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. Youth at the Forefront of Climate Litigation
Youth-driven climate litigation is reshaping the global climate movement by emphasizing government accountability and systemic action. Young plaintiffs argue that inadequate climate responses violate fundamental human rights, particularly impacting future generations. This evolving trend underscores the urgent need for equitable and sustainable climate policies.
Major Milestones in Youth-led Climate Litigation
Held v. State of Montana, USA
The landmark Held v. State of Montana case marked a pivotal moment in U.S. climate litigation. In August 2023, a district court ruled in favor of 16 youth plaintiffs, declaring Montana’s fossil fuel policies unconstitutional for violating their right to a clean and healthful environment. This ruling, upheld by the Montana Supreme Court in 2024, established a precedent by linking state constitutional rights to climate protection. It mandated Montana to incorporate climate considerations into its energy policies, advancing intergenerational equity.
La Rose v. His Majesty King, Canada
In Canada, youth plaintiffs in the La Rose case argue that insufficient climate policies threaten their rights to life, liberty, and security under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. With an eight-week trial set for October 2026, this case underscores youth advocacy for comprehensive climate recovery plans aligned with scientific imperatives.
Global Success Stories
- Netherlands: A court ruling forced the government to adopt stricter emissions targets.
- Colombia: The Supreme Court recognized the Amazon rainforest as a legal entity, mandating its protection for future generations.
- Germany: The Constitutional Court demanded stronger climate policies to uphold youth rights.
India’s Role in Youth Climate Activism
In 2017, nine-year-old Ridhima Pandey filed a petition with the National Green Tribunal (NGT), urging measures like integrating climate change into environmental impact assessments and creating carbon budgets. Though dismissed by the NGT, her appeal to the Supreme Court remains active, symbolizing the resilience of youth-led climate advocacy in India.
Transformative Implications of Youth-driven Climate Litigation
Youth-led litigation is driving systemic change by highlighting the connection between human rights and environmental sustainability. Transitioning from awareness campaigns to courtroom battles, young activists are compelling governments worldwide to prioritize climate justice.
- Inspiration from Greta Thunberg: Movements led by figures like Greta Thunberg have evolved into robust legal challenges.
- Policy Reformation: These efforts are pushing for the re-evaluation of inadequate climate strategies globally.
In India, despite growing constraints on activism, youth continue to play a vital role. By collaborating with other movements and leveraging digital platforms, young advocates are forging pathways to climate justice.
Conclusion
Youth-driven climate litigation is a beacon of hope, emphasizing intergenerational equity and science-based policies. Through legal avenues, young activists are shaping a sustainable future, demanding accountability, and inspiring transformative climate leadership. Their efforts reaffirm the power of youth in safeguarding the planet for generations to come.
Source: TH
2. Force of Ideas: On the New Orleans Truck Attack
The truck attack in the French Quarter of New Orleans on New Year’s Day, which left at least 15 people dead and 30 others injured, serves as a grim reminder that the threat of low-tech, lone wolf attacks is still a major security concern. The attacker, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, an American citizen and former military personnel, was killed in a shoot-out with police. Authorities discovered an Islamic State (IS) flag and explosives in his truck. Prior to the attack, Jabbar had posted videos on social media, expressing his inspiration from the IS, a terrorist organization founded in Iraq and Syria. This incident highlights the continuing threat posed by the IS and its affiliates, despite the loss of its physical caliphate.
The Resurgence of the IS
The IS, once known for controlling vast swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria, lost its caliphate in 2017 but has continued to operate as an insurgent group. While its territorial control has diminished, the IS has shifted its focus to Afghanistan, where it has formed a significant presence through its affiliate, Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K). This faction has been carrying out attacks, particularly targeting the Shia minority in Afghanistan. The IS has also expanded its operations into Africa, establishing new networks.
At its peak in 2014-2015, the IS had globalized terror. The group’s propaganda encouraged sympathizers worldwide to declare allegiance to the self-proclaimed Caliph and engage in acts of terror against “infidels.” Cities across the globe, including Dhaka, Orlando, Istanbul, and Brussels, became targets of IS-inspired attacks. These attacks, which once surged, have largely reduced due to the destruction of the IS’s physical caliphate, strengthened security measures, and successful de-radicalization efforts.
However, the situation in Syria remains unstable following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime, and the IS has been attempting to regroup. Kurdish fighters in Syria’s eastern regions, who played a pivotal role in defeating the group in 2015-16, have reported that IS militants have looted government weapons depots and are preparing for a resurgence. This resurgence, as evidenced by the New Orleans attack, signals a potential global threat that requires urgent attention.
The Warning for the U.S.
The New Orleans attack must serve as a wake-up call for the United States. Despite significant setbacks, the IS remains a threat, and its potential to regain a foothold in conflict-ridden regions of West Asia cannot be underestimated. The attack also highlights the pressing need for the U.S. to address the radicalization of its citizens. Jabbar’s actions, inspired by the IS, demonstrate the danger posed by individuals who, even in the absence of direct ties to the group, become radicalized and carry out attacks in the name of a cause.
Combating Radicalization: Force and Ideas
To effectively combat organizations like the IS, a dual approach is necessary—one that combines both force and ideas. Military force alone will not be sufficient to eliminate the underlying ideology that fuels terrorism. Alongside military efforts, counter-radicalization initiatives, educational programs, and efforts to engage communities are crucial. These initiatives should aim to prevent the radicalization of individuals, especially those in vulnerable situations, by addressing the ideological foundations of extremism.
The U.S. and its allies must continue to monitor and disrupt terrorist activities while simultaneously investing in long-term strategies to combat the ideological appeal of groups like the IS. The role of social media in spreading extremist ideologies must also be addressed, as it provides a platform for radicalizing individuals, as seen in the case of Jabbar’s social media posts before the attack.
Conclusion
The New Orleans truck attack serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by the IS and its affiliates. The group’s ability to inspire lone wolf attacks, even after the loss of its territorial caliphate, underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to combating terrorism. The U.S. must prevent the IS from regaining a foothold in West Asia while addressing the root causes of radicalization domestically. Only through a combination of force and ideas can the global community effectively confront this ongoing threat and prevent further tragedies.
Source: TH
3. Reflections as the World Grows More ‘Polarised’
The term “polarisation” has taken on significant meaning in recent years, becoming the 2024 ‘Word of the Year’ as recognized by Merriam-Webster. Originally associated with politics in the U.S., especially following Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential victory, it has evolved into a broader global concept, affecting social, cultural, and even professional spheres. Polarisation refers to a state where opinions, beliefs, or interests of a group or society become sharply divided, with little room for middle ground. This growing division has profound implications for society, prompting widespread debate on its causes and consequences.
Polarisation in the U.S.: A Divided Nation
The U.S. has long been at the center of discussions on political polarisation. In his 2019 book Polarization: What Everyone Needs to Know, academic Nolan McCarty outlines the social, economic, and geographic factors that contribute to this growing divide. The situation was further exemplified during the 2024 presidential election, where the nation was starkly divided along political lines. Supporters of Vice-President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump viewed each other’s beliefs as not just different, but radically dangerous. According to an AP VoteCast poll, around 80% of Harris supporters were concerned that Trump’s views were too extreme, while nearly 70% of Trump supporters felt the same about Harris.
The language of the election, fueled by accusations of extremism and threats to democracy, deepened these divides. In this context, the term “polarisation” has not only become a political label but also a reflection of cultural and societal shifts that extend beyond the political arena.
Beyond Politics: Polarisation in Society
Polarisation is not confined to politics alone. Cultural issues, such as the controversies surrounding celebrities like Taylor Swift and public feuds between figures like Drake and Kendrick Lamar, are increasingly perceived as polarising. These examples illustrate how polarisation manifests in everyday life, influencing public discourse and social dynamics.
The phenomenon is not limited to the U.S. and has become a global issue. Centrist political leaders in Europe, such as French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, have witnessed the rise of extreme positions in their own countries. As societies around the world experience growing divisions, the “us vs. them” mentality has infiltrated political, social, and even familial contexts. The increasing difficulty in finding common ground has led to a breakdown in dialogue and understanding, further entrenching societal divisions.
Historical Roots of Polarisation
While the current state of polarisation may seem like a recent development, its roots go much deeper. McCarty argues that the seeds of polarisation were sown decades ago. The civil rights movements of the 1950s and 1960s, for instance, significantly shaped the partisan culture conflicts we see today. Long before political parties split over these issues, social beliefs regarding civil rights were already influencing broader cultural and political divides.
Additionally, the rising income and wealth disparities since the 1970s have intensified these divisions. As the gap between the rich and poor continues to widen, the divide between different social and political groups has deepened, contributing to an atmosphere of increased polarisation.
The Role of Technology and Social Media
In the modern context, technology plays a critical role in exacerbating polarisation. The advent of social media, the Internet, and artificial intelligence has reshaped the way people interact with information and with each other. Professor Chris Bail’s book Breaking the Social Media Prism explores how political tribalism is amplified by the echo chambers created on social media platforms. Social media networks often reinforce existing beliefs, leading to a more polarised view of the world. People are exposed to ideas and opinions that align with their own, reinforcing their political views and creating deeper divides.
