Analyzing editorials from The Hindu is a crucial component of Civil Services Examination preparation. These editorials offer insightful perspectives on current national and international issues, fostering critical thinking and enhancing one’s understanding of diverse topics relevant to the UPSC syllabus. Through this analysis, aspirants can refine their skills in comprehension, articulation, and issue-based evaluation, which are essential for the Preliminary, Mains, and Interview stages of the examination.
1. The Perilous Life of District Journalists in India
- Threats Faced by District Journalists
- The murder of Mukesh Chandrakar, an independent journalist in Chhattisgarh, highlights the dangers faced by grassroots journalists.
- He was killed by a contractor enraged by his investigative reporting on poor road construction.
- Similar incidents, such as the 1988 murder of Umesh Dobhal in Uttarakhand, show the recurring threats to district journalists.
- Limitations of Legal Protections
- Chhattisgarh enacted The Chhattisgarh Protection of Media Persons Act, 2023, to ensure journalists’ safety.
- Despite the law, Mukesh’s murder underscores the inadequacy of legal measures in protecting independent journalists.
- Role of District Journalists
- District journalists serve as the “voice of the voiceless,” exposing corruption and irregularities in developmental projects.
- Most of them work without formal training, motivated by their commitment to raising local issues.
- Challenges Faced by Grassroots Journalists
- Many work as stringers or retainers, with low pay, no job security, and hostile working conditions.
- Their contributions are often overlooked, even though they provide critical leads for mainstream media stories.
- Dependence on Regional Journalism
- Regional journalism heavily relies on district journalists for stories that highlight civic issues and local grievances.
- Mainstream media often avoids investigative stories due to advertiser pressure and reliance on government funding.
- Rise of Independent Journalism
- The shrinking space for critical reporting in mainstream media has led many journalists to turn to platforms like YouTube, social media, and independent news sites.
- These platforms allow for investigative reporting but increase risks from powerful vested interests.
- The Nexus of Power
- A nexus of contractors, criminals, officials, and politicians often targets district journalists.
- In Mukesh’s case, the accused was a contractor with political ambitions.
- Need for Immediate Action
- Grassroots journalists play a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability in development projects.
- Threats and attacks on journalists undermine press freedom, weaken democracy, and harm the public’s right to information.
- Ensuring a Safer Future
- There is an urgent need to protect and encourage independent journalists, especially at the grassroots level.
- Mukesh Chandrakar’s sacrifice should inspire stronger efforts to safeguard journalists and uphold press freedom.
2. Wayward liberal: On Justin Trudeau
1. Justin Trudeau’s Resignation:
- On January 6, 2025, Justin Trudeau announced his resignation after a nine-year tenure as Canada’s Prime Minister, marking the end of his leadership.
2. Rise and Fall of Trudeau’s Popularity:
- Trudeau’s rise began in 2015 when he led the Liberal Party to a significant victory in the federal elections.
- His tenure peaked early, with his progressive rhetoric resonating with the global liberal elite.
- Over time, his policies faced growing discontent, and the Liberal Party’s popularity declined to around 15%.
3. Key Factors Behind Trudeau’s Decline:
- Fiscal Policies: His government’s fiscal policies alienated conservatives and moderates.
- Immigration Policy: His liberal stance on immigration created challenges such as housing shortages, strained healthcare, and rising unemployment.
- Cultural Liberalism: His approach diverged from the central political sentiments of Canadian society, further distancing him from mainstream voters.
4. Response to Public Discontent:
- When public protests and criticisms surfaced, Trudeau’s government responded with strong-arm tactics, dismissing critics rather than engaging in constructive dialogue.
5. Trudeau’s Impact on Canada’s International Relations:
- Canada-India Relations: Trudeau’s failure to manage ties with India, particularly regarding Sikh extremism, led to strained relations. His handling of the Khalistani activist murder case worsened diplomatic ties.
- Canada-U.S. Relations: His public disparagement of Donald Trump and intervention in U.S. elections reflected poor statesmanship and diplomatic strategy.
6. Potential for Canada’s Future After Trudeau:
- The Liberal Party’s low approval ratings make a swift recovery unlikely, but a post-Trudeau Canada may have the opportunity to rebuild diplomatic ties, especially with India and the U.S.
- The Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, is gaining momentum and could lead Canada toward a shift in governance.
7. Conclusion:
- Trudeau’s resignation signifies the end of an era, with little sentiment of loss, as his tenure is seen as a period of misguided policies.
- His successor may play a crucial role in repairing internal and international relations, especially with India.
3. The rebounding of Pakistan’s Afghan strategy
1. Pakistan’s Afghan Strategy and Security Concerns:
- Pakistan has long supported the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network, which are now leading Afghanistan’s government.
