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Analysis of The Hindu Editorial 1: An obsession with ranking is harming India’s universities
In today’s world, we often reduce the value of institutions to mere numbers, and nowhere is this more evident than in the education sector. As global ranking agencies publish yearly rankings of universities worldwide, India has joined the trend with its National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). While these rankings seem helpful, they mask a more troubling issue—the transformation of education into a market commodity, overshadowing its role as a fundamental right and societal duty.
The True Purpose of a University
At its core, a university serves two primary purposes:
- Educating and mentoring future generations.
- Creating and advancing knowledge through research.
These two goals—teaching and research—are essential and intertwined. A well-functioning university must excel in both areas to fulfill its responsibilities to students and society. However, reducing these activities to a single ranking metric oversimplifies the multidimensional role of universities. Despite this, institutions around the world have become fixated on achieving higher ranks.
Why a Multidimensional Metric Matters
No single ranking can truly capture the diverse functions of a university. Universities are not just research hubs; they are centers for teaching, mentorship, and socio-economic development. A narrow focus on rankings devalues these broader contributions and reduces a university’s worth to just its research output.
Overemphasis on Research: A Flawed Ranking System
Global rankings place a disproportionate emphasis on research, primarily measured by:
- The number of research papers published.
- The impact factor of the journals in which they appear.
- Research funding and the number of PhD students graduating.
This over-quantification fails to capture the actual relevance, quality, or societal impact of the research produced. Despite being aware of these shortcomings, Indian universities are racing toward higher rankings, driven by the visibility and prestige that come with them. These rankings are seen as gateways to attracting international students, renowned faculty, and even philanthropic funding.
The Dangerous Consequence: Fabricated Success
In the pursuit of global rankings, many universities and governments tweak their policies to improve their standings. Institutions that fail to achieve high ranks are often viewed as irrelevant, distorting the true value of education and diminishing the importance of teaching.
India’s Alignment with the Foreign Education Model
India has adopted elements of the American education system, where free-market competition dominates. In recent years, the Indian government has established initiatives like the Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA) to support universities aspiring for global recognition. However, this support often comes in the form of repayable loans, pushing public institutions toward financial autonomy. This shift forces universities to raise tuition fees, further alienating economically disadvantaged students.
The Real Cost: Education vs. Ranking
If universities focus solely on improving their global ranking at the expense of teaching and student support, neither the university nor the government truly benefits. Most importantly, this approach undermines access to education for underprivileged communities, defeating the purpose of public education.
The Neglect of Teaching and Mentorship
The current obsession with metrics has severely impacted the teaching profession. Many university faculty members are now judged based on:
- The number of research papers they produce.
- The impact factors of the journals they publish in.
- The number of citations their work receives.
This narrow evaluation overlooks a faculty member’s ability to communicate, mentor, and teach effectively. In a system driven by research metrics, the quality of teaching has taken a backseat. Today, many professors prioritize writing papers and securing grants over classroom instruction, seeing teaching as a distraction rather than a fundamental responsibility.
The Decline of Teaching Quality
Teaching is inherently challenging to quantify. Unlike research, it involves intangible skills such as communication, mentorship, and the ability to inspire students. However, because these qualities are difficult to measure, they are often overlooked in performance evaluations, leaving many educators feeling undervalued and disconnected from their true mission.
A New Approach: Balancing Research and Teaching
There is no denying that research drives progress, but it should not come at the expense of teaching. Universities must find ways to balance these two critical functions. One potential solution is creating separate career tracks for research-focused and teaching-focused faculty members. This would allow professors to excel in their areas of expertise without feeling pressured to perform well in both, ultimately reducing resentment and fostering commitment.
The Real Impact of Research
Universities need to recognize that the content and societal impact of research papers matter more than the journals they are published in or the number of citations they receive. Encouraging a more holistic view of research will lead to better outcomes for both universities and society at large.
Conclusion: Shifting the Focus Back to Education
The current ranking-driven model, or “metricocracy,” distorts the true mission of higher education. It transforms universities into market-driven institutions, where knowledge is treated as a commodity and students as customers. This approach stifles creativity, discourages genuine learning, and ultimately harms future generations. To combat this, we must shift the focus back to inclusive, holistic education that prioritizes both teaching and research. Only then can universities fulfill their role as engines of social and intellectual growth.
By creating a more balanced and inclusive higher education system, we can ensure that future generations receive the education they need—not just to succeed in the workforce, but to thrive as engaged, informed citizens.
