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 January 22, 2025, tailored for UPSC preparation:
1. Express View on Trump’s withdrawal from Paris Accord: Climate change challenge just got more challenging
- Trump’s Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement:
- U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Pact was expected based on his stance during the election campaign.
- The withdrawal will be quicker than his first term, making the U.S. the second-largest emitter of GHGs to exit the agreement, joining Iran, Libya, and Yemen.
- Impact on the U.S. and Global Climate Policy:
- Trump’s climate scepticism could have a more significant impact in his second term due to stronger domestic support.
- He has already issued orders affecting the wind energy sector and rescinded a 2021 directive to ensure that 50% of new vehicles sold in the U.S. would be electric by 2030.
- The U.S. exit comes at a critical time for global climate negotiations, as countries are expected to announce new emission reduction targets by February.
- Role of the UNFCCC:
- The UNFCCC needs to ensure that the exit of the world’s largest economy does not weaken global efforts to scale up climate mitigation ambitions.
- The UNFCCC faces challenges due to its past record on ensuring financial commitments and resolving disputes between developed and developing countries in climate negotiations.
2. Express View on India and Trump 2.0: Delhi’s challenges
- India’s Challenges with Trump 2.0:
- India must be cautious about Trump’s potential approach to trade and economic relations, despite his refraining from announcing immediate tariffs. Trump is expected to take a more systematic approach to address trade issues, including possible future tariffs.
- The relationship between India and the U.S. must be recalibrated as Trump’s second term could bring increased pressure on India to grant greater access to its markets.
- Trade Policy:
- India’s commerce bureaucracy has been criticized for its lack of flexibility in trade and investment negotiations. India needs a new strategic approach to trade negotiations, particularly with the U.S.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi needs to temper the ideological opposition to the U.S. within his party and government and focus on pragmatic engagement.
- Immigration and H-1B Visas:
- Immigration, particularly concerning H-1B visas, is a critical issue. India cannot directly influence the U.S. political discourse surrounding legal migration but must address concerns regarding undocumented Indian nationals in the U.S.
- Efficient identification and deportation of undocumented Indian migrants are required to ease tensions.
- U.S.-China-Russia Relations and Security:
- The evolving dynamics between the U.S., China, and Russia pose significant challenges to India’s security. While India welcomes Trump’s normalization of relations with Moscow, it remains cautious about any agreements with China.
- India must proactively build a strong strategic partnership with the U.S. instead of slowing down engagement, as changes in U.S.-China relations could impact India’s security.
- Strategic Partnership with the U.S.:
- India should focus on strengthening its partnership with the U.S., recognizing that the U.S. and China will always seek mutual engagement. A proactive approach will help safeguard India’s interests in an uncertain global scenario.
3. C Raja Mohan writes: Not just a change of regime, Trump is reshaping post-War America
- Trump’s Revolution in America:
- Donald Trump’s second term represents a revolution that aims to reshape post-War America, which he calls a “revolution of common sense.” His approach challenges the liberal hegemony that has shaped American social, political, and economic systems.
- Anti-Establishment Sentiment:
- Trump’s rise reflects a growing discontent within American society, particularly with the liberal establishment. This discontent helped him defeat political dynasties like the Clintons and Bushes in 2016.
- His presidency has been marked by an ongoing battle with the establishment, including the media’s portrayal of Trump and his policies.
- Key Aspects of Trump’s Revolution:
- Social and Political Values: Trump promises to reverse liberal policies on free speech, gender identity, and diversity regulations, aiming to reintroduce traditional values into American civic life.
- Immigration and Sovereignty: Trump’s policies emphasize border control, deportation of illegal migrants, and a focus on US territorial sovereignty. This marks a shift from liberal immigration policies.
- Trade Policies: Trump challenges the liberal view that America should absorb global exports and supports tariffs to rebalance US trade, focusing on fair trade and reciprocity rather than free trade.
- Foreign Policy and Global Leadership: Trump opposes endless foreign conflicts and advocates for prioritizing US interests. His stance includes a desire for better relations with Russia and China, potentially shifting the US’s approach to international conflicts.
- Trump’s Domestic Coalition:
- Trump’s challenge lies in navigating internal contradictions within his movement and facing external opposition. If he succeeds, he could build a lasting political coalition that significantly deviates from post-War liberal policies.
- Geopolitical Implications:
- Trump’s foreign policy could reshape global geopolitics, particularly in Eurasia and the Indo-Pacific, as he focuses on core American interests while negotiating deals on other global matters. His cabinet reflects diverse views, and his policies could significantly affect areas like Taiwan, Ukraine, and North Korea.
4. R G Kar verdict is welcome, but questions remain
- Gruesome Crime and Investigation:
- On August 9, 2024, a young female resident doctor was found murdered and raped at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. This incident echoed the 2012 Delhi rape and murder, raising similar questions about women’s safety.
- Sanjay Roy, a former civic police volunteer, was declared guilty by a court on January 18, 2025. He was convicted under charges that could lead to life imprisonment or capital punishment.
- Allegations and Doubts:
- Roy has claimed his innocence and alleged that an IPS officer was involved in the crime. This raises questions about whether he was the sole perpetrator.
- The investigation and subsequent events have led to concerns about possible lapses in the handling of the crime scene and the involvement of other individuals.
- Government and Institutional Responses:
- In response to the crime, the West Bengal government took swift action by transferring the hospital’s superintendent and the college principal, Sandip Ghosh, who resigned on August 12.
- Protests, including nationwide ones, led to the temporary halt of medical services, drawing significant attention to the case.
- Interventions and Controversies:
- The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) noted visible signs of struggle on the victim’s body, and the crime scene was reportedly tampered with.
