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.