R2R NEWSPAPER NOTES

R2R SSB batches starting from 4th of July. Referred articles were published in The Hindu.

• NDAI's Development Cooperation: India's Development Cooperation with the Global South has increased significantly, with its budget expanding from $1 billion in 2010-11 to around $7 billion in 2023-24. This includes assistance to 65 countries across various modalities (grants, lines of credit, capacity building).
• Challenges and Progress in Global Development Finance:
  • Rising geopolitical complexities and a decline in official development assistance (ODA) have created challenges.
  • ODA from the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) members fell by 45% from $280 billion to $224 billion in 2022.
  • Shrinkage in resources leads to under-development in various regions.
  • Investment in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) fell short by $2.5 trillion in 2015 to over $4 trillion in 2024, particularly in developing countries.
  • However, the SDG 2030 target is still within reach, as the burden on developing countries has lessened due to declining geopolitical complexities.
• India's Role in Global South Cooperation:
  • India aims to become a reliable partner by leveraging its economic growth and providing development assistance.
  • India's Third Voice of Global South Summit (VOGS) in 2024, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, articulated the concept of Global Development Compact.
  • India proposes a balanced approach to development modalities, focusing on partnerships for capacity building, technology transfer, and market access.
• Partnerships and Results:
  • Partnerships with the Global South emphasize South-South cooperation and digital public infrastructure.
  • India aims to expand global energy grids and improve connectivity.
  • India signed a Joint Declaration of Intent for Trilateral Cooperation with the EU and Africa in 2024.
  • Examples of Indian involvement include projects in Cameroon, Ghana, Malawi, and Peru.
  • India is recognized for effective engagement in Triangular Cooperation (TrC), combining the strengths of the North and the Global South.
  • The model has been successful, with some preliminary data suggesting TrC to be between $670 million to $1.1 billion.
• Rationale for Triangular Cooperation:
  • A key aspect is leveraging existing funding pools from the 19 non-DAC countries, which reported between $1.1 billion to $1.7 billion in 2022.
  • Countries like South Korea, Japan, and Germany have successfully worked with India in various cooperation initiatives.

• Global Need for Palliative Care: Globally, 40 million people require palliative care annually, with 78% living in low and middle-income countries. Only 14% receive such care. {Palliative care is specialized medical care focused on improving the quality of life for individuals with serious illnesses, such as cancer, by managing pain and other symptoms}
• Disparities in Palliative Care Access:
  • In India, 10 million people annually require palliative care, but only 1-2% receive it. This indicates a significant underserved need.
  • 7.2 million Indians need palliative care annually, but 7.2 million people die without access.
  • Doctor-population ratio in India is 1:834, while the WHO recommended norm is 1:1000. 
  • Only 1,834 palliative care specialists are currently in India.
  • The integration of palliative care into the existing healthcare system is limited.
• Challenges in India:
  • The National Health Policy of 2017 marked a step forward, but implementation has been uneven.
  • Challenges include a lack of qualified professionals, limited funding, and inadequate infrastructure.
  • Lack of awareness among healthcare professionals and the public is a major barrier.
• Addressing the Gaps:
  • Medical education needs strengthening to produce skilled palliative care professionals.
  • The Indian Medical Research and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences are promoting palliative care in medical education.
  • A 34.33 lakh registered nursing personnel and 13 lakh allied health professionals could be trained in basic palliative care.
  • Public awareness campaigns are crucial to increase demand and acceptance.
  • Government funding and insurance schemes should be allocated for palliative care.
  • The United States has a well-established palliative care system, serving as a potential model.
• Integrating Palliative Care: Integrating palliative care into India's healthcare framework is crucial. This includes building capacity, advocating for policy changes, and transforming the landscape of end-of-life care.

• QS Ranking Methodology: The 2026 ranking is based on parameters including:
  • Learning environment (30%)
  • Research reputation (20%)
  • Citations for research papers (20%)
  • International research network (5%)
  • Diversity (student diversity, international faculty and student count) (10%)
  • Student outcomes (15%)
  • Campus sustainability (5%)
• Indian Universities' Performance:
  • 50+ Indian universities are in the top 1,500.
  • IIT Delhi (Rank 123) is the highest-ranked Indian university, followed by IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Kharagpur, and IISc Bengaluru.
  • Ashoka University and Shiv Nadar Institute of Eminence are new entrants in the top 1,500.
• Areas for Improvement:
  • International Diversity: Indian universities have few international students and faculty.
  • Research Output: STEM subjects are more prominent in research compared to other disciplines.
  • Industry Collaboration: More engagement with industry is needed.
  • Student Outcomes: Improve employment potential for graduates.
  • Academic Reputation: Enhance reputation through strong faculty and research.
• Recommendations for Improvement:
  • Global Networks: Build stronger research networks and faculty collaboration.
  • International Students/Faculty: Attract more international students and faculty.
  • Industry Engagement: Foster closer ties with industry for research and employment.
  • Promote STEM Research: Focus on interdisciplinary research.
  • Campus Sustainability: Improve campus environmental practices.
  • Alumni Engagement: Leverage alumni networks.

