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IOL News
a day ago
- Business
- IOL News
Leapfrogging development through text-enabled citizen-centric governance
Indian Prime Minister Narendra and his country are committed to sharing their experience and expertise with their global partners on using technology for governance and growth. Image: EPA-EFE/HEIN HTET At the 2nd Voice of the Global South Summit hosted virtually by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 17th November 2023, one key focus area was on 'Sustain the momentum of exchange and sharing of ideas and best practices between member countries…' At the 3rd Summit also hosted by the Indian PM on 17th August 2024, there was a focus on '…challenges of new technologies and need for South-South Cooperation co-operation for technology transfers…'. Of the four-fold Global Compact put forward by PM Modi, one is on technology sharing. Thus, it is clear that as a responsible voice of the Global South, India is willing to share its knowledge and expertise acquired in governance and other fields, which accelerate development, and is also keen to learn from other nations. India's journey in leapfrogging development through tech-enabled citizen-centric governance has been nothing short of transformative. Key milestones in India's digital governance experience have been: Digital India Initiative - the flagship programme of the Government of India, launched in 2015, with a vision to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy; Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) – platforms like Aadhaar (over one billion citizens with a unique digital identity), UPI (with over 18 billion transactions in June 2025), DigiLocker (eliminating the need for physical documents), and e-Sign, have revolutionised service delivery; Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) – India became the first country to use DBT at scale, reducing corruption and ensuring the timely delivery of welfare benefits; and AI Integration in Governance – from grievance redressal systems to predictive analytics in healthcare and agriculture, AI is helping tailor services to citizen needs. Institutional support and strategic vision to India's Digital Governance is provided by the Digital India Corporation (DIC), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the National Informatics Centre (NIC), the National Institute of Smart Governance (NISG) and a Digital Brand Identity Manual (DBIM). The DIC is responsible for establishing the National e-Governance in Accountability, Efficiency, Efficacy and Transparency, to promote digital literacy, accessibility, and inclusion, to develop and empower skilled manpower, to guide ministries/departments in enhancing accessibility and efficiency in public service delivery, and to support the MeitY in all its endeavours. The NIC integrates emerging technologies like AI, blockchain and data analytics into governance frameworks. The NISG acts as a strategic partner in implementing digital transformation across central ministries and states, including international collaboration with Global South nations. DBIM standardises government websites and applications for a unified citizen-friendly experience. Impact on Governance and Society In terms of Transparency and Accountability, E-governance platforms have reduced bureaucratic opacity and increased public trust. In terms of Efficiency and Accessibility, public services are now available 24/7, with reduced paperwork and faster processing times. In terms of Inclusivity, AI-driven tools and multilingual platforms ensure services reach marginal communities. In terms of environmental benefits, the digital processes have led to paperless offices and reduced carbon footprints.
IOL News
26-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
India and Namibia explore greater cooperation in strengthening defence engagement
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The writer notes that the current engagement between the two air forces of India and Namibia is expected to further boost training exchanges, joint exercises, and knowledge sharing, contributing to the modernisation and operational readiness of the Namibian Air Force. Image: EPA-EFE/HEIN HTET India and Namibia recently reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral defence ties in a meeting between Air Vice Marshal Teofilus Shaende, Commander of the Namibian Air Force and Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani, the Vice Chief of India's Air Staff. Shaende's visit to India from June 8 to 13 was aimed at discussing avenues for further strengthening defence engagement between the two countries, with the discussions primarily focused on enhancing training cooperation, capability development, and fostering a strategic partnership. India's support of and engagement with Namibia is decades old, with India being among the first nations to raise the question of Namibian independence in the United Nations in 1946. Namibia's liberation movement SWAPO (South West Africa People's Organisation ), which is now known as the SWAPO Party of Namibia, had its first Embassy abroad established in New Delhi in 1986. Accordance of full diplomatic status and support at NAM was also accompanied by material assistance and military training. After Namibian independence in 1990, the Indian Observer Mission was upgraded to a full-fledged High Commission on 21 March 1990 and Namibia opened a fully-fledged resident Mission in New Delhi in March 1994. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading India and Namibia enjoy warm and cordial relations. The Namibian people and leadership view India as a dependable and trusted friend. Indian support during their liberation struggle is warmly recalled by Namibian leaders, according to a statement by the Indian High Commission in Namibia. African countries have increasingly looked at India as a formidable force in the defence sector and these engagements have become more frequent. In May, during a visit in New Delhi, Angolan president João Lourenço signed with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi a series of strategic agreements in the field of defence, energy, trade and cultural exchange. One of the most notable announcements was a $200 million Indian defence credit line to modernise Angola's army. During his visit, Shaende also paid tribute to India's fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at the National War Memorial in Delhi, symbolising the deep respect and enduring friendship between India and Namibia. This gesture underscored the shared values and mutual regard that underpin the bilateral relationship. There have been regular high-level exchanges and structured dialogues between the two countries in recent years, including the fourth round of India-Namibia Foreign Office Consultations held in Windhoek in 2022, where both sides conducted a comprehensive review of their bilateral relations. Defence cooperation remains a key pillar of this partnership, with ongoing efforts to modernise and build the capabilities of the Namibian Defence Force through collaboration with nations like India. The current engagement between the two air forces is expected to further boost training exchanges, joint exercises, and knowledge sharing, contributing to the modernisation and operational readiness of the Namibian Air Force. Both countries are committed to leveraging their partnership to address common security challenges and promote peace and stability in their respective regions. Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in June also called for the continued strengthening of bilateral ties between Namibia and India, as she received that country's High Commissioner, Rahul Shrivastava, at State House for a courtesy visit. 'The relationship between India and Namibia has a very long history and we need to maintain that history by continuously strengthening this cooperation. 'Personally I must express my appreciation to the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) for having sent me a message of congratulations after my election last year.' Nandi-Ndaitwah said India participated in the inauguration, describing this as testimony of the friendship that exists between the two countries.
IOL News
10-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
India surpasses Japan to become the world's 4th largest economy
This pivotal moment led by India Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscores India's commitment to amplifying the voice of the Global South and fostering deeper ties with Africa. Image: EPA-EFE/HEIN HTET IN a defining moment within our Epoch, India has officially overtaken Japan to become the fourth-largest economy in the world. As confirmed by leading assessments from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and other key institutions. This milestone is not just a reflection of economic growth; it is a powerful statement about the rising potential of the Global South, particularly for countries within the BRICS+ nations. Projections also indicate that India is on course to overtake Germany by 2027, further cementing its position on the global stage. For our Centre, focused on exploring alternative pathways for the Global South and the BRICS+ framework. India's rise provides profound insights and tangible lessons as we collectively navigate the challenges of colonial legacies, pervasive poverty, and stark inequality. India's journey also aligns with our research focus on the developments centred around the African Union (AU), with particular interest in its recent role as chair of the 2023 G20, during which the AU was granted permanent membership after India's proposal for the AU's full membership into the G20. This pivotal moment, led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscores India's commitment to amplifying the voice of the Global South and fostering deeper ties with Africa. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ For many pundits, India's rise to this unprecedented economic status was not a product of chance. This pivotal development signifies India's commitment to elevating the voice of the Global South and fostering deeper economic ties with Africa. For our Centre, focused on exploring alternative pathways for the Global South, India's journey serves as both a profound inspiration and a valuable guide as we collectively address the enduring challenges of colonial legacies, pervasive poverty, and stark inequality. While we recognise ongoing challenges such as equitable growth and job creation, key catalytic projects under Modi's leadership have catapulted India to the table of nations. This can largely be attributed to the decisive leadership of Modi. Under his stewardship since 2014, India has ascended to become a formidable IT resource hub, with talented Indians now at the helm of some of the largest fintech companies globally. This remarkable transformation exemplifies Modi's vision for an economically vibrant and technologically advanced nation. Our continent stands at a crucial turning point in its journey. Our collective histories speak of tales of colonial exploitation, and our current realities contend with poverty, inequality, and enduring unemployment. Africa and India are still behind the Global North and Advanced Asia, but India is quickly catching up, having embraced its colonial past not as an impediment but a lesson of courage and resilience. India's remarkable rise to become the world's fourth-largest economy demonstrates that with visionary leadership and political will, we, too, can transition from the peripheries of the global economy. It is possible, and India is paving the way for a new path to prosperity for its population of more than 1.2 billion people. The Global South is rising. India's position should serve as a realignment of the global economic order, emphasising the power of South-to-South cooperation. India's achievement in becoming the world's fourth-largest economy within our lifetime is not merely an Indian milestone; it is a beacon of hope for Africa and a testimony to what is attainable. 'The last shall be first and the first shall be the last.' India's achievement is not only a milestone for India, it serves as a beacon for Africa and reaffirms that countries of the Global South can transform their economic futures and their fate. We truly draw inspiration from these moments. * Phapano Phasha is the chairperson of The Centre for Alternative Political and Economic Thought. ** The views expressed here do not reflect those of the Sunday Independent, IOL, or Independent Media.
