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

 

Article 1: Corridor of opportunity

Why in news: The Union Home Minister declared India Naxal-free in Parliament following sustained anti-Maoist operations, marking a major internal security milestone and sparking debate on rights, development, and post-conflict governance.

Key Details

Amit Shah declared India “Naxal-free” after intensified anti-LWE operations.

Security actions led to large-scale surrenders, arrests, and neutralisation of Maoist cadres.

Earlier, Manmohan Singh termed LWE the biggest internal security threat, launching Operation Green Hunt.

The current strategy combines strict military action with rehabilitation policies.

Concerns remain over human rights, tribal alienation, and resource exploitation post-conflict.

Declaration of Naxal-Free India

Amit Shah announced in the Lok Sabha that India is now free from Naxalism.

This declaration came one day before his self-imposed deadline to end Left Wing Extremism.

It reflects the government’s claim of major success in internal security management.

Outcomes of Intensive Operations

Over the past three years, security forces carried out aggressive paramilitary operations.

Around 4,839 Maoists surrendered, showing weakening insurgent morale.

Nearly 2,218 were arrested, tightening control over the movement.

About 706 insurgents were neutralised in encounters, reducing armed capacity.

Policy Focus and Historical Context

Tackling LWE became a key pillar of Amit Shah’s internal security strategy and legacy.

He contrasted current efforts with those during Manmohan Singh’s tenure.

Earlier, LWE was termed the “biggest internal security challenge”, leading to Operation Green Hunt.

The earlier approach was more cautious, considering human and institutional costs.

Strategy and Governance Measures

The government adopted a dual approach:

Rehabilitation and dialogue for those who surrender.

Strict action against those who continue armed resistance.

The strategy also faced criticism for curbing civil liberties and targeting so-called “urban Naxals”.

Alongside security action, steps were taken to improve governance:

Establishing schools in villages.

Providing Aadhaar and ration cards in affected regions.

Way Forward: Development and Reconciliation

While military success has weakened insurgent capacity, long-term peace needs inclusive development.

There is a risk of resource exploitation and tribal alienation if development is not equitable.

Focus should shift toward:

Protecting tribal rights.

Ensuring participation in democracy.

Promoting accountability in resource use.

After operational success, the next step is healing, reconciliation, and sustainable peace-building.

Conclusion

India’s success in curbing Left Wing Extremism reflects strong state capacity and security coordination. However, lasting peace depends on inclusive development, protection of tribal rights, and democratic participation. The focus must shift from military victory to reconciliation, ensuring that governance reaches marginalized regions without enabling exploitative resource extraction or undermining civil liberties, thereby building a just and stable post-conflict order.

 

 

Article 2: A West Asia security rethink amid America’s role

Why in news: The ongoing conflict involving United States, Israel, and Iran has escalated, prompting West Asian nations to reassess regional security frameworks, alliances, and strategic autonomy amid rising instability and geopolitical shifts.

Key Details

Conflict escalation has expanded tensions across West Asia, impacting Gulf security dynamics.

Iran’s retaliation strategy and Strait of Hormuz risks threaten global energy flows.

Pakistan is attempting a mediatory role, enhancing its regional relevance.

Gulf nations are increasing security cooperation, setting aside internal rivalries.

Israel’s military actions highlight growing strategic dominance and reach.

The United States’s security role is questioned, pushing regional self-reliance.

Evolving West Asian Security Landscape

The ongoing conflict involving United States and Israel against Iran has entered a prolonged phase, creating uncertainty over its objectives.

Regional countries are reassessing their security strategies due to rising instability.

Events like the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s aggressive retaliation have intensified tensions.

There is a growing demand for a strategic reset in regional security frameworks.

Escalation and Regionalisation of Conflict

Iran had long warned that external attacks could expand the conflict regionally, which is now unfolding.

The targeting of Gulf nations has surprised global actors, including leadership in Washington, D.C..

The region’s security environment remains highly complex and fragile.

Multiple unresolved issues are emerging, requiring careful diplomatic navigation.

Pakistan’s Strategic Repositioning

Pakistan is attempting to act as a mediator between Iran and the U.S., causing concern in India.

Leadership under Asim Munir is driving a stronger geopolitical role.

Pakistan is leveraging its relations with the U.S. to enhance its strategic importance.

Its identity as a nuclear-armed Muslim-majority nation is increasing its relevance in the region.

Growing Gulf Cooperation and Internal Shifts

Gulf nations like Kuwait have criticised traditional platforms like the Arab League for inefficiency.

Countries including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Qatar are enhancing security cooperation.

Former rivalries (e.g., Saudi Arabia–Qatar tensions) are being set aside for collective security.

