The Hindu Editorial Summary
Editorial Topic : The Importance of Quad and BRICS
GS-2 Mains Exam : IR
Revision Notes
Question : Examine the role of India’s strategic participation in both the Quad and BRICS. How does this dual engagement reflect India’s foreign policy priorities?
India walks a tightrope between two influential international groups: the Quad and BRICS. Understanding their significance helps us see India’s strategic balancing act.
The Quad (founded in 2007):
- Security Focus: Countering China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the disputed South China Sea (flashpoint with ASEAN countries).
- Beyond Security: Cooperation on critical technologies (supply chains, semiconductors), digital infrastructure, health, and clean energy. (Recent focus at the July 2024 Quad meeting in Japan)
- India’s View: Broader strategic partnership with economic and technological dimensions, not just military.
- Friction: AUKUS security pact (US, UK, Australia) pushes Quad towards a more militaristic stance, which India is cautious about. India prioritizes independent relations with Russia (despite Western disapproval).
BRICS (founded in 2009):
- Economic & Development Focus: Originally aimed to reform the global economic system and give developing countries a stronger voice.
- Key Initiatives: Established the New Development Bank and Contingent Reserve Arrangement to support infrastructure projects and financial stability.
- India’s Concern: China using BRICS to promote its own agenda and counter the West.
- Recent Development: With Brazil’s leadership change, India is the only member resisting BRICS expansion (several countries are interested).
India’s Challenge:
- Balancing Act: Needs to actively participate in both groups to advance its interests. Downplaying either could be detrimental.
- BRICS Engagement: India must increase its involvement to counter China’s influence and ensure new members align with India’s goals within BRICS.
The Takeaway:
By strategically engaging in both the Quad and BRICS, India can navigate the complex geopolitical landscape. The Quad offers security cooperation and economic partnership, while BRICS provides a platform for economic development and a voice for developing nations. Striking a balance is crucial for India’s rise as a major global player.
The Hindu Editorial Summary
Editorial Topic : Reasonable Accommodations and Disability Rights in India
GS-2 Mains Exam : Vulnerable Section
Revision Notes
Question : Discuss the significance of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, in promoting reasonable accommodations (RAs) for persons with disabilities (PwDs) in India.
The Legal Framework:
- The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, defines Reasonable Accommodations (RAs) as adjustments to ensure PwDs can exercise their rights equally (Section 2(y)).
- RAs can range from building ramps to modifying workplace policies.
- However, institutions can avoid RAs if they prove “undue burden.”
The Problem:
- The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) provides guidelines to determine “undue burden,” but Indian institutions are reluctant due to costs.
- This leads to a utilitarian approach, prioritizing efficiency over PwD welfare.
- Institutions misuse “undue burden” to avoid RAs, hindering PwD rights.
The Solution – Incentive and Cost-Sharing Model:
- Sensitization: Educate institutions that most RAs are inexpensive.
- Targeted Incentives: Provide tax breaks or subsidies for institutions offering RAs.
- Cost-Sharing: Share RA costs with institutions facing genuine resource limitations.
Funding the Model:
- The RPwD Act (Section 86) establishes a National Fund for PwDs with contributions from banks and financial institutions.
- However, the fund remains underutilized (Rule 42, RPwD Rules, 2017).
Optimizing the National Fund:
- Allocate a dedicated budget line for the National Fund.
- Establish clear rules for fund disbursement:
- Institutions assess their resource deficit after considering existing incentives.
- They request shortfall compensation from the National Fund governing body.
- The governing body verifies resource limitations and the proportionality of RAs.
- Funding is approved based on a welfare-focused approach.
Benefits of the Model:
- Reduces institutional reluctance to accommodate PwDs.
- Encourages participation of new institutions by offering positive market outcomes.
- Ensures a uniform legal standard for “undue burden.”
Conclusion:
This model can promote RA implementation, reduce discrimination, and foster a more inclusive society for PwDs in India.
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