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

Editorial 1: 67th Grammy Awards

Beyoncé’s Historic Win

• Won Album of the Year and Best Country Album for Cowboy Carter.
• Became the first Black woman to win Best Country Album at the Grammys.
• The album marked her return to country music, challenging a historically conservative and predominantly White genre.
• Her win is seen as breaking barriers and asserting artistic identity.

Political and Cultural Statements at the Grammys

• The 67th Grammys went beyond music, addressing political and social issues.
• Doechii (Florida rapper) encouraged Black women to reject negative stereotypes.
• Lady Gaga criticized Trump’s executive order limiting gender recognition, advocating for transgender and queer rights.
• Shakira dedicated her award to immigrants, highlighting struggles in the Latin community.

Chappell Roan’s Callout to the Music Industry

• Won for her album The Rise and Fall of a Midwestern Princess.
• Spoke about financial struggles in the music industry, recalling when she couldn’t afford health insurance during the pandemic.
• Criticized record labels for failing to support artists financially.

Indian Representation and Controversy

• Chandrika Tandon (Indian-origin, 71) won Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album.
• Ustad Zakir Hussain (four-time Grammy winner) was not included in the “In Memoriam” segment, sparking disappointment.

Conclusion

The 67th Grammy Awards were not just about music but also about representation, activism, and breaking barriers. From Beyoncé’s historic win in country music to artists speaking out on social justice issues, the event underscored the evolving intersection of art and politics in the industry.

Editorial 2 : Impact of Trump's Executive Order on Immigration & Free Speech 

The American Dream & Free Speech

• The First Amendment guarantees free speech and has been a foundation of American democracy.
• The US has long been a “nation of immigrants”, attracting global talent.
• The Statue of Liberty’s inscription symbolizes welcoming immigrants seeking freedom.

Trump’s Executive Order on Protesters

• Aims to address “antisemitism on campuses and streets”.
• Empowers the state to deport foreign students who protest against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
• Trump has vowed to deport “all resident aliens” who join what he calls “pro-jihadist protests”.

Economic & Innovation Impact

• The US has thrived by attracting global talent, including through H-1B visas (majority Indian workers).
• Entrepreneurs like Elon Musk advocate for skilled immigration to maintain US technological leadership.
• Punishing foreign students for protests could make the US less attractive for global talent.

Irony of Trump’s Free Speech Stance

• Trump’s campaign criticized “cancel culture”, yet his policy suppresses dissent.
• Liu Lijun, a Chinese student at UCLA, was among the first deported.
• Deporting students to rival nations (like China) could harm US influence and innovation.

Conclusion

Trump’s policy contradicts American values of free speech and open immigration, potentially weakening the US economy, global standing, and academic dynamism. By targeting foreign students for political views, the US risks diminishing its appeal as a hub for talent and democracy.

Editorial 3 :Maharashtra Government’s Decision to Remove Eggs from Midday Meals

 

Decision & Political Context

• Maharashtra government removed eggs from midday meals a year after introduction, citing financial constraints.
• Decision follows protests from right-wing groups, suggesting political influence.
• Initially, the scheme provided eggs, bananas, or a local fruit once a week to fight malnutrition.
• Schools are now asked to seek public sponsorship if they want to serve eggs or sweets.
• Maharashtra joins other BJP-ruled states that do not provide eggs, except Uttarakhand, Odisha, and Assam.

Malnutrition Crisis in Maharashtra & India

• National Family Health Survey (NFHS-V, 2019-21) highlights severe malnutrition:
  • 35.5% of Indian children under five are stunted (low height for age).
  • 19.3% are wasted (low weight for height).
  • In Maharashtra:
    • Dhule & Chandrapur among worst-hit, with 38.9% and 38.5% wasted children.
    • Nandurbar: 57.2% of children underweight, second highest in India.
• Protein is crucial for child nutrition, and eggs are a cost-effective source compared to pulses, milk, or bananas.
• Substituting eggs with chickpeas and soybeans poses logistical challenges in large-scale distribution.

Food, Caste, and Religious Politics

• Food choices in India are deeply linked to caste, religion, and privilege.
• Vegetarian vs. non-vegetarian debates have fueled political and social divisions.
• Previous instances:
  • Madhya Pradesh & Goa also removed eggs from midday meals after brief introductions.
• NFHS-V data shows 57.3% of men & 45.1% of women eat non-vegetarian food weekly, debunking the “India as a vegetarian nation” myth.
• Excluding eggs in a country facing malnutrition can have serious consequences.

Conclusion

The removal of eggs from Maharashtra’s midday meal scheme prioritizes political and ideological concerns over child nutrition. Given high malnutrition rates, the government must reconsider its decision to ensure vulnerable children receive the best possible nourishment.