Indian Express Editorial Summary

Editorial Topic : Countering the Myth of Muslim Population Explosion in India

 GS-1 Mains Exam : Society

Revision Notes

Question : Critically analyze the myth of the Muslim population explosion in India. Use demographic data to support your argument.

The Myth

• Propaganda claims Muslim population growth will overtake Hindu population in India.

Reality

• Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in India has dropped significantly.
  • Latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) shows many states at replacement level fertility (2.0 children per woman).
  • Similar findings from Economic Survey 2018-19 and Sample Registration System (SRS) data.

Muslim Population Growth

• Though initially higher, Muslim population growth rate is also declining.
  • 2011 Census showed higher growth rate for Muslims than Hindus.
  • However, the gap between the two rates narrowed significantly between 2001 and 2011.
  • Recent analysis suggests Muslim fertility decline may be faster than Hindu fertility.
    • Potential for “absolute convergence” in fertility rates by 2030.
  • Muslim fertility rate dropped from 4.4 (1992-93) to 2.4 (2020-21).
  • Pew Research study confirms overall decline in fertility rates across religions in India.

Reasons for Decline

• Fertility rates influenced by education, healthcare, and socio-economic development, not religion.
  • States like Kerala and Tamil Nadu (better development) have lower TFRs than Bihar.

Combating Misinformation

• NFHS-5 data shows higher maternal education leads to lower fertility rates.
• Muslims in India face socio-economic disadvantages (education, health).
  • Sachar Committee Report (2006) highlighted this disparity.
• Population growth debate should focus on:
  • Education
  • Economic development
  • Livelihoods
  • Food security
  • Nutrition
  • Healthcare
  • Sexual & reproductive health services
  • Gender justice

Impact on Women

• Rhetoric around Muslim fertility undermines women’s right to choose.
• Focus should shift to:
  • Sexual & reproductive health rights
  • Individual choice
  • Resisting co-optation for political agendas

Conclusion

• Vilifying a community with misinformation is unacceptable.
• Facts and data are crucial to counter this harmful rhetoric.
• Protecting women’s right to determine reproductive outcomes is essential.

 

 

 

Indian Express Editorial Summary

Editorial Topic : New Era of Eurasian Geopolitics: A Strategic Opportunity for India

 GS-2 Mains Exam : IR

Revision Notes

Question : Evaluate the foreign policy dilemmas faced by Western countries amidst Asia’s growing influence in global geopolitics. How should countries like the US navigate their priorities between Europe and Asia?

Introduction

• Recent events – Putin’s visit to Asia and US presidential debate – highlight complex ties between European and Asian security.
• This creates new strategic opportunities for middle powers like India.

Four Dimensions of New “Eurasian” Geopolitics

1. Shifting Power Dynamics in Europe-Asia Relations

• Asia’s active role:
  • No longer passive players providing resources (e.g., Indian military) to European powers.
  • Example: Both Russia and West seek Asian support in the Ukraine war.
  • Asian arms supplies in the conflict:
    • South Korea to Ukraine, North Korea to Russia.
    • China indirectly supports Russia.
    • US wants Japan to increase arms production for Ukraine.

1. Greater Agency for Asian Powers Due to Current Conflict

• Russia’s strategy:
  • Rebuild ties with North Korea (treaty signed) to challenge the West.
• North Korea’s leverage:
  • Use Russia to improve relations with other powers (China, Japan, South Korea, US).
• Potential consequences:
  • Stronger US-South Korea partnership.
  • South Korea may pursue nuclearization if Russia aids North Korea’s nuclear program.
• Vietnam’s example:
  • Hosts leaders from US, China, and Russia, demonstrating its agency in balancing relations.
  • One of the few countries with growing economic ties with both US and China.

1. Western Dilemmas amid Asia’s Growing Influence

• US foreign policy debate:
  • Balancing competing priorities in Europe and Asia.
  • Republican argument: Focus on Asia, not the Ukraine war.
  • Biden administration: China is the main challenge, but Ukraine support is crucial.
  • Debate likely to continue between Trump and Biden.

1. Europe’s Need for Increased Defense Responsibility

• US expectations:
  • Europe and Asian allies (India, Japan, etc.) to share burden against Russia and China.
• Europe’s dilemma:
  • Anxious about Russia but divided on China:
    • Doesn’t fully agree with US strategy.
    • Hopes to influence China to restrain Russia.
    • Economic ties with China complicate confrontation.
  • US encourages Asian allies to contribute to European security as well.

Rise of Middle Powers in the Great Churn

• Growing interdependence between Europe and Asia creates opportunities for middle powers.
• US seeks strong security partnerships with middle powers to counter China and Russia.
• “Integrated deterrence” strategy offers India an opportunity to enhance its military capabilities.

Conclusion

• This strategic window is temporary.
• India must act swiftly to seize this opportunity for defense modernization and domestic arms production.
• Self-sufficiency in arms production is key to achieving “strategic autonomy.”