5 September 2023 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF
The Hindu Editorial
5-September-2023
Daily Current Affairs For UPSC ,The Hindu Editorial Summary
1. A ‘distraction’ balloon in the winds of federalism
Topic: GS2 – Indian polity.
Context:
- The “one nation one election” proposal by the Narendra Modi government is criticized as flawed and unimplementable.
- It is seen as a distraction from negative headlines about cronyism and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s G-20 summit snub.
Rebutting the Reasons for the Proposal:
- The government argues that frequent elections lead to a “permanent campaign” mode, diverting resources and hindering governance.
- Reduced Election Costs: Conducting multiple elections throughout the year is expensive in terms of resources and funding. Synchronizing elections could lead to cost savings by reducing the frequency of polls.
- Governance Focus: Proponents suggest that having fewer elections may allow governments to focus more on governance and policy implementation instead of being in constant campaign mode.
- Streamlined Administration: Conducting simultaneous elections could simplify the administrative process, reducing the burden on election authorities and government machinery.
- Reduced Disruption: Frequent elections can disrupt normal government functioning, and the proposal aims to reduce such disruptions by having elections less frequently.
- Increased Voter Turnout: Some argue that holding all elections simultaneously could lead to higher voter turnout, as voters would be more engaged in a single, high-stakes election.
Concerns raised about “one nation one election”:
- It is important to distinguish between India and individual states when discussing elections.
- Each Indian state has its own political culture and parties, and there is no need to change the constitutional structure for the convenience of a few national leaders.
- The proposal undermines India’s federalism by centralizing election scheduling powers.
- The claim that India had simultaneous elections between 1951-52 and 1967 is misleading, as it was due to happenstance, not design.
- Cost savings are cited as a reason, but the actual savings are minimal and do not justify altering the constitutional structure.
- The proposal is incompatible with India’s parliamentary democracy and is unlikely to work.
- The proposal reflects a divide in Indian politics between unitarism and recognition of India’s diversity.
Way forward:
- Comprehensive Consultation: Engage in extensive consultations with all political parties, state governments, and constitutional experts to gather diverse perspectives on the proposal.
- Pilot Projects: Consider conducting pilot projects in a few states or union territories to assess the feasibility and impact of synchronized elections on governance, voter turnout, and costs.
- Constitutional Amendments: If there is broad consensus, pursue necessary constitutional amendments with careful consideration of India’s federal structure and states’ rights.
- Address Concerns: Address concerns related to federalism, diversity, and the practicality of simultaneous elections. Ensure that state governments maintain some control over their election schedules.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the potential changes in election schedules and their implications.
- Periodic Review: Establish mechanisms for periodic reviews to assess the impact of synchronized elections on governance, costs, and voter participation. Be open to adjustments based on evidence and outcomes.
- Preserve Federalism: Ensure that the rights and powers of state governments, particularly in recommending dissolution and calling for early elections, are not unduly curtailed.
Conclusion:
- The “one nation one election” idea is presently deemed politically unfeasible, administratively unworkable, and constitutionally unviable.
- Achieving a balanced approach that respects the diversity and rights of states while addressing concerns is essential for any meaningful progress on this proposal.
Mains Question: Discuss the merits and challenges of implementing the ‘one nation one election’ proposal in India. What measures should be taken to ensure a balanced and effective transition to synchronized elections?
2. Living in the age of moral dystopia
Topic: GS4 – Ethics
What does the article say about changing society?
- The contemporary era is characterized as a moral dystopia, marked by a lack of norms and values, where it has become challenging for individuals to uphold their humanity. Simultaneously, the state often appears biased, unjust, and less than neutral in its actions.
- Leaders frequently fail to fulfill their promises, and accountability for these unfulfilled pledges is notably absent.
- The government openly embraces majoritarianism, displaying a preference for a particular majority group.
- This moral decline permeates the daily experiences of ordinary people, leading to judgments of individuals, buildings, and monuments based on their faith or political affiliations.
- Questioning the actions of the government or non-state actors engaged in activities like hate marches can render individuals vulnerable to backlash.
- Conformity has become the prevailing norm, overshadowing ideals such as humanism, justice, and freedom.
- The values and priorities of society have shifted over time, eroding the cherished ideals of shared living and communal harmony. Instead, a divisive “to each their own” mentality prevails.
- Society has undergone significant changes in values and priorities, leading to a deferral of ideals such as humanism, justice, and freedom.
- There is a prevalent tendency toward selective memory and a lack of accountability in the face of atrocities. This collective short-term amnesia contributes to the emboldening of intolerant non-state actors.
- Vigilante justice has supplanted mob violence, with bulldozers used as tools of destruction. In these instances, bystanders often serve as witnesses to the destruction.
- Some media outlets endorse the concept of instant justice through destruction, portraying it as proof of justice.
- Anomie, or a state of normlessness, has become a lived experience in ‘New India,’ reflecting a decline in morals and societal norms.
Mains Question: In the context of the prevailing moral dystopia and societal shifts, critically analyze the challenges posed to ethical values, and the role of individuals in upholding humanism, justice, and freedom in contemporary India. (GS4)
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/living-in-the-age-of-moral-dystopia/article67269761.ece
3. Emerging countries need women-led climate action
Topic: GS3 – climate action.
Impact of Climate Change:
- Climate change has become a significant global challenge with varied effects based on location, socioeconomic status, and gender.
- A study by the International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that by 2030, high temperatures will lead to a productivity loss equivalent to 80 million full-time jobs.
- Women, across genders, are considered highly vulnerable and disproportionately affected by climate change compared to men.
Vulnerability of Women in Developing Countries:
- Women in low-income and developing countries are especially vulnerable to climate change due to their dependence on natural resources and labor-intensive work for livelihoods.
- Women are more likely to live in poverty, increasing their susceptibility to climate change impacts.
- Rural women, responsible for basic necessities like water and food, bear the brunt of climate change, often traveling long distances for resources.
- Over 60% of working women in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa are engaged in agriculture, where they are often underpaid and overworked.
Gender-Specific Challenges:
- Disasters displace more women and girls, and 80% of those displaced by climate-related disasters are women.
- Displacement makes women vulnerable to prejudice and exploitation, leading to issues like trafficking and gender-based violence.
- Women in agriculture, a sector negatively impacted by climate change, lack access to quality inputs and education, making them vulnerable.
- Flooding caused by climate change exacerbates water scarcity and violence against women.
Addressing Gender Inequality in Climate Change:
- Climate change exacerbates poverty and women’s inequality, with estimates suggesting 130 million people could be pushed into poverty by 2050 due to climate change risks.
- Investing in women’s education, training, and access to resources is crucial for resilience to climate change.
- Women’s participation in climate policy decision-making at all levels is essential for effective mitigation and adaptation strategies.
- Programs like the Gender and Climate Change Development Programme aim to increase women’s influence in policymaking.
- Women-led climate action is urgently needed in developing and emerging countries.
Mains Question: What are the gender-specific challenges women in developing countries face in the context of climate change?
4. A sand storm is brewing in Andhra
Topic: GS3 – environmental degradation
Context:
- Sand mining in Andhra Pradesh has become a contentious political issue.
- The YSR Congress Party government withdrew the free sand policy, leading to accusations of collusion with the sand mafia.
Issues with exploitation of minor minerals in India:
- Rampant illegal mining of minor minerals like sand, gravel, and stones is a significant issue in India.
- Lack of effective regulations and enforcement mechanisms has led to widespread exploitation.
- Environmental degradation, including damage to riverbeds and ecosystems, is a consequence of uncontrolled mining.
- Corruption and involvement of organized criminal networks, often referred to as “sand mafias,” exacerbate the problem.
- Inadequate monitoring and supervision by government authorities contribute to the challenges in addressing the issue.
- Weak regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms have allowed illegal and unregulated mining to flourish.
Possible solutions:
- Strengthen regulatory frameworks to govern minor mineral extraction, ensuring clear guidelines and penalties for violations.
- Improve monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to detect and deter illegal mining activities.
- Promote sustainable mining practices that prioritize environmental conservation and habitat protection.
- Invest in technology and equipment for legal mining operations to reduce environmental impact.
- Conduct regular environmental impact assessments and studies before granting mining licenses.
- Collaborate with local communities and law enforcement agencies to combat illegal mining and related criminal activities.
- Implement transparent revenue collection systems to ensure fair compensation to the government.
- Encourage public-private partnerships to invest in sustainable mining projects and infrastructure development.
Mains Question: Discuss the challenges and potential solutions in regulating and managing minor mineral extraction in India.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/a-sand-storm-is-brewing-in-andhra/article67270299.ece
For Enquiry
5 September 2023 : Daily Current Affairs
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