9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – April 8th, 2023
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 1
Each of Earth’s tectonic plates has its own history
Contents
Source: The post is based on the article “Each of Earth’s tectonic plates has its own history” published in The Times of India on 8th April 2023.
Syllabus: GS 1 – Geography
Relevance: geographical features of the Earth.
News: The article discusses various geographical feature of the Earth.
What is a mantle?
It is the layer between the crust and the core at Earth’s centre. The mantle is solid rock and composes the majority of the volume of our planet. This rock is slowly convecting, like a boiling pot of water.
Motions of the rock over very long periods of time are closely tied to the movement of tectonic plates on Earth’s surface. Such plate motions then give us earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
What are the effects of tectonic plate movements?
Tectonic plate system with plates moving all over, collide, rip apart and modify lithosphere.
The Himalayan Mountain range was caused by the collision of the Indian plate with Eurasia. The force which built up this range caused the lithosphere and crust to thicken. Currently, India is moving north at a rate of 3.5 cm each year.
What are the effects of gravity?
Gravity acts on plates and can cause mountain ranges over tens of millions of years to very slowly collapse. Gravity operates deep beneath Earth to remove elements of the lithosphere.
In certain locations, small pieces that are cold and thick in comparison to the mantle drop off the bottom due to gravity. This is a process of modifying the lithosphere.
What is a subduction zone?
Under this, the oceanic part of the tectonic plates gets recycled back into the mantle.
The oceanic crust gets formed at mid-ocean ridges and destroyed and recycled at a subduction zone, where one oceanic plate sinks into the mantle. The driving force is gravity.
This is a way Earth recycles material from its surface to its interior and vice versa.
A lot of Earth’s carbon cycle is controlled by subduction. Carbon also gets locked into limestone rocks which are absorbed back into Earth’s interior. Subduction zones are the prime sites for geologic hazards like earthquakes and tsunamis.
Which part of India is more vulnerable to earthquakes?
Many regions become prone to earthquakes because of tectonic plates. The northern part of India and its surrounding countries are more vulnerable as they are located on a major plate boundary where quakes occur.
People in such zones should be prepared with sustainable building, resilient infrastructure and keeping emergency communications and aid measures ready and handy to minimize damage.
Must Read: Lessons from Turkey: How to make India earthquake prepared
Source: The Times of India
GS PAPER - 2
Spotlight again on Doklam: India-Bhutan relationship and why China remains the dragon in the room
Contents
Source– The post is based on the article “Spotlight again on Doklam: India-Bhutan relationship and why China remains the dragon in the room” published in the “The Indian Express” on 8th April 2023.
Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral groupings and agreements
Relevance– India and Bhutan relationship
News– Recently, Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck visited India.
What are recent developments in Bhutan-China relations?
In an interview, Prime Minister Tshering said Bhutan and China had come to understand each other and were close to resolving their boundary disputes.
Tshering denied there were Chinese incursions in Bhutan’s territory. There exist no Chinese installations in Bhutan and there is no intrusion in the Bhutan territory.
As per Bhutan PM, Doklam is a junction point between India, China, and Bhutan. It is not up to Bhutan alone to solve the problem. There are three equal countries, each counting for a third. As soon as the other two parties are also ready, Bhutan is ready to discuss the border dispute.
The two sides have agreed to simultaneously push forward the implementation of all the steps of the Three-Step Roadmap.
The “Three-Step Roadmap for Expediting the China-Bhutan Boundary Negotiations” refers to an agreement reached between the two countries in April 2021.
The two sides have also agreed to increase the frequency of the Expert Group Meetings and to keep contact through diplomatic channels.
In January, Bhutan and China had held talks in Kunming as part of an ongoing dialogue on the border issue.
Kunming talks focussed on Doklam and areas near the India-Bhutan-China trijunction in the west, and the Jakarlung and Pasamlung pasturelands in the north.
What is the Indian position on Bhutan and Doklam issue?
Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra reiterated that Tshering had not said anything different from India’s own position on this issue.
S Jaishankar in 2017-18 referred to the “Common Understanding” reached between the Special Representatives of New Delhi and Beijing. As per it, trijunction boundary points would be finalised in consultation with those third countries.
