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.
1. Petitioners Challenge Waqf Act Amendments in Supreme Court
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Why in News? Petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court questioning the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, alleging that it allows government interference in waqf properties.
Key Features:
- The Act enables denotification of waqf properties without proper legal safeguards.
- Petitioners argue that it violates minority rights and Article 25 (freedom of religion).
- The Supreme Court emphasized that only strong legal evidence can justify staying the law.
Significance:
- Impacts waqf governance across India and religious autonomy of Muslim institutions.
- Raises concerns about government control over private religious properties.
Way Forward:
- The Supreme Court will continue hearings, setting a critical precedent for religious and property rights.
- Potential legal reforms may be required to balance state oversight and religious freedom.
2. Kerala Moves Supreme Court Against Waqf Act Amendments
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Why in News? The Kerala government has filed a petition challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, arguing that it undermines minority religious rights and waqf property protections.
Key Features:
- Kerala contends that the amendments were introduced without consulting waqf boards.
- State government fears arbitrary takeover of waqf lands.
- The Union government defends the law as a reform to curb mismanagement.
Significance:
- Sets a precedent for state involvement in national religious laws.
- Could influence future policy decisions on minority property rights.
Way Forward:
- Supreme Court hearings will determine whether the Act violates the fundamental rights of waqf institutions.
- Kerala may push for alternative reforms preserving waqf autonomy.
3. Ancient Inscription in Karnataka Records 1539 Drought Deaths
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Why in News? A rare Kannada inscription near the Chandrashekara Temple in Karnataka records the deaths of 6,307 people due to a severe drought in 1539 CE.
Key Features:
- Dates to August 18, 1539, detailing a mass burial effort by local leader Marulaih Odeya.
- Accompanied by a sculpture depicting a person carrying bodies.
- Provides early documented evidence of historical climate disasters.
Significance:
- Offers insights into historical weather patterns and societal resilience.
- Highlights local humanitarian efforts in past crises.
Way Forward:
- The inscription could help reconstruct India’s past climate history.
- Historians may conduct further studies on ancient disaster management.
4. Shirui Lily Festival Resumes in Manipur Amid Tensions
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Why in News? The Shirui Lily Festival 2025 returned to Manipur’s Ukhrul district after two years, but ethnic tensions and security concerns have overshadowed the event.
Key Features:
- Celebrates the rare Shirui Lily, endemic to the Shirui Hills.
- Features traditional dances, folk music, and eco-tourism events.
- Security concerns due to the Meitei-Kuki conflict led to heavy police presence.
Significance:
- Aims to promote Manipur’s biodiversity and tribal culture.
- Highlights regional tensions impacting social and cultural events.
Way Forward:
- Government must ensure peaceful conduct of future festivals.
- Strengthening community dialogue could improve local stability.
5. Supreme Court Mandates Three Years of Legal Practice for Judiciary Aspirants
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Why in News? The Supreme Court ruled that law graduates must have three years of legal experience before applying for civil judge (junior division) posts.
Key Features:
- Candidates must practice law before taking judicial exams.
- Experience must be certified by a senior advocate.
- Time spent as a law clerk will count toward the requirement.
Significance:
- Ensures better preparedness among newly appointed judges.
- Improves the quality of judicial decision-making.
Way Forward:
- High Courts must update recruitment policies to align with the ruling.
- Law schools may adjust curriculum and internship opportunities.
6. Astrophysicist Jayant Narlikar Passes Away
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Why in News? Renowned astrophysicist Dr. Jayant Narlikar, known for challenging the Big Bang Theory, has passed away at the age of 87.
Key Features:
- Developed the Hoyle-Narlikar theory of gravity.
- Founded the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune.
- Advocated for scientific temper and rationalism.
Significance:
- His research redefined cosmological debates.
- Inspired generations of Indian scientists.
Way Forward:
- His work may continue influencing alternative models of the universe.
- Institutions could further his research through advanced cosmology studies.
7.
WHO Adopts Historic Pandemic Agreement
{pg.14,GS3}Why in News?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has formally adopted the Pandemic Agreement, marking a significant step toward global health preparedness. The agreement was passed at the 78th World Health Assembly after three years of negotiations, with 124 countries voting in favor, 11 abstaining, and none opposing.
Key Features:
- Equitable Access: Ensures fair distribution of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics during pandemics.
