Analyzing editorials from The Hindu is a crucial component of Civil Services Examination preparation. These editorials offer insightful perspectives on current national and international issues, fostering critical thinking and enhancing one’s understanding of diverse topics relevant to the UPSC syllabus. Through this analysis, aspirants can refine their skills in comprehension, articulation, and issue-based evaluation, which are essential for the Preliminary, Mains, and Interview stages of the examination.
1. COP29, Climate Finance, and Its Optical Illusion
The recently concluded COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, brought the contentious issue of climate finance to the forefront once again. While the Paris Agreement emphasizes the need for climate finance as a cornerstone of climate action, the outcomes of COP29 highlight the persistent gap between promises and actions. For UPSC aspirants, understanding the nuances of climate finance, its significance, and the underlying challenges is essential for grasping the global climate discourse.
The Genesis of Climate Finance
- UNFCCC and Paris Agreement:
Climate finance has been a central theme in climate negotiations since the inception of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992. Article 4(7) of the UNFCCC underscores that developing countries’ climate commitments depend on the financial and technological support from developed nations.
The Paris Agreement (2015) further reinforced this in Article 9(1), mandating developed nations to mobilize finance for developing countries to combat climate change effectively.
The $100 Billion Target: A Missed Milestone
- Promise vs. Reality:
Developed countries pledged to mobilize $100 billion annually by 2020 to aid developing nations. However, this target was met only in 2022, and even then, it fell short of the actual requirements outlined in the nationally determined contributions (NDCs) of developing nations. - Growing Needs:
Reports suggest that the $100 billion target is insufficient to address the estimated $455 billion to $584 billion annual financial needs of developing countries (UNFCCC Standing Committee on Finance, 2024). This disparity has only widened the trust deficit between the Global North and South.
COP29 Outcomes: The New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG)
- A Controversial New Target:
COP29 sought to replace the $100 billion floor with a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG). While developing countries demanded $1.3 trillion annually by 2030, developed nations committed to just $300 billion per year by 2035. - Disregarding Vulnerabilities:
The NCQG fails to address the specific needs of least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS). While SIDS requested $39 billion and LDCs $220 billion annually, no minimum allocation was set. - Loss and Damage:
The NCQG does not adequately address loss and damage, despite the first Global Stocktake estimating economic costs of $447 billion to $894 billion annually by 2030.
India’s Position at COP29
- Demand for Equity:
India has consistently advocated for the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC). At COP29, India called for mobilizing $1.3 trillion by 2030, with at least $600 billion as grants or concessional resources. - Rejection of NCQG:
India rejected the NCQG in its current form, citing a lack of consultation and insufficient resources that could hinder its climate commitments. The country emphasized that the developed North must take greater responsibility for financing the mitigation and adaptation efforts of the developing South.
Challenges in Climate Finance
- Inadequate Resources:
The financial commitments by developed nations remain far below the actual requirements of developing countries. - Lack of Coherence:
The climate finance architecture is fragmented, making it difficult for developing countries to access funds efficiently. - Trust Deficit:
The gap between promises and delivery by developed nations has eroded trust among developing nations. - Disproportionate Impact:
Developing nations, despite contributing the least to global emissions, bear the brunt of climate change impacts.
Way Forward
- Scaling Up Commitments:
Developed nations must significantly increase the scale and quality of their climate finance commitments. - Coherent Finance Architecture:
Establishing a streamlined, accessible, and transparent financial system is essential. - Focus on Grants:
A substantial portion of climate finance should come as grants, not loans, to avoid burdening developing nations with debt. - Prioritizing Vulnerable Groups:
Dedicated funds for LDCs and SIDS must be allocated to address their unique challenges.
Conclusion
The outcomes of COP29 highlight the pressing need for a more equitable and ambitious approach to climate finance. For developing nations like India, achieving climate goals is closely tied to the availability of adequate financial resources. While the optical illusion of climate finance commitments continues, the urgency to bridge the gap between rhetoric and action grows stronger. For UPSC aspirants, understanding these dynamics is crucial to addressing questions on global climate policy and India’s role in international negotiations.
