The Indian Express editorial analysis offers valuable insights into current issues affecting India, providing a critical understanding of socio-political and economic matters. For UPSC CSE preparation, such editorials are essential for developing analytical skills, enhancing understanding of governance, and applying knowledge to relevant General Studies topics. Through editorial analysis, aspirants can engage with contemporary issues, assess policy impacts, and build a nuanced perspective required for the examination.
1. India-Taliban Talks and Realism in Acting West
India-Taliban Relations
- Recent Developments:
- Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Taliban’s acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai, signaling an elevation in India-Taliban engagement.
- India has not formally recognized the Taliban regime but maintains communication through functional and technical channels.
- Humanitarian and Development Assistance:
- India has committed material support in health and refugee rehabilitation sectors.
- It has supplied essential medicines, vaccines (COVID-19 and polio), anti-tuberculosis drugs, surgical items, and humanitarian supplies like blankets, winter clothing, and stationery.
- India allocated ₹200 crore in the Union Budget 2024-25 for assistance to Afghanistan.
- Trade and Connectivity:
- India leverages Chabahar Port (Iran) for trade and humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
- Cooperation with Iran on refugee rehabilitation and border stability is emphasized.
- Afghanistan’s Strategic Importance:
- Afghanistan features prominently in India’s “Act West” policy, balancing humanitarian aid and geopolitical interests.
- India’s engagement contrasts with Pakistan’s expulsion of over 500,000 Afghan refugees, creating a crisis in Afghanistan.
Geopolitical Context
- Pakistan’s Challenges with the Taliban:
- Taliban’s refusal to recognize the Durand Line and support for Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) intensifies tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
- The TTP, backed by Taliban sympathies, actively attacks Pakistani forces, with an estimated 6,000-6,500 fighters operating from Afghan territory.
- Taliban’s Regional Position:
- Despite lack of international recognition, countries like China, Russia, Iran, and Central Asian nations maintain ties with the Taliban regime.
- The Taliban faces a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by Pakistan’s expulsions and a lack of formal recognition by the UN.
Diplomatic and Security Implications
- India’s Strategic Engagement:
- India re-established a “technical team” in its Kabul embassy in 2022.
- By engaging the Taliban, India counters regional players like China and Pakistan and maintains influence in Afghanistan.
- Taliban and Terrorism:
- Strong ties between the Taliban, TTP, and al-Qaeda pose challenges to regional security.
- Taliban’s rivalry with the Islamic State (Khorasan Province) complicates the security scenario.
- Sports Diplomacy:
- Afghanistan’s cricketing achievements provide a cultural bridge, with players like Rashid Khan participating in the IPL.
- India’s promotion of cricket in Afghanistan fosters goodwill among Afghan youth.
Recommendations for India
- Enhanced Humanitarian Assistance:
- Continued delivery of essential supplies and infrastructure development to support Afghanistan’s recovery.
- Collaboration with regional partners like Iran to mitigate refugee and humanitarian crises.
- Geopolitical Strategy:
- Capitalize on traditional India-Afghanistan ties to counter regional adversaries and stabilize the region.
- Strengthen trade links via Chabahar and deepen India-Iran cooperation for mutual benefit.
- Caution with Taliban Engagement:
- While engaging with the Taliban, maintain a clear stance on terrorism and human rights issues.
- Avoid direct recognition but adopt pragmatic approaches for strategic and humanitarian gains.
Conclusion
India’s engagement with the Taliban reflects a pragmatic shift aligned with regional realities. Balancing humanitarian aid, strategic interests, and regional security challenges, Afghanistan’s integration into India’s “Act West” policy holds potential for deeper bilateral ties amidst complex geopolitics.
2. India-Taliban talks: Delhi must not give up core values, should underline concerns
1. Strategic Context of India-Afghanistan Relations:
- India-Afghanistan ties have traditionally retained their strategic character despite changes in regimes.
- India shares natural warmth with Afghanistan due to the absence of bilateral disputes and shared concerns over Pakistan’s interference.
- Pakistan’s attempt to use the Taliban as an anti-India force has failed; tensions persist between Kabul and Rawalpindi.
2. India’s Evolving Engagement with the Taliban:
- The meeting between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Taliban’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai marked elevated engagement.
- India has responded positively to Kabul’s requests for humanitarian aid and developmental cooperation.
- India’s policy has shifted from caution to cautious engagement, driven by geopolitical realities.
3. Key Concerns in India-Taliban Relations:
- Taliban’s Domestic Policies:
- The regime’s oppressive governance, particularly the denial of women’s rights and basic freedoms, is a critical concern.
- While India cannot alter Afghanistan’s internal politics, it must advocate for political and social moderation.
- Collaboration with moderate Arab states like the UAE offers an avenue to promote positive change in Afghanistan.
- Abandonment of Old Allies:
- India’s failure to assist former Afghan allies, including denial of visas, has tarnished its image.
- Balancing new ties with the Taliban while maintaining old friendships is crucial for long-term credibility.
4. India’s Core Values in Foreign Policy:
- Realism dictates dealing with the regime in power; however, India must not compromise on its foundational principles.
