MTO - All Editorials Snapshot: 16-October-2025

The Hindu Editorials snapshot

Editorial 1

Economics Nobel 2025 – Freedom, Innovation, and the Future of Growth

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences was awarded to Philippe Aghion, Peter Howitt, and Joel Mokyr for their extensive work explaining the mechanisms behind humanity’s exceptional economic progress. Joel Mokyr offered historical insight into how culture and curiosity drive innovation, while Aghion and Howitt formalised the concept through their “creative destruction” model — an idea first proposed by Joseph Schumpeter, which views capitalism as a dynamic system where innovation replaces outdated technologies and industries. Their refinements led to the endogenous growth theory, which argues that growth stems from innovation, education, and research generated within the economy rather than external factors. However, the Nobel honour arrives at a time when these liberal frameworks face disruption. The U.S., under President Donald Trump, has adopted protectionist policies and politicised technology, while state-led models such as China’s showcase innovation through central direction rather than free-market principles. This paradox underscores the tension between freedom and control in economic progress. The Nobel recognition serves as both celebration and caution — affirming that sustained innovation requires open markets, competition, and intellectual freedom, even amid rising nationalist and protectionist trends.

Editorial 2

Refugees and Infiltrators – India’s Need for a Fair Policy Framework

Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s call to distinguish refugees from infiltrators is valid, but India lacks consistent criteria to make that distinction. Despite new laws streamlining immigration, the country still lacks a comprehensive refugee policy. India is not a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol, leaving decisions prone to arbitrariness. Refugees are currently governed under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, Citizenship Act, and Passports Act — none of which clearly define refugee status. Consequently, treatment varies: while Tibetan refugees had a 2014 rehabilitation policy, similar protections are absent for Sri Lankan Tamils and others. As of June 2023, over 2.11 lakh refugees and persons of concern live in India, some labelled “illegal migrants” or “infiltrators” under citizenship rules. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 further deepened religious discrimination by favouring non-Muslims from neighbouring countries and excluding other persecuted minorities like Rohingya and Sri Lankan Tamils. Recent exemptions for pre-2015 Tamil refugees offer partial relief, but inconsistency persists. India urgently needs a transparent, non-discriminatory refugee policy that balances humanitarian concern with national security and ensures fair, equal treatment for all displaced communities.

The Indian Express Editorials snapshot

Editorial 3

Provident Fund Reforms – Flexibility, Transparency, and Caution

Recent changes announced by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) have made it easier for members to access their savings during times of need. Members can now withdraw their full eligible balance and make multiple withdrawals for categories such as education, illness, housing, marriage, or even without providing reasons under “special circumstances.” This added flexibility strengthens financial security and liquidity, particularly for young workers managing education, healthcare, or family needs. The redesign of withdrawal rules reflects lessons from the pandemic period when millions used EPF advances to cope with emergencies. For India’s workforce — with nearly half under 25 — this user-friendly access is crucial. The move accompanies broader reforms: the EPFO board has approved a multi-agency committee including the Finance Ministry, RBI, and Labour Ministry to strengthen fund management and enhance transparency. Recommendations include separating regulatory and investment functions, improving risk evaluation, and reviewing past investment practices. While calls for more equity exposure aim to improve returns, changes to the portfolio’s risk structure must be undertaken with prudence. The EPF remains a cornerstone of India’s social security system — reforms should preserve both flexibility and safety for all subscribers.

Editorial 4

Battle with Maoists – A Political-Ideological Turning Point

The surrender of Mallojula Venugopal Rao (alias Sonu), a senior Maoist leader, along with 60 cadres in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli, marks a decisive phase in India’s long fight against Left Wing Extremism (LWE). It reflects both strategic and ideological progress. Years of coordinated security operations by national and state agencies have pushed Maoist groups into decline — with violence dropping 48% between 2013 and 2023 and related deaths by 65%. The killing of CPI (Maoist) General Secretary Nambala Keshava Rao earlier this year symbolised military success; Venugopal Rao’s surrender signifies political and moral transformation. Internal letters among Maoist leaders reveal growing disillusionment with armed struggle, as Rao and others now advocate ending violence and joining democratic political processes. The Centre’s surrender policy and sustained outreach have facilitated this shift, with nearly 1,850 Maoists laying down arms since 2024. However, despite these gains, vigilance remains vital — some factions still cling to violent ideology. The lasting solution to Naxalism lies not only in security enforcement but also in sustained social development that includes marginalized communities and transforms dissent into participation.

Top Vocabulary Picks from Today’s Editorials

Word	Simple Meaning	Synonym	Antonym
Extremism	Holding radical political or social views	Radicalism, fanaticism	Moderation, centrism
Crackdown	Firm action to stop unlawful activity	Suppression, enforcement	Permittance, tolerance
Breached	Broken through or violated	Penetrated, invaded	Secured, defended
Ideologues	People deeply committed to certain beliefs	Thinkers, doctrinaires	Pragmatists, moderates
Rifts	Divisions or disagreements between groups	Splits, conflicts	Unity, harmony