2. 2024- The Politics of Singularity and Beyond
The year 2024 witnessed significant political developments that revolved around the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. This moment marked the culmination of decades-long Hindutva politics spearheaded by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, the politics of anticipation—integral to the movement—has brought new challenges and opportunities for various political entities in India.
What is the Politics of Singularity?
Singularity, in this context, refers to the consolidation of cultural, religious, and political ideologies around a unifying symbol. For Hindutva politics, the Ram Temple represents this singularity:
- It symbolizes the reclaiming of a Hindu cultural identity.
- Ayodhya is likened to Mecca or Jerusalem for Hindus, representing unity and faith.
Despite this consolidation, Hinduism’s inherent diversity poses a challenge to maintaining singularity. Movements within the Sangh Parivar seek further reclamation of religious sites, resisting the RSS’s call to avoid new disputes.
The Power of Anticipation in Politics
Anticipation plays a pivotal role in shaping political narratives:
- It fuels aspirations and mobilizes emotional energy.
- BJP’s slogans like Ram Lalla Ayenge and Achhe Din Aaney Wale Hain effectively built anticipation among voters.
The Ram Temple movement combined retrospection (reclaiming past glory) with anticipation (a brighter future). This dual frame energized mass support for decades.
Key Challenges Faced in 2024
- Subaltern Resistance:
- Fears of a rollback in caste-based reservations led to significant electoral pushback from OBC and Dalit communities.
- This resistance cost the BJP its parliamentary majority, highlighting the limits of unifying narratives in a diverse society.
- Internal Dissent in the Sangh Parivar:
- RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s call to avoid further disputes was met with resistance.
- Supporters pushed for reclaiming more religious sites, indicating a growing divergence within the Hindutva fold.
- Opposition’s Struggles:
- The Congress and other parties failed to create a compelling anticipation narrative.
- Their retrospective framing of BJP’s failures did not inspire intense voter engagement.
How BJP Overcame Setbacks
Despite electoral setbacks, the BJP retained its hold over the narrative:
- Launched campaigns like Batenge to Katenge (divided you will fall) to emphasize Hindu unity.
- Reassured OBC and Dalit voters about the continuity of reservation policies.
- Leveraged its expansive anticipation-retrospection frame to overshadow short-term performance metrics.
The BJP’s ability to introspect and adapt allowed it to regain narrative control and win critical state elections.
The Role of Opposition in 2024
For opposition parties, the challenges are manifold:
- Lack of an inspiring future vision: The Congress’s call for a national caste census failed to create strong anticipation among voters.
- Burden of historical baggage: Past events like the Emergency and dynasty politics overshadowed their achievements.
- Weak organizational strategy: Opposition parties failed to capitalize on BJP’s setbacks, leading to complacency and missed opportunities.
Hindutva’s Long Arc
Hindutva politics, driven by the RSS and BJP, operates on a timeline that spans centuries:
- The movement combines retrospective grievances (e.g., historical wrongs) with millennia-long aspirations.
- PM Modi, during the Ram Temple inauguration, declared it as the beginning of a 1,000-year epoch.
However, maintaining control over this long arc is challenging. Hinduism’s intrinsic pluralism resists centralization, and diverse social groups demand representation and inclusion.
What Lies Ahead in 2025?
As the RSS marks its centenary in 2025, it faces two key challenges:
- Managing internal dissent and the quest for new religious claims among supporters.
- Addressing anxieties among subaltern groups about its long-term vision.
For the Congress, the challenge lies in crafting a forward-looking narrative that shifts voter focus to favorable aspects of their legacy and promises of progress.
Conclusion
The politics of singularity and anticipation has shaped modern Indian politics, particularly under the BJP and RSS. While the Ram Temple signifies a historic achievement for Hindutva, it also exposes tensions within the movement and challenges from diverse societal groups. For aspirants and political observers, understanding this interplay of narratives, electoral strategies, and social dynamics is crucial for analyzing India’s political landscape.
