All Editorials Snapshot: 12-August-2025

The Hindu Editorials snapshot

Editorial 1

​Bringing Them Home: On the Repatriation of the Piprahwa Relics

India recently succeeded in bringing back the sacred Piprahwa relics, excavated in 1898 from a stupa in Uttar Pradesh and believed to be associated with Lord Buddha’s mortal remains. After being taken during the colonial era, these artifacts resurfaced in 2025 for auction at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong. The Indian government intervened promptly, utilizing diplomatic efforts and partnering with the Godrej Industries Group to negotiate their return and stop the auction. This innovative public-private collaboration enabled the relics’ repatriation, highlighting India’s role as a global guardian of Buddhist heritage. The episode also exposed gaps in India’s current laws and systems for protecting cultural assets, showing a need for proactive tracking, digitised registries, and stronger international norms to prevent such sacred objects from being sold or lost.

Editorial 2

 ​Assuaging Concerns: On India and Ethanol-Blended Fuel

India has made significant progress in blending ethanol with petrol, achieving the government’s target of 20% ethanol blending (E20) by 2025, five years ahead of schedule. The ethanol blending initiative aims to reduce dependence on crude oil imports, support farmers by using agricultural residues and surplus crops like molasses, broken rice, and maize, and lower fuel costs, thus boosting energy security and rural incomes. While ethanol-blended fuel is seen as carbon neutral and cheaper, it poses challenges such as slightly lower fuel efficiency, potential corrosion, and durability issues in older vehicles not designed for higher ethanol blends. Studies show vehicles meeting Bharat Stage 2 (BS 2) emission and safety standards can handle ethanol up to E15 safely, and those sold since 2023 are compatible with E20 blends. However, concerns remain about older vehicles, the lack of consumer choice at fuel pumps, and whether fuel price reductions fully reach consumers.

The Indian Express Editorials snapshot

Editorial 3

​British Interpretation of Cacio e Pepe May Not Be Authentic. But Why Not Try Something New?

Cacio e pepe is a classic Roman pasta dish traditionally made with just three ingredients: spaghetti, freshly ground black pepper, and pecorino romano cheese. Italians insist that adding butter, cream, or parmesan deviates from its authenticity. The dish’s creamy texture comes from mixing the cheese and pepper with starchy pasta water, not with extra fats like butter. While British food websites may promote simpler, speedy versions including butter or parmesan, purists argue this is not the true recipe. However, many iconic Italian dishes, including carbonara and tiramisu, evolved recently using modern ingredients and influences, meaning strict “authenticity” is sometimes more myth than reality. Food history shows how cuisines grow and adapt, shaped by trade and innovation. So, while traditional cacio e pepe celebrates minimalism and quality, experimenting with small variations like a bit of butter might spark new delicious recipes without disrespecting tradition. Culinary creativity often starts with reimagining classics rather than clinging rigidly to the past.

Editorial 4

 ​Express View on Open-Book Examinations for Class IX: Not by Rote

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has approved the introduction of open-book assessments (OBAs) for Class IX from the 2026-27 academic session. This progressive move aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023 by shifting the focus from rote memorisation to analytical thinking, comprehension, and real-world application. The open-book exams will be integrated as part of the three pen-paper assessments per term, covering core subjects such as language, mathematics, science, and social science. Initially, the adoption of OBAs will be optional for schools.

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