UPSC CARE Mains Practice 12th September 2025
Topic – Aedes-borne viral diseases
Q1. Despite decades of efforts, Aedes-borne viral diseases continue to challenge India’s public health. Critically examine why conventional strategies are insufficient and suggest revised approaches combining top-down and community-based measures (15 marks, 250 words)
Introduction
Aedes mosquitoes, which spread dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, are now a major urban health threat in India. Conventional fogging and chemical sprays are proving ineffective, while new innovations are promising but costly. Hence, a combined top-down and bottom-up strategy is needed to control this challenge.
Body
- Key Facts About Aedes Mosquitoes
- Why Conventional Strategies Fail
- Top-Down Scientific Measures
- Personal Protection Measures
- Community Mobilisation
- Systemic Gaps and Needed Solutions
Conclusion
India needs a hybrid strategy: top-down innovations (Wolbachia, emanators, vaccines) combined with bottom-up mobilisation (community clean-up, repellents, clothing). Strengthening public health education, ensuring availability of proven repellents, and reducing plastic-driven stagnation are vital to “clear the fog” of outdated practices. Such integrated strategies can create 100–200 metre “safe zones,” reducing Aedes-borne viral diseases sustainably.
UPSC Syllabus
Viral diseases
Why was this question asked?
Q. COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid management of the pandemic. (2020)
Introduction
Aedes mosquitoes, which spread dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, are now a major urban health threat in India. Conventional fogging and chemical sprays are proving ineffective, while new innovations are promising but costly. Hence, a combined top-down and bottom-up strategy is needed to control this challenge.
Body
Key Facts About Aedes Mosquitoes
- Habitat: Breed in clean stagnant water found in tyres, coconut shells, bottles, and air coolers.
- Feeding habits: Unlike malaria mosquitoes, Aedes bite during the day and indoors under artificial light.
- Range: Limited flight range (100–200 metres), making local action highly effective.
- Adaptability: Show increasing resistance to insecticides and ability to thrive in densely populated urban areas.
- Public health impact: Cause major productivity losses and strain on healthcare systems due to recurring outbreaks.
Why Conventional Strategies Fail
- Outdoor fumigation is ineffective because Aedes mosquitoes feed indoors and are active during the day.
- Mosquito nets and vaporizers are of limited use since Aedes are day-biting and have developed resistance to pyrethroid chemicals.
- The larvicide temephos has lost effectiveness due to resistance and gives users a false sense of security, worsening outbreaks.
- Natural oils like citronella or neem provide only 1–2 hours of protection and cause skin irritation in high concentrations.
Top-Down Scientific Measures
- Wolbachia mosquito release programmes block virus transmission and are successful in 15 countries, but high costs and regulatory gaps limit adoption in India.
- Spatial emanators such as transfluthrin-coated sheets or mats provide 15 days of continuous protection and reduced Aedes-borne infections by 34% in Peru trials.
- Dengue vaccines are under trial, but there is no protection yet against Zika and chikungunya.
- The Government of India’s 2017 monograph India Fights Dengue provides guidelines for larval source reduction.
- Delhi’s “Rule of 10” campaign (10 minutes every Sunday for 10 weeks) demonstrated how structured community action can be scaled nationally.
Personal Protection Measures
- WHO-approved repellents such as DEET (20%), picaridin, IR3535, and 2-undecanone are safe for children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.
- Wearing loose, full-body clothing during the peak transmission season (September–November) provides effective physical protection.
- Consumer awareness campaigns are needed to counter misinformation about DEET and make proven repellents widely available in Indian markets.
Community Mobilisation
- The Camino Verde study in Latin America showed that community-led clean-up drives reduced dengue infections by 29%.
- A Chennai-based study demonstrated that using effective lids on water containers reduced the presence of larvae by 94%.
- ASHA workers can play a central role in spreading awareness and encouraging preventive household practices.
- Community action should include cleaning and covering indoor and outdoor water containers, removing tyres, plastic bottles, coconut shells, and cleaning air coolers.
- Plastic pollution is directly linked to higher mosquito breeding and must be tackled through regular waste collection and better urban flood management.
Systemic Gaps and Needed Solutions
- Poor urban waste management creates stagnant water that becomes breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes.
- Proven repellents such as DEET and picaridin are not easily available in India due to misinformation and weak distribution.
- Municipal corporations rely too much on fogging, which should only be used during outbreaks, while prevention should remain the primary focus.
Conclusion
India needs a hybrid strategy: top-down innovations (Wolbachia, emanators, vaccines) combined with bottom-up mobilisation (community clean-up, repellents, clothing). Strengthening public health education, ensuring availability of proven repellents, and reducing plastic-driven stagnation are vital to “clear the fog” of outdated practices. Such integrated strategies can create 100–200 metre “safe zones,” reducing Aedes-borne viral diseases sustainably.
