Kerala HC Bans Single-Use Plastic in Hilly Areas and Hotels
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU
Court Concerned Over Irresponsible Plastic Disposal
In a significant step toward environmental protection, the Kerala High Court has issued an order banning the use of single-use plastic in hilly regions where tourist footfall is high, and at events like weddings and government functions. The court expressed concern over the unregulated and irresponsible disposal of plastic, which is endangering life forms and natural ecosystems.
Effective from Gandhi Jayanti
The ban will come into effect from October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti) and covers eateries, public events, and weddings. The order aims to mitigate plastic pollution, especially in ecologically sensitive areas.
Items Covered Under the Ban
The banned items include:
- Plastic water bottles with less than five litres capacity
- Soft drink bottles under two litres
- Plastic cups, straws, plates, and spoons
- Plastic food containers
The ban also applies to items used in government-organized functions.
Impact on Wildlife and Ecosystems
The court highlighted the alarming impact of plastic waste on wildlife. A photograph from Kallar near Munnar showing wild elephants consuming plastic waste underscored the urgency of the issue. The court described irresponsible plastic disposal as a serious threat to all life forms.
Alternative Solutions Suggested
The High Court recommended:
- Setting up kiosks for clean and safe drinking water at tourist spots and public events.
- Using glass or stainless steel bottles instead of plastic.
These steps aim to reduce the dependency on plastic bottles, especially in hilly areas where plastic waste management is more challenging.
Preserving Waterbodies
The court also directed the State government and local bodies to prevent the dumping of plastic in waterbodies, stressing the importance of keeping water sources clean and safe.
Need for Public Awareness
Finally, the court urged the Kerala government to launch awareness campaigns highlighting the dangers of single-use plastics and the consequences of indiscriminate dumping. Creating public awareness is seen as key to the success of the plastic ban
India Needs an Inclusive Pension System
TOPIC: (GS2) SOCIAL JUSTICE: THE HINDU
Pensions are a critical component for ensuring economic security and dignity in old age. However, India’s current pension coverage remains inadequate and skewed, leaving the informal sector highly vulnerable to poverty in retirement.
Low Pension Coverage and Disparities
According to the Economic Survey 2025-26, Indian pension assets are only 17% of GDP, significantly lower than 80% seen in advanced economies. Only 12% of the workforce is covered by formal pension schemes, mostly in the public sector and organised private sector. In contrast, informal sector workers—who contribute over half of India’s GDP—are largely excluded, with just 5.3% covered by schemes like the National Pension System (NPS) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY).
Need to Integrate the Informal Sector
With 85% of India’s workforce in the informal sector and a rising gig economy, exclusion from pension frameworks creates a policy and financial crisis. By 2050, the old-age dependency ratio may touch 30%. India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047 hinges partly on resolving this.
Challenges include:
- Fragmented pension architecture
- Low awareness and sensitisation
- Lack of sustainability mechanisms
International models like Japan’s flat-rate contributory system and New Zealand’s universal pension for those over 65 offer insights for inclusive planning.
Sensitisation and Financial Literacy
Since enrolment is voluntary for informal sector workers, low awareness is a major roadblock. India must launch grassroots-level financial literacy campaigns. Models like Australia’s school curriculum on superannuation or the UK’s auto-enrolment in pension schemes offer useful templates. Nigeria’s use of digital pension platforms also shows the power of accessible tech infrastructure.
Ensuring Sustainability and Liquidity
India’s pension system scored only 44% in the 2024 Mercer CFA Pension Index, reflecting poor adequacy and long-term viability. For a sustainable pension model, India must improve:
- Investment transparency
- Liquidity of pension funds
- Private fund performance monitoring
Countries like Denmark and Australia show how private funds can supplement the public system effectively.
Proposing a Three-Tiered Pension Framework
To address fragmentation and scale sustainably, experts suggest a tiered pension structure:
- Tier 1: A mandatory basic pension for all citizens, regardless of employment type.
- Tier 2: Optional or mandatory occupational pensions, with auto-enrolment and minimum standards.
- Tier 3: Voluntary pension savings, incentivised through tax benefits and market-linked returns.
This model, paired with targeted awareness drives and digital tools, can significantly expand pension coverage.
Conclusion
As India undergoes a demographic transition, a well-structured and inclusive pension system is essential for future economic stability. Policymakers must ensure that every worker, formal or informal, has access to a dignified retirement through an accessible, sustainable, and equitable pension framework.
PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTION
Consider the following statements regarding the National Pension System (NPS):
- The NPS is regulated by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
- Both Tier I and Tier II NPS accounts offer tax benefits under Section 80CCD(1B) of the Income Tax Act.
- NPS is mandatory for all central government employees who joined service on or after January 1, 2004.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: NPS is regulated by the PFRDA.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Only Tier I NPS accounts are eligible for tax benefits under Section 80CCD(1B); Tier II does not qualify unless the subscriber is a government employee and certain conditions are met.
Statement 3 is correct: NPS is mandatory for central government employees (except armed forces) who joined service on or after January 1, 2004.
Easing Prices, But Uncertainty
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
India’s inflation scenario saw a significant improvement in May, but the unpredictability of global and domestic factors still casts a shadow over future trends.
Retail and Wholesale Inflation at Record Lows
Retail inflation for May dropped to a 75-month low of 2.8%, mainly due to a decline in food prices. Wholesale inflation also cooled to just 0.4%, the lowest in over a year. A significant factor behind this drop was a 12.4% contraction in crude oil and natural gas prices, which were already under pressure due to a sluggish global economy.
Given that India imports around 80% of its oil requirements, falling international oil prices helped ease wholesale inflation. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its June 11 monetary policy, revised its inflation forecast for the year to 3.7% (down from 4% in April).
June Outlook and Global Risks
Analysts suggest that June retail inflation may further dip to 2%, the lower end of the RBI’s comfort band. However, two recent developments have injected volatility:
- Israel’s attack on Iran on June 13, which led to an 8% surge in global oil prices in a single day.
- The monsoon’s sluggish progress, although it has since picked up.
These two variables—crude oil and the monsoon—are key determinants of inflation in India and may reverse the cooling trend.
Possible Economic Fallout of West Asia Tensions
Tensions between Israel and Iran could escalate to a blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, potentially raising shipping costs for India by 40–50%. This would not only disrupt exports and imports but also threaten oil supply lines from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
The Commerce Ministry is set to hold consultations with the shipping and trade sectors to mitigate these risks.
Food Price Uncertainty Despite Monsoon Progress
While the India Meteorological Department has reported a revival in monsoon activity, the uneven spatial distribution is affecting key agricultural zones. Hence, it’s still uncertain whether food prices will continue to decline.
RBI’s ‘Neutral’ Stance Reflects Flexibility
In response to the inflation dynamics, the RBI has shifted to a ‘neutral’ stance—signalling openness to both rate hikes and cuts. This is a strategic shift in light of the growing global volatility and domestic price sensitivity.
Conclusion
While inflation is easing for now, the situation remains highly fluid. Oil prices and monsoon performance will continue to play a pivotal role. The RBI’s flexible stance reflects an awareness that economic shocks can arise quickly, and policy must remain nimble and responsive.
PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTION
Consider the following statements regarding inflation indices in India:
- The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) gives higher weightage to food articles than the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
- The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is used by the Reserve Bank of India as the key measure for inflation targeting.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
- Only 1
- Only 2
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: WPI assigns lower weight to food (around 24%) compared to CPI (around 45% in CPI-Combined).
Statement 2 is correct: Since 2016, the RBI uses CPI (specifically CPI-Combined) for its inflation targeting under the monetary policy framework.
A Free Hand: Science Must Be Unfettered to Be
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
In a significant move, the Government of India recently issued a set of administrative orders that many in the scientific community are calling “revolutionary.” These directives are expected to restore greater autonomy to research institutions, an essential step for fostering innovation and scientific excellence.
Bypassing GEM
One of the most impactful changes is the relaxation of mandatory procurement through the Government e-Marketplace (GEM). Introduced in 2020, GEM was aimed at ensuring transparency and promoting made-in-India products across government departments. However, the platform’s lowest-bidder mandate often conflicted with the nuanced needs of scientific research.
By allowing institutions to bypass GEM, scientists are now free to source specialised equipment and materials without being constrained by rigid procurement norms. This rollback essentially restores the pre-2020 autonomy institutions had in vendor selection.
Scientific Accuracy Demands Specificity
While GEM norms work for standard goods like laptops or office furniture, scientific research operates on a different paradigm. For instance, a common substance like sodium chloride (table salt) may vary in purity depending on the supplier. In experimental sciences and pharmaceutical research, even these minor differences can significantly affect results.
Just as a chef may prefer sea salt over kosher for its unique qualities, scientists rely on consistency and precision. Materials must often be sourced from specific vendors to ensure replicability of results — a cornerstone of scientific integrity.
Specialized nature of scientific procurement:
When scientists are forced to settle for substandard or inappropriate materials due to procurement constraints, the impact is not just monetary. Experiments may have to be abandoned, research timelines extended, and overall scientific ambition curtailed. This results in a cumulative loss of resources, morale, and output.
The problem becomes more acute for complex items like precision instruments, customised laboratory components, or specialised biological reagents — where quality cannot be compromised.
The GEM mandate, though well-intentioned, reflected a “hammer-nail” mindset: treating all purchases as interchangeable commodities. However, India’s known lack of domestic manufacturing capacity for high-end scientific tools should have signalled caution. In hindsight, the policy overlooked the specialised nature of scientific procurement, and the correction is a welcome relief.
Scientist-Led Ministries
Unlike many other government departments, India’s scientific ministries are often headed by scientists rather than career bureaucrats. This tradition, dating back to post-independence India, reflects the state’s long-standing commitment to allowing science to operate independently — even when it is expected to serve national goals.
The foundational idea has always been that science must be nurtured with freedom if it is to be of real service. Attempts to micromanage it, even with administrative tools like GEM, undermine its potential.
Conclusion: Restore and Respect Scientific Autonomy
Science thrives on freedom, specificity, and trust in expertise. The recent policy shift demonstrates a willingness to correct course — a rare and commendable trait in governance. Going forward, it is imperative that procurement and administrative policies align with the unique demands of scientific research rather than constrain them.
The Third Nuclear Age
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
A New Nuclear Reality
The world appears to have entered a third nuclear age, marked by heightened instability, weakening diplomatic norms, and a renewed focus on nuclear weapons. This phase diverges sharply from earlier periods, as seen in the lack of global condemnation following Israel’s recent bombing of Iran—an act that violates the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and undermines the global nuclear order.
From Cold War to Post-Cold War Optimism
The first nuclear age was defined by the bipolar standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union, built around the doctrine of mutually assured destruction. It culminated in treaties such as the NPT and arms reduction agreements like New START, which limited deployed warheads. However, with New START expiring in 2026 and no new deal in sight, that stability is now unraveling.
The second nuclear age, following the Cold War, was shaped by aspirations of disarmament. Concepts such as Global Zero and test-ban treaties proliferated, though largely in rhetoric. Nuclear modernization programs quietly expanded during this time, even under leaders like President Obama who had publicly championed disarmament. India and Pakistan’s entry into the nuclear club was largely accommodated, preserving the illusion that actual use remained unthinkable.
Entering the Third Age
The third nuclear age is characterised by unpredictability and fragmentation. Nuclear deterrence is no longer just a stabilising force — it is increasingly seen as a tool for coercion. For instance, Russia’s nuclear threats over Ukraine, and Putin’s tactical nuclear deployments to Belarus, show that nuclear weapons are now being used to challenge the status quo rather than merely maintain it.
Meanwhile, China’s rapid arsenal expansion, the U.S.’s retreat under Trump, and Europe’s search for new deterrents are reshaping the global strategic landscape. The UK is investing billions in warhead upgrades, and France may consider hosting nuclear assets abroad — a reversal of post-Cold War trends.
Nuclear use as a viable option
Unlike the Cold War’s clear-cut deterrence logic, this new era is plagued by blurred red lines and a multipolar order in flux. If nuclear use becomes a viable option rather than a final resort, we risk entering an age of self-inflicted nuclear insecurity. The shift from nuclear possession to potential nuclear use marks the most dangerous transformation yet.
Conclusion
The third nuclear age is not merely a return to Cold War rivalries. It is an era of renewed arms races, eroding norms, and diminishing taboos around nuclear use. Without a revitalised commitment to arms control, transparency, and diplomatic engagement, the global order may soon face a nuclear crisis of its own making.
India increased its nuclear warhead count to 180 in 2024: SIPRI
TOPIC: (GS2) IR: THE HINDU
India’s Arsenal Grows to 180 Warheads
India increased its nuclear warhead stockpile to 180 in 2024, up from 172 the previous year, according to the 2025 annual report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The report highlights that nearly all nine nuclear-armed states, including India and Pakistan, are continuing to modernise and expand their nuclear arsenals.
India’s development of canisterised missile systems, which are capable of carrying mated warheads during peacetime and potentially multiple warheads per missile, marks a significant technological step forward. These advancements are part of India’s broader nuclear modernisation efforts.
Regional Risks and Rising Tensions
Pakistan has also been developing new delivery systems and accumulating fissile material, with projections indicating that its arsenal may grow over the next decade. Early 2025 witnessed a brief armed conflict between India and Pakistan, during which strikes on nuclear-related military infrastructure and disinformation campaigns created a near-crisis situation.
“This should act as a stark warning for states seeking to increase their reliance on nuclear weapons,” said Matt Korda, a senior researcher at SIPRI.
Global Nuclear Stockpiles and Modernisation
The SIPRI report warns of an emerging nuclear arms race, as arms control agreements weaken and expire. The nine nuclear-armed countries—the U.S., Russia, China, the UK, France, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel—collectively held 12,241 nuclear warheads as of January 2025. Of these:
- 9,614 warheads are in military stockpiles for potential use
- 3,912 warheads are deployed on missiles or aircraft
- The rest are in central storage
Country-specific stockpiles (2025 vs. 2024):
- U.S.: 5,177 (down from 5,328); 1,770 deployed
- Russia: 5,459 (down from 5,580); 1,718 deployed
- China: 600 (up from 500); 24 deployed
- India: 180 (up from 172)
- Pakistan: 170 (unchanged)
Uncertain Future for Arms Control
The New START Treaty, the last major bilateral arms control agreement between the U.S. and Russia, is set to expire in February 2026. If no new agreement is reached, SIPRI cautions that the number of deployed warheads on strategic missiles could increase significantly, worsening global security risks.
Just 70% of IPOs listed at a premium in CY2025
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
Fewer Premium Listings and Lower Gains
Recent market volatility has significantly impacted the performance of newly listed stocks in India, as per data from the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). By June 2025, only 70% of IPOs were listed at a price higher than their issue price — the lowest since 2017, when the figure stood at 78%. In contrast, 85% of IPOs in 2024 saw a premium listing, marking 2024 as a bumper year for new public issues.
Volatility and Geopolitical Risks
The Indian stock markets have faced a wave of volatility, driven by several global and domestic factors:
- U.S. tariff actions
- Tensions with Pakistan
- Israel-Iran conflict
- A market correction following a four-year post-COVID bull rally
While 2024 benefitted from investor optimism and proved highly rewarding for IPOs, 2025 has seen a reversal, leading to poor post-listing performance and tepid sentiment.
IPOs Decline in Number and Value
There has also been a sharp fall in IPO activity in 2025. According to Bhavesh Shah, MD and Head of Investment Banking at Equirus Capital, the number of IPOs dropped from 32 in 2024 to 17 in 2025, with total capital raised falling from ₹46,500 crore to ₹29,000 crore.
What is synthetic aperture radar?
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
How SAR Works
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is an advanced imaging technology that creates detailed pictures of the Earth’s surface regardless of weather conditions or daylight. Unlike traditional cameras that rely on visible light, SAR uses microwave pulses, capturing the echoes that bounce back from surfaces such as land, ocean, ice, or buildings. These signals are then processed using sophisticated software to generate high-resolution images.
The Innovation Behind SAR
At the heart of SAR is its antenna system. Typically, better resolution requires a longer antenna — but large antennas are difficult to construct and operate. SAR systems solve this by using smaller antennas on moving platforms like satellites. As the platform moves, it collects data from slightly different positions. Software then combines this data to simulate an antenna hundreds of metres long, enhancing resolution.
Why SAR Is Valuable
SAR has several advantages:
- Works through clouds, smoke, and rain
- Operates day and night
- Captures data continuously
- Can distinguish between soil, vegetation, water, and metal surfaces due to their different microwave reflectivity
These capabilities make SAR ideal for environmental monitoring, disaster assessment, and climate research.
The NASA-ISRO SAR Mission (NISAR)
On June 12, NASA announced that the NASA-ISRO SAR (NISAR) satellite had arrived at ISRO’s Sriharikota spaceport. Once launched, NISAR will scan nearly all of Earth’s land and ice surfaces twice every 12 days, delivering an unprecedented volume of environmental data. The mission is expected to transform how scientists monitor changes in ecosystems, glaciers, earthquakes, and more.
Why war hasn’t hit markets?
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
Despite escalating tensions and military exchanges between Israel and Iran, India’s stock markets have remained notably stable. Analysts attribute this resilience to India’s low trade exposure to Iran, a stable macroeconomic environment, and controlled inflation.
Stock Markets Show Resilience
Market sentiments remained largely unaffected, with investors showing minimal panic.
Why Crude Prices Haven’t Spiked
Though Iran holds the world’s third-largest oil reserves, accounting for 12% of global oil reserves, its exports remain restricted due to Western sanctions. Currently, Iran supplies only 4% of the global oil market, and China is its main customer. Thus, the conflict has not led to a significant supply shock.
Limited Impact on India
India has negligible direct trade with Iran. Crude imports from Iran ceased in 2019 due to sanctions, and the current global crude supply is well-diversified. Experts say that unless Israeli airstrikes target Iranian oil installations, the situation is unlikely to escalate into a global oil crisis.
