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 29, 2025, tailored for UPSC preparation:
1. ASER report brings good news — classrooms have recovered post Covid
The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024 brings positive news for India’s education sector, indicating a strong recovery in foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) levels. The report highlights that learning outcomes have not only rebounded from post-pandemic declines but have also surpassed pre-pandemic levels, particularly in government schools.
Key Findings of ASER 2024
- Reading and Arithmetic Improvement:
- The percentage of Class III students who can read a Class II-level text has recovered from 20.5% in 2022 to 27.1% in 2024, nearing 2018 levels.
- In Class V, this proportion rose from 42.8% in 2022 to 48.8% in 2024.
- Arithmetic skills have improved significantly, with 33.7% of Class III students able to do basic subtraction, the highest in a decade.
- In Class V, 30.7% of students can now perform division, indicating a strong improvement in numeracy.
- Government Schools Leading the Recovery:
- Unlike private schools, which are still below pre-pandemic learning levels, government schools have shown a remarkable recovery.
- In Class III arithmetic, government schools saw a 36.6% increase in subtraction skills, compared to just 10.2% in private schools.
- Role of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020:
- The nationwide push under NEP 2020, with a focus on foundational skills, appears to be a key factor behind this improvement.
- Unlike past interventions, this is the first systemic effort at the national level to improve early-grade learning.
- State-Wise Progress:
- States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, traditionally low-performing, have made significant gains.
- Uttar Pradesh’s government schools have seen a dramatic rise—from just 6% of Class III students reading at a Class II level in 2014 to 27.9% in 2024.
- High-performing states like Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra, which faced setbacks post-pandemic, have also bounced back.
Conclusion
ASER 2024 data suggests that India’s education system is not just recovering but improving, especially in government schools. The findings highlight the effectiveness of NEP 2020 and the nationwide focus on FLN skills. With states adopting different strategies to achieve learning goals, India is witnessing a unified effort to strengthen its primary education system. This progress marks a significant step toward long-term educational reform and equity in learning outcomes.
2. C Raja Mohan writes: Following Trump, a push to Make Europe Great Again
The rise of right-wing populism in Europe, inspired by Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) movement, is reshaping the continent’s political landscape. Dubbed “Make Europe Great Again” (MEGA), this movement aims to challenge the liberal order, which emphasizes open borders, free trade, and supranational governance under the European Union (EU). The growing ideological divide within the West, intensified by the influence of Trump and his allies, has significant implications for global politics, security, and the economy. India, as an emerging power, must closely monitor these shifts to safeguard its strategic and economic interests.
Understanding the MEGA Movement
1. MAGA’s Influence on European Politics
- Donald Trump’s MAGA movement has significantly impacted right-wing politics worldwide. European nationalist parties are increasingly adopting similar rhetoric against immigration, globalization, and liberal elites.
- Elon Musk, a close Trump ally, has actively used his platform (X, formerly Twitter) to support far-right European political parties, particularly in the UK and Germany.
- The rise of parties like Alternative for Germany (AfD), the National Rally in France, and the Brothers of Italy signals growing voter dissatisfaction with the liberal democratic order.
2. Key Objectives of MEGA
- Restrict Immigration: MEGA leaders argue that uncontrolled migration threatens national security and cultural identity.
- Oppose Globalization: European conservatives seek to prioritize domestic industries and reduce reliance on global trade.
- Reclaim National Sovereignty: Eurosceptic forces advocate reducing the power of EU institutions in favor of national governments.
- Strengthen Traditional Values: Many MEGA supporters oppose progressive policies on gender, climate change, and multiculturalism.
Factors Driving the MEGA Movement
1. Economic Anxiety
- The COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war have led to inflation, job losses, and supply chain disruptions.
- Right-wing parties exploit economic insecurities, promoting protectionist policies to appeal to the working class.
2. Immigration and Cultural Identity
- The influx of migrants, especially from Africa and the Middle East, has triggered debates on national identity and security.
- Right-wing leaders claim liberal policies have failed to integrate immigrants, leading to increased crime and social tensions.
3. Disillusionment with the Establishment
- Mainstream political parties are often perceived as elitist and disconnected from public concerns.
- MEGA leaders position themselves as “anti-establishment,” promising to return power to the people.
4. Social Media and Alternative Media
- Platforms like X and Telegram amplify right-wing narratives, helping these movements gain traction.
- The rise of alternative media has normalized far-right rhetoric, weakening traditional political consensus.
The MEGA Movement’s Global Impact
1. Europe’s Internal Political Shifts
- The rise of far-right parties is forcing centrist parties to shift their policies to the right.
- The upcoming elections in Germany (2025) and other European nations could significantly reshape EU policies.
2. Challenges to the European Union
- If right-wing parties gain power, the EU may face internal conflicts over migration, trade, and economic integration.
- Brexit-style movements could emerge in other nations, threatening European unity.
3. The Russia and China Factor
- European conservatives share common ground with leaders like Vladimir Putin (Russia) and Xi Jinping (China) on nationalism and traditional values.
- This alignment could alter Europe’s stance on global conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war.
4. Impact on India and the Global South
- India must assess how a shifting European order affects trade, investment, and diplomatic ties.
- A weakened EU could impact India’s negotiations on trade agreements and global governance structures.
- If European nationalism rises, there may be stricter visa policies affecting Indian professionals and students.
India’s Response to the MEGA Movement
1. Strategic Engagement
- India must strengthen its diplomatic ties with European nations to ensure stability in trade and security cooperation.
- Engaging with multiple political groups, rather than only mainstream parties, can help India navigate the evolving landscape.
2. Economic Diversification
- With potential disruptions in European trade policies, India should explore alternative markets in Asia and Africa.
- Strengthening domestic industries can reduce dependency on European imports.
3. Cultural and Political Exchange
- Indian political parties should expand their international engagement to understand and respond to global right-wing trends.
- Historical ties with European nations should be leveraged to build mutually beneficial partnerships.
Conclusion
The MEGA movement signals a major ideological shift within the West, mirroring the rise of right-wing populism in the US. As Europe navigates economic challenges, immigration issues, and internal political realignments, its future remains uncertain. India must stay proactive in analyzing these developments, as they will shape global geopolitics, trade, and diplomatic engagements in the coming years.
3. For equitable growth, India Inc needs to step up
India stands at a critical juncture in its economic trajectory. While rapid economic growth has propelled the nation onto the global stage, persistent inequalities threaten to derail the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. To achieve this goal, India’s per capita income must rise from $2,700 to $15,000, necessitating holistic development across all regions and socio-economic groups. While government policies and reforms have laid the foundation for progress, the private sector—particularly India Inc—must play a more proactive role in ensuring equitable growth.
Understanding Growth and Development
Economic growth refers to an increase in national income, while development encompasses improvements in living standards, healthcare, education, and overall quality of life. Ideally, growth should translate into development, but disparities often arise due to inefficient wealth distribution and systemic inequalities. Addressing these imbalances is essential for sustainable progress.
India’s Economic Transformation: A Decade of Progress
Over the past decade, India has undertaken significant economic reforms, shifting from a fragile economy to a global growth leader. Key measures include:
- Infrastructure Investments: Improved roads, ports, railways, and digital connectivity.
- Land and Labour Reforms: Increased ease of doing business and streamlined regulatory frameworks.
- Tax and Bankruptcy Reforms: GST implementation and improved insolvency processes.
- Focus on Wealth Creation: A departure from post-independence socialist policies, recognizing businesses as key stakeholders.
These efforts have created a strong foundation for economic growth, with global institutions such as the IMF and World Bank forecasting a positive outlook for India.
The Challenge of Unequal Growth
Despite these advancements, India’s development remains uneven. A hypothetical line from New Delhi to Hyderabad separates high-income states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu from economically weaker states such as Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Assam.
Key Disparities:
- Income Inequality: The per capita income of high-growth states is 2.2 times higher than that of low-income states (up from 1.6 times in 2011-12).
- Workforce Productivity: While these five states contribute 26% of India’s workforce, they generate only 11% of GDP.
- Maternal Mortality: 165 deaths per 100,000 births (compared to the national average of 75).
- Poverty Levels: 23% poverty rate (more than double the national average of 10%).
The Role of Aspirational Districts
The 112 aspirational districts, primarily in these underdeveloped states, exhibit human development indices similar to some of the weakest nations in sub-Saharan Africa. Some striking examples include:
- Assam’s “Chars”: Seasonal floods create isolated islands, preventing access to schools and healthcare.
- Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich District: Children risk leopard attacks while walking to school.
- Nagaland’s Kiphire District: Residents travel 8-9 hours through hazardous terrain to reach a hospital.
Despite these challenges, India has made significant strides, reducing multidimensional poverty from 29.2% (2013-14) to 11.3% (2022-23), lifting 250 million people out of poverty. However, these gains must be sustained and expanded through both public and private sector interventions.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): A Missed Opportunity
India Inc’s role in development remains inadequate, particularly in CSR spending. Consider the disparity:
- Pune (Population: <1 crore): Receives ₹257 crore annually in CSR funds (₹375 per capita).
