The Hindu Newspaper Analysis

Editorial Topic : J&K Task Isn’t Finished

 GS-3 Mains Exam : Security

Revision Notes

Introduction

• J&K plagued by violence due to multiple factors: Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, radical Islam, Cold War politics, complex federalism, and Article 370.
• Article 370 abrogation 5 years ago marked a significant step.

Factors Contributing to Terrorism in J&K

• Pakistan:
  • Military dominance over politics.
  • Use of Kashmir issue to bolster military’s power.
  • Growing religious extremism.
• Cold War:
  • Kashmir became a geopolitical pawn.
  • 13 UN resolutions favoring Pakistan.
  • US arming Afghan Mujahideen through Pakistan leading to spillover into Kashmir.
• Radical Islam:
  • Clash between Sufi Islam of Kashmir and Wahhabi ideology.
  • Pakistan’s religious justification for Kashmir claim.
  • Radical Islam’s limited roots in Kashmir.
• Fraught Federalism:
  • J&K’s unique relationship with Delhi due to historical factors (UN resolutions, Article 370, wars).
• Separatist Politics:
  • Article 370 fueled soft separatism.
  • J&K became a closed society under elite control.

Pakistan’s Failed Strategy

• Two-step plan: independence followed by annexation.
• Financed by overcharging US for Afghan war.
• Miscalculation of radical Islam’s global ambitions.

Way Forward

• Terrorism persists, as evidenced by recent Jammu attacks.
• Aggressive steps needed:
  • Empower J&K police.
  • Close UN office in Srinagar.
  • Foster new political leadership.
  • Restore statehood gradually.
  • Intensify global isolation of Pakistan.
  • Boost investment and job creation.

Conclusion

• Article 370 abrogation necessary but not sufficient.
• Focus on eliminating terrorism remains crucial.

 

 

The Hindu Newspaper Analysis

Editorial Topic : Tackling Weeds for Sustainable Agriculture

 GS-3 Mains Exam : Economy

Revision Notes

Introduction

• Reducing environmental impact of rice and wheat cultivation is a priority.

Current Practices

• Rice: Traditional method is puddling and transplanting.
  • Labor-intensive, water-intensive (up to 30 irrigations/acre).
  • Puddling creates waterlogged conditions, suppressing weeds.
• Wheat: Involves stubble burning and multiple plowings.
  • Prepares land for sowing, but contributes to air pollution.

Weed Problem

• Common rice weeds: jangli chawal, motha, patthar-chatta.
• Common wheat weeds: gulli danda, bathua.
• Existing herbicides (Pendimethalin, Bispyribac-sodium) have limited efficacy.

New Herbicide-Tolerant Crops

• Imazethapyr-tolerant rice and wheat varieties developed.
• Tolerate Imazethapyr herbicide, killing weeds without harming crops.
• Part of a larger push for direct-seeded rice (DSR) and zero-tillage wheat (ZT).

Benefits of DSR and ZT

• DSR:
  • Replaces nursery, puddling, and transplanting.
  • Saves water (about 30%), labor, and fuel.
• ZT:
  • Eliminates stubble burning and multiple plowings.
  • Saves time, cost, and soil health.

How Imazethapyr Works

• Targets ALS enzyme in plants, preventing amino acid synthesis.
• Normal plants die when exposed to Imazethapyr.
• Tolerant varieties have mutated ALS gene, unaffected by herbicide.

Conclusion

• Herbicide-tolerant rice and wheat combined with DSR and ZT offer a sustainable solution.
• Reduces water and fuel use, minimizes environmental impact.
• Crucial for climate-smart agriculture.