27 June 2025 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis

1. Filling in Details
(Source: Editorial Page, The Indian Express)

Topic: GS3 (Indian Economy – Inclusive Growth and Surveys)

Context

The government has taken a vital step to fill longstanding data gaps in household income by launching a comprehensive new survey after a 15-year hiatus. This marks an effort to gather reliable statistics to better inform poverty, inequality, and welfare measures.

Need for Reliable Household Income Data:

• India lacks accurate and updated data on household incomes, critical for targeted welfare.
• Past surveys like NSSO focused on consumption, which does not capture the full economic status.

Challenges in Earlier Surveys:

• Income under-reporting due to irregular earnings in informal sectors.
• Seasonal variability and complex income sources among rural households.
• Data inconsistency due to outdated or piecemeal collection formats.

Learning from Past Mistakes:

• Past attempts (e.g. 2011–12 NSS) showed wide disparities in consumption and income data.
• Agricultural household surveys and PLFS gave sectoral insights but not total income profiles

Conclusion/Way Forward:

• Ensure transparency in survey design and avoid politicization.
• Triangulate with consumption, health, education, and asset ownership data.
• Make findings publicly available to guide evidence-based policymaking.

Practice Question: (GS-3 | 10 Marks | 150 Words) Household income surveys are critical for effective economic policymaking in India. Discuss the past limitations and suggest measures for improving data collection and utility.

Also Read: The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 27 June 2025

2. A Space Beyond Earth

(Source: Editorial Page, The Indian Express)

Topic: GS3 (Science and Technology – Space Research)

Context

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s selection for the Gaganyaan mission marks a milestone in India’s human spaceflight journey. It symbolizes growing indigenous capability and global collaboration in space science.

Gaganyaan Programme’s Significance:

•  First Indian manned mission scheduled for 2025.
• Signals India’s entry into elite spacefaring nations with crewed space capability.

Global Collaborations:

• Shukla and fellow astronauts trained under NASA; highlights India–US cooperation.
• Opportunity to develop India’s own astronaut training ecosystem.

Strategic Benefits for India:

• Boosts indigenous innovation in space tech and cryogenics.

• Enhances scientific temper, STEM interest among youth.

• Opens up commercial avenues for international training and services.

Challenges Ahead:

• Requires sustained funding and institutional backing.
• Safety protocols, medical selection, and re-entry systems need perfection..

Practice Question: (GS-3 | 10 Marks | 150 Words) India’s Gaganyaan mission is not just a space achievement but a symbol of strategic autonomy and global science leadership. Analyze.

Read more – 26 June 2025 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis