PM Modi Proposes New Health, Skill and Technology Initiatives at G-20 Summit

Context:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the G-20 Summit in Johannesburg, presenting a comprehensive vision for balanced global growth, human-centric development, and sustainable international cooperation. India proposed multiple initiatives spanning health, skills, technology, climate action, and security, even as the summit witnessed a U.S. boycott due to strained relations with South Africa.

Key Highlights

Philosophical Framework – Integral Humanism

  • PM Modi advocated Integral Humanism, emphasizing:

    • Holistic development of individuals and societies

    • Balance between economic growth, social justice, and environmental sustainability

  • Called for redefining global growth parameters to address:

    • Resource deprivation

    • Over-exploitation of nature

Global Health & Security Initiatives

  • Proposed a G-20 Global Healthcare Response Team

    • To enhance preparedness against pandemics and health emergencies

  • Flagged the Drug–Terror Nexus, especially fentanyl trafficking

    • Identified as a threat to public health, social stability, and global security

  • Suggested coordinated global action to curb drug-financed terrorism

Skill Development & Africa Focus

  • Announced G-20–Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative

    • India to provide skill development to one million Africans

    • Aim: Address skills gap, enhance employability, and promote economic empowerment

Technology & Innovation Cooperation

  • Launched Australia–Canada–India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership

    • Focus areas:

      • Critical & emerging technologies

      • Artificial Intelligence

      • Clean energy

      • Resilient supply chains

Digital & Environmental Initiatives

  • G-20 Open Satellite Data Partnership

    • Sharing satellite data for:

      • Agriculture

      • Fisheries

      • Disaster management

  • G-20 Critical Minerals Circularity Initiative

    • Promotes:

      • Recycling of critical minerals

      • Responsible mining practices

      • Sustainable access for clean energy transitions

Climate & Sustainability

  • Leaders adopted a G-20 Declaration:

    • Calling for stronger climate action

    • Reinforcing sustainable development commitments

Relevant Prelims Points

  • Issue: Need for inclusive, sustainable, and resilient global growth

  • Causes:

    • Inequality in skill access

    • Climate stress

    • Drug trafficking and terrorism financing

  • Government / G-20 Initiatives:

    • G-20 Global Healthcare Response Team

    • G-20–Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative

    • ACITI Partnership

    • Open Satellite Data Partnership

    • Critical Minerals Circularity Initiative

  • Benefits:

    • Improved global health preparedness

    • Skilled workforce in Africa

    • Technology-driven sustainable growth

    • Enhanced disaster response

  • Challenges:

    • Coordination among diverse G-20 members

    • Data-sharing concerns

    • Geopolitical tensions (e.g., U.S. boycott)

  • Impact:

    • Strengthens India’s leadership in Global South

    • Enhances multilateral cooperation on emerging global challenges

Relevant Mains Points

  • Key Concepts & Definitions:

    • Integral Humanism: Indian political philosophy advocating harmony between material and spiritual needs

    • Drug–Terror Nexus: Use of drug trafficking proceeds to finance terrorism

    • Critical Minerals: Minerals essential for clean energy and high-tech industries

  • Institutions & Forums:

    • G-20: Forum of major developed and developing economies

    • ACITI Partnership: Trilateral technology collaboration (Australia–Canada–India)

  • Static & Conceptual Linkages:

    • Global governance reforms

    • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

    • South–South Cooperation

    • Climate finance and clean energy transition

  • Way Forward:

    • Institutionalize proposed G-20 initiatives with clear frameworks

    • Strengthen trust-based data sharing mechanisms

    • Enhance Global South participation in technology and governance

    • Balance geopolitics with global collective action

UPSC Relevance (GS-wise)

  • GS Paper 2:

    • International Relations, Global Governance, India’s role in G-20

  • GS Paper 3:

    • Economy, Skill Development, Technology, Climate Change, Internal Security

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