What to Read in The Hindu Editorial( Topic and Syllabus wise)

Editorial 1: ​Remembering the war, reminiscing forgotten Indians

Context

Victory in Europe Day also honors the genius of scientists like Kolachala Sitaramaiah and the heroism of soldiers like Idris Hasan Latif during World War II.

Introduction

Eighty years ago, on May 8, 1945, Nazi Germany surrendered in Reims and Berlin, marking the end of World War II in Europe—a moment celebrated as Victory in Europe (VE) Day. While it often goes unnoticed in India, where the period is seen as the climax of the freedom struggle, it’s worth remembering that Indians upheld their global responsibility, in both war and peace, as shown by the lives of two unsung heroes.

Kolachala Sitaramaiah: A Journey of Academic Excellence and Bold Choices

• Kolachala Sitaramaiahwas born in 1899 into a poor family in Uyyuru, Andhra Pradesh.
• His academic brillianceearned him a rare chance to study abroad.
• To reach the United States, he worked as a coal stokeron a steamship to fund his travel.
• He earned Master’s degrees in Chemistryfrom both Chicago and Yale Universities, and secured three patents.
• The Great Depression (1929)deeply impacted him, leading to doubts about the inequalities of capitalism.
• In a bold decision, he migrated to the USSRin the 1930s to pursue petrochemical research.

From the frontlines to the laboratory

• Sitaramaiah’s life changedwhen Hitler invaded the Soviet Union.
• He was repulsedby the Nazi propaganda filled with ambition and racism.
• Believing that the USSRwas the key to halting the spread of fascism and protecting India, he volunteered to join the Soviet frontlines.
• However, an officer pulled him out of the recruiting line, stating that his brainwas needed as a weapon, not as a target.
• Soviet tanksin the early days of World War II faced significant technical problems.
• Sitaramaiah focused on researchto develop kerosene-based fuels and specialized lubricants for Soviet tanks, enhancing their maneuverability and performance in sub-zero conditions.
• Thanks to his work, during the Battle of Kursk (1943)— the deadliest tank battle in history — Soviet T-34 tanks successfully outperformed the Panzer and Tiger tanks of the Nazis.
• For the first time, a Nazi ground offensivewas halted due to Soviet tank superiority.

Embarking on a military career

• Background: A young man from an aristocratic Yemeni familyin Hyderabad, Idris Hasan Latif left a life of privilege to join the Royal Indian Air Force in 1941.
• Initial Assignment: Initially, Indian pilots like Idriswere assigned by the British to fly outdated biplanes on patrols along the restive North West Frontier.
• Battle of Britain: After the Battle of Britain, which depletedthe Royal Air Force, Indian pilots, including Idris, were sent to Britain to train for the counter-offensive, leading up to the D-Day landings in Normandy.
• Deployment to Burma: By 1944, the German Luftwaffehad lost control of Europe’s skies, and Idris was deployed to Burma.
  • He flew the Hawker Hurricaneto strafe Japanese army columns and defend against Japanese “Zero” fighters.
  • His service involved flying out of short, muddy landing stripsin mosquito-infested jungles, where he fell gravely ill but refused to leave his squadron.

Later Achievements and Legacy of Kolachala Sitaramaiah

• Soviet Honors: At the end of the war, Sitaramaiahwas awarded Soviet honors for his contributions.
• Research and Impact: His work on motor oilslaid the foundation for tribochemistry — the science of chemical changes induced in materials through mechanical energy.
• Plasma Research: After observing incendiary munitionsduring the war, he spent his later years researching plasma, which was crucial for controlled nuclear fusion.
• Legacy: When he passed away in 1977, K. Gujral, the Indian Ambassador to the USSR and later Prime Minister, called him, “a great scientist, a great son of India, and a son of mankind.”

Idris Hasan Latif: Patriot and Leader

• Refusal to Move: At the time of Partition, his brother decided to move to Pakistanand asked Idris to join him.
  • Idrisrefused, stating, “What does religion have to do with nationality?” and remained in the land where his forefathers were buried.
• Air Chief Marshal: Idris Hasan Latifbecame the 10th Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1978.
• Memories: One of his fondest memories as IAF Chief was his visit to Normandy, reflecting on the shared historyfrom the Second World War.
• India-France Defense Ties: His time in France (1985-88)as India’s Ambassador helped strengthen the India-France defense relationship, leading to the acquisition of Rafale fighter jets for the IAF.

Conclusion: Every man to the wheel

Victory in Europe Day is more than a European celebration — it’s a tribute to the millions worldwide, including Indians, who endured famine and economic hardship for that victory. It honors the bravery of soldiers like Idris Latifand the ingenuity of scientists like Kolachala Sitaramaiah, who fought for liberty without seeking fame. It reminds us that every individual, however humble, can influence history. As SriSri wrote, “I too lent an insolent voice, to the roar that shook the heavens!”

Editorial 2: ​Caution and optimism

Context

The FTA with the United Kingdom should not negatively affect India’s farmers.

Introduction

The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) represents a significant step in strengthening bilateral trade ties between the two nations. This agreement aims to eliminate duties on 99% of Indian exports, benefiting key sectors such as engineering, apparel, and gems and jewellery. With future trade growth expectations, it also opens opportunities for easier movement of professionals and investors.

Key Highlights for India

• Duty-Free Exports:
  • 99% of Indian exportsto the UK will be duty-free, benefiting sectors like engineering goods, apparel, and gems and jewellery.
• Industry Optimism:
  • Engineering exportsexpected to nearly double to $7.55 billion by 2029-30 (Engineering Exports Promotion Council of India).
  • Bilateral tradeis expected to double to $120 billion by 2030.
• Worker and Professional Benefits:
  • Indian workers temporarily employed in the UK will be exempt from social security contributionsfor three years.
  • Easier movement of professionalsand investors, which may help revive foreign direct investment (FDI) in India.

Tariff Changes and Impact

• Tariff Reductions:
  • India will reduce tariffs on 90% of UK imports, with 85% of these tariffsset to be zero within a decade.
• Impact on Consumer Behavior:
  • Automotive tariffsare unlikely to significantly affect Indian consumer behavior.
  • Reduced import dutieson whiskey and gin will increase competition and could slow the premiumisation trend in India.

Challenges and Criticism

• Previous FTA Issues:
  • Despite criticism of the UPA’s FTAs, the Modi governmenthas faced similar challenges in agreements like the India-UAE CEPA (2022), which has worsened India’s trade balance.
• Concerns from Indian Farmers:
  • Indian farmers oppose the FTA due to reduced tariffson agricultural products like lamb and salmon, fearing it could harm their low-margin industry.

Future Considerations for India

• Template for Future Trade Agreements:
  • The India-UK FTAwill serve as a model for future agreements with the EU and S., countries with much larger trade volumes.
• Caution in Negotiations:
  • India has already reduced import dutiesin response to S. demands for food products and automobiles.
  • India must protect its manufacturing sector, which contributes less than 2%to global exports, ensuring it’s not undermined in future agreements.
• This FTA presents significant opportunitiesfor India’s trade relations but also presents challenges that must be managed carefully for sustainable benefits.

Conclusion

The India-UK FTA marks a promising chapter in enhancing economic ties between the two countries. While it offers substantial benefits, such as duty-free exports, improved access for Indian professionals, and increased trade growth, it also brings challenges, particularly for Indian farmers and manufacturing sectors. With careful management, the agreement has the potential to boost India’s global trade influence and economic prosperity.