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

 

Article1: Farm Loan Waivers and Credit Culture in India

Why in News: The Maharashtra government recently announced a ₹35,000 crore farm loan waiver, reviving the debate on the economic and institutional impact of loan waivers on India’s agricultural credit system.

Key Details

Maharashtra has announced a ₹35,000 crore loan waiver, benefiting nearly 30 lakh farmers, including incentives for non-defaulters.

Over the past 35 years, the Centre and states have spent more than ₹3 lakh crore on farm loan waivers.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and several committees have repeatedly cautioned that loan waivers undermine credit discipline and fiscal stability.

According to research estimates, only around 50% of eligible farmers benefited from previous loan waiver schemes.

Farm Loan Waivers: Meaning and Rationale

Debt Relief for Distressed Farmers: Farm loan waivers refer to government decisions to write off agricultural loans owed by farmers to banks or cooperative institutions. They are intended to reduce the debt burden and prevent agrarian distress.

Response to Agricultural Crisis: Loan waivers are often announced during periods of crop failure, price crashes, or rural distress, providing immediate financial relief to farmers facing repayment difficulties.

Political Economy of Loan Waivers: Loan waivers have become a frequent electoral promise, as agriculture supports the livelihood of nearly 45% of India’s workforce according to national employment data.

Objective of Reviving Rural Demand: Governments argue that debt relief improves farmers’ purchasing capacity, potentially stimulating rural demand and supporting economic activity in rural markets.

Major Farm Loan Waiver Schemes in India

Agricultural and Rural Debt Relief Scheme (1990): The first nationwide waiver programme was introduced in 1990, covering short-term agricultural loans and overdue instalments owed to public sector banks and regional rural banks.

Agricultural Debt Waiver and Debt Relief Scheme (2008): The 2008 scheme was one of the largest relief programmes, covering small and marginal farmers with landholdings up to five acres, with total relief estimated at about ₹52,500 crore.

Rise of State-Level Loan Waivers: Since 2014–15, state governments have increasingly announced loan waivers. Major examples include:

Uttar Pradesh – ₹36,360 crore

Karnataka – ₹44,000 crore

Tamil Nadu – ₹52,800 crore

These state-level schemes significantly increased fiscal expenditure on farm relief.

Recent Developments: States like Telangana (2024) and Maharashtra (2026) have announced new waiver schemes, indicating the continued relevance of such policies in agricultural politics.

Impact on Agricultural Credit Culture

Moral Hazard in Borrowing Behaviour: Frequent loan waivers create expectations of future relief, encouraging farmers to delay or avoid loan repayments, a phenomenon known as moral hazard.

Increase in Agricultural Non-Performing Assets (NPAs): The agricultural sector’s gross NPAs reached about 8.44% in 2019, partly reflecting repayment disruptions following waiver announcements.

Decline in Institutional Lending: Banks often become cautious about lending in regions with repeated waivers, leading to slower credit growth in agriculture and reduced availability of formal credit.

Shift to Informal Credit: When banks restrict lending, farmers may depend more on informal sources such as moneylenders, which often charge higher interest rates.

Fiscal Impact on State Finances

Pressure on State Budgets: Loan waivers impose significant fiscal costs, often amounting to 0.1% to 2% of a state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).

Long-Term Fiscal Commitments: Governments typically spread payments over 3–5 years, increasing fiscal liabilities and limiting expenditure on infrastructure, irrigation, or agricultural development

Opportunity Cost: Resources used for loan waivers could alternatively fund irrigation projects, crop insurance, or rural infrastructure, which may provide more sustainable benefits.

Fiscal Responsibility Concerns: Large waiver programmes may challenge fiscal deficit targets under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) framework.

Structural Issues Behind Agrarian Distress

Low Farm Income: Indian agriculture continues to face low productivity and volatile market prices, affecting farmer profitability.

Small and Fragmented Landholdings: Over 85% of Indian farmers are small and marginal, making them more vulnerable to crop failures and price fluctuations.

Climate and Weather Risks: Irregular monsoons, droughts, and floods significantly affect agricultural production and farmer incomes.

Limited Access to Institutional Credit: Despite improvements, many farmers still lack access to formal credit systems, making them financially vulnerable.

Alternative Policy Approaches

Income Support Schemes: Programmes like PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi provide direct income transfers to farmers, offering predictable financial support without distorting credit behaviour.

Crop Insurance: The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) helps farmers manage risks related to crop failure and natural disasters.

Agricultural Market Reforms: Strengthening agricultural markets through e-NAM, contract farming, and better supply chains can improve price realization for farmers.

Investment in Rural Infrastructure: Improved irrigation, storage facilities, and rural connectivity can enhance agricultural productivity and reduce income volatility.

Conclusion

Farm loan waivers may provide short-term relief during periods of agrarian distress, but repeated use of such measures can undermine credit discipline and fiscal stability. A sustainable solution requires a comprehensive strategy combining income support, agricultural reforms, improved credit access, and risk management mechanisms. Strengthening institutional credit and enhancing farm productivity will be essential to ensure long-term agricultural sustainability in India.

EXPECTED QUESTIONS FOR UPSC CSE

Prelims MCQ

1. Which institution has repeatedly cautioned against frequent farm loan waivers due to their impact on credit discipline?
   (a) NITI Aayog
   (b) Reserve Bank of India
   (c) Finance Commission
   (d) NABARD

Answer: (b)

Descriptive Question

1. Farm loan waivers provide short-term relief but may undermine long-term credit culture in agriculture. Discuss. (150 Words, 10 Marks)

 

Article2: Election of Rajya Sabha Member

Why in News: Assemblies of 10 states are set to elect 37 members to the Rajya Sabha on 16 March 2026, highlighting the rules, electoral mathematics and political dynamics of Upper House elections.

Key Details

Rajya Sabha members are elected by MLAs through proportional representation using the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system.

The Upper House can have a maximum strength of 250 members, including 12 nominated members.

Each Rajya Sabha member serves a six-year term, with one-third retiring every two years, ensuring institutional continuity.

Political parties calculate the quota of votes required based on the number of MLAs and seats to be filled in the state.

Constitutional Basis of the Rajya Sabha

Upper House of Parliament: Rajya Sabha represents the Council of States in the Indian federal structure. It provides representation to states in national legislation and acts as a revising chamber in Parliament.

Constitutional Provisions: Articles 79–122 of the Constitution deal with the structure, composition, and functioning of Parliament. Specifically, Article 80 defines the composition of the Rajya Sabha.

Maximum Strength and Composition: The Rajya Sabha can have 250 members, of which 238 represent states and Union Territories, while 12 are nominated by the President for expertise in literature, science, art, or social service.

Permanent House: Unlike the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha is not subject to dissolution. One-third of its members retire every two years, ensuring institutional continuity and experience in lawmaking.

Election Method: Proportional Representation and Single Transferable Vote

Indirect Election: Rajya Sabha members are elected by elected members of State Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) rather than directly by citizens, reflecting the federal character of the chamber.

Single Transferable Vote (STV) System: Elections follow proportional representation through STV, where MLAs rank candidates by preference (first, second, third, etc.), ensuring representation for multiple parties.

Open Ballot System: Rajya Sabha elections use an open ballot, meaning MLAs must show their marked ballot to party representatives to prevent cross-voting and maintain party discipline.

Legal Framework: The election process is governed by the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and rules framed by the Election Commission of India.

Eligibility and Qualifications for Rajya Sabha Membership

Minimum Age Requirement: A candidate must be at least 30 years old, compared to 25 years for Lok Sabha membership, reflecting the Upper House’s deliberative role.

Electoral Qualification: The candidate must be an elector in a parliamentary constituency in India, according to parliamentary practice.

Disqualification Conditions: Grounds of disqualification include office of profit, unsound mind, insolvency, or disqualification under the Representation of the People Act.

Nomination of Experts: The Constitution allows the President to nominate 12 distinguished individuals to enrich parliamentary debates with expertise from non-political fields.

Quota Calculation and Voting Mathematics

Quota Formula: The number of votes required for victory is calculated using the formula:
Quota = (Total MLAs voting ÷ (Seats to be filled + 1)) + 1

Illustrative Example: If 200 MLAs vote for 4 seats, the quota becomes:
200 ÷ (4+1) = 40; adding 1 gives 41 votes required for victory.

Preference-Based Voting: MLAs mark preferences for candidates. If a candidate obtains the required quota through first-preference votes, they are declared elected.

Vote Transfer Mechanism: If surplus votes exist or candidates are eliminated, votes are transferred according to the next preference, ensuring proportional representation.

Political Dynamics and Strategic Voting

Party Strength in Assemblies: Rajya Sabha outcomes largely depend on the numerical strength of parties in state assemblies, making state elections crucial for national politics.

Cross-Voting and Alliances: Political parties sometimes attempt cross-voting or alliance-building to secure additional seats, especially when the quota is uncertain.

Role of Smaller Parties and Independents: In closely contested elections, independent MLAs and smaller parties can become decisive in determining outcomes.

Strategic Candidate Selection: Parties nominate candidates strategically to ensure maximum seat conversion based on MLA strength, sometimes fielding fewer candidates to avoid vote division.

Federal Significance of the Rajya Sabha

Representation of States: Rajya Sabha ensures state participation in national legislation, strengthening India’s federal structure.

Legislative Review: As a revising chamber, it scrutinizes legislation passed by the Lok Sabha, improving legislative quality.

Special Powers: Under Article 249, Rajya Sabha can authorize Parliament to legislate on State List subjects in national interest.

Continuity in Governance: Since it is a permanent body, the Rajya Sabha ensures continuity in legislative functioning even when Lok Sabha is dissolved.

Conclusion

Rajya Sabha elections demonstrate the interplay between constitutional design, electoral mathematics, and political strategy. While the STV system promotes proportional representation and federal balance, political manoeuvring and alliance dynamics often shape outcomes. Strengthening transparency, internal party democracy, and cooperative federalism will ensure that the Rajya Sabha continues to function as an effective deliberative chamber in India’s parliamentary democracy.

