What to Read in The Hindu Editorial( Topic and Syllabus wise)

 

Editorial 1: ​Hold the centre

Context

Bangladesh needs a leader capable of restraining extremist forces and preserving stability.

Introduction

Bangladesh stands at a critical political crossroads following the death of Khaleda Zia, a leader who shaped its democratic struggle and partisan rivalry for decades. As the nation prepares for elections, it confronts leadership transitions, institutional fragility, and rising political uncertainty, making this moment decisive for restoring stability, pluralism, and public trust.

End of an Era in Bangladesh Politics

The death of Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first woman Prime Minister, marks the close of a defining chapter in the country’s turbulent political history.

Entering politics after the assassination of her husband, Gen. Ziaur Rahman, she became central to the 1990 movement that ended military rule.

Her early alliance and later rivalry with Sheikh Hasina — famously called the “Battle of the Begums” — shaped national politics for decades.

With Zia’s passing and Hasina’s 2024 ouster and exile, Bangladesh stands at the threshold of a generational political transition ahead of the February 2026 elections.

BNP’s Leadership Test and Tarique Rahman’s Challenge

Tarique Rahman, Zia’s son and acting chief of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has returned after 17 years in exile.

His immediate challenge is party unity, bridging internal factions and projecting an inclusive political vision.

While his Dhaka rally stressed reconciliation over revenge, the BNP’s history of violence and the country’s current instability raise doubts about rapid recovery.

The BNP’s credibility will be crucial in determining whether it can anchor the political centre.

Interim Government and Deepening Instability

The interim administration under Muhammad Yunus has struggled to restore law and order.

Mob violence, including the lynching of a Hindu youth and attacks on media offices, highlights a worsening security environment.

Reports of renewed activity by banned extremist groups have further heightened internal security concerns.

The ban on the Awami League from political activity has cast a shadow over the legitimacy of the upcoming elections.

Rise of Islamism and the Uncertain Road Ahead

New political forces, such as the National Citizen Party, have aligned with Jamaat-e-Islami, signalling a potential ideological shift.

Jamaat’s historical role during 1971 makes its possible rise a serious challenge to Bangladesh’s secular constitutional order.

The country urgently needs leadership that can restore trust, reinforce institutions, and contain fundamentalism.

Whether Tarique Rahman and the BNP can rebuild stability and reclaim the political centre will decisively shape Bangladesh’s near future.

Conclusion

Bangladesh’s immediate future depends on whether its leaders can break the cycle of chaos, violence, and polarisation. Rebuilding the political centre, restoring law and order, and keeping extremism at bay are essential. The ability of emerging leadership to act with restraint, inclusivity, and responsibility will determine the strength of the country’s democratic trajectory.

 

Editorial 2: ​The U.S. tariff shock, India’s pharma future

Context

India’s generics strength cushions risks, but diversification and reforms are essential.

Introduction

In September 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a sweeping 100% tariff on branded and patented pharmaceutical imports, effective October 1, 2025, placing India’s pharmaceutical industry—often described as the “pharmacy of the world”—at a critical juncture. Framed as a push to strengthen U.S. domestic manufacturing, the move risks disrupting global supply chains that have saved the U.S. health-care system billions, while also threatening India’s export-driven growth.

At the same time, India’s stronghold in generic medicines provides an important cushion, even as the situation highlights the pressing need for market diversification and domestic policy reforms.

With pharma exports to the U.S. nearing $9 billion in FY2025, reflecting a 14.29% year-on-year increase, the implications are significant for India’s $50 billion pharmaceutical sector, which contributes about 1.72% to national GDP.

Global Market Overview

Global pharmaceutical exports exceeded $850 billion (2024), driven by ageing populations, chronic diseases, and post-COVID innovation

Germany ($119.85 bn), Switzerland ($99.08 bn), and the United States ($90.30 bn) led exports in 2023–24

The U.S. emerged as the largest importer with $212.67 bn (2024), followed by Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, and China

The European Union recorded €313.4 bn in medicinal exports in 2024, a 13.5% rise, signalling resilience amid geopolitical tensions

India, the third-largest exporter by volume, expanded exports from $27 bn (2023) to $30.47 bn (FY25)

Generics, Risks and Growth Impact

Generics dominate India’s exports, accounting for 70% of shipments to the U.S. and Europe

API dependence remains a concern, with $5 bn annual imports and 72% sourced from China, exposing supply-chain vulnerabilities

The sector’s 10%–12% CAGR contributes 0.5%–1% to GDP growth annually and strengthens forex reserves

The U.S. tariff regime, while excluding generics for now, targets branded drugs unless manufactured domestically

India supplies 40% of U.S. generics, saving American payers $219 bn in 2022

Market volatility followed, with pharma stocks falling and millions wiped off market capitalisation

A tariff extension to generics could cut export revenues by 10%–15% and reduce GDP growth by 0.2%–0.3% in FY26

Firms with over 30% U.S. exposure face rerouting costs, regulatory barriers, API inflation (5%–7%), and R&D slowdowns

These pressures may accelerate “China-plus-one” strategies, shifting focus to Africa and Southeast Asia, raising India’s regulated-market share from 3% to 3.5% by 2030

Domestic Cushion through GST Reform

GST rationalisation (September 22, 2025) provides domestic support to the sector

Drug and medicine GST reduced from 12% to 5%, with 36 essential items at nil rate

Consumer savings estimated at $1.2 bn annually

Medical device GST cut from 18% to 5%, easing $5 bn worth of imports

No re-labelling requirement for pre-September stocks minimises supply disruptions

Alignment with Ayushman Bharat is expected to boost consumption by 8%–10%, helping insulate the domestic market from tariff-led shocks

On Eastern Scale

Global pharma trade increasingly contrasts Western innovation with Eastern manufacturing scale

The United States–European Union pact prioritises supply-chain security, with EU medicinal exports to the U.S. including $65.7 billion from Ireland (2024)

China demonstrated rising influence in 2025, securing 32% of global biotech deals in Q1 and $2.5 billion in U.S. molecule licensing in H1 2025

India’s eastern-facing diplomacy expanded with six MoUs signed with Trinidad and Tobago (July 2025), including pharmaceutical cooperation

A Singapore API pact and Serum Institute of India’s dengue treatment collaboration for low- and middle-income countries strengthen India’s South–South partnerships

Platforms such as iPHEX could significantly expand exports to Africa, potentially doubling volumes over time

With 35% of India’s pharma exports currently U.S.-bound, eastern alliances may offset 20%–25% of tariff-related risks, enhancing strategic resilience

Bullish Forecasts

India’s pharmaceutical market, valued at $50 billion (2023–24), is projected to scale up to $130 billion by 2030, implying an 11%–12% CAGR

Pharma exports are expected to expand sharply to $120–$130 billion, strengthening export-led growth

Global pharmaceutical spending could reach $1.5 trillion by 2029, driven by biosimilars and precision medicine

India’s API sector is likely to grow to ₹1.82 trillion ($22 billion) by 2030, supported by the Production Linked Incentive Scheme, helping reclaim 20% domestic production

Structural challenges such as IP disputes and API dependence remain, but institutional resilience is visible

The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has strengthened affordable medicine access

As of June 2025, 16,912 Jan Aushadhi Kendras were operational across the country

The scheme covers 2,110 medicines and 315 surgicals, medical consumables, and devices, widening the public health safety net

Tariff pressures threaten drug affordability, with U.S. cancer therapy costs potentially rising by $8,000–$10,000for a 24-week course

This mirrors India’s 60% out-of-pocket health expenditure burden, highlighting shared risks

Generic medicines, priced around 80% lower, enable nearly 20 million treatments annually

However, supply disruptions and quality concerns could delay 15%–20% of surgeries

PMBJP’s oncology basket, cutting costs by about 70%, demonstrates that strong domestic buffers can effectively cushion external shocks

Conclusion

U.S. tariffs risk triggering drug shortages if India’s 40% share of generic supplies to the American market weakens. To mitigate this, India must leverage strategic MoUs, commit $10 billion to API manufacturing under PLI 2.0, and actively pursue reforms at the World Trade Organization. With global pharmaceutical investment potential of $450 billion for India by 2047, the future lies in east–west hybrid collaboration, innovation-led growth, and equitable access to medicines. To retain pharma supremacy, policymakers must diversify markets decisively, reform systems swiftly, and strengthen domestic capabilities.