What to Read in Indian Express Editorial( Topic and Syllabus wise)

Editorial 1 : Bangladesh’s protesting students have a party. Their challenge begins

Introduction

Following the Liberation War in 1971, Bangladesh was established as a secular nation-state based on linguistic nationalism, in contrast to Pakistan’s religious nationalism. However, the country has since grappled with a dual identity, balancing Bengali linguistic nationalism with the influence of orthodox Islam. The political landscape underwent a dramatic shift after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in August 2024, leading to a resurgence of Islamist influence. This shift has been marked by incidents such as the cancellation of a women’s football match due to religious opposition and threats against inclusive religious events. Against this backdrop, the student-led movement that played a key role in Hasina’s downfall has launched the Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP), aiming to reshape Bangladesh’s political future.

Key Notes:

1. Origins of Bangladesh’s National Identity
   1. Founded on linguistic nationalism in 1971, rejecting Pakistan’s religious nationalism.
   2. Secularism enshrined but challenged by religious influences over time.
2. Resurgence of Islamist Influence Post-Hasina
   1. August 2024: Sheikh Hasina’s removal led to the rise of Islamist groups.
   2. January 2025: Women’s football match canceled due to religious school protests.
   3. November 2024: Mystic sect forced to cancel music festival due to Islamist threats.
3. Political Turbulence and the Rise of the NCP
   1. NCP formed by student-led movement behind Hasina’s ouster.
   2. Aims to establish a “second republic” and reshape governance.
   3. Advocates for free and fair elections, crucial for restoring democracy.
4. Challenges for the Interim Government and Future Elections
   1. Muhammad Yunus-led interim government losing initial public support.
   2. Economic hardship, law-and-order issues persist post-Hasina.
   3. Elections expected this year, with NCP entering amid political instability.

Conclusion

Bangladesh stands at a crossroads as it navigates political turbulence and shifting ideological influences. The NCP’s emergence signals a call for systemic reform, but its success depends on addressing democratic concerns, economic recovery, and security challenges. With elections on the horizon, the nation’s future hinges on its ability to uphold democratic principles while managing the balance between nationalism and religious influence.

 

Editorial 2 : Don’t make delimitation North Introduction vs South

 

• The debate on delimitation has intensified in a politically charged environment.
• Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin is leading opposition against a perceived BJP-led, North-dominated Centre.
• Issues such as NEET, the National Education Policy, and the three-language formula add to the divide.
• The demand is to extend the 1971 Census-based delimitation framework for another 30 years to ensure fair representation for states with controlled populations.

Main Points

• Political Context:
  • BJP's push into South India has heightened tensions.
  • Hindutva's influence is seen as a potential homogenizing force.
  • The framing of the issue as "North vs South" or "Representation vs Federalism" oversimplifies the reality.
• Complexities of the Issue:
  • North and South India are not monolithic; they have internal variations.
  • The perception of an underdeveloped North versus a developed South ignores deeper historical and policy factors.
  • BJP’s strategy in the South is evolving, requiring a nuanced approach.
• Federalism vs Representation:
  • The debate on representation must balance federalism and political equality.
  • Arguments for a caste census show parallels in majoritarian politics.
  • The Constitution provides for both one-person-one-vote and minority protections.

Conclusion

• Delimitation should not be driven by short-term political agendas.
• The issue demands a nuanced, long-term approach that considers both representation and federalism.
• A balanced policy is needed to uphold constitutional values and maintain political stability.

Ediotorial 3 : The Third Edit: Rewriting Shakespeare, turning love into politics

 

Introduction:
 William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116 is widely celebrated for its depiction of unwavering love, describing it as an "ever-fixèd mark." However, historical events have shown that even literature is not immune to reinterpretation. During the English Civil War in the mid-17th century, an unknown royalist adapted the sonnet to serve as a political statement of loyalty to the king. This altered version remained unnoticed for centuries until its recent discovery in Oxford’s Bodleian Library, revealing how Shakespeare’s words were reshaped to fit a turbulent historical moment.

Ket notes : 

• Sonnet 116 and Its Original Meaning – Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116 describes love as unwavering and constant, a sentiment cherished by romantic minds today.
• Cavalier Version of Sonnet 116 – In the mid-17th century, during the English Civil War, an unknown royalist (Cavalier) altered the sonnet to advocate loyalty to the king and the royalist cause.
• Discovery of the Altered Sonnet – A doctoral researcher recently found this modified version in a manuscript at Oxford’s Bodleian Library. The 19th-century catalog did not attribute it to Shakespeare.
• Historical Context – The altered poem was part of a collection of royalist literature from the 1640s, a period when England was under Puritan rule, Christmas celebrations were banned, and toasting the king was illegal.
• Radical Genre Shift – The reworked sonnet shifts focus from love to political and religious themes, mentioning “heretics,” “true scripture,” and “flaming martyrs.”
• Literary Irony – While Shakespeare’s words were repurposed for the Cavalier cause, his contemporary, John Milton, actively supported the Parliamentarians and praised their leader, Oliver Cromwell.

Conclusion:
The transformation of Sonnet 116 from a romantic ode to a political declaration highlights the fluid nature of literature and its ability to be repurposed for different contexts. While Shakespeare’s original lines spoke of love’s permanence, the Cavalier adaptation used them to affirm steadfast loyalty to the monarchy. This discovery serves as a reminder that even the most revered literary works can be reinterpreted to serve the needs of their time, bridging the gap between art, history, and politics.