Editorial 1: The US Exit from WHO – A “Global South” Moment?
Syllabus
- GS Paper II: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.
- GS Paper II: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.
Context
Following the confirmation of the “Trump 2.0” administration’s decision to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO)—citing “bureaucratic inefficiency” and “cost-cutting”—the global health architecture faces its biggest funding crisis since 1948. The editorial argues this is a blessing in disguise for the Global South.
Key Arguments
- The “He Who Pays the Piper” Problem:
- Historically, the WHO has been overly dependent on Voluntary Contributions (VC) from the West (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, US Govt), which skewed its priorities.
- Diseases affecting the West (like monkeypox/Mpox in 2022) received immediate global attention/funding, while “poor man’s diseases” (Tuberculosis, Malaria) in Africa and Asia remained underfunded.
- The Funding Vacuum:
- The US withdrawal leaves a massive hole in “Assessed Contributions” (fixed membership fees).
- Analysis: The editorial suggests this gap should not be filled by another superpower (China), but by a consortium of Global South nations (India, Brazil, South Africa/BRICS) to democratize the agenda.
- Decentralization:
- It calls for shifting the WHO headquarters or key operational hubs from Geneva (high cost) to regional hubs in New Delhi or Addis Ababa to align the “location of power” with the “location of need.”
Way Forward
- Pooled Technical Expertise: Instead of just money, countries like India should offer “Technical Sovereignty”—seconding Indian doctors and public health experts to WHO, replacing expensive Western consultants.
- BRICS Health Shield: Use the BRICS currency reserves to create a permanent “Pandemic Fund” that insulates global health from Western political shifts.
Mains Question: “The withdrawal of major powers from global institutions like the WHO presents a crisis of legitimacy. Discuss how India and the Global South can convert this challenge into an opportunity for democratizing global health governance.” (15 Marks, 250 Words)
Editorial 2: The “Donkey Route” Ends – Migration & The Jobs Crisis
Syllabus
- GS Paper III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
- GS Paper II: Indian Diaspora.
Context
The Indian Express highlights the landing of a chartered deportation flight in Amritsar carrying 205 Indian nationals deported from the US. This is the first major move under the new US immigration rules. The editorial connects this “external” event to the “internal” failure of employment schemes.
Key Arguments
- The “Push” Factor (Jobless Growth):
- The editorial critiques the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) schemes announced in previous budgets. Despite ₹2 lakh crore allocations, the actual disbursement and job creation have lagged.
- Young Indians are taking the dangerous “Donkey Route” (illegal border crossing via Mexico) not out of adventure, but economic desperation.
- The “Pull” Factor Gone:
- With the US tightening its borders and imposing strict “Remain in Mexico” policies, the safety valve of migration is closing.
- The Double Whammy: India now faces a return of semi-skilled labor (deportees) at a time when domestic manufacturing (PLI schemes) is struggling to absorb even the existing workforce.
- The Skilling Gap:
- Many deportees sold ancestral land to pay agents ₹40-50 lakhs. The editorial argues that if this capital were invested in MSMEs or legitimate skilling in India, the outcome would be productive. The failure lies in the lack of faith in the Indian economic engine.
Way Forward
- District-Level Export Hubs: Revitalize the ODOP (One District One Product) scheme to create local jobs so youth don’t feel compelled to migrate.
- Reintegration Program: The MEA and Skill Ministry must launch a “Reintegration Protocol” for deportees to utilize their exposure/skills, preventing them from falling into crime or depression.
Mains Question: “Illegal migration from India is often a symptom of structural deficiencies in the domestic labor market. Critically analyze the correlation between ‘Jobless Growth’ and the rise of the ‘Donkey Route’.” (10 Marks, 150 Words)
Editorial 3: Fiscal Federalism – The “Cess” Pool Controversy
Syllabus
- GS Paper II: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances.
Context
Data from the ongoing budget session reveals that while the Gross Tax Revenue of the Centre has increased, the Divisible Pool (the money shared with States) has shrunk in percentage terms. This is due to the rising reliance on Cesses and Surcharges.
Key Analysis
- The Constitutional Loophole:
- Under Article 270, the Centre must share taxes with States, except for Cesses and Surcharges.
- Trend: The Centre is increasingly labeling taxes as “Agriculture Infrastructure Cess” or “Road Cess.” This money goes 100% to the Centre, bypassing the Finance Commission’s devolution formula (currently 41%).
- State Distress:
- States argue this is “Fiscal Centralization.” With GST taking away their power to tax goods, and Cesses taking away their share of income tax/customs, States are reduced to “glorified municipalities” dependent on Centre’s grants.
- The 16th Finance Commission:
- The editorial urges the 16th FC (currently deliberating) to fix a “Capped Limit” (e.g., 10% of Gross Tax Revenue) on how much the Centre can raise via Cesses. Anything above that must be shared.
Way Forward
- Merger of Cesses: All long-standing cesses (like Health & Education cess) should be merged into the main tax rate so they automatically enter the divisible pool.
- Cooperative Federalism: The Centre must voluntarily share a portion of the Cess proceeds to restore trust, especially with opposition-ruled states.
Mains Question: “The rising share of Cesses and Surcharges in the Union Budget threatens the spirit of Fiscal Federalism. Discuss the need for constitutional safeguards to protect the fiscal autonomy of States.” (15 Marks, 250 Words)
Fact Sheet for Prelims (Feb 5, 2025)
| Term | Definition/News |
| Donkey Route | Illegal immigration technique involving crossing multiple borders (often via Latin America) to reach the US/UK. |
| DeepSeek | A Chinese AI model recently banned on Indian Govt servers due to data sovereignty concerns. |
| Article 270 | Constitutional article dealing with the distribution of taxes between Union and States (exempts Cess). |
| Western Hoolock Gibbon | India’s only ape; endangered; found in Hollongapar Sanctuary (Assam). |
