Context:  This article is based on an Editorial “Henry Kissinger: Cold warrior of realpolitik” Which was published in the Hindu. Recently, a famous American diplomat, Henry Kissinger passed away. He was known for his unique style of diplomacy called “realpolitik.”

Who was Henry Kissinger?

• A Controversial Figure: He was controversial because he often compromised morality to further American interests. 
  • Example: During the Bangladesh liberation war, he favored Pakistan over India. 
• However, no one doubts that he effectively advanced U.S. interests worldwide.
  • In the words of former Prime Minister of Great Britain, Tony Blair, “If it is possible for diplomacy, at its highest level, to be a form of art, Henry was an artist”.

What are the components of Realpolitik?

• Favored Practicality over Ideology: Kissinger made decisions based on practical considerations rather than rigid ideologies. 
  • Example: He opened up relations with China despite communist ideological differences to counter the Soviet Union. 
• Ruthless National Interest: He compromised other concerns like human rights or morality in ruthlessly pursuing American interests. 
  • Example: He allowed/overlooked genocide in Bangladesh and Pakistan’s suppression of East Pakistanis.
• Strategic Ambiguity: He introduced deliberate ambiguity in policy stances on some issues in America’s strategic interest. 
  • Example: Strategic Ambiguity about defending Taiwan even while accepting the One China policy.
• Flexible Alliances: He shifted alliances pragmatically rather than treating friends/foes as permanent. 
  • Example: He brought China closer to counter the USSR even though China was earlier considered an enemy.
• Back-Channel Diplomacy: He secretly established communication channels with rivals to resolve conflicts. 
  • Example: In July 1971, he met Chinese leaders privately to facilitate Sino-US rapprochement before public declaration of changed ties.
• Back-Channel Diplomacy: It is frequently used by conflicting countries, to avoid getting the engagement. It is the practice of “non-governmental, informal and unofficial contacts and activities between private citizens or groups of individuals.
  • The template was used in Track 1 and Track 2 by peaceniks in the Indo-Pak realm earlier or towards the more recent ‘Abrahamic Accords’ besetting Israel-Arab relations. 
• Global Power Balance: One of the key aims was maintaining and advancing America’s global power and influence to rivals. 
  • Example: He focused on countering threats like the USSR rather than human rights.
• Use of ‘Strategic Independence/Autonomy’ by India: In recent times, India owes itself to the foundational principle of realpolitik, as it allows the practitioner not to get closeted within the linear grouping and associated with ‘allies’/blocs to which a sovereign subscribed.
  • Example: India is engaging with America, managing China, cultivating Europe, reassuring Russia, bringing Japan into play, drawing neighbors in, extending the neighborhood, and expanding traditional constituencies of support.
    • During the Russia-Ukraine War, India bought oil from Russia too.

Conclusion:

• Kissinger executed diplomacy with flexibility guided purely by national interest rather than 
• ideology or morality. This expanded America’s strategic options and global reach but compromised its stated values. 
• India with its rise in global relevance and animus simultaneously, needs to maintain pace with the evolving nature of diplomacy.

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Context:  This article is based on an Editorial “Navy Day: As PM Modi praises Shivaji’s naval prowess, a look at the Maratha Navy” Which was published in the Indian Express. The Indian Prime Minister paid tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the occasion of Navy Day (December 4) and unveiled a grand statue of the 17th-century Maratha king at the coastal fort of Sindhugarh, Maharashtra.

• He announced that epaulets (ornamental shoulder pieces denoting rank) adorned by naval officers will soon carry the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj emblem.

Establishment of Maratha Navy by Shivaji

• Vision: His vision was based on his belief in ‘Jalameva yasya, balameva tasya’ (‘He who rules the seas is all powerful’).
• Decision to Establish a Navy: Shivaji’s empire reached the west coast after 1656-57 when his dominions touched Kalyan. In the same year, he decided to establish a navy.
• Reason for Navy Establishment: To protect his territory from the Siddis, and secure ports and merchant ships to ensure maritime trading, and bring in revenue and customs duty. 
• Existence of the Maratha Navy: It came into existence between 1661 and 1663.
  • It comprises 400-odd ships of various kinds and sizes. These included both larger battleships, and other vessels of varying shapes and purposes, such as the gurab, tarande, galbat, shibad, and pal.

What were the strategic forts under Shivaji?

• Construction of Naval Forts: It started in 1653. 
  • Between 1653 and 1680, Shivaji ordered the construction of multiple naval forts.
    • Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, and Kolaba among key forts.
• For Strategic Purpose: These forts, many of them unconquered, were used for strategic purposes, to keep a watch on enemies approaching via the seas. 
  • Example: Vijaydurg was strategically located to keep an eye on enemies.
• Under His Control: North Konkan’s Kalyan and Bhiwandi, which were part of the Bijapur territory, came under Shivaji’s control by 1657. 
  • Even after Shivaji’s demise, the Maratha Navy was a formidable force, led by admirals such as Angre.

