the declining relevance of the G7 in managing global crises and coordinating collective action. For India, it raises questions about the utility of attending such fractured forums, especially when national interests like counterterrorism are sidelined.
3. A FAIR SHARE
🧾 Meaning & Usage
- Definition: The amount one is rightly entitled to or expected to contribute.
- Examples:
- “Everyone must pay their fair share of taxes.”
- “She’s had her fair share of challenges in life.”
🌍 In Public Discourse
- Economics: Debates on whether the wealthy pay their fair share of taxes.
- Federalism: States demanding a fair share of central tax revenues (e.g., ).
- Climate Justice: Developing nations seeking a fair share of carbon space and climate finance.
🔁 Synonyms
- Equitable portion
- Due share
- Just contribution
- Proportionate responsibility
4.
🇮🇳🇺🇸 Resetting the India–US Partnership in Uncertain Times
A recent editorial in The Hindu titled “” explores the growing drift in bilateral ties and the need for a course correction amid global volatility and shifting U.S. postures.
🗞️ Why in News
Despite a promising start to President Trump’s second term—with high-level engagements and strategic optimism—the India–U.S. relationship is now facing policy incoherence, transactional diplomacy, and revived hyphenation with Pakistan, prompting calls for a diplomatic reset.
🔑 Key Concerns Raised
- Return of Hyphenation: Trump’s remarks post-Operation Sindoor equated India and Pakistan, reviving Cold War-era binaries.
- Mediation Offer: Trump’s suggestion to mediate on Kashmir was seen as diplomatically regressive by New Delhi.
- Pakistan Outreach: Hosting Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir and praising Pakistan’s counterterrorism role raised alarms in India.
- Economic Signals: Trump reportedly discouraged Apple from expanding in India, undermining India’s “China-plus-one” strategy.
- Visa Uncertainty: The H-1B regime, vital to India–U.S. tech ties, is now vulnerable to protectionist rhetoric.
🌍 Significance
- Strategic Drift: The editorial warns of a subtle but serious erosion in trust and alignment.
- Civilisational Mismatch: India’s long-term, layered diplomacy clashes with Washington’s short-term, deal-driven approach.
- Need for Clarity: The structural logic of the partnership remains strong, but tone and commitment need recalibration.
🚀 Way Forward
- Reset the Optics: Move from transactionalism to trust-building through consistent messaging.
- Reaffirm Shared Values: Emphasize democratic convergence and Indo-Pacific cooperation.
- Institutionalize Dialogue: Strengthen 2+2 mechanisms and Quad coordination to buffer against leadership volatility.
- Protect People-to-People Ties: Safeguard educational, tech, and diaspora linkages from political turbulence.
5.
⚖️ The Legality of Israeli Actions Under International Law: A Complex Debate
The recent Israeli strikes on Iran and Gaza have reignited global scrutiny over the legality of Israel’s use of force under international law. Legal scholars and UN bodies are sharply divided, especially over the doctrines of self-defence, anticipatory strikes, and proportionality.
🗞️ Why in News
Israel’s June 2025 military operations targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and leadership have raised questions about whether these actions constitute legitimate self-defence or unlawful aggression under the UN Charter.
🔑 Legal Frameworks Involved
- Article 2(4) of the UN Charter
- Prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.
- Article 51 of the UN Charter
- Allows self-defence only “if an armed attack occurs,” and even then, actions must meet the tests of necessity and proportionality.
- Anticipatory or Pre-emptive Self-Defence
- Highly contested. Requires proof of an imminent threat.
- The Caroline Doctrine (1837) is often cited, which demands that the threat be “instant, overwhelming, leaving no choice of means, and no moment for deliberation”.
🧭 Competing Legal Views
- Against Legality: Scholars like Marko Milanovic argue that no armed attack from Iran had occurred, nor was there clear attribution to Iran for proxy actions. Thus, Israel’s strike violates Article 2(4) and may amount to aggression, a war crime under international law.
- In Favor of Legality: Others argue for interceptive or anticipatory self-defence, citing Iran’s nuclear ambitions and hostile rhetoric. They claim Israel acted during the “last window of opportunity” to prevent an existential threat.
🌍 Broader Implications
- Erosion of Norms: Expanding the definition of self-defence risks undermining the UN Charter’s foundational principles.
- Precedent Setting: If widely accepted, such actions could justify future unilateral strikes by other states.
- UNSC Paralysis: The Security Council’s inability to reach consensus reflects the geopolitical fragmentation of international law enforcement.
6.
