Editorials Analysis – 15 April 2025

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A 2025 study by IIM Amritsar researchers Jagadale and Shaikh explores how governmentality—a concept by Foucault—combined with market failures worsens stubble burning. Rather than individual negligence, the issue stems from systemic policy flaws like the MSP regime, mono-cropping incentives, and dependence on middlemen. Farmers face contradictory state actions: punished for burning stubble but offered no viable alternatives. The solution lies in creating a market for stubble-based products and reforming agricultural marketing systems. Key Points: Stubble burning adds 20-40% to Delhi’s...

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How ISRO Ensures Spaceflight Safety: The Gaganyaan Mission Approach SOURCE : THE HINDU  India's Gaganyaan mission aims to send humans to space safely, and ISRO is adopting a comprehensive safety protocol based on global best practices. Safety in human spaceflight is ensured across all three phases — launch, orbit, and reentry. Before liftoff, ISRO has installed zipline evacuation and fireproof lifts at Sriharikota. A Crew Escape System (CES) will pull the capsule away during emergencies using low and high-altitude escape...

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  SOURCE : THE HINDU  In today’s divisive climate, feminist discourse must evolve to be more inclusive and nuanced. While structural inequalities must be addressed, equating all gender-related issues under a singular narrative can blur distinctions between privilege and vulnerability. Writer Ruchi Gupta argues for a feminism that acknowledges complexity — one that balances public policy reform with everyday negotiations within families. Instead of starting with antagonism, feminism should consider empathy and cooperation, especially among marginalised men. A compassionate feminism...

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  SOURCE : THE HINDU  The Right to Information (RTI) Act has long empowered citizens to hold public authorities accountable, playing a crucial role in promoting transparency. However, recent amendments made through the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, threaten this legacy. By altering Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, the new law allows the government to withhold personal information without considering whether its disclosure is in the public interest. This vague and broad interpretation of “personal information” may...