Central Idea

• The G-20 Culture Ministers’ meeting held in Varanasi resulted in the unanimous endorsement of the ‘Kashi Culture Pathway’ document.

Kashi Culture Pathway

• Under this, G20 nations aims to address the preservation of cultural heritage, curbing illicit artifact trafficking, restitution of cultural property, and protection of living heritage, particularly that of indigenous communities.
• The document’s key aspects and implications highlight the united stance of G-20 countries towards cultural preservation.

Key Features

• Protection amid Conflict: The ‘Kashi Culture Pathway’ document accentuates the collective commitment of G-20 nations to protect cultural heritage from intentional and unintentional destruction, particularly in times of conflict.
• Combating Illicit Trade: G-20 member nations underscored the necessity to establish a robust global coalition to counter the illicit trafficking of cultural artifacts, with special attention to bolstering law enforcement collaboration.
• Enhanced Cooperation and Tools: Collaboration among nations and strengthening of enforcement tools were identified as essential to heighten the effectiveness of combatting cultural property trafficking. This includes voluntary data exchange to support investigations and law enforcement.
• Empowerment of Cultural Professionals: The document emphasizes enhancing research, documentation, and capacity-building for cultural professionals, legal authorities, and law enforcement personnel to better counter the trafficking of cultural property.
• Prevention and Regulation: Preventive measures were stressed, including regulatory actions against the unlawful export of cultural artefacts, particularly within the realm of online trade.

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Central Idea

• The BRICS alliance, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has extended invitations to six additional countries, namely Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Egypt, and Ethiopia.
• This move aims to bolster the collective voice of the Global South and foster multipolarity in the international arena.

Why discuss this?

• As BRICS broadens its membership, it strengthens its claim to represent nearly half the world’s population and includes key oil-producing nations.
• However, concerns also arise regarding China’s increasing influence within the alliance.

BRICS Plus: Emerging Role

• Heft and Influence: The inclusion of new members enhances BRICS’s position as a spokesperson for the developing world. The alliance currently represents 40% of the global population and over a quarter of the world’s GDP. With the addition of new members, it will encompass almost half the world’s population and include major oil-producing nations.
• Global Solidarity: BRICS’s growth is driven by anti-US sentiment and a desire for multipolarity among countries in the Global South. It serves as a platform where nations can express solidarity and challenge Western-dominated narratives.

BRICS: Evolution and Geopolitical Context

• Emergence of BRICS: Established in 2009, BRICS initially comprised Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2011. The alliance aimed to showcase the economic potential of these emerging markets.
• Challenges and Opportunities: While BRICS’s economic performance has varied, geopolitical shifts like the Ukraine conflict have propelled it into a bloc with the potential to challenge Western influence and provide an alternative viewpoint.

Dynamics of New BRICS Members

• Unanimous Decisions: BRICS decisions require unanimous agreement from all members. While Russia and China face geopolitical challenges with the West, Brazil, South Africa, and India maintain significant partnerships with the US and Europe.
• China’s Role: China is driving BRICS’s expansion, making membership expansion a core agenda item.
• Inclusion of Iran: China and Russia’s influence is evident in the inclusion of Iran, highlighting their collaboration. This move brings together regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran within the same alliance, reflecting China’s mediation efforts.
• Saudi Arabia’s Shift: Saudi Arabia’s inclusion marks its pursuit of a more independent foreign policy, diverging from its traditional US alliance.
• Global Significance for Iran and Russia: For Iran and Russia, BRICS membership signifies their global partnerships and challenges to Western dominance.

Implications for India

• Balancing Act: India’s participation in the G7 summit and Quad summit reflects its multifaceted foreign policy approach. While engaging with Western alliances, India also places importance on its “anti-Western” stance within BRICS.
• BRICS as a Non-Western Bloc: India views BRICS as a “non-Western” group and strives to maintain its independent voice within the alliance.
• Concerns for India: Amid expansion, there are concerns that BRICS could tilt more toward China, potentially side-lining India’s interests.

Conclusion

• BRICS’s expansion signifies a step toward global multipolarity, providing a platform for diverse countries to unite against Western-centric narratives.
• As the alliance grows, it gains greater representation and influence, strengthening the collective voice of the Global South.
• However, with China’s increased influence, there are also legitimate concerns about the balance of power within BRICS and its impact on individual member states.

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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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