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    SLINEX-24: Strengthening Maritime Security and Cooperation in the Indian Ocean

    OWSA Staff
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    SLINEX-24: Strengthening Maritime Security and Cooperation in the Indian Ocean

    As the 2024 edition of SLINEX concluded, it became evident that the exercise not only enhanced the operational capabilities of the Indian and Sri Lankan navies but also served as a testament to their shared commitment to regional peace and stability.

    In a significant move to bolster maritime security and cooperation, India and Sri Lanka concluded the 2024 edition of their bilateral naval exercise, SLINEX-24, from December 17 to 20. Conducted under the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam, this joint exercise marks a vital step in enhancing the operational capabilities of both navies and fostering regional stability in the Indian Ocean.

    A Tradition of Maritime Collaboration

    SLINEX (Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise), which began in 2005, has become a cornerstone of maritime collaboration between the two countries. This year’s edition was held in two phases: the Harbour Phase from December 17 to 18 and the Sea Phase from December 19 to 20. These exercises aim to strengthen mutual trust, improve interoperability, and address common maritime challenges.

    India was represented by the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sumitra, a sophisticated offshore patrol vessel from the Eastern Fleet, accompanied by a contingent of Special Forces commandos. Sri Lanka participated with the SLNS Sayura, an offshore patrol vessel, and its own Special Forces team.

    The inaugural ceremony on December 17 set the tone for the Harbour Phase, where both navies engaged in professional exchanges and social interactions. This phase focused on fostering camaraderie and understanding through joint discussions, cross-training sessions, and informal sporting events. These activities provided an opportunity for the participants to share expertise and deepen their professional bonds.

    The Sea Phase, held from December 19 to 20, featured complex naval drills and manoeuvres, emphasising operational synergy and tactical excellence. Key activities included:

    • Gun Firings: Live firing exercises demonstrated the precision and combat readiness of both navies.
    • Special Forces Operations: Joint drills highlighted coordinated responses to security threats.
    • Communication Procedures: Exercises improved interoperability through seamless communication protocols.
    • Seamanship and Navigation Evolutions: Teams conducted advanced navigation and ship-handling drills.
    • Helicopter Operations: Coordinated aerial exercises showcased the integration of air and naval assets.

    These activities underscored the commitment of both nations to maintaining maritime security and ensuring the free movement of goods and vessels in the region.

    Expanding Regional Maritime Cooperation

    The timing of SLINEX-24 coincided with the visit of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to India. During his meetings with Indian leaders, including President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dissanayake emphasised Sri Lanka’s commitment to not allowing its territory to be used for activities against India. His statement is particularly significant amid growing concerns over the increasing presence of Chinese naval assets, including warships and submarines, in the Indian Ocean.

    The shared vision of peace and stability in the region was a central theme of discussions, reinforcing the strategic importance of joint initiatives like SLINEX.

    In parallel with SLINEX, India’s commitment to maritime security extended to its cooperation with the Maldives. On December 15, Indian Coast Guard ships ICGS Vaibhav and ICGS Abhiraj arrived at Male Port for a four-day port call. The visit included professional interactions with the Maldives National Defence Force Coast Guard (MNDF CG), focusing on key issues such as marine pollution response, search and rescue operations, and maritime law enforcement.

    Joint activities such as cross-deck training and friendly sports competitions highlighted the growing camaraderie between the Indian Coast Guard and MNDF CG. These engagements are part of a broader strategy to enhance regional stability and secure critical sea lanes in the Indian Ocean.

    Strengthening Bonds Amidst Challenges

    The success of SLINEX-24 aligns with India’s maritime vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). This initiative emphasizes a collaborative approach to regional security and economic prosperity, underscoring the importance of a rules-based maritime order.

    The defence ministry highlighted that SLINEX has played a pivotal role in fostering mutual trust and understanding between India and Sri Lanka. This year’s exercise further consolidated their maritime partnership, promoting a secure and rule-based maritime domain.

    As the 2024 edition of SLINEX concluded, it became evident that the exercise not only enhanced the operational capabilities of the Indian and Sri Lankan navies but also served as a testament to their shared commitment to regional peace and stability. Amid the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Indian Ocean, such collaborations are vital for addressing emerging challenges and ensuring a secure maritime environment.

    Through initiatives like SLINEX and broader engagements with its maritime neighbours, India continues to reaffirm its role as a key security partner in the region. The successful completion of SLINEX-24 stands as a beacon of the enduring maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka, paving the way for greater cooperation and shared prosperity in the years to come.

    Ken-Betwa River Link Project: PM Modi to Lay Foundation Stone on Wednesday

    OWSA Staff
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    Ken-Betwa River Link Project: PM Modi to Lay Foundation Stone on Wednesday

    The Ken-Betwa river interlinking project involves the diversion of nearly 6,000 hectares of the Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh. The Reserve is spread over 54,266 hectares.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi will kick off this year’s ‘Good Governance Day’ by laying the foundation stone for the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project on Wednesday, December 25. The government calls it a landmark step toward addressing India’s water scarcity and boosting regional development.

    According to the government, the Ken-Betwa River Linking project, the first under India’s national river interlinking policy, is set to transform the drought-prone Bundelkhand region, spanning Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

    A large section of environmentalists do not agree with this massive engineering project being undertaken by the government.

