Month: August 2023

Categories
Economics Science & Tech

Surat’s Diamond Industry Is in Crisis

  • Surat, India’s diamond metropolis, is seeing a terrible shift in its diamond sector. The once-thriving industry has been beset by job losses and terrible suicides.
  • This article dives into the crisis’s origins and various ramifications.
  • Economic Hub of Surat’s Diamond Dominance: Surat, in Gujarat, is well-known for processing 90% of the world’s diamonds, with over 6,000 units cutting and polishing raw gems sourced from all over the world.
  • Employment Superpower: The diamond business, which employs over a million artisans and employees, contributes significantly to India’s economy, generating an estimated yearly revenue of Rs1.6 trillion or more.
  • Cut and polished diamonds account for 65% of India’s gem and jewellery exports, totaling Rs1.76 trillion in 2022-23.

Dark Clouds over Surat

  • Tragedy strikes: In the midst of the turmoil, nine people connected to the diamond industry have tragically committed suicide. Over 20,000 workers have been laid off as the industry faces a multidimensional problem.
  • Earnings have been reduced by up to 30% for many workers as a result of decreased working hours, fewer workdays, and unpaid summer breaks that can last up to a month for some.
  • Gone are the typical opulent Diwali bonuses, which were once a source of joy for diamond industry workers.

Disentangling the Factors

  • Demand is sluggish as a result of global consumer spending cuts caused by rising interest rates in the US and Europe, as well as a faltering Chinese economy.
  • Plunge in Demand: Despite shipments totaling Rs1.76 trillion in 2022-23 (a small decrease from the previous year), worldwide diamond demand fell by nearly 30% in three months.
  • Geopolitical Implications: Because Russia is a large source of rough diamonds (approximately 35% of supply), political tensions such as the Ukraine crisis have resulted in Russian diamond limitations. Sanctions imposed on Alrosa, a major diamond miner, have affected the supply chain.
  • Rivalry from Lab-Grown Diamonds: The introduction of lab-grown diamonds, which are replicated under lab conditions and are less expensive than natural counterparts, poses a serious challenge. These synthetic jewels are gaining popularity and are 20% less expensive than genuine diamonds of the same size.

Conclusion

  • Surat’s diamond industry, long a beacon of wealth, has reached a fork in the road.
  • Its foundation has been shaken by the convergence of economic transformations, geopolitical dynamics, and technological breakthroughs.
  • Surat must negotiate this turbulent terrain with a flexible and adaptable strategy to secure the industry’s longevity and viability in a changing diamond world.
Source: https://www.livemint.com/industry/manufacturing/crisis-in-diamond-city-is-surat-s-sheen-dimming-11692295745164.html#:~:text=What's%20the%20bad%20news%20about,crisis%20caused%20by%20multiple%20factors.
Categories
Environment & Biodiversity

Yasuni National Park

Ecuadorians made a historic decision by rejecting oil extraction in Yasuni National Park, a biodiverse Amazonian region, in a referendum.

About Yasuni National Park

  • Yasuni National Park, a UNESCO biosphere reserve since 1989, covers 1 million hectares and is home to extraordinary biodiversity.
  • It is located within the Amazon rainforest, which is a global hotspot for animal variety.
  • It is located in the provinces of Napo and Pastaza in northeastern Ecuador.
  • It has an area of about 9,820 square kilometres (3,791 square miles).
  • The park is regarded as one of the most biologically varied locations on the planet.

Characteristics that are unique

  • Yasuni is home to around 670 species of birds, over 150 species of amphibians, and several large mammals such as jaguars, pumas, and tapirs.
  • Yasuni is home to various indigenous populations, including the Waorani and Kichwa peoples, who have lived in the area for generations and have a strong connection to the land.
Source: https://en.unesco.org/biosphere/lac/yasuni
Categories
Environment & Biodiversity

North Sea drilling history and environmental problems

  • The recent approval by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of plans for new fossil fuel drilling off the coast of the United Kingdom has prompted a discussion among environmental specialists.
  • In the context of global concerns about climate change, the decision calls into question the country’s commitment to sustainability as well as its impact on climate goals.
  • Origins and Legislation of North Sea Drilling: The history of drilling in the North Sea extends back to the 1958 Geneva Convention on the Continental Shelf, which established the framework for exploration in the region.
  • Continental Shelf Act: The Continental Shelf Act, enacted by the United Kingdom Parliament in 1964, established the country’s authority over oil and gas resources beneath the seabed.

Milestones and Concerns in Drilling

  • Early Exploration and Challenges: In 1964, British Petroleum (BP) received the first exploration licence, which led to the discovery of natural gas the following year.
  • Forties Field finding: BP’s groundbreaking commercial oil finding in the Forties Field in 1970 was a watershed moment.
  • Expanding Operations and Safety Upgrades: In the years that followed, there was a rise in exploration activities and the installation of oil platforms. The 1988 Piper Alpha crash triggered critical safety modifications.

Concerns and Justification

  • Position of the Government: The administration explained the action in an official statement as a strategy to increase Britain’s energy independence.
  • Environmental Concern: Environmental scientists, on the other hand, are concerned, especially considering the worldwide push to avert irreversible climate change.

Offshore Licencing and the North Sea Transition Authority

  • The North Sea Transition Authority (NTSA) is in charge of regulating the oil, gas, and carbon storage industries.
  • The NTSA is now undertaking the 33rd offshore oil and gas licencing round, with the goal of awarding more than 100 licences.
  • Timing and Prizes: The first licences are expected to be awarded in the autumn, allowing drilling operations to expand further.

Changing the Geopolitics of Energy Dependence

  • Concerns About Energy Security: The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of indigenous oil and gas sources, despite the country’s goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
  • Strategic Implications: The decision is framed as an attempt to lessen dependency on oil and gas imports, which may come from potentially adverse sources.

Concerns about the environment and the effects of climate change

  • Negative Environmental Impacts: Offshore drilling endangers workers, marine habitats, and climate health. It contributes to ocean warming and rising sea levels, as well as endangering marine biodiversity.
  • Impact of Carbon Pollution: Carbon pollution in the oceans adds to acidification, harming coral reefs and shellfish.

Evaluating UK’s Climate Commitments

  • Climate Change Committee Report: The Climate Change Committee (CCC) identified flaws in the United Kingdom’s climate change preparedness under the National Adaptation Programme.
  • Implementation of Adaptation Measures: The CCC’s study revealed a lack of considerable implementation of adaptation measures to address climate threats.
  • Inconsistent with the Paris Agreement: According to the Climate Action Tracker, the United Kingdom’s climate action is not entirely aligned with the Paris Agreement.
  • Long-Term Goals: The United Kingdom’s NDCs and long-term goals do not reflect a fair share of global efforts to combat climate change.
  • Incompatibility with Limits: Licencing new oil and gas extraction plans defies the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C temperature rise limit.
Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenvs.2016.00058
Categories
Science & Tech

Deliberation on India’s Smartphone Manufacturing Dreams

  • A recent spat between former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan and Minister of State for Electronics Rajeev Chandrasekhar exposed diverging views on the efficacy of a Central government effort aimed at boosting Indian electronics manufacturing.
  • The debate is around whether the system actually encourages self-sufficiency and robust manufacturing or merely creates low-level assembly employment that rely on imports.

A Critical Examination of the PLI Scheme

  • Intentions of the Government: Around five years ago, India set out on a mission to revitalise domestic manufacturing as a pillar of economic growth.
  • Dual Approach: To boost manufacturing, the government used a twin policy of increasing import levies (the’stick’) and offering incentives (the ‘carrot’). The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) plan evolved as a crucial component, providing financial assistance to enterprises engaged in domestic production.

Concerns and Triumphs

  • Concentration on Smartphone Manufacturing: Among several industries, smartphone manufacturing stood out as an early adopter of the PLI plan.
  • PLI’s Impact on Smartphone Exports and Imports: The programme produced outstanding results, with mobile phone exports increasing from $300 million in FY2018 to a staggering $11 billion in FY23. Furthermore, mobile phone imports fell from $3.6 billion in FY2018 to $1.6 billion in FY23.

Examining Criticism

  • Rising Imports of Components: The spike in imports of mobile phone components such as display screens, batteries, cameras, and printed circuit boards between FY21 and FY23 is a major source of controversy.
  • The critique questions the common notion of localised production, claiming that manufacturers mostly assemble imported components.

Counterarguments

  • Diverse Component Uses: In response to the allegation, the response asserts that imported components, such as screens and batteries, could be used in businesses other than mobile phones.
  • Partial PLI Implementation: According to the response, the PLI scheme supports just about 22% of mobile production in India.
  • Clarification of Import Dependency: It is emphasised that not all imports are used in the production of mobile phones.

Disagreement in the Middle

  • One critical viewpoint emphasises that even if a fraction of imports are utilised for production, India’s net exports remain negative.
  • The Point of Disagreement: The crux of the argument is whether the PLI programme would deliver long-term job development and improve India’s manufacturing prowess to include value-added products.

@the end

  • The lively conversation captures the complexities of India’s electronics manufacturing strategy.
  • While both sides give strong arguments, one fundamental question remains: Can the PLI programme actually promote long-term job prospects and propel India to become a centre of value-added manufacturing?
  • Striking the correct balance between rewarding domestic manufacturing and investing in broad socioeconomic growth remains a tough challenge as India sets its economic future.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/explained-the-debate-over-indias-smartphone-manufacturing-dreams/article67220769.ece
Categories
International Relations

The BRICS put India’s multipolar rhetoric to the test

  • The importance of India’s position in the next BRICS summit in South Africa from August 22 to 24 highlights the country’s developing diplomatic problems and possible impact on global geopolitics.
  • India is once again actively participating on the global geopolitical stage. With the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) summit approaching, India finds itself at a crossroads in foreign diplomacy. This summit not only tests the waters of Indian diplomacy, but it also provides insight into the future of world geopolitics.

Everything you need to know about the BRICS.

  • BRICS is an acronym representing the world’s leading rising economies, which include Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
  • The acronym ‘BRIC’ was coined by British economist Jim O’Neill to designate the four emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. He established a case for BRIC based on econometric calculations, predicting that the four economies will occupy significantly more economic space and become among the world’s largest economies.
  • The significance of the BRICS is self-evident: it accounts for 42% of the global population, 30% of geographical area, 24% of global GDP, and 16% of international trade.
  • The five BRICS countries are also G-20 members.

Global governance difficulties and the role of the BRICS

  • Global Governance Errors: The shortcomings and undemocratic practises of global governance are well established. Institutional failings have been exacerbated by a lack of representation.
  • BRICS as a Solution: BRICS has the ability to fill the institutional hole created by present global governance flaws. Despite flaws, the BRICS could improve global governance.
  • Discontent in the Global South: Interest from 40 nations in expanding the BRICS demonstrates global South countries’ dissatisfaction with their global stature.

Making use of the BRICS in an uncertain global order

  • In the Face of Geopolitical Uncertainty, the BRICS: In the midst of geopolitical instability, the BRICS can assist countries in navigating complicated global developments. This is clear in the context of the Ukraine conflict and the rising of China.
  • BRICS’ Importance: Recent events, such as the Ukraine war and China’s rise, have highlighted the relevance of the BRICS.
  • The BRICS and Conflicting Interests: While the BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) are unlikely to provide democratic global administration, they may spark discussions about inclusivity.
  • Imperfect Institutions Have Value: Imperfect forums are preferable to a centralised, antiquated framework; modern global governance should reflect current circumstances.

Geopolitical choices and challenges for India

  • India’s Geopolitical Position: India’s geopolitical choices are complex, and its place in global geopolitics is unknown.
  • Non-Western engagement Rationale: India’s engagement in non-western forums such as the BRICS and the SCO comes from post-World War II institutional imbalances.
  • Balancing Multiple Affiliations: Due to historical, developmental, and geographical circumstances, India is a member of the BRICS, SCO, and the global South.
  • Balancing China’s Presence: As India wishes to participate in the G-20, G-7, and Quad, China’s dominance in BRICS and other forums offers obstacles.
  • India’s Geopolitical Dilemma: India is balancing interests and affinities at a rising geopolitical faultline.

Rival blocs and India’s strategy

  • The Rise of Competing Blocs: When China and Russia align against the United States, they risk forming competing blocs that undermine the existing quo.
  • India has consistently opposed bloc politics in favour of equitable global governance and multipolarity.
  • Despite its opposition, India may be dragged into bloc dynamics due to complicated geopolitical circumstances.

China’s Global Ascension and India’s Decisions

  • India’s China Dilemma: India must consider whether pursuing a multipolar world benefits China’s global expansion.
  • Global Forums’ Impact: Strong global forums may inadvertently boost China’s worldwide influence, influencing India’s choices.
  • Balancing Geopolitical Forces: India must balance its commitment to egalitarian global governance with the protection of its own interests.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-brics-test-for-indias-multipolarity-rhetoric/article67220179.ece
Categories
Environment & Biodiversity Science & Tech

Genetically modified mustard: Less fragrant and more helpful

  • Scientists employed genome editing to generate mustard plants with lower glucosinolate levels in their seeds, making them more suitable for cooking oil and animal feed and potentially lowering India’s dependency on imported vegetable oils.
  • The core notion is that domestically grown oilseeds in India, such as rapeseed and mustard, supply cooking oil as well as protein-rich animal meals. The strong flavour of high glucosinolate levels, on the other hand, lowers consumer attractiveness, and an unappealing meal offers animal issues. A genetic breakthrough provides promise, with the potential to revolutionise mustard’s applications.

Rapeseed-Mustard: A Crucial Crop

  • Rapeseed-mustard is important in India’s oilseed landscape, accounting for 42.6% of vegetable oil production and 30.3% of meal production, trailing only soyabean.
  • Mustard seeds contain glucosinolates, which contribute to the pungency of its oil and meal.

What is glucosinolate?

  • Glucosinolates are sulphur- and nitrogen-containing chemicals found in plants such as rapeseed-mustard.
  • These chemicals help to give mustard seeds and other cruciferous vegetables their distinct pungent flavour and scent.
  • The glucosinolates in mustard seeds are responsible for their distinctive flavour, but their strong taste and probable detrimental effects on animals limit their attractiveness for eating and livestock feed.

The Distinction Between GE and GM Crops

Genetically Modified (GM) Crops:

  • Foreign genes from other species, such as Bacillus thuringiensis bacterium in cotton or Bar-Barnase-Barstar in GM hybrid mustard, may be present.
  • In India, environmental release rules are strict, requiring approval from the Ministry of Environment’s Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC).
  • The GEAC’s decision is not final; final approval is given by the Union Government.

Genetically Edited (GE) Crops:

  • Are transgene-free or non-GM, carrying no foreign genes.
  • In successive generations, the Cas9 enzyme, which is utilised for gene editing, is removed, resulting in transgene-free lineages.
  • Benefit from the MoEFCC’s exemption from the requirement for GEAC permission for open field testing of GE plants devoid of exogenous inserted DNA.
  • Approval is now required at the level of an Institutional Bio-Safety Committee (IBSC) comprised of scientists involved in the research of GE crops and the DBT.

A Significant Advance in Gene Editing

  • CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing has been used by researchers at Delhi University and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research to address the glucosinolate problem.
  • They altered 10 of the 12 GTR genes in the Varuna mustard variety, lowering glucosinolate concentration in seeds but preserving higher levels in leaves and pod walls.
  • This editing also increased resistance to fungal diseases and insect pests, hence strengthening the plant’s defence mechanisms.

The Importance of This Development

  • Reducing Edible Oil Imports: India’s large reliance on edible oil imports, assessed at $20.84 billion (Rs 167,270 crore) for the fiscal year ending March 2023, highlights the need to reduce foreign exchange outflows and boost domestic production.
  • Managing Economic Stress: The high import value strains India’s trade balance and foreign exchange reserves, making increased self-reliance in edible oil production critical.
  • Increasing Agricultural Self-Sufficiency: This development is in line with India’s goal of increasing agricultural self-sufficiency by reducing dependency on imports and increasing indigenous oilseed production.
  • Mustard and soyabean, which are grown on 9 million and 12.5 million hectares, respectively, are important crops for India’s oilseed sector. Mustard’s higher oil-extractable concentration of 38% emphasises its importance.
  • Nutritional and livestock advantages: Mustard’s improved appropriateness for culinary and animal feed applications benefits both human nutrition and the livestock industry.
  • Scientific Discovery: The development of genetically edited (GE) low-seed, high-leaf glucosinolate mustard lines and GM hybrid mustard demonstrates India’s agricultural scientific capability and inventiveness.
  • Enhanced Food Security: By increasing domestic oilseed output and quality, this development helps India’s food security and lessens its vulnerability to global market swings.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/understanding-gm-mustard-8231981/
Categories
Polity

Gender Stereotypes: The Supreme Court’s Guide

  • By issuing a special guide, the Supreme Court of India has made a big step towards challenging old views, particularly those hurting women.
  • In order to combat harmful attitudes, this guide proposes new phrases for lawyers and judges to use in court.

Combating Gender Stereotypes: A Handbook

  • The manual includes a list of biassed terminology as well as suggestions for better alternatives in legal papers.
  • Its primary goal is to provide legal professionals with the tools they need to “identify, understand, and challenge stereotypes about women.”
  • It comprises a list of terminology that encourage gender bias as well as alternative, more equitable terms for use in legal documents.

The Handbook’s Goal and Scope

  • Challenging Old Beliefs: The Supreme Court’s project, the ‘Handbook on Combating Gender preconceptions,’ attempts to eliminate outdated and harmful preconceptions, particularly those connected to women.
  • The Vision of the CJI: Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud introduces the booklet and describes its purpose: to assist legal professionals in recognising and combating gender stereotypes.
  • Language Transformation: The guidebook offers a glossary of phrases that contribute to gender prejudice in legal texts and suggests better alternatives.

Why such a move?

[A] Language inflicting Stereotypes

  • The handbook identifies legal words that cause gender bias and makes recommendations for change.
  • Change Examples: Instead of “adulteress,” the handbook suggests “woman who has engaged in sexual relations outside of marriage” to avoid using derogatory words.
  • Getting Rid of Biases: The guideline recommends using basic phrases such as “woman” and “wife” rather than prefixes such as “chaste” or “obedient.”
  • Employing Neutral Language: Instead of using the pejorative term “effeminate,” the manual recommends adopting neutral terms such as “confident” or “responsible.”

[B] Avoiding labelling

  • Empowering Language: The guideline advocates using the terms “survivor” or “victim” to describe people who have experienced sexual violence.
  • Preferences Should Be Respected: The choice between “survivor” and “victim” should be based on the individual’s preference.

[C] Conscious Reporting of Cases

  • Separating Attire from Consent: The guidebook emphasises that a person’s attire should never be used to justify inappropriate touching; consent is still required.
  • Breaking Stereotypes: The manual opposes the notion that failure to report sexual assault means it did not occur.
  • Encouraging Reporting: Due to cultural constraints, the guidebook recognises the fortitude required to report sexual offences.

Gender Stereotypes Have Negative Effects

  • Gender stereotypes cause exclusion and bias in companies, schools, and public areas.
  • Example in Education: The guidebook shows how stereotypes affect students from marginalised backgrounds, increasing stress during exams.
  • Government Data: As an example, Minister Subhas Sarkar’s data on dropout rates among marginalised pupils is provided.

Legal Reforms to Combat Gender Stereotypes

  • Instances for Equality: The Supreme Court cites instances that challenge preconceptions, such as Joseph Shine vs. Union of India, which overturned the “adultery” legislation.
  • Example Rulings: The decisions of the Supreme Court in cases such as State of Jharkhand vs. Shailendra Kumar Rai and State of Punjab vs. Gurmit Singh are explained.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/explained-how-is-the-supreme-court-tackling-gender-stereotyping/article67214069.ece#:~:text=It%20is%20no%20longer%20proper,responsible)%2C%E2%80%9D%20it%20says.
Categories
Economics

The solution to India’s hunger problem is gender-sensitive growth

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the ancient Red Fort in Delhi on our nation’s 77th Independence Day, announcing a significant victory in the fight against poverty.
  • According to the MDPI from NITI Aayog, the Prime Minister’s announcement highlighted the removal of 135 million people from poverty in five years. This corresponds to UNDP’s estimate of 415 million people pulled out of poverty between 2005-06 and 2019-21, a significant achievement in India’s history.

Outstanding Achievements in the Fight Against Poverty

  • 135 Million People Lifted Out of Poverty: 135 million people were lifted out of poverty between 2015-16 and 2019-21.
  • From 2005-06 to 2019-21, 415 million people were pulled out of poverty in India (MDPI).
  • Extreme Poverty Has Dropped: According to the MDPI, extreme poverty has dropped from over 80% to roughly 15%.
  • Leading Rice Exporter: As a result of successful policies, India has become the world’s largest rice exporter.
  • Top Milk and Cotton Producer: India was the highest producer of milk (222 MT) and cotton (39 million bales).
  • Infant Mortality Has Dropped: From 57% in 2005-06 to 35% in 2019-21, infant mortality has dropped dramatically.

Factors Contributing to This Achievement

  • Economic Policy Transition (1991): The 1991 transition to a market-oriented economy created significant resources for poverty alleviation.
  • Strategic Government Initiatives: Targeted initiatives, such as the PM Garib Kalyan Yojana, have a direct impact on poverty alleviation by providing basic necessities.
  • Prioritising education and skill development empowers individuals, provides access to better livelihood options, and adds to child nutrition.
  • Agricultural Reforms (Green Revolution): Innovations such as the Green Revolution increased rural income and lifted communities out of poverty by increasing agricultural output.
  • Women’s Empowerment: Prioritising women’s education and engagement has been linked to improved family welfare and economic progress, as evidenced by proposals to teach women in self-help organisations to operate drones.
  • Technological innovations have expedited service delivery, as shown in the provision of commodities under the PM Garib Kalyan Yojana and increased agricultural production through the cotton gene revolution.
  • Globalisation and trade have broadened economic horizons, promoting growth, job creation, and effective poverty alleviation.
  • Resilience and Adaptability: The ability of society to respond to changing economic situations boosted resilience against poverty, limiting future economic decline.
  • Collaborations between the government and the private sector amplify poverty-reduction efforts, as seen by Punjab Agricultural University’s role in the Green Revolution.
  • Non-governmental organisations and civil society organisations supplemented government initiatives by actively contributing to poverty eradication and service delivery.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Using data to pinpoint poor pockets and accurately target interventions improves the efficacy of poverty-reduction measures.
  • Foreign Exchange Reserves: India’s increase in foreign exchange reserves from $1.4 billion in July 1991 to nearly $600 billion has bolstered the economy’s ability to withstand external shocks and sustain poverty alleviation efforts.

Problems and Concerns

  • Child malnutrition: Despite advances, according to the NFHS-5, 32% of children are underweight and 35% are stunted.
  • Climate Change Impact: As extreme weather events become more often as a result of climate change, they represent a danger to food security and poverty reduction.
  • Gender Gap in the Labour Force: Women’s labor-force participation is low, hovering around 30% (2021-22).
  • Education Quality Gap: It is difficult to ensure adequate education and skill development for women beyond the 12th grade.
  • Access to Nutritious Food: It is difficult to ensure fair access to nutritious food, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/ashok-gulati-on-the-key-to-indias-hunger-challenge-a-focus-on-gender-sensitive-growth-8901411/#:~:text=If%20we%20can%20focus%20on,and%20malnutrition%20can%20be%20solved.
Categories
Economics International Relations

India kicks off the Global Initiative for Digital Health (GIDH)

  • The World Health Organisation (WHO) and India’s G20 leadership have jointly launched the ‘Global Initiative on Digital Health’ (GIDH), a key step towards global healthcare innovation.
  • The news was made during the Health Ministers’ Meeting, which was sponsored by the Indian Government during the G20 Summit.

