Make a fundamental shift in Bharat’s economy!

Open Letter to Finance Minister Set ball rolling for playing role of Vishwa Guru, revisit globalization. Refrain from ‘Revdi’ culture, protect the vulnerable communities Madam Finance Minister, Magh Ekadashi Greetings! As you get ready to present tenth budget of BJP-led government under stewardship of Prime Minister on February 1, Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies has following suggestions to make. Ignore the naysayers. Relegate to irrelevance, peddlers of Bharat’s doom. Let’s get the best of our spending in 2023-24, that’s expected to be about Rs 45,00,000 crore assuming 10 per cent increase in what was budgeted in the current fiscal. With best wishes & regards(K.A.Badarinath)Director & Chief Executive

Hindus Leadership World

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Swami Vivekananda: An eternal youth icon

Born on Pausha Krishna Saptami in 1919 (January 12, 1863 C.E. ), Narendranath Dutta, famously known as Swami Vivekananda, was raised in an Indian Bengali middle class family. Renowned around the world for introducing and serving as India’s advocate for Bharatiya (Indian) wisdom and ideals in the West. It is strongly believed that Swami ji’s philosophy and the values he upheld throughout his life, continue to serve as the fundamental source of inspiration for Indian youth. India so recognises and remembers the great philosopher and spiritual thinker by designating January 12 of each year as its “National Youth Day.” India is one of the youngest countries in the world, with more than 65% of the population under 35 and more than 50% under 25. The teachings of Swami Vivekanand continue to inspire this energetic and vibrant segment of the population and have had a profound impact on thousands of young people’s lives. Swami Vivekanand transcended caste and creed emphasising the idea of universal brotherhood. His words accurately capture the profound impact his ideas have had on young people. A symbol of India youth’s never-ending vitality and their unrelenting search for the truth. He attained a divinity early in life as a result of his spiritual pursuits and rooting in ideas and ideals about simple living and elevation of the self. Swami ji was one of the most well-known spiritual figures, educators, and professors of Vedantic wisdom with a fresh outlook. He was a pupil of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and revered for his unflinching bravery and inspiring words to the young. Coming from a family of scholars, including Swami Vivekananda’s grandfather Durgacharan Dutta, who studied Sanskrit and Persian, and his father Vishwanath Dutta, who practiced as a lawyer at the Calcutta High Court. Vivekananda has been drawn to spirituality and religious thought at an early age. At the home of his neighbour in 1881, he first met his spiritual mentor Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. From his master, Vivekananda gained a profound understanding of the Sanatan spiritual traditions and started to recognise the possibilities for spreading these teachings to people all over the world. Vivekananda started his journey throughout India after Paramahamsa passed away in 1886, spreading his guru’s teachings and advocating for a “practical Vedanta,” which emphasised the use of spiritual concepts in daily life. Additionally, he started to form his own ideas about the faith, the self, and the cosmos. In his historic address to the World’s Parliament of Religions in 1893 in the United States, Vivekananda introduced Sanatan Dharma to the America and urged religious tolerance and an end to fanaticism. His speech since then, is one of the most famous in the world. An exceptional educator Vivekanand demystified Bharatiya ideals and values in both America and Europe thanks to a series of renowned speeches and talks. In his teachings, Vivekananda highlighted the value of self-realisation and the possibility of spiritual enlightenment for everyone. He also underlined the necessity of social and economic reform as well as the significance of charitable work. He held that all religions were different roads leading to the same ultimate goal and that true spirituality could be discovered through the practise of selfless service. Swami Vivekananda played a significant role in inspiring young people by placing a strong emphasis on education and personal development. He held that a healthy and vibrant society can only be built via education, which is the key to releasing a person’s full potential. Young people were urged by him to take charge of their education and pursue greatness in all facets of their lives. Swami Vivekananda felt that people could control their own destiny and could do great things provided they were prepared to put in the necessary effort and push through any challenges in their path. He urged young people to establish high ideals for themselves and to toil diligently toward achieving them, even in the face of adversity. According to Swami ji, serving others and improving the overall state of the world is the true goal of life. He exhorted young people to engage in volunteer work and employ their skills and abilities to benefit others. Swami Vivekananda so captures the essence of young India.

