Indian Express Editorial Summary

Editorial Topic : Delhi and a New London: Navigating India-UK Relations

 GS-2 Mains Exam : IR

Delhi and a New London: Navigating India-UK Relations

Introduction

• Election Context: As the Tories face potential defeat in the UK elections, India looks to strengthen ties under a prospective Labour government led by Keir Starmer.
• Need for Fresh Analysis: New Delhi must reassess its approach towards the new Labour government.

India-UK Relations Under the Conservatives

• Positive Reorientation:
  • Colonial Baggage: Reduction in colonial-era policies.
  • Policy Shift: Focused on Indo-Pacific framework.
  • Roadmap: Green transition, defense, technology, and maritime security.
• Migration and Mobility Agreement: Tackled illegal immigration and facilitated Indian talent flow to the UK.

Persistent Irritants in the Relationship

• Anti-India Activities: Concerns over the freedom of anti-India activities in the UK.
• Resistance in British Establishment: Enduring reluctance to fully embrace a fresh relationship with India.
• Indian Domestic Posturing: Anti-colonial sentiments hindering progress.

Sour Memories from Labour Party’s Past Rule

• 1997 Visit: Queen Elizabeth II’s visit and the ensuing diplomatic mishaps.
• Kashmir Mediation Offer: Robin Cook’s controversial statement and subsequent fallout.
• Jallianwala Bagh Visit: Controversial remarks by Prince Philip causing uproar.

Potential Concerns with Labour’s Return

• Starmer’s Efforts:
  • Anti-India Fires: Efforts to quell anti-India sentiment within Labour.
  • 2019 Manifesto: Addressed contentious Kashmir references.
  • Community Outreach: Engagement with British Hindus and other minorities.

Diplomacy’s Task for Delhi

Engaging All Stakeholders

• Curb Anti-India Activities: Maintain pressure on the UK to curb anti-India activities.
• Engage Deep State: Develop protocols to manage diaspora-related issues.

Positive Engagement

• Shedding Misconceptions: Recognize the strategic importance of the UK.
• Economic and Political Gains: Leverage UK’s financial, technological, and global reach.

UK’s Significance for India

• Economic Ties:
  • Trade: India’s exports to the UK are significant.
  • Global Influence: UK’s role as a middle power with substantial global influence.

Conclusion

• No Pre-conceived Notions: Approach the new Labour government without biases.
• Moderate Signals: Acknowledge Labour’s moderate stance on India.
• Enhanced Engagement: Strengthen economic and political ties with the UK for mutual benefit.

 

 

 

Indian Express Editorial Summary

Editorial Topic : Cheetah Relocation to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary

 GS-2 Mains Exam : IR

 

Cheetah Relocation to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary

• Reason for Relocation: Kuno National Park’s carrying capacity exceeded due to an overabundance of cheetahs.
  • 25% decline in chital (main prey) population in Kuno National Park.
  • Competition between cheetahs and leopards for prey.
• Goal of Relocation: Restore ecological balance in Kuno by moving “surplus” cheetahs.
  • Project Cheetah aims to avoid repeating past mistakes with translocation as a temporary solution.
• About Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary (Madhya Pradesh):
  • Area: 368.62 sq km (142.32 sq mi)
  • Established: 1974 (notified), 1984 (added to sanctuary list)
  • Key features:
    • Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion
    • Divided by Chambal River
    • Diverse topography (hills, plateaus, dam catchment)
• Challenges of Relocation:
  • Removing existing leopards from the sanctuary.
  • Developing a larger habitat for cheetahs within the 3,600 km sanctuary.
  • Insufficient prey base at Gandhi Sagar as per a 2021 study.
  • Presence of multiple co-predators (sloth bears, hyenas, wolves, etc.).
  • Monitoring cheetah health after their extinction in India for over 70 years.
  • Learning from past setbacks in Project Cheetah to avoid fatalities.
• Potential Additional Challenges:
  • Introducing a larger cat to control leopards might displace them, leading to human-animal conflict.
• Project Cheetah’s Impact:
  • Sparked discussions on longstanding issues in Indian conservation.