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.
1. Govt. and Kuki-Zo Groups Discuss Suspension of Operations (SoO) Rules
🔸 Why in News?
The Union Home Ministry (MHA) held discussions with Kuki-Zo insurgent groups on June 9, 2025, regarding changes in the ground rules of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement. The talks focused on opening national highways, surrendering weapons, and relocating camps.
🔸 Key Discussion Points
- Review of SoO Ground Rules – The government emphasized strict adherence to the agreement, citing violations.
- Relocation of Camps – Insurgent groups were asked to shut down or relocate camps near Meitei-inhabited areas.
- Opening of National Highways – Talks included free movement of vehicles between Meitei and Kuki-Zo areas.
- Surrender of Weapons – Groups were urged to return looted police weapons to ensure lasting peace.
🔸 Background & Context
- The SoO agreement, signed in 2008, has been extended annually, except in February 2024, when the Manipur government withdrew from the pact.
- The Kuki-Zo groups demand a Union Territory with a legislature, shifting from their earlier request for autonomous territorial councils.
- The next round of talks is scheduled for next week, aiming to finalize the revised ground rules.
🔸 Way Forward
- Finalizing Ground Rules – The MHA will review proposals before extending the SoO agreement.
- Ensuring Stability – The government seeks long-term peace through security measures and political dialogue.
- Monitoring Compliance – Strict enforcement of camp relocation and weapon surrender will be prioritized.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
- Security & Diplomacy (GS-II) – Role of peace agreements in insurgency resolution.
- Governance & Policy (GS-II) – Impact of SoO rules on regional stability.
- Social Issues (GS-I) – Effects of ethnic conflicts on governance.
2.
Cargo Vessel Ablaze Off Kerala Coast: 4 Crew Missing, 18 Rescued
🔸 What Happened?
A Singapore-flagged container ship, MV Wan Hai 503, caught fire off the Kerala coast on June 9, 2025. The vessel was en route from Colombo, Sri Lanka, to Mumbai when a container explosion triggered the blaze.
🔸 Rescue Operations
- 22 crew members were onboard; 18 were rescued, while 4 remain missing.
- The Indian Coast Guard and Navy launched a joint rescue mission, deploying five ships and aircraft.
- The rescued crew was taken to Mangaluru for medical treatment.
🔸 Fire & Hazards
- The ship carried over 650 containers, including 150 with hazardous materials.
- 20 containers fell into the sea due to explosions.
- The vessel remains adrift, emitting dense smoke, raising concerns of further structural damage.
🔸 Way Forward
- Search operations continue for the missing crew members.
- Authorities are assessing environmental risks from hazardous cargo.
- The ship’s owners have been asked to report the nature of the affected cargo.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
- Disaster Management (GS-III) – Role of Coast Guard & Navy in maritime emergencies.
- Environment & Safety (GS-III) – Impact of hazardous cargo spills on marine ecosystems.
- International Relations (GS-II) – Cooperation in maritime security & rescue operations.
3.
India’s First E-Waste Recycling Park to Be Built in Delhi
🔸 Why in News?
Delhi is set to host India’s first e-waste recycling park in Holambi Kalan, as announced by Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa. The park aims to process 51,000 tonnes of e-waste annually and will be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
🔸 Key Features
- Eco-Friendly Processing – The facility will handle all 106 categories of e-waste listed under the E-Waste Management Rules, 2022.
- Revenue & Employment – Expected to generate ₹350 crore in revenue and create over 1,000 green jobs.
- Dedicated Recycling Zones – Includes areas for dismantling, refurbishing, plastic recovery, and second-hand electronics.
- Skill Development – Training centers will upskill informal workers engaged in hazardous e-waste handling.
🔸 Implementation Plan
- Global Tender – The Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) will invite top green technology partners to build the park.
- Construction Timeline – Expected to be completed within 18 months.
- Circular Economy Model – The park will reduce reliance on virgin resources and promote sustainable waste management.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
- Environment & Sustainability (GS-III) – Role of e-waste management in reducing pollution.
- Economy & Development (GS-III) – Impact of green jobs and circular economy.
Governance & Policy (GS-II) – Implementation of E-Waste Management Rules, 2022.
4.
Assam Deports 330 Illegal Immigrants to Bangladesh
🔸 Why in News?
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the state government has pushed back 330 illegal immigrants into Bangladesh under the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950. The operation is part of a larger crackdown on illegal infiltration, with plans to intensify deportations in the coming months.
