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GS Paper: GS2

  • What is the Interpol, and what is a Red Notice?

    interpol

     

    In a major setback to Indian agencies, Interpol has taken down from its website the Red Notice against a fugitive who is wanted in connection with the ₹13,578-crore Punjab National Bank fraud cases.

    What is the news?

    • The person whom the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has listed as a “terrorist” under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

    Why has Interpol rejected India’s request?

    • The Interpol has said that India has failed to provide sufficient information to support its case.
    • It criticized the UAPA for being misused to target minority groups and human rights activists without “respecting” their right to due process and a fair trial.
    • While acknowledging the separatists leader, the Interpol has said that his activities have a “clear political dimension”, which cannot be the subject of a Red Corner Notice.

    What is the Interpol?

    • The Interpol, or International Criminal Police Organization, is an inter-governmental organization comprising 195 member countries, which helps police forces in all these countries to better coordinate their actions.
    • It enables member countries to share and access data on crimes and criminals and offers a range of technical and operational support.
    • It is run by a secretary general with its headquarters in Lyon, France, with a global complex for innovation in Singapore, and several satellite offices in different regions.
    • India accepted Interpol membership in June 1956.

    How does it function in member countries?

    • Interpol has a National Central Bureau (NCB) in each member country, which is the central point of contact for both the general secretariat and the other NCBs around the world.
    • Each NCB is run by police officials of that country, and usually sits in the government ministry responsible for policing. (MHA in case of India.)
    • Interpol manages 19 police databases with information on crimes and criminals (from names and fingerprints to stolen passports), accessible in real-time to countries.
    • It also offers investigative support such as forensics, analysis, and assistance in locating fugitives around the world.

    What is a Red Notice?

    • Criminals or suspects often flee to other countries to evade facing justice.
    • A Red Corner Notice, or Red Notice (RN) alerts police forces across the world about fugitives who are wanted internationally.
    • Red Notices are issued for fugitives wanted either for prosecution or to serve a sentence.
    • A Red Notice is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action.
    • An RN is published by Interpol at the request of a member country.

    Indian fugitives on this RN

    • Among the most popular Indians on this list are jeweller Mehul Choksi and diamantaire Nirav Modi.

    Is an RN a warrant of arrest?

    • An RN is only an international wanted persons’ notice; it is not an international arrest warrant.
    • Interpol itself does not want individuals; they are wanted by a country or an international tribunal.
    • This means the Interpol cannot compel law enforcement authorities in any country to arrest the subject of an RN.
    • It is up to individual member countries to decide what legal value to give to an RN, and the authority of their national law enforcement officers to make arrests.
    • Interpol says that an RN must comply with its constitution and rules.
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  • UNSC: India’s Remarkable Tenure

    Central idea

    • India’s two-year stint in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) was unprecedented, with a focus on maritime security, terrorism, UN peacekeeping, reformed multilateralism, and the Global South. India served as the Chair of three important UNSC Committees, made efforts to bring conflicting parties on the same page, and raised important issues like religiophobia.

    India’s tenure in the UNSC from 2020 to 2022

    1. Focus on Priorities:
    • Clear priorities upon entering the Council in January 2021
    • Priorities include maritime security, terrorism, UN peacekeeping, reformed multilateralism, and the Global South
    • India elected Chair of three important UNSC Committees
    1. India’s Role in Maritime Security:
    • Prime Minister of India chaired a UNSC meeting on maritime security
    • Presidential Statement issued was the first comprehensive document on maritime security
    • Document referenced UN Convention on the Law of the Sea as international law setting out the legal framework
    • Statement called for freedom of navigation, anti-piracy measures, and combating terror and transnational crime at sea
    1. Conflicts on the Agenda:
    • Old conflicts festered and new conflicts arose, including Myanmar, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Mali, Syria, Palestine, Yemen, Haiti, Libya, and the Sahel, as well as Ukraine
    • The Council stood polarised and unable to act decisively
    • India attempted to bring the Council together on these issues
    1. India’s Involvement in Myanmar:
    • Military takeover in Myanmar occurred in February 2021
    • Permanent-5 were pulling in opposing directions while ASEAN counselled caution
    • India shares a nearly 1,700 kilometre-long border with Myanmar and it was crucial to stop violence, bring in stability and ensure democratic processes went forward
    • India ensured balanced and comprehensive Council pronouncements, which culminated in a resolution on Myanmar (adopted under India’s presidency) in December 2022.

    India’s Impact on the UNSC: Steadfast Diplomacy in the Face of Global Challenges

    1. India’s role in Afghanistan Crisis:
    • India steered negotiations resulting in UNSC Resolution 2593 for benchmarks in Afghanistan, including stopping cross-border terrorism, protecting rights of women and minorities, ensuring an inclusive government, and providing humanitarian assistance.
    • India maintains a firm position on the Taliban upholding these benchmarks.
    1. India’s stance on Ukraine Conflict:
    • India’s independent stand calling for dialogue and peace during the Ukraine conflict resonated with many developing countries.
    • India spoke out against unilateral sanctions on oil, food, and fertilizers.
    • As the conflict spilled over into India’s G-20 Presidency, India is now launching an initiative to convert its proactive position into action.
    1. India’s focus on counter-terrorism:
    • As Chair of the UNSC Counter-terrorism Committee (CTC), India brought the CTC meeting to India in October 2022.
    • India attempted to list terrorists under UNSC Resolution 1267 sanctions but was thwarted, however, the proposal to list Abdul Rehman Makki, Deputy Amir/Chief of the Lashkar-e-Taiba was approved by the UNSC, with India as a proposer.

    India on peacekeeping

    • Largest contributor including women: India has been the largest contributor of UN peacekeepers, including as a pioneer in women peacekeeping.
    • UNITE Aware technology platform: Its launching of the UNITE Aware technology platform to strengthen real-time protection of peacekeepers is to be noted.
    • Calling for accountability for crimes against peacekeepers: In August 2021, India piloted the first UNSC resolution by India in more than five decades, calling for accountability for crimes against peacekeepers. India also gifted two lakh vaccines to all UN peacekeepers.

    Facts for Prelims: The UNITE Aware technology platform

    • Developed by India: The UNITE Aware technology platform is a system developed by India in collaboration with the United Nations to enhance the safety and security of peacekeepers deployed in conflict zones.
    • Real time ground situation: It is a real-time situational awareness system that uses advanced technologies such as satellites, drones, and geospatial tools to provide up-to-date information on the ground situation to peacekeeping forces.
    • Mobile app: The system also includes a mobile app that allows peacekeepers to report incidents and receive alerts in real-time.
    • Help to make informed decisions: The platform is designed to help peacekeepers make informed decisions and respond effectively to emerging threats, thereby reducing the risks to their safety and security.

    On other important issue

    1. Climate change:
    • India’s focus on the developing world, especially Africa and West Asia, was enhanced, given their close historical relations.
    • In December 2021, India thwarted a move by the West to wrest climate change from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change-led process and bring it under the ambit of the UNSC, where the P-5 are also major historical polluters.
    • The draft resolution was defeated in the Council when India and Russia voted against.
    • A change in the climate change architecture would have shut out the voice of the Global South, especially Small Island Developing States.
    1. Contemporary issues:
    • India also raised the issue of a contemporary form of religiophobia in the Council when, while condemning phobia against Abrahamic religions, it forcefully put forth the need to combat rising hate crimes and phobias against non-Abrahamic religions as well.
    • With hate crimes being fuelled abroad by vested interests, India’s stand needs to be robustly taken forward.

    Conclusion

    • India’s Presidency led to a discussion on urgent Council reform, highlighting India’s strong performance and the need for its permanent presence at the horseshoe table.

    Mains Question

    Q. India’s tenure in the United Nations Security Council from 2020 to 2022 was marked by its focus on several important priorities and its involvement in various global issues. Evaluate India’s performance.

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  • Home Ministry begins process to sell Enemy Properties

    enemy
    MA Jinnah’s house in Mumbai

    The home ministry has begun the process to sell enemy properties, immovable assets left behind by people who have taken citizenship in Pakistan and China after wars with these countries.

    What one means by Enemy Property?

    • Enemy property refers to the assets and properties of individuals or entities that have been declared as “enemies” by the Indian government.
    • This can include individuals or entities who are citizens of a country that is at war with India, or who have engaged in hostilities or acted against the interests of India.

    Why was such a concept initiated?

    • In the wake of the India-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971, there was the migration of people from India to Pakistan.
    • Under the Defence of India Rules framed under The Defence of India Act, 1962, the Government of India took over the properties and companies of those who took Pakistani nationality.
    • These “enemy properties” were vested by the central government in the Custodian of Enemy Property for India.
    • The same was done for property left behind by those who went to China after the 1962 Sino-Indian war.
    • The Tashkent Declaration of January 10, 1966 included a clause that said India and Pakistan would discuss the return of the property and assets taken over by either side in connection with the conflict.
    • However, the Government of Pakistan disposed of all such properties in their country in the year 1971 itself.

    Dealing with enemy property

    • The Enemy Property Act, enacted in 1968, provided for the continuous vesting of enemy property in the Custodian of Enemy Property for India (CEPI) under the Home Ministry.
    • The central government, through the Custodian, is in possession of enemy properties spread across many states in the country.
    • Some movable properties too, are categorised as enemy properties.
    • In 2017, Parliament passed The Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2016, which amended The Enemy Property Act, 1968, and The Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971.

    Total such properties in India

    enemy

    • There are 12,611 enemy properties in India estimated to be worth over ₹1 lakh crore.
    • The government has earned over ₹3,400 crore from disposal of enemy properties, mostly movable assets like shares and gold.
    • None of the immovable enemy properties has been sold so far.
    • Out of the 12,611 properties vested with the CEPI, 12,485 were related to Pakistani nationals and 126 to Chinese citizens.
    • Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of enemy properties (6,255), followed by West Bengal, Delhi, Goa, Maharashtra, Telangana, Gujarat, Tripura, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Haryana.
    • Kerala, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Meghalaya, Assam, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Daman and Diu, and Andhra Pradesh have enemy properties as well.

     

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  • Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961)

    vienna

    Central idea: The Indian government lodged a strong protest against the UK government and reminded obligations of the host nation under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations amid the vandalism incident that occurred at the Indian High Commission in London.

    What is the Vienna Convention?

    • The treaty being referred to by the MEA in this instance is the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961).
    • It provides a complete framework for the establishment, maintenance and termination of diplomatic relations on a basis of consent between independent sovereign States.

    FYI: Vienna Convention

    Vienna, the capital city of Austria, has a long history of hosting international conventions and conferences.

    There are several conventions that are named as “Vienna Convention”. Here is a list of some of the most well-known Vienna Conventions:

    1. Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961)
    2. Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963)
    3. Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (1969)
    4. Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (1977)
    5. Vienna Convention on Succession of States in respect of Treaties (1978)
    6. Vienna Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (1987)
    7. Vienna Convention on the Protection of the Ozone Layer (1985)
    8. Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Stratospheric Ozone Layer (1985)

    Note that there may be other treaties or agreements that have been signed in Vienna that may also be referred to as Vienna Conventions, but the above are some of the most commonly recognized ones.

     

    Obligations of a “receiving State” under the Vienna Convention

    • As per the Vienna Convention, a “receiving State” refers to the host nation where a diplomatic mission is located.
    • Article 22 of the Convention deals with obligations with regards to the premises of the Mission.
    • Part 2 of this article states that “The receiving State is under a special duty to take all appropriate steps to protect the premises of the mission against any intrusion or damage and to prevent any disturbance of the peace of the mission or impairment of its dignity”.

    Did the UK not fulfil its obligations in this instance?

    • The fact that protestors were able to climb the walls of the High Commission premises indicates a breach.
    • India finds the UK government’s indifference to the security of Indian diplomatic premises and personnel in the UK unacceptable.
    • UK has condemned the event and promised to take the security of the Indian High Commission in London seriously.

     

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  • Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Must be Affordable to All

    Central Idea

    • The Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and its implementation in India raises the question of whether we believe in health as a basic human right, which India’s Constitution guarantees under the right to life. The UHC should encompass primary, secondary, and tertiary care for all who need it at an affordable cost without discrimination.

    The Definition of Health

    • The definition of health according to the World Health Organization (WHO), which includes mental and social well-being and happiness beyond physical fitness, and an absence of disease and disability.
    • We cannot achieve health in its wider definition without addressing health determinants, which necessitates an intersectoral convergence beyond medical and health departments.

    Difference between Primary health care (PHC) and Universal health care (UHC)

    • The main difference between PHC and UHC is that PHC is a level of care within the health care system, while UHC is a broader goal of ensuring access to health care for all individuals.
    • PHC is typically provided at the primary care level, while UHC includes all levels of care, from primary to secondary and tertiary care.
    • PHC is focused on basic health care services and health promotion, while UHC aims to provide comprehensive health care services to all individuals.

    Health for All by 2000

    • The slogan Health for All by 2000 proposed by Halfdan Mahler and endorsed by the World Health Assembly in 1977. It argues that universal health care/coverage (UHC) was implied as early as 1977.
    • India committed itself to the ‘Health for All’ goal by 2000 through its National Health Policy 1983.

    International Conference on PHC

    • The International Conference on Primary Health Care, at Alma Ata, 1978, which listed eight components of minimum care for all citizens.
    • Components included: It mandated all health promotion activities and the prevention of diseases, including vaccinations and treatment of minor illnesses and accidents, to be free for all using government resources, especially for the poor.
    • Components excluded: Chronic diseases, including mental illnesses, and their investigations and treatment were almost excluded from primary health care. When it came to secondary and tertiary care, it was left to the individual to seek it from a limited number of public hospitals or from the private sector by paying from their own pockets.

    Concerns around The Astana Declaration

    • The Astana declaration of 2018, which calls for partnership with the private sector. However the commercial private sector, which contributes to alcohol, tobacco, ultra-processed foods, and industrial and automobile pollution, is well established.
    • The Astana declaration never addressed poverty, unemployment, and poor livelihood, but eulogizes quality PHC only as the cornerstone for Universal Health Coverage and ignores broader Universal Health Care.

    Conclusion

    • Every individual has a right to be healed and not have complications, disability, and death. That right is guaranteed only by individualism in public health, the new global approach to UHC, where nobody is left uncounted and uncared for. The Alma Ata declaration of primary health care can be left behind as a beautiful edifice of past concepts, and we should move forward with a newer concept of UHC.
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  • Data Sharing Governance And India’s Opportunity

    Governance

    Central Idea

    • India’s digital strategies and data governance have advanced in recent years, but there are concerns regarding inclusivity, transparency, security, and sustainability. India’s G-20 presidency presents an opportunity to showcase advancements in data infrastructures and governance, while balancing the interests of stakeholders, promoting ethical and responsible practices, and navigating the complex issues of data sovereignty.

    Governance

    What is Data Governance?

    • Data governance refers to the overall management of the availability, usability, integrity, and security of data used in an organization.
    • Data governance of a country is the policies, procedures, and practices established by the government to ensure that data is effectively managed and protected throughout its lifecycle.
    • This includes defining standards for data collection, storage, usage, and sharing to ensure the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of data.

    DEPA and Related Concerns

    The launch of India’s Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA), a consent management tool, has generated both excitement and concern among stakeholders.

    1. Potential: DEPA has the potential to improve data protection and privacy for citizens by giving them greater control over the use and sharing of their personal information. By allowing individuals to easily manage and control their data consents, DEPA could help to build trust in digital technologies and data governance.
    2. Concerns:
    • There are risks associated with DEPA, particularly in terms of security and privacy. If the consent management tool is not properly implemented or managed, there is a risk that personal information could be misused or misappropriated.
    • The implementation of DEPA may be inconsistent across different sectors and jurisdictions, which could undermine its effectiveness and create confusion among citizens.
    1. What needs to be done?
    • In order to realise the potential benefits of DEPA and minimise the risks, it is important that the tool is implemented in a transparent, consistent, and secure manner.
    • This will require close collaboration between the government, the private sector, civil society, and other stakeholders and the development of clear and effective regulations and standards.

    Advancements in Other Sectors and related concerns

    • Digital Payments: Significant progress in financial inclusion and promotion of digital transactions through Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and other options.
    • Digital tech in Healthcare: Use of digital technologies can enhance access to health-care services and empower farmers
    • Security and privacy: There are concerns that relate to security and privacy on the one hand and on infrastructure, connectivity and the availability of a skilled human workforce on the other hand.
    • Data Misuse: There are also concerns around the potential misuse of data and information in these sectors. For example, in the health sector, there is a risk that sensitive medical information could be misused or exploited for commercial purposes, while in agriculture, there is a risk that market information could be manipulated for the benefit of certain actors.
    • Ownership and governance of data: Another issue is that of ownership and governance of data generated and collected in health and agriculture. What are the rights of data providers? And what are the responsibilities towards them? The state has to play a key role in addressing and resolving such issues.

    What is Data sovereignty?

    • It is a principle that a country has the right to control the collection, storage, and use of data within its borders and citizens’ rights to informational self-determination over their data
    • It is closely related to issues of privacy, security, and national sovereignty, and is increasingly important in the age of digital globalization and the proliferation of cloud computing services.

    Data sharing governance and India’s opportunity

    India Data Management Office (IDMO):

    • India’s establishment of an IDMO is a step forward in the country’s journey towards data sharing and data governance.
    • The IDMO is expected to oversee and coordinate the implementation of India’s digital strategies and data governance framework, and to ensure that these efforts are aligned with the country’s values and priorities.
    • It will also work to promote the development and implementation of open-source solutions, which will help to ensure that underlying data architectures are a social public good, and to promote digital technologies to become accessible and affordable for all.
    • Again, this is a great opportunity for India to develop solutions that can be adopted and adapted in other countries. Open source and open innovation models can be important alternatives to proprietary solutions that are governed by big tech companies.

    Conclusion

    • India’s digital strategies and data governance have made significant progress in recent years, but there are important concerns and issues to address. It is crucial to find a middle way between restrictive data sovereignty and limitless data flow, navigate complex issues of privacy, and invest in necessary infrastructure and skills to ensure responsible and accountable data governance.
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  • India-China: Border Management Mechanism

    Central Idea

    • India and China appear to be moving towards a new modus vivendi to maintain peace and tranquillity along their disputed 4,000 kilometre border. They are discussing measures to ease the border situation, including creating no-patrol zones along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and upgrading the border management mechanism.

    Older arrangements and need for new measures

    • Blockades: In 2020, the older arrangements, shaped by the agreements of 1993, 1996, 2005 and 2013, came apart in Ladakh after the Chinese massed troops in Tibet and established blockades at six points on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to prevent Indian troops from patrolling the border.
    • Clashes: A clash at Galwan in June 2020 led to the deaths of 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers, the first such losses on the LAC since 1975. The Sino-Indian clash, in December 2022, at Yangtse, north-east of Tawang, suggests that new measures may be needed across the LAC, and not just in Ladakh.

    Attempts to Ease the Border Situation

    • Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC): Important discussions that took place between Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China, met in Beijing for the 26th Meeting of the Working WMCC on China-India Border Affairs, on February 22, 2023. This was the first in-person meeting of the WMCC that had held the previous 11 rounds since the 2020 events by video conference.
    • Other Measures: Discussions have taken up the issue of upgrading the border management means to replace the WMCC with a mechanism that will have both military and civilian officers. The no-patrol zones could lead to a package settlement in the two remaining areas of Depsang and Charding Nala.
    • Confidence-building Measures: The entire range of confidence-building measures since 1993 was premised on the belief that both sides largely accepted the lay of the LAC, though they had differences that related to some 18-20 points on it. The 1993 and 1996 agreements specifically spoke about the importance of identifying and resolving these differences.
    • No-patrol zones: The no-patrol zones could be confined to the places where the two sides have overlapping claims. Chinese journalist-scholar Qian Feng suggested that the concept of the zone of actual control could replace the “line of actual control” in some areas that had no obvious geomorphological features or population.

    The Idea of Shifting the Goalposts

    • The idea of creating no-patrol zones is an echo of the original proposal by Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai following a similar set of circumstances experienced today.
    • In October 1959, an Indian police party was ambushed at Kongka La leading to the deaths of 10 personnel and the capture of another dozen.
    • Zhou proposed to Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in a letter of November 7, 1959, that both sides withdraw 20 kilometers from the so-called McMahon Line, as well as the line up to which each side exercises control in the west.

    Conclusion

    • Creating no-patrol zones along the LAC could be a possible solution to the border conflict, as well as upgrading the border management mechanism to include both military and civilian officers.

    Mains Question

    Q. Discuss the recent developments in the India-China border conflict and the measures being taken to maintain peace and tranquillity along the border

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  • What is India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline (IBFP)?

    pipeline

    Prime Minister and his Bangladeshi counterpart inaugurated a 131.5-kilometre-long India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline (IBFP) from Siliguri in North Bengal to Parbatipur in Banglaesh’s Dinajpur province.

    India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline (IBFP)

    • IBFP is a cross-border energy pipeline that connects Siliguri in West Bengal, India to Parbatipur in Dinajpur district of Bangladesh.
    • It has a capacity of transporting 1 Million Metric Ton Per Annum (MMTPA) of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) from India to Bangladesh.
    • The pipeline is aimed at enhancing energy cooperation between India and Bangladesh and strengthening people-to-people linkages between the two countries.
    • The construction of the pipeline was started in September 2018.

    Importance of IBFPL to Bangladesh

    Ans. Looming energy crisis

    • Bangladesh is facing a significant energy crisis that threatens to impede its growth.
    • The country has frequent power cuts, even in the capital, Dhaka, which has had a negative impact on key export industries such as the ready-made garments sector.
    • To address this problem, the Indian government has initiated several projects to help Bangladesh meet its growing energy demands.
    • The IBFPL is one such project that will play a vital role in addressing the country’s energy deficit.
    • The pipeline will transport diesel quickly into Bangladesh, thus ending the country’s reliance on importing petroleum product in oil tankers by road and rail from India.

    Other projects to meet Bangladesh’s energy demands

    • Maitree project: The US $2 billion worth project is being built under a concessional financing scheme offered by India to Bangladesh. The first unit of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Production in Bangladesh’s Khulna province is already supplying 660 MW to the country’s national grid.
    • Power import: Bangladesh is also awaiting power from the Adani Group’s 1600 Megawatt thermal power station at Godda in Jharkhand. Talks are currently underway to import at least 600 MW of power from this plant to meet Bangladesh’s peak summer demand.
    • BIFPCL: The two countries set up the Bangladesh India Friendship Power Company Limited (BIFPCL), a 50:50 joint venture between India’s National Thermal Power Corporation and Bangladesh Power Development Board. Once completed, this will be Bangladesh’s largest power plant.

    Why is India helping Bangladesh?

    Ans. To offset Bangladesh’s dependence on China

    • India’s assistance to Bangladesh in meeting its energy needs is also aimed at offsetting that country’s dependence on China.
    • Chinese investments in Bangladesh’s energy sector stand at US $8.31 billion.
    • Beijing has also offered to help Bangladesh transition to renewable sources.
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  • Tamil Nadu’s TN-KET initiative results in reduced TB deaths

    tb

    Tamil Nadu has pioneered an initiative across the State to reduce the mortality rate among people with tuberculosis named: TN-KET (Tamil Nadu Kasanoi Erappila Thittam) meaning TB death-free project.

    What is TN-KET?

    • TN-KET aims to reduce the mortality rate among people with tuberculosis.
    • This initiative, which began in April 2022, has already achieved significant reduction in the number of early TB deaths.

    Unique features

    • Differentiated TB Care: This is at the heart of the initiative, which aims at assessing whether people with TB need ambulatory care or admission in a health facility to manage severe illness at the time of diagnosis.
    • Radiological assessment: The guidelines require comprehensive assessment of 16 clinical, laboratory and radiological parameters.
    • Triage of assessment: The preliminary assessment of patients based on just three conditions — very severe undernutrition, respiratory insufficiency, and inability to stand without support — was found to be feasible for quick identification at diagnosis.

    Outcome: Significant reduction in early TB deaths

    • Above features vastly cut down the delay and increasing the chances of saving lives.
    • The initiative has achieved the initial target of 80% triaging of patients, 80% referral, comprehensive assessment and confirmation of severe illness, and 80% admission among confirmed.
    • The State’s target is to achieve 90%-90%-90% at each district.

    Key challenges

    • The challenge is to increase the duration of admission, especially for people with very severe undernutrition, which comprises 50% of the admitted patients.

     

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    TB mukt India

     

     

  • State of Child Custody Cases abroad

    child

    Central idea:

    • Activists are calling on the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to take a stronger interest in child custody cases in Western countries.
    • The call comes as the movie Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, which focuses on the diplomatic row between India and Norway in 2011.
    • The movie sheds light on cases where parents lose custody of their children over cultural differences in their upbringing.

    Child Custody norms in India

    • India’s child custody laws are governed by-
    1. Guardians and Wards Act of 1890: It recognizes the welfare of the child as the paramount consideration in custody matters.
    2. Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act of 1956: It deals with the custody and guardianship of Hindu children.
    • Indian law generally gives custody of children to the mother in case of young children, but the father can also seek custody.
    • In recent years, there have been calls to reform the law to provide more equal rights to fathers in custody battles.

     The story beyond: Bhattacharya Case

    • The movie depicts real life story of a Bengali couple who had moved to Norway in 2007.
    • Their child reportedly developed ‘autism-like’ symptoms in his early years and was placed in a family kindergarten.
    • The family was reportedly under watch for months by the child welfare service and in May 2011, the authorities took away the couple’s children under the pretext of bad parenting.
    • Finally the Norwegian authorities took the child away to their shelter home for almost 14 months.

    What accounts to ‘bad’ parenting in Norway?

    • Hand feeding: Norwegian authorities raised objection to the family hand-feeding the baby and equated it to force-feeding.
    • Child sleeping with parents: They also had problems with children sleeping on the same bed as their parents- something that is very common in Indian households.
    • Ban on physical discipline: Charges against the parents also included a slap by the parents – just once. Even mild physical discipline, such as a slap, is considered illegal in Norway.
    • Lack of recreation: Authorities accused the couple that the children did not have enough room to play. They were also accused of providing “unsuitable” clothes and toys to their children.

    About Norway’s Child Welfare Services

    • The Child Welfare Services in Norway is commonly known as Barnevernet and is responsible for child protection in the country.
    • The organization is very strict about child protection and applies strict regulations for all citizens living in the country, regardless of their cultural background.
    • The primary responsibility of the Child Welfare Services is to implement measures for children and their families in situations where there are special needs in relation to the home environment.
    • Assistance is provided through counseling, advisory services, and aid measures, including external support contacts, relief measures in the home, and access to daycare.

    The Bhattacharya Case and Diplomatic Row

    The case of the Bhattacharya couple, whose children were taken away by Barnevernet, caused a diplomatic row between Norway and India. The Bhattacharya had appealed to the foreign ministry to intervene in the case where the Child Welfare Services had taken their children away from them.

    • Bias against non-citizens: The couple was accused of mistreating their children, but some claimed that the decision was biased against non-Norwegian citizens.
    • State kidnapping of children: Human rights activists in India, called the incident “state kidnapping”.
    • Labelling parents for being of unsound mind: In almost every case, they claim that one of the parents has a mental problem just to make their case stronger.

    How did Norway response?

    • After a diplomatic row between the two countries, the Norwegian authorities decided to award the custody of the children to their father’s brother, enabling him to bring them back to India.

    Way forward

    • The case highlights the need for transparent and unbiased decision-making processes in child welfare services, especially in cases involving non-native citizens.
    • While child protection is of utmost importance, the authorities must ensure that their actions are fair, just, and not biased against any particular group or culture.
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