    The Ken-Betwa Link Project is a pioneering endeavour under the Peninsular Rivers Development plan, part of the National Perspective Plan for water resource management formulated in 1980. It aims to transfer surplus water from the Ken River in Madhya Pradesh to the Betwa River in Uttar Pradesh, ensuring equitable water distribution across drought-prone areas.

    Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan (and present Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare) had expressed optimism about the project’s impact, calling it a “game-changer” for Bundelkhand’s image and future.

    “It will bring socio-economic development, improve groundwater levels, and create new employment opportunities,” Chouhan had said.

    Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav says that the Ken-Betwa Link National Project is a unique example of cooperation and coordination between the Government of India, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. Saying that the project is the realisation of the River-Linking Campaign dream of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he said that the project will change the image and destiny of the entire Bundelkhand region in both Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

    Economic Benefits

    Estimated to cost ₹44,605 crore, the Ken-Betwa project involves constructing the Daudhan dam – a 77-meter-high and 2.13-kilometer-long structure – on the Ken River within the Panna Tiger Reserve. The dam will store approximately 2,853 million cubic meters of water. Water will be transferred to the Betwa River via a 221-kilometer-long link canal, supported by two tunnels of 1.9 km and 1.1 km in length. The dam will store 2,853 million cubic metres of water, the chief minister said.

    Chief Minister Mohan Yadav described the Ken-Betwa as the largest irrigation project in the country, adopting an underground pressurised pipe irrigation system.

    This extensive infrastructure will provide irrigation facilities to nearly 65 lakh people (44 lakh people in 10 districts of Madhya Pradesh and 21 lakh in Uttar Pradesh) will be reached with drinking water through the project, which is estimated to cost Rs 44,605 crore.

    The 10 districts of Madhya Pradesh, including Panna, Damoh, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, and Vidisha will benefit from the project. In these districts, nearly 7.18 lakh farmer families of 2,000 villages will be benefitted from the project.

    Additionally, 59,000 hectares in Uttar Pradesh will receive irrigation support, stabilising water availability in areas like Mahoba, Jhansi, Lalitpur, and Banda.

    The project is designed to produce 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar energy, contributing to renewable energy generation. Furthermore, the project includes efforts to restore historical Chandela-era ponds in districts like Chhatarpur and Tikamgarh. These ponds will serve as rainwater reservoirs, enhancing local water conservation.

    Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s Vision

    Prime Minister Modi’s efforts to advance the Ken-Betwa project fulfill the vision of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who championed river interlinking as a means to address India’s water distribution challenges. The tripartite memorandum of understanding for the project’s implementation was signed on March 22, 2021, in the presence of PM Modi, marking a significant milestone in collaborative governance that also envisages the revival of Bundelkhand.

    Bundelkhand has long struggled with recurring droughts, leading to water scarcity, agricultural challenges, and outmigration for employment. The Ken-Betwa project promises a much-needed respite. Beyond irrigation and drinking water supply, it is expected to boost tourism and enhance the forest ecosystem of the Panna Tiger Reserve.

    Technical Feasibility

    Studies by the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) have affirmed the project’s technical and economic viability. The surplus water from the Ken basin, determined through extensive feasibility assessments since 1995, will alleviate water shortages in the Betwa basin. The underground pressurized pipe irrigation system, the largest of its kind in India, underscores the project’s innovative engineering.

    Efforts to finalise the project’s blueprint date back to 1995. A consensus among stakeholders was reached in 2005, and the detailed project report was subsequently prepared. The project’s implementation highlights the importance of inter-state cooperation in addressing shared challenges.

    Though the government is set to announce that the project represents innovative infrastructure driving regional transformation and a beacon of hope for the people of Bundelkhand, many environmentalists strongly oppose the project due to its environmental impact.

    The promise to address water scarcity, support agriculture, generate clean energy, and promote economic growth will come at an environmental cost, they say.

    For instance, the river interlinking project has been appraised for forest clearance as it involves the diversion of nearly 6,000 hectares of the Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh. The Reserve is spread over 54,266 hectares and is home to tigers but with the coming of the project, nearly 10 per cent will be taken away. As per a former standing committee member of the National Board for Wildlife, the Ken-Betwa project will not only be disastrous for tigers in the region but will also have a severe impact on the critically endangered gharial found in the Ken river.

    When the final sanctions for the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project (KBRLP) came through in October last year, it was welcomed with cheers by then BJP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan who had called it a “fortunate day for the people of Bundelkhand who had lagged behind.”

    Yet, according to the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People (SANDRP), Chouhan made no mention of the thousands of farmers, herders, forest dwellers and their families in his state that it would deprive. Nor did he see that the forest clearance was awarded on the basis that power generation would be outside the Panna tiger reserve, but now it is inside.

    Image: South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People (SANDRP)

    Sri Lanka to Enshrine Right to Healthcare in New Constitution

    OWSA Contributor
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    Sri Lanka to Enshrine Right to Healthcare in New Constitution

    Sri Lanka’s healthcare system faces several challenges. An aging population and a rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases, which account for nearly 75 per cent of deaths, place increasing strain on resources.

    Sri Lanka is set to recognise the right to healthcare as a fundamental right in its new Constitution, according to Minister Nalinda Jayathissa. This historic move aims to empower citizens to seek legal remedies if their right to access healthcare is violated.

    Jayathissa made the announcement at the annual social welfare event of the All-Island Kidney Patients’ Association, held at the Mahaweli Centre. The event was attended by prominent health officials of the island nation.

