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

 

Article 1: ​High heat

Why in news: Early extreme heat is driven by weakened western disturbances, reduced thunderstorms, low convective cooling, lingering El Niño effects, and long-term climate change intensifying pre-monsoon heatwaves across India.

Key Details

Heatwaves arriving earlier, with April temperatures resembling May–June norms

40°C+ temperatures already recorded across multiple Indian states

Humidity + urban heat island effect worsening discomfort in cities

247 billion work-hours lost globally due to heat (The Lancet Countdown Global Report)

Heat Action Plans lack funding and long-term structural measures

Early Arrival of Extreme Heat

India’s summer heat has intensified unusually early this year, appearing in April instead of May–June

The India Meteorological Department has issued heat alerts across central and southern regions

Regions like Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana, and Kerala are already affected

Several states have crossed 40°C, signaling a premature and severe summer

This shift reflects a changing seasonal pattern of heatwaves

Regional Spread and Local Factors

States such as Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka are nearing or crossing extreme heat levels

Coastal areas face added discomfort due to high humidity

The urban heat island effect is worsening conditions in cities

Warmer nights reduce the body’s ability to recover from heat stress

These factors collectively increase health risks and discomfort

Causes Behind Intensified Heatwaves

Pre-monsoon heatwaves, though common, are becoming more intense and widespread

Reduced western disturbances and thunderstorms have limited natural cooling

Lower convective activity has further aggravated heat conditions

The lingering effects of El Niño have contributed to rising temperatures

Overall, climate variability is amplifying extreme heat events

Health, Livelihood, and Economic Impact

Persistent heat raises cardiovascular mortality risks significantly

The The Lancet Countdown Global Report notes 247 billion work-hours lost in 2024 due to heat

Workers in construction and agriculture are the most affected

Farmers face heat stress during the crucial rabi harvest season

Faster crop maturity threatens food security and increases inflationary pressures

Policy Gaps and Way Forward

Current Heat Action Plans (HAPs) focus mainly on emergency response, lacking long-term solutions

Insufficient funding limits urban greening and worker safety measures

Heat has already affected elections, forcing extended polling hours by the Election Commission of India

India risks approaching human survivability limits if warming continues unchecked

Stronger steps needed: long-term funding, mobile healthcare, doorstep services, and global climate cooperation (e.g., joining Colombia-led climate initiatives)

Conclusion

India’s intensifying and early heatwaves reflect deeper climatic shifts and inadequate preparedness. Rising temperatures threaten public health, worker productivity, agriculture, and economic stability. While short-term responses exist, systemic adaptation through better-funded Heat Action Plans, climate-resilient infrastructure, and global cooperation is essential. Without urgent intervention, increasing heat extremes may push several regions toward dangerous limits of human survivability and sustainable development.

Descriptive Question:

1. “Early onset and intensification of heatwaves in India reflect both climatic changes and governance gaps.” Discuss the causes, impacts, and evaluate the effectiveness of Heat Action Plans in mitigating heat risks. Suggest improvements. (15 marks, 250 words)

 

Article 2: Cycle of violence

Why in news: Ethnic conflict in Manipur persists due to deep mistrust, politicisation, delayed state response, weak peace initiatives, and cycles of violence reinforced by disinformation, hardline actors, and limited inclusive dialogue.

Key Details

Persistent ethnic divide and mistrust between communities

Trigger incidents (e.g., bombings) reigniting violence cycles

Role of disinformation worsening tensions

Need for stronger security action and inclusive peace-building

Complexity of Ethnic Conflicts

Ethnic conflicts are extremely difficult for governments to resolve due to deep-rooted hostility

Divisions remain rigid, with groups resisting reconciliation efforts

Violence persists as identities become strongly polarised

Even peace-oriented governments struggle to build trust

Every incident is viewed through an ethnic lens

Role of Governance Failures

Early intervention failures allowed tensions to escalate

Delayed response intensified the conflict

Weak governance reduces chances of restoring normalcy

Civil society efforts become constrained

Institutional gaps worsen long-term instability

Current Situation in Manipur

Manipur is facing a prolonged ethnic crisis

Leadership under Yumnam Khemchand Singh has struggled to manage tensions

A bombing incident in Bishnupur reignited violence

Allegations against Kuki groups triggered protests and clashes

The state remains trapped in cycles of conflict

Political Response and Limitations

Bharatiya Janata Party expected leadership change to restore peace

Resignation of N. Biren Singh seen as a corrective step

President’s Rule failed to ensure lasting stability

New government aimed at moderate governance

Overall response remains limited in impact

Way Forward for Peace Restoration

Adopt a “carrot and stick” approach

Empower civil society promoting peace

Take strict action against violent elements

Ensure greater Union government involvement

Without proactive steps, cycles of violence will persist

Conclusion

Sustainable peace in Manipur requires more than leadership changes or temporary controls. A coordinated approach involving strong governance, inclusive dialogue, and accountability is essential. Union government must prioritise reconciliation over political calculations, empower civil society, and act decisively against violence to break the recurring cycle of ethnic conflict.