INR | EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA: Weekly Updates

Ukraine defeats a "massive" drone attack from Russia

Ukraine claims to have thwarted "one of the most massive" Russian attacks since the conflict's inception.

According to the Ukrainian air force, air defense systems fired down another missile and 89 explosive drones manufactured in Iran throughout the course of the night.

The attack's primary target was Kyiv, the capital. Although there were no reports of injuries, falling debris in the area damaged buildings.

The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine took place more than 29 months prior to the attack. The nation's air defenses have been severely strained by bombardments that occur almost daily.

Read more : https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn09r32dwl8o

Chief of Hamas killed: Turkey criticizes the Netanyahu administration, while Russia denounces it as "unacceptable political murder."

Russia, which maintains diplomatic ties with Israel, Iran, and Hamas in addition to Arab nations, has repeatedly denounced acts of violence in the area and charged the US with failing to recognise the necessity of an independent Palestinian state.

Turkey denounced on Wednesday the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas, in Tehran, the Iranian capital, claiming that the goal of the attack was to escalate the conflict in Gaza to a regional scale.

Read more: https://www.deccanherald.com/world/hamas-chief-killed-russia-calls-it-unacceptable-political-murder-turkey-slams-netanyahu-government-3130029

Hungary and Poland get into a diplomatic quarrel because of their divergent opinions towards Russia.

Poland and Hungary are embroiled in a diplomatic quarrel that exposes the intense divisions inside Europe on how to handle Russia while it is waging war on Ukraine.

Like Germany, France, and the majority of other European countries, Poland is a steadfast ally of Ukraine, and Viktor Orbán, the populist prime minister of Hungary, is regarded as having the best relations with the Kremlin of all EU leaders.

Hungary's position has drawn explicit criticism from the Polish administration. When Orbán snapped at Poland over the weekend, the feud broke out.

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/poland-hungary-orban-diplomatic-spat-russia-sanctions-f6880c11572221b72c90be0fcc4f3360#

Russian espionage in the EU is feared due to Hungary's visa regulations.

In a letter obtained by AFP on Tuesday, the largest group in the European Parliament voiced concerns about possible espionage threats resulting from Hungary's recent decision to loosen visa requirements for citizens of Belarus and Russia.

The only EU leader to have kept tight links with the Kremlin since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 is Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary. Earlier this month, Orban issued an order expanding the fast-track visa program to eight nations, including Belarus and Russia.

Read more: https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/07/30/hungarys-visa-rules-raise-fears-of-russian-espionage-in-eu-a85879

The Taliban claim that they no longer accept the prior government's established Afghan diplomatic missions.

The Taliban declared on Tuesday that they would not accept passports, visas, or other documents issued by diplomats connected to the previous government, and that they no longer recognise the diplomatic posts in Afghanistan that were established by the old, Western-backed government.

Since regaining control of the country in 2021, this is the Taliban's most recent attempt to seize control of Afghanistan's embassies and consulates. No nation acknowledges the Taliban commanders as the legal authorities of Afghanistan, and several of them are subject to sanctions.

 Read more: https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-taliban-embassies-europe-5eb33173c4e8da20a5bfaf718112c2e2

Plan to bring back together Afghan families split up opens

According to government plans, partners and children who were separated from their families during the withdrawal of Afghanistan can now apply to join them in the UK.

It has been three years since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, sparking Operation Pitting, a military effort to evacuate Afghans and British people.

The rapidity and disorganized nature of the evacuation caused many families to become estranged.

Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce987p13rq1o

Olympics in Paris 2024: Diyora Keldiyorova creates history as the first female judo medalist and Olympic champion from Uzbekistan.

The -52kg champion made a major impression early in the Paris 2024 preliminary round when she defeated four-time world champion and Olympic champion Abe Uta from Tokyo 2020. This upset may go down as one of the biggest of these Olympic Games.

Her 52 kg gold medal is remarkable since it made her the first female judo medallist and the first Olympic champion for Uzbekistan.

Read more: https://olympics.com/en/news/paris-2024-olympics-diyora-keldiyorova-first-uzbekistan-woman-to-win-judo-olympic-gold

WFP Receives $10 Million from South Korea for Tajikistan's Resilience

The Government of the Republic of Korea has donated US$10 million to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), which will be used to assist initiatives aimed at enhancing sustainable agricultural production in Tajikistan.

Through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the funding will support the government's priorities in improving access to high-quality nutrition and achieving food security by empowering Tajik youth and establishing pathways to fair and sustainable access to innovation, specialized knowledge, and a more favorable business environment.

Read more: https://www.miragenews.com/south-korea-grants-10m-to-wfp-for-tajikistan-1286859/

A senior US diplomat anticipates increased Indian involvement in Ukraine

Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell of the United States responded to a question at a Senate hearing on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Moscow this month by saying on Tuesday that he anticipates hearing soon about India's increased engagement with Ukraine.

"I believe there will be news of India being more involved in Ukraine. For that, I'm appreciative. Campbell said to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, "I believe India wants to play a responsible role globally.

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/top-us-diplomat-expects-more-indian-engagement-with-ukraine-2024-07-30/

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 | AFRICA: Weekly Updates

 

6.3 million people in need of humanitarian support and protection in Burkina Faso

• Burkina Faso is facing an “unprecedented humanitarian crisis" and lacks means to solve it, the UN has warned.

• The spokesperson for the UN chief Stéphane Dujarric on Friday (Jun. 28) appealed for member states to provide funding.

• “In Burkina Faso, our humanitarian colleagues say the country is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with 6.3 million people in need of humanitarian support and protection," he said.

Read ahead at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/06/29/63-million-people-in-need-of-humanitarian-support-and-protection-in-burkina-faso/

South Africa’s Parliament to open on July 18 – President

• South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said Friday that Parliament will open for its next term on July 18 as he remains locked in negotiations with other parties to form a Cabinet well before then amid rifts in the new governing coalition.

• The talks to seal the final details of a multi-party government and appoint a Cabinet have been going on for two weeks and have been marked by disagreements between Ramaphosa's African National Congress and the Democratic Alliance, the second biggest party, over how to divide up ministerial positions and portfolios.

Read ahead at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/06/28/south-africas-parliament-to-open-on-july-18-president/

Experts warn that 755,000 people at risk of famine in war-torn Sudan

• An open-backed truck packed with people fleeing war in Sudan pulls into a transit center in Renk, South Sudan. The temperature is 40 degrees C (104 degrees F) and not everyone has access to tents to protect them from the heat.

• Malnutrition is increasing among children. Alfatih Awad Alkheder, a trader with six children, says his children have stopped growing.

• According to a World Food Programme statement, the only border crossing for trucks to bring in food to the North Darfur area is from Tine in Chad, but intensified fighting is making that more difficult.

Read ahead at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/06/28/experts-warn-that-755000-people-at-risk-of-famine-in-war-torn-sudan/

South African researchers test use of nuclear technology to curb rhino poaching

• Researchers in South Africa have injected radioactive material into the horns of 20 rhinos as part of a research project aimed at reducing poaching.

• The idea is that radiation detectors already in place at national borders would detect the horns and help authorities arrest poachers and traffickers.

• The research, which has included the participation of veterinarians and nuclear experts, begins with the animal being tranquillized before a hole is drilled into its horn and the nuclear material carefully inserted. 

Read ahead at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/06/28/south-african-researchers-test-use-of-nuclear-technology-to-curb-rhino-poaching/

Protests in Kenya: 2 more deaths amid clashes

• Despite President William Ruto's decision to abandon his tax increase plan, nationwide protests calling for his resignation were held in Nairobi on Thursday.

• Protesters briefly stormed and set fire to part of the Parliament building. At least two people lost their lives during clashes with the national police.

• "We currently have a president who is not a president. This president, William Samoei Ruto, follows the orders of the constitution. The constitution is fine, but the government should be of the people, by the people, for the people. Now, we will change Kenya to be governed by the youth, for the youth, and by the youth," said protester Norbert Mwalo.

Read ahead at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/06/28/protests-in-kenya-2-more-deaths-amid-clashes/

Experts warn: 755,000 facing famine in war-torn Sudan

• International experts portrayed a grim picture of war-torn Sudan in a report Thursday warning that 755,000 people are facing famine in the coming months, amid relentless clashes between rival generals.

• The conflict has created a hunger catastrophe at a scale not seen since the Darfur conflict in the early 2000s, senior United Nations officials said.

• The latest findings come from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, or IPC, an initiative set up in 2004 during the famine in Somalia that now includes more than a dozen U.N. agencies, aid groups, governments and other bodies.

Read ahead at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/06/27/experts-warn-755000-facing-famine-in-war-torn-sudan/

West African defense chiefs propose a $2.6 billion security plan

• Defense chiefs of West Africa on Thursday, June 27 proposed a plan to deploy a 5,000-strong “standby force” to fight the region’s worsening security crises, a measure that analysts say might not work due to challenges of funding and division within the regional bloc.

• The plan, which will cost $2.6 billion annually, was proposed to heads of state at a meeting of defense officials in Nigeria's capital of Abuja. The plan was also aimed at preventing further coups following a string of military takeovers that have destabilized the region, Nigeria’s Defense Minister Mohammed Badaru said.

Read ahead at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/06/27/west-african-defense-chiefs-propose-a-26-billion-security-plan/

Police clash with protesters in Kenya as military patrols the streets

• Kenyan police on Thursday clashed with protesters in Nairobi before planned protests against a contentious finance bill, despite the president's decision not to sign it after the plans sparked deadly chaos in the capital and saw protesters storming and burning part of the parliament building.

• Protesters who said last week that they would march to the State House on Thursday say they still don't trust President William Ruto, who has said the tax hikes would be withdrawn and budget cuts would be made.

• Police have hurled tear gas canisters at groups of protesters attempting to congregate within the central business district.

Read ahead at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/06/27/police-clash-with-protesters-in-kenya-as-military-patrols-the-streets/

UN experts accuse Sudan’s warring parties of weaponizing starvation

• Human rights experts working for the United Nations on Wednesday accused Sudan’s warring parties of using starvation as a war weapon, amid mounting warnings about imminent famine in the African nation.

• Sudan plunged into chaos in April last year when simmering tensions between the country’s military and a notorious paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces, exploded into open fighting in the capital, Khartoum and elsewhere in the country.

• Fourteen months of fighting have killed more than 14,000 people and wounded 33,000 others, according to the United Nations, but rights activists say the toll could be much higher.

Read ahead at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/06/27/un-experts-accuse-sudans-warring-parties-of-weaponizing-starvation/

Kenyan lawmakers approve army deployment amid ongoing protests

• Kenya’s National Assembly has formally approved the deployment of soldiers in support of police as the country faces nationwide protests against controversial tax hikes.

• The vote on Wednesday took place as protesters vowed to continue demonstrations, with plans to take to the street again on Thursday.

• However, at least one local newspaper is reporting that the Law Society of Kenya plans to go to court over the decision.

• It is reportedly arguing that no emergency, unrest, or instability has been officially declared to warrant the deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces.

Read ahead at : https://www.africanews.com/2024/06/26/kenyan-lawmakers-approve-army-deployment-amid-ongoing-protests/

Drafted by:

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

Published by:

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

INR | WESTERN EUROPE: Weekly updates

 

Kremlin Denounces EU Plan to Use Frozen Russian Assets for Ukraine Aid as "Theft," Vows Legal Action

• The Kremlin criticized the EU's plan to use interest earned on frozen Russian assets to fund military aid to Ukraine, calling it "theft."

• Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that such actions violate international law and property rights, and Russia will pursue legal action against those involved.

• The EU announced that the first tranche of 1.4 billion euros from these proceeds would be allocated for Ukraine in early August.

• Following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, around $300 billion of Russian assets were frozen by the U.S. and its allies.

• The EU plans to use the interest from these assets, expected to yield 15-20 billion euros by 2027, for an aid fund for Ukraine.

• The Russian Foreign Ministry warned of a tough response to Europe's actions, criticizing the move as contrary to the principles of free markets and potentially damaging to global investment confidence.

Read Ahead At: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/kremlin-pledges-legal-action-over-planned-eu-transfer-ukraine-interest-accrued-2024-07-23/

PM Modi's Vienna Visit: A Strategic Move

• PM Narendra Modi's trip to Vienna is the first by an Indian Prime Minister since Indira Gandhi in 1983.

• Austria, a neutral European country not part of NATO, served as a strategic location for Modi's message to both Moscow and the West.

• The visit followed Modi's meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, highlighting India's balanced approach in international relations.

• The India-Austria relationship, rooted in trust and friendship, shows great potential for future collaboration.

Read Ahead At: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/how-prime-minister-modis-visit-to-austria-sends-a-message-both-to-moscow-and-the-west-9447882/

European Leaders Condemn Attempted Assassination of Former U.S. President Donald Trump

• European leaders condemned the attempted assassination of former U.S. President Donald Trump.

• U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his horror, stating that political violence has no place in society and offering his thoughts to the victims.

• French President Emmanuel Macron called it a tragedy for democracies and expressed solidarity with the American people.

• German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the attack as "despicable," emphasizing that political violence is unacceptable in a democracy.

• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed this sentiment, denouncing political violence.

• Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, an ally of Trump, shared his thoughts and prayers with the former president during this difficult time.

Read Ahead At: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/trump-assassination-bid-european-leaders-condemn-attack/article68402844.ece

 Moscow Renames Europe Square to Eurasia Square

• Moscow's Europe Square has been renamed Eurasia Square, indicating a shift in Russia's stance away from Europe.

• The square, originally built as a symbol of unity with Europe, now reflects Russia's pivot towards Asia amid strained relations with the West due to the war in Ukraine and sanctions.

• Reactions from Moscow residents are mixed, with some supporting the change due to current geopolitical tensions, while others view it as a sign of conflict.

• The renaming of streets and squares in Moscow, including areas near the US and British embassies, highlights the political nature of such decisions in response to international conflicts.

Read Ahead At: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4ng8e3j72yo

Moscow Renames Europe Square to Eurasia Square Amidst Strained West Relations

• Moscow's Europe Square has been officially renamed Eurasia Square.

• The renaming reflects deteriorating relations between Russia and Western nations due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and Western sanctions.

• Europe is now depicted as an adversary by Russian authorities, signaling a shift in political and cultural alignment.

• Moscow Correspondent Steve Rosenberg interviews locals for their perspectives on the renaming.

Read Ahead At: https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/cnl0pqkyqxko

Earth Hits Record Heat: July 21, 2024, Sizzles to Historic High

• July 21, 2024, became the hottest day ever recorded globally, with an average temperature of 17.09°C (62.76°F), surpassing last year’s record.

• Scientists attribute the frequent breaking of heat records primarily to human-induced climate change, exacerbated by greenhouse gas emissions.

• Unusual warmth in Antarctica, extreme heat in California, and a deadly heatwave in Europe contributed to the record-setting day.

• Experts warn that without significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, new temperature records are inevitable, underscoring the urgent need for political action.

Read Ahead At:

https://indianexpress.com/article/world/july-21-earth-hottest-day-european-climate-agency-9472120/lite/

Deepanshi Pathak (BA IR, 3rd year) (Region Head)

Uttam Roy (BA IR 3rd year)

Published By: Varsha Das (BA IR, 3rd year)