The Hindu Newspaper Analysis

Editorial Topic : Free Speech Absolutism

 GS-2 Mains Exam : Polity

Revision Notes

Introduction

• Free speech is not absolute: Subject to restrictions for public order, morals, and public health (Universal Declaration of Human Rights).
• Pavel Durov: Telegram founder and CEO, emphasizes absolute free speech, anti-establishmentarian image.

Detention of Telegram CEO

• Reasons for detention: French authorities arrested Durov for investigations related to criminal activity on Telegram.
• Laissez-faire approach: Telegram hosts extremism, drug dealers, scammers, and child pornography.
• Dilemma of privacy and freedom: Should freedom and privacy override responsibility to prevent consequences endangering people’s safety?

About Telegram

• More than a messaging app: Social networking features.
• Encryption mechanisms: Ease of access for dissidents and anti-state actors, but not fully end-to-end encrypted.
• Visibility to Telegram: Can read messages related to criminal activity, disinformation, and child pornography.
• Industry standards and regulations: Telegram claims moderation is within industry standards, questions liability for abuse.

Conclusion

• Telegram’s willful refusal to act: Investigations in France show Telegram’s refusal to curb hate speech, disinformation, and criminal content.
• Durov cannot escape the long arm of the law: Must face consequences for Telegram’s actions.
• India’s experience with misinformation: WhatsApp’s restrictions helped curb misinformation.
• Telegram must eschew absolutism: Become more responsible in moderating content to remain a free speech advocate.

 

 

 

 

 

The Hindu Newspaper Analysis

Editorial Topic : “The Continuing Churn in the Chinese Military”

 GS-2 Mains Exam : IR

Revision Notes

 

Introduction:

• August 1, 2024: Marked the 97th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
• Leadership Changes: Southern and Northern Theaters of the PLA witnessed new commanders—General Wu Yanan and General Huang Ming—appointed quietly, highlighting ongoing leadership changes in the PLA.

Tumult in the Southern Theater:

• South China Sea Skirmishes: Recent conflicts with the Philippines have drawn criticism from Japan and the US, worsening regional security.
• Xi Jinping’s Vision: The PLA aims to become a “world-class” military capable of handling diverse regional conflicts, reflecting Xi’s statement on “profound changes unseen in a century.”
• Naval Power and Leadership: General Wang Xiubin’s removal as Southern Theater commander may indicate his perceived failure in solidifying China’s naval ambitions.
• Internal Theater Politics: Leadership dynamics within the Southern Theater may have influenced Wang’s replacement.
• Training Exercise Issues: Recent joint training exercises between naval units revealed inefficiencies, particularly among political officers in wartime mobilization.
• Liaoning of Officers: In April 2024, discussions among military officers revealed tensions between veterans and new leaders, emphasizing the need for unity and support.
• Fault Tolerance Mechanism: A system was introduced to allow personnel to report errors without fear of reprimand, aiming to improve cohesion and efficiency.

PLA Reforms Since 2015:

• Goal: Reforms aimed to create a perfect military force with flawless interoperability, a seamless hierarchy, and an effective wartime mobilization mechanism.
• Challenges: Developments in the Southern Theater have exposed the flaws in this reform vision, less than a decade after its implementation.

General Wu Yanan’s Leadership:

• Experienced Leader: Wu is a veteran of the CMC Joint Staff Department and has served as Commander of the Central Theater.
• Focus on Reform: His appointment is likely aimed at implementing the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) reform agenda in the Southern Theater, emphasizing “jointness” between various forces.
• Rapid Response: Within a week of his appointment, the Southern Theater command has shown signs of regaining control and efficiency.
• August 7, 2024: Joint maritime and aerial patrols near the Scarborough Islands demonstrate the theater’s readiness and capability in testing reconnaissance, maneuverability, and strike proficiency.
• Increased Pressure: Wu’s leadership is expected to intensify combat preparedness and political cohesion, with frequent military demonstrations in the South China Sea as a measure of efficiency.

Way Forward:

• Unfinished Reforms: The PLA’s reform goals remain incomplete, as evidenced by ongoing purges and leadership replacements driven by corruption scandals and inefficiencies.
• New Leadership’s Role: The newly appointed leaders are expected to stabilize internal affairs and advance the PLA towards its goal of becoming a “world-class” military by mid-century.

Conclusion: Lessons for India:

• Strategic Importance: India must closely observe these leadership changes in the PLA to understand the nature of military command within the CCP’s army.
• Leadership Loyalty: PLA commanders are selected not only for their merit and experience but also for their loyalty to the CCP’s goals.
• India’s Rivalry with China: As China is both a rival and a significant military challenger, India should study the evolution of PLA reforms and leadership changes to better understand its adversary’s military strategies.