The HINDU Editorial simple analysis and notes ,September 7 2019

THE HINDU Editorial notes

This article talks about the trade war between US and China,the consequences of which may lead to global economic slowdown sooner than predicted
Retaliatory tariffs by both sides has already affected trade
It all started, when the US resorted to Trade Acts of 1974 for imposing tariffs on China for forcing US tech firms to surrender their IPR ,this unilateral tariff was carried out without referring the issue to WTO dispute settlement body.
This was the first of many moves under US president Trump to denigrate the multilateral free trade institution WTO
Although there is some truth to the US claims that China manipulates its currency to keep its exports competitive and forced IP transfers happening in China,there are dispute settlement bodies to resolve this issue .Instead of pursuing such solution,the US resorted to unilateral tariffsand has ensured that WTO dispute settlement body doesnot work
Lastly in this retaliatory trade war , there is no absolute winner .
In contradiction to President Trump's claim that US is winning the trade war,China's attempts to stamp tariff on US food and energy imports have hit US exporters hard .Similarly the US consumer have to bear the brunt of increased prices on imported goods owing to higher tariff .
This trade war between world's two largest economies has already took a toll on Global trade and its further continuance could lead to an global economic slowdown

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Learn more about US-China trade war issue faqs for upsc,here

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This article highlights the need and necessity for Primary Care practitioners (PCP) over highly specialized care institutional hospital and specialist physicians
Unlike in Japan where (PCP) are given importance and specialty hospitals are considered as a last resort , building techno centric super specialty urban hospital through public investment enjoy primacy over Primary health clinics in India
Bhore committee report(1946) highlighted the need for the “Social physician a key player in India's health system
The MCI (Medical Council of India) which used to be highest professional body representing doctors was fully controlled by specialist lobby leaving little representation for primary care.
National Medical Commission (NMC) the proposed replacement to MCI is also unlikely to change the situation

The current opposition to provisions in NMC Act which allows for training mid-level providers and non allopathic practitioners is another example of how the present power structure is inimical to the Primary Health Care.
Para medics or Non allopathics trained in Primary care would be beneficial for a country like India where there is dire need of basic health care and poor doctor to patient ratio .
To promote primary care providers ,the government must ensure adequate incentives and representation to PCP ,last but not least ,to overcome the specialist lobby a gateway system must be formulated wherein no one should be allowed to bypass the primary doctor to directly reach the specialist unless situations of emergency so warrant

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Learn more about the importance of PHCs for upsc , here

The HongKong people have been protesting for more than three months now in reaction to a controversial extradition bill that can deport accused criminals in HongKong to Mainland china,
Hongkong people fear that this bill might end the rule of law system that exists in HongKong as opposed to communist party controlled justice system in mainland China
The protests escalated to violent revolt in some areas as the HongKong local government relented to withdraw the bill,but finally the HongKong Chief executive has announced that the bill will be withdrawn
The recent protests termed as Water Revolution has increasingly become a pro democracy campaign and has started demanding more democratic rights such as Universal Adult suffrage ,a similar movement in 2014 known by the name Umbrella movement was neutered by Chinese government
President Xi jinping is acutely aware of the implications of major loosening of chinese control over HongKong especially as the 2047 expiry of Hongkong special status approaches
Although Hong kong credentials as business Hub of Asia Pacific took a slight downturn due to instabilities caused by protests,it still remains as main trading centre for Asia Pacific
At this juncture only an accommodating and consultative policy might serve the best interest of all the members

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Read more on the HongKong protest here

While speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok,Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged to extend 1 billion line of credit to Russia's far east region.
Russia's far east comprises of Eastern Siberia and region bordering pacific ocean ,it is a vast area , poorly inhabitated but rich in energy and mineral resources
Alongside ths summit several MoUs were signed to increase economic ties between India Russia which has been lagging at 10 billion dollar despite having higher potential.
Chief among the agreements where those on energy exploration and procurement including specific agreement on LNG supplies to India and the proposed Maritime route from Vladivostok to Chennai for energy trade.

Beyond the trade aspects, India's support to Russia's far east has far reaching strategic implications ,They are as listed below

The energy resources available in Russia's far east and Arctic region provides India a much needed opportunity to diversify its energy imports from an unstable west Asia
Russia's increased focus on far east region bordering the pacific ocean will be in line with India's desire to draw Russia into strategic forays in the Indo-Pacifc region
The Indian government has expressed willingness to cooperate with third countries like Japan for joint development of the region
Japan has in the past few years warmed upto Russia depsite there being some territorial dispute over kuril island ,as both Russia and Japan realize the dangers of increasing Chinese clout in that region

Above all the push to Act far East allows India to demonstrate its commitment to an area of concern for Moscow and reassuring its traditional partner that in an increasingly polarized World, India is confident talking with multiple alignments even if they are at cross purposes with each other

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Learn more about Russia-India relation ,here

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