- Pakistan’s security forces faced significant losses, with 383 officers and soldiers killed in counter-terrorism operations in 2024. The country is under constant pressure due to terrorist groups like Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which is alleged to find refuge in Afghanistan.
2. Diplomatic Tensions with Afghanistan:
- Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan, Muhammad Sadiq Khan, visited Kabul in December 2024 to ease tensions. However, the visit coincided with Pakistani air strikes in Afghanistan, killing 46 people, further escalating the conflict.
- Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence retaliated with strikes against Pakistan, showing limited tolerance for Pakistan’s attempts to control cross-border terrorism.
3. Pakistan’s Deteriorating Afghan Strategy:
- Afghanistan, once seen as a “strategic depth” for Pakistan, has turned into a “strategic ditch” due to the challenges posed by the Taliban’s return.
- Pakistan’s growing conflict with the TTP, which shares ideological links with the Afghan Taliban, complicates the situation.
- Diplomatic efforts, such as Pakistan’s call to Washington for assistance, highlight the lack of a coherent strategy.
4. Consequences of Pakistan’s Support for Extremist Groups:
- Pakistan’s support for extremist groups, including the Taliban, as part of its strategy against India, has backfired. This policy has contributed to a worsening terrorism problem.
- The Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, which was initially seen as a victory for Pakistan, has resulted in a complex situation due to their intransigence and refusal to act against the TTP.
5. Border Disputes and Pashtun Nationalism:
- Afghanistan has never accepted the Durand Line, the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, complicating relations. The Afghan Taliban’s opposition to border fencing exacerbates the situation.
- The issue of Pashtun nationalism, which the Taliban has not suppressed, fuels tensions between the two countries. The Afghan Taliban’s refusal to recognize Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as part of Pakistan increases fears of Pashtun unity and irredentism.
6. Challenges and Future Prospects:
- Pakistan’s reluctance to recognize the Taliban-led Afghan government stems from their failure to take action against the TTP, which challenges Pakistan’s legitimacy and authority.
- Pakistan’s military faces growing terrorism from Afghanistan, and its options for engaging with the Taliban are dwindling, complicating the geopolitical dynamics in the region.
7. Conclusion:
- Pakistan’s Afghan strategy has not only failed to deliver security but has also created deeper regional and internal challenges, with the Taliban’s actions and the rise of Pashtun nationalism adding complexity to an already volatile situation.
4. Strong setback: On the Maoist movement and anti-Maoist operations
1. Maoist Insurgency and Violence:
- Maoist organisations, such as the Communist Party of India (Maoist), are ideologically driven and view violence as central to their existence and rebellion.
- Despite setbacks, such as the killing of security personnel in Bijapur, the Maoist movement continues to carry out violent acts in a bid to maintain relevance and resistance.
2. Recent Incident in Bijapur:
- On January 6, 2025, an IED blast in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh killed eight security personnel and a civilian driver.
- The incident highlights that, while Maoists still possess the capacity to cause harm, their activities reflect a flailing insurgency struggling to maintain its influence, particularly in regions like Abujmarh and Bastar.
3. Anti-Maoist Operations and Casualties:
- The government has intensified anti-Maoist operations, resulting in significant losses for the insurgents. In 2024, 296 Maoists were killed, 24 security forces lost their lives, and 80 civilians were killed in the conflict.
- The January 2025 incident marked a significant setback for the security forces, being one of the largest losses in recent years.
4. Impact of IED Attacks:
- The use of IEDs by the Maoists suggests long-term planning and an effort to retain control in areas of strategic importance.
- The attack has the potential to provoke security forces into heavy retaliation, which could disproportionately affect civilians, fueling Maoist propaganda.
5. Caution in Response:
- While security forces will likely intensify their operations in response to the attacks, it is crucial not to target innocent civilians, as this would only strengthen the Maoist narrative of state repression.
- Despite the Union Home Minister’s promise to eradicate the Maoist movement through military action, there is a need for dialogue and engagement with civil society to explore the possibility of a ceasefire and peaceful resolution.
6. Conclusion:
- The Maoist insurgency, though showing signs of weakening, still presents significant challenges. The response to these incidents must balance military action with efforts to de-escalate tensions through non-violent means, involving civil society for a long-term solution.
Disclaimer:
This analysis is based on the editorial content published in The Hindu and is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. The views, opinions, and interpretations expressed herein are those of the author of original article. Readers are encouraged to refer to the original article for complete context and to exercise their own judgment while interpreting the analysis. The analysis does not constitute professional advice or endorsement of any political, economic, or social perspective.
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