THE HINDU 12.05.2025
GS 1: Indian Heritage and Culture, History, Geography of the World and Society
Relevant Topics from the Newspaper:
- Social Issues – Obesity Crisis (Page 2)
- Environmental Geography – Drive to Plant 3.7 Lakh Saplings (Page 2)
- Urban Geography and Weather Patterns – City Records 37.8°C; Cloudy Weather Forecast (Page 2)
1. Social Issues – Obesity Crisis
Newspaper Reference (Page 2): “CM bats for social movement to tackle India’s obesity crisis”
UPSC Relevance:
- Syllabus Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
- Context: Obesity is a growing public health concern in India, linked to lifestyle changes, urbanization, and dietary shifts. It falls under GS 1’s focus on societal issues and health-related challenges.
- Analysis:
- Health Implications: Obesity is a risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases, which account for a significant portion of India’s disease burden (as per WHO, ~60% of deaths in India are due to NCDs).
- Social Movement: The Chief Minister’s call for a social movement indicates a need for community-driven awareness, similar to campaigns like Swachh Bharat. This highlights the role of societal participation in addressing public health issues.
- Government Initiatives: Relevant schemes include the National Health Mission (NHM), Fit India Movement, and Ayushman Bharat, which focus on preventive healthcare and wellness.
- Challenges: Urban-rural disparities in healthcare access, lack of awareness, and the influence of fast-food culture are key challenges.
- UPSC Angle: Questions may focus on the socio-economic impact of obesity, government interventions, or the role of social movements in health reforms.
Notes for UPSC:
- Key Points:
- Obesity is a lifestyle disease affecting both urban and rural populations, with India having the third-highest obesity rate globally (per some estimates).
- Linked to urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and dietary shifts toward processed foods.
- Government response: Fit India Movement (2019), National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS).
- Social campaigns can enhance awareness, similar to campaigns for tuberculosis or polio eradication.
- Potential Questions:
- Discuss the rising burden of NCDs in India and the role of social movements in addressing them.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of government health programs in tackling lifestyle diseases like obesity.
2. Environmental Geography – Drive to Plant 3.7 Lakh Saplings
Newspaper Reference (Page 2): “Drive to plant 3.7 lakh saplings in schools from July 1, says DoE”
UPSC Relevance:
- Syllabus Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution, and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
- Context: Afforestation initiatives are critical for combating climate change, improving air quality, and promoting sustainable development, aligning with GS 1’s focus on environmental geography.
- Analysis:
- Objective: Planting 3.7 lakh saplings in schools aims to enhance green cover, engage students in environmental conservation, and address urban pollution (Delhi’s air quality is a persistent issue).
- Significance: Trees act as carbon sinks, reduce urban heat islands, and improve biodiversity. This initiative aligns with India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement (to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5–3 billion tonnes by 2030).
- Challenges: Maintenance of saplings, ensuring survival rates, and land availability in urban areas.
- Related Policies: National Afforestation Programme, Green India Mission, and state-level initiatives like Delhi’s Green Action Plan.
- UPSC Angle: Questions may focus on afforestation as a climate change mitigation strategy or the role of educational institutions in environmental conservation.
Notes for UPSC:
- Key Points:
- Afforestation is a key strategy under India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement.
- Delhi’s air pollution (AQI often in ‘severe’ category) necessitates green initiatives.
- School-based planting drives promote environmental awareness among youth, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 (Climate Action).
- Challenges include post-plantation care and urban land constraints.
- Potential Questions:
- Discuss the role of afforestation in combating climate change in India.
- How can educational institutions contribute to environmental conservation?
3. Urban Geography and Weather Patterns
Newspaper Reference (Page 2): “City records 37.8 C Celsius; cloudy weather forecast”
UPSC Relevance:
- Syllabus Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone, etc., geographical features and their location.
- Context: Urban heat and weather patterns are linked to climate change and urban geography, relevant to GS 1’s focus on geophysical phenomena and urbanization.
- Analysis:
- Urban Heat Island (UHI): Delhi’s high temperature (37.8°C) reflects UHI effects due to concrete infrastructure, reduced green cover, and vehicular emissions.
- Weather Forecast: Cloudy weather may indicate monsoon influences or cyclonic activity, relevant to India’s climatic patterns.
- Implications: High temperatures exacerbate health risks (heat strokes), strain power grids, and impact urban planning.
- UPSC Angle: Questions may explore the impact of climate change on urban areas or the need for sustainable urban planning.
Notes for UPSC:
- Key Points:
- UHI effect: Urban areas are warmer than rural surroundings due to human activities and infrastructure.
- Climate change increases the frequency of heatwaves in India (IMD data shows rising heatwave days).
- Sustainable urban planning (green buildings, urban forests) is critical for mitigation.
- Monsoon variability affects agriculture and water resources, key to India’s economy.
- Potential Questions:
- Analyze the impact of urban heat islands on Indian cities and suggest mitigation measures.
- Discuss the role of climate change in altering India’s weather patterns.
GS 2: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations
Relevant Topics from the Newspaper:
- Polity and Governance – Kejriwal’s Shift from Delhi to Punjab (Page 2)
- Social Justice – Body of Rickshaw Driver Found in Drain: Juvenile Apprehended (Page 2)
1. Polity and Governance – Kejriwal’s Shift from Delhi to Punjab
Newspaper Reference (Page 2): “The curious case of Kejriwal’s ‘shift’ from Delhi to Punjab”
UPSC Relevance:
- Syllabus Topic: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers.
- Context: The article likely refers to political developments involving Arvind Kejriwal, possibly his strategic focus on Punjab while being Delhi’s Chief Minister, raising questions about federal governance and administrative responsibilities.
- Analysis:
- Federal Structure: Delhi’s unique status as a Union Territory with a legislative assembly creates tensions between the Lieutenant Governor (LG) and the elected government, often affecting governance (e.g., disputes over administrative control).
- Political Strategy: Kejriwal’s focus on Punjab (where AAP governs) may reflect coalition-building or national expansion, impacting Delhi’s administration.
- Challenges: Balancing state responsibilities with national ambitions, ensuring effective governance in Delhi amidst political controversies.
- UPSC Angle: Questions may focus on federalism, Delhi’s administrative model, or the role of regional parties in national politics.
Notes for UPSC:
- Key Points:
- Delhi’s governance: Article 239AA provides for an elected assembly but limits its powers (e.g., police, land under LG).
- Federal disputes: Tussles between Delhi’s CM and LG highlight issues in cooperative federalism.
- AAP’s rise: From a Delhi-centric party to governing Punjab, reflecting evolving political dynamics.
- Governance challenges: Political distractions can affect policy implementation (e.g., Delhi’s air pollution, healthcare).
- Potential Questions:
- Discuss the challenges of governance in Delhi due to its unique constitutional status.
- Analyze the impact of regional parties like AAP on India’s federal structure.
2. Social Justice – Body of Rickshaw Driver Found in Drain: Juvenile Apprehended
Newspaper Reference (Page 2): “Body of rickshaw driver found in drain: juvenile apprehended”
UPSC Relevance:
- Syllabus Topic: Issues relating to poverty and hunger, vulnerable sections of the population, mechanisms for their protection.
- Context: This incident highlights urban poverty, crime, and juvenile justice, key issues under social justice in GS 2.
- Analysis:
- Urban Poverty: Rickshaw drivers represent marginalized, low-income groups in urban India, often living in precarious conditions.
- Juvenile Justice: The apprehension of a juvenile links to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which balances rehabilitation and accountability.
- Urban Safety: Such incidents reflect challenges in urban policing and safety for vulnerable groups.
- UPSC Angle: Questions may focus on urban poverty, juvenile delinquency, or the effectiveness of social justice mechanisms.