🔸 Key Developments
- Legal Basis for Deportation – The Assam government is enforcing the 1950 law, which allows district commissioners to identify and expel illegal foreigners without tribunal intervention.
- Supreme Court Ruling – A constitutional bench upheld the validity of the 1950 expulsion law, empowering Assam to deport individuals identified as illegal immigrants.
- Concerns Over Re-Entry – Opposition leaders questioned whether deported individuals might return, but the CM assured that strict border monitoring is in place.
🔸 Political & Social Impact
- Border Security Strengthening – Assam aims to prevent future illegal immigration through enhanced surveillance.
- Opposition Criticism – Congress and AIUDF leaders raised concerns over the identification process, warning against wrongful deportations.
- Public Sentiment – The move has sparked debates on citizenship verification and human rights.
🔸 Way Forward
- Expediting Deportations – The Assam government plans to increase the number of deportations in the coming months.
- Legal Challenges & Monitoring – Authorities will ensure compliance with Supreme Court directives while preventing wrongful expulsions.
- International Coordination – Assam may engage with Bangladesh to streamline deportation procedures.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
- Governance & Policy (GS-II) – Role of citizenship laws in border security.
- Security & Diplomacy (GS-II) – Impact of illegal immigration on India-Bangladesh relations.
Social Issues (GS-I) – Effects of deportation policies on human rights.
5.
New Water Harvesting Model to Aid Rajasthan Farmers
🔸 Why in News?
A transformative water conservation model is being implemented in Kukas village, Jaipur, to help farmers combat water scarcity. The initiative, featuring scientifically designed farm ponds, aims to capture monsoon runoff and ensure year-round irrigation.
🔸 Key Features
- Farm Ponds for Rainwater Storage – 50 plastic-lined ponds, each 10 feet deep, have been constructed, with 25 more underway.
- Sustainable Irrigation – The ponds will provide water for rabi and kharif crops, reducing dependence on deep groundwater extraction.
- Livelihood Boost – Farmers can diversify into high-value horticulture and livestock rearing, improving incomes.
- Groundwater Recharge – The model helps restore depleted aquifers, benefiting over 50,000 villagers.
🔸 Implementation & Impact
- Second Pilot Site in Rajasthan – After success in Dausa district, Kukas was chosen for expansion.
- Community-Led Approach – Farmers are actively involved, ensuring long-term sustainability.
- Government & Private Collaboration – The initiative seeks Central government endorsement for grant-based infrastructure.
🔸 Way Forward
- Scaling Up Nationwide – The model could be replicated in other drought-prone regions.
- Integration with Government Schemes – Linking with PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana for policy support.
- Market Linkages – Enabling farmers to sell surplus produce through organized supply chains.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
- Environment & Sustainability (GS-III) – Role of rainwater harvesting in climate resilience.
- Economy & Development (GS-III) – Impact of water conservation on agricultural productivity.
- Governance & Policy (GS-II) – Implementation of community-driven irrigation models.
6.
Kerala Govt. Seeks Insurance Compensation for Shipwreck
🔸 Why in News?
The Kerala government has decided not to file an immediate criminal case against the shipping company involved in the MSC Elsa 3 shipwreck off the Kochi coast. Instead, it is pursuing insurance compensation through negotiations.
🔸 Key Developments
- Environmental Concerns – The ship carried 640 containers, including hazardous materials, raising fears of oil spills and marine pollution.
- Government Strategy – Kerala is collecting evidence to ensure strong claims for damages.
- Vizhinjam Port Relations – The state aims to maintain goodwill with MSC, a major operator at Vizhinjam International Seaport.
🔸 Criticism & Challenges
- Legal Experts Demand Action – Some argue that criminal proceedings should be initiated to hold MSC accountable.
- Environmental Risks – The long-term impact on Kerala’s marine ecosystem remains uncertain.
- Insurance Negotiations – The Protection & Indemnity (P&I) Insurance Agency has set up a damage liability desk in Kochi.
🔸 Way Forward
- Oil Extraction Plan – Experts will remove oil from the ship’s hull by July 3.
- Fishing Ban Near Wreck – Authorities have restricted fishing within 20 nautical miles until containment measures are completed.
- Post-Monsoon Cleanup – The shipwreck and fallen containers will be removed after the monsoon season.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
- Governance & Policy (GS-II) – Role of insurance claims in disaster management.
- Environment & Sustainability (GS-III) – Impact of shipwrecks on marine ecosystems.
