Indian Express Editorial Topic-1 : Goal worth setting
Short Notes or Revision Notes
GS-2 Mains
Question : Critically analyze the importance of focusing beyond rankings to improve the lives of all Indians, despite aspirations of achieving a world No. 3 economy status.
India’s Growth: Beyond Headline Numbers
Economic Growth:
- India’s ranking improved from 10th to 5th largest economy (2013-2024).
- But, average annual GDP growth under current government (5.9%) is lower than previous decade (6.8%).
- To reach 3rd by 2028, India needs only 6% annual growth (assuming slower growth in Germany & Japan).
Beyond Aggregate GDP:
- Being world’s No. 3 economy sounds good, but living standards matter more.
- India’s per capita GDP ($2,500) is much lower than China’s ($13,000).
- In 1990, India’s per capita GDP was higher than China’s.
Focus on Per Capita Income:
- Quadrupling per capita GDP to $10,000 by 2047 is a more relatable target.
- This aligns with the vision of “developed India” by 2047.
- Specific targets like doubling farmer income led to focused policy making.
- Per capita GDP targets can help policymakers move beyond poverty elimination.
Boosting Per Capita Income in India by 2047
Multipronged Approach:
- Economic Growth (Target: >7% annual GDP growth):
- Strengthen manufacturing to increase its GDP share.
- Encourage private sector investment with a business-friendly environment.
- Improve credit access for individuals and MSMEs.
- Human Capital Development:
- Implement National Education Policy (NEP) for skill development.
- Invest in quality healthcare for a healthier, more productive workforce.
- Infrastructure and Governance:
- Upgrade physical infrastructure (roads, power, transportation).
- Empower local governments for efficient service delivery.
- Simplify regulations and processes to attract investment.
Focus Beyond Rankings:
- World No. 3 ranking is aspirational, but living standards are key.
- A multipronged approach can improve the lives of all Indians.
Indian Express Editorial Topic-2: Road to peace in Myanmar
Short Notes or Revision Notes
GS-2 Mains
Question : Analyze the reasons behind the failure of ASEAN’s Five Point Consensus (FPC) in resolving the Myanmar crisis.
Current Situation:
- Ongoing conflict since military coup in Feb 2021.
- Country effectively divided between military junta (SAC) and rebel forces (Resistance).
- UN raises alarms:
- Increased fighting in Rakhine State.
- Military’s forced recruitment worsening crisis.
- Air strikes by military on civilians up fivefold in 5 months.
- 7 million displaced currently, 1 million more expected by year-end.
- 6 million people need humanitarian aid, including 6 million children.
- Limited aid due to logistical challenges.
Path to Reconciliation:
- Deep animosity between warring factions.
- Internal stakeholders lack capacity to de-escalate or deliver aid effectively.
- External help crucial from ASEAN, China, India, and Bangladesh.
- Internal and external actors need a mechanism for humanitarian relief.
- Thailand proposes creating a “humanitarian corridor” as a pilot project.
Stalemate in Myanmar: ASEAN’s FPC Fails
Failed Consensus:
- ASEAN’s Five Point Consensus (FPC) for resolving the Myanmar crisis hasn’t yielded results.
Path to Normalcy:
- Need a middle ground between:
- SAC’s position: retain 2008 constitution, limited democracy after controlled elections.
- Resistance’s vision: full federal democracy, apolitical military under new constitution.
- Need a dialogue mechanism for all stakeholders.
Stalemated Conflict:
- SAC (military) is weakening but remains persistent.
- Resistance is gaining momentum but lacks unity.
- Military victory by either side seems unlikely.
- Both sides need to prioritize national reconciliation.
- Aung San Suu Kyi’s potential role in a solution is debated.
India’s Role:
- As a key neighbor, India can contribute by:
- Developing practical solutions considering power dynamics and history.
- Advising policymakers and shaping regional solutions.
- Regional instability threatens India’s eastern neighborhood.
Conclusion:
- Myanmar needs external help to break the deadlock.
- India and other friends must step in to facilitate peace.
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