The Hindu Editorial

7-November-2023

1. A telco double dip attempt that threatens Net neutrality.

Topic: GS3 – Net neutrality.

Context:

• The article discusses the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) consultation on regulating Over-The-Top (OTT) services and argues against telecom companies’ demands for OTT platforms to share bandwidth costs, emphasizing the importance of preserving net neutrality for an open and fair Internet.

Why telecom companies’ demand to regulate OTT services is flawed

• Telecom companies argue that OTT services should share in the costs of bandwidth because they are free riders,benefiting from the infrastructure built and maintained by the telecom companies.
• This argument is fundamentally flawed and sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the principle of net neutrality.
• Telecom companies do not own the Internet.Consumers pay the telcos for access services by purchasing data plans.
• OTT platforms generate demand for Internet access and they also pay for the content delivery networks (CDNs) to create pathways that substantially augment the capacity of the internet to deliver their content.
• Telecom companies should increase their prices to cover costs,rather than seeking cross-subsidies from OTT services.
• OTT services compete in their own market on the basis of variety and quality of content,the quality of streaming, ease in navigation and discovery of content, and its availability on multiple devices.
• The attempt of telcos to double dip by charging both consumers and content providers is not only avaricious but also undermines net neutrality.
• If OTT platforms were to acquiesce to the demands of the telcos,the incurred costs would trickle down to subscribers, either through increased subscription fees or degraded service quality for those platforms unwilling or unable to pay the toll.

What is net neutrality?

• Net neutrality is the principle that Internet access providers must treat all traffic originating from and terminating to the Internet in the same way.
• Net neutrality is important for innovation,competition, and consumer welfare.
• Many countries have adopted net neutrality,including India.

2. Party-hopping seems set to stay as parties pick candidates with resources.

Topic: GS2 – Indian polity

Context:

• Last-minute defections of political leaders have become a common trend in Indian elections in states like Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan, and Telangana.

Expensive Electoral Politics:

• Indian elections have become costly, leading parties to select candidates who can mobilize campaign resources.
• Politicians are often chosen not based on merit or popularity but for their ability to gather funds.

Careerist Politicians and Patronage:

• Many politicians prioritize building a career through patronage rather than ideological conviction.
• This leads to frequent party-hopping by politicians who gauge the electoral landscape and adapt accordingly.

Impact on Representation and Democracy:

• Patronage-based politics focuses on providing goods and services to voters in exchange for their support.
• Careerist politicians may prioritize transactional gains over principled or ideological reasons.

Defections and Party Dynamics:

• The BJP has gained prominence nationally due to ideological clarity and a platform for those seeking patronage through electoral politics.
• The Congress has attempted to differentiate itself by combining secular representation with welfare promises, leading to defections from other parties.

Challenges of Retaining Defectors:

• Parties face challenges in retaining defectors who may switch allegiances for personal gain.
• Defections will continue unless voters penalize party-hoppers and prioritize long-term commitment to ideology.

Conclusion:

• Last-minute defections are a persistent feature of Indian politics, driven by a focus on transactional politics and patronage. The challenge lies in creating a system that discourages frequent party-hopping and promotes ideological commitment.

Question: Analyze the factors contributing to defections in Indian politics and assess their impact on the stability and effectiveness of the Indian democratic system.

 

3. To abate noise crisis, governments must prevent making of violative firecrackers

Topic: GS3 – noise pollution.

Noise Pollution and Firecrackers:

• The use of firecrackers during the ‘festival of lights’ should not turn the celebration into a festival of noise.
• Firecrackers are a part of joyous celebrations globally but can be toxic, excessively loud, and emit harmful fumes when burned.
• In 2018, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research introduced ‘green’ crackers with reduced toxicity and noise, mandated by statutory bodies.

Regulation of Firecracker Noise:

• The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000 set regulations for firecracker noise.
• ‘Silence zones’ designated by state governments and post-10 p.m. hours are off-limits for firecrackers.
• Noise limits during the daytime are 75 dB(A) Leq in industrial areas, 65 dB(A) Leq in commercial areas, and 55 dB(A) Leq in residential areas.
• Complaints can be registered if noise exceeds the limit by 10 dB(A) Leq during the daytime.

Health Implications of Excessive Noise:

• Increased noise levels are associated with health issues such as sleep disorders, tinnitus, stress, anxiety, hearing loss, and cardiac problems.
• Noise levels above 80 dB(A) have been linked to hypertension, while nighttime noise over 50 dB(A) can raise cortisol levels.

Challenges and Ambiguities in Enforcement:

• Firecrackers, even ‘green’ ones, often exceed 90 dB during Diwali, posing a health risk.
• Noise rules are vague about penalties for violators, and enforcement remains unclear.
• Differentiating between loudness zones can be challenging, as some areas serve both residential and commercial purposes.

Addressing India’s Noise Pollution Crisis:

• To combat noise pollution effectively, governments should prohibit the production of non-compliant firecrackers.
• Cities should enhance public access to noise data and adopt noise reduction targets to improve the situation.

Conclusion:

• The focus on incremental improvements to firecrackers before each festival is not enough to address India’s noise pollution crisis. Comprehensive measures and strict enforcement are required to protect public health and well-being.

Question:  Excessive noise pollution poses a significant public health challenge in India. Discuss the regulatory measures in place to control noise pollution from firecrackers and highlight the need for more effective enforcement and additional strategies to mitigate this issue.

4. The Canadian dream is not waning

Topic: GS2 – International relations.

Indian Students in Canada

• Indian students account for 4% of Canada’s population.
• The number of Indian students in Canada has sharply risen in recent years.
• In 2022,nearly 3,20,000 Indians were in Canada on active study permits.

Impact of Diplomatic Tensions

• In September 2022,India updated its advisory urging its citizens residing or planning to travel to Canada to exercise utmost caution.
• Young Indians pursuing higher education in Canada are bound to suffer extreme anxiety on hearing such warnings.

Motivations for Studying in Canada

• Students see it a potent route to settle abroad for better career and income opportunities.
• A survey revealed that only 7.4% of international students in Canada intended to return to their home countries.
• The pathway to Canadian citizenship is known to be cheaper and faster in comparison to other Western countries.

Challenges of Settling in Canada

• A recent report points out that only 30% of international students have been able to get permanent residence within a decade of their arrival.
• Anecdotal evidence indicates that international students find it increasingly difficult to get jobs.
• The continuous influx of emigrants and international students has been exerting pressure on the housing sector,leading to skyrocketing rental prices.

Conclusion

• Despite the challenges,the charm of Canada for international students is not waning yet.
• Students yearn for quality higher education,which many find difficult to get within their own country.
• Indian students are no exception.

For Enquiry

Phone


Whatsapp


Mail

Search


7 November 2023 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF



6 Nov 2023 : Daily Quiz



6 Nov 2023 : Daily Answer Writing



6 Nov 2023 : Indian Express



6 November 2023 : Daily Current Affairs



4 Nov 2023 : Daily Quiz



4 Nov 2023 : Daily Answer Writing



4 Nov 2023 : Indian Express



4 Nov 2023 : PIB



4 November 2023 : Daily Current Affairs

November 2023 The Hindu 7 November 2023 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF The Hindu Editorial
4-November-2023
1. The IITs are overcommitted, in crisis
Topic: GS3 – education…
Daily Quiz 6 Nov 2023 : Daily Quiz 6 Nov 2023 : Daily Quiz…
mains answer writing 6 Nov 2023 : Daily Answer Writing Mains Answer Writing
6-November-2023
1.  Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state…
Indian Express 6 Nov 2023 : Indian Express Indian Express
6-November-2023
1) CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER
Context:
The Delhi Declaration, signed…
Daily Current Affairs 6 November 2023 : Daily Current Affairs Daily Current Affairs
6-November-2023
1) DESPITE GOVT’S EFFORTS, WHY ONION PRICES ARE STILL HIGH
Topic:…
Daily Quiz 4 Nov 2023 : Daily Quiz 4 Nov 2023 : Daily Quiz…
mains answer writing 4 Nov 2023 : Daily Answer Writing Mains Answer Writing
4-November-2023
Q1) Examine the importance of establishing a National Tribunals…
Indian Express 4 Nov 2023 : Indian Express Indian Express
4-November-2023
1) A matter of greying
Context:
The prospects for the population…
November 2023 PIB 4 Nov 2023 : PIB PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU
4-November -2023
1. Atal Innovation Mission Opens Application for School Innovation…
Daily Current Affairs 4 November 2023 : Daily Current Affairs Daily Current Affairs
4-November-2023
1. Difficult to press for women’s quota before LS poll: SC
Topic:…