Disinformation Guest Column Hindus Human Rights Misinformation

809

‘LGBTQs have a right to live honourably’

In an interview to Organiser, a news weekly, RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat talked about several issues like women taking part in Sangh and LGBTQ rights. “Every now and then, a minor question crops up which is blown out of proportion by media, because the so-called neo-Left finds it pioneering, like say LGBT/Transgender issue. But these are not new issues. We too have these problems; they have always been there. But till now they did not raise any noise. These people also have a right to live,” said RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat ji. Sarsanghchalak Dr Bhagwat ji further said, “Without much hullabaloo, we have found a way, with a humane approach, to provide them social acceptance, bearing in mind they are also human beings having an inalienable right to live. We have a transgender community; we did not see it as a problem. They have a sect and their own deities. Today, they have their own mahamandaleshwar too. During Kumbh, they are accorded a special place. They are part of our everyday life. When a child is born, they come to sing at our homes. They have been part and parcel of our traditions. Even though they have a separate community space, they are also a part of the mainstream. We have never waxed eloquent about this arrangement; we’ve never turned it into a subject of global debate.” “Problem of LGBT is a similar one. Jarasandh had two generals—Hans and Dimbhaka. When Krishna fanned the rumour that Dimbhaka has died, Hans committed suicide. That is how killed those two generals. Come to think of it: what does the story suggest? This is the same thing. The two generals were in that sort of relationship. It is not that these people have never existed in our country. People with such proclivities have always been there; for as long as humans have existed. Since I am a doctor of animals, I know that such traits are found in animals too. This is biological, a mode of life. Now there is much fuss over the issue; we will have to acknowledge this too. We want them to have their own private space and to feel that they, too, are a part of society. This is such a simple issue. We will have to promote this view because all other ways of resolving it will be futile. Therefore, on such matters, the Sangh relies on the wisdom of our traditions,” Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat ji added. (Courtesy: Organiser Weekly)

Fact Sheet

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Explainer:India’s energy security

In the last few decades, nation states have become increasingly aware of the limited resources which surround them and have formulated pointed strategies to ensure they have sufficient energy resources to keep their economy running. In the last year, when the conflict between Russia and Ukraine deepened, global supply chains of raw energy material have been put under the scanner. Several countries have imposed full or partial bans on Russian oil and gas while some have increased the intake of these Russian materials owing to discounted prices. The West, specially, the US, EU and other NATO countries have been urging other nations, like India to cut trade ties with Russia and to reduce their dependence on Russian crude oil and gas. In this backdrop, as data suggests, India must ensure its energy needs are met timely to sustain its economic growth and accelerate social progress and development. It is essential to analyse the energy requirements of India vis-a-vis the supply of energy raw materials and how India continues to diversify its energy supply. As India becomes the third biggest importer of crude oil from Russia, it is imperative for other nation states to holistically view the Indian energy demand patterns and its production.

Technology

474

Going green from grey!