Regional actors are prioritising unity over internal divisions to face immediate threats.

Challenges from Iran and Israel’s Military Actions

Iran’s aggressive stance is shaping regional responses and alliances.

Israel’s military dominance, especially air power, is creating new anxieties.

Incidents like Israel’s strike in Doha highlight expanded conflict zones.

Gulf nations are reconsidering reliance on external powers and exploring independent security actions.

Declining U.S. Security Role and Future Questions

The United States has shown limitations in protecting Gulf allies in recent conflicts.

Calls for Gulf nations to financially support military efforts raise doubts about U.S. commitments.

Rising energy self-sufficiency in the U.S. reduces its strategic dependence on the region.

Key questions remain:

Can a stable security system exist without Iran’s involvement?

Will Asian powers like India play a larger security role?

Can Gulf nations maintain unity despite internal differences?

Conclusion

The evolving West Asian crisis reflects a transition toward a more fragmented and multipolar security order. As reliance on the United States declines, regional powers and external actors like India may shape future arrangements. Sustainable stability will depend on inclusive frameworks, especially involving Iran, and the ability of Gulf nations to overcome internal divisions and act collectively.

Descriptive Question:

1. “The ongoing conflict involving United States, Israel, and Iran is reshaping West Asia’s security architecture.” Examine the emerging regional security dynamics and analyse their implications for India. (150 words, 10 marks)

 

 

Article 3: Orderly exit

Why in news: Recent U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran have triggered a new global energy crisis, disrupting oil and gas supplies simultaneously and raising concerns over energy security and accelerating transition dynamics.

Key Details

Energy shocks are recurring, but the current crisis disrupts both oil and gas simultaneously.

The conflict involving U.S.–Israel and Iran marks a more complex geopolitical escalation.

Energy transition is accelerating, with EVs reducing oil demand gradually.

A major supply shock (~8 mb/d) could fast-track the shift away from fossil fuels.

The system is shifting from petrodollar dominance to critical mineral geopolitics, increasing China’s role.

Historical Context of Energy Shocks

Global energy crises have occurred repeatedly in modern history.

Major shocks followed the Yom Kippur War, the Iranian Revolution, and the Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait.

The 2022 crisis emerged after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

These shocks mainly affected oil supply and prices globally.

Unique Nature of the Present Crisis

The current crisis stems from American-Israeli strikes on Iran, making it geopolitically distinct.

Unlike previous crises, it has simultaneously disrupted both oil and gas flows.

Earlier, the Russia-Ukraine war primarily weaponised natural gas supply.

The present situation is more severe due to its dual impact on energy sources.

Energy Transition Already Underway

The world is witnessing a structural shift toward clean energy.

The International Energy Agency highlights rapid transport electrification.

Electric vehicles (EVs) reduced oil demand by about 0.9 mb/d in 2023.

This is expected to rise to ~1.3 mb/d in 2024 (over 30% growth).

Though still small (~1–1.3% of total demand), it signals long-term transformation.

Impact of Supply Shock on Transition

A large supply disruption (~8 mb/d) could accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels.

Higher prices and insecurity may push countries toward renewable energy adoption.

Energy transition may move from gradual to rapid under crisis conditions.

This could redefine global energy consumption patterns.

Changing Geopolitics: From Petrodollar to Minerals

The “petrodollar system” emerged after the 1970s, linking oil trade to the U.S. dollar.

It was supported by U.S.–Gulf strategic cooperation.

The new energy system is mineral-based and geographically concentrated.

Key resources:

Lithium: Chile, Argentina, Australia

Cobalt: Democratic Republic of Congo (~70%)

Nickel: Indonesia

Copper: Chile and Peru

China dominates processing and manufacturing, giving it strategic leverage.

Implications for India and Global South

Countries like India face a dual challenge:

Opportunity to reduce fossil fuel dependence

Risk of new dependence on critical minerals and technology

A strategic approach is needed:

Diversify resource access

Build domestic manufacturing and processing capacity

Follow a non-aligned, balanced geopolitical strategy

Goal: Avoid replacing old oil dependence with new technological dependence.

Conclusion

The evolving energy crisis reflects a deeper structural shift in global energy systems from fossil fuels to mineral-dependent clean technologies. While it offers opportunities for diversification and sustainability, it also risks creating new dependencies, especially on critical minerals and processing hubs like China. Countries such as India must adopt balanced, strategic policies to secure resources, strengthen domestic capabilities, and maintain geopolitical autonomy.

EXPECTED QUESTION FOR PRELIMS:

Consider the following statements:

The “Lithium Triangle” comprising Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia holds a significant share of the world’s lithium reserves.

India has no known lithium reserves within its territory.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: a