Stay ahead in your UPSC preparation with the top editorials and issue-based analysis from The Hindu, Indian, and 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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Black Box Recovered from Ahmedabad Plane Crash Site, PM Modi Visits Scene
🔸 Why in News?
Investigators have recovered the black box of the Air India Flight AI-171 from the rooftop of a medical college hostel in Ahmedabad, a day after the tragic crash. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site and met the injured at the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital.
🔸 Key Developments
- Black Box Recovery – The Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) was found on the roof of BJ Medical College hostel, crucial for reconstructing the flight’s final moments.
- Crash Details – The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed seconds after takeoff, killing 241 out of 242 passengers and 24 people on the ground.
- Investigation Underway – The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is analyzing the black box data to determine the cause of the crash.
🔸 PM Modi’s Visit & Government Response
- PM Modi pledged full government support for victims’ families and called for a thorough probe.
- Air India CEO Campbell Wilson briefed Modi on steps taken by the airline after the accident.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that DNA analysis is being conducted to confirm victim identities.
🔸 Possible Causes Being Investigated
- Engine failure or loss of thrust in both engines.
- Multiple bird strikes during takeoff.
- Potential flap issue affecting aircraft stability.
2.
Kerala HC Slams Centre Over Loan Waiver Denial for Wayanad Victims
🔸 Why in News?
The Kerala High Court has criticized the Central Government for citing the removal of Section 13 from the Disaster Management (DM) Act as a reason to deny loan waivers for victims of the Wayanad landslides.
🔸 Key Observations by the Court
- The Centre cannot claim helplessness due to the amendment of the DM Act, as it still retains executive power under Article 73 of the Constitution.
- The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) previously had the authority to recommend loan waivers, but the removal of Section 13 does not eliminate the Union’s ability to act.
- The Court granted the Centre three weeks to decide on the loan waiver policy.
🔸 Government’s Response
- The Centre filed an affidavit stating that it cannot waive loans due to the amendment.
- Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has urged PM Modi to restore Section 13, arguing that its removal hurts disaster victims.
🔸 Way Forward
- The Centre must clarify its stance on loan waivers within three weeks.
- The Kerala HC will reassess the case based on the Centre’s response.
- The government may explore alternative relief measures for affected families.
3.
Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation
“Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” is the fifth installment in the Mission: Impossible film series, released in 2015. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, the movie follows Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) as he battles The Syndicate, a rogue organization of former intelligence operatives.
🔸 Plot Summary
- Ethan Hunt is disavowed by the CIA and must operate without official support.
- He uncovers The Syndicate, a shadowy group aiming to destabilize global security.
- Hunt teams up with Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), an undercover MI6 agent with uncertain loyalties.
- The film features high-stakes espionage, including the famous underwater vault sequence and motorcycle chase in Morocco.
🔸 Cast & Reception
- Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Rebecca Ferguson, Sean Harris, Alec Baldwin.
- The film was praised for its intense action sequences, tight screenplay, and Cruise’s daring stunts.
- It grossed $710.9 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 2015.
🔸 Legacy & Sequel
- The movie set the stage for Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018), continuing Hunt’s battle against global threats.
- It reinforced the franchise’s reputation for practical stunts and high-adrenaline storytelling.
4.
The Rot Starts at the Top of the Aviation Ladder
🔸 Why in News?
The Ahmedabad Air India crash has reignited concerns over aviation safety and regulatory failures in India. Experts argue that systemic negligence at the highest levels of aviation governance has led to repeated disasters.
🔸 Key Issues Highlighted
- Lack of Accountability – Investigations into past crashes have failed to hold aviation authorities responsible, often blaming pilots instead.
- Regulatory Complacency – The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Airports Authority of India (AAI) have been criticized for ignoring safety violations.
- Judicial Weakness – Courts have dismissed public interest litigations seeking stricter aviation oversight, allowing unsafe practices to persist.