Analysis of The Hindu Editorial 2: Why Italy matters to India
In today’s interconnected world, global challenges often overlap, forming what many now call a “polycrisis.” As two nations sharing common interests and joint challenges, Italy and India are key players in the Indo-Mediterranean region. This strategic zone is not only vital for global trade but is also emerging as a crucial hub for digital connectivity, with initiatives like the Blue-Raman submarine cable linking Genoa and Mumbai. Piracy in the Red Sea, conflicts in West Asia, and the impacts of Russia’s actions against Ukraine on agriculture and oil trade call for collaborative efforts between Italy and India to ensure a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Mediterranean.
Italy’s Role in Security and Defense in the Indian Ocean and West Asia
Italy has significantly increased its commitment to security and defense in the Indian Ocean and West Asia. Since joining the Group of Friends of UNCLOS in 2021, Italy has become the second-largest contributor to the European Union Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) Atalanta and the European Maritime Awareness in the Strait of Hormuz (EMASoH). Italy also plays a leading role in EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, an EU military operation safeguarding freedom of navigation in critical areas such as the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Gulf.
Expanding Naval Presence
Italy’s naval presence in India has grown over the years, symbolizing a strengthening relationship between the two countries. Key developments include:
- Information Fusion Centre: In March 2023, Italy joined India’s Information Fusion Centre in the Indian Ocean Region, with the patrol ship ITS Francesco Morosini visiting Mumbai in August 2023.
- Carrier Strike Group: The Italian Carrier Strike Group, led by the aircraft carrier ITS Cavour and the frigate ITS Alpino, is currently stationed in Goa.
- Tall Ship ITS Amerigo Vespucci: Expected in Mumbai later this year, this iconic training vessel of the Italian Navy will be a part of Italy’s efforts to engage India culturally, with plans to establish an “Italy Village” featuring fashion, culinary events, exhibitions, and more.
ITS Cavour: More Than a Warship
The ITS Cavour is a versatile vessel, capable of maritime power projection, but its mission extends beyond military operations. It also provides logistical autonomy for environmental and humanitarian interventions. During its stay in India, the ship is conducting PASSEX (Passing Exercises) to strengthen maritime interoperability and is hosting a defense industry cooperation workshop. Additionally, under ‘Operation Smile’, Indian and Italian doctors aboard the ITS Cavour are performing surgeries on children with facial malformations, demonstrating Italy’s commitment to humanitarian causes.
Deepening Defense Ties
The defense relationship between Italy and India reached a new level with the signing of a defense agreement in October 2023. This agreement sets the foundation for further cooperation in areas such as:
- Research and Development: Fostering industrial cooperation in defense technologies.
- Maritime Domain Awareness: Sharing information to enhance security.
- Environmental and Educational Initiatives: Addressing environmental issues linked to military activities.
Italy’s defense industry is also contributing significantly to India’s defense needs. Companies like Leonardo and Fincantieri are ranked among the top 50 arms-producing companies globally, while smaller firms such as Beretta and Elettronica bring unique expertise to the table. Many of these companies have embraced joint ventures and co-production agreements, aligning with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and supporting the modernization of the Indian armed forces.
Italy’s Developmental Role in the Indian Ocean Region
Italy views India as a critical partner for the development of the Indian Ocean Region, extending from East Africa to India’s shores via the Arabian Sea. Both nations are advocates for Africa’s inclusion in global forums, supporting the African Union’s membership in the G20. Italy’s Mattei Plan, launched in January during the Italy-Africa Summit, is a pivotal initiative aimed at fostering sustainable development in Africa. This ambitious plan mobilizes €5.5 billion in public investments and private sector involvement to create opportunities in countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Mozambique—all of which lie within the Indo-Mediterranean sphere of influence.
Italy’s Support for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)
In light of ongoing conflicts in Gaza and the rising tensions in West Asia, Italy has thrown its weight behind the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). IMEC offers a long-term vision for shared prosperity in the region, building connections through railways, ports, and efficient logistics systems. Italy views IMEC not just as an economic venture but as a potential pathway to peace and stability, benefiting both Italian and Indian interests.
Conclusion: Strengthening People-to-People Ties
At the heart of the Italy-India relationship is a strong connection between their people. Italy hosts the second-largest Indian diaspora in the European Union, serving as a testament to the deep bonds that have developed over time. As a reliable economic and defense partner, Italy is not only the second-largest manufacturing nation in Europe but also a committed security provider through its roles in the EU and NATO.
What truly defines the Italy-India partnership are the people-to-people ties that dig deep into a shared history and are continually rejuvenated through cultural exchange, integration, and business collaboration. These bonds, nurtured over centuries, hold the key to future success and prosperity for both nations in an ever-changing world.