26 June 2025: The Hindu Editorial

1. The Decline of Global Norms and the Risk of Great Power Wa

Source – Editorial Page, The Hindu UPSC IAS Edition, 26 June 2025

Topic: GS Paper 2 (International Relations), GS Paper 4 (Ethics in International Affairs)

Context

The editorial critiques the growing global disregard for legal norms and multilateral diplomacy, highlighting the aggressive foreign policies of major powers, especially Israel, Russia, China, and Iran, and the passive role of the United States.

1. Global Flashpoints and Strategic Recklessness:

• Israel openly acknowledges military strikes against Iran, reversing its earlier covert stance.

• U.S. response has been muted, revealing declining global leadership.

2. Erosion of International Norms:

• Countries increasingly disregard UN-backed norms like sovereignty and non-aggression.

• Global response to violations (e.g., Russia’s Ukraine invasion, China’s Taiwan posturing) is inconsistent and weak.

3. Historical Parallels with Pre-WWI World:

• Similarities drawn with 1914: unstable alliances, militarism, and absent diplomatic checks.

• War becoming normalized as a policy tool, not just a last resort.

Conclusion/Way Forward:

• The article warns of a drift toward global instability and calls for a revival of multilateralism and legal diplomacy.

• India’s balanced, non-aligned foreign policy positions it as a potential mediator in global affairs.

• Advocates that India continue advocating for a rule-based international order through forums like G20 and BRICS.

Practice Question: With major powers increasingly bypassing international norms, global governance faces a credibility crisis. Discuss the implications for world peace and India’s diplomatic strategy in such an environment.

 

2. The Gender Gap in India’s Labour Market Persists

Source – Editorial Page, The Hindu UPSC IAS Edition, 26 June 2025

Topic: GS Paper 2 – Governance (Health); GS Paper 4 – Ethics (Compassion, Empathy)

Context

Despite economic growth and numerous gender empowerment schemes, India’s female labour force participation rate remains among the lowest globally. The editorial examines persistent structural and social barriers.

1. Data Snapshot:

• As per recent PLFS data, India’s female labour force participation (FLFP) is around 30%, far below the global average (~50%).

• A slight post-pandemic rise is attributed mainly to informal, unpaid, or family-based work.

2. Barriers to Participation:

• Social Norms: Prevailing patriarchal attitudes limit women’s access to paid work.

• Safety and Infrastructure: Lack of safe transport, child care, and flexible work arrangements.

• Educational Mismatch: Educated women often face higher unemployment due to skill-job mismatch.

3. Economic Impact:

• Low FLFP constrains GDP growth.

• Limits demographic dividend by underutilizing half the workforce.

4. Policy Recommendations:

• Invest in women-centric skilling and entrepreneurship programs.

• Promote remote and flexible work through digital infrastructure.

• Implement gender-sensitive urban planning for safe mobility.

• Strengthen enforcement of equal pay and anti-discrimination laws.

Conclusion/Way Forward:

The editorial urges moving beyond tokenism to structural reform. Empowering women economically not only ensures equity but boosts productivity, poverty reduction, and inclusive development. India must integrate gender concerns across all sectors and schemes to build a truly participatory economy.

Practice Question: Despite various initiatives, female labour force participation in India remains low. Analyze the reasons and suggest multi-dimensional strategies to improve economic participation of women. (GS2 | 250 words | 15 marks)

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