As clouds loom over global food grain supplies after Russia’s withdrawal from the black sea grain deal, India has banned the export of rice with immediate effect. But the ban is limited to varieties of non-basmati white rice.

India's ban jolts food grain supply

Nearly 30 months after the military coup derailed Myanmar’s experiment with limited democracy in February 2021, that nation continues to pose a serious challenge to ASEAN’s unity, centrality and credibility. This was evident at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (FMM), held in Jakarta from 11–12 July 2023. While endeavouring to help restore democratic transition and political normalcy in Myanmar, ASEAN has enjoyed international support but has failed in achieving its goal due to the obduracy of Myanmar generals and serious differences within the grouping. What does it signify for regional diplomacy and the future of the strife-torn ASEAN member?

5PC, then impasse

At first, there seemed hope. In April, a few weeks after the coup, when the resistance movement was still non-violent and uncertain, Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, the regime’s strong man, flew to Jakarta and accepted the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) formula crafted by ASEAN’s top leaders. Its five elements were: an immediate cessation of all violence, constructive dialogue for a peaceful solution, mediation by a special envoy of ASEAN, delivery of humanitarian assistance, and the stipulation that the ASEAN delegation would “meet with all parties concerned.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crisis-in-myanmar-dominates-talks-at-asean-foreign-ministers-meeting-614486">ALSO READ|&nbsp;Crisis in Myanmar dominates talks at ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting</a>

But the situation began to deteriorate, with the authorities unleashing an endless cycle of violence, and the protesters continuing their resistance. ASEAN ran into a wall of non-cooperation. The military regime resiled from the 5PC, rejecting national dialogue with the opposition forces, and branding them as terrorists. The opposition returned the compliment and opposed reconciliation with the junta, except on its own terms. There were serious difficulties in delivering humanitarian assistance to much of the country. The UN/ASEAN demand for releasing political prisoners such as Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was also rejected. Despite efforts by three annual chairs of ASEAN – Brunei, Cambodia and Indonesia – it was clear that the mediation had failed. 
&nbsp; 
ASEAN barred Myanmar from attending its political level meetings (of foreign ministers and heads of state and government), leaving an empty seat, thereby symbolizing that while the nation retained its membership of ASEAN, its present government was not welcome to participate in discussions.

Thailand’s unilateralism

In recent months, ASEAN’s work has become complicated with Thailand, a member state, conducting its unilateral policy towards Myanmar. As an immediate neighbour, Thailand, argued its government, has had to face multiple challenges. The refugee influx into border towns from Myanmar and a sharp increase in drug and human trafficking and cross-border crime were reported. Regular bilateral trade was disrupted due to violent clashes in eastern Myanmar. All this necessitated Thailand to adopt a more pragmatic opening and nurturing of ties with Myanmar’s military government. It has helped that the Thai government has enjoyed a long-held relationship with Myanmar’s generals.

In recent weeks, the Thai government convened meetings of the representatives of Myanmar, Laos, &nbsp;Cambodia and Vietnam, and later under the Track 1.5 Track format, with these and other neighbouring countries including India, China and Bangladesh. The objective was to craft a modus vivendi with the military regime, without paying too much attention to the views of the opposition operating under the flag of the unrecognized National Unity Government (NUG) of Myanmar. These discussions were clearly in defiance of ASEAN’s official line.

Thai diplomacy reached a significant milestone when, in appreciation of its labours, the Myanmar junta allowed Don Pramudwinai, the Thai deputy prime minister and foreign minister, to have an informal meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on 9 July. She has been in custody since the 2021 coup and was sentenced to 33 years of imprisonment. Pramudwinai claimed that Suu Kyi favoured dialogue with the military, implying that the latter was either unaware or indifferent to the NUG line of rejecting any discussions with the military. The Thai dignitary took the message to the ASEAN FMM, causing embarrassment to the Indonesian chair, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, and confirming that the ASEAN now had two policy lines &nbsp;– one favoured by the grouping and the other pursued by Thailand and its supporters.