    A Model for Regional Healthcare

    Sri Lanka’s free and universal healthcare system has long been lauded as one of the best in the region. With an extensive network of public health facilities, the majority of citizens have access to healthcare within an average distance of 1.4 kilometers for basic clinics and 4.8 kilometers for government-sponsored facilities.

    The country boasts high life expectancy and low maternal and infant mortality rates compared to its neighbours. Over the years, Sri Lanka has successfully eliminated major diseases like malaria, filariasis, polio, and neonatal tetanus, further solidifying its position as a regional healthcare leader.

    The government plays a central role in delivering healthcare services, employing more than 90 per cent of the nation’s doctors and nurses and operating over 90 per cent of hospital beds. Public hospitals provide 95 per cent of inpatient care and half of all outpatient services, ensuring widespread access to medical care.

    Challenges on the Horizon

    Despite these achievements, Sri Lanka’s healthcare system faces several challenges. An aging population and a rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases, which account for nearly 75 per cent of deaths, place increasing strain on resources. Additionally, long waiting times for specialised care and advanced medical procedures in public hospitals have led to a growing reliance on private healthcare, which remains financially inaccessible for many.

    Government spending on healthcare currently stands at 4 per cent of the national budget. While the public sector remains the backbone of the healthcare system, the private sector’s role is expanding, albeit limited to those who can afford higher costs.

    A Legacy of Universal Healthcare

    Sri Lanka’s commitment to universal healthcare dates back to 1950, when the nation adopted its policy of free healthcare. This initiative was part of a broader effort to expand health services in the two decades leading to independence, driven by politicians seeking to garner public support. Today, the country is home to one of the world’s earliest known healthcare systems, which includes a rich tradition of indigenous medicine alongside modern medical practices.

    Teaching hospitals in major cities such as Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Anuradhapura, and Jaffna serve as hubs for advanced treatment, staffed by experienced doctors and nurses. For emergencies, the accident services at general hospitals are highly recommended due to their specialised capabilities.

    Access to Medical Services

    The decision to recognise healthcare as a fundamental right marks a significant step in safeguarding universal access to medical services for all citizens. By embedding this right in the Constitution, Sri Lanka underscores its commitment to maintaining a healthcare system that not only delivers quality care but also ensures accountability.

    As Sri Lanka prepares for this transformative policy change, stakeholders and policymakers will need to address existing challenges to strengthen the healthcare system further. With its long-standing tradition of universal healthcare and robust public sector services, the country is well-positioned to set a benchmark for inclusive and equitable healthcare in the region.

    Simultaneously, the Sri Lanka cabinet has approved a proposal to sign an agreement pegged at 780 million Sri Lankan Rupees with India for healthcare in the island nation.

    The announcement serves as a reminder of the importance of healthcare as a pillar of social welfare and human dignity. By enshrining this right, Sri Lanka is poised to reaffirm its legacy as a nation committed to the well-being of its people.

    Image: ADB

    Bangladesh Plans Maiden Climate Bank Amid Banking Sector Challenges

    OWSA Contributor
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    Bangladesh Plans Maiden Climate Bank Amid Banking Sector Challenges

    As the country grapples with its existing banking challenges, the question remains: Can Green Bank rise as a beacon of sustainability, or will it become another casualty of systemic shortcomings?

    Bangladesh is poised to take a ground-breaking step toward addressing its climate vulnerabilities with the proposal for its first-ever climate bank, likely to be named Green Bank Ltd. The initiative, conceived by the privately run organisation Water and Essential (WE), aims to align banking operations with global environmental and sustainability standards.

    Experts, however, point out that the proposal comes at a time of turbulence in the country’s banking sector, raising questions about its feasibility and timing.

    Proposal for a Climate Bank

    The proposed Green Bank is envisioned as a specialised institution under a global-standard climate-bank model, with a paid-up capital of Bangladeshi Taka 3.24 billion. Its primary objective is to safeguard the nature and address pressing environmental concerns in a country acutely vulnerable to climate change impacts, such as rising sea levels, floods, and extreme weather events.

    Unlike conventional banks, Green Bank Ltd aims to function as a hybrid venture – a for-profit and non-profit joint enterprise – adhering to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. The bank’s model includes significant domestic and international investment, with 93-95 per cent of its ownership open to such stakeholders. The entrepreneurial organisation behind the proposal, WE, would retain 5-7 per cent of the ownership.

    According to its proponents, the bank will play a critical role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 and is designed to be replicable worldwide. “It is an exceptional business that adheres to Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) conditions and contributes to building a green economy,” the proposal highlights.

    Administrative Steps and Initial Reactions

    The proponents of the Green Bank have submitted the proposal to Bangladesh’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFC), which has recommended forming a committee to conduct a feasibility study. The MoEFC has forwarded the proposal to the Financial Institutions Division (FID) for further action. The FID, in turn, plans to pass it on to Bangladesh Bank, the central regulatory body, for scrutiny.

    A senior FID official confirmed receiving the proposal, stating, “The proposal to establish a climate bank named Green Bank has been forwarded for evaluation by Bangladesh Bank to decide on the next steps.”

    Current Challenges in Bangladesh’s Banking Sector

    The proposal’s timing coincides with significant instability in the country’s banking sector. Bangladesh currently has 62 scheduled banks, including 43 private commercial banks (PCBs). While some of these banks have shown promising results, many are grappling with severe issues such as liquidity shortages, high non-performing loans (NPLs), and reputation crises, according to a recent study by the Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management (BIBM).

    Adding to the challenges, an executive director of Bangladesh Bank, speaking anonymously, expressed scepticism about issuing a new banking license under current conditions. “The local banking sector has been vulnerable for the last several months, mainly due to liquidity crises. Given the state of the economy and the banking system, issuing a new license is quite improbable,” the official noted.

    Other experts have echoed similar concerns. Dr. Mustafa K. Mujeri, Executive Director of the Institute for Inclusive Finance and Development (InM), warned against licensing new banks without addressing existing systemic issues. “The banking sector is currently in disarray. It is imperative to stabilise the sector before considering new entrants,” he said.

    Potential Impact and Challenges for Green Bank

    Despite the challenges, proponents of Green Bank argue that it is not a conventional financial institution and should not be evaluated solely through the lens of traditional banking. It is envisioned as a transformative platform where environmental preservation and economic sustainability intersect.

    The proposed climate bank would act as a repository for environmental data and a hub for initiatives promoting green technologies and practices. Advocates emphasise that it could help bolster Bangladesh’s environmental resilience while contributing to global climate action frameworks.

    However, sceptics caution that even unconventional banking models require a robust financial ecosystem to thrive. The risk of financial mismanagement, highlighted by past irregularities in new-generation banks, remains a significant concern, they say. Experts believe that without a comprehensive strategy to reform and stabilise the current banking sector, introducing a new entity – even one with noble intentions – could backfire.

    Nevertheless, the proposal for Green Bank marks a bold vision for Bangladesh, blending financial innovation with environmental stewardship. While its ambitious goals align with global priorities, the success of such a venture depends on rigorous planning, stakeholder collaboration, and a conducive regulatory environment, say experts.

    The feasibility study recommended by the MoEFC will likely serve as a critical next step in determining whether this pioneering initiative can navigate the complex financial and environmental landscape of Bangladesh. As the country grapples with its existing banking challenges, the question remains: Can Green Bank rise as a beacon of sustainability, or will it become another casualty of systemic shortcomings?

    ‘Our Children Are Dying’: The Toll of Sectarian Violence in Pakistan’s Parachinar

    OWSA Contributor
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    ‘Our Children Are Dying’: The Toll of Sectarian Violence in Pakistan’s Parachinar

    Kurram district’s sectarian strife has deep roots, with decades of sporadic violence claiming thousands of lives. The region’s mountainous terrain and proximity to Afghanistan have further complicated efforts to establish peace.

    Parachinar, a predominantly Shi’ite city in north-western Pakistan, has been severed from the rest of the Sunni-majority country by a wave of sectarian violence, leaving its 400,000 residents in the grip of a humanitarian crisis. The closure of the main road leading in and out of the city last month has triggered severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel, amplifying the already dire challenges facing the community.

    “Our children are dying because of a shortage of food and medicine,” said Munawar Hussain, a tribal leader in Parachinar. His plea captures the desperation felt across the city as families struggle to care for their children and elderly amid freezing temperatures and dwindling supplies.

    A City Under Siege

    The ongoing conflict between Shi’ite and Sunni Muslims in Kurram district, where Parachinar is located, has claimed hundreds of lives this year. In November alone, nearly 100 people were killed in a series of ambushes along the main road, which is now controlled by armed groups from both sects. Efforts by authorities to mediate peace talks between the rival communities have yet to yield results, leaving the road – and by extension, the city – in a state of lockdown.

    The blockade has had a devastating impact on the civilian population. Sunni villages near Parachinar face similar fears of venturing outside, while residents of the city itself report being unable to procure basic necessities. “I cannot find any medicine,” lamented Munir Hussain, whose child is hospitalized at Parachinar’s sole state-run medical facility.

    Mounting Deaths and Critical Shortages

    A health-care worker, speaking on condition of anonymity, reported that at least 34 children have died in recent weeks due to a lack of medicine and basic supplies. The only hospital in the city has run out of oxygen, and cases of pneumonia among children have surged as temperatures plummet below freezing.

    Doctors warn that the elderly are also at risk, particularly those with chronic illnesses like cancer, diabetes, and heart conditions who have run out of their prescribed medications. “We are bracing for a wave of deaths,” said a medical professional. Yet provincial officials have downplayed the crisis. Muhammad Ali Saif, a spokesman for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, stated that the reported deaths were under investigation and insisted they were not due to medicine shortages.

    Despite these assurances, residents and activists accuse the government of failing to address their plight. “These minuscule supplies are not enough for such a large population,” said Laiq Hussain, a local activist, referring to a small shipment of medicine sent by the Edhi Foundation, a private charity.

    Humanitarian Efforts Fall Short

    The Edhi Foundation’s intervention, which included flying in medicine and evacuating critically ill patients, provided temporary relief but underscored the scale of the crisis. Faisal Edhi, the charity’s head, described conditions in Parachinar as “critical” and called for sustained efforts to alleviate the suffering.

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the provincial government to take immediate steps to send more medicine to the region. However, the lack of security on the road remains a significant barrier. Authorities have acknowledged their inability to reopen the route due to the presence of heavily armed groups.

    Government Measures and Long-Term Goals

    In a bid to restore stability, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has requested federal assistance to deploy the Frontier Constabulary (FC) in Kurram. Key measures outlined by the provincial administration include:

    • Enhanced security: Additional police forces and bomb-proof vehicles for tribal districts and key areas.
    • Crackdown on disruptors: Individuals threatening peace will face a zero-tolerance policy and could be declared terrorists.
    • Sustainable peace efforts: A Grand Jirga continues to mediate between the communities, while authorities aim to dismantle bunkers and confiscate heavy weaponry.

