Showing posts with label CORRUPTION. Show all posts

Tuesday, 6 August 2024

INR | EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA : Weekly Updates

Russian exclusion at the Olympic Games

Mariya Lasitskene, a Tokyo 2020 gold medallist, expresses the hurt of not being able to participate in Paris 2024 due to the ban against Russian athletes issued since the beginning of aggression against Ukraine, showing how profound the emotional and professional impact is on Russian athletes.

The Russian press and politicians give pejorative nicknames to the Paris Olympics, which indicates that for them, the Olympic Games have been politicized—but more than that, a broad national sentiment of grievance and exclusion is carried through.

In response to the exclusion, Russia hosted nationalistic sports festivals. These include traditional recreations and military-themed activities that are quite far from the international Olympic spirit.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clwyy9j8wxdo

Russian Defence officials arrested in corruption probe

Major General Vladimir Shesterov and Vyacheslav Akhmedov, the head of Patriot Park, have been detained over suspicions of fraud relating to the misappropriation of funds destined for work in the park.

Wider Anti-Corruption Drive: It is part of an unprecedented wave of corruption investigations in the Russian military and defense sectors that have seen several high-ranking officials and businessmen arrested since April.

The decision of President Vladimir Putin to replace Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu recently with Andrei Belousov signals towards the Kremlin's big push to tighten control over the defense budget and repressions against corruption in the midst of war in Ukraine.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/russia-detains-senior-defence-official-over-suspected-fraud-at-military-theme-park-101722860614475.html

Ukrainian athletes shine at the Olympic Games amidst the ongoing war

Yaroslava Mahuchikh took gold in high jump and set a new world record, while her compatriots Iryna Gerashchenko and Mykhaylo Kohkan captured bronze medals, showcasing the spirit of strength and national pride amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Deep emotional turbulence and devotion are expressed by athletes in such remarks. In particular, Gerashchenko and Mahuchikh dedicate their medals to friends and family who have become victims of the war. The impact on athletes' personal lives and training conditions since this conflict broke out, including Mahuchikh's displacement from Dnipro, is highlighted.

Despite the ruined sports infrastructure and miserable condition, the Ukrainian Olympic team continue to perform admirably; President Zelenskyy hails their strength. The athletes look upon participating in and winning the Olympics as a demonstration of the strengthening of their nation and a reminder of the ongoing war.

https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/sport-others/paris-olympics-away-from-war-team-ukraine-wins-a-battle-and-more-9497448/

Mali severs ties with Ukraine over Wagner attack

Mali cuts ties with Ukraine over comments by a Ukrainian official acknowledging Kyiv's involvement in helping Tuareg rebels attack Russian Wagner mercenaries and Malian soldiers in a deadly assault.

The rebels carried out a heavy strike in northern Mali, leaving many dead. It was among the heaviest blows suffered by Wagner. Ukraine stated it was not in any way related to the strike; its foreign ministry declared the decision of Mali to sever relations with it to be "shortsighted and hasty."

The pivot toward Russia, spearheaded by the Malian approach to Wagner, further consolidated from 2021 after the coup that took place in 2020. In that context, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has, in fact, reaffirmed the support due for Mali.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/8/5/mali-breaks-off-diplomatic-ties-with-ukraine

South Korea and Poland strengthen bilateral ties through air force consultative body

South Korea and Poland have agreed to set up a consultative body between the air forces in order to improve two-way military cooperation, following Poland's acquisition of Korean fighter jets. Details and launching time are currently under negotiation.

The new body would handle various aspects of military cooperation, from strategies and tactics to developments in the defense industry. Poland has purchased enormous amounts of defense equipment from South Korea—FA-50 fighter jets, K9 howitzers, and K2 tanks.

The consultative body will facilitate the sharing of operational know-how concerning the FA-50s jets and may involve a pilot exchange program. Discussions may further be held on the possible exports by South Korea to Poland of its advanced KF-21 Boramae fighters.

https://www.thehansindia.com/news/international/south-korea-poland-to-establish-air-force-consultative-body-896740?infinitescroll=1

Resurgent far-right conjures Austria-Hungary headache for EU on Ukraine

The far-right favorites to win Austria's next election have forged an alliance with Hungarian leader Viktor Orban that could deepen defiance of Brussels and threaten an already fragile consensus over the Ukraine war if they take power.
"We're entering what I would like to call a new era in European politics," Kickl said with Orban announcing their European alliance in June in a Vienna hotel alongside Andrej Babis, head of the biggest party in the Czech Republic's lower house, and a former prime minister of that country.
The EU has agreed 14 rounds of sanctions since Russia's invasion, and in February passed a 50 billion euro ($54 billion) aid package for Ukraine until 2027.

Hungary to revoke green number plates from hybrid vehicles

According to a government decree, from 1 September 2024, only fully electric and zero-emission vehicles will be eligible for green number plates upon their first domestic registration, iho.hu writes.
Owners of less environmentally friendly vehicles—classified as 5P (plug-in) and 5N (extended range) hybrid electric vehicles—must initiate the replacement of their green plates with white ones by 30 November 2026.
Consequently, the tax incentives associated with green number plates are also under review, marking the end of the era for luxury SUVs with green plates.

The Taliban says people in Afghanistan on previous government’s visas can stay for now

Afghanistan’s Taliban government said Monday it would allow people in the country on visas issued by the former Western-backed government to stay for now, but that they wouldn’t be allowed back in without documents from a Taliban-approved diplomatic mission.
The move is part of the Taliban’s efforts to gain control of Afghanistan’s representation abroad since returning to power in 2021.
In March 2023, the Taliban said they were trying to take charge of more Afghan embassies abroad. Their chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said the administration had sent diplomats to at least 14 countries.

Fire at Iran-Afghanistan border extinguished after massive inferno

"Smoke from the fire in this economic hub is visible up to 18 kilometers away," the deputy governor of Taybad for political, security, and social affairs said.
Fuel tanks caught fire on Monday on Iran's side of the Iran-Afghanistan Dogharoun Special Economic Zone at the border, semi-official Iranian state Tasnim news agency reported.
"Firefighters have already been dispatched to control the fire, but the amount of damage has not yet been reported," Tasmin news agency reporter Mohammad Reza Rezaei said.

Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan keen to take their multifaceted partnership to next level

"The head of state received the assistant to the President of Uzbekistan, Saida Mirziyoyeva. During the meeting, current issues of further advancing the multifaceted partnership between the two countries were discussed," the source said.
"The head of state received the assistant to the President of Uzbekistan, Saida Mirziyoyeva. During the meeting, current issues of further advancing the multifaceted partnership between the two countries were discussed," the source said.
"The head of state received the assistant to the President of Uzbekistan, Saida Mirziyoyeva. During the meeting, current issues of further advancing the multifaceted partnership between the two countries were discussed," the source said.

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, 6 June 2024

INR | WESTERN EUROPE: Weekly Updates

Germany and U.S. Permit Ukraine to Target Russian Soil, Escalating Tensions

Germany and the United States have authorized Ukraine to use long-range weapons against Russian targets near the border, a significant shift in policy aimed at helping Ukraine defend the Kharkiv region from recent Russian attacks.
The authorization comes as Russian forces intensify their assaults on Kharkiv, with missile strikes on residential areas causing civilian casualties, including five deaths overnight.
Both nations assert Ukraine’s right to self-defense under international law, emphasizing the need to protect Kharkiv by allowing strikes on Russian positions used for attacks on the region.
Russia has reacted strongly, with officials warning that this escalation could lead to direct conflict with NATO and increase the risk of nuclear confrontation, as highlighted by Dmitry Medvedev and other Russian leaders.
Western countries have been cautious about easing restrictions on weapon use due to fears of provoking Russia. However, NATO's Jens Stoltenberg and leaders from Sweden and Italy have expressed support for Ukraine's right to use Western weapons for self-defense, despite varying national policies on the extent of use.

Read Ahead At: https://m.economictimes.com/news/defence/berlin-lets-ukraine-use-german-weapons-against-targets-in-russia-after-the-us-also-eases-its-stance/articleshow/110598262.cms

Spanish PM’s Wife Summoned in Corruption Probe Amid Government Denials

Begona Gomez, wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, is summoned to appear in court on July 5 concerning allegations of using her influence for business deals.
The Spanish government, including Sanchez and spokeswoman Pilar Alegria, denounces the investigation as a baseless political attack by right-wing parties, the Popular Party and Vox.
The allegations originate from Manos Limpias, a group known for its right-wing legal pursuits, and the case has been largely driven by media reports.
Sanchez initially considered resigning but decided to remain in office, framing the probe as a smear campaign against his Socialist Workers’ Party-led coalition.
Despite efforts by public prosecutors to dismiss the case, a provincial court allowed the investigation to proceed, with the judge deciding on the next steps, including potentially going to trial. The summons comes just before the European Parliament elections.

Read Ahead At: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/4/spanish-government-decries-mudslinging-campaign-as-pms-wife-summoned

Chinese EV Makers Gear Up for Major European Invasion

European automakers, who previously dominated the Chinese market, now face competition from Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giants BYD, Chery, and Great Wall Motor (GWM) in their home market. These Chinese companies plan to launch around 20 new models in Europe over the next five years.
Chinese automakers have spent years researching European consumers, hiring local industry veterans, and establishing strong dealership and service networks to compete with Tesla and legacy European brands.
To boost their visibility, Chinese manufacturers are investing in high-profile marketing, including sponsorship of major events like the Euro 2024 soccer championship. This strategy aims to enhance brand recognition and consumer trust.
While Chinese EVs are priced slightly below comparable Western models, they come loaded with features such as heated-and-cooled seats and digital dashboards, which are often optional extras in competitor vehicles. This strategy mirrors tactics used by Japanese automakers in the past.
Chinese automakers are focusing on building long-term success by improving safety ratings, strengthening repair and service operations, and ensuring high resale values. These efforts are designed to appeal to both private buyers and the significant European fleet market.
Chinese EV makers benefit from significant cost advantages due to government subsidies and dominance in battery-mineral refining. This has allowed them to engage in aggressive pricing strategies domestically, which they are now bringing to the European market.
Despite starting from a low base, Chinese EV sales in Europe are growing rapidly. Companies like BYD are expanding their dealership networks quickly, aiming to establish a significant presence across multiple European countries within a short period.

Read Ahead At: https://m.economictimes.com/industry/renewables/how-chinas-ev-makers-aim-to-beat-tesla-legacy-automakers-in-europe/articleshow/110553030.cms

Surge in Russian-Backed Cyber Attacks Challenges EU Cybersecurity

Disruptive digital attacks targeting the European Union have doubled recently, with many traced to Russia-backed groups. These attacks have increased significantly since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Juhan Lepassaar, head of the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), highlighted that these hacktivist attacks focus on causing disruption to European infrastructure and election-related services.
The rise in cyber attacks is seen as part of Russia's broader war efforts, extending beyond physical conflict in Ukraine to digital aggression across Europe.
Experts warn of the growing use of artificial intelligence to spread misleading information and deepfakes, posing significant threats to Western voters and democratic processes.
ENISA has been actively working to enhance the resilience of EU election-related agencies and other critical sectors through exercises and consultations.
Lepassaar emphasizes the need for society to adopt digital security measures akin to everyday safety habits, highlighting the importance of awareness and proactive behavior in the digital environment.

Read Ahead At: https://m.economictimes.com/tech/technology/europes-cybersecurity-chief-says-disruptive-attacks-have-doubled-recently-sees-russia-behind-many/articleshow/110526606.cms

Icelandic Volcano Erupts Again, Threatens Town and Tourist Hotspot

A volcano in southwestern Iceland erupted for the fifth time since December.
Lava flows threatened to cut off the town of Grindavík and prompted the evacuation of the world-famous Blue Lagoon.
The eruption began around 1 p.m. local time Wednesday following an earthquake at the Sundhnúks crater.
Lava flows initially cut off two out of three roads leading to Grindavík.
Grindavík, a town of about 3,000 people, was mostly evacuated before a previous eruption in December.

Read Ahead At: https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/30/europe/iceland-volcano-eruption-grindavik-intl-hnk/index.html

US-supplied Abrams Tanks Failing Ukrainian Troops on the Battlefield

Ukrainian tankers say US-supplied Abrams tanks are not suitable for the war in Ukraine.
The tanks lack armor that can stop modern weapons and are vulnerable to drone attacks.
The tanks have technical problems, including engine problems and electrical issues.
The ammunition they are being supplied with is not the right type for the fight they are in.
Ukrainian troops are frustrated that the tanks were made for a NATO style of warfare, which Ukraine does not have.

Read Ahead At: https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/29/europe/ukraine-war-us-tanks-intl/index.html

Deadly Floods Devastate Southern Germany and Spread Across Europe

At least 5 people have died in southern Germany due to flooding caused by torrential rain.
Floodwaters are now spreading down the Danube River, affecting Austria and Hungary.
The historic city of Passau in Germany has seen its highest water levels in over a decade.
Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg in Germany are the worst-hit regions.
Authorities warn that the situation is critical and the rising water levels pose and threat to Slovakia and Hungary.

Read Ahead At: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9wwdzwj93mo

Poland's PM Warns: 'Vote to Defend Against Russian Threat or Face Consequences'

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk issues a stark warning, urging citizens to vote in the European elections to defend against the threat of Russian aggression.
Tusk's Civic Coalition emphasizes the need for a united EU stance against Moscow, amidst concerns over Russia's actions and intentions.
Poland initiates a multi-billion-zloty project, "Shield East," to bolster border security, signaling a commitment to deter any potential aggression from Russia.
Despite concerns over Russian aggression, not all Polish sentiment is uniformly supportive of Ukraine, with some farmers expressing resentment over perceived economic competition.
The European election campaign in Poland highlights the ongoing security risks posed by Russia, underscoring the importance of vigilance and unity across Europe.

Read Ahead At: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c88804wnn2go

Ex-Soldier Faces Murder Charges After Extradition Fight

Craig Lang, a former US soldier who fought alongside Ukrainian forces, has been extradited from Ukraine to face murder charges in Florida.
Lang is accused of killing a couple in 2018 and stealing money to fund a trip to Venezuela.
He allegedly fled to Ukraine and fought with volunteer militias before being arrested and battling extradition for several years.
Lang faces life in prison if convicted and also has charges pending in North Carolina and Arizona related to the case.
This extradition marks the end of a long saga involving a troubled veteran entangled in violence and international travel.

Read Ahead At: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clwwrz44pyvo

News bits collected and drafted by:
Deepanshi Pathak (BA IR, 2nd year) (Region Head)
Uttam Roy (BA IR 2nd year)
Published By: Varsha Das (BA IR, 2nd year)

VIJIGISHU '24