3. Stay Out: on Georgia’s Politics
Background: Georgia’s Strategic Importance
Georgia, a former Soviet Republic in the Caucasus region, holds immense geopolitical significance due to its:
- Strategic location bordering Russia.
- Historical tension with Moscow, exemplified by the 2008 Russian invasion, following NATO’s promise of membership to Georgia.
These factors make Georgia a hotspot for both regional and global power struggles.
Current Political Crisis
The crisis in Georgia stems from:
- Controversial Presidential Inauguration:
- Mikheil Kavelashvili, a conservative leader critical of the West, was inaugurated amidst opposition protests.
- His predecessor, Salome Zourabichvili, denounced his swearing-in as illegitimate and joined anti-government protests.
- Allegations of Electoral Fraud:
- The ruling Georgian Dream party, known for its pro-Russia and anti-West stance, won the October 2024 elections.
- Opposition parties, supported by pro-Western Ms. Zourabichvili, claimed the elections were rigged and demanded a re-election.
- Shift in Foreign Policy:
- The ruling party halted talks to join the EU until 2028, citing Western interference and risks of conflict with Russia.
- This decision triggered street protests reminiscent of Ukraine’s 2014 Maidan movement.
Role of External Players
- Western Influence:
- The West has historically supported pro-democracy movements in Georgia.
- Allegations of election fraud were endorsed by Western capitals, further polarizing the political landscape.
- Russian Interests:
- Russia prefers a neutral or pro-Moscow Georgia to avoid NATO expansion in its vicinity.
- The Georgian Dream’s approach aligns with Russian interests, marking a significant foreign policy shift.
Challenges for Georgia
- Internal Political Division:
- The deep divide between pro-Western and conservative pro-Russian factions exacerbates instability.
- The political system, now influenced by an electoral college, faces legitimacy issues due to opposition boycotts.
- Geopolitical Risks:
- Balancing ties with Russia while maintaining a functional relationship with the West is a daunting task for Georgia.
- A repeat of Ukraine’s tragedy looms if external powers escalate their involvement.
Lessons for India and Global Politics
- Avoidance of External Interference:
- Georgia’s crisis highlights the dangers of foreign involvement in domestic politics.
- Resolving internal differences independently is crucial for maintaining sovereignty.
- Geopolitical Balancing Act:
- Like Georgia, India must navigate complex relationships with global powers to safeguard its national interests.
- Significance of Electoral Integrity:
- The allegations of election fraud underline the importance of transparent electoral processes to prevent political instability.
Way Forward for Georgia
- Dialogue and Reconciliation:
- Political leaders must prioritize national interests over partisan gains and work towards a peaceful resolution.
- The opposition and ruling party should seek common ground to restore stability.
- Non-Interference by External Powers:
- Both Western nations and Russia must respect Georgia’s sovereignty and avoid escalating tensions.
- Strengthening Democratic Institutions:
- Electoral reforms and judicial independence are vital to rebuilding public trust in Georgia’s democracy.
Conclusion
Georgia’s political crisis serves as a critical case study in geopolitics, democratic governance, and sovereignty. For UPSC aspirants, understanding such conflicts provides insights into balancing internal and external pressures in international relations and governance.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/stay-out-on-georgias-politics/article69047240.ece
4. The Geopolitics of Platform-Publisher Tussles
Introduction to Platform-Publisher Dynamics
- Platforms (like Meta and Google) and publishers (news outlets) share a symbiotic relationship.
- Platforms offer publishers a vast audience, while publishers provide a steady stream of content.
- The platforms control the visibility and popularity of content, making them pivotal in the digital advertising ecosystem.
The Issue: Power Imbalances Between Platforms and Publishers
- Economic Disparities:
- Platforms benefit from news content but do not directly compensate publishers for the traffic they drive.