India holds that the 2017 Chinese actions in Doklam amounted to an attempt to change the Bhutan-China border unilaterally. Therefore, it violated two agreements with Bhutan in 1988 and 1998.
New Delhi has always held that an agreement between Bhutan and China is the sovereign decision of the two counties. Bhutan is mindful of Indian concerns.
There is close consultation and coordination between the two sides on security issues of mutual interest. This is also written into the 2007 Treaty of Friendship.
What is the Chinese stand on Doklam?
China wants to move the tri junction point from Batang La further south to Gyomochen. It is a violation of the 2012 agreement with India. Control of this area would give China a strategic advantage over India. it will bring China closer to the “chicken’s neck”.
Beijing wants a land swap with China. It wants to get Doklam in exchange for concessions on disputed territory in the north.
China looks at Bhutan as a pressure point on India. Beijing’s renaming of places in Arunachal Pradesh, and its “freeze” on the visas of two Indian journalists, came during the King’s visit to India.
What are the concerns of India on recent developments in Bhutan and China relations?
A China-Bhutan agreement on the boundary, especially if it includes Doklam, would have direct and immediate implications for India’s security.
Tshering’s denial of Chinese incursions in Bhutanese territory has surprised New Delhi. Chinese villages and infrastructure have come up in Doklam.
For more readings– https://forumias.com/blog/india-bhutan-relations-and-its-significance
India must be alert to China’s cartographic deception in Arunachal Pradesh
Source– The post is based on the article “India must be alert to China’s cartographic deception in Arunachal Pradesh” published in the “The Indian Express” on 8th April 2023.
Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral groupings and agreements
Relevance– India and China relationship
News– Recently, China renamed some places in Arunachal Pradesh.
How has China been consistently involved in cartographic deceptions?
In the early 1950s, China started indulging in cartographic deception. It made claims to large parts of Indian territory. The Indian leadership looked at these claims as a negotiable misunderstanding and trusted Zhou Enlai.
India introduced “forward policy” in October 1962 to assert Indian authority over territories. Nehru believed that the Chinese would never attack India. In 1959, he condemned the British Tibetan expert George Patterson for spreading rumours about the Chinese.
Presently, President Xi Jinping continues to follow the old Maoist strategy of violating sovereign national boundaries of neighbours using cartography as a weapon.
The recent renaming of villages, unpopulated areas, rivers and hills in Arunachal Pradesh by the State Council is another example of that cartographic deception.
Is there any basis for the Chinese historical climate over Arunachal Pradesh?
Never in known history did Arunachal Pradesh have any remote contact with China. There was never any Chinese presence there.
Tibetans from Lhasa used to travel to Kolkata via Sikkim and sail onwards to mainland China. At most, the Monpas of Tawang spoke Tibetan.
The only time in recent history the Chinese army came close to Arunachal Pradesh’s borders was during the final years of the Qing dynasty in 1910-12. It entered Kham as part of a campaign to crush the revolt by the Khampas in eastern Ladakh.
Some pro-China historians claimed that Tawang was under the rule of Lhasa before 1950. The sixth Dalai Lama was born in Tawang in 1683. But, Tawang remained largely independent of any outside authority. Historical records also negate such claims.
Through the Shimla Agreement between the British and Tibetan governments in 1914, the McMahon Line became the international boundary between India and Tibet. Tawang fell south of the McMahon Line. The McMahon Line is branded as a “colonial” imposition by the Chinese.
What are the aspirations of local people of Arunachal Pradesh?
People of western Arunachal were never subjects of any outside power. They negotiated with the British when the latter made an outreach in the early 1900s.
After Independence, Indian administration focused on giving primacy to the development of the region rather than exerting authority. People in NEFA were more keen on some kind of a visible Indian authority over the region.
When the Chinese invaded Arunachal Pradesh in October 1962, they made special efforts to convince them about the greater racial affinity between them. But, the Chinese couldn’t win over the hearts and minds of the people of NEFA.
After the war Indian officials returned to the region in early 1963. People extended a warm welcome.
What Our Embassies Owe Indian Mothers Abroad
Source: The post is based on the article “What Our Embassies Owe Indian Mothers Abroad” published in The Times of India on 8th April 2023.
Syllabus: GS 2 – Indian Diaspora
Relevance: concerns associated with Indian parents in Europe
News: Indian families in European countries often face problems with their child being taken away by the child protection services (CPS). The children are put in foster care giving the reason that parents are unable to look after the child.
What is the recent case about?
A seven-month-old daughter was taken away from her parents in September 2021 by CPS in Germany because the baby suffered an injury in the perineum, the sensitive area between the vagina and the anus.
The family provided the explanation of the injury but it was rejected. The baby was put into foster care.
In February 2022, after a full investigation, police closed the case. But the baby was not restored to her parents.
Now, since CPS has not been able to prove charges of sexual abuse, it is trying to prove that the parents, especially the mother, are incapable of looking after their baby.
The parents’ plea that the child is being deprived of her religion and culture has been dismissed by CPS as being irrelevant. Even the visiting hours of parents to their child in the foster have been cut.
CPS is pushing for the child to remain permanently in German foster care. In their opinion, the child will be unsafe if she returns to India.
The court has provided a window to the parents, the government and CPS to work out an agreement before the next scheduled hearing in May.
How has the Indian authority responded?
Usually, the Indian Embassy does not intervene in the cases which involve criminal charges like that of sexual abuse.
However, since the criminal charges have been taken away, it was required by the Indian Embassy to intervene into the matter.
The intervention of the foreign ministry is absolutely crucial in this case as the court has provided a window of agreement.
Further, only an official governmental intervention at the highest level brought babies’ back to their parents in the previous cases.
For example, Aryan came back to his parents in Norway in 2016 with the help of then Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj and in 2011-12, the government intervention helped Sagarika to get her child back from foster care in Norway.
Therefore, the government must take urgent and required measures to bring the baby back to her parents and help other parents who are trapped in such cases.
Supreme Court judgment on Freedom of Press and its significance – Explained, pointwise
Contents
- 1 Introduction
- 2 About the recent SC judgment on Freedom of Press
- 3 What are the different views of the Supreme Court on freedom of press in the past?
- 4 What is the significance of the recent judgment on Freedom of Press?
- 5 How is Freedom of the Press regulated in India?
- 6 What are the challenges in ensuring Freedom of Press?
- 7 What should be done further to ensure Freedom of Press?
For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE → |
Introduction
The Supreme Court of India’s recent judgment ordered the restoration of the broadcasting license of MediaOne, a Kerala-based television channel. It is considered as a significant victory for the freedom of the press. The ruling has highlighted the mounting political and economic pressures faced by the Indian media and the need for further measures to ensure press freedom.
About the recent SC judgment on Freedom of Press
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Read more: Supreme Court says critical views on government policies not anti-establishment |
What are the different views of the Supreme Court on freedom of press in the past?
Romesh Thapar v. State of Madras (1950): The SC held that freedom of speech and expression includes freedom of the press. The Court observed that the press has a significant role to play in informing the public and promoting democratic values. Therefore, any attempt to curtail the freedom of the press would violate the right to freedom of expression.
Brij Bhushan v. State of Delhi (1950): The SC held that freedom of the press cannot be curtailed unless there is an imminent danger to public safety. The Court observed that any attempt to restrain the press must be based on clear and present danger, and not on vague or remote possibilities.
Indian Express Newspapers v. Union of India (1985): The Court emphasized the importance of freedom of the press in these words: “The expression freedom of the press has not been used in Article 19 but it is comprehended within Article 19(1)(a). The expression means freedom from interference from an authority, which would have the effect of interference with the content and circulation of newspapers. There cannot be any interference with that freedom in the name of public interest.”
Siddhartha Vashisht v State NCT of Delhi (2010): The court made the important distinction between trial by media and informative media. The case of Sahara vs SEBI is a review of the case law on the point, and it reinforces the line between legitimate comment and usurpation that affects the presumption of innocence.
Manohar Lal Sharma v Union of India,( 2021): The SC recognised the link between the Right to Privacy and Freedom of Speech, noting that a breach of privacy can lead to self-censorship. They said that press freedom and privacy were allies and that the fear of surveillance is an ‘assault’ on the press, which is the fourth pillar of democracy.
Vinod Dua v. Union of India & Others (2021): The SC held that criticism of the government and its policies is not seditious and that the right to free speech and expression extends to the press.
What is the significance of the recent judgment on Freedom of Press?
Upholding the freedom of the press: The Supreme Court’s judgment has upheld the freedom of the press as a fundamental right guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. This is significant as it reaffirms the importance of the press as a watchdog of democracy.
Curtailing government overreach: The judgment has put a check on the government’s ability to use vague allegations and opaque claims of intelligence-based evidence to restrict the freedom of the press. This is significant as it ensures that the government cannot curtail press freedom at will, and must provide concrete evidence of wrongdoing before taking action.
Setting a precedent for future cases: The judgment sets a precedent for future cases involving press freedom in India. It establishes that journalists and media organizations have the right to access vital evidence the prosecution plans to use, and that critical coverage of the government cannot be deemed unacceptable.
Protecting the rights of journalists: The judgment is significant in that it protects the rights of journalists who have been arrested or censored by the government under the pretext of national security concerns. It ensures that journalists are not unduly targeted or harassed by the state, and that their rights to free speech and expression are protected.
Strengthening democracy: The judgment strengthens democracy in India by ensuring that the press can function as an independent and critical voice. A free and independent press is essential to a functioning democracy, as it holds those in power accountable and enables citizens to make informed decisions
Read here: Open justice – Supreme Court strikes a blow for both media freedom and fair procedure |
How is Freedom of the Press regulated in India?
Constitutional guarantee: The Constitution of India guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression 19(1)(a), which includes the freedom of the press. This means that the government cannot outrightly ban or censor the media without sufficient cause. Article 19(2) provides several reasons to curtail free speech “in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency or morality or in relation to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence”.
Laws and regulations: However, there are laws and regulations in place that impose restrictions on the media. For example, the Official Secrets Act, 1923, allows the government to classify certain information as secret and to punish those who disclose it. Similarly, the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867, requires publishers to register with the government and imposes penalties for non-compliance.
Self-regulatory mechanisms: The media in India is also subject to self-regulatory mechanisms such as the Press Council of India. This body oversees the conduct of the press and handles complaints against it. It consists of journalists and representatives from the media industry and is meant to act as a watchdog for the press.
What are the challenges in ensuring Freedom of Press?
Political pressure and censorship: The Indian government has been known to put pressure on the media to report in a certain way, and has been accused of censoring content critical of the government.
Violence against journalists: India has a high rate of violence against journalists, with many cases of physical assault, harassment, and even murder reported each year. For example, in 2017, a journalist was shot and killed outside her home in Bangalore, reportedly for her critical reporting on right-wing politics.
Legal challenges: There are several laws in India that can be used to restrict press freedom, including the Official Secrets Act and defamation laws. Journalists who report on sensitive issues can face arrest, detention, or other legal action. For example, in 2020, a journalist was arrested and charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for his reporting on the Hathras rape case.
Financial pressures: The media industry in India is subject to financial pressures that can impact its ability to report freely. For example, media outlets may rely on advertising revenue from the government or corporate entities, which can create conflicts of interest and limit their reporting on certain issues.
Misinformation and propaganda: The rise of social media and digital platforms has led to an increase in misinformation and propaganda, which can make it difficult for audiences to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources. This can have a chilling effect on journalists, who may be hesitant to report on sensitive issues for fear of being accused of spreading “fake news.”
What should be done further to ensure Freedom of Press?
Strengthening Legal Protections: The government should review and amend existing laws to ensure that they do not unduly restrict press freedom. There is also a need to enact stronger legal protections for journalists and media outlets, including laws that specifically criminalize violence against journalists.
Promoting Media Pluralism: Steps should be taken to promote media pluralism, including increasing the diversity of ownership, funding models, and content. The government should also support the growth of community and alternative media.
Encouraging Self-Regulation: Media outlets should be encouraged to adopt and adhere to voluntary codes of conduct and ethics. Self-regulation can be effective in promoting responsible journalism and holding media organizations accountable.
Fostering a Culture of Openness: The government should foster a culture of openness and transparency, including by providing greater access to information and data. This can help to promote public trust in the media and the government.
Protecting Whistleblowers: The government should enact stronger protections for whistleblowers who reveal information in the public interest. This can help to ensure that journalists have access to important information and can report on issues of public concern without fear of reprisal.
Supporting Media Literacy: There is a need to promote media literacy among the general public, including by providing education and resources that can help people to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources of information. This can help to promote a more informed and engaged citizenry.
Sources: The Hindu, Indian Express (Article 1 and Article 2), Times of India (Article 1 and Article 2), Hindustan Times, The Quint and The Print
Syllabus: GS 2: Indian Constitution and Polity – Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
GS PAPER - 3
‘India is well within its right to ensure quality’
Source– The post is based on the article “India is well within its right to ensure quality” published in the “mint” on 8th April 2023.
Syllabus: GS3- Economy
Relevance– Issue related to trade
News– several WTO members objected to India issuing quality control orders(QCO) for products of mass consumption, such as machinery safety equipment, pressure cookers, toys and air conditioners, to curb a Chinese import surge and boost exports.
Is the quality control order compliant with WTO provisions?
QCOs are first applied in the domestic market and only then are they imposed on imports. So, India has rights to bring QCOs.
western countries impose quality norms on our products. So, India is duty-bound to retaliate by imposing QCOs on their products. According to WTO rules, members should use similar standards for domestic as well
QCOs cannot be challenged at WTO if they are imposed on grounds of health, safety, environment and deceptive trade practice, or national security. The Centre argued that cheap quality products from other countries pose a health risk for children in India.
What is the rationale behind issuing quality control orders by the Indian government?
QCOs are increasingly being used by the government to curb the dumping of cheap products from China amid the widening trade deficit. It is nearly 40% of the total deficit. India has a total deficit of $87.5 billion.
India lags in terms of international standards. It must ramp up its focus on quality to make the best of free trade agreements and take advantage of the China-plus-one strategy adopted by the West.
Some advice to India on the IFA negotiations
Source– The post is based on the article “Some advice to India on the IFA negotiations” published in “The Hindu” on 8th April 2023.
Syllabus: GS3- Economy. GS2- Important international institutions
Relevance– Issues related to WTO working.
News– World Trade Organization is working on investment facilitation agreement (IFA). It is backed by more than 100 countries.
What are the issues with investment facilitation agreement?
There are apprehension that foreign investors could use IFA to bring claims under the existing BITs. Foreign investors may use the most favoured nation provision in BITs to use provisions in IFA perceived to be more beneficial than provisions of underlying BIT.
The foreign investor may use the provision of fair and equitable treatment (FET) present in BITs to challenge non-compliance with IFA.
Older investment treaties rarely explain the meaning of the FET provision. It allows ISDS tribunals to provide its interpretation. Tribunals have held that the FET provision includes investors’ legitimate expectations. The foreign investor may argue that the commitments undertaken by a state under the IFA create ‘legitimate expectations’ of the investor.
Another provision of the IFA that allows the use of ISDS mechanism can be the so-called umbrella clause. It is a BIT clause that allows contractual and other commitments owed to a foreign investor to be brought under the treaty’s protective umbrella.
Why is the ISDS arbitration tribunal unlikely to agree with the investor if a foreign investor brings such claims?
Many BITs exempt an economic integration agreement from the application of MFN. Thus, the possibility of foreign investors successfully importing IFA provisions into the BIT is remote.
It is doubtful that an ISDS tribunal will accept the argument that mere non-compliance with IFA breaches an investor’s legitimate expectations.
Most new investment treaties avoid ‘umbrella clauses’ altogether. This limits the possibility of investors suing states for non-compliance of IFA obligations as a breach of a BIT’s ‘umbrella clause’.
What is the way forward for success for investment facilitation agreement?
The IFA cannot bind an ISDS tribunal. For the ISDS tribunal, the IFA is just another international law instrument that must be interpreted and applied in accordance with the context of the relevant BIT.
Countries can overcome this problem by amending their respective BITs to exclude the IFA from its scope.
The possibility of an ISDS tribunal interpreting provisions broadly can never be ruled out. But this cannot be a basis to oppose international lawmaking.
India should not be opposed to joining the IFA negotiations at the WTO due to fear of ISDS claims.
Express View on IT Rules amendments: Government sets itself up as judge, jury and executioner
Source: The post is based on the following articles
“Express View on IT Rules amendments: Government sets itself up as judge, jury and executioner” published in the Indian Express on 8th April 2023.
“What’s ‘Misleading’? – Why GoI fact-checking unit can become problematic” published in The Times of India on 8th April 2023.
Syllabus: GS – 3: role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges.
Relevance: About amendments to IT Rules.
News: The government recently notified amendments to Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules.
About the amendments to IT Rules
Read here: IT Ministry notifies body to flag ‘fake’ content about govt |
What are the concerns associated with amendments to IT Rules?
Censorship of the press: Media is already regulated by laws, including defamation. Therefore, legal boundaries for the media exist.
But the new amendments provide unbridled and unchecked powers to the government for deciding what can be published and what cannot. This undermines media freedom further.
Short-circuits Court judgements: The amendments short-circuit a) The procedures, safeguards and conditions laid out in Shreya Singhal v. Union of India or under Section 69A of the IT Act, b) Madras High Court ruling in T M Krishna v. Union of India and the Bombay High Court ruling in Agij Promotion of Nineteen One Media Pvt. Ltd. & Ors. v. Union of India put a hold on the rules which provided the government with a wider say on content on OTT or digital media platforms.
Issues in regulating intermediaries: Intermediaries are one of the gateways to accessing work by the media. Therefore, any arbitrary restrictions on them may affect public access to news.
Not clearly defined: The amendments are not clear on terms such as “misleading”. For example, the facts of a media report can be beyond reproach. However, if the fact-checking unit finds the narrative ‘problematic’, the intermediary can be ordered to take it down as it’s “misleading”
Conflict of interest: The role played by the fact-checking unit has a significant conflict of interest as it plays the role of judge, jury and executioner.
High chance of misuse: The government applied the laws with weaponising trends to curb opposition and dissent. Hence, the present amendment might lead to the same.
What should be done?
The government should think over the consequences if states use grey areas in the law to regulate media. The government has to follow the recent SC judgment ensuring Freedom of Press and should allow media to work without hindrance, as it is essential for democracy.
Science for all – LIGO-India must contribute to the communities it needs sustenance from
Contents
Source: The post is based on the article “Science for all – LIGO-India must contribute to the communities it needs sustenance from” published in The Hindu on 7th April 2023.
Syllabus: GS – 3: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
Relevance: About the LIGO-India project.
News: The Union Cabinet has recently granted permission to set up a gravitational-wave detection facility (LIGO-India) in Maharashtra.
What are Gravitational waves?
Read here: What are Gravitational waves? |
About LIGO-India project
The project will consist of a detector called the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO). It is built in the image of the twin LIGO instruments already operational in the U.S.
After the detection of gravitational waves in 2016, a third detector is being built in India as part of the LIGO-India collaboration. This is to improve the detectors’ collective ability to pinpoint sources of gravitational waves in the sky.
Read more: Scientists to test land for LIGO |
What are the benefits of approving the LIGO-India project?
a) India could become a global site of gravitational physics research, b) India can aid training and the handling of precision technologies and sophisticated control systems. Thereby, cementing a reputation for successfully running an experimental Big Science project, c) LIGO-India can demonstrate India’s ability to pursue research and enhances Indian society’s relationship with science.
What are the challenges in implementing the LIGO-India project?
The prior scientific projects of India faced severe hardships. Such as Challakere Science City and the stalled India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO). This is because
Science projects need large land tracts, with inevitable implications for land-use change: Science projects have to contest land rights, balance the sustainable use of natural resources, meet carbon sequestration targets, and enforce human rights.
In some areas, science projects are seen as an “agent of colonisation”. For instance, Hawaii’s Thirty Meter Telescope is to be built on land the locals hold sacred. Hence, they have to balance the interplay between the history of science and settler colonialism.
Science projects in developing countries: In the economically developing world, countries like India have the responsibility to define their public value, beyond benefits to national industry and research.
What should be done?
-The government has to ensure adequate access to land and other resources and conduct public outreach programmes for the success of the LIGO-India project. The government has to make clear what the LIGO-India project can provide for the nation.
-The government has to ensure the timely release of funds for construction, followed by issuing the allocated resources without delay.
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