What exactly is GIDH?

  • Partnership between the WHO and the G20: The World Health Organisation (WHO) and India’s G20 leadership jointly launched the ‘Global Initiative on Digital Health’ (GIDH).
  • Strategy Implementation: The Global Initiative for Digital Health (GIDH) serves as a WHO-managed platform that aids in the implementation of the ‘Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020-2025.’
  • Acceleration of Transformation: As the strategy’s Secretariat, the WHO enables the worldwide convergence of standards, best practises, and resources to accelerate digital health system transformation.

Objectives of the GIDH Initiative

  • Measurable Results: The GIDH strives to connect nations and partners in order to produce real results through collaborative efforts.
  • Prioritising Investment Plans: The effort strives to build focused investment plans for digital health transformation, guided by clear goals.
  • Improving Resource Transparency: The GIDH strives for more transparency in reporting digital health resources in order to ensure effective resource allocation.
  • Facilitating Global Collaboration: The effort promotes information exchange and collaboration among regions and countries in order to accelerate growth.
  • Comprehensive Governance: The Global Initiative for Digital Health (GIDH) promotes holistic government approaches to digital health governance within countries.
  • Increasing Support: The project seeks to increase both technical and financial support for the implementation of the ‘Global Strategy for Digital Health 2020-2025’ and its subsequent phase.

India’s Position and Vision

  • Digital Health Innovation: At the G-20 Health Ministers’ Meeting, India’s G-20 Health Minister emphasised India’s leadership in digital health innovation.
  • National Digital Health Architecture: The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) was cited as an example of India’s efforts to create a comprehensive digital health ecosystem.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/health-minister-launches-global-initiative-on-digital-health-in-the-presence-of-who-chief/article67213614.ece
Categories
History

The Rediscovery of the Ajnala Massacre of 1857

  • A recent collaboration of professional geneticists resulted in scientific proof of the Ajnala massacre, which had been lost to history for 165 years.
  • This initiative, defined by emotional intensity and meticulous investigation, used molecular and isotopic data to uncover long-lost victims.

The Ajnala Massacre

  • Buried Tragedy: During the 1857 insurrection, the British East India Company drowned 282 troops of the 26th Native Bengal Infantry Regiment in a well.
  • Cooper’s work revealed information that assisted in the discovery of the 1857 Kallianwala Martyrs’ Well beneath the Gurdwara Singh Sabha in Ajnala.
  • Random Encounter: Surinder Kochhar, a historian, discovered a reference to ‘Ajnala’ in a discarded book titled “Crisis in Punjab” by Frederick Henry Cooper in 2003.
  • Kochhar’s study led to the discovery of the Ajnala Massacre, a heinous crime that had been suppressed for over 157 years.

Excavation and Enlightenment

  • Unveiling the Remains: The well was excavated in 2014, uncovering the soldiers’ skeletal remains.
  • Embarrassing Discover:  Many Indian troops revolted against the British during the 1857 Sepoy mutiny. Around 500 people revolted in Lahore’s Mian Mir Cantonment.
  • They swam across the Ravi River to Ajnala, now in Amritsar district, to avoid punishment. British forces killed 218 of them at Dadian Sofian village near Ajnala.
  • The remaining 282 were crowded into a small chamber, where many perished of asphyxiation. The remainder were shot and their bodies were dumped in a well that was later dubbed “Kalianwala Khu” and “Shaheedan da Khu.”

Verification and Acceptance

  • DNA-based evidence indicated that the remains belonged to soldiers from the 26th Native Bengal Infantry regiment.
  • Importance in History: The Ajnala Massacre contributes to the story of the 1857 Indian rebellion against the persecution of the British East India Company.

Conclusion

  • The Ajnala Massacre highlights the often-overlooked brutalities of the Indian rebellion of 1857.
  • The government’s reluctance to handle painful portions of history can be ascribed to the absence of acknowledgement and memorials.
Source: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14623528.2021.2022271
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