Daily News Analysis: September 12, 2024
Daily News Analysis: September 12, 2024
India and GCC:
Joint Action Plan for 2024-2028India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) adopted a Joint Action Plan for 2024-2028 at their first-ever Foreign Ministers meeting held in Riyadh in September 2024. Key points include:
The plan covers cooperation in areas like health, trade, security, agriculture, food security, transportation, energy, and culture.
It allows for including additional areas of cooperation based on mutual agreement later.
India emphasized a “3P Framework” of People, Prosperity and Progress to enhance the partnership.
The plan aims to strengthen economic, political and security ties between India and GCC countries.
It builds on existing strategic partnerships India has with Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Oman.
The GCC is a major trade partner for India, with bilateral trade at $161.59 billion in FY 2023-24.
Around 8.9 million Indian expatriates reside in GCC countries, contributing significantly to remittances.
GCC countries supply 35% of India’s oil imports and 70% of gas imports.
The Joint Action Plan represents a milestone in India-GCC relations, moving from transactional ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership covering multiple domains.
New Act for Public Health Crisis
India’s experience with the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted gaps in the existing legal framework for managing public health emergencies.
There have been discussions about the need for a comprehensive new law to address future pandemics and other public health crises.
Such a law would likely aim to provide a clear framework for coordinated action between central and state governments during health emergencies.
It may include provisions for rapid response, resource allocation, and balancing public health measures with individual rights.
However, without more recent information, I cannot confirm if any specific new act has been proposed or implemented.
China Stops Short of Africa Debt Relief as it Pledges More Cash
China has been a major lender to African countries in recent years, leading to concerns about debt sustainability.
There have been calls for China to provide debt relief to African nations, especially in light of economic challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
China has typically preferred to handle debt issues bilaterally rather than through multilateral frameworks.
While China may be offering new financial commitments to African countries, it appears to be stopping short of comprehensive debt relief.
Border Management and Development in India
India has long land borders with several countries and faces various security challenges, including cross-border terrorism and illegal immigration.
Border management in India involves multiple agencies, including the Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and others.
There has been increased focus on infrastructure development in border areas, including roads, outposts, and surveillance systems.
The government has implemented schemes like the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) to promote socio-economic development in border regions.
Technological solutions like satellite imaging and drone surveillance are being increasingly used for border management.
Ground Realities of Passive Euthanasia in India
Passive euthanasia was legalized in India by a Supreme Court judgment in 2018, allowing the withdrawal of life support for terminally ill patients under specific conditions.
The court also recognized the validity of ‘living wills’ where individuals can specify in advance their wishes regarding end-of-life care.
Implementation of the judgment has faced challenges, including lack of awareness, cultural and religious barriers, and complexities in the medical and legal processes involved.
There have been ongoing discussions about the need for clearer guidelines and protocols for implementing passive euthanasia.
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