{"id":65783,"date":"2025-09-30T11:39:37","date_gmt":"2025-09-30T06:09:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/?p=65783"},"modified":"2025-10-10T11:52:48","modified_gmt":"2025-10-10T06:22:48","slug":"daily-editorial-analysis-30-september-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/daily-editorial-analysis-30-september-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Daily Editorial Analysis 30 September 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><strong>An Anti-Terror Role That Defies Logic<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>The <strong>global fight against terrorism is often portrayed as a unified front<\/strong>, spearheaded by international bodies such as the United Nations (UN).<\/li>\n<li>Yet <strong>recent developments have exposed troubling contradictions<\/strong> at the heart of this struggle.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pakistan,<\/strong> a country long accused of sponsoring and sheltering terrorist organisations, <strong>has been granted leadership positions within the very UN committees<\/strong> designed to combat terrorism.<\/li>\n<li>This <strong>paradox not only undermines the credibility of the UN but also poses serious risks<\/strong> to regional and global security.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Pakistan\u2019s Terror Infrastructure<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>For decades, <strong>Pakistan has been accused of nurturing terrorism<\/strong> as a tool of state policy.<\/li>\n<li><strong>From harbouring Osama bin Laden<\/strong> in Abbottabad, just a short distance from its military academy, <strong>to providing direct support for groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT<\/strong>) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), its role is well documented.<\/li>\n<li><strong>High-profile incidents such as the 2008 Mumbai attacks<\/strong>, the 2019 Pulwama bombing, and the April 2025 Pahalgam attack <strong>highlight a sustained pattern of cross-border terrorism<\/strong> nurtured on Pakistani soil.<\/li>\n<li><strong>India\u2019s response to the latest attack<\/strong>, Operation Sindoor, <strong>underscored the entrenched nature of this terror infrastructure. <\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Further evidence came from the presence of Pakistani officials at the funerals of slain militants<\/strong>, demonstrating institutional complicity.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>continuing prominence of UN-designated terrorists like Hafiz Saeed<\/strong>, who remains politically and socially active despite his supposed imprisonment, <strong>reinforces Pakistan\u2019s status as a terror shelter.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>The UN\u2019s Contradictory Decisions<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Against this backdrop, <strong>Pakistan\u2019s elevation to leadership<\/strong> roles in the UN\u2019s counter-terrorism mechanisms is <strong>deeply troubling.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>In June 2025, <strong>Pakistan was appointed to chair the Taliban Sanctions Committee<\/strong> and serve as vice-chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee.<\/li>\n<li><strong>By July, it even assumed the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>These <strong>decisions echo earlier controversies,<\/strong> such as Libya chairing the Human Rights Commission or Saudi Arabia leading the Women\u2019s Rights Commission.<\/li>\n<li>Four key issues emerge:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Contradiction of Mandates:<\/strong> Pakistan\u2019s sponsorship of terror groups directly violates the objectives of the UN committees it now leads.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Weak Vetting Standards:<\/strong> Its removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in 2022 despite ongoing concerns about terror financing reflects systemic leniency.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Geopolitical Bias:<\/strong> Major powers often prioritise strategic or economic interests over moral imperatives, enabling Pakistan\u2019s ascent.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dangerous Precedent:<\/strong> Rewarding duplicity legitimises state-sponsored terrorism and sends the message that diplomatic packaging can outweigh security realities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>situation was compounded when the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a $1 billion loan for Pakistan in May 2025<\/strong>, sparking concerns that the funds might be diverted to sustain terror networks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Implications for India and Global Security<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>The <strong>UN\u2019s decisions undermine India\u2019s efforts<\/strong> to highlight Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism.<\/li>\n<li><strong>With a foothold in UN counter-terrorism bodies<\/strong>, <strong>Pakistan can shape global narratives<\/strong>, deflect accusations, and even obstruct sanctions against its proxy groups.<\/li>\n<li>It <strong>also gains leverage to weaken India\u2019s diplomatic engagement<\/strong> with the Taliban regime and project itself as a responsible international actor.<\/li>\n<li><strong>For India, the challenge is twofold:<\/strong> neutralising Pakistan\u2019s diplomatic manoeuvres while simultaneously reinforcing its own security. <strong>Countermeasures must include:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Leveraging alliances with UNSC members<\/strong> to balance Pakistan\u2019s influence.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Highlighting Pakistan\u2019s terror links in global forums<\/strong> and pushing for stringent accountability.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Deepening engagement with Afghanistan,<\/strong> including humanitarian aid missions, to reduce Pakistan\u2019s sway over the Taliban.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Launching a global information campaign through media,<\/strong> academia, and diaspora networks to expose Pakistan\u2019s duplicity.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Strengthening intelligence and cyber-security frameworks<\/strong> to mitigate asymmetric threats.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>The UN\u2019s Crisis of Integrity<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>The <strong>UN\u2019s willingness to overlook Pakistan\u2019s terror links raises profound<\/strong> <strong>questions<\/strong> about its moral compass and credibility.<\/li>\n<li><strong>By placing Pakistan in charge of counter-terrorism, the UN risks undermining its own authority,<\/strong> alienating victims of terrorism, and emboldening state sponsors of extremism.