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1. India-Indonesia ties as a beacon for global relations
India and Indonesia share a deep-rooted relationship that has evolved over decades, symbolizing a strong partnership in trade, security, and geopolitics. The recent visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to India as the chief guest at the 76th Republic Day celebrations highlighted the growing cooperation between the two nations.
Historical Evolution of Ties
The relationship between India and Indonesia dates back to the early years of India’s independence. Notably, Indonesia’s first President, Sukarno, was the chief guest at India’s first Republic Day in 1950. Over the years, both nations have strengthened their ties in multiple domains, and President Prabowo’s visit marks the fourth time an Indonesian leader has been honored at India’s Republic Day celebrations. His discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored shared ambitions in trade, maritime security, health, and technology.
Trade and Economic Growth
Economic ties between the two nations hold immense potential. Despite signing a trade agreement in 1966, current trade volumes stand at just under $30 billion. However, both sides believe there is room to quadruple trade in the next decade. As two of the world’s fastest-growing economies—India projected to grow at 6.5% and Indonesia at 5.1%—there is significant scope for collaboration. The CEOs Forum in New Delhi, co-chaired by the Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Indian business leader Ajay S. Shriram, identified key sectors for investment: energy, food and agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.
Investment remains an area for further expansion. While Indonesian investment in India stands at $653.8 million, and Indian investment in Indonesia at $1.56 billion, deeper integration in clean energy, technology, and manufacturing can position both nations as leaders in the global energy transition.
Security and Strategic Cooperation
Security is another pillar of the India-Indonesia relationship. Since the signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018, both countries have intensified defense cooperation, particularly in maritime security. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing counterterrorism and cybersecurity measures, ensuring regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. As large, populous nations with expanding military capabilities, India and Indonesia are pivotal in shaping the region’s security dynamics.
Geopolitical Significance
Beyond the Indo-Pacific, India and Indonesia play crucial roles in global geopolitics. Indonesia’s recent inclusion in BRICS alongside India and China strengthens its position in the global economy. Both countries also navigate complex relationships with Western nations, particularly the United States, where trade policies under the new Trump administration could impact global commerce. Given Indonesia’s resource wealth—nickel, copper, tin, and bauxite—its ability to export to major markets, including India and the U.S., remains a key focus.
A Partnership for the Future
President Prabowo’s visit reaffirmed the strength of India-Indonesia ties, a partnership now in its 76th year. Their growing collaboration in trade, security, and geopolitics not only strengthens bilateral relations but also lays the foundation for a more prosperous and sustainable future for Asia and the world.
2. The financial toxicity of cancer care in India
The Financial Toxicity of Cancer Care in India
Cancer treatment in India is an economic burden that extends beyond the patient, affecting families and future generations. The high cost of care, lack of comprehensive insurance, and reliance on out-of-pocket (OOP) payments push many into financial distress. Indian philanthropy, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, government funding, and nonprofit organizations can play a crucial role in alleviating this crisis.
The Human Cost of Cancer Treatment
For low-income patients, accessing life-saving treatments is often impossible due to financial constraints. Genomics-informed precision medicine, immunotherapy, and advanced treatments remain out of reach for many. Patients like Vijay, a lung cancer patient from Hyderabad, and Aslam, an oral cancer patient who has already spent ₹25 lakh over five years, highlight the devastating economic impact of cancer care.
Financial toxicity is one of the most overlooked consequences of cancer treatment. Patients and families are forced to sell assets, exhaust savings, and even skip meals to afford care, trapping them in cycles of generational poverty.
Public and Private Healthcare Challenges
The cost of cancer treatment includes both direct medical expenses (diagnostics, medicines, hospitalisation) and non-medical expenses (travel, lodging, food). Insurance schemes like Ayushman Bharat cover only inpatient costs, leaving patients to bear nearly 50% of healthcare expenses out-of-pocket.
India’s public health expenditure has consistently remained below 2% of GDP, leading to shortages of healthcare personnel, diagnostic facilities, and essential medicines. Delays in diagnosis and treatment worsen the financial burden. Meanwhile, private healthcare has grown into an ₹8 lakh crore industry, raising concerns about affordability and accessibility.
Addressing Financial Toxicity
Several State governments, such as Delhi, Maharashtra, Punjab, and Kerala, have implemented schemes to finance cancer treatment. Non-medical expenses are supported through initiatives like discounted railway and airline fares, and free bus travel for cancer patients in Himachal Pradesh and Haryana.
Nonprofit organizations also play a vital role. The National Cancer Grid has reduced the cost of 40 essential cancer drugs by 82% through pooled procurement. The Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Center in Assam provides holistic support, including accommodation, meals, and temporary employment for caregivers.
The Role of Philanthropy and CSR
Philanthropy, CSR, and impact investments are essential to bridging gaps in cancer care funding. India’s CSR Act of 2014 mandates that eligible companies allocate funds to social causes. In 2022–23, healthcare received ₹6,800 crore in CSR funding, though granular data on cancer-specific contributions remains scarce.
Despite India’s wealth, individual philanthropy remains underutilized. The combined wealth of India’s 100 richest individuals surged to ₹8.4 lakh crore in 2024, highlighting significant potential for donations. Tax exemptions and targeted funding could help scale nonprofit efforts and provide critical support for cancer patients.
A Call for Collective Action
With rising pollution, urbanization, and lifestyle changes, the incidence of cancer in India is set to increase. Addressing financial toxicity requires stronger political will, increased government spending on healthcare, and strategic investments in public health. Until systemic changes take effect, nonprofits and private sector contributions remain crucial in easing the economic burden of cancer care.
3. The U.S.’s exit from WHO, a chance to reshape global health
On January 20, 2025, the United States government issued an executive order to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO). This decision has raised concerns about the impact on WHO’s funding and functionality. However, instead of viewing this as a crisis, the global community—especially countries in the Global South—should see it as an opportunity to reshape the global health agenda.
Funding Challenges Post-U.S. Exit
To assess the impact of the U.S.’s withdrawal, it is crucial to understand WHO’s funding system:
- Assessed Contributions (AC): These are mandatory payments from member states, ensuring WHO’s operational continuity. The U.S. has argued that its contribution is disproportionately high.
- Voluntary Contributions (VC): These are donations from countries and organizations for specific projects. The U.S.’s exit may lead to a decline in VC, particularly from U.S.-aligned donors such as USAID.
A reduced budget could weaken WHO’s ability to address global health challenges, making financial reforms necessary.
Need for a Stronger WHO
Critics argue that WHO is bureaucratic and slow, requiring urgent reforms. However, despite occasional inefficiencies, WHO remains essential in addressing global health threats like antimicrobial resistance, climate change, and emerging diseases. The focus should be on strengthening WHO rather than weakening it.
Global Institutions and Rising Nationalism
The book Why Nations Fail by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson highlights how strong institutions are vital for global stability. However, in recent years, rising nationalism has weakened international collaboration. The U.S.’s exit from WHO further reflects this trend, making it imperative for other nations to step up.
The Role of the Global South
Countries in the Global South—such as India, Brazil, South Africa, and Thailand—must take proactive steps to strengthen WHO:
- Financial Contributions: Nations should work through platforms like BRICS to fill the funding gap.
- Building Expertise: Countries should invest in training public health professionals to reduce dependence on Western experts.
- Establishing Regional Health Institutions: Collaborative efforts can create premier institutions dedicated to global health.
- WHO Reforms: Moving WHO headquarters to Africa or Asia could lower costs and improve focus on regions that need the most attention.
Conclusion
It is likely that the U.S. may rejoin WHO under a future administration. However, until then, the Global South must seize this opportunity to lead global health initiatives. The world cannot afford for global health to be controlled by a few high-income nations. Instead, it should be a collective responsibility, with greater leadership from the Global South.
4. Learning steps: On the Union Budget and education
Higher Budget Allocations for Education
- Budget 2025 has promised increased allocations for education compared to last year’s revised estimates.
- A 7% increase was allocated for higher education, though actual spending in 2023-24 exceeded the 2025-26 Budget estimates by 10%.
- Key announcements include:
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- AI Centre of Excellence for education (₹500 crore).
- Broadband connectivity for schools.
- Expansion of five third-generation IITs.
- Increased funding for Indian knowledge systems.
Challenges in Higher Education
- Ambitious UGC reforms, inspired by advanced nations, demand substantial funding.
- Reforms include four-year degree programmes, multiple-institution course enrolments, and bi-annual admissions.
- These changes require significant financial support, primarily from State governments.
