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![[EPW] Pakistan’s Extraordinary Turmoil](https://d18x2uyjeekruj.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/epw.jpg)
[EPW] Pakistan’s Extraordinary Turmoil
Central Idea: Oustered PM Imran Khan’s arrest has led to unprecedented attacks on army establishments in Pakistan. The transformation of Pakistan, once considered a rising star in the 1950s, into a troubled state raises questions about the reasons behind its decline.
Various challenges paralyzing Pakistan
(1) Economic Decline
- Pakistan has struggled with economic instability, including issues such as high inflation, low GDP growth, fiscal deficits, and a reliance on external loans and aid.
- These economic challenges have hindered development and affected the standard of living for many Pakistanis.
(2) Corruption
- Corruption is a pervasive issue in Pakistan, with allegations of embezzlement, bribery, and nepotism prevalent in various sectors, including politics, government institutions, and the judiciary.
- This has undermined governance, eroded public trust, and hindered economic progress.
(3) Governance Issues
- Pakistan has grappled with governance challenges, including weak institutions, ineffective public administration, and inadequate service delivery.
- The inefficiency and lack of transparency in governance have hindered development initiatives and undermined public confidence.
(4) Security Concerns
- Pakistan has faced significant security challenges inculcated in its own backyard including terrorism, insurgency, and sectarian violence.
- Militant groups and extremist ideologies have posed threats to internal stability and external security, leading to loss of lives, displacement of populations, and disruptions to economic activities.
(5) Political Instability
- Pakistan has experienced periods of political instability, characterized by frequent changes in governments, weak democratic institutions, and power struggles between civilian and military establishments.
- Political polarization, lack of consensus-building, and a history of military interventions have hindered the establishment of stable governance structures.
(6) Social Issues
- Pakistan faces various social issues, such as poverty, illiteracy, gender inequality, and inadequate access to healthcare and education. False charges of blasphemy is one of the most danger miscreant.
- These challenges have hindered human development, perpetuated social disparities, and hindered progress towards achieving social justice and inclusivity.
Indian observations
- Prefers to remain silent: New Delhi has chosen to remain silent and observe the unfolding situation.
- Outbursts of extremist factions: There are concerns about extremist forces spilling over from Pakistan due to the absence of stable authority.
- Possible military takeover: Despite the concerns, there is a widespread belief that the establishment will ultimately prevail, albeit in a weakened state.
India’s Silence in current context
- It is unlikely that the Indian government will make substantial comments on the situation in Pakistan.
- India is closely monitoring the developments but is unlikely to issue any public statements.
External implications of Pakistan’s crisis
- Takeover by radicalists: Actions of extremist forces are typically regulated by a strong authority, and a weakening of authority could lead to less control over these groups.
- Immediate threat to India: The instability in Pakistan, coupled with terrorism and religious extremism, is a concern for neighboring countries like India.
Reasons for Pakistan’s grim situation
- Constitutional grey zone: Pakistan has been in a constitutional grey zone with elections not being held as scheduled and the dissolution of provincial assemblies.
- Polarized Polity: The deeply polarized polity complicates the search for a solution, with institutions aligned in favor of either the military establishment or Imran Khan.
- Apathy for Army: This situation is unusual. Historically, all branches of the state were largely perceived to align with the interests of the Pakistan army.
Lessons for India
- Religion isn’t the saviour: Pakistan’s formation as an artificial construct based solely on religious identity has led to its current challenges and potential disintegration.
- Inequality and Infinite divisions: The diverse sects within Islam, with their hostilities and takfirism (labelling others as non-believers), have contributed to internal divisions and conflicts in Pakistan.
- Rationality over anything: Indian society is becoming more aware of these realities, embracing reform, rationality, progress, education, and moving away from politics of appeasement.
Should India worry?
- Potential influx of refugees: Activists have indicated that residents of Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (POK) are expressing readiness to join India due to various grievances, including rising prices of essential commodities. If a significant influx occurs, it could lead to law and order issues in India.
- Increase Chinese influence: Given the recent tensions between India and China at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), increased Chinese influence in Pakistan could potentially complicate the regional dynamics.
Conclusion
- India should prioritize national integration, territorial integrity, and national interests over divisive identity politics.
- The trajectory of Pakistan’s history since its establishment in 1947 as an Islamist state serves as a lesson for India to learn from.
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Orders on ONDC grow rapidly
Central Idea
- The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is a government-backed modular network for e-commerce, food and grocery delivery, and cabs in India.
- ONDC has witnessed significant growth, with a rising number of orders and participants.
- India Post, one of the world’s largest logistics systems, is expected to join ONDC, strengthening the network.
About ONDC
- The ONDC is a private non-profit Section 8 company established by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) of the Government of India.
- It aims to develop open e-commerce by creating a set of specifications designed to foster open interchange and connections between shoppers, technology platforms, and retailers.
- It was incorporated on December 31, 2021, with an initial investment from Quality Council of India and Protean eGov Technologies Limited (formerly NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited).
What does one mean by ‘Open-sourcing’?
- Free for all: An open-source project means that anybody is free to use, study, modify and distribute the project for any purpose.
- Open licensing: These permissions are enforced through an open-source licence easing adoption and facilitating collaboration.
What processes are expecting to be open-sourced with this project?
- Several operational aspects including onboarding of sellers, vendor discovery, price discovery and product cataloguing could be made open source on the lines of Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
- If mandated, this could be problematic for larger e-commerce companies, which have proprietary processes and technology deployed for these segments of operations.
What does the DPIIT intend from the project?
- ONDC is expected to-
- Digitize the entire value chain,
- Standardize operations,
- Promote inclusion of suppliers,
- Derive efficiencies in logistics and
- Enhance value for stakeholders and consumers
Processes in the ONDC
- Seller Onboarding: Sellers can register and onboard their businesses onto the ONDC platform.
- Vendor Discovery: Buyers can discover relevant vendors and sellers on the ONDC network.
- Price Discovery: Transparent marketplace for comparing prices across sellers.
- Product Cataloguing: Sellers can create and manage catalogues of their products on the platform.
- Transaction Processing: Secure and seamless payment infrastructure for completing purchases.
- Order Fulfillment: Coordinating delivery or provision of purchased products or services.
- Customer Support: Assistance for addressing queries and concerns of buyers and sellers.
- Data Management and Security: Robust practices to protect user data and ensure security.
Why such a move by the govt?
- Digital boom: This COVID pandemic has made every business to go digital. India is a country with 700 million internet users of whom large crunch of population are active buyers on e-coms.
- Promoting competition: ONDC aims to foster a more competitive marketplace by providing opportunities for small retailers and businesses.
- Fostering inclusivity: It seeks to enable small retailers to access a wider customer base, promoting inclusivity in the digital commerce ecosystem.
- Curbing monopolistic practices: ONDC addresses potential monopolistic behavior and rent-seeking tendencies by certain e-commerce platforms.
- Enhancing efficiency: By streamlining operations and standardizing processes, ONDC aims to drive efficiencies in the digital commerce ecosystem.
- Digital Public Infrastructure: ONDC is part of the government’s efforts to build and support essential digital services and infrastructure.
- Government support: The government’s involvement in ONDC demonstrates its commitment to supporting small businesses and advancing digital transformation.
Scope for ONDCs success
- Government backing: ONDC is a government-backed initiative, indicating strong support and resources from the government to drive its success.
- Inclusive approach: ONDC aims to create a level playing field for small retailers and businesses, empowering them to compete with larger e-commerce platforms.
- Industry expertise: The drafting panel of ONDC includes experienced individuals from various sectors, bringing diverse perspectives and expertise to the table.
- Successful track record: India has previously executed successful public digital platforms like UPI and Aadhaar-linked projects, demonstrating the country’s capability in implementing digital initiatives.
- Open-Sourcing approach: The open-sourcing of processes within ONDC can foster innovation, collaboration, and widespread adoption, similar to the success of UPI.
- Growing digital market: India has a large population of internet users, making it a thriving market for digital commerce. ONDC can tap into this market and capitalize on the increasing adoption of online services.
- Potential for disruption: ONDC’s entry into the digital commerce ecosystem can disrupt existing players and bring about positive changes, offering more choices and opportunities for businesses and consumers.
Issues that can be raised
- EODB concerns: They may raise hues over operability and ease of doing business.
- Compliance burden: MSMEs have already raised the growing compliance burden for e-commerce.
Other challenges
- Every platform has its own challenges so would the ONDC may have.
- While UPI was ruled out (BHIM being the first) people were reluctant in using it due to transaction failures.
- With subsequent improvements and openness people and businesses are using it in every walks of life. So it would work with ONDC.
Conclusion
- While challenges may exist, the combination of government support, industry expertise, and the aim to create a more inclusive and competitive digital commerce landscape provides a strong foundation for the success of ONDC.
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Groundwater Extraction and Land Subsidence
Central Idea: Groundwater extraction in northwestern India, including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Faridabad, has led to land subsidence and structural damage.
What is Groundwater?
- Groundwater is the water found underground in the cracks and spaces in soil, sand and rock.
- It is stored in and moves slowly through geologic formations of soil, sand and rocks called aquifers.
- Aquifers are typically made up of gravel, sand, sandstone, or fractured rock, like limestone.
- Water can move through these materials because they have large connected spaces that make them permeable.
- Aquifers, hand-dug wells, and artesian wells are different types of sources of groundwater.
Reasons for Depletion
- Increased demand for water for domestic, industrial and agricultural needs and limited surface water resources lead to the over-exploitation of groundwater resources.
- Limited storage facilities owing to the hard rock terrain, along with the added disadvantage of lack of rainfall, especially in central Indian states.
- Green Revolution enabled water-intensive crops to be grown in drought-prone/ water deficit regions, leading to over-extraction of groundwater.
- Frequent pumping of water from the ground without waiting for its replenishment leads to quick depletion.
- Subsidies on electricity and high MSP for water-intensive crops is also leading reasons for depletion.
- Inadequate regulation of groundwater laws encourages the exhaustion of groundwater resources without any penalty.
- Deforestation, unscientific methods of agriculture, chemical effluents from industries, and lack of sanitation also lead to pollution of groundwater, making it unusable.
- Natural causes include uneven rainfall and climate change that are hindering the process of groundwater recharge.
Impact of groundwater depletion
- Lowering of the water table: Groundwater depletion may lower the water table leading to difficulty in extracting groundwater for usage.
- Reduction of water in streams and lakes: A substantial amount of the water flowing in rivers comes from seepage of groundwater into the streambed. Depletion of groundwater levels may reduce water flow in such streams.
- Subsidence of land: Groundwater often provides support to the soil. When this balance is altered by taking out the water, the soil collapses, compacts, and drops leading to subsidence of land.
- Increased cost for water extraction: As the depleting groundwater levels lower the water table, the user has to delve deep to extract water. This will increase the cost of water extraction.
Mechanism of Land Subsidence
- The relationship between excessive groundwater extraction and land subsidence became evident through the analysis of data from Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites.
- Excessive groundwater withdrawal, coupled with limited monsoon rain, has resulted in critically low groundwater levels in the region.
- Land subsidence occurs when underlying aquifers, which are deep water channels storing percolated water, are not adequately recharged.
- The depletion of aquifers causes the layers of soil and rock above them to sink gradually.
- This sinking of soil is similar to “soil settlement” observed in mining operations.
Regulation of Groundwater in India
(1) Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA)
- It has the mandate of regulating groundwater development and management in the country.
- It is constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986.
- CGWA issues advisories, public notices and grant No Objection Certificates (NOC) for ground water withdrawal.
(2) National Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme (NAQUIM)
- The NAQUIM is an initiative of the Ministry of Jal Shakti for mapping and managing the entire aquifer systems in the country.
- It maintains the Hydrological Map of India.
(3) Atal Bhujal Yojana
- It is a Central Sector Scheme, for sustainable management of groundwater resources with community participation in water-stressed blocks.
Way Forward
- Routine survey: There should be regular assessment of groundwater levels to ensure that adequate data is available for formulating policies and devising new techniques.
- Assessment of land use pattern: Studies should be carried out to assess land use and the proportion of agricultural land falling under overt-exploited units.
- Changes in farming methods: To improve the water table in those areas where it is being overused, on-farm water management techniques and improved irrigation methods should be adopted.
- Reforms in power supply subsidies: The agricultural power-pricing structure needs to be revamped as the flat rate of electricity adversely affects the use of groundwater.
- Monitoring extraction: There should be a policy in place to monitor the excessive exploitation of groundwater resources to ensure long-term sustainability.
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Supreme Court guideline for granting Bail
Central Idea: The Supreme Court emphasized that orders in bail cases should adhere to the constitutional principle of personal liberty.
Supreme Court on Bail
- Short debates: Prolonged debates on bail may prejudice the accused in their case.
- Upholding liberty: Delays in pronouncing bail decisions impinge on the personal liberty of the undertrial.
- No extensive discussions and elaborations: The Supreme Court highlights the significance of brevity (state of being brief, concise) in bail orders.
- No early delving into case details: Long orders may unnecessarily delve into the details of the case, which is not appropriate at the bail stage.
- Ensuring fairness and impartiality: Such brevity ensures that the case is not unduly influenced or prejudiced during the bail proceedings.
- Promptness in pronouncing bail decisions: The Court emphasized the need for prompt pronouncement of bail decisions. Every day of waiting affects the personal liberty of the undertrial.
What is Bail?
- Bail is the conditional release of a defendant with the promise to appear in court when required.
- The term also means the security that is deposited in order to secure the release of the accused.
Types of Bail in India
- Depending upon the sage of the criminal matter, there are commonly three types of bail in India:
- Regular bail: Regular bail is generally granted to a person who has been arrested or is in police custody. A bail application can be filed for the regular bail under section 437 and 439 of CrPC.
- Interim bail: This type of bail is granted for a short period of time and it is granted before the hearing for the grant of regular bail or anticipatory bail.
- Anticipatory bail: Anticipatory bail is granted under section 438 of CrPC either by session court or High Court. An application for the grant of anticipatory bail can be filed by the person who discerns that he may be arrested by the police for a non-bailable offense.
Conditions for Grant of Bail in Bailable Offences
- Section 436 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, lays down that a person accused of a bailable offence under IPC can be granted bail if:
- There are sufficient reasons to believe that the accused has not committed the offence.
- There is sufficient reason to conduct a further inquiry in the matter.
- The person is not accused of any offence punishable with death, life imprisonment or imprisonment up to 10 years.
Conditions for Grant of Bail in Non-Bailable Offences
- Section 437 of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 lays down that the accused does not have the right to apply for bail in non-bailable offences.
