Comprehensive News Analysis covers all the important articles and editorials of 'The Hindu' from the

UPSC/IAS examination point of view.

A. GS 1 Related

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B. GS 2 Related

Nothing here for today!!!

C. GS 3 Related

Category: ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. COP-28 calls for ‘transition away’ from fossil fuels

Syllabus: Conservation, Environmental pollution and degradation, Environmental impact assessment.

Mains: Dubai Consensus

Context:

Global nations adopted the Dubai Consensus, a resolution calling for a transition away from fossil fuels
to achieve net zero by 2050, balancing concerns of developed and developing countries.

Introduction
Nations gathered in Dubai have taken a significant step towards reducing global reliance on fossil fuels
by adopting the Dubai Consensus, a resolution emphasising transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy
systems.

The resolution calls for a just, orderly, and equitable move towards achieving net zero by 2050, aligning
with scientific recommendations to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Transitioning Language and Compromises

The consensus text encourages parties to transition away from fossil fuels but avoids the stronger term
“phase-out” seen in earlier drafts.

The path to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is crucial in preventing a temperature increase beyond
1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC).

Emission Reduction Targets

To reach net-zero emissions by 2050, the scientific community suggests cutting emissions to 43% of
2019 levels by 2030 and 60% by 2035.

The timeline poses a considerable challenge, with just seven years remaining to achieve the first target
while global emissions continue to rise annually.

Compromise Between Developed and Developing Countries

The Dubai Consensus reflects a compromise between developed and developing nations on addressing
greenhouse gas emissions while considering proportional contributions based on historical
responsibilities for the climate crisis.

Negotiations are incremental due to UN rules requiring unanimous agreement from all 198 signatories
on each line of the text.

Global Reactions and Concerns

Delegates from vulnerable nations express dissatisfaction with the agreement, feeling it falls short of
ending fossil fuel use, putting their countries at risk.
Some countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Colombia, and Senegal, acknowledge the agreement’s
step toward a fossil-free future but express concern over the lack of progress in delivering promised
funds from developed countries to support developing nations.

Focus Beyond Emissions: Adaptation and Support

Climate talks address not only emission reduction but also adaptation to climate impacts and means of
implementation and support.

Developing nations emphasise the need for financial support and technology from developed countries
to transition away from fossil fuels.

Challenges and Broken Promises

Criticism arises from the perception that promises made by developed countries, such as mobilising
$100 billion annually from 2020 to 2025, have been inadequately fulfilled.

Anand Patwardhan of the University of Maryland emphasises the need for developed nations to reach
net zero much earlier, providing space for developing countries.

NutGraf: Nations unite in Dubai, adopting the Dubai Consensus for a fossil-free future, emphasising the
transition from fossil fuels to achieve net zero by 2050 amid challenges and compromises between
developed and developing nations.

D. GS 4 Related

Nothing here for today!!!

E. Editorials

Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. Gaza, a new pointer to India’s changed world view

Syllabus: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.

Mains: India’s evolving stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict

Context: India’s evolving stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict serves as a reflection of the recent
transformations in its foreign policy. From the early days of independence, marked by a commitment to
“strategic autonomy” and non-alignment, to the present era characterized by changing geopolitical
dynamics, India’s position has undergone a significant shift.

Historical Context

India’s initial approach was rooted in its anti-colonial sentiment, aligning with the USSR against Western
powers on issues of imperialism and apartheid. This manifested in its vote against the partition of
Palestine in 1947, drawing parallels with its own experience of partition during the creation of Pakistan.

Recognition of Israel

While India eventually recognized Israel after its establishment, diplomatic relations remained limited
for over four decades. Simultaneously, India became the first non-Arab country to recognize the
Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian state, showcasing a commitment to a two-
state solution.

Shift in Relations

The rise of Pakistan-backed Islamic militancy against India became a turning point. Shared concerns
about Islamist extremism led to increased security and intelligence cooperation between India and
Israel. Successive Indian governments continued supporting the PLO, emphasizing a peaceful resolution
to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Strengthening Ties

Recent years witnessed a substantial strengthening of India-Israel relations, with Israel becoming a
crucial partner in defense, intelligence, and, allegedly, surveillance technology. High-profile visits by
Prime Ministers Modi and Netanyahu underscored the depth of this relationship.
India’s Response to Gaza Conflict

The recent conflict in Gaza prompted India to express solidarity with Israel initially. However, the
escalating death toll and media coverage led to a nuanced shift. While Prime Minister Modi conveyed
condolences to the Palestinian President, the External Affairs Ministry expressed support for a two-state
solution.

UN Vote and Criticisms

India’s abstention in a UN vote on a humanitarian truce raised eyebrows, especially considering the
country’s historical stance. Criticisms arose, questioning India’s deviation from the majority opinion
within the Global South and its seemingly pro-Israeli stance.

Changing Dynamics

Under Prime Minister Modi, India’s foreign policy has experienced notable changes, particularly in
response to the rise of China. A reorientation toward the United States and active participation in
regional geopolitics, including the “I2U2” dialogue and the India-Middle East-Europe-Economic Corridor,
indicates a broader shift in global alliances.

Gaza as a Manifestation

The Gaza conflict serves as the latest manifestation of India’s evolving worldview, reflecting changing
geopolitical realities, concerns about China’s rise, and a nuanced approach to regional dynamics.

Nut Graf: India’s position on the Israel-Gaza conflict unveils a complex journey from non-alignment to a
recalibration of alliances. The evolving dynamics in the Middle East, coupled with India’s changing
geopolitical considerations, mark a pivotal moment in the country’s foreign policy.

