15 July 2025: The Hindu Editorial
1. Easing food prices drive inflation down
Source – Page 1, The Hindu Delhi Edition
| Topic: GS Paper 3 – Economy – Inflation |
| Context |
|
Emerging realities
The global order is shifting due to declining U.S. dominance, the rise of China, and the resurgence of great-power rivalries.
- Canada: Distancing itself from reliance on the U.S., favouring a more independent global outlook.
- United Kingdom: Moving past Brexit-related isolationism, now seeks deeper integration with allies, including India.
- Germany: After re-evaluating its energy dependence on Russia, Germany is emerging as a champion of strategic autonomy, particularly in trade and green technology.
Shashi Tharur’s Argument to Favour Europe
Europe’s foreign policy is becoming more assertive and independent, moving away from U.S. reliance.
Thus, India, under its “Act East” and “multi-alignment” approach, is expanding its engagement with multiple power centres like the EU, US, Russia, and ASEAN.
- France is already a long-standing strategic partner of India, with strong defence and technological cooperation. It is also actively expanding its influence in Indo-Pacific security and supports deeper collaboration with India.
- Major EU states, France, Germany, and Italy, are leading efforts to strengthen trade and strategic ties with India.
- Eastern European nations: Emerging as critical partners for strategic depth in Europe’s Indo-Pacific outlook.
Recent India-EU summits and renewed diplomatic outreach signal growing interest in mutual collaboration.
Why is Europe so important?
- Strategic Alignment: India and the EU are increasingly aligned on issues like multipolarity, democratic values, and supply chain resilience.
- Strategic autonomy: Both seek greater strategic autonomy, less dependency on China or the U.S.
- Bilateral trade between India and the EU grew by 70% from 2015 to 2022. It can be a bigger market for Indian goods as it has been throughout history.
- EU investments in India surged by 39% in 3 years. Sectors like green energy, digital technology, clean mobility, and climate cooperation show strong synergy. Europe is an ageing society, which needs to save, and India is a growing economy which can act as a wealth multiplier for European investment.
Proposed India-EU Collaborations:
- India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) as a counterbalance to China’s BRI.
- India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) should be finalised with urgency.
- Carbon markets, climate action, and digital governance (AI, data rules) are emerging joint priorities.
Implications of Strong India-EU Relations
- Global Stability: Strong India-EU ties can anchor a rule-based global order, counter authoritarian shifts, and promote sustainable development.
- Geopolitical Leverage: The partnership helps both entities reduce dependence on unstable power blocs and respond jointly to regional crises (e.g., Indo-Pacific, Ukraine).
- Economic Security: Enhanced trade and tech partnerships could boost innovation, job creation, and supply chain resilience.
- Democratic Solidarity: In an era of polarisation, the India-Europe bond may serve as a model for plural, inclusive cooperation based on shared liberal values.
2. Women, STEM careers and a more receptive industry
| Context |
|
On World Youth Skills Day (July 15), the article highlights the paradox in India’s STEM sector: despite 43% of India’s STEM graduates being women (the highest globally), women represent only 27% of the STEM workforce. Note: STEM stands for Science, Tech, Engineering and Mathematics. These are the fields that unlock long-term potential in any economy, and gives high-paying jobs. The discussion emphasises bridging the gap between education and employment for women in STEM through government initiatives and industry participation. |
Gender Participation in STEM
- India’s Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) rose to 7% in 2023-24, but rural women account for a larger share (47.6%) compared to urban women (25.4%).
- In STEM, barriers such as gender stereotypes, workplace bias, and lack of role models
- According to UNESCO (2021), only 5% of researchers globally are women, showing systemic gaps despite higher educational representation.
- Closing this gap could boost India’s GDP by up to $700 billion by 2025 (McKinsey Global Institute).
Government Initiatives:
- National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 promotes STEM integration with vocational skills.
- Union Budget 2025-26: Gender budget share increased to 8%.
- Loans for women entrepreneurs, new National Skill Training Institutes, and tech-driven skilling investments were introduced.
Challenges for Women in STEM:
- Gender stereotypes (“coding isn’t for girls”): Workplace policies fail to accommodate maternity and caregiving transitions.
- Lack of awareness and safe work environments.
- Breaks in Career: Women face setbacks due to breaks for marriage, childbirth, and caregiving. Inadequate return-to-work programs make re-entry difficult.
- STEM workplaces often have male-dominated environments, making them intimidating or unwelcoming.
- Poor implementation of diversity and inclusion policies.
- Scarcity of women leaders in STEM discourages young women from pursuing these fields. Limited mentorship programs reduce guidance for career progression.
- Persistent gender pay gap in STEM roles discourages long-term participation.
Adverse impacts of fewer women in STEM
- Economic Impact: Increasing women’s STEM participation can significantly boost GDP and innovation.
- Social Change: Breaking stereotypes and ensuring equitable policies will enhance gender parity in high-tech sectors.
- Industry Leadership: Businesses adopting inclusive policies and supporting women in STEM will shape future-ready India.
- Policy Imperative: Without industry collaboration, government initiatives alone cannot close the gap; a multi-stakeholder approach is essential.
Way forward:
- Industry Role: The private sector must provide mentorship, structured training, inclusive hiring, and support women through life transitions.
- UN Women’s WeSTEM programme (with state governments and Micron Foundation) links classrooms to careers via role models and workplace safety measures.
- Skill Development Schemes: Expand initiatives like Skill India, Digital India, and integrate gender-specific STEM programs.
- Gender Budgeting: Allocate funds for women’s skilling and entrepreneurship in technology-driven sectors.
- Returnship Programs: Introduce re-entry pathways for women after career breaks.
- Scholarships & Incentives: Provide targeted financial support for women pursuing STEM courses.
- Bridge Rural-Urban Divide: Expand technical institutes and online learning programs in rural areas.
Read more about –14 July 2025: The Hindu Editorial Analysis
