What to Read in Indian Express Editorial( Topic and Syllabus wise)

Editorial 1 : Express View on Free Movement in Manipur: Mistrust Must Be Addressed

 

Introduction

• The ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur has resulted in mass displacement, loss of lives, and deep mistrust between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
• Over the past 22 months, both communities have segregated themselves in their respective areas, limiting free movement across zones.
• In an effort to restore normalcy, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced free movement across Manipur from March 8, 2025, with central force escort services for buses.

 

Challenges of Free Movement

 

1. Deep Ethnic Divide:
   1. The Meitei and Kuki communities continue to remain highly polarized, preventing free movement.
   2. Any attempt to restore normalcy is seen with suspicion by either group.
2. Economic Blockades:
   1. Kuki groups have been blocking the NH-2 and NH-37 highways to demand a separate administration, causing severe food shortages, inflation, and business disruptions in the Imphal Valley.
   2. Meitei groups have also attacked supply trucks headed towards the hills, further exacerbating tensions.
3. Protests and Clashes:
   1. On March 8, buses from Imphal to Churachandpur completed their journey, but in Kangpokpi district, protesters clashed with security forces, opposing the free movement directive without prior consultation.
   2. This escalated violence, resulting in one casualty, breaking the four-month-long peace.

 

Need for Confidence-Building Measures

1. Dialogue with Stakeholders:
   1. The government must initiate large-scale outreach efforts with community leaders, tribal representatives, and civil society organizations to build trust.
   2. Ensuring inclusiveness in decision-making will mitigate resentment.
2. Security Assurance:
   1. The government must ensure central force protection for civilians moving across ethnic zones.
   2. Strict action against those inciting violence is essential to rebuild peace.
3. Economic Relief Measures:
   1. Addressing food shortages, inflation, and business losses will help reduce hostility.
   2. Ensuring uninterrupted highway connectivity will promote economic stability.
4. Long-Term Conflict Resolution:
   1. Promoting inter-community dialogue through reconciliation committees can reduce hatred and mistrust.
   2. Rejecting demands for territorial division while promoting equal development is crucial.

 

Conclusion

• Restoring free movement in Manipur is a crucial step toward normalcy, but it requires large-scale confidence-building measures.
• The government must prioritize dialogue, address security concerns, and ensure economic stability to ease tensions.
• Peace-building efforts should aim at resolving ethnic divides rather than imposing unilateral measures.
• A long-term peace roadmap backed by inclusive governance can help Manipur overcome the prevailing mistrust and segregation.

 

 

Editorial 2 : The Third Edit: The Canadians Call it Canadiano

 

Introduction

• Canada has renamed the popular black coffee, Americano, as “Canadiano” in response to the U.S. tariff war against Canada.
• This is a symbolic retaliation showcasing Canadian patriotism through coffee culture.
• The move mirrors a historical pattern of renaming products to express resentment during political conflicts.

 

Historical Context of Renaming Products in Retaliation

 

1. Freedom Fries (2003):
   1. In 2003, during the Iraq War, France opposed the U.S. invasion of Iraq.
   2. In response, Americans renamed French Fries to “Freedom Fries” as a form of patriotic expression.
   3. Despite the misleading origin of French fries, the renaming gained widespread popularity.
2. Liberty Cabbage (1915):
   1. During World War I (1915), after Germany's U-boat attack on RMS Lusitania and U.S. entry into the war, anti-German sentiment rose.
   2. Sauerkraut (a German fermented cabbage dish) was renamed “Liberty Cabbage”.
   3. Even German Measles was rebranded as “Liberty Measles”.
3. Present Conflict:
   1. The current conflict between Canada and the U.S. over the tariff war has now led to the renaming of Americano to Canadiano in Canadian coffee shops.
   2. This act symbolizes Canadian resistance and patriotic retaliation in response to U.S. trade actions.

 

Symbolism and Impact

 

1. Patriotic Assertion:
   1. Renaming Americano to Canadiano reflects Canadian solidarity and disapproval of U.S. trade policies.
   2. This is a symbolic retaliation rather than a direct confrontation.
2. Cultural Impact:
   1. Similar to past events, renaming products has been a subtle yet powerful medium of protest.
   2. It demonstrates national unity while avoiding political aggression.
3. Public Reaction:
   1. While the renaming may seem light-hearted, it subtly represents bitterness in diplomatic relations.
   2. It also rekindles discussions about cross-border trade policies and their social impact.

 

Conclusion

• Renaming Americano to Canadiano is a symbolic act of retaliation by Canada in response to U.S. trade tariffs.
• History shows that renaming products during conflicts has been a common trend to express patriotic discontent.
• While the tariff war may persist, such cultural gestures reflect the deep-rooted sentiments of the affected nation.
• This incident highlights how political conflicts often extend into cultural and social spaces, symbolized through something as simple as a cup of coffee.

 

Editorial 3 : Express View on Champions Trophy: India Calls the Shots

 

Introduction

• India's victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has solidified its status as a global cricketing superpower.
• By winning two out of the last three ICC events, India has developed a consistent winning habit, similar to Australia’s dominance in the past.
• This triumph has also demonstrated India’s growing influence in global cricket, both on and off the field.

 

India’s Rise to Cricketing Superpower

 

1. Overtaking Australia’s Dominance:
   1. Australia was once considered the gold standard in world cricket, dominating World Cups, ICC events, and global cricket influence.
   2. With the emergence of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the world now sees India as the new cricketing powerhouse.
   3. India's dominance is reflected not only in winning titles but also in hosting international events like the Champions Trophy in Dubai, despite Pakistan being the official host.

 

2. Large Talent Pool:
   1. India’s biggest strength lies in its vast talent pool, which has been further strengthened by IPL talent scouts reaching the remotest villages.
   2. This has provided unmatched depth to the team, allowing consistent performance across all ICC events.

 

3. Strong Leadership and Selection Process:
   1. The BCCI selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, along with captain Rohit Sharma, and coaches Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gambhir, have played a key role in: 
      • Balancing the squad.
      • Maintaining team cohesiveness.
      • Fostering a winning mentality.

 

4. Team Continuity and Stability:
   1. Unlike the past, where frequent changes and clashes of egos disrupted team performance, the current team enjoys stability.
   2. The core group of players who faced heartbreak in the 2023 World Cup were the same who won the T20 World Cup in 2024 and now the Champions Trophy 2025.
   3. This continuity has strengthened team bonding and performance.

 

India’s Growing Global Influence

 

1. Bigger Infrastructure:
   1. Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is now the largest cricket stadium globally, surpassing the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
   2. This has given India unparalleled hosting power.

 

2. Economic Dominance in Cricket:
   1. IPL’s financial power has transformed India into the cricketing epicenter, attracting the world’s best players.
   2. This economic advantage also gives India significant control over international cricket policies

 

3. Global Cricket Diplomacy:
   1. By compelling the world to play in Dubai despite Pakistan being the official host, India demonstrated its off-field influence in international cricket.
   2. This solidifies India’s position as the decision-maker in global cricket affairs.

 

Conclusion

• India’s Champions Trophy victory not only adds another ICC title to its name but also confirms India’s global dominance in cricket.
• The combination of consistent team performance, large talent pool, strong leadership, and economic power has put India in a position similar to Australia’s golden era.
• Moving forward, India's challenge will be to sustain this dominance and avoid internal conflicts that could derail the team’s success.
• With the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, India's firm grip on international cricket seems set to continue.