WHO's Pandemic Treaty and Global Health Governance: Opportunities and Challenges for India

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ABSTRACT: This policy paper offers an in-depth study of the ongoing negotiations for the Pandemic Treaty. The treaty has been proposed as a strategic response to manage global health crises in the post-COVID-19 era and is being developed under the World Health Organization's (WHO) purview. The paper is segmented into five parts: Part I recounts the inception and evolution of the Pandemic Treaty negotiations within the WHO's framework. It summarises the proposed treaty's objectives and major provisions currently under negotiation.

ANIMESH ROUL
September 26, 2023

CYBER THREATS TO SPACE DOMAIN: RISKS AND RESPONSES

July 28, 2023

“Over the course of time, there has been a substantial increase in human dependence on space systems to facilitate diverse activities ranging from governance to defence. Contemporary applications of satellites encompass meteorology, communications, navigation, and remote sensing, all of which are utilized on a routine basis. Owing to the profound reliance of nation-states on these space systems, they have emerged as alluring targets for military endeavours by adversarial entities. Inflicting physical harm upon outer space systems through conventional means poses significant challenges.

'Ethico-Political' Implications of Drones in 21st-Century Conflicts

July 08, 2023

Drone technology is increasingly becoming more capable of autonomous violence and destruction. With drones heralding a new age of warfare and a change like military technology, it is crucial to evaluate drones' ethical and political implications. This is because drones are capable of integrating advanced algorithmic and computer systems, thus allowing a level of mathematical precision to military operations that have never been seen before. Proponents of drones would say that this allows for a reduction in unintended casualties.

Targeted and Forgotten: The Hazara Shia Community's Struggle in Afghanistan

May 26, 2023

The Hazara Shia community has endured widespread discrimination and systematic sectarian violence since the establishment of modern Afghanistan in 1747. A long history of persecution endured by the Hazara community and their status as a vulnerable ethnic group over centuries in Afghanistan is now part of Central Asia’s folklore. The Hazaras have suffered from centuries of discrimination, violence, and systemic oppression, ranging from historical atrocities under the rule of Amir Abdul Rahman to targeted attacks by the Taliban and the Islamic State of Khorasan Province.

Beyond China: Exploring Asia's Emergence In Space

May 22, 2023

The 21st century is known as the Asian Century. The terminology ‘Rise of Asia’ is mostly viewed synonymously with the ‘Rise of China’. However, other Asian states are also contributing to shaping this rise. Over the past two decades, Asian countries have experienced impressive economic and technological growth. Despite the global financial crisis in the mid-2000s, Asia has managed to revive itself, albeit with limited impact.

SHEIKH HASINA’S INDIA SOJOURN: TAKING STOCK OF INDIA AND BANGLADESH RELATION

September 26, 2022

India Bangladesh relations have emerged as a role model of the bilateral relationship in the context of India's relations with its neighbours. There exist differences between the two on many issues of mutual concern, which is natural between any neighbouring countries, yet, both have taken a conscious decision to move forward on issues that would turn around the economies of the two countries. Not surprisingly, infrastructure, trade and people-to-people contact have received priority. The two countries are working on resolving the long-standing Teesta river water sharing.

"Exacerbating the Pandemic? Assessing The Critical Role of Religious Congregations in Indian Subcontinent"

Chapter 07:  Exacerbating the Pandemic? Assessing The Critical Role of Religious Congregations in the Indian Subcontinent. 

Rohan Kumar Gunaratna and Mohd Mizan Aslam (ed), COVID-19 Pandemic: The Threat and Response, Routledge, 2022.  See for details @ https://www.routledge.com/COVID-19-Pandemic-The-Threat-and-Response/Gun…

ANIMESH ROUL
January 2022

PYRRHIC VICTORY: UNFOLDING NEW CHALLENGES FROM THE AFGHAN CONUNDRUM

The paper aims to comprehend the newly found challenges of Afghanistan that have emerged right after the sudden withdrawal of the American forces and have created a security vacuum in the war-torn country. The paper explores various dimensions through which a Taliban-controlled country can become the most significant security threat to the South Asian region and the rest of Asia, hampering the peace and stability of the region. Further, it reconnoitres the rise of the new Taliban regime and how it is different from the previous one.

SAURABH SINGH
DECEMBER 01, 2021

"BIOTERRORISM": The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Global Security Studies

September 15, 2021

The threat of the intentional or deliberate use of disease pathogens or biological agents emanating from both rogue state actors and violent non-state actors (NSAs) remains a major concern for national and international security. By violent non-state actors, we generally mean armed insurgent groups, criminal syndicates, apocalyptic religious cults and jihadi terrorist groups and individuals.