10 May 2025: The Hindu Editorial Analysis
1. India must pressure Pakistan by sharing evidence of the terror trail
(Source – Page 10, The Hindu Editorial, 10 May 2025)
| Topic: GS Paper 2 (International Relations), GS Paper 3 (Security – Internal Security and Terrorism) |
| Context |
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Background
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On April 22, a terror attack in Pahalgam led to the deaths of 26 civilians.
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India responded on May 7 with military strikes targeting terror camps in Pakistan and PoK.
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These were described as “measured, non-escalatory, proportionate, and responsible”.
Global Response
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Reactions from major powers (U.S., U.K., Russia, UN) were cautious and understanding.
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Diplomacy and prior briefings by India helped shape this response.
Symbolism and Strategic Messaging
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Briefings were delivered by two women officers of different faiths, portraying India as progressive and pluralistic.
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India ensured no civilian, economic, or military infrastructure was targeted to avoid escalation.
Risks and Strategic Considerations
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There’s a risk of escalation due to further Pakistani provocations.
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Nations like China, Türkiye, and Malaysia support Pakistan’s call for an international probe.
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India must avoid internationalising bilateral issues or inviting third-party mediation.
Recommendations/Way Forward
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India should share concrete evidence at the UN and other international platforms to isolate Pakistan diplomatically.
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Consider opening back-channel communications to de-escalate, as done in the 2021 LoC ceasefire.
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Maintain mature, rational messaging and avoid war rhetoric, which could destabilize the region.
| Practice Question: In the context of India’s recent counter-terror operations, examine the importance of strategic messaging and international diplomacy in managing cross-border tensions.GS2 – 15 Marks – 250 Words |
2. Another Nipah case, another warning
(Source – Page 1 & 2, The Hindu, 10 May 2025)
| Topic: GS Paper 2 (Health), GS Paper 3 (Disaster Management, Science & Technology – Virology) |
| Context |
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Nipah Virus Background:
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Zoonotic virus transmitted from animals (especially fruit bats) to humans.
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Can also spread through human-to-human contact in outbreak conditions.
Recent Case Details:
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The woman developed symptoms of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES), not the more contagious acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
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Early detection and isolation likely prevented a human-to-human outbreak.
India’s Experience So Far:
- Kerala has faced 6 Nipah incidents since 2018:
- Outbreaks: 2018 & 2023
- Spillovers (single cases): 2019, 2021, 2024 (twice), and 2025 (current)
Public Health Strategy – Strengths and Gaps:
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Strengths:
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Timely isolation, contact tracing, and surveillance.
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Rapid response from Kerala’s health department.
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Gaps:
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Lack of permanent national strategy for Nipah.
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Inadequate virology infrastructure across all Indian states.
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Absence of a vaccine or specific antiviral drug.
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Way Forward:
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Establish dedicated zoonotic disease surveillance systems in hotspot zones.
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Enhance training for public health workers and emergency response teams.
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Develop collaborative vaccine R&D and integrate One Health framework (linking human, animal, and environmental health).
| Practice Question:
Repeated outbreaks of zoonotic viruses like Nipah highlight the fragility of public health preparedness in India. Examine the systemic reforms needed to build resilient epidemic response mechanisms. GS3 – 10 Marks – 150 Words |
