Limits of identity: On facilitating peace in Manipur

 

Civil society should strive to be non-partisan to aid peace in Manipur

One of the most disconcerting features of the ongoing ethnic strife in Manipur remains the inability of civil society representatives to rise above their “ethnic” affiliations and work towards peace. This is exemplified by the acts of the Meira Paibi, an amorphous organisation of Meitei women, who have in the past mobilised against armed forces and police excesses, alcoholism, drug addiction and sexual violence in the State. During the conflict that has raged on since early May, however, the Meira Paibi has been working towards disrupting the operations of the Assam Rifles in their attempt to maintain peace, especially in the foothills. These areas, called “buffer zones”, were created to ensure that there is no further escalation of violence between arms-wielding people of the two ethnic communities, but there have been violent attacks with the armed forces unable to act on time because of disruptions, allegedly, by the Meira Paibi among others. Clearly, the situation has been brought to a boil by the looting of weapons by both Kuki-Zo and Meitei groups and their use in the strife. But the inability of the State government and its police and the Union government-deployed armed forces in maintaining peace has also been due to civil society groups supporting those engaging in violence.

Some Meira Paibi representatives had, in a press conference in New Delhi on Wednesday, claimed that they do not recognise the buffer zones, calling them “unconstitutional”. The presence of armed forces in peacekeeping is not an ideal solution in most circumstances. But with the ethnicisation of law enforcement, aided by a State government that seems to have lost its legitimacy of power across ethnic divides, leading to demands for a separate administration by Kuki-Zo representatives, the armed forces’ presence and the need for buffer zones to maintain a semblance of peace have become essential in Manipur. Civil society groups such as the Meira Paibi can rise above their narrow ethnic identities to press for justice for women affected in the conflict and thus build solidarity networks that will aid the process of reconciliation and peace-building. Sadly, that does not seem to be the case today. Civil society organisations have whipped up the frenzy of ethnic hatred, partially due to the recurring trauma from the violence, as much as cynical political representatives have. And this has meant that the cycle of violence has endured. History suggests that a breakthrough can only be achieved through non-partisan leadership and civic dialogue among civil society and political representatives. As things stand, for that to happen there needs to be a credible alternative to the current leadership in the State.

Source: The Hindu, 15/09/23

Cold War 2.0

 hat the United States of America is entering a consequential period in its relations with China is beyond doubt. The trajectory of this bilateral relationship will shape both countries’ foreign policy agendas for decades to come. At a time when the characterisation of the intensifying competition between the USA and China as “a new Cold War” has gained global currency, what aspects of the US-Soviet or original Cold War are applicable even today? Matthew Turpin of the Hoover Institution nails it in a recent research article when he writes that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) views the USA as an existential threat. That is the starting point of this debate. Over the past few years, a new geopolitical condition has emerged.

The USA and China coexist, if somewhat uneasily, in a multipolar world in which each side is deeply suspicious of and hostile to the worldview of the other. Simultaneously, adds Turpin, both Washington and Beijing recognise that they cannot overpower their rival, which compels them to avoid direct military conflict while pushing their rivalry into other domains. Pithily put, this geopolitical condition is called a cold war. Thus, it is important to differentiate between the term “cold war”, and the proper noun “Cold War,” an event that took place between the USA and the USSR from 1947 to 1991. The historical event involved specific circumstances and actors, but the condition defined by the term (a state of political hostility between countries that unfolds across all domains short of open, direct warfare) aptly applies to today’s Sino-American situation, just as it did a generation ago to the US-Soviet rivalry. Therefore, goes the argument, the question that some scholars and commentators still ask ~ are the USA and China ‘destined’ for a new cold war ~ is a category error, iterates Turpin. The cold war already exists.

A unique attribute of cold wars, however, is that their beginning can only be perceived in retrospect; belligerents don’t issue formal declarations of hostility. A cold war starts incrementally as the weight of actions by both sides builds “until we reach what George Orwell called a peace that is no peace”. Beijing seems to have learnt lessons from the Cold War better than that confrontation’s victor, at least in one respect. If your rival is reluctant to acknowledge a cold war exists, it can be advantageous to paint them as harbouring a “Cold War mentality” as the CCP and the top echelons of the People’s Republic of China routinely does. It helps complicate the adversary’s political decision-making, especially if it is a democracy which for all its flaws America is, even as one wages a cold war against it as China is certainly doing. That is the grim reality. Costly and dangerous as it is, the American establishment, especially of the left-liberal variety, needs to internalise it if it is to design an effective foreign policy vis-à-vis Beijing.

