24 July 2025: Indian Express Editorial Analysis
1. Only Brute Power Rules
(Source: Editorial Page, The Indian Express)
| Topic: GS2: Polity & Governance, International Relations, Human Rights; GS4: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude |
| Context |
|
Understanding the Crisis
-
Backdrop: Gaza has witnessed large-scale violence and civilian suffering, provoking international outrage but limited intervention. The editorial critiques the world’s democracies for their muted or ambiguous response.
-
Central Question: Why do international norms and legal frameworks seem impotent in the face of brute state power?
The Erosion of International Norms
-
Failure of Global Institutions: UN and other multilateral bodies appear powerless or unwilling to prevent violations of humanitarian law. Democratic states that traditionally championed these principles are now reticent.
-
Selective Outrage: Western democracies that swiftly condemn human rights violations elsewhere remain largely uncritical of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
-
Implications: This undermines the perceived legitimacy of the international order and breeds cynicism in global south countries.
Realpolitik and Moral Hypocrisy
-
Role of Power: The editorial argues that brute state power, rather than law or ethics, increasingly determines international outcomes.
-
Abandonment of Ethics: Principles like the rule of law, dignity, and non-violence are sidelined when they contradict the interests of powerful nations.
-
Lessons for India and Others: Democracies in the global south must be wary of double standards in global governance, as similar silence can greet crises closer to home.
Impact on Democracy and Ethics
-
Democracy’s Crisis: When leading democracies ignore or rationalize human rights abuses, it creates a dangerous precedent.
-
Ethical Responsibility: States have a moral duty to speak up and act—but realpolitik often prevails over ethics.
Consequences for Global Order
-
Delegitimization of International Law: When laws are applied inconsistently, their normative force declines.
-
Rise in Authoritarianism: Such failures embolden authoritarian regimes to act without fear of censure or consequences.
-
India’s Stand: As an emerging global voice, India must balance realpolitik with upholding international law and humanitarian principles—a challenge for its diplomacy.
Important Points for UPSC
-
International Law & Humanitarian Principles: Examine the role and limits of the UN, Geneva Conventions, and customary international law.
-
Ethical Dilemmas in Diplomacy: Situations where realpolitik overrides moral imperatives can provide examples for GS4 case studies.
-
Critical Analysis: Understanding the interplay of power, law, and ethics is crucial for MAINS answers in Polity, IR, and Ethics papers.
-
Balanced Perspective: Recognize the need for both pragmatic diplomacy and principled stands in foreign policy.
Conclusion / Way Forward
-
Strengthen International Institutions: Advocate for reform to make the global system more credible and responsive.
-
Consistent Application of Rules: International law must be applied uniformly to avoid charges of hypocrisy.
-
Ethics in Statecraft: Governments and leaders should reclaim ethical commitments at home and abroad.
-
Role of Civil Society: Global civil society, media, and scholars play a vital role in holding power to account.
| Practice Question: (GS-2 | 15 Marks | 250 Words)
The selective outrage of democracies towards international humanitarian crises questions the legitimacy of the global order.” Critically examine, bringing out the challenges posed to international law and ethics. Suggest the way forward for India as an emerging global power. |
Also Read: The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 24 July 2025
2. The Water Front
(Source: Editorial Page, The Indian Express)
Topic:
|
| Context |
|
Introduction: The Strategic Importance of the Brahmaputra
-
The Brahmaputra is a transboundary river, originating in China (Tibet) as Yarlung Zangbo, flowing through Arunachal Pradesh (Siang), and entering Assam as the Brahmaputra before draining into Bangladesh.
-
China’s new hydropower project, estimated at $170 billion and capable of generating 60GW electricity, far exceeds the scale of the Three Gorges Dam, making it a significant geopolitical development.
-
The project heightens India’s vulnerability as a lower riparian state and intensifies longstanding water-sharing and ecological concerns.
Geopolitical and Hydrological Risks
-
Manipulation of Water Flows: China’s dam increases its capacity to control water flows, potentially leading to sudden floods or droughts in India’s Northeast, especially Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
-
Lack of Data Transparency: Despite a 2013 MoU on hydrological data sharing, China has not consistently provided data, complicating disaster response and planning in India.
-
Downstream Challenges: Sudden surges due to unannounced releases, climate change impacts, or technical errors amplify the unpredictability of flood patterns, threatening livelihoods and infrastructure in lower Assam and Bangladesh.
India’s Response and Challenges
-
Hydropower Potential Untapped: Northeast India holds nearly half of the country’s hydropower potential, with over 80% still unexploited due to various environmental and social constraints.
-
Proposed Multipurpose Projects: The NITI Aayog envisaged a strategic multipurpose project (dam) in the Siang region to counterbalance Chinese activities and provide flood cushioning as well as electricity.
-
Delay Factors: Social opposition due to displacement fears and livelihood concerns has delayed construction. Essential pre-feasibility studies remain incomplete, and consensus among stakeholders is lacking.
International Cooperation and Treaty Perspectives
-
MoU vs. Treaty: India and China presently operate under a data-sharing MoU, not a robust legally binding water-sharing treaty, limiting enforceability and grievance redressal.
-
Role of Diplomacy: India must prioritize hydro-diplomacy, strengthen cooperative frameworks with neighbors, and push for more transparent and legally binding mechanisms.
Environmental and Societal Dimensions
-
Displacement and Livelihoods: Implementation of large hydro projects can disrupt local communities; addressing their concerns is vital for inclusive and sustainable development.
-
Ecological Balance: Large dams pose risks to fragile Himalayan ecosystems, biodiversity, and riverine health. Integrated water resource management should balance development and conservation.
Important Points for UPSC
-
Transboundary river management is a critical issue involving geography, international relations, and environment – heavily reflected in the UPSC syllabus.
-
Strategic infrastructure (dams, storage facilities) plays a dual role in national security and disaster management.
-
Bilateral treaties vs. MoUs: Know the difference and their implications for India’s interests and diplomatic standing.
-
Ethical governance: Emphasis on fair resource sharing and rehabilitation of affected populations is crucial in answer writing for GS4.
Conclusion / Way Forward
-
Urgent Policy Coordination: Expedite hydropower project implementation in the Northeast with full scientific, environmental, and social safeguards.
-
Stakeholder Consensus: Foster cooperation among political leaders, technical experts, and local communities to address legitimate concerns and ensure project sustainability.
-
Strengthen Legal Frameworks: Pursue a binding multilateral or bilateral treaty on Brahmaputra management, involving all stakeholders, including Bangladesh.
-
Disaster Preparedness: Invest in early-warning systems, improved data sharing, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
-
Sustainable Development: Reconcile developmental goals with environmental protection and social justice.
|
Practice Question: (GS-2 | 10 Marks | 150 Words) |
Read more – 23 July 2025 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis
