MAINS DAILY QUESTIONS & MODEL ANSWERS
Q1. There are significant ramifications of the Israel-Palestine conflict for the global balance of power as well as the region. Discuss.
GS II – International Issues
Introduction:
- The Israeli-Palestinian conflict began towards the close of the 1800s. Israeli desires for security in an area it has long considered hostile are pitted against Palestinian aspirations for their own state in this conflict.
- The Gaza-based organisation Hamas recently carried out a massive terrorist attack against Israel employing air, land, and sea raids in an unprecedented show of terror and capability. Israel responded with airstrikes within Gaza.
- How does the conflict between Israel and Palestine affect the global balance of power as well as the area in a profound way?
- Concerns that Jews would no longer view Israel as a safe refuge are becoming more and more prevalent. This fear may trigger a Jewish population exodus, exacerbating the already precarious situation in the area.
- Due in large part to the breakdown of the two-state solution, the failure of the peace process and the ensuing loss of Jerusalem and the West Bank, the Palestinian Authority is finding it harder to maintain credibility and support throughout the region. Palestinians’ disenchantment has made them more doubtful about the Authority’s capacity to adequately represent their interests.
- The nation’s economy is extremely vulnerable to collapse, making it a risky place to invest. Israel’s difficulties navigating the global landscape are made worse by its efforts to forge alliances and defend its interests.
- Israel is dealing with internal strife and a decline in confidence in its status as a “modern democratic state.” The nation’s capacity to successfully handle foreign difficulties and uphold stability is weakened by these internal divisions.
- After the present conflicts, the Palestinian Resistance Movement is expected to grow stronger. This revival might completely transform the area and act as a spark for freedom and self-governance.
- However, Arab nations are no longer as confident in Israel’s might. But what worries them more is the emergence of Islamist forces in the area. Arab countries must do a careful balancing act as they negotiate these conflicting issues because of this complex dynamic. Deeply incensed about the ongoing hostilities and perceived injustices, the Arab populace presents a serious threat to additional instability.
- Starting with those closest to the fighting, the humanitarian situation and the Israeli military response have sparked fears of mass displacement, especially for Egypt and Jordan.
- Although the current conflict in Gaza has drawn attention from around the globe, there are other reasons why the United States is there. In a similar vein, the Russians take pleasure in the conflict in Gaza since it takes focus away from Ukraine. It is crucial to acknowledge that the strategic interests of both the Russians and the Americans in the area ultimately force them to intervene.
- China, a significant actor in the world economy, mostly depends on West Asia for its oil supply. It finds the area dangerous, but it also gains from the United States’ focus being diverted from East Asia. China’s rise is facilitated by this distraction as the US is occupied in the Middle East. As a long-awaited step towards achieving its geopolitical goals, it might even give China the confidence to strike against Taiwan.
- These moves will probably affect defence agreements, energy security, and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor on the Indian front.
Way ahead:
- To make sure that the issue doesn’t worsen or include more parties, the national governments and international organisations should work together and utilise all available channels of communication.
- To further alleviate the situation, ensure the release of captives, and avert a full siege of the Gaza Strip, all mediation resources should be made available.
- It is important to set the stage for sincere talks about the Palestinian issue. This calls for a concerted effort on the part of the international community to effectively engage all sides in dialogue, as well as broad support for local campaigns and efforts aimed at breaking the cycle of violence.
- Finally, but just as importantly, we must never forget the straightforward lesson that has been discovered in numerous combat zones: fighting terrorism with force is not the only way to defeat it. The administrations of the United States, Europe, and the Arab world ought to get to work right away envisioning a long-term postwar stabilisation that provides a viable alternative for Gazans in particular and the Palestine issue in general.
Q2. With the launch of its first Data Dashboard, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has brought attention to the problem of land degradation. Analyse the multifaceted causes and effects of land degradation.
GS II – International Issues
Introduction:
- Degradation of land refers to the deterioration or loss of soil productivity. Recently, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) unveiled its first-ever land degradation data dashboard. This display shows that at least 100 million hectares of productive and healthy land were damaged annually between 2015 and 2019. Degradation affects 9.45% of India’s reported land area.
Multiple factors contributing to land degradation:
- Climate change: As a result of more frequent and severe extreme weather events like floods, wildfires, and droughts, climate change is making land degradation worse. These occurrences have the potential to weaken soil organic matter, erode soil more readily, and harm soil structure.
- Unsustainable agricultural practises: Unsustainable agricultural practises can cause pollution, salinity, and soil depletion. Examples of these practises include overgrazing, deforestation, and excessive chemical use.
- Deforestation: When trees and other vegetation are cleared of their protective canopy, the land becomes more vulnerable to erosion and other forms of deterioration.
- Overuse of natural resources: In arid and semi-arid areas in particular, overuse of natural resources like water and minerals can result in land degradation.
- Urbanisation: Poorly thought out and unplanned urbanisation can result in pollution, soil sealing, and other types of land degradation.
Repercussions of land degradation:
- Decreased agricultural productivity: Degradation of the land can cause a decrease in agricultural productivity, endangering livelihoods and food security.
- Increased hunger and poverty: Degradation of the land can worsen hunger and poverty, especially in rural areas where 16% of the population lives in multidimensional poverty.
- Increased susceptibility to natural disasters: Land degradation can increase a region’s vulnerability to landslides, floods, and droughts.
- Decreased biodiversity: The loss of biodiversity resulting from land degradation may have an adverse effect on ecosystem services.
- Increased emissions of greenhouse gases: Degradation of the land can release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which can have an impact on global warming.
Way ahead:
- By 2030, 109 nations have voluntarily set goals for Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN), which must be attained immediately in accordance with UNCCD.
- Reversing the process of land degradation can be achieved by implementing sustainable agriculture practises, protecting and restoring forests, funding land rehabilitation initiatives, etc.
Way Forward:
- India pledged to repair 26 million hectares of damaged and deforested land by 2030 as part of the Bonn Challenge. Considering that India only makes up 2.4% of the world’s landmass and must feed 18% of the world’s people, it is critical that this goal be accomplished as soon as possible. Additionally, this would aid in achieving SDG 13 (climate action), SDG 01 (no poverty), and so on.
