25 March 2025 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis

1. China ties — beware conciliation without deterrence

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)

India’s Recent Diplomatic Shift

• This marks a notable shift in tone, as relations between the two countries had been strained since 2020 due to border clashes.
• Military disengagement efforts have been ongoing, and bilateral trade has continued to grow despite diplomatic tensions.
• In October 2023, India and China reached an agreement to withdraw troops from the last two disputed areas along the border, signaling a step toward normalizing relations.

India’s Uncertain Policy Direction

• It is unclear whether this shift is a temporary change in tone or a long-term policy adjustment.
• India may be reviving its earlier approach of seeking cooperation with China.
• However, India’s rivalry with China remains a structural issue, with continued engagements with the Quad nations (Australia, Japan, and the United States) for strategic security.
• India’s grand strategy prioritizes economic growth, making stability with its largest trading partner a logical step.
• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has stated that it is “common sense” for India to maintain a stable relationship with China.

Impact of U.S. Policy Under Trump

• India’s foreign policy is influenced by global events, including shifts in U.S. policies.
• U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has imposed tariffs on China but has shown uncertainty in defense commitments.
• Trump’s approach includes reducing defense spending and urging allies like Japan and Taiwan to increase their own military investments.
• His willingness to strike strategic bargains, such as accommodating Russian interests in Ukraine, raises concerns that a similar deal could be made with China.
• India has relied on U.S. intelligence in managing border tensions with China, but recent U.S. policy unpredictability has prompted India to reassess its strategy.

Strengthening Military Capabilities

• While a conciliatory approach may seem beneficial, India must not reduce its military investments.
• Despite the Ladakh crisis, India’s defense spending as a share of GDP and the national budget has declined over the last decade.
• Delayed modernization in defense could weaken India’s position, as developing military assets like submarines and fighter jets takes years.
• Continued military exercises with strategic partners are crucial for operational preparedness, regardless of changes in diplomatic tone.

Ensuring Stability Without Weakness

• Stability must not come at the cost of military preparedness.
• India has faced Chinese aggression even after past diplomatic engagements, including Modi’s summits with Xi Jinping.
• To ensure a lasting balance, India must pair its diplomatic efforts with strong military capabilities to deter future conflicts. 

2. Colossal wastage that is food for thought

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)

Difference Between Food Waste and Food Loss

• Food waste includes discarded edible and inedible parts from manufacturing, retail, restaurants, and households.
• Food loss happens earlier in the supply chain due to poor storage, transportation, and handling.
• In India, per capita household food waste is 55 kg per year, which is lower than some other nations but still significant due to the country’s large population.

Impact on Hunger and Economy

• Food worth a trillion dollars is wasted globally every year.
• This is alarming because 783 million people worldwide suffer from hunger.
• India wastes about 78 million tonnes of food annually, while over 20 crore Indians go to bed hungry.
• Despite being a major food producer, India faces challenges in ensuring food reaches those who need it.

Reasons Behind Food Waste in India

• Over-purchasing leads to food going unused and spoiling.
• Improper meal planning results in wasted ingredients.
• Limited storage facilities, such as small refrigerators, worsen the problem.
• Cultural habits of preparing excess food for guests or celebrations contribute to wastage.
• In urban areas, poor refrigeration and short shelf life in markets increase waste.
• Around 61% of global food waste happens at the household level, showing the need for better consumer awareness.

Environmental Consequences

• Food production requires large amounts of land, water, and energy.
• Wasting food also wastes these precious resources.
• In India, food waste accounts for 10%-12% of total municipal waste, producing methane, a harmful greenhouse gas.
• Food waste is responsible for 8%-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
• If food waste were a country, it would be the third-largest emitter after two major economies.

Social and Climate Challenges

• Food waste prevents food from reaching those who need it, making hunger worse.
• It hinders progress toward global goals like Zero Hunger and reducing waste.
• Climate change, with rising temperatures and erratic weather, is already affecting food production.
• Wasting food increases the demand for limited resources, worsening the crisis.

Steps to Reduce Food Waste

• Individuals can:
  • Plan meals and buy only necessary groceries.
  • Store food properly using airtight containers and refrigerators.
  • Use leftovers creatively to prevent waste.
  • Compost food scraps to reduce landfill waste.
  • Donate surplus food to charities and food banks.
• Systemic actions include:
  • Building better cold storage and transportation networks.
  • Encouraging businesses to redistribute unsold food.
  • Educating people about responsible food consumption.
  • Supporting food redistribution networks and providing subsidies for refrigeration.

Conclusion

• India needs to reduce food waste to lower its carbon footprint, improve food security, and address social inequality.
• The focus should not just be on increasing food production but on valuing and conserving available food. 

Read more- 24 March 2025 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis