What to Read in Indian Express Editorial( Topic and Syllabus wise)

Editorial 1:  Parliament debate wasn’t about waqf – it showed a government with a trust deficit

Introduction

The Waqf Amendment Bill, aiming to revise the 1995 Act related to waqf property administration, sparked an intense and revealing debate in Parliament. Though the bill formally focuses on reforms such as improving transparency and efficiency in waqf property management, the discussions went far beyond legislative specifics, touching on deeper concerns around minority trust, representation, and political inclusivity in India.

 

Key Notes

• Parliamentary Proceedings:
  • Debate extended past midnight in the Lok Sabha.
  • 288 MPs voted in favour, 232 voted against — a close and charged contest.
• Government's Position:
  • Emphasized curbing corruption, promoting transparency, efficiency, and accountability in waqf property management.
  • Justified reforms as part of broader good governance agenda.
• Opposition's Concerns:
  • Accused the bill of discrimination and marginalisation of Muslims.
  • Saw it as part of a pattern: criminalisation of triple talaq, CAA, Ayodhya Ram Mandir, and abrogation of Article 370.
  • Viewed as undermining minority rights and constitutional freedoms.
• Contentious Provisions in the Bill:
  • Inclusion of non-Muslims in State Waqf Boards and Central Waqf Council.
  • Expanded government control in dispute resolution and regulation of waqf properties.
• Larger Political Questions:
  • Minority trust deficit with the Modi government is deepening.
  • The slogan "sabka vikas, sabka vishwas" remains unconvincing for many Muslims.
  • Notably, the BJP has no Muslim MP in Lok Sabha, raising concerns about political representation and inclusivity.
• Opposition's Performance:
  • Rare show of unity and voice on minority issues.
  • The debate provided a respite from internal divisions.
  • Showed that Parliament can still serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue, despite differences.

 

Conclusion

The Waqf Amendment Bill debate offered a window into the state of India’s democracy — one where deep divisions persist, but where Parliament still holds potential as a forum for vital discussions. While the government succeeded in passing the bill, it faces a growing challenge in building trust with minorities. True representation and inclusive governance require more than legislative victories — they demand genuine dialogue, participation, and empathy for India’s diverse social fabric.

Editorial 2 : Trump’s tariffs, world trade – and India’s options

Introduction

In a move that has shaken the global trading system, US President Donald Trump announced a policy of reciprocal tariffs on "Liberation Day", drawing comparisons to the protectionist Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, which contributed to the collapse of global trade. The wide-ranging and aggressive tariff policy targets both allies and adversaries, marking a dramatic shift in US trade relations and triggering fears of a global trade war and economic recession.

 

Key Notes

• Trump’s Reciprocal Tariff Policy:
  • Two sets of tariffs announced:
    • Base tariff: 10% effective from April 5
    • Country-specific tariffs: effective from April 9
  • No country spared — UK, EU, China, India, Madagascar, and others impacted.
• Tariff Impact on India:
  • India faces a 27% reciprocal tariff — lighter than China (34% + existing 20%).
  • Competitor nations hit harder:
    • Vietnam (46%),
    • Bangladesh (37%),
    • Indonesia (32%),
    • Thailand (37%)
• Exemptions Provided:
  • Critical sectors like minerals, energy products, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals are exempt from the tariffs.
• International Reactions:
  • China: Vowed to retaliate to safeguard its interests.
  • Australia: Chose not to retaliate, open to negotiations.
  • Other countries' responses remain uncertain — retaliation may not be limited to tariffs, currency devaluation may be considered.
• Economic Consequences:
  • JP Morgan warns of a potential global recession if tariffs persist.
  • The shock could severely impact macroeconomic stability worldwide.
• India’s Response and Trade Strategy:
  • India is in the process of negotiating a trade deal with the US.
  • Has shown accommodation by:
    • Reducing tariffs on high-end cars and bikes
    • Removing the equalisation levy
  • Must now also pursue a broader, long-term trade reform agenda.

 

Conclusion

President Trump’s sweeping tariff regime marks a turning point in global trade, one that risks triggering a cycle of retaliation and economic slowdown. While India has responded with diplomacy and reform, it must continue to strategically balance immediate trade negotiations with the US and strengthen its broader trade policy. In an increasingly volatile trade environment, resilience, adaptability, and reform-oriented thinking are key to securing India's economic future.

Editorial 3 : The Third Edit: You don’t need a Tinder game – just go say hi

Introduction

In today’s digitised dating culture, where swipes replace eye contact and emojis replace emotions, many argue that the authenticity of human connection has been compromised. While technology has made meeting people easier, it may have also made meaningful communication harder, leading to a paradox where we are more connected than ever — and yet, lonelier too.

 

Key Notes

• Romantic Luddites’ Viewpoint:
  • Something vital was lost with the rise of dating apps.
  • The magic of spontaneous, real-life chemistry has been reduced to algorithms and curated profiles.
  • Interests are now displayed in clichés like “wanderlust” and “sapiosexual”.
• The Irony of AI and Dating:
  • Tinder launched “The Game Game” — a chatbot that helps users simulate conversations in real-world scenarios.
  • Goal: Get a date or number within a time limit.
  • Other apps like Hinge and Grindr also use AI assistants to help users converse.
  • Ironically, these apps try to fix the communication problem they helped create.
• Critique of Dating Apps and AI:
  • Apps are designed for “engagement”, not actual relationships or happiness.
  • Their business model thrives on users staying on the platform — not finding love and leaving it.
• A Simpler, Timeless Solution:
  • Instead of relying on bots, people should embrace real-world social interactions.
  • Courage to initiate a genuine “hi” still holds power.
  • Human connection doesn’t need to be programmed — it just needs to be authentic.

 

Conclusion

While AI and dating apps may offer tools to initiate conversations, they cannot replicate the nuances of human chemistry and emotional connection. The art of conversation may be in danger of becoming extinct — but reviving it doesn’t require more tech. It just requires people to look up from their screens, gather a little courage, and say hello. Sometimes, the oldest ways are still the best.