INR | EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA: Weekly Updates

 

A massive protest of over 10,000 Pakistanis erupts in response to the military's actions against Afghan militants

• Thousands of Pakistanis protested on Friday against a military operation seeking to root out Afghani militants, stating that this would not achieve peace.

• "During the rally, shots were fired directly at me and the people standing near me. This wasn't just firing in the air -- it was intended to kill us," Yar told AFP.

• The clearance operation displaced hundreds of thousands of people and destroyed countless homes and businesses, sparking a local backlash calling for the rights of ethnic Pashtuns to be protected.

Read More - https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/more-than-10-000-pakistanis-protest-army-operation-to-root-out-afghani-militants-101721387753072.html

The 'new oil' in Kazakhstan captures China's strategic interest

• China is a much larger customer for Kazakhstan's critical minerals, using them to feed the insatiable needs of its factories churning out electric vehicles, batteries and solar panels.

• Beijing has invested billions of dollars, much of it as part of its Belt and Road foreign policy initiative, into upgrading Kazakhstan's railways and other infrastructure to establish easier trade routes to Europe, an essential trading partner of China .

Read More - https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/china/china-is-focused-on-the-new-oil-from-kazakhstan/articleshow/111895722.cms

Scientists uncover a record-breaking methane leak in Kazakhstan of over 1,31,000 tonnes 

• A team of researchers have detected the largest-ever leak of methane in Kazakhstan after combining satellite data from several missions, such as TROPOMI, GHGSat, PRISMA, EnMAP, EMIT and Sentinel-2.

• Led by Dr Luis Guanter, a professor at the Universitat Politècnica de València and head of the LARS Group at the Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA-UPV), the team found that the leak took place at an oil well in the Central Asian country's Karaturun East field.

• According to the study, the leak started on June 9, 2023. It led to a 10-meter-high fire and the formation of a 15-meter-wide crater.

Read More - https://www.businesstoday.in/visualstories/news/record-breaking-131000-tonne-methane-leak-detected-in-kazakhstan-153923-22-07-2024

Taliban's 'demarcates' borders with Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Jammu and Kashmir

• The ministry's statement has announced that they have created a “hypothetical line” with Pakistan and the “official border” with Tajikistan and Jammu and Kashmir, TOLO News reported.

• The decision was taken just a day after the reopening of the Chaman border crossing, a major trade route between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which was closed for ten months due to protests in the region.

Read More - https://www.news9live.com/world/talibans-demarcates-borders-with-pakistan-tajikistan-and-jammu-and-kashmir-2626822

Even with the Taliban's ban, Afghanistan's opium stockpiles remain significant, reports the UN

5.  

• Afghanistan continues to have massive stockpiles of opium that can be used to meet the needs of narcotics trafficking networks despite a ban imposed by the Taliban on poppy cultivation.

• The opium stockpiles in Afghanistan are so great that “no noticeable difference in exports of the drug can be detected from seizure data”, according to the report.

• Indian security agencies have also found direct links between Kandahar-based cartels and the networks smuggling large consignments of drugs to India.

Read More - https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/afghanistan-has-massive-opium-stockpiles-despite-taliban-ban-un-report-101721642014685.html

What does Biden’s resignation mean for the Kremlin?

• U.S. President Joe Biden has dropped his bid for reelection, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate against Republican Donald Trump.

• The Kremlin said its focus remains with the goals set by Russia in the war in Ukraine. Much could change in the coming months of politics in the US.

• Russian president Putin has remarked his preference for Biden as the US president for Russia, despite Biden’s comment against him.

Read more:

https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/ukraine-war-our-priority-russia-after-joe-biden-quits-presidential-race-101721638561297.html\

Kamala Harris’ stance on Palestine, Ukraine and India

• Vice President Kamala Harris, endorsed by President Biden, is the frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination.

• Harris supports Israel’s self-defense and calls for protecting Palestinian civilians, advocating for a truce in Gaza.

• She backs Ukraine against Russia, pledges NATO support, and announces significant US aid to Ukraine's energy sector.

• Harris aligns with Biden on China and India, emphasizing curbing Chinese influence, supporting Taiwan, and strengthening strategic partnerships with India.

Read more:

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/22/how-kamala-harris-views-the-world-from-gaza-and-russia-to-china-and-india

Ukraine’s attempt to avoid being dragged in the US presidential elections

• Ukraine aims to maintain bipartisan support from both Republicans and Democrats to avoid entanglement in U.S. politics, with President Zelenskiy thanking outgoing President Biden for his strong support during the war with Russia.

• Kyiv seeks U.S. backing for a "just" settlement to end the war and requests lifting restrictions on striking Russian targets with long-range weapons. Vice President Kamala Harris has urged Ukraine to avoid actions that escalate global oil prices, reflecting her cautious stance on targeting within Russia.

• Ukraine's relations with the Biden administration have been warm despite some frustrations, and Kyiv has engaged with Republicans. Uncertainty surrounds Donald Trump's potential Ukraine policy if he wins the presidency, but recent communications between Trump and Zelenskiy suggest ongoing dialogue.

Read more: 

https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/22/ukraine-targets-bipartisan-support-avoid-dragged-us-election

EU discusses response to Hungarian stance on Russia

• The EU is assessing how to respond to Hungarian PM Viktor Orban's unsanctioned trips to Russia and China and his stance on the EU's role in Ukraine, which EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called "unacceptable."

• Some EU members suggest boycotting or downgrading the informal meeting in Budapest in August, though there's division on this approach. Luxembourg's FM Xavier Bettel emphasizes the importance of dialogue with Budapest.

• Orban, a critic of Western aid to Ukraine and close to Putin, has delayed EU military aid decisions. Hungary's FM Peter Szijjarto defended their actions, claiming they promote further diplomacy despite EU criticism.

Read more:

https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/eu-ministers-to-discuss-response-to-unacceptable-hungary-stance-101721638357690.html

Warming ties between China and Poland as rail project inaugurates

• China and Poland have launched a regular rail connection to strengthen trade as part of China's Belt and Road Initiative, aiming to reestablish the ancient Silk Road. While the route currently carries mostly household appliances to Poland, it is expected to facilitate Polish exports, particularly food, to China.

• Analysts suggest the railway could boost Europe's export capabilities to Asia and enhance Chinese companies' presence in European markets. Poland, while not the central hub, will be a significant participant alongside other countries like Hungary, Italy, and Spain.

• The railway link's future is uncertain due to tensions on the Polish-Belarusian border and EU scrutiny of Chinese investments. The EU has imposed steep tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, citing unfair subsidization, which could impact economic relations between Europe and China.

Read more:

https://www.euronews.com/2024/07/10/china-poland-rail-connection-inaugurated-amid-eu-tariff-tensions

News Bits collected by [Region Head]: 

Poulina Banerjee (BA IR 3rd year)

Drafted by: 

Gauri Upreti (BA IR 2nd year)

Angel Chindalia (MA IR 2nd year)

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

INR | AMERICAS : Weekly Updates

Ecopetrol Negotiates $3.6 Billion CrownRock Stake Acquisition from Occidental

1. Ecopetrol is negotiating with Occidental but details remain undisclosed.

2. Occidental anticipates a $3.6 billion deal with standard adjustments.

3. If no deal, Ecopetrol can choose a 49% indirect stake.

Read more at: https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/colombias-ecopetrol-talks-buy-crownrock-stake-occidental-2024-07-19/ 

Global Tech Outage Disrupts Canadian Health Infrastructure

1. Global tech outage disrupts Canadian healthcare; government is assisting.

2. Holland says Canada is monitoring and addressing the IT outage.

Read more at: https://www.reuters.com/technology/global-tech-outage-creates-challenges-canadian-health-infrastructure-2024-07-19/

Mexican President to Address Migration and Economic Ties with Trump

1. Mexican President to write Trump about migration and economic integration.

2. Lopez Obrador criticized Trump, calling him poorly informed in briefing.

Read more at: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/mexican-president-send-letter-donald-trump-about-migration-economic-links-2024-07-19/ 

Canada's Armed Forces Welcomes First Female Commander

1. General Jennie Carignan becomes Canada’s first female chief of defense.

2. Carignan, a military engineer, led troops in multiple conflict zones.

3. Carignan feels ready and supported to tackle the challenge ahead.

Read more at: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/first-woman-lead-canadas-armed-forces-takes-command-2024-07-18/ 

Peru Extends Detention of Former President Castillo Before Trial

1. Peru extends Castillo's pre-trial detention by 18 months amid investigation.

2. The extension adds four months to June's 14-month term.

Read more at: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/peru-extends-pre-trial-detention-former-president-castillo-2024-07-18/ 

News bits drafted by: 

Manjyot Kaur (BA IR 2nd year) ,

Gowry Krishna (BA IR 3rd year)

Collected and published by: Varsha Das (BA IR 2nd year)

INR | AFRICA: Weekly Updates

 

Journalist exposes dire conditions in Makala prison

• In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Makala prison holds over 15,000 inmates, far exceeding its 1,500 capacity.

• Most are in pre-trial detention, creating inhumane conditions, according to a December 2023 report by the Bill Clinton Foundation for Peace.

• Journalist Stanis Bujakera, formerly detained in Makala, posted videos on social media showing extreme overcrowding. He describes the prison as a place where "people are dying alive."

Read ahead at:https://www.africanews.com/2024/07/22/journalist-exposes-dire-conditions-in-makala-prison/

Sudan: UAE president expresses support in call with Burhan

• The President of the United Arab Emirates has expressed his country's support for Sudan and finding a solution to end the ongoing conflict there.

• His comments came in a phone call on Thursday with the head of of the Sudanese army, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, according to the Emirati news agency, WAM.

• President Mohammed ben Zayed is reported to have said the UAE is keen "to support all solutions and initiatives aimed at halting escalation and ending the crisis in Sudan."

Read ahead at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/07/22/sudan-uae-president-expresses-support-in-call-with-burhan/

African Union addresses integration issues at Ghana conference

• The African Union convened in Ghana on Sunday to address issues related to African integration and to establish a unified stance before engaging with the G20 and UN.

• Mauritania's President and current African Union Chair, Mohamed Cheikh Ghazouani, urged for the acceleration of the African integration process.

• He stressed the importance of expediting economic integration to support the continent and fulfill the aspirations of African citizens.

Read ahead at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/07/22/african-union-addresses-integration-issues-at-ghana-conference/

Cholera outbreak: Medical experts, government move to curb spread

• The Nigerian government is currently grappling with a cholera outbreak that has swept through the West African nation. As authorities work tirelessly to contain the spread of this diarrheal disease, medical experts are urging residents to maintain proper hygiene when handling food and liquids.

• Dr. Adewale Adeleye emphasized that thorough hand washing and safe food and water practices are crucial in preventing the spread of cholera. He advised citizens to heed all health advisories and take proactive measures, as the disease is highly transmissible.

Read ahead at:https://www.africanews.com/2024/07/20/cholera-outbreak-medical-experts-government-move-to-curb-spread/

Kenya: Court suspends police ban on protests in Nairobi

• A Kenyan court on Thursday (Jul. 18) halted a police ban on protests in the capital.

• The Milimani law courts ruled the ban remains suspended pending the hearing and determination of a petition filed by a Kenyan NGO challenging the police directive.

• On Wednesday (Jul. 17) the acting police inspector general banned protests in Nairobi's central district (CBD) and surroundings indefinitely citing a lack of leadership that would ensure peaceful protests.

• The suspension came before a planned demonstration, in which protestors were expected to march to the president’s office.

Read ahead at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/07/19/kenya-court-suspends-police-ban-on-protests-in-nairobi/

South Africa: Ramaphosa opens new coalition legislature

• South African President Cyril Ramaphosa opened a new parliament on Thursday, nearly two months after a historic election result that reshaped the country's politics and led to the formation of an unprecedented multi-party coalition government.

• Mr Ramaphosa's speech to lawmakers at Cape Town City Hall - a replacement venue after the fire that gutted the parliament building two years ago - marked the official start of operations for the new coalition, which brings together at least 10 parties to govern Africa's most industrialised country.

Read ahead at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/07/19/south-africa-ramaphosa-opens-new-coalition-legislature/

Drought threatens millions of children as school dropouts rise along with hunger in southern Africa

• It’s Tuesday morning, and 5-year-old Talent should be in school. Instead, he's foraging for the fruit that his family is counting on for food now that crops have withered in the heat.

• Blame the El Nino phenomenon that altered weather worldwide for over a year, or the larger problem of climate change that's bearing down on the African continent, the region most vulnerable to it. The boy's grandmother, Winnie Chihota, knows she's watching part of a generation slip away.

• For many in Zimbabwe’s rural northeastern Mudzi district, crops mean survival. When they fail, the future can, too. 

Read ahead at:https://www.africanews.com/2024/07/19/drought-threatens-millions-of-children-as-school-dropouts-rise-along-with-hunger-in-southe/

Ivory Coast deports 164 Burkinabe refugees amid concerns

• The Burkinabe government has expressed regret over the deportation of 164 of its citizens, who recently sought refuge in Ivory Coast. This comes amid ongoing efforts to accommodate the 60,000 Burkinabe who have fled instability in their homeland since 2021. Many of these refugees are hosted by local families, while others are housed in government-established reception centers.

• On July 13, 2024, a group of 173 Burkinabe, predominantly women, children, and about fifty men, arrived in Ouangolodougou, Ivory Coast. Seven members of the group reported to local authorities to register their livestock. However, three days later, 164 of the refugees were deported back to Burkina Faso without any official explanation.

Read ahead at:https://www.africanews.com/2024/07/19/ivory-coast-deports-164-burkinabe-refugees-amid-concerns/

Niger: IMF approves $71 million disbursement

• Niger will receive new loans from the IMF to undertake reforms to reduce risks to prospective balance of payments stability and resolve its protracted balance of payments problems.

• The Executive Board of the IMF completed Wednesday the Fourth and Fifth Reviews of Niger’s economic and financial program supported by the Extended Credit Facility arrangement (ECF), and the First Review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility arrangement (RSF).

• The completion of the reviews allowed for the immediate disbursement of SDR 19.74 million(about US$ 26 million) under the ECF—bringing total disbursements under the arrangement to SDR 157.92 million (about US$ 210million)—and of SDR 34.216 million (about US$ 45 million) under the RSF.

Read ahead at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/07/19/niger-imf-approves-71-million-disbursement/

South Africa: Ramaphosa opens new Parliament

• South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will open a new parliamentary term on Thursday to mark the official start of his 11-party coalition government, an uneasy union held together following a historic election result.

• In his speech, Mr Ramaphosa will likely outline the new government’s priorities, which became clear after his once-dominant African National Congress party lost its parliamentary majority for the first time in elections on 29 May. Voters, driven by anger over sky-high levels of unemployment and inequality and the failing state of many basic public services, gave the ANC its worst result in a national election.

Read ahead at:https://www.africanews.com/2024/07/19/south-africa-ramaphosa-opens-new-parliament/

Drafted by:

Daney Antonio Martin (B.A. I.R., 2nd Year) (Region Head)

Published by:

Varsha Das (B.A. I.R., 3rd Year)