TEN CRITICAL QUESTIONS ON CURRENT GEOPLOITICAL AND NATIONAL ISSUES – 155

PRERNA FOR IAS

(ASSOCIATE OF SAMKALP)

TEN CRITICAL QUESTIONS ON CURRENT GEOPLOITICAL AND NATIONAL ISSUES – 155

1. What does the Nepal flash flood teach India about managing Himalayan disasters?

Answer: The Nepal disaster shows that Himalayan hazards do not respect national boundaries. A rock-and-ice landslide near the Tibet border reportedly generated a debris-laden flood that killed over 150 people, damaged infrastructure and left many Indians missing. In my view, India, Nepal and China need stronger cooperation in hydrological monitoring, satellite surveillance and early warning. Hydropower and roads should also be designed for changing climatic risks. The Himalayas combine fragile geology with climate change and intensive construction. Therefore, disaster policy should move from post-disaster relief towards anticipation, resilient infrastructure and transboundary information-sharing.

2. Is the latest India-China border agreement a significant step towards normalisation?

Answer: Yes, but it should be viewed as incremental progress rather than final resolution. India and China agreed to additional military meeting points, new border hotlines, stronger incident-management mechanisms, border trade discussions and cooperation on transboundary rivers. These measures can reduce misunderstanding and accidental escalation. However, diplomatic documents matter only when reflected in conditions on the ground. In my view, India should pursue peace through verification—maintaining dialogue while closely monitoring implementation. Economic engagement can expand gradually, but durable normalisation requires predictable behaviour and sustained tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control.