The Hindu Editorial Analysis: January 22, 2025

The Hindu editorials are a crucial resource for understanding key national and international issues. This analysis simplifies complex topics, highlights key points, and offers critical insights, making it an essential tool for competitive exam preparation like UPSC CSE and developing a well-rounded perspective on current affairs.

1. Trump 2.0 as disruptor of the global legal order

1. Trump’s Second Term and Global Impact:
   • Marked by a disruptive foreign policy stance, emphasizing unilateralism and challenging multilateral norms.
   • Strengthened ability to push policies due to renewed majority control over the Senate and the House.
2. U.S. Relationship with International Law:
   • Historically, the U.S. has shaped international law institutions but also practiced exceptionalism by not adhering to the same rules it helped create.
   • Key areas of influence: climate change, space, human rights, and trade laws.
3. Trump 1.0 (2017-2021):
   • Slogan “America First” reflected a sovereigntist view, opposing multilateral treaties perceived as limiting sovereign authority.
   • Key actions:
     • Withdrew from the Paris Agreement, UNESCO, and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).
     • Reneged on the nuclear treaties with Russia and Iran.
     • Imposed tariffs, disrupting global trade and weakening the WTO’s Appellate Body.
     • Attempted withdrawal from the WHO.
4. Potential Actions in Trump 2.0:
   • Withdrawal from multilateral institutions like the WHO and Paris Agreement.
   • Pursuing unilateralism through protectionist policies, e.g., raising tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada.
   • Further undermining of WTO norms, with no revival of the Appellate Body expected.
   • Statements suggesting territorial ambitions (e.g., annexing Greenland and Panama Canal) challenge international norms of sovereignty and non-intervention (Article 2(7) of the UN Charter).
5. Challenges to Multilateralism:
   • Weakening normative authority of multilateral institutions may embolden other powers like China and Russia to act similarly.
   • Shift away from the Washington Consensus-based trade and investment law model.
6. Role of Domestic and Global Actors:
   • Domestic checks during Trump’s first term (e.g., U.S. officials and legal actors) blunted many disruptive policies.
   • Renewed majority in Congress may enable more effective policy implementation during Trump 2.0.
   • Other nations must cooperate to safeguard the international legal order and uphold norms like self-determination and non-use of force.
7. Relevance for India and Global South:
   • Potential implications for international trade, as protectionist policies may harm developing economies.
   • Strategic shifts in global alliances may necessitate recalibrating foreign policy to safeguard national interests.

2. The world has been changing for a while

1. Nature of Change:
   • Change is often gradual, invisible, and unnoticed, becoming apparent only in hindsight.
   • Historians emphasize how disruptions, like environmental changes and technological advances, transform societies.
2. Environmental Challenges:
   • Example of Chennai’s transformation: From a 2019 water crisis (“Day Zero”) to 2024’s torrential rains, reflecting the dual challenge of droughts and deluges.
   • Climatic shifts: The current level of atmospheric carbon dioxide and global warming are unprecedented in human history.
   • Half of all fossil fuels have been burned since 1989, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change.
3. Technological and Political Transformations:
   • New technologies empower communication but also polarize political discourse.
   • Rise of populist leaders like Donald Trump symbolizes shifts in global political trends.
4. Return of Donald Trump:
   • Trump’s policies reflect pragmatism and opportunism, seen in his decision to protect TikTok despite anti-China rhetoric.
   • Question marks over the U.S.’s role as a stabilizing global power under Trump’s leadership.
   • His rhetoric (e.g., regarding Greenland or Canada) underscores his transactional approach to foreign policy.
5. India’s Strategic Challenges:
   • India’s policy of balancing alignments (e.g., BRICS and Quad, U.S. and Russia) may face scrutiny under Trump’s leadership.
   • Trump’s expectation of exclusive loyalty could test India’s multi-alignment strategy, including defense procurements and energy partnerships.
6. Global Context:
   • Major geopolitical shifts:
     • West Asia breakthrough offers hope for Palestine’s future.
     • Iran is increasingly vulnerable.
     • Russia’s global standing has weakened due to its Ukraine invasion.
     • China’s global outlook has transformed, presenting new challenges.
7. Voter Behavior in 2024:
   • Record voter turnout globally, signaling public awareness of rapid changes.
   • Trend: Governments facing difficulty retaining power, reflecting voters’ demand for solutions to modern challenges.
8. The Winds of Change:
   • Key observation: The world has been undergoing a profound transformation over time, not just recently.
   • The interconnected crises of climate, politics, and technology demand adaptive and forward-looking policies.

