Editorial 1: Harnessing the Demographic Dividend
Syllabus GS Paper 1: Population and associated issues. GS Paper 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
Core Theme of the Editorial The editorial discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with India’s demographic dividend. It argues that while India has a huge young population, it must invest heavily in education, healthcare, and skill development to prevent this demographic advantage from turning into a liability.
Key Points/Arguments
- The Window of Opportunity: The editorial notes that India’s median age is around 28, and a significant portion of its population is in the working-age group. It argues that this demographic profile presents a huge opportunity for economic growth and innovation.
- Skill Deficit: The editorial highlights a major challenge: the lack of a skilled workforce. It cites a recent report that shows a significant mismatch between the skills of the youth and the demands of the modern economy. It argues that this skill deficit is a major barrier to realizing the full potential of the demographic dividend.
- Health and Well-being: The editorial also emphasizes the need for a healthy population. It notes that while India has made significant progress in public health, a lot more needs to be done to address the challenges of malnutrition, non-communicable diseases, and mental health.
- The Role of Women: The editorial also highlights the need to empower women to participate in the workforce. It notes that a low female labor force participation rate is a major constraint on India’s economic growth.
Critique/Counter-Argument While some argue that the demographic dividend is an automatic path to growth, the editorial counters this argument by citing the examples of other countries that have failed to capitalize on their demographic dividend and have faced the problem of high unemployment and social unrest.
Conclusion The editorial concludes that the demographic dividend is a golden opportunity that India must not squander. It calls for a comprehensive strategy that includes a focus on education, healthcare, and skill development to ensure that the youth are equipped to drive India’s future growth.
UPSC Mains Question “India’s demographic dividend is a potential driver of economic growth. However, it could also become a liability. Discuss the key challenges in harnessing India’s demographic dividend and suggest a way forward to ensure that it becomes a source of strength.” (250 words, 15 marks)
Editorial 2: Navigating the Quad’s Uncharted Waters
Syllabus GS Paper 2: International Relations; Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Core Theme of the Editorial The editorial provides a critical analysis of India’s foreign policy towards the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad). It argues that while the Quad is a key platform for a free and open Indo-Pacific, India must be careful to balance its strategic interests with its commitment to strategic autonomy.
Key Points/Arguments
- Strategic Rationale: The editorial acknowledges the strategic rationale for India’s participation in the Quad. It notes that the Quad is a key platform for countering China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. It also highlights the importance of the Quad in promoting a rules-based order and in addressing non-traditional security threats.
- The Dilemma of Strategic Autonomy: The editorial argues that India must be careful not to be seen as an ‘ally’ in the traditional sense. It notes that India has a long history of strategic autonomy and that it must continue to pursue its own interests, without being tied down by the interests of other Quad members.
- Beyond Military Cooperation: The editorial also argues that the Quad should not be seen as a military alliance. It notes that the Quad’s real strength lies in its ability to address non-traditional security threats, such as climate change, pandemics, and cybersecurity. It calls for a greater focus on these issues to make the Quad more relevant and effective.
Critique/Counter-Argument The editorial counters the argument that the Quad is a purely anti-China alliance. It notes that the Quad is a complex and multifaceted platform that is aimed at promoting a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific. However, it acknowledges that China’s growing military influence is a key concern that drives the Quad’s agenda.
Conclusion The editorial concludes that while the Quad is a key platform for India’s strategic interests, India must navigate its relationship with the Quad with a clear-eyed assessment of its long-term strategic goals.
UPSC Mains Question “Analyze the key challenges and opportunities in India’s engagement with the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad). How does India seek to balance its strategic interests with its commitment to strategic autonomy?” (250 words, 15 marks)