Green hydrogen is the new energy frontier to conquer. India has the potential to decarbonize its economy, embark on clean journey to future and give tough competition to US and EU K.A.Badarinath Going green on energy front and decarbonizing Indian economy estimated to be US $ three trillion is a gigantic task for any government. Bharat i.e. India will have ‘first mover’ advantage in making a tectonic shift in energy production, consumption and exports. The advantages in moving to green hydrogen from the grey version are too many. Challenges are countless. Indian government’s announcement to set up a dedicated hydrogen mission in the federal budget of 2021-22 attracted the ire of usual sceptics that include the naysayers. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the mission in September 2021post his independence day address from ramparts of the Red Fort not many were willing to get ready for a transformative change in the country’s energy matrix. On Wednesday, the Cabinet’s decision to in hydrogen energy and make an initial investment of Rs 20,000 crore (approximately $ 3 billion) demonstrates Indian government’s readiness to move away from carbon fuels, cut the massive import bill on crude oil and address serious environment sustainability apart from larger climate change issues. If India can take the lead in Conference of Parties (COP) 27 and make decisive push on solar energy in sync with civilizational life styles and tap the huge potential Sun offers, there’s no reason why green energy mission cannot deliver. In September 2022, US democratic administration led by President Joe Biden had decided to pump in US $ 7 billion in green hydrogen hubs to export the gas worth 10 million tonnes by 2030. Similarly, entire European Union has committed US $ 5.2 billion on hydrogen energy to decarbonize the economy in 27-member countries. In this context, India’s decision to increase the green hydrogen through dedicated hubs to five million tonnes, set up 125 megawatts green hydrogen based energy generation capacity and undertake research in this nascent area is forward looking and doable. In the process, the government proposes to reduce its hydrocarbon imports by a whopping Rs. 100,000 crore, mobilize investments worth Rs 800,000 crore and create 600,000 direct and indirect jobs in next seven years. Quickly creating cost competitive electrolysers capacity to produce green hydrogen will be the clincher. Most of public investments by the central government would be to create these capacities. Providing early fiscal and monetary incentives through this green hydrogen hubs and dedicated mission will go a long way in creating green energy economy. Outcomes from this green energy campaign could be enormous. The way our industries produce products, service providers operate, the way we move around or transport goods and changes in energy sector will be huge. Though hydrocarbons based crude, naphtha, gas and coal would continue to be our main stray for energy generation in short term, the tactical shift in this scenario seems inevitable. One big challenge in this shift is developing cutting edge technologies, keeping up the curve and optimizing the costs to derive the best for commercial users in electrolysers to produce hydrogen and its derivatives with multi-fold applications. Second big issue could be making available cost-effective debt and equity funds. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman should use the budget to be unveiled on February 1 to set up a dedicated green hydrogen development finance company to take the lead. Indian government may invest about Rs 5000 crore as initial equity capital to mobilize funds from both bilateral and multi-lateral sources, if required. Hydrogen hubs, whether it is pilots or large scale, need not be limited to big corporates like the Reliance or Adanis that have big plans in tapping green energy. Mukesh Ambani led Reliance Industries Ltd had announced in January 2022 its plans to make a shift to green energy across the entire value chain beginning with 20 GW energy production capacities by 2025. Gautam Adani has not minced words in his investment commitment in green hydrogen technologies, infrastructure and generation capacities after the Independence Day speech of Prime Minister Modi in 2021. Most corporate board rooms in private sector, state-run energy enterprises have already been abuzz with discussions on foray into the green hydrogen as the next energy frontier to be conquered. Third big challenge will be evolve partnerships globally that would not cannibalize Indian green hydrogen ecosystem, know-how and companies. Carefully choosing dependable partners in the international arena that add value to the Indian ecosystem could be another decider. Fourthly, success of this policy framework would be in democratizing the entire value chain with a slice of cake for both small and large companies while the energy start-ups providing the edge. Fifthly, states will have to now jump into the fray and make hay out the ecosystem for green hydrogen as was done in the solar power panels’ capacities, generation projects and the whole chain ending with end-consumers. Sixthly, since India is eyeing a huge export market for its electrolysers, their maintenance and services, a dedicated export promotion mission may have to be mounted. But, the biggest challenge will be to counter below the cost cheaper and low-grade Chinese products that are likely to flood the markets once the dragon country gets some relief from blanket envelope of Covid 19 pandemic. Seventhly, identifying dedicated institutions of excellence to pursue research into the green hydrogen technologies and setting aside funds against deliverables in innovation knowhow should be done concomitantly. Eighthly, data collation and tracking developments in this area internationally on real time basis should be prioritized to keep India above water in this sector. Ninthly, green hydrogen should become an effective instrument to diversify India’s clean energy alternatives that include hydro-electric power, solar energy apart from nuclear power. It’s also time for India to chug ahead with coal sequestration as a diversified enterprise as a green alternative. Tenthly, evolving a healthy mix of both hydrocarbon based energy sources with increasing shift to newer areas like green hydrogen may have to be

Disinformation Fact Sheet Hindus Human Rights Misinformation

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Explainer: Forced Religious Conversions in India

The Narayanpur forced conversion racket which saw the light recently has kicked up a global conversation on conversion as such. At individual level change of faith or religion is a personal issue. But an organised crime in the name of religion globally whether it’s in India or elsewhere is unacceptable. Forced conversion through deceit, lure and corrupt practices is against the basic tenets of humanity, whether it is, Christianity or any other religion. No matter what forced conversions are unacceptable prepositions in any country. Given the global debate, CIHS put together a detailed analysis of forced conversions perpetuated by Muslim clergy and Christian priest. This is rampant, especially among the suppressed, depressed and oppressed Indian backward and scheduled caste. Here goes the CIHS detailed report on forced religious conversion in India

Business Media Policy

524

Window of opportunity

Russia’s decision to ban oil exports to G-7, EU& Australia, China battling the Covid 19, India enters the big boys ring with an ace! K.A.Badarinath It’s advantage India. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to ban his country’s oil exports to G-7, European Union and Australia beginning February 1 for five months will open new window of opportunities for India in crude oil, refining, consumption and trade. President Putin’s decree was in response to $ 60 per barrel price cap slapped by these countries and groups as a counter to Russia’s campaign in Ukraine. India neither supported the Russian aggression in Ukraine nor has had aligned with Western forces in imposition of price cap on Russian oil. This equidistance and independent policy not only brought India to the centre of oil trade but also provided an opportunity to peddle peace between warring neighbours, Russia and Ukraine. Given that China has been overwhelmed by Covid 19 leading to economic downturn and thereby hitting its energy consumption, India has emerged the biggest energy partner for Russia. US allies, EU and Australia’s decision not only to impose a price cap on oil imports from Russia but bar their shippers, financiers and insurers from backing energy deals with the country has enraged President Putin. From Indian perspective, Russia has already emerged the biggest exporter of oil with over 1.7 million barrels per day during November 2022. Bloomberg has put this figure at 4 million barrels per day that Russia is supplying to India at ‘deep discount’. Both Russia and India have been mum or refrained from making any comment on the price at which this oil trade is happening. These supplies are bound to increase over next six months given the huge un-utilized refining capacities and opening opportunities for exporting end-use hydrocarbons. Independent advisory Standard & Poor Global analysts estimate that two million barrels per day oil would be available from Russia that may be absorbed by India when Putin’s ban on exports to EU, G-7 and Australia kick in. Over 80 per cent of Indian imports from Russia during November 2022 are Urals grade that are currently traded at $ 54 per barrel, deeply discounted and benchmarked to Brent turning the $ 60 price cap a big mockery. Currently, spot market Brent has been traded at a whopping $ 82 per barrel. Two other Russian crude grades, ESOP and Sokol have been quoted at $ 71 and $ 76 per barrel respectively. For last five months, Indian oil imports from Russia have been on surge and constitute about 23 per cent of total import bill that New Delhi forks out. Ukraine conflict has not limited to changes in the geo-political realignments alone. It has extended big time to trade, investments and economic posturing of different countries that have taken a definitive stand on Russia’s unending campaign in Ukraine. India has consciously distanced itself from block-making against Russia. It cannot be construed as unhindered support to Russia in its aggression in Ukraine. Given its delicate relations with Ukraine, India had been on humanitarian aid drive in the war-torn country rummaged by Russian forces bombing and missile attacks. India also donned the role of a peacenik that was willing to make significant negotiations with both Russia and Ukraine to explore peace opportunities. This independent policy stance may not have appealed to US democratic White House led by President Joe Biden. India’s western partners may have to reconcile to the position that Indian policy formulation cannot be swayed by their own block formations. Apart from opportunity to source cost-effective crude and play peacenik role with Russia, India’s third window to open would be exploiting full potential for trade, investment and economic relations bilaterally. This seems to be the next phase in which India and Russian relations have entered. Given the present proclivities, India and Russia may go miles even as New Delhi repositions itself as the powerhouse to become $ 40 trillion economy by 2047. (Author is Director & Chief Executive, Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies, a bipartisan think tank based in New Delhi)