- Advocacy for human rights, women’s empowerment, and inclusive governance must remain central to India’s approach.
5. Recommendations for India:
- Continue humanitarian and developmental assistance while encouraging moderation in the Taliban’s policies.
- Work with international and regional partners like the UAE to push for reforms in Afghanistan.
- Restore ties with former allies to uphold India’s reputation as a reliable partner.
6. Conclusion:
- India’s engagement with the Taliban reflects pragmatic diplomacy shaped by geopolitical realities.
- Balancing strategic interests with advocacy for core values and human rights will define the success of India’s Afghan policy.
3. Meta ditching fact-checking: Huge implications that go beyond the US
1. Context of Meta’s Decision:
- Meta (Facebook and Instagram) announced changes to its fact-checking program, starting in the US, following Donald Trump’s re-election.
- The shift aligns with a “Community Notes” model like that of X (formerly Twitter), promoting less restrictive content regulation.
- CEO Mark Zuckerberg cited prioritization of free speech as the rationale for the change.
2. Alignment with Big Tech Trends:
- The decision reflects growing alignment between tech leaders like Zuckerberg and Elon Musk on issues of content moderation and freedom of expression.
- Musk’s approach to X has emphasized minimal moderation, contributing to controversies over misinformation.
3. Global Implications:
- Changes in Big Tech’s policies in the US have ripple effects worldwide due to the global user base of platforms like Facebook (3+ billion users).
- Countries like India, Brazil, and Indonesia, where social media platforms serve as major news sources, are particularly vulnerable to misinformation.
- Examples of misinformation’s impact include vaccine hesitancy during the Covid-19 pandemic and political disruptions caused by Musk’s social media posts.
4. Challenges of Mis/Disinformation:
- Social media platforms have significant influence in shaping public opinion and worldviews.
- Misinformation can destabilize societies and undermine trust in institutions, as seen in instances of political and public health crises.
5. Role of Institutional Media:
- The article advocates for strengthening traditional institutional media as a counterbalance to Big Tech’s influence.
- Institutional media provides verified, trusted news, minimizing risks of misinformation.
6. Lessons for India and Developing Countries:
- India and other countries with large social media user bases need to be vigilant about the influence of Big Tech on public discourse.
- Policies to regulate misinformation and promote media literacy are essential to safeguard democratic processes and societal harmony.
7. Conclusion:
- While Big Tech plays a critical role in modern communication, its business motives and alignment with political trends can compromise the accuracy of news dissemination.
- Strengthening institutional media and fostering accountability in social media platforms are essential to address these challenges globally.
4. The lack of empathy for survivors of sexual violence, assault
1. Delhi HC’s Landmark Judgment (S V v State):
- The Delhi High Court emphasized that all hospitals, public or private, must provide free medical treatment to survivors of rape, child sexual abuse, and acid attacks.
- Legal provisions under Section 397, BNSS, and Section 357C, CrPC mandate free first-aid, diagnostic tests, treatment, and psychological counselling for survivors.
- Hospitals cannot demand ID proof for emergency treatment and denying free treatment is punishable.
2. Guidelines Issued by the Court:
- Sensitization of medical staff (doctors, nurses, paramedics, and administrative personnel) on the legal and ethical obligations to treat survivors.
- Prominent signs in hospitals to inform survivors about free treatment provisions.
- Therapeutic care to include all medical and psychological needs, from emergency aid to long-term counselling.
3. Therapeutic Jurisprudence:
- Focus on survivor care through a right to health, dignity, privacy, and life perspective.
- Advocates for a broader interpretation of “treatment” to include comprehensive medical and psychological support.
4. Clothing Kits for Survivors:
- Survivors are often forced to remain in blood-soaked clothes or borrow garments after forensic analysis.
- The state has a moral and constitutional obligation to provide clothing kits, including undergarments, sanitary napkins, and personal items.
- The lack of such provisions exacerbates trauma and violates the dignity of survivors.
5. Broader Public Health Issue:
- Sexual violence needs to be addressed as a public health crisis.
- Survivors face medical gaslighting, misdiagnosis, and societal bias, especially in cases of domestic or marital violence.
- International cases like Gisèle Pelicot’s highlight systemic biases and the need for greater sensitivity in medical and judicial systems.
6. Governance Challenges:
- Despite legal mandates, hospitals and police stations often fail to provide essential services to survivors.
- The political class lacks focus on sexual violence as a governance and public health issue.
7. Historical Perspective:
- Eminent feminist law teacher Vasudha Dhagamwar raised the issue of clothing kits for survivors as early as the 1980s.
- Case studies from the past highlight the state’s failure to meet its obligations.
8. Call for Systemic Reforms:
- Expand the HC’s reasoning to cover survivors of domestic and marital violence.
- Strengthen state accountability in providing essential items and therapeutic care.
- Root out biases against women in medical and judicial systems.
9. Conclusion:
- Addressing the needs of sexual violence survivors is a legal and ethical imperative.
- Comprehensive care, including free medical treatment and clothing kits, is essential to uphold the dignity and rights of survivors.
