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

Editorial 1 : Express View on private universities in Kerala: Opening a door

Paradox in Kerala’s Education System

• Kerala is renowned for its thriving school education system, often considered a matter of state pride.
• However, the higher education system has lagged, leading to an outflow of students seeking better opportunities outside the state.

 New Policy Shift: Private Universities

• The Left Democratic Front-led government has approved a draft bill to allow private universities in Kerala.
• This move aims to retain students within the state and potentially transform Kerala into an educational hub.

Historical Opposition and Controversy

• The CPM has historically opposed private participation in higher education.
• Key Incidents:
  • 1995: Massive protests and tragic deaths of five Democratic Youth Federation of India workers during an agitation against a medical college in the co-operative sector.
  • 2001: Opposition to the AK Antony-led government’s initiative to start self-financing engineering and medical colleges.
  • 2014: Protest against granting autonomy to reputed arts and science colleges under the Oommen Chandy government.

 Evolving Stance on Higher Education

• A shift in CPM’s stance is evident due to increased competition and changing educational needs.
• Recent Reforms:
  • Introduction of a four-year undergraduate program at all universities.
  • Implementation of a uniform academic calendar.
  • Greater curriculum flexibility, enabling students to design personalized academic paths.

Conclusion

• The draft bill represents a significant change in Kerala’s higher education policy, reflecting a pragmatic adaptation to contemporary educational demands.
• This strategic shift could curtail the exodus of students and position Kerala as a competitive educational destination, aligning with global trends in higher education.

Editorial 2 : Express View on Trump’s plan for Russia-Ukraine war: Europe’s uncertain future

1. Trump’s Diplomatic Shift on Ukraine
   • US President Donald Trump announced immediate negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war after a 90-minute call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
   • Talks are planned between US and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia; however, Ukraine is notably excluded and will not participate.
   • This marks a significant departure from former President Joe Biden’s approach, who maintained a policy of isolating Russia post-invasion.
2. Implications for Europe and Ukraine
   • Risk of Marginalisation: Europe and Ukraine face the possibility of being sidelined as the US directly engages with Russia.
   • French President Emmanuel Macron is convening an emergency summit with European leaders to address this evolving diplomatic landscape.
3. Diplomatic Division in the West
   • A growing rift is evident between the US and Europe regarding their stance on Ukraine.
   • The Trump administration’s willingness to negotiate with Russia contrasts sharply with Europe’s firm support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
4. Key Stances and Reactions
   • Russia’s Position:
     • Russia currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory and demands Kyiv to concede this land, proposing it become “neutral” territory.
   • US Position:
     • US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth suggested that returning to Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders is “unrealistic,” a view aligning with Russian interests.
     • Trump further stated that Ukraine “may be Russian” in the future, reflecting a stance more conciliatory to Moscow.
   • European Position:
     • Europe remains committed to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
     • UK’s Stand: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reassured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the UK’s support for Ukraine’s NATO membership and is considering deploying British peacekeeping forces.
5. Potential Consequences and Strategic Moves
   • For Europe:
     • Europe may need to strengthen its military alliances to counter potential Russian expansionism if Trump’s peace deal progresses.
     • The emergency summit in Paris signals Europe’s intent to maintain a unified stance in support of Ukraine.
   • For the West’s Unity:
     • The diplomatic dissonance suggests a continued divide within the Western bloc, potentially weakening their collective influence over the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
6. Conclusion
   • Trump’s diplomatic initiative marks a significant geopolitical shift, signaling an end to the West’s isolation of Russia and realigning US-Russia relations.
   • Europe faces a crucial choice: either adapt to the changing US stance or reinforce its commitment to Ukraine by bolstering its own security frameworks.
   • How Europe navigates this challenge will shape the future balance of power in Eastern Europe and its relations with both the US and Russia.

Editorial 3 : The Third Edit: ‘Wallace & Gromit’ wins a BAFTA: Stories are not just about tech

Introduction

The evolution of art and animation has always been marked by groundbreaking technological advancements, each wave of innovation challenging traditional methods. In 1840, French painter Paul Delaroche famously declared, “From today, painting is dead!” upon witnessing the first photograph. Similarly, in 2016, legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki expressed his unease about AI-created animation, feeling it signaled “the end of times.” Despite such fears, history shows that change is inevitable. Yet, the recent BAFTA wins of Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl — for Best Animated Film and Children’s Family Film — prove that traditional techniques can still resonate deeply in an era dominated by digital innovation.

1. • Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl won two BAFTAs, showcasing the enduring charm of claymation.
   • Created by Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham of Aardman Animations, the film uses stop-motion animation with clay models.
   • Despite the popularity of faster, cost-efficient digital tools, the film’s success highlights the audience’s appreciation for handcrafted authenticity.

2. • Time-Consuming Process: Creating one minute of footage can take up to seven days, illustrating the painstaking effort behind each scene.
   • Authenticity and Uniqueness: Nick Park emphasized the importance of imperfections, saying, “There’s thumb prints in the claymation. It’s very much about… authenticity…”
   • This approach resonates in an age where digital perfection is the norm, offering a nostalgic and relatable viewing experience.

3. • In the modern animation industry, AI and digital tools are celebrated for their efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
   • However, Park and Crossingham advocate for the irreplaceable value of a labor-intensive process, emphasizing emotional depth and artisanal quality.
   • Their stance does not dismiss technological advancements but rather defends the coexistence of traditional and modern techniques.

4. • Studios like Aardman Animations and Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli are among the few continuing to prioritize traditional animation techniques.
   • As fewer animators adopt time-consuming methods, these studios stand out as guardians of authenticity and craftsmanship.

5. • Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl serves as a reminder that in a rapidly evolving digital world, traditional animation can still captivate audiences and achieve critical acclaim.
   • Its BAFTA victories symbolize a celebration of authenticity, creativity, and the human touch in an industry increasingly leaning towards automation and digital precision.
   • As technology continues to reshape the animation landscape, the success of Wallace & Gromit underscores the timeless value of artisanal storytelling, ensuring that tradition and innovation can coexist and enrich the art form.