25 July 2023 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF
The Hindu Editorial
25-July-2023
Daily Current Affairs For UPSC ,The Hindu Editorial Summary
1. An avoidable controversy over sample surveys.
Topic: GS3.
Context:
- An article by Shamika Ravi raised doubts about the accuracy of data collection procedures in surveys like NSS, NFHS, and PLFS, claiming they underestimate urban population and overestimate rural population, leading to an underestimation of improvements in the country.
- The sample designs of the NSS and PLFS are scientific and widely acknowledged. The sample designs of these surveys are based on sound statistical principles and have been evaluated by a number of experts. They are also used by other countries for similar surveys.
Concerns about surveys conducted by Indian agencies:
- There is a perennial problem of underestimation of population in the NSS, particularly for urban areas.This is a well-known problem that has been documented in a number of studies. The reasons for this underestimation are complex, but they are likely due to a combination of factors, such as the use of outdated sampling frames and the difficulty of reaching high-income households.
- The allegation that the samples are not representative because of outdated sampling frames is not relevant.The NSS and PLFS use the latest list of Urban Frame Survey (UFS) blocks for sampling of urban areas. This list is updated every year to reflect the latest changes in urbanization.
- The response rate falls with the growth in the level of income of households, but this is a problem faced by similar surveys internationally. This is a problem that is faced by all surveys that rely on self-reported data. It is more difficult to get high-income households to participate in surveys, because they are more likely to be busy and less likely to trust the government.
What can be the possible solutions?
- There is room for improvement in the sample design and data quality of these surveys. There are a number of ways that the sample design and data quality of these surveys could be improved. For example, the NSS could develop a list of rich households to improve representation. The coverage of the UFS frame could also be examined.
- It may be worth exploring whether a list of rich households can be developed to improve representation. This would involve identifying high-income households and then sampling them at a higher rate than other households. This would help to ensure that the surveys are more representative of the entire population.
- The coverage of the UFS frame should be examined. The UFS frame is used to sample urban areas. It is important to ensure that the frame is accurate and up-to-date. This would help to ensure that the surveys are representative of the entire urban population.
- Training of field personnel, field inspection, concurrent data validation and publicity measures should be strengthened.This would help to improve the quality of the data collected by the surveys. It would also help to ensure that the surveys are conducted in a fair and transparent manner.
- While there is always scope for improvement, criticizing all large-scale official surveys is akin to throwing the baby out with the bathwater.These surveys are an important source of data on the Indian economy and society. While they are not perfect, they are still valuable tools for policymakers and researchers.
Model question: Discuss the concerns raised about the accuracy of data collection in national-level surveys. Evaluate the potential implications on policy formulation and welfare programs. Suggest measures to improve sample design and data quality in these surveys for more reliable results.
2. ASEAN, a persistence with dialogue, on a trodden path
Topic: GS2 – International relations.
Context:
- The 56th Foreign Ministers Meeting (FMM) of ASEAN, along with post-ministerial conferences and related regional meetings, took place in Jakarta, Indonesia, in mid-July 2023.
ASEAN’s Struggle for Centrality in the Indo-Pacific:
- ASEAN is navigating through transformative changes, including the impact of COVID-19, economic slowdown, the Ukraine war, climate change, and the Cold War-type confrontation between the US and China.
- Indonesia, as the current chair, envisions ASEAN as “the Epicentrum of Growth” with three dimensions: political community, economic community, and socio-cultural community.
- ASEAN’s ability to manage regional and global dynamics depends on maintaining credibility by adhering to the ASEAN Charter and staying in control while navigating regional complexities.
- Internal differences on issues like Myanmar continue to emerge, jeopardizing ASEAN’s leadership and agenda-setting aspirations.
- China enjoys close political and economic ties with ASEAN states, and some member countries are favorably disposed towards China, leading to reluctance in addressing issues like the South China Sea dispute.
- The US-China rivalry poses challenges for ASEAN, with both sides blaming each other for poor relations in the Indo-Pacific region.
- ASEAN promotes the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) to address geopolitical tensions, but implementation remains a concern.
- Lack of unity on sensitive issues, particularly the Myanmar situation, raises questions about ASEAN’s centrality and credibility.
India’s role:
- External affairs Minister emphasized the significance of a “strong and unified” ASEAN in the emerging Indo-Pacific dynamics.
- He highlighted the convergence between the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and ASEAN.
- To enhance the partnership further, Jaishankar proposed collaboration in newer areas such as cyber, financial, and maritime security domains.
Conclusion:
- Despite limited visible progress during the ASEAN meetings, the persistence of dialogue, both internally and externally, helps prevent escalation of geopolitical tensions.
- The upcoming ASEAN summit in Jakarta in September 2023 is expected to provide more clarity on addressing the region’s challenges.
3. A big step in reducing the risk of disasters
Topic: GS3 – disaster management.
Context:
- Recent disasters worldwide, including heatwaves, forest fires, and floods, highlight the urgent need for disaster risk reduction and prevention.
The Sendai framework and India’s initiatives:
- The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 provides a global roadmap for reducing disaster risks and losses, but progress has been slow.
- India’s initiative in elevating disaster risk reduction as a priority for the G20 and establishing the first G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group is a positive step.
- The G20, with its significant economic influence, can lead in disaster risk-informed decision-making, considering the impact of economic decisions on disaster risks and using economic tools to reduce risks.
- The G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group’s priorities include enhancing early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, and financing for disaster risk reduction.
Necessary steps:
- Early warning systems: Inclusive and multi-hazard early warning systems are crucial for reducing disaster deaths and losses. Effective systems during Cyclone Biparjoy in India resulted in zero deaths.
- The UN’s Early Warnings for All Initiative aims for universal early warning coverage by the end of 2027.
- Resilient infrastructure: Enhancing infrastructure resilience to climate and disaster risks is a global priority. India’s Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure promotes policy development and capacity support for disaster-resilient infrastructure in developing countries.
- Financing disaster risk reduction: A new approach is needed to transform risk reduction plans into concrete actions. Collaboration with finance and economy ministries and the private sector is crucial, given the large funding deficit and private sector’s contribution to risk generation.
For Enquiry
25 July 2023 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF
25 July 2023 : PIB
25 July 2023 : Daily Current Affairs
24 July 2023 : Daily Quiz
24 July 2023 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF
24 July 2023 : PIB
24 July 2023 : Daily Current Affairs
22 July 2023 : Daily Quiz
22 July 2023 : PIB
22 July 2023 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF
The Hindu 25 July 2023 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF The Hindu Editorial
24-July-2023
Daily Current Affairs For UPSC ,The Hindu Editorial Summary
Facebook-f
Twitter
Youtube
1. Dilemmas…
PIB 25 July 2023 : PIB PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU
25-July-2023
Daily Current Affairs For UPSC ,The PIB ( Press Information Bureau…
Daily Current Affairs 25 July 2023 : Daily Current Affairs DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS
25-July-2023
Daily Current Affairs For UPSC ,Daily Current affairs of The hIndu…
Daily Quiz 24 July 2023 : Daily Quiz 1. Since the implementation of economic reforms in 1991, India has witnessed significant growth in various…
The Hindu 24 July 2023 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF The Hindu Editorial
24-July-2023
Daily Current Affairs For UPSC ,The Hindu Editorial Summary
Facebook-f
Twitter
Youtube
1. Dilemmas…
PIB 24 July 2023 : PIB PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU
24-July-2023
Daily Current Affairs For UPSC ,The PIB ( Press Information Bureau…
Daily Current Affairs 24 July 2023 : Daily Current Affairs DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS
24-July-2023
Daily Current Affairs For UPSC ,Daily Current affairs of The hIndu…
Daily Quiz 22 July 2023 : Daily Quiz 22 july 2023 : Daily Quiz…
PIB 22 July 2023 : PIB PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU
22-July-2023
Daily Current Affairs For UPSC ,The PIB ( Press Information Bureau…
The Hindu 22 July 2023 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF The Hindu Editorial
22-July-2023
Daily Current Affairs For UPSC ,The Hindu Editorial Summary
Facebook-f
Twitter
Youtube
1. An…