- Law, state, and society must work together to eliminate systemic gaps and ensure empathetic treatment of survivors.
5. Ashok Gulati writes: Why MSP should not be legalised
1. Market Economics vs. Legalizing MSP
- MSP (Minimum Support Price) is designed to stabilize farmer incomes but conflicts with market-driven price discovery.
- In surplus production scenarios, legalizing MSP creates excess supply, which the government may struggle to procure.
- Private players would avoid buying at MSP, pushing the burden entirely onto the government.
2. Price Deficiency Payments: A Limited Solution
- This policy compensates farmers for the difference between MSP and market prices but faces challenges:
- Market prices may artificially decrease as traders collude with farmers to show lower rates.
- The fiscal burden on the government becomes unpredictable.
- Madhya Pradesh’s attempt with this policy failed due to these flaws.
3. Current MSP Coverage and Effectiveness
- MSP applies to 23 crops, covering only 30% of agricultural value.
- Effective implementation is limited to rice and wheat in select states.
- Only 10% of farmers reportedly sell at MSP, as revealed by the latest Situation Assessment Survey.
4. Performance of Non-MSP Sectors
- Sectors like fisheries, meat, eggs, and horticulture (which lack MSP) have shown higher growth rates compared to rice and wheat.
- Fisheries: 8.2% annual growth; Meat: 7.3%; Horticulture: 4.7%; vs. Wheat: 2.5% and Paddy: 3.2%.
- This indicates that freer markets outperform MSP-backed policies in many cases.
5. India’s Consumer Bias in Agri-Policy
- Policies such as export bans, stocking limits, and futures suspension distort markets.
- India has a negative Producer Support Estimate (PSE), meaning agriculture is implicitly taxed by suppressing market prices to keep consumer costs low.
6. Alternative Solutions for Farmers
- Develop agricultural value chains, such as the AMUL model in milk, ensuring farmers receive 75-80% of consumer spending.
- Introduce a stabilization fund (~₹25,000 crore) for key crops like pulses and oilseeds to manage price volatility.
- Focus on freeing markets and reducing distortions for sustainable farmer growth.
7. Historical Context and Evolving Needs
- MSP originated during the mid-1960s to address acute grain deficits but is less relevant in today’s surplus scenario.
- Modern agricultural challenges require market liberalization rather than rigid MSP policies.
8. The Bigger Picture
- Legalizing MSP risks increasing fiscal strain, disrupting market dynamics, and hampering agricultural innovation.
- A balanced approach with freer markets, targeted interventions, and reduced consumer bias can address farmer welfare without undermining economic efficiency.
Conclusion: Rational policy-making requires moving beyond the emotional appeal of MSP legalization. Freer markets, along with targeted support mechanisms, can better address farmer challenges and align with the liberalized economy.
6. Harish Damodaran writes: Why farmers deserve price security
1. Declining Agricultural Lands and Workforce
- Fertile agricultural lands are being converted into real estate, infrastructure, and urban development projects.
- India’s “serious” farmer population, those deriving most of their income from farming, has dwindled to an estimated 40 million households.
2. The Need for Retention in Farming
- Ensuring food security for a projected population of 1.7 billion by the 2060s requires retaining fertile lands and skilled farmers.
- Farmers must have incentives to stay in agriculture instead of selling their lands for non-agricultural uses.
3. Agriculture’s Unique Risks
- Farming faces both production and price risks, which are compounded by climate change.
- While production risks are difficult to mitigate entirely, price risks can be addressed through policy measures.
4. Price Assurance and Innovation
- The Green Revolution and subsequent agricultural growth were driven by assured prices and technological advancements.
- Recent years have seen a decline in the terms of trade for farmers and a slowdown in agricultural innovations, making price security even more crucial.
5. Benefits of Price Deficiency Payments (PDP)
- PDP involves compensating farmers for the difference between MSP and market prices when they sell below the MSP.
- This system could lead to:
- Formalization and digitization of farm trade, moving away from cash-based transactions.
- Farmers demanding documented sales invoices, enhancing transparency.
- Encouragement for states to create better market infrastructure like APMC mandis and e-trading platforms.
6. Strategic and Consumer Interests
- Price security is essential to ensure farmers can sustainably produce food for the nation.
- Dependence on global food supplies is not viable; self-reliance in agriculture is a strategic imperative.
7. Encouraging Crop Diversification
- Farmers need price assurance to transition from water-intensive crops like paddy and sugarcane to alternatives like soybean, cotton, and pulses.
- Without a minimum price guarantee, farmers are unlikely to diversify due to market volatility and low returns.
8. A Collaborative Approach
- The implementation of PDP would require coordination between the Centre and state governments.
- States must create mechanisms to record sales data, and the Centre’s financial support should be conditional upon this infrastructure development.
9. Conclusion
- Providing farmers with price security is not just an economic measure but a strategic necessity for India’s food security and rural sustainability.
- Legalizing MSP through mechanisms like PDP could address price risks, incentivize crop diversification, and retain both lands and talent in agriculture, ensuring long-term agricultural resilience.
Price assurance is an investment in India’s future — safeguarding farmers today to feed the nation tomorrow.
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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