Security & Diplomacy (GS-II) – Maritime laws and international shipping regulations.
7.
The Census and the Remaking of a People
🔸 Why in News?
The upcoming 2027 Census is expected to reshape India’s political and social landscape, marking a centennial event in demographic studies. The delay in the 2021 Census due to COVID-19 has advanced parliamentary seat redistribution by at least five years.
🔸 Key Insights
- Transformation of Population to a Political Community – The Census does not just record data; it influences realities by categorizing people under economic, social, and linguistic identities.
- Impact on Parliamentary Representation – Article 81 of the Constitution mandates that redistribution of Lok Sabha seats will be based on the first Census after 2026, affecting state-wise political power.
- Digital Census for Faster Processing – The 2027 Census will be fully digital, reducing processing time from three years to a few months.
🔸 Political & Social Implications
- Migration Trends & Economic Shifts – Population movement from northern and central India to western and southern states will influence resource allocation and governance.
- Caste & Language Data Collection – The Census will record caste and linguistic shifts, potentially affecting affirmative action policies.
- Delimitation & Electoral Redistribution – The 2029 General Elections may be conducted on a new parliamentary map, altering state-wise representation.
🔸 Way Forward
- Ensuring Data Accuracy – Avoiding politicization of Census responses to maintain credible demographic insights.
- Balancing Representation & Development – Addressing concerns of southern states losing seats due to effective population control.
- Leveraging Census for Policy Making – Using data to enhance economic planning, welfare schemes, and governance models.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
- Governance & Policy (GS-II) – Role of Census in shaping electoral representation.
- Economy & Development (GS-III) – Impact of demographic shifts on economic planning.
- Social Issues (GS-I) – Effects of migration and caste enumeration on policymaking.
8.
Empowering Women in Agriculture for Food Security
🔸 Why in News?
The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, recognizing the critical role of women in global food security. The resolution, backed by over 100 co-sponsors, aims to raise awareness of challenges faced by women in agriculture, including land ownership and market access.
🔸 Key Insights
- Women’s Contribution to Food Production – Women are responsible for 60% to 80% of food production in developing countries and 39% of agricultural labor in South Asia.
- Land Ownership Disparity – Despite their significant role, only 14% of agricultural landowners in India are women, limiting their access to credit and financial institutions.
- Limited Access to Technology – Women farmers often lack access to mobile phones and digital advisory services, affecting their ability to adopt modern farming techniques.
🔸 Government Initiatives
- Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana – Enhances skills and resource access for women farmers.
- Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization – Provides 50% to 80% subsidies for farm machinery.
- National Food Security Mission – Allocates 30% of its budget for women farmers in select states.
🔸 Climate Challenges & Solutions
- Climate Change Impact – Women farmers face higher agricultural risks due to changing weather patterns.
- Nature-Based Solutions – Projects like ENACT in Assam help women farmers access climate-related information and adopt flood-resistant crops.
🔸 Way Forward
- Strengthening Land Rights – Policies must ensure equal land ownership for women.
- Expanding Digital Access – Improving mobile-based advisory services for women farmers.
- Scaling Climate Adaptation Programs – Encouraging nature-based solutions for sustainable agriculture.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
- Governance & Policy (GS-II) – Role of women in agricultural policymaking.
- Economy & Development (GS-III) – Impact of gender-inclusive farming on food security.
- Social Issues (GS-I) – Effects of land ownership disparity on rural livelihoods.
9.
Delimitation by Electors vs. Population: A Fairer Approach?
🔸 Why in News?
The debate over delimitation based on electors rather than population has gained momentum as India prepares for parliamentary seat redistribution post-2026. Experts argue that using the number of registered voters instead of total population could ensure fairer representation and prevent regional imbalances.
🔸 Key Arguments for Elector-Based Delimitation
- Equal Representation for Active Voters – Seats would be allocated based on actual voters, ensuring fairer political participation.
- Avoiding Population Growth Bias – States with higher birth rates would not gain disproportionate political power, addressing concerns of southern states losing seats.
- Reflecting Democratic Participation – Since only electors vote, delimiting based on them aligns with democratic principles.
🔸 Challenges & Counterarguments
- Exclusion of Non-Voters – Using electors ignores children and non-voting residents, potentially underrepresenting certain regions.
- Legal & Constitutional Barriers – Articles 82 and 170 mandate population-based delimitation, requiring constitutional amendments for change.
