08 to 11 February 2025 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis (Current Affairs)

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1. Technology and the challenge of equitable education

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 6)

Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Education

Context

• The growth of digital technology in rural India, particularly after COVID-19, has enhanced access to education. However, challenges persist in achieving equitable learning and effective digital integration.

Education Trends in the 1990s and Early 2000s

• The 1990s and early 2000s witnessed a widespread expansion of education in India.
• ASER survey reports from that period indicated increased enrolment and development of infrastructure.
• Nevertheless, learning outcomes did not improve, despite more children attending school, as digital technology, mobile phones, and computers were becoming increasingly significant.

Impact of COVID-19 on Digital Learning

• The digital shift in rural India accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. ASER data shows a rise in smartphone usage among rural households. 
• In 2018, approximately 36% of rural homes had smartphones, which increased to 74% by 2022 and reached 84% in 2024. 
• The proportion of children aged 14 to 16 who personally owned smartphones rose from 19% to 31% within a year.

Smartphone Usage for Education

• During the pandemic, smartphones were primarily utilized to access worksheets, videos, and online classes. 
• Virtual training sessions for both students and teachers became commonplace. 
• The digital skills acquired during this time have continued to be beneficial post-pandemic. 
• However, the ownership of smartphones among mothers of young children,  crucial for supporting their learning, remains uncertain.

Opportunities for Digital Education in India

• A vital opportunity lies in open and continuing education for underserved communities. 
• Many mothers of schoolchildren have limited formal education: over 40% have no schooling or have completed less than Class 5, nearly 40% have reached between Class 6 and Class 10, and the remainder have finished Class 10. 
• Educating mothers would enhance their ability to support their children's learning, representing a worthwhile investment.

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Challenges in Digital Learning for the Underprivileged

• Despite various technological advancements, the education of the underprivileged has not seen significant improvement. 
• A key obstacle has been the lack of personal devices. However, ASER 2024 data indicates an increase in smartphone ownership, potentially alleviating this barrier. 
• More families may find it simpler to acquire a second phone in the near future.

Breaking Language Barriers in Education

• Accessibility to hardware has improved, and language barriers are diminishing.
• Local language dictation and translation tools now facilitate learning.
• The challenge remains in effectively directing students on where and how to access educational resources.

Issues with School Attendance and Learning Quality

• While most children have access to schools, attendance is often inconsistent.
• Villages are home to a blend of children attending private schools, government schools, or private classes, with some not attending school at all, resulting in uneven learning outcomes.
• During the pandemic, villages in Maharashtra broadcast educational programs to students, and a similar model could be implemented for group learning in rural communities.

Evolution of Education Systems

• Historically, each civilization created its own education system. Colonialism and globalization led to the integration of these systems. Today, technology and science further connect educational systems across nations.
• Technological advancements are frequently motivated by profit, which restricts access for underprivileged groups.

Conclusion

• Although hardware has decreased in cost, artificial intelligence and new technologies necessitate more advanced devices.
• Philanthropic investments could play a role in increasing access to educational technology.
• India requires a carefully structured strategy to guarantee that technology reaches those who need it the most.

Practice Question: Discuss the role of digital technology in enhancing education in rural India. What challenges remain in ensuring equitable access and learning outcomes? (250 Words /15 marks)

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2. India’s voice must resonate in global AI conversations

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 6)

Topic: GS2 – Governance, GS3 – Science and Technology

Context

• In November 2024, a student in the  U. S.  experienced  a troubling  interaction  with Google’s AI chatbot, Gemini. 
• The chatbot unexpectedly issued a harmful statement that  could pose  dangers for individuals in vulnerable situations. 
• This incident underscores the necessity for AI safety and  appropriate  regulation.

Global AI Safety Efforts

• AI is proliferating globally, impacting various industries, economies, and security measures.
• In November 2024, an International Network of AI Safety Institutes was established in the U. S. This network seeks to develop global standards for AI safety and mitigate associated risks.
• Although many countries are participating, India has not yet joined this initiative.

India’s AI Adoption

• India ranks among the leading users of AI technology, with a reported AI adoption rate of 30%, surpassing the global average of 26%. 
• The country has the second-highest number of ChatGPT users. 
• Given the swift growth of AI in India, participation in global discussions on AI safety is essential.

