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The Hindu Editorial Analysis: February 18, 2025

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The Hindu Editorial Analysis: February 18, 2025
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The Hindu Editorial Discussion is crucial for UPSC CSE preparation, offering in-depth analysis of current affairs, government policies, and socio-economic issues. It enhances critical thinking, answer-writing skills, and interview preparation by providing diverse perspectives on national and international developments. Regular editorial reading helps aspirants develop a balanced viewpoint, improving their essay writing and General Studies papers.

1. Lighten the pollution burden of thermal power States

Context
India’s thermal power sector plays a dominant role in electricity generation but also contributes significantly to carbon emissions. While thermal power-producing States bear the burden of pollution, power-consuming States benefit without sharing environmental costs. The article highlights the need for a compensation mechanism for these producing States to ensure environmental justice and fiscal equity.

Key Points

1. India’s Climate Commitments under UNFCCC (2022)

2. Thermal Power and India’s Electricity Sector

3. Carbon Emissions from Thermal Power

4. Disparity Between Power Producers and Consumers

5. Lack of Compensation Mechanism

6. Policy Recommendations

2. Trump and the new gilded age for billionaires

Context: The article discusses the growing influence of billionaires in American politics, especially under Donald Trump’s second administration. With 16 billionaires in the cabinet and a total net worth of $460 billion, it highlights concerns about oligarchic tendencies in a democratic system. The piece explores the policy implications of such wealth concentration, conflicts of interest, and the disparity between the economic elite and the general population. It also examines the historical roots of wealth inequality, the bipartisan nature of the issue, and its broader global consequences.

Key Points:

  1. Rise of Billionaire Influence in Politics
    • Trump’s second administration is the wealthiest in U.S. history ($460 billion).
    • 16 billionaires hold key positions in governance.
    • Elon Musk, after donating $250 million to Trump, heads the Department of Government Efficiency.
  2. Democratic Deficit and Oligarchic Tendencies
    • The top 1% controls 31% of U.S. wealth.
    • A small elite (0.0001% of the population) holds disproportionate political and economic power.
    • Research shows a negative correlation between billionaire wealth and democratic health.
  3. Conflicts of Interest in Governance
    • Key Trump appointees have direct business interests in regulated industries.
    • Musk’s 100+ government contracts raise ethical concerns.
    • Investigations into Musk’s companies stalled after Trump’s firings of officials.
  4. Public Policy and Wealth Disparity
    • Policy preferences of the top 1% differ starkly from public opinion (e.g., funding public schools).
    • Trump’s tax cuts benefited corporations and the wealthy, exacerbating inequality.
    • Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement aligned with corporate interests.
  5. Historical Context of Economic Inequality
    • Neoliberal policies since Reagan led to extreme wealth concentration.
    • From 1983 to 2019, U.S. decamillionaires (net worth ≥ $10 million) increased from 66,000 to 693,000.
    • Wage stagnation: Worker productivity rose 74% (1973–2013), but median wages grew only 9%.
    • CEO-worker pay ratio: 20:1 in 1965 → 383:1 in early 2000s.
  6. Bipartisan Nature of Wealth Concentration
    • Billionaire donations to both parties: 14 for Trump, 21 for Kamala Harris.
    • Obama’s second cabinet: $2.8 billion net worth; Trump’s first: $6.2 billion.
    • Corporate profits soared under both Trump ($2T) and Biden ($3.17T in 2024).
  7. Political and Social Consequences
    • Trump capitalized on economic resentment, merging it with racial and populist sentiments.
    • Philosopher Richard Rorty predicted the rise of a strongman appealing to the economically dispossessed.
    • U.S. has lower billionaire participation in politics (3.5%) compared to China (36%) and Russia (21%).
  8. Global Implications
    • The plutocratization of the U.S. affects global democracy and economic policies.
    • America’s policy shifts influence international governance and financial stability.

3. Mela and melee: On the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 and public safety

Context: The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, has witnessed serious concerns over public safety despite extensive preparations. The event, which was heavily promoted by the government with significant investment in infrastructure and technology, has faced crowd mismanagement, leading to incidents such as a deadly crowd crush on January 29, 2025. Another crush at the New Delhi railway station on February 15, 2025, highlighted systemic failures in handling large gatherings. The focus on increasing footfall for spiritual tourism has been criticized for potentially compromising public safety.

