THE HINDU 08.05.2025 (Only UPSC syllabus topics)- GS Wise Split

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.