Indian Express Editorial Analysis: January 13, 2025

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. Express View on draft UGC guidelines: Campus unfreedom

Positive Aspects

1. Liberalising Recruitment Rules:
   • Flexibility introduced in teaching appointments; UG and PG degrees no longer mandatory for all disciplines.
   • Senior industry experts and public administrators can apply for Vice Chancellor (VC) positions, promoting academia-industry collaboration.
   • Removal of the cap on contract jobs to attract diverse talent.
2. Alignment with NEP Goals:
   • Encourages interdisciplinary teaching and research by breaking disciplinary silos.
   • Emphasizes modernizing higher education institutions to meet demands of the knowledge economy.

Concerns Highlighted

1. Centralisation in VC Appointments:
   • Governors (as chancellors) to constitute search committees for VCs, reducing university autonomy.
   • Search committees include nominees from the Raj Bhavan and UGC, limiting the university’s representation to one member.
2. Politicisation Risks:
   • Politically motivated VC appointments (e.g., by state governments or governors) can harm institutional integrity.
   • Non-BJP-ruled states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal have expressed concerns over central dominance.
3. Contradiction with NEP:
   • Centralising tendencies in VC appointments conflict with NEP 2020’s emphasis on institutional autonomy.

Broader Implications

1. Need for Academic Freedom:
   • Universities should be insulated from political interference by both central and state governments.
   • The focus should be on appointing competent and independent academic leaders.
2. Lessons from Global Practices:
   • Globally, participatory systems involve faculty bodies, domain experts, and student associations in leadership selection.
   • Adoption of such models can strengthen transparency and reduce political interference.

Recommendations

1. Ensure Balanced Search Committees:
   • Equal representation for universities and external experts in VC selection.
2. Decentralisation:
   • Reduce the role of governors and central agencies in university appointments.
3. Transparent and Rigorous Processes:
   • Design strict, merit-based selection criteria for VC appointments.
4. Stakeholder Consultations:
   • Engage faculty, academics, and policymakers to refine the draft guidelines.

Conclusion

The draft UGC guidelines introduce positive reforms like liberalised recruitment and industry collaboration but fall short in preserving institutional autonomy. Effective implementation requires balancing governance, insulating academia from political pressures, and fostering innovation in leadership.

2. Express View on death of rat-hole miners: A recurring tragedy

Background

1. Recurring Tragedies in Rat-Hole Mining:
   • Recent incident in Assam’s Dima Hasao district claimed nine lives, with ongoing rescue operations.
   • Similar incidents in Meghalaya (2018) saw 15 deaths, highlighting repeated fatalities from mudslides, poisonous gases, and rising water levels.
2. What is Rat-Hole Mining?
   • Primitive and hazardous mining technique involving narrow tunnels unsuitable for conventional mining equipment.
   • Predominantly practiced in northeastern states like Meghalaya and Assam.

Policy Framework

1. NGT Ban on Rat-Hole Mining:
   • In 2014, the National Green Tribunal banned the practice due to environmental and safety concerns.
   • Despite the ban, violations are rampant, with Meghalaya recording 477 breaches between April 2014 and November 2018.
2. Legal and Administrative Challenges:
   • Section 23C of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 empowers state governments to regulate mining activities.
   • Central government often passes responsibility to state governments, limiting accountability and effective enforcement.

Economic and Social Factors

1. Economic Incentives:
   • Rat-hole mining offers significantly higher wages compared to schemes like MGNREGA, making it economically attractive for locals.
   • Thin coal layers in northeastern states favor this method over conventional mining.
2. Politician-Bureaucracy Nexus:
   • Weak enforcement due to collusion between political and bureaucratic entities.
   • Lack of political will to enforce the NGT ban strictly.