Balancing in Jakarta

In this context, the joint communique of the FMM merits close scrutiny. Four key points are noteworthy. First, it stressed that the 5PC remained ASEAN’s “main reference to address the political crisis in Myanmar.” Second, it expressed appreciation for Indonesia as chair, which intensified engagement with all stakeholders in Myanmar in order to arrange “an inclusive dialogue” for “a comprehensive political solution.” Third, the foreign ministers were briefed by Thailand “on its recent activities &nbsp;on Myanmar, which several ASEAN Member States viewed as a positive development.” This was a clear confirmation of the schism within ASEAN. Yet, the communique went on to add, “We reaffirmed ASEAN unity and reiterated that any effort should support, in line with 5PC and in coordination with the Chair of ASEAN.”&nbsp;

Finally, the FMM called for “continued support of the External Partners” including the UN and neighbouring countries of Myanmar (which includes India), “to work with ASEAN for concrete implementation of 5PC.” Whether Thailand’s unilateral activities and diplomacy will continue for long remains to be seen. The present government is on its way out, following the recent elections and the complexion of the next government and its Myanmar policy are yet to be made visible. 
&nbsp; 
India’s approach

How has India been handling the Myanmar file, particularly given the disunity in ASEAN? India has correctly and consistently supported ASEAN centrality and 5PC. But New Delhi has also demonstrated an understanding of the Thai approach. India participated in the Track 1.5 Track dialogue in Bangkok and hosted its next session in Delhi. Like Thailand, India has vital national interests at stake, which are jeopardized by instability in Myanmar. The adverse impact is more acute following the recent ethnic clashes in Manipur.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar participated in the ASEAN-India ministerial meeting in Jakarta and related regional conferences. Thereafter, he proceeded to Bangkok for other meetings, including the BIMSTEC foreign ministers' meeting. On the sidelines, a bilateral meeting between the foreign ministers of India and Myanmar took place where both sides shared their perspectives and concerns. This was the first political-level interaction since the coup. It reflected the urgency for India to seek Myanmar’s cooperation on a range of security and development issues. Significantly, &nbsp;it also indicated an assessment in New Delhi that the tide of pragmatic diplomacy was turning in favour of the military government.

What next?

The next ASEAN summit is in September, in Indonesia. The two months leading up to it may witness an intensification of Myanmar-centred diplomacy. Only if ASEAN and the major neighbours are united and the Myanmar military shows flexibility, can a breakthrough materialize. Otherwise, ‘the sick man of Southeast Asia’ will continue to cause hardships to its people and serious anxiety to the region.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Nearly 30 months after the military coup derailed Myanmar’s experiment with limited democracy in February 2021, that nation continues to pose a serious challenge to ASEAN’s unity, centrality and credibility.

Nearly 30 months after the military coup derailed Myanmar’s experiment with limited democracy in February 2021, that nation continues to pose a serious challenge to ASEAN’s unity, centrality and credibility. This was evident at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (FMM), held in Jakarta from 11–12 July 2023. While endeavouring to help restore democratic transition and political normalcy in Myanmar, ASEAN has enjoyed international support but has failed in achieving its goal due to the obduracy of Myanmar generals and serious differences within the grouping. What does it signify for regional diplomacy and the future of the strife-torn ASEAN member? 5PC, then impasse At first, there seemed hope. In April, a few weeks after the coup, when the resistance movement was still non-violent and uncertain, Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, the regime’s strong man, flew to Jakarta and accepted the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) formula crafted by ASEAN’s top leaders. Its five elements were: an immediate cessation of all violence, constructive dialogue for a peaceful solution, mediation by a special envoy of ASEAN, delivery of humanitarian assistance, and the stipulation that the ASEAN delegation would “meet with all parties concerned.” ALSO READ| Crisis in Myanmar dominates talks at ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting But the situation began to deteriorate, with the authorities unleashing an endless cycle of violence, and the protesters continuing their resistance. ASEAN ran into a wall of non-cooperation. The military regime resiled from the 5PC, rejecting national dialogue with the opposition forces, and branding them as terrorists. The opposition returned the compliment and opposed reconciliation with the junta, except on its own terms. There were serious difficulties in delivering humanitarian assistance to much of the country. The UN/ASEAN demand for releasing political prisoners such as Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was also rejected. Despite efforts by three annual chairs of ASEAN – Brunei, Cambodia and Indonesia – it was clear that the mediation had failed. ASEAN barred Myanmar from attending its political level meetings (of foreign ministers and heads of state and government), leaving an empty seat, thereby symbolizing that while the nation retained its membership of ASEAN, its present government was not welcome to participate in discussions. Thailand’s unilateralism In recent months, ASEAN’s work has become complicated with Thailand, a member state, conducting its unilateral policy towards Myanmar. As an immediate neighbour, Thailand, argued its government, has had to face multiple challenges. The refugee influx into border towns from Myanmar and a sharp increase in drug and human trafficking and cross-border crime were reported. Regular bilateral trade was disrupted due to violent clashes in eastern Myanmar. All this necessitated Thailand to adopt a more pragmatic opening and nurturing of ties with Myanmar’s military government. It has helped that the Thai government has enjoyed a long-held relationship with Myanmar’s generals. In recent weeks, the Thai government convened meetings of the representatives of Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, and later under the Track 1.5 Track format, with these and other neighbouring countries including India, China and Bangladesh. The objective was to craft a modus vivendi with the military regime, without paying too much attention to the views of the opposition operating under the flag of the unrecognized National Unity Government (NUG) of Myanmar. These discussions were clearly in defiance of ASEAN’s official line. Thai diplomacy reached a significant milestone when, in appreciation of its labours, the Myanmar junta allowed Don Pramudwinai, the Thai deputy prime minister and foreign minister, to have an informal meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on 9 July. She has been in custody since the 2021 coup and was sentenced to 33 years of imprisonment. Pramudwinai claimed that Suu Kyi favoured dialogue with the military, implying that the latter was either unaware or indifferent to the NUG line of rejecting any discussions with the military. The Thai dignitary took the message to the ASEAN FMM, causing embarrassment to the Indonesian chair, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, and confirming that the ASEAN now had two policy lines – one favoured by the grouping and the other pursued by Thailand and its supporters. Balancing in Jakarta In this context, the joint communique of the FMM merits close scrutiny. Four key points are noteworthy. First, it stressed that the 5PC remained ASEAN’s “main reference to address the political crisis in Myanmar.” Second, it expressed appreciation for Indonesia as chair, which intensified engagement with all stakeholders in Myanmar in order to arrange “an inclusive dialogue” for “a comprehensive political solution.” Third, the foreign ministers were briefed by Thailand “on its recent activities on Myanmar, which several ASEAN Member States viewed as a positive development.” This was a clear confirmation of the schism within ASEAN. Yet, the communique went on to add, “We reaffirmed ASEAN unity and reiterated that any effort should support, in line with 5PC and in coordination with the Chair of ASEAN.” Finally, the FMM called for “continued support of the External Partners” including the UN and neighbouring countries of Myanmar (which includes India), “to work with ASEAN for concrete implementation of 5PC.” Whether Thailand’s unilateral activities and diplomacy will continue for long remains to be seen. The present government is on its way out, following the recent elections and the complexion of the next government and its Myanmar policy are yet to be made visible. India’s approach How has India been handling the Myanmar file, particularly given the disunity in ASEAN? India has correctly and consistently supported ASEAN centrality and 5PC. But New Delhi has also demonstrated an understanding of the Thai approach. India participated in the Track 1.5 Track dialogue in Bangkok and hosted its next session in Delhi. Like Thailand, India has vital national interests at stake, which are jeopardized by instability in Myanmar. The adverse impact is more acute following the recent ethnic clashes in Manipur. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar participated in the ASEAN-India ministerial meeting in Jakarta and related regional conferences. Thereafter, he proceeded to Bangkok for other meetings, including the BIMSTEC foreign ministers' meeting. On the sidelines, a bilateral meeting between the foreign ministers of India and Myanmar took place where both sides shared their perspectives and concerns. This was the first political-level interaction since the coup. It reflected the urgency for India to seek Myanmar’s cooperation on a range of security and development issues. Significantly, it also indicated an assessment in New Delhi that the tide of pragmatic diplomacy was turning in favour of the military government. What next? The next ASEAN summit is in September, in Indonesia. The two months leading up to it may witness an intensification of Myanmar-centred diplomacy. Only if ASEAN and the major neighbours are united and the Myanmar military shows flexibility, can a breakthrough materialize. Otherwise, ‘the sick man of Southeast Asia’ will continue to cause hardships to its people and serious anxiety to the region. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Myanmar: An empty seat, ASEAN schism and India’s choices

