News at a Glance
| Topic | GS Paper(s) | Why in News |
| Kerala Semicircular Classroom | GS2 – Social Sector – Education | Kerala schools adopt U-shaped seating to promote inclusivity and remove backbenchers concept. |
| India-Philippines Strategic Partnership | GS2 – International Relations | Bilateral ties upgraded to strategic partnership for defence, economy, and Indo-Pacific cooperation. |
| US 50% Tariff on Indian Goods | GS2 – IR, GS3 – Economy | US imposes punitive tariffs citing security concerns over India–Russia ties. |
| Bangladesh One Year After Political Change | GS2 – International Relations | Interim government grapples with extremism and economic challenges post-uprising. |
| Rail Infrastructure in Northeast India | GS3 – Infrastructure | Major investments and projects enhance connectivity and regional integration. |
| District Flood Severity Index | GS3 – Disaster Management | IIT Delhi creates index to assess and prioritize flood-prone districts for mitigation. |
| Tackling Money Laundering in India | GS2 – Governance, GS3 – Economy | Parliamentary report flags rising laundering cases, low conviction, enforcement challenges. |
| Balancing IQ and EQ | GS4 – Ethics and Integrity | Growing concerns about emotional intelligence deficit in modern society. |
| Mycelium Bricks | Prelims – Environment | Eco-friendly building material gains attention for low-carbon construction. |
| RBI Economic Projections | GS3 – Economy | RBI projects strong GDP growth for FY26 despite global headwinds. |
| Naangarni – Ploughing Sport | Prelims – Culture | Monsoon ploughing race in Maharashtra highlights agrarian heritage. |
| Kerala Draft Anti-Ragging Bill | GS2 – Social Sector – Education | Kerala drafts strict anti-ragging law with expanded scope and stricter penalties. |
| Lung Cancer in India | GS2 – Health | India ranks high in lung cancer cases/deaths; rising non-smoker incidence. |
| Reassessing Age of Consent | GS2 – Vulnerable Sections – Children | Supreme Court reviews if POCSO age of consent should be lowered. |
| India’s Tibet Policy | GS2 – IR (India-China) | Dalai Lama succession renews Tibet debate, affecting India–China policy. |
| Israel’s Plan to Control Gaza | GS2 – IR (West Asia) | Israeli government’s Gaza plan shifts governance after the war. |
| India–US Agriculture Dispute | GS2 – IR, GS3 – Agriculture | US–India trade talks stall over agricultural imports; tariffs imposed. |
| Import Diversification of Crude Oil | GS2 – IR, GS3 – Energy | India seeks to diversify oil imports amid changing global dynamics. |
| ASEAN Centrality within Indo-Pacific | GS2 – IR (Groupings) | ASEAN’s leadership role in Indo-Pacific challenged by great-power rivalry. |
| HpNPV Biocontrol for Teak Defoliator | GS3 – Environment | Kerala develops eco-friendly pest control for teak plantations. |
| Forest Cover Loss in India | GS3 – Environment | Study reveals net loss and fragmentation of India’s forests (2015–19). |
| 16th Lion Population Estimation Report | GS3 – Environment | Asiatic lion population shows record 32% rise since 2020, boosting conservation success. |
| Complex Flash Flood Dynamics | GS3 – Disaster Management | Mountain flash floods linked to complex rain, landslide, and terrain factors. |
| Operation Sindoor – Air Defence | GS3 – Internal Security & Defence | IAF achieves modern, long-range missile kill, showcasing Indian capability. |
| CBSE Open-Book Exams | Prelims – Education | CBSE will begin open-book exams for Class 9 to foster competence-based learning. |
| Microplastic Pollution | Prelims – Environment | Coastal surveys expose microplastics from fishing gear and river inputs as key marine pollutants. |
Kerala Draft Anti-Ragging Bill (GS2 – Social Sector – Education)
Context:
The Kerala government has drafted a stringent Anti-Ragging Bill to update the Kerala Prohibition of Ragging Act, 1998, following a Kerala High Court directive and rising campus ragging incidents. The move responds to concerns raised by KeLSA and wider student safety debates.
Key Facts
- Expanded Jurisdiction: The Bill extends the law’s purview to cover all premises associated with educational institutions, including academic buildings, hostels, canteens, transport (public or private), and even bus stands and homestays, providing comprehensive coverage that was previously absent.
- Broader Definition: Ragging now includes ‘body shaming’ and, for the first time, covers acts of asking a student not to do something they would ordinarily do, in addition to existing prohibitions on teasing, abusing, and forcing participation in unwanted acts.
- Digital Offences: Online ragging and cyberbullying are specifically recognized as cognizable offences under the new Bill.
- Harsher Punishment: On conviction, ragging now carries up to three years’ imprisonment and a fine of ₹25,000, up from two years and ₹10,000, strengthening deterrence.
- Rapid Action: Heads of institutions must act within 24 hours of a complaint (down from seven days), ensuring swift suspension and FIR registration if a prima facie case is established.
- Institutional Mechanisms: Each institution must create an anti-ragging committee (chief, faculty, seniors, freshers, parents), establish squads and cells, and maintain a state-level monitoring cell and nodal officer.
- Victim Protection: The Bill prohibits publication or public dissemination of any victim’s identity or details, safeguarding privacy and dignity.
- False Complaint Safeguard: The law penalizes malicious, false complaints of ragging with up to six months’ jail or fine, protecting due process.
- Evolution: Rooted in Supreme Court (Vishwa Jagriti Mission, 2001) and regulations from the Unny and Raghavan Committees, the draft addresses both offline and cyber ragging, and sets a new national benchmark for institutional accountability and student protection.
Lung Cancer in India (GS2 – Social Sector – Health – Diseases)
Context:
Lung cancer ranks as the second most common cancer among Indian men, accounting for 8.5% of all cancers. The disease’s prevalence is rapidly rising among both smokers and non-smokers, as reported by the Global Cancer Observatory’s India Factsheet 2022.
Key Facts
- Incidence: India saw 82,000 new lung cancer cases in 2022, making it 4th globally for men and 6th for women.
- Mortality: Lung cancer contributed ~9.2% of all cancer deaths in India in 2022.
- Hotspots: Aizawl (Mizoram) recorded the highest rates of lung cancer for both genders.
- Rising Burden: Estimated 14+ lakh total cancer cases in 2023; cancer DALYs to reach 29.8 million by 2025.
- Non-smoker Prevalence: 10-20% of cases worldwide (and significant numbers in India) now occur in non-smokers.
- Risk Factors for Non-smokers:
- Second-hand smoke exposure
- Ambient PM2.5 air pollution
- Residential radon, occupational exposures (diesel, asbestos)
- Genetic drivers (EGFR mutations in adenocarcinoma)
- Disability Impact: Lung cancer is a major contributor to DALYs (years lost to ill-health, disability, or early death).
- Significance: Expanding awareness, targeted screening and multi-sectoral prevention (anti-tobacco, anti-pollution, workplace safety), and integrating lung cancer into India’s notifiable disease list are critical steps forward.
Reassessing the Age of Consent in India (GS2 – Vulnerable Sections – Children)
Context:
The Supreme Court is reviewing (Nipun Saxena PIL) whether to lower the age of consent under the POCSO Act from 18, seeking balance between protection from abuse and recognizing adolescent rights in consensual relationships.
Key Facts
- Arguments for Reduction:
- Prevents criminalisation of genuine adolescent consensual relationships
- Current law sometimes punishes girls more and rarely supports them
- Suggestion to lower consent age to 16 for close-in-age, non-coercive cases
- Arguments Against:
- Many consensual cases involve minors as young as 12
- Risk of coercion and manipulation; lack of maturity to give informed consent
- May inadvertently legitimize predatory behavior
- Implementation Issues:
- Safe reintegration and non-stigmatization are lacking; victims face trauma and societal pressure
- Current rules overly rigid, often ignoring unsafe home contexts
- Way Forward:
- Maintain age of consent at 18, but introduce judicial discretion and “close-in-age” exemptions
- Lower age to 16 only for peer relationships without coercion/authority
- Strengthen Child Welfare Committees, ensure quality counseling, and teach comprehensive sex education
- POCSO remains a victim-centric law but needs nuanced implementation and safeguards for adolescent autonomy.
India’s Tibet Policy (GS2 – IR – India-China)
Context:
The 14th Dalai Lama reaffirmed the traditional reincarnation process, reviving debates about Tibet’s future and India-China relations, especially regarding border security and India’s “Tibet card”.
Key Facts
- Traditional Process: Senior lamas, through rituals, select the Dalai Lama’s successor, delaying influence if the process is extended or conducted in TAR under Chinese control.
- Chinese Strategy: China aims to leverage economic and media power to promote its Tibet narrative, impacting global perceptions and India’s regional standing.
- India’s Approach: Historically ambiguous – at times supporting Tibetan autonomy, but officially remaining neutral to avoid antagonising China.
- Strategic Importance: Tibet holds vital significance for India’s border security, Himalayan geopolitics, and access to sacred sites. Border tensions often escalate due to China’s insecurities over Tibet.
- Policy Recommendations:
- Clearly articulate India’s stance recognising Tibet’s value to border security and regional stability
- Support the Tibetan exile community while balancing realistic diplomatic engagement with China
- Consistency and sustained policy, especially as China intensifies its control and global messaging, are critical.
- Clearly articulate India’s stance recognising Tibet’s value to border security and regional stability
Israel’s Plan to Control Gaza (GS2 – IR – Israel-Palestine)
Context:
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu proposes indefinite Israeli security oversight in Gaza post-war, intending to replace Hamas with local governance under Israeli supervision.
Key Facts
- Current Governance Structure:
- Hamas controls interiors; Israel manages external borders; Egypt controls Rafah.
- UN/NGOs provide essential services under blockade.
- Israel’s Objectives:
- Dismantle Hamas’s administrative and military capacity
- Institute local or international transitional governance
- Legal and Political Challenges:
- Shift may threaten legitimacy and trust if not inclusive of broader Palestinian representatives
- Redefines occupation status and international legal standing; could impact future peace negotiations
Agriculture Dispute Stalls India–US Trade Talks (GS2 – IR – India-US)
Context:
Agricultural policy disagreements (GM crops, biofuel, dairy, fisheries) have stalled the India–US trade deal, prompting the US to impose 50% tariffs on select Indian exports.
Key Facts
- GM Crop Imports: US demands market access for GM soybean and maize; India maintains bans due to bio-safety concerns.
- Biofuel/Dairy/Fisheries:
- Proposed US ethanol and maize imports could hurt domestic farmers
- Indian dairy sector opposes imports; high tariffs and barriers remain
- Seafood exports face 50% US tariffs, risking India’s market share in the US
- Significance:
- Trade policy impacts millions of Indian livelihoods
- India’s stand reflects food sovereignty and rural sector priorities, key for Mains answers.
Import Diversification of Crude Oil (GS2 – IR – Issues)
Context:
With Russia’s crude oil discount shrinking and fresh US tariffs, India’s strategic need for diversified energy sourcing becomes urgent.
Key Facts
- Current Import Landscape: India imports ~90% of its crude, with Russia, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia providing most supplies.
- New & Emerging Sources: US (8%), Brazil & Nigeria (~7%), while Iran and Venezuela remain sanctioned.
- OPEC Decline: OPEC’s share below 50%, indicating gradual expansion of supplier base.
- Significance:
- Diversification strengthens supply security, fiscal stability, bargaining power, and hedging against price shocks
- Challenges include higher costs, refinery compatibility, longer supply chains, and logistics limitations
- Way Forward:
- Invest in refinery upgrades
- Expand diplomatic ties with Latin America/West Africa/ASEAN
- Contract innovation and logistics expansion key for durable energy resilience.
ASEAN Centrality Within Indo-Pacific Region (GS2 – IR – Groupings)
Context:
Increasing US-China rivalry, trade tensions, and weakened multilateralism are undermining ASEAN’s role as the central group in Southeast Asian politics and Indo-Pacific stability.
Key Facts
- Challenges:
- Internal divisions and consensus rules limit crisis response
- US tariffs (e.g., US-Vietnam deal) fragment ASEAN’s trade positio
- Forums like AUKUS and Quad divert attention from ASEAN
- Four-Fold Strengthening Approach:
- Internal crisis leadership and flexible decision-making
- Build partnerships with EU, GCC, BRICS
- Deepen India-ASEAN engagement through BIMSTEC and trade forums
- Revise India-ASEAN FTA and strengthen RCEP/CPTPP for resilience
HpNPV Eco-Friendly Biocontrol for Teak Defoliator (GS3 – Envi – Issues)
Context:
Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) has developed and mass-produced Hyblaea puera Nucleopolyhedrosis Virus (HpNPV), an eco-friendly agent for controlling teak defoliator moth outbreaks.