Notes for UPSC:
- Key Points:
- Urban poverty: ~20% of India’s urban population lives in slums (Census 2011), facing economic and safety challenges.
- Juvenile Justice Act, 2015: Allows juveniles aged 16–18 to be tried as adults for heinous crimes, but emphasizes rehabilitation.
- Urban policing: High crime rates in cities like Delhi (NCRB data) necessitate better law enforcement and community policing.
- Social protection: Schemes like PM Garib Kalyan Yojana aim to support vulnerable groups, but implementation gaps remain.
- Potential Questions:
- Discuss the challenges faced by urban poor in India and suggest measures for their upliftment.
- Evaluate the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, in addressing juvenile delinquency.
GS 3: Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management
Relevant Topics from the Newspaper:
- Environment and Biodiversity – Drive to Plant 3.7 Lakh Saplings (Page 2, Cross-referenced from GS 1)
- Science and Technology – Asteroid YR4 Might Miss Earth (Page 20)
- Internal Security – Body of Rickshaw Driver Found in Drain (Page 2, Cross-referenced from GS 2)
1. Environment and Biodiversity – Drive to Plant 3.7 Lakh Saplings
Newspaper Reference (Page 2): Covered under GS 1; relevant to GS 3 for its environmental impact.
UPSC Relevance:
- Syllabus Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
- Context: Afforestation directly contributes to biodiversity conservation and pollution control, key focus areas in GS 3.
- Analysis (Additional Points for GS 3):
- Biodiversity Impact: Planting diverse native species can enhance local ecosystems, supporting pollinators and wildlife.
- Air Pollution: Delhi’s PM2.5 levels often exceed WHO standards; trees can filter pollutants, improving air quality.
- Economic Angle: Green initiatives create jobs (e.g., under MGNREGA for afforestation) and support eco-tourism.
- UPSC Angle: Questions may focus on the economic and ecological benefits of afforestation or its role in sustainable development.
Notes for UPSC:
- Key Points:
- India’s forest cover: ~24% of geographical area (Forest Survey of India, 2021), but urban green cover remains low.
- Afforestation supports SDG 15 (Life on Land) and Bonn Challenge (India pledged to restore 26 million hectares by 2030).
- Economic benefits: Green jobs, carbon credits under schemes like CAMPA.
- Potential Questions:
- Evaluate the role of afforestation in achieving India’s environmental and economic goals.
- Discuss the challenges in implementing large-scale afforestation programs in urban areas.
2. Science and Technology – Asteroid YR4 Might Miss Earth
Newspaper Reference (Page 20): “Asteroid YR4 might miss earth; will it miss the moon, too?”
UPSC Relevance:
- Syllabus Topic: Science and Technology – developments and their applications and effects in everyday life, achievements of Indians in science & technology.
- Context: Space science, particularly planetary defense, is a cutting-edge area relevant to GS 3’s focus on technological advancements.
- Analysis:
- Planetary Defense: NASA’s monitoring of Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) like YR4 reflects global efforts to mitigate asteroid impact risks (e.g., NASA’s DART mission).
- India’s Role: ISRO’s contributions to space science (e.g., Chandrayaan missions) position India in global space research, though planetary defense is nascent.
- Implications: A lunar impact could affect tidal patterns or space exploration; Earth’s safety is critical for global ecosystems.
- UPSC Angle: Questions may focus on India’s space program, global cooperation in space, or the significance of planetary defense.
Notes for UPSC:
- Key Points:
- NEOs: ~30,000 known asteroids pose potential risks (NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies).
- ISRO’s advancements: Missions like Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1 showcase India’s space capabilities.
- Global efforts: UN’s International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) and Space Mission Planning Advisory Group (SMPAG).
- Challenges: High costs, need for international collaboration, and technological limitations.
- Potential Questions:
- Discuss India’s contributions to space science and their global significance.
- Evaluate the importance of planetary defense in the context of global security.
3. Internal Security – Body of Rickshaw Driver Found in Drain
Newspaper Reference (Page 2): Covered under GS 2; relevant to GS 3 for security implications.