EXPECTED QUESTION FOR UPSC CSE

Prelims MCQ

Which of the following statements regarding Rajya Sabha elections is correct?

Members are directly elected by citizens.

Elections follow proportional representation through the Single Transferable Vote.

Rajya Sabha members serve a four-year term.

Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2 and 3 only

Answer: (b)

 

Article 3: Modern Hip Implants and Longevity

Why in News: A recent study published in the medical journal The Lancet finds that modern hip replacement implants can last more than 25 years, reflecting major advancements in medical technology and orthopaedic care.

Key Details

A systematic review and meta-analysis indicates that about 92% of modern hip implants last at least 25 years.

The study analysed data from eight national joint registries covering nearly 1.9 million hip replacements.

Improvements in materials such as ceramics, titanium, and highly cross-linked polyethylene have enhanced durability.

The longevity of implants also depends on patient health, bone strength, and post-surgery physical activity.

Hip Replacement Surgery: Concept and Medical Significance

Definition and Purpose: Hip replacement (arthroplasty) is a surgical procedure in which a damaged hip joint is replaced with an artificial implant. It is primarily used to relieve pain and restore mobility in patients suffering from severe joint damage.

Conditions Requiring Surgery: Common causes include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis (AVN), fractures, and degenerative bone diseases. These conditions damage the joint’s cartilage and bone, leading to pain and limited movement.

Global and Indian Relevance: According to orthopaedic research, millions of hip replacements are performed globally every year, with rising demand in ageing populations and among accident victims.

Functional Benefits: The surgery improves mobility, quality of life, and independence, enabling patients to return to normal activities such as walking, working, and exercising.

Technological Advancements in Modern Hip Implants

Improved Biomaterials: Modern implants use advanced materials such as titanium alloys, ceramic heads, and highly cross-linked polyethylene liners. These materials reduce friction and increase durability.

Better Bone Integration: New implant designs allow biological fixation, where the implant integrates with natural bone tissue, improving stability and long-term performance.

Reduced Wear and Tear: Earlier implants often failed due to material degradation and mechanical wear. Advances in engineering have significantly reduced these risks.

Precision Surgical Techniques: Developments in imaging, robotics, and minimally invasive surgery have improved implant placement accuracy, thereby increasing the longevity of replacements.

Findings of the Lancet Study

High Longevity of Implants: The study concluded that 92% of modern hip implants last at least 25 years, a major improvement compared to older technologies.

Improvement Over Earlier Data: Earlier studies suggested only around 58% of implants lasted for 25 years, showing the remarkable progress in orthopaedic technology over the past two decades.

Large Dataset and Methodology: Researchers analysed data from 1.9 million hip replacements across eight national registries, making it one of the most comprehensive analyses in this field.

Long-term Projections: Advanced modelling indicates that about 91% of implants could continue functioning for 30 years, suggesting long-term durability.

Determinants of Implant Longevity

Age and Lifestyle Factors: Younger and more physically active patients may experience more wear on implants. Conversely, controlled activity and healthy lifestyles can prolong implant life.

Bone Health and Muscle Strength: Bone density and muscle strength are crucial for stability. Regular exercise strengthens surrounding muscles, reducing the risk of implant loosening.

Body Weight and Physical Stress: Excess body weight increases mechanical pressure on implants, potentially accelerating wear and reducing longevity.

Surgical Technique and Post-Operative Care: The expertise of the surgeon and adherence to rehabilitation protocols, physiotherapy, and follow-up care significantly influence outcomes.

Public Health and Healthcare System Implications

Reduction in Revision Surgeries: Longer-lasting implants reduce the need for revision surgeries, which are often more complex and costly.

Better Resource Allocation: Healthcare systems can focus specialised orthopaedic resources on complex cases rather than repeat surgeries.

Improved Quality of Life: Patients can lead active and productive lives for decades, reducing disability and dependence.

Growing Importance in Ageing Societies: With increasing life expectancy worldwide, durable joint replacements will become an important component of geriatric healthcare.

Conclusion

The findings of the Lancet study highlight the remarkable progress in orthopaedic medicine and biomedical engineering. Modern hip implants demonstrate improved durability and integration with natural bone, offering long-term mobility and better quality of life for patients. However, successful outcomes depend not only on technological innovation but also on healthy lifestyles, regular exercise, proper rehabilitation, and weight management. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure and increasing awareness about bone health will further enhance the benefits of such medical advancements.

EXPECTED QUESTIONS FOR UPSC CSE

Prelims MCQ

1. Hip replacement surgery is primarily performed to treat which of the following conditions?

Osteoarthritis

Avascular necrosis

Severe bone fractures

Tuberculosis

Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (b)

Descriptive Question

1. Advancements in biomedical engineering have significantly improved the longevity of joint replacement implants. Discuss with reference to hip replacement technologies. (250 Words, 15 Marks)