24 June 2024 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis

1. WHY EXAM SCAMS HAPPEN

(Source: Indian Express; Section: The Editorial Page; Page: 08)

Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Education

Context:

Recent corruption in the NEET exam has garnered significant attention. While ensuring the integrity of exams for higher education and recruitment is essential, focusing solely on the minutiae of individual culpability overlooks the broader issue: a staggering 24 lakh students vying for a mere 1 lakh seats.

The Systemic Inadequacy of Opportunities:

• Despite India being celebrated as the fifth-largest economy, the systems in place are inadequate to meet the aspirations of its youth.
• The real scam lies in linking this inadequate supply to the dubious categorization of “merit,” which excludes all but a minuscule minority.
• This issue spans across sectors, from education to employment, highlighting a systemic failure to provide sufficient opportunities.

The Perpetuation of a Narrow Definition of Success:

• The problem is not just a legacy issue but a current crisis exacerbated by indifference towards engaging youth productively.
• Instead of addressing limited opportunities, society has elevated aspirations without providing equal chances for success and social status.
• The celebration of a few exceptional successes as national pride masks the broader issue and sets unrealistic standards for the majority.

The Impact of Limited Opportunities and the Myth of Merit:

• Our education system and job markets fail to provide sufficient avenues for legitimate success, leading to the propagation of “merit” as a narrow criterion.
• Celebrating the few who succeed or buck the system fosters discontent among the many who struggle to secure basic formal employment.
• This restriction of success to a minority breeds a deep sense of injustice and hopelessness among the youth.

The Mismatch Between Aspirations and Reality:

• The vast mismatch between the aspirations of India’s youth and the limited opportunities available creates a significant problem.
• Current solutions lack the necessary bipartisan, nationwide approach.
• Celebrating isolated examples of excellence without making such opportunities widely available only exacerbates the issue.

A Multi-Pronged Approach to Address the Crisis:

• Addressing this crisis requires a multi-pronged approach. Responsible political leaders must rise above partisan divides to recognize the problem’s scale and develop institutional and societal responses.
• This will require a massive infusion of public funds to expand quality education infrastructure and opportunities.
• Additionally, there must be a shift in attitudes towards the working class, fostering social solidarity.

The Role of India’s Elite and Leadership:

• India’s elite must go beyond self-satisfaction and contribute to expanding opportunities for less advantaged youth.
• A decisive, sustained mission led by the highest leadership can instill hope and validate the aspirations of India’s youth.
• Cancelling exams and prosecuting a few individuals only dodges accountability and increases disillusionment among the youth.

Conclusion:

• To address the root causes of the current crisis, there must be a nationwide, bipartisan effort to expand quality educational and employment opportunities.
• Only through a collective and sustained approach can the aspirations of India’s youth be truly realized, moving beyond narrow definitions of merit and success.

What are the negative impacts of frequent Paper leaks in India?

1. Disproportionate impact on rural and marginalized community students– The students from remote rural backgrounds and marginalised castes, are disproportionately impacted as they come with the pressure of debts undertaken to pay fees of applications, coaching centres and computer training centres and rent. 2. Emotional, Mental and Physical Fatigue- With the cancellation of exams, there is an increase in the fatigue of students and the fear of a new generation of aspirants joining the queue. 3. Exacerbation of Job Crisis– The cancellation of recruitment procedures has added to spiralling of crises in the already scarce job market. 4. Disruption of academic calendars– The postponement and cancellation of Exams due to paper leaks, throw the academic schedules into disarray and cause uncertainty for students. 5. Loss of trust and confidence– The frequent paper leaks lead to students loosing their faith in the fairness and meritocracy of exams, and questions the value of their efforts and education.

Practice Question:  “Despite being the fifth-largest economy, India’s systems remain woefully inadequate in addressing the aspirations of its youth, leading to a significant mismatch between aspirations and reality. Critically analyze the root causes of this issue and suggest a multi-pronged approach to create sufficient educational and employment opportunities for the youth. (250 words/15 m)

2. CEMENTING TIES

(Source: Indian Express; Section: The Editorial Page; Page: 08)

Topic: GS2 – International Relations – Bilateral Relations

Context:

Prime Ministers Sheikh Hasina and Narendra Modi have been relentless in advancing bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh over the last decade. Their efforts have transformed both countries into valuable partners, marking a significant milestone in their diplomatic history. It is fitting that Delhi hosted Sheikh Hasina for the first state visit during PM Modi’s third term, emphasizing the deepening ties between the two nations.

