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The Hindu Editorials snapshot

Editorial 1

Renewed rivalry: On the India, South Africa first Test, at Eden Gardens

India and South Africa will begin their two-match Test series at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 14, 2025. This venue holds a special place as it welcomed South Africa back to international cricket in 1991 after the end of apartheid. The current Indian team, led by Shubman Gill, looks confident after a drawn series in England and a strong 2-0 home victory against the West Indies. Despite key retirements, Gill’s five centuries in seven Tests reflect his emerging leadership. South Africa, defending ICC World Test champions, aims to break a decade-long winless streak in India, relying on captain Temba Bavuma and their mixed bowling attack including spinners Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy. Eden Gardens, known for its batting-friendly pitch initially, usually assists spin bowlers as the match progresses, adding a strategic challenge for both teams.

Editorial 2

Qualified Success: On Women’s Turnout, Bihar Assembly Election

In the recent Bihar Assembly elections, women’s voter turnout surpassed men’s by over 4.34 lakh votes despite women being underrepresented by approximately 42 lakh on the electoral rolls after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The SIR led to a reduction in the number of registered women, particularly in the 18-29 age group, largely due to exclusions under the “permanently shifted” category linked to post-marriage migration without transparent re-registration in new locations. Higher women’s turnout is partly credited to Bihar’s welfare politics, including schemes like the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana and cash transfers of ₹10,000 to women, as well as socio-demographic factors like significant male out-migration for work. This turnout trend deviates from the usual pattern where developed or politically contested states see higher women’s participation. The Election Commission of India’s silence on the significant gender gap in voter rolls raises concerns about electoral roll accuracy. While higher women’s turnout is commendable, the legitimacy of electoral participation depends on fair and transparent voter registration processes.

The Indian Express Editorials snapshot

Editorial 3

PM Modi’s Visit: Delhi-Thimpu Ties Can Combat the China Chill

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Bhutan from November 11-12, 2025, underscores the critical and long-standing partnership between India and Bhutan amid growing regional challenges posed by China’s assertive expansion in South Asia. China’s strategy, involving loans, infrastructure projects, and settlements, places pressure on smaller neighbours, particularly Bhutan, which has a disputed border with China and no formal diplomatic ties. PM Modi and Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering renewable energy, health, and development, reaffirming New Delhi’s support for Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan and Economic Stimulus Programme. The visit coincided with celebrations marking the 70th birthday of Bhutan’s former King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The strategic significance of Bhutan’s Doklam plateau, scene of the 2017 India-China standoff, remains paramount, especially as any China-Bhutan land swap there could threaten India’s Siliguri Corridor. India respects Bhutan’s sovereignty and freedom to independently chart its future, per the 2007 Friendship Treaty, reinforcing a partnership that balances friendship, security, and regional stability.

Editorial 4

Women’s Cricket Deserves Its Moment in the Sun, but Sunil Gavaskar’s Note of Caution Is Wise

The Indian women’s cricket team’s ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 victory has sparked celebration, endorsements, and newfound fame for the players. However, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar cautions the champions to be prepared for unmet promises and fading extravagant pledges. He emphasises that the affection of the general cricket-loving public remains their greatest asset. Many players come from modest financial backgrounds and require guidance to manage their newly acquired fame and wealth, avoiding exploitation by unscrupulous agents or investment scams. Career longevity in sports is short, so financial literacy programmes led by bodies like the BCCI are essential. Looking forward, discussions on raising base prices in Women’s Premier League auctions, fair brand valuation beyond top stars, wider franchise participation, and normalising high endorsement fees will help sustain and expand the growth of women’s cricket, ensuring the players gain the recognition and rewards they deserve in a burgeoning sports market.

Top Vocabulary Picks from Today’s Editorials

Word	Simple Meaning	Synonym	Antonym
Afterglow	Positive effects following a good event	Ripple effect, residual benefit	Negative aftermath
Lavish	Excessively rich or luxurious	Extravagant, abundant	Modest, sparse
Pledge	A serious promise or commitment	Promise, vow	Break, denial
Burgeoning	Growing or expanding rapidly	Growing, expanding	Shrinking, declining
Astute	Having shrewd insight	Clever, sharp	Foolish, naive