Bail’s research suggests that social media does not merely reflect political views—it actively shapes them. The fragmented nature of online discourse exacerbates these divisions, making it more difficult for individuals to engage in meaningful dialogue across political lines. As people increasingly interact in virtual spaces rather than face-to-face, the potential for empathy and understanding diminishes.
Furthermore, artificial intelligence is transforming the social media landscape, deepening the divide by creating content that targets individuals’ specific preferences, further entrenching political and cultural rifts.
Conclusion: A Polarised World and the Need for Dialogue
The growing polarisation seen in the U.S. and around the world is not just a political issue but a cultural, social, and technological challenge. As societies become more divided, the need for dialogue, empathy, and understanding has never been greater. While the rise of extreme political views and the fragmentation of public discourse may seem overwhelming, it is essential to recognize that these divides are not insurmountable.
The solution to polarisation lies in fostering spaces for genuine conversation, challenging entrenched beliefs, and creating platforms for more diverse perspectives. Only through these efforts can we begin to heal the rifts that threaten to fragment society further. As we move forward, the challenge will be to bridge these divides, not only through policy but through the cultivation of mutual respect and understanding in a rapidly changing world.
Source: TH
4. Cost and Benefit: On Bangladesh, India, and Sheikh Hasina
The diplomatic relationship between India and Bangladesh is once again under strain, as the issue of Bangladesh’s demand for the extradition of Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, remains unresolved. Despite efforts by both countries to mend their ties in recent months, including India’s attempts to calm tensions on the border and reaffirm trade, energy, infrastructure, and connectivity cooperation, the extradition request has complicated matters. This situation highlights the complex interplay of legal, political, and historical factors that must be navigated carefully by both nations.
Extradition Request and Legal Framework
In December, during his visit to Dhaka, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reaffirmed India’s support for Bangladesh as a close friend and expressed India’s commitment to continued cooperation. However, the situation took a turn when Bangladesh sent India a “note verbale,” demanding the extradition of Sheikh Hasina to face charges, including corruption and crimes against humanity related to the crackdown on student protests. The extradition request is based on the 2013 India-Bangladesh extradition treaty, which was amended in 2016 and outlines the legal procedures for such cases.
India’s External Affairs Ministry did not reject the demand outright, which could suggest a diplomatic attempt to manage the situation without escalating tensions. However, the note verbale appears more symbolic, aimed at appeasing domestic political pressures within Bangladesh, rather than a formal legal request.
Historical and Diplomatic Ties
The core issue is not simply a matter of legal procedure but the longstanding historical relationship between India and Sheikh Hasina’s family. The bond between the two countries was forged in the struggle for Bangladesh’s liberation, with India playing a crucial role in the 1971 war that led to the creation of Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina’s father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founder of Bangladesh, was assassinated in 1975, and Hasina sought refuge in India after the tragedy. The relationship between India and her family has been one of mutual sacrifice and support, which makes it highly unlikely that India would easily agree to an extradition request, especially when Hasina has been granted asylum and protection on Indian soil.
India’s decision to shelter the Dalai Lama in 1959, despite Chinese pressure, is a historical precedent that demonstrates India’s reluctance to comply with such demands when national and humanitarian considerations are at stake. The issue of extraditing Hasina to an unelected interim government in Bangladesh further complicates matters. The legitimacy of the Yunus government, which is overseeing the request, remains questionable, as it is not an elected government. The demand for Hasina’s extradition should, in theory, be made by a government chosen by the people of Bangladesh, further underlining the political complexities involved.
The Political and Geopolitical Costs
India must also consider the political ramifications of allowing Sheikh Hasina to continue making political statements from Indian soil. Her presence in India and her involvement in Bangladesh’s domestic politics have the potential to sour diplomatic relations, especially when viewed from the perspective of Bangladesh’s interim government. Such statements can inflame tensions and create a more difficult diplomatic environment.
The geopolitical consequences of a tense border and a deterioration in the bilateral relationship between India and Bangladesh are significant. Both countries must conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis to determine whether the political statements made by Hasina are worth the potential diplomatic fallout. Given the importance of the India-Bangladesh relationship, which spans trade, security, and regional stability, it is crucial that both sides address this issue in a measured and diplomatic manner.
The Path Forward
While the legalities of the extradition request will require negotiation and time, India must ensure that this issue does not become an insurmountable barrier in its broader relationship with Bangladesh. Both countries must find a way to separate this matter from other areas of cooperation. India, for its part, should approach the issue with sensitivity to Bangladesh’s domestic political situation while safeguarding its historical and diplomatic relationship with Sheikh Hasina.
At the same time, Bangladesh must understand that India’s position is rooted in historical bonds and humanitarian considerations, and no amount of coercive pressure can change that. Both countries must find a diplomatic solution to this issue that respects their respective sovereignty and ensures the continued strength of their bilateral ties.
Source: TH
5. Remembering the Impactful Legacy of Wise Leadership
The passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh provides an opportunity to reflect on the lasting legacy of his leadership and the economic reforms initiated in 1991. As Finance Minister, Singh played a pivotal role in launching the liberalization process that transformed India’s economy. His team, which included economists like Montek Singh Ahluwalia and C. Rangarajan, continued this work during his tenure as Prime Minister, making significant strides in India’s economic growth.
The period from 2004 to 2014, during which Singh served as Prime Minister, stands in stark contrast to the decade that followed. This shift warrants a closer examination, not driven by ideological opinions but grounded in verifiable government data.
Key Achievements of 2004-2014
1. Macroeconomic Successes: One of the notable outcomes of the 2004-2014 period was the rise in India’s investment-to-GDP ratio, from 24% to 38%, which was the highest India had ever achieved, though still below China’s investment rates. This rapid increase in investment fueled an average annual GDP growth rate of 8.5% from 2004-2009, and despite the global financial crisis of 2008-09, the economy rebounded quickly due to strategic fiscal and monetary policies. The result was an overall growth rate of 7.8% per annum over the decade.
2. Employment Growth and Structural Change: The growth spanned various sectors, with non-farm jobs growing at an unprecedented rate of 7.5 million per year. Employment in the construction sector nearly doubled, manufacturing jobs increased, and modern services such as telecom and banking flourished. This period marked a significant shift in India’s economic structure, as non-farm jobs outpaced agricultural employment for the first time in history.
3. Reduction in Poverty: Another achievement during this period was the decline in the absolute number of people living in poverty. Between 2004-05 and 2011-12, 138 million people rose above the poverty line, an unprecedented number for India. Real wages increased steadily, lifting millions out of poverty and contributing to increased private consumption expenditure.
Challenges After 2015: Policy-Induced Shocks and Economic Reversal
However, the gains made during the 2004-14 period were not sustained after 2015, primarily due to three major policy-induced shocks:
1. Demonetization and GST: The demonetization policy disrupted the unorganized sector and agriculture, leading to the closure of numerous MSMEs. The poorly implemented Goods and Services Tax (GST) added to the distress, particularly for small businesses. These disruptions were compounded by the strict national lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a contraction of the economy by 5.8% in FY21, while the global economy contracted by only 3.1%.
2. Unemployment Crisis: India saw a dramatic increase in unemployment, from 2.2% in 2011-12 to 6.1% in 2017-18. The number of unemployed individuals tripled during this period. The creation of jobs significantly slowed down, with the number of jobs in industry and services growing by only 29 lakh per year from 2013 to 2019, a 61% drop compared to the previous decade. Youth unemployment and graduate unemployment have reached alarmingly high levels, further compounding the crisis.
3. Reverse Migration and Structural Setback: The structural change that had gained momentum in the 2000s was reversed after 2015, particularly with millions of workers migrating back into agriculture. Manufacturing, especially labor-intensive sectors, experienced significant job losses. Despite the “Make in India” initiative, the share of manufacturing in India’s economy has declined, contributing to fewer job opportunities.
4. Distress and Unpaid Work: The economic distress has also led to an increase in unpaid family workers, especially among women and children. These workers, who previously represented a decreasing share of the labor force, have now surged to 10.4 crore by 2023. This reflects the growing distress in the economy, as many workers are pushed into unpaid roles to support their families.
The Future of India’s Demographic Dividend
The policy failures and economic setbacks of the past decade threaten to undermine the significant progress made earlier. The reversal of structural changes and the rise in unemployment, combined with growing inequality, put India’s demographic dividend at risk. Whether India will be able to achieve its goal of becoming a high-income, developed nation by the 2040s is now uncertain.
As Santosh Mehrotra, a key architect of India’s planning policies, concludes, the challenges facing India today call for urgent attention to revitalize its economy and ensure the prosperity of its growing population. The lessons from the 2004-14 period remain relevant, and the nation must find ways to reclaim the path of high growth and inclusive development.
Source: TH
Also Read: The Hindu Editorial Analysis- Jan 02, 2025
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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