05 Feb 2025 Indian Express Editorial


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

Editorial 1 : The Third Edit on India’s U-19 World Cup win: Playing like her

India’s U19 World Cup Triumph & Its Impact on Women’s Cricket

  • Victory & Significance
    • India’s U19 women’s team dominated the tournament, defeating South Africa in the finals.
    • This victory brings optimism to Indian women’s cricket, igniting hopes for a senior team trophy.
    • Australia, England, and New Zealand do not focus much on junior cricket, making India’s triumph stand out.
  • Star Performers & Emerging Talents
    • Gongadi Trisha:
      • The standout player of the tournament.
      • Only centurion of the tournament.
      • Consistently among the top batters.
      • Raised in Hyderabad, groomed from a young age by her father.
    • Other Key Players:
      • Kamalini: Aggressive batter known for boundary-hitting.
      • Vaishnavi Sharma & Aayushi Shukla: Emerging bowling talents.
  • The Evolution of Women’s Cricket in India
    • Progress:
      • Equal match fees, franchise league, and a structured domestic setup.
      • Increased talent pipeline beyond stalwarts like Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana.
    • Future Contenders:
      • Shafali Verma’s spot faces competition from upcoming stars like Pratika Rawal and Trisha.
      • Growth in local academies and franchise-based nurturing will strengthen the talent pool.
  • Looking Ahead
    • India’s senior team must now aim for the ultimate challenge—defeating Australia in a major final.
    • The U19 team’s success proves that this dream is achievable.
    • With infrastructure and ambition aligning, the future of women’s cricket in India looks bright.

 

Editorial 2 : Express View on the Indian rupee: Let it fall

1. Recent Decline in Rupee & Market Impact

  • The rupee has come under pressure, hitting an all-time low of 87.29 per USD before closing at 87.19 on Monday.
  • The Sensex also fell by 0.4% but recovered 1.8% on Tuesday, with the rupee stabilizing at 87.07.
  • Global investor sentiment has been affected, leading to uncertainty.

2. Impact of US Tariffs & Global Trade War

  • US President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China have roiled global markets.
  • China retaliated by imposing tariffs on US imports from February 10.
  • Trump hinted that the EU could be the next target, increasing market uncertainty.
  • Investors are turning to the US dollar as a safe haven, strengthening it.
  • The dollar index rose to 109.84 on Monday but hovered around 108.5 on Tuesday.

3. Foreign Investment & RBI's Role

  • FII outflows have persisted for 23 consecutive days, marking the longest stretch in over a decade.
  • In January alone, foreign investors pulled out over $9 billion from Indian markets.
  • Last year, the RBI intervened in currency markets, reducing forex reserves by $50 billion between September and December.
  • Recently, the RBI has allowed the rupee to adjust naturally, stepping in only to manage volatility.

4. Economic Impact & Policy Response

  • A sharp rupee depreciation could push up inflation by 35 basis points over a few quarters.
  • The government is focusing on fiscal consolidation, aiming to reduce the fiscal deficit from 4.8% in 2024-25 to 4.4% in 2025-26.
  • Given economic slowdown concerns, the RBI should consider easing policy rates to support growth.

5. Conclusion

  • The rupee’s decline reflects global economic uncertainty and trade tensions.
  • The RBI must balance currency stability with inflation risks, intervening selectively.
  • With foreign investor outflows and a strong dollar, policy adjustments may be needed to maintain market confidence.

 

Editorial 3 : Express View: Seize the lull in Manipur

1. Ongoing Ethnic Conflict & Recent Developments

  • 21 months since ethnic violence began in Manipur, straining its social fabric.
  • Meitei-Kuki tensions remain unresolved despite a recent lull in violence.
  • November 2024 violence: 22 killed over 11 days, mainly in Jiribam district.
  • Last major incident: January 1, 2025 – Shootout in Kadangband (Imphal West) hours after CM Biren Singh’s New Year’s Eve apology.
  • December 31, 2024: Clashes between Kuki women protesters and CRPF, followed by a mob attack on the SP’s office in Kangpokpi.

2. Myanmar Conflict & Border Concerns

  • Escalation in Myanmar’s Sagaing region raises fears of spillover into Manipur.
  • Manipur shares a 400-km border with Myanmar, heightening security concerns.
  • Insurgent ties across borders:
    • Meiteis reportedly supporting Myanmar's military junta.
    • Kukis aligning with rebel forces.
  • Since January 27, 2025, over 200 refugees from Myanmar have entered Manipur’s Tengnoupal district.

3. The Urgent Need for Reconciliation & Leadership

  • Ethnic divisions persist:
    • Valley is emptied of Kukis, while Kuki-dominated hills have no Meiteis.
    • Deep-seated trust deficit remains unaddressed.
  • Government inaction:
    • No mention of Manipur in President’s Lok Sabha Address.
    • PM has not visited Manipur since the violence started on May 3, 2023.
    • SC awaiting forensic analysis of CM Biren Singh’s alleged role in the conflict.
  • The Centre must act swiftly to prevent a relapse into violence.

4. Conclusion

  • Manipur's current calm is fragile—peace is not just the absence of war.
  • Leadership at the highest level is essential to rebuild trust.
  • Reconciliation efforts must be prioritized to prevent the state from sliding back into conflict.