- Global Supply Chain Resilience: Strengthens production and distribution of medical supplies.
- Information Sharing & Transparency: Establishes a Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing System (PABS) to facilitate research and response.
- National Sovereignty Protection: WHO cannot mandate lockdowns, vaccine mandates, or travel bans—decisions remain with individual countries.
Significance:
- Addresses Inequities: Prevents disparities seen during COVID-19, where wealthier nations had surplus vaccines while others struggled.
- Strengthens Global Coordination: Enhances multilateral cooperation to prevent and respond to future pandemics.
- Public Health Victory: WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called it a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to safeguard global health.
Way Forward:
- Implementation Phase: Countries must now ratify and integrate the agreement into national policies.
- Funding & Logistics: WHO will establish a Coordinating Financial Mechanism to support pandemic preparedness.
- Future Negotiations: Discussions will continue on pathogen-sharing protocols and global health security frameworks.
This agreement is expected to reshape global health governance, ensuring faster, fairer responses to future pandemics.
8.
M.R. Srinivasan, Architect of India’s Nuclear Programme, Passes Away
{pg.14, Prelims}Why in News?
Veteran nuclear scientist Dr. M.R. Srinivasan, former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, passed away at the age of 95 in Ooty on May 20, 2025. He was a pioneer in India’s nuclear energy sector and played a crucial role in developing the country’s indigenous nuclear power programme.
Key Features:
- Early Contributions: Worked alongside Dr. Homi Bhabha on India’s first nuclear research reactor, Apsara, in 1956.
- Leadership Roles: Served as Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
- Nuclear Power Expansion: Spearheaded the development of Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), which became the backbone of India’s nuclear power infrastructure.
- Institution Builder: Founded the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) in 1987.
- Awards & Recognition: Honored with the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, for his contributions to nuclear energy.
Significance:
- Energy Self-Reliance: His work ensured India’s independence in nuclear energy production, reducing reliance on foreign technology.
- Scientific Legacy: Mentored generations of nuclear scientists, shaping India’s atomic energy policies.
- National Security: Played a key role in India’s nuclear deterrence strategy, strengthening the country’s defense capabilities.
Way Forward:
- Tributes & Condolences: Leaders, including PM Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, have expressed grief over his passing.
- Future of Nuclear Energy: His contributions will continue to guide India’s expansion of nuclear power for sustainable energy solutions.
- Institutional Growth: The Atomic Energy Commission and NPCIL will build upon his vision to enhance India’s nuclear capabilities.
Dr. Srinivasan’s legacy will remain integral to India’s scientific and energy advancements.
9.
Jarosite: A Natural Geological Clock on Mars
{pg.18-II, Prelims}Why in News?
Researchers have discovered that jarosite, a mineral found on Mars and Earth, can act as a natural clock to date geological events on the Red Planet. A team from India studied jarosite samples from Kachchh, Gujarat, which has terrain similar to Mars, to test its ability to record radiation exposure over time.
Key Features:
- Luminescence Dating: Jarosite stores energy from natural radiation and releases it as light when heated, allowing scientists to estimate its age.
- Thermal Stability: The mineral retains its luminescence properties even after being heated to 450°C, making it suitable for Mars exploration.
- Radiation Exposure Measurement: On Mars, jarosite can record events up to 25,000 years ago, helping scientists date dust storms, floods, and volcanic activity.
- Evidence of Water: Since jarosite forms in acidic, water-rich environments, its presence on Mars suggests that liquid water existed in the planet’s past.
Significance:
- Improves Mars Chronology: Provides a more precise method for dating Martian geological events compared to crater counting.
- Supports Astrobiology Research: Jarosite can trap organic molecules, making it useful in the search for past life on Mars.
- Enhances Rover Capabilities: Future Mars missions could use small heaters and LEDs to analyze jarosite samples directly on the planet.
Way Forward:
- Integration into Mars Missions: Scientists suggest incorporating jarosite-based dating techniques into upcoming NASA and ESA rover missions.
- Further Studies on Earth Analogues: More research on terrestrial jarosite deposits could refine its use as a dating tool for planetary exploration.
- Potential for Other Planets: The method could be applied to Venus and Europa, where similar minerals may exist.
This discovery could revolutionize how scientists study Mars’ geological history.
10.
Kurma Mela: The Science Behind Olive Ridley Turtle Mass Nesting
{pg.18-II, GS3}Why in News?
