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

Editorial 1: ​​​​Excessive dependence

Context

A structural transformation of India’s trade portfolio is imperative.

Introduction

India’s record trade deficit in October highlights a worrying shift in its external trade dynamics. The sharp fall in exports, combined with soaring precious metal imports and the impact of steep U.S. tariffs, signals rising economic uncertainty. Weakness in labour-intensive sectors and a depreciating rupee further underline the need for strategic trade realignment.

Rising Trade Deficit: Scale and Immediate Causes

• India recorded a historic goods trade deficit of $41.68 billion in October, rising sharply from $32.15 billion in September.
• The deterioration is closely linked to S. tariffs (50%) imposed in August, at a time when the U.S. has been India’s largest export destination since 2018–19.
• Goods exports dropped 8% YoY, falling to $34.38 billion(from $38.98 billion in October 2024).
• The most striking driver of the deficit is a surge in precious metal imports—
  • Gold imports nearly tripled(vs. $4.92 billion last October).
  • Silver imports rose fivefold, signalling that the bullion inflows are more than seasonal.

Financial Indicators Pointing to Economic Uncertainty

• The rupee weakenedfrom around ₹85.6/$ in April to ₹88.4/$ in October, making imports costlier.
• A net foreign portfolio outflow in September, followed by a partial recovery in October, reinforces the view that markets are hedging against instability.
• Rising bullion imports also indicate investor preference for safe assets in uncertain conditions.

Stress in Labour-Intensive Export Sectors

• Export decline is severe in sectors heavily dependent on the U.S. market:
  • Cotton yarn & handlooms:–13.31%
  • Man-made yarn:–11.75%
  • Readymade garments:–12.88%
  • Engineering goods:–16.71%
• Overall S.-bound exports fell 9% YoY in October, worsening domestic stress in labour-intensive industries.

Policy Responses and the Road Ahead

• A depreciating rupee and lower domestic sourcing indicate greater reliance on cheaper imported intermediate goodsto maintain export price competitiveness.
• A clearer picture will emerge only after analysing the HS-wise breakdown of importsby commodity and source country.
• Government responses include:
  • A ₹25,060-crore export promotion packageover six years.
  • RBI support measuresfor exporters facing tariff disruptions.
• It is premature to label current trends as structural; trade realignment and market diversification take time.
• A quick conclusion of an India–U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreementand rollback of tariffs could ease pressures.
• Shifts in import patterns — Russia (–27.73%)U.S. imports (+13.89%) — suggest an effort to ease U.S. concerns and reduce reliance on Russian crude.
• Even if the deficit persists, it may signal a long-term reorientation of India’s trade structure, reducing excessive dependence on the U.S. and enhancing strategic resilience.

Conclusion

While current pressures stem from an immediate external shock, India’s evolving trade pattern may indicate a deeper structural transition. Policy support, diversified export markets, and progress on the India–U.S. trade agreement will be crucial. Though painful in the short run, reducing excessive dependence on the U.S. may ultimately strengthen India’s economic resilience and strategic autonomy.

 

Editorial 2: Bad tidings

Context

India’s mining sector faces challenges that are deeply rooted and structural in nature.

Introduction

Sonbhadra, a region rich in mineral resources yet poor in human development, stands at the centre of India’s energy economy. The recent quarry collapse in Obra exposes deep-rooted gaps in safety, regulation, and scientific mining practices. The tragedy highlights how weak oversight and untrained workers continue to undermine the region’s vast potential and endanger lives.

Background and Regional Context

• Sonbhadra, a name associated with prosperity, lies in a mineral-rich belt spanning Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh.
• Despite immense natural wealth, the region continues to lag in human development indicators.
• The district is regarded as India’s energy hub, hosting nearly 6,000 MW of coal-based power capacity– close to half of Tamil Nadu’s capacity.

The Quarry Collapse Incident

• A stone quarry in Obra collapsed on Saturday, trapping nearly a dozen workers.
• The death toll continues to increase, though rescue efforts persist in the hope of finding survivors.
• The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a three-tier investigationinvolving the district administration, police, and mining department.
• An FIR has been lodged against the quarry owner for alleged safety violations, raising questions about regulatory oversight.

Systemic Issues and Safety Concerns

• The delayed arrival of State disaster response teams from Mirzapur highlights the need for locally stationed units, especially in a region with numerous quarries and mines.
• Concerns have emerged about inadequate worker training and lack of proper safety equipment.
• Opposition claims of widespread illegal quarryingappear credible given the sector’s poor safety culture and the prevalence of small, unregulated operators.

Technical and Structural Gaps in Mining Practices

• Stone quarrying often skips micro-level geological assessmentsthat are essential for identifying weak zones and fracture lines.
• Government geological studies are typically broad, while contractors rarely carry out detailed surveys at the square-kilometre scale.
• Blasting designs, which require precise calculations on charge size and distance, are frequently based on rough approximations rather than scientific assessment.
• Best practices like benchingand cutting small horizontal steps along slopes to prevent large-scale collapses—are often ignored.
• Investigations must determine whether these safety and technical norms were followed not only at the Obra site but across the entire mining belt.

The Larger Question

• IIT (ISM) Dhanbad hosts some of India’s top experts and technologies in mining safety.
• The key issue is whether the political leadership is willing to employ these capabilities to ensure safe and sustainable mining practices in the region.

Conclusion

The Obra disaster is a grim reminder that mineral wealth without responsible governance breeds recurring tragedy. Strengthening oversight, enforcing scientific mining practices, and investing in worker safety are essential. Leveraging expertise from institutions such as IIT (ISM) Dhanbad can transform the region. Ultimately, political will and institutional accountability must drive safer, sustainable mining in Sonbhadra.