    A Region Scarred by History

    Kurram district’s sectarian strife has deep roots, with decades of sporadic violence claiming thousands of lives. The region’s mountainous terrain and proximity to Afghanistan have further complicated efforts to establish peace. Land disputes, often entwined with sectarian tensions, fuel the cyclical violence that has plagued the district.

    The closure of the Peshawar-Parachinar highway has only exacerbated the suffering of residents, who are now staging protests outside the local press club. The sit-ins reflect growing frustration with the government’s inability to resolve the crisis.

    A Cry for Help

    For families like Munir Hussain’s, the crisis is not just about numbers or political statements but the lives of their loved ones. As he waits for medicine to arrive, his child’s fate hangs in the balance. Activists and aid organizations are calling for immediate action to break the blockade and ensure the safe delivery of essential supplies.

    The people of Parachinar – caught in the crossfire of sectarian violence and governmental inertia – are left to wonder how much longer they can endure. As Munawar Hussain put it, “We are living under tremendous stress.”

    Turkey Is Replacing Iran as Dominant Foreign Player in Syria

    OWSA Contributor
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    Turkey Is Replacing Iran as Dominant Foreign Player in Syria

    As Turkey consolidates its influence in Syria, the balance of power in the Middle East continues to shift. While Iran seeks to regain its foothold and Russia recalibrates its strategy, Turkey’s ambitions in the region are becoming increasingly evident.

    Turkey has emerged as the dominant foreign actor in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government, significantly diminishing the influence of Iran and its ally, Russia. This shift marks a new chapter in the geopolitical rivalry between Turkey and Iran, which has extended from the South Caucasus to the Levant, according to a report by Radio Free Europe.

    For years, Iran and Turkey have vied for supremacy in the region, but the collapse of Assad’s regime has tipped the scales in Ankara’s favour. Turkey-backed rebel factions played a pivotal role in Assad’s downfall, undermining the position of Iran, which had long relied on Syria as a crucial ally.

    “The Islamic Republic has harboured deep concerns about Turkish influence in Syria—economic, political, and military—well before Assad’s fall,” Radio Free Europe quotes Behnam Taleblu, an Iran analyst at the Washington-based Foundation for Defence of Democracies (FDD). “With the loss of its sole state ally in the region, Iran’s apprehensions are set to grow exponentially.”

    Competing Agendas

    Since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011, the alliances in Syria have been starkly drawn: Iran and Russia supported Assad’s government, while Turkey aligned with opposition groups seeking his removal. Tehran’s primary interest was maintaining a corridor to supply and support Hezbollah and other proxies in the region. For Moscow, Assad’s regime ensured continued access to its strategic military bases in Syria, including the Hmeimim air base and Tartus naval facility, which are key to projecting Russian power in the Middle East and the Mediterranean.

    In contrast, Turkey sought to reshape Syria’s political landscape in line with its regional ambitions. A significant focus for Ankara was curbing the influence of Kurdish groups in north-eastern Syria, particularly the Democratic Union Party (PYD) and its armed wing, the People’s Protection Units (YPG), which Turkey views as extensions of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). The YPG forms the backbone of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a U.S.-backed coalition fighting the remnants of ISIS.

    “Turkey’s priorities in Syria have been threefold: neutralizing the YPG/PYD, facilitating the return of Syrian refugees, and preventing further refugee flows into Turkey,” said Daria Isachenko, a Turkey expert at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs.

    The fall of Assad on December 8 addressed the refugee crisis to some extent, but Ankara’s other two objectives remain pressing, Isachenko noted.

    Rising Influence in Syria

    Syria is now largely under the control of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a U.S.-designated terrorist organisation with ties to Turkey. This development has further marginalized Iran’s role in the country. Isachenko suggested that Turkey’s growing presence in Syria could bolster its geopolitical position in the Mediterranean, potentially leading to agreements similar to its maritime deal with Libya.

    However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Turkey’s ascension as a dominant player in Syria could have repercussions in the South Caucasus, another region where Iran, Russia, and Turkey compete for influence. The Astana talks – a trilateral framework aimed at resolving the Syrian conflict – might no longer hold relevance, but they offered a platform for managing competing interests.

    “Coordination and consultation on conflict management between Turkey, Iran, and Russia in the Middle East and the South Caucasus cannot be ruled out,” Isachenko said. She added that Turkey and Iran might still find common ground in opposing Israel, which has increased its activity in Syria since Assad’s ouster.

    Iran’s Response

    According to the Radio Free Europe report, Iran is unlikely to accept its diminished role in Syria without a fight. Taleblu of FDD predicts that Tehran will deploy the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to rebuild its influence in the country.

    “Downtrodden, disposed, and spurned local actors are easy to co-opt, particularly in states where central authority is weak,” Taleblu said, suggesting that Iran could exploit Syria’s fragmented political landscape to reassert its presence.

    The Kurdish Dilemma

    The status of Kurdish forces in Syria remains precarious in the wake of Assad’s fall. The US has scaled back its support for the Kurdish-led SDF, partly due to pressure from NATO ally Turkey and the withdrawal of most US troops in 2018 and 2019. Ankara’s growing influence has already led to clashes between Turkey-backed rebel groups and Kurdish forces, with the former seizing previously Kurdish-controlled cities like Manbij and Tal Rifaat.

