Central Idea

• In a significant stride towards global healthcare innovation, the World Health Organization (WHO) and India’s G20 presidency have jointly unveiled the ‘Global Initiative on Digital Health’ (GIDH).
• The announcement was made at the Health Minister’s Meeting during the G20 Summit, hosted by the Indian Government.

What is GIDH?

• WHO and G20 Partnership: The WHO and India’s G20 presidency collaboratively introduced the ‘Global Initiative on Digital Health’ (GIDH).
• Strategy Implementation: GIDH functions as a WHO-managed platform, supporting the implementation of the ‘Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020–2025.’
• Transformation Acceleration: The WHO, as the strategy’s Secretariat, facilitates the global convergence of standards, best practices, and resources for expediting digital health system transformation.

Objectives of the GIDH Initiative

• Measurable Outcomes: GIDH aspires to unite nations and partners, aiming to achieve tangible results through concerted efforts.
• Prioritizing Investment Plans: The initiative seeks to establish focused investment plans for the transformation of digital health, driven by clear priorities.
• Enhancing Resource Transparency: GIDH works towards greater transparency in reporting digital health resources, ensuring effective resource allocation.
• Facilitating Global Collaboration: The initiative fosters the exchange of knowledge and collaboration among regions and countries to expedite progress.
• Comprehensive Governance: GIDH supports holistic government approaches to digital health governance within countries.
• Boosting Support: The initiative aims to enhance both technical and financial support for the implementation of the ‘Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020–2025’ and its forthcoming phase.

India’s Role and Vision

• Digital Health Innovation: India’s G-20 Health Minister emphasized India’s role in digital health innovation at the G-20 Health Ministers’ Meeting.
• National Digital Health Architecture: India’s efforts for a comprehensive digital health ecosystem, exemplified by the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), were highlighted.

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Central Idea

• Foreign Secretary has told a Parliament committee that the Raisina Dialogue is now among the most significant global level think tank events in the world.

What is Raisina Dialogue?

• Flagship Geopolitical Conference: The Raisina Dialogue, founded in 2016, emerged as India’s flagship conference for discussions on global geopolitics and geo-economics.
• Hosted by ORF: The Observer Research Foundation (ORF), an independent think tank, collaborates with the Ministry of External Affairs to host the Raisina Dialogue.

Emergence of the Dialogue

• Geopolitical and Geo-economic Discourse: The Raisina Dialogue is a significant global-level think tank event that fosters cross-sectoral discussions on geopolitics and geo-economics.
• Global Participation: Raisina Dialogue serves as a platform for engagement among policymakers, heads of states, cabinet ministers, local officials, private sector executives, media representatives, and scholars.
• Inspired by Shangri-La Dialogue: Modeled after Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue, Raisina Dialogue facilitates multi-stakeholder dialogues on crucial global issues.

Political patronage to the dialogue

• Participation: PM’s attendance and address at the 2016 Raisina Dialogue marked a turning point, elevating the event’s significance.
• Shifting Paradigm: PM Modi’s presence elevated Raisina Dialogue from its modest beginnings in 2015 to a global focal point within a span of eight years.
• Global Recognition: The conference gained international recognition and prominence, attracting participants of repute from across the world.

Significance: Reflecting Indian Perspective

• Strategic Vision: Raisina Dialogue embodies a deliberate strategy to reflect and project India’s point of view on global matters.
• India-Centric Thinking: In alignment with the government’s focus on promoting India-centric thinking, the conference portrays India’s stance on global issues.
• Diverse Representation: The event brings together international sponsors, co-sponsors, and participants, fostering diverse viewpoints and critical appraisal of foreign policies.

Magnitude and Impact

• Global Participation: The recent edition of the Raisina Dialogue held in March 2023 witnessed the presence of Italy’s Prime Minister and over 30 foreign ministers. Participants from more than 100 countries engaged in discussions.
• Growing Influence: The conference’s stature and influence are evident through its widespread representation and discussions on a wide array of global issues.

Conclusion

• The Raisina Dialogue stands as a remarkable testament to India’s increasing role and influence in the global arena.
• As the Dialogue continues to shape discussions on geopolitics and geo-economics, it reinforces India’s position as a significant player on the world stage.

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Central Idea

• The recent coup in Niger has brought the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) into the spotlight as it grapples with responding to the political crisis in the region.
• As Niger faces economic hardships and military intervention by regional players looms, the role of ECOWAS is under scrutiny.

Understanding ECOWAS

• Formation and Membership: Established in 1975, ECOWAS aims to foster economic integration among its 15 member countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Nigeria, and more.
• Objective: The organization envisions a borderless region based on democratic principles and good governance.
• Economic Goals: ECOWAS seeks to create a unified trading bloc, single currency, and enhanced cooperation in sectors such as industry, energy, and telecommunications.

ECOWAS in Conflict Resolution

• Regional Peacekeeping: ECOWAS has played a role in resolving conflicts by deploying peacekeeping missions. Notable examples include ECOMOG’s involvement in Liberia and Sierra Leone during the 1990s and early 2000s.
• Gambia Crisis: In 2017, ECOWAS intervened in Gambia, ensuring the peaceful transfer of power after then-President Yahya Jammeh refused to step down following an election defeat.
• Challenges and Successes: While ECOWAS has effectively resolved conflicts in some cases, it faces challenges due to differing interests among member countries and evolving security threats.

ECOWAS’s Response to Niger Coup

• Potential Military Intervention: ECOWAS has hinted at possible military intervention in Niger. However, regional challenges, including shared borders with other military-led nations, could complicate intervention plans.
• Support for Coups: Some military coups in West Africa have been justified by leaders citing terrorism and security challenges, accusing civilian governments of inadequacy.
• Security Situation: The ECOWAS Commission President reported a significant rise in terrorist attacks in the region, with a substantial death toll and refugees fleeing the violence.

Economic Measures and Sanctions

• Economic Sanctions: ECOWAS has previously imposed economic sanctions on countries undergoing political turmoil. However, the efficacy of these measures is questionable, especially when nations are grappling with economic difficulties.
• France’s Role: France’s historical ties to Niger and the presence of foreign troops have fueled local sentiments against foreign involvement, creating complexities for potential interventions.

Challenges and Dilemmas

• Leadership Dynamics: The current chairman of ECOWAS, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, advocates for military intervention in Niger. However, internal opposition and conflicting interests within ECOWAS member states complicate decision-making.
• Complexity of the Situation: The unique circumstances of each nation undergoing turmoil require tailored responses. The Niger coup’s leader, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, has a history with ECOWAS peacekeeping missions.

Conclusion

• ECOWAS’s response to the Niger coup underscores the complexity of regional dynamics, the challenges of military intervention, and the delicate balance between security and democratic governance.
• As the organization grapples with finding an effective solution, its role as a mediator and peacekeeping force in West Africa continues to evolve in response to the changing geopolitical landscape.

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Central Idea

• Pakistan’s Senate has approved a bill to establish a central authority to combat money laundering and terror financing by bringing all institutions related to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) under one command.

What is FATF?

• The FATF is an intergovernmental organization established in 1989 to combat money laundering and financial crimes.
• Pakistan’s efforts to address money laundering and terror financing led to its inclusion in the FATF grey list in 2018.
• However, through comprehensive reforms and strategic measures, Pakistan successfully managed to exit the grey list.
• The country’s progress in enhancing laws related to money laundering and terrorism financing played a crucial role in achieving this milestone.

Role of FATF

• Global Financial Crimes Combat: FATF develops policies to combat money laundering and terrorist financing in response to the rise of the global economy and international trade.
• Regulatory Recommendations: The organization makes recommendations to combat financial crime, reviews members’ policies and procedures, and promotes the acceptance of anti-money laundering regulations worldwide.
• Continuous Updates: To stay ahead of evolving financial crime techniques, FATF updates its recommendations regularly.

Key initiatives: Grey and Black Lists

• Grey List: Countries considered safe havens for supporting terror funding and money laundering are placed in the FATF grey list. Inclusion in this list serves as a warning for potential entry into the more severe blacklist.
• Black List (Call for Action): The “Non-Cooperative Countries or Territories” (NCCTs) list, commonly known as the black list, identifies countries that are non-compliant with FATF’s recommendations.