UPSC Relevance:
- Syllabus Topic: Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security, challenges to internal security through communication networks.
- Context: Urban crime affects internal security, particularly in metropolitan areas like Delhi.
- Analysis (Additional Points for GS 3):
- Urban Security: High crime rates in Delhi (NCRB: ~1,400 crimes per lakh population) strain law enforcement.
- Juvenile Crime: Rising juvenile delinquency requires preventive measures like education and community engagement.
- Technology in Security: Use of CCTV, facial recognition, and data analytics can enhance urban policing.
- UPSC Angle: Questions may focus on urban security challenges or the role of technology in law enforcement.
Notes for UPSC:
- Key Points:
- Urban crime: Driven by poverty, unemployment, and migration to cities.
- Policing reforms: Need for modernization, community policing, and training (e.g., SMART Policing initiative).
- Juvenile delinquency: Linked to socio-economic factors; requires rehabilitation-focused interventions.
- Potential Questions:
- Discuss the challenges to internal security in urban India and suggest solutions.
- How can technology enhance urban policing in India?
GS 4: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
Relevant Topics from the Newspaper:
- Ethics in Governance – Kejriwal’s Shift from Delhi to Punjab (Page 2, Cross-referenced from GS 2)
- Ethical Issues in Juvenile Justice – Body of Rickshaw Driver Found in Drain (Page 2, Cross-referenced from GS 2)
1. Ethics in Governance – Kejriwal’s Shift from Delhi to Punjab
Newspaper Reference (Page 2): Covered under GS 2; relevant to GS 4 for ethical dimensions.
UPSC Relevance:
- Syllabus Topic: Ethics and Human Interface, probity in governance, challenges of corruption.
- Context: A Chief Minister’s focus on another state raises ethical questions about duty, accountability, and public trust.
- Analysis:
- Duty and Accountability: Elected officials are expected to prioritize their constituents’ welfare; neglecting Delhi’s governance for political gains could breach this duty.
- Transparency: Public perception of a CM’s priorities affects trust in governance.
- Probity: Ethical leadership requires balancing personal/political ambitions with public responsibilities.
- UPSC Angle: Case studies may ask candidates to evaluate the ethical dilemmas faced by public servants in such scenarios.
Notes for UPSC:
- Key Points:
- Ethical principles: Duty, accountability, transparency, and public interest.
- Challenges: Political pressures vs. administrative responsibilities.
- Examples: Ethical governance models (e.g., Singapore’s anti-corruption framework) emphasize probity.
- Potential Questions:
- Analyze the ethical challenges faced by elected officials in balancing state and national responsibilities.
- Discuss the role of probity in ensuring effective governance.
2. Ethical Issues in Juvenile Justice
Newspaper Reference (Page 2): Covered under GS 2; relevant to GS 4 for ethical considerations.
UPSC Relevance:
- Syllabus Topic: Attitude, emotional intelligence, human values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers, and administrators.
- Context: Handling juvenile offenders involves ethical dilemmas between punishment and rehabilitation.
- Analysis:
- Rehabilitation vs. Punishment: Juveniles need opportunities for reform, reflecting values of compassion and second chances.
- Societal Responsibility: Addressing root causes (poverty, lack of education) requires empathy and proactive governance.
- Emotional Intelligence: Policymakers and law enforcement must balance justice with sensitivity to juveniles’ circumstances.
- UPSC Angle: Questions may involve case studies on juvenile justice or the ethical role of society in crime prevention.
Notes for UPSC:
- Key Points:
- Ethical values: Compassion, fairness, and rehabilitation.
- Juvenile Justice Act, 2015: Emphasizes reform over retribution for young offenders.
- Role of society: Education, counseling, and community support can prevent delinquency.
- Potential Questions:
- Discuss the ethical considerations in handling juvenile offenders in India.
- How can emotional intelligence guide policymakers in addressing juvenile delinquency?