7th November 2023 (7 Topics)
1
Nov
2
Nov
3
Nov
4
Nov
6
Nov
7
Nov
8
Nov
9
Nov
10
Nov
11
Nov
13
Nov
14
Nov
15
Nov
16
Nov
17
Nov
18
Nov
20
Nov
21
Nov
22
Nov
23
Nov
24
Nov
25
Nov
27
Nov
28
Nov
29
Nov
30
Nov
7th November 2023
QUIZ - 7th November 2023
5 Questions
5 Minutes
Editorials
Context:
There is a trend of competitive populism in various Indian states however; it also raises questions about the sanctity of the MSP and the fiscal sustainability of such policies.
NFSA and Competitive Populism
- NFSA Continuity: UPA's NFSA, 2013 provided subsidized food grains to 35 crore Indians.
- Competitive Populism in Chhattisgarh: Congress pays farmers above MSP for paddy, raising questions on MSP's sanctity and fiscal sustainability.
- Shift towards Short-Term Benefits: Governments favor freebies over long-term investments in education, healthcare, and agriculture, reflecting a deeper political economy issue.
MSP & Fiscal Viability
- Sanctity of MSP: Chhattisgarh pays paddy growers significantly above MSP. This raises concerns about equity for farmers in other states.
- Fiscal Sustainability Challenge: Procuring rice at high MSPs and distributing it for free poses fiscal sustainability risks. Government stocks may grow excessively.
- Neglect of Essential Sectors: Investment in public education, healthcare, irrigation, and agricultural research is overlooked in favor of short-term benefits.
Concerns
- Transactional Voting Behavior: Voters prioritize immediate benefits over long-term development, perpetuating a culture of instant gratification in politics.
- Need for Strategic Planning: Governments should balance short-term freebies with long-term investments for sustainable growth and development.
- Way forward: The need of the hour is to invest in gaining public trust and votes not the freebies being distributed in bulk to buy votes.
You must be logged in to get greater insights. click here to login
Editorials
Context:
Relying solely on military force to handle a threat works temporarily, but it fails when the enemy discovers vulnerability is dangerous for common people during any war.
Collapse of Israel's Security Policy
- Historical Mirage: Israel's military prowess created an illusion of invincibility, but recent events reveal vulnerabilities and escalate risks.
- Limited Air Campaigns: Israel's periodic attacks on Gaza aimed to weaken militant capabilities but lacked a long-term political plan.
- Netanyahu's Strategy: Abandoning the two-state solution, Netanyahu's divisive tactics favored extremists, weakening the Palestinian Authority and perpetuating conflict.
The Pitfalls of Operational Superiority
- Israel's Misconception: Relying on operational dominance, Israel overlooked the political roots of the conflict, allowing room for retaliatory strikes.
- India's Approach to Pakistan: Similar to Israel, India prioritized military strength but neglected political resolution in dealing with Pakistan.
- Kashmir Standoff: India's decision to end Jammu and Kashmir's autonomy signaled a non-negotiable stance, hindering potential diplomatic progress.
Embracing Political Solutions
- Benefits of Dialogue: While not a cure-all, diplomacy can ease tensions, as seen in past rapprochements between historic adversaries.
- Potential Gains for Pakistan: Engaging in dialogue can incentivize Pakistan to pursue economic stability and distance itself from extremist elements.
- Addressing Broader Issues: Political processes can pave the way for confidence-building measures, cooperation on shared challenges, and economic growth.
You must be logged in to get greater insights. click here to login
Editorials
Context:
The detrimental effects of social media particularly on mental health need a legal action and regulations.
Social Media's Impact on Mental Health
- Historical Warnings: Events like Cambridge Analytica and "The Social Dilemma" highlighted social media's manipulation of human behavior.
- Meta's Role: Meta (formerly Facebook) faced backlash after whistleblower Frances Haugen revealed how Instagram negatively affected teen girls' body image.
- Legal Action in the US: Forty-two Attorney Generals sue Meta, alleging it actively contributes to youth mental health crisis via addictive platforms.
The Problem Lies in the Business Model
- Shift in Purpose: Social networks evolved into social media, driven by profit from user data and engagement.
- Influence on User Behavior: Algorithms exploit dopamine responses, fostering addiction and prioritizing profit over well-being.
- Potential Consequences for Meta: Lawsuit could lead to substantial penalties, challenging Meta's business model and global regulatory scrutiny.
The Need for Accountability and Change
- Global Impact: UK, EU, and India consider regulatory action against social media giants, emphasizing accountability for content hosting.
- Meta's Response: Defends actions taken to support teen users, suggests productive collaboration over confrontational approach.
- Potential Shift to Subscription Model: Considering alternatives to advertising-based revenue model for long-term sustainability and user well-being.
You must be logged in to get greater insights. click here to login
Courses
Study
Notes
Home
Resources
More
