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. Ladakh Introduces New Quota and Domicile Policies
🔸 Why in News?
The Union Government has notified new reservation and domicile policies for Ladakh, aiming to protect local interests and enhance governance. These policies include an 85% reservation cap, a 15-year residency requirement for domicile status, and one-third reservation for women in hill councils.
🔸 Key Features
- Reservation Policy –
- 80% reserved for Scheduled Tribes (STs).
- 4% for residents near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Line of Control (LoC).
- 1% for Scheduled Castes (SCs).
- 10% for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
- Domicile Criteria –
- Individuals must have resided in Ladakh for at least 15 years or studied there for seven years and appeared for Class 10 or 12 exams in the UT.
- Children of central government employees who have served 10 years in Ladakh are also eligible.
- Women’s Quota in Hill Councils –
- One-third of seats in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (Leh & Kargil) are reserved for women, with rotation among constituencies.
- Official Languages Recognized –
- English, Hindi, Urdu, Bhoti, and Purgi are now official languages.
- Other native languages like Shina, Brokskat, Balti, and Ladakhi will be promoted.
🔸 Background & Context
- Since Ladakh became a Union Territory in 2019, local groups have demanded stronger protections for culture, employment, and governance.
- The Union Home Ministry formed a high-powered committee in 2023 to draft these policies, including representatives from trade unions, religious groups, and political bodies.
- Environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk and other leaders played a key role in negotiations, following protests and hunger strikes in 2024.
🔸 Local Reactions
- Sajjad Kargili, a Kargil leader, called the policies a “positive step” toward fulfilling government assurances and boosting employment opportunities.
- However, discussions on statehood, a separate public service commission, and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule will continue.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
- Governance & Policy (GS-II) – Impact of reservation and domicile policies on regional autonomy.
- Social Issues (GS-I) – Role of constitutional safeguards in protecting indigenous communities.
International Relations (GS-II) – Strategic significance of Ladakh’s border policies.
2.
Act North: Addressing the Grievances of Ladakh
🔸 Why in News?
The Union Government has introduced new policies for Ladakh, addressing concerns related to reservation, domicile status, and governance. However, local leaders and activists argue that these measures fall short of key demands, including statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule.
🔸 Key Issues Raised by Ladakh’s People
- Demand for Constitutional Safeguards – Ladakhis seek protection for land, culture, and employment through Sixth Schedule inclusion.
- Statehood Aspirations – Many residents want full-fledged statehood, arguing that Union Territory status limits local governance.
- Employment Crisis – Since 2019, none of the 1,275 gazetted posts in Ladakh have been filled, leading to youth unemployment concerns.
- Domicile Rules & Reservation – The new 15-year residency requirement for domicile status has sparked debate, as it delays eligibility for migrants who arrived post-2019.
🔸 Government’s Response
- High-Powered Committee – Formed in 2023, led by Minister of State Nityanand Rai, to address grievances.
- New Quota System – 85% reservation for indigenous people, similar to policies in Mizoram (92%) and Arunachal Pradesh (80%).
- Women’s Representation – One-third of seats in Hill Councils (Leh & Kargil) reserved for women.
🔸 Strategic Importance
- Border Security – Ladakh is strategically located at the junction of India, Pakistan, and China, making regional stability crucial.
- Geopolitical Concerns – Both Pakistan and China have territorial disputes with India, requiring strong governance in Ladakh.
🔸 Way Forward
- Dialogue with Local Leaders – Continued engagement with civil society and political representatives.
- Employment Reforms – Accelerate public sector hiring to address job shortages.
- Legal Clarity on Sixth Schedule – Define constitutional protections for Ladakh’s indigenous communities.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
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- Governance & Policy (GS-II) – Role of constitutional safeguards in regional autonomy.
- Social Issues (GS-I) – Impact of reservation and domicile policies on local communities.
International Relations (GS-II) – Strategic significance of Ladakh’s border policies.
3.
IISc Develops Artificial Metal-Based Nanozyme to Prevent Excess Blood Clotting
🔸 Why in News?
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru have developed a novel artificial metal-based nanozyme that mimics natural antioxidant enzymes to prevent abnormal blood clotting. This breakthrough could help tackle conditions like pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE), where excessive clotting obstructs blood flow.
🔸 Key Features
- Mimics Natural Enzymes – The nanozyme imitates glutathione peroxidase, reducing oxidative stress and preventing platelet over-activation.
- Vanadium-Based Nanozyme – The researchers found that spherical-shaped vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) nanozymes were the most effective.
- Prevents Thrombosis – The nanozyme controls reactive oxygen species (ROS), which trigger excessive clot formation.
- Successful Animal Trials – When injected into mice with PTE, the nanozyme significantly reduced thrombosis and improved survival rates, with no toxic effects observed over five days.
🔸 Significance
- Alternative to Conventional Drugs – Unlike traditional anti-clotting medications, which can cause dangerous bleeding, the nanozyme modulates redox signaling without interfering with normal clotting.
