Weblog of Amity Institute of International Studies, Amity University, Noida
VIJIGISHU '24
Showing posts with label Ayushi Attri. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ayushi Attri. Show all posts
Saturday, 2 March 2024
Thursday, 29 February 2024
INR | WESTERN EUROPE: WEEKLY UPDATES
Zelensky warns ‘millions will be killed’ without US aid to Kyiv, as Ukrainian troop deaths reach at least 31,000
- Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky says 31,000 of his country’s soldiers have been killed in the war with Russia, a rare admission by Kyiv of its military losses.
Hungary’s Parliament Approves Sweden’s NATO Bid After Stalling
- Hungary’s Parliament approved Sweden’s bid to join NATO after a delay that held up efforts to isolate Russia over its war in Ukraine.
Farmers clash with police near the European Union headquarters
- Farmers have been protesting for weeks across Europe against red tape and competition from cheap imports.
India-Middle East-Europe Corridor in doubt due to Israel-Hamas war
- The US and EU-backed corridor was billed as a potential rival to China's Belt & Road Initiative, but it's future looks bleak due to the war in the Middle East
Russia’s invasion came in two phases, many Ukrainians say
- The first a decade ago, when it sent soldiers over the border in an unacknowledged military intervention, and the second when it began its full assault two years ago.
Protesting Polish Farmers Block Much of Ukraine’s Western Border
- Polish farmers have for months been protesting an influx of Ukrainian products that they say is crowding the Polish market and undercutting their livelihood. On Tuesday, they obstructed check points for commercial transportation, halted the passage of about 3,000 Ukrainian trucks and opened some train cars containing Ukrainian grain, spilling it onto the rails.
French Senate votes to enshrine abortion access in the constitution after US rollback
- French senators voted to enshrine access to abortion in the country's constitution on Wednesday. If the bill is approved by a three-fifths vote of both houses, expected on Monday, France will become the first country in the world to constitutionally ensure access to the procedure
MEA urges Indian citizens to avoid joining Russian army in Ukraine conflict
- India has issued a warning to its citizens, urging them to steer clear of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and to avoid joining the Russian army. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) made this statement following reports that some Indian nationals have signed up for support jobs with the Russian army in the conflict zone.
Putin says West sending troops to Ukraine could lead to nuclear war
- Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the West of the risk of nuclear war if they send their own troops to fight for Ukraine, saying Moscow had the weapons to strike Western targets.
No Western Troops for Ukraine, Despite Russian Threats and Macron’s Remarks
- Germany, Poland, and NATO rule out sending troops to Ukraine amid the ongoing war with Russia.
- Russia warns of inevitable conflict if NATO intervenes militarily in Ukraine.
- Macron faces backlash for suggesting that Western ground troops should not be ruled out in the future.
- France clarifies that there was no agreement on de-mining and training operations in Ukraine at the Paris conference.
Kosovo Court Sentences Two Serbs for Attacking NATO Peacekeepers
- The court handed down six-month jail terms to Radosh Petrovic and Dusan Obrenovic, who were part of a crowd that attacked KFOR troops in Zvecan in May 2023.
- One of the defendants will be released for time served, and the other can avoid jail time if he pays a 6,000 euro fine.
- The attack was part of a dispute over the validity of local elections in northern Kosovo, where most of the ethnic Serbs live.
Germany mediates peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan
- Germany hosts two-day talks between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Berlin.
- The talks follow a meeting between the leaders of both countries and the German chancellor at the Munich Security Conference.
- Armenia and Azerbaijan face challenges in resolving their differences amid ongoing border clashes and humanitarian issues.
EU watchdog urges reform of search and rescue rules after migrant boat disaster
- European Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly said current rules prevent the EU’s border and coast guard agency Frontex from fulfilling its obligations to protect the rights of migrants or act independently of national authorities when boats they use are in distress.
- Up to 750 people were believed to be crammed aboard the Adriana when it sank off Greece last June. Just 104 people were rescued — mostly migrants from Syria, Pakistan and Egypt — and 82 bodies were found.
- O’Reilly asked why reports of overcrowding, an apparent lack of life vests, children on board and possible fatalities failed to trigger timely rescue efforts that could have saved hundreds of lives.
Germany legalizes cannabis for limited recreational use amid opposition and criticism
- Germany's lower house of parliament passed a bill on Friday to allow adults to possess, grow and consume small amounts of cannabis for personal use, starting from April 1.
- Germany became the third country in Europe to legalize cannabis for recreational use, after Malta and Luxembourg, but the drug remains illegal for minors and highly restricted for young adults.
- The government said the aim was to reduce the black market, crime and drug use, and to protect children and youth, but the health minister warned that cannabis was still dangerous.
- The bill faced opposition from the conservative CDU party and criticism from the medical associations, who argued that legalization would increase consumption, trivialize risks and cause developmental damage.
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/23/europe/germany-cannabis-legal-parliament-intl/index.html
Hungary opens a new phase with Sweden amid NATO expansion
- Hungary’s parliament voted on Monday to ratify Sweden’s bid to join NATO, bringing an end to more than 18 months of delays that have frustrated the alliance as it seeks to expand in response to Russia’s war on Ukraine.
- The Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said it was a “historic day” and a “big step” for Sweden to abandon 200 years of neutrality and join NATO. He said Sweden was an outstanding country, but joined NATO to even better defend everything they are and everything they believe in.
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/23/europe/hungary-viktor-orban-sweden-nato/index.html
France makes abortion a constitutional right amid global challenges
- France’s senate voted on Wednesday to amend Article 34 of the constitution to cite "the freedom of women to have recourse to an abortion, which is guaranteed".
- The French government, lawmakers and senators had argued that the right to abortion needed full constitutional protection as it comes under threat in the US and other countries in Europe.
- President Emmanuel Macron said he had promised to make women’s freedom to choose an abortion “irreversible” by inscribing it in the constitution.
News bits compiled by:
Ayushi Attri (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)
Thursday, 22 February 2024
INR | WESTERN EUROPE: Weekly Updates
Italy foreign minister sees Ukraine joining EU and NATO once war ends
- Ukraine will become a member of the European Union and also of NATO, but it cannot enter the military alliance while it is still at war with Russia, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Saturday.
Norway ready to step up defence needs, prime minister says
- Norway is "ready to stand up and be counted" on defence spending ahead of a NATO Washington summit in July, the Nordic country’s prime minister told Reuters on Saturday, adding that Oslo was preparing a new long-tem defence plan.
US, Arab, European ministers meet in Munich to outline post-Gaza ideas
- Senior U.S., Arab and European officials met in Munich on Friday to discus progress on formulating a plan for post-war Gaza that would be linked to normalizing ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia, officials and diplomats said.
After Berlin, Zelenskiy signs French security pact amid Navalny shock
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy signed a new long-term security pact with France on Friday, after securing a similar deal and aid from Germany, in a tour jolted by news of the death of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.
Germany may need to exceed 2% NATO spending target, defence minister says
- Germany may need to spend more than 2% of its gross domestic product on defence to deter Russia in the coming years, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Saturday.
European Commission outlines upcoming defence strategy proposal
- The European Commission will present a defence industrial strategy proposal in three weeks, commission president Ursula von der Leyen said on Saturday, and will also open a defence innovation office in Ukraine.
Greek Business Optimism Soars with Fast-Track Visas for Turkish Tourists
- Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announces fast-track temporary visa for Turkish visitors to 10 Greek islands.
- Visa initiative aims to boost tourism amid decrease in Israeli tourists, particularly benefiting islands near Turkish coast.
- Local officials and business owners anticipate economic growth as influx of Turkish visitors expected to fill tourism void.
EU Imposes Sanctions on Indian Company Over Russia Trade Amid Ukraine Conflict
- EU sanctions target Indian, Chinese, and other international companies trading with Russia, aiming to curb support for Moscow's military efforts in Ukraine.
- First instance of Indian and Chinese companies facing EU sanctions.
- Sanctions coincide with the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, reflecting continued Western pressure on Moscow despite limited military support for Kyiv.
- Diplomatic tensions rise as India defends its longstanding ties with Russia.
HFCL Ltd. Ventures into Europe with Optical Fibre Cable Plant in Poland
- HFCL Ltd., an Indian telecom equipment manufacturer, announces strategic expansion into Europe with a new optical fibre cable manufacturing facility in Poland.
- Move reflects HFCL's commitment to addressing evolving telecom infrastructure needs in Europe, leveraging its expertise in optical fibre technology and manufacturing.
- Poland chosen as a strategic location for the plant to facilitate efficient distribution across European markets and capitalize on the country's favorable business environment.
Houthi Attacks Disrupt India-Europe Diesel Trade, Plummeting Shipments to Two-Year Low
- Ongoing Houthi attacks on merchant shipping disrupt diesel trade, leading to a two-year low in shipments from India to Europe this month.
- Higher freight costs, driven by Red Sea turmoil, contribute to the decline in diesel flow to both the European Union and the UK.
- Data from Vortexa Ltd shows arrivals of fuel from India to Europe averaging only 18,000 barrels per day in the first half of February, a more than 90% drop from January's average.
- Analysts attribute the decline to increased shipping costs to the west, prompting tankers to consider longer journeys and higher costs, with routes often necessitating evasion of the Houthi threat near South Africa's Cape of Good Hope or navigating the Suez Canal with its associated risks.
Interpol: A Double-Edged Sword in the Hands of Autocrats
- Interpol's red notices, akin to international arrest warrants, have been abused by authoritarian regimes to target political dissidents, journalists, and activists across borders.
- Blue notices, seeking information about individuals, have seen a surge in usage, often circumventing stricter red notice checks and leading to wrongful alerts.
- The stolen and lost passport database has been exploited by countries like Belarus and Turkey to harass dissidents abroad, posing challenges for Interpol's policing efforts.
- Direct messages between countries via Interpol systems, such as diffusions, remain largely unchecked and can result in arrests, raising concerns about due process and political abuse.
Northern Ireland Forms New Government Amidst Brexit Border Dispute
- Sinn Fein emerges as the leading party in Northern Ireland, securing the position of Prime Minister for Michelle O'Neill, marking the first nationalist leader in Stormont's history.
- Emma Little-Pengelly, representing the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), assumes the role of deputy first minister, highlighting the power-sharing agreement between nationalist and unionist parties.
- The DUP's reluctance to accept the internal trade border between Northern Ireland and the rest of Britain, created as a result of Brexit, led to a boycott of Stormont institutions following the 2022 elections.
- The border in the Irish Sea, necessitated by the UK's withdrawal agreement with the EU, aims to maintain the border-free status between Northern Ireland and Ireland, preserving the integrity of the Good Friday Agreement and the EU single market.
Thursday, 15 February 2024
INR | WESTERN EUROPE: Weekly Updates
EU Leaders Call for Urgent Review of EU-Israel Agreement Amid Gaza Conflict
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar jointly urge the European Commission to conduct an urgent review of the EU-Israel agreement.
- They express serious concerns over Israel's military campaign in Gaza and potential violations of human rights and international law.
- Sánchez and Varadkar emphasize the need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to prevent further harm to the civilian population of Gaza.
- The leaders highlight reports of a possible Israeli ground operation in Rafah, which they warn could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.
- They call for accountability and stress the importance of the two-state solution in resolving the conflict, urging the EU to take action.
France to Restrict Birthright Citizenship in Mayotte to Curb Immigration
- France plans to amend its constitution to limit citizenship in Mayotte to individuals born to immigrants, as part of efforts to control immigration to the Indian Ocean territory.
- The announcement has sparked controversy, with far-right factions welcoming the move while socialists oppose it, arguing that birthright citizenship is a fundamental principle.
- Leftist leaders express concerns that the constitutional change could set a precedent for similar measures in mainland France, potentially leading to broader implications.
- Mayotte residents have voiced discontent and protests in response to the proposed amendment, highlighting divisions within the territory over immigration policies.
- The decision reflects France's ongoing struggle to manage immigration and integration issues, particularly in its overseas territories.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/14/why-is-france-revoking-birthright-citizenship-in-mayotte
France Imposes Sanctions on Israeli Settlers for West Bank Violence
- France announces sanctions against 28 Israeli settlers accused of human rights abuses against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
- The sanctions include banning the individuals from entering France, reflecting a stance against settler violence.
- The move aligns with similar actions by the US and UK, as concerns rise over settler attacks on Palestinians.
- The United Nations records over 516 settler attacks since October 7, amid heightened tensions following Israel's assault on Gaza.
- Israeli security forces are accused of often standing by during settler attacks, contributing to a sense of impunity among settlers.
NATO chief says Europe meeting spending targets after Trump criticism
- Days after former US President Donald Trump implied that Washington might not defend nations that did not spend enough, NATO said on Wednesday that Europe was fulfilling an alliance spending objective and that the US needed allies.
Port of Antwerp Operations Paralyzed by Farmers' Protest
- Hundreds of farmers on tractors block roads surrounding the port, demanding improved pay and working conditions.
- Port operations severely affected, with freight delivery and pickup halted, causing losses in millions of euros for companies.
- Delays compound existing issues, as shipping companies avoid the Suez Canal due to security concerns, opting for longer routes.
- Already disrupted supply chains face further strain, with ships unable to unload cargo at the port.
- Farmers' protests extend beyond Belgium, with French farmers warning of potential resumption of protests if demands are not met.
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/port-antwerp-disrupted-by-belgian-farmers-protests-2024-02-13/
India, Poland ink pact for issuing summons search warrant taking evidence of witnesses
- India has signed an agreement with Poland for issuing summons, search warrant to any person or taking the evidence of witnesses residing in either country in relation to criminal matters.
U.S. Official Confident in Certifying Australia and Britain for AUKUS Exemptions
- Under Secretary for Arms Control Bonnie Jenkins expresses confidence in certifying Australia and Britain as eligible for exemptions under the AUKUS.
- The AUKUS project, aimed at countering China's influence, involves sharing U.S. nuclear technology with Australia and other technology with Britain, subject to strict U.S. regulations.
- Certification requires President Biden's approval by mid-April, including AUKUS-related funding, to reinforce U.S. submarine production capabilities, currently held up in Congress due to debates over border security measures.
UK issues Serious Crime Prevention Orders against 9 criminals Indian descent
- The UK authorities have issued Serious Crime Prevention Orders (SCPOs) to nine Indian-origin criminals who were found guilty of smuggling goods and migrants in an effort to deter future offenses.
UK’s Rwanda bill ‘incompatible with human rights obligations
- The UK government’s controversial Rwanda legislation that deems the African country as a safe place to deport people to is fundamentally incompatible with Britain’s human rights obligations and places it in breach of international law, according to a damning parliamentary report.
Sweden Expects Hungary to Soon Approve NATO Membership Application
- Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom anticipates Hungary's approval of Sweden's NATO membership application following Turkey's completion of the ratification process.
- Hungary is the sole NATO member yet to approve Sweden's application, with the ruling nationalists citing Swedish allegations of democracy erosion as a reason for their hesitation.
News bits compiled by:
Ayushi Attri (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)
Thursday, 8 February 2024
INR | WESTERN EUROPE: Weekly Updates
Farmers block Dutch-Belgian border as protests spread across Europe
- Reuters) - Farmers blocked the Dutch-Belgian border and occupied roads in Greece on Friday, while a Polish union announced plans to shut border crossings with Ukraine as European protests over prices and red tape spread.
Europe within reach of landmark AI rules after nod from EU countries 
- Europe on Friday moved a step closer to adopting rules governing the use of artificial intelligence and AI models such as Microsoft-backed ChatGPT after EU countries endorsed a political deal reached in December.
Knife attack wounds three in Paris, police rule out terrorism
- A knife attack early on Saturday in the Gare de Lyon rail station in Paris left three people wounded, police said, ruling out terrorism at this stage.
- Police arrested the suspected attacker, who showed signs of mental disorders, Paris police chief Laurent Nunes told reporters. "We found medicine on him which suggests he was undergoing treatment."
Polish president criticised for doubting Ukraine can retake Crimea
- Poland's president declared on Saturday he had always been unwavering in his support for Ukraine after coming under strong criticism for saying he was unsure whether Kyiv would be able to regain control over Russian-occupied Crimea.
Around 200,000 gather across Germany in latest protests against far-right
- Around 200,000 people took to the streets in Germany on Saturday, most of them in the capital Berlin, as nationwide protests against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party entered their fourth week.
World Court rules Russia-Ukraine genocide case can go forward
- Judges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday ruled that the case Ukraine started accusing Russia of violating international law by accusing Ukraine of genocide can move forward.
- Ukraine brought the case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), also known as the World Court, days after Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022.
Germany launches major 4-day workweek trial amid labour shortage
- Germany is hoping that a shorter workweek will make workers more productive at a time when the country is experiencing a chronic labour shortage.
Ukrainian Attack Drones Target Volgograd Oil Refinery in Southern Russia
- Reports suggest that Ukrainian attack drones targeted the Volgograd oil refinery in southern Russia. The situation is evolving, and more information is awaited.
E.U. throws Ukraine $54 billion lifeline after Hungary drops opposition
- BRUSSELS — European Union leaders agreed Thursday to more than $50 billion in aid for Ukraine, overcoming opposition from Hungary to secure critical funding as battlefield progress stalls and support from the United States looks uncertain.
Ukraine says it sank Russian warship off coast of Crimea and unleashed ‘massive’ missile barrage on peninsula
- Ukraine’s military intelligence says it sank a Russian warship off the coast of Crimea, landing the latest in a series of blows to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet after mounting a “massive” missile attack on the occupied peninsula hours earlier.
Sweden's Military Reinforcement: A Shift in Neutrality
- Sweden is experiencing a surge in conscription rates, aiming to bolster its armed forces amid escalating regional tensions.
- The rearmament of Gotland, a key island in the Baltic Sea, symbolizes Sweden's renewed focus on defense in response to perceived threats, particularly from Russia.
- Sweden's historic neutrality is undergoing a significant shift as it moves closer to joining NATO.
- The reevaluation of Sweden's military stance reflects broader geopolitical shifts in Europe, with implications for regional security dynamics.
Russia's Escalating Attacks on Ukraine
- Russia launched a series of missile strikes and drone attacks across Ukraine, resulting in civilian casualties and widespread damage to infrastructure.
- The attacks caused power outages, fires, and structural damage, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
- European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell sought shelter during the attacks and emphasized the EU's unwavering support for Ukraine.
News bits compiled by:
Ayushi Attri (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)