5 June 2025 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis

1. What Dhaka Needs
(Source: Editorial Page, The Indian Express)

Topic: GS2 – International Relations, GS2 – Governance (Democracy, Institutions)

Context

The editorial discusses the political turbulence in Bangladesh, urging the need for institutional reforms rather than vendetta politics for democratic consolidation.

Background:

• After elections in Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League returned to power amid allegations of crackdowns and political suppression. Recent UN reports and opposition boycotts raised international concern. The editorial argues that pursuing retributive justice against past regimes or opposition weakens the democratic foundations of a post-colonial state like Bangladesh.

Challenges to Democratic Institutions:

• Bangladesh’s democracy remains personality-driven, lacking institutional checks.

• Politicization of judiciary and law enforcement has deepened distrust.

• Absence of transitional justice mechanisms fosters cycles of revenge.

Need for Institution-Building:

• Reforms must prioritize independent judiciary, electoral commissions, and civil society.

• Political continuity should be decoupled from personal legacies.

• Power-sharing and dialogue with opposition are critical.

Current Focus on Bilateral Ties:

• Despite tensions, U.S.-China working-level talks are gaining momentum.
• A bilateral trade pact would have global implications, especially in Asia.

India’s Role and Strategic Stakes:

• India shares security and connectivity interests with Bangladesh.

• Regional peace requires Bangladesh’s democratic stability.

• India’s neutral engagement can support internal reconciliation.

Way Forward:

• Bangladesh must prioritize rule of law, inclusive governance, and transitional justice institutions over personal retribution. India can support these efforts diplomatically without appearing partisan.

Practice Question: “In post-colonial democracies, institution-building must take precedence over vendetta politics.” Examine in the context of Bangladesh. (GS-2, 15 marks, 250 words)

 

Also Read: The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 05 June 2025

2. Food for Tiger

(Source: Editorial Page, The Indian Express)

Topic: GS3 – Environment, Conservation, Biodiversity

Context

Despite the increase in tiger numbers, the editorial flags a worrying decline in prey base in key reserves, especially in eastern India, which could increase human–wildlife conflict.

Background:

• India’s tiger population rose to 3,682 in 2023, but states like Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and parts of Telangana show declining tiger numbers. A recent NTCA-WII report attributes this to depleted prey species like sambhar and wild boar due to poaching and poverty-driven bushmeat consumption.

Key Findings from Report:

• Prey density is falling in tiger reserves in poor districts like Simlipal, Udanti, and Palamau.

• Snaring and illegal bushmeat trade directly impact both prey and predator.

• Contrasts drawn with healthier prey populations in economically better-off regions.

Link Between Poverty and Poaching:

• Local communities hunt ungulates for subsistence.

• Lack of economic alternatives pushes illegal wildlife trade.

• Biodiversity recovery is tied to human development outcomes.

Policy and Conservation Implications:

• Sole focus on big cats ignores ecosystem balance.

• Resettlement, food security, and income diversification needed near reserves.

• Community-based conservation is key.

Way Forward:

• Future conservation must integrate socio-economic upliftment of forest-dependent communities. Tiger recovery will be incomplete without prey restoration and poverty mitigation.

Practice Question: “Tiger conservation must go beyond numbers to focus on habitat and prey base recovery.” Discuss with recent examples. (GS3, 15 marks, 250 words)

 

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