- News outlets face shrinking revenues as platforms dominate the digital ad market, raising questions about fairness.
- Transparency and Accountability Issues:
- Platforms change metrics for popularity, making it difficult for publishers to gauge performance or earn fair revenue.
- The lack of transparency in these dealings prompts calls for better regulations.
Global Responses: Canada, Australia, and Beyond
- Canada’s Online News Act (ONA):
- Introduced in June 2023, ONA aims to ensure platforms like Meta pay news outlets fairly.
- The act mandates negotiations between platforms and publishers, with a mediator stepping in if an agreement is not reached.
- If negotiations fail, an arbitration panel decides which offer is binding.
- Australia’s Bargaining Code and News Bargaining Incentive (NBI):
- Australia passed the ‘Bargaining Code’ in 2021 to force platforms to negotiate payments with news publishers.
- Australia also introduced NBI, which penalizes platforms that fail to negotiate with publishers, ensuring fair compensation.
- Meta’s Strategy in Canada:
- Meta decided to block news content in Canada starting August 2023, creating a significant impact on media access.
- Meta’s selective approach in blocking news, especially in the case of political content like India’s External Affairs Minister’s interview, raises concerns about political influence on content visibility.
Geopolitical Ramifications
- Selective Blocking:
- Meta’s decision to block certain content, like the Jaishankar interview, illustrates how platforms can manipulate news accessibility based on their corporate strategy.
- This raises questions about media freedom and political influence over content.
- International Impact:
- Similar regulations are being discussed in the U.K., South Africa, and Germany, where fair compensation policies are evolving.
- If Meta applies its Canadian strategy globally, political interviews and news could be selectively restricted based on platform policies, especially in politically sensitive regions.
India’s Response:
- Competition Commission’s Inquiry:
- Since 2022, India’s Competition Commission has been investigating the conduct of platforms in relation to news associations.
- There is concern that India’s news outlets are not receiving a fair share of digital advertising revenue from platforms like Google and Meta.
- Potential Geopolitical Challenges for India:
- If Meta adopts strategies similar to Canada’s, interviews and content from Indian leaders could become inaccessible in countries where fair compensation regulations are being enforced.
- This could affect India’s global presence and influence in the digital news sphere.
Conclusion: The Way Forward for India and Global Policy
- Urgency for Fair Compensation:
- Policymakers must urgently address the fairness of platform-publisher dealings to protect the financial health of news outlets.
- The implementation of fair compensation laws, similar to Canada’s ONA or Australia’s Bargaining Code, can help balance the power between platforms and publishers.
- Global Collaboration:
- Countries must work together to create regulatory frameworks that ensure platforms are accountable for their role in the digital media ecosystem.
- International cooperation will help prevent censorship and ensure fair competition.
- Implications for India:
- India must develop a robust policy framework to ensure that its media outlets do not face exploitation by tech giants.
- This is essential not just for economic reasons, but also for safeguarding democratic values and political sovereignty.
Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants
- Regulatory Mechanisms: The debate over platform-publisher asymmetries highlights the need for effective regulation in the digital age, an important topic for governance and policy studies.
- Global Geopolitics: Understanding the role of media and technology platforms in global politics is crucial for analyzing international relations and media policies.
- Economic Policy: The issue is deeply tied to economic policy, especially in the context of digital advertising, global trade, and technological monopolies.
This article serves as a comprehensive look at how global digital giants influence local media landscapes and the ongoing geopolitical struggle over fair media compensation, offering insights into the evolving intersection of technology, policy, and international relations.
5. Learning Lessons: on the Air Crash in South Korea
Introduction to the Incident
- On December 28, 2024, Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, a Boeing 737-800, crashed while attempting to land at Muan International Airport, South Korea. The flight was on a scheduled route from Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.
- Despite initially appearing to be a stable approach, the aircraft encountered multiple issues, including a bird strike, leading to a catastrophic crash that claimed the lives of 179 passengers.
