Must Read News Articles I 31st January 2020

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Should restrictions on free speech be reviewed

Freedom of speech and expression is fundamental right as enshrined in Art 19(1) of constitution. However, this freedom is not absolute and is govern by safeguard provided by Art 19(2). However, in recent time these safeguard are being misused. Also, restrictions of freedom of speech is being decided on case by case basis which is problematic. For example, the hate speech of politicians is not attracting any punishment.

The article discusses about the need to review the safeguards provided in the Art 19(2)

A deliverance : pregnancy termination bill

The article argues that the central government move to extend the limit of medical termination of pregnancy to 24 weeks is boon for many woman.

Coronavirus declared global health emergency by WHO

The new coronavirus has been declared a global emergency by the World Health Organization, as the outbreak continues to spread outside China. This tag could lead to improved international co-ordination in tackling the disease.

“The main reason for this declaration is not what is happening in China but what is happening in other countries,” said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Why President address matters

The article highlight the various provisions and precedents of President and Governor addressing Parliament and State Legislature respectively.

Why coronavirus could hit India pharma industry

Spread of coronavirus may impact Indian pharma sector it is as heavily dependent on China for components used to make products across pharma industries, including essential medicines.

China supplies nearly 70% of the total bulk drugs and intermediates (raw materials) imported to make medicines in India.

India’s civil society moment

The editorial says that the strength of civil society is its spontaneity, collective mobilisation. Its weapon is the Constitution; its demand is respect for constitutional morality

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For the rural poor, a manufactured crisis

The article highlights that the National Population register (NPR) and a possible National Register of Citizens (NRC) will unleash a humanitarian crisis. Further, they are being pushed at a time when rural distress is acute. It argues that instead of focusing on increasing rural wages, the central govt is wasting resources on the NPR and NRC.

Divorce sealed, Brexit finally arrives today

UK will formally leave the EU 31 January 2020. UK becomes the first nation ever to leave European Union.

While the UK has agreed the terms of its EU departure, both sides still need to decide what their future relationship will look like.

This will be worked out during the transition period (which some prefer to call the implementation period), which begins immediately after Brexit day and is due to end on 31 December 2020.

During this 11-month period, the UK will continue to follow all of the EU’s rules and its trading relationship will remain the same.