- Potential for Stroke Prevention – Researchers plan to test its efficacy in preventing ischemic stroke, caused by clogged blood vessels.
- Future Clinical Trials – Since the nanozyme has shown success in human platelet tests, scientists are optimistic about clinical studies in humans.
🔸 Way Forward
- Further Research on Stroke Prevention – Investigate its role in reducing clot-related brain damage.
- Scaling Up Production – Develop large-scale synthesis methods for medical applications.
- Regulatory Approvals – Secure clinical trial permissions for human testing.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
Science & Technology (GS-III) – Advances in biotechnology and medical research.
Health & Governance (GS-II) – Role of innovative treatments in public health.
Ethics & Medicine (GS-IV) – Balancing medical innovation with safety concerns.
4.
India-Australia Defense Ties Beyond American Shadows
🔸 Why in News?
India and Australia are deepening their defense partnership, moving beyond traditional reliance on U.S. security guarantees. With geopolitical shifts in the Indo-Pacific, both nations are strengthening military cooperation, focusing on maritime security, logistics, and joint exercises.
🔸 Key Features
- Strategic Geography – Australia’s location bridging the Indian and Pacific Oceans complements India’s maritime ambitions.
- Military Logistics Agreement – The Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) streamlines joint operations and humanitarian missions.
- Air-to-Air Refueling Arrangement – Signed in November 2024, allowing the Royal Australian Air Force to extend the operational reach of Indian aircraft.
- Joint Military Exercises – India and Australia conduct AUSTRAHIND (Army), AUSINDEX (Navy), and participate in Pitch Black & Malabar.
🔸 Significance
- Reducing Dependence on the U.S. – Both nations are building independent defense capabilities amid uncertainty over American commitments.
- Countering China’s Assertiveness – Strengthening regional security architecture to maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific.
- Expanding Defense Cooperation – Moving beyond Navy-to-Navy ties to integrated military operations.
🔸 Way Forward
- Enhance Joint Staff Talks – Improve interoperability across all military branches.
- Expand Defense Technology Collaboration – Strengthen joint research in AI, cyber warfare, and missile systems.
- Increase Regional Outreach – Work with Pacific Island nations to counter external influence.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
- International Relations (GS-II) – India’s strategic defense partnerships.
- Security & Governance (GS-II) – Role of military alliances in regional stability.
Science & Technology (GS-III) – Advances in defense technology cooperation.
5.
A Ban, A Split Verdict, and a Health Concern
🔸 Why in News?
Two major decisions—one executive and one judicial—have shaped India’s mustard oil industry, raising public health concerns. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) banned blended mustard oil in 2021, while the Supreme Court delivered a split verdict in 2024 on the approval of genetically modified (GM) mustard.
🔸 Key Issues
- FSSAI Ban on Blended Mustard Oil – The manufacturing and sale of blended mustard oil was prohibited to prevent adulteration and boost domestic mustard crop output.
- Supreme Court Ruling on GM Mustard (DMH-11) – The environmental release of India’s indigenously developed GM mustard was blocked, citing insufficient health impact assessments.
- Health Concerns Over Erucic Acid – Mustard oil in India contains 40%-54% erucic acid, far exceeding the internationally accepted level of <5%. High erucic acid levels are linked to heart diseases, liver damage, and growth issues in lab animals.
🔸 Significance
- Public Health Risks – While the ban on blended mustard oil aims to prevent adulteration, it also removes a method of reducing erucic acid levels.
- Economic Impact – The GM mustard ruling affects India’s edible oil self-sufficiency, as imports continue to dominate the market.
- Scientific Debate – Some experts argue that blended mustard oil could be safer, while others warn of adulteration risks.
🔸 Way Forward
- Reassess Blended Oil Regulations – Allow packaged, branded blended mustard oil with clear labeling.
- Conduct Long-Term Health Studies – Ensure scientific clarity on GM mustard’s health effects.
- Develop Low-Erucic Mustard Varieties – Encourage crop innovation to meet global health standards.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
- Governance & Policy (GS-II) – Role of food safety regulations in public health.
- Science & Technology (GS-III) – Impact of GM crops on agriculture and health.
Economy (GS-III) – Effects of food bans on domestic industries.
6.
SC: No Contempt If Parliament or Legislatures Make Laws
🔸 Why in News?
The Supreme Court of India ruled that laws enacted by Parliament or state legislatures cannot be considered contempt of court, unless they are declared unconstitutional by a constitutional court.
🔸 Key Observations by the Supreme Court
- Legislative Authority – Every state legislature has plenary powers to pass laws, and such laws remain valid unless struck down for violating the Constitution.
- Separation of Powers – The judiciary cannot treat legislative actions as contempt, as law-making is a sovereign function.
- Judicial Review – If a law is challenged, courts can review its validity, but passing a law itself is not contempt.
🔸 Background
- The ruling came while disposing of a 2012 contempt plea filed by sociologist Nandini Sundar and others, alleging that the Chhattisgarh government violated a 2011 SC order by passing the Chhattisgarh Auxiliary Armed Police Force Act, 2011.
