1 Jan 2024 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF

1. Floods and a ‘preventive measure’ that needs review.

Topic: GS3 – Disaster and disaster management. GS1- Geophysical phenomenon- Cyclone Critical for UPSC as it addresses crisis governance, accountability, and demographic vulnerabilities, essential components in administrative and policy evaluations.

Context:

The article discusses the enduring consequences of decisions made post-Cyclone Michuang in Chennai.Focusing on power disruptions during natural disasters, it emphasizes the need for accountable and transparent decision-making, considering demographic vulnerabilities and the dynamic nature of crises.

Introduction:

• Consequences of decisions post-Cyclone Michuang persist, impacting Chennai residents.
• Visible and hidden outcomes underscore the need for accountability in decision-making.

Power Disruption Risks:

• Decision to cut power during cyclones for safety reasons is acknowledged.
• Extended power outage poses dangers in homes, especially for vulnerable populations.
• Potential risks for the elderly, accidents, and security concerns in the dark are highlighted.

Demographic Considerations:

• Tamil Nadu’s significant elderly population, particularly those above 60.
• Chennai’s demographic details emphasize the vulnerability of a large elderly population.
• Power disruption is identified as a significant hazard for this demographic.

Dynamic Decision-Making:

• Acknowledgement of the dynamic and evolving nature of crisis decision-making.
• Emotional and psychological challenges faced by decision-makers should be recognized.
• Balancing conservatism with potential dangers of inadequate consideration is emphasized.

Accountability and Justification:

• Advocates for accountability in decision-making processes.
• The need for bureaucrats or officials to justify decisions and document reasons in real-time is emphasized.
• Recognition of potential risks on both ends – premature restoration and unjustifiable power cuts.

Transparent Decision-Making:

• Acknowledging the complexities of decision-making, avoiding populist approaches.
• Advocating for specialist reviews rather than public transparency.
• The 2015 floods serve as a cautionary example of populist decision-making consequences.

Shared Responsibility:

• Arguing against elitist exclusivity in decision-making.
• Advocating for a hierarchical approach with scaled levels of responsibility.
• Suggesting periodic reviews by an oversight team during evolving crises.

Principles of Review:

• Emphasizing the need for reviews based on rationale and evidence.
• Overturning or modifying decisions found indefensible or unsupported.
• Fixing responsibility on individuals for sub-optimal decisions, with potential bans from future decision-making roles.

Conclusion:

• Navigating the aftermath of Cyclone Michuang underscores the imperative of transparent, accountable decision-making.
• Recognizing demographic vulnerabilities and the dynamic nature of crises is crucial for effective governance.

PYQ: Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures. (UPSC CSE (M) GS-1 2020)(150 words/10 m)

Practice Question: Examine the significance of transparent and accountable decision-making in post-disaster governance, considering demographic vulnerabilities and the dynamic nature of crises. Support your answer with relevant examples (250 words/15 m)

2.Reading the tea leaves for 2024.

Topic: GS2 – International Relations – Effect of policies and politics of developed & developing countries on India’s interests Critical for UPSC as it covers geopolitical dynamics, diplomatic strategies, and challenges, assessing India’s role in global affairs.

Context:

The article navigates the geopolitical landscape for the next 12 months, assessing uncertainties in conflicts like Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas, emphasizing India’s diplomatic gains, challenges, and areas of focus, and exploring potential flashpoints in the Indo-Pacific.

Geopolitical Analysis – Next 12 Months:

• Blend of hope and realism needed to gauge the trajectory of geopolitics.
• Ongoing polycrisis includes COVID-19, global economic slowdown, Russia-Ukraine war, climate challenges, debt burden, and Israel-Hamas conflict.

Uncertain Conflict Resolutions:

• Uncertainty surrounds the end of kinetic conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
• Israeli Prime Minister’s goals for the Israel-Hamas conflict and the unpredictable duration of the crisis.

Russia-Ukraine War Outlook:

• Russia’s tenacity despite opposition, economic sanctions, and internal upheaval.
• Speculation on the war’s end tied to potential outcomes of U.S. elections, with different scenarios based on Trump or Biden presidency.

Indo-Pacific Flashpoints:

• Potential flashpoints in the Indo-Pacific include Taiwan, North Korea, South China Sea, and the India-China border.
• Evolving U.S.-China rivalry and India-China contestation influencing outcomes.

India’s Diplomatic Gains:

• India’s proactive diplomacy driven by economic growth.
• Positive strides in U.S.-India relations, EU cooperation, Quad consolidation, and stability in India-Russia ties.

Challenges Ahead:

• China remains the primary challenge for India in 2024.
• Expansion of Chinese influence in South Asia requires a strategic counter-response.

Diplomatic Focus for India:

• Diplomatic focus on climate change, free trade agreements, digital technology expertise, and AI in economic development.
• Multilateral engagements in G-20, BRICS, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and UN Security Council reform.

Upcoming Parliamentary Elections:

• The Ministry of External Affairs to project India’s parliamentary elections as a milestone in the world’s largest democracy.

Conclusion:

• A nuanced perspective on the geopolitical future, highlighting uncertainties, diplomatic gains, challenges, and areas of focus for India in the next 12 months.

PYQ: The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order. Elaborate. (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2019) (250 words/15m )

Practice Question: Discuss the geopolitical challenges and diplomatic strategies in near future, emphasizing India’s role in global affairs. Provide examples and potential implications for the next 12 months. (250 words/15 m)