Source: The Statesman, 14/09/23

Unveiling the 5 Challenges of Researching in India

 The advancement of both a student’s abilities as well as the cause of education relies on scholarly research. At various levels of education, students involved in research are constantly honing a variety of future ready skills, while also achieving significant breakthroughs. Research thrives when scientists can devote their time and energy to solving problems. India presents a promising landscape of research and when Indian researchers can strike the delicate balance between teaching, administrative tasks, and their core research, they are able to achieve outstanding scientific outcomes. Like any other genre of work, research in India also presents labyrinthine challenges waiting to be conquered. In this article, we explore the multifaceted complexities that researchers encounter in their pursuit of scientific excellence and examine the steps needed to elevate the research ecosystem in India.

• Cultivating a supportive ecosystem

A flourishing research ecosystem thrives on funding opportunities, infrastructure, and a critical mass of expertise. Enhancing the quantum of allocation of research funds through government grants, which is the primary support for Indian researchers albeit competitive to secure, can result in proliferation of more ideas coming to life. To avoid delays in research, an early start is recommended, especially when reaching out to foreign companies for equipment, software, and technical services. Since technical support and repair services for imported equipment are time-consuming, once these stumbling blocks are overcome by building domestic supply chain and local manufacturing, research can be pursued smoothly. Enabling research exposure at undergraduate level can motivate more youngsters to pursue research as a career.

• Focusing on Positive Funding Balance

The essence of research lies in its contribution to society's betterment. Practical solutions derived from research endeavors typically emerge as the culmination of efforts spanning fundamental and applied stages, alongside engineering development across various Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). Striking the right equilibrium among these facets - fundamental exploration, application-driven research, and technological advancement - is pivotal in nurturing a sustainable innovation pipeline. This holistic approach ensures the creation of impactful solutions to address grand challenges.

Notably, contemporary trends in funded projects exhibit a significant drive toward supporting initiatives with the potential for commercial translation into products or services. While this direction fosters practicality, it's essential to remember that preserving space for fundamental research is equally vital. This positive synergy among various research dimensions fosters a vibrant and holistic research ecosystem.

• Enhancing the Evaluation System

Researchers are driven by their desire to translate their discoveries into meaningful social contributions. However, a hurdle arises when the researcher’s credibility is assessed primarily through metrics tied to publications rather than real-world impact generated. To better align with the broader goal of social impact, there’s a growing need for a refined metric that accurately gauges the extent of positive change. Shifting the balance to assign greater importance to impact will catalyze research endeavors that drive meaningful transformations in society.

• Building Trust

Scientists often prioritize delving into the fundamental aspects of a problem, and publishing their observations, sometimes sidelining the application of their findings. However, recognizing the value of impactful outcomes, researchers can make significant contributions by formulating research proposals that address pressing societal needs. By bridging this gap between fundamental exploration and real-world innovation, the innovation pipeline gains momentum, revitalizing the confidence of grant agencies in research proposals with a focus on fundamental aspects. Subsequently, funding agencies will show greater appetite for risk and support novel, ‘high-risk-high-reward’ ideas that pave the way for groundbreaking discoveries.

• Nurturing Collaboration and Entrepreneurship

To ensure the sustainable growth of research laboratories, scientists often dedicate their energies to securing grants, sometimes overshadowing the potential of commercializing outcomes through patents and technology transfers to industry. However, a more sustainable approach emerges through embracing entrepreneurship and collaborative innovation. In the modern research landscape, interdisciplinary efforts have become paramount, with collaboration of engineers with physicists, chemists, biologists, and material scientists propelling progress. A shift from solely competitive mindset to a cooperative one, will fuel sustained advancement and nurture an environment where researchers can achieve greater breakthroughs together.

Dr. Amruta R Behera

Source: The Telegraph, 9/09/23

Quote of the Day September 12, 2023

 

“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will.”
Vince Lombardi

“किसी सफल व्यक्ति तथा दूसरों के बीच में अंतर ताकत का नहीं, ज्ञान का नहीं, बल्कि इच्छाशक्ति का होता है।”
विंस लोमबार्डी

Economic & Political Weekly: Table of Contents

 

Vol. 58, Issue No. 36, 09 Sep, 2023

Editorials

Biodiversity and Green Industry

Comment

Is This a Necessary Overhauling?

