The Hindu Editorial

15-November-2023

1. A Norwegian perspective of India’s digital journey.

Topic: GS3 – Digital development.

India’s Role in Accelerating the Digital Public Goods Agenda

• India’s G-20 presidency championed the G-20 Framework for Systems of Digital Public Infrastructure.
• This framework defines DPI as “a set of shared digital systems” used to “drive development,inclusion, innovation, trust, and competition and respect human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
• India’s success in issuing digital identities to nearly all its citizens demonstrates the power of DPI in promoting social inclusion and access to services.

Digital South-South Cooperation

• The Bengaluru-developed Modular Open Source Identity Platform (MOSIP) has provided digital IDs to over 97 million people in diverse countries.
• The annual assembly of the Digital Public Goods Alliance (DPGA) in Ethiopia showcases the global South’s leadership in DPI development.
• Norway supports the DPGA and is a member of the 50-in-5 campaign to make at least one national digital good available globally in the next five years.

The Norwegian Perspective

• Norway has a long history of supporting digital public goods and has provided several successful examples,such as the Yr weather forecasting service and the VIPS plant health warning system.
• Norway emphasizes the role of digital public goods in addressing food insecurity,with 24 registered digital public goods targeting SDG2 on ending food hunger.
• Norway recognizes the challenges of privacy,data leaks, and digital sovereignty in the digital domain and advocates for open solutions like digital public goods.

Following the Indian Blueprint

• Norway welcomes collaboration with India within the DPGA and the 50-in-5 campaign to draw lessons from India’s digital journey and help other countries leapfrog the digital divide.

 

2. India should be forceful in articulating its position on Gaza

Topic: GS2 – International relations.

India’s UN Votes on Israeli-Palestinian Resolutions:

• Ceasefire Resolution Abstention: Two weeks prior, India abstained from a UN resolution calling for a ceasefire in Israeli strikes on Gaza.
• Recent Votes in Favor: India voted in favor of five out of six annual draft resolutions at the UNGA’s Fourth Committee criticizing Israel for increased settlements, supporting Palestinians’ rights, and endorsing UNRWA in Gaza.
• Official Explanation: The official explanation labeled the votes as “routine” affirmation of India’s traditional policy, causing confusion over the government’s stance on the crisis.

Inconsistencies and Unexplained Stand:

• Contradictory Explanations: The October Explanation of Vote mentioned the absence of an “explicit condemnation” of October 7 attacks by Hamas as the reason for abstention. However, none of the resolutions discussed the October 7 attacks.
• No Proposed Amendments: India did not propose amendments during the Fourth Committee deliberations, where the Israeli envoy called for a rejection of “anti-Israel” resolutions lacking references to the current situation.
• Silence on Ceasefire Call: India has not joined the call for a ceasefire or explicitly called for an end to strikes on civilian targets, contributing to uncertainty about its position.

Government’s Traditional Stand:

• Two-State Solution Support: India maintains its traditional stand supporting the Palestinian cause and a two-state solution.
• “Zero Tolerance” for Terrorism: The government affirms “zero tolerance” for terror attacks and expresses standing by Israel.
• Lack of Explicit Actions: India has not explicitly asked for an end to strikes, designated Hamas as a terror group, or changed domestic law as suggested by the Israeli Ambassador.

Concerns and Opportunities:

• Exerting Influence: Criticism that New Delhi appears unwilling to exert itself to make a difference in the conflict.
• Opportunity in Global Summits: Upcoming Voice of Global South and G-20 virtual summits could provide an opportunity for India to articulate options for ending violence and addressing post-conflict scenarios in Gaza.

Call for Clarity:

• Government’s Position Explanation: More than a month into Israel’s reprisals, there is a need for the government to clarify its position on the conflict and outline potential roles for India.
• Historical Voice: Emphasis on preserving India’s historical reputation for being forceful and balanced on such global issues.

3. Unfettered powers to seize devices threaten freedom of speech

Topic: GS2 – Indian polity

Supreme Court’s Directive on Media Professionals’ Device Seizure:

• Timely Intervention: The Supreme Court directs the Union government to formulate guidelines safeguarding the interests of media professionals regarding the seizure of their digital devices.

Chilling Effects on Journalism:

• Recent Incidents: Actions against journalists involving the seizure and search of their devices send a chilling message to the media community and compromise sources.

Guidelines Framework:

• Judicial Warrant Requirement: Guidelines should mandate that law enforcement agencies cannot seize or search devices without a prior judicial warrant, specifying the expected information sought.
• Protection of Sources: Journalists should not be compelled to incriminate themselves or reveal sources by providing passcodes or biometric data.
• Data Safeguards: Protocols must be in place to protect devices and data, preventing leaks, tampering, or unauthorized sharing with third parties.
• Irrelevant Data Deletion: Procedures should ensure timely deletion of irrelevant data to an investigation.
• Cloning Technology: Guidelines should permit the use of cloning technology to allow journalists to continue their work while ensuring data preservation.

Transparency and Public Consultation:

• Balancing of Interests: The Court emphasizes the need for a “balancing of interests,” urging transparent guideline drafting and public consultations.
• Privacy as Fundamental Right: The Court recognizes privacy as a fundamental right, indicating the relevance of the issue for all citizens.

Legal Framework Update:

• Digital Realities: Laws regarding search and seizure need updating to consider the impact of new digital realities.
• Inclusive Approach: Guidelines and legal updates should address the evolving landscape of personal and professional information stored on vulnerable handheld devices.

 

For Enquiry

Phone


Whatsapp


Mail

Search


15 November 2023 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF



14 Nov 2023 : Daily Quiz



14 Nov 2023 : Daily Answer Writing



10 Nov 2023 : Daily Answer Writing



14 Nov 2023 : Indian Express



14 Nov 2023 : PIB



14 November 2023 : Daily Current Affairs



14 November 2023 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF



10 Nov 2023 : PIB



10 November 2023 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF

November 2023 The Hindu 15 November 2023 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF The Hindu Editorial
14-November-2023
1. Enhancing representation, for a just electoral system.
Topic:…
Daily Quiz 14 Nov 2023 : Daily Quiz 14 Nov 2023 : Daily Quiz…
mains answer writing 14 Nov 2023 : Daily Answer Writing Mains Answer Writing
14-November-2023
Q1) “The dynamics of center-state relations in recent times reflect…
mains answer writing 10 Nov 2023 : Daily Answer Writing Mains Answer Writing
10-November-2023
1.  Any federal system is bound to have asymmetries, therefore…
Indian Express 14 Nov 2023 : Indian Express Indian Express
14-November-2023
1) With a little help from the Sun
Context:
The emergence of clean…
November 2023 PIB 14 Nov 2023 : PIB PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU
14-November -2023
1. ‘AAINA Dashboard for Cities’ portal launched.
Topic:…
Daily Current Affairs 14 November 2023 : Daily Current Affairs Daily Current Affairs
14-November-2023
1. Retail inflation eases to a four-month low of 4.87% in October.
Topic:…
November 2023 The Hindu 14 November 2023 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF The Hindu Editorial
14-November-2023
1. Enhancing representation, for a just electoral system.
Topic:…
November 2023 PIB 10 Nov 2023 : PIB PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU
10-November -2023
1. ESIC observes National Ayurveda Day (Dhanwantari Jayanti)…
November 2023 The Hindu 10 November 2023 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF The Hindu Editorial
10-November-2023
1. Women in red: On an optimum menstrual hygiene policy.
Topic:…