- Impact on Welfare Policies – Population-based representation ensures resource allocation for all residents, not just voters.
🔸 Way Forward
- Hybrid Model Consideration – Experts suggest a balanced approach, factoring in both population and electors.
- Legal Review & Public Consultation – Any shift would require constitutional amendments and broad consensus.
- Ensuring Regional Equity – Policymakers must address concerns of underrepresented states while maintaining fair representation.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
- Governance & Policy (GS-II) – Role of delimitation in electoral representation.
- Political Science & Constitution (GS-II) – Impact of Articles 82 & 170 on seat allocation.
- Social Issues (GS-I) – Effects of population-based vs. elector-based representation.
10.
Drones: The New Face of Warfare
🔸 Why in News?
Drones have revolutionized modern warfare, shifting from reconnaissance tools to precision strike weapons. Countries like Ukraine have mastered drone production, manufacturing up to 10 million drones annually for battlefield use.
🔸 Key Developments
- Autonomous Swarm Drones – AI-powered drones can coordinate attacks, making them highly efficient in combat scenarios.
- Ukraine’s Drone Warfare – Ukrainian forces use drones for 80% of battlefield attacks, including long-range strikes on Russian airfields.
- Rise of AI-Driven Warfare – Autonomous drones reduce human risk, but raise concerns about ethical warfare and civilian casualties.
🔸 Strategic & Security Impact
- Cost-Effective Combat – Drones are cheaper than traditional fighter jets, making them accessible to smaller nations.
- Surveillance & Intelligence – UAVs provide real-time battlefield data, enhancing military decision-making.
- Cyber & AI Threats – AI-driven drones could be hacked or manipulated, posing new cybersecurity challenges.
🔸 Way Forward
- Regulating Autonomous Weapons – Global treaties may be needed to control AI-driven drone warfare.
- Strengthening Cyber Defenses – Nations must protect drone networks from cyber threats.
- Balancing Ethics & Efficiency – Ensuring human oversight in drone operations to prevent misuse.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
- Security & Diplomacy (GS-II) – Role of drones in modern military strategy.
- Science & Technology (GS-III) – Impact of AI-driven warfare on global security.
- International Relations (GS-II) – Ethical concerns in autonomous weapon deployment.
11.
Drones: The New Face of Warfare
🔸 Why in News?
Drones have revolutionized modern warfare, shifting from reconnaissance tools to precision strike weapons. Countries like Ukraine have mastered drone production, manufacturing up to 10 million drones annually for battlefield use.
🔸 Key Developments
- Autonomous Swarm Drones – AI-powered drones can coordinate attacks, making them highly efficient in combat scenarios.
- Ukraine’s Drone Warfare – Ukrainian forces use drones for 80% of battlefield attacks, including long-range strikes on Russian airfields.
- Rise of AI-Driven Warfare – Autonomous drones reduce human risk, but raise concerns about ethical warfare and civilian casualties.
🔸 Strategic & Security Impact
- Cost-Effective Combat – Drones are cheaper than traditional fighter jets, making them accessible to smaller nations.
- Surveillance & Intelligence – UAVs provide real-time battlefield data, enhancing military decision-making.
- Cyber & AI Threats – AI-driven drones could be hacked or manipulated, posing new cybersecurity challenges.
🔸 Way Forward
- Regulating Autonomous Weapons – Global treaties may be needed to control AI-driven drone warfare.
- Strengthening Cyber Defenses – Nations must protect drone networks from cyber threats.
- Balancing Ethics & Efficiency – Ensuring human oversight in drone operations to prevent misuse.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
- Security & Diplomacy (GS-II) – Role of drones in modern military strategy.
- Science & Technology (GS-III) – Impact of AI-driven warfare on global security.
- International Relations (GS-II) – Ethical concerns in autonomous weapon deployment.
12.
Sustainable Nickel Extraction: A Game-Changer for Clean Energy
🔸 Why in News?
A new hydrogen-based method for nickel extraction has been developed by researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials, offering a carbon-free, energy-efficient alternative to traditional mining.
🔸 Key Innovations
- Hydrogen Plasma Reduction – Instead of using carbon, nickel is extracted using hydrogen plasma, eliminating carbon dioxide emissions.
- Single-Step Process – The method bypasses multiple energy-intensive steps, reducing processing time and costs.
- Energy Efficiency – The new technique is 18% more energy-efficient and cuts CO₂ emissions by 84% compared to conventional methods.