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>appointment also reflects a larger pattern of selective morality<\/strong> in international governance, where political convenience trumps ethical consistency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>The <strong>paradox of Pakistan\u2019s elevation to UN counter-terrorism<\/strong> <strong>leadership illustrates the dangerous gap<\/strong> between rhetoric and reality in global governance.<\/li>\n<li>For India, <strong>the challenge lies not just in managing Pakistan\u2019s duplicity but also in ensuring that the international community recognises the threat<\/strong> such decisions pose to collective security.<\/li>\n<li>Ultimately, <strong>the issue is larger than India or Pakistan:<\/strong> it is about whether the UN can remain a credible arbiter in the fight against terrorism.<\/li>\n<li><strong>If state sponsors of terror are allowed to dictate the global counter-terrorism agenda, the world risks legitimising extremism<\/strong> instead of eradicating it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>An Anti-Terror Role That Defies Logic FAQs<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Q1. <\/strong>Why is Pakistan\u2019s leadership role in UN counter-terrorism committees controversial?<br \/>\n<strong>Ans. <\/strong>It is controversial because Pakistan has a long history of harbouring and supporting terrorist groups, which directly contradicts the objectives of those committees.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q2. <\/strong>What event in April 2025 highlighted Pakistan\u2019s continuing support for terrorism?<br \/>\n<strong>Ans. <\/strong>The Pahalgam attack on tourists in April 2025 exposed Pakistan\u2019s ongoing role as a haven for terror groups.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q3. <\/strong>How does Pakistan\u2019s UN role affect India\u2019s counter-terrorism efforts?<br \/>\n<strong>Ans. <\/strong>Pakistan\u2019s new position allows it to shape narratives, block sanctions, and undermine India\u2019s attempts to portray it as a state sponsor of terrorism.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q4. <\/strong>What larger problem does Pakistan\u2019s elevation reveal about the UN?<br \/>\n<strong>Ans. <\/strong>It reveals a crisis of credibility within the UN, showing that geopolitical convenience often outweighs moral and security imperatives.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q5. <\/strong>What strategies should India adopt in response?<br \/>\n<strong>Ans. <\/strong>India should strengthen its alliances, expose Pakistan\u2019s duplicity internationally, engage Afghanistan more actively, and reinforce its intelligence and security systems.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/opinion\/lead\/an-anti-terror-role-that-defies-logic\/article70109787.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">The Hindu<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong>South-South and Triangular Cooperation is More Than a Diplomatic Phrase<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>With only a third of the time left before the <strong>2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)<\/strong>, the urgency of reimagining global cooperation has never been more pressing.<\/li>\n<li>Among the most promising frameworks for collective progress is <strong>South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC),<\/strong> an approach rooted in solidarity, mutual respect, and shared learning.<\/li>\n<li>First <strong>formalised through the Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA) in 1978<\/strong>, SSTC has evolved into a vital mechanism for development, offering cost-effective, replicable, and contextually relevant solutions in a rapidly changing global landscape.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>The Evolution and Relevance of SSTC<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Unlike traditional aid models, <strong>SSTC operates on principles of equality and mutual benefit<\/strong>, enabling developing nations to learn from one another\u2019s experiences.<\/li>\n<li>Its <strong>importance has grown in an era defined by geopolitical instability<\/strong>, climate change, and widening inequality.<\/li>\n<li>By amplifying the strengths of developing countries and pooling resources, <strong>SSTC provides more sustainable and scalable solutions<\/strong> at a time when funding for humanitarian and development efforts is shrinking.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Triangular cooperation further expands this framework by connecting developing nations<\/strong> with traditional donors, emerging economies, civil society, and the private sector.<\/li>\n<li>This <strong>diversified partnership approach enhances accountability, trust, and inclusivity, <\/strong>resulting in development models that are people-centred and resilient.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>India\u2019s Philosophy and Leadership in SSTC<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">India\u2019s development philosophy is anchored in <strong>Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the idea that the world is one family. <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li>This <strong>ethos informs its role as a key driver of SSTC<\/strong>, where it combines moral leadership with practical innovation.<\/li>\n<li>India has <strong>consistently positioned itself as an advocate for sovereignty, inclusion, and multilateral cooperation.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Concrete contributions highlight India\u2019s leadership:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Global advocacy and diplomacy:<\/strong> Hosting the Voice of the Global South Summits and pushing for permanent African Union membership in the G20.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Institutional mechanisms:<\/strong> Establishing the Development Partnership Administration and implementing the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, which has trained professionals in over 160 countries.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Financial support:<\/strong> Launching the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, which has financed over 75 projects across 56 countries.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Technological innovation:<\/strong> Sharing digital public infrastructure models like Aadhaar and UPI, alongside advancements in climate resilience, healthcare, and sustainable financing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>India and the World Food Programme: A Model of Innovation<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>India\u2019s collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP) provides a striking example<\/strong> of how SSTC can generate scalable solutions.<\/li>\n<li>Over six decades, <strong>this partnership has produced innovations that improved India\u2019s food security <\/strong>and now serve as models for other nations. Notable initiatives include:<\/li>\n<li><strong>Annapurti (Grain ATMs)<\/strong> for efficient food distribution.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Optimised national supply chains<\/strong> for the public distribution system.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Women-led Take-Home Ration programmes<\/strong> improving nutrition at scale.<\/li>\n<li><strong>National rice fortification projects<\/strong> enhancing dietary quality.<\/li>\n<li>These <strong>interventions exemplify how localised innovation can achieve global relevance<\/strong>, offering replicable models for countries facing similar challenges.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Financing and Scaling SSTC<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Sustained progress <strong>requires strong institutions and predictable financing<\/strong>. Encouragingly, contributions to SSTC have steadily grown.<\/li>\n<li>In the past three decades, <strong>47 governments have supported the UN Fund for South-South Cooperation,<\/strong> benefitting people in 155 countries.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>India-UN Fund has further extended these efforts,<\/strong> particularly in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).<\/li>\n<li>In 2024 alone, <strong>the WFP mobilised over $10.9 million from Global South countries<\/strong> and the private sector for SSTC projects targeting <strong>Zero Hunger (SDG 2)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>I<strong>nitiatives like rice fortification in Nepal and development projects in Lao PDR demonstrate the tangible outcomes<\/strong> of these partnerships.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>The Way Forward: Towards a Renewed Spirit of Partnership<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>The <strong>2025 theme for UN Day for South-South and Triangular Cooperation<\/strong>, New Opportunities and Innovation through SSTC, captures the pressing need to invest in creativity, knowledge-sharing, and institutional strength.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>challenges ahead demand not only technical solutions<\/strong> but also a new spirit of partnership grounded in equality, innovation, and mutual accountability.<\/li>\n<li><strong>SSTC is not merely a diplomatic instrument<\/strong>; it is a transformative pathway.<\/li>\n<li><strong>By valuing contributions from all nations,<\/strong> nurturing innovation, and prioritising the needs of communities, <strong>it can drive progress towards a more equitable and sustainable global future.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>The <strong>trajectory of SSTC<\/strong> illustrates how <strong>solidarity among developing nations can generate lasting global impact. <\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>India\u2019s leadership, through innovation, financing<\/strong>, and advocacy, <strong>showcases the transformative potential of this model. <\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Yet, <strong>achieving the SDGs requires more than isolated successes<\/strong>; it calls for a collective renewal of partnerships across sectors and regions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>In this shared journey, SSTC offers both a compass and a lifeline,<\/strong> guiding the world toward a future of inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>South-South and Triangular Cooperation is More Than a Diplomatic Phrase FAQs<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Q1. <\/strong>What is South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC)?<br \/>\n<strong>Ans. <\/strong>SSTC is a development model where countries of the Global South share knowledge, resources, and innovations, often in partnership with traditional donors, to achieve sustainable and equitable progress.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q2. <\/strong>Why is SSTC considered more effective than traditional aid in some contexts?<br \/>\n<strong>Ans. <\/strong>SSTC is cost-effective, replicable, and tailored to local conditions, making it more relevant and impactful than one-size-fits-all traditional aid models.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q3. <\/strong>How does India\u2019s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam influence its role in SSTC?<br \/>\n<strong>Ans. <\/strong>The philosophy that \u201cthe world is one family\u201d guides India to promote inclusion, solidarity, and mutual respect in its global development partnerships.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q4. <\/strong>What are some innovations developed through India\u2019s partnership with the World Food Programme?<br \/>\n<strong>Ans. <\/strong>Notable innovations include Grain ATMs, supply chain optimisation for food distribution, women-led Take-Home Ration programmes, and rice fortification projects.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q5. <\/strong>What is the theme for the 2025 UN Day for South-South and Triangular Cooperation?<br \/>\n<strong>Ans. <\/strong>The theme is New Opportunities and Innovation through SSTC, highlighting the need for strong institutions, financing, and creative solutions.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/opinion\/op-ed\/sstc-is-more-than-a-diplomatic-phrase\/article70109816.ece#:~:text=SSTC%20is%20more%20than%20a,more%20equitable%20and%20sustainable%20future.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">The Hindu<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Daily Editorial Analysis 30 September 2025 by Vajiram &#038; Ravi covers key editorials from The Hindu &#038; Indian Express with UPSC-focused insights and relevance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":50653,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[138],"tags":[141,882,909],"class_list":{"0":"post-65783","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-daily-editorial-analysis","8":"tag-daily-editorial-analysis","9":"tag-the-hindu-editorial-analysis","10":"tag-the-indian-express-analysis","11":"no-featured-image-padding"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65783","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=65783"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65783\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/50653"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=65783"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=65783"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=65783"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}