Table of Contents
De/Cypher Data Dive 📈
Asia View
The Global Lead Poisoning Crisis
Synthesized By De/Cypher Team, Published in Foreign Affairs
Lead poisoning, a silent yet pervasive threat to global health, affects millions of people every year, with estimates ranging from 1.6 to 5.5 million deaths annually. Despite its deadly toll, this crisis often remains hidden, overshadowed by other health concerns. Lead is a potent neurotoxin that poses serious risks, especially during critical stages of cognitive development. The devastating effects of lead exposure have been well documented, affecting neurological functions, cardiovascular health, kidney function, and reproductive systems.
Historically, the United States serves as a stark example of the insidious nature of lead poisoning. Starting with the use of tetraethyl lead in gasoline to reduce engine knocking in the 1920s, lead emissions grew alongside the rise in car ownership post-World War II. The consequences were profound, with nearly every child in the U.S. having elevated blood lead levels by the mid-1960s. However, regulatory measures like the Clean Air Act of 1970 marked a watershed moment, resulting in the phase-out of leaded gasoline and subsequent bans on residential lead paint and plumbing systems. By the 1990s, the proportion of American children with elevated blood lead levels had substantially decreased.
In contrast, many developing countries continue to deal with lead exposure as a widespread and ongoing problem. Leaded gasoline, which was once widely used around the world, has been phased out, representing a significant victory for public health. However, the challenges persist. In 2020, UNICEF and Pure Earth estimated that 800 million children worldwide have blood lead levels above the World Health Organization's clinical intervention threshold. In Bolivia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and India, the average level of lead in children's blood exceeds this limit.
Lead exposure in these areas can come from a variety of sources, including lead-contaminated spices used to brighten color and increase sales value, as well as unregulated battery recycling, which has become especially common since the green energy revolution. The transition to electric vehicles, such as the ubiquitous tuk tuks in Bangladesh, provides insight into this toxic reality. Each of these vehicles runs on lead-acid batteries, which, when recycled in informal and often dangerous settings, emit hazardous lead into the environment.
Addressing the global lead poisoning crisis requires a multifaceted strategy. Investments of around $350 million over seven years could significantly reduce lead levels while also supporting surveillance, research, and regulatory efforts. International partnerships, such as the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint, provide platforms for collaborative action.
The tragedy of lead poisoning is not its complexity, but its preventability. With known solutions and successful interventions in wealthier countries, the path to eradication is clear. Better regulation, increased awareness, and targeted interventions can save millions of lives from a completely avoidable health crisis. As the world faces daunting challenges, addressing lead poisoning stands out as a tangible, attainable goal—one that can save lives and protect the health of future generations.
Read the original article here.
Af-Pak De/Cypher
8 April, 2024
Top Stories📜 this week
Pakistan, KSA reaffirm resolve to strengthen bilateral ties
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman hosted an Iftar dinner for PM Shehbaz, reaffirming bilateral ties. Shehbaz, with Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz, performed Umrah and formed a committee to review climate governance. Additionally, he pledged to ensure healthcare for all on World Health Day. Read more: The Nation
Norway removes Pakistan from national threat assessment list
Norway removed Pakistan from its national threat assessment list, following effective diplomatic efforts by Islamabad. This move is expected to open new educational opportunities for Pakistani students and researchers, who faced challenges due to their country's inclusion on the list. Pakistan's positive image on the global platform is anticipated to strengthen as a result. Read more: Arab News
Zardari, Erdogan discuss boosting up bilateral ties
President Asif Ali Zardari and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed enhancing bilateral relations, with Zardari inviting Erdogan to visit Pakistan. The leaders exchanged Eid greetings and expressed hopes for strengthened ties, particularly in trade, as Zardari is seen to have positive relations with various world leaders. Read more: Dawn
Shangla attack: PM directs disciplinary action against senior security officials
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered disciplinary action against senior security officials following an investigative report on the Shangla district attack where five Chinese nationals were killed. A committee was formed to probe the incident, with PM Shehbaz directing action against specific officials within 15 days. He also assured foolproof security for Chinese nationals, overseeing their safety personally. Read more: The News International
Govt behind ‘poisonous’ letters to judges, alleges PTI
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) alleged that the delivery of poisonous letters to judges was a government conspiracy to intimidate the judiciary. PTI called for an immediate investigation to bring those responsible to justice, stating that these actions aimed to pressure judges in their decisions. The party demanded special measures for the safety of judges and their families amidst this perceived attack on the judiciary. Read more: Daily Times
At least 10 terrorists killed in DI Khan, Panjgur IBOs: ISPR
At least 10 terrorists were neutralized in separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Dera Ismail Khan and Panjgur districts, as per ISPR. Eight terrorists were killed in D.I. Khan, with recovered arms and explosives, while two were neutralized in Panjgur, identified as Asad and Hasrat. The military reiterated its determination to eradicate terrorism, emphasizing security forces' commitment to peace and stability in both Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Read more: Pakistan Today
Country set to repay $1b against Eurobond
Pakistan is set to repay a $1 billion Eurobond, reducing its debt stock below $7 billion. The State Bank of Pakistan awaits finance ministry instructions for repayment. The maturing bond's record-high price reflects optimism amid improved reserves, with stability expected from IMF tranches and plans to raise $300 million through Panda bonds. The rupee's strong performance, emerging as the best in the region, is expected to remain stable around Rs277-280 per US dollar. Read more: The Express Tribune
IP gas pipeline project: Work begins ahead of Iran president’s visit
Work on the Pakistan-Iran Gas Pipeline Project has started ahead of President Ebrahim Raisi's visit on April 22. The project, costing Rs44 billion, aims to build an 80-km pipeline from Gwadar to connect with the Iranian pipeline. Funding is sought from the 2024-25 PSDP due to GIDC shortages. The ISGS has issued tenders for surveys and FEED. Iran's deadline for completion by February-March 2024, or face an $18 billion penalty, adds urgency. Read more: Business Recorder
'Nepo Babies' in Power: Does it impede growth?
Summarized by De/Cypher Team, Published in The Economist
"If politics in Asia shows anything, it is that family matters" - Economist
Political dynasties have long been a feature of South Asian politics. From the Kim family in North Korea to the Gandhi family in India, political power has been passed down through generations, as termed by the economist article as "nepo babies" in politics.
Even in the recent Pakistan elections, the Sharifs and Bhutto-Zardaris joined forces, backed by the army, to keep out the non-dynast Imran Khan. But the question remains: do political dynasties hinder development?
Dr. Ayesha Ali of the Lahore University of Management Sciences explores this question in her paper "Do Political Dynasties Hinder Development? Evidence from a Natural Disaster" to understand the effects of political dynasties. The study uses data from the 2010 floods in Pakistan to assess the impact of dynastic politicians on the economic recovery of flood-affected areas by analyzing election results and development spending from 2008 to 2013. The study finds that land-owning dynastic politicians are more likely to allocate resources for local development post-disaster compared to their biradari or clan-based counterparts.
Most importantly, Dr. Ali's research reveals a noteworthy trend: constituencies led by dynastic politicians experienced a 10.9 percent decline in development investment following the flood disaster compared with those not influenced by dynastic leadership. This suggests that Asia must step out from the long shadows cast by its dynasties to progress.
Imran’s problem with Gen Asim
Summarized By De/Cypher Team, Published in Talat’s Substack.
Imran Khan's recent confrontation with army chief Asim Munir can be understood through a mix of factors. Firstly, there are "pull factors" such as a perceived assertiveness of the judiciary against the establishment led by Gen. Asim, which Imran hopes could lead to pressure on the Supreme Court. Additionally, Imran sees an opportunity in the shaky Shehbaz government, hoping to capitalize on its weaknesses to potentially return to power. He also senses a favorable media and political shift in his favor, along with a challenging regional and global landscape that might distract the army from internal matters.
On the other hand, there are "push factors" at play. Imran's own party, PTI, is in disarray with numerous factions and conflicting narratives. Being in jail, Imran struggles to control his party and relies on aggressive rhetoric to assert influence. Furthermore, recent interactions between the KP CM and the army have unsettled Imran, who sees it as a challenge to his authority within the party. Imran's strategy involves creating chaos to stoke public anger against the system, particularly focusing it on the army chief.
Ultimately, Imran's gambit has garnered attention but hasn't swayed the army's stance. Their response of unwavering determination against the 9th May violence indicates a lack of compromise. Despite this, Imran is likely to persist in his aggressive tactics, driven by a desire for a breakthrough that has eluded him so far.
Legal Supply Chain Reforms and Labour Conditions in Pakistan
Written By Priyanka Garodia, Geopolitical Research Analyst
60% of the workforce in the garment industry is women and in some cases 80% as reported by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Clothing manufacturing has provided economic revenue generation avenues for many people in the Global South, especially women. Since its liberalization in the 1990s, Pakistan’s workforce has seen a steady increase in female workforce participation, a substantial portion of these women found employment in the garment manufacturing industry. With the revocation of the Multi-Fibre Arrangement (MFA) in 1974 by the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the Pakistani state took advantage of the freer trade ecosystem to promote its garment manufacturing industry. They pushed for an increased participation by women through financially supporting women, subsidizing employer contribution to their pensions, offering marriage grants for factory workers of 3 years. Women were hired but often at pay upto 50% less than their male counterparts. The Pakistani labor market can be characterized by ‘gender discrimination in participation and wage differentials.’ The garment manufacturing industry in Pakistan has come under international scrutiny for its clear violation of human rights including less than legal wages, limiting labor union activity, unsafe and sanitary conditions of work, insufficient breaks amongst others. However, these concerns never materialized in any concrete measure by global fashion companies that exported from Islamabad. Some of Pakistan’s highest importers were the US, Netherlands, Germany, U.K. and China.
The passing of a significant Act in Germany pertaining to supply chain activity with companies who have more than 1000 employees is being heralded as a game-changer. The ‘Supply Chain Due Diligence Act’ (SCDDA) came into effect on January 1st, 2023, and clearly states that all enterprises have to be responsible for the state of other operations in Germany or abroad. The act mandates the appointment of a human rights and environmental rights officer, permission for unions, employees and officials to blow the whistle on any activities that are out of line and the creation of a comprehensive risk-management system. The main aim of the act is to fully protect the rights of workers who contribute to the German economy. The non-compliance with the above will result in a fine of up to eight million Euros. While international flack for South Asia countries and their gross labor violations in the subcontinent has been rampant, there has never existed any system of punitive measure or penalisation for violators. Germany, being home to major fashion brands that have production companies in Pakistan, will greatly influence the entire ecosystem of production.
Women’s labor rights have been precarious and often overlooked in the international discourse. Hired due to their lesser wages, higher professionalism, and better performances, they are often exploited and subjugated to subhuman working conditions. Pakistan requires international garment trade as it leads to foreign exchange earnings and employment generation for people. Reforms at the end of large fashion companies who drive substantial growth in Pakistan will lead to a revision in the labor conditions due to the fear of missing out on investment. Germany is only the tip of the iceberg.
Bangladesh De/Cypher
8 April, 2024
Top Stories📜 this week
Brazil will seriously consider Bangladesh’s inclusion in BRICS: FM Vieira
Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira expressed strong consideration for Bangladesh's inclusion in the BRICS bloc, emphasizing the close ties between the two countries. The potential addition of Bangladesh to BRICS, which currently consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, was discussed during his meeting with Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud in Dhaka. Read more: BD News 24
4 EU states to recruit skilled manpower from BD
Four EU countries—Italy, Germany, Greece, and Romania—are eager to recruit skilled workers from Bangladesh, with plans to finalize recruitment details by June. This effort aims to align labor market needs, initially focusing on sectors like shipbuilding, garments, ICT, construction, tourism, and agriculture. Read more: The New Nation
Take back Rohingyas, Bangladesh tells Myanmar at UN
Bangladesh, represented by Ambassador Muhith at the UN, urged Myanmar to uphold Rohingya repatriation agreements from 2017 and 2018 amid renewed Rakhine conflict risks. The Security Council session emphasized the need for international engagement and addressing underlying causes for a sustainable solution to the crisis. Read more: New Age
Who are behind the KNF, what’s behind the recent attacks?
The Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF), a newly emerged armed group in Bangladesh's Chittagong Hill Tracts, aims for a separate state in the region, comprising nine upazilas from two hill districts. KNF claims to represent six ethnic groups and formed an armed group, the Kuki-Chin National Army (KNA), led by Nathan Bom. KNF has been linked to training militants and has conducted at least nine major terrorist incidents in the past two years, resulting in casualties and disruptions in the region. The KNF's activities have led to practical isolation of certain areas, affecting local communities and tourism, with reports indicating their membership could be around 700. Read more: Prothom Alo
Several terrorists held during joint raids in Bandarban: Army chief
Following recent incidents of bank robberies, weapon looting, and a bank official's abduction in Bandarban, joint operations were initiated by law enforcers under the Prime Minister's directive. The Chief of Army Staff, General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, announced that several terrorists were apprehended, and two firearms were seized during raids in the hill districts. These operations target the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) to quell separatist activities after recent terrorist attacks in Thanchi and Ruma, with the army chief affirming the continuation of joint efforts until stability is restored. Read more: Rising BD
Chargesheet in graft case against Prof Yunus, 13 others accepted
A Dhaka court has accepted the chargesheet against Nobel Laureate economist Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus and 13 others in a case concerning the misappropriation of Tk 25.22 crore from the Grameen Telecom Workers' Profit Participation Fund. The case has been transferred to Dhaka Special Judge Court-4, with the next hearing scheduled for May 2. Read more: Daily Observer
Daily Star terminates Executive Editor Ashfaqul Haque
The Daily Star newspaper has terminated Executive Editor Syed Ashfaqul Haque, currently in jail over the death of his teenage domestic help due to negligence. Preeti Urang, 15, died after allegedly falling from Haque's flat balcony in Mohammadpur on February 6. Haque and his wife were sent to jail in connection with the case, which led to the termination. Read more: Dhaka Tribune
Dengue Menace: Aedes control efforts not up to the mark
Experts warn of a potential rise in dengue cases this year, particularly outside Dhaka, due to insufficient efforts in controlling Aedes mosquitoes. Last year, the country recorded 1,705 dengue-related deaths and 3.21 lakh cases, with 2.11 lakh cases outside Dhaka. This year, till April 4, there have been 1,740 hospitalizations, with 1,135 outside Dhaka. In Chattogram, despite last year's outbreak, a lack of awareness persists. Read more: The Daily Star
Asia Headlines Quick Recap 🌏
SpaceX launches South Korea's second spy satellite amid race with North Korea
South Korea's second spy satellite, launched by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Florida's Kennedy Space Center, successfully entered orbit. The satellite, equipped with a synthetic aperture radar (SAR), aims to bolster military capabilities amid a space race with North Korea. Read more: CNA
Russia declares emergency in Orenburg region amid floods after dam burst
Russia has declared a "federal emergency" in the Orenburg region as the Ural River floods Orsk and threatens the main city of Orenburg, following a dam burst near Orsk due to torrential rain. Over 4,500 people have been evacuated, with more than 6,500 homes flooded. Read more: France 24
Top Vietnamese lawmaker in China after president's surprise ouster
Vietnam's top legislator, Vuong Dinh Hue, visited China for six days, discussing trade, party relations, and regional security amid Hanoi's recent U.S. ties and the dismissal of President Vo Van Thuong. Read more: Nikkei
Thai PM says Myanmar regime 'losing strength'
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin believes the Myanmar military regime, which seized power in a 2021 coup, is weakening amidst a growing insurgency. Read more: Business Times
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