What were the naval successes and tactics employed by Shivaji?

• First Success: Successful raid on Basuru near Kundapura, in today’s Karnataka with 85 ships {as per BK Apte’s pioneering- A History of the Maratha Navy and Merchant Ships (1973)}. 
  • It showcased the Maratha Navy’s efficiency and success.
• Innovative Tactics: They performed innovative techniques in littoral waters.
• The Indian Navy Document: It states Shivaji realized the importance of having a secure coastline and protecting the western Konkan coastline from the attacks of Siddis’ [Afro-Indians allied with Deccani Sultans] fleet.

Also Read: Three Anti submarine Warfare Ships for Indian Navy Launched

What were the limitations of the Maratha Navy?

• Brown Water Navy: While Shivaji showed incredible military intelligence in developing a naval force, it focused only on countering regional threats, particularly the Siddis of Janjira.
• Inferior in Comparison with European Powers: Limited strategic objectives, not challenging European naval powers. 
  • After the decline of Portuguese power, the control of the high seas went to the British (on this basis the British built their empire). However, the Marathas, unfortunately, did not have the means to compete with these blue water policies.
  • Example: Maratha ships paid taxes to the Portuguese while heading towards West Asia.

Shivaji’s Maritime Legacy and Recognition in Indian Navy

• Indian Navy’s New Ensign (Flag): Last year, the PM unveiled the Indian Navy’s new Ensign-based on the seal of Shivaji at the commissioning of aircraft carrier INS Vikrant in Kochi.
  • Also the use of the octagonal design of the seal of Shivaji on the new Naval Ensign. 
• Naming after Marathas Naval Commanders: The Indian Navy has named:
  • Its training establishment in Lonavla as INS Shivaji.
  • The shore-based logistics and administrative hub of the Western Naval Command, Mumbai, as INS Angre ( named after the celebrated Maratha naval commander Kanhoji Angre(1669-1729).

Also Read: Armed Forces Flag Day

Shivaji’s Maritime Legacy for Future Naval Strength

• Security: Securing Konkan coastline and trade routes.
• Foundation for Future Naval Power: Laying the foundation for future naval capabilities in India.
  • Example: Indian Navy’s coastal and high seas defense influenced by Shivaji’s vision.

Conclusion:

Shivaji’s maritime legacy continues to shape the Indian Navy’s ethos, as evidenced by recognitions, symbols, and strategic considerations, reinforcing his enduring impact on the nation’s naval strength and coastal security.        

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Context: This article is based on an Editorial “Honest reckoning: On the reality behind the commitment to renewable energy” Which was published in the Hindu. The COP28 Climate Summit is discussing limiting the half-degree rise beyond 1°Celsius (C) (as that 1°C is now crossed).

What are the key aspects of the Paris Agreement?

• The Paris Agreement: In 2015, the Paris Agreement which is a legally binding international treaty on climate change, commits countries to limit the global average temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and to aim for 1.5°C.
  • Endorsement of the Target: In 2018, it was endorsed as a global target by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
  • To Prevent Climate Crisis: The 1.5°C target is the global climate target to limit warming to said level by 2100, to prevent the planet from slipping into further climate crises. 

What steps have been taken to transition to renewable energy?

• Abandon of Using Coal: The United States joined 56 other countries in Dubai in a commitment to completely renounce coal for its energy use, by 2035.
• The Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge: While still a draft text, it asked for a commitment to tripling renewable energy capacity by signatories.
• India’s Commitments: India has positioned itself as a champion for renewable energy.
  • At COP-26, in 2021, the Prime Minister of India announced a new 5-point set of targets (Panchamrit):
    • India will increase its non-fossil fuel energy capacity to 500 gigawatts (GW) from the current 170 GW by 2030.
    • It will meet 50% of its energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030.
    • The total projected carbon emissions will be reduced by 1 billion tonnes from now through 2030.
    • The carbon intensity of its economy will be brought down to less than 45%.
    • India will achieve its target of Net Zero by 2070.

Also Read: NDC Synthesis Report For 2023: UNFCCC

What concerns are emerging regarding global emission reduction pledges?

• Lack of Active Adaptation: The paradox is that even after various commitments to renewable energy, countries are not, as of now, actively adapting to replace fossil fuels. 
• A High Fossil-Fuel Backup by Developed Countries: Despite making commitments to give up coal, Developed Countries often have other large, fossil-fuel resources as backup. 
• Use of Alternative Greenhouse Gases Emitters: The U.S. uses at least 55% of its energy from oil and gas and plans to produce more of it in 2030 than at present. 
• Voluntary Basis: While India has formally articulated its 2030 targets as nationally determined contributions (NDC), it still has reiterated several times that it could not be forced to give up certain fuels. 
  • Nearly 70% of India’s greenhouse gas emissions are from coal-fired plants. 
• Insufficient Pledges: Global pledges to cut emissions are insufficient to achieve the target. 

