For UPSC CSE aspirants, analyzing editorials from The Indian Express is essential to build a comprehensive understanding of current affairs, policy debates, and socio-economic challenges. Here’s a structured breakdown of the editorial themes covered on February 08, 2025, tailored for UPSC preparation:
1. What Union Budget should have focused on instead of tax cuts for middle class
The article critiques the Union Budget 2025-26 for prioritizing middle-class tax cuts over much-needed public expenditure to address economic distress.
Key Takeaways:
- Economic Slowdown and Budget Response:
- Economic Survey acknowledges declining incomes and stagnant wages, especially for self-employed and wage workers.
- Budget focuses on middle-class tax cuts instead of increasing public spending to boost aggregate demand.
- Public Expenditure Trends:
- Budgeted expenditure growth (7.3%) is lower than nominal GDP growth (10.1%).
- Excluding interest payments, government spending growth is only 5.9%, the same as last year.
- Fiscal deficit target reduced to 4.4% through expenditure cuts, affecting crucial ministries.
- Sectoral Impact of Budget Cuts:
- Rural Development: Revised estimates fell by ₹3,654 crore compared to budgeted figures.
- Labour & Employment: Revised estimates lower by ₹4,224 crore.
- MGNREGA: Allocation stagnant at ₹86,000 crore, lower than actual spending (₹89,368 crore) in 2023-24.
- Agriculture: Budgeted expenditure (₹1,27,290 crore) is lower than last year’s revised estimate (₹1,31,195 crore).
- Concerns Over Tax Cuts for the Middle Class:
- ₹1 lakh crore tax giveaway seen as a “cash transfer” to the middle class.
- Prioritizing tax benefits for those earning up to ₹12.75 lakh over public welfare schemes.
- Risk: Middle class may repay loans rather than boost consumption, reducing economic impact.
- Comparison with Past Corporate Tax Cuts:
- ₹2 lakh crore corporate tax cuts in the past did not lead to higher investments or job creation.
- Corporates used savings to clear debts and increase profits, not expand business.
- Similar risk exists with middle-class tax cuts if they fail to boost demand.
Conclusion:
The Budget prioritizes political considerations over economic needs, favoring the middle class while cutting essential spending in rural and informal sectors. A more expansionary fiscal policy was required to stimulate demand, create jobs, and support struggling sectors.
2. Manipur crisis: What N Biren Singh’s resignation could mean for the state’s future
The resignation of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh marks a significant development in the state’s prolonged crisis. While the move was long overdue, it signals a potential shift in the Centre’s approach to resolving the conflict.
Key Takeaways:
- Delayed Resignation and Its Impact:
- Singh’s resignation comes 20 months after violence erupted in May 2023, resulting in over 250 deaths and the displacement of 75,000 people.
- Delay in action reflects a lack of priority accorded to the crisis by the central government.
- Allegations of Bias and Mishandling:
- Singh was seen as partial towards his Meitei community, leading to accusations of inaction against Meitei armed groups.
- His government failed to enforce law and order, with over 10,000 FIRs registered but little action taken.
- Exclusion of Meitei groups from the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement worsened the conflict.
- Factors Behind the Resignation:
- Pressure from ruling party MLAs and potential no-confidence motion.
- Change in political strategy following the appointment of Ajay Kumar Bhalla as Governor.
- Speculation about diplomatic considerations linked to the PM’s upcoming meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.
- Next Steps for Stability:
- President’s Rule should be imposed to ensure neutral governance.
- Uniform application of AFSPA across Manipur to empower central forces.
- Recovery of looted arms from anti-national elements.
- Disarmament of insurgent groups, including Arambai Tenggol, Meitei Leepun, and Kuki factions.
- Long-Term Conflict Resolution:
- Swift investigation and prosecution of perpetrators to provide justice to victims.
- Impartial peace negotiations to ensure a sustainable solution.
- Appointment of independent and neutral officials to oversee the reconciliation process.
Conclusion:
While Singh’s resignation is a step toward resolving the Manipur crisis, long-term peace depends on effective governance, unbiased security measures, and a commitment to justice. The Centre must act decisively to restore normalcy and address the deep-seated ethnic tensions in the state.