- The National Commission for Women raised concerns over the premature renovation of the crime scene.
- The case was handed over to the CBI, and further investigations revealed lapses, including tampering with evidence.
- Legal Proceedings:
- A Kolkata court granted bail to hospital officials and a police officer accused of failing to act in a timely manner, raising doubts about their involvement.
- The investigation has raised questions about the accuracy of CCTV footage and DNA evidence, leading to concerns that the full truth may not have been revealed.
- Verdict and Criticism:
- While the court’s decision to sentence Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment is welcomed, there are still unresolved questions regarding the extent of his involvement and the possible involvement of others.
- The writer believes that the investigation has not fully addressed all concerns surrounding the case, leaving room for further scrutiny.
- Political and Social Implications:
- The protests surrounding the incident turned political, with the CBI under significant pressure to investigate the case thoroughly.
- The handling of the case has exposed issues related to medical professionals’ safety, government accountability, and institutional responsiveness to such crimes.
5. Subrata Mitra writes: The Ram Mandir and after
- Significance of Ram Mandir Inauguration:
- The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and the consecration of Ram Lalla on January 22, 2024, are symbolic not just of a religious event but of a deeper political transformation in India. The temple is built on the site where Lord Ram is believed to have been born, and where a mosque stood before it was demolished.
- The event marked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s role as the chief patron, symbolizing the merging of Hindu symbolism with the Indian state’s political narrative.
- Shift Toward a “Civilisational” State:
- The inauguration and the rituals around the Ram Mandir represent an ideological shift from a constitutional state to a “civilisational” state, where the government embraces and promotes the nation’s culture and traditions, particularly Hinduism.
- This shift raises concerns among religious minorities, especially Muslims and Christians, who may feel excluded from the national narrative.
- Electoral Impact and Discontent:
- Despite the Hindu mobilisation surrounding the Ram Mandir, the expected electoral benefits for the BJP in the 2024 parliamentary elections did not materialize. The BJP failed to secure a resounding victory, with issues like unemployment and caste-based reservations impacting voter choices.
- The loss of support, particularly in regions like Faizabad (near Ayodhya), indicates that once the Ram Mandir issue was resolved, voters turned their attention to other pressing concerns.
- Historical and Moral Foundations of India:
- The article highlights the importance of the Babri mosque demolition (1992) and the Ram Mandir consecration (2023) in understanding the moral foundation of India’s Republic.
- Both events represent pivotal moments in the country’s post-colonial transition, with the challenge of creating a collective identity and maintaining social integration.
- Religion and the State:
- The author argues that while secularism should protect individual freedoms, it must also recognize the religiosity of the majority. The state should not ignore religious symbols or impose a particular religion, as doing so could create a legitimacy deficit or lead to communal tensions.
- The balance between recognizing the majority’s faith and ensuring rights for other belief systems is critical for social harmony, akin to practices in European states.
- Future of Religious and Political Symbolism:
- The article questions the future implications of the Places of Worship Act 1991 and whether it is necessary to contest every religious structure, now that the Ram Mandir issue has been resolved.
- The government’s approach will play a significant role in shaping the future of India’s democratic and pluralistic identity.
- Young Population and Aspirations:
- With the largest young population in the world, India’s future hinges on the aspirations of this generation. The government’s ability to address their hopes, while navigating historical and religious tensions, will be crucial for the nation’s future.
6. Ram Temple goes beyond religion, it expresses the national ethos
- Cultural Renaissance and National Pride:
- The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya symbolizes a cultural renaissance in Bharat, transcending the historical legacy of aggression and invasions during medieval times. It marks the dawn of a new era, celebrating India’s rich heritage and spiritual identity.
- This temple is not just a religious site but a convergence of faith, power, and the economy, representing a holistic transformation in the country.
- Economic Impact and Job Creation:
- A $10 billion investment plan in Ayodhya is expected to stimulate economic growth, creating thousands of jobs and contributing to the local and national economy. The growth in the hospitality sector and small businesses, such as those involved in making puja items, idols, and crafts, will aid in skill development and empower marginalized communities.
- Inclusivity and National Unity:
- The Ram Mandir goes beyond just being a temple; it fosters a sense of national unity and pride in India’s diverse history. The construction of a mosque alongside the mandir in Ayodhya reflects the pillars of secularism and pluralism in India, promoting interfaith dialogue and unity.
- The temple’s foundation incorporates contributions from Dalit and marginalized communities, further strengthening the message of inclusivity and equal representation in national identity.
- Spiritual and Cultural Symbolism:
- The temple reasserts the belief in Sanatan Dharma, a spiritual and cultural force that unites people across religious boundaries. It is seen as a national symbol, representing core Bharatiya values like morality, integrity, and righteousness.
- The temple’s design, including shrines dedicated to various historical and cultural figures, reflects a vision rooted in equality and collective memory.
- Connection to Nationalism and Ambedkar’s Vision:
- The Ram Mandir is linked to the concept of true nationalism, as envisioned by B.R. Ambedkar, who believed that national identity transcends politics and is deeply rooted in social feelings, class, and caste differences.
- The temple is seen as a cultural and spiritual symbol that can unite diverse communities under a common identity, fulfilling Ambedkar’s vision of fostering a collective emotional tie to the nation.
- The Ram Mandir as Civilisational Justice:
- The Ram Mandir is described as representing civilisational justice, acknowledging India’s rich heritage while reaffirming historical identity. It serves as a repository of collective spiritual consciousness and reinforces a sense of moral duty toward society.
- Global Symbol for Hindus:
- The temple is not only a symbol for Indians but also serves as a cultural marker for Hindus worldwide, representing their shared values and devotion to Lord Ram.
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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