Stable Macroeconomy and Inflation Control
India’s macroeconomic fundamentals remain solid:
- In May 2025, the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation dropped to a 14-month low of 0.39% from 0.85% in April.
- The Reserve Bank of India continues to hold a dovish stance as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation also declined.
This softening of inflation provides more policy flexibility. The RBI’s projected CPI inflation for April–September 2025 stands at 4.7%, and 4.3% for October–March.
Oil and the Broader Economy
A surge in oil prices could:
- Increase import bills and the fiscal deficit.
- Raise WPI inflation, especially if supply is disrupted due to conflict.
- Push retail prices and CPI inflation upward, affecting consumer spending.
Still, India’s petroleum buffer and diversified sourcing reduce the immediate threat. Analysts suggest that unless oil installations are directly hit, the war’s economic fallout will remain contained for India.
EXTREME HEAT THREATENS 57% OF INDIAN DISTRICTS: WARMER NIGHTS AND HIGH HUMIDITY WORSEN RISKS
TOPIC: (GS3) DISASTER MANAGEMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS
A new study has found that around 57% of India’s districts—home to about 76% of its population—are at high or very high risk from extreme heat. The districts at highest risk include Delhi, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
The Study and Key Findings
The report, How Extreme Heat is Impacting India: Assessing District-level Heat Risk, was published on May 20 by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). It assessed heat risk in 734 districts using a Heat Risk Index (HRI) based on 35 indicators such as:
- Frequency of very hot days,
- Urbanisation and population density,
- Percentage of elderly and people with chronic illnesses,
- Changes in land use patterns.
What Drives Heat Risk in India?
The study identifies three major factors:
- More Warm Nights:
From 2012 to 2022, over 70% of Indian districts experienced a rise in very warm nights, with five or more additional such nights annually. This worsens health risks since higher night-time temperatures prevent the body from cooling down. - Higher Humidity in North India:
Relative humidity rose from 30–40% (1982–2011 average) to 40–50% (2012–2022), especially in the Indo-Gangetic Plain. This makes it harder for the human body to release heat, increasing vulnerability to heat strokes and illness. - Urbanisation and High Population Density:
Cities with rapid urban growth—like Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, and Gurugram—face intensified risks due to the heat-trapping effects of concrete and reduced green cover.
Public Health and Policy Gaps
Despite the high risk, India’s Heat Action Plans (HAPs) are lacking:
- Most cities don’t have long-term strategies,
- Plans often miss detailed localised assessments,
- 95% of HAPs lack data on vulnerable populations.
According to the CEEW, India saw over 44,000 heat stroke cases last year, and this number may rise as warming intensifies. The average temperature in 2024 was 1.5°C higher than pre-industrial levels, marking India’s warmest year on record.
Way Forward
Without urgent upgrades to planning and preparedness, India may face increased mortality and economic stress due to extreme heat. Strengthening HAPs and focusing on high-risk districts are essential for safeguarding public health and economic productivity.
PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTION
Consider the following statements about Heat Waves
- Normal Heat wave condition is declared when departure from normal temperature is 4.5°C to 6.4°C
- Severe heat wave condition is declared when actual maximum temperatures is above 45°C
- Heat waves are not declared as natural disaster by the central government.
- Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction deals with the heat waves
How many statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- Only three
- All four
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: Heat wave is considered if maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C or more for Plains and at least 30°C or more for Hilly regions.
a) Based on Departure from
Normal Heat Wave – Departure from normal is 4.5°C to 6.4°C
Severe Heat Wave – Departure from normal is >6.4°C
Statement 2 is incorrect: Based on Actual Maximum Temperature
- Heat Wave: When actual maximum temperature ≥ 45°C
- Severe Heat Wave: When actual maximum temperature ≥47°C
If above criteria met at least in 2 stations in a Meteorological sub-division for at least two consecutive days and it declared on the second day.
Statement 3 is correct: The Centre has never declared heatwaves as extreme weather events and never declared them as natural disasters despite heavy causalities every year between March and June. It, however, keeps a track and maintains records for other extreme weather events like coldwaves, earthquakes, floods, excessive rains and cyclones. Heatwaves cause the third-highest number of deaths among natural disasters in India, after lightning strikes and earthquakes; but the government did not consider them as natural calamity. Telangana government has however declared it as a state-specific disaster.
Statement 4 is correct: The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030) recognizes heatwaves as a significant risk and an area for disaster preparedness and response. The Framework emphasizes understanding disaster risk, strengthening disaster risk governance, and investing in disaster risk reduction, all of which are relevant to addressing heatwave hazards.