18th to 22nd February 2025 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis(Current Affairs)

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1. Lighten the pollution burden of thermal power States

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

Topic: GS3 – Environment – Environmental pollution and degradation

Context

• States engaged in thermal power production endure significant pollution while supplying electricity to consuming states. They receive no compensation, resulting in environmental and economic inequality.

India’s Climate Commitments and Energy Sector Overview

• Under the Paris Agreement, India aims to decrease GDP emissions intensity by 45% by 2030 and achieve 50% of installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources.
• Nonetheless, thermal power continues to dominate India's electricity sector, projected to maintain a 50% share moving forward.
• The total installed electricity capacity in India is 456,757 MW, comprised of:
• Private sector: 53.4%
• State sector: 23.7%
• Central sector: 22.9%

Contribution of Thermal Power to India’s Electricity

• Thermal power capacity in India is 237,268. 91 MW, with coal making up 59. 12% of the energy supply, holding reserves of 378. 21 billion tonnes94.
• 52 billion tonnes of which are in Odisha. In 2022-23, 73. 08% of electricity was generated from coal, oil, and natural gas.
• Thermal power is responsible for 20,794. 36 kg of carbon emissions from electricity generation.

Producing States vs. Consuming States

• According to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Maharashtra has the highest non-renewable electricity generation capacity (31,510. 08 MW), followed by Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, while Rajasthan leads in renewable electricity generation with 22,398. 05 MW.
• States that generate significant electricity may not be the largest consumers. For instance:
• Uttar Pradesh consumes only 40% of its NTPC-produced electricity.
• Odisha consumes 38.43% of its NTPC-generated power.
• Chhattisgarh uses only 29.92% of what it generates.
• Gujarat is the biggest consumer of NTPC-produced electricity (4,612 MW) despite generating only 17.7 MW itself.

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Disproportionate Pollution Burden on Producing States

• States with the highest thermal power share include:
• Tripura (96.96%), Bihar (95.57%), Chhattisgarh (94.35%), Jharkhand (92.69%), Delhi (87.96%), and West Bengal (87.72%).
• These States produce large amounts of electricity but do not consume all of it.

Electricity Trade Between States

• Chhattisgarh is the leading net seller (535. 29 MW), followed by Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh.
• Gujarat is the largest electricity importer (528. 17 MW), followed by Haryana, Maharashtra, and Delhi.
• While some states benefit from purchasing electricity, others endure pollution resulting from thermal power production.

Lack of Compensation for Producing States

• India’s legal framework does not provide compensation to states generating electricity for others.
• Coal-rich states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha produce substantial thermal electricity but exhibit lower per capita electricity consumption.
• Electricity is a Concurrent subject under the Constitution, allowing both central and state governments to legislate on it.
• However, states do not have the authority to tax electricity generation, while consuming states benefit from taxes on electricity sales.

Potential Compensation Mechanisms

1. Taxing Thermal Power Generation
2. Producing States could be allowed to levy a tax on electricity generation.
3. Alternatively, the Union government could collect and distribute such a tax to producing States.
4. Compensation through the Finance Commission
5. The Finance Commission has previously recommended environmental grants and devolution of funds.
6. The upcoming Sixteenth Finance Commission should design a fiscal roadmap to support thermal power-producing States.

Conclusion

• By implementing these measures, electricity-producing States can be fairly compensated for the pollution burden they bear while supplying power to others.

PYQ: Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three megacities of the country but the air pollution is a much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so? (200 words/12.5m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-1 2015)

Practice Question: Analyze the environmental and fiscal challenges encountered by thermal power-producing states in India. Recommend measures to ensure fair  compensation for pollution burdens. (150 Words /10 marks)

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2. Georgia and the resurrection of the colour revolutions

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

Topic: GS2 – International Relations

• Context: Georgia's ongoing political crisis mirrors broader geopolitical tensions between Russia and the West.

Background of Colour Revolutions

• At the onset of the 21st century, several post-Soviet States experienced peaceful uprisings known as the “colour revolutions. ”
• These movements sought to replace pro-Moscow governments with pro-Western administrations under the premise of democratic reforms.
• Although largely non-violent, Russia viewed them as Western-supported efforts to undermine its influence.
•  Key Colour RevolutionsRose Revolution (2003) – Georgia: Peaceful protests led to the resignation of the government, replacing it with a pro-Western leadership, but later faced governance failures and allegations of authoritarianism.
• Orange Revolution (2004) – Ukraine: Mass protests against electoral fraud resulted in a re-run of the presidential election, strengthening democratic aspirations but later contributing to political instability and geopolitical tensions with Russia.
• Tulip Revolution (2005) – Kyrgyzstan: Public protests over corruption and election fraud led to the ousting of the ruling government, but subsequent leadership changes failed to bring long-term stability, causing continued political unrest.

Russia’s Perspective on Colour Revolutions

• Russia viewed these movements as efforts to destabilize its influence in neighbouring States.
• The strategy aligned with Western policies of political subversion rather than direct confrontation.
• Russia and other nations, such as China, saw these revolutions as models for foreign interventions in regions like West Asia, Africa, and South Asia.

Failures of the Colour Revolutions

• Despite promises of democratic transformation, these revolutions often led to corruption and governance failures.
• The new governments were accused of serving Western interests rather than prioritizing domestic development.
• Public frustration and disillusionment grew as promised reforms failed to materialize.

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Georgia’s Political Turmoil

• The Rose Revolution initially established a pro-Western government. However, corruption and authoritarianism soon became prevalent.
• A similar situation is unfolding again, with recent elections sparking protests over alleged electoral malpractices.
• The ruling party claims that Western-backed NGOs are influencing internal affairs, highlighting concerns of external interference.

Geopolitical Struggles in Georgia

• Georgia is strategically located between Europe and Asia, making it a focal point in global power struggles.
• Russia, despite setbacks from the Ukraine conflict, continues to assert its influence in the region.
• The U.S. faces challenges in engaging actively due to internal political changes and shifting global priorities.

Future of Colour Revolutions

• The effectiveness of soft power strategies like democracy promotion is declining.
• Georgia’s political situation reflects the broader challenges faced by post-Soviet States navigating global power conflicts.
• Whether the colour revolution model remains relevant depends on evolving international relations and the ability of these States to balance external pressures.

Practice Question: What do you understand by Colour Revolutions? How have these movements influenced regional stability and global geopolitical dynamics? (150 Words /10 marks)

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3. The danger of a digital censor board

(Source – The Hindu, Opinion – Page No. – 9)

Topic: GS2 – Indian Polity

Context

• A controversy has emerged surrounding the show India's Got Latent, largely due to inappropriate comments made by YouTuber Ranveer Allahabadia.
• The show, hosted by comedian Samay Raina, is characterized by dark humor and has gained significant popularity, especially among younger viewers.
• However, beyond the outrage regarding specific comments, the incident underscores a larger struggle for control over digital media.

Legal Perspective on Vulgarity

• The Supreme Court dismissed criminal cases for foul language in an OTT show in Apoorva Arora v. Govt. of NCT of Delhi (2024), stating that obscenity should be judged objectively. 
• Allahabadia’s remarks, though crude, do not legally qualify as obscene. Despite legal precedents, moral outrage often leads to intimidation and censorship.

Use of Section 69A for Censorship

• The government has invoked Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000, to block content, though “decency and morality” are not grounds for blocking websites.
• The government has a history of using censorship, as seen in the blocking of Savita Bhabhi and increasing content restrictions through the IT Rules, 2021.

Push for Stronger Digital Regulations

• The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is advancing a new Broadcasting Bill, which seeks to regulate online creators like traditional broadcasters.
• The Parliamentary Standing Committee on IT is pushing for stricter digital regulations.

Pattern of Government Crackdown on Content

• Similar actions were taken against Tandav (2021), where government pressure led to scene cuts and multiple legal cases against creators.
• OTT platforms have increasingly complied with government censorship to avoid legal troubles.

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Political and Economic Implications

• The controversy is not just about vulgarity but reflects a larger shift in governance, termed techno-patrimonialism.
• Political parties are competing not just on welfare but also on digital censorship, aligning with a mix of cultural nationalism and populist welfare policies.

Future of Digital Freedom

• Given past trends, online creators may soon plead for “regulation” to avoid harsher crackdowns.
• The debate over digital content regulation is a symptom of a broader political shift rather than just a reaction to an offensive joke.

Practice Question: Examine the impact of increasing digital content regulation on freedom of speech in India. How can a balance be struck between creative expression and societal norms? (250 words, 15 marks)

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4. The danger of a digital censor board

(Source – The Hindu, Opinion – Page No. – 9)

Topic: GS2 – Indian Polity

Context

• A controversy has erupted over the show India’s Got Latent, primarily due to crude remarks made by YouTuber Ranveer Allahabadia. 
• Hosted by comedian Samay Raina, the show is defined by its use of dark humor and has gained immense popularity, particularly among young audiences.
• However, beyond the outrage over individual comments, the controversy highlights a broader struggle for control over digital media

Legal Perspective on Vulgarity

• The Supreme Court dismissed criminal cases for foul language in an OTT show in Apoorva Arora v. Govt. of NCT of Delhi (2024), stating that obscenity should be judged objectively. 
• Allahabadia’s remarks, though crude, do not legally qualify as obscene. Despite legal precedents, moral outrage often leads to intimidation and censorship.

Use of Section 69A for Censorship

• The government has invoked Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000, to block content, though “decency and morality” are not grounds for blocking websites.
• The government has a history of using censorship, as seen in the blocking of Savita Bhabhi and increasing content restrictions through the IT Rules, 2021.

Push for Stronger Digital Regulations

• The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is advancing a new Broadcasting Bill, which seeks to regulate online creators like traditional broadcasters.
• The Parliamentary Standing Committee on IT is pushing for stricter digital regulations.

Pattern of Government Crackdown on Content

• Similar actions were taken against Tandav (2021), where government pressure led to scene cuts and multiple legal cases against creators.
• OTT platforms have increasingly complied with government censorship to avoid legal troubles.

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Political and Economic Implications

• The controversy is not just about vulgarity but reflects a larger shift in governance, termed techno-patrimonialism.
• Political parties are competing not just on welfare but also on digital censorship, aligning with a mix of cultural nationalism and populist welfare policies.

Future of Digital Freedom

• Given past trends, online creators may soon plead for “regulation” to avoid harsher crackdowns.
• The debate over digital content regulation is a symptom of a broader political shift rather than just a reaction to an offensive joke.

Practice Question: Examine the impact of increasing digital content regulation on freedom of speech in India. How can a balance be struck between creative expression and societal norms? (250 words, 15 marks)

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5. The long and winding road of India-China relations

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

Topic: GS2 – International Relations – Bilateral Relations

• Context: India and China announced steps to restore bilateral ties, including cultural exchanges and travel, following years of tension since 2020.

Recent Developments in India-China Relations

• India and China have announced steps to restore several aspects of their bilateral relations.
• Plans include resuming media and think tank exchanges, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, and bilateral flights by the summer of 2025.
• These efforts come after more than four years of tense relations following the clashes in June 2020.

Possible Reasons for This Agreement

• Both nations recognize that prolonged tensions cannot continue indefinitely.
• The recent election of a new U.S. president, known for unpredictable policies, may have influenced this agreement.
• Economic concerns in both India and China may have encouraged cooperation.
• Historically, China has engaged in diplomatic normalization when facing external pressures, as seen after past events.

Status of De-escalation at the LAC

• There is limited official information about the status of de-escalation and demobilization at the border.
• Troops from both countries were mobilized in large numbers at multiple tension points, including Galwan, Depsang Bulge, and Pangong Lake.
• It is unclear whether Chinese troops have returned to their bases, which is essential to confirm full de-escalation.
• The lack of clarity raises concerns about whether agreements signed earlier have been effectively implemented.

India’s Position on Border Stability

• India has consistently maintained that restoring stability on the border is essential before progressing in other areas of cooperation.
• China, however, has insisted that border issues should not hinder economic, political, and social engagements.
• A cautious approach is necessary to ensure that India’s position is not weakened in future negotiations.

The Need for Transparency and Clarity

• The absence of detailed government briefings on de-escalation raises doubts about whether India’s position remains firm.
• Without clear updates, it appears that China’s approach of moving forward without resolving border tensions is succeeding.
• Given the history of fluctuations in relations, maintaining a well-informed and cautious strategy is essential.
• Transparency on the actual status of disengagement and border stability would strengthen confidence in India’s diplomatic stance.

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Way Forward

• The long-term stability of India-China relations will depend on clear communication and strategic caution.
• Ensuring that territorial disputes are resolved before expanding bilateral cooperation is crucial.
• India needs to maintain a firm position while engaging in diplomatic negotiations to protect its interests. 

PYQ: With respect to the South China sea, maritime territorial disputes and rising tension affirm the need for safeguarding maritime security to ensure freedom of navigation and overflight throughout the region. In this context, discuss the bilateral issues between India and China. (200 words/12.5m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2014) 

Practice Question: How do the recent developments in India-China bilateral relations reflect the strategic and economic considerations of both countries? Analyze their potential impact. (150 Words /10 marks)

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6. Is there a right to take offence?

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

Topic: GS2 – Indian Polity

• ContextA popular YouTube show faced controversy after criminal proceedings were initiated against its creators and participants due to allegedly obscene remarks.

Introduction

• The Supreme Court provided interim protection from arrest to one of the participants.
• This incident sparked discussions on whether stringent criminal sanctions are justified for contentious speech.

Is There a Right to Take Offence?

• There is no specific right to take offence at any speech under the Constitution.
• The Constitution allows reasonable restrictions on free speech under Article 19(2), but offensive speech is not a separate category.
• Restrictions on speech include national security, public order, decency, and morality, among other grounds.
• While the language in the show was objectionable, it may not necessarily violate decency or morality as defined in the law.

Should Laws Be Paternalistic or Restrict Speech Only in Cases of Public Disorder?

• Speech should remain unrestricted unless it incites violence or is seditious.
• Historically, there was strong opposition to restricting free speech in the Constituent Assembly debates.
• While some restrictions were considered necessary for national interest, they were meant to be narrowly defined.
• Despite restrictions on speech, hate speech by politicians often goes unchecked, raising concerns over selective enforcement.
• The government cannot impose restrictions beyond what is constitutionally permitted, and any restriction must be based on legislation.

Constitutional Morality vs. Public Morality

• Constitutional morality supports the values of social justice and equality but does not directly govern speech regulations.
• Any restriction on speech must be determined based on statutory law, not public sentiment.
• Society has the right to criticize or boycott offensive content but should not impose criminal penalties.
• Filing multiple complaints for the same issue can lead to harassment and hinder a fair legal process.
• Constitutional morality is an evolving concept, and its role in regulating speech remains a debated issue.
• Is Profane Speech Considered Obscene?Profane language does not automatically qualify as obscene.Judicial interpretation of obscenity has evolved over time.
• The Supreme Court once followed the strict Hicklin test, which considered anything corrupting the public mind as obscene.
• Later, the community standards test was introduced, which considers the changing moral values of society.
• Historical art and literature, once deemed obscene, are now considered culturally significant.
• Obscenity is not clearly defined under the law and is determined based on societal norms.

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Selective Targeting of Comedians vs. Political Hate Speech

• A study found a 74.4% increase in hate speech against minorities by politicians in 2024.
• Politicians often make divisive remarks, but enforcement agencies rarely take action against them.
• Meanwhile, comedians are frequently targeted for their content, as they critique political and social issues.
• Hate speech by politicians during elections is often ignored, while comedians face legal consequences for satire.
• Silencing criticism through legal means can lead to authoritarianism.
• In a democracy, differing views should be tolerated rather than suppressed.

Concerns Over Regulation of Digital Content

• Efforts to regulate digital content through proposed laws have intensified.
• Regulation of online speech can lead to censorship and limit diverse perspectives.
• Censorship creates a controlled environment where only approved narratives can exist.
• Selective enforcement of laws primarily targets opposition voices and critics of the government.
• Free speech must be protected for a democracy to remain vibrant and inclusive. 

Practice Question: To what extent should offensive speech be subject to criminal sanctions in India? Examine the constitutional provisions and judicial interpretations governing free speech and its reasonable restrictions.(250 Words /15 marks)

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7. Converting court case backlogs into treasure troves

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

Topic: GS2 – Indian Polity – Judiciary

• ContextIndia’s judicial system faces a massive backlog of cases, with nearly five crore pending in lower courts alone.
• Mediation, a faster and cost-effective alternative, is emerging as a viable solution to ease the burden, improve efficiency, and ensure timely justice.

Backlog in the Legal System

• The legal system in India has a massive backlog of cases.
• The Supreme Court has 82,000 cases pending, High Courts have over 62 lakh cases, and lower courts have nearly five crore cases.
• Around 50 lakh cases have been pending for more than 10 years.

Challenges in the System

• Judges in India are hardworking and efficient, but the vast population leads to a high number of cases.
• The judge-to-population ratio is low, with only 21 judges per million citizens.
• The adversarial legal system results in multiple interim applications and appeals, prolonging cases.
• There are shortages in infrastructure, finances, and human resources, making reforms difficult.

Possible Solutions

• Data governance can improve classification and avoid repetitive litigation.
• Retired judges can be appointed in an ad hoc capacity to help clear pending cases.
• Reforming specific litigation areas like landlord-tenant disputes and cheque bouncing cases can reduce unnecessary cases.
• Imposing compensatory or punitive costs can deter frivolous litigation, a practice commonly used in other countries.
• The government is involved in nearly half of the disputes, so reducing its litigation can help ease the backlog.

