12 June 2025: The Hindu Editorial Analysis

1. India and Canada must use every opportunity to reset ties

Source – Page 8, The Hindu

Topic: GS Paper 2: International Relations

Context

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit Canada for the G-7 summit outreach, an effort seen as a chance to thaw diplomatic tensions following allegations surrounding the assassination of a Khalistani activist.

Background:

• India-Canada relations soured after PM Trudeau’s 2023 allegation about Indian involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

• Visa services were suspended, and trade talks halted.

Key Issues:

• Khalistani movement remains a sensitive issue.

• Diplomatic downsizing and trade stagnation have impacted bilateral ties.

Current Developments:

• G-7 outreach may offer scope to restart trade talks and restore diplomatic presence.

• India has agreed to a “law enforcement dialogue” — a step toward rebuilding trust.

Analysis:

• Diaspora relations (1.86 million Indian-origin people in Canada) can be a bridge to rebuild ties.

• Summit-level diplomacy can open doors, but working-level negotiations are crucial.

Way Forward:

• Reinstate High Commissioners.

• Resume FTA discussions.

• Embrace diplomatic maturity and mutual respect for sovereignty.

Practice Question: Discuss the recent tensions in India-Canada relations and suggest a roadmap for revitalizing bilateral cooperation in light of the upcoming G-7 summit (GS2 | 250 words | 15 marks)

2. The rail link will bring Kashmir closer to the rest of India

Source – Editorial, Page 8, The Hindu (Delhi Edition)

Topic: GS Paper 1: Geography, GS Paper 2: Governance, GS Paper 3: Infrastructure

Context

The inauguration of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) signifies a major leap in integrating Kashmir with the national mainstream.

Content:

Key Features:

• 272 km rail line with 36 tunnels and 943 bridges.

• Chenab Bridge – world’s highest rail arch (359 m).

• Cost: ₹43,780 crore.

Strategic Significance:

• Improved connectivity in a conflict-prone zone.

• Psychological and physical integration with India.

• Economic and tourism potential boost.

Technological Feat:

• Cable-stayed Anji Khad Bridge.

• Vande Bharat Express between Katra and Srinagar.

Security and Stability:

• Counterbalance to cross-border militancy.

• Post-Operation Sindoor, signals India’s long-term commitment to the region.

Way Forward:

• Enhance multi-modal connectivity.

• Parallel focus on education, employment, and healthcare to capitalize on connectivity.

Practice Question: Critically examine the significance of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) for regional integration and development of Jammu & Kashmir. (GS2 | 250 words | 15 marks)

3. Recounting Velpur’s story in ending child labour

Source – Editorial, Page 8, The Hindu

Topic: GS Paper 2: Governance & Welfare Schemes, GS Paper 4: Ethics & Public Administration

Context

On World Day Against Child Labour (June 12), the success story of Velpur Mandal in Telangana offers a model for eliminating child labour through community action.

Content:

Key Highlights:

• Velpur declared child labour-free in 2001.

• Community-driven model involving sarpanches, parents, and employers.

• ₹35 lakh worth of loans waived to liberate children from bonded labour.

Governance Mechanism:

• Public MoUs between local bodies and govt.

• Role of bridge schools and National Child Labour Project (NCLP).

• Sustained 100% school retention till date.

Lessons:

• People-centric approaches work better than enforcement-only models.

• Peer pressure and local leadership are critical.

• Need for nationwide replication.

Way Forward:

• Integrate local solutions into national policies.

• Enhance monitoring and community accountability.

Practice Question: Child labour elimination is best achieved through community participation rather than punitive action.” Comment with reference to the Velpur model. (GS2 | 250 words | 15 marks)

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