    “The remaining 900 US troops in Syria might offer some protection to the Kurds, but the situation is tenuous,” said Wladimir van Wilgenburg, an analyst based in Iraqi Kurdistan and co-author of books on Syrian Kurds.

    Van Wilgenburg noted that the new authorities in Damascus, aligned with HTS, are likely to favour relations with Turkey over the Kurds. This could force the SDF to strike a deal with HTS, potentially ending Kurdish autonomy in Syria. HTS leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, has expressed a desire to unify all armed groups in Syria under a single banner. However, any Kurdish alignment with HTS would come at the cost of self-rule, Van Wilgenburg warned.

    The Radio Free Europe report says that the balance of power in the Middle East continues to shift as Turkey consolidates its influence in Syria. While Iran seeks to regain its foothold and Russia recalibrates its strategy, Turkey’s ambitions in the region are becoming increasingly evident. The interplay of these forces will shape the future of Syria and its neighbours, with wide-ranging implications for regional stability and global geopolitics.

    Education critical to plug Asia’s health workforce gap

    SciDevNet
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    Education critical to plug Asia’s health workforce gap

    The Philippines is world’s largest exporter of nurses, accounting for a quarter of all overseas nurses worldwide. Global health worker shortage could exceed 10 million by 2030. In such a situation, training for health workers is urgently needed to meet needs.

    By Sanjeet Bagcchi

    Training for health workers, including those based in communities where access to services is limited, is urgently needed to address the growing gap in the Asia Pacific health workforce, say leaders in the sector.

    The global shortage of health workers could reach more than 10 million by 2030, according to a departmental update by the WHO Western Pacific Region, which stressed the importance of “lifelong learning” of health workers and the sharing of science-based health knowledge.

    Countries in the Pacific are particularly affected by the shortage due to their high population density and greater impacts from climate-related disasters, and as many health workers move abroad to seek better opportunities.

    Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO regional director for Western Pacific, said countries in the region were working together to improve education and training and achieve a more equitable distribution of health professionals.

    He said there was an urgent need “to work with academic institutions to develop and implement training programmes” to respond to the evolving needs of the health-care sector.

    In countries like the Philippines and Pacific-island states such as Fiji, Micronesia and the Cook Islands the shortage is severely limiting access to quality health care services, aggravated by insufficient educational opportunities for would-be health workers, members of a Philippine-led health collaborative said at an event.

    The Philippines has become the world’s largest exporter of nurses, accounting for 25 per cent of all overseas nurses worldwide.

    More than half the country’s licensed nurses have left the country to work abroad, according to WHO estimates, resulting in a domestic shortage of 127,000 health  . Many are attracted by better pay overseas. In countries such as the US, for instance, Filipino nurses can earn 15 times more than those working in the Philippines.

    Retention strategies

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippines ordered restrictions on health workers moving abroad, a move that was strongly criticised by health unions in the country.

    Instead, unions suggested measures such as salary increases, prompt provision of benefits, and filling vacant government positions to enhance employment, local working conditions and encourage workers to stay.

    Another strategy that the Philippines has implemented is to incorporate community health workers at the village, or barangay level. The country is engaging large networks of community health workers to provide services to underserved populations, especially in remote areas, according to analysis published this month. It said community health workers were helping with family planning, mental health education, and substance abuse prevention.

    However, while the barangay health workers have become an important part of the country’s health system, they have no fixed salary as they are considered volunteers and are only entitled to a limited government allowance.

    “To be effective they need supervision from qualified health workers, as well as remuneration, strong training, and career development pathways,” said Sara Bennett, professor and vice chair at the international health department of the US-based Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

    “They are part of the solution, but not the whole solution,” she added.

    Image:  Yogendra Singh (CC BY-SA 2.0)

    This piece has been sourced from SciDev.Net

    Does the Number of ICT Users Indicate Digital Adoption?

    OWSA Contributor
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    Does the Number of ICT Users Indicate Digital Adoption?

    Policy discussions often overlook the socio-demographic diversity among people with disabilities and the types of disabilities. Collecting census data to account for the people with disabilities population and its diversity is a crucial first step in formulating effective policies for ICT accessibility.

    Osama Manzar and Dr. Arpita Kanjilal

    This is a critical juncture. Being a digital citizen in the twenty-first century is indispensable for availing e-governance services and basic citizen entitlements. At this point in history it is crucial to evaluate the ‘digital-by-design’ framework vis-a-vis the scale of digital reach, adoption, and impact in the last mile.

    Who constitutes the ‘last mile’ in India? This question is central to assessing the scale of digital transformation and the ensuing social impact. Owing to India’s multifarious diversity, with people hailing from diverse castes, classes, genders and demographies, the last mile constitutes citizens and communities, who are differently positioned in the pyramid of graded social inequalities. This positioning also shapes their status in the digital realm, determining their varied access to connectivity, ICTs, and the digital public infrastructure. 

    Several ongoing multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral efforts aim to democratise the digital ecosystem for all citizens. However, the statistics call attention to the stark digital divide in the country. While India’s digital economy is skyrocketing, with a projection of a trillion-dollar valuation by 2028, the country struggles to ensure meaningful connectivity, access and adoption that enables the socio-economic empowerment of its citizens. Where are we falling short? To address the same, let us examine one such community in India – Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) – who remain subjected to digital exclusion among other forms of systemic, social, and bureaucratic exclusion.

