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

Editorial 1: Stepping stone

Context

The tie-up between NASA, Axiom, and ISRO is a model example of effective international cooperation.

Introduction

India’s Shubhanshu Shukla recently completed a pivotal two-week mission aboard the International Space Station, laying groundwork for ISRO’s upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight. The collaboration with Axiom Space and NASA marks a significant step in advancing India’s astronaut training, reflecting the country’s growing space ambitions and the need for transparent communication to inspire public trust and enthusiasm.

Successful Space Mission Completion

• A crew of four astronauts, including India’s Shubhanshu Shukla, successfully completed a two-week mission to the International Space Station (ISS)on July 15.
• The mission was viewed as a major preparatory stepfor India’s upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight, planned for 2027.

Significance for Gaganyaan Mission

• Shukla’s mission is assumed to be a rehearsalfor the Gaganyaan program.
• Although official details from Indian authoritiesremain unclear, clarifications from NASA and Axiom Spacehave helped explain its purpose.
• The mission is expected to bolster ISRO’s readinessfor the ₹20,000 crore Gaganyaan project.

Cost and Collaboration

• ISRO reportedly paid over ₹500 croreto Axiom Space for facilitating Mr. Shukla’s training and spaceflight.
• ISRO Chairman  Narayananmentioned that this expenditure was more cost-effective than setting up such training independently.
• The NASA-Axiom-ISRO partnershipis seen as a strategically efficient and economically sound collaboration.

Intensive Astronaut Training

• According to ISRO, Mr. Shukla and backup astronaut Prasanth Nairunderwent training in:
  • Advanced spacecraft systems
  • Emergency protocols
  • Scientific payload handling
  • Microgravity adaptation
  • Space medicine and survival skills
• As mission pilot, Mr. Shukla was also trained in:
  • Docking and undocking
  • Manual spacecraft operations
  • Atmospheric reentry procedures
  • Handling anomalies

International Training Exposure

• Shukla operated in the Japanese and European modulesonboard the ISS.
• Both astronauts received module-specific trainingin Japan and Germany, respectively.

Technology Transfer and Strategic Openness

• Initial worries about restrictions under the S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)limiting knowledge transfer have been proven unfounded.
• However, concerns now center on ISRO’s limited public communicationregarding such significant milestones.

Outreach and Public Engagement: A Missed Opportunity?

• Astronauts serve as national role modelsand have the power to inspire people of all ages.
• As India approaches its first human spaceflight, effective outreachcan:
  • Build national excitement
  • Enhance India’s global soft power
• ISRO’s lack of proactive communicationand restricted access to its astronauts is difficult to justify.
• Nonetheless, there’s still time to improve public engagementand transparency for maximum benefit.

Conclusion

Mr. Shukla’s mission strengthens ISRO’s human spaceflight capabilities and affirms the value of global partnerships in achieving technological excellence. However, the lack of clear communication risks limiting public engagement. As India prepares for Gaganyaan, enhancing outreach and access to astronauts can elevate national pride and broaden support for India’s rising role in the global space arena.

 

Editorial 2: A better terror fight with J&K police under elected government reins

Context

Placing the J&K Police under the control of the elected government will help create policing strategies that truly reflect the concerns and needs of the local population.

Introduction

On June 16, 2025, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, stated that ending terrorism in the region is the government’s top priority. Speaking at the passing out parade at the Sher-e-Kashmir Police Academyin Udhampur, he urged the J&K Police (JAKP) to use modern technology to tackle security threats, stop radicalisation, and deal with challenging situations. He encouraged the force to follow a multi-pronged strategy by using intelligence, building community trust, applying technology, and ensuring inter-agency cooperation, while also relying on traditional beat policing methods

Crucial asset

Theme
Role of Local Police	The local or state police play the main role in fighting terrorism. They are the core of all counter-terrorism operations.
Support from Central Forces	Central forces, including the armed forces and central police, are there to support, but not replace, the state police.
Strength of Local Police	Local police officers belong to the area, so they know the land, people, and language better than outsiders.
Advantage of Local Intelligence	Their close connection with the people helps them gather better intelligence about terrorists hiding among locals.
Example – Pahalgam Attack	The April 22, 2025 Pahalgam attack shows there was a lack of human intelligence (HUMINT). Better HUMINT may have prevented it.
Need for Reform	The government must strengthen J&K Police (JAKP) by improving its functioning and efficiency.
Democratic Oversight	JAKP should be placed under an elected government, making it more accountable and responsive to the people.
Importance of Elected Leaders	Local leaders like MLAs and sarpanches know what’s happening in their areas and must be involved in security discussions.
Community Trust	People are more comfortable sharing sensitive information with local leaders than with central agency officials.
Conclusion	Terrorism can be fought more effectively when local police are empowered, local governance is respected, and community ties are strong.

Restore the democratic structure

• Jammu & Kashmir has a strong democratic tradition, with high participation in local body elections.
• Voter turnout dropsin Assembly and parliamentary elections, highlighting the strength of grassroots democracy.
• Despite being elected, local representativeshave not been empowered fully due to ongoing security concerns.
• There is a need to restore full democratic governance, involving all levels — from panchayats and municipal bodies to MLAs and MPs.
• The J&K Police (JAKP)plays a key role in enabling community-led governance and security efforts.
• If local leaders are excluded from security matters, they may become indifferent, leading to reduced public engagement.
• An uninterested local populationcan harm counter-terrorism efforts, as public support is crucial.
• Policymakers must create structured dialoguesbetween police forces and local leaders to:
  • Share information about terrorist activities
  • Respond to community concerns
  • Strengthen public safety and trust
• Terrorism in J&K varies by region, with local and foreign elementsmixing, requiring tailored local responses.
• A one-size-fits-all strategy will not work— solutions must be context-specific.
• The JAKP’s local units (thanas)have a long history of working closely with local bodies, achieving notable results.
• Strengthening this local police–governance partnershipis vital for both democracy and security in the region.

Bridging the gap

• Currently, elected representatives are kept outof the security framework, leading to unsatisfactory outcomes.
• To improve results, the control of J&K Police (JAKP)should be restored to the elected government.
• This change would ensure greater accountabilityand responsiveness to the community’s needs.
• Policing strategieswould become more aligned with local concerns and aspirations.
• Elected leaderscan help bridge the gap between the police and the public.
• Their involvement would help build trust, promote cooperation, and support effective law enforcement.
• A strong police–community relationshipis essential for successful counter-terrorism

Conclusion

By holding Assembly and parliamentary elections in Jammu & Kashmir, we have recognized the people’s right to choose. But these efforts will stay incomplete unless everyone is included in the process. The real issue is not just terrorism, but the need to give people a chance to be part of governance, instead of keeping it in the hands of a few elites. Mr. Sinha’s goal of involving communities will not succeed unless elected leaders are actively included and their role respected. Only then will security in the region truly improve.