- 112 Aspirational Districts (Population: 25 crore): Receive only ₹472 crore in total CSR funds (₹19 per capita).
This glaring imbalance highlights the need for businesses to direct their CSR efforts toward underdeveloped regions, complementing government initiatives.
Strategic Framework for Equitable Growth
India’s population can be categorized into three economic segments:
- Affluent Class (5.6 crore people) – High-income earners and business leaders.
- Middle-Income and Aspiring Class (110 crore people) – The largest segment, driving economic consumption.
- Economically Weak Class (20 crore people) – Struggling with poverty and lack of basic services.
To ensure equitable development, targeted interventions must be implemented:
1. Corporate Sector’s Role
- Increase CSR Allocation: Redirect CSR funding to the most underdeveloped regions.
- Skilling and Employment Initiatives: Invest in vocational training and skill development programs.
- Localized Business Investments: Encourage businesses to expand operations in economically weaker states.
2. Strengthening Government Delivery Systems
- Improved Public Service Delivery: Strengthen mid-level government systems for better healthcare, education, and social services.
- Decentralized Policy Implementation: Allow state and district-level customization of welfare programs.
3. Leveraging the China Plus One Strategy
India has a unique economic opportunity as global supply chains diversify away from China. However, to fully capitalize on this, India must:
- Enhance infrastructure in underdeveloped states.
- Provide incentives for industries to set up manufacturing units in these regions.
- Improve logistics and connectivity to attract foreign direct investment (FDI).
Conclusion
India’s journey toward Viksit Bharat 2047 is achievable only if growth is inclusive and balanced. While government efforts have set the stage for development, India Inc must step up by directing investments, CSR initiatives, and employment opportunities toward underdeveloped regions. Bridging regional and socio-economic disparities will not only ensure sustainable progress but also safeguard India’s demographic dividend and global economic standing. The time for action is now—only by working together can we build a truly developed India.
4. In DeepSeek breakthrough, lessons for India
The recent success of China’s DeepSeek AI has sent ripples through the global technology landscape, challenging the notion that only companies with massive resources can drive AI innovation. The ability to develop a state-of-the-art AI model in just two months with a budget under $6 million contradicts the prevailing belief that progress depends on billion-dollar investments, enormous computational power, and extensive datasets.
A Shift in AI Development
Traditionally, AI has been a game of scale—companies like OpenAI and Google DeepMind have poured billions into developing cutting-edge models, assuming that bigger models and larger datasets equate to better AI. However, DeepSeek’s approach suggests that efficiency and algorithmic innovation could be more critical than brute force.
What makes this even more remarkable is that China developed this model despite US sanctions that restrict access to advanced chips and high-end hardware. This success underscores the idea that necessity can drive innovation—instead of focusing on building larger models, DeepSeek seems to have optimized its processes to achieve high efficiency with limited resources.
Implications for India
For India, this breakthrough presents both challenges and opportunities:
- AI is No Longer Just for Tech Giants
- If AI innovation is shifting from hardware dominance to smart engineering, India has a chance to leverage its software talent and enter the global AI race without requiring massive capital investments.
- The Indian startup ecosystem, known for its frugal innovation, could benefit from this approach by developing lightweight, efficient AI models tailored to local needs.
- Reducing Dependence on Western AI Models
- The AI industry has been heavily dependent on Western models like ChatGPT and Bard. However, with open-source alternatives like DeepSeek, India can develop its own indigenous AI models and reduce reliance on foreign technology.
- This aligns with India’s Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
- Geopolitical and Strategic Considerations
- The fact that China developed this model under sanctions highlights the resilience of domestic AI ecosystems.
- India must ensure that it does not fall behind in AI research due to its own dependence on Western technology firms.
- AI for Grassroots Development
- Instead of merely competing with Western AI giants, India should focus on practical AI applications in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, education, and governance.
- AI-powered solutions can help improve public service delivery, disaster management, and financial inclusion.
Challenges and Risks
Despite its promise, the democratization of AI also brings risks:
- Security and Ethical Concerns: Open-source AI models can be misused for disinformation, cyberattacks, or even autonomous warfare.
- Need for AI Regulations: India must develop robust regulatory frameworks to balance innovation with responsible AI use.
Conclusion
DeepSeek’s breakthrough reshapes the AI landscape, proving that innovation is not solely a function of capital but of intelligence and efficiency. For India, this is a wake-up call to strengthen its AI ecosystem, invest in research, and develop models suited to its unique challenges. The next era of AI will not be led by those with the biggest budgets but by those who think differently—and that is a space where India can excel.
