The ATP Tour, which runs men's tennis, doesn't currently have a policy for domestic abuse. It faces questions about its handling of the Alexander Zverev case. Alexander Zverev's upcoming assault trial has brought the ATP Tour's lack of a domestic abuse policy back into the spotlight, with top female players asking why the German is still allowed to play despite the allegations against him. Zverev, the reigning Olympic champion, denies physically abusing an ex-girlfriend. Until his public hearing takes place at the end of May, he maintains the presumption of innocence. The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), an independent group co-founded by men's world No. 1 Novak Djokovic as an alternative voice to the ATP and women's WTA Tour, told DW it would back creating a policy. "The PTPA is supportive of policies addressing domestic abuse, sexual assault and other serious crimes, similar to other professional sports, if they are clear, ensure due process, and are mutually agreed upon," it said. "As an organization, we remain neutral on guilt or innocence. Regarding Zverev's continued participation despite the penalty order, we stress adherence to established processes and agreements." Scope to stop Zverev competing? In this respect, tennis is an outlier compared to other sports, particularly in the United States. In basketball, for example, the NBA can put a player on paid leave during its own domestic violence investigation, after which, based on the findings, the player can be fined, suspended or sacked from their team. A criminal conviction is not required. In football, Brazilian winger Antony was dropped by his country after being accused of abuse. Even though he wasn't charged with a crime, he agreed to take time away from his club, Manchester United, to address the situation. Following previous assault allegations against Zverev, the ATP announced a safeguarding review, which also encompassed domestic violence. But more than two years later, the review is yet to yield a tangible outcome. However, some argue there is already scope to prevent Zverev from competing. Under the tour's code of conduct, players mustn't act against the integrity of the sport, which includes being "charged with a violation of a criminal or civil law of any jurisdiction." As a result, the ATP's fines committee can "provisionally suspend such player (...) from further participation in ATP tournaments pending a final determination of the criminal or civil proceeding." The ATP failed to answer a question from DW about why it hadn't followed its own code of conduct, saying only that it wouldn't be commenting until Zverev's trial is complete. Male players avoid issue at Australian Open Zverev was recently elected by his peers to be one of their representatives on the ATP's players' council for 2024-25. The council, which meets several times a year, is a forum for players to make recommendations to the tour's management. Yet after DW revealed the date of the trial last week, none of those peers wanted to say whether they thought it was appropriate for Zverev to serve in the role, which could see him influencing possible decisions about his own case and future. "I definitely won't comment more on that, because I don't know what the situation is," said Grigor Dimitrov, one of Zverev's fellow council members, at the Australian Open. "This is a matter that I think everyone needs to sit down together and discuss all of that. That's my message." It has taken female players to express any concern about the issue. "For sure it's not good when a player who's facing charges like that is kind of being promoted," said world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, when asked if it was appropriate for Zverev to still be playing. Meanwhile, 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens, a former member of the WTA's players' council, said she couldn't imagine the women's game acting in the same manner. "The ATP beats their own drum, they do what they do on that side," she said. "Would that happen on the WTA Tour? Probably not." Zverev's sponsors largely quiet The silence from Zverev's male counterparts has been mirrored by his sponsors. DW contacted the six "brand partners" listed on his official website. Half didn't respond to a request for comment. Of those who did reply, Adidas, Zverev's biggest sponsor, said it was "monitoring" the situation. "We don't comment on the contractual details of our partnerships, and it would be inappropriate to comment on any pending legal proceedings," the company wrote in a statement. "In line with our values, Adidas condemns all forms of gender violence." Icebein, a firm specializing in cold therapy, struck an identical tone, suggesting some kind of collaboration on the wording of the statements. Only Rolex, the luxury watchmaker, appears to have taken a firm stance on the matter, telling DW that "Alexander Zverev is no longer a Rolex Testimonee." However, a company spokesperson declined to say when the partnership ended, or why Rolex's logo was still visible on Zverev's website.

In the complex landscape of South Asian geopolitics, the dynamics between Pakistan and India have often been characterized by tension, with the former’s obsession with its neighbor frequently taking center stage.  Over the years, this fixation has manifested in a knee-jerk reaction of blaming India for various internal issues. However, a closer examination of Pakistan’s terror network reveals a disturbing reality: the country’s policy of supporting and encouraging terrorism within its borders to disrupt its neighbors has backfired, leading to a cycle of violence and unintended consequences. The echoes of this policy reverberate back to a critical moment in history, specifically October 6, 2003, when US deputy secretary of state Richard Armitage commended Pervez Musharraf and Pakistan’s military for their efforts to dismantle the terror infrastructure.  Ironically, even as praise was being heaped upon Pakistan, unknown assailants were eliminating extremists within the country. Azam Tariq, head of the banned Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan, fell victim to this shadowy violence, just one among many extremists targeted in a span of a few months. This period marked a response to the post-9/11 era, where pressure from the US compelled Islamabad to act against Taliban and Al Qaeda militants.  However, the mysterious killings did not bring an end to terrorism; instead, many militants sought refuge with terror groups operating in Jammu and Kashmir, perpetuating the cycle of violence. Fast forward two decades, and Pakistan finds itself once again grappling with a new wave of targeted killings. What sets these recent events apart is the focus on individuals “wanted” by India, including ideologues and commanders associated with cross-border operations.  The killings of figures like Paramjit Singh Panjwar, Abu Qasim Kashmiri, and Shahid Latif have thrust Pakistan back into the international spotlight. Terror networks, by their nature, seldom protect their own, working on the principle of deniability. The recent spate of killings underscores a shift in Pakistan’s approach.  Ashok K. Behuria, a security expert, notes that while killings in Pakistan two decades ago aimed to show non-support for terror, the current situation suggests a different stance. The vernacular media’s relative silence on these incidents raises questions about Pakistan’s perception of the issue. While the elimination of certain figures may offer temporary relief for India, experts caution against prematurely letting the guard down. The killings may indicate a loss of utility for the ISI, but the larger players still find safe havens in Pakistan, keeping the specter of state-sponsored terrorism alive. The Pakistani security establishment’s primary concern now centers around the “opportunistic partnership” between the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch rebels. Growing suspicions of covert support to the TTP from Balochs, especially in border regions, pose a significant challenge. The Pakistani army, facing economic constraints, grapples with the increased threat, particularly as the TTP gains traction in Baloch areas. The death of Lakhbir Singh Rode, head of the banned International Sikh Youth Federation and Khalistan Liberation Force, highlights the complex web of cross-border terrorism. Rode, who operated freely in Pakistan, collaborated with Canada-based criminals, engaging in acts of terror, including a rocket-propelled grenade attack in Mohali in 2022. As the international community watches these developments, it remains to be seen how Pakistan will navigate the intricate web of its own making. The unintended consequences of fostering terrorism as a tool of statecraft have come full circle, leaving Pakistan to grapple with the fallout of a policy gone awry. Source: khalsa Vox  

     Summary Nov manufacturing PMI falls further to 49.4 Non-manufacturing index expands at slower pace New export orders extend decline for ninth month Factory managers losing confidence in policy support - analysts China's manufacturing activity shrank for a second straight month in November and at a quicker pace, suggesting more stimulus will be needed to shore up economic growth and restore confidence that the authorities can ably support industry. Economists upgraded their forecasts for the world's second-largest economy after better-than-expected third quarter data, but despite a flurry of policy support measures, negative sentiment among factory managers appears to have become entrenched in the face of weak demand both at home and abroad. The official purchasing managers' index (PMI) fell to 49.4 in November from 49.5 in October, National Bureau of Statistics data showed on Thursday, missing economists' forecast of 49.7. The 50-point mark demarcates contraction from expansion. "The domestic market cannot make up for losses in Europe and the United States. The data shows that factories are producing less and hiring fewer people," said Dan Wang, chief economist at Hang Seng Bank China. "(The data) could also show a loss of confidence in government policy," she added, warning factory activity was unlikely to improve anytime soon as other economic problems dominate. "The priority now is clearly containing the local government debt risk and the risk posed by regional banks." The new orders sub-index contracted for a second