30 March 2024 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis

Indian Express Editorial Analysis

30-March-2024

1. AFRICA AT THE CENTRE

Topic: GS2 – International Relations – Bilateral Relations This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains as this analysis delves into India’s diplomatic relations, particularly its engagement with Mauritius and Africa.

 

Context:

During her visit to Mauritius from March 11-13, President Droupadi Murmu emphasized the significance of the bilateral relationship between India and Mauritius, describing it as “a close maritime neighbor, a cherished partner in the Indian Ocean Region, and a key player in our Africa outreach.”

Inauguration of Development Projects:

• The visit resulted in the inauguration of 14 community development projects and the laying of the foundation stone for a forensics science laboratory, all with Indian assistance.
• These initiatives underscored India’s commitment to supporting Mauritius in its socio-economic development.

India’s Role in the Global South:

• India’s efforts to institutionalize the concept of the Global South have garnered mixed views.
• While some perceive it as a force for change, advocating for a more inclusive global governance structure, others critique it for oversimplifying the complexities of the world order.
• Nonetheless, the term’s utility in the transition to multipolarity cannot be ignored.

Centring African Countries in India’s Engagement:

• As India positions itself as a leading voice of the Global South, there is a compelling argument for centering African countries in its engagement with the developing world.
• This strategic move extends beyond economic factors to encompass Africa’s significant growth rate and young population, highlighting the vast opportunities for cooperation.

Opportunities for Economic Partnership:

• The potential for economic partnership between India and Africa is immense, with Indian investments in Africa reaching $98 billion in 2023 and trade totaling $100 billion.
• Moreover, Indian social enterprises and NGOs are exporting low-cost, scalable solutions to address various developmental challenges in Africa.

Africa’s Influence in Global Forums:

• Africa’s influence in global forums is crucial for India’s vision of global governance.
• With Africa housing three-fourths of humanity and a substantial portion of the global GDP, advocating for reform towards a more inclusive system focused on development aligns with India’s interests.
• New Delhi’s advocacy for the African Union in the G20 reflects this commitment.

Sustainable Development Cooperation:

• Cooperation in critical sectors such as the minerals sector and technical capacity building among Africa’s workforce presents avenues for sustainable development cooperation.
• Diversifying sources of critical minerals and enhancing technical skills among Africa’s workforce are vital for both Africa’s growth and India’s national interests.

India’s Multifaceted Relationship with Africa

• In an era of geopolitical competition and realignment, India’s multifaceted relationship with African nations is poised for fundamental transformation.
• Leveraging historical partnerships with African countries remains imperative as India navigates its aspirations for the Global South.

Conclusion:

• India’s engagement with Africa holds significant promise for both parties, encompassing economic, geopolitical, and developmental dimensions.
• By prioritizing Africa in its global outreach efforts, India can further strengthen its position as a key player in the evolving global landscape.

What is the Importance of Africa for India?

Africa is home to over half a dozen of the fastest growing countries of this decade such as Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, etc. making it one of the growth poles of the world. Real GDP in Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa in the past decade has grown by more than twice the rate in the 1980s and 90’s. The African continent has a population of over one billion with a combined GDP of 2.5 trillion dollars making it a huge potential markeAfrica is a resource rich nation dominated by commodities like crude oil, gas, pulses and lentils, leather, gold and other metals, all of which India lacks in sufficient quantities. Namibia and Niger are among the top ten global producers of uranium. South Africa is the world’s largest producer of platinum and chromium. India is seeking diversification of its oil supplies away from the Middle East and Africa can play an important role in India’s energy matrix.

 

PYQ: Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pros and cons. Critically examine. (200 words/12.5m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2015)

Practice Question:  Discuss India’s evolving engagement with Africa and its significance in shaping India’s global positioning. Examine the opportunities and challenges associated with India’s multifaceted relationship with African countries, and analyze the strategic measures India can undertake to enhance cooperation for mutual benefit. (250 words/15 m)

2. TAKING ON TB

Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Health This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains as this analysis delves into the challenges faced by India’s TB elimination program.

 

Context:

One of the major challenges faced by any country’s tuberculosis (TB) elimination program is ensuring accurate reporting of cases. Patients falling outside the screening and treatment network not only jeopardize their own health but also pose a risk of infection to their contacts. India, in particular, has grappled with under-reporting of TB cases, hindering its anti-TB program’s effectiveness.

Progress in Case Reporting:

• The India TB Report 2024 indicates a positive trend, suggesting a narrowing gap between the estimated and actual number of TB cases reported in the country.
• Notably, India achieved its 2023 target of initiating treatment in 95 percent of diagnosed TB patients, reflecting commendable progress in case detection and management.

Challenges in Achieving Elimination Targets:

• Despite the recent successes of India’s anti-TB program, achieving the ambitious target of eliminating TB by next year remains challenging.
• The emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB as an epidemic poses a significant obstacle.
• While progress has been made in diagnosing and managing MDR-TB cases, the prevalence of this severe form of TB underscores the need for enhanced efforts in testing and treatment.

Need for Molecular Testing and Second-line Drugs:

• Experts advocate for the use of molecular testing to detect MDR-TB, highlighting its superiority over conventional microscopy.
• However, the adoption of molecular testing remains limited in India, emphasizing the need for wider implementation.
• Additionally, the administration of second-line drugs for MDR-TB patients is crucial, necessitating expanded outreach efforts to ensure access to appropriate treatment.

Challenges in Treatment Adherence:

• While several drug regimens are available for MDR-TB, treatment adherence remains a significant challenge.
• Studies indicate that less than 60 percent of patients complete the full course of second-line medicines, highlighting the need for more patient-friendly treatment options.
• The transition to short-duration drugs like bedaquiline, facilitated by recent patent decisions, offers promise for improving treatment outcomes.

Addressing Socioeconomic Factors and Mental Health:

• TB disproportionately affects marginalized populations, including the poor, slum dwellers, and individuals with HIV/AIDS.
• Ensuring equitable access to TB care requires addressing socioeconomic disparities and integrating mental health support into treatment programs.
• However, there remains a gap in providing holistic care, with limited attention to patients’ mental well-being during TB therapy.

Recommendations for Future Action:

• To build on the gains of recent years, India’s planners must deploy a comprehensive approach, leveraging both advanced technology and humane methods.
• This includes scaling up molecular testing, expanding access to second-line drugs, and integrating mental health support into TB care.
• Additionally, efforts should focus on addressing socioeconomic barriers and improving treatment adherence to accelerate progress towards TB elimination.

What is Tuberculosis (TB)?

About: TB is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, belonging to the Mycobacteriaceae family consisting of about 200 members. Some of Mycobacteria cause diseases like TB and Leprosy in humans and others infect a wide range of animals. In humans, TB most commonly affects the lungs (pulmonary TB), but it can also affect other organs (extra-pulmonary TB). TB is a very ancient disease and has been documented to have existed in Egypt as early as 3000 BC. It is a treatable and curable disease. Infection Prevalence: Every year, 10 million people fall ill with TB. Despite being a preventable and curable disease, 1.5 million people die from TB each year – making it the world’s top infectious killer. TB is the leading cause of death of people with HIV and also a major contributor to antimicrobial resistance. Most of the people who fall ill with TB live in low- and middle-income countries, but TB is present all over the world. About half of all people with TB can be found in 8 countries: Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines and South Africa.

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