18th August, 2016 Current Affairs

The Hindu-Editorials
Avoiding the copy cat Trap on Balochistan.
Balochistan, what can be Indias gains?
Context India shifted its policy and it aims to create a Balochistan as a pressure point on Pakistan. In this
context, the challenges in the policyare analyses below.
Challenges

Balochistan and Kashmir are not equivalents India do not claim any Territorial rights over Balochistan.
Unlike this, Pakistani claims a territorial rights over Kashmir. It gives a credence to Pakistan argument
that India is fueling nationalistic movement in Balochistan.
Brutalities and excess of Pakistan in Balochistan are no way comparable to the situation in Kashmir.
Unnecessary hyphenation will bring in an unfortunate comparison.
Balochistan issue has repercussions in other countries too Afghanistan and Iran share boundary with
Balochistan and China has economic stakes in Balochistan. CPEC and its west Asia, Central Asia
connectivity plans runs through Balochistan. These countries can give credence to Pakistans argument
of India fueled nationalism in Balochistan and it may affect Indias relations with these countries.
India has consistently maintained non interference in the internal matters of other countries stand at
UN. This goes against to such a stand.
Finally, creation of pressure points can serve Indias short term interests, but in the long term they need to
be properly gauged.

Disquiet on the western front

India Pakistan boundary Management challenges
Context Union ministry of home affairs has recently constituted a committee to strengthen border
protection. In this scenario, the article highlights challenges across the border.

A non uniform border the border varies significantly in its geographical terrain, challenges and criminal
activity From Gujarat to Kashmir.
Lack of legal basis of border management The India Pakistan Border ground rules 1960-61 are not
accepted by both the governments. So, any arrangement is an ad hoc arrangement. Non recognition of
ground rule is making the implementation of ceasefire agreement very difficult.
No written document on ceasefire agreement 2003 ceasefire agreement as it stands today is not a
written document with properly laid out rules.
Gaps in the fence shifting sand dunes, snowfall, torrential rains and overflowing rivers are creating too
many gaps in the fence across the border. It is becoming a source of infiltration and crime.
Personnel challenges BSF, a para military force manages the border. It has no equal treatment with the
Army. Lack of sufficient man power is leading to extended working hours to the tune of 16-18 hours for
the existing staff in extreme weather. It is killing the morale of the personnel.
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18th August, 2016 Current Affairs

Sedition law
Nehru described the sedition law as highly objectionable and obnoxious.
Supreme Court of India in kedarnath Singh vs state of Bihar in 1962 upheld the sedition law under section
124A but Imposed restrictions in its use. That is, sedition charges shall be limited to the cases where what
is spoken shall incite violence and public disorder. Inspite of these limitations, misuse of are 124 A
continues today. Recent cases against Amnesty international is one such example.
Note Section 124-A of IPC is a vague and dangerousprovision that punishes those who by use of words,
signs or visible representation bring into hatred or contempt or excite disaffection towards the
government.

Multilateralismhistoricallyliberalism (globalization) and growth of regionalism is happening in cycles.

After the wave of globalism, the world is slowly drifting in to a phase of protectionism and regionalism. The
major reasons for this are
1.
2.
3.
4.

Institutional structure created after World War II is self deservingly rigid.

Developed societies changed embracing individualism over social democracy.
Rise of rival institutions like SCO, AIIB etc.
Failure to balance free trade with social goals. For example, developed countries never agreed for a
strong preferential treatment for farmers from developing countries.

In this scenario, structural changes are very critical for reviving a new wave of multilateralism.

News
RTI act Supreme Court has referred the matter related to bringing judicial my appointments under the
purview of RTI is referred to a constitutional bench.
Kashmir India replied to Pakistan invitation to talks by saying it is ready to discuss cross border terror and
not Kashmir.

Question of the day

1. Border management on western front with Pakistan has many challenges. What do you think are the
steps India shall take up to improve conditions across the border.

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