consecutive month, while the new export orders component extended its decline for a ninth month. In another worrying sign, the vast services sector contracted for the first time in 12 months. The non-manufacturing PMI, which includes services and construction, eased to 50.2 in November from 50.6 last month. China's economy has struggled this year to mount a strong post-pandemic recovery, held back by a deepening crisis in the property market, local government debt risks, slow global growth and geopolitical tensions. The factory PMI has contracted for seven out of the past eight months - rising above the 50-point mark only in September. The last time the indicator was negative for more than three consecutive months was in the six months to October 2019. "The hard data have held up better than the survey-based measures lately... (which) may be overstating the extent of slowdown due to sentiment effects," Sheana Yue, China economist at Capital Economics, said in a note. "But if that starts to change, policy support will need to be ramped up further to prevent the economy from backsliding." The patchy recovery has prompted many analysts to warn that China may decline into Japanese-style stagnation later this decade unless policymakers take steps to reorient the economy towards household consumption and market-allocation of resources. "Today's PMI reading will further raise expectations towards policy support," said Zhou Hao, economist at Guotai Junan International. "Fiscal policy will be under the spotlight and take centre stage over the coming year and will be closely monitored by the market." Oil prices fell in early Asia following weaker-than-expected manufacturing activity in China, the world's largest energy consumer, while the offshore yuan also slipped. MORE SUPPORT NEEDED China's central bank governor on Tuesday said he was "confident that China will enjoy healthy and sustainable growth in 2024 and beyond," but urged structural reforms to reduce reliance on infrastructure and property for growth. Policy advisers say the government will need to implement further stimulus should it wish to sustain an annual economic growth target of "around 5%" next year, which would match this year's goal. But the People's Bank of China (PBOC) is constrained when it comes to implementing further monetary stimulus over concerns a widening interest rate differential with the West may weaken the currency and spur capital outflows. In October, China unveiled a plan to issue 1 trillion yuan ($138.7 billion) in sovereign bonds by the end of the year, raising the 2023 budget deficit target to 3.8% of GDP from the original 3%. The PBOC has also implemented modest interest rate cuts and pumped more cash into the economy in recent months, pledging to sustain policy support. China still channels more funds into infrastructure projects to drive growth, which likely lifted the construction index to 55.0 from 53.5 in October, though the government has been trying to reduce the economy's reliance on property. "Despite the raft of stimulus measures announced over the past several months, we believe it is still too early to call the bottom," Ting Lu, chief China economist at Nomura, said in a note. "We expect another economic dip towards end-2023 and spring 2024."

Despite weeks-long protests by locals, traders and political parties, the government has started the implementation of new visa regime on the Chaman border crossing with Afghanistan. In November, the national apex committee, comprising civil and military officials, decided that only those with valid passports and visas would be allowed to cross the border. Earlier, Pakistanis and Afghans would cross the border upon showing either Pakistani or Afghan national identity card. The decision led to a sit-in, with the protesters claiming it would hurt nearly 40,000 people who depend on daily border crossings for their livelihoods. Balochistan Inform¬ation Minister Jan Achakzai has confirmed the development and said the new rules have been implemented despite “pressure from different quarters, including political parties”. He said all arrangements were already in place for the new policy, and intending travellers were visiting passport offices in Chaman, Qila Abdullah and other areas for new passports. “The Chaman passport office has issued over 1,000 tokens to applicants who applied for the passport,” Mr Achakzai told Dawn, adding that 200 passports have already been delivered. The passport facilities have been improved, and more centres opened up for timely delivery, the minister added. He said a one-time permission has been granted to Afghans who arrived in Chaman on Tazkira to enter their country. Upon their return to Pakistan, they will have to show a passport and visa, he told Dawn. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund has initiated the distribution of productive livelihood assets to Afghan refugee families under a UNHCR-funded programme. Currently in its fourth phase, the programme is committed to empowering over 3,000 Afghan refugee families residing in six refugee camps in Nowshera, Quetta, Pishin, and Islamabad. Source: DAWN

Bangladesh, a country nestled in South Asia, has been making significant strides in the realm of women’s empowerment and gender equality, largely due to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Her relentless efforts and strategic policies have played a pivotal role in uplifting the status of women, promoting their active participation in various sectors, and fostering an environment of gender inclusivity. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has implemented a series of policies and initiatives aimed at breaking down barriers that hindered women’s progress. One such groundbreaking policy is the National Women Development Policy, which underscores the government’s commitment to gender mainstreaming and creating an enabling environment for women to thrive in all aspects of society. Recognizing education as the cornerstone of empowerment, Prime Minister Hasina has focused on enhancing educational opportunities for girls. The ‘Girl’s Stipend Program’ and ‘Kishoree Kontha’ initiative have incentivized female education, ensuring girls can access quality education and build a strong foundation for their future. Furthermore, initiatives like ‘Skills for Employment Investment Program’ and ‘Women in IT’ programs have been instrumental in imparting skill development, enabling women to participate actively in the workforce and entrepreneurial ventures. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government has taken significant strides to enhance women’s participation in politics, ensuring their voices are heard at all levels of governance. The reserved seats for women in the parliament and local government bodies have boosted their representation, thus amplifying their role in shaping the nation’s policies and strategies. Bangladesh has seen a substantial increase in women’s participation in the workforce across various sectors. The government’s efforts to promote women entrepreneurs through easier access to loans, training, and market linkages have empowered countless women to establish their businesses and contribute to the nation’s economy. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has also prioritized addressing violence against women and ensuring their safety. The establishment of Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunals and the National Helpline for Violence against Women and Children showcase the government’s commitment to creating a safe environment for women. In essence, Bangladesh, under the steadfast leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has witnessed a paradigm shift in promoting gender equality and empowering women. The strides made in education, political representation, economic participation, and safety initiatives have set a positive trajectory, demonstrating the power of visionary leadership and commitment to fostering an egalitarian society. With continued dedication and focused efforts, Bangladesh is poised to elevate its position on the global stage as a beacon of gender equality and empowerment. Source: Ifras.org

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’s recent visit to China has sparked a dilemma regarding Nepal’s stance on the ‘One China Policy’ versus the ‘One China Principle’. Following an eight-day visit to China, he returned to Nepal on Saturday, leaving many questionings which of the two Nepal is adhering to. While the terms ‘Policy’ and ‘Principle’ may seem similar, there exists a significant difference between them. However, statements issued during Prime Minister Prachanda’s China visit and subsequent joint statements have mentioned both the ‘One China Policy’ and the ‘One China Principle’, further complicating the matter. The joint statement issued by Nepal and China on October 9, a day after the bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Prachanda and his Chinese counterpart, featured the term ‘One China Principle.’ “The Nepalese side has reiterated its firm commitment to the One China principle. Acknowledging that the Chinese government is the only legitimate government representing the whole of China and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, the Nepali side is against the ‘independence of Taiwan’,” the joint statement stated. Prior to this, Nepal had consistently referred to the ‘One China Policy’ in its statements and joint communiques with China. The terminology used by Nepal had always been ‘One China Policy’. However, the joint statement during Prime Minister Prachanda’s visit marked the first instance where “principle” was replaced by “policy.” This change came after Prime Minister Prachanda’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Hangzhou on October 6, three days before the joint statement’s issuance from Beijing. The statement released by the Nepali Embassy in Beijing following the meeting with President Xi mentioned that Prime Minister Prachanda reiterated his commitment to the one-China policy. “President Xi Jinping expressed happiness over the close friendship, good neighborliness, and bilateral cooperation between Nepal and China. He praised Nepal’s one-China policy and expressed China’s support for Nepal’s sovereignty, geographical integrity, and economic development,” the statement read. Upon his return from China, Prime Minister Prachanda personally read a press note at Tribhuvan International Airport, which made no mention of the ‘One China Principle’. The press note mentioned the ‘One China Policy’ only once. “Nepal has always been committed to the one-China policy. Reaffirming this commitment, Prime Minister Prachanda stated that the relationship between Nepal and China would be based on the principles of Panchsheel, good friendship, mutual partnership, respect for international values and laws, and future actions aimed at elevating this relationship,” Prime Minister Prachanda said while recounting the achievements of his China visit. Notably, only one document released during the visit, the ‘One China Principle’, found its place in the Joint Communiqué, while the document issued solely by Nepal used the term ‘One China Policy’. During their bilateral meeting in Beijing on October 8, Prime Minister Prachanda and his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang also used the term ‘One China Principle’, as indicated in the statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry. “Nepal is firmly committed to the one-China principle, supports China in safeguarding national sovereignty and geographical integrity, and will not allow any power to use Nepal’s land for anti-China activities,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated. Dinesh Bhattarai, a foreign affairs expert and former ambassador, emphasized the substantial difference between ‘policy’ and ‘principle’. “If ‘principle’ is considered as the constitution, then ‘policy’ is the law. Since the basic law is the constitution, all laws that conflict with the basic law are null and void,” Bhattarai explained. “Shifting from policy to principle implies a loss of faith in China.” Bhattarai noted that China has harbored suspicions that Nepal may be pursuing an ‘independent foreign policy’, leading to its shift from ‘policy’ to ‘principle’. He argued that China’s past behavior indicated this possibility. According to him, China’s change from “policy” to “principal” stems from concerns about Nepal’s actions. (epardafas has compiled this news from an article authored by Surendra Paudel, a seasoned journalist with expertise in diplomatic affairs, published on the baahrakhari.com.) Source: https://english.pardafas.com/

Software engineer Jacky Jia has been paying more attention than usual to his stocks portfolio since China launched a torrent of measures aimed at boosting the beleaguered market in recent weeks. South China Monitoring Post Reported. Regulators have slashed the stamp duty on transactions, restricted divestments by major shareholders and taken tighter control of approving new share offerings in a string of actions that have taken the immediate sting out of the sell-offs that have roiled the onshore market. Having banked a reasonable return on the back of this, 45-year-old Jia is toying with the idea of investing a fixed amount of his salary in stocks every month going forward. But something is holding him back. Like many of the 220 million retail investors at home, he is not fully convinced the government’s efforts go far enough to set equities on a path to long-term recovery. “I’m about 60 per cent confident in the market,” said Jia, who works for a Japanese software company in Shanghai, in a recent interview. Despite the positive vibes on the policy front, “there’s no significant improvement in fundamentals,” he said. “The key issue is the lack of money and confidence. Of course, confidence matters more.” The task of restoring that confidence, among both retail and institutional investors, rests with the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), the watchdog that oversees the nation’s US$10 trillion stock market. President Xi Jinping’s all-powerful Politburo made its move in a meeting in July, setting the tone for second-half economic policy. Sentiment has been shaky for some months, as expectations of a strong post-Covid economic recovery failed to materialise and top policymakers refrained from launching a policy “bazooka” to kick-start growth. The term “bazooka” is often used to refer to a large-scale stimulus package, similar to the one Beijing launched during the 2008 global financial crisis. The government has adopted a more piecemeal approach to economic stimulus. In the latest move, on Thursday, China’s central bank announced a fresh cut to the amount of cash banks must hold as reserves. Source: South China Monitoring Post

The 8th India-Australia Defence Policy Talks (DPT) was held in Canberra on July 24-25, where the two sides discussed strengthening the partnership in co-development and co-production of defence equipment and fully implementing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The Defence policy talks were co-chaired by the Special Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Nivedita Shukla Verma, and the Acting Deputy Secretary in Australian Defence Ministry, Steven Moore. During the talks, both sides reviewed the bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries and explored new initiatives to further strengthen and deepen bilateral defence engagements. The discussions also focused on identifying ways to strengthen partnerships in the co-development and co-production of defence equipment. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to fully implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership based on mutual trust and understanding, common interests and shared values of democracy and the rule of law. The Indian side highlighted the potential of the Indian defence industry with the capacity and capability to cooperate with the Australian Armed Forces in its shipbuilding and maintenance plans. India – Australia share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership since June 2020 and defence is a key pillar of this partnership. India and Australia’s partnership is based on a shared vision of a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. The two democracies have a common interest in peace and prosperity of the entire region. The two countries have a 2+2 mechanism at the Ministerial level. The 8th DPT reviewed the outcomes of the maiden 2+2 conducted in September 2021. Both sides agreed to early finalization of the hydrography agreement. The two sides also exchanged views on the geo-political situation, regional and global issues of shared interest.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday in Rajya Sabha said that India's G20 Presidency has served as a catalyst to invigorate the country's foreign policy. He further said that India's G20 Presidency gives more force to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of an "Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat".  While giving a suo moto statement in the Rajya Sabha on India's foreign policy, Jaishankar said, "In 2022, at the beginning of the Amrit Kaal, India assumed the landmark G-20 Presidency. We will host the Summit in September. Our Presidency has served as a catalyst to invigorate our foreign policy and give more force to realize the Prime Minister’s vision of an Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat that regains its rightful place in the world."  Notably, India assumed the G20 Presidency on December 1.  Jaishankar noted that India through its G20 Presidency has been able to focus attention on the most pressing challenges faced by humanity, particularly developing nations. India has advocated an inclusive "human-centric approach" to climate action and development.  EAM Jaishankar said, "During our Presidency, we have been able to focus attention on the most pressing challenges faced by humanity, especially developing countries. This includes Mission LiFE for empowering climate-friendly lifestyles and the popularization of millets to address the challenge of food security. We have also advocated an inclusive human-centric approach to climate action and development, as well as the use of technology to transform the lives of people."  "Since April 6, we have hosted the G20 Development Ministers’ Meeting in Varanasi, the Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting in Hyderabad, the Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in Goa, the Education Ministers’ Meeting in Pune, and the Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting in Gandhinagar, Labour & Employment Ministers’ Meeting in Indore, Energy Ministers’ Meeting in Goa, Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministers’ Meeting in Chennai, and the Ministerial Meeting on Women Empowerment in Gandhinagar. As envisaged, we are realizing our intent to make India’s Presidency a truly national endeavour and showcase India to the world," he added.  Jaishankar also said, "At a time when international affairs have become unprecedented and complex, our people-centric foreign policy is guided by the demands and aspirations of our society."  "Today, the world recognizes that when India speaks, it speaks not only for itself but for many others. And that India speaks as the voice of peace, security, and prosperity for all. Our Pravasishave a renewed confidence- both in the prospects of our future, and the receptivity of our government to their needs. While serving as a force for global good and stability, we have also vigorously defended our national interests," he added.  He further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited seven nations. He said that PM Modi made bilateral visits to Australia, the US, Egypt, France and the UAE. Prime Minister participated in the Quad and G7 meetings in Japan and co-chaired the 3rd Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit in Papua New Guinea.  Jaishankar noted that international affairs have become "unprecedented and complex."  He said that India speaks as the voice of "peace, security and prosperity" for all."At a time when international affairs have become unprecedented and complex, our people-centric foreign policy is guided by the demands and aspirations of our society. Today, the world recognizes that when India speaks, it speaks not only for itself but for many others. And that India speaks as the voice of peace, security, and prosperity for all," Jaishankar said.   "Our Pravasis have a renewed confidence- both in the prospects of our future, and the receptivity of our government to their needs. While serving as a force for global good and stability, we have also vigorously defended our national interests," he added. Jaishankar said that India is now seen as a "credible and effective development partner". India's development partnership now spans 78 nations. "I am glad to report that we are now seen as a credible and effective development partner. Our development partnership portfolio now spans 78 countries and the hallmark of these projects is that they are demand-driven, transparent, empowerment-oriented, environment friendly and rely on a consultative approach. We have also been spearheading the promotion of Digital Public Infrastructure and sharing best practices in digital governance, especially in the Global South," he said. 

