11 June 2025 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis

1. Border Vigils
(Source: Editorial Page, The Indian Express)

Topic: GS Paper 2: Governance, Fundamental Rights, Migration

Context

The Assam government’s decision to operationalize the 1950 Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act against suspected illegal immigrants, including the use of detention and deportation, has raised questions about constitutional safeguards and procedural justice, especially under NRC and related policies.

Legal and Ethical Concerns:

• The 1950 Act allows for expulsion without clear institutional safeguards.

• Application of this act bypasses due process under Articles 14, 21 and 22.

• This could further complicate NRC-related issues in Assam and other Northeastern states.

Constitutional Checks and Judicial Oversight:

• Supreme Court rulings like the 2021 judgment on preventive detention emphasize procedural fairness.

• The unilateral application of executive action risks undermining rights-based governance.

Administrative Impact:

• Deportation of 330 individuals to Bangladesh may create geopolitical strains.

• Data inconsistencies and weak refugee determination processes are problematic.

Way Forward:

• Balance national security with constitutional morality.

• Ensure actions are compliant with due process, especially when involving vulnerable groups like stateless persons or ethnic minorities.

Practice Question: Discuss the constitutional implications of invoking the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950, in light of recent events in Assam.

Also Read: The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 11 June 2025

2. Old Continent Rising

(Source: Editorial Page, The Indian Express)

Topic: GS Paper 2: International Relations, GS Paper 1: World History (Post-Cold War Europe)

Context

India’s strengthening ties with Europe, post-Trump-era volatility and Brexit, open up new diplomatic and economic opportunities for strategic collaboration, especially amidst waning US hegemony.

Strategic Realignment:

• Trump’s unpredictability and reduced EU-US cohesion created an opportunity for India-Europe rapprochement.

• France, Germany, and other EU nations now look to diversify their partnerships, including with India.

India’s Enhanced Role:

• India–EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) boosts economic alignment.

• IMEC and digital cooperation underscore growing strategic synergy.

Multipolar Global Order:

• Europe seeks to hedge its dependencies and support a rules-based international order.

• India emerges as a counterbalance to China and a stable partner in the Indo-Pacific.

Way Forward:

• India must deepen bilateral trade, defense cooperation, and technological co-innovation.

• Leverage normative convergence (climate action, data regulation) for long-term engagement.

Practice Question:  Evaluate the prospects of India–Europe relations in shaping a multipolar global order amidst US-China rivalry.

Read more – 10 June 2025 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis