International Relations

A progressive Indian policy on Myanmar outlined

Source: The Hindu

Context

• Myanmar's Crisis and India's Response: Since the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021, the military has killed and displaced thousands. Despite this, India has maintained formal relations with the junta and has not actively engaged with the pro-democracy resistance.
• Policy Recommendations for India: The article argues that India should adopt a values-driven foreign policy towards Myanmar, focusing on democracy and human security, halting weapon sales to the junta, opening humanitarian corridors, and providing humane treatment to asylum seekers.

Details

Key Points

• India-Myanmar Relations:
  • India has maintained formal relations with Myanmar's military regime despite its violent crackdown on civilians.
  • Indian foreign policy towards Myanmar has been driven by strategic interests rather than democratic values.
• Conservation Efforts:
  • Importance of balancing “values” and “interests” in foreign policy.
  • Leveraging India’s status as a large federal democracy to influence Myanmar’s pro-democracy movements.
• Strategic Interests vs. Democratic Values:
  • Need for a values-driven approach focusing on democracy and human security.
  • Differentiating India from China by supporting Myanmar’s federal democratic aspirations.
• Recommendations for India's Myanmar Policy:
  • Halting weapon sales to Myanmar’s military junta.
  • Opening cross-border humanitarian corridors to aid civilians affected by the conflict.
  • Treating asylum seekers humanely and halting their deportation.
• Humanitarian and Diplomatic Actions:
  • Engaging with local and international NGOs to provide aid.
  • Collaborating with existing humanitarian networks and adopting best practices from other countries.
• Non-refoulement Principle:
  • Emphasis on India adhering to the international legal principle of non-refoulement, which discourages deporting refugees back to a country where they face persecution or death.

Sources:

The Hindu

SOCIAL JUSTICE

QUOTAS AND EQUITY

Source: Indian Express

Context

• Reservation Cap Challenge in Bihar: The Patna High Court recently struck down the Bihar government's decision to increase the reservation cap from 50% to 65%, which was based on the Bihar Survey Caste Report showing that OBC, EBC, SC, and ST communities make up about 85% of the state's population. The verdict aligns with the judiciary's consistent stance on the 50% reservation ceiling.
• Socio-Economic Improvements and Challenges: Despite notable improvements in economic and socio-economic indicators over the past two decades, Bihar remains one of the poorest states in terms of per capita income. The state faces challenges in reducing agricultural dependency, attracting investments, improving education and skills, and addressing high fertility rates, especially among marginalized communities.

Details

Key Points

• Reservation Policy and Judicial Review:
  • Bihar's move to increase the reservation cap to 65% was struck down by the Patna High Court.
  • The decision was based on population data but was challenged for not considering numerical representation in government services and educational institutions.
  • The judiciary’s consistent approach maintains the 50% ceiling for reservations, although the Supreme Court upheld the EWS quota outside this cap and is reviewing challenges to the ceiling.
• Bihar's Socio-Economic Progress and Challenges:
  • Bihar has seen improvements in economic growth, life expectancy, infant mortality, sex ratio, drinking water, sanitation and electricity access.
  • Despite these advancements, the state remains among the poorest, with per capita income significantly lower than the national average and a high poverty rate (51% as per the 2021 NITI Aayog’s Multidimensional Poverty Index).
  • Bihar also has the highest fertility rate and significant outmigration for low-paying jobs.
• Economic and Employment Strategies:
  • About 50% of Bihar’s workforce is in agriculture, contributing less than 25% to the state’s GDP.
  • Reducing dependency on agriculture by attracting investments in more productive sectors is crucial.
  • Enhancing education, addressing skill deficits, and lowering the fertility rate to the national average are important steps.
• Focus on Marginalized Communities:
  • Special attention is needed for marginalized and deprived communities in socio-economic development
  • Creative and multi-faceted approaches beyond extending reservations are necessary to address historical inequalities and improve overall well-being.
• Policy Implications and Recommendations:
  • Potential inclusion of the enhanced quota cap in the Ninth Schedule to avoid legal challenges.
  • Encouragement for political discussions on broader strategies to reduce entrenched inequalities.
  • Emphasis on improving public services, infrastructure, and economic opportunities to ensure inclusive growth and development.

Sources:

Indian Express

Environmental Issues and Public Health

CLEAN AIR FOR THE YOUNG

Source: Indian Express

Context

• Air Pollution as a Global Health Crisis: The State of Global Air Report 2024 highlights that air pollution has become the second leading global risk factor for death, emphasizing its severe impact on public health worldwide.
• India's Air Quality Challenges: India, with its persistently high levels of air pollution, particularly during winter, faces significant public health risks, especially for vulnerable populations like children under five years old.

Details

Key Points

• Impact of Air Pollution on Public Health:
  • The SoGA Report reveals that air pollution caused 2.1 million deaths in India in 2021, with 169,400 deaths among children under five, the highest globally.
  • Children are particularly vulnerable due to higher inhalation rates per kilogram of body weight and weaker immune systems, leading to increased risks of respiratory diseases, asthma, leukemia, and other health issues.
• Policy and Measures to Combat Air Pollution:
  • Despite sporadic measures like dust suppression and vehicle restriction schemes (odd-even), India lacks comprehensive policies linking pollution to public health.
  • Long-term strategies are crucial, including stricter air quality regulations, promoting clean energy sources, and encouraging the adoption of electric or hybrid vehicles.
  • Global examples, where mortality rates among children under five have decreased by 53% since 2000 due to improved energy access and healthcare, offer lessons for India.
• Challenges and Way Forward:
  • India faces significant challenges with 42 of the world's 50 most polluted cities.
  • Lack of awareness among frontline workers and the public about the health impacts of air pollution poses a hurdle.
  • Addressing these challenges requires prioritizing public health in policy decisions, enhancing awareness, and implementing effective pollution control measures nationwide.
• Global and Local Initiatives:
  • Successful initiatives in Africa, Latin America and parts of Asia demonstrate the positive impact of stringent air quality policies and technological advancements.
  • Scaling up clean energy access, improving healthcare infrastructure, and raising awareness are critical steps towards mitigating the health risks associated with air pollution in India.
• Importance of Public Health in Policy:
  • Any solution to India's air pollution crisis must prioritize the health of its citizens, particularly children.
  • Integrating public health considerations into environmental policies and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration are essential for sustainable progress.

Sources:

Indian Express