NEWSPAPER NOTES

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

1. Creation of theatre commands will kick-start next generation of reforms

Background

• The Indian armed forces are moving towards Integrated Theatre Commands (ITC), a key step in their ongoing restructuring.
• General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), highlights in his book, Ready, Relevant and Resurgent: A Blueprint for the Transformation of India’s Military, that theatre commanders will be responsible for operational application, while service chiefs will focus on "Raise, Train and Sustain" (RTS) functions.
• The CDS's appointment 22 months prior was aimed at facilitating the restructuring of military commands for optimal resource utilization and operational integration.
• The establishment of joint operational structures is seen as a "most revolutionary" change since India's independence, marking the beginning of significant reforms.

The Situation Now

• The concept of establishing theatre commands involves two parallel components: "Force Application" and "Force Generation."
• Force Application will be the responsibility of theatre commanders, while service chiefs will focus on Force Generation.
• The CDS emphasizes that jointness among the three services and physical integration are crucial for the establishment of theatre commands.
• The restructuring process is complex, requiring substantial conceptual and cultural changes at various levels of military hierarchy.
• The acceptability of these changes by officers at all levels is critical for their successful implementation.
• The primary mandate of the CDS is to ensure "jointness" of the three services, making the reorganization of the armed forces' geography-centric ITC a top priority.

Way Forward

• The creation of theatre commands is seen as the "next generation of reforms" for the Indian military.
• These reforms aim to bring about integration in operations and optimize the utilization of resources.
• The structural transformation at the apex level will lead to organizational changes at various levels of command and headquarters.
• The success of these reforms hinges on achieving conceptual and cultural shifts within the armed forces.
• The CDS's role is pivotal in driving the "jointness" agenda and ensuring the smooth transition to the new theatre command structure.

2. Introspecting counter-terrorism after Operation Sindoor.

Background

• "Operation Sindoor" was launched on April 22 in response to the killings of Pahalgam pilgrims by Pakistani proxies and India's retribution.
• While the operation is described as unreliable and strategically ineffective, its impact on counter-terrorism discourse remains uncertain.
• The article criticizes the lack of focus on internalisation in discussions about terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), suggesting a misunderstanding of the overall context and a focus on Pakistan rather than local dynamics.
• The complexity of terrorism in J&K is highlighted, with its roots traced back to 1989 and the subsequent militancy, leading to a transformation of the security landscape.
• Foreign intervention and internal vulnerabilities are identified as key factors fueling the conflict.
• Since 1989, terror-related fatalities in J&K have seen a significant decline, from 4,000 lives in 2001 to 127 in 2024.

The Situation Now

• There's a strong correlation between Pakistan's internal stability and militancy in J&K.
• The decline in terror-related fatalities is evident, with figures from 2015 to 2019 showing a significant drop. Even during "Operation Sindoor," fatalities related to terror remained low.
• The Government of Pakistan and the Pakistani people claim that they won the 100 hours war, but this is contested, as the rank of Field Marshal and according to Ayesha Siddiqa, a Pakistani political scientist, military nationalism has been revived in Pakistan.
• The present circumstances in J&K are deemed uncertain, with a continued need for security vigilance.
• The deteriorating security situation in the Jammu region is marked by a high kill ratio for terrorists, but concerns remain about the lack of public support for counter-terrorism efforts.
• The consolidation of the security grid in J&K is progressing, but challenges remain in addressing the widespread distrust and violence.

Way Forward

• A broader approach to counter-terrorism is needed, going beyond just military operations.
• Addressing the roots of radicalization and internal vulnerabilities is crucial for long-term peace in J&K.
• Political engagement and comprehensive development are essential components of a sustainable counter-terrorism strategy.
• Strengthening security-centric measures must be complemented by non-kinetic tools to achieve more effective deterrence.
• Understanding the internal dynamics and people's perceptions are vital for effective counter-terrorism.
• The article emphasizes a deep-rooted, nation-led approach to address the challenges in J&K.

3. A medical oxygen gap SE Asia must bridge

Background

• Oxygen is crucial for healthcare, extending beyond just COVID-19 to treat various conditions like pneumonia, surgical complications, and traumatic injuries.
• The global pandemic highlighted severe deficiencies in medical oxygen access, especially in low and middle-income countries.
• Challenges in oxygen access are multifaceted, encompassing supply chain, quality management, human resources, safety, and financing.
• Approximately 2.6 billion people lack adequate medical oxygen, primarily in Asia and Africa.

The Situation Now

• The Lancet Global Health Commission on medical oxygen identified a significant gap: in South and East Asia, 92% of the medical oxygen gap remains unfilled. This translates to a 74% coverage deficit for essential medical oxygen.
• The COVID-19 pandemic severely stressed oxygen infrastructure in lower-income countries, leading to a major crisis with long-term repercussions.
• A 2020 WHO report revealed persistent learning gaps in medical oxygen management during the pandemic, particularly concerning procurement and supply chain access.
• Several systemic barriers impede oxygen availability, including insufficient equipment, outdated monitoring, diagnostic delays, and a shortage of healthcare providers.
• Investment in oxygen infrastructure is severely lacking, especially in low-resource settings. This is partly due to financing difficulties and a lack of skilled personnel for maintenance and repair.

Way Forward

• A long-term, multi-stakeholder approach is crucial for strengthening oxygen ecosystems, involving governments, international organizations, and the private sector.
• Key actions include improving political commitment, establishing clear regulatory frameworks, transparent data-driven decision-making, and robust monitoring.
• Investing in oxygen infrastructure and workforce development is essential, particularly in low-resource settings. This includes regional cooperation for technical and biomedical engineers.
• Innovative financing mechanisms are needed to expand oxygen access, such as results-based financing and public-private partnerships.
• Improved supply chain management is vital, including strategic investments in manufacturing capacity and diversified oxygen sources.
• Sustainable and resilient oxygen delivery models must be developed, integrating oxygen access into universal health coverage and emergency preparedness plans.
• Addressing oxygen access is not just a health issue but also a matter of equity and human rights.

NEWS IN SHORTS

1. IndiGo Flight Incident

An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Srinagar faced severe turbulence and a hailstorm. The pilots requested emergency overflight via Pakistan, but were denied. The Indian Air Force guided the flight to a safe landing in Srinagar.

2. India's Push Against Pakistan at FATF

India is pushing the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to place Pakistan back on its grey list, citing Islamabad's failure to enforce anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism reforms. This could hurt Pakistan's access to financial aid.

3. Trump's Tariff Threats

Donald Trump has threatened a 50% tariff on all imports from the European Union and 25% on Apple products unless iPhones are made in the United States. This has shaken global markets and reignited fears of a trade war.

.4. Maoist Leader Killed

A top Maoist leader, Basavaraju, was killed in Chhattisgarh. This is considered a major blow to the Maoist insurgency. The Indian government sees this as a chance for peace in the region.

5. Bangladesh Political Situation

Bangladesh's interim government chief, Muhammad Yunus, is reportedly considering resigning due to political deadlock and pressure. He faces criticism for delaying elections. 

6. Northeast India: A Gateway to Southeast Asia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India's Northeast region is transforming from a frontier into a growth frontrunner, offering diverse industrial opportunities and serving as a trade gateway to Southeast Asia.