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

Editorial 1 : Multilateralism isn’t Dead

Context: As the United Nations marks its 80^th anniversary, the world stands at a crossroads. The global order, built on the ashes of two world wars, now faces unprecedented challenges of geopolitical rivalries, climate change, pandemics, and economic inequalities.

Evolution of Multilateralism:

• Multilateralismrefers to a system of coordinating relations among three or more states based on inclusive decision-making, shared norms, and collective problem-solving.
• It took institutional form through the creation of the United Nations (UN) in 1945 and subsequently through bodies like the World Trade Organization (WTO), International Monetary Fund (IMF),and World Health Organization (WHO).
• These institutions aimed to prevent conflict, promote human rights, and foster development through cooperation rather than confrontation.
• The post-war period witnessed the rise of “liberal internationalism,” with institutions ensuring relative peace and prosperity.
• However, the unipolar momentfollowing the Cold War gradually gave way to a more fragmented, multipolar world.
• The growing assertiveness of China, Russia’s military adventurism, U.S. withdrawal from global commitments, and divisions within the European Union have collectively weakened the spirit of multilateralism.

Failure of Multilateralism:

• In recent years, multilateral institutions have been accused of inefficiency, elitism, and bias.
• The UN Security Councilreflects a world frozen in 1945, where permanent membership excludes major developing nations like India, Brazil, and South Africa.
• Similarly, institutions like the IMF and World Bankhave been dominated by Western economic priorities, often overlooking the needs of the Global South.
• Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragility of international solidarity.
• Vaccine nationalism, supply-chain disruptions, and unilateral travel bans revealed that national interests often override global cooperation.
• Climate negotiations too, despite the Paris Agreement (2015), remain stalled over issues of equity and burden-sharing between developed and developing countries.

Relevance of Multilateralism in modern world:

• Yet, despite these failures, multilateralism is far from obsolete.
• On issues such as climate action, disaster management, global health, and digital governance, no country can act effectively in isolation.
• The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Climate Accord, and the World Health Assembly’s pandemic framework show that collective efforts can yield meaningful results when political will aligns with global necessity.
• Regional and issue-based platforms such as the G20, Quad, and BRICS also represent the evolution of multilateralism into more flexible, interest-driven coalitions.
• These “minilateral” frameworks, though limited in scope, demonstrate that cooperation can adapt to new power realities.

Steps needed to make Multilateral reforms:

• The revival of multilateralism depends not merely on institutional reform, but on rebuilding legitimacy.
• Global institutions must reflect contemporary power dynamics and represent the aspirations of ordinary citizens, not just diplomats.
• Democratizing decision-making, increasing transparency, and ensuring equitable participation of the Global Southare essential steps.
• India, with its consistent advocacy of a rules-based international orderand inclusive development, is well-positioned to lead this transformation.
• Its role in peacekeeping, climate initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), and its call for UN Security Councilreform underscore its commitment to revitalizing global cooperation.

Way forward:

Multilateralism may be imperfect, slow, and often frustrating, but it remains humanity’s best hope for collective survival. In an age of nationalism, protectionism, and mistrust, the spirit of multilateralism  rooted in dialogue, cooperation, and shared responsibility must be preserved and reimagined.

 

Editorial 2: Nutrition Needs Nuance

Context: Nutrition is a cornerstone of public health, yet its discourse in India often suffers from oversimplification. There is critical need for a more nuanced understanding of dietary patterns, market dynamics, and socio-cultural contexts to effectively address health challenges, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Dual burden of Obesity and Undernourishment:

• India is experiencing a dual burden of malnutrition: undernutrition among vulnerable populations and rising rates of obesityand non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in urban and semi-urban areas.
• Conventional narratives have emphasized cereals and high-carbohydrate diets, often neglecting the complexity of modern consumption patterns.
• While wheat and rice remain staple sources of calories, there is growing intake of ultra-processed foods high in refined sugar, trans fats, and preservatives.
• These dietary shifts, driven by urbanization, income growth, and lifestyle changes, have contributed to escalating rates of type-2 diabetes, obesity,and other metabolic disorders.

Changing dietary patterns:

• Generalized dietary recommendations can be misleading.
• Nutritional interventions must consider regional dietary habits, socioeconomic status, and cultural preferences.
• For example, while protein intake is vital for metabolic health, reliance solely on plant-based proteins without adequate diversity can compromise nutritional quality.
• Similarly, overemphasis on low-fat diets may inadvertently encourage consumption of refined carbohydratesand ultra-processed products, exacerbating health risks.
• Per capita sugar consumptionhas been rising steadily, contributing to obesity and diabetes.
• The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation notes that average caloric consumption per person per day is increasing, reflecting both rising affluence and a shift toward energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods.
• Urban populations, in particular, face the paradox of caloric sufficiencyalongside micronutrient deficiencies.
• Such trends highlight the limitations of blanket dietary guidelinesand the need for context-specific, evidence-based interventions.

Policy Response:

• Policy responses must integrate multiple dimensions of nutrition.
• First, agricultural and market policies need to align with public health objectives.
• Encouraging diversified crop production, promoting affordable sources of protein and micronutrients, and regulating the marketing of ultra-processed foods are essential steps.
• Second, public awareness campaignsmust go beyond simplistic messages to educate consumers about balanced diets, portion control, and the risks associated with processed foods. Schools, workplaces, and community health programs can play a critical role in fostering nutritional literacy.
• The policy must highlight the importance of linking nutrition policy with ecological and economic realities.
• Farmers’ practices, crop choices, and local food systems directly affect the availability and affordability of healthy diets.
• Therefore, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring supply chain efficiency, and reducing post-harvest lossesare integral to improving nutritional outcomes.
• Ignoring these interconnections risks policies that fail to reach the intended populations or inadvertently worsen health disparities.

Way Forward:

India’s nutritional challenges are multifaceted, requiring a shift from reductionist approaches to comprehensive, context-sensitive strategies. Effective interventions must integrate scientific evidence, cultural realities, economic incentives, and public health priorities.