Impact of Being on FATF Grey List

• Economic Sanctions and Reduced Trade: Countries on the grey list may face economic sanctions and reduced international trade opportunities.
• Difficulty in Obtaining Loans: Access to loans from international financial institutions like IMF, World Bank, and ADB may be limited.
• International Boycott: The country may face international boycotts affecting its global reputation.

What has Pakistan initiated now?

• Establishing the Authority: The bill seeks to create a National Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism Authority, which will be led by a chairman appointed by the Prime Minister.
• Coordination and Cooperation: The authority will act as a focal point for the FATF and related organizations.
• Unified Response: The proposed authority will function as a focal institution, enabling Pakistan to provide a unified response to money laundering and terror financing.
• Institutionalization of Entities: The bill seeks to institutionalize different entities, leading to improved efficiency and coordination in dealing with financial threats.

Challenges Addressed

• 3 Arenas of Difficulty: The bill addresses difficulties related to anti-money laundering, countering the financing of terrorism, and targeted financial sanctions faced by Pakistan when on the FATF grey list.
• Global Financial System Threats: Money laundering and terror financing were identified as severe threats to the global financial system when Pakistan was placed on the FATF grey list in 2018.

FATF Review and India’s Position

• Multifaceted Review: The FATF review assesses 40 parameters related to law, justice, revenue, banking, and insurance, along with nine parameters related to terror financing.
• Review Timeframe: The review began early this year and is expected to conclude by the end of 2024, with India being a rare country to have postponed its review due to COVID-19.

Conclusion

• The FATF plays a crucial role in combating financial crimes, including money laundering and terror financing.
• By taking significant steps to address deficiencies, Pakistan can manage to sustain its goal of exiting the grey list.

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Central Idea

• The Vilnius Summit held in July 2023 was significant in assessing the progress made by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the past year and preparing for future conflicts.
• While expectations were high regarding Ukraine’s membership timeline, the summit fell short in this regard.

Also read:

NATO+5 Status and India

Key takeaways from Vilnius Summit

(1) NATO’s Response to Threats:

• Russian Threat: The summit communique acknowledged Russia as the most significant and direct threat to the security, peace, and stability of NATO allies in the Euro-Atlantic area.
• Concerns over Belarus and Iran: NATO expressed concerns about Belarus providing territory and infrastructure for Russian aggression against Ukraine. It also highlighted Iran’s delivery of Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to Russia for attacks on critical infrastructure in Ukraine.

(2) Recalibrations in the Baltic Sea:

• Finland and Sweden’s Inclusion: The summit marked Finland’s first participation as a NATO member, while Turkey agreed to ratify Sweden’s bid to join the alliance.
• Curbing Russian dominance: This paves the way for a strategic recalibration in the Baltic Sea region that was previously dominated by Russia.

(3) Commitments to Ukraine:

• Membership Timeline: Despite expectations, no concrete timeline for Ukraine’s NATO membership was provided.
• Concrete Outcomes: Ukraine secured short-term and long-term security commitments from NATO members, including the creation of the NATO-Ukraine Council and a multi-year program to help upgrade Ukrainian forces.
• Defense Support: Member states such as Germany, Norway, and France made commitments to support Ukraine’s defense, including financial assistance, military equipment, and bilateral security cooperation.

(4) Concerns over China:

• Beijing’s Threat: The summit reiterated NATO’s recognition of China as a threat to its security, interests, and values. It highlighted China’s opaque strategy, intentions, military build-up, and its support to Russia.
• Indo-Pacific Engagement: NATO emphasized the importance of the Indo-Pacific region’s security, linking it to Euro-Atlantic security.

(5) Defense Spending and Readiness:

• Burden-Sharing: NATO acknowledged the need for increased defense spending beyond the 2 percent of GDP baseline due to the more contested security order.
• Regional Defense Plans: Allies reached an agreement on regional defense plans to enhance the alliance’s readiness. The plans focus on upgrading forces, increasing interoperability, and addressing financial implications.

Conclusion

• Overall, the summit reaffirmed NATO’s relevance and strategic priorities in an evolving security landscape.

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Central Idea

• The UK has formally signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a major Indo-Pacific trade deal.
• Joining the bloc is seen as the UK’s biggest trade deal since leaving the European Union.

What is CPTPP?

• The CPTPP, established in 2018, reduces trade barriers among 11 countries, including Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, and Vietnam.
• Objectives of CPRPP include-

1. Tariff Reduction and Market Opening: The agreement requires countries to eliminate or significantly reduce tariffs and make commitments to open services and investment markets.
2. Addressing Competition and Intellectual Property: The CPTPP includes rules on competition, intellectual property rights, and protections for foreign companies.
3. Expanding Membership: While the CPTPP aims to counter China’s regional dominance, China and other countries such as Taiwan, Ukraine, Costa Rica, Uruguay, and Ecuador have applied to join.

Importance of CPTPP for the UK

• Cutting Tariffs and Expanding Trade: The UK government anticipates reduced tariffs for UK exports to Asia Pacific countries. Joining the CPTPP expands trade opportunities, as the bloc represents 15% of global trade and a combined GDP of £12 trillion.
• Post-Brexit Trade Strategy: After leaving the EU, the UK seeks to deepen trade ties with the Pacific region through its “Global Britain” strategy.
• Seeking Faster-Growing Economies: The UK aims to establish trade deals with countries and blocs with faster-growing economies than the EU, given limitations in achieving agreements with major powers like China and the United States.

Challenges and Criticisms

• Economic Impact of Brexit: Critics argue that trade deals like the CPTPP will struggle to compensate for the economic damage caused by leaving the EU, which remains the UK’s largest trading bloc.
• Long-Term Productivity Forecast: Brexit is projected to reduce the UK’s long-term productivity by 4%, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility.
• Existing Trade Deals and Economic Boost: The UK already has trade deals with most CPTPP members, and the projected economic boost from joining the agreement is relatively modest at 0.08% annually.

Recent Developments

• Information Gathering Process: CPTPP members are assessing aspiring economies’ ability to meet the bloc’s high standards as part of the decision-making process for future membership.
• Collective Decision-Making: The decision on new members and the timeline for their inclusion will be made collectively by existing CPTPP participants.

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Central Idea

• The unwillingness of many leading countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America to stand with NATO over the war in Ukraine has brought to the fore once again the term “Global South.”

What is Global South?

• The term “Global South” refers to countries that are often described as ‘developing’, ‘less developed’, or ‘underdeveloped’.
• It encompasses countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, which are characterized by higher levels of poverty, income inequality, and harsh living conditions compared to the “Global North”.

Historical Background

• Emergence of the Term: The term ‘Global South’ was first used in 1969 by political activist Carl Oglesby, who argued that the war in Vietnam represented a history of northern “dominance over the global south”.
• Transition from Third World: Prior to the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, these countries were commonly referred to as the ‘Third World’.
• Momentum and Context: The term gained momentum following the end of the Cold War and the rise of the non-aligned movement.

Features of the Global South

• Lower-income Countries: The Global South primarily consists of lower-income countries located in Africa, Asia, and South America.
• Geopolitical Background: Geopolitically, these nations have a history of imperialism and colonial rule.
• Newly Industrialized Status: Many of these countries are in the process of industrialization and have been described as newly industrialized.
• Prominent Countries: Prominent countries within the Global South include Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico, known for their large populations and economies.

Need for Classification

• Critique of Earlier Terms: The East/West binary and the categorization of countries as developed/developing were criticized for perpetuating stereotypes and favoring Western ideals.
• Cold War Context: The First World, Second World, and Third World classifications were associated with Cold War alliances.
• Broad and Inclusive Classification: The term ‘Global South’ provides a broader classification based on shared history of colonization and similar socioeconomic indicators.

Global South amid Ukrainian War

• South-South Cooperation: South-South cooperation has emerged as countries like India and China challenge the dominant global order led by the US.
• Questioning the North as the Ideal: The rise of Asian countries questions the notion of the North as the ideal.
• Criticism of Classification: The classification of the Global South has been criticized for its broadness and concerns about resource accumulation, as well as the neglect of Africa.

Significance of the Global South

• India’s Role: India aims to unite Global South countries to adopt an action-oriented approach.
• Potential for Progress: Cooperation within the Global South can unlock significant potential for progress, including technical and ideas exchanges, sharing of manufacturing best practices, and more.
• Common Concerns: Energy security, justice, and sustainable energy transition are common concerns for the Global South, which India aims to highlight.