- The petitioners argued that the law legitimized Special Police Officers (SPOs), despite the SC’s earlier directive to disarm them.
- The SC clarified that passing a law after a court order does not constitute contempt, but its validity can be challenged separately.
🔸 Significance
- Strengthens Legislative Independence – Ensures that law-making remains free from judicial interference.
- Clarifies Contempt Jurisdiction – Courts can strike down unconstitutional laws, but cannot penalize legislatures for enacting them.
- Reinforces Rule of Law – Maintains checks and balances between the executive, legislature, and judiciary.
🔸 Way Forward
- Judicial Oversight – Courts must review laws based on constitutional principles, not contempt allegations.
- Legislative Prudence – Governments should ensure compliance with judicial directives while framing new laws.
- Public Awareness – Citizens must understand how judicial review works in challenging laws.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
- Polity & Governance (GS-II) – Role of judicial review in legislative processes.
- Constitutional Law (GS-II) – Separation of powers between judiciary and legislature.
- Legal Framework (GS-II) – Understanding contempt jurisdiction and legislative authority.
7.
Sulphur-Cleaning Devices in Coal Plants: Not Necessary?
🔸 Why in News?
A high-powered scientific committee has recommended that India scrap the mandatory installation of Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) units in coal-fired thermal power plants (TPPs). The committee argues that FGDs may not be necessary, citing low sulphur content in Indian coal and ambient SO₂ levels well within permissible limits.
🔸 Key Findings
- SO₂ Levels Already Low – Ambient sulphur dioxide (SO₂) levels across India range between 10-20 µg/m³, far below the permissible limit of 80 µg/m³.
- Limited Impact of FGDs – Studies show no significant difference in SO₂ levels between cities with and without FGDs.
- High Installation Costs – FGDs are expensive, and their installation could increase electricity tariffs.
- Potential CO₂ Emissions Increase – FGDs consume more auxiliary power, leading to higher carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, which could worsen global warming.
🔸 Background & Context
- India’s 600 thermal power plants were required to install FGDs to reduce SO₂ emissions, but 92% have not complied due to cost and vendor limitations.
- The Power Ministry has repeatedly extended deadlines, avoiding heavy fines for non-compliance.
- The committee’s recommendation is based on studies by CSIR-NEERI, IIT Delhi, and the National Institute of Advanced Studies.
🔸 Significance
- Policy Shift in Pollution Control – India may rethink its approach to coal plant emissions.
- Economic Relief for Power Plants – Scrapping FGDs could reduce operational costs and prevent electricity price hikes.
- Environmental Debate – While FGDs reduce SO₂, their CO₂ impact raises concerns about climate change.
🔸 Way Forward
- Alternative Emission Control Measures – Explore low-cost SO₂ reduction technologies.
- Stronger Monitoring of Air Quality – Ensure SO₂ levels remain within safe limits.
- Balancing Climate Goals – Address CO₂ emissions concerns while maintaining air quality standards.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
- Environment (GS-III) – Impact of coal emissions on air quality.
- Science & Technology (GS-III) – Role of FGDs in pollution control.
Governance & Policy (GS-II) – India’s energy and environmental regulations.
8.
Government Plans to Wind Down National Polio Surveillance Network
🔸 Why in News?
The Indian government has announced a phased reduction of the National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN), a WHO-established system that has played a crucial role in polio eradication. The transition will begin in June 2025, with the number of surveillance units gradually decreasing from 280 to 140 by 2027.
🔸 Key Changes
- Gradual Drawdown – The network will shrink from 280 units in 2024-25 to 190 in 2025-26, and 140 in 2026-27.
- Integration with Disease Surveillance – Polio monitoring will be merged into the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).
- Reduction in Government Funding – Financial support for NPSN will decline alongside the phased transition.
🔸 Concerns Raised
- Risk of Polio Resurgence – Experts warn that India’s neighbors, including Pakistan and Afghanistan, still report polio cases, making the move premature.
- Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus (VDPV) Threat – Since India stopped immunizing against Type 2 polio in 2016, an imported strain could trigger outbreaks.
- Job Losses – Each surveillance center has at least four employees, raising concerns about staff displacement.
🔸 Government’s Justification
- India has been polio-free since 2014, and the government believes existing health systems can absorb surveillance functions.
- Surveillance will not be abruptly halted, but gradually transitioned to ensure continuity.
🔸 Way Forward
- Strengthen Routine Immunization – Ensure high vaccine coverage to prevent VDPV outbreaks.
- Monitor Global Polio Trends – Maintain early warning systems for imported cases.
- Support Affected Workers – Provide alternative employment opportunities for displaced staff.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
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- Governance & Policy (GS-II) – Role of public health surveillance in disease control.
- Health & Science (GS-III) – Impact of polio eradication efforts on global health.
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Social Issues (GS-I) – Challenges in health workforce management.
DEEPIKA PARASHAR