From 25 Years Ago

From 25 Years Ago: Rating Agencies and Capital Market Reform: A Plea for Self-Regulation

From 50 Years Ago

From 50 Years Ago: History and Nationalism: A Personal Response to the Indian Situation

Commentary

The Russian Offensive, Unravelling of Ukraine, and Geopolitics

Anuradha M Chenoy

Separating Personal Data Protection from Non-personal Data Governance

Indranath Gupta, Paarth Naithani

From Formation to Transformation of FPOs - Drivers for Success

Ch Radhika Rani, A Amarender REddy, Geetha Mohan

The Sixteenth Finance Commission - Challenges and Possibilities

R Mohan

Book Reviews

The Quotidian Life of Terror Trials in Delhi

Neetika Vishwanath

Penetrating Caste

Suraj Yengde

Special Articles

Role of Intensive and Extensive Margins in India’s Agricultural Exports

K Elumalai, Anjani Kumar

Moving from Food Insecurity to Food Security - Implementing NFSA in Bihar and Haryana

Amit Kumar, Damodar Suar, Bimal Kishore Sahoo

Of Conflict and Collaboration - Mamata Banerjee and the Making of ‘Franchisee Politics’ in West Bengal

Dwaipayan Bhattacharyya

Discussion

Rising India–China Trade Deficit - Policy for Bridging the Gap

Pravakar Sahoo, Ashwani Bishnoi

Current Statistics

Current Statistics

Postscript

Criminalising Traditional Fisheries for Conservation in the Gulf of Mannar

Rahul Muralidharan

To Poonguzhali

Divyanshi Sharda

Thieves of Identity

Ankit Kawade

Last Lines

Letters

On the IIMs (Amendment) Bill, 2023

Pranith Kumar Roy

An In–depth Analysis of Water Scarcity

Deepali Kataria

The Gender Snapshot 2023 Report

 he United Nations has released a report stating that the goal of achieving gender equality by 2030, as set by the U.N., is unlikely to be realized due to deeply ingrained biases against women in various sectors such as health, education, employment, and politics. The report, titled “The Gender Snapshot 2023,” highlights that active resistance to gender equality and chronic underinvestment are key factors slowing progress and even leading to reversals in some cases.

Issues like unequal access to sexual and reproductive health, political underrepresentation, economic disparities, and a lack of legal protection contribute to this challenge. The report also calls attention to setbacks for women and girls in conflict-affected regions and the adverse impact of climate change.

What is the status of poverty among women according to the report?

The report notes that one in every ten women today, or 10.3%, lives in extreme poverty, defined as having less than $2.15 a day. If current trends continue, it predicts that 8% of the world’s female population will still be living in extreme poverty in 2030, with a significant proportion in Sub-Saharan Africa.

How does the report assess the status of education for girls and young women globally?

While access to education is increasing for both boys and girls, the report reveals that millions of girls never enter a classroom or complete their education, especially in conflict-affected areas. It estimates that up to 129 million girls and young women may be out of school globally in 2023, with an estimated 110 million still out of school in 2030 if current trends persist.

What financial measures does the report suggest are needed to achieve gender equality by 2030?

The report estimates that $6.4 trillion per year is required across 48 developing countries to achieve gender equality in various key areas by 2030. It calls for increased funding for programs promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. The report warns of an annual shortfall of $360 billion if current government expenditures continue on their current trajectory, and it appeals for additional funding to bridge this gap.

Mental health promotion needed to reduce suicides

 The World Health Organisation estimates 800,000 suicides occur every year worldwide. The data in India as per the National Crime Records Bureau from 2021 finds around 164,000 deaths by suicide which makes up about 20 per cent of the world’s figure. This number could be more because there may be several unreported or ‘unsure’ verdicts. The states of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu consistently recorded the highest number for three years.

For every suicide, there are 25 attempts in young and four attempts among elderly people. Every suicide or attempt brings distress to the family members in addition to facing soci- etal stigma. Suicides are common across all age groups. They occur in rich or poor, in high or low-income countries. The majority of likely causes are family related problems, illness, addiction to drugs or alcohol, marital problems, and love affairs.

Stressful events directly hamper mental health. Difficulties in childhood due to marital problems in parents, bad experiences in school such as being bullied, being unable to attain academic standards or meet expectations of the family, or repeated humiliation due to poor academic performance can all contribute to mental health problems. Many children may be without siblings and both parents may work, which may mean they miss out on sharing their worries, and feelings. This can continue to build up. There is a need to provide life-skills training, and resilience building in all secondary school students. Stress, mental health, coping, meditation, and concepts of mindfulness may also be taught as part of the school curriculum.

