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

Editorial 1 : Miles to Go: On Change in Manipur, The Road to Normalcy

Introduction

• The Union Government removed the N. Biren Singh-led government in Manipur and imposed President's Rule to restore normalcy in the state.
• This decision was influenced by prolonged ethnic strife and internal divisions within the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
• The imposition of President's Rule was seen as a step towards controlling violence and addressing governance challenges.

 

Steps Taken by the Government

1. Imposition of President’s Rule:
   1. The government imposed President's Rule due to the failure of the state government to control ethnic violence.
2. Weapon Recovery:
   1. The government set a deadline for non-State groups to surrender weapons acquired from police constabularies.
   2. However, only one-third of the 3,000 missing weapons have been returned so far.
3. Ensuring Free Movement:
   1. Efforts were made to remove blockades on highways for free movement of people and goods.
   2. This move faced resistance in the Kangpokpi district, resulting in violence and casualties.

 

Challenges Faced

1. Partial Weapon Surrender:
   1. Despite the government's efforts, a majority of the missing weapons are yet to be recovered, particularly from the Imphal Valley.
2. Ethnic Demands:
   1. The Kuki-Zo community demanded Union Territory status or a separate arrangement for their region, opposing the government’s initiative.
   2. This demand posed a serious threat to the peace process and deepened ethnic divisions.
3. Resistance from Naga Communities:
   1. The Naga community living in the hill districts also opposed any move to divide Manipur based on ethnicity.
   2. This further complicated the government’s efforts to restore peace.

 

Government's Response and Future Course of Action

1. Peace Dialogue:
   1. The government must initiate dialogue with both ethnic communities (Meitei and Kuki-Zo) to bridge differences.
   2. It must firmly reject violent threats and discourage demands for division.
2. Weapon Recovery:
   1. The government must intensify efforts to recover remaining weapons and eliminate unauthorized arms possession.
3. Leadership Intervention:
   1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Home Ministry must directly engage with communities to foster peace.
   2. The central government should ensure that only the state has the legitimate control over arms.
4. Economic Revival:
   1. Manipur has faced severe economic setbacks due to prolonged violence and inflation.
   2. The government should focus on economic rehabilitation, create employment opportunities, and promote infrastructure development.

 

Conclusion

• Restoring peace in Manipur is a long and complex process that requires strong political will, effective governance, and inclusive dialogue.
• The Union Government must remain neutral, avoid favoring any community, and focus on bringing back normalcy.
• Addressing economic challenges and ensuring security are essential to restoring harmony in the state.
• The long-term solution lies in unifying communities, promoting development, and strengthening law and order.

 

Editorial 2 : Limited-Overs Form: On Cricket and the Indian Team

Introduction

• India's dominance in limited-overs cricket was reaffirmed with their triumph in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, defeating New Zealand by four wickets.
• India’s success rate in ICC tournaments has been outstanding, with 23 wins in 24 matches (95.83%) across the 2023 ODI World Cup, 2024 T20 World Cup, and 2025 Champions Trophy.
• Despite geopolitical tensions, India played in Dubai after the government refused play in Pakistan, the official host.

 

India’s Performance in ICC Champions Trophy 2025

1. Group Stage Success:
   1. India defeated Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand in the group stage.
   2. This ensured a strong momentum heading into the knockout stages.
2. Semifinal Victory:
   1. India overcame Australia in the semifinal, setting the stage for the final against New Zealand.
3. Final Against New Zealand:
   1. New Zealand posted a target of 251/7 on a sluggish pitch.
   2. India’s spinners (Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav) played a key role in restricting New Zealand’s score.
   3. Rohit Sharma’s 76 runs and a solid contribution from the middle order led India to chase down the target with an over to spare.

 

Key Factors for India’s Success

1. Effective Spin Strategy:
   1. Fielding four spinners (Chakaravarthy, Jadeja, Axar, Kuldeep) on a slow pitch gave India an upper hand.
2. Strong Batting Depth:
   1. Contributions from Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, K.L. Rahul, and Hardik Pandya ensured that India comfortably chased the target.
   2. The depth of the squad was evident as players like Rishabh Pant, Suryakumar Yadav, and Ishan Kishan did not feature in the playing XI.
3. Balanced Bowling Attack:
   1. Despite the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, the return of Mohammed Shami helped stabilize the bowling attack.

 

Challenges and Future Prospects

1. Test Cricket Struggles:
   1. India has faced setbacks in Test cricket, including losses to New Zealand at home and Australia away.
   2. Maintaining dominance in all formats is crucial.
2. Team Selection and Planning:
   1. With the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, selectors must focus on: 
      • Nurturing young talents.
      • Strategic planning to sustain dominance.
      • Managing the transition phase of senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
3. Maintaining Consistency:
   1. While limited-overs cricket has been a strength, ensuring Test cricket success will be important for overall dominance.

 

Conclusion

• India’s victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 highlighted their dominance in white-ball cricket.
• With a strong bench strength, solid leadership, and consistent performance, India is poised for continued success.
• However, the selectors must start planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup and build a balanced team for all formats.
• Sustaining dominance across all formats and managing the transition of senior players will determine India’s long-term cricketing success.