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05 JULY NEWSPAPER NOTES

R2R - GUIDING SSB ASPIRANTS LIKE AN ELDER SIBLING

R2R NEWSPAPER NOTES

R2R SSB batches starting from 4th of July. Referred articles were published in The Hindu.

1. Two Democracies and the Echoes of Tyranny

  • Critique of Indian Democracy (Luttig's View):
    • Judge J. Michael Luttig, a US jurist, describes India as a country that "calls itself the world's largest democracy but whose actions today make it the world's largest autocracy."
    • He argues that India has moved away from its democratic principles by silencing dissent, suppressing the judiciary, and using "weaponized" laws.
    • Luttig's assessment stems from his observation of democratic backsliding, noting that "modern 27 nations" have gone from democracy to autocracy.
  • Indira Gandhi's Emergency and its Parallels:
    • The article extensively discusses Indira Gandhi's imposition of Emergency in 1975, which involved suspension of civil liberties, censorship, and imprisonment of over 100,000 people.
    • Many of the actions taken during the Emergency, such as imprisoning political opponents and demolishing slums, are cited as examples of authoritarian overreach.
    • The article draws parallels between actions during the Emergency and current trends in India, suggesting that the "same methods" are being used to undermine democratic institutions.
    • It questions whether India is on a path towards "democratic backsliding" or if it has already transitioned to an autocracy.
  • Comparison with US Democracy:
    • The article draws parallels between India and the US, specifically mentioning how the US Senate (which has a 6-vote majority for the opposition) and the Supreme Court serve as checks on executive power.
    • It highlights concerns about the politicization of the judiciary and the use of government agencies to suppress dissent in both countries.
    • The author argues that democratic nations must uphold fundamental rights and the rule of law to protect liberty.
  • Key Figures and Actions:
    • Sanjay Hegde: A Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of India, whose insights are featured, discussing the erosion of democratic principles.
    • Arun Jaitley's remarks: The late Arun Jaitley, a former Union Minister, warned in 2015 that "when a long train of abuses and usurpations" is indulged in, it leads to people being under "absolute despotism."
    • The article mentions "internal disturbance" as a justification for Emergency, and how that has been replaced by "external aggression" and "terrorism."
    • The author emphasizes the importance of citizen vigilance and protest to safeguard democracy.
2. A Deliberate Strategy to Usher in a Communal Order
  • Erosion of Secularism and Socialism:
    • The article argues that the current government in India is deliberately working to undermine the secular and socialist principles enshrined in the Preamble of the Constitution.
    • The 42nd Amendment of 1976, which inserted "socialist" and "secular" into the Preamble, is being challenged.
    • This is seen as part of a larger strategy to establish a "communal order" that prioritizes one religion over others.
  • Hindutva Agenda and its Manifestations:
    • The construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya is cited as a significant move in this direction, with the Prime Minister's remarks "Ram with Rashtra and Dev with Desh" signifying a blend of religion and state.
    • The deliberate efforts to delete "secular" and "socialist" from school textbooks and parliamentary documents are highlighted as evidence of this agenda.
    • The article mentions the President's address to Parliament omitting these terms in November 2023, a move criticized as an "unconstitutional" act.
  • Warnings from Leaders:
    • Mahatma Gandhi warned against the dangers of mixing religion with politics.
    • Dr. B.R. Ambedkar emphasized the importance of a clear separation of religion and state, stating that "Religion must be strictly a private affair."
    • Vallabhbhai Patel also warned against communalism.
    • Jaya Prakash Narayan underscored that democracy requires a secular state where religion is a personal matter.
  • The Constitution Assembly's Intent:
    • The article quotes Govind Ballabh Pant, who explicitly stated that if India became a theocracy, it would cease to be a democracy.
    • Jaipol Kapoor and Vallabhbhai Patel reiterated that religion should be a personal matter and not interfere with state affairs.
    • The Constitution was deliberately framed to ensure a secular and democratic republic, and any attempt to deviate from this is a betrayal of the framers' intent.
  • The Resistance Needed:
    • The article calls for a strong and unified resistance against the "communal fascist agenda."
    • This resistance must be political, social, and moral, encompassing all citizens irrespective of their faith.
    • It emphasizes the need to defend democracy, secularism, and equality as core principles of the nation.
    • The call to action is to "fight tooth and nail" to protect the Constitution and the ideals of the Republic.

