NEWSPAPER NOTES

R2R SSB BATCHES START EVERY 1ST & 15TH of month. Referred articles were published in The Hindu.

1: The Influence and Use of Air Power

Background

• The article discusses the evolving nature of air power, moving beyond traditional applications.
• It highlights the importance of understanding the non-kinetic capabilities of air power.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) is presented as adapting to this change, emphasizing strategic reach and humanitarian aid.
• The article mentions the need for the IAF to improve its capabilities to meet strategic challenges.
• The importance of the IAF's role in addressing both conventional and unconventional threats is emphasised.
• The article references the IAF's doctrine of 2012, which acknowledged the need for air power in counter-terrorist operations.
• The IAF has been increasingly focused on limited conflict and no-war-no-peace situations.

The Situation Now

• The article points out a competition between three services of the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy for a share of the defence budget.
• It is noted that the IAF is struggling to match the capabilities of potential adversaries, particularly China.
• There's a discussion about the importance of integrating offensive air power and other capabilities to avoid unnecessary conflict.
• The article mentions the need for a more robust and integrated air defence system.
• The Prime Minister's recent reduction in thresholds to accept pain and respond to mechanisms highlights the current focus on pre-emption and punishment strategies.

Way Forward

• The article suggests the IAF needs to fully develop its capabilities to address challenges from adversaries.
• There is a call for a more decisive strategic outcome in the use of air power.
• The discussion includes the need for the IAF to focus on collaborative threats that are morphing in the neighbourhood, such as the imminent delivery of fifth-generation fighter aircraft by China to Pakistan.
• The article suggests the need to focus on what air power can bring to force decisive strategic outcomes.

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2: India's Focus on North-East Development

Background

• India is recognizing the diversity of its north-eastern states and their potential.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized the importance of understanding the diversity in the north-east.
• The region is described as having rich cultural diversity and natural resources.
• The article mentions conflicts within the Indian state, such as one in Manipur.

The Situation Now

• The government is seeking to transform the region into a destination for investors and tourists.
• The article mentions infrastructure projects like the Sela Tunnel, the Bhupen Hazarika bridge, and expansion of rail lines and highways.
• There's a focus on gas grid expansion and telecom development.
• The Centre's interest in the region is perceived to be leading to a surge in tourism and attracting investments.
• Issues related to inter-state border disputes and environmental damage are highlighted.

Way Forward

• The article suggests that India needs to harmonise its East policy by integrating the north-east more closely with East Asian economies.
• It emphasizes the need for alignment in policies within the borders and neighboring countries.

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3: A New Time for a New India-Africa Digital Compact

Background

• The article discusses the need for India and Africa to adopt digital solutions to achieve socio-economic progress.
• It highlights the importance of digital transformation in Africa.
• The article mentions India's approach to development diplomacy in Africa.
• It references various initiatives such as the Pan-African e-Network and DIKSHA.

The Situation Now

• The article notes the contributions of a digital partnership between India and Africa.
• It mentions the establishment of institutions like the Indian Institute of Information Technology in Tanzania.
• Challenges include the world’s largest digital divide and disparities in access and literacy.
• The article highlights the importance of sustainable power generation and grid expansion.
• It mentions that about 70% of African countries have national ID systems with digital capabilities.

Way Forward

• The article calls for a new India-Africa digital compact anchored in mutual respect, co-development, and long-term institutional partnerships.
• It suggests that this compact could serve as a scalable framework for advancing digital inclusion.

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3: Share of Cardiac and Diabetic Deaths Soar in India

Background

• The article discusses the increasing share of Indians dying from cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other conditions.
• It notes a shift from communicable to non-communicable diseases as the primary causes of death.
• The article references data sourced from the "Cause of Death" statistics published by the Office of the Registrar General of India.
• The COVID-19 pandemic is mentioned in relation to mortality patterns.

The Situation Now

• The share of deaths from cardiovascular diseases increased in 2019-21.
• Deaths due to diabetes among men increased.
• The share of men and women who died from cancer has remained relatively flat.
• The article notes interventions due to which deaths from diarrheal conditions and tuberculosis have come down.

Way Forward

• The article presents data and trends related to various causes of death in India.
• It highlights the need for continued efforts to address non-communicable diseases.

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