🎓 The Real Challenge for Foreign Campuses in India
A recent editorial in The Hindu titled “” explores the deeper issues facing foreign universities setting up shop in India under the UGC’s 2023 regulations and the NEP 2020 vision.
🗞️ Why in News
India has issued Letters of Intent (LoIs) to five foreign institutions—including the University of York and Illinois Institute of Technology—to establish campuses in Navi Mumbai. However, early entrants like Deakin University and University of Wollongong are already facing operational and reputational hurdles.
🔑 Key Challenges Identified
- Rushed Implementation
- Admissions were announced before key details like faculty profiles and infrastructure readiness were made public.
- Academic Identity Crisis
- Many incoming institutions are not top-tier in their home countries.
- Their focus on market-driven courses (e.g., business, data science) risks making them indistinguishable from India’s better private colleges.
- Global Headwinds
- In the U.S., political hostility toward higher education under the Trump administration has made foreign expansion a low priority.
- Globally, transnational education is navigating geopolitical and financial uncertainty.
- Domestic Competition
- India’s higher education space is highly competitive, with elite IITs, IIMs, and private universities already offering strong alternatives.
- Perception Risk
- Without a clear academic mission, these campuses risk being seen as “diploma mills”, undermining the parent university’s brand.
🌍 Significance for India
- Brain Drain vs. Brain Gain: While the goal is to retain talent and reduce foreign exchange loss, students still seek global exposure and work rights abroad.
- Quality vs. Quantity: The success of this initiative depends not on how many campuses open, but on how well they integrate into India’s academic ecosystem.
7.
🛢️ Why Oil Prices Are Rising Amid the Iran–Israel War
The ongoing Iran–Israel conflict has triggered a sharp spike in global oil prices, with Brent crude nearing $76 per barrel, its highest in nearly five months. Here’s why:
🔑 Key Drivers Behind the Price Surge
- Supply Disruption Fears
- Iran exports 1.5–2 million barrels per day, and any disruption—real or anticipated—tightens global supply.
- Traders fear escalation could halt Iranian exports or damage infrastructure.
- Strait of Hormuz Risk
- Nearly 20% of global oil passes through this narrow waterway, which Iran partially controls.
- A blockade or attack here would choke global oil trade, sending prices soaring.
- Geopolitical Premium
- Markets price in risk and uncertainty. With U.S. President Trump threatening strikes on Iran’s leadership and Israel continuing air raids, the risk of a broader regional war is high.
- Speculative Buying
- Investors often buy oil futures during crises, betting on further price hikes, which itself drives prices up.
- OPEC+ Supply Outlook
- OPEC has trimmed its forecast for non-OPEC supply growth in 2026, signaling tighter markets ahead.
🌍 Implications for India and the World
- India, a major oil importer, could face higher fuel and LPG prices, leading to inflationary pressure across sectors—from transport to food.
- Asian currencies like the rupee, won, and baht are under pressure due to rising import bills.
- If Brent crosses $85–90, central banks may delay rate cuts, affecting growth projections.
8.
🌊 UN Oceans Conference 2025: Key Decisions & Takeaways
The 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), held in Nice, France, concluded with a strong global push to protect marine ecosystems and regulate the high seas. Here’s what was decided:
🗞️ Major Outcomes
- High Seas Treaty Nears Enforcement
- Also known as the BBNJ Agreement (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction), the treaty aims to protect marine biodiversity in international waters.
- 56 of the required 60 countries have ratified it; once 60 ratifications are reached, it will become legally binding after 120 days.
- India pledged to ratify the treaty soon and proposed a 10-point roadmap for sustainable ocean governance.
- Nice Ocean Action Plan Adopted
- A political declaration titled “Our Ocean, Our Future: United for Urgent Action” was adopted by 170+ countries.
- It calls for:
- Expanding marine protected areas
- Decarbonizing maritime transport
- Tackling marine pollution
- Mobilizing finance for coastal and island nations
- Voluntary Commitments & Pledges
- European Commission: €1 billion for ocean conservation and sustainable fishing
- French Polynesia: World’s largest marine protected area (~5 million sq. km)
- Germany: €100 million to clear underwater munitions
- Indonesia & World Bank: Launched a Coral Bond to fund reef conservation
- Panama & Canada: Led a 37-nation coalition to combat ocean noise pollution
- Push to Halt Deep-Sea Mining
- 37 countries supported a precautionary pause or ban on deep-sea mining, citing risks to fragile ecosystems.
🌍 Why It Matters
- Only 2.7% of the ocean is effectively protected today.
- The conference marks a turning point in multilateral ocean governance, with momentum building for SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
- It also reflects growing political will to treat the ocean as a global commons, not a free-for-all.
9.