Key Points:

  1. Event and Government Preparedness:
    • The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 was promoted with promises of AI-driven surveillance, water filtration, special trains, and hospitals.
    • ₹7,500 crore was allocated for infrastructure and management.
  2. Crowd Mismanagement and Tragedies:
    • A crowd crush on January 29, 2025, led to fatalities at the Mela.
    • A similar incident at New Delhi railway station on February 15, 2025, due to confusion over train announcements and over-ticketing.
    • Officials were reluctant to acknowledge casualties, highlighting administrative failures.
  3. Railway Mismanagement and Systemic Issues:
    • The Indian Railways sold 2,600 extra tickets, leading to chaos at the station.
    • Poor communication and lack of crowd control measures worsened the situation.
    • A response plan was introduced post-tragedy to ensure fixed platforms for special trains.
  4. Lessons from Crowd Safety Experts:
    • Panic in crowded places often results from external triggers such as financial insecurity or misinformation.
    • Experts emphasize clear multilingual communication, restricted ticketing, and proactive crowd control.
  5. Political and Governance Issues:
    • Overhyping religious tourism and aiming for a footfall of 45 crore people is unrealistic and dangerous.
    • A balance between promoting spiritual tourism and ensuring public safety is necessary.
    • The Centre and State governments must prioritize safety over numbers to prevent future tragedies.

4. Georgia and the resurrection of the colour revolutions

Context: The article discusses the resurgence of the “colour revolution” model in Georgia, particularly in the wake of the 2024 Georgian elections. It analyzes the historical pattern of Western-backed uprisings in post-Soviet states, their geopolitical implications, and whether such movements remain effective. The political crisis following the election of Mikheil Kavelashvili as Georgia’s President and the allegations of Western interference reflect broader global power struggles, particularly between the U.S. and Russia.

Key Points:

  1. What are Colour Revolutions?
    • A series of non-violent uprisings in post-Soviet states aimed at replacing pro-Russian governments with pro-Western regimes.
    • Examples:
      • Rose Revolution (Georgia, 2003)
      • Orange Revolution (Ukraine, 2004)
      • Tulip Revolution (Kyrgyzstan, 2005)
    • Backed by Western governments and organizations like the National Endowment for Democracy (NED).
  2. Russian Perspective on Colour Revolutions:
    • Viewed as Western attempts to weaken Moscow’s influence in former Soviet republics.
    • Seen as an alternative to direct military confrontation, using political subversion and economic aid.
    • Perceived as a blueprint for interventions beyond post-Soviet states, influencing West Asia, Africa, and South Asia.
  3. Failures of Colour Revolutions:
    • Initially hailed as democratic victories, but many regimes turned corrupt and authoritarian.
    • Instead of reforms, they resulted in political instability, economic stagnation, and public disillusionment.
  4. Georgia’s “Rose Revolution 2.0” and the 2024 Elections:
    • Mikheil Kavelashvili, backed by the ruling Georgian Dream Party, won the presidency.
    • Outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili refused to accept the results, calling them illegitimate.
    • Protests erupted, with allegations that they were organized with Western support.
    • Ruling party accused Western NGOs of external interference, echoing past colour revolutions.
  5. Geopolitical Dynamics:
    • Russia’s Position: Despite its war in Ukraine, Russia remains a strong regional power.
    • U.S. Influence: The return of Donald Trump as U.S. President has created uncertainty in U.S. foreign policy.
    • Georgia’s Strategic Importance: Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia is crucial in the West-Russia geopolitical contest.
  6. Future of Colour Revolutions:
    • The effectiveness of soft power strategies like promoting democracy through uprisings is diminishing.
    • Global power shifts may render the colour revolution model obsolete, leading to new forms of political influence.

5. A proposed solution involving the States

Context
Disaster relief funding in India has been a subject of debate, especially concerning the allocation of funds between the Union and State governments. The controversy resurfaced when Tamil Nadu sought ₹6,675 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) after Cyclone Fengal but did not receive the expected amount in the Union Budget. The State government argued that existing mechanisms, particularly the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), were insufficient to address frequent and severe natural disasters. In response, DMK MP P. Wilson introduced a Private Member’s Bill to amend the Disaster Management Act, 2005, proposing a new framework for fund disbursal to ensure equitable allocation.

Key Points

1. Disaster Management Framework in India

2. Tamil Nadu’s Demand and Centre’s Response

3. The Proposed Amendment by DMK MP P. Wilson

4. Broader Implications

Disclaimer:
This analysis is based on the editorial content published in The Hindu and is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. The views, opinions, and interpretations expressed herein are those of the author of original article. Readers are encouraged to refer to the original article for complete context and to exercise their own judgment while interpreting the analysis. The analysis does not constitute professional advice or endorsement of any political, economic, or social perspective.

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