NEWS IN SHORTS

  • Manipur govt. sets December target to wind up relief camps 
    The Manipur government aims to close all conflict-related relief camps by December, following a three-phase resettlement plan. State Chief Secretary P.K. Singh stated efforts are underway with the Centre and civil society organizations to resettle displaced people, with some already returned home. Financial assistance of ₹3.03 lakh will be provided to families whose homes were destroyed, and new prefabricated houses will be built.
  • ‘India won’t ink trade deal based on deadline’
    India will not enter any trade agreement solely based on deadlines, but only when the proposed deal is fully finalized and aligns with national interests, stated Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. He emphasized that India prioritizes beneficial outcomes over artificial timelines. India is currently negotiating FTAs with various partners like the EU, New Zealand, Oman, Chile, and Peru, ensuring national interests are always paramount.
  • India tells WTO it may levy retaliatory tariffs worth $724 mn on U.S. imports
    India has notified the WTO of its intent to levy retaliatory tariffs totaling nearly $724 million on U.S. imports. This action is in response to increased U.S. tariffs on Indian automobiles and parts. India asserts that U.S. measures do not comply with WTO rules and reserves the right to suspend concessions, arguing that the U.S. tariffs adversely affect its trade.
  • Settled semantics
    The debate over removing the words "secular" and "socialist" from the Preamble of the Constitution is critiqued as semantically unproductive. These terms were added during the Emergency to address social and economic inequalities. The article argues that focusing on such debates distracts from the core challenges facing India, such as discrimination, poverty, and underdevelopment. The focus should be on practical measures rather than semantic disputes.
  • Govt. has ‘no position’ on Dalai Lama succession, insists MEA; China warns against interference
    The External Affairs Ministry stated that the Indian government has no position on the Dalai Lama's succession, reiterating that it is a religious matter. This comes after Minister Kiren Rijiju's comments on the spiritual leader's choice. Meanwhile, China has warned against any external interference in what it considers its domestic affairs, asserting that the Dalai Lama's successor must be approved by Beijing.
  • China imposes anti-dumping duties on European brandy
    China has imposed anti-dumping duties ranging from 27.7% to 34.9% on brandy imported from the European Union, primarily France. The tariffs are retroactive to Saturday and will remain in place for five years. This move follows a Chinese investigation launched in January into European brandy imports and comes amid broader trade tensions between China and the EU.
  • UN records more than 600 killings near aid centres, humanitarian convoys in Gaza
    The UN human rights office reported over 600 killings in Gaza near aid distribution points and humanitarian convoys since October 7. Israeli-backed operations and shelling have resulted in numerous civilian casualties, including women and children sheltering near aid facilities and hospitals. The UN emphasizes the urgent need for protection of civilians and accountability for attacks on aid distribution sites.
  • Pakistan Army says it killed ‘30 militants’ at Afghan border
    The Pakistan Army claims to have killed 30 militants in clashes along the Afghan border over the past three days, following an attack that killed 16 soldiers. The militants reportedly belonged to the outlawed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its affiliates. Pakistan routinely accuses Afghanistan of harbouring militants, while Afghanistan denies the claims. Security forces remain vigilant for potential threats.
  • ‘China used conflict between India and Pak. as a live lab’
    Lieutenant General Rahul R. Singh stated that China has used the India-Pakistan conflict as a "live lab" to test its military hardware and strategies, aiming to cause harm to India indirectly. He emphasized India's need to develop robust air defence systems and indigenous defence technology. Singh highlighted China's extensive military support to Pakistan, including advanced weaponry, suggesting a strategic partnership with Pakistan for regional influence.
  • Nipah virus resurfaces in Kerala, two cases reported
    Nipah virus has resurfaced in Kerala, with two new cases reported: an 18-year-old girl who succumbed to encephalitis and a 42-year-old woman undergoing treatment. The National Institute of Virology confirmed the presence of the virus. Health authorities have initiated extensive control measures, including quarantining staff and identifying 345 contacts across Malappuram, Palakkad, and Kozhikode districts, with continuous monitoring for potential new cases.
  • Naga tribes to resume protest against State’s job reservation policy on July 9
    Five major Naga tribes announced they would resume agitation against Nagaland's reservation policy in government employment from July 9. The Committee on Review Reservation Policy argues that the quota system for 11 "backward" Naga tribes, in place since 1977, no longer reflects the current socio-economic and educational landscape. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio stated that the commission cannot deliver immediate results, with significant reforms only possible after the 2027 Census.
  • PM Modi hails 35 million diaspora as India’s pride
    Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the 35 million Indian diaspora as India's "pride," stating that India is committed to strengthening ties with them. During an event in Trinidad and Tobago, he announced that Indian-origin citizens there and in the Caribbean will soon receive OCI cards. Modi emphasized the deep cultural connection, especially with communities like the Girmitiya, enhancing India's global presence and pride.
  • Kyiv struck by Russia’s largest aerial assault since the start of Ukraine war
    Kyiv experienced Russia's largest aerial assault since the war began, with 550 drones and missiles striking the city in a seven-hour attack, injuring 23 people and causing widespread damage. Ukrainian officials reported significant destruction, while Russia claimed successful strikes on military targets. Despite a call between U.S. President Biden and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, no ceasefire was achieved, and intense fighting continues.
  • Russia becomes first nation to recognise Taliban regime
    Russia has become the first country to officially recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan since they seized power in 2021. Moscow removed the group from its list of outlawed organizations. This move follows Russia's appointment of an Ambassador to Afghanistan and growing bilateral cooperation. While China has adopted a "friendly" stance, it has not formally recognized the Taliban government yet, indicating varying international approaches to the regime.

    • Sachin Jangir

    AIR 128, NDA 152

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