3. Time to seize the promise of the U.S.-India nuclear deal

Historical Background

1. The U.S.-India civil nuclear deal was finalized in 2008 after a long struggle starting in 2005, supported by the Coalition for Partnership with India.
2. It marked a watershed moment in U.S.-India relations, fostering trust and strategic cooperation in defense, technology transfer, and intelligence sharing.

Strategic Importance

1. The deal laid the foundation for closer defense and strategic ties between the two democracies, breaking barriers set during the Cold War era.
2. It opened avenues for military exercises, defense manufacturing, crisis management, and technology sharing.

Unrealized Potential

1. The deal envisioned building multiple nuclear plants in India with U.S. technology, creating jobs in both countries and boosting India’s energy sector.
2. Nuclear energy from these plants was expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower India’s reliance on fossil fuels.

Key Challenges

1. Entity List: Many Indian entities were removed from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s “Entity List” post-deal, except for a few due to concerns of nuclear technology misuse.
2. Liability Issues: India’s 2010 Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act placed liability on suppliers instead of operators, deterring U.S. companies like GE and Westinghouse.
3. Cost Concerns: U.S. companies face challenges in offering competitive prices to Indian consumers while ensuring advanced technology and avoiding cost overruns.

Developments and Opportunities

1. In 2016, then-U.S. President Barack Obama announced plans for Westinghouse to build six nuclear plants in India, but progress has been slow.
2. Jake Sullivan, U.S. National Security Adviser under President Biden, announced steps to ease restrictions on U.S.-India civil nuclear cooperation.
3. The Trump administration will need to address liability, regulatory hurdles, and cost issues to unlock the deal’s full potential.

Global and Geopolitical Context

1. Russia has made significant progress in India’s civil nuclear expansion due to sovereign immunity for its companies and geopolitical dividends.
2. The U.S. must navigate competition with Russian entities while enhancing collaboration with India.

Recommendations

The Trump administration should collaborate with Indian and U.S. nuclear companies to address:

• Regulatory concerns.
• Liability risks.
• Technology advancements.
• Cost efficiency.

Conclusion

Seizing the full promise of the U.S.-India nuclear deal can have transformative benefits for energy security, climate goals, and U.S.-India strategic relations.

4. A sweet win for turmeric farmers

Background and Significance

1. The National Turmeric Board (NTB) was inaugurated by Union Minister Piyush Goyal during Sankranti 2025, fulfilling a two-decade-old demand of turmeric farmers in Telangana.
2. Nizamabad, Telangana, known for turmeric cultivation along the Godavari river, was chosen as the headquarters.
3. India contributes 70% of global turmeric production, with Telangana playing a significant role. In 2023-24, India cultivated turmeric across 3.05 lakh hectares, producing 10.74 lakh tonnes.

Objectives and Functions of the Board

1. The NTB aims to boost exports of 30 turmeric varieties cultivated across 20 States, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Meghalaya.
2. The Board is tasked with promoting research and development, exploring value addition, and leveraging turmeric’s medicinal properties.
3. In 2023-24, India exported 1.62 lakh tonnes of turmeric worth $226.5 million.

Historical Demand for the Board

1. The demand for the NTB began in 2006, led by the Swadeshi Jagran Manch, which highlighted the need for better prices and support for turmeric farmers.
2. In 2007, a Turmeric Research Station was set up at Kammarpally, Telangana, under the initiative of then Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy.

Political Dimensions

1. In the 2019 general elections, BJP MP Dharmapuri Arvind promised to establish the NTB, which became a key election issue.
2. The announcement of the NTB in 2023, ahead of the Telangana Assembly elections, became a significant political development, with Congress, BJP, and BRS vying for credit.

Challenges and Concerns

1. Minimum Support Price (MSP): Farmers demand a stable MSP as turmeric prices have fluctuated, dropping from ₹15,000-₹18,000 per quintal in 2024 to ₹10,000 per quintal in 2025.
2. Infrastructure Needs: Establishing robust infrastructure such as godowns, cold storage, training facilities, and research centers is critical for the Board’s effective functioning.
3. Budgetary Allocation: Adequate funding is essential to fulfill the Board’s objectives and meet farmers’ expectations.
4. Farmers propose integrating the existing Research Centre at Kammarpally into the Board’s framework.

Way Forward

1. Ensuring MSP, robust infrastructure, and sufficient funds for the NTB will be crucial to improving turmeric cultivation, enhancing farmers’ incomes, and boosting exports.
2. Close monitoring and targeted interventions are necessary in the initial years to make the NTB a success.

Conclusion

The establishment of the NTB is a milestone for turmeric farmers, but sustained efforts and government support are essential to realize its full potential.