Critical Factors Behind the Crash
- Bird Strike and Crew Response:
- The plane experienced a bird strike, which led to distress signals and the crew calling “mayday, mayday, mayday, bird hit”.
- Despite this, the crew attempted to go around (abort the landing) but ended up touching down with landing gear up, causing the aircraft to slide and crash.
- Runway and Airport Safety:
- The crash occurred near an “unusual concrete wall” at the end of the runway, which housed crucial landing aids.
- The airport’s design, which complied with South Korea’s national codes, may have been a critical factor in the severity of the crash. Investigations are underway to determine if this structure violated international safety standards, specifically ICAO’s Annex 14 (Standards – Aerodrome).
- Response by Authorities:
- South Korea’s Transport Ministry is conducting a thorough investigation, involving experts from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Boeing.
- This was South Korea’s worst air disaster in decades, but the acting President Choi Sang-mok has appointed a task force to investigate and enhance aviation safety.
Broader Implications and Lessons Learned
- Crew Training and Emergency Response:
- The accident underscores the need for better emergency response training for flight crews. As the aircraft faced multiple issues, the crew’s ability to handle the crisis is under scrutiny. Proper training in managing rare but critical emergencies is essential.
- The incident highlights the importance of effective decision-making during unforeseen emergencies, such as bird strikes and failed landings.
- Runway Safety and Infrastructure:
- The crash also brings to light the importance of runway safety and airport infrastructure. The presence of an unusual concrete structure at the runway’s end is now under review.
- Airports must ensure that safety measures, like crash barriers and proper runway design, are in place to minimize risks, particularly in case of emergency landings.
- Global Aviation Safety Standards:
- The accident has prompted discussions about international aviation safety standards, particularly the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)’s guidelines.
- Compliance with ICAO’s standards on aerodrome safety and the design of airport facilities is crucial for preventing similar incidents globally.
Implications for India’s Aviation Sector
- Growing Air Travel in India:
- With air travel in India increasing rapidly, there is a need for comprehensive reviews of aviation safety standards, including crew training, airport infrastructure, and emergency preparedness.
- India’s 157 operational airports must adhere to global best practices in aviation safety.
- Training and Safety:
- The importance of upgrading crew training to handle rare and complex emergencies is paramount, particularly as new airlines and aircraft models enter the Indian market.
- Regular reviews of aviation protocols, focusing on safety measures and emergency preparedness, are essential to keep pace with the increasing number of air travelers.
Conclusion: The Way Forward
- Aviation Safety Reforms:
- The tragic incident in South Korea serves as a reminder of the urgent need for global aviation reforms to ensure passenger safety. Countries must invest in advanced crew training programs and rigorous infrastructure checks.
- India’s Role in Enhancing Air Safety:
- India, with its rapidly expanding aviation sector, must take proactive measures to review and enhance safety training and runway infrastructure at its airports.
- Collaboration with international aviation bodies, such as ICAO, and implementing best practices will be crucial for ensuring safe air travel.
Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants
- Aviation Safety: The crash in South Korea provides valuable insights into the importance of aviation safety, crew training, and airport infrastructure, all of which are relevant to governance and policy-making.
- Regulatory Frameworks: This incident highlights the need for stringent regulatory frameworks and their enforcement to ensure compliance with international aviation standards.
- Global Perspective: Understanding the interplay between international standards and national regulations is crucial in addressing global challenges in air safety.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in air travel, underscoring the need for continuous improvement in safety protocols, training, and infrastructure. For India, these lessons are vital as it works to maintain its place as a growing hub for global aviation.
6. The pulls and pushes in J&K
Introduction to the Political Landscape in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)
- Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is currently a Union Territory (UT) with an elected government, but its political landscape remains complex, marked by tensions between the Lieutenant Governor (LG) and Chief Minister (CM).
- Since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, the region has witnessed a shift in governance, with a stronger role for the LG, especially after the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act of 2019.
