09 May 2025: The Hindu Editorial Analysis
1. Finding support
(Source – Page 10, The Hindu Editorial, 9 May 2025)
| Topic: GS Paper 2 – India and its Neighbourhood, Bilateral Relations, Security Challenges |
| Context |
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India’s Strategic Shift in Response to Terrorism:
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The operation targeted Lashkar and Jaish bases in Bahawalpur and Muridke.
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India termed it a “measured, non-escalatory” response with no civilian/military infrastructure targeted.
Evolving India-Pakistan Dynamics:
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Marks continuation of proactive military strategy post-Pulwama (2019 Balakot strikes).
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Demonstrates India’s resolve against proxy terrorism, despite Pakistan’s nuclear threat posture.
Geopolitical Implications:
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Strikes send a message to global actors on India’s red lines.
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India is leveraging military, diplomatic, and economic tools in counter-terrorism efforts.
Need for Vigilance and Political Unity:
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Pakistan may retaliate asymmetrically; India must maintain high military and diplomatic readiness.
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Domestic political unity and communal harmony are critical to resist provocations.
| Practice Question: India’s evolving doctrine of precision retaliation against cross-border terrorism reflects both strategic resolve and diplomatic calculation. Examine the implications of such actions on regional stability and India’s global standing. GS2 – 15 Marks – 250 Words |
2. Cleaning the Yamuna needs systemic reforms
(Source – Page 1 & 2, The Hindu, 9 May 2025)
| Topic: GS Paper 3 (Environment, Conservation, Pollution Control) |
| Context |
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Key Findings of CSE Report:
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84% of the Yamuna’s pollution load comes from the Najafgarh and Shahdara drains.
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Poor planning of sewage treatment plants (STPs), particularly in effluent discharge strategies.
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Lack of sludge treatment in unsewered areas contributes significantly to pollution.
Challenges Identified:
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Inadequate flow in the river due to overextraction.
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Failure of past rejuvenation efforts like the Yamuna Action Plan.
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Untreated faecal sludge from informal settlements entering drains.
Recommendations:
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Mandate comprehensive planning for both treatment and discharge at STPs.
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Rework strategies for key polluting drains.
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Increase minimum flow in the Yamuna to enable natural self-purification.
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Ensure faecal sludge management for non-sewered areas.
Way Forward:
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Adopt an integrated approach involving both engineering and ecological interventions.
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Strengthen river basin governance and inter-agency coordination.
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Encourage public participation and local monitoring for accountability.
| Practice Question:
The Yamuna’s pollution levels reflect systemic governance failures in urban wastewater management. Critically examine the steps needed to revive urban rivers in India. GS3 – 10 Marks – 150 Words |
3. If Rohingya are ‘foreigners’, they will be deported: SC
(Source –Page 1 & 14, The Hindu, 9 May 2025)
| Topic: GS Paper 2 (Indian Constitution, Rights Issues, Refugee Law) |
| Context |
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Legal Debate:
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The petitioners invoked Article 21 (Right to Life) and Article 14 (Equality), citing the UNHCR’s recognition of their refugee status.
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The Centre argued national security takes precedence, and India is not a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention.
Key Observations of the Court:
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Article 19(1)(e) (Right to reside and settle) is available only to citizens.
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Refugees may stay if legally entitled; if not, they must leave under the Foreigners Act.
Concerns Raised by Petitioners:
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Non-refoulement principle (no forced return to danger).
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Allegations that UNHCR-registered Rohingyas were deported without due process.
Implications:
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Highlights India’s lack of a clear domestic refugee law.
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Raises the tension between sovereign power and humanitarian protection.
Way Forward:
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Need for a national refugee and asylum law.
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Balance security concerns with India’s human rights obligations under international customary law.
| Practice Question:
India lacks a domestic refugee law, leading to legal ambiguities in cases such as that of the Rohingya. Discuss the need for a codified refugee policy in India. GS3 – 10 Marks – 150 Words |
4. Border States put on high alert after Operation Sindoor
(Source – Page 1 & 4, The Hindu, 9 May 2025)
| Topic: GS Paper 3 (Internal Security, Disaster Management) |
| Context |
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Emergency Preparedness Measures:
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Leave of police, health, and disaster staff cancelled in border States.
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Schools shut in six border districts of Punjab and five in Rajasthan.
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Mock drills, blackouts, and anti-sabotage checks conducted under “Operation Abhyaas”.
Civil Defence and Public Education:
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Mock drills in hospitals, schools, markets.
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Awareness among civilians to react during sirens or air-raid signals.
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Civil society and RWAs actively engaged in safety measures.
Challenges and Concerns:
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Panic buying and misinformation spread in areas like Gurugram.
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Lack of coordination in some districts.
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Infrastructure and response gaps remain visible during drills.
Way Forward:
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Institutionalise civil defence as part of urban planning and disaster resilience.
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Regular simulation exercises and capacity building of first responders.
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Effective communication strategies to prevent panic.
| Practice Question:
Operation Abhyaas demonstrates India’s growing focus on internal preparedness during external threats. Evaluate India’s emergency response systems in the context of hybrid warfare and disaster scenarios. GS3 – 10 Marks – 150 Words |
