Indian Express Editorial Summary

Editorial Topic : Ahilya Bai Holkar

GS-1 Mains Exam : History

Questions : Analyze the role of Ahilya Bai Holkar as a female ruler in the 18th century. How did she overcome societal limitations to establish herself as a visionary leader?

Today marks the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilya Bai Holkar, the Maratha queen

Born for Greatness (1725):

• Born into a shepherd family in Ahmednagar district (present-day Maharashtra).
• Overcame societal limitations to become a leader in her own right.

A Visionary Ruler (30 Years of Reign):

• Exceptional leadership skills brought peace and financial stability to her kingdom.
• Championed Hindu faith:
  • Revived Jyotirlingas (sacred Shiva shrines) across India.
  • Renovated temples in Somnath, Varanasi, and other holy sites.
  • Protected idols from iconoclasm by creating hidden shrines.
  • Unified her subjects through shared cultural heritage.
• Promoted women’s empowerment:
  • Supported the weaving of Maheshwari saris, providing women with work and income.
  • This tradition continues to be a significant craft in Maharashtra.
• Focused on holistic development:
  • Promoted trade and commerce within the kingdom.
  • Implemented measures for forest and animal conservation.
  • Fostered social harmony by integrating marginalized communities.

Legacy Beyond Religion:

• Her reign serves as a model for good governance:
  • Inclusive policies.
  • Effective leadership.
  • Blueprint for a just and prosperous society.
• More than just temple restoration:
  • Her impact goes beyond religious contributions.
  • Paved the way for strong rulers, regardless of gender.

A Lasting Inspiration:

• Ahilya Bai Holkar’s reign exemplifies social harmony and good governance.
• Her legacy continues to inspire generations.

 

 

 

 

Indian Express Editorial Summary

Editorial Topic : Heatwaves: A Double Threat for India’s Informal Workers

GS-3 Mains Exam : Economy

 

 Questions : Discuss the socio-economic vulnerabilities of informal workers in India during heatwaves. What policy measures can be implemented to provide social safety nets and job security for these workers?

 

Extreme Heat and Laborers:

• A recent death highlights the dangers of heatwaves for manual laborers.
• Urban heat islands trap heat, making cities even hotter for workers.

Vulnerability of Informal Workers:

• No job security or social safety nets leave them exposed.
• Lost work hours due to heat translate to lost income.
• Existing socio-economic disadvantages make them more susceptible.

Heat Action Plans (HAPs):

• Can be effective tools to reduce heatwave casualties if implemented correctly.

Current Problems with HAPs:

• Many cities lack them entirely.
• Existing plans often overlook informal workers.
• Focus on immediate responses rather than long-term solutions.
• Not designed for urban environments or challenges faced by informal workers.

Impact of Heat on Workers:

• Reduced income across various informal jobs.
• Increased burden on women workers due to heat-related issues.
• Lack of healthcare access leads to heat-related illnesses.
• Financial strain from buying protective measures and replacing spoiled goods.

Policy Measures for a Solution:

• Shifting Perspective:
  • Recognize heatwaves as long-term issues.
  • Integrate Heat Action Plans (HAPs) with urban planning and climate strategies.
• Prioritizing Vulnerable Workers:
  • Include informal workers in urban HAPs.
  • Develop national guidelines for worker-specific interventions.
• Holistic Approach:
  • Consider heat’s impact on both indoor and outdoor informal labor.
• Worker Participation:
  • Include worker representatives in developing and implementing HAPs.
• Gender-Sensitive Measures:
  • Address the unequal impact of heat on women workers.
• Income and Health Security:
  • Implement social safety nets and compensation programs to offset heatwave losses.
• Labor Law Reforms:
  • Adapt labor laws to consider the impact of climate change on informal workers.
• Urban Redesign:
  • Design cities with worker well-being in mind (water, shade, rest areas).
• Worker Visibility:
  • Acknowledge informal workers’ contributions and advocate for their rights.