The Kurma Mela, a term used to describe the mass nesting (Arribada) of Olive Ridley turtles, has gained attention after a record-breaking seven lakh turtles nested at Rushikulya beach, Odisha, in March 2025. Conservationists are studying the scientific factors influencing this synchronized nesting event.
Key Features:
- Philopatry & Magnetic Mapping: Olive Ridley turtles imprint on the local magnetic field at birth and return decades later to the same site to nest.
- Environmental Cues: Nesting sites are influenced by salinity, land slope, predation risk, and rainfall.
- Cold-Core Eddies: These nutrient-rich ocean currents help sustain turtle populations near nesting zones.
- Olfactory Navigation: Female turtles use urine and scent cues to locate nesting sites, sometimes disrupting existing nests.
- Temperature-Dependent Sex Ratio: Rising temperatures may shift hatchling populations toward more females, affecting future reproduction.
Significance:
- Conservation Challenges: Despite local population growth, global Olive Ridley numbers have declined 30-50% since 1960.
- Human Impact: Well-meaning interventions, such as beach modifications, may unintentionally alter nesting behaviors.
- Predation Risks: Broken eggs attract predators, increasing hatchling mortality.
Way Forward:
- Sustainable Conservation: Experts recommend minimal human interference to allow natural nesting cycles.
- Climate Adaptation Studies: Further research is needed on temperature shifts affecting hatchling sex ratios.
- Community Engagement: Local participation in turtle protection programs can enhance conservation efforts.
This scientific understanding of Kurma Mela is crucial for ensuring the survival of Olive Ridley turtles.
11.
Scheme-Based Workers: The Struggle for Recognition
{pg.8,GS3}Why in News?
Millions of scheme-based workers (SBWs), including Anganwadi workers, ASHAs, and Mid-Day Meal workers, continue to fight for legal recognition, fair wages, and social security. Despite their critical role in implementing government welfare schemes, they are not classified as formal workers, leading to low wages and lack of benefits.
Key Features:
- Lack of Worker Status: SBWs are not recognized as government employees, despite working under state-run welfare programs.
- Wage Struggles: They receive stipends instead of salaries, with no fixed wage negotiation timelines.
- Legal Battles: Courts have ruled against full worker status, but recent judgments have granted gratuity rights.
- Union Mobilization: Major trade unions (AITUC, BMS, CITU) have organized strikes and protests demanding fair treatment.
Significance:
- Essential Workforce: SBWs play a vital role in child nutrition, healthcare, and education, yet remain underpaid and unprotected.
- Judicial Recognition: Courts have acknowledged their importance, but policy changes remain slow.
- Political Influence: State governments vary in their support, often influenced by elections and union strength.
Way Forward:
- Policy Reforms: Governments must formalize SBW status, ensuring minimum wages and social security.
- Legal Advocacy: Continued court battles could push for stronger labor protections.
- Union Strengthening: SBWs need consistent negotiations with policymakers to secure better working conditions.
The struggle of scheme-based workers highlights the gap between welfare policies and labor rights.
12.
Future-Proof Progress: Beyond Speed
{pg.9,GS3}Why in News?
In an era of rapid technological advancements, experts and policymakers emphasize that progress must be sustainable and adaptable, rather than merely fast. The concept of future-proofing development has gained global attention as industries grapple with climate change, AI disruptions, and geopolitical uncertainties.
Key Features:
- Sustainability First: Ensures long-term environmental and economic viability.
- Resilient Infrastructure: Investments should withstand climate shifts, supply chain disruptions, and financial downturns.
- AI & Automation Preparedness: Innovations must integrate ethical considerations and adaptability.
- Inclusive Growth: Development must uplift all communities, ensuring equitable access.
- Technological Evolution: Systems should be designed to accommodate future advancements without becoming obsolete.
Significance:
- Prevents short-term gains from leading to future failures.
- Strengthens global economic stability and workforce security.
- Enhances climate adaptation strategies, reducing disaster vulnerabilities.
- Encourages responsible innovation, balancing speed with long-term impact.
Way Forward:
- Governments and industries must prioritize resilient policies and adaptive technologies.
- AI ethics must be incorporated to ensure fair automation in workplaces.
- Future-proof urban planning should integrate sustainability and scalability.
- Continuous research must support long-term feasibility
—————————————-DEEPIKA PARASHAR
