The HINDU Editorial notes & current affairs for UPSC exam

THE HINDU Editorial notes for UPSC exam

It is in India's best interest if the United States and Russia could come to some kind of understanding especially to prevent Chinese expansionism
This has been the view since cold war days but due to Sino Soviet tensions and consequent Chinese rapprochement with US this view of China being checked through a shared understanding between Washington and Moscow never materialized
Currently Russia's exclusion by the Western world Post Crimean crisis has pushed Russia to further its relationship with China, despite their being some contentious issues between them, especially in the region of Eurasia.
Russia China relationship at present is guided by ,as Dmitri tremnin suggests the "principle of never being against each other but not necessarily always with each other", this principal offers flexibility to both the parties in pursuing their national priorities.
India would like Russia to play a major role in emerging Indo Pacific region , India's conception of free and open Indo Pacific where there is no single country hegemony may allay the fears of Russia that Indo Pacific is a strategy by Western powers to contain Russia as well as China
Having been reassured that India is not bandwagoning with the US and genuinely believes in open inclusive security and order ,Russia could now begin the process of imagining a role in the Indo Pacific that brings its vast diplomatic experience and strategic heft to ensure a multi polar Asia.

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Want to read more about recent India-Russia engagements ,click here

The Recent amendments to the the unlawful activities Prevention Act ( UAPA ) allows the executive to declare an individual as a terrorist ,earlier only associations/ organizations could be deemed illegal on grounds of terrorism

During the introduction of the amendment in parliament, critics warned that vesting such sweeping powers in the hands of political executive would prove to be a recipe for abuse
The UAPA tribunal which is designated to hear appeals by banned organization should scrutinize the decision of the government keeping in mind the fact that banning an organization or a group infringes crucial fundamental freedom of speech and Association
In reality though UAPA Tribunals by allow the government vast amount of leeway in proving its case departed from some of the most fundamental principles of fair procedure and has acted a little more than a judicial rubber stamp
This was evident by recent UAPA Tribunal order confirming the government's ban on Jamaat e Islami Jammu Kashmir where the appellant party was denied necessary opportunity to prove its case ,the government's evidence to ban the organization was not disclosed to the association or its lawyers let alone the public
In it's opinion the Tribunal made multiple references to how the UAPA act allows for departure from the strict rules of evidence in order to serve larger goals but this indeed is the problem these departures have been made boundless and boundlessly manipulable to the extent that they have swallowed most basic rules of procedural justice and fairness
It is an instance of courts acting to legitimize and enable Governmental overreach rather than protecting citizens and the right of citizens against the government.

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Read more UAPA facts for upsc,click here

Recent study published in lancet journal highlighted that Cardio Vascular Disease(CVD) is the leading cause of death overall across five continents

India is one of the worst affected countries when it comes to CVD disease and the major cause was identified as indoor air pollution
In developed countries,the mortality due to CVD is less owing to quality and accessible healthcare.
In India's case where there is a lack of good quality health infra along with higher out of pocket expenditure means the patient leaving the treatment halfway and thereby leading to higher mortality
The State funded insurance schemes such as Ayushman Bharat and other regional schemes along with National Program for Prevention and Control of Cancer,Diabetes,CVD and Stroke will have to step up efforts to target people at risk with life saving interventions
Any solution to Non communicable diseases must involve environmental and educational awareness to be really effective.

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Read more about National Program on NCD,click here

Recent changes in Jammu Kashmir from being a special status state to Union Territory was carried out in a hurried process without providing for adequate consultation
It has been a month since the decision ,and yet the communication blackout exists in certain regions of Kashmir valley and prominent political leaders are detained or are under house arrest.
The repressive measures and absence of consultation with local population while deciding the fate of Jammu Kashmir have only deepened alienation among the local population

pic credits:reuters.com

Although there is widespread support to the abrogation of special status to J&K from the rest of India,the central government has a obligation to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to reassure that the change of status is not a detriment to their interest.

To read the complete editorial,click here
Learn more about article 370 ,click here