G20: SUMups To Tackle Global Natural Disasters
The idea of SUMups, a fictitious grouping of complimentary start-ups working on various aspects of managing natural disasters globally. These start-ups have created some cutting-edge technologies, and it is possible to combine them to create more potent disaster management solutions.
Background: Natural Disasters Are Becoming More and More Severe: Natural catastrophes are happening more frequently and with greater severity around the world.
FAO Report: According to the FAO report, there were 360 natural disasters per year in the 2010s that resulted in at least 10 fatalities, impacted 100 or more people, caused injury or homelessness, and necessitated the declaration of a state of national emergency and an appeal for assistance from abroad.
Comparison of Natural Disasters: This number is significantly higher than the 100 events recorded in the 1980s and the 90 events recorded in the 1970s.
Frequency of Climate, Weather, and Hydrology-related Disasters: Furthermore, climate, weather, and hydrology-related disasters are becoming more frequent, while geophysical and biological emergencies are not, with the exception of Covid-19.
Global Impact of Natural Disasters: The impact of these natural disasters is global, affecting countries across the world in various ways, including forest fires, heat and dust storms, and floods.
The Need to Improve Disaster Response and Mitigation Efforts: As a society, it is important to recognize that natural disasters will continue to pose a threat and we need to improve our ability to respond and mitigate their effects.
Measures Being Taken to Address the Issue of Natural Disasters: Fortunately, there are measures being taken to address this issue, including research into improving disaster response systems and the development of new technologies to aid in disaster preparedness and relief efforts.
Disaster Prevention Technologies
The disaster prevention technologies developed by start-up
CERD-AR: CERD-AR developed an Augmented Reality (AR) application that gamifies the animations of disasters and provides disaster prevention drills to prepare people for evacuation and reaction in ultra-realistic settings.
A Palo Alto-based start-up One Concern: One Concern built a digital twin of the world by analyzing satellite images to predict natural disasters. The platform combines Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning (AI/ML), and supercomputers to develop seismic and flood technology for real-time prediction of flooding and assess the risk associated with various events.
Emergency Response and Reconstruction Technologies
Garuda Aerospace: Garuda Aerospace deployed drones in Turkey for surveillance in the affected earthquake areas to identify trapped victims.
HW Design Labs: HW Design Labs developed IoT innovations that support disaster response teams in planning their operations effectively through deep penetrating ground sensing radars, wireless connectivity solutions, advanced tracking, and navigation services.
Emergency Communication Technologies
MyResQR: This start-up provides emergency communication between victims and stakeholders. The smart QR code manages information and triggers SOS during emergencies by enabling first responders like ambulance services, hospital staff, and other emergency response teams.
Way Ahead
The SUMups represent an opportunity to combine innovative disaster management technologies from start-ups globally to address the Sustainable Development Goals for the whole world, such as building resilient infrastructure and zero hunger.
India -Sweden: Flourishing Partnership
There should be a celebration because this year celebrates 75 years of India and Sweden’s bilateral relations. In the past year, bilateral trade has increased to previously unheard-of levels, with Swedish businesses making considerable inroads into the Indian market. The most recent Indian administration has demonstrated a strong interest in strengthening and expanding the bilateral relationship.
India and Sweden’s bilateral ties in the past and present
In the past century, Sweden and India have made significant progress.
Through industry and manufacturing, both nations have increased their national wealth, going from having little to no contact to a thriving alliance. Key players in both fields have been Swedish businesses, and as a result of their efforts, Sweden and India have developed friendly relations.
In 2023, Sweden is celebrating the anniversaries of Ericsson, SKF, Alfa Laval, and Volvo, notable Swedish companies in India.
Celebrating 75 Years of Friendship
Record bilateral trade: India and Sweden celebrated a record year for bilateral trade in 2022, with Swedish companies experiencing strong growth in India.
Flourishing partnership: Both countries are committed to expanding their partnership and collaborating in innovation, green transition, energy, health, industry policy and more.
Emphasizing the Importance of Industry and Manufacturing
Key sectors: Industry and manufacturing are key to building long-term economic growth, and Sweden and India have identified these sectors as key areas of collaboration.
Swedish companies have been key drivers: An active industry policy necessitates partnerships and taking bold steps, and Swedish companies have been key drivers in industry and manufacturing in India for several decades.
Prioritizing Green and Sustainable Practices
Commitment to green supply chain: The future belongs to green and sustainable practices, and both Sweden and India are committed to socially and environmentally sustainable practices throughout the entire supply chain.
Green transition and digitalisation: There is a clear commitment to this vision from governments and businesses alike, with a focus on digitalisation, the green transition, and the industry of the future.
Way ahead: Opportunities for Even Closer Ties
There are opportunities for even closer ties between India and Sweden, including a Free Trade Agreement between the EU and India.
The European Union presidency offers a chance to explore this possibility, which would have a positive impact on economic and industrial exchange, particularly in cities like Pune where Swedish companies have a strong presence.
Australia’s AUKUS Dilemma: Options and Challenges
The United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom’s security alliance, known as AUKUS, has significant ramifications and possibly negative effects for Australia’s intentions to run a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.
Describe AUKUS.
Trilateral Collaboration: Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States have a trilateral security alliance known as AUKUS, which was announced on September 15, 2021. The alliance comprises collaboration in a number of fields, including technology, climate change, and defence and security.
concentration on the Indo-Pacific region The Indo-Pacific area is the main focus of the AUKUS collaboration, which seeks to contain China’s expanding influence there. Australia will purchase nuclear-powered submarines from the United States and the United Kingdom as part of the cooperation, which is considered as a significant change in Australia’s defence stance.
Promote Peace and stability: The three countries have emphasized that the partnership is not aimed at any specific country and is intended to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Australia’s AUKUS Dilemma
AUKUS Pathway Impact: Announcement about optimal pathway for AUKUS has implications for Australia’s plans to operate a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines
Opposition from Regional Partners: Regional partners oppose Royal Australian Navy operating nuclear attack submarines, posing a challenge for Australia’s deterrence capabilities against potential adversaries
What are the Options for Australia’s Nuclear Submarines?
Following AUKUS consultations, three main options have emerged,
US builds nuclear-powered attack submarines for Australia
UK expands Astute-class program to Australia
Trilateral effort to develop a new nuclear submarine design
What are the Challenges and Complexities for Australia’s Nuclear Submarines
US uncertain on Australis’s nuclear subs: US Policymakers are sceptical about building nuclear-powered attack submarines for Australia due to national security concerns
UK’s Dreadnought hinders Australia’s submarine expansion: UK’s construction of Dreadnought-class ballistic-missile submarine program and differences between Australian and American fleets pose a challenge for expanding Astute-class program to Australia
Nuclear design challenges: Trilateral effort to develop a new nuclear submarine design faces challenges related to U.S. export controls and technology transfer agreement
Nuclear tech complex and risky globally: The nuclear technology is complicated under the international system and poses potential proliferation risks.
The AUKUS Partnership: Implications for India
Increased security cooperation: The partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States is likely to lead to increased security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. This could help to balance out China’s growing military and economic power in the region and could create opportunities for India to work more closely with these countries on shared security concerns.
Potential for technological collaboration: AUKUS includes cooperation in technology and could lead to opportunities for India to collaborate with the three countries in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and cybersecurity. This could help to bolster India’s technological capabilities and could lead to new opportunities for trade and investment.
Impact on regional dynamics: The announcement of AUKUS could have a significant impact on regional dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in terms of how other countries in the region respond. India will need to carefully navigate these dynamics and ensure that its own interests are protected.
Boosting India’s Tourism Sector
One of the world’s most rapidly growing tourist destinations is India, and in the coming years, it is expected to be the main axis of growth. Budget 2023 lays out the strategy for advancing tourism in mission mode as it ushers in Amrit Kaal, the period of intense and robust growth.
50 destination development goal
G20 gave the economy a boost The development of 50 tourist hotspots throughout the nation and India’s G20 leadership have both significantly boosted the travel and tourism industry.
worldwide standing This programme is anticipated to raise India’s position on the Travel & Tourism Development Index of the World Economic Forum.
Employment opportunities: The development of these destinations will create more employment opportunities and contribute to the overall GDP growth of the country.
The central government’s push on tourism
Various policies and initiatives: The central government is committed to supporting the travel and tourism sector by implementing various policies and initiatives.
Six themes for the development in Union budget: The Union budget has identified six themes for the development of the sector, including convergence, public-private participation, creativity, innovation, digitization, and development of destinations.
Power of collaboration
Collaboration is essential: Collaboration between the government, private sector, and local communities is essential for the development and promotion of tourism in India. This collaborative approach stimulates creativity, enhances competitiveness, and achieves visionary results.
For example: The Prime Minister has cited examples of successful collaborations, such as Kashi, Kedarnath, the Statue of Unity, and Pavagadh, to demonstrate how a unified approach can boost tourism in a region.
Role of Technology in Tourism
Interdependence: Technology and tourism are becoming increasingly interdependent, and a coordinated approach that adopts technology can boost the tourism sector in India.
Employing Augmented and virtual reality: Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) can provide travellers with virtual tours and simulations of famous landmarks and cultural experiences.
Artificial intelligence: Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered chatbots and digital assistants can assist travellers in planning their trips and provide real-time assistance while travelling.
“6P” approach to unlocking India’s tourism potential
6P: Planning, Place, People, Policy, Process, and Promotion
Unlocking India’s tourism potential requires a comprehensive strategy that addresses the six key pillars 6Ps.
The government’s Budget Session addressed all these 6Ps effectively by covering destination planning and management, infrastructure development, sustainability and safety, development of human capital, policy and process interventions to align the Centre and states as well as promoting the narrative of Indian tourism.
Tourism: A state subject
Tourism is constitutionally a state subject, and the central tourism department has been advocating for it to be moved to the Concurrent List to allow policy-making at both the central and state levels.
Granting tourism infrastructure status will provide further impetus to the growth of the sector.
The government is also considering the establishment of a National Tourism Board.