    A pan-India study by Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), Broadband India Forum (BIF) and Center for Development Policy and Practice (CDPP) presents comprehensive findings and recommendations, highlighting two key insights – 1) the potential of ICTs in enabling social, economic and community integration of PwDs to become rightful citizens; 2) the gaps in the current design and deployment of the digital public infrastructure that creates a barrier for PwDs in accessing ICTs. 

    Meaningful Access to the Internet

    Policy discussions often overlook the socio-demographic diversity among PwDs and the types of disabilities. Collecting census data to account for the PwD population and its diversity is a crucial first step in formulating effective policies for ICT accessibility, especially in rural, remote, and underserved regions of India.

    Accordingly, ICTs must integrate tailored assistive technologies and accessibility features to ensure meaningful ICT adoption. India took a significant step to ensure web accessibility by legislating the ICT Accessibility Standard IS 17802. This should be enforced among public and private service providers to ensure meaningful access to the internet. The public and private service providers can be pivotal in ensuring meaningful access by leveraging the innovation ecosystem to design and deploy subsidised and low-cost digital infrastructure that enhance ICT reach, accessibility, and efficacy. Strengthening the local digital ecosystem with remote access enabled to avail the services of the physical digital service centers is imperative to achieve widespread ICT adoption among PwDs. Tailored to specific needs in hyperlocal settings, digital literacy curriculum, skill development and capacity-building initiatives must be facilitated for a comprehensive support for availing education and livelihood opportunities.

    The study with 300+ PwD digital changemakers has demonstrated that enhancing ICT accessibility will empower and enable PwDs to live a life with dignity and respect. This measure, however, will be meaningful when we move away from measuring the impact of digital inclusion, often based on a binary divide between the haves and have-nots, whereby the number of ICT users is seen as a milestone for digital adoption. This approach has proven insufficient, especially in addressing the widening digital divide in the country. We must, therefore, envision a digital-by-design framework that is built on a citizen-centric, rather than a consumer-centric model; a model that addresses contextual, evidence-based, and specific digital needs of diverse communities in India. The term ‘meaningful’ is crucial here for bridging the graded digital inequalities and building digital equity for all.

    Osama Manzar is the Founder-Director of the Digital Empowerment Foundation

    Dr. Arpita Kanjilal heads the Research and Advocacy Division at the Digital Empowerment Foundation

    Image: Digital Empowerment Foundation

    2024 – The Hottest Year Ever Recorded

    Inter Press Service
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    2024 – The Hottest Year Ever Recorded

    According to Oxford Net Zero, a platform of researchers hosted by the University of Oxford, in order to have a reasonable chance of bringing global temperatures back to 1.5 C, fossil fuel emissions must fall by 43 per cent.

    By Oritro Karim

    The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) warns that 2024 is on track to be the hottest year in recorded history, surpassing 2023. This can be attributed to heightened reliance on fossil fuels and the reluctance of industries worldwide to pivot to green energy practices. The rapid acceleration of global temperatures has alarmed scientists, with many expressing concern over the environmental, economic, and social implications of the worsening climate crisis.

    In light of this fact, ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, UN Secretary-General António Guterres remarked: “Humanity’s torching the planet and paying the price.”

    In addition to being the hottest year, 2024 is also the first year in recorded history to have an average temperature of over 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. According to data from the European Union’s (EU) Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), the average temperature for 2024 is expected to be 1.60 C, marking a significant jump from last year’s average of 1.48 C.

    The Paris Agreement is an international treaty that has been signed by 196 countries at the UN. The objective of this agreement is to reduce carbon emissions by 43 per cent by 2030 and mitigate the climate crisis. Samantha Burgess, the deputy-director of C3S) confirmed that the rising temperatures do not make the Paris Agreement implausible but rather, makes the climate crisis much more urgent of an issue.

    According to Oxford Net Zero, a platform of researchers hosted by the University of Oxford, in order to have a reasonable chance of bringing global temperatures back to 1.5 C, fossil fuel emissions must fall by 43 per cent. Major corporations and governments around the world have announced plans to reduce carbon emissions to achieve these goals.

    Fossil Fuel Consumption Habits

    Although industries around the world have slowly begun to adopt healthier fossil fuel consumption habits and alternative sources of energy, global consumption of coal has nearly doubled in the past three decades. On December 18, the International Energy Agency (IEA) published a comprehensive report titled Coal 2024, that analysed global consumption of coal in the 2020s and provided a forecast of coal use for the next three years.

    The report states that in 2023, the global coal demand reached a record 8,687 metric tons, marking a 2.5 per cent year-over-year increase. The global demand for coal is expected to have grown by 1 per cent in 2024. The increased demand for coal can be attributed to the relatively low supply of hydropower.

    China is ranked as the world’s biggest consumer of coal, accounting for up to 56 per cent of 2023’s global coal consumption, equivalent to 4,833 metric tons of coal. It is estimated that in 2024, Chinese coal consumption has increased by 1.1 per cent, or an additional 56 metric tons.

    Approximately 63 per cent of China’s coal consumption is used to fuel the nation’s power sector. Despite a measured global increase in renewable energy use, China’s generation of electricity has declined in recent years.

    According to the IEA, fixing the world’s over-reliance on coal consumption begins with China. “Weather factors – particularly in China, the world’s largest coal consumer – will have a major impact on short-term trends for coal demand. The speed at which electricity demand grows will also be very important over the medium term,” said IEA Director of Energy Markets and Security Keisuke Sadamori.