Why India Must Act Now

• Involvement in global AI safety efforts will safeguard India’s AI ecosystem. India can influence international AI policies to align with its needs. 
• Remaining disengaged may hinder its ability to keep pace with AI regulations and diminish its technological edge.

AI and Geopolitics

• AI has become a geopolitical issue, particularly between nations. 
• The U. S. has imposed restrictions on AI exports to China, which affects global AI advancement. Currently, India is not a target, but future restrictions could limit its access to advanced AI technologies. 
• To prevent being disadvantaged, India should actively participate in global AI safety initiatives.

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India’s Strengths in AI

• India boasts a robust IT sector and a skilled AI workforce. Its successes with Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) initiatives like Aadhaar and UPI demonstrate  its capacity to manage extensive technology systems. 
• These experiences position India to contribute effectively to the development of equitable and inclusive AI frameworks.

The Need for a National AI Safety Institute

• India currently lacks a national AI safety institute. Establishing such an institute would enable India to take a leading role in AI safety discussions. 
• Without proactive measures, India may face challenges in safeguarding its interests within the evolving landscape of global AI.

Conclusion

• As AI rapidly transforms the world, India must secure its position in global AI governance. 
• Failure to engage in international AI safety discussions risks exclusion. 
• By taking timely action, India can influence AI regulations, protect its technology sector, and emerge as a global leader in AI.

Practice Question: In the context of rising AI adoption and global regulatory efforts, discuss India’s need for a national AI safety institute and its role in international AI governance. (250 Words /15 marks)

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3. Keeping a watch on the growing arc of violence

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)

Topic: GS3 – Security – Terrorism

Context

• Violence is on the rise in Europe and West Asia, with various areas experiencing conflicts.
• This article discusses how global disputes and increasing instability illuminate the shortcomings of international institutions.

Unstable World Order

• The post-1945 world order has deteriorated, with entities such as the United Nations Security Council and the International Court of Justice failing to avert conflicts.
• The ongoing war in Ukraine and assaults in West Asia underscore the ineffectiveness of global institutions in preserving peace.

Ongoing Conflicts in West Asia

• The war in Gaza and Lebanon has given a false impression of peace in the region.
• There is a belief that the influence of certain regional powers has weakened, but the long-term effects of these conflicts remain uncertain.
• Underground activities are increasing, which may lead to further instability rather than lasting peace.

Resurgence of Islamist Terrorism

• Terrorism has not been eradicated; instead, it is transforming and continues to be a significant global issue.
• Online radicalization is on the rise, rendering terrorist groups more decentralized and difficult to monitor.
• Islamist terrorism has adapted to digital platforms, leveraging social media and artificial intelligence to disseminate extremist ideologies.

Historical Evolution of Islamist Terrorism

• Since 1979, two primary branches of Islamist extremism have emerged: Sunni and Shia. 
• Sunni radicalization has led to the establishment of major terrorist organizations, with global jihad as their objective. 
• Over time, their strategies have evolved, with some groups concentrating on regional conflicts while others operate on a global scale. 
• Although global jihad has diminished in momentum, radicalization remains a threat, affecting the political dynamics of West Asia and beyond.

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Terrorism’s New Phase

• Some major terrorist organizations are showing signs of resurgence.
• Training camps have resumed in regions controlled by extremist groups.
• Attacks are spreading to new regions, including sporadic incidents in different countries.
• The return of terrorism does not mean large-scale attacks are imminent, but smaller, frequent attacks are raising security concerns.

Recent Incidents and Security Threats

• Recent attacks in different countries indicate that terrorist groups are expanding their reach.
• There is concern over the recruitment of new individuals into terror networks, including those with military backgrounds.
• Security agencies have detected multiple threats, highlighting the urgent need for stronger counter-terrorism measures.

Future Preparedness

• Counter-terrorism specialists caution that terror organizations are leveraging modern technology, including artificial intelligence, for recruitment and attack planning.
• While large-scale attacks have not been witnessed recently, the warning signs should not be disregarded. Governments and security agencies must take proactive measures to avert a new wave of terrorist activities.

Conclusion

• The world is increasingly unstable due to ongoing conflicts and terrorism. International organizations are ineffective in addressing these threats.
• Robust global collaboration and improved strategies are essential to combat modern terrorism.

PYQ: Analyse the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages and obnoxious nexus. Also suggest measures required to be taken to eradicate the menace of terrorism. (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2021)

Practice Question: Discuss the evolving nature of global terrorism in the digital age and its implications for international security. Suggest measures to counter this emerging threat. (150 Words /10 marks)

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4. India’s opportunity at the AI Action Summit

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 9)

Topic: GS2 – International Relations.

Context

• India has accepted an invitation to co-chair the AI Action Summit in Paris on February 10-11, 2025. This will be the third AI-focused summit, following events in the U. K. (2023) and South Korea (2024).

India’s Participation in the AI Action Summit

• The Paris summit will address AI safety, innovation, public interest AI, the future of work, and AI governance.
• India intends to leverage this platform to emphasize the priorities of developing nations and enhance its global role in AI discussions.

India’s Advocacy for the Global South

• The inaugural summit in the U. K. concentrated on the risks associated with advanced AI models, leading to the establishment of the AI Safety Institute.
• The second summit in South Korea broadened the dialogue on international cooperation concerning AI safety and risk management.
• India has been actively participating in these discussions and has announced its plans to create its own AI Safety Institute.
• On other international forums, India has advocated for AI policies that support developing countries, particularly during its G20 presidency in 2023.
• The Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) meeting in 2023, hosted by India, underscored the importance of equitable access to AI research and infrastructure.

Key Priorities for India at the Paris Summit: India should focus on three key strategic areas to benefit developing nations:

Equal Access to AI Resources

• AI resources must be accessible to all nations, encompassing data storage, cloud computing, foundational models, and development platforms.
• India has initiated a program to provide access to computing power, offering over 18,600 GPUs with government subsidies covering 40% of costs.
• The promotion of distributed computing solutions and new AI safety tools, such as watermarking, is essential.
• Encouragement of open-source AI models is important, as they foster innovation in developing nations.
• India must advocate for streamlined cross-border AI technology sharing while upholding security standards.

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Developing AI for Local Needs

• AI applications should specifically address the challenges faced by developing countries rather than relying on generic solutions.
• AI can enhance early disease detection, education, and agriculture by adapting to local needs.
• Establishing a global repository of AI applications will assist developing countries in prioritizing AI-based solutions.

Addressing AI Risks for the Global South

• AI risks in developing nations differ from those in developed countries. A significant concern is the potential for cultural erosion stemming from AI models trained on Western data.
• AI safety protocols should be grounded in real-world experiences from developing countries rather than solely on theoretical risks.
• A database cataloging AI-related harms in developing nations should be established to inform future policies and regulations.

India’s Future Role in AI Governance

• As co-chair of the Paris summit, India has a chance to push for AI policies that benefit developing nations.
• Hosting the next AI Action Summit would further establish India’s leadership in AI governance.
• India can act as a bridge between developed and developing nations in shaping the global AI landscape.

Practice Question: How can India leverage its participation in global AI governance to address the challenges of AI accessibility, safety, and innovation for the Global South? (150 Words /10 marks)

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5. India as a bridge between the Global North and South

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)

Topic: GS2 – International Relations

Context

• The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on January 2025, at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas – emphasized India’s commitment to amplifying the Global South’s voice through inclusive governance and development cooperation.

India’s Renewed Interest in the Global South

• India is actively advocating for the concerns of developing countries and aims to create a more inclusive global governance system.
• Unlike past movements focused on decolonization, India is strengthening ties with traditional partners like the United States and European nations.
• High-level diplomatic visits indicate India’s attempt to build new alliances while maintaining strategic relationships.

Strategic Considerations and Global Positioning

• Some believe India’s growing role in the Global South is aimed at countering another major global power’s influence.
• Investment patterns suggest competition, particularly in African countries where both nations are expanding their presence.
• Industrialized nations are strategically aligning with India, partly to balance the global power dynamics.
• The country, however, is not just competing but also trying to establish itself as an independent emerging power with its own strategic and economic interests.

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Addressing Global South Concerns

• Many developing nations face economic hardships, debt burdens, and conditional aid from major powers.
• These nations are looking for alternative partnerships that do not replicate existing models of dependency.
• India has the potential to act as a bridge between developed and developing nations but must implement effective strategies to strengthen its position.

