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

Editorial 1 : End of intrigue: On the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Introduction

Amid a crowded cricket calendar filled with international fixtures and domestic T20 leagues, the ICC Champions Trophy has managed to maintain its relevance. Despite the dominance of marquee events like the ODI and T20 World Cups and the ICC World Test Championship, the Champions Trophy endures due to its commercial appeal and the ICC’s desire to host a global tournament nearly every year. The ninth edition begins on February 19, 2025, in Karachi, with host Pakistan facing New Zealand. However, the tournament’s build-up was clouded by geopolitical tensions, as India initially refused to play in Pakistan. A compromise was reached, with India’s matches moved to Dubai, highlighting the ongoing political challenges affecting global cricket.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025

1. • The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off in Karachi on February 19, with Pakistan vs. New Zealand.
   • Despite a packed cricket calendar, the tournament continues due to its commercial value and ICC’s strategy of annual global events.

2. • Political tensions between India and Pakistan almost jeopardized the event.
   • Compromise reached: India will play all Group A matches in Dubai; the final will also be held there if India qualifies.
   • Highlights ongoing geopolitical disputes impacting international sports events.

3. • India seeks redemption after a 1-3 Test series loss in Australia.
   • Recent momentum from a 3-0 ODI series win against England.
   • Key Players and Concerns:
     • Rohit Sharma, under pressure for form, recently scored a century against England.
     • Absence of injured pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah; Mohammed Shami’s return adds depth.
     • Potential last ICC event for veterans Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja.
     • India aims to reclaim the Champions Trophy, last won in 2013.

4. • Australia: Strong contender despite the absence of pace trio Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood.
   • West Indies and Sri Lanka: Notably absent, reflecting shifting power dynamics in international cricket.
   • Political intrigue surrounding the India-Pakistan matchup at a neutral venue adds drama.

5. • The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 symbolizes the blend of sports and geopolitics, with venue changes underscoring ongoing political tensions.
   • India’s journey, marked by redemption, veteran farewells, and the ambition to end a 12-year title drought, will be under the spotlight.
   • As international cricket evolves, the Champions Trophy’s relevance and the shifting balance of power among cricketing nations will continue to shape the sport’s global narrative.

Editorial 2 : Mela and melee: On the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 and public safety

Introduction

The ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, has highlighted a significant gap between the grand plans touted by the Centre and State governments and the actual resources required to manage an event of such magnitude. Despite extensive preparations, including AI-equipped surveillance, water filtration systems, a makeshift town with hospitals, and special transportation arrangements, the event has been marred by mismanagement. The situation escalated with tragic crowd crushes on January 29 and February 15, 2025, revealing critical shortcomings in crowd control and public safety measures. These incidents underscore the urgent need for improved planning and risk mitigation strategies to ensure public safety at mass gatherings.

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 – Challenges and Lessons

1. • Promised arrangements included AI surveillance, water filters, temporary hospitals, and special-purpose trains and buses.
   • ₹7,500 crore spent on hi-tech preparations.
   • Despite these efforts, logistical and safety issues led to widespread frustration and tragic crowd incidents.

2. • January 29, 2025: Fatal crowd crush at the Kumbh Mela venue.
   • February 15, 2025: Another crush at New Delhi railway station, exacerbated by poor crowd management and communication.
   • Mismanagement linked to overselling of tickets (2,600 extra tickets) and confusing announcements.

3. • Confusion and reluctance to confirm casualties highlighted gaps in crisis management.
   • A Deputy Commissioner of Police controversially blamed the “unnecessary” rush for the incident.
   • Indian Railways announced changes, including fixed platforms for special trains to manage crowds better.

4. • Experts recommend clear multilingual communication, restricted ticketing, and proactive crowd control.
   • The incidents expose the need for long-term infrastructure upgrades, like redeveloping local railway stations.
   • Safety concerns are not limited to major events; other gathering places also require better public safety measures.

5. • The tragedy reflects the consequences of political overpromising, including the unrealistic goal of hosting 45 crore visitors.
   • The political hype around spiritual tourism needs to be balanced to avoid feeding frenzy and risking public safety.
   • Governments must prioritize human safety over political aspirations to prevent future catastrophes.

6. • The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 has underscored critical gaps in planning, crowd management, and public safety.
   • Political ambitions and the desire for grand spectacles must be tempered with realistic planning and infrastructure readiness.
   • The incidents serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of inadequate safety measures and mismanagement.
   • It is imperative for both the Centre and State governments to learn from this experience, implement expert-recommended safety practices, and ensure that spiritual tourism is promoted without compromising public safety.