Manipur, a state in northeastern India, has made headlines after thousands of citizens protested a terrifying video that went viral on social media. Outrage has recently erupted across Manipur as well as in India's capital, New Delhi. Locals in Manipur gathered to protest the costly tragedy that occurred on May 4.

Manipur violence: Who is accountable ?

India and Japan signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on semiconductor development, which will include design, manufacturing, equipment research, and talent development. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the agreement was a substantial step to create a resilient complete value chain.

Japan becomes second Quad partner to sign semiconductor pact with India

More than two dozen Indian opposition parties said on Tuesday that they had formed an alliance called "INDIA" to challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in parliamentary elections next year.

Indian opposition parties form ‘INDIA’ alliance for 2024 election

As New Delhi continues to battle flood after water spilt from swollen Yamuna River, volunteers were seen rescuing animals that were stranded in floods. Even in Manali, volunteers from #ManaliStrays rushed to rescue the voiceless creatures trapped amid swollen Beas. In Agra-the water levels of Yamuna also surged to a staggering 495.8 feet - enveloping the compound walls of the iconic Taj Mahal. The rare event has raised concerns about a threat to the 17th-century masterpiece crafted from white marble.

A test of humanity: Saving animals in flood-hit north India

After heavy rainfall lashed parts of Maharashtra, including Mumbai and adjoining areas, over 100 local trains were cancelled. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert in Raigad, where a landslide occurred on the 19th of July - leaving several families trapped. Also, following continuous rainfall in parts of Uttarakhand, the Met Department issued an alert regarding possible inundation of low-lying areas and landslides in hilly areas. A decade after the Kedarnath tragedy of 2013, lessons remain largely unlearnt.

Uttarakhand on alert: Heavy rains flood Maharashtra, Gujarat; other areas affected

Since the onset of the monsoon in the hill state of Himachal Pradesh, 130 people have died in rain-related incidents such as landslides and flash floods, and road accidents - according to the Himachal Pradesh State Emergency Response Centre. The apple economy in the state’s capital – Shimla, took a hit this season while Mandi-Kullu national highway got blocked, keeping tourists stranded.

Himachal Pradesh: Landslide hit apple market, Mandi-Kullu national highway blocked

India's Northeastern State of Manipur is making headlines, thousands of locals have taken to the streets in protest over a disturbing video that went viral on social media. Just recently outrage has erupted across Manipur and the capital of India New Delhi. Locals in Manipur came out to protest the costly incident that took place on the 4th of May.

India: Protest in Manipur over viral video

The day after a distressing video surfaced, showing two women from the Kuki-Zomi community being publicly humiliated and sexually assaulted in Manipur, one of the survivors&nbsp;told The Indian Express that they were&nbsp;“left to the mob by the police”.

The video captures the horrifying scene of two women, one in her 20s and the other in her 40s, being forced to walk naked down a road and into a field, surrounded by a group of men.

Some of these men are seen dragging the women towards the field while subjecting them to sexual assault. In their police complaint filed on May 18, the survivor also alleged that the younger woman was brutally gang raped in broad daylight.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/manipur-viral-video-case-cm-says-two-including-main-culprit-arrested-617911">Manipur viral video case: Four main accused arrested | Top points</a>

<h2>Survivor speaks out</h2>

According to the complaint, the women sought refuge in a forest after their village in Kangpokpi district was attacked by a mob.

They were later rescued by Thoubal police and were being taken to the police station. However, their journey was halted by another mob, around two kilometres&nbsp;away from the police station, and the police seemingly handed them over to the crowd.

The younger woman, speaking to The Indian Express from her husband's home, accused the police of being present during the mob attack on their village. She claimed that the police picked them up near their home and then left them on the road with the mob, essentially giving them over to their attackers.

“The police were there with the mob which was attacking our village. The police picked us up from near home, and took us a little away from the village and left us on the road with the mob. We were given to them by police,” she said.

Also watch | Disturbing video emerges from Manipur, Indian Supreme Court takes notice

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/disturbing-video-emerges-from-manipur-indian-supreme-court-takes-notice-617860/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The complaint mentioned that there were five people together during the incident, the two women seen in the video, another woman in her 50s who was also subjected to the same humiliation, and the father and brother of the younger woman, whom they alleged were killed by the mob.

The survivors&nbsp;were unaware of the existence of the video until it went viral, causing national outrage and finally prompting the state government and police to take action, two months after the initial police report was filed.

While numerous men were part of the mob, the younger woman claimed to recognise a few of them, including one whom she knew to be a friend of her brother's.

Following the public outcry over the video, the government confirmed the arrest of one person linked to the incident on Thursday (July 20) morning. The police stated that they are actively pursuing further arrests of the perpetrators.

&nbsp;

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The day after a distressing video surfaced, showing two women from the Kuki-Zomi community being publicly humiliated and sexually assaulted in Manipur, one of the survivors told The Indian Express that they were “left to the mob by the police”.

The day after a distressing video surfaced, showing two women from the Kuki-Zomi community being publicly humiliated and sexually assaulted in Manipur, one of the survivors told The Indian Express that they were “left to the mob by the police”. The video captures the horrifying scene of two women, one in her 20s and the other in her 40s, being forced to walk naked down a road and into a field, surrounded by a group of men. Some of these men are seen dragging the women towards the field while subjecting them to sexual assault. In their police complaint filed on May 18, the survivor also alleged that the younger woman was brutally gang raped in broad daylight. Also read | Manipur viral video case: Four main accused arrested | Top points Survivor speaks out According to the complaint, the women sought refuge in a forest after their village in Kangpokpi district was attacked by a mob. They were later rescued by Thoubal police and were being taken to the police station. However, their journey was halted by another mob, around two kilometres away from the police station, and the police seemingly handed them over to the crowd. The younger woman, speaking to The Indian Express from her husband's home, accused the police of being present during the mob attack on their village. She claimed that the police picked them up near their home and then left them on the road with the mob, essentially giving them over to their attackers. “The police were there with the mob which was attacking our village. The police picked us up from near home, and took us a little away from the village and left us on the road with the mob. We were given to them by police,” she said. Also watch | Disturbing video emerges from Manipur, Indian Supreme Court takes notice The complaint mentioned that there were five people together during the incident, the two women seen in the video, another woman in her 50s who was also subjected to the same humiliation, and the father and brother of the younger woman, whom they alleged were killed by the mob. The survivors were unaware of the existence of the video until it went viral, causing national outrage and finally prompting the state government and police to take action, two months after the initial police report was filed. While numerous men were part of the mob, the younger woman claimed to recognise a few of them, including one whom she knew to be a friend of her brother's. Following the public outcry over the video, the government confirmed the arrest of one person linked to the incident on Thursday (July 20) morning. The police stated that they are actively pursuing further arrests of the perpetrators. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Woman stripped and raped in Manipur breaks silence, says was 'left to the mob by the police'

Eight cheetahs were brought in from Namibia, after which another 12 arrived from South Africa in February. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the release of the first arrivals at the national park. But the project received a setback with a series of deaths of cheetahs. A total of eight felines have died so far, and in the aftermath of a recent death, a top Indian wildlife official was removed as concerns were raised about this high-profile and popular project. Take a look.

Is India's Project Cheetah going awry? What's causing deaths of big cats?

Sri Lankan president is on a two-day visit to India, his first visit to the country since assuming office in July last year. The visit comes at a time when the two countries marked 75 years of their diplomatic relations. The visit by President Ranil Wickremesinghe is deemed important for trade relations between New Delhi and Colombo. In a major boost for India, Sri Lanka has already notified the rupee as a foreign currency. Agreements in power, energy, agriculture and Maritime issue are also on the cards. In a few hours from now Sri Lankan President will meet the Indian Prime Minister.

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on a two-day India visit

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe arrived in India for a significant two-day official visit to deepen ties between the two nations. This visit comes as a response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation and marks President Wickremesinghe's first trip to India since taking office.

Sri Lankan President's Wickremesinghe visits India holds talks with India PM Modi

At New Delhi, India, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe met with Indian PM Narendra Modi. The leaders addressed a joint press conference discussing reconstruction and reconciliation between the two countries.

New Delhi's 'neighbourhood first' policy

The Indian opposition alliance of 26 parties named itself 'INDIA'. An acronym for Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance. This triggered a heated political debate around the political use of the name of the nation. Our report explains why India was the Word of the Week. It also tells you the story of how India got its name.

How INDIA got its name? Why 'INDIA' was the Word of the Week?

Manipur: Protesting women set fire to the house of the accused

Japan has become the second quad partner after the United States to sign an agreement with India for the joint development of the semiconductor ecosystem. This will include design manufacturing, equipment, research and talent development.

India's tie-up with Japan is its first step to become a semiconductor hub

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: A disturbing video has emerged from the Indian state of Manipur showing two women being paraded on a road by a group of men. The incident has drawn wide-scale condemnation and calls for action against the perpetrators.

Manipur violence: Two women paraded naked, allegedly raped

The best golfers in the world have assembled in Liverpool for the 151st staging of The Open, golf's oldest major. The race for the Claret Jug comes amid the ceasefire in professional golf and the build-up for once, isn't dominated by politics. There is just one Indian in the field at The Royal Liverpool Golf Club- Shubhankar Sharma. The 26-year-old spoke to Wion's Esha Hanspal ahead of the tournament.

India's Shubhankar Sharma on his chances at the open

A disturbing video has emerged from the Indian state of Manipur showing two women being paraded on a road by a group of men. The incident has drawn wide-scale condemnation and calls for action against the perpetrators. WION has consciously decided against playing the video due to the sensitivity involved. The Manipur police arrested two people in the case this morning.

Disturbing video emerges from Manipur, Indian Supreme Court takes notice

The monsoon session of the Indian Parliament is all set to begin. The upcoming monsoon session of parliament starts today and is to be conducted till August 11th. This will be held in the new Parliament building marking a significant milestone.

Indian Parliament's monsoon session begins

The Indian government has been aggressively pushing the Digital India framework and forging ahead with the campaign to even the most remote part of the nation.&nbsp;

The government aims to improve online infrastructure across the nation and, with better internet connectivity, the government and other services will be made available efficiently.&nbsp;

But the spread of the internet comes with online security and cybercrimes, and in order to tackle such threats, there's a need to establish measures and regulations.&nbsp;

Hence, India is planning to enforce Digital India Act (currently a draft), which will seek to ensure that the internet in India is open, free from user harm and criminality. It will also look after establishing the institutional mechanism of accountability.&nbsp;

<h2>What is Digital India Act (DIA)?&nbsp;</h2>

DIA has been introduced to replace the Information Technology Act, which came into being in October 2000.&nbsp;

The government said that the Digital India Act, of 2023 is a future-ready legislation that aims to provide a strong legal framework to support India's tech goals.&nbsp;

A statement published by PIB read, "It constitutes a significant part of the Global Standard Cyber laws being formulated by the Narendra Modi Government for catalysing India's digital economy."&nbsp;

The statement also added that Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, the National Data Governance Framework policy, the recent amendments to the IT Rules, and CERT-In guidelines are important elements of this legal framework.&nbsp;

Today, the nation is the world's largest "digitally connected democracy" with 830 million internet users.&nbsp;

The government argues that the internet is mostly managed under the 23-year-old IT Act, which lacks provisions on user rights, trust, and safety, among other issues, and is ill-equipped to deal with emerging, sophisticated forms of cybercrime such as doxxing, cyberstalking, and online trolling, among others.

<h2>Technology has pros and cons&nbsp;</h2>

From the internet to mobile phones to artificial intelligence (AI), several waves in information technology have come with immense benefits for humankind. But there have been associated issues as well.&nbsp;

For example, many hail ChatGPT, and other tools like it, as the "next big thing". ChatGPT is an AI-powered language model, which is capable of generating human-like text based on context and past conversations. It is developed by OpenAI.&nbsp;

Its usage spread like a virus across the world, threatening jobs, and more. But the tool has also been condemned by experts. Recently, US regulators have asked OpenAI how it's addressing the potential for ChatGPT to generate false and misleading statements about real people.&nbsp;

AI-powered tech can help with efficiency and productivity gains, improved speed of business, and more, but there's also a need to establish control over the tech o keep it in check.&nbsp;

The Washington Post reported that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent a letter to OpenAI this week requesting specific information about how the company addresses the potential risk for ChatGPT "to generate statements about real individuals that are false, misleading, disparaging, or harmful."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Indian government has been aggressively pushing the Digital India framework and forging ahead with the campaign to even the most remote part of the nation. The government aims to improve online infrastructure across the nation and, with better internet connectivity, the government and other services will be made available efficiently.

The Indian government has been aggressively pushing the Digital India framework and forging ahead with the campaign to even the most remote part of the nation. The government aims to improve online infrastructure across the nation and, with better internet connectivity, the government and other services will be made available efficiently. But the spread of the internet comes with online security and cybercrimes, and in order to tackle such threats, there's a need to establish measures and regulations. Hence, India is planning to enforce Digital India Act (currently a draft), which will seek to ensure that the internet in India is open, free from user harm and criminality. It will also look after establishing the institutional mechanism of accountability. What is Digital India Act (DIA)? DIA has been introduced to replace the Information Technology Act, which came into being in October 2000. The government said that the Digital India Act, of 2023 is a future-ready legislation that aims to provide a strong legal framework to support India's tech goals. A statement published by PIB read, "It constitutes a significant part of the Global Standard Cyber laws being formulated by the Narendra Modi Government for catalysing India's digital economy." The statement also added that Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, the National Data Governance Framework policy, the recent amendments to the IT Rules, and CERT-In guidelines are important elements of this legal framework. Today, the nation is the world's largest "digitally connected democracy" with 830 million internet users. The government argues that the internet is mostly managed under the 23-year-old IT Act, which lacks provisions on user rights, trust, and safety, among other issues, and is ill-equipped to deal with emerging, sophisticated forms of cybercrime such as doxxing, cyberstalking, and online trolling, among others. Technology has pros and cons From the internet to mobile phones to artificial intelligence (AI), several waves in information technology have come with immense benefits for humankind. But there have been associated issues as well. For example, many hail ChatGPT, and other tools like it, as the "next big thing". ChatGPT is an AI-powered language model, which is capable of generating human-like text based on context and past conversations. It is developed by OpenAI. Its usage spread like a virus across the world, threatening jobs, and more. But the tool has also been condemned by experts. Recently, US regulators have asked OpenAI how it's addressing the potential for ChatGPT to generate false and misleading statements about real people. AI-powered tech can help with efficiency and productivity gains, improved speed of business, and more, but there's also a need to establish control over the tech o keep it in check. The Washington Post reported that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent a letter to OpenAI this week requesting specific information about how the company addresses the potential risk for ChatGPT "to generate statements about real individuals that are false, misleading, disparaging, or harmful." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Digital India Act': New Delhi's proposed plan to ensure online safety

Indian-origin World Bank Chief Ajay Banga is optimistic about India’s fight against poverty. He said that if India continues its economic momentum, it can tackle poverty. Speaking to reporters, Banga, who took over as the World Bank chief last year, said that the best way to fight poverty is through economic growth & job creation.

World Bank praises India’s anti-poverty drive

As ethnic violence in Manipur, northeastern India, continues, a horrifying video has emerged showing two ladies being paraded down a road by a mob of men. The incident has been widely condemned, and calls for action against the perpetrators have been raised.

Manipur Violence: Two women paraded naked by a group of men

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