Media Policy

552

India, a natural Nepal pal

Hands off New Delhi policy towards Kathmandu vis-à-vis expansionist China will work wonders for Prachanda’s regime K.A.Badarinath Nepal is on tumult. As expected, a big chunk of China inspired Maoists and Marxists that failed to co-exist previously have got back to rule the mountain kingdom that have seen about ten swearings-in and out in as many years. Maoist guerrilla Pushpa Kumar Dahal seems to have not learnt bitter lessons of 2017 when he aligned and broke off from Communist Party of Nepal (Marxist – Leninist) led by Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli. Thanks to opportunistic political saga unfolding in Nepal, Dahal who’s popularly known as ‘Prachanda’ ditched his latest ally Nepali Congress and returned to CPN – ML for forming a government primarily to assume Prime Ministerial position on Monday. In fact, Dahal represents the oft quoted saying that politics is an art of possibilities played very bold. Dahal seems to have made most of these possibilities to ascend for the third time to become Prime Minister of Nepal in last few years. His key lieutenants led by Deputy General Secretary from the Communist Party of Nepal – Maoist Barsha Man Pun had headed for Beijing even as counting of votes after November 20 elections threw up the possibility of a hung Parliament. While avowed reason was Pun’s ‘illness’, his political engagements with Communist Party of China (CPC) seem to have reportedly led to the breakup of pre-electoral alliance of Nepali Congress – CPN Maoist Centre. It was quickly followed by forging of a new alliance of comrades from all shades and denominations pushed aggressively by CPC. CPN – ML leader K.P.Sharma Oli’s inroads and linkages with CPC leadership also seem to have worked well in pushing the Nepali Congress into opposition space notwithstanding the latter being single largest party with 89 members in 275-strong Parliament. Big question in the melee is whether Dahal aka ‘Prachanda’ have his way to run Nepal’s affairs without being a lacky to China? Dice are cast given that Beijing’s proxy K.P.Sharma Oli would like to take all important political, economic and strategic calls relating to China and India. This uneasy alliance between Prachanda and Oli forged by forces in Beijing may find it difficult to find a working relationship given the bad blood that flew in the earlier government and in run up to the campaign. From India’s perspective, Nepali Congress being out of power may be a big disappointment. But, it will have to find ways to work out a nuanced relationship with the new dispensation that’s bound to assert the China way. In fact, Prachanda with his independent views that are equidistant from both China and India may be the biggest bet. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first global leader to congratulate Prachanda on his appointment as his Nepalese counterpart through a twitter post. Secondly, a hands-off approach towards Nepal which has been the centre of India’s engagement with Kathmandu till date, should continue to guide the civilizational partners. Continuing with the time tested 1925 Indo-Nepal pact in ‘spirit and content’ without interference from third party will be the biggest challenge. Thirdly, India being trusted economic and development partner, should continue to engage with the new Nepali government irrespective of machinations attempted by K.P.Sharma Oli for his masters in Beijing. Fourthly, political uncertainty is bound to continue given the multiple partners in the coalition and the aspirations that they bring to the table rather than the value, ideas and content to the new government. Keeping close tabs on political developments, interest groups and policy matrix will work well for India. Fifthly, Beijing is bound to push itself hard this time round to edge out India and attempt a ‘virtual occupation’ through Belt and Roads Initiative apart from taking control of the country’s hydroelectric power generation assets. More than all that forced DNA sampling of Nepali population is likely to be done ala what is being Tibet as part of its strategic and expansionist thrust. Sixthly, India will have to work overtime to keep even-keeled relations with Nepal that’s been its partner from milk, vegetables to oil needs. More than all that, the two countries’ ‘Sanatan dharmic linkages’ will have to be celebrated and embellished thereby reinforcing the unalienable nature of the two people’s relationships. Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi is to be believed, Beijing proposes to work with India for steady and sound growth in bilateral relations. In this backdrop, not meddling with India’s civilizational partners like Nepal could work as the starting point. Nepal’s political leadership from across the spectrum will have realize that its interests were intertwined with that of India as an all-weather friend that can work wonders in South Asia. (Author is Director & Chief Executive, Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies, a bipartisan think tank based in New Delhi)

