Context: 

This editorial is based on the news “Manipur ministers and MLAs meet Arambai Tenggol members: Who are the radical Meitei group?” which was published in The Indian Express. Fresh tension gripped Manipur after the radical Meitei group, Aarambai Tenggol recently “summoned” all 40 MLAs of Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley for a meeting at the historic Kangla Fort in Imphal.

Who Are the Arambai Tenggol Group?

• A Radical Group: According to sources, it started in 2020 as a cultural outfit, but soon transformed into a radical organization. 
• A Meitei Organization: It is one of the two hardline Meitei organizations suspected to be involved in a large number of Meitei-Kuki clashes (broke out in May 2023).
  • The other group is Meitei Leepun.
• Allegations Faced: They have been accused by the Kuki groups and the security establishment of playing a leading role in the violence.
  • Targeting Nagas: It has also been accused of targeting Naga community members. 

About the Summon

• To Ask Demands: It was sent to discuss the demands of Arambai Tenggol. 
• About the Demands: The demands included:
  • Delisting of Kukis from the Scheduled Tribes list, 
  • Deportation of refugees to camps in Mizoram, 
  • Border fencing, 
  • Replacement of Assam Rifles with other paramilitary forces 
  • Revoking Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement between the Centre and Kuki militant groups.

Conclusion

While Arambai Tenggol maintained a shadowy presence at the beginning of the conflict, the recent developments showcased the strength and legitimacy for the group, which is not correct in a democratic society. The Union and State Government need to take appropriate and Constitutional steps to counter such challenges and come out with a peaceful and successful outcome.

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Context

This editorial is based on the news “Karpoori Thakur’s vision of social justice inspires our governance model: PM Modi” which was published in The Hindu. Ex Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur will posthumously be honored with Bharat Ratna. It was announced on his 100th birth anniversary. 

About Bharat Ratna: India’s Highest Civilian Award

• Begin: It is the highest civilian award of the Republic of India, instituted on 2 January 1954.
• Basis: The award is conferred in recognition of exceptional service performance of the highest order without distinction of race, occupation, or sex.
• Awarded for: It is awarded in recognition of exceptional service/performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavor. 

Who Was Karpoori Thakur and Why Is He Getting Bharat Ratna?

• Birth: He was born in 1924 in one of the most backward sections of society – the Nai (Barber) community, known for his unwavering commitment to the marginalized sections of society.
• Renowned as: He was known as ‘Jan Nayak’ (People’s Leader) and participated in the Quit India movement, enduring several months in jail.

 Karpoori Thakur

• • He joined All India Students’ Federation (AISF) after completing his studies. 
• Achievements: He was the Chief minister of Bihar twice, in December 1970 to June 1971 and December 1977 to April 1979.

His Contributions

• Implementing the Mungerilal Commission Report: This report recommended job reservations for the backward classes in Bihar. 
• Empowered millions of Farmers: By boosting agricultural  productivity and rural development by implementing land reforms through the Bihar Tenancy Act.
• The National Mid-day Meal Scheme: It was one of his important contributions and continues to improve educational outcomes across India.
• Reforms Initiatives: He removed English as compulsory subject for the matriculation examinations; prohibition of alcohol; preferential treatment for unemployed engineers in government contracts.
• Sampoorna Kranti: Karpoori Thakur along with JP Narayan, was  instrumental in launching the iconic ‘Sampoorna Kranti’ (Total Revolution) movement with the aim of transforming Indian society in a non-violent way.
• Ethical Values: His life is a perfect example of ethical embedded values, behavior and actions. He showed the highest principles of integrity, honesty, and ethical conduct.

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Context: 

This editorial is based on the news “Choppy waters: On India-Maldives ties” which was published in The Hindu. This article highlights challenges between India-Maldives relations in the current scenario and also mentions the significance of negotiations and engagements in resolving issues between the countries.

India-Maldives Ties: Explaining the Story So Far

• Present Maldivian President used the “India Out” campaign slogan during the election phase.
• He prioritized his visits to Türkiye, the UAE and China over India.
• Derogatory remarks by Maldivian Ministers on India and Indian Prime Minister (took Indian PM’s visit to Lakshadweep as a call for Indian tourists to boycott Maldives). 
• The tussle over Indian troops stationed in Maldives. 
• Welcome of Chinese “research” ship Xiang Yang Hong 03 in the Indian Ocean, that is expected to dock in Maldives in February. 
  • Maldives also welcomed a visit by the commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, who presented equipment.

India’s Action of Negotiations

• For India, neighborhood first policy focuses on helping according to its neighbor’s priorities. Despite Maldives pushback and hyper nationalist calls within India, India is continuously engaging with the Maldivian government. 
• Establishment of a Core Group: The Indian Prime Minister met Maldivian President in December and set up a high-level core group for bilateral negotiations on tricky issues. 
• External Affairs Meet: The Indian External Affairs Minister also met with his Maldivian counterpart last week. 
• Example of Success of Negotiation: Earlier, India objected to visits by Chinese “research” vessels to Sri Lanka and managed to ensure that Sri Lanka banned, from 2024, all foreign research ships, that are believed to collect data for military and civilian purposes, from docking there. 

Maldives Map & Islands in Indian Ocean

Need To Do Resolving India-Maldives Ties

• Focus on Mutual Benefit: While sovereignty is paramount for any country, it is important that the two sides see the benefit of a détente over confrontation. 
• Tackle Concerns: Both sides realize that their tensions are merely symptoms of problems that could get larger: one, a regional power that aspires to be a global power, and the other, an archipelago dependent for its economic and regional security needs on external forces.

Conclusion

The Maldives decision to invite the Xiang Yang Hong 03, but not to allow it more than a routine port call is hopefully a sign that quiet diplomacy is working. It is hoped that both countries would soon realize their mutual trust and benefits.

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Context: 

This editorial is based on the news “Why Punjab govt moved Supreme Court against the expansion of BSF jurisdiction” which was published in The Indian Express. The Supreme Court is set to hear the dispute over the expansion of the Border Security Force jurisdiction in Punjab. 

About Border Security Force (BSF)

• Establishment: Border Security Force (BSF) was formed in 1968 and stands as India’s first line of defense, securing the nation’s land borders against external threats.

Powers of the  Border Security Force Under Various Acts

• The BSF’s expanded jurisdiction hands it the authority to execute actions permitted under specific acts, including the CrPC, the Passports Act, and more, across a broader territorial range.
  • Search & Arrest: Under the Criminal Procedure Code, the BSF can conduct searches and arrests, foundational in stopping illicit cross-border activities.
  • Document Inspection: The Passports Act grants the power to inspect travel documents, crucial in managing and monitoring cross-border travel
  • Drug Interdiction: The NDPS Act empowers the BSF to hinder narcotics smuggling, a critical component of transnational crime.

Restrictions on BSF Jurisdiction

• While the jurisdiction expansion empowers the BSF under certain acts, limitations persist under the NDPS Act and Customs Act:
  • 15 km Jurisdiction: Within this zone, it has comprehensive powers to combat smuggling and protect India’s economic interests through enforcement of the Customs Act.
  • 50 km Zone: In this expanded buffer zone, the BSF’s mandate primarily covers the exercise of powers under the CrPC and inspection of travel documents.
  • Operational Impact: The separation of powers based on differing jurisdiction zones has operational implications that influence the BSF’s strategic deployment and action plans.

Need for the Expansion of the role of Border Security Force

• To enhance the security by shifting the operational reach from 15 km to 50 km.
• BSF can implement a wider operational strategy to combat border-related challenges.
• It allows for a unified approach to border security and overall national security architectures.

Punjab Government’s Legal Stance

• The government contends that it infringes upon state autonomy in matters of policing and law enforcement, as law and order is a State Subject.
• Constitutional Concern: Disrupting the delicate balance of power between Union and States.
• Lack of Consultation: No prior consultation was taken, challenging cooperative federalism.
• Impact on Policing: Such a move usurps authority from state policing agencies.

Central Government’s Defence

• It said that the action was aiming to assure national security in the face of evolving threats.
• Tech-Based Threats: Advancing drone technologies pose a new category of cross-border threats necessitating a substantial response and increased operational domain for the BSF.
• Smuggling Dynamics: Smuggling, particularly of cattle, is a prevalent issue transpiring within a deeper belt along the border, requiring BSF intervention.
• Uniformity Principle: Standardizing the BSF jurisdiction across border states is intended to foster a cohesive border security policy.

Supreme Court’s Examination Criteria

• The court will decide through an original suit under Article 131 of the Constitution.
• Arbitrariness: Whether the decision was impetuous or grounded in substantial motives.
• Encroachment: Assessment on state powers over policing and public order.
• Border Area: Factors that merit consideration when determining BSF jurisdiction in border areas.
• Uniformity: The relevance of treating all states uniformly on matters of jurisdiction.

Conclusion

The outcome of this legal contention holds the potential to redefine the contours of the Indian federal structure, particularly in the realm of border security management and center- state dynamics. The SC decision will act as a precedent in delineating the boundaries and have far-reaching consequences on future policies pertaining to national security and law enforcement.

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Context: 

This editorial is based on the news “India’s problem — different drugs, identical brand names” which was published in The Hindu. This article expresses concerns over the identical name of two different drugs, treating entirely different conditions that can lead to confusion and can have  serious consequences for patients.

Drug Naming in India: An Old Problem

• The use of identical trade names for drugs with different active ingredients is an old problem in India, and the medical community has been complaining about the issue for several decades. 
• Examples: 
• • Linamac: To treat multiple myeloma, a type of cancer, and to treat diabetes. 
  • Medzole: It is used by four different companies to treat entirely different medical conditions- as a sedative, to treat stomach acidity, as a deworming treatment for children and as a powerful antifungal drug to treat diseases such as “black fungus”.

What Are the Concerns Related to Drug Naming in India?

• Advisory in English: The packaging of all drugs in India bears the name and prescription advice in the English language, a language spoken by less than 10% of the population. 
• Poor Regulation: Indian pharmacies are poorly regulated. Not only do many pharmacies in India routinely dispense drugs without prescriptions. 
• Confusion and Adverse Consequences: It is not always that different companies use similar names to sell different active ingredients. Sometimes, the same company uses a successful and similar brand name for one formulation to promote a second formulation. 
  • Example: The company that uses the brand name ‘I-Pill’ to sell an emergency contraceptive (ECP), uses the brand name ‘i-Pill Daily’ as a daily contraceptive pill. 
  • An ECP is used after sexual intercourse to prevent fertilization, while a daily contraceptive is used to prevent ovulation and fertilization. These are not interchangeable, and any confusion at the pharmacy can cause unwanted pregnancies.

Various Recommendations to Restrict the Use of Such Identical or Similar Names

• The Supreme Court of India– In Cadila HealthCare Ltd. vs Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd., 2001.
• The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare in its 59th report (2012).
• The Registrar of Companies and the Office of Registrar of Newspapers for India have systems in place to ensure that no two companies or publications have identical or similar names.
• Regrettably, the recommendations of the Court and Parliament were ignored by the Ministry of Health, until in 2019 when Justice Pratibha M. Singh of the Delhi High Court

The Drugs and Cosmetics (Thirteenth Amendment) Rules, 2019

• The Ministry of Health brought a flimsy system that required pharmaceutical companies to provide an “undertaking” to State drug controllers, along with their applications for manufacturing licenses. 
• This framework was pointless for two reasons: 
• • Self-Certification: It just does not work in India, as evident from the fact that many drugs in India continue to have confusingly similar names. 
  • Lack of Database: Even if a company wanted to comply with the new rule, there is no database in India of all pharmaceutical brand-names. 
    • The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation [CDSCO] would first have to build such a database by collecting data from the 36 different drug controllers in each State and Union Territory.

Conclusion

It is a very serious and concerning issue, which is intensified when as a country, India has no data on prescription errors. To counter this challenge India need to adopt the following measures:

• Data Collection and Maintenance: The Ministry of Health needs to take serious and strict actions to collect and maintain the data.
• Follow International Mechanisms: In the United States and Europe, jurisdictions have specific divisions within their drug regulators to examine the names of drugs on a number of factors to avoid confusion in order to minimize prescription errors. 

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