Weblog of Amity Institute of International Studies, Amity University, Noida
VIJIGISHU '24
Wednesday, 31 January 2024
INR | APAC: Weekly Updates
Navy rescues vessel with 19 Pakistani nationals hijacked by armed Somali pirates
INS Sumitra, the Indian Navy warship, rescued an Iranian-flagged fishing vessel carrying 19 Pakistani crew that was hijacked by armed Somali pirates off the east coast of Somalia. The Indian Navy rescued the Pakistani crew and overpowered the Somali pirates.
Maldives' main Opposition party to file impeachment motion against President Muizzu
The main opposition party of Maldives Maldivian Democratic Party, which holds a majority in the Parliament, is set to file an impeachment motion against President Mohamed Muizzu, local media reported on Monday
Insat-3DS satellite sent to spaceport, launch soon
The Insat -3DS satellite has been transported to the spacecraft, with its launch expected soon.
Diplomatic Shift: China Poised to appoint new Ambassador after 15 months
China is reportedly considering the appointment of a new ambassador after 15 months.
Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi get 10-year jail term in cipher case
PTI founder Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi have been given 10-year prison sentences in the Cipher case
Graziers confront Chinese soldiers in eastern Ladakh
Indian graziers were stopped by Chinese soldiers in Kakjung area of Ladakh along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) earlier this month, according to a video shot by locals that was shared on X by Chushul councillor Konchok Stanzin on January 30.
"China's Debt-Laden Regions Set Conservative 2024 GDP Targets Amid Economic Challenges"
China's debt-laden regions, like Tianjin, set conservative 2024 GDP growth targets amidst economic challenges. Tianjin, heavily reliant on debt, aims for 4.5% growth after a subpar 4.3% in 2023. Beijing urges debt reduction, impacting provinces like Yunnan and Guizhou.
"INS Visakhapatnam Rescues MV Marlin Luanda from Houthi Attack in Gulf of Aden; Crew Safe"
INS Visakhapatnam, a guided missile destroyer, responded to a distress call from MV Marlin Luanda in the Gulf of Aden. The ship was targeted by Houthis, and the Indian Navy is aiding firefighting efforts for the 22 Indian and 1 Bangladeshi crew onboard. Crew members are reported to be safe, contradicting earlier claims of abandonment.
"Pakistani Workers Murdered in Iran's Sistan-Baluchistan; Diplomatic Tensions Amidst Calls for Investigation"
Gunmen killed nine Pakistani workers in Iran's Sistan-Baluchistan province, days after cross-border missile strikes between Pakistan and Iran. Pakistan condemns the attack, seeks an immediate investigation, and urges Iran's cooperation. The incident occurred as diplomatic tensions eased, with ambassadors returning.
"Trump Contemplates 60% Tariff on Chinese Imports for Reelection Bid, Stirring Economic Debates"
If reelected, Donald Trump is considering aggressive economic measures against China, including a potential 60% tariff on all Chinese imports. His approach, aiming to boost domestic industry, contrasts with critics who argue it could harm the U.S. economy. Trump sees tariffs as a strategic tool to address China's trade practices.
"Parliament Chaos in Maldives Over Cabinet Vote Sparks Protests and Opposition Demands for Speaker's Resignation"
Chaos erupted in the Maldives parliament as pro-government lawmakers clashed with the opposition during a crucial vote on President Mohamed Muizzu's cabinet. The ruling alliance protested the rejection of four cabinet members, claiming it hampers public service, while the opposition cited concerns, leading to calls for the speaker's resignation.
"India Seeks to Diversify Arms Sources Amidst Ukraine War Disruptions, Balancing Ties Between U.S. and Russia"
India, the largest arms importer from Russia, aims to reduce dependence on its biggest arms supplier due to disruptions caused by the Ukraine war. This shift aligns with the U.S.-India strategic ties and a focus on domestic production under PM Modi's "Make in India" initiative. However, India must carefully balance ties with Russia to avoid pushing Moscow closer to China.
"India Cooperates in Probe of Sikh Leader's Murder in Canada, Easing Tensions Amidst Trudeau's Allegations"
Former Canadian National Security Advisor Jody Thomas revealed that India is now cooperating in the probe into the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. The evolving relationship follows tensions over allegations by Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau, which India deemed absurd. Thomas emphasized the importance of a healthy Canada-India relationship in the Indo-Pacific.
"Pakistan Accuses India of Orchestrating Assassinations, Shares Evidence with US and Canada; International Scrutiny and Calls for Investigation Follow"
Pakistan has accused India of orchestrating assassinations on its soil, sharing evidence with the US and Canada. Allegations include a covert program targeting critics abroad, raising concerns about global political dissident safety and violating international law. India faces scrutiny and calls for collaboration in investigations.
https://www.dawn.com/news/amp/1808969
News bits compiled by:
Nadia Rawat (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)
Alithia Clemency Paul (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)
Drafted by:
Deepanshi Pathak (B.A. I.R., 2nd Year)
Deepanjali Singh (B.A. I.R., 2nd Year)
Published by:
Tuesday, 30 January 2024
INR | EASTERN EUROPE & CENTRAL ASIA: Weekly Updates
Russia claims Ukraine shot down a military transport plane, killing 65 Ukrainian POWs.
1) Ukrainian officials remained silent on the crash in Russia's Belgorod region, and The Associated Press couldn't confirm details about the incident or those on board.
2) The Russian military reported that, aside from the 65 POWs, the Il-76 transport plane had a crew of six and three additional passengers.
3) Social media footage depicted a plane plummeting in a snowy rural area, followed by a large explosion upon impact.
Anti-Putin Russians rally behind an unexpected contender with a collective rejection.
1) Boris B. Nadezhdin is the only antiwar candidate with a shot at opposing President Putin in Russia's March election.
2) Russians against the war are rapidly signing Boris B. Nadezhdin's petition, inside and outside the country, aiming to meet the January 31 deadline for his candidacy.
3) With protests banned and military criticism outlawed in Russia, backing Mr. Nadezhdin offers antiwar Russians a rare public connection amid two years of jingoism and state oppression.
Read more at: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/27/world/europe/russia-putin-election-boris-nadezhdin.html?smid=whatsapp-nytimes
Putin approves 'Leningrad': A nuclear advance in Arctic aspirations.
1) The project was officially announced during a keel-laying ceremony in St. Petersburg, reported by the Russian state news agency TASS.
2) Amid Western sanctions over its actions in Ukraine, Russia seeks to boost trade links with Asia, highlighting this development.
3) The Arctic's Northern Sea Route is a strategic, cost-effective alternative with shorter distances.
Belgorod hit by double bombing amid Russia-Ukraine war 
1. Russia bombed its eastern city of Belgorod, twice in one day, near the border with Ukraine.
2. The explosives didn't detonate or cause any casualties.
3. Belgorod is located near the Ukrainian border and houses russian military.
4. There have been incidents that involved Russia's military accidentally dropping munitions and missiles.
Ukraine and Hungary seek to resolve minority rights dispute ahead of EU summit
1. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto held talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba.
2. Hungary has vetoed an EU aid package for Ukraine, worth 50 billion euros, over its concerns about Ukraine’s language and education laws.
3. The two sides agreed to set up a special commission to work out a solution to the minority rights issue
4. Ukraine hopes to secure the EU aid package at the upcoming summit in Brussels.
Read more at: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/hungarian-foreign-minister-visits-ukraine-before-eu-summit-aid-package-2024-01-29/
Disagreements on Rape Definition Threaten EU's Bid to Criminalize Non-Consensual Sex
1. The EU proposed legislation in 2022 to combat violence against women by defining rape as sex without consent.
2. Disagreements among 12 member states, including France and Germany, have stalled negotiations.
3. France and Germany's opposition, citing legal reasons, could jeopardize the entire legislation.
4. Recent high-profile cases highlight the need for unified legal reforms across European countries.
5. Activists emphasize the urgency of adopting progressive laws to protect women, addressing disparities in legal protection and victim support.
Read more at: https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/01/29/why-the-eus-plan-to-criminalise-non-consensual-sex-is-falling-apart
European Commission Initiates Review of UNRWA Funding Amid Accusations of Involvement in October 7 Attacks
1. European Commission to reassess UNRWA support due to staff involvement allegations in October 7 attacks on Israel.
2. EU urges immediate probe into UNRWA staff to confirm non-participation in the attacks.
3. Allegations involve twelve UNRWA employees, prompting calls for audits and control system reviews for EU funding.
4. Seven EU member states suspend payments to UNRWA pending investigations.
5. UN Secretary-General urges reconsideration to ensure Gaza aid continuity.
6. Spain, Ireland, and Luxembourg continue supporting UNRWA.
7. EU, a major Gaza donor, increased humanitarian aid to over €100 million since the October war, largely through UNRWA.
8. No additional UNRWA funding until end of February, pending UN investigations.
9. EU emphasizes uninterrupted humanitarian aid through partners.
10. Commission previously paused development aid for audit, finding no funds diverted to terrorists.
11. EU now calls for UNRWA audit by "EU-appointed independent external experts" to prevent staff involvement in terrorism.
Netanyahu Under Pressure: Security Failures and Political Turbulence Unfold
1. Gadi Eisenkot, a former IDF chief of staff, criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for failures leading to the October 7 attacks in Israel.
2. Eisenkot accused Netanyahu of prioritizing political interests over national security, prompting a change in government policy.
3. Netanyahu offered a two-month cease-fire to Hamas, which was rejected, in exchange for releasing hostages.
4. Netanyahu faces internal political challenges, but it is premature to declare the end of his political career.
5. Israeli politics may not have significantly changed since the war, with right-wing parties maintaining a potential majority.
6. Netanyahu has a political edge, exploiting prevailing views against a two-state solution and garnering support for anti-Hamas efforts.
7. Despite criticisms and security failures, Netanyahu's political resilience cannot be underestimated.
Read more at: https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/01/29/netanyahu-is-a-failure-and-israels-next-winner/?tpcc=recirc_latest062921
Georgian Prime Minister Steps Down in Prelude to Parliamentary Elections
1. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili resigns ahead of October parliamentary elections.
2. Garibashvili opts for the leadership of the ruling Georgian Dream party, to be discussed at a party congress.
3. Irakli Kobakhidze expected to succeed Garibashvili as prime minister, according to sources.
4. Despite being the most popular party, Georgian Dream has seen a decline in support since 2020.
5. Georgia achieved EU candidate status in December 2022 amid strained relations with the West.
6. Garibashvili, in office, refrained from sanctioning Russia for the Ukraine war and restored direct air links.
7. Georgian Dream supports EU and NATO membership, both popular in Georgia, but Russia opposes Georgia joining NATO.
Read more at: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/georgian-prime-minister-resigns-ahead-parliamentary-elections-2024-01-29/
Zelenskiy Embraces Transparency: Reveals Income in Demonstrative Move
1. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy publicly disclosed his income over a two-year period on the presidential website.
2. Zelenskiy highlighted a decline in his income for 2021 and 2022, with the latter affected by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
3. In 2021, Zelenskiy and his family reported income of 10.8 million hryvnias ($286,168), including proceeds from government bonds.
4. The Zelenskiy family's income further dropped to 3.7 million hryvnias in 2022, attributed to reduced rental income from real estate due to the war outbreak.
5. Zelenskiy advocates for public officials to disclose their incomes to enhance transparency and combat corruption, aligning with Ukraine's EU aspirations.
6. Western allies and international bodies, including the IMF, emphasize anti-corruption efforts in their support to Ukraine.
7. Ukraine's National Agency on Corruption Prevention recently reopened a register on declared income for public scrutiny.
Read more at: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraines-zelenskiy-publishes-income-part-transparency-drive-2024-01-28/
Measles Resurgence Sparks Concern in Europe and the United States: Urgent Calls for Vaccination
1. The World Health Organization reports a more than 40-fold increase in measles cases in Europe last year compared to 2022, with Kazakhstan experiencing a significant outbreak, raising fears of further spread.
2. While the number of measles cases reported in the United States last year was lower than pre-pandemic levels, small outbreaks were linked to international travel.
3. Potential complications include diarrhea, pneumonia, long-term respiratory difficulties, and even death. Deaths from measles globally rose by 43% between 2021 and 2022.
4. The measles vaccine is 93% effective with a single dose, and public health experts urge families to ensure timely immunization, especially before international travel.
5. False claims regarding vaccines and the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to declining immunization rates.
Read more at: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/24/health/measles-europe.html?smid=-nytimes
India Treads Carefully as It Shifts Away from Russian Arms Dependency Amid Ukraine War Fallout.
1. India, is gradually reducing dependence on Russian arms, seeking alternative suppliers, and aiming to strengthen ties with the United States for defense procurement.
2. Russia supplied 65% of India's weapons over the last two decades, totaling $60 billion.
3. However, the conflict in Ukraine has accelerated India's push to diversify its arms sources and reduce reliance on Moscow.
4. While looking to distance itself from Russia, India must navigate carefully to avoid pushing Moscow closer to China, which remains a major economic partner.
5. Prime Minister Modi is focusing on domestic production with Western technology, aligning with the "Make in India" program.
6. Despite Russia's offers of advanced weaponry, India is facing challenges and delays in existing joint projects, including the production of Kamov Ka-226T helicopters.
News bits proofread, compiled and drafted by:
Shubhdayini R. Jandev (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)
Manjyot Kaur (B.A. I.R., 1st Year)
Sabika Owais (B.A. I.R., 3rd Year)
Published by:
Monday, 29 January 2024
INR | AMERICAS: Weekly Updates
'Hit Them Hard': Calls for Retaliation Grow After US Troops Killed in Jordan Attack
- Iran-backed militants carried out a drone attack on a Jordanian base, killing three U.S. troops.
- President Biden blamed radical groups in Syria and Iraq, vowing to hold them accountable. Iran denies involvement.
- Republicans call for retaliation against Iran. The incident raises concerns of a broader regional conflict.
Widening Mideast Crisis U.S. Blames Iran-Backed Militia for Deaths of 3 Soldiers in Jordan
- Three U.S. service members were killed in a drone attack in Jordan, with the Biden administration attributing it to an Iran-backed militia.
- The attack occurred at Tower 22 near the borders of Syria, Iraq, and Jordan, increasing pressure on President Biden to respond.
- The Iran-backed militias claimed responsibility, while Iran denied involvement, blaming the U.S. and Israel for regional instability.
- The attack follows previous strikes on U.S. forces in Iraq, Syria, and Jordan, with heightened calls for a stronger response from the Biden administration.
Nicaragua arrests second bishop as crackdown on Catholic church intensifies
- Nicaraguan authorities arrested Bishop Isidoro Mora amid a government crackdown on opposition figures and the Catholic Church. The arrest comes amidst wider human rights concerns in Nicaragua.
- The government views the church as opposition, part of a broader pattern of repression.
- Tensions have escalated since anti-regime protests in 2018. President Ortega's government has jailed priests, expelled nuns, and labelled protests as an "attempted coup."
https://edition.cnn.com/2023/12/22/americas/nicaragua-bishop-arrest-intl-hnk/index.html
Ecuador declares ‘internal armed conflict’ as gunmen take over live TV broadcast
- Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa declared an "internal armed conflict" as the country faces a wave of violence. The move comes after the escape of gang leader Adolfo "Fito" Macias and violent incidents.
- Authorities arrested all the armed men who interrupted a live TV broadcast, seizing firearms, grenades, and explosive material. The situation includes kidnappings, prison disturbances, and explosions, prompting a nationwide state of emergency with a 60-day curfew.
- The president called it a "state of war" against "terrorist groups." Neighboring countries express concern, and the U.S. offers assistance.
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/01/09/americas/armed-men-interrupt-live-tv-ecuador-intl/index.html
Columbia declares a disaster due to wildfires as it calls for international help
- Colombia declared a disaster situation as wildfires intensified due to hot and dry conditions linked to the El Niño weather phenomenon.
- President Petro seeks international help as flights get canceled in Bogota due to smoke and fog.
Argentina pension, tax reforms scrapped from legislation to ease passage
- Argentina's new government, led by President Javier Milei, withdrew major spending reforms, including pension and tax reform, from a comprehensive bill in Congress.
- Economy Minister Luis Caputo emphasized Milei's commitment to eliminating the budget deficit.
Venezuela's Maduro says election deal with opposition could collapse
- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro warns that a deal with the political opposition for elections later this year is at risk of collapse. The deal, reached last year, led to a temporary easing of US oil sanctions.
- US officials emphasize that the relief is contingent on lifting bans on political opponents, releasing political prisoners, and addressing concerns about the arrests of opposition members.
- Maduro claims that "conspiracies" against him and government officials were dismantled, with nearly three dozen people detained.
- The government's arrest of opposition figures jeopardizes the agreements and could trigger the reinstatement of sanctions.
Argentina's President Milei to visit Israel in display of support
- President Javier Milei plans to visit Israel soon, signaling strong support.
- He pledges solidarity during a Holocaust remembrance event.
- Milei aims to strengthen ties between Argentina and Israel, emphasizing shared values.
https://www.reuters.com/world/argentinas-president-milei-visit-israel-display-support-2024-01-26/
India is now cooperating on probe into Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing: ex-Canadian NSA
- India is now cooperating with Canada in the probe into the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.
- The cooperation comes after months of tensions and allegations of non-cooperation against India by Canada.
- Former Canadian National Security Advisor Jody Thomas highlights advancements and closer collaboration with India.
- The improved relationship is connected to the US indictment against Indian national Nikhil Gupta in a murder-for-hire plot related to a Khalistani separatist.
Donald Trump is preparing for a massive new trade war with China
- Donald Trump is considering a major economic attack on China if re-elected, with plans likely to spark a global trade war.
- Options include downgrading China's trade status, imposing a flat 60% tariff on all Chinese imports, or a 10% tariff on all $3 trillion in annual imports.
- Economists warn that these options would lead to enormous disruptions to the U.S. and global economies, surpassing the impact of the trade wars during Trump's first term.
- Trump's focus on intensifying trade policies reflects the emerging economic stakes of the 2024 election.
U.S. approves F-16 sale to Turkiye, F-35 to Greece after Turkiye ratifies Sweden's entry to NATO
- The Biden administration approved the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey after the Turkish government ratified Sweden's membership in NATO. The $23 billion F-16 sale to Turkey includes 40 new aircraft and equipment to modernize 79 existing F-16s.
- The approval came after Turkey deposited its "instrument of ratification" for Sweden's NATO membership and lawmakers lifted objections, overcoming human rights concerns.
- The sale to Greece includes $8.6 billion worth of advanced F-35 fighter jets and related equipment.
Mexico emerges as new hub for Indian IT companies operations
- Mexico is becoming a significant hotspot for Customer Experience Management (CXM) to enhance customer engagement across various touchpoints.
- Companies like TCS, Infosys, LTI Mindtree, and HCL Tech have had a presence in Mexico for over a decade.
- LTI Mindtree recently opened a 100-seater facility in Mexico City, while HCL Tech expanded its footprint in Guadalajara two years ago.
Brazil stops using ‘subnormal’ to denote its favelas
- Brazil announces a change in terminology for categorizing poor, urban neighborhoods, replacing "subnormal agglomerates" with "favelas and urban communities."
- The previous term was criticized for stigmatizing and being vague, with negative connotations.
- The new terminology aims to reflect a more nuanced and respectful approach to describing these areas.
Powerful Waves Slam U.S. Army Base in the Marshall Islands
- Unexpected waves hit Roi-Namur in the Marshall Islands, causing evacuations from a U.S. military base and extensive damage.
- The U.S. Army Garrison Kwajalein Atoll on Roi-Namur supports a missile range and testing facility.
- About 120 military personnel were on the island, and 80 were evacuated.
- Roi-Namur is vulnerable to sea-level rise, and the Marshall Islands, in general, are highly susceptible to climate-related challenges.
Donald Trump favoured to win against Joe Biden in the next presidential race
- A new Economist-YouGov poll suggests that more Americans believe Donald Trump would win against Joe Biden in the 2024 presidential election.
- The poll asked participants to predict the outcome irrespective of their personal preferences.
- 44% of respondents anticipate a Trump win, while 35% foresee Biden as the victor.
News bits compiled by:
Ayushi Attri (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)
Alithia Clemency Paul (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)
Drafted by:
Aita Dey (B.A. I.R., 3rd Year)
Published by:
Alithia Clemency Paul (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)
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