- It is discretion of the court to grant bail in case of non-bailable offences if:
- The accused is a woman or a child, bail can be granted in a non-bailable offence.
- There is a lack of evidence then bail in non-Bailable offenses can be granted.
- There is a delay in lodging FIR by the complainant, bail may be granted.
- The accused is gravely sick.
Why bail needs reform?
- Huge pendency of undertrials: Referring to the state of jails in the country, where over two-thirds lodged are undertrials,
- Indiscriminate arrests: Of this category of prisoners, majority may not even be required to be arrested despite registration of a cognizable offense, being charged with offenses punishable for seven years or less.
- Disadvantageous for some sections: They are not only poor and illiterate but also would include women. Thus, there is a culture of offense being inherited by many of them.
- Colonial legacy: Theoretically, the court also linked the idea of indiscriminate arrests to magistrates ignoring the rule of “bail, not jail” to a colonial mindset.
What is the law on bail?
- The CrPC does not define the word bail but only categories offences under the Indian Penal Code as ‘bailable’ and ‘non-bailable’.
- The CrPC empowers magistrates to grant bail for bailable offences as a matter of right.
- This would involve release on furnishing a bail bond, without or without security.
Way forward
- Bail Law would certainly take care of not only the unwarranted arrests but also the clogging of bail applications before various courts.
- With restrictive bail conditions and a conservative view on bail, we may forget the meaning of personal liberty, which is the greatest of human freedoms enjoyed in India.
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UK sees success in Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy
Central Idea
- The birth of a baby using three persons’ DNA using Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy (MRT) in the UK has generated significant attention and discussion.
- The baby has three parents, with the mitochondria coming from a donor in addition to the genetic material from the biological parents.
- This pioneering technology was employed to prevent the baby from inheriting the mother’s mitochondrial disease.
What is Mitochondria?
Description Structure Membrane-bound organelles with outer and inner membranes Energy Production Generate ATP through cellular respiration and oxidative phosphorylation ATP Production Breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the inner membrane DNA and Replication Possess their own circular DNA (mtDNA) and can replicate independently Other Functions Involved in calcium signalling, apoptosis, and synthesis of molecules Inheritance Maternally inherited during fertilization Evolutionary Origin Arise from a symbiotic relationship with bacteria-like organisms Disorders Mutations or dysfunction can cause mitochondrial diseases - Certain defects in mitochondria can lead to mitochondrial diseases, impacting the function of energy-hungry tissues in various organs.
- Mitochondrial diseases have no cure but can be treated, and their incidence is estimated to be one in 5,000 people.
- In this case, the mother had a mitochondrial disease that she wanted to avoid passing on to her baby, but she did not want to use a donor egg.
What is Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy (MRT)?
- MRT is a medical technique used to prevent the transmission of certain mitochondrial diseases from a mother to her child.
- It involves replacing faulty mitochondria in an egg or embryo with healthy mitochondria from a donor.
- The procedure is typically performed using in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques.
- The nucleus, containing the majority of the genetic material, is transferred from the intended parents’ egg or embryo to a donor egg or embryo with healthy mitochondria.
- The resulting embryo, with nuclear DNA from the intended parents and healthy mitochondria from the donor, is then implanted into the mother’s uterus for gestation.
How does it work?
- The father’s sperm fertilizes the eggs from the biological mother and a female donor with healthy mitochondria.
- The genetic material from the donor’s egg is replaced with that of the biological parents, resulting in an egg with the parents’ DNA and the donor’s mitochondria.
- This modified egg is then implanted into the mother’s uterus and carried to full term, resulting in a baby free from the mother’s mitochondrial disease.
Uses of MRT
- Prevention of Mitochondrial Diseases: MRT helps prevent the transmission of certain mitochondrial diseases from mothers to their children.
- Family Planning: It enables individuals or couples with mitochondrial DNA mutations to have genetically related children without the risk of disease inheritance.
- Improved Health: MRT can significantly improve the overall health and well-being of individuals by avoiding debilitating mitochondrial diseases.
- Ethical Considerations: It provides an alternative to traditional donor egg options, allowing intended parents to have a child with their own genetic material while avoiding disease transmission.
- Scientific Advancements: MRT contributes to scientific research and advancements in assisted reproductive technologies, expanding our understanding of mitochondrial biology and potential treatment options for mitochondrial disorders.
Recent advancements in UK
- The baby primarily carries DNA from its biological parents and a small percentage from the donor whose mitochondria was used during fertilization.
Scientific process
- Mitochondrial diseases are inherited from the mother, prompting research to find ways to protect infants from inheriting these diseases.
- The Newcastle Fertility Clinic developed an advanced in vitro fertilization technique known as Mitochondrial Donation Treatment (MDT).
Legal Facilitation of MDT
- The UK government amended the law in 2015 to allow for mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) or MDT.
- The Newcastle Fertility Centre became the first center to obtain a license to perform the procedure, and the first cases were approved in 2018.
Issues with MRT
- Transfer of Defective Mitochondria: There is a minimal risk of transferring small amounts of defective mitochondria along with healthy ones during the procedure.
- Long-Term Safety: The long-term safety of MRT is still being studied, and ongoing monitoring is necessary to assess any potential risks or effects.
- Ethical and Social Concerns: MRT raises ethical and social considerations related to the creation and destruction of embryos, use of donor gametes, and altering the germline.
- Limited Availability: MRT is a highly regulated procedure, and its availability may be limited to specific countries or cases approved by regulatory bodies.
- Emotional and Psychological Impact: Undergoing MRT involves emotional implications and decision-making, which can have an impact on individuals and couples involved.
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Palghat Gap: A break in the Western Ghats
Central Idea: The article discusses the Palghat (Palakkad) Gap, a significant corridor in the Western Ghats of India. It provides information about the geological origin of the gap.
What is Palghat Gap?
- The Palghat Gap is a 40 km wide corridor in the Western Ghats, known for its steep hills and serving as a gateway to Kerala.
- It is a crucial passage for roads and railways connecting Coimbatore and Palakkad.
- The Bharathappuzha River flows through the Palghat Gap.
- The vegetation in the gap is classified as dry evergreen forest, different from the tropical rainforests of the Western Ghats.
- The Palghat Gap marks a distinct divide in the flora and fauna of the region.
Geological origin of the Palghat Gap
- The Palghat Gap is a geological shear zone running from east to west.
- Shear zones are weak regions in the Earth’s crust, occasionally causing tremors in the Coimbatore region.
- The formation of the Palghat Gap occurred when the continental shelves shifted after the separation of Australia and Africa from the Gondwana landmass.
- India and Madagascar were connected until volcanic activity led to their split, with a similar gap called the Ranotsara Gap in Madagascar.
Biogeographic distinctions and ancient history
- The biogeographic distinctions in species north and south of the Palghat Gap may be attributed to an ancient river or an incursion of the sea in the distant past.
- Elephant populations on the Nilgiris side of the gap have different mitochondrial DNA from elephants in the Anamalai and Periyar sanctuaries.
- DNA analysis of the White-bellied Shortwing, an endemic bird species, shows divergence between populations in the Nilgiris and the Anamalai regions.
Biodiversity south of the Palghat Gap
- The southern region of the Western Ghats, located south of the Palghat Gap, exhibits high species richness and phylogenetic diversity.
- A recent study reports over 450 tree species, including ancient species like Magnolia champaca, dating back 130 million years.
- The warm weather and moist air of the southern Western Ghats support a diverse range of life, making it an island refuge during cycles of ice ages and droughts.
- The southern Western Ghats receive rainfall more evenly throughout the year compared to the northern region.
Back2Basics: Western Ghats
- The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri mountain range, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the 36 biodiversity hotspots in the world.
- It spans an area of 160,000 sq. km. and stretches for 1,600 km parallel to the western coast of the Indian peninsula, passing through the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
Description Flora and Fauna The Western Ghats are home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including over 7,402 species of flowering plants, 1,814 species of non-flowering plants, 139 mammal species, 508 bird species, 227 reptile species, 179 amphibian species, 290 freshwater fish species, and 6,000 insect species. Geological Significance The Western Ghats, known as the “Great Escarpment of India,” are older than the Himalayas. They influence India’s monsoon weather patterns by intercepting rain-laden monsoon winds from the southwest during late summer. Geographic Features Stretching north to south along the western edge of the Deccan Plateau, the Western Ghats separate the plateau from the narrow coastal plain called the Western Coastal Plains, which lies along the Arabian Sea. Catchment Area The Western Ghats cover a vast catchment area for complex riverine drainage systems, contributing to almost 40% of India’s total drainage. The range acts as a barrier, blocking southwest monsoon winds from reaching the Deccan Plateau. -
Protecting Critical Information Infrastructure: The Role of the G20
Central Idea
- Technology has become pervasive, impacting various aspects of society, including national and foreign policies, governance, service delivery, and warfare. However, this dependence on technology also exposes critical systems to potential disruptions. Safeguarding critical systems is a nation’s responsibility to ensure the continuity of vital services.
What is critical information infrastructure?
- Critical information infrastructure refers to the interconnected systems and assets that are essential for the functioning of a nation’s society, economy, and government. It encompasses the hardware, software, networks, data, and communication channels that support vital services and processes.
- It includes sectors such as transportation, energy, banking and finance, healthcare, telecommunications, water and sanitation, emergency services, and government networks.
- Protecting critical information infrastructure is crucial to ensure the continuity of services, safeguard sensitive data, and defend against cyber threats, including cyberattacks, data breaches, and other malicious activities.
Differences in defining critical information infrastructure
- Criteria for Criticality: Different countries employ distinct criteria to determine the criticality of information infrastructure.
- For example: One country may consider infrastructure critical if its failure impacts national security, economy, public health, or safety. Another country may define critical infrastructure based on the potential for sustained supply shortages, disruptions to public safety and security, or other significant consequences.
- Scope of Infrastructure: There may be variations in the scope of infrastructure considered critical. While certain sectors like energy, transportation, banking, and telecommunications are commonly recognized as critical across many countries, there might be differences in identifying sub-sectors or specific enterprises within those sectors. Some countries may include additional sectors like water and sanitation, emergency services, healthcare, or government networks in their definition of critical information infrastructure.
- Overlapping Criteria: In some cases, the criteria used to identify critical infrastructure may overlap with one another. For instance, ensuring the availability, delivery, or integrity of essential services can encompass vital societal functions, information flow, and communication channels. Harmonizing these overlapping criteria can help establish specific and comprehensive criteria that cater to the needs of all countries.
- National Context: National priorities and contextual factors also influence the definition of critical information infrastructure. Countries may consider their unique geopolitical situation, existing threats, vulnerabilities, and the potential impact on their economy and citizens. This context-specific approach allows each country to address its specific challenges and ensure the protection of infrastructure crucial to its national well-being.
Role of the G20 in developing global norms for protecting critical infrastructure
- Platform for Discussion: The G20 provides a platform for member countries to engage in discussions and exchanges on pressing global issues, including cybersecurity and the protection of critical infrastructure. It brings together policymakers, experts, and stakeholders from various sectors to share insights, experiences, and best practices.
- Building Consensus: The G20 aims to build consensus among member countries on critical issues related to protecting infrastructure. Through dialogue, negotiations, and diplomatic efforts, the G20 seeks to develop common understandings and principles that can guide international cooperation in safeguarding critical information infrastructure.
- Initiating Discussions: The G20 has the capacity to initiate discussions on specific topics and themes relevant to critical infrastructure protection. By placing the issue on the G20 agenda, it draws attention to the importance of addressing cybersecurity risks and establishing global norms in this area.
- Leveraging Economic Influence: The G20 represents around 85 percent of global GDP, over 75 percent of global trade, and a significant portion of the world population. This economic influence provides the G20 with leverage to drive discussions and encourage member countries to prioritize the protection of critical infrastructure.
- Collaboration with International Organizations: The G20 collaborates with international organizations such as the United Nations (UN), International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). This collaboration helps leverage the expertise, resources, and frameworks of these organizations to inform discussions and develop comprehensive approaches to protecting critical infrastructure.
- Promoting International Stability: The G20 recognizes that protecting critical infrastructure is crucial for international stability and economic cooperation. By advocating for global norms and responsible state behavior, the G20 aims to enhance cybersecurity, prevent disruptions, and promote a secure digital environment for economic activities.
- Influencing Policy Development: The G20’s discussions and recommendations on critical infrastructure protection can influence policy development at the national and international levels. Member countries may align their policies and frameworks with the norms and principles identified through G20 deliberations, thereby fostering harmonization and cooperation.
Recommendations to the G20
- Common Definition and Critical Sectors: The G20 should adopt a phased approach, beginning with establishing a common definition of critical infrastructure. Subsequently, a broader consensus on critical sectors should be built, followed by the formulation of common principles for regulating critical infrastructure. This process will facilitate a global consensus, ensure cooperation among member countries, and guide nations that are in the early stages of regulating critical infrastructure.
- Common Principles: While formulating common principles for regulating critical infrastructure, the G20 should reaffirm and adopt existing norms as the foundation for future discussions. This includes commitments made in G20 documents like the Hamburg Action Plan and the Buenos Aires Declaration. Furthermore, the G20 can draw from the initiatives of other multilateral groupings, such as the G7, G8, and OECD, that have focused on protecting critical infrastructure.
- Respecting International Law: The G20 should commit to protecting critical infrastructure and refrain from intentionally damaging it. Member countries should conduct themselves in accordance with international law and uphold responsible state behavior in cyberspace.
- International Cooperation: G20 countries must enhance cooperation to prevent, mitigate, trace, and investigate cyber incidents targeting critical infrastructure. Sharing information regarding such incidents should be encouraged. Adopting international standards relevant to critical infrastructure will help harmonize approaches to regulation and enforcement, reducing conflicts and improving cooperation.
- Capacity Building: Investing in research and development and building capacity in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), drones, and space is crucial. G20 countries should support low- and middle-income nations in accessing research and technologies. Additionally, countries should respond to requests for assistance from states whose critical infrastructure has been affected, and promote the application of certified security technologies based on international standards.
- Multistakeholder Approach: A multistakeholder commitment is vital to protecting critical information infrastructure. Governments, technology companies, and civil society groups should collaborate to share and analyze critical infrastructure information, prevent attacks, and respond to damage. Awareness should be raised to ensure stakeholders understand the nature and extent of critical information infrastructure and their respective roles in protecting it.
- National Laws: G20 countries should incorporate the principles and norms for protecting critical infrastructure into their national laws. This will help create a culture of enforcement and cooperation at both the national and international levels.
- Institutional Mechanism: Establishing an institutional mechanism for continuous research and the development of new standards for protecting critical infrastructure is essential. Drawing lessons from initiatives like the Christchurch Call, public-private partnerships can play a crucial role in establishing a global order for a safe cyberspace.
Conclusion
- The protection of critical information infrastructure is of paramount importance in today’s interconnected world. The G20, with its representation of major economies and commitment to international cooperation, plays a crucial role in developing global norms for safeguarding critical infrastructure. By establishing a common understanding and definition of critical information infrastructure, the G20 can facilitate discussions and build consensus among member countries.
Also read:
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): New Backbone of India’s Economy -
India’s G20 Presidency: Strengthening Global Health Governance for Safer and Equitable World
Central Idea
- India’s G20 presidency is gaining momentum, with a focus on harnessing shared responsibilities and collaborative governance to enhance global safety from pandemics. It seeks to bridge the gap between the Global North and Global South, recognizing the inclusive memberships of G20 and other plurilateral arrangements that span the global community.
Importance of Health as a global public good
- Interconnectedness: In today’s interconnected world, diseases can quickly spread across borders, transcending geographical boundaries. The health of individuals and communities in one part of the world can have direct implications for others. Therefore, addressing health issues becomes a shared responsibility for all nations.
- Impact on Global Stability: Health crises, such as pandemics, can have severe social, economic, and political consequences. They can disrupt economies, strain healthcare systems, and cause social unrest. By ensuring health as a global public good, we contribute to global stability, sustainable development, and peaceful coexistence.
- Humanitarian Imperative: Health is a fundamental human right. Everyone deserves access to quality healthcare and the opportunity to lead a healthy life. Treating health as a global public good ensures equitable access to healthcare services, regardless of an individual’s nationality or socioeconomic status.
- Economic Productivity: Healthy populations are essential for economic productivity and growth. By investing in health as a global public good, we can create conditions for individuals to thrive, contribute to their communities, and participate actively in economic activities.
- Prevention and Preparedness: Addressing health as a global public good requires proactive measures to prevent and prepare for health emergencies. By investing in disease surveillance, research, and robust healthcare systems globally, we can better detect and respond to outbreaks, mitigating their impact and saving lives.
- Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Recognizing health as a global public good encourages collaboration among nations. By sharing knowledge, best practices, and resources, countries can collectively work towards improving public health outcomes, fostering innovation, and finding solutions to complex health challenges.
- Achieving Sustainable Development Goals: Health is intricately linked to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including good health and well-being (SDG 3), poverty eradication (SDG 1), and gender equality (SDG 5). Treating health as a global public good support the achievement of these interconnected goals, leading to a more equitable and sustainable world.
India’s response to Covid-19: Whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach
- Early Measures and Nationwide Lockdown: India implemented one of the world’s largest and strictest nationwide lockdowns in March 2020 to contain the spread of the virus. This decision aimed to break the chain of transmission and provide time to strengthen healthcare infrastructure.
- Testing and Surveillance: India significantly ramped up its testing capacity, expanding the network of testing laboratories across the country. The government implemented various testing strategies, including rapid antigen tests and RT-PCR tests, to detect and track Covid-19 cases.
- Healthcare Infrastructure: To bolster healthcare infrastructure, the government initiated several measures such as establishing dedicated Covid-19 hospitals, increasing the number of ICU beds, ventilators, and oxygen supply, and mobilizing healthcare professionals to regions facing surges in cases.
- Vaccine Development and Rollout: India played a crucial role in vaccine development, with its indigenous vaccine candidates receiving regulatory approval. The country launched an ambitious vaccination drive, prioritizing healthcare workers, frontline workers, and vulnerable populations. India also contributed to global vaccine supply through the export of vaccines under the Vaccine Maitri initiative.
- Economic Relief Measures: Recognizing the socioeconomic impact of the pandemic, the government introduced economic relief measures, including financial assistance, direct benefit transfers, and welfare schemes to support vulnerable sections of society affected by lockdowns and job losses.
- Collaborations and International Aid: India engaged in international collaborations, sharing its experiences and expertise, and cooperating with other countries in areas such as research, drug repurposing, and knowledge exchange. The country also received international assistance in the form of medical supplies and equipment.
- Focus on Healthcare Infrastructure and Research: The government emphasized strengthening healthcare infrastructure, investing in research and development, and promoting indigenous manufacturing of medical equipment and supplies. Efforts were made to enhance testing capacity, develop innovative solutions, and support research on therapies and diagnostics.
- Communication and Awareness: The government and health authorities prioritized public communication and awareness campaigns to disseminate accurate information, promote preventive measures, and combat misinformation related to the virus.
What is Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030?
- UHC 2030 is a global movement and partnership that aims to accelerate progress towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by the year 2030.
- UHC 2030 is a collaborative initiative led by multiple stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector, with the goal of ensuring that all individuals and communities have access to essential healthcare services without suffering financial hardship.
- UHC 2030 builds upon the commitment made by United Nations member states in 2015 through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Challenges in achieving UHC by 2030?
- Financing: Adequate and sustainable financing is crucial for UHC. Many countries struggle with limited healthcare budgets, inefficient resource allocation, and inadequate public financing. Mobilizing sufficient funds to cover the costs of expanding healthcare services and ensuring financial protection for all individuals can be a significant challenge.
- Health Workforce: The availability, distribution, and quality of healthcare professionals pose challenges to UHC. Many countries face shortages of skilled healthcare workers, particularly in rural and remote areas. Strengthening the health workforce, ensuring equitable distribution, and improving their training and retention are critical for delivering quality healthcare services.
- Health Infrastructure: Insufficient and inadequate healthcare infrastructure, including facilities, equipment, and technologies, can hinder the achievement of UHC. Many regions, especially in low-income countries, lack the necessary healthcare infrastructure to provide essential services to all populations. Investments in infrastructure development and strengthening are required to expand access and ensure quality care.
- Inequities and Vulnerable Populations: UHC aims to address health inequities and reach vulnerable and marginalized populations. However, socioeconomic disparities, gender inequalities, and discrimination can hinder equitable access to healthcare services. Special attention is needed to address these inequities and ensure that UHC benefits all individuals, irrespective of their social or economic status.
- Health Information Systems: Establishing robust health information systems is essential for effective UHC implementation. However, many countries face challenges in data collection, management, and utilization. Strengthening health information systems, including electronic health records and data analytics, is crucial for monitoring progress, making informed decisions, and improving service delivery.
- Political Will and Governance: UHC requires strong political commitment and effective governance. Political will at the national level is necessary to prioritize UHC, allocate resources, and implement necessary policy reforms. Ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficient governance mechanisms are crucial to prevent corruption, ensure equitable service delivery, and maintain public trust.
- Changing Disease Patterns: The evolving burden of diseases, including the rise of non-communicable diseases, poses challenges to UHC. Chronic conditions require long-term management and specialized care, placing additional strain on healthcare systems. Adapting healthcare delivery models and integrating prevention and control strategies for these diseases are essential components of UHC.
- Global Health Security: Public health emergencies and global health security threats, as witnessed during the Covid-19 pandemic, can disrupt healthcare systems and hinder progress towards UHC. Strengthening health emergency preparedness and response capacities is vital to mitigate the impact of outbreaks and ensure continuity of healthcare services.
How India’s G20 presidency: Significant role in achieving UHC by 2030
- Knowledge Sharing and Best Practices: As the G20 president, India can facilitate the sharing of knowledge and best practices among member countries. This includes sharing successful UHC models, innovative healthcare delivery approaches, and strategies to overcome challenges. By promoting knowledge exchange, countries can learn from each other’s experiences and accelerate progress towards UHC.
- Advocacy for UHC: India can use its platform as G20 president to advocate for UHC as a global priority. Through diplomatic channels and international forums, India can emphasize the importance of UHC in achieving sustainable development and equitable healthcare access. This advocacy can encourage other G20 member countries to prioritize UHC and align their policies and actions accordingly.
- Collaboration with Global Health Organizations: India’s G20 presidency can facilitate collaboration with global health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), World Bank, and other relevant entities. By working closely with these organizations, India can contribute to the development and implementation of strategies and initiatives that support UHC, including capacity building, technical assistance, and funding mechanisms.
- Promoting Innovative Financing Mechanisms: India can explore and promote innovative financing mechanisms for UHC. This includes advocating for increased public investment in healthcare, exploring public-private partnerships, and encouraging the development of social health insurance schemes. By identifying and sharing successful financing models, India can provide valuable insights to other G20 countries on sustainable funding for UHC.
- Strengthening Primary Healthcare Systems: India’s G20 presidency can focus on strengthening primary healthcare systems, which are integral to UHC. This involves enhancing access to quality primary healthcare services, addressing health workforce shortages, improving infrastructure, and promoting preventive and promotive healthcare measures. Sharing India’s experiences and initiatives in primary healthcare can inspire other countries to invest in this essential aspect of UHC.
- Leveraging Digital Health Technologies: India has made significant strides in adopting digital health technologies, and its G20 presidency can highlight the potential of these technologies in advancing UHC. By sharing digital health success stories and facilitating collaborations in areas such as telemedicine, health information systems, and mobile health applications, India can accelerate the adoption of digital solutions for healthcare access and delivery.
- South-South Cooperation: India’s G20 presidency can promote South-South cooperation and collaboration among G20 member countries and other nations from the Global South. By fostering partnerships, sharing experiences, and supporting capacity-building efforts, India can facilitate collective progress towards UHC in regions that face similar challenges.
Conclusion
- India’s G20 presidency aims to leverage collaborative governance and shared responsibilities to create a safer world from pandemics. India’s engagement with Japan’s G7 presidency and the focus on resilient, equitable, and sustainable UHC and global health architecture development further demonstrate shared responsibilities and the commitment to addressing public health emergencies. Through collective efforts, we can heal our planet, foster harmony within our global family, and offer hope for a better future.
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