Caught in the middle: On India and curbing drug abuse
The challenge of drug abuse in India necessitates a paradigm shift from purely punitive criminal justice measures towards a public health-oriented harm reduction approach. Positioned geographically between the 'Golden Crescent' and the 'Golden Triangle', India faces severe vulnerabilities to drug trafficking and substance abuse. Prioritizing rehabilitation, community-based interventions, and decriminalization of drug users for minor possession are critical to mitigating this crisis.
Read source at The Hindu — Editorial →Mains Practice Question
Examine the socio-economic and security challenges posed by drug abuse and trafficking in India. To what extent can a public health-led 'harm reduction' model prove more effective than a purely retributive legal framework in addressing this issue?
250 words
Practice this in the exam hall →Prelims Practice MCQ
With reference to the global illicit drug trade routes, which of the following countries constitute the region popularly known as the 'Golden Crescent'?
- A.Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand
- B.Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan
- C.Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia
- D.Turkey, Syria, and Iraq
The 'Golden Crescent' is one of Asia's two principal areas of illicit opium production, located at the crossroads of Central, South, and Western Asia, comprising Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan. The 'Golden Triangle' comprises Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand.
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