Adolescents have unique sets of issues. This is also the age where long term chronic mental illness could begin. They strive for novelty and action and many want to do something to make them stand out from their peers. They swing between being a child and an adult. There is a fear of missing the teenage period. They may do risk-taking activities and experiment with new things including smoking, alcohol, or drug use, especially in groups.

Though many have some control, a few may become dependent on these. Relationship breakdowns can lead to feelings of low self confidence or loneliness and have lead to pessimistic thoughts, suicide attempts, and suicides. Parents must develop trust to make them come to them for any problems and open up to them to make them feel listened to or reassured.
There is another set of adolescents who are busy preparing to crack IIT, NEET, or State Entrance tests. There is no doubt that some profes- sional courses can be the gateway to lucrative employment. How to choose a professional course is not structured or in other words would not undergo the right evaluation. Many do not know their strengths or weaknesses, their skills or lack of particular skills, for them to choose the right career path. Competitive exam preparation not only requires subject preparation, but also preparing the mind to be calm, and confident throughout. Avoid comparison with peers, be realistic, and understand that competition is only against your previous best. If there are any negative thoughts or thoughts of death, dying, or suicide, immediately seek professional help.

There could be unidentified anxiety or depression which is treatable. This if not treated, can hamper the concentration and consequently the exam performance. Many of these mental health issues build up slowly, therefore with anyone coming with mental distress, or severe anxiety closer to exams, the best thing is damage limitation. Students must realise there is so much competition and always have plan B and plan C. Some students decide to drop another year in a rush, and this decision-making may also be done in discussion with men- tors, parents, and teachers. Practicing mindfulness-based meditation may help some to keep their emotions and thoughts under control, thereby improving their concentration levels. Coaching Centres must be mindful of the stress on their students and have emergency helpline numbers and access to local psychiatry clinics.

Relationship difficulties, separation, waiting for a legal hearing for divorce, and subsequent divorce can make the person feel lonely. An unemployed, separated man who is drink- ing alcohol excessively is at higher risk of suicide. Workplace stress is common, as superior authorities could also be under stress, expectations to compete with the market, and striving to improve. Initially, it is only you who has to identify if the workload is excessive, the work environment is inspiring, and this job is something you are passionate about. There are only two ways forward if you don’t like your job, either adapt soon, start to say you like the job, make peace with it, or find a new job. Ambivalence and procrastination lead to severe stress and can lead to not only mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, addiction to alcohol, changes to personality, loneliness, and sleepless- ness but also contribute to diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and frequent infections due to low immunity.

There can be ripple effects on relationships around you too. There is a need to spend time with friends and family, on hobbies, going on tours, exercise, walking, yoga, meditation, diet, and practice good sleeping habits. If work is stressful, discuss it with your partner or friend, seek counselling, or see a nearby psychiatrist at the earliest.

Depression and anxiety are also common in older people in addition to chronic physical ailments, needing regular health care. These need to be identified early and treated. Express- ing the desire to go far away should also be considered a suicidal gesture. Sometimes, without families noticing, they could be skipping their regular pills to make their physical illness worse, thus wanting to die.

Women during adolescent age, around pregnancy, and menopause are at higher risk of developing mental health issues. Social support could help reduce this. There are reports of a mother having killed her new-born baby and then herself. Depression and so-called psychosis can occur in this period. So, identify and treat the mental health symptoms at the earliest.

The person suffering from chronic illness with pain, and disability can contemplate suicide. Caregivers of persons with prolonged illnesses such as cancer and dementia know these can be stressful. Survivors of suicide attempts must be followed up for mental health issues and treated appropriately. Someone expressing thoughts of suicide must be taken seriously until proven otherwise. Engaging them, giving them time and making them feel they are important, can prevent some. There is a need to provide first-aid gatekeeper training to many.

Many suicides are preventable. Change in behaviour in your friend or relative should not be ignored. They can be offered support. Everyone must understand the concept as well as the skills of problem-solving. Suicide is not a solution to any problem. There could be underlying depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues that can be treated, so see a psychia- trist soon. India has its own national suicide prevention strategy unveiled in November 2022. There is also a national telemanas helpline 14416 for free counselling for the public.

VIJAYKUMAR HARBISHETTAR

Source: The Statesman, 10/04/23