5. The price of success: on Kerala’s demographic transition 

Context

1. Kerala, India’s leader in demographic transition, is now witnessing a rise in its Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) despite its historically low rates.
2. The State achieved replacement-level fertility (TFR of 2.1) in 1987-88, well ahead of other southern States that followed in the mid-2000s.

Demographic Transition Theory

1. The theory describes the shift from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates, enabled by advancements in education, healthcare, and economic development.
2. It consists of four stages:

• • Stage 1: Stable population (high birth and death rates).
  • Stage 2: Rapid population growth (declining death rates).
  • Stage 3: Population growth levels out (declining birth rates).
  • Stage 4: Population decline (low birth and death rates).

Kerala’s Unique Challenges

1. Kerala’s fertility decline led to fewer births, which impacts the MMR calculation (number of maternal deaths per 1,00,000 live births), skewing its previously best-in-country status.
2. Sub-replacement fertility rates raise political concerns regarding Lok Sabha seat delimitation, as southern States fear losing representation due to lower population growth.

Global Parallels

Nations like South Korea, which have experienced advanced demographic transitions, struggle with declining fertility rates despite incentives to promote childbearing.

Consequences of Demographic Transition

1. Ageing Population:
   • A decline in the working-age population coupled with an increase in the elderly population creates economic and societal pressures.
   • Increased dependency ratios will strain public finances and healthcare systems.
2. Economic Implications:
   • Shrinking workforce may affect productivity and economic growth.
   • Higher demand for elderly care services and pensions.

Policy Recommendations

Governments must prepare for the outcomes of demographic transition by:

• Strengthening public finances and social support systems.
• Improving healthcare financing to address the needs of the elderly.
• Implementing policies for work-life balance and gender equality in household responsibilities.

Way Forward

1. Kerala’s rising MMR is not a cause for immediate concern but highlights the need for careful monitoring.
2. Investments in geriatric care, pension reforms, and sustainable healthcare systems are essential to mitigate the long-term consequences of demographic shifts.

Conclusion

While Kerala’s demographic transition is a testament to its development, the associated challenges emphasize the need for proactive policies to ensure sustainable growth and societal stability.

6. Inaugural drama: On the 47th President of the U.S.

Context

1. Donald Trump has been sworn in as the 47th President of the United States after winning the November 2024 election, marking his second term in office.
2. His administration began with significant executive actions that signal a shift in U.S. policy both domestically and internationally.

Major Executive Actions and Policy Directions

1. Mass Pardons:
   • Issued nearly 1,600 pardons, including those involved in the 2021 Capitol riot.
2. Withdrawal from International Agreements:
   • Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization (WHO).
3. Immigration Policies:
   • Ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented migrants and those on temporary visas, a move that challenges the 14th Amendment.
4. Trade Policies:
   • Proposed a 100% tariff on BRICS nations and a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico, potentially affecting global trade dynamics, including India.
5. National Emergency Declaration:
   • Declared a national emergency on the southern border with Mexico.
6. Reversal of Biden-era Policies:
   • Overturned 78 executive orders and memoranda issued during Joe Biden’s administration.

Controversies and Challenges

1. Speculation of Oligarchy:
   • Presence of tech leaders like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Sundar Pichai, and Mark Zuckerberg at the inauguration sparked debates about potential elitist influences.
2. Legal Battles:
   • Executive orders, particularly the redefinition of the 14th Amendment, are expected to face legal challenges in courts.

Political and Ideological Implications

1. Policy Divergence:
   • Trump’s policies strongly oppose the progressive Democratic agenda on climate change, immigration, and social rights.
2. Federal Government Trifecta:
   • With Republican control over the Presidency, Congress, and Supreme Court, bipartisan cooperation appears less likely.

Unconventional Proposals

1. Ideas like the takeover of the Panama Canal, threats to Denmark regarding Greenland, and travel bans reflect unconventional and controversial priorities.
2. The de-recognition of transgender rights signals a regressive turn on social issues.

Broader Impacts

1. International Relations:
   • Withdrawal from global agreements and imposing trade tariffs could strain relationships with allies and trading partners.
2. Domestic Policies:
   • Moves such as ending birthright citizenship and immigration restrictions could polarize American society further.

Analysis and Way Forward

1. Trump’s administration represents a shift towards nationalist and protectionist policies, with potential global and domestic repercussions.
2. The bold policy moves, while resonating with his voter base, risk deepening political and societal divides.
3. As the legal system challenges some actions, the outcomes will likely shape the trajectory of his second term.

Conclusion

The second Trump presidency has started on a highly contentious note, reflecting both his campaign promises and the deep ideological divide in the U.S. While his administration enjoys significant political backing, the long-term consequences of these policies will need close scrutiny.

Disclaimer:
This analysis is based on the editorial content published in The Hindu 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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