Endless wait: on Afghanistan Presidential election (The Hindu)

Mains Paper 2 : International Relations
Prelims level : Afghanistan Presidential election
Mains level : Effects of the election on India-Afghanistan relations

Context:

• The announcement of preliminary results for the Afghanistan Presidential election is a significant step for India’s war-torn neighbour.
• The fourth Presidential poll since the Taliban’s fall in 2001, it consolidates the country’s democratic process in the face of odds, including continuing violence and terrorism there.
• According to the Independent Election Commission, President Ashraf Ghani has won 50.64% of the votes counted.

Setting aside the concerns:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Mr. Ghani for winning the elections, a gesture which will be noted by Mr. Ghani and Vice President-elect Amrullah Saleh.
• Mr. Modi reaffirmed India’s close and strategic partnership with Afghanistan since 2010.
• The move came in sharp contrast to the rest of world that has chosen to be more cautious at present;
• The U.S. Ambassador has reminded all that “many steps remain” before the final results are certified and declared, and the UN has called for all candidates to “safeguard and complete the election”.

Conclusion:

• It will be in everyone’s interests, particularly the Afghans who braved violent attacks to go out and vote, if the remaining steps of the electoral process are completed at the earliest, and democracy is reaffirmed in Afghanistan.

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Prelims Questions:

Q.1) With reference to the 38th meeting of the GST Council, consider the following statements:
1. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has fixed a uniform tax rate of 28 % on both state-run and private lottery.
2. It recommended that Grievance Redressal Committees (GRC) will be constituted at Zonal/State level.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) None of the above

Ans: C
Mains Questions:
Q.1) How Afghanistan Presidential election is significant for India’s relation with Afghanistan?