Challenges for Consolidation

• Debate over Climate Reparations: The ongoing debate over climate reparations has triggered controversy, as some argue that China and India should contribute given their increasing industrialization and historical carbon emissions.
• Impact of Russia-Ukraine War: The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has impacted the least developed countries (LDCs) and prompted them to align more closely with China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
• Dominance of the US: Despite the shift to a multipolar world, the US still dominates international affairs, posing challenges for the consolidation of the Global South.

Way Forward

• Active Engagement: India must actively engage with regional politics within the developing world to champion the Global South.
• Tailored Policy Approach: It is crucial to recognize the diversity within the Global South and develop a policy vision that addresses the varying needs and capabilities of its member countries.

Conclusion

• Collaboration between the Global South and India can lead to significant advancements in various fields.
• India’s development partnerships prioritize consultation, outcome orientation, people-centric approaches, and respect for the sovereignty of partner countries.
• Distinguishing India’s approach from that of China can help avoid debt traps and financially unsound undertakings, promoting sustainable development within the Global South.

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Central Idea

• The Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) or the High Seas Treaty was adopted by the UN on June 19.
• It became the third agreement under UNCLOS, following the establishment of the International Seabed Authority (ISB) and the Fish Stocks Agreement (FSA).

BBNJ/ High Seas Treaty

• The idea of protecting the marine environment emerged in 2002, leading to the recognition of the need for an agreement in 2008.
• In 2015, the UN General Assembly formed a Preparatory Committee to create the treaty.
• Intergovernmental conferences (IGC) were held, resulting in the adoption of the treaty in 2023.
• The treaty’s objective is to implement international regulations for the protection of marine life beyond national jurisdiction through international cooperation.

Key Provisions of Treaty

(1) Marine Protected Areas:

• The treaty establishes marine protected areas to safeguard the oceans from human activities.
• Decisions on protected areas require a “three-quarter majority vote” to prevent obstruction by a few parties.

(2) Sharing Benefits from Marine Genetic Resources:

• The treaty mandates sharing scientific information and monetary benefits through a “clear house mechanism.”
• The mechanism ensures open access to information on marine protected areas, marine genetic resources, and area-based management tools.

(3) Capacity Building and Marine Technology:

• The treaty emphasizes capacity building and the use of marine technology for environmental impact assessment.
• The Scientific and Technical Body will create standards and guidelines, assisting countries with limited capacity in carrying out assessments.

Challenges and Controversies

(1) Marine Genetic Resources:

• The issue of sharing and exchanging information on marine genetic resources was a contentious point during negotiations.
• Debates focused on monitoring information sharing and the potential hindrance to bioprospecting research.

(2) Definition and Language:

• The use of phrases like “promote” or “ensure” in different parts of the treaty, particularly regarding benefit sharing, sparked heated debates.

(3) Adjacency Issue:

• Negotiations were prolonged due to the need for provisions allowing coastal states to exercise sovereign rights over seabed and subsoil in areas beyond their jurisdiction.
• The interests of landlocked and distant states further complicated decision-making.

Opposition to the Treaty

• Several developed countries opposed the treaty due to their support for private entities involved in advanced research and development of marine technology.
• Russia and China also expressed reservations, with Russia ultimately withdrawing during the final stage of consensus building, arguing that the treaty lacks a balance between conservation and sustainability.

Significance of the treaty

(1) Environmental Preservation:

• The High Seas Treaty is crucial for protecting marine biodiversity and addressing pressing issues such as overfishing and pollution.
• It represents a significant step towards international cooperation in preserving the health and sustainability of our oceans.

(2) Global Cooperation and Research:

• The treaty promotes the sharing of scientific information and encourages collaboration among countries.
• This will foster research initiatives and facilitate a better understanding of marine ecosystems, leading to more effective conservation measures.

Conclusion

• The adoption of the High Seas Treaty marks a significant milestone in international efforts to protect marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions.
• While challenges and controversies prolonged the negotiation process, the treaty sets the stage for enhanced global cooperation and the implementation of regulations to safeguard our oceans for future generations.

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