India and the United States on Thursday agreed to work towards a broader and deeper bilateral Drug Policy Framework for the 21st Century, the Biden administration said after talks between officials from the two countries. "What we've really worked on over the last couple of days is the three pillars. One is the counter-narcotics and the work to do to disrupt the networks of traffickers and producers of illicit drugs," Dr Rahul Gupta, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, told PTI in an interview after the conclusion of the fourth annual meeting of the US-India Counternarcotics Working Group (CNWG) here. "The second one is to work on drug demand reduction and harm-reduction. That includes looking at not only how we help people who are suffering from addiction but prevent addiction in the first place, and at the same time work on things like workforce shortages," said Dr Gupta who is the first physician to serve in the role. The India delegation was led by Director-General of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Satya Narayan Pradhan. According to Dr Gupta, the third pillar really is ensuring that there is a pharmaceutical supply chain and then thriving pharmaceutical industry. "When we do all of these pillars, it creates the framework for the 21st century between the two countries that poses and postures the two nations as global leaders in this area. It is really important because at a time when both in the United States, where 100,000 Americans are perishing a year, but also this disease and this issue is not something that has not affected India either, it important that the two countries work not only for the betterment of both nations, but also for the global benefit," Dr Gupta said. During the two-day meeting, according to a White House statement, the delegations discussed President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's joint commitment to work toward a broader and deeper bilateral Drug Policy Framework for the 21st Century. Under this framework, both countries plan to expand cooperation and collaboration to disrupt the illicit production and international trafficking of illicit drugs, including synthetic drugs, such as fentanyl and amphetamine-type stimulants and illicit use of their precursors, the media statement said. The two-day meeting on Wednesday was opened by Dr Gupta, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti, and Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya. The US co-leads for the meeting were ONDCP Senior Advisor Kemp Chester, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Lisa Johnson, and Deputy Assistant Attorney General Jennifer Hodge. The Indian delegation was led by NCB DG Pradhan and included Deputy Chief of Mission for the Embassy of India Ambassador Sripriya Ranganathan, and Joint Secretary for the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Shri Prakash. "The leaders committed to strengthening our bilateral drug policy relationship, one that goes beyond just counternarcotics to one with a more forward-looking and affirmative vision – and we are working to deliver on that commitment. Together, we will prevent and treat addiction, disrupt the global trafficking of illicit drugs, and create safe, healthy, and prosperous communities for both nations," Gupta said in the White House statement. India, he said, has joined the Global Coalition Against Synthetic Drugs that includes more than 80 nations and 11 international organizations. "We really appreciate India's leadership as well in becoming that global leader, not only for becoming the pharmacy of the world, but also in terms of disrupting illicit trafficking of drugs and production and making sure that we're all working together when it comes to diseases like addiction to address it and preventive," Dr Gupta told PTI. Responding to a question, Dr Gupta said with increase in demand for the pharmaceutical products out of China, they have also seen a growth of the illicit chemical industry in China. "And because today it's the major producer of these precursor chemicals that contribute to the production of fentanyl, production of other illicit synthetic drugs, we want to, all of us, it's in our interest to not repeat that mistake. India has an interest in making sure that that diversion control happens and it has a thriving pharmaceutical industry that it obviously is competing with and the Americans are able to take benefit out of that as India is obviously having a pharmaceutical supply for so many other countries. But part of that is working with agencies like the FDA, like DEA and others to ensure that that integrity is there," he said. Describing the visit of Prime Minister Modi to the US last month as historic, Dr Gupta said whether it's defence, technology, people-to-people exchanges, health, various sectors that were discussed and agreed upon, "we are making significant progress in moving that forward". "I think this visit was not only significant, but it will be remembered as one that was historic in nature and really turned the page in terms of having both countries work at a level unprecedented in history," he added. Dr Gupta said Indian Americans have not remained untouched with drug menace in the US. Just this week, Vice President Kamala Harris convened a round table with eight state attorneys generals. "I moderated that conversation. Right before she did that, she met with parents of those youth who had passed away from overdose, one of whom was an Indian American, and this is something that is close to her," he said. "This is something that she talked about in the public health crisis and why it's important for Indian Americans in this country and all of the population in this country to understand that this crisis doesn't care if you are living in rural or urban population, if you are rich or poor, brown, black or white, it doesn't care. It will affect everybody. So, it's very important, especially that we have conversations around the dinner table with our children. We understand the early signs that there may be something wrong, for example, if the social behaviour has changed for our kids or if academic performance has changed for others," he said. India, US To Work Towards Broader, Deeper Bilateral Drug Policy Framework Washington: India and the United States on Thursday agreed to work towards a broader and deeper bilateral Drug Policy Framework for the 21st Century, the Biden administration said after talks between officials from the