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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

Alithia Clemency Paul (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)

VIJIGISHU '24

Tuesday, 30 January 2024

INR | EASTERN EUROPE & CENTRAL ASIA: Weekly Updates