30/5/2020 : The Hindu Editorials Notes
GS-2 Mains
QUESTION: In the light of current situation explain the developments in India-Australia relations emerging as strategic partners in Indo-Pacific region.
WHAT?
- The India-Australia first virtual summit.
WHY IN NEWS?
- To strengthen the bilateral relations between both countries a virtual summit is going to be held next week with respect to turbulent geopolitics of the region.
INDIA-AUSTRALIA BILATERAL RELATIONS
BACKGROUND:
- The diplomatic relations were established with India Trade Office in Sydney in 1941.
- The end of cold war and India’s decision to launch major economic reforms in 1991 that provided first positive move towards development.
- ‘Strategic partnership’ was upgraded including Joint Declaration on security cooperation in 2009.
POLITICAL RELATIONS:
- Foreign Minister’s Framework Dialogue(FMFD) for advancing bilateral agenda, held annually in India and Australia.
- India-Aust.-Nepal trilateral dialogue.
- Indonesia-Aust.-India dialogue.
ECONOMIC RELATIONS:
- India is 5th largest trade partner of Australia with trade in goods and services.
- India’s main exports to Australia are – refined petroleum, railways vehicles, pearls, jewellery, vegetables, gold, wool, fruits, education related services and so on.
- A Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement provides framework for substantial new trade in energy.
DEFENCE COOPERATION:
- Recently, Aust. and India conducted AUSINDEX , their largest bilateral naval exercise.
- In 2018, Indian Air Force participated for first time in exercise Pitch Black Australia.
- The 3rd edition of AUSTRAHIND (special forces of Army exercise) held.
- Mutual Legislative Support Agreement will be signed during this summit would enhance defence cooperation.
EDUCATION AND CULTURAL RELATIONS:
- Student exchange prog., capacity building in vocational education and distance learning in higher education.
SIGNIFICANCE OF BILATERAL RELATIONS:
- Corona like pandemic control lessions we can learn and how to combat this crisis through “controlled adaption”.
- Agricultural cooperation and trade related strategies to be collaborated.
International Cooperation:
- Australia supports India’s candidature in UNSC.
- Both countries are members of Commonwealth, IORA, ASEAN Regional Forum, Asian Pacific Partnership on climate and clean development.
- Economic and Maritime dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.
ISSUES:
- Trade Related: trade deficit has been increasing since 2001-02.
- FDI fall.
- Racist attacks on Indian students in Australia.
WAY FORWARD:
- The management of cooperation related to health, food and education can be sustained trade.
- Trade barriers to be removed by utilising current innovations through digital medium.
- Upgradation of 2+2 talks, attempts towards balancing its relations with Australia, both can play bigger role in Indo-Pacific region.
GS-2 Mains
QUESTION: Examine the role of Supreme Court with respect to fundamental rights of workers and show that the relationship between Higher and Lower judiciary.
WHAT?
- Supreme Court order on grievances of migrant workers in different parts of the country.
WHY IN NEWS ?
- The highest court has taken observation of the plight of millions of interstate workers looking for transport for home and relief from misery by lockdown.
- A three judge bench has initiated suo motu(on its own motion) proceeding.
- Proceedings were based on media reports and representations from senior advocates, observing that there have been inadequacies on part of Centre and States in dealing with Covid-19 crisis faced by daily wagers.
ISSUES:
- Initial exodus of workers from cities to their home states had been set off by “Fake News” that lockdown would last for month.
- Abandonment of protecting fundamental rights of workers, especially most vulnerable from political tussel .
- In an unfortunate limited intervention, the court merely advised the police to treat workers on roads with kindness and directed the media to highlight centre’s version of developments.
KEY POINTS:
- The top court must now find out if the centres imposed a stringent lockdown to buy time for preparing the health infrastructure.
WAY FORWARD:
- One should now expect the court to take a more critical look at the govts. Lapses and emulate the Steller role that High Courts are playing in holding administrations accountable.
- may lay down guidelines for planning, coordination and establishment of a mechanism to address the economic and humanitarian consequences of such actions in upcoming future.
- Electronic media can play a crucial role in providing right information at right time.
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