    Climate-Driven Natural Disasters

    Scientists and economists have predicted that the acceleration of the climate crisis will have severe environmental and economic impacts going forward. According to the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, increased temperatures could cost the global economy approximately 38 trillion dollars in damages. Maximilian Kotz, a researcher at the institute, states that much of these losses can be attributed to decreased agricultural yields and labour productivity, as well as damage to climate-sensitive infrastructures.

    2024 has seen a host of climate-driven natural disasters that have devastated communities. Extreme weather, such as cyclones, monsoons, wildfires, heatwaves, hurricanes, and rising sea levels, continue to endanger the lives of millions of people. According to estimates from the UN, approximately 305 million people around the world will be in dire need of humanitarian assistance for support due to worsening natural disasters.

    Other environmental impacts of climate change include deforestation, biodiversity loss, ocean acidification, water cycle disruptions, and impacts on agricultural outputs, all of which have disastrous consequences for life on Earth. If global temperatures and carbon emissions are not reduced by 2030, these consequences could significantly increase in severity.

    Widespread Species Loss

    Scientists have warned that it is critical for global temperatures to not exceed 2 C. The world would experience widespread species loss, including several species critical for the sustenance of human life, including fish and many species of plants. Alice C. Hill, a Council of Foreign Relations (CFR) senior fellow for energy and the environment, stated, “We’re headed toward disaster if we can’t get our warming in check and we need to do this very quickly.”

    Another climate researcher at Potsdam, Anders Levermann, predicts that economic and environmental impacts will be far more severe for developing countries than for major commercial powerhouses such as the United States and China. “We find damages almost everywhere, but countries in the tropics will suffer the most because they are already warmer,” said Levermann.

    Furthermore, the countries that are the least responsible for climate change (developing nations) are expected to suffer the greatest economic and environmental impacts as they have the fewest resources “to adapt to its impacts.”

    Photo Credit: UNICEF/Farhana Satu

    This piece has been sourced from Inter Press Service.

    Bangladesh Urges India to Extradite Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

    OWSA Contributor
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    Bangladesh Urges India to Extradite Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

    The extradition request places India in a delicate position as it navigates its relationship with Bangladesh amid growing political instability in Dhaka.

    The interim government of Bangladesh has officially requested India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in India since fleeing Bangladesh on August 5. The move marks a significant development in the political and diplomatic dynamics between the two neighbouring countries.

    Touhid Hossain, the foreign affairs adviser to the interim government, confirmed on Monday that a diplomatic note, or note verbale, had been sent to the Indian government. “We have sent a note verbale to the Indian government to send the former prime minister back to Bangladesh in this regard,” Hossain said during a press briefing. He added that Hasina’s presence is required for a judicial trial in Dhaka.

    The request follows weeks of escalating tensions since massive protests ousted Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year regime. The Dhaka-based International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has issued arrest warrants against Hasina, her ministers, advisors, and former military and civil officials, accusing them of “crimes against humanity and genocide.”

    Existing Extradition Treaty

    Lieutenant General (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, the home affairs adviser, emphasized that an existing extradition treaty between Bangladesh and India could facilitate the process. Speaking to reporters during an event marking Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Day in Dhaka, Alam stated, “We have sent a letter to the foreign ministry regarding her extradition. The process is currently underway.”

    He reiterated that the treaty provided a legal framework for Hasina’s return. “The former prime minister, who fled to India, could be brought back to Bangladesh under the treaty,” he said.

    Misri’s Visit

    The diplomatic communication comes just weeks after Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Bangladesh. During his visit, Misri met with Muhammad Yunus, Nobel laureate and chief advisor of the interim government. They discussed bilateral relations and the status of Sheikh Hasina, among other pressing issues. Misri described the talks as “frank, candid, and constructive,” and highlighted concerns over attacks on minorities in Bangladesh.

    A statement from the Chief Advisor’s office noted that Hasina’s stay in India was a topic of concern. “Our people are concerned because she is making many statements from there. It creates tensions,” Yunus reportedly said.

    Hasina’s Counterclaims

    From her place of exile, Sheikh Hasina has criticised the interim government, accusing it of authoritarianism. In a virtual address to Awami League supporters in London, she alleged that Muhammad Yunus orchestrated the political turmoil that led to her ousting.

    “Bangladesh is now under the grip of a fascist regime where people’s democratic rights have been obliterated,” Hasina said. She also condemned the rising attacks on minorities, including Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists. “The Jamaat and terrorists are having a free run under the new regime,” she claimed.

    Hasina further accused the interim government of undoing her administration’s achievements in poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, and democracy strengthening. “Our government’s achievements are being undone under Yunus’s leadership,” she asserted.

    The extradition request places India in a delicate position as it navigates its relationship with Bangladesh amid growing political instability in Dhaka.

    1...333435...205Page 34 of 205
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    Yunus Warns of ‘War-Like Situation’ Amid Political Crisis and Rising Tensions

    The high-stakes meeting brought together 20 leaders from various political parties and organisations in two separate sessions, as Yunus sought to shore up support amid reports of internal tensions within his interim government and growing external pressure.
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    New Projections Show Extreme Glacier Loss Already at 2°C

    Staying close to 1.5°C on the other hand preserves at least some glacier ice in all regions, even Scandinavia, with 20-30 per cent remaining in the four most sensitive regions; and 40-45 per cent in the Himalayas and Caucuses; stressing the growing urgency of the 1.5°C temperature goal and rapid decarbonization to achieve it.
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