28 September 2024 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis
1. Keep the fire of the self-respect movement going
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 6)
| Topic: GS1 – Modern Indian History |
| Context |
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The Emergence of Self-Respect
- The Self-Respect Movement began in 1925 with the launch of the Tamil weekly “Kudi Arasu” and Periyar’s departure from the Indian National Congress (INC).
- It sought to empower oppressed communities by promoting social justice and rational thinking.
- The Justice Party, ruling the Madras Presidency, supported non-Brahmin politics and reforms, aligning with the movement.
- Periyar organised the first Self-Respect Conference in 1929, advocating equal rights for women, the abolition of caste names, and broader social reforms.
Key Reforms and Achievements
- The Self-Respect Movement popularised “self-respect marriages,” which excluded Brahmin priests and emphasised autonomy and dignity for women. These marriages were legalised when the DMK formed the government in 1967.
- The movement also championed women’s rights, including widow remarriage, divorce, property rights, and reproductive autonomy, while promoting inter-caste marriages.
- Despite criticisms of being anti-nationalist, the movement prioritised social reform over political independence, fearing the replacement of British rulers with elite Hindu caste groups. It contributed to the spirit of federalism in India.
Challenges and Future Directions
- The rise of the Hindutva ideology and cultural homogenization poses a significant challenge, as it promotes a singular national identity, threatening the regional, linguistic, gender, and caste-based diversity the movement seeks to protect.
- The movement must evolve to address modern gender-related issues, such as LGBTQIA+ rights and gender fluidity, integrating these new concerns while maintaining its foundational principles.
- Misinformation and caste biases perpetuated through digital media are also challenges.
- The movement needs to engage the youth, especially those unfamiliar with caste practices but vulnerable to right-wing propaganda.
A Critical Mission for Social Justice
- As it enters its second century, the Self-Respect Movement faces the critical mission of combating rising divisive ideologies and cultural homogenization.
- By addressing contemporary issues while staying true to its core values, the movement can continue to fight for social justice, equality, and rationalism.
- Reviving its revolutionary spirit is essential for ensuring an inclusive society, guiding future generations in preserving and advancing its ideals.
| Practice Question: Examine the historical significance of the Self-Respect Movement in Tamil Nadu and its relevance in contemporary India, especially in addressing cultural homogenization and ensuring social justice. (150 Words /10 marks) |
2. Russia’s geopolitical pivot to Asia, a new India chapter
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 6)
| Topic: GS2 – International Relations |
| Context |
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Russia’s Turn to Asia
- In 2022, Russia cut economic ties with Europe and pivoted towards Asia, particularly China and India.
- This shift was motivated by the vulnerability of Russia’s economy to external shocks due to its dependence on Western markets.
Growth in India-Russia Ties
- Trade with China grew to $240 billion, but India-Russia ties also saw significant growth, starting almost from scratch.
- India’s non-involvement in the European conflict provided a stable basis for enhanced economic relations.
- For India, economic benefits led to an extension of political contacts, including importing Russian oil and fertilisers, which helped reduce costs and tackle food inflation.
- Bilateral trade surged from $3.5 billion in June 2022 to $7.5 billion by May 2024, surpassing previous years’ figures.
- A bilateral trade target of $100 billion by 2030 was announced, despite challenges like low-developed logistic routes and sanctions.
Challenges in Bilateral Trade
- Lack of Complementarity: Both nations are focused on domestic industrial production (Russia’s technological nationalism and India’s ‘Make in India’), leading to limited economic complementarity.
- Sanctions and Trade Imbalances: Sanctions hinder overcoming trade imbalances, and challenges like lack of stable payment mechanisms and investment protection need to be addressed.
- Technology and Investment: Cooperation in technology and investments is limited except in the nuclear and military spheres. There is a need for business-oriented cooperation in construction, modernization, and industrial projects.
- Science and Education: Cooperation in STEM and social sciences is needed to strengthen ties and bridge the information gap between the countries.
Outlook for India-Russia Relations
- The Ukrainian crisis has driven Russia towards India, but limitations persist, including external pressure on India and financial challenges for Russia.
- In the midterm, Russia’s growing military complex may contribute to India’s market, while India could supply products like smartphones to Russia.
- However, the quality of trade needs improvement, as Indian exports lack high-value engineering products, and exported smartphones are primarily assembled by foreign companies.
- To ensure sustainable trade, both nations should focus on increasing integration in production chains and addressing localization issues.
| Practice Question: Discuss the recent growth in India-Russia economic relations and the key challenges in achieving the bilateral trade target of $100 billion by 2030. (150 Words /10 marks) |
