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

Editorial 1 : The Third Edit: Mammoths, mice and dystopias becoming reality

Woolly Mammoth De-Extinction

1. Background & Hype
   1. For the past two years, there has been significant buzz about reviving the woolly mammoth.
   2. Colossal Biosciences is leading this effort and has gained widespread publicity.
   3. To demonstrate progress, the company has created “woolly mice” using gene editing.
2. Scientific Process
   1. The woolly mice have been genetically modified to have a thick fur coat.
   2. This is seen as a stepping stone towards reviving the mammoth.
   3. However, questions arise about whether genetic similarity equates to true de-extinction.
3. Key Concerns & Ethical Questions
   1. A species is more than just its appearance—will revived mammoths behave like their ancestors?
   2. If not, they may just be genetically altered elephants rather than true mammoths.
   3. Ethical dilemma: Should we focus on reviving extinct species or prioritize conserving endangered ones?
4. Conclusion
   1. While de-extinction is a fascinating scientific endeavor, it raises moral and ecological concerns.
   2. Preserving existing species may be a more responsible and effective approach than bringing back those long gone.
   3. Science should learn from science fiction and proceed with caution before playing “Jurassic Park” in real life.

 

Editorial 2: What India needs to become a high-income economy

India's Economic Growth & High-Income Status

1. Current Economic Status
   1. In 2007-08, India was a low middle-income country with a per capita income of $1,022 (IMF).
   2. By 2024, this has risen to $2,697.
   3. To achieve upper middle-income status in 2024-25, per capita income must reach $4,516 (World Bank).
2. Future Projections
   1. IMF estimates India’s per capita income to be $4,195 by 2029, below the threshold.
   2. World Bank projects India will reach upper middle-income status by 2032.
   3. The ultimate goal is to become a high-income developed country by 2047.
3. Challenges & the Middle-Income Trap
   1. Few countries, like South Korea, Czech Republic, and Romania, have successfully transitioned to high-income status.
   2. Others, including Brazil, South Africa, and Malaysia, remain stuck in the middle-income trap.
   3. The key challenge is sustaining high economic growth over decades.
4. Required Growth Rate
   1. The World Bank suggests India must grow at 7.8% annually to become a high-income country by 2047.
   2. In comparison, India grew at 6.7% over the two decades before COVID-19.
   3. A business-as-usual approach will not be enough to achieve this ambitious target.
5. Conclusion
   1. India is on track to become an upper middle-income nation by 2032, but reaching high-income status by 2047 is a bigger challenge.
   2. To avoid the middle-income trap, India needs structural reforms, sustained high growth, and strong policy measures.
   3. Achieving this goal will require long-term economic planning, innovation, and global competitiveness.

Editorial 3: In Maharashtra, a tale of crime and complicity

Political Fallout & Corruption in Maharashtra

1. CM’s Stand on Corruption
   1. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis stated that political extortion would be dealt with strictly.
   2. His government aims to tackle issues like law and order, corruption, unemployment, and agrarian distress.
2. Resignation of Dhananjay Munde
   1. Food and Civil Supplies Minister Dhananjay Munde resigned right after the Budget Session, citing ill health.
   2. However, his resignation is linked to the brutal murder of Santosh Deshmukh, a sarpanch from Beed.
   3. Deshmukh was killed on December 9 for opposing an extortion bid on a windmill energy project.
   4. Walmik Karad, a close aide of Munde, is a prime accused in the case.
3. Political Implications
   1. Beed has been a Munde stronghold, making this case politically sensitive.
   2. The delay in action raises questions about governance and law enforcement.
   3. Munde was inducted into the cabinet on December 14, five days after the murder, despite Karad’s name being in the FIR on December 12.
4. Wider Law & Order Concerns
   1. The Mahayuti government is already facing criticism for:
      • Pune bus stand rape case involving a 26-year-old woman.
      • Attack on actor Saif Ali Khan.
      • Conviction of NCP minister Manikrao Kokate in a housing fraud case (though temporarily stayed).
   2. The Deshmukh murder case adds to public and political scrutiny.
5. Conclusion
   1. Munde’s resignation was necessary but delayed.
   2. The case highlights concerns over political influence, corruption, and law enforcement in Maharashtra.
   3. It also raises questions about ministerial appointments and accountability within the Mahayuti government.