3. What AAP didn’t get: Delhi looks for results
The article provides an insightful analysis of the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) decline in Delhi’s political landscape and the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) opportunity to govern effectively.
Key Takeaways:
- Delhi’s Political Trends:
- Sheila Dikshit’s governance model (1998-2013) was based on performance and negotiation, ensuring infrastructural development and cooperation with the Centre.
- AAP’s rise (2015-2025) was based on populist measures in education and welfare but faced governance challenges.
- The 2025 elections saw a shift as AAP lost voter confidence, giving BJP a clear mandate.
- AAP’s Governance Challenges:
- Kejriwal’s governance was marked by confrontation with the Centre and the Lieutenant Governor, which hindered smooth administration.
- Allegations of profligacy (renovation expenses, governance inefficiencies) eroded public trust.
- Despite some successes, infrastructure issues and lack of visible improvements led to voter dissatisfaction.
- BJP’s Opportunity and Responsibility:
- BJP’s victory resembles Congress’s 2003 win under Sheila Dikshit, signaling a demand for performance over rhetoric.
- With a cooperative Central government, BJP now has no excuse for governance failures.
- The party must provide an alternative governance model, focusing on efficiency, infrastructure, and public services.
- Delhi’s Political Nature:
- The city’s transactional mindset prioritizes tangible results over ideology.
- Governance, not agitation, determines electoral success—Dikshit’s cooperation model was rewarded, while Kejriwal’s confrontational approach lost favor.
- The “perform or perish” culture of Delhi politics is evident in shifting voter preferences.
Conclusion:
Delhi’s electorate has decisively moved away from AAP after two terms, prioritizing governance over activism. The onus is now on the BJP to deliver visible results and prove itself as a competent alternative.
4. Express view on arson and violence in Bangladesh: Dhaka must act
The ongoing violence and arson in Bangladesh targeting the homes of Awami League leaders and the destruction of murals of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman are alarming. The Muhammad Yunus-led government must act decisively to restore law and order.
Key Takeaways:
- Political Unrest & Historical Sensitivities:
- The attack on Mujib’s residence and defacement of his murals symbolize an assault on Bangladesh’s national identity and history.
- Sheikh Mujib, as the architect of Bangladesh’s liberation, holds a revered place in the nation’s consciousness.
- Any attempt to erase or undermine his legacy may alienate a significant section of the population and deepen political divisions.
- Bangladesh’s Political Instability:
- The political landscape post-Sheikh Hasina’s exit is still unsettled and volatile.
- Statements from Yunus’s advisors about barring the Awami League from contesting elections are anti-democratic and threaten political pluralism.
- Free and fair elections are necessary to ensure democratic stability in Bangladesh.
- India-Bangladesh Relations:
- New Delhi has strongly condemned the violence, highlighting Mujib’s deep ties to India and Bangladesh’s history.
- Bangladesh’s diplomatic protest against India’s remarks risks straining bilateral ties, which are crucial for economic, security, and cultural cooperation.
- Both nations must insulate their relations from short-term political conflicts and focus on long-term mutual interests.
- Governance & Rule of Law:
- The Yunus-led government’s equivocation and delayed response raise concerns about its commitment to peace and stability.
- His call for calm must be backed by strong actions to prevent further violence and hold perpetrators accountable.
- As a Nobel Laureate, Yunus has the moral authority to steer the country toward reconciliation, but his leadership will be tested by how effectively he manages the crisis.
Conclusion:
Bangladesh’s stability depends on political inclusivity, respect for history, and the rule of law. The interim government must prevent chaos, ensure fair elections, and avoid political vendettas to secure a peaceful and democratic future.
Disclaimer:
This analysis is based on the editorial content published in Indian Express and is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. The views, opinions, and interpretations expressed herein are those of the author of original article. Readers are encouraged to refer to the original article for complete context and to exercise their own judgment while interpreting the analysis. The analysis does not constitute professional advice or endorsement of any political, economic, or social perspective.
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