VIJIGISHU '24

Showing posts with label NAM. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NAM. Show all posts

Wednesday, 24 January 2024

INR | APAC: Weekly Updates

Singapore Minister Quits After Biggest Graft Case Since 1986

Singapore’s Transport Minister S. Iswaran resigned after being charged with corruption, the latest development in the biggest political scandal to hit the city-state in close to four decades.

https://bloom.bg/3tWTemC


Pakistan to buy Chinese FC-31 fighter jets, says air chief

Pakistan is set to acquire the Chinese FC-31 Gyrfalcon fifth-generation fighter, according to head of the Pakistan Air Force.

https://www.defensenews.com/air/2024/01/04/pakistan-to-buy-chinese-fc-31-fighter-jets-says-air-chief/


Four of six passengers rescued as plane bound for Russia crashes in Afghanistan 

A Russian private jet carrying six people is believed to have crashed in a remote area of rural Afghanistan, authorities said on January 21. 

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/plane-crashes-in-afghanistans-badakshan-province-report/article67761959.ece


Pakistan says 'minor irritants' with Iran would be overcome mutually through dialogue and diplomacy

Pakistan's top civil-military leadership at a high-level huddle on January 19 concluded that the “minor irritants” with Iran would be overcome by the two countries mutually through dialogue and diplomacy.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/pakistan-says-minor-irritants-with-iran-would-be-overcome-mutually-through-dialogue-and-diplomacy/article67758963.


Explain Hong Kong’s Article 23 to show government has ‘nothing to hide’

Scholars urge clarity on security law to avoid ‘conspiracy theories.

https://sc.mp/7etb


At NAM summit, Jaishankar pitches for two-state solution for Gaza crisis

The External Affairs Minister says “this humanitarian crisis requires a sustainable solution that gives immediate relief to those most affected”

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/at-nam-summit-jaishankar-pitches-for-two-state-solution-for-gaza-crisis/article67757593.ece


India becomes first Vice Chair of COFI Sub-Committee on Fisheries Management

India has been elected as the First Vice Chair of the FAO COFI (Food and Agriculture Organisation Committee on Fisheries) Sub-Committee on Fisheries Management, said the Indian embassy in Italy.

https://www.firstpost.com/india/india-becomes-first-vice-chair-of-cofi-sub-committee-on-fisheries-management-13635002.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=whatsapp


Japanese robotic spacecraft successfully set down on the moon on Friday


With this achievement, Japan is now the fifth country to send a spacecraft that made a soft landing on the moon.


India says it hopes to resolve issue of troops in Maldives


India on Thursday said it continues to hope for a resolution of the tussle with the Maldives over stationing of Indian troops in the islands, despite the Maldivian government setting a deadline of March 15 for their removal.


"Tensions Rise: Kim Jong-un's Military Moves Spark War Fears Amid Diplomatic Doubts and Russian Ties, China as Potential Deterrent"


Kim Jong-un's recent military actions raise fears of a shift towards war. Doubts about diplomacy, ties with Russia, and possible miscalculations heighten concerns, with China possibly acting as a deterrent.


"Prabowo Subianto Surges in Polls for Indonesia's Presidency, Revamped Image Sparks Hope and Concerns Over Democratic Setbacks"


Controversial figure Prabowo Subianto vies for Indonesia's presidency, despite past human rights accusations. Leading in polls, his revamped image resonates with some, but critics worry about democratic setbacks and a return to a troubling era if he wins. 


"Switzerland and India Ink Historic Free-Trade Deal After 16-Year Talks, Prioritizing Job Creation"


After 16 years of talks, Switzerland and India strike a free-trade deal, says Economy Minister Guy Parmelin. The initial agreement is in place, with a focus on job creation and employment security in both nations.

"Historic Partnership: Rangsons Aerospace Secures Five-Year Contract with Boeing, First Indian Supplier in Landmark Deal"


In a historic move, Rangsons Aerospace secures a five-year contract with Boeing, marking the first such collaboration between Boeing and an Indian supplier. The deal cements Rangsons Aerospace's pivotal role in the aviation supply chain.

"Possible Putin Visit to Pyongyang: Kim Jong-un's Invitation Sparks Speculation, Signaling Shared Concerns on North Korea's Sovereignty"


Vladimir Putin considers visiting Pyongyang, appreciating Kim Jong-un's invitation. If it happens, it'll be Putin's first trip to North Korea in over two decades, emphasizing shared concerns about actions affecting North Korea's sovereignty.


"China's Research Vessel Raises Eyebrows: Xiang Yang Hong 03's Deployment to Maldives Sparks Concerns Amid Regional Tensions and Strategic Engagements"


China's research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 03 raises concerns as it heads to the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. Despite officials calling it routine, its timing amid regional tensions and China's strategic engagements with the Maldives aligns with a broader pattern of increased naval presence since 2008.


"India's Stock Market Surges to Fourth-Largest Globally at $4.33 Trillion, Outpacing Hong Kong: Attractive Growth and Reforms Position India as a Long-Term Investment"


India's stock market now ranks as the world's fourth-largest at $4.33 trillion, surpassing Hong Kong. Attracting global capital with economic growth and investor-friendly reforms, India emerges as a top long-term investment, contrasting with China's recent stock challenges.


"India Repatriates 184 Myanmar Soldiers from Mizoram Amidst Ongoing Tensions: Total Refugees Reach 635"


India repatriates 184 Myanmar soldiers who sought refuge in Mizoram after clashes with insurgents. Most returned on Myanmar air force planes, bringing the total number of Myanmar soldiers seeking shelter in Mizoram to 635.


"Myanmar Air Force Plane Overshoots Runway in Mizoram Evacuation, Breaks into Two: Incident Adds to Challenges for Soldiers Seeking Refuge in India"

A Myanmar Air Force cargo plane evacuating soldiers overshoots the runway in Mizoram, breaking into two. Eight crew members are injured. The incident compounds challenges for Myanmar soldiers seeking refuge in India amid internal unrest.


"Hong Kong Braces for Lunar New Year Rush: Lo Wu Checkpoint Anticipated as Busiest Amid Extended Hours and Collaborative Efforts with Shenzhen"

Hong Kong expects Lo Wu to be the busiest checkpoint during Feb 10-13 holidays. City leader John Lee applauds collaboration with Shenzhen. Extended hours aim to ease passenger flow, particularly for Lunar New Year events.


"Media Tycoon Jimmy Lai Faces Trial Over Alleged Collusion: Accused of Orchestrating Anti-Beijing Campaign, Denies Charges as Former Publisher Testifies"


Media tycoon Jimmy Lai faces trial for orchestrating a campaign urging Hongkongers to petition Trump against Beijing's security law. Lai denies collusion charges, and former Apple Daily publisher Cheung Kim-hung testifies on Lai's pro-protester stance during 2019 unrest.


"Powerful 7.0-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Western China Near Kyrgyzstan Border: Seismologists Monitoring Aftershocks and Assessing Potential Damage"


A powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake hits western China near Kyrgyzstan border at 2:09 a.m. Seismologists may adjust the magnitude. Aftershocks pose ongoing risks, potentially causing additional damage in the region.


"Chinese Moviegoers Snub Hollywood: No American Films in China's Top 10 Grossing List for 2023, Tensions Lead to Industry Adjustments"


Chinese moviegoers shift away from Hollywood films, impacting box office rankings. In 2023, no American films made China's top 10 grossing list. Tensions and rising popularity of Chinese-produced films prompt Hollywood studios to adjust budgets and marketing strategies.


"Musk Slams UN Structure: Calls India's Exclusion from Permanent UNSC Seat 'Absurd,' Urges Reform Amid Chinese Resistance"


Elon Musk criticizes India's absence as a permanent UNSC member, deeming it "absurd." He calls for UN reform, pointing out India's exclusion despite being populous. China's veto power poses resistance.


http://tinyurl.com/53p44eh6


"Alibaba Co-Founders Jack Ma and Joe Tsai Boost Confidence: Emerge as Top Shareholders Amid Stock Decline and Regulatory Hurdles"


Alibaba's co-founders, Jack Ma and Joe Tsai, show confidence in the company's future by becoming the two largest shareholders. Despite stock decline and regulatory challenges, they aggressively acquire shares, reshaping Alibaba's market value dynamics.


https://sc.mp/xglv


"China's Central Bank Bolsters Market Confidence: Cuts Reserve Requirement Ratio, Injects $140 Billion to Stabilize Amid Economic Uncertainties"


China's central bank takes action to boost market confidence, cutting the reserve requirement ratio by 50 basis points, injecting $140 billion. The move aims to stabilize markets amid fears of a stock market decline and economic uncertainties. Analysts anticipate additional supportive measures.


https://sc.mp/rx2w


News bits compiled by:

Nadia Rawat (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)

Alithia Clemency Paul (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)


Drafted by:

Deepanshi Pathak (B.A. I.R., 2nd Year)

Deepanjali Singh (B.A. I.R., 2nd Year) 


Published by:

Alithia Clemency Paul (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)



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Saturday, 20 January 2024

INR | AFRICA: Weekly Updates

Is AFCON the latest African ‘sports washing’ case?

  • Hosting President Alassane Ouattara is being accused of “sportswashing”, after he spent an estimated $1 billion to host the tournament.
  • The term sportswashing refers to the use of sport to help launder the image of controversial leaders or policies.
  • The last four editions of AFCON have been hosted in Cameroon, Egypt, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea – countries with long-term leaders, including one recently deposed after a coup. In most of these cases, the tournament has helped these regimes to gain international attention and utilize propaganda to justify their continued stay in power.
Read more : https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2024/1/17/analysis-is-ivory-coasts-afcon-the-latest-african-sportswashing-case

Former Nigerian President deployed for peace talk amid Ethiopia-Somalia tensions 

  • African Union's Peace and security Council (PCB) deployed former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo for negotiations with the aim to prevent a potential war,
  • The issue started after Somaliland's agreement with Ethiopia, granting control over a maritime port and a military base on the Red Sea.
  • The African Union considers Somaliland a province of Somalia. There are challenges in mediation efforts, including Somalia’s refusal to engage until Ethiopia reverses its agreement with Somaliland. 

NAM voices criticism on Israel's war on Gaza at Kampala summit 

  • The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), founded in 1965, is the largest global bloc after the UN, and its current summit in Kampala addresses the Gaza conflict and other global issues.
  • Leaders of NAM countries denounced Israel's military campaign in Gaza, demanding an immediate ceasefire.
  • Cuba's vice president Salvador Valdés Mesa calls it one of the cruelest genocidal acts in history, questioning the justification of targeting civilians and infrastructure.
  • African Union Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat urges an end to the "unjust war against the Palestinian people."
Read more : https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/19/non-aligned-movement-criticises-israeli-war-in-gaza-at-kampala-summit

Kenya cult leader charged with ‘terrorism’ over starvation deaths

  • A Kenyan court has charged cult leader Paul Mackenzie with “terrorism”-related crimes over the deaths of 429 of his followers.
  • The self-proclaimgd pastor was charged along with 94 others on Thursday over the deaths of followers whose bodies have been exhumed from the Shakahola forest near the Indian Ocean.
  • Mackenzie was arrested last April after the bