The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 6th January 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

The outlook for India in the year ahead

Why in News?

The article talks about the difficulties India might face in 2025, such as geopolitical tensions, regional instability, and increasing digital threats. 

Economic and Political Stability

•  India is one of the top countries in the world for economic growth and political stability. 
•  Despite global economic and geopolitical challenges, India maintains a peaceful environment. 
•  India is seeing the emergence of new economic and political groups while managing complex global relationships. 

Global Unrest in 2024

•  In 2024, there was significant global political instability, with multiple conflicts threatening peace, particularly in Europe and West Asia. 
•  Major crises included the Gaza conflict, which was unprecedented, and the Ukraine conflict, which had the potential to escalate into a wider war. 
•  Despite these challenges, India has effectively managed its geopolitical position. 

Challenges Ahead in 2025

•  2025 is anticipated to bring new challenges that will require strategic responses from Indian policymakers. 
•  India needs to remain alert, especially regarding its largest neighbor, China. 

India-China Relations

•  Recent developments such as border negotiations, disengagement at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and high-level discussions suggest progress in India-China relations. 
•  However, the border conflict remains unresolved. 
•  China is enhancing its security cooperation with the Global South and advancing initiatives like the Global Security Initiative (GSI). 
•  China’s strategic actions during key global summits have diminished India’s influence in forums like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). 

Churn in South and West Asia

South Asia:

•  India is facing regional isolation due to changes in leadership in Bangladesh and strained relations with neighboring countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan. 
•  The Maldives’ position is uncertain, while Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to be sources of concern. 

West Asia:

•  The collapse of the Assad regime in Syria has significant regional implications. 
•  The rise of the Sunni-led HTS (Hayat Tahir al Shams) under Ahmed Hussain al Sharaa represents a major shift in the region. 
•  Iran’s influence is declining, which may impact Shia groups like Hezbollah and the pro-Palestine movement. 
•  Countries like Israel and Türkiye are likely to benefit from these changes, while Russia’s influence in the region is waning. 

Rising Digital Threats

•  Cybersecurity is becoming an increasing concern, with significant risks to national infrastructure. 
•  The number of cyberattacks, including ransomware and denial-of-service attacks, surged in 2024 and is expected to escalate further in 2025. 
•  This trend poses critical challenges to Indian security. 

Conclusion

•  India must navigate a more volatile geopolitical landscape and prepare for increasing digital threats. 
•  Strategic vigilance and proactive policy-making will be essential for maintaining stability and influence. 

Practice Question:  Analyze the key challenges India is likely to face in 2025, focusing on regional geopolitics and digital security concerns. (150 Words /10 marks)

India needs to prioritise preventive care

Why in News?

India is facing a growing healthcare crisis marked by a rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. 

•  Although life expectancy is increasing, many Indians are experiencing a higher burden of disease earlier in life. 
•  In 2022, NCDs accounted for 65% of all deaths, up from 50% in 2010-13, according to the National Family Health Survey-5. 

Alarming Trends in NCDs

•  Hypertension and diabetes are prevalent, with one in four adult men being hypertensive and one in eight diabetic. 
•  Cancers such as breast, lung, and cervical are on the rise, with diagnoses occurring at a median age younger than global averages. 
•  Late diagnosis worsens healthcare challenges, as earlier detection could lower costs and improve outcomes. 

Financial Burden of Healthcare

•  The Union Budget for 2024 allocated ₹87,657 crore to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, a 13% increase from the previous year. 
•  Despite this increase, healthcare spending remains inadequate given the severity of the crisis. 
•  Total current health expenditure in 2021-22 was ₹7.9 lakh crore, growing faster than inflation. 
•  Household health expenditure constitutes over 50% of total spending, one of the highest rates globally. 

Escalating Economic Impact of NCDs

•  The World Health Organization (WHO) projects that the economic burden of NCDs in India will surpass ₹280 lakh crore by 2030, averaging ₹2 lakh per household. 
•  Increasing healthcare costs and productivity losses pose threats to the financial stability of middle and lower-income families. 

Importance of Preventive Healthcare

•  Regular screenings for high-risk individuals can significantly reduce the occurrence of severe diseases and alleviate financial and social impacts. 
•  Studies show that for every 1,000 people screened, at least three individuals are identified for pre-emptive interventions related to cardiac or cancer conditions. 

Barriers to Preventive Care Adoption

•  The cost of comprehensive health checks, ranging from ₹8,000 to ₹15,000 in metropolitan areas, is perceived as high by many individuals. 
•  To encourage the adoption of preventive care, it is essential to implement tax incentives, subsidized screenings, and increased public awareness about the benefits of preventive healthcare. 

Policy Recommendations

•  The tax deduction for health checks under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act has been unchanged at ₹5,000 since 2013. 
•  Increasing the tax deduction limit to ₹15,000 in the Union Budget 2025-26 could encourage more individuals to undergo preventive health checks. 
•  The estimated cost to the government for this adjustment is less than ₹5,000 crore, making it a worthwhile investment for improved public health. 

A Three-Pronged Approach for Preventive Care

• Strengthen Ayushman Health and Wellness Centres: Facilitate early intervention through AI-driven imaging for cost-effective, large-scale screenings. 
• Encourage Private Sector Participation: Collaborate with insurers and private health providers to offer subsidized screening programs for individuals aged 40-60. Utilize funds from healthcare cess or GST on tobacco and sugar products to finance screenings. 
• Increase Tax Incentives: Raise the tax deduction limit to promote comprehensive health checks among individuals. 

Conclusion

•  Shifting the focus from reactive treatments to preventive care can alleviate the economic and financial burden of chronic diseases. 
•  This shift not only improves health outcomes but also paves the way for a healthier and more financially resilient nation.