21 December 2023 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF
The Hindu Editorial
21-December-2023
1. A security breach that must lead to sweeping changes.
| Topic: GS3 – Internal Security – role of external state and non-state actors Critical for UPSC as it assesses knowledge of national security, governance, and the ability to address vulnerabilities in democratic institutions – the article is not much important from mains or prelims perspective – but significant from the knowhow of current events. |
| Context: |
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Background:
- On December 13, 2023, two young men breached Lok Sabha, vocalizing slogans against dictatorship and releasing canisters emitting yellow smoke.
Security Measures in Parliament:
- Parliament underwent fortification after the 2001 terrorist attack, featuring spike barriers, bollards, drop gates, scanners, RFID devices, and anti-explosive checks.
- Central police forces, plainclothes personnel, and Delhi police are strategically placed in inner and outer precincts.
Security Breach Details:
- The breach unfolded across various security layers intended for personal screening.
- Door frame and handheld metal detectors were utilized but failed to detect plastic or rubber concealed in shoes, a vulnerability given that shoes are not routinely checked.
Importance of Technology:
- There’s an emphasis on advanced technology in security measures, referencing backscatter and millimeter wave scanners used abroad.
- Questioning whether the Ministry of Home Affairs advocated for technology upgrades.
Responsibility and Leadership Vacancies:
- The Joint Secretary, Security, post is vacant, as are the positions of chiefs of Central Reserve Police Force and Central Industrial Security Force.
- The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) chief is entrusted with the inquiry, and the Ministry of Home Affairs manages Parliament’s security needs.
Political Fallout and Responsibility:
- Calls for responsibility regarding security and technology upgrades.
- Criticism of political debates on jurisdiction, urging acknowledgment of the access control failure.
- Urgency for a high-level inquiry and acknowledgment of the breach’s severity.
Youngsters’ Actions and National Security:
- The incident caused no harm but exposed security gaps.
- Recommendation for legal action due to unauthorized entry, even though the charge of terrorism may not stick.
- Emphasis on the breach’s gravity for national security.
Recommendations for Improvement:
- Call for sweeping changes in the security set-up through out-of-the-box thinking.
- Suggestion to have the Secretary, Security, in the Cabinet Secretariat supervise Parliament security.
- Formation of a committee comprising MPs from various parties to regularly monitor security.
Conclusion:
- A reminder that security arrangements can be breached, necessitating constant monitoring and upgrades.
- MPs are urged to cooperate with enhanced security measures to safeguard democratic institutions.
| PYQ: What are the internal security challenges being faced by India? Give out the role of Central Intelligence and Investigative Agencies tasked to counter such threats. (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2023) (250 words/15 m) |
2. India’s defence budgeting and the point of deterrence.
| Topic: GS3 – Defence Sector. Critical for UPSC as it tests knowledge of defense strategy, budgeting, modernization, and the ability to balance national security with fiscal constraints. |
| Context: |
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Overview of MMRCA Program:
- Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) program dubbed the ‘mother of all procurements’ for Indian Air Force (IAF).
- Original cost estimated at $10 billion in 2007, later reduced to the purchase of 36 Rafale jets.
Squadron Strength Concerns:
- IAF faces squadron strength depletion, currently at 32, with a target of reaching 35 squadrons in 10 years.
- Concerns raised by various IAF chiefs about the limited value of the Rafale purchase.
Concerns Across Forces:
- Indian Army and Indian Navy also reported to have deficiencies.
- Budget constraints and electoral sops may impact defense allocations in Budget 2024-25.
Affordable Defense vs. Affordable Effectiveness:
- Debates whether ‘affordable defense’ or ‘affordable effectiveness’ should drive defense Budget allocation.
- Example of IAF opting for 97 more Tejas Mk1A fighters despite the initial plan for 114 multi-role fighter aircraft.
Northern Border Threat and Election Mode:
- Live threat on northern borders necessitates preparedness.
- Concerns that defense allocation may be influenced by electoral considerations.
Assessment of War Preparedness:
- Urgent need for a judicious assessment of India’s approach to the next war.
- Importance of evaluating defense potency versus budget constraints.
Sea Power and Modernization Needs:
- Call for accretion in sea power to deter China.
- Need for modernization in the Army, considering its size and associated budget requirements.
Extended War Scenario and Industrial Base:
- Leadership visualizing an extended war scenario, as seen in Ukraine.
- Importance of considering the industrial base available for war scenarios.
Indigenous Drive and R&D:
- Emphasis on technological modernization.
- Realities of the armament supply chain and balance between imports and indigenous accretions.
Budgetary Constraints and Research & Development:
- Stagnant defense budget in real terms.
- Decline in defense expenditure as a percentage of central government expenditure.
- Global Innovation Index 2022 highlights India’s low research and development expenditure (0.7% of GDP).
Indigenization Efforts and Challenges:
- Government’s emphasis on indigenization through iDEX scheme and service-specific projects.
- Restructuring of Ordnance Factory Board and promulgation of negative lists for imports.
- Acknowledgment of the long gestation period for indigenization efforts.
Importance of Bipartisan Statesmanship:
- Need for sustained momentum in policy-making and defense budgeting.
- Emphasis on making defense budgets election-proof in a democratic setup.
National Security Imperatives vs. Electoral Imperatives:
- Caution against prioritizing electoral imperatives over national security imperatives.
- Instances of other countries responding to China’s belligerence with increased defense budgets.
Conclusion:
- The necessity of giving due consideration to the defense budget and not compromising national security for electoral considerations.
| PYQ: In the light of evolving regional security dynamics, critically analyze the factors influencing India’s defence budget allocation and its impact on India’s foreign policy. (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2021) (150 words/10 m) |
| Practice Question: India has consistently ranked among the top five global spenders on defence. Critically analyze the factors driving this high level of defence expenditure and its implications for other critical sectors like healthcare and education. (250 words/15 m) |
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