Intensified Engagement:

• The frequency of high-level meetings underscores the intensity of this engagement.
• Sheikh Hasina’s presence in Delhi for Modi’s swearing-in ceremony, followed by their subsequent meetings, highlights the commitment to enhancing bilateral relations.
• The two leaders’ dedication has resulted in what is celebrated as a “golden chapter” in the history of India-Bangladesh relations.
• Their shared vision aims to elevate this relationship into a “transformational partnership.”

Focus on Connectivity and Trade:

• A significant focus of the bilateral agenda is on improving connectivity. This includes easing visa procedures, promoting freer movement of goods, facilitating cross-border energy and electricity flows, and building digital bridges.
• Bangladesh has emerged as one of India’s most important trade partners, prompting the initiation of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
• Enhancing trade across India’s longest frontier with Bangladesh, the second-largest economy in the Subcontinent, is crucial, especially amidst global trading challenges.
• The strengthening of economic ties not only supports sub-regional integration in the eastern Subcontinent but also in the Bay of Bengal littoral and the eastern Indian Ocean.

Modernizing Defense Cooperation:

• Beyond commerce and connectivity, Hasina and Modi have ambitious plans to modernize the bilateral defense relationship, which has lagged behind.
• This modernization will involve extensive collaboration between the armed forces, defense industrial partnerships, and India’s support for modernizing Bangladesh’s armed forces.
• A robust defense partnership will contribute to maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region, enhancing disaster mitigation efforts, and building resilient infrastructure.
• Furthermore, expanded regional and international collaboration between Delhi and Dhaka will support the collective interests of the Global South.

Overcoming Historical Legacies:

• The past decade has seen significant progress in overcoming the bitter legacies of Partition in the eastern subcontinent.
• While challenges such as river water management remain, the shared vision articulated by Hasina and Modi raises hopes for realizing the full potential of the bilateral relationship.
• Their leadership has paved the way for a more prosperous and stable South Asia, highlighting the importance of continued cooperation and mutual development.

Key Highlights of the Bilateral Meet

The two leaders outlined a Shared Vision for peace, prosperity, and development, focusing on connectivity, commerce, and collaboration. Key points include: Future-Oriented Partnership: Recognizing the interconnected progress and prosperity of both nations, they emphasized guiding India-Bangladesh ties towards a future-oriented partnership, aligning with “Viksit Bharat 2047” and “Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041”. Transformative Connectivity: They aim to turn geographical proximity into economic opportunities through multi-modal transport, cross-border trade, energy, and digital connectivity. India will extend transit facilities for Bangladeshi goods to Nepal and Bhutan and operationalize the BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement. Power and Energy Collaboration: The countries will develop intra-regional electricity trade, including clean energy from India, Nepal, and Bhutan, and expedite the construction of high-capacity grid interconnections. Digital and Green Partnership: They will collaborate on digital and green technologies, leveraging these to foster economic growth, sustainable development, and regional prosperity, including the joint development of a small satellite for Bangladesh. Trade and Investment: The leaders agreed to strengthen trade and investment links, including early negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and operationalizing Special Economic Zones in Bangladesh. Water Resource Management: They will prioritize data exchange and formulating interim water-sharing frameworks, including renewing the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty and managing the Teesta River. Defence Cooperation: The nations will strengthen defence ties, including industrial cooperation and multifaceted military engagements, to modernize the Bangladesh Armed Forces. Development Cooperation: They will expand development cooperation, focusing on capacity building for civil services, judicial officers, police, and other specialized services. Cultural and Historical Ties: Promoting exchanges among scholars, artists, tourists, and students, they will support the Muktijoddhas and their families with new programs for medical and educational support. Cross-Border Travel: India will extend e-Medical Visa facilities to Bangladeshi citizens and open a new Assistant High Commission in Rangpur to facilitate consular services. Essential Commodities: India will support Bangladesh with the supply of essential commodities based on availability. Youth Development: They emphasized accelerating partnerships in education, skilling, technology, sports, and creative industries to meet youth aspirations. Indo-Pacific Cooperation: They committed to a free, open, inclusive, and secure Indo-Pacific region, co-leading the ‘Disaster Risk Reduction and Management’ pillar of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). Regional and Global Cooperation: The leaders envisioned India-Bangladesh relations as a major anchor for regional integration under BIMSTEC, SAARC, and IORA, and will work together on global platforms to promote common interests, especially for the Global South.

PYQ: With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements: (2017)   1) The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim. 2) River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta. 3) River Teesta flows into Bay of Bengal on the border of India and Bangladesh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?   (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3   Ans: (b)

Practice Question:  Over the last decade, Prime Ministers Sheikh Hasina and Narendra Modi have significantly advanced the bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh, transforming their partnership into a ‘golden chapter’ in diplomatic history. Critically analyze the key areas of cooperation that have strengthened this relationship and discuss the potential challenges that remain. (250 words/15 m)