13 May 2025: The Hindu Editorial Analysis
1. A belated admission
(Source – Page 8, The Hindu Editorial, 13 May 2025)
| Topic: GS Paper 2 (Governance, Health Policy) |
| Context |
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Delayed Data Disclosure
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The Registrar General of India released data showing 21.5 lakh excess deaths in 2021, compared to the officially reported 3.32 lakh COVID deaths.
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The Hindu’s earlier RTI-based investigations had projected this excess, showing substantial underreporting.
Regional Variations in Underreporting
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Some states, like Gujarat (44.2x), Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana, showed extraordinarily high discrepancies between actual and reported deaths.
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Lack of recognition of comorbidities and suppression of figures were key reasons.
Civil Registration System (CRS) Improvements
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CRS coverage has improved in recent years, with most deaths now registered.
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However, medical certification of cause of death remains low compared to countries like Brazil.
Implications for Public Health Governance
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Delayed publication of demographic data undermines the utility of an improved CRS.
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“Data delayed is data denied” – it reduces the effectiveness of public health policy and planning.
Way Forward
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Institutionalize timely release of CRS and Sample Registration System (SRS) data.
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Improve medical certification of causes of death to ensure better health surveillance.
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Build public trust through transparent pandemic impact assessments.
| Practice Question: Discuss the implications of delayed publication of vital statistics on governance and public health policy. How can India improve its demographic data systems to support evidence-based decision-making? GS2 – 15 Marks – 250 Words |
2. Toxic Trolling
(Source – Page 8, The Hindu Editorial, 13 May 2025)
| Topic: GS Paper 2 (Fundamental Rights, Judiciary, IT Governance) |
| Context |
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Nature of the Incident
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Misri’s social media was flooded with abuse; even his daughter was doxed.
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Despite I&B Ministry’s quick response to Pakistan’s disinformation, no strong action was taken against domestic trolls.
Rise of Online Abuse in India
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Social media platforms are misused for hate speech, misinformation, and harassment.
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Women, minorities, and marginalised communities are most affected.
Legal and Institutional Gaps
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Only limited provisions in Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and IT Act address cyberbullying.
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Courts have issued proactive orders, e.g., Shaviya Sharma case upheld the right to privacy against doxing.
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The upcoming Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules 2025 propose penalties for misuse of personal information.
Way Forward
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Enact stringent anti-trolling and cyberbullying laws.
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Improve digital literacy and ethical online conduct.
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Enhance cooperation between tech platforms and law enforcement.
| Practice Question:
Critically examine the adequacy of India’s legal and institutional frameworks to tackle online abuse and cyberbullying in light of recent incidents of doxing and trolling. GS3 – 10 Marks – 150 Words |