🔸 Historical Aviation Failures
- Indian Airlines Airbus A320 crash (1990) – Bangalore disaster due to pilot miscommunication and poor training protocols.
- Alliance Air Boeing 737 crash (2000) – Patna crash linked to poor airport infrastructure and outdated safety measures.
- Air India Express crash (2010 & 2020) – Mangaluru and Kozhikode accidents exposed flawed runway designs and inadequate emergency response.
🔸 Way Forward
- Independent Safety Oversight – Experts call for professional leadership in DGCA and AAI instead of bureaucratic appointments.
- Stronger Aviation Laws – Stricter enforcement of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards is needed.
- Transparent Investigations – Crash probes must avoid political interference and ensure objective accountability.
5.
The Endgame of a 2,611-Year-Old Jewish-Persian Enmity
🔸 Why in News?
The long-standing conflict between Israel and Iran has reached a critical turning point with Israel’s “Rising Lion” operation, launched on June 13, 2025, to neutralize Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities.
🔸 Historical Context
- The Jewish-Persian enmity dates back to 586 BCE, when Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar II destroyed the First Jewish Temple and obliterated the Kingdom of Judah.
- Over centuries, Persian rulers alternated between supporting and opposing Jewish interests, with Cyrus the Great famously allowing Jews to return to Jerusalem.
- The modern conflict intensified after Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, which led to hostile policies against Israel.
🔸 Key Developments in the Current Conflict
- Israel’s Multi-Pronged Attack – Over 200 Israeli Air Force jets struck 100+ Iranian targets, including nuclear sites, missile facilities, and key military leaders.
- Iran’s Retaliation – Tehran launched missile strikes on Israeli cities, prompting counterattacks on Iranian air defenses.
- Geopolitical Maneuvering – The US and Israel’s allies have publicly distanced themselves from the conflict while covertly supporting Israel’s strategy.
🔸 Possible Consequences
- Regional Instability – The conflict could escalate into a broader Middle East war, involving Iran’s proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas.
- Diplomatic Fallout – The UN Security Council may intervene, but global powers remain divided on the issue.
- Economic Disruptions – Oil markets are reacting sharply, with prices spiking due to fears of supply chain disruptions.
6.
India Abstains from UNGA Resolution on Gaza Ceasefire
🔸 Why in News?
India abstained from voting on a UN General Assembly resolution that called for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution, introduced by Spain, was passed with 149 votes in favor, 19 abstentions, and 12 votes against.
🔸 India’s Position
- Commitment to Dialogue – India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, stated that India remains deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis but believes that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way forward.
- Previous Abstentions – India has abstained on similar resolutions in the past, including those in 2022 and 2024, citing the need for direct peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine.
- Two-State Solution Support – India reiterated its support for a negotiated two-state solution, emphasizing the need for conditions that enable direct peace talks.
🔸 Global Reactions
- US & Israel Opposition – The United States and Israel voted against the resolution, arguing that a ceasefire without security guarantees would embolden Hamas.
- European & Arab Support – Countries like France, the UK, and Saudi Arabia backed the resolution, urging Israel to lift its blockade and allow humanitarian aid.
- UN Security Council Deadlock – A similar resolution in the UN Security Council was vetoed by the US last week, preventing binding action.
🔸 Way Forward
- India’s Diplomatic Role – India may engage in backchannel diplomacy to facilitate peace negotiations.
- Humanitarian Assistance – India has provided aid to Gaza through bilateral and UN channels, reaffirming its commitment to humanitarian relief.
- Monitoring Future Developments – The next round of peace talks is expected in Paris next week, where India’s participation remains uncertain.
7.
Centre Sanctions Over 300 FRA Cells to Strengthen Forest Rights Act Implementation
🔸 Why in News?
For the first time since the Forest Rights Act (FRA) was enacted in 2006, the Union Government has sanctioned 324 district-level FRA cells across 18 States and Union Territories to facilitate the implementation of forest rights for Scheduled Tribes and forest-dwelling communities.
🔸 Key Features of the FRA Cells
- Funded by the Centre but will operate under State directives.
- Assist claimants and Gram Sabhas in preparing paperwork for FRA claims.
- Support data management and quick disposal of pending claims.
- Largest allocation in Madhya Pradesh (55 cells), followed by Chhattisgarh (30), Telangana (29), Maharashtra (26), Assam (25), and Jharkhand (24).
🔸 Concerns & Criticism
- Parallel Mechanism? – Experts worry that these cells operate outside the FRA’s purview, potentially bypassing Gram Sabha authority.
- High Rejection Rate – Of the 51.11 lakh FRA claims, 42% have been rejected, raising concerns over fair implementation.
- State Autonomy Debate – Some states argue that forest rights implementation should remain solely under their jurisdiction.
🔸 Way Forward
- Ensuring Transparency – The Centre must clarify the role of FRA cells to avoid conflicts with existing FRA structures.
- Speeding Up Claim Processing – The initiative aims to reduce the backlog of pending claims, especially in states like Assam (60% pending) and Telangana (50.27% pending).
- Balancing Central & State Roles – Effective coordination between State governments and FRA cells is crucial for successful implementation.
8.
Israel-Iran Conflict May Disrupt Oil Supply to India, Increase Export Costs
🔸 Why in News?
The Israel-Iran conflict has triggered a sharp rise in global oil prices, with analysts warning of potential disruptions to India’s crude oil imports and a 40-50% increase in export costs.
🔸 Key Risks to India
- Oil Price Surge – Brent crude jumped 8% in a single day, raising concerns about inflationary pressures in India, which imports 80% of its crude oil.
- Strait of Hormuz Blockade Threat – Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for 20% of global oil shipments. Any disruption could affect supplies from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, India’s key oil suppliers.
- Export Cost Escalation – The conflict has closed access to the Suez Canal and Red Sea, forcing Indian exporters to reroute shipments via the Cape of Good Hope, adding 15-20 days per ship and increasing costs by $500-$1,000 per container.
🔸 Government Response & Outlook
- Energy Minister’s Assurance – Hardeep Singh Puri stated that India has adequate energy reserves and is diversifying oil imports to mitigate risks.
- Market Volatility Expected – Experts predict temporary price spikes, but long-term disruptions remain uncertain.
- Strategic Monitoring – The government is closely tracking developments to ensure supply stability.
9.
Why Did Israel Attack Iran’s Nuclear Facilities?
🔸 Immediate Security Concerns
Israel launched Operation Rising Lion targeting Iran’s nuclear sites due to concerns that Iran was accelerating uranium enrichment beyond peaceful limits.
- Iran’s Nuclear Advancements – Israeli intelligence assessed that Iran had enough enriched uranium for nine nuclear weapons and was moving toward weaponization.
- UN Watchdog’s Warning – The IAEA censured Iran for failing to comply with nonproliferation obligations, raising fears of a nuclear breakout.
🔸 Strategic Military Action
- Targeted Strikes – Israel hit Natanz, Fordo, and Isfahan nuclear sites, crippling Iran’s uranium enrichment infrastructure.
- Elimination of Key Figures – The attack killed six nuclear scientists and three top Iranian military commanders, including Gen. Mohammad Bagheri.
- Preemptive Strike Doctrine – Israel justified the attack as necessary to prevent an existential threat, citing Iran’s missile capabilities.
🔸 Iran’s Retaliation & Global Response
- Iran’s Missile Barrage – Tehran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel, hitting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
- US & UN Reactions – The US distanced itself from the attack but provided air defense support to Israel. The UN Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting.
- Regional Escalation Risks – Iran vowed “severe punishment”, raising fears of a broader Middle East conflict.
DEEPIKA PARASHAR
