16 April 2024 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF
The Hindu EDITORIAL
16-April-2024
1. New data law, a barrier to journalistic free speech
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Topic: GS2 – Int Important for UPSC as it highlights the intersection of data protection laws, journalistic freedom, and democratic principles in India. |
| Context |
| ● The article discusses the absence of exemptions for journalistic activities in India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act, raising concerns about journalistic free speech. |
Introduction:
- In August 2023, India enacted the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, aimed at safeguarding personal data and establishing grievance redress mechanisms.
- However, the absence of exemptions for journalistic activities raises concerns about its impact on journalistic free speech.
Impact on Journalistic Free Speech:
- Data protection laws typically exempt journalistic activities from privacy obligations, but the DPDP Act lacks such exemptions.
- Journalists using personal data for investigative reporting may need consent from subjects, affecting their ability to report on public figures’ actions and holding the state accountable.
- The Act’s provision allowing government access to data may compromise journalists’ source confidentiality and research integrity.
Evolution of Drafts and Lack of Public Consultation:
- Previous drafts of the DPDP Act included exemptions for journalistic activities, but subsequent versions omitted them without explanation.
- The removal of exemptions underscores the need for transparent public consultation processes in lawmaking.
- The government released three drafts for public feedback but did not disclose comments received, hindering public understanding and participation.
Government’s Role and Possible Solutions:
- The government can address the issue through rules under the DPDP Act, granting exemptions for journalistic entities.
- While exemptions should ideally be part of the law, utilising existing provisions offers a swift solution to safeguard journalistic free speech.
- Transparency in the consultation process and proactive measures to protect journalistic freedoms are essential for upholding democratic principles.
Conclusion:
- Ensuring exemptions for journalistic activities under the DPDP Act is crucial to preserving journalistic free speech and holding power to account.
- The government must prioritize transparency and public consultation to address concerns and uphold democratic values in data protection legislation.
| More about Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act: |
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Highlights of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act: ● Applicability: Applies to processing of digital personal data within India, collected online or digitised offline, also applicable if processing occurs outside India for offering goods or services in India. ● Consent: Personal data processing permitted only with lawful purpose and individual consent, except for specified legitimate uses like voluntary data sharing and state processing for permits, licences, benefits, and services. ● Data Fiduciaries’ Obligations: Include maintaining data accuracy, ensuring security, and deleting data after fulfilling its purpose. ●Individual Rights: Granted rights include access to information, correction, erasure, and grievance redressal. ● Exemptions: Government may exempt certain activities, especially by government agencies, for reasons such as national security. ● Data Protection Board of India: Established to adjudicate non-compliance, monitor, and impose penalties, with members appointed for two years. Key Issues and Analysis: ● Exemptions for State Processing: May lead to excessive data collection, processing, and retention, potentially violating privacy rights. ● Lack of Regulation on Harm: Fails to address risks and harms arising from personal data processing. ● Absence of Key Rights: Does not provide for data portability and the right to be forgotten, limiting individual control over personal data. ● Cross-border Data Transfer: Allows transfer outside India with minimal restrictions, raising concerns about data protection standards in recipient countries. ●Short Tenure of Board Members: Two-year term with eligibility for re-appointment may compromise the Board’s independence. ● Additional Provisions for Children: Requires verifiable parental consent, lacks clarity on defining detrimental effects on child well-being. ● Exemption from Notice for Consent: Certain entities may be exempt from providing notice for consent, potentially hindering informed consent. |
| PYQ: Data security has assumed significant importance in the digitised world due to rising cyber crimes. Justice B. N. Srikrishna Committee Report addresses issues related to data security. What, in your view, are the strengths and weaknesses of the Report relating to protection of personal data in cyberspace? (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2018) |
| Practice Question: Discuss the implications of the absence of exemptions for journalistic activities in India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act on journalistic free speech. (150 Words /10 marks) |
2. India’s Arctic imperative.
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Topic: GS2 – International Relations. The topic is significant for UPSC as it addresses India’s Arctic exploration, climate change impact, economic prospects, and geopolitical dynamics. |
| Context |
| ● The article discusses India’s inaugural winter expedition to the Arctic, driven by scientific research, economic interests, and geopolitical concerns amidst global climate change. |
India’s Maiden Winter Expedition to the Arctic:
- In December 2023, four Indian climate scientists commenced acclimatisation for India’s first winter expedition at the Arctic, facing the challenges of intense cold and polar nights.
- Himadri, India’s research station in Svalbard, Norway, previously hosted only summer missions, highlighting the novelty and significance of the winter expedition.
Motivations for Indian Engagement:
- India’s reluctance to conduct a year-round Arctic mission changed due to scientific data revealing accelerated Arctic warming and its impacts on Indian climatic patterns.
- Economic interests, including the opening up of Arctic Sea routes like the Northern Sea Route for Indian trade, prompted India’s Arctic focus.
- Geopolitical concerns arose from China’s increasing Arctic investments and Russia’s collaboration with China in granting access to the Northern Sea Route, prompting India to reassess its Arctic strategy amidst regional tensions.
Historical Context and Indian Arctic Engagement:
- India’s involvement in the Arctic dates back to 1920 with the signing of the Svalbard Treaty, followed by research missions starting in 2007.
- India’s establishment of an Arctic research base in 2008 and subsequent observational installations reflect its commitment to Arctic research and exploration.
Debates and Divisions in Indian Policy:
- India’s academic and policy circles debate the economic implications of Arctic climate change, particularly regarding resource exploitation and mining.
- While some advocate for pragmatic economic approaches, others stress the need for balanced policies considering environmental risks.
Potential for Collaboration with Norway:
- India-Norway collaboration, especially in green energy and clean industries, aligns with India’s commitment to responsible Arctic engagement.
- A partnership with Norway could enhance Indian participation in Arctic Council working groups, focusing on issues like the blue economy and sustainable resource development.
- However, India must ensure sustainable resource extraction policies aligned with environmental protection, possibly with guidance from Norway.
India’s Arctic Policy Framework:
- India’s Arctic Policy encompasses six pillars, including scientific research, economic and human development, and governance and international cooperation.
- India aims to balance economic opportunities with environmental concerns, focusing on scientific research and sustainable resource management.
Prospects for India-Norway Partnership:
- Collaborative efforts with Norway are likely to prioritise scientific research and environmental protection, complementing India’s Arctic Policy objectives.
- Norway could assist India in designing sustainable policies accommodating both scientific research and economic interests, amidst escalating global geopolitical tensions in the Arctic.
| Importance of Arctic Region for India: |
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●Geopolitical Significance: The Arctic region is strategically important for India due to its emerging role in global geopolitics, particularly in terms of trade routes, resource exploration, and maritime security. ● Natural Resources: The Arctic region is believed to hold vast reserves of oil, natural gas, minerals, and rare earth elements. India’s growing energy needs and resource security concerns make the exploration and extraction of these resources potentially significant for the country. ● Climate Change Impact: The Arctic region is experiencing rapid environmental changes due to climate change, including melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and shifts in weather patterns. These changes have global implications for weather systems, sea levels, and biodiversity, impacting India’s climate and ecosystems. ● Shipping Routes: The opening of Arctic sea routes, such as the Northern Sea Route, could offer shorter and more cost-effective trade routes between Asia and Europe. India’s maritime interests and trade relations with Arctic littoral states could benefit from enhanced connectivity and reduced transit times. ● Scientific Research: India has scientific interests in the Arctic region, including studying climate change, polar ecosystems, and atmospheric processes. Participation in Arctic research initiatives provides India with opportunities for scientific collaboration, technological advancement, and knowledge exchange. Challenges for Indian engagement: ● Geopolitical Competition: India faces challenges in navigating the geopolitical dynamics of the Arctic, including competition among major powers for influence, resources, and strategic positioning in the region. ● Limited Presence and Expertise: India’s limited physical presence and expertise in Arctic affairs pose challenges for meaningful engagement and participation in decision-making processes and governance mechanisms. ● Resource Constraints: India’s resource constraints, including financial limitations and competing domestic priorities, may hinder its ability to invest in Arctic research, infrastructure, and diplomatic initiatives. ● Environmental Concerns: India’s engagement in the Arctic must consider environmental sustainability and climate change impacts, as well as the potential consequences of resource exploitation and infrastructure development on Arctic ecosystems and global climate systems. ● International Cooperation: India faces challenges in fostering international cooperation and partnerships with Arctic states and stakeholders, given diverse interests, priorities, and geopolitical rivalries in the region. Building trust, consensus, and collaborative frameworks is essential for effective engagement in Arctic affairs. |
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PYQ: Q. The term ‘IndARC’, sometimes seen in the news, is the name of (a) an indigenously developed radar system inducted into Indian Defence (b) India’s satellite to provide services to the countries of Indian Ocean Rim (c) a scientific establishment set up by India in Antarctic region (d) India’s underwater observatory to scientifically study the Arctic region Ans: Option (d) (UPSC civil services prelims 2015)
Q.1 Why is India taking keen in resources of the Arctic region? (150 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2018) Q.2 What are the economic significances of discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible environmental consequences? (200 words/12.5m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2015) |
| Practice Question: Discuss India’s evolving engagement in the Arctic region, considering its scientific research, economic interests, and geopolitical implications. (250 Words /15 marks) |
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