Showing posts with label BIDEN. Show all posts

Tuesday, 23 July 2024

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

https://cnn.it/3uKixca

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.

https://nyti.ms/49wwn10

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.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/gallery/2024/2/26/photos-farmers-clash-with-police-near-the-european-union-headquarters&ved=2ahUKEwj7mPPC78-EAxU63zgGHTmpBmcQ0PADKAB6BAgWEAE&usg=AOvVaw26sxRaBzBRx6YLPQzlSBUz

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

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/amp/world/india-middle-east-europe-corridor-in-doubt-due-to-israel-hamas-war-dws/cid/2003495&ved=2ahUKEwj7mPPC78-EAxU63zgGHTmpBmcQ0PADKAB6BAgYEAE&usg=AOvVaw3A0jURZGZvSmrrWBzFzEh7

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.

https://nyti.ms/3URAMa5

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.

https://nyti.ms/48msbQ0

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

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240228-%F0%9F%94%B4-french-senate-votes-to-enshrine-abortion-rights-in-constitution

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.

https://m.economictimes.com/news/defence/mea-urges-indian-citizens-to-avoid-joining-russian-army-in-ukraine-conflict/articleshow/107939223.cms

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.

https://cnn.it/42VGIkw

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.

https://apnews.com/article/nato-stoltenberg-ukraine-troops-france-slovakia-5d4ed747861a3c0edb8f922fa36427c2

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.

https://apnews.com/article/kosovo-serbia-tension-kfor-ethnic-serbs-jail-bcf2521712ac212fcc9a6ff2ae9845a1

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.

https://apnews.com/article/germany-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-talks-berlin-766b4d8176de30b3895624124500aaa3

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.

https://apnews.com/article/migration-european-union-greece-sinking-adriana-c7e7b4a7f161d9a6a0d9ad1f3efd816d

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.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/28/france-to-make-abortion-a-constitutional-right-after-senate-vote

News bits compiled by:

Ayushi Attri (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)