Key Facts
- Eco-Safety: HpNPV is host-specific, only affects teak defoliator larvae, no harm to other organisms.
- Mode of Action: Infects larvae massively; dead larvae release virus, infecting others with generational impact.
- Sustainability: Reduces chemical use, protects forest ecosystems, and enables trees to devote energy to timber growth.
- Global Potential: Matches emerging international pesticide restrictions and supports India’s timber export potential.
Forest Cover Loss in India (GS3 – Envi – Degradation)
Context:
A study by IIT Bombay and SASTRA University shows that India lost 18 times more forest cover than it gained between 2015 and 2019, with significant implications for ecological resilience.
Key Facts
- Findings:
- Loos from 24.13% to 24.10% forest cover; core forest areas most affected
- Gains limited to small islet patches, not large continuous tracts
- Tamil Nadu and West Bengal accounted for nearly half of the loss
- Regional Trends: Mizoram has the highest connectivity, Ladakh the lowest.
- Significance:
- Study uses MSPA and CGLS satellite data for transparent, reproducible results
- Connectivity-focused, unlike FSI; important for policy discussion on conservation, wildlife corridors, and resilience
16th Lion Population Estimation Report (GS3 – Envi – Species)
Context:
India’s Union Environment Ministry and Gujarat Government released the 16th census, marking World Lion Day: highlighted the surge in Asiatic lion populations.
Key Facts
- Population Surge: From 674 (2020) to 891 (2025) — 32% increase; adult females up 27%.
- Expanding Range: Lions now occupy more non-protected agro-pastoral landscapes, expanding from 22,000 to 35,000 sq.km.
- Innovative Monitoring: Uses camera traps, GPS collars, e-GujForest app for transparent tracking.
- Ecological Impact: Satellite expansion increases resilience, reduces genetic isolation; Mitiyala sanctuary population doubled.
- Historic Trends: Nearly 70% population growth in a decade; current range now only in Gujarat, Gir NP, Girnar, Mitiyala, and Pania are anchor habitats.
Complex Dynamics of Flash Flood Formation (GS3 – DM – Floods)
Context:
Disasters like the Dharali flash flood illustrate the complex interaction of extreme rain, landslides, and geomorphological features that drive flash floods in mountain regions.
Key Facts
- Triggers: Flash floods arise from simultaneous slope failure, debris mobilization, intense rainfall, saturated soils, and channel constriction.
- Non-rainfall Triggers: Saturated catchments, glacier-lake breach, icefall collapse, dam/reservoir release.
- Challenges in Prediction: Sudden onset, micro-catchment responses, detection blind spots, and technological constraints in rugged terrain make timely prediction difficult.
Operation Sindoor – Advanced Air Defence (GS3 – IS – Initiatives)
Context:
Operation Sindoor showcased advanced Indian air defence by achieving a 300 km surface-to-air kill against a Pakistani aircraft, demonstrating indigenous capabilities.
Key Facts
- Technological Achievement: Enabled by S-400 Triumf system; supported by Barak 8 MRSAM and Akash systems.
- Significance: Reflects Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence, highlights integration with indigenous and imported technology, and operational readiness for long-range threats.
CBSE Approved Open-Book Exams (Prelims – In News)
Context:
From 2026–27, CBSE will introduce open-book exams for Class 9, supported by pilot studies and the new National Curriculum Framework under NEP 2020.
Key Facts
- Goals: Reduce exam stress, foster competency-based learning, emphasize practical application over rote memorization.
- Scope: Covers languages, maths, science, and social science; optional for schools; detailed guidelines forthcoming.
Microplastic Pollution in India (Prelims – In News)
Context:
National Centre for Coastal Research (MoES) surveys show extreme microplastic pollution on Indian coasts, mostly from fishing gear and riverine runoff.
Key Facts
- Sources: Abandoned/Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG), river inflow, and industrial runoff.
- Contaminants: Microplastics now found in coastal water, sea salt, sugar, and marine organisms.
- Definition: Plastics 1 μm–5 mm in size; primary (e.g., microbeads) or secondary (breakdown products).
- Significance: Threatens marine health, food safety, and ecosystem integrity; prompts policy focus on circular economy and better plastic waste management.