Key Issues and Challenges

1. Environmental and Safety Concerns:
   • High risks to miners’ lives due to unsafe working conditions and lack of regulation.
   • Significant ecological damage to the fragile environment of the northeastern states.
2. Lack of Political Will:
   • Resistance from state governments to implement central mining laws, as seen in Meghalaya’s resolution to exempt itself from these laws.
   • Delayed or inadequate responses to repeated violations and incidents.

Recommendations

1. Strengthen Enforcement:
   • Implement the NGT ban in letter and spirit with robust monitoring mechanisms.
2. Enhance Economic Alternatives:
   • Provide viable livelihood options through skill development and better-paying government schemes to reduce dependency on illegal mining.
3. Build Political Consensus:
   • Foster cooperation between central and state governments to address systemic issues in mining regulation.
4. Increase Awareness and Transparency:
   • Conduct awareness campaigns on the hazards of rat-hole mining.
   • Promote transparency in mining operations to prevent corruption and illegal activities.

Conclusion

The deaths of rat-hole miners underscore systemic failures in policy enforcement, governance, and economic alternatives. Addressing these issues requires urgent intervention, political commitment, and sustainable development strategies to protect both lives and the environment.

3. H-1B visa debate shows America has invaded itself

Background

1. H-1B Visa Controversy:
   • The debate over H-1B visas is tied to the ongoing tension within the US political spectrum, particularly the MAGA (Make America Great Again) wing of Donald Trump’s coalition.
   • The controversy intensified when Laura Loomer criticized the appointment of Sriram Krishnan as a senior AI advisor, labeling him and other foreign-born workers as a threat to America.
2. H-1B Visa Overview:
   • The H-1B visa program is the largest US work visa program for foreign professionals in specialty occupations.
   • Indians are the majority of H-1B visa holders, raising concerns regarding competition for jobs and cultural impact in the US.

Key Issues with H-1B Visa Program

1. Economic and Political Concerns:
   • Critics argue that the H-1B visa program allows companies to hire cheaper foreign labor, leading to the exploitation of workers and a decline in opportunities for native workers.
   • Concerns exist that it disincentivizes Americans from pursuing STEM fields, contributing to skill deficits in the workforce.
2. Problems with the Visa System:
   • Demand for H-1B visas exceeds the annual cap, leading to lotteries and delays in processing.
   • Some companies exploit the system by filing multiple applications, making the process uncertain for potential candidates.
   • While the program is meant to bring in highly skilled workers, many who qualify are not necessarily the best candidates, while many highly skilled individuals are left out.
3. Political and Economic Implications:
   • H-1B visa holders contribute significantly to innovation, with higher patent and citation rates in tech companies. Immigrants, both legal and illegal, commit fewer crimes than native-born citizens.
   • Immigrants play a crucial role in maintaining the vibrancy of the US workforce and bolstering economic sectors like technology, research, and education.

Broader Context

1. Wider Immigration Debate:
   • The debate over H-1B visas is a microcosm of the larger issues with the US immigration system. Past administrations have failed to resolve the systemic issues, including illegal immigration and the unfair treatment of foreign workers.
2. Trump’s Policy and Influence:
   • Despite the controversy, Trump’s stance on H-1B visas is often volatile. His previous executive orders temporarily banned H-1B visas, though this was later struck down by a federal court. His recent support for tech companies has softened his approach.
3. Larger Internal Struggles in the US:
   • The scuffle over H-1B visas represents deeper divisions within the Trump coalition between populist politics and tech industry support.
   • The broader implications of these internal conflicts could have far-reaching effects beyond immigration, including issues like climate change, technological regulation, and international relations.

Global Implications

1. America’s Internal Struggles:
   • The focus on “third-world invaders” distracts from the real issue of America’s self-inflicted problems, including political infighting and policy failures.
   • The consequences of these internal conflicts could extend beyond the US, affecting global issues such as climate change, international conflicts, and global pandemics.
2. Impact on Global Talent and Innovation:
   • The restrictions and issues with H-1B visas could harm the US’s ability to retain top talent, thus undermining its competitive edge in global technology and research sectors.

