01 May 2025 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis

1. On Terror, We Can’t Hit Pause

(Source – Page 6, The Indian Express Editorial)

Topic: (Relevant GS Paper: GS2, GS3)

Context

The terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, has escalated tensions between India and Pakistan. In response, PM Modi has vowed to take firm action by identifying, tracking, and punishing terrorists and their backers. Pakistan denied involvement, blaming internal factors while accusing India of exploiting minorities.

History of India-Pakistan Tensions

• Key Conflicts:

  • 1947-48: Pakistan’s invasion of Kashmir shortly after independence.

  • 1965 and 1971 Wars: Full-scale military confrontations between India and Pakistan.

  • 1999 Kargil War: Pakistan’s infiltration into Jammu and Kashmir.

• Post-1971 Shift in Pakistan’s Strategy:

  • Pakistan adopted a strategy of “bleeding India with a thousand cuts” through state-sponsored terrorism.

  • Notable terrorist attacks include the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, 2016 Uri attack, and 2019 Pulwama attack.

Pakistan’s Denial and Propaganda

• Consistent Denial of Terrorism: Pakistan continues to reject evidence linking its agencies to cross-border terrorism.

• Misleading Narratives: Pakistan often frames the violence in Kashmir as a result of India’s domestic politics, refusing to acknowledge the ideological hostility that drives its state policy towards India.

India’s Counterterrorism Efforts and Internal Unity

• Post-2014 Progress:

  • India has successfully decimated much of the terror infrastructure, with exceptions in Jammu & Kashmir and Naxal regions.

  • India witnessed a decade of relative peace in most parts of the country.

• Political Consensus:

  • There has been unprecedented political unity across parties against terrorism, seen in responses to the 2016 Uri attack and the 2019 Pulwama attack.

• Shift in Kashmir’s Public Sentiment:

  • Public protests in Jammu & Kashmir against terrorism, such as the demonstrations at Lal Chowk, signal a rejection of violence and a decline in fear-driven support for separatist agendas.

Challenges and Lingering Threats

• Half-Done Battle:

  • While India has made strides in weakening terror networks, the ideological roots of jihadist mindsets persist.

  • Radical ideologies regenerate unless actively countered, with the Rakt Beej analogy suggesting that ideological roots continue to spread unless effectively dealt with.

• Complacency Risks:

  • The assumption of permanent peace in Kashmir is overly optimistic.

  • David Mitchell’s theory of war cycles highlights that conflicts often go into remission but may return if underlying issues are not addressed.

Key Takeaways from the Developments

• Global Messaging: Modi’s assertive stance seeks to isolate Pakistan diplomatically, sending a strong message to the global community about India’s resolve to tackle terrorism.

• Pakistan’s Inconsistency: Pakistan’s combative rhetoric over water treaties contrasts with its refusal to acknowledge links to terrorism, undermining its credibility on the global stage.

• Kashmir’s Transformation: The public rejection of terrorism in Kashmir represents a significant socio-political shift, signaling a broader transformation within the region.

• Long-Term Strategy Needed: To combat terrorism effectively, India must focus on dismantling not just terrorist infrastructure but also the extremist ideologies that sustain these networks.

Conclusion
The Pahalgam attack highlights the persistent fragility of India-Pakistan relations and the ongoing threat posed by terrorism. India’s unified national response and the shifting public sentiment in Kashmir are promising signs. To break the cycle of violence, sustained efforts to counter radicalization, coupled with global diplomatic pressure on Pakistan, are crucial.

Practice Question: Discuss the role of ideological factors in perpetuating terrorism in the India-Pakistan context. How has India’s response evolved over time in combating cross-border terrorism? (250 words)

2. Well Begun: Mapping CAPEX by Private Sector

(Source – Page 9, The Indian Express Editorial)

Topic: (Relevant GS Paper: GS3, GS2)

Context

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released its first-ever “Forward-Looking Survey on Private Sector CAPEX Investment Intentions.” CAPEX, or capital expenditure, refers to the money spent on creating long-term productive assets in the economy. This survey provides valuable insights into the private sector’s role in economic development.

Key Findings

• Yearly CAPEX Volatility:

  • FY22: Rs 3.9 trillion

  • FY23: Rs 5.7 trillion

  • FY24: Rs 4.2 trillion

  • FY25: Rs 6.6 trillion

  • FY26 (Projection): Rs 4.9 trillion

• Growth Variability:

  • Between FY22 and FY25, CAPEX grew by 66%.

  • Between FY22 and FY26, the overall growth drops to 23%.

• Private vs. Public CAPEX Growth:

  • Private Sector: Growth has been erratic, averaging around 23% over five years.

  • Government CAPEX: Shows a 230% growth between FY21 and FY25, highlighting the government’s more aggressive infrastructure push compared to the private sector’s hesitancy.

Challenges & Limitations

• Data Collection Issues:

  • Only 71% of surveyed enterprises shared full data.

  • Some companies expressed concerns about the legitimacy and cybersecurity risks involved in disclosing sensitive financial information.

• Reliability of Findings:

  • MoSPI advises caution in interpreting the results as they are indicative, not definitive.

  • Future surveys will refine the methodology and improve data accuracy.

Private Sector’s Role in Development

• CAPEX is critical for:

  • Expanding production capacity.

  • Boosting job creation and labor productivity.

  • Transitioning India to a developed economy.

• Current Gap: Private CAPEX growth lags behind government efforts, indicating a need for policy interventions to stimulate private investment.

Way Forward: Recommendations

• Incentivize Private Investment:

  • Provide tax breaks, easier credit access, and regulatory simplification to encourage private sector investment.

• Improve Data Transparency:

  • Address corporate concerns about data sharing to enhance participation in future surveys.

• Long-Term Monitoring:

  • Conduct regular CAPEX tracking to identify trends and adjust policies accordingly.

Conclusion
The survey marks a pioneering effort to map private sector CAPEX, providing valuable insights for policymakers and businesses. Despite volatility, private CAPEX remains crucial for India’s economic ambitions. Achieving sustained growth will require collaboration between the government and the private sector. Future surveys will enhance the accuracy of data and offer deeper insights into investment patterns.

Practice Question: Discuss the role of private sector CAPEX in India’s economic growth. How can government policies incentivize private investment to bridge the gap in infrastructure development? (250 words)

Read more – 30 April 2025 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis