THE HINDU 08.05.2025 :
General Studies Paper 1 (GS1) – Indian Heritage, History, Society & Geography
1. Social Issues – Gender-Based Violence
- Topic: High number of suicides among married women.
- Context: A report citing the disproportionately high number of suicides among married women in India, mainly due to domestic violence, family pressure, and lack of mental health support.
- UPSC Linkage:
- Role of women and women’s organization.
- Social empowerment and gender inequality.
- In-depth Points:
- Domestic violence is still underreported despite existing laws (e.g., Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005).
- Discuss the role of mental health support systems and societal pressure in gender-related issues.
- Link this to patriarchy, family structures, and stigma attached to women’s mental health in Indian society.
2. Geography – Urban Flooding
- Topic: Hyderabad heavy rainfall and flood-like conditions.
- Context: Unseasonal rainfall leading to urban flooding.
- UPSC Linkage:
- Urbanization and its problems.
- Geographical phenomena like monsoons and urban drainage.
- In-depth Points:
- Discuss poor urban planning, unregulated construction, and encroachment on drainage systems.
- Impact of climate change and extreme weather events.
- Link to NDMA guidelines on urban flooding.
General Studies Paper 2 (GS2) – Polity, Governance, International Relations
1. Polity – Electoral Reforms
- Topic: Supreme Court’s remark on Election Commission appointments.
- Context: SC criticized the arbitrary selection process of Election Commissioners.
- UPSC Linkage:
- Constitutional bodies and their independence.
- Electoral reforms and transparency.
- In-depth Points:
- Article 324 and the need for institutional autonomy.
- Repeated calls for a collegium-like system for appointments.
- Role of executive dominance and need for reforms.
2. Governance – Public Health Policy
- Topic: Rising viral fevers and dengue cases in urban areas.
- Context: Public health strain due to vector-borne diseases.
- UPSC Linkage:
- Issues relating to health.
- Government policies and interventions in health infrastructure.
- In-depth Points:
- Importance of preventive health strategies and sanitation.
- Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).
- Smart City mission’s role in improving urban health infrastructure.
3. International Relations – India-Australia Strategic Dialogue
- Topic: Strengthening defense and technology ties with Australia.
- UPSC Linkage:
- Bilateral relations.
- Role of international groupings and agreements.
- In-depth Points:
- India’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
- Role of QUAD and shared concerns over China’s assertiveness.
- Areas of cooperation: defense, cyber security, critical minerals.
4. International Relations & Governance
Topic: India’s Cross-Border Strikes – Operation Sindoor
Context: In retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack (April 22), India conducted 24 precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
UPSC Relevance:
- India and its neighborhood relations – especially with Pakistan.
- Bilateral, regional and global groupings affecting India’s interests.
- Government response to terrorism and national security policy.
In-depth Analysis for GS2 Notes:
- India’s actions were described as “measured, non-escalatory, proportionate, and responsible” — showcasing restraint under international norms.
- India briefed global stakeholders and called an all-party meeting, reflecting democratic transparency and consensus-building.
- Operation showcases a shift in India’s strategic posture — more assertive deterrence doctrine post-Uri and Balakot.
- Implications for diplomacy with Pakistan, international law (e.g. UN Charter Article 51: Right to self-defense), and India’s efforts to isolate Pakistan diplomatically on terror issues.
General Studies Paper 3 (GS3) – Economy, Environment, Security, Science & Tech
1. Economy – Inflation and Food Prices
- Topic: Rising tomato and onion prices.
- Context: Short-term inflationary trend affecting common consumers.
- UPSC Linkage:
- Food security and agricultural pricing.
- Inflation and government control measures.
- In-depth Points:
- Seasonal volatility of perishable goods.
- Role of supply chains, hoarding, and transportation costs.
- Government interventions: Price Stabilization Fund, procurement buffer stock.
2. Science & Technology – AI in Law Enforcement
- Topic: Use of facial recognition systems in policing.
- Context: Delhi Police’s use of AI-based surveillance.
- UPSC Linkage:
- Developments in science and technology and their applications.
- Cyber security and privacy issues.
- In-depth Points:
- Ethics and effectiveness of surveillance.
- Issues with bias, data privacy, and constitutional rights under Article 21.
- Need for data protection laws and regulatory frameworks.
3. Internal Security and Border Management
Topic: Counter-Terrorism Measures and Military Response
Context: India’s pre-emptive strikes on terror camps.
UPSC Relevance:
- Challenges to internal security through terrorism and cross-border attacks.
- Role of external state and non-state actors in aiding terrorism.
- Security architecture: preparedness, deterrence, and intelligence operations.
In-depth Analysis for GS3 Notes:
- Reinforces India’s zero-tolerance approach to cross-border terrorism.
- Role of defence forces, air surveillance, and precision weapons in modern conflict response.
- Civilian safety was prioritized — no collateral damage reported — indicating ethical use of force.
- Closure of border areas, high alert in Punjab, J&K, Rajasthan: case study in security governance and crisis response.
- Operation aligns with Hybrid Warfare strategy: media briefing, public diplomacy, military precision, and psychological impact.
General Studies Paper 4 (GS4) – Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude
1. Ethics in Public Administration – Transparency and Integrity
- Topic: Criticism of EC appointments and lack of transparency.
- Context: Arbitrary nature of appointments violating the principles of accountability.
- UPSC Linkage:
- Ethical concerns in governance.
- Accountability and transparency in public institutions.
- In-depth Points:
- Integrity in constitutional offices.
- Need for institutional checks and balances.
- Ethical concerns with executive overreach.
2. Environmental Ethics
- Topic: Urban flooding and poor planning.
- UPSC Linkage:
- Ethics in development versus environmental sustainability.
- In-depth Points:
- Moral responsibility of planners and bureaucrats.
- Sustainable development goals and duty to future generations.
3. Ethics in Warfare & National Leadership
Topic: Ethical Use of Military Force
UPSC Relevance:
- Public accountability and ethical leadership in national security decisions.
- Moral philosophy of retaliation and civilian protection in conflict.
In-depth Points:
- Government emphasized non-targeting of civilians, showing just war principles in action (jus in bello).
- Emotional impact: Statements from martyr families, emphasizing public trust and morale in the armed forces.
- Ethical balancing between retaliation and responsibility in the global democratic image of India.