🔸 Environmental & Industrial Impact
- Cleaner Battery Production – Nickel is a key component in EV batteries, and this method reduces the environmental footprint of battery manufacturing.
- Lower Pollution Burden – Traditional nickel extraction shifts pollution from transportation to mining, but this approach minimizes emissions at the source.
- Scalability Potential – The process can be scaled up using electric arc furnaces, making it viable for large-scale industrial adoption.
🔸 Way Forward
- Industry Adoption – Governments and companies must invest in hydrogen-based extraction for sustainable nickel production.
- Policy Support – Incentives for low-carbon mining technologies can accelerate the transition.
- Global Implementation – Countries with high nickel reserves (Indonesia, Canada, Australia) can lead the shift to cleaner extraction methods.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
- Environment & Sustainability (GS-III) – Role of green mining in reducing emissions.
- Science & Technology (GS-III) – Impact of hydrogen plasma technology on metallurgy.
- Economy & Development (GS-III) – Effects of sustainable nickel production on global supply chains.
13.
PM Modi to Visit Cyprus, Croatia During Canada Trip
🔸 Why in News?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Cyprus and Croatia during his trip to Canada for the G7 Summit (June 15-17, 2025). The visit is seen as strategically significant, strengthening India’s European diplomatic outreach.
🔸 Key Highlights
- Cyprus Visit – Seen as a message to Türkiye, which supplied weapons to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. Cyprus has been a strong supporter of India on Kashmir and cross-border terrorism issues.
- Croatia Visit – Marks the first-ever PM-level visit from India since Croatia’s formation in 1991. Croatia has deep Indology traditions and growing defense & technology ties with India.
- G7 Summit in Canada – Modi’s first visit to Canada in nearly a decade, signaling a reset in Indo-Canadian relations after diplomatic tensions.
🔸 Strategic & Diplomatic Impact
- Strengthening EU Ties – Cyprus will hold the EU Council Presidency in 2026, making this visit diplomatically crucial.
- Reviving Indo-Canadian Relations – Canada’s new PM Mark Carney invited Modi, aiming to repair strained ties over Khalistani extremism.
- Defense & Economic Cooperation – Croatia’s Indology links and defense collaborations could lead to new agreements.
🔸 Way Forward
- High-Level Talks – Modi will meet Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and Croatian leaders to discuss bilateral cooperation.
- Economic & Security Agreements – India may explore trade, defense, and technology partnerships with both nations.
- G7 Engagement – India’s participation in global economic and security discussions at the G7 Summit.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
- International Relations (GS-II) – India’s strategic diplomacy with EU nations.
- Security & Diplomacy (GS-II) – Impact of India-Türkiye tensions on foreign policy.
- Economic Development (GS-III) – Indo-Canadian trade and G7 discussions on global economy.
How Asafoetida Came to Be Successfully Cultivated in India
🔸 Why in News?
India has successfully cultivated asafoetida (heeng) for the first time, marking a major shift from its historical dependence on imports. The breakthrough was achieved by CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT) in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh.
🔸 Historical Context
- Asafoetida has been used in Indian cuisine and Ayurveda for centuries, but India relied entirely on imports from Afghanistan, Iran, and Uzbekistan.
- Ancient texts like the Mahabharata and Charaka Samhita mention its medicinal benefits, including digestive aid and pain relief.
🔸 Cultivation Challenges & Breakthrough
- Asafoetida thrives in cold, arid climates with low moisture and sandy soil, making Lahaul-Spiti and Uttarkashi ideal for cultivation.
- CSIR-IHBT procured seeds from Iran and Afghanistan and planted them in Himachal Pradesh in 2020.
- The first flowering and seed set were reported on May 28, 2025, proving that Indian soil can support asafoetida cultivation.
🔸 Economic & Environmental Impact
- Reduces import dependency, saving millions in foreign exchange.
- Boosts local farming in high-altitude regions, creating new livelihood opportunities.
- Supports biodiversity by introducing a new crop to Indian agriculture.
🔸 Way Forward
- Expanding cultivation to other suitable regions in India.
- Developing processing units for high-quality asafoetida production.
- Integrating asafoetida farming into government agricultural schemes.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
- Economy & Development (GS-III) – Impact of import substitution on Indian agriculture.
- Environment & Sustainability (GS-III) – Role of climate-adaptive farming.
- History & Culture (GS-I) – Asafoetida’s historical significance in Indian traditions.
DEEPIKA PARASHAR
