16 June 2025: The Hindu Editorial Analysis

1. The rise of maritime Asia and what it means for India

Source – Editorial Page, The Hindu, Delhi Edition

Topic: GS Paper 2 (International Relations)

Context

With increasing focus on maritime security and economic activity in the Indo-Pacific, the editorial discusses India’s role in a changing regional order.

Content:

• Maritime Asia’s Emergence:

  • Asia is the global hub for shipping and trade, especially the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

  • Strategic choke points like the Strait of Malacca and South China Sea are crucial.

• India’s Maritime Strategy:

  • Focus on SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).

  • Naval modernization and increasing regional maritime diplomacy.

• Challenges:

  • China’s growing naval assertiveness.

  • Infrastructure vulnerabilities (ports, shipping routes).

  • Need for deeper engagement with ASEAN and Quad.

• Way Forward:

  • Bolstering coastal infrastructure.

  • Strengthening alliances through BIMSTEC, IORA, Quad.

  • Investing in blue economy and maritime technology.

Practice Question: India’s maritime policy must adapt to the strategic and economic shifts in the Indo-Pacific. Discuss the challenges and opportunities for India in Maritime Asia (GS2 | 250 words | 15 marks)

2. A decade of GST: successes and the road ahead

Source – Editorial, Page 6, The Hindu

Topic: Editorial Page, The Hindu, Delhi Edition

Context

With GST completing 10 years, the editorial assesses its performance and future scope.

Content:

• Successes:

  • Unified indirect tax system.

  • Increased tax compliance and digital tracking.

  • Streamlined logistics and reduction in cascading effect.

• Issues:

  • Complexity due to multiple tax slabs.

  • Concerns from states over compensation.

  • Compliance burden on small businesses.

• Reforms Needed:

  • Simplifying slabs and rate rationalization.

  • Enhancing autonomy of the GST Council.

  • Strengthening input tax credit system.

Practice Question: Evaluate the performance of GST in achieving its objectives after a decade of implementation. What reforms are necessary to improve its efficiency and equity? (GS2 | 250 words | 15 marks)

3. Inclusion in census: the case for caste data

Source – Editorial Page, The Hindu, Delhi Edition

Topic: GS Paper 1 & 2 (Society and Governance)

Context

The debate on including caste data in the next census has revived with several states advocating for it.

Content:

• Arguments for Caste Census:

  • Enables targeted welfare.

  • Helps assess real social and economic conditions.

  • Strengthens evidence-based policy making.

• Concerns:

  • Potential for deepening caste identities.

  • Complexity in data collection and categorization.

  • Political misuse of data.

• Constitutional & Administrative Aspects:

  • Mandate under the Census Act.

  • Role of Registrar General and state cooperation.

Practice Question: Should caste be included in the decennial Census in India? Examine the pros and cons with respect to governance and social equity. (GS2 | 250 words | 15 marks)

Read more about – 14 June 2025: The Hindu Editorial Analysis