VIJIGISHU '24

Saturday, 29 June 2024

INR | WEST ASIA: Weekly Updates

Trump calls Biden a ‘bad Palestinian’ in presidential debate

  • The debate took place at CNN's Atlanta studios without a live audience. It was moderated by CNN's Jake Tapper and Dana Bash​

  • During the debate, Trump called Biden a "bad Palestinian," which sparked significant controversy and debate analysis. The remark was part of a broader critique on Biden's foreign policy, particularly concerning the Middle East​

  • Both candidates had previously accepted the debate invitation, with Biden challenging Trump to a debate "anywhere, anytime, anyplace." Trump promptly accepted, showing eagerness to confront Biden on stage

Read more - https://www.aljazeera.com/program/newsfeed/2024/6/28/trump-calls-biden-a-bad-palestinian-in-presidential-debate

Iran presidential election 2024: Polls open to elect Raisi’s successor


  • The election is being held early due to the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in May 2024, along with several other officials​

  • Four candidates, all vetted and approved by the Guardians Council, are running. The main contenders are conservative Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, hard-line former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili, and reformist lawmaker Masud Pezeshkian​

  • No candidate is expected to secure the necessary 50% of the vote to win outright, likely leading to a run-off election scheduled for July 5​

  • The election takes place amid public dissatisfaction with economic conditions, lack of freedoms, and declining living standards. Despite this, significant policy changes are unlikely as the Supreme Leader retains ultimate control over key issues.

  • Voter turnout is anticipated to be slightly higher than the record-low 49% in the 2021 election. The Iranian government emphasizes high turnout to demonstrate legitimacy, but calls for boycotts from dissidents suggest continued public discontent​


Read more - https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/6/28/irans-election-2024-live-polls-open-soon-to-elect-raisis-successor


Israel’s air force targets and kills Gaza medics trying to save the wounded

  • Gaza’s civil defence agency says three of its medics were killed by Israeli aircraft and 12 others wounded while they carried out rescue efforts in central Bureij refugee camp.

  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Iran is “fighting us from seven fronts” using regional armed groups, warning “whoever does such a thing to us simply won’t be here“.

  • UNICEF says Israel agreed to restore power at a key desalination plant in southern Khan Younis, which could meet minimum needs of nearly one million people desperate for potable water

Read more - https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/6/28/israel-war-on-gaza-live-people-flee-in-terror-as-tanks-drones-attack

What happened in Bolivia’s failed coup attempt?

  • Bolivia’s top general has been arrested after trying to overthrow the government

  • The Bolivian government responded swiftly, deploying loyalist military units and police forces to quash the coup attempt.

  • The coup attempt led to widespread public demonstrations, with supporters of the government rallying in major cities to show their opposition to the coup.

  • Following the failed coup, the government launched investigations to identify and prosecute those involved, reinforcing security measures to prevent future attempts.

Read more: https://www.aljazeera.com/program/newsfeed/2024/6/27/what-happened-in-bolivias-failed-coup-attempt

Over 750,000 people in Sudan at risk of starvation: Global hunger monitor

  • Over 755,000 people in Sudan face "catastrophe" level hunger, while 8.5 million face acute food shortages.

  • Conflict between SAF and RSF has restricted aid access and increased famine risk in 14 areas.

  • 25.6 million people are likely to experience high levels of acute food insecurity by September 2024.

  • Over 17 million displaced, including 10 million internally and 7 million across borders.

  • Many rely on community kitchens as conflict causes job losses, limited supplies, and high costs.


Read more: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/27/over-750000-people-in-sudan-at-risk-of-starvation-global-hunger-monitor

Climate change boosted deadly Saudi haj heat by 2.5 C, scientists say

  • A team of European scientists has attributed the deadly heatwave in Saudi Arabia during the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage, which caused 1,300 deaths, to climate change.

  • The temperatures along the pilgrimage route reached 47°C (117°F), peaking at over 51.8°C at Mecca's Great Mosque.

  • The scientists concluded that while high temperatures are common in the region, the severity of this heatwave cannot be explained by natural variability alone, and climate change has intensified its impact.

  • The study found a shift in the timing and intensity of heatwaves in Saudi Arabia, with June now experiencing more extreme heat events compared to historical data from May and July.

  • Saudi Arabia, as the world's second-largest oil producer and home to the largest corporate emitter of greenhouse gases, Saudi Aramco, holds significant responsibility for historical carbon emissions and faces an urgent need for environmental action.

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/climate-change-boosted-deadly-saudi-haj-heat-by-25-c-scientists-say-2024-06-27/

Turkey removed from FATF money laundering grey list in boost to standing

  • Turkey's Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek indicated that Turkey has been removed from the FATF's grey list, which monitors countries with deficiencies in their anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing frameworks.

  • The FATF grey list is a list of countries under increased monitoring by the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog.

  • Turkey had been on the FATF grey list since 2021 due to deficiencies in its financial regulations and enforcement.

  • Simsek stated that Turkey's removal from the grey list is an important step that will boost the country's economic and financial standing globally.

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/simsek-indicates-that-turkey-removed-fatf-watchdogs-grey-list-2024-06-28/

News bits drafted by: 

Jiah Malik (BA IR 2nd year) 

Collected and published by (region head):

Varsha Das (BA IR 3rd year)

Friday, 28 June 2024

INR | WESTERN EUROPE: Weekly updates

EU's Digital ID Wallet: Convenience vs Privacy




Photo credit: 

https://images.app.goo.gl/hgXg4o15yrBKRtk68


The European Union (EU) is rolling out digital ID wallets for citizens to access services across the bloc. These wallets will store official documents and allow selective sharing of credentials.

  1. Similar to India's DigiLocker: The EU's digital ID wallet is similar to India's DigiLocker, which stores government documents and allows users to share them electronically.

  2. Focus on Privacy: The EU's system prioritizes privacy by allowing users to share only specific information and storing data locally on the wallets.

  3. Security Concerns: Some civil society groups criticize the EU's system, fearing it could be exploited by tech companies and lead to profiling.

  4. Potential Benefits: The EU's digital ID wallet could streamline online services ane verification easier.


Read ahead at:

https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/european-union-universal-digital-id-wallet-all-you-need-to-know-9412233





EU Gears Up for New Leadership Trio


Photo credit:

https://images.app.goo.gl/cwpRV56B1gBsBgvA8


EU leaders are expected to endorse Ursula von der Leyen, António Costa, and Kaja Kallas for the bloc's top positions.

  1. Familiar Faces, New Terms: Von der Leyen is likely to secure a second term as European Commission president, while Costa is nominated to succeed European Council President Charles Michel.

  2. Estonia's Kallas Takes Center Stage: Estonian Prime Minister Kallas is tipped to become the bloc's new top diplomat.

  3. Deal Reflects Power Shift: The appointments come despite the rise of far-right groups in the recent EU Parliament election.

  4. MEPs Hold the Key: While leaders nominate the Commission president, both von der Leyen and Kallas still need approval from lawmakers.


Read ahead at:

https://indianexpress.com/article/world/european-union-leaders-set-to-endorse-von-der-leyen-9419043/





Tensions Flare as North Macedonia's New Leader Uses Old Name


Photo credit: 

https://images.indianexpress.com/2024/06/Untitled-design-2024-06-24T225951.077.jpg?w=480


  1. Greece accuses North Macedonia's new government of violating a 2018 deal by using the old name "Macedonia."

  2. The name deal ended a long-standing dispute and allowed North Macedonia to join NATO.

  3. Greece says North Macedonia's EU membership is at risk if it doesn't comply with the agreement.

  4.  North Macedonia's new president also caused friction by using the old name in her inauguration.


Read ahead at: 

https://indianexpress.com/article/world/greece-claims-north-macedonia-broke-name-deal-9410908/





EU and China Agree to Talk Tariffs on Electric Vehicles



Photo credit: 

https://images.indianexpress.com/2024/06/China-electric-vehicle-.jpg?w=480


  1. The EU and China have agreed to hold talks on the EU's planned tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles.

  2.  The tariffs are due to come into effect in July, but both sides are hopeful that a deal can be reached before then.

  3. The EU says the tariffs are necessary to counter unfair subsidies given to Chinese EV companies.

  4.  China denies the subsidies are unfair and says the tariffs would hurt both sides.


Read ahead at: 

https://indianexpress.com/article/world/eu-and-china-set-for-talks-on-planned-electric-vehicle-tariffs-9409046/




Karnataka Secures $6.2 Billion in European Investments



Photo credit:

https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/tv52zu/article68332705.ece/alternates/LANDSCAPE_320/Kharge.jpg


  1.  Karnataka received $6.2 billion in investment offers from European corporations during a delegation led by IT Minister Priyank Kharge.

  2. Investments span sectors such as chip design, semiconductors, aerospace, and defense, with potential for 35,000 to 40,000 new jobs.

  3. The delegation also explored biotechnology collaborations in the U.S., visiting institutions like Salk Institute and Kyoto University.

  4. Kharge accused the PMO of pressuring multinationals to favor Gujarat over Karnataka, seeking equal incentives from the central government.


Read ahead at:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/karnataka-delegation-gets-investment-offer-of-62-billion-in-europe/article68332096.ece





 Unequal Treatment of Displaced People in Europe



Photo credit:

https://www.reuters.com/resizer/v2/WQEXXYCUFJON3GFV6ITEODR65I.jpg?auth=e49b7ae49c2d270a1063f33d60c609caf82fd171a8627ce7560665eee50540b9&width=1080&quality=80



  1. Preferential Treatment for Ukrainians: The Council of Europe's anti-racism commission reported that Ukrainians displaced by Russia's invasion received better support compared to those fleeing other conflicts.

  2. Discrimination Within Ukraine Refugees: Ethnic minorities, such as Roma with Ukrainian citizenship, faced poorer living conditions than other Ukrainian refugees.

  3. Call for Equal Treatment: The commission emphasized the need for equal protection and support for all displaced individuals, regardless of nationality or ethnicity.

  4. Rise in Hate Incidents: The report noted an increase in anti-Muslim and antisemitic incidents, with Muslims facing blame for the Hamas-led attack on Israel and Jews experiencing heightened hostility in Europe.


Read ahead at: 

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukrainians-better-treated-than-others-displaced-by-war-council-europe-says-2024-06-20/





Michael McGrath: Ireland’s New EU Commissioner


Photo credit:

https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/4624/live/ed8355a0-32ed-11ef-bfb1-5f1679f1f07f.jpg.webp


  1. New Appointment: Michael McGrath, Ireland's finance minister, is set to become the country's next European Commissioner.

  2. Cabinet Reshuffle: Jack Chambers, former minister of state at the Department of Transport, will replace McGrath as finance minister.

  3. Economic Focus: McGrath's major achievement includes establishing a sovereign wealth fund to invest Ireland's corporation tax windfall, with hopes for an economics-focused portfolio in the EU.

  4. Pre-Election Budget: Chambers will present a summer economic statement, setting the stage for a pre-election budget ahead of the general election due by March 2025.


Read ahead at:

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czkk0lnz9dgo




Jacques Delors: Architect of Modern Europe Passes Away at 98



Photo credit:

https://images.app.goo.gl/JQA2VG6ieEUo2ky9A


  1. Pioneering European Integration: Jacques Delors, former EU Commission President, crucially advanced the EU's integration, notably introducing the euro and establishing the common market.

  2. Legacy in French Politics: A prominent Socialist, he served as France's finance minister and chose not to pursue the presidency despite his popularity.

  3. Tributes from Global Leaders:  Leaders, including French President Macron and German Chancellor Scholz, praised Delors for his visionary work towards European unity.

  4. Continued Influence:  Post-politics, Delors founded think tanks promoting European federalism and warned against populism, maintaining his influence on European policy.


Read ahead at:

https://www.livemint.com/news/world/breaking-news-former-eu-commission-president-jacques-delors-dies-at-98/amp-11703727040020.html



Wednesday, 26 June 2024

INR | APAC : Weekly Updates

 

Putin says Russia may send weapons to North Korea




  • President Vladimir Putin said that Russia might supply weapons to North Korea in what he suggested would be a mirror response to the Western arming of Ukraine.


  • Putin said South Korea would be making “a big mistake” if it decided to supply arms to Ukraine


  • Putin said this was being driven by changing views on nuclear use among Russia’s adversaries.


Read More At : https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/20/putin-says-russia-may-send-weapons-to-north-korea

China Coast Guard accused of behaving ‘like pirates’ in South China Sea



  • Philippines says coastguard personnel armed with knives and spears boarded their ships in Second Thomas Shoal confrontation.


  • The Philippines said one of their sailors was badly injured, and the boats were damaged.


  • The situation at Second Thomas Shoal has become increasingly fraught in recent months with China attempting to disrupt the Philippines’ regular missions to the Sierra Madre.


Read More At : https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/20/china-coast-guard-accused-of-behaving-like-pirates-in-south-china-sea



Over 400 homes impacted by flooding in Wairoa , New Zealand



  • Gisborne mayor Rehette Stoltz says it has been a rough few days for the region.


  • Power outages affecting about 1000 properties


  • Government support for Hastings, Wairoa and Tairawhiti




Read More At : 

https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350322980/nz-weather-live-over-400-homes-impacted-flooding-wairoa



Malaysia uncovers at least 106 containers of e-waste in ports, vows stricter enforcement




  • At least 106 containers filled with electronic waste (e-waste) have been found in Malaysia’s ports over the past three months


  • Nik Nazmi said that a joint operation of arrests and inspections had since been undertaken by the relevant agencies across multiple ministries.


  • Meanwhile, the ministry will continue to strengthen its monitoring and enforcement efforts in regards to the importation of e-waste used by the recycling industry.


Read More At : 

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/26/malaysia-uncovers-at-least-106-containers-of-e-waste-in-ports-vows-stricter-enforcement


PM of Thailand stresses offset policy in arms deals





  • Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has asserted the need for the armed forces to incorporate an offset policy in procuring weapons and military hardware.


  • Under this policy, reciprocal benefits should be secured as a condition for approving a new procurement deal


  • The prime minister mentioned the government's offset policy to Mr Wallenberg and expressed his wish to see the Swedish jet maker's aircraft technology development be based in Thailand.




Read More At: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2817645/pm-stresses-offset-policy-in-arms-deals


NK missile launch ends in mid-air explosion amid possibility of hypersonic missile test



  • North Korea launched a ballistic missile toward the East Sea around Pyongyang  but the missile exploded in the air


  • The missile launch also came after the North signed a comprehensive strategic cooperation treaty with Russia during a summit 


  • the missile exploded in midair over waters off the North's east coast and smoke appeared to emanate from the missile more than previous launches, the official said, raising the possibility of combustion issues.


Read More At : https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2024/06/103_377428.html


News bits collected and drafted by

Deepanjali Singh (BA IR 3rd year) (Region Head)

Gungun Thakur (BA IR 2nd year)

Published by: Varsha Das (BA IR 3rd year)



‘impossible’ life of Myanmar’s Rohingya refugees

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Go home Gota” “Go home Jokers” “You messed with the wrong generation” These are few of the  slogans on placards wielded  by young protesters...