Tensions Between the LG and CM
- Ideological Divide:
- The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah represent two different political ideologies and governance approaches. The LG is seen as the representative of the BJP-led Central Government, while Abdullah is the leader of the National Conference (NC), which has a more regional and progressive stance.
- This ideological divide has led to public disagreements and a lack of cooperation between the two offices.
- Power Struggles:
- November 27, 2024: The LG paid tribute to Girdhari Lal Dogra, a prominent figure from Jammu, but denied a proposal to reinstate a holiday for Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, the founder of the NC.
- This decision is significant because Sheikh Abdullah played a key role in the accession of J&K to India, and his legacy is central to the NC’s identity. The LG’s actions highlight the tension between the BJP-led administration and regional political forces in J&K.
- Governance Issues:
- The lack of business rules in the J&K UT has caused significant governance challenges. The LG, exercising considerable power, has taken unilateral decisions that have sparked controversy, such as extending the terms of vice chancellors at universities without consulting the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
- The absence of consultation is seen as a direct undermining of the elected government and raises questions about the democratic process in the region.
- Political Interference:
- The LG’s control over law and order in the region has further diminished the CM’s space for action. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and local police have been active in targeting those suspected of anti-national activities, often impacting the political climate and further limiting the CM’s influence.
Omar Abdullah’s Path to Reconciliation
- Engagement with New Delhi:
- Despite the political friction with the LG, Omar Abdullah has sought to reconcile with New Delhi. He has met with top BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, advocating for full statehood for J&K.
- Abdullah’s approach indicates a shift towards pragmatism and political reconciliation with the Centre, especially as J&K navigates its new political status.
- Political Positioning:
- Abdullah has also positioned himself as a rational and pragmatic leader who is ready to engage with New Delhi, distancing himself from divisive issues. His public comments on matters like the Congress Party and electronic voting machines indicate his attempt to strengthen his political credibility.
- His efforts reflect an effort to strike a balance between regional autonomy and national integration, key themes in J&K’s political discourse.
Broader Implications for India
- Governance and Democratic Processes:
- The ongoing tensions between the LG and CM in J&K raise important questions about the balance between central control and regional autonomy. The UT’s governance structure is still evolving, and these issues highlight the challenges of democratic functioning in the region.
- The role of the Lieutenant Governor in a Union Territory as a representative of the central government vs. the role of an elected Chief Minister is a significant area of constitutional and political debate.
- National Security and Law & Order:
- The control over law and order in J&K is a critical issue, especially with the region’s strategic importance in the context of India-Pakistan relations. The Centre’s focus on maintaining national security has often come at the expense of regional political dynamics, which can create tension between the administration and the local populace.
- Electoral Process and Faith in Democracy:
- The friction between political institutions could erode public trust in the electoral and governance process in J&K, particularly when the local administration feels sidelined. This is crucial for the long-term political stability of the region, which requires careful handling to avoid alienation of the people.
Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants
- Constitutional and Political Understanding:
- This ongoing political struggle between the LG and CM in J&K is crucial for understanding the constitutional framework of Union Territories in India, particularly in the context of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act of 2019.
- Security and Governance Issues:
- The handling of security and law enforcement in sensitive regions like J&K provides valuable insights into how India manages internal security, national integration, and the role of governance structures in dealing with regional issues.
- Reconciliation and National Politics:
- Omar Abdullah’s efforts at reconciliation with New Delhi also offer lessons on political strategy, dialogue with the central government, and the importance of pragmatism in dealing with complex political issues.
Conclusion:
- The current political situation in Jammu and Kashmir underscores the ongoing challenges of balancing regional autonomy with central governance, especially after the state’s reorganization. For India, J&K’s political evolution will continue to be a litmus test for democratic governance and national integration in the context of complex regional dynamics.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-pulls-and-pushes-in-jk/article69047190.ece
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.
Also Read: https://fusionias.com/the-hindu-editorial-analysis-dec-31-2024/
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