🇮🇳 Operation Sindhu: India Evacuates 110 Students from Conflict-Hit Iran
India has launched Operation Sindhu, a coordinated evacuation mission to bring back Indian nationals stranded in Iran amid the escalating Iran–Israel conflict.
🛫 Key Highlights
- Evacuation Route: 110 Indian students, mostly from Jammu & Kashmir, were moved from northern Iran to Yerevan, Armenia via land routes on June 17, 2025.
- Flight Details: They boarded a special flight from Yerevan at 14:55 IST on June 18 and landed in New Delhi in the early hours of June 19.
- Government Coordination: The operation was supervised by Indian missions in Iran and Armenia, with support from both host governments. Minister of State K.V. Singh received the evacuees at the airport.
- Ongoing Efforts: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has set up a 24×7 Control Room and continues to assist other Indian nationals in relocating from high-risk zones within Iran.
🌍 Why It Matters
- Conflict Escalation: The evacuation follows Israel’s Operation Rising Lion and Iran’s retaliatory strikes, which have left over 600 dead and disrupted civilian life.
- Diaspora Safety: With nearly 4,000 Indians in Iran, including 2,000 students, Operation Sindhu underscores India’s commitment to citizen safety abroad.
10.
⚛️ Nuclear Energy Law Amendments Likely in Monsoon Session 2025
Union Minister of State for Atomic Energy Dr. Jitendra Singh has indicated that the government may introduce amendments to two key nuclear laws—the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 (CLNDA)—during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament.
🗝️ What’s Being Proposed
- Amendment to the Atomic Energy Act, 1962
- Would allow private and foreign companies to participate in nuclear power generation, currently restricted to state-run entities like NPCIL.
- Aims to unlock investment and accelerate India’s nuclear capacity expansion.
- Amendment to the CLNDA, 2010
- Seeks to limit supplier liability in case of nuclear accidents.
- May cap liability to the original contract value and introduce a time-bound window for claims.
- Intended to address concerns of global suppliers like Westinghouse, GE-Hitachi, and EDF.
🌍 Why It Matters
- Energy Security: India aims to scale nuclear capacity from 8 GW to 100 GW by 2047 to meet clean energy goals.
- Private Sector Entry: Could finally operationalize the Indo–U.S. civil nuclear deal signed in 2008.
- Investment Boost: May attract foreign capital and technology into India’s nuclear ecosystem.
- Safety vs. Reform Debate: Critics warn that diluting liability could compromise accountability and public trust.
11.
🇮🇳🤝🇨🇦 India–Canada Diplomatic Reset: High Commissioners to Be Reinstated
In a major thaw after nearly two years of strained ties, India and Canada have agreed to appoint new High Commissioners, marking the first formal step toward restoring full diplomatic relations.
🗞️ Why in News
During a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Mark Carney agreed to restore top-level diplomatic representation and resume regular consular services.
🔑 Key Highlights
- First Step in Reset: Both sides will designate new High Commissioners “at an early date” to normalize diplomatic functions.
- Background: Ties had soured after the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, with both countries expelling diplomats and halting high-level dialogue.
- New Leadership, New Tone: PM Carney, who succeeded Justin Trudeau in March 2025, emphasized mutual respect, rule of law, and sovereignty.
- People-to-People Ties: With over 1.8 million Canadians of Indian origin, both leaders acknowledged the importance of restoring visa services and citizen engagement.
🌍 Significance
- Diplomatic Normalization: Signals a return to constructive engagement after a prolonged freeze.
- Economic Potential: Opens the door to reviving trade talks, especially in areas like clean energy, critical minerals, and digital infrastructure.
- Geopolitical Optics: The reset comes amid India’s growing global stature and Canada’s leadership transition, offering a chance to rebuild trust.
12.
🇮🇳🇺🇸 India–US Trade Deal: Goyal Optimistic About Early Agreement Before July 9
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has expressed confidence that India and the United States could sign the first tranche of a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) before July 9, 2025, ahead of the reimposition of reciprocal tariffs by the U.S.
🗞️ Why in News
- The U.S. had paused a 26% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods for 90 days, set to expire on July 9.
- Goyal, speaking at the India Global Forum in London, said both sides are in continuous dialogue and that he is a “born optimist”.
- He emphasized the need to capture “low-hanging fruits” first, suggesting a step-by-step approach to the broader trade pact.
🔑 Key Points from the Negotiations
- The deal is expected to be interim in nature, focusing on simpler, non-controversial issues like tariff reductions and market access.
- Contentious sectors like agriculture and dairy may be left out of the initial agreement.
- India is keen to avoid the 26% tariff and secure duty-free access for labor-intensive exports like textiles and footwear.
- The U.S. is seeking greater market access for its farm and food products.
🌍 Strategic Significance
- A successful deal would boost investor confidence, especially amid global trade realignments.
- It could help double bilateral trade from $191 billion to $500 billion by 2030, a shared goal of both nations.
- The agreement would also signal resilience in India–US ties, despite broader geopolitical uncertainties.
13.
🏫 Chandigarh Tops, Meghalaya Trails in School Education Index 2023–24
According to the Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0 released by the Union Ministry of Education, Chandigarh has emerged as the best performer in school education for the academic year 2023–24, while Meghalaya ranks at the bottom.
📊 Key Highlights from the Report
- Chandigarh scored 719 out of 1,000, the only region to reach Grade Prachesta-1 (701–760 points).
- Meghalaya scored 417, placing it in Grade Akanshi-3 (401–460 points), the lowest performance band.
- The PGI assesses states and UTs across eight domains, including:
- Learning outcomes and quality
- Access to education
- Infrastructure and facilities
- Equity
- Governance processes
- Teacher education and training
- 24 states/UTs improved their scores compared to the previous year, while 12 saw declines.
🧭 Grading Bands
Grade Band Score Range Label Example States/UTs Prachesta-1 701–760 High Performer Chandigarh Prachesta-3 581–640 Above Average Punjab, Delhi, Gujarat, Odisha Akanshi-1 521–580 Average Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, West Bengal Akanshi-2 461–520 Below Average Bihar, Telangana, Assam Akanshi-3 401–460 Low Performer Meghalaya 🌍 Significance
- The PGI is designed to catalyze evidence-based reforms in school education by identifying strengths and gaps.
- It helps states benchmark progress and prioritize interventions in areas like infrastructure, teacher training, and student outcomes.
- The narrowing gap between top and bottom performers—from 51% in 2017–18 to 41% in 2023–24—shows gradual convergence in education quality.
14.
📈 SEBI Allows Founders to Retain ESOPs Post-IPO: A Game-Changer for Startups
In a major regulatory shift, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved a proposal allowing startup founders to retain and exercise Employee Stock Options (ESOPs) even after their companies go public, provided they were granted at least one year before filing the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP).
🔑 What Changed?
- Earlier Rule: Promoters (including founders) were barred from holding or receiving ESOPs once the company filed for an IPO.
- New Rule: Founders who received ESOPs at least one year before DRHP filing can now retain and exercise them even after listing.
- No Fresh ESOPs: Founders still cannot be granted new ESOPs post-listing.
🌟 Why It Matters
- Boosts Startup Morale: Recognizes founders’ long-term commitment and aligns incentives beyond IPO.
- Eases IPO Planning: Reduces last-minute restructuring and improves compensation clarity.
- Supports Reverse Flipping: Helps startups shifting base back to India (reverse flipping) by easing compliance.
🧭 Broader SEBI Reforms (June 2025)
- Relaxed norms for Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs)
- Simplified PSU delisting for firms with over 90% government holding
- Demat mandate expanded to more stakeholders pre-IPO
- Eased rules for foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) investing in G-Secs.
15. 🌍 Trade Tariffs and the Unintended Rise of Invasive Alien Species
A recent article in The Hindu explores a fascinating paradox: while trade tariffs are designed to restrict imports and protect domestic markets, they may inadvertently increase the risk of invasive alien species (IAS) entering new ecosystems.
🧬 How It Happens
- Shifting Trade Routes: Tariffs often lead countries to forge new trade partnerships. These new routes may lack robust biosecurity protocols, increasing the chance of exotic species slipping through.
- Weakened Quarantine Systems: Sudden changes in trade flows can overwhelm inspection infrastructure, especially in developing nations like India.
- Examples of IAS Spread:
- The giant African snail, introduced to India in the 1800s, became a major pest and disease carrier.
- Mosquitofish and guppies, introduced for biocontrol, disrupted native aquatic ecosystems.
- Biofouling from ballast water in ships has introduced species like the Asian paddle crab, which carries harmful viruses.
🔁 Deliberate vs. Accidental Introductions
- Deliberate: For ornamental trade (aquariums), agriculture, or pest control—often without ecological foresight.
- Accidental: Via timber, grains, fruits, or ballast water in ships, which can carry larvae, seeds, or pathogens.
🧭 What Can Be Done
- Stronger Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures: Align trade policy with environmental safeguards.
- Risk Assessment Protocols: Especially for new trade partners.
- Public Awareness & Monitoring: Involving local communities in early detection and response.
DEEPIKA PARASHAR
