All Editorials Snapshot: 08-August-2025

The Hindu Editorials snapshot

Editorial 1

Mending ties: On state visit of Philippines President to India

During the visit of Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to India, both countries showed the desire to improve their relationship. President Marcos, in office since 2022, strongly opposed China’s activities in the West Philippine Sea and wanted closer ties with India. During his visit, the Indian and Philippine navies conducted their first joint sea exercise, which China criticized. India has supported the Philippines in international law disputes against China and became the Philippines’ fifth strategic partner. The Philippines will also be the first country to buy the BrahMos missile from India. Agreements were signed to improve military cooperation, visa rules, and direct flights. Although trade is currently small at $3.3 billion, investments are growing, especially in technology and medicine. This visit also helped ease tensions caused by prior remarks from India’s Commerce Minister. India and the Philippines plan to strengthen trade through new agreements. This shows India’s commitment to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region, beyond the Quad countries, and its focus on stronger ties with all nations amid global uncertainties.

Editorial 2

RBI’s Pause on Rate Cuts Amidst Economic Uncertainty

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), chaired by Governor Sanjay Malhotra, decided on August 6, 2025, to pause further rate cuts after reducing rates by a total of 100 basis points since February 2025. The pause reflects the ongoing uncertainties related to high tariffs imposed by the US and evolving trade negotiations, including the bilateral trade talks between India and the US. The recent US tariff increase to 25% on Indian imports, coupled with potential penalties on countries buying oil from Russia, poses risks to India’s economic outlook and comparative advantage. By pausing now, the RBI aims to let earlier monetary easing permeate the banking system as loan growth in consumer durables, housing, vehicles, and industry has already shown signs of slowing. Governor Malhotra also emphasized that there is adequate liquidity in the system, but monetary policy alone cannot spur growth; coordinated government reforms including tax rationalisation and better fuel pricing are needed to boost consumer sentiment and investment. The RBI’s stance remains neutral — ready to loosen or tighten policy based on fresh data — while maintaining focus on balancing inflation control and growth support amid global economic challenges.

The Indian Express Editorials snapshot

Editorial 3

​Instead of ‘Alpha Males’, Be Like Female Gorillas

For too long, the idea of the “alpha male”—aggressive and dominating—has dominated culture, based on misunderstood animal behaviour and flawed science. This idea, rooted in studies of wolves and primates like chimpanzees and gorillas, wrongly suggests males at the top of social groups are always aggressive, while so-called “beta males” are weaker. However, new research from 20 years of studying female gorillas in Rwanda shows female gorillas build and maintain strong friendships even when moving between groups. These female friendships provide more safety and social support than aggressive dominance does. Female gorillas avoid males they grew up with to prevent inbreeding and seek out familiar females to help integrate into new groups. These findings highlight that social skills like empathy, cooperation, and long-term relationships are crucial for success and status, even more than dominance and aggression. Similar patterns are seen in bonobos and chimpanzees, where intelligence and social bonds matter more than physical power. Perhaps humans should learn from these friendly, cooperative females instead of the myth of the aggressive alpha male.

Editorial 4

Uttarkashi Tragedy is a Warning: Respect the Mountain

In early August 2025, devastating flash floods struck Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand, particularly impacting Dharali village, leaving over 50 people missing and at least four confirmed dead. The floods, caused by intense rainfall and compounded by the region’s rugged Himalayan topography, swept away homes, shops, and hotels, severely damaging infrastructure. While initial reports attributed the disaster to a cloudburst, scientists and meteorological officials are investigating other causes like glacier melt, landslides, or a glacial lake outburst flood. The area lies within the Bhagirathi Ecosensitive Zone (ESZ), established to protect the fragile environment between Gangotri and Uttarkashi, but unregulated development, such as road widening and construction on floodplains, has eroded this protection and likely worsened the disaster’s impact. Rescue operations are ongoing but challenged by continuous rainfall, debris, and difficult terrain. Experts emphasize the urgent need for better climate resilience through early warning systems, satellite monitoring, and coordinated disaster management. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder that Himalayan ecological sensitivity must be respected and integrated into development policies to prevent such calamities in the future.

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