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Impact of the Backlog

• The backlog creates a long waiting period, leading to denial of justice.
• Many cases lose relevance over time, and the original complainants may no longer be alive.
• The backlog symbolizes failure in the legal system, affecting the judiciary.

Mediation as a Solution

• Mediation gained prominence in 2005 in India as a court-supported process.
• It involves a neutral mediator guiding both parties to a fair solution without imposing a decision.
• It is used in various disputes like civil, commercial, matrimonial, and property cases.
• Mediation has been welcomed by the legal community, with thousands of trained mediators available.

How Mediation Can Help Reduce Backlog

• Mediation transforms backlog into an opportunity by resolving cases outside the court.
• Cases can be assigned to trained mediators, reducing the burden on judges.
• Mediation is faster and cheaper than litigation, requiring only a few sessions.
• Unlike litigation, it often restores relationships and provides a mutually accepted solution.

Conclusion

• The legal backlog is a major issue, but mediation offers a practical solution.
• By integrating mediation into the system, courts can reduce delays and improve justice delivery.
• The backlog should be seen as a resource for mediation, helping turn legal problems into solutions. 

Practice Question: Discuss the challenges posed by the backlog of cases in India’s judiciary and evaluate how mediation can serve as an effective alternative dispute resolution mechanism. (250 Words /15 marks)

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8. The U.S. visit, viewed through industry’s business lens

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

Topic: GS2 – International Relations

Context

• Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the U.S. reaffirmed the strong ties between the two nations and introduced new momentum in economic cooperation.
• The visit led to major announcements in trade, defence, technology, and energy, benefiting industries in both countries.

Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) and Economic Growth

• The initiation of the first phase of a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) will reduce trade barriers and simplify regulatory processes.
• This agreement is expected to attract more U.S. companies to invest in India, strengthening economic ties.
• The ambitious $500 billion trade target by 2030 is achievable through sectoral sub-targets and streamlined cross-border trade.
• Steps have already been taken to address tariff issues, ensuring that India can export labour-intensive goods and agricultural products while importing industrial goods from the U.S.
• Greenfield investments, including by Indian firms in the U.S., will be encouraged, promoting business expansion.
• Sectors like IT, pharmaceuticals, garments, and textiles are expected to benefit significantly from this agreement.

Technological and Strategic Partnerships

• The U.S. India TRUST (Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) initiative deepens the strategic and technological partnership between the two countries.
• TRUST focuses on innovation in defence, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, energy, and space.
• The INDUS Innovation initiative aims to boost research and development in emerging technologies.
• India’s role in the AI economy is growing, and the U.S.-India Roadmap on AI Infrastructure will encourage investment in AI-driven industries, including fintech, healthtech, and agritech.

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Defence Cooperation and Indigenous Manufacturing

• Defence sector collaboration has strengthened through expanded technology transfers, joint production, and industrial partnerships.
• A 10-year Framework for the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership has been launched, marking a significant shift in defence ties.
• Agreements for co-production of defence systems will promote indigenous manufacturing, skill development, and economic growth.
• India stands to benefit significantly from defence agreements, particularly through offset clauses that will support local industries.

Energy Security and Renewable Goals

• Energy cooperation was a key topic, focusing on long-term strategic linkages to diversify India’s energy sources.
• Increasing hydrocarbon production will help improve global energy stability and affordability.
• India’s Union Budget 2025-26 supports private sector participation in the development of small modular reactors (SMRs), with U.S. companies contributing to this sector.
• As India pursues its net-zero goals, U.S. natural gas reserves can serve as a reliable energy source.

Infrastructure and Digital Connectivity

• The U.S. and India are committed to strengthening the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
• Joint infrastructure projects will accelerate developments in railways, highways, smart cities, and industrial zones.
• The undersea cable project connecting India and the U.S. will support India’s digital economy and services exports.

Higher Education and Student Mobility

• The two nations have agreed to enhance higher education collaboration, allowing U.S. institutions to set up campuses in India.
• This initiative will provide Indian students with better education opportunities while ensuring smoother legal mobility for studies and employment.

Conclusion

• Indian industry is committed to working with both governments to maintain economic progress and ensure effective implementation of these initiatives.
• With sustained reforms and pro-business policies, the benefits of this visit can be fully realized.
• This visit marks not only a diplomatic success but also a blueprint for India’s economic growth, fostering innovation and strengthening India’s position in global partnerships. 

Practice Question: How will the recent India-U.S. agreements on trade, technology, and defence impact India’s integration into global supply chains and its strategic partnerships? Analyze their potential benefits and challenges. (250 Words /15 marks)

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