• India's AI Ambition: India aims to be a global leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance.
• Government Initiatives:
  • The Indian AI Mission is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
  • The mission focuses on AI's strategic priorities.
• Data and Governance:
  • India's data public platform is crucial for AI development, enabling data sharing and innovation.
  • A robust data governance framework is essential for ethical and transparent AI development.
  • The government aims to achieve a democratically governed AI.
• Challenges and Risks:
  • Uncertainties in AI development, ethical implications, and societal impact.
  • Digital infrastructure must be resilient and secure to support AI.
  • Misinformation and deepfakes pose risks to social stability.
  • Displacement of jobs and the need for reskilling the workforce.
  • Energy demands of AI are substantial.
  • Strategic autonomy in AI development is crucial.
• Economic Impact:
  • Goldman Sachs predicts AI could add 12% to India's GDP by 2047.
  • McKinsey estimates AI will add $1 trillion to India's economy by 2035.
• Recommendations:
  • A Cabinet-endorsed national AI strategy is needed.
  • The strategy should prioritize public and private partnerships.
  • Parliamentary discussions are crucial for comprehensive AI policy.
  • A national impact study on AI's implications for employment and society is recommended.
  • Education and workforce development programs are essential for AI adoption.
  • India aims for a holistic framework for AI governance.

NEWS IN SHORTS

1. Kashmir Reopens Cases of Militancy Victims 

The Jammu and Kashmir police have launched a new initiative to reopen cases of militancy victims, particularly those killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists. Special phone numbers have been circulated for people to report grievances. The Lieutenant-Governor announced financial assistance under SUDRA and assured support to those whose properties were seized by terrorists or their sympathizers, aiming for justice and resolution.

2. Kashmir Opens First Batch of Amarnath Pilgrims 

The first batch of pilgrims for the Amarnath Yatra has commenced, with over 5,485 devotees reaching the Kashmir Valley. Security arrangements, including facial recognition and drone surveillance, are in place along the pilgrimage routes. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch, emphasizing that the Amarnath Yatra promotes peace, brotherhood, and a nuanced picture of the region.

3. BRICS to Create a 'Multipolar' World 

Prime Minister Modi is on a five-nation trip, visiting Brazil for the BRICS summit to strengthen cooperation within the Global South and hold bilateral meetings. India and Brazil are discussing ways to advance a multipolar world. Modi will advocate for a balanced, multipolar world order, emphasizing the importance of BRICS for economic growth, sustainable development, and global peace.

4. Quad Ministers Condemn Terror in Pahalagam 

The Quad Foreign Ministers, including India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, condemned the Pahalagam terror attack in the "strongest terms." They called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice without any delay. The joint statement reaffirmed their commitment to counter-terrorism and urged the UN Security Council Resolutions to cooperate effectively with all relevant authorities.

5. Iran Halts Cooperation with Nuclear Watchdog 

Iran has temporarily suspended its cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, following recent strikes by the US and Israel on its nuclear facilities. The Iranian Parliament voted to suspend relations with the IAEA. Iran maintains that its nuclear activities are peaceful, but the move raises concerns about its nuclear program, with international tensions likely to escalate.

6. Bangladesh Court Sentences Hasina to Six Months in Jail 

Bangladesh's deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to six months in prison by a special court for contempt of court. The charges stem from her comments against the judiciary. This marks the first time she has been convicted. Meanwhile, former MP Abu Sayeed was released after being declared a "fugitive" in his contempt of court case.

7. Are Gig Workers Part of India's Labour Data? 

The 2025 Union Budget will implement various social protection schemes for gig workers, recognizing their growing presence. While the PLFS defines gig workers, there's ambiguity regarding their classification as 'own-account workers' or 'employers'. The government is working to incorporate gig workers into the formal economy, providing social security and welfare benefits, ensuring fair wages and improved working conditions.