Indian Express Editorial Summary

Editorial Topic : Nuclear Issues Regaining Importance: Beyond Pakistan Debate in India

GS-2 Mains Exam : International Relationship

Question : Evaluate the strategic implications of the increasing sophistication and expansion of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal. How can India develop a more effective deterrence strategy to address the dual nuclear threats posed by Pakistan and China?

The Current Landscape

• The focus on Pakistan’s nuclear weapons in Indian elections ignores broader nuclear challenges.
• Nuclear factors are resurfacing in global power dynamics and regional conflicts (Europe, Middle East, Asia).
• Civil nuclear energy is gaining renewed interest due to climate change concerns.

India’s Waning Nuclear Debate

• Intense discussions about acquiring nuclear weapons occurred in India during the 1990s.
• The 2000s saw a shift towards reconciliation with the global non-proliferation order (US civil nuclear deal).
• Since then, public and political interest in nuclear issues has declined in India.

A World on the Brink?

• The UN warns of a potential return to nuclear war due to rising tensions between major powers.
• The Ukraine war and Russia’s nuclear threats are prompting the West to rethink deterrence strategies.
• Ideas include strengthening NATO’s nuclear forces, France-UK collaboration, and a European nuclear deterrent.

Nuclear Abstinence Reconsidered in Asia

• China’s assertiveness and potential US isolationism under Trump 2.0 worry Asian neighbors.
• Japan and South Korea are currently seeking to strengthen the US nuclear umbrella.
• A Trump victory could lead to a more serious debate on national nuclear arsenals in Northeast Asia.

The Middle East’s Nuclear Concerns

• Fears of Iran’s nuclear ambitions are pushing Arab nations to consider acquiring nuclear capabilities.
• Civil nuclear cooperation is reportedly part of the US-Saudi Arabia security pact negotiations.

New Technological Challenges

• The rise of AI and robotic weapons raises concerns about automated nuclear decision-making and its impact on stability.
• The US urges China and Russia to commit to human control of nuclear weapons deployment.
• US concerns about Russia deploying anti-satellite nuclear weapons are heightened by Russia’s veto of a space arms race prevention resolution (China abstained).

India’s Fixation on Pakistan’s Nukes

• Pakistan’s nuclear weapons and their impact on India’s security are a serious concern.
• India struggles to deter Pakistan’s cross-border terrorism under the shadow of nuclear weapons.
• The Modi government’s attempts to limit Pakistan’s atomic advantage have had limited success.

Pakistan’s Growing Nuclear Arsenal

• Dismissing Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities is unwise.
• As India’s conventional power grows, Pakistan might increase its nuclear arsenal to counterbalance.
• India’s rhetoric on reclaiming Pakistan-occupied Kashmir could strengthen Pakistan’s resolve to bolster its nukes.
• Pakistan has a sizable and sophisticated nuclear arsenal, potentially aided by China.

China’s Nuclear Threat

• China’s nuclear arsenal is a growing challenge for India.
• China is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal, estimated to reach 1,500 by 2035.
• China’s expanded arsenal aims to:
  • Deter the US
  • Achieve a balance of power with the US
  • Underwrite China’s geopolitical influence

India’s Response

• Building deterrence against China’s nuclear arsenal should be a national priority for India.
• India’s current approach of “technology demonstrators” and “symbolic capabilities” is inadequate.
• A more purposeful program to build credible nuclear and missile capabilities is needed.

The Way Forward for India

• The next Indian government needs to:
  • Conduct a comprehensive review of the changing global nuclear landscape and regional challenges.
  • Modernize India’s nuclear arsenal and doctrine.
  • Accelerate India’s civilian nuclear energy program (lagging behind China and South Korea).
  • Overhaul the legal and institutional frameworks governing India’s atomic energy development.

Conclusion

India’s nuclear debate needs to broaden its focus beyond Pakistan. The rapidly changing global nuclear dynamics necessitate a revamped Indian nuclear policy to ensure security and strategic relevance.

 

 

Indian Express Editorial Summary

Editorial Topic : Heat Stress in Urban India

GS-1&3 Mains Exam : Urbanisation & Disasters Management 

Revision Notes

Question : Examine the effectiveness of existing heat action plans (HAPs) in India. What are the main challenges in their implementation, and how can these plans be improved to address urban heat stress more effectively?

The Problem

• Large parts of India are experiencing scorching summers with prolonged heat waves.
• A new report highlights that rising temperatures aren’t the sole culprit behind the intense heat stress.

Key Findings (CSE Report)

• Discomfort in major cities (Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, etc.) stems from a combination of factors:
  • Air temperature
  • Land surface temperature
  • Relative humidity
  • Rapid urbanization and concretization
• This poses a severe health risk, especially for vulnerable groups (elderly, children, pregnant women, slum dwellers, outdoor workers).

Heat Waves and Urban Factors

• This is the 3rd consecutive year of severe heat waves in India.
• These waves are longer than usual (over 10 days) compared to the typical 4-8 days.
• Climate change is causing rising temperatures and humidity.
• However, the CSE report identifies additional factors amplifying the heat’s impact:
  • Changes in land use
  • Urban sprawl

Urban Heat Island Effect

• Densely built areas trap heat due to:
  • Buildings
  • Paved roads
  • Surfaces like concrete, glass, and steel
• This leads to higher city center temperatures compared to outskirts.
• Nights offer little relief, with cities cooling down slower than before across climatic zones.

The Worrying Outcome

• Continuous heat stress increases the risk of heat-related illnesses and even death.

 

Heat Action Plans Needed to Combat Urban Heat Stress in India

The Problem

• Existing relief measures may not be effective due to a combination of factors causing heat stress: rising temperatures, humidity, urban sprawl, and concretization.
• Over 20 states have heat action plans (HAPs) but most are theoretical and lack funding, local considerations, and long-term vision.

Effective Heat Wave Response

• City-specific management plans are crucial to address local heat vulnerabilities.
• Plans should prioritize:
  • Green spaces and water bodies
  • Reducing heat generation from vehicles, industries, and concrete surfaces
  • Affordable cooling solutions like cool roofs (reflective surfaces)

Heat Wave Action Plan Recommendations

• Disaster Management: Robust strategies and long-term plans to protect people, livestock, and wildlife during heat waves.
• Sendai Framework Implementation: Effective implementation of the global framework for disaster risk reduction.
• Public Awareness: Disseminate information through media, provide heat shelters, improve early warning systems.
• Climate Action: Implement national climate action plans and utilize nature-based solutions for sustainable cooling.
• Heat Wave Recognition: Advocate for heat waves to be recognized as major disasters. Develop regional plans with guidelines for school closures and outdoor activities.

Sustainable Cooling Solutions

• Promote passive cooling techniques for natural ventilation in buildings.
• Adapt traditional Indian building designs for modern structures to combat urban heat islands.
• Replace dark roofs, roads, and parking lots with lighter, reflective materials to reduce heat absorption.

Conclusion

While climate change is a factor, urban planning plays a major role in India’s heat stress. Effective heat action plans combining emergency measures and long-term strategies are essential to save lives in increasingly hot cities.