Key Steps for India’s Success

Redefining Development Cooperation

• India must promote an alternative model of development that is not dictated solely by advanced economies.
• The country emphasizes equal partnerships but sometimes prioritizes its own strategic interests.
• The newly introduced ‘Global Development Compact’ focuses on strategies rooted in India’s experiences.
• While India’s development journey is valuable, it should also learn from other developing nations to address domestic and global challenges effectively.
• A balanced approach will help avoid perceptions of dominance over smaller nations.

Adopting a Human-Centric Approach

• India promotes sustainability and responsible consumption through initiatives like Mission LiFE.
• A broader focus on human resource development is needed, particularly in skills training and entrepreneurship.
• The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program has traditionally provided short-term skill-building initiatives.
• To enhance long-term impact, India should help countries build strong institutions that can develop skilled workforces.
• Cooperation in digital infrastructure, climate resilience, energy solutions, water, and food security can strengthen India’s role in global development.

Building Inclusive Global Governance

• India has advocated for more inclusive decision-making by pushing for the inclusion of the African Union in the G-20.
• While influencing existing global institutions is important, India must also strengthen its own domestic capacity for international cooperation.
• Initially, collaboration with experienced development partners like the United Nations or European nations can be beneficial.
• Over time, India should build independent mechanisms for international development partnerships.
• Trilateral cooperation and long-term engagement can help India scale up its own global initiatives.

The Road Ahead

• India’s ambition to be a leading voice for the Global South requires active listening and collaboration.
• The country once led a major global movement by offering an alternative path for developing nations.
• Now, it has a similar opportunity to create an inclusive and sustainable development model for the world.

Practice Question: Discuss India’s evolving role in the Global South and the key strategies it must adopt to become an effective global development partner. (250 Words /15 marks)

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6. The problem of regulating live-in relationships

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 9)

Topic: GS2 – Governance

Context

• Uttarakhand has implemented a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) that governs various aspects of civil life.
• One of its significant provisions mandates the compulsory registration of opposite-sex live-in relationships.

Introduction to the UCC in Uttarakhand

• The law criminalizes unregistered non-marital cohabitation, imposing penalties for non-compliance.
• While some provisions aim to protect vulnerable individuals in live-in relationships, others raise concerns regarding autonomy and legal clarity.

Well-intentioned Provisions

• The UCC protects the rights of individuals in live-in relationships, especially those who may become financially or socially vulnerable.
• Children born in live-in relationships will be considered legitimate, improving upon the existing legal position where only children from void or voidable marriages were deemed legitimate.
• The law provides maintenance rights in cases where one partner deserts the other, offering legal protection against abandonment.

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Challenges in Maintenance Provisions

• While the law allows for maintenance in case of desertion, it does not provide maintenance rights upon termination of the relationship.
• Termination requires only a statement to be submitted to the registrar, meaning one partner may be left without support.
• Same-sex relationships are excluded from legal recognition, leaving individuals in such relationships unprotected.

Ambiguity in the Definition of Live-in Relationships

• The UCC defines a live-in relationship as being ‘in the nature of marriage’, following previous legal interpretations.
• However, many live-in relationships are not equivalent to marriage, making this definition problematic.
• The law mandates registration within one month, but live-in relationships often develop gradually without a clear start date.
• This rigid registration rule may force casual relationships into legal regulation, creating unnecessary complications.

Concerns About Sexual Autonomy

• The Supreme Court has upheld the right to sexual autonomy, meaning individuals can freely choose their relationships without external interference.
• However, the UCC mandates informing parents/guardians if one partner is below 21 years of age, violating privacy rights.
• In a society where honor-based violence is a concern, this provision may put individuals in inter-caste or inter-religious relationships at risk.

Increased State Surveillance

• The UCC requires all registered live-in relationships to be reported to the local police, treating such relationships as a potential law-and-order issue.
• Failure to register a live-in relationship is a criminal offense, punishable by imprisonment or fines, which is an extreme legal stance.

Conclusion

• In many countries, the purpose of registering live-in relationships is to extend marriage-like protections to cohabiting couples.
• However, Uttarakhand’s UCC treats live-in relationships as a problem to regulate, rather than a social reality requiring legal safeguards.
• The law, in its current form, limits personal freedom, increases state intervention, and reinforces social control over personal choices.

Practice Question: How does Uttarakhand’s Uniform Civil Code (UCC) impact live-in relationships in terms of legal recognition, personal autonomy, and state regulation? (150 Words /10 marks)

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