18 January 2024 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF
The Hindu Editorial
18-January-2024
1. A search for deterrence in the Red Sea.
| Topic: GS2 – International Relations GS3 – Internal Security – Challenges to internal security through communication networks UPSC candidates must understand the geopolitical complexities arising from Houthi rebel attacks, testing international cooperation and impacting maritime security. |
| Context: |
|
Current Situation:
- Houthi rebels in Yemen respond to Israeli attacks and Gaza bombings with attacks on merchant shipping in the Red Sea.
- Attacks involve the use of drones and anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMS), including the hijacking of the Galaxy Leader with a helicopter.
International Response:
- S. removes Houthi rebels from terror listing but plans to designate them as a global terrorist group from mid-February.
- Concerns about the impact on trade due to modern weaponry used by rebels and challenges in international cooperation.
Complexity and Challenges:
- International response lacks unity and cooperation, raising questions about interoperability despite substantial maritime forces.
- Similarities with past piracy issues, highlighting operational limitations and delayed responses.
Potential State Support:
- Allegations of state support for Houthis, pointing to Iran and possibly China.
- Concerns about missile technology proliferation, with implications for regional stability.
Operation Prosperity Guardian:
- S.-led operation under Combined Maritime Force’s Combined Task Force 153 faces a tepid response.
- Lack of participation from NATO allies (France, Italy, Spain), Saudi Arabia, UAE, Japan, and Australia.
Division Among Allies:
- Saudi Arabia and UAE hesitant to join, potentially due to ongoing negotiations in Yemen and concerns about supporting Israel.
- India, despite being a full member of CMF, operates independently, indicating geopolitical considerations.
Challenges and Calibrated Actions:
- Houthis exploiting divisions among like-minded nations, challenging the U.S.’s global dominance.
- Need for a strategic and achievable end state to avoid further escalation and state-on-state confrontation.
- Focus on preventing weapon supply, but complexities due to Yemen’s unique geopolitical situation.
Conclusion:
- International unity is crucial to address Houthi attacks, prevent trade disruptions, and navigate geopolitical challenges for maritime security.
| PYQ: In 2012, the longitudinal marking of the high-risk areas for piracy was moved from 65° East to 78° east in the Arabian Sea by International Maritime organisation. What impact does this have on India’s maritime security concerns? (200 words/12.5m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2014) |
2. The fading role of universities in society
|
Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Education UPSC candidates should grasp the implications of declining academic freedom, government interference, and its impact on democratic values in India. |
| Context: |
|
Government Interference:
- UGC directs universities to display government logos, creating selfie points with the Prime Minister, compromising academic freedom.
- Similar instances include promoting political propaganda, like generating awareness on G-20 meetings and Swachhatha campaigns.
Erosion of Academic Freedom:
- Ongoing trend of suppressing academic freedom evident in multiple incidents, such as cancelation of discussions and fines for protests.
- Resignations of scholars at Ashoka University after a paper critical of the ruling party’s electoral performance.
Democratic Values and Dissent:
- Importance of dissent and critical thinking in a democracy highlighted, questioning restrictions on articulation of opinions in academic institutions.
- Concerns raised about the impact on academic work and research environment due to restrictions on free expression.
Global Academic Freedom Index:
- India’s academic freedom index ranks in the bottom 30% among 179 countries, scoring lower than India’s geopolitical rival Pakistan.
- Reflects a downward spiral in academic freedom, reminiscent of Emergency-era rankings.
Constitutional Framework:
- Academic freedom in India not explicitly mentioned in the constitution, subsumed under the right to free speech, subject to reasonable restrictions.
- Misuse of sedition laws and defamation lawsuits hindering freedom of expression for artists and scholars.
Institutional Autonomy:
- UGC’s deviation from its core function to monitor standards in universities, becoming an instrument of the ministry.
- Growing trend of political considerations over merit in university appointments, leading to erosion of institutional autonomy.
Call for Protections:
- Calls for universities to include clauses protecting academic freedom in faculty contracts, seeking global institutions’ support in university rankings.
- Emphasis on the need for political parties to consult with faculty and student bodies to address the decline in academic freedom.
Conclusion:
- The article concludes by urging collaborative efforts, involving political parties and stakeholders, to safeguard academic freedom, combat government interference, and uphold democratic values in Indian universities for a robust and inclusive educational environment.
| Practice Question:Â Will continued government interference and declining academic freedom hinder India’s democratic ideals, limiting diverse perspectives within educational institutions? (150 words/10 m) |
Â
For Enquiry
18 January 2024 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF
18 Jan 2024 : PIB
18 Jan 2024 : Daily Current Affairs
17 Jan 2024 : Daily Quiz
17 Jan 2024 : Daily Answer Writing
17 Jan 2024 : Indian Express
17 January 2024 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF
17 Jan 2024 : PIB
17 Jan 2024 : Daily Current Affairs
Establishment of the British Rule in India: Timeline and Impact- Complete UPSC Notes
Jan 2024 The Hindu 18 January 2024 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF The Hindu Editorial
18-January-2024
1. A search for deterrence in the Red Sea.
Topic: GS2 – International…
Jan 2024 PIB 18 Jan 2024 : PIB PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU
18-January -2024
1.Prime Minister dedicates to nation infrastructure projects…
Daily Current Affairs 18 Jan 2024 : Daily Current Affairs Daily Current Affairs
18-January-2024
1. ASER 2023 Report Reveals Alarming Skill Deficit Among Rural…
Daily Quiz 17 Jan 2024 : Daily Quiz 17 Jan 2024 : Daily Quiz…
mains answer writing 17 Jan 2024 : Daily Answer Writing Mains Answer Writing
17-January-2024
Q1) Globalization has been selective of social sections and economic…
Indian Express 17 Jan 2024 : Indian Express Indian Express
17- January-2023
1. Davos Man & Global South
Topic: GS2 – International Relations…
Jan 2024 The Hindu 17 January 2024 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF The Hindu Editorial
17-January-2024
1. A provisional order by ICJ on Israel will cast shadow on legitimacy…
Jan 2024 PIB 17 Jan 2024 : PIB PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU
17-January -2024
1.Shri Nitin Gadkari says Road Safety is top-most priority…
Daily Current Affairs 17 Jan 2024 : Daily Current Affairs Daily Current Affairs
17-January-2024
1. Expert Committee Proposes Overhaul of Defence Decision-Making:…
Modern India Establishment of the British Rule in India: Timeline and Impact- Complete UPSC Notes India before the British rule in India
Political scenario in India
The Mughals – After the death of…