Conclusion

The debate over H-1B visas highlights broader challenges within US immigration policy and political dynamics. While the US may be grappling with internal divisions and populist rhetoric, the real challenge lies in reforming the immigration system to ensure economic growth, innovation, and global competitiveness. The debate is not just about immigration but about America’s future direction on a global scale.

4. Planning for a hotter world

Context

1. Record-breaking Heat and Climatic Changes:
   • 2024 was declared the hottest year on record globally, including in India. This, alongside other countries like Brazil, China, and Germany, highlights the severity of rising global temperatures.
   • The increased heat stress, especially in India, is becoming a critical issue for public health, economic productivity, and infrastructure.
2. Climate Extremes and Vulnerabilities in India:
   • Studies show that nearly 80% of India’s population lives in districts prone to extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and cyclones.
   • Certain regions like Odisha, Telangana, and Gujarat are particularly vulnerable to multiple simultaneous disasters, raising the need for localized adaptation measures.

Key Issues and Challenges

1. Heatwaves and Economic Impact:
   • Heatwaves are increasingly affecting India, with nearly 23 states being heatwave-prone. In 2024 alone, over 44,000 cases of heatstroke were recorded, resulting in over 300 deaths.
   • The heat stress affects sectors like agriculture and energy. For instance, Delhi’s peak power demand surged by 16% during a heatwave, indicating a strain on infrastructure.
2. Changing Monsoon Patterns:
   • Monsoon variability is increasing, with declines in rainfall observed in the agriculturally significant Indo-Gangetic plains, affecting crop yields.
   • Cyclone activity, particularly in the Arabian Sea, has increased by 52% over the past two decades, further compounding the challenges posed by extreme weather.
3. Flooding and Infrastructure:
   • In 2024, several states experienced severe flooding, highlighting the inadequacies in flood preparedness, especially in urban areas.
   • Only one-third of the flood-prone population is covered by flood early warning systems, underscoring the need for greater preparedness.

Strategic Measures for Climate Resilience

1. Detailed Risk Assessment and Vulnerability Mapping:
   • A granular risk assessment of heat stress, especially in heatwave-prone cities, is necessary. Vulnerable groups like children, elderly, and people with chronic illnesses should be prioritized.
   • Sectors such as dairy farming, which are sensitive to heat, should also receive targeted adaptation strategies like solar-based cooling solutions to mitigate the impact on productivity.
2. Agricultural Resilience:
   • Given that nearly half of India’s agriculture is rainfed, changes in rainfall patterns significantly affect crop production. There is a need to adapt crop weather calendars and incorporate climate-resilient seed varieties to reduce climate-induced crop losses.
   • The Indian Council on Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed over 2,500 varieties of flood- and drought-resistant crops, which can be further utilized to enhance resilience.
3. Urban Disaster Risk Financing:
   • Strengthening disaster management at the city level is crucial. The recently passed Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill 2024 enables states to form Urban Disaster Management Authorities to better manage city-level climate risks.
   • Financial mechanisms like city resilience bonds and green municipal bonds can help cities mobilize the necessary resources for climate adaptation.

Policy Recommendations

1. Mainstreaming Climate Resilience into Financial Planning:
   • Climate resilience should be prioritized in financial planning and the upcoming 2025 Budget. Climate adaptation should be integrated into the economy, as it is not only an environmental concern but also an economic necessity for sectors like agriculture, energy, and urban development.
2. Holistic Approach to Climate Change Adaptation:
   • It is essential to integrate climate resilience into national policies, with a focus on local adaptations in agriculture, urban areas, and health. Only with a comprehensive approach can India manage the complex challenges posed by climate change.

Conclusion

The urgency of addressing climate resilience in India cannot be overstated. With increasing heat stress, erratic monsoon patterns, and rising flood risks, it is crucial to adapt not only at the policy level but also through targeted financial and infrastructural investments. Moving climate resilience from the margins to the mainstream will ensure the long-term sustainability of India’s growth, protecting both its economy and its people from the ongoing impacts of climate change.

5. New draft UGC guidelines: Are we in step with the best practices in the world?

• UGC Draft Regulations:
  • The draft regulations aim to represent the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) and remove ambiguities in the Vice-Chancellor (VC) selection process.
• Role of VC:
  • The VC is central to the functioning of a university, overseeing academic and administrative operations, and ensuring financial stability to fulfill the university’s mission of knowledge creation.
• VC Selection Process:
  • The search-cum-selection committee for the VC will include a UGC nominee and representatives from the university’s management body, ensuring quality and academic standards.
• Inclusion of Non-Academics:
  • The draft opens the VC post to non-academics, including industry experts and senior administrators, aiming to bring a professional perspective to university leadership.
• International Comparisons:
  • The draft compares India’s process to global practices like those in the US and UK, where university search committees are more inclusive and transparent, involving faculty, staff, and even students.
• Teacher Recruitment Changes:
  • The draft waives the UGC-NET requirement for assistant professors in technical institutions, with an MTech/ME degree and 55% marks sufficient. It also removes the cap on contract teacher appointments.
• Challenges:
  • Financial constraints of universities and the challenge of maintaining academic standards with non-academic VCs.
  • Ensuring that research standards are raised and universities become more competitive internationally.
• Conclusion:
  • The draft regulations attempt to modernize university leadership but need to balance the inclusion of non-academic leaders with the maintenance of academic integrity and research standards.

6. Justice Shekhar Yadav and an Ill-Judged Speech

1. Remarks by Justice Shekhar Yadav:
   • Justice Yadav’s comments on the “Uniform Civil Code” at a private seminar have raised concerns.
   • His remarks strayed away from the impartiality expected from judges, as they promote divisive ideas that are detrimental to the spirit of the Constitution.
2. Judicial Responsibilities:
   • Judges, as constitutional functionaries, swear to uphold the Constitution and ensure justice without bias.
   • Their role extends beyond dispensing justice to defending the Constitution and protecting fundamental rights.
3. Public Speech by Judges:
   • A judge’s speech in a public setting, especially outside the courtroom, is not immune from accountability.
   • Justice Yadav’s comments, though made outside his judicial capacity, still attracted significant attention and scrutiny.
4. Supreme Court’s Intervention:
   • The Supreme Court Collegium summoned Justice Yadav to address the matter and cautioned him about his public remarks.
   • This intervention highlights the need for judges to maintain the dignity of their office and avoid making controversial statements.
5. Freedom of Speech and Restrictions:
   • While the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, reasonable restrictions apply, particularly in matters that may harm public order or harmony.
   • Remarks that incite communal disharmony are not covered under the protections afforded to speech made in judicial functions.
6. The Need for Apology:
   • Reports suggest that the Supreme Court has requested Justice Yadav to apologize for his comments, which is consistent with its stance on holding public figures accountable for harmful speech.
7. Judicial Ethics and Conduct:
   • Judges are expected to adhere to the “Restatement of Values of Judicial Life,” which stresses that judges must act to preserve their office’s dignity and judicial impartiality.
   • Such acts of self-discipline are critical to maintaining the independence and credibility of the judiciary.
8. Implications for Judicial Independence:
   • Remarks that promote religious divides or communal tensions undermine the public’s trust in the judiciary’s impartiality.
   • The judiciary must act as a neutral body, safeguarding the rights and dignity of all citizens.
9. Potential Need for Hate Speech Legislation:
   • A bill to address hate crimes and speech was introduced but has not yet seen significant action.
   • The necessity of revisiting such legislation to address emerging challenges in speech regulation is evident.
10. Judicial Conduct in a Diverse Society:

• India’s Constitution envisions a pluralistic society, and judges must reflect the values of unity and fraternity.
• Remarks that suggest “us versus them” contradict the ideals of the Constitution, which binds citizens of varying religious backgrounds together.

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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