16 January 2025 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis
1. The red flag as China’s expansionist strategy rolls on
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)
| Context |
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Chinese Aggression Along the India-China Border
- Recently, India faced two major incidents of Chinese aggression along its border: the announcement of a dam on the Yarlung Zangbo river (Brahmaputra) and the creation of two new counties in northeastern Ladakh.
- India condemned these actions as illegal and a direct threat to its sovereignty.
- India expressed concerns over China’s hydropower project and is monitoring the situation to safeguard its national interests.
- These developments follow troop disengagement agreements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), highlighting China’s unpredictable approach.
Transboundary Water Issues
- China’s actions affect not only India but also South Asian countries like Nepal and Bhutan, which face territorial encroachments.
- China’s unilateral management of transboundary rivers like the Brahmaputra and Indus threatens water security in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Pakistan.
- The proposed Chinese dam can generate 300 billion kilowatt-hours annually but poses risks for downstream countries.
- The dam may reduce water and silt flow, impacting agriculture, fisheries, and biodiversity in India and Bangladesh.
- The uncontrolled release of water during monsoons or geopolitical tensions could cause devastating floods in India.
- India is investing $1 billion to fast-track 12 hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh to counter this challenge.
Border Disputes and Cartographic Aggression
- China has intensified its cartographic aggression by renaming locations, creating new counties, and incorporating disputed regions into its maps.
- In Ladakh, China’s actions aim to assert control over contested territories, while it also lays claim to Arunachal Pradesh, which is an integral part of India.
- Beyond India, China has overlapping territorial claims with Nepal and Bhutan.
- While China’s cartographic assertions lack legal validity under international law, its establishment of settlements in disputed areas complicates sovereignty claims.
The South Asian Response
- South Asian nations, including India, address disputes with China bilaterally, unlike Southeast Asian nations that use multilateral mechanisms like the Mekong River Commission and ASEAN.
- India, as a regional leader, needs to foster a collective South Asian response to counter China’s territorial and water-related actions.
- Regional forums, multilateral institutions, and diplomatic coordination can strengthen South Asia’s position.
- A unified approach is essential to safeguard India’s sovereignty and regional security against China’s growing assertiveness.
Conclusion
- China’s actions highlight its expansionist policies, threatening India’s sovereignty and regional stability.
- A unified South Asian response and enhanced diplomatic efforts are essential to counter China’s growing assertiveness and ensure security.
| PYQ: ‘China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbor. (150 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2017) |
| Practice Question: How do China’s territorial and hydropower initiatives along the India-China border impact India’s sovereignty and water security? Propose strategic measures to address these challenges effectively. (250 Words /15 marks) |
2. India must learn from its mining disasters and enforce regulations
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)
| Topic: GS2 – Governance, GS3 – Security |
| Context |
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| What is Rat-hole Mining? |
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Ban and Continuation of Rat-Hole Mining
- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned rat-hole mining in 2014 due to health, safety, and environmental risks.
- Proper geological surveys and mechanisation could make such mining uneconomical, discouraging its continuation.
- Despite the ban, the demand for coal to power cement and thermal plants has sustained illegal mining activities in the northeast.
State Administration and Illegal Mining
- Assam’s Chief Minister acknowledged that the Dima Hasao mine appeared to be illegal and abandoned by the State’s Mines and Minerals Department.
- This points to administrative lapses, as such illegal activities thrive despite the ban.
- In 2019, the Supreme Court questioned whether such mining could continue without the involvement of officials.
Exploitation and Recognition of Miners
- Unregulated mining is rampant, despite repeated accidents and fatalities.
- Ironically, authorities have sought help from rat-hole miners during crises, such as in Uttarkashi in 2023, where advanced technology failed.
Need for Decisive Action
- Tragedies like Dima Hasao often result in temporary attention, followed by inaction until another accident occurs.
- To prevent future tragedies, there is a pressing need to disrupt the economic viability of rat-hole mining through stringent enforcement and better alternatives.
Conclusion
- Rat-hole mining continues to pose serious risks despite bans and repeated tragedies.
- Stringent enforcement, sustainable alternatives, and disrupting the economic incentives are essential to prevent further loss of lives and environmental damage.
| Practice Question: Examine the environmental, social, and administrative challenges posed by rat-hole coal mining. Suggest measures to address these issues effectively. (150 Words /10 marks) |
For more such UPSC-related The Hindu editorial analysis: –13 January 2025 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis
