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 GS2 and GS3, with a focus on exam-relevant insights, keywords, and actionable conclusions.
🦠 Nipah Virus: The Need for Greater Genetic Data Sharing
(GS3 – Science and Tech | Public Health)
Why in News?
The recurrence of Nipah virus outbreaks in India and neighboring nations underscores the need for open genetic data sharing to strengthen global preparedness.
Key Issues:
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Only 107 full-genome sequences of NiV are publicly available as of Aug 2024.
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Limited tech and data sharing norms hinder response strategies.
Way Forward:
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Mandate data sharing in public databases.
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Strengthen sequencing infrastructure.
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Form international IPR-sharing frameworks.
📌 UPSC Angle: Global health cooperation, genomic surveillance, public health policy.
🌡️ Heatwaves & India’s Workers: A Looming Crisis
(GS3 – Environment & Economy)
Why in News?
ILO and ADB data show extreme heat is now an occupational hazard for millions, especially in the informal sector.
Key Stats:
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45°C+ temperatures are becoming frequent.
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Potential GDP loss by 2030: 4.5% due to heat-related productivity decline.
Recommendations:
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Amend OSH Code 2020 to include heat-related protection.
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Set up cooling shelters and rest zones.
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Run mass awareness and training drives.
📌 UPSC Angle: Climate adaptation, informal economy, labor laws.
🥗 Nutrition-Sensitive Sustainable Food Systems
(GS3 – Food Security | Sustainable Development)
Why in News?
Global summits are urging a shift from calorie-focused to nutrition-sensitive agriculture amid rising hunger and ecological degradation.
India’s Challenge:
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Double burden of undernutrition + obesity.
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Declining soil & water quality threatens future yields.
Way Forward:
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Promote agroecology, crop diversification.
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Include millets and pulses in PDS.
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Create demand for local, plant-based diets.
📌 UPSC Angle: Malnutrition, SDGs, agri-policy integration.
🛡️ Indian Army Neutralizes Pakistani Drones | Defence Update
(GS3 – Internal Security | Defence Technology)
Why in News?
India’s upgraded air defence successfully intercepted drones amid heightened LoC tensions post-April 22 terrorist attack.
Developments:
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220 modern air defence guns with radar-enabled drone detection deployed.
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Anti-drone tech is indigenously developed.
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Integrated Drone Interdiction Systems active in border areas.
Significance:
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Boost to Make-in-India defence.
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Strategic deterrence strengthened.
📌 UPSC Angle: Defence indigenization, border security, drone warfare.
🗑️ Plastic Menace in the Himalayas: 84% from Single-Use Packaging
(GS3 – Environment | Pollution Control)
Why in News?
A shocking 84% of plastic waste in the Himalayan region comes from disposable food and beverage packaging.
Concerns:
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Threat to biodiversity, glaciers, and tourism.
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Recycling infrastructure is inadequate in remote areas.
Solutions:
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Ban single-use plastic in eco-zones.
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Involve locals in waste reduction drives.
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Monitor and report plastic waste trends regularly.
📌 UPSC Angle: Plastic pollution, tourism & ecology, waste management policy.
📰 India’s Press Freedom Ranking Still Worrying
(GS2 – Polity & Governance | Rights Issues)
Why in News?
India’s ranking improved from 161 (2023) to 151 (2025) in the World Press Freedom Index – but remains in the “very serious” category.
Concerns:
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Journalists face violence, arrests, economic coercion.
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Harsh laws like UAPA misused.
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SC’s intervention in Wikimedia case offers some relief.
Reforms Needed:
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Revise laws against media suppression.
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Ensure economic independence of media houses.
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Protect press pluralism.
📌 UPSC Angle: Freedom of speech, Article 19(1)(a), media ethics.