two countries. "What we've really worked on over the last couple of days is the three pillars. One is the counter-narcotics and the work to do to disrupt the networks of traffickers and producers of illicit drugs," Dr Rahul Gupta, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, told PTI in an interview after the conclusion of the fourth annual meeting of the US-India Counternarcotics Working Group (CNWG) here. "The second one is to work on drug demand reduction and harm-reduction. That includes looking at not only how we help people who are suffering from addiction but prevent addiction in the first place, and at the same time work on things like workforce shortages," said Dr Gupta who is the first physician to serve in the role. The India delegation was led by Director-General of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Satya Narayan Pradhan. According to Dr Gupta, the third pillar really is ensuring that there is a pharmaceutical supply chain and then thriving pharmaceutical industry. "When we do all of these pillars, it creates the framework for the 21st century between the two countries that poses and postures the two nations as global leaders in this area. It is really important because at a time when both in the United States, where 100,000 Americans are perishing a year, but also this disease and this issue is not something that has not affected India either, it important that the two countries work not only for the betterment of both nations, but also for the global benefit," Dr Gupta said. During the two-day meeting, according to a White House statement, the delegations discussed President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's joint commitment to work toward a broader and deeper bilateral Drug Policy Framework for the 21st Century. Under this framework, both countries plan to expand cooperation and collaboration to disrupt the illicit production and international trafficking of illicit drugs, including synthetic drugs, such as fentanyl and amphetamine-type stimulants and illicit use of their precursors, the media statement said. The two-day meeting on Wednesday was opened by Dr Gupta, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti, and Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya. The US co-leads for the meeting were ONDCP Senior Advisor Kemp Chester, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Lisa Johnson, and Deputy Assistant Attorney General Jennifer Hodge. The Indian delegation was led by NCB DG Pradhan and included Deputy Chief of Mission for the Embassy of India Ambassador Sripriya Ranganathan, and Joint Secretary for the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Shri Prakash. "The leaders committed to strengthening our bilateral drug policy relationship, one that goes beyond just counternarcotics to one with a more forward-looking and affirmative vision – and we are working to deliver on that commitment. Together, we will prevent and treat addiction, disrupt the global trafficking of illicit drugs, and create safe, healthy, and prosperous communities for both nations," Gupta said in the White House statement. India, he said, has joined the Global Coalition Against Synthetic Drugs that includes more than 80 nations and 11 international organizations. "We really appreciate India's leadership as well in becoming that global leader, not only for becoming the pharmacy of the world, but also in terms of disrupting illicit trafficking of drugs and production and making sure that we're all working together when it comes to diseases like addiction to address it and preventive," Dr Gupta told PTI. Responding to a question, Dr Gupta said with increase in demand for the pharmaceutical products out of China, they have also seen a growth of the illicit chemical industry in China. "And because today it's the major producer of these precursor chemicals that contribute to the production of fentanyl, production of other illicit synthetic drugs, we want to, all of us, it's in our interest to not repeat that mistake. India has an interest in making sure that that diversion control happens and it has a thriving pharmaceutical industry that it obviously is competing with and the Americans are able to take benefit out of that as India is obviously having a pharmaceutical supply for so many other countries. But part of that is working with agencies like the FDA, like DEA and others to ensure that that integrity is there," he said. Describing the visit of Prime Minister Modi to the US last month as historic, Dr Gupta said whether it's defence, technology, people-to-people exchanges, health, various sectors that were discussed and agreed upon, "we are making significant progress in moving that forward". "I think this visit was not only significant, but it will be remembered as one that was historic in nature and really turned the page in terms of having both countries work at a level unprecedented in history," he added. Dr Gupta said Indian Americans have not remained untouched with drug menace in the US. Just this week, Vice President Kamala Harris convened a round table with eight state attorneys generals. "I moderated that conversation. Right before she did that, she met with parents of those youth who had passed away from overdose, one of whom was an Indian American, and this is something that is close to her," he said. "This is something that she talked about in the public health crisis and why it's important for Indian Americans in this country and all of the population in this country to understand that this crisis doesn't care if you are living in rural or urban population, if you are rich or poor, brown, black or white, it doesn't care. It will affect everybody. So, it's very important, especially that we have conversations around the dinner table with our children. We understand the early signs that there may be something wrong, for example, if the social behaviour has changed for our kids or if academic performance has changed for others," he said. Source: NDTV "So, the bottom line I think is important to understand that adolescents and teens, it's important to recognize when they're having challenges in life like most of us have and be supportive, be available, and make sure they can ask for help in that spirit, the Surgeon General (Dr Vivek Murthy) and I have put out an op-ed just last week in USA Today that talks about the importance of mental health and addiction and social isolation amongst youth and what can families do to help," he said.