5. In US, UK, the gender battleground
As legal and medical regulations surrounding gender dysphoria tighten, a complex debate between science and individual rights is unfolding in the US, UK, and other Western democracies. Recent developments in both countries highlight the growing legal and ethical conflicts surrounding gender identity, medical interventions, and the role of the courts in these matters.
Legal Shifts in the US and UK
In the US, President Donald Trump’s executive order declaring that there are only two sexes has intensified an already heated debate. Meanwhile, Tennessee’s 2023 law banning puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and sex transition surgeries for minors has been upheld by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. An appeal to the US Supreme Court was heard in December 2024, with a decision expected in mid-2025.
In the UK, a dramatic policy shift occurred after an April 2024 independent review found insufficient evidence supporting puberty blockers for managing gender dysphoria. As a result, their use in children has been banned until at least 2027. However, cross-sex hormones remain legal under strict conditions.
A landmark UK court case in late 2024 saw the English Court of Appeal intervene in a family dispute over a 16-year-old’s access to gender-affirming treatment. Although the child could legally consent, the court decided to retain the authority to veto any hormonal treatment until the child turns 18, citing the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.
Key Legal and Ethical Questions
- Are bans on medical treatments for gender dysphoria discriminatory?
- Some argue such laws unfairly target transgender individuals.
- Others claim they are justified if based on scientific concerns rather than discrimination.
- Should courts assess the scientific basis of these laws?
- In the US, the Supreme Court debate over the Tennessee law hinges on how rigorously courts should scrutinize medical evidence.
- In the UK, courts have deferred policy decisions to medical professionals but remain involved in individual cases.
- How far should courts intervene in a minor’s medical decisions?
- The UK ruling suggests courts will intervene only to prevent “grave and irreversible harm”.
- This could set a precedent for other jurisdictions balancing parental rights, medical ethics, and state intervention.
Conclusion
The gender debate in the US and UK reflects a broader global conflict between medical science, personal autonomy, and legal oversight. As policies continue to evolve, these legal battles will shape the future of gender-affirming care, with significant implications for transgender rights, healthcare policy, and judicial intervention worldwide.
6. Trump rattled Colombia on tariffs. He will have a tougher time with others
Context
- On January 27, Colombia, a US ally in Latin America, agreed to accept deported Colombian citizens from the US after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs.
- Colombia’s refusal to accept a US military aircraft carrying deportees triggered this diplomatic issue. The threat of tariffs could have severely impacted Colombia’s economy, given the trade worth $16 billion between the two nations.
Impact of Tariff Threat on Colombia
- The US’ threat of tariffs worked on Colombia due to its vulnerability, as the country’s GDP is much smaller compared to the US’s $30 trillion economy.
- This tactic was effective against a friendly country with historical cooperation in areas like narcotics control. However, Colombia’s economic dependence on the US made it difficult for them to resist.
Limitations of the Tariff Strategy
- The success of this strategy may not apply universally. Non-democratic states, especially those hostile to the US, may not succumb to similar threats.
- Countries like Cuba, Iran, and North Korea, that face sanctions, have learned to survive despite these pressures.
Resilience of Authoritarian States
- Authoritarian regimes have mechanisms to manage domestic dissatisfaction and may redirect public frustration towards external actors like the US, avoiding domestic accountability.
Impact on US-Latin America Relations
- Trump’s pressure on Colombia could harm the US’s image in Latin America, where historical memories of US interference still influence regional politics.
- This may lead to a strategy of “soft balancing,” where Latin American countries push back against perceived US overreach despite asymmetrical military capabilities.
Historical Context: Soft Balancing
- “Soft balancing” refers to actions taken by states to counterbalance a dominant power like the US, even if they lack comparable military power.
- Latin American countries might pursue closer ties with other states to counter US influence, echoing soft balancing actions seen during George W. Bush’s presidency.
Trump’s Foreign Policy Approach
- Trump’s foreign policy strategies, including isolationism, unilateralism, and realism, are seen as extreme versions of established US policies.
- These approaches, while aimed at asserting US power, may harm its global standing and undermine a rules-based international order.
Global Repercussions of Trump’s Approach
- While some states may be susceptible to US economic pressure, others with economic and military capabilities may resist.
- In the long run, the US’s unilateral approach could isolate it and lead to the weakening of international norms.
Conclusion: Long-term Effects
- Trump’s aggressive policies may temporarily achieve results, but they could damage the US’s global standing, disrupt the international order, and encourage other nations to seek alternative alliances.
- A broader shift towards soft balancing and regional cooperation may emerge as countries adapt to a more unpredictable US foreign policy.
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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