- Budget 2025 does not sufficiently address the financial burden on States.
School Education and Foundational Literacy
- The ASER 2024 report highlighted gaps in India’s school education, especially in Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN).
- The report noted recovery from COVID-19 learning losses, but full FLN is yet to be achieved.
- The NIPUN Bharat scheme targets full FLN by 2026-27.
Financial Allocations for School Education
- ₹11,000 crore additional allocation for school education (16% increase from the 2024-25 revised estimates).
- However, as a percentage of the total Budget, this is only a 0.12 percentage point increase, reaching 1.55%.
- Higher education allocation remains at 0.99% of the Budget.
- Increased funding reflects greater financial inflows to States, the primary implementers of school education.
Implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP)
- The government is focusing on fully implementing the 5+3+3+4 system under NEP.
- Early education (pre-Class 1) is crucial for achieving full FLN.
- However, the pre-primary years are managed by underpaid and overburdened anganwadi workers, who often lack proper training.
Way Forward
- Strengthening FLN efforts is essential to develop a skilled workforce and leverage India’s demographic dividend.
- The government must increase school education investment in the coming years.
- Timely action is crucial to ensure India meets its FLN targets.
5. The continuing drugs menace in Punjab
Punjab’s Ongoing Struggle with Drug Trafficking
- Punjab has been battling drug trafficking for decades due to its proximity to the heroin-producing Golden Crescent (Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran).
- The issue is not just a law and order problem but also a national security threat.
- Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria highlighted how Pakistan is waging a “proxy war” by smuggling drugs and weapons to destabilize India.
- Apart from Punjab, Pakistan has also been sending drugs to Jammu.
The Rising Threat of Drone Smuggling
- The use of drones to smuggle narcotics has worsened the crisis.
- Smugglers have adapted by shifting from 4-5 kg payload drones to smaller drones carrying 500 gm of heroin per trip.
- Increasing the number of sorties with smaller drones has reduced the risk of losing large consignments if intercepted.
- In 2024, the BSF Punjab Frontier recovered 294 drones, a sharp rise from 107 in 2023.
- Additionally, 283 kg of heroin was seized, four Pakistani intruders were neutralized, and 161 Indian smugglers along with 30 Pakistani nationals were apprehended.
Punjab: A Major Drug Consumer
- Punjab is not just a transit point; it is also a major consumer of drugs.
- In the past three years, 29,010 cases were registered, and 39,832 people were arrested under the NDPS Act, 1985.
- 2,710 kg of heroin was seized in this period, though the actual volume in circulation is far greater.
Extent of Drug Addiction in Punjab
- A 2022 study by PGIMER, Chandigarh, revealed that 15% (41 lakh people) of Punjab’s population consume some form of drugs.
- A 2014 survey found that every third male and every tenth female in Punjab had consumed drugs at some point.
- 1.7 lakh people use opioids, followed by cannabinoids, sedatives, inhalants, and stimulants.
- Punjab also has a high percentage of injection drug users (19.5%), leading to a rise in HIV cases due to needle sharing.
- Drug overdose deaths have been rising:
- 159 deaths (2022-23)
- 71 deaths (2021-22)
- 36 deaths (2020-21)
Government Action and Challenges
- The Punjab government has intensified efforts to target drug smuggling networks and local suppliers.
- However, institutional corruption and reluctance to change mindsets remain major obstacles.
- A nexus between politicians, police, and drug mafias has hampered efforts.
- CM Bhagwant Mann transferred 10,000 police personnel in 2024 after discovering police involvement with drug peddlers.
Need for a Comprehensive Approach
- Police investigations into narcoterror are limited due to a lack of expertise in modern technology.
- Current focus: Reducing drug supply.
- Neglected area: Rehabilitation and demand reduction.
- A long-term, holistic approach is essential.
The Way Forward
- Recognizing the gravity of the problem is crucial.
- Legal and policing solutions alone are not enough—political will is needed.
- Addressing the socio-economic impact of drug abuse is necessary to tackle the crisis effectively.
Disclaimer:
This analysis is based on the editorial content published in The Hindu and is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. The views, opinions, and interpretations expressed herein are those of the author of original article. Readers are encouraged to refer to the original article for complete context and to exercise their own judgment while interpreting the analysis. The analysis does not constitute professional advice or endorsement of any political, economic, or social perspective.
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