Category: POLITY

1. Article 370 judgment is a case of constitutional monism

Syllabus: Amendments in the Indian Constitution

Mains: Significance of abrogation of Article 370

Context: The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision to uphold the abrogation of Article 370, more than
four years after its implementation, signifies a case of constitutional monism, according to the author.

While discussions have primarily centred around the implications for statehood, the essence of the
matter lies in the special status of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

Federalism and Constitutional Sovereignty

The judgment reflects a monist perspective by perceiving the Union Constitution as the exclusive
repository of internal and external sovereignty.

Contrary to the intricate power distribution envisioned by Article 370, the Court emphasizes a singular
concept of sovereignty, sidelining the shared sovereignty model advocated by the J&K Constituent
Assembly.

The failure to recognize the nuanced nature of sovereignty in federal constitutions raises concerns about
the impact on India’s federal structure.

Contingency of Presidential Power

Constitutional monism operates prominently in the Court’s interpretation of Clause 3 of Article 370.

The rejection of Article 370’s permanence after the Constituent Assembly’s dissolution neglects the
contingent nature of presidential power.

The Court’s assertion that the President holds unbridled power to abrogate Article 370 contradicts the
principles of federalism and constitutional democracy, says the author.

The interpretation collapses the question of the nature of powers into the effect of powers, eroding the
federal balance envisioned by the Constitution.

State’s Views on Its Future

The judgment’s monist approach envisions popular sovereignty as a unified entity, dismissing the
significance of an individual State’s views in the context of reorganization.

By asserting that Parliament can represent the entire nation’s views, the Court places the popular
sovereignty of a State’s people beneath the overarching sovereignty of the entire nation.

This poses a worrisome precedent, particularly considering J&K’s historical threshold for reorganization,
which was notably higher than other states.

Issues

Monist Approach: The Court’s reliance on constitutional monism undermines the intricate federal
structure envisioned by Article 370.

Unbridled Presidential Power: The interpretation of presidential powers as unbounded contradicts the
principles of constitutional democracy and federalism.

Subordination of State’s Views: The Court’s stance diminishes the significance of an individual State’s
views, potentially compromising the federal balance.

Way Forward

Reevaluate Constitutional Interpretation: Encourage a more nuanced interpretation of the Constitution

that respects the federal principles enshrined in Article 370.

Review Presidential Powers: Reassess the scope of presidential powers, ensuring they align with the
principles of checks and balances in a federal structure.

Empower State Views: Recognize and uphold the significance of individual State views in matters of
reorganization, safeguarding the principles of federalism.

Nut Graf: The Article 370 judgment, shaped by constitutional monism, raises critical concerns about its
impact on federalism in India. The implications of this judgment extend beyond the specific case of
Jammu and Kashmir, influencing the broader constitutional fabric of the country.

F. Prelims Facts

Nothing here for today!!!

G. Tidbits
1. Road fatalities rise in India, despite global drop: WHO

According to the ‘Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023’ by the World Health Organization (WHO),
road traffic deaths worldwide fell by 5% to 1.19 million annually between 2010 and 2021.

India, however, recorded a 15% increase in road traffic fatalities during the same period, with the total
number rising to 1.54 lakh in 2021 from 1.34 lakh in 2010.

The report highlighted that road crashes were the leading cause of death among children and youth
aged five to 29 years as of 2019.

10 countries, including Belarus, Denmark, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates, reduced road traffic
deaths by over 50%.

35 countries made notable progress, achieving a reduction of road traffic deaths by 30% to 50%.

The global road fatality rate declined from 18 per 1 lakh people in 2010 to 15 per 1 lakh in 2021,
representing a 16% decline in the road traffic death rate since 2010.

The WHO’s South-East Asia Region accounted for 28% of global road traffic deaths, followed by the
Western Pacific Region (25%), the African Region (19%), the Region of the Americas (12%), the Eastern
Mediterranean Region (11%), and the European Region (5%).

Nine in 10 road traffic deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, where the risk of death is
three times higher than in high-income countries, despite low-income countries having just 1% of the
world’s motor vehicles.

2. ‘New Delhi Declaration’ on artificial intelligence adopted

Representatives from 28 countries and the European Union adopted the “New Delhi Declaration” of the
Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI).

India is hosting the summit and will chair the GPAI grouping in 2024.

The ministerial declaration reaffirms the countries’ commitment to principles for the responsible
stewardship of trustworthy AI, rooted in democratic values and human rights.

GPAI is a grouping of countries in North and South America, Europe, and East Asia working towards the
trustworthy development, deployment, and use of AI.

The Delhi Declaration commits countries to address concerns related to misinformation, disinformation,
unemployment, lack of transparency, fairness, protection of intellectual property and personal data, and
threats to human rights and democratic values.
The declaration emphasises inclusivity, encouraging more developing countries to join GPAI.

3. ‘Panel on security defunct for five years; Opposition MPs raise concern

Opposition members in India have raised concerns over security arrangements at the new Parliament
building following incidents of political sloganeering during a Special Session.

Despite requests, the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Security in Parliament Complex has not been
reconstituted during the 17th Lok Sabha.

Opposition MPs complain of alleged political bias in providing visitors’ gallery passes and an increased
presence of private security guards on the Parliament premises.

The new Parliament has a five-tier security arrangement for visitors, and the Opposition walked out of
the Rajya Sabha seeking an explanation from the government.

H. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

The final text of the UNFCCC CoP28 declaration is another reaffirmation of India’s growing clout on the
global stage. Discuss. (250 words, 15 marks) (GS III – Environment and Ecology)

In the context of India’s recent voting patterns in the UN General Assembly on the Israel – Palestine
conflict, elaborate on how India’s foreign policy has evolved over the decades. (250 words, 15 marks)
(GS II- International relations)