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Policy

Arunachal Pradesh Minister Balo Raja Stresses Role of Consultative Committees in Governance

Arunachal Pradesh’s Urban Affairs Minister, Balo Raja, on Tuesday underscored the importance of consultative committees in governance, emphasizing their role in fostering discussions between elected representatives and government officials. Presiding over the consultative committee meeting of the Urban Affairs Department, Raja reminded attendees that these committees were first constituted by the Centre in June 1969 to help elected members better understand administrative processes. He highlighted their function as an informal platform for MPs, MLAs, and government ministries to discuss policy formulation and address governance challenges. “In line with the recommendations of the 8th All India Whips Conference held in 1972, Arunachal Pradesh has established consultative committees for each department, chaired by the respective ministers and comprising MLAs as members,” Raja stated. He further noted that such meetings should ideally be conducted during or between legislative sessions, with their reports submitted to the government for consideration. In most cases, unanimous recommendations are accepted, barring exceptions in specific policy areas. The meeting was attended by MLAs Techi Kasso, Tapi Darang, and Hamjong Tangha, along with senior officials, including Urban Affairs Secretary Nyali Ete, Joint Secretary Tamune Miso, Urban Development Chief Engineer Taring Darang, Town Planning Director Likha Suraj, and Housing Director Geyi Basar, among others. The discussion reaffirmed the government’s commitment to structured and collaborative decision-making, ensuring effective policy implementation in urban development.

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UN Tourism Joins G20 Presidency to Discuss Future of Tourism Policies and Governance

UN Tourism has partnered with the G20 Presidency to advance tourism policies and transform governance across the sector. At a side event held on the eve of the official G20 Tourism Ministers’ meeting, discussions centered on a new approach to tourism policy, focusing on people and the planet. Held under the Brazilian Presidency of the G20, the event saw high-level representatives from countries including India, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Spain, as well as the Inter-American Development Bank. Participants highlighted the vital role tourism plays in economic growth and social inclusion, as well as its potential to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reduce global inequalities. In his opening address, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili praised Brazil’s focus on inclusion and sustainability, stating, “To transform our sector, we need new policies and governance models that place communities and the environment at the center of tourism development.” Brazil’s Minister of Tourism, Celso Sabino, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the country’s commitment to sustainable tourism. “Sustainability is a priority for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s government. Responsible tourism that protects the environment, culture, and history is key to prosperous national development,” Sabino said. The G20 Tourism meeting was notably held in Pará, in the heart of the Amazon. Key takeaways from the event included: A call for new governance models that involve resident consultation, stronger coordination among government agencies, and partnerships with local authorities and the private sector. The need for targeted policies on gender equality, social inclusion, climate action, and regional development. The importance of improving the measurement of tourism’s impact on economic, social, and environmental dimensions, including the recent approval of the United Nations Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism. The G20 economies, which account for over 70% of international tourist arrivals, have demonstrated resilience post-pandemic, with countries like Saudi Arabia, Spain, and Turkey surpassing pre-2019 tourist levels. The discussions from this event will guide future strategies aimed at reshaping global tourism governance and policy. Source: UNWTO

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The Interconnection Between Climate Change and Immune Health: A Growing Concern

As the global community grapples with the multifaceted challenges of climate change, a concerning trend has emerged: a rise in immune-mediated diseases. From nasal allergies to rheumatoid arthritis to cancer, diseases linked to immune dysregulation are on the ascent, and climate change appears to be a contributing factor. A recent study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health sheds light on this critical issue, highlighting the profound implications of climate-driven stressors on human health. The study, published in Frontiers in Science and co-authored by Kari Nadeau, a leading expert in climate and population studies, underscores the intricate interplay between environmental factors and immune health. Climate-driven stressors, such as wildfires, extreme weather events, and changes in agricultural practices, are triggering immune dysregulation, thereby exacerbating the prevalence of immune-mediated diseases. Nadeau’s research elucidates the mechanisms through which climate change impacts immune health. For instance, pollutants from wildfires and heightened pollen levels due to warmer temperatures can compromise the body’s defense mechanisms, leaving individuals more susceptible to infections and allergic reactions. Moreover, disruptions in food production and nutrient depletion resulting from climate-related events contribute to malnutrition, impairing immune system function and exacerbating the risk of disease. Of particular concern is the role of persistent inflammation induced by climate-related stressors in driving immune-mediated diseases, including cancer. As temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, the prevalence of chronic inflammation poses a significant public health challenge, necessitating urgent action to mitigate its impact. To address the global rise in immune-mediated diseases, Nadeau advocates for a multifaceted approach. This includes implementing policies to curb greenhouse gas emissions, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and investing in research to better understand the complex interactions between climate change and immune health. Additionally, she underscores the importance of public awareness and education, urging scientists, clinicians, policymakers, and the media to communicate the tangible health consequences of climate change to the general public. The study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health highlights the pressing need to address the intersection of climate change and immune health. By recognizing the profound impact of environmental factors on human well-being, we can galvanize collective action to safeguard public health in the face of a changing climate. As we strive to build a more resilient and sustainable future, prioritizing the protection of immune health must remain a central tenet of our global health agenda.

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