Editorials News, Articles and Analysis

Science must drive policy

editorials

Updated on Feb 06, 2023 10:06 AM IST

The government may want to consider undertaking a comprehensive study of vulnerable ecosystems and earthquake-sensitive zones in the Himalayan region so as to create robust baseline geological knowledge about these areas

It is too early to say what caused the cracks in buildings in Doda, whether there was any connection to road projects and infrastructure development, or the fact that the region sits on a seismic zone 4. (Shanky Rathore)

ByHT Editorial

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Lessons for Pak from the Musharraf era

At a time when Pakistan faces a fresh round of political uncertainty, the Musharraf era could serve as a lesson on the perils of military intervention in politics, and the futility of myopic actions to shore up domestic popularity

The architect of the Kargil war, however, was also the Pakistani ruler who came close to clinching a possible deal on Kashmir with India, though that was scuppered when his grip on power became tenuous following the political movement against him spearheaded by lawyers in 2007 (AFP)

editorials

Updated on Feb 06, 2023 10:08 AM IST

ByHT Editorial

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Find decisive fixes to free undertrials

Steps by the Union government and Supreme Court may help, but a mindset change is needed first. Let us not make the process the punishment

Far too often, and in far too many trivial cases, the first impulse of the authorities is to put the accused behind bars, even though the Supreme Court has stated (in Arnesh Kumar vs State of Bihar) that arrests should be an exception in cases where the maximum possible punishment is less than seven years in prison (a quantum that precludes most heinous crimes). (Biplov Bhuyan/HT Archive)

editorials

Updated on Feb 06, 2023 10:03 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent

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What the Indus impasse entails

Any update in the treaty will be difficult at a time of intense economic instability in Pakistan

The Indus Waters Treaty stood the test of time because it conferred benefits to both sides. (File Photo)

editorials

Published on Feb 02, 2023 07:07 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

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Ending sewer deaths will need monitoring

On Wednesday, the Union government made a renewed effort to stamp out this practice. This is an important move.

The government told Parliament last year that at least 321 people died in the past five years from cleaning drains. (HT Photo)

editorials

Published on Feb 02, 2023 07:06 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

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5 key aspects of Budget 2023-24

It goes beyond populism; is conservative on nominal growth; makes a big push for the new tax regime; focuses on capital expenditure; and places emphasis on climate and macro-trends

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the Union Budget 2023-24 in the Rajya Sabha on the second day of Budget Session of Parliament on Wednesday. (ANI)

editorials

Updated on Feb 01, 2023 11:40 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

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Focus on retaining girls in STEM fields

Policy has to focus on retaining them by introducing women mentors, creating a more supportive environment for women at workplaces, and moving to erase discrimination

While boys are pushed to opt for science and mathematics, girls are pushed towards social sciences. (Sanchit Khanna/HT Photo)

editorials

Published on Jan 31, 2023 07:28 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

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What the economic survey reveals

Economic recovery from Covid-19 is complete but demand and revenue challenges loom

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey 2022-23 in Rajya Sabha. (PTI)

editorials

Published on Jan 31, 2023 07:23 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

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Yatra done, Cong poll walk begins

The Bharat Jodo Yatra may energise the party cadre, but electoral victories will take a lot more work

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during 'Bharat Jodo Yatra in Srinagar, January 29, 2023 (Waseem Andrabi /Hindustan Times)

editorials

Updated on Jan 30, 2023 08:04 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

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India’s U-19 victory may herald a new era

With the Women’s Premier League set to begin in March, the triumph has given women’s cricket in India, ready to take-off in any case, just the launchpad it needed

Indian U-19 women's cricket players celebrate with T20 world cup trophy, South Africa, January 29, 2023 (PTI)

editorials

Updated on Jan 30, 2023 08:04 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

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Some good news on the agriculture front

India’s wheat yield in 2023 is likely to break a record and touch 112 million tonnes

A bumper crop is good news but the climate challenge to food security will need a more long-term response. (AP)

editorials

Updated on Jan 30, 2023 08:36 AM IST

ByHT Editorial

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The threat of police brutality

The Memphis killing brings to the fore the grim reality of unbridled power of the police

Police brutality is an unfortunate reality around the world. (Reuters)

editorials

Updated on Jan 30, 2023 08:37 AM IST

ByHT Editorial

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Ease pressure on students

Longstanding issues with education have pushed many young people to the brink. As the PM’s event highlights, this must be fixed

The jostle for a once-in-a-lifetime shot at prosperity has claimed scores of lives in the past decade in India’s coaching hubs (PTI)

editorials

Updated on Jan 30, 2023 08:19 AM IST

ByHT Editorial

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Two key thrusts in R-Day parade

Push for defence indigenisation and women leaders in forces is a signal for the future.

The detachment of Brahmos of the 861 missile regiment, led by Lieutenant Prajjwal Kala, participates in the parade at Kartavya Path. (ANI)

editorials

Published on Jan 26, 2023 07:58 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

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Reverse the damage done to the Aravallis

When the world is scrambling to save its blue-green infrastructure to mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis, this lackadaisical approach towards the Aravallis is not just unexplainable but also misguided.

From mining to illegal encroachment and a recent plan to set up a zoo safari, authorities seem to pay no heed to environmental concerns. (HT File Photo)

editorials

Published on Jan 26, 2023 07:58 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

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Affirm faith in the Constitution

The founding document has helped the Republic grow and flourish. Use it to navigate future challenges

In the face of such uncertainty, the Constitution can act as the nation’s ballast. (Shutterstock)

editorials

Updated on Jan 25, 2023 08:57 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

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Oscar nods a lesson in India’s soft power

As South Korea has shown in recent years, soft power exports can magnify a country’s weight in global affairs and lend influence among young people, technology and policy, and international affairs

A husband and wife from an indigenous community caring selflessly for two baby elephants. A fictional retelling of the story of friendship and courage between two real-life Indian revolutionaries. All That Breathes, The Elephant Whisperers, and RRR — the three Indian films that garnered nominations for the 95th Academy Awards — are as diverse in their storytelling style as they are in conjuring rich and varied cinematic universes (PTI)

editorials

Updated on Jan 25, 2023 08:55 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

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Education of women is key

A new petition in the SC shows why authorities must ensure that hijab rows don’t hurt learning

Students wearing burqa and hijab talk to a police officer during their protest, outside the Shivamogga District collector's office, in Shivamogga, February 17, 2022 (PTI)

editorials

Published on Jan 24, 2023 07:11 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

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Focus on saving India’s wetlands

The latest reports show even Ramsar sites, of which India has 75, are not immune to the pressures of development. This is unfortunate and, in an era of extreme weather events, a handicap.

The importance of wetlands cannot be emphasised enough. (HT Archive)

editorials

Published on Jan 24, 2023 07:10 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

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In Morbi, punish the powerful

Police action against the Oreva chief for the bridge collapse is long due. Those responsible for the tragedy must face the law

A forensic science laboratory report revealed that rusty cables, broken anchor pins and loose bolts were among the lapses that were not addressed while renovating the suspension bridge. (AP)

editorials

Updated on Jan 23, 2023 07:15 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

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Look beyond stop-gap steps to fight bad air

Grap is an emergency plan, not a long-term solution. Delhi’s residents have been waiting a long time to find out what the long-term solution is

As this newspaper has noted before, only a holistic approach that combines immediate, short-term steps with long-term planning and focuses on the scientific, environmental and socioeconomic factors that exacerbate pollution can work in the long-term (Sonu Mehta/HT PHOTO)

editorials

Updated on Jan 23, 2023 07:15 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

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A guardrail of democracy

As the Emergency and the impulses of several governments have shown, a robust and transparent oversight process, of which the basic structure doctrine is a key instrument, is not only important for a functional democracy, but also indispensable

Delivering a lecture, the CJI extolled the benefits of the doctrine in keeping the soul of the Constitution alive through changing times. The contrasting views must be seen against the backdrop of the government’s unsuccessful effort in 2015 to change the process of judicial appointments, which was thwarted by the SC using the basic structure doctrine. (Shutterstock)

editorials

Updated on Jan 22, 2023 08:43 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

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Rethink the Aravalli safari park project

Pushing a revenue-focused plan that can disturb the flora and fauna of the eco-fragile zone, and that too in a climate-hit era, is reckless. The government must reconsider the project

A zoo safari in an eco-fragile zone will not safeguard the area’s natural heritage. (HT PHOTO)

editorials

Updated on Jan 22, 2023 08:44 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

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Top court draws a line in the sand

A public note disclosing reasons for judicial picks may intensify the face-off with the Centre, but also usher in welcome transparency

At the same time, this newspaper hopes this development paves the way for a new convention of transparency from both sides (HT PHOTO)

editorials

Updated on Jan 23, 2023 09:03 AM IST

ByHT Editorial

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The roots of the wrestling crisis

An unprecedented stir by top players points to a culture of impunity in the federation. Fix this

Ms Phogat said she was “mentally tortured” after the Tokyo Olympics, where she lost in the quarterfinals, and received death threats from the federation. (PTI)

editorials

Published on Jan 19, 2023 07:47 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

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By quitting, Jacinda Ardern sets an example

Most attempt to cling onto power long past their prime, attempting schemes and deals that often tarnish their standing. She has set an example

Holding back tears, Ms Ardern said she had no more in the tank to continue, adding that she was only human. (AP)

editorials

Published on Jan 19, 2023 07:46 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

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A challenge and an opportunity

India’s population presents a chance for growth, but inequality and elderly care need attention

Evidence of declining fertility rates among all communities, including Muslims, does not support the shrill narrative of any imminent threat of change in India’s broad social composition. (HT PHOTO)

editorials

Updated on Jan 19, 2023 08:05 AM IST

ByHT Editorial

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Re-imagine schooling to check learning loss

The pandemic forced us to look at schooling differently. Now that there are no Covid-19 restrictions, it’s essential to try new ideas and create new norms to raise the education levels of India’s young

The Annual Status of Education Report released on Wednesday has now quantified some of this loss, and the numbers are grim (HT PHOTO)

editorials

Updated on Jan 19, 2023 08:08 AM IST

ByHT Editorial

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The BJP presents its 2024 plan

PM's focus on ground connect, marginalised, and young people may shape the poll narrative

Prime Minister Narendra Modi being greeted by party leaders as he arrives for the BJP National Executive meeting, at NDMC Convention Centre in New Delhi, (PTI)

editorials

Published on Jan 17, 2023 09:27 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

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Sharif’s offer for talks may be a trial balloon

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s offer of talks to India represents the first peace overture since he came to power last year

Mr Sharif’s comments could be seen as a trial balloon to gauge the thinking in Delhi. (AFP)

editorials

Published on Jan 17, 2023 09:22 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

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Editorials

The government may want to consider undertaking a comprehensive study of vulnerable ecosystems and earthquake-sensitive zones in the Himalayan region so as to create robust baseline geological knowledge about these areas

At a time when Pakistan faces a fresh round of political uncertainty, the Musharraf era could serve as a lesson on the perils of military intervention in politics, and the futility of myopic actions to shore up domestic popularity

Steps by the Union government and Supreme Court may help, but a mindset change is needed first. Let us not make the process the punishment

Any update in the treaty will be difficult at a time of intense economic instability in Pakistan

On Wednesday, the Union government made a renewed effort to stamp out this practice. This is an important move.

It goes beyond populism; is conservative on nominal growth; makes a big push for the new tax regime; focuses on capital expenditure; and places emphasis on climate and macro-trends

Policy has to focus on retaining them by introducing women mentors, creating a more supportive environment for women at workplaces, and moving to erase discrimination

Economic recovery from Covid-19 is complete but demand and revenue challenges loom

The Bharat Jodo Yatra may energise the party cadre, but electoral victories will take a lot more work

With the Women’s Premier League set to begin in March, the triumph has given women’s cricket in India, ready to take-off in any case, just the launchpad it needed

India’s wheat yield in 2023 is likely to break a record and touch 112 million tonnes

The Memphis killing brings to the fore the grim reality of unbridled power of the police

Longstanding issues with education have pushed many young people to the brink. As the PM’s event highlights, this must be fixed

Push for defence indigenisation and women leaders in forces is a signal for the future.

When the world is scrambling to save its blue-green infrastructure to mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis, this lackadaisical approach towards the Aravallis is not just unexplainable but also misguided.

The founding document has helped the Republic grow and flourish. Use it to navigate future challenges

As South Korea has shown in recent years, soft power exports can magnify a country’s weight in global affairs and lend influence among young people, technology and policy, and international affairs

A new petition in the SC shows why authorities must ensure that hijab rows don’t hurt learning

The latest reports show even Ramsar sites, of which India has 75, are not immune to the pressures of development. This is unfortunate and, in an era of extreme weather events, a handicap.

Police action against the Oreva chief for the bridge collapse is long due. Those responsible for the tragedy must face the law

Grap is an emergency plan, not a long-term solution. Delhi’s residents have been waiting a long time to find out what the long-term solution is

As the Emergency and the impulses of several governments have shown, a robust and transparent oversight process, of which the basic structure doctrine is a key instrument, is not only important for a functional democracy, but also indispensable

Pushing a revenue-focused plan that can disturb the flora and fauna of the eco-fragile zone, and that too in a climate-hit era, is reckless. The government must reconsider the project

A public note disclosing reasons for judicial picks may intensify the face-off with the Centre, but also usher in welcome transparency

An unprecedented stir by top players points to a culture of impunity in the federation. Fix this

Most attempt to cling onto power long past their prime, attempting schemes and deals that often tarnish their standing. She has set an example

India’s population presents a chance for growth, but inequality and elderly care need attention

The pandemic forced us to look at schooling differently. Now that there are no Covid-19 restrictions, it’s essential to try new ideas and create new norms to raise the education levels of India’s young

PM's focus on ground connect, marginalised, and young people may shape the poll narrative

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s offer of talks to India represents the first peace overture since he came to power last year

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