What steps are required to enhance the efficiency of renewable energy?

• Tripling Renewable Energy Efficiency: Current estimates are that to limit warming to 1.5°C, the world requires three times more renewable energy capacity by 2030 or at least 11,000 GW. 
  • The global consensus was first formally articulated in the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration at the G-20 summit in Delhi. 
• Global Inclusion: Every nation is required to come up with a positive attitude with full intentions and actions.
  • In the Dubai summit, it was perceived that the global convention on tripling renewable energy was endorsed by the larger group of about 190 countries, however, only 118 countries have endorsed it.
  • Also, two major countries, i.e., India and China have not signed it. 

Conclusion:

Rather than just making rules and laws on paper, the time has come for an honest commitment and actions to replace existing and future fossil capacity with clean energy.                                                                                     

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Context: This article is based on an Editorial “The Ambedkar touch in rethinking social justice policies” Which was published in the Hindu. The article highlights the differences between Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s expectations and the current situations of the marginalized communities of India under the rise of neoliberalism. 

About Modern Democracy: Definition, Aim, and Mandates

• Definition: In the words of Abraham Lincoln, “Democracy is a rule of the people, for the people, and by the people”. 
• Deals With: Both the values of social harmony and reforms.
• Aim: To ensure dignity and self-respect to the people, especially the historically deprived and socially marginalized people. 
  • To achieve Social Justice, means ensuring fair and equal rights, equal opportunities, ensuring social benefits and protection for all without any discrimination.
• Mandates for Democratic Institutions: To engage with the deprived and socially marginalized people and ensure their substantive participation as a significant governing class in the political affairs of the nation. 

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Democratic Vision: A Critical Analysis of India’s Progress

• Expectations: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar emerged as a torchbearer of liberal enlightened ideas and expected that in Independent India marginalized communities would be given equal participation in the nation’s economic and political development.
  • The state would reduce the pitfalls and slippages of social justice policies and make them more relevant.
• Significance: The socially oppressed groups in India, especially Dalits, favored and celebrated such modern virtues because of their liberating potential and egalitarian goals. 
• Constitutional Provisions: 
  • Article 17: It states that “Untouchability” is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden. 
  • Part XVI: It deals with the claims of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SCs and STs) to services and posts.
  • Article 15(4) and 16(4): It enabled the Central and State Governments to reserve seats in government services for the members of the SCs and STs.
  • Article 243D: It provides reservation of seats for SCs and STs in every Panchayat.
  • Article 233T: It provides reservation of seats for SCs and STs in every Municipality.
  • Article 335: It deals with the claims of SCs and STs to services and posts.
• Arising Concerns: With the rise of neoliberal economic development, the conventional support to marginalized communities that received from state institutions, has declined and resulted only in tokenistic presence.

The Path Ahead for Advancing Social Justice: Following Ambedkar’s Vision

• Follow Ambedkar’s Approach: His approach is crucial to diagnose illnesses in the social and economic order. He offers ethical corrective measures to make institutions more democratic, representative, and closer to the claims and desires of marginalized social groups. 
• A Sense and Mechanism of Social Justice: It provides moral sensibilities to institutions and makes them responsible towards the diverse population.
• Reforms in Market Economy: The neglect by the neo-liberal market towards the aspirations and the demands of marginalized communities has made the market enterprise more exploitative and closer to a crony capitalist mode, which needs reforms.
• Integration of Marginalized Groups in New Economic Order: A substantive integration of social justice policies in directing the prospects of the market economy would integrate marginalized communities as a part of the working classes and also elevate their stature as influential upholders of capitalist assets.
• Address the Issues: Adivasi concerns about protecting their habitats, ecological order, and cultural autonomy must be addressed. 
• Adoption of New Policies against Social Discrimination: Newer conditions and reparation policies should be adopted to fight the historical wrongs and social discrimination against these groups, ensuring their equitable participation in the diverse spheres of development.
• Need for a New Framework of Social Justice along with more Affirmative Action Policies: To ensure the upliftment of marginalized communities and allow policymakers to look beyond the conventional social justice policies (that often address them as the passive recipient of the state’s welfare packages).

Also Read: Ram Madhav – Don’t Rewrite The Indian Constitution

Conclusion:

In the current era, Ambedkar’s version of social justice is required to redefine capitalism as a pluralist and cooperative mode of economic order that guarantees the substantive participation of marginalized communities in the market economy and in the associated institutions of power and privileges.                          

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