Technology World

516

Crude critical, data for development

G-20 can develop a global framework to deal with data to ensure inclusiveness, spread prosperity and contain rouge states K.A.Badarinath Data is the new oil for humanity in near future. There’s no escaping from this reality. As a consequence, data security, management and governance are the new focus areas for both governments and private enterprises globally apart from actual consumers. Data supremacy will determine the global leadership in short to medium term. Of late, this reality may have been camouflaged with huge talk on oil, natural gas assets, their ownership, pricing and access to these hydrocarbon energy products. On-going Ukraine – Russia conflict has brought hydrocarbons to centre stage. And, energy markets have gone through a churn and continue to give sleepless nights to governments, suppliers and consumers in Europe given the price embargo slapped by 27-nations EU and the powerful G-7. For countries like India that continue to be on high economic growth trajectory and spurt in energy needs, oil has become a key factor. China being in the dumps owing to recent surge in Covid 19 cases and not being able to track asymptomatic cases has not altered the conversation beyond energy. With a million barrels oil being imported each day and spending $ 100 billion annually, India has unsaturated demand for hydrocarbons to fuel its economy on course to catapult to $ 5 trillion in few years. But, this transient surge in demand for hydrocarbons should not take the emphasis away from data that’s key to economic expansion and holistic development in India. Data market in India is valued as a multi-billion industry and growing at a fast pace. This market is expected to grow manifold. For example, data centres alone that store and manage data in India have been projected to grow 15 per cent annually to US $ 10.9 billion in five years i.e. by 2027. Data analytics is big business in India expanding over 26.5 per cent annually and touched $ 40.22 billion this fiscal. Amidst deep dive digitization in several sectors including security establishments, huge investments are being made on data generation, storage, data engineering, big data, hyper-personalisation etc. Arguably, advances in internet of things, machine learning, big data analytics is driving the digital transformation process in firms, companies and services providers apart from governments as well as public offices. Data continues to be the centre piece of global negotiations and India is no exception to this irreversible phenomenon of data-centric world. Explosive amount of data worth 1.2 trillion to 59 trillion giga bites generated over last ten years makes data management a huge challenge given the implications for India’s defensive and offensive interests on socio-economic and strategic fronts. For instance, RBI governor Shaktikanta Das in a closed door meeting with select chief executives of financial technology companies pushed hard on data security and management as a big focal area. This is no pep talk as financial and business data along with consumer behaviour analysis determines market leaders for products and services. Unsolicited online Chinese loan frauds, online breaches reflect the data vulnerability India faces especially in financial services sector that’s on a big boom and expansion drive internationally. Over a fortnight long data-breach at All India Institute of Medical Sciences targeting its 100-odd servers seeking Rs 200 crore ransom in crypto currency by Chinese hackers backed by People’s Liberation Army is a case in point. This also highlights data security as a key element in India’s strategic and economic affairs. India’s financial capital Mumbai’s electricity systems and their data centres were targeted leading to massive outages in October 2020. Most intelligence reports pointed to PLA backed Chinese online hackers for this outage. In May this year, Chinese PLA arm reportedly led the Threat Activity Group 38 (TAG – 38) to bring down seven state load despatch centres in northern region this May with virtual squatting on the country’s power data centres is a grim reminder of data politics evolving internationally to settle scores. There are several such instances in last few years where India’s data has been targeted in key areas. On the other hand, data diplomacy plays a significant role in global engagement. India that recently assumed the Presidency of two powerful groups, G-20 and Shanghai Cooperation Organization for 2023 apart from 13-member United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has made “Data for Development” in this decade a key priority. Healthcare, education, food security and digital financial inclusion will be centre piece of India’s global engagement on data. Once this is achieved based on experiences in countries like India especially during and in the aftermath of Covid 19 pandemic, one can expect to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs) much earlier. National Data and Analytics Platform set up by India can be leveraged to evolve a mechanism for data management globally. In this context, World Economic Forum (WEF) estimates of creating $ 100 billion worth economic activity through data generated by drones in just India in sectors like agriculture, smart cities leading to over half a million jobs creation. International regulations should reflect the new reality relating to data. From India’s perspective, notwithstanding breaches, it’s eminently empowered to deal with large data from development areas, financial and corporate world as well as government. The latest version of Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2022 has mooted the idea of a dedicated commission to deal with offenses relating to data that’s regarded ‘sovereign’ and distinctly different from ‘personal’ data. Penalties on individuals, companies and groups that violate data protection for commercial means or otherwise should be slapped based on the crime. Penalties should be directly proportional to the kind of violations detected by the commission. Secondly, defining ‘sovereign’ data for security purposes is paramount while ‘personal’ data privacy should be honoured. In this context, data fiduciary or purpose for which data is access should be determined. Anglo-Saxon laws on data protection may not work in the Indian context and this principle has been recognized in the new version of the bill. Housing data

Cyber Security Media Technology World

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Drones for Development

Meghalaya transports medicines; Himachal uses drones to take apples to markets while rouge Pakistan exports drugs, arms and illicit money for terror K.A.Badarinath West Garo Hills district in Meghalaya has come trumps up for setting up the first centre at Jengjal sub-divisional hospital to deliver and distribute medicines to remotest parts through drones. An X3 certi-plane developed by an Indian start-up was used by the district administration to deliver 1.5 kilos of medicines to a remote Pedaldoba primary health centre in just 32 minutes two days back. In contrast, it would have taken over two hours to take medicines by road. Tech-Eagles, a drone start up is behind the entire operation for Meghalaya government’s hub and delivery network to supply medicines, blood, vaccines, blood components and life-saving drugs. This on the ground application of drones to fight inhospitable terrain and is a big break-through in India’s seven North Eastern sister states. Drones have the capability to cover a radius of 50 kilometres that would be enough to reach out to most remote parts of North Eastern villages bracing up to fight disease and get access to medicines, save lives. In Himachal Pradesh, innovators went a step ahead from medicines and blood samples delivery to transporting apples to roadside for their onward journey to mandis and export to South and South East Asian destinations. Himachal Pradesh with a drone policy has been betting big on drones to transport goods over the hills and bring consumers, producers and markets nearer to eliminate wastage, decay of fruits and vegetables and improve peoples’ earnings. Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti districts, Pangi in Bharmaur of Chamba, remote areas of Kullu, Mandi and Shimla that are under heavy snow blanket for about six months would get some respite with medicines, goods and connectivity intact through drones. Nichar panchayat in upper reaches of Kinnaur district recently transported up to 20 kilos apple in one go to road-head as a way to connect with markets. These two instances have been flagged as unique cases to underscore how technology came handy in India’s socio-economic development thrust by reaching out to the unreachable. Scores of drone applications from usage by logistics companies, delivery of groceries to usage in agriculture for application of pesticides and nano fertilizers is being done in India as part of its grand development strategy. In what can be termed diametrically opposite application, Pakistan used drones and technology to export guns to terrorists in Kashmir valley, drugs in Punjab as well as bomb Balochs that sought freedom from the Sunni extremist state led by its security establishment and draconian Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). A recent Border Security Force (BSF) briefing counted 16 drones from across Pakistan that were shot down in first ten months this year while attempts were being made to export arms and money to terrorists apart from drugs to peddlers. In fact, this menace of transporting drugs, illicit funds, arms, ammunition as part of ‘drones’ offensive’ by Pakistan security establishment has been on rise. Drones fuelled terror activities in both Border States seem to have doubled in 2022. Over 3000 kilometres of border with Pakistan spread across Punjab, Kashmir, Gujarat and Rajasthan have turned porous with easy pass over for drones deployed by Pakistan even as BSF and other para-military forces kept vigil. It’s not just Pakistan. Even countries like Ukraine have taken recourse to drones to counter battle offensive against Russia as part of its larger security policy. For instance, Kursk airfield in South West Russia was targeted by Ukraine last week for two days to retaliate for what it called ‘war crimes’ committed by Putin’s forces. Turkey, Iraq, Syria and several other Muslim dominated militias have used drones to settle scores with adversaries and create havoc in Europe and elsewhere. Yemeni Houthi rebels have had access to high technology drones and hit two key oil installations in Saudi Arabia during September 2019. These drones had damaged the oil refineries 500 miles away from Yemen border that heightened risks to energy supplies. This had also led to a huge flare up between US and Iran tensing up the entire Persian Gulf region. What clearly come out is should drones and other high technology driven vehicles be used to export terror, fight wars or redeployed to fight hunger, disease, link the remotest tribals and citizens with mainstream markets? India should take its avowed mission of pushing technology for development as a big narrative at G-20 as President and through Shanghai Cooperation Organization as its head. A framework may have to be evolved globally and with immediate neighbours on restricting drones usage to wage wars and terror campaigns in most unbecoming way.

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