Topic – India-Mauritius Relations
Q 2. Discuss the historical, economic, technological, and strategic dimensions of India–Mauritius relations in light of the recent Enhanced Strategic Partnership, the USD 680 million economic package, and India’s Vision MAHASAGAR policy. (15 marks, 250 words)
Introduction
India and Mauritius enjoy a unique partnership based on shared history, civilizational bonds, and strategic geography. During the September 2025 state visit of Mauritian PM Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, hosted by PM Modi in Varanasi, ties were deepened through a USD 680 million special economic package. This comes after the March 2025 decision to elevate ties to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership under India’s Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions). The partnership blends cultural kinship with strategic cooperation, positioning Mauritius as a vital pillar in India’s Indian Ocean strategy.
Body
- Historical and Civilizational Foundations
- Strategic and Maritime Cooperation
- Economic Package: Infrastructure, Health, Connectivity
- Trade and Technology Cooperation
- Balancing China and Strengthening Global South Outreach
Conclusion
India–Mauritius ties exemplify “shared dreams and a shared destiny.” The USD 680 million package, enhanced trade-tech agreements, and maritime security cooperation reflect India’s multidimensional approach — blending culture, commerce, and strategy. Under Enhanced Strategic Partnership and Vision MAHASAGAR, Mauritius is both a gateway to Africa and a linchpin in India’s Indian Ocean strategy. Strengthening this “family bond” ensures resilience against external pressures, balances China’s influence, and consolidates India’s role as a leader of the Global South.
UPSC Syllabus
India-Mauritius Relations
Why was this question asked?
Q. Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pro and cons. Critically Examine. [2014]
Introduction
India and Mauritius enjoy a unique partnership based on shared history, civilizational bonds, and strategic geography. During the September 2025 state visit of Mauritian PM Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, hosted by PM Modi in Varanasi, ties were deepened through a USD 680 million special economic package. This comes after the March 2025 decision to elevate ties to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership under India’s Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions). The partnership blends cultural kinship with strategic cooperation, positioning Mauritius as a vital pillar in India’s Indian Ocean strategy.
Body
Historical and Civilizational Foundations
- Large Indian diaspora (≈ two-thirds of Mauritius’ population) sustains enduring linguistic, cultural, and religious links.
- Shared colonial experiences foster trust and solidarity in global forums.
- India supported Mauritius in education, cultural preservation, and democratic institution building since independence.
- Varanasi, where PM Modi hosted his counterpart, symbolises spiritual and cultural union.
Strategic and Maritime Cooperation
- Mauritius’ location near key sea lanes gives it geopolitical weight in the Indian Ocean.
- India provides naval patrols, radar systems, and hydrographic cooperation (EEZ mapping, navigation charts, surveys).
- Support for the Mauritian Coast Guard, including helicopters and modern equipment, reinforces India’s role as a net security provider.
- Chagos Archipelago milestone: India congratulated Mauritius on regaining sovereignty in 2025; New Delhi consistently backed Port Louis against colonial detachment by Britain.
Economic Package: Infrastructure, Health, Connectivity
The USD 680 million package covers multiple sectors:
- Healthcare (USD 215M grants): 500-bed Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Hospital, AYUSH Centre of Excellence, Veterinary School & Animal Hospital.
- Infrastructure (USD 440M grant-cum-LoC): ATC Tower at SSR Airport, M4 Motorway, Ring Road Phase II, modern port equipment.
- Energy transition: 17.5 MW floating solar project at Tamarind Falls.
- Emergency & security: provision of helicopters, modernised port facilities.
- USD 25M direct budgetary support this fiscal year.
This comprehensive package reflects India’s emphasis on inclusive development plus strategic infrastructure.
Trade and Technology Cooperation
- Local currency trade settlement reduces dependence on the US dollar.
- Expansion in ICT, fintech, digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity, e-governance.
- Collaboration in renewable energy and skill development for Mauritius’ transition into a knowledge economy.
- Mauritius serves as a hub for Indian pharma, textiles, and tourism investments in Africa.
Balancing China and Strengthening Global South Outreach
- China’s BRI investments in Indian Ocean islands (ports, bases) heighten strategic competition.
- India’s sustainable, trust-based packages counterbalance Chinese influence.
- Mauritius, unlike some other island states, has remained firmly aligned with India due to diaspora and historic trust.
- Both countries coordinate at UN, IORA, Commonwealth, and G-77, amplifying Global South priorities: climate action, debt relief, and equitable trade.
Conclusion
India–Mauritius ties exemplify “shared dreams and a shared destiny.” The USD 680 million package, enhanced trade-tech agreements, and maritime security cooperation reflect India’s multidimensional approach — blending culture, commerce, and strategy. Under Enhanced Strategic Partnership and Vision MAHASAGAR, Mauritius is both a gateway to Africa and a linchpin in India’s Indian Ocean strategy. Strengthening this “family bond” ensures resilience against external pressures, balances China’s influence, and consolidates India’s role as a leader of the Global South.
