20 June 2025: The Hindu Editorial Analysis

1. All for a price: On heatwaves and loss of labour

Source -Page 8, The Hindu Editorial Section

Topic: GS Paper 3 – Environment and Disaster Management; GS Paper 1 – Geography (Climate)

Context

The editorial discusses the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves in India and their socio-economic implications, particularly loss of productivity and labour capacity.

Content:

• Background:

  • Several Indian states have experienced severe heatwaves.

  • The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued multiple red alerts.

  Key Issues:

  • Health Impacts: Surge in heatstroke cases and deaths.

  • Economic Loss: Reduced outdoor work hours, affecting construction and agriculture.

  • Climate Change Link: Global warming intensifies heatwaves; IPCC reports warn of frequent extreme weather events.

  Policy Challenges:

  • Lack of heat action plans in many cities.

  • Absence of worker protection norms during high temperatures.

  • Limited insurance and social security for affected populations.

  Analysis:

  • Vulnerability of Informal Sector: High exposure to heat, lack of basic amenities.

  • Urban Heat Islands: Poor urban planning contributes to higher city temperatures.

  • Need for Climate Adaptation: Infrastructure, urban planning, and public awareness require urgent reforms.

  Way Forward:

  • Mandate and implement city-level heat action plans.

  • Promote heat-resilient infrastructure and green spaces.

  • Establish work-hour restrictions and provide safety gear for vulnerable workers.

Practice Question: Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in India due to climate change. Examine their socio-economic impacts and suggest comprehensive mitigation and adaptation strategies.

 

2. A reckless ruling: On the SC’s order on remission of 11 convicts in Bilkis Bano case

Source – Page 8, The Hindu Editorial Section

Topic: GS Paper 2 – Polity and Governance; Ethics (GS Paper 4 – Justice and Integrity)

Context

The Supreme Court reversed its earlier order that permitted Gujarat to consider remission for 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano gangrape case, calling the original decision “bad in law.”

Content:

Background:

• Bilkis Bano was a victim of gangrape during the 2002 Gujarat riots.

• The 11 convicts were prematurely released in 2022 based on the SC’s directive to Gujarat.

• The SC now termed that direction as legally flawed.

Legal and Ethical Dimensions:

• Jurisdictional Overreach: Gujarat had no jurisdiction; Maharashtra was the appropriate state.

• Justice vs. Remission: Legal remission must align with justice delivery, not undermine it.

• Ethical Concerns: Victim’s rights and public morality.

Analysis:

• Remission Powers: While constitutional, must be exercised with restraint and fairness.

• Judicial Review: SC’s self-correction upholds rule of law and judicial accountability.

• Public Trust: Arbitrary remission damages trust in the justice system.

Way Forward:

• Standardize remission norms across states.

• Include victim’s perspective in remission decisions.

• Strengthen judicial checks on executive discretion in criminal justice.

Practice Question: Discuss the significance of judicial self-correction in upholding the principles of justice and rule of law, with reference to the recent Supreme Court verdict in the Bilkis Bano case. (GS2 | 250 words | 15 marks)

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