THE HINDU DATED 11TH DECEMBER 2025

Summary of Important News Items and Editorials-40

THE HINDU DATED 11TH DECEMBER 2025.

1. Illegal Immigrants Will Be Deported, Says Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah used the Lok Sabha debate on electoral reforms to reiterate the NDA government’s commitment to “detect, delete and deport” illegal immigrants. Responding to Rahul Gandhi’s allegations of “vote theft” and concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Shah accused the Opposition of wanting to keep infiltrators on voter lists. He argued that SIR has existed since 1952 and is essential for “purifying” voter rolls. Shah dismissed concerns over immunity given to Election Commissioners and rejected Mr. Gandhi’s challenge for a direct debate. The Opposition staged a walkout, after which Shah insisted that even if they walked out “200 times”, the government would not allow a single infiltrator. The debate reflects deep political polarisation over electoral reforms, with the government emphasising national security and the Opposition highlighting transparency and institutional accountability.

2. Bilaspur Train Collision Report Finds Loco Pilot ‘Unfit’

The Commissioner of Railway Safety’s inquiry into the November 4 Bilaspur collision—which killed 12 people—found that the MEMU train’s loco pilot lacked essential knowledge of safety rules. He had failed an aptitude test and scored poorly in safety assessments. The report reveals that he overshot a caution signal and then a red signal, violating fundamental norms. The assistant loco pilot also failed to apply emergency brakes despite clear danger. The train manager’s competence was found “very poor,” raising larger concerns about training and certification processes within Indian Railways. The logical conclusion of the report is that systemic lapses—not merely individual fault—contributed to the accident, as persons lacking adequate qualification were posted to sensitive positions. The findings call for urgent reforms in recruitment, training, and continuous evaluation to ensure passenger safety and prevent preventable disasters rooted in human error.