All Editorials Snapshot: 17-September-2025
The Hindu Editorials snapshot
Editorial 1
A Brief Respite: On India’s August Trade Data, U.S. Tariff Impact
India’s August trade data brought some relief to the government, with exports rising by 6.7% to $35.1 billion and imports falling by 10.1%, which narrowed the trade deficit. However, the U.S.’s steep tariffs — 25% from early August and 50% from late August — are beginning to hurt exports, especially textiles, electronics, jewellery, and engineering goods. Exports to the U.S. dropped sharply compared to July, showing that stockpiling by American buyers is slowing and September data will reveal the full impact. Pharmaceuticals remained strong, as they were exempt from duties. Imports also fell significantly across transport equipment, coal, wood, iron, and steel, raising concerns that India’s economic activity is slowing or shifting to domestic suppliers due to high costs. Despite political tensions, China remains a top trade partner, reflecting how economics and diplomacy often diverge.
Editorial 2
Constitutional Clarity: On Hearings on the Presidential Reference
The Supreme Court’s hearings on the Presidential Reference, which followed its April 2025 judgment on Governors’ powers to assent to State Bills, have once again confirmed that Governors cannot withhold assent indefinitely. The five-judge Bench echoed the April ruling that constitutional offices must not block democratic governance through inaction. The Bench closely examined Articles 200 and 201, clarifying that even though these Articles do not specify timelines, this does not give Governors unlimited discretion. Justice Vikram Nath stressed that Governors cannot sit over the wisdom of the legislature forever. The Court also noted that delays mostly affect Opposition-ruled States, reflecting selective misuse rather than constitutional confusion. Questions around why judicial review applies to Governor reports under Article 356 (President’s Rule) but not under Article 200 (Bills) were also debated. Importantly, the Court highlighted that an advisory opinion under Article 143 cannot replace a binding judgment under Article 141. Therefore, the Centre must respect the April ruling and these proceedings, which firmly reinforce federal balance and State autonomy.
The Indian Express Editorials snapshot
Editorial 3
Amid Extreme Weather Events, Uttarakhand Needs to Rethink Its Highways
Uttarakhand, which has suffered heavy monsoon rains, cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides this year, faces serious risks due to unsafe highway construction in its fragile Himalayan terrain. The ongoing Char Dham Highway project, involving wide-road expansion and rock blasting, has worsened slope instability and created new landslide zones. Experts had earlier warned that hill cutting, tree felling, and neglect of eco-sensitive planning were making the region more disaster-prone, but their caveats were ignored. Trees that normally stabilise slopes and reduce runoff are being lost, increasing risks of avalanches and soil saturation. The government’s push for tourism has often overlooked the unique geological limits of the mountains. A fresh review of the project by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways must mark the start of a course correction, with stricter environmental safeguards and stronger disaster warning systems to protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Editorial 4
My Octopus Teacher
A new scientific study shows that octopuses use their limbs in highly organised ways. The front arms act like “diplomats” — skilled and flexible in handling complex tasks — while the rear arms help with movement and quick exits. This kind of specialisation makes them adaptable to different environments. Similar patterns occur in nature: the human brain divides tasks between its two halves, bird wings work in harmony to support flight, and insect colonies like bees and ants refine skills through shared roles. These lessons go beyond biology. For robotics, it suggests designing machines with flexible, adaptable systems instead of rigid uniformity. For cognitive science, it points to intelligence emerging from cooperation rather than a single controller. For philosophy, it offers wisdom: resilience and harmony do not come from sameness but from diversity, patience, and balance — just like the adaptable octopus.
Top Vocabulary Picks from Today’s Editorials
| Word | Simple Meaning | Synonym | Antonym |
| Moratorium | Official suspension or delay of an activity | Suspension, freeze | Continuation, progress |
| Elucidated | Explained clearly | Clarified, illustrated | Confused, obscured |
| Subterranean | Below the ground surface | Underground, hidden | Surface, visible |
| Idiosyncrasies | Unique features or peculiar qualities | Peculiarities, traits | Generalities, norms |
| Dexterous | Skilled and clever with hands or limbs | Nimble, skilful | Clumsy, awkward |
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