23 July 2025: Indian Express Editorial Analysis

1. Why He Resigned
(Source: Editorial Page, The Indian Express)

Topic: GS2 (Polity & Governance, Indian Constitution, Parliamentary System, Political Ethics), GS4 (Ethics in Public Administration), GS3 (Impact of Leadership on Governance), GS1 (Modern Indian Society: Institutions)

Context

The editorial “Why He Resigned” examines the unexpected resignation of Vice President AV-J Jagdeep Dhankhar. This event has sparked debate about the constitutional role and ethical responsibilities of high constitutional functionaries in Indian democracy. The editorial analyzes the implications for accountability, transparency, and the health of parliamentary democracy.

Introduction

• The sudden resignation of India’s Vice President—second in rank after the President and the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha—raises important constitutional, political, and ethical questions.
• The editorial explores the probable motivations and larger consequences for the structure and credibility of Indian democracy.

The Role and Importance of the Vice President

• The Vice President is a constitutional office established under Article 63 of the Indian Constitution.

• Functions as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, responsible for maintaining decorum, facilitating legislative debate, and upholding parliamentary traditions.

• Serves as acting President in the event of the President’s absence, resignation, or removal.

Constitutional Expectations

• The Vice President is expected to uphold neutrality, non-partisanship, and constitutional morality.

• Sudden or unexplained resignation from such a high office raises concerns over transparency and accountability to the public.

• High constitutional functionaries have a moral obligation to communicate their reasons openly, especially when their decisions may impact the stability and reputation of constitutional bodies.

Impact on Parliamentary Functioning

• A vacancy or disruption at the top of the Rajya Sabha can unsettle legislative proceedings and weaken parliamentary checks and balances.

• The Vice President’s conduct sets a benchmark for the tone and standards of debates in the upper house.

• Abrupt exits risk setting negative precedents, undermining democratic norms.

Ethics and Public Responsibility

• Ethics in high office demand forthrightness, a sense of duty, and respect for the democratic ethos.

• Lack of communication from the outgoing Vice President may erode public trust and fuel speculation, contrary to the spirit of democratic transparency.

• The editorial argues that mere adherence to the letter of law is insufficient; constitutional offices require moral leadership.

Learning for UPSC and Future Administrators

• Constitutional morality extends beyond written law to include transparency, public accountability, and ethical conduct.

• Open communication by public authorities can prevent misinformation, reinforce trust, and strengthen institutional legitimacy.

• Decision-makers must consider not only the legality but also the impact of their actions on the democratic fabric.

Conclusion / Way Forward

• Upholding the sanctity of constitutional offices requires both legal compliance and ethical leadership.

• High functionaries should adopt a proactive approach in communicating with the public, upholding the values of accountability and transparency.

• The event underlines the need for stronger conventions or even legal provisions to ensure responsible conduct by office-bearers at the pinnacle of Indian democracy.

Practice Question: (GS-2 | 15 Marks | 250 Words) Resignation of high constitutional offices, like the Vice President, highlights issues of accountability and ethics in Indian democracy. Discuss the constitutional and ethical expectations from such offices, the importance of public communication, and suggest ways to improve transparency and accountability at the top levels of governance.

Also Read: The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 23 July 2025

2. A Bridge to London

(Source: Editorial Page, The Indian Express)

Topic: GS2 (International Relations: Bilateral Ties, Diplomacy, Diaspora), GS3 (Economy: Trade, Education, Technology, Innovation), GS1 (Society: Migration, Cultural Exchange), GS4 (Ethics: Global Aspiration, Social Change)

Context

The editorial “A Bridge to London” examines the growing strategic, economic, and educational engagement between India and the United Kingdom. It contextualizes the expanding partnership against the backdrop of global shifts—such as China’s assertiveness and changing US policies—and highlights India’s ambitions to strengthen connections with advanced economies for mutual growth

Introduction

India-UK relations are being redefined as global geopolitics undergo rapid transformation. With the rise of China and ongoing realignments within the West, India seeks to leverage its historic ties with the UK for new opportunities in trade, education, technology, and diaspora engagement. The editorial articulates why building a “bridge” to London is timely and vital for India’s contemporary foreign policy objectives.

Relevance of the India-UK Partnership

• Strategic Necessity: As Asian geopolitics shift, India seeks more robust ties with partners like the UK to balance regional dynamics and access new markets, tech, and education hubs.

• Diaspora Power: The strong and influential Indian-origin community in the UK is an asset for bilateral dialogue and transnational linkages.

Current Developments

• Education and People-to-People Exchange: Recent reforms in student mobility and dual-degree programs are boosting knowledge exchange and soft power.

• Trade and Economic Diplomacy: Ongoing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations aim to enhance investment and bilateral trade, opening doors to sectors like fintech, green energy, and the creative economy.

• Global Policy Synergy: With the UK recalibrating its global strategy post-Brexit, India emerges as a reliable partner for cross-sectoral collaboration in a multipolar world

Deeper Implications for UPSC Aspirants

• Multi-dimensional Relations: India-UK ties span defense, digital economy, migration, and financial services—illustrating how modern diplomacy is no longer just government-to-government but involves multiple stakeholders.

• Policy Alignment: Aspirants must analyze how bilateral FTAs reflect India’s priorities: manufacturing, education, technology-driven growth, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

• Ethical Dimensions: Issues such as global mobility, privileged access, and diversity in policymaking reflect changing norms in equity and global justice.

Conclusion / Way Forward

• India must pro-actively shape policy reforms that make partnerships with the UK more broad-based, equitable, and future-focused.

• Leveraging the diaspora, fostering educational and cultural ties, and deepening economic integration will help insulate the relationship from geopolitical shocks.

• Bilateral ties must serve as a template for engaging with other advanced economies, ensuring India’s interests are protected while contributing responsibly to global governance.

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Practice Question: (GS-2 | 10 Marks | 150 Words) The evolving India-UK partnership reflects not just economic and diplomatic priorities but also changing patterns of education, migration, and soft power. Critically analyze the contemporary relevance of the India-UK relationship, identifying potential opportunities and challenges. Discuss how this partnership can serve as a model for India’s engagement with other advanced economies.

Read more – 22 July 2025 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis