The Hindu Newspaper Analysis

Editorial Topic : Regional Troubles

 GS-2 Mains Exam : IR

Revision Notes

Regional Troubles: An Overview

Introduction

• Thailand’s Parliament recently elected 37-year-old Paetongtarn Shinawatra as Prime Minister following the constitutional court’s ousting of Srettha Thavisin.

About Paetongtarn Shinawatra

• Political Background:
  • Youngest daughter of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 military coup.
  • Fourth member of the Shinawatra family to hold the Prime Minister’s office.
  • Her uncle, Somchai Wongsawat, was dismissed by the constitutional court in 2008, and her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra faced a similar fate in 2014.
• Conservative Polity:
  • The conservative establishment in Thailand has a history of influencing such sudden political changes.

About Srettha Thavisin

• Among over a dozen Prime Ministers since 2001, Srettha was recently ousted for ethical breaches, including appointing a minister previously convicted of attempting to bribe a judge.
• Elected in 2023 following the disqualification of the reformist Move Forward Party, which had won the most seats but was banned for proposing changes to monarchy-related laws.

Challenges Ahead for Paetongtarn Shinawatra

• Reform Limitations: Radical reforms appear unlikely due to past disqualifications, as seen with Srettha.
• Economic Goals: Key focus on revitalizing Thailand’s sluggish economy while avoiding the political fate of her predecessors.
• Guidance from Thaksin: Given her youth and limited experience, she is expected to be guided by her father, Thaksin, who has returned from exile.

Implications for India

• The crisis in Thailand coincides with political instability in Bangladesh, where the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has led to uncertainty.
• Myanmar’s ongoing violence between militant groups and the military junta threatens India’s investments and border security in the Northeast.
• The upcoming Sri Lankan presidential elections and Thailand’s crisis could impact the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok, scheduled for September 4.

Way Forward for India

• India must remain vigilant and prepared for potential disruptions, ensuring that its interests in the region are protected.
• With several agreements on digital payments, connectivity, and maritime cooperation already negotiated, it is crucial that the BIMSTEC summit proceeds as planned.
• While Paetongtarn’s election may provide short-term stability, New Delhi should brace for possible future crises, maintaining a balanced approach to regional diplomacy.

 

 

 

The Hindu Newspaper Analysis

Editorial Topic : Apathy Continues: Mpox Outbreak

 GS-2 Mains Exam : Health

Revision Notes

WHO Declares Public Health emergency of international concern (PHEIC)

• Second PHEIC in two years: WHO declares mpox a PHEIC again.  
• Triggered by: Outbreak in DRC, spread to over a dozen African countries.
• Preceded by: Africa CDC declaring a PHECS.  
• First time: Regional and global health emergencies declared simultaneously for a disease outbreak.
• Rapid declaration: WHO declares PHEIC at first emergency committee meeting for Africa, unlike previous Ebola outbreaks.

Mpox Outbreak Details

• 2022 outbreak: Primarily in Europe, caused by milder clade 2b, affecting mainly MSM.
• Current outbreak: Driven by more lethal clade 1b, spreading through sexual and non-sexual contact.
• Impact: 2,863 confirmed cases, 517 deaths (primarily in DRC), 2/3 of cases in children under 15 in DRC.  

 

• Vaccine shortage: Acute shortage of vaccines (0.21 million available vs. 10 million needed).
• Historical neglect: Africa not supplied with vaccines despite mpox being endemic, even during 2022 outbreak.

Conclusion

• Regulatory hurdles: Only DRC and Nigeria approved mpox vaccine, WHO emergency use listing can expedite access.
• Delayed response: Africa may have to wait till end of 2025 for sufficient vaccines.
• Call to action: Global health agencies and nations urged to be proactive and prevent another pandemic.