MLC Daily Current Affairs – 21 March 2025

Today in History (March 21^st,1916)

Ustad Bismillah Khan (21 March 1916 – 21 August 2006), was an Indian musician credited with popularizing the shehnai, a subcontinental wind instrument. He was awarded India’s highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna, in 2001, becoming the third classical musician after M. S. Subbalakshmi and Ravi Shankar to be awarded, Bharat Ratna. He was born on 21 March 1916 in Bihar, British India.

Summary of Today’s News

The Assault on Multilateralism and International Law

• The ‘America First’ mantra under U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration marks a significant shift in U.S. policy.
• This shift signals a turning point for multilateralism and international law during Trump’s second term.
• The S. is withdrawing from multilateral institutions and agreements it once helped establish.

What is multilateralism?

In international relations, multilateralism refers to a system of cooperation and coordination among three or more states, based on shared interests and the principle of collective action to address global challenges

Key U.S. Measures Against Multilateral Institutions

• Calls for withdrawal from:
  • World Health Organization (WHO).
  • United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
  • Paris Climate Agreement.
• Sanctions imposed on the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its officials.
• Introduction of the Disengaging Entirely from the United Nations Debacle (DEFUND) Act by Republican Senator Mike Lee from Utah, proposing U.S. withdrawal from the United Nations (UN).

Consequences of the New American Approach

• Serious implications for an international order based on multilateral cooperation and respect for international law.

Back to Political and Economic Isolationism

• The DEFUND Act
  • Threatens the legitimacy of the UN, a key example of post-World War II international cooperation.
  • Potential impacts if passed:
    • Repeal of the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 and the United Nations Headquarters Agreement of 1947.
    • Halting all U.S. financial contributions to the UN.
    • Prohibition of U.S. participation in UN peacekeeping operations.
    • Revocation of functional immunity for UN officials from other countries working in the U.S.
  • Undermines multilateral political cooperation, the foundation of a rules-based international order.
• Sanctions on the ICC
  • Executive Order on February 6 imposes sanctions on the ICC, located in The Hague.
  • The ICC is the first permanent court addressing genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.
  • Historical context: The U.S. supported the Nuremberg Tribunal post-World War II, with Chief Prosecutor Robert H. Jackson emphasizing the rule of law over power.
  • The ICC’s mission reflects Nuremberg’s legacy, though the U.S. is not a member and has not ratified the Rome Statute.
  • The executive order accuses the ICC of “illegitimate and baseless actions” targeting the U.S. and Israel, undermining its purpose of ensuring accountability for human rights violations.

Trade Troubles

• Trump administration’s economic nationalism introduces aggressive tariffs for American safety and national security.
• Historical parallel: The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of the 1930s led to trade protectionism, economic decline, and contributed to World War II.
• Post-war recognition of isolationism’s dangers led to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) in 1947, evolving into the World Trade Organization (WTO).
• Current threats to the WTO:
  • S. blockade on appointments to the WTO Appellate Body Dispute Settlement.
  • Potential U.S. withdrawal from the WTO.

Action and Reaction

• Growing U.S. anti-internationalist sentiment and unilateral actions jeopardize multilateral political and economic cooperation.
• Risks devaluing international institutions that:
  • Govern global cooperation.
  • Facilitate the creation and interpretation of international law.
  • Maintain a rules-based international order.
• Potential repercussions for global issues like climate change, environmental degradation, public health, human rights accountability, and economic stability.
• S. risks retaliation from other states; initiatives like ‘Make America Great Again’ (MAGA) may falter without multilateral support.
• Resistance from the international community is crucial, as mutual enrichment requires cooperation, not coercion.

Opportunities for Non-Western Nations

• The U.S.’s actions offer non-western nations, such as India, a chance to assume leadership roles.
• India’s stance:
  • Consistent emphasis on multilateralism and adherence to international law.
  • During the G-20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (February 2025) in Johannesburg, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called for an inclusive, multilateral approach to global challenges, prioritizing international law and peaceful resolutions.
• Opportunity to reform the UN Security Council (UNSC), aligning with India’s long-standing demands.

Conclusion

• S. unilateral actions represent a turning point, potentially inviting global retaliation.
• Simultaneously, this creates an opening for non-western nations, of course India, to take up leadership roles in the international arena.

Ramnath Goenka Awards for Excellence in Journalism

During the 19^th edition of the Ramnath Goenka Awards for Excellence in Journalism, President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the vital role that journalism plays in maintaining democratic values.

• Mridulika Jha of Aaj Tak won the Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism 2025 for her coverage of the ‘‘Dunki route’ adopted by the youths of Haryana to illegally enter the United States of America.
• Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism was instituted by the Indian Express Group on the birth centenary anniversary of its founder Ramnath Goenka. The award is administered by the Ramnath Goenka Foundation.
• The award was first given in 2005 and it honours

The Role of Journalism in Democracy

• Often dubbed the ‘Fourth Estate,’ journalism serves as a vital watchdog in any democracy. It ensures accountability, promotes transparency, and equips citizens with the information needed to make informed decisions.
• A free flow of reliable information is essential for public discourse, which in turn fosters active citizen engagement.

Historical Significance of Journalism

Colonial Era & Early Restrictions:

• The British colonial government introduced measures like the Vernacular Press Act (1878) to suppress nationalist movements.
• Newspapers such as Kesari (edited by Bal Gangadhar Tilak), Bande Mataram, and Amrita Bazar Patrika were crucial in raising awareness and mobilizing public opinion, despite facing frequent suppression.

Contributions of Journalism in India:

• Exposing Corruption: Investigative journalism has played a significant role in unveiling scandals like the Bofors scam, 2G spectrum case, and Vyapam scam.
• Shaping Legislations: The press, including newspapers and TV debates, has influenced key reforms such as the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
• Ensuring Electoral Integrity: Media plays a key role in educating the electorate about candidates, policies, and political manifestos during elections.

The Functions of Journalism in a Democracy

1. Dissemination of Information: A well-informed electorate is vital for a democracy. Journalists collect, verify, and present news related to governance, policies, and social issues, enabling the public to make informed choices.
2. Accountability: Acting as a watchdog, the media ensures that governments, corporations, and other institutions remain accountable. Investigative journalism is crucial in uncovering corruption, human rights violations, and abuses of power.
3. Public Debate and Opinion Formation: Through editorials, debates, and opinion pieces, the press provides a platform for diverse views, encouraging a healthy culture of debate and dissent, essential for any democracy.
4. Education of Citizens: Journalism offers critical analysis on various topics, including economic policies, global issues, and health, helping the public understand complex matters that impact their lives.
5. Defending Press Freedom: An independent press is fundamental to democracy, as it prevents governments from suppressing opposing voices, thereby upholding democratic ideals.

Challenges Facing Modern Journalism

1. Misinformation and Fake News: The spread of unverified information, especially via social media, influences public opinion and can alter electoral results.
2. Political and Corporate Influence: Media outlets sometimes face pressure from political or corporate entities, leading to biased coverage that damages journalistic credibility and public trust.
3. Press Freedom Attacks: Journalists across the globe face physical threats, legal intimidation, and censorship. In India, reports of media suppression and arrests under sedition laws raise concerns over the decline of press freedom.
4. Financial Sustainability: The shift to digital media has disrupted traditional revenue models, making it harder for independent outlets to survive without corporate or political backing.

Key Legislation Supporting Journalism in India

• Press Council Act, 1978: Created the Press Council of India to maintain journalistic ethics and act as a watchdog, although it lacks punitive power.
• Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005: Allows journalists to access government documents, fostering transparency and aiding investigative journalism.
• Whistleblower Protection Act, 2014: Protects individuals (including journalists) who expose corruption.
• Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995: Regulates TV channel content to ensure responsible journalism.
• IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021: Imposes content regulations for digital media and mandates grievance redress mechanisms.
• Defamation Laws (IPC Sections 499 & 500): While sometimes misused to stifle the press, these laws also ensure accountability.

Supreme Court’s Views on Journalism in India

• Romesh Thappar vs State of Madras (1950): The court affirmed that press freedom is a vital component of free speech under Article 19(1)(a), but it can be limited for national security, defamation, or public order concerns.
• Bennett Coleman & Co. vs Union of India (1973): Ruled against government control over newsprint, upholding media independence.
• Indian Express Newspapers vs Union of India (1985): Struck down excessive taxes on newspapers, recognizing that it would undermine press freedom.
• Sahara India Real Estate Corp vs SEBI (2012): Allowed media reporting restrictions only if there was a substantial risk to justice.
• Arnab Ranjan Goswami vs Union of India (2020): Stressed that press freedom cannot be arbitrarily restricted, though media must act responsibly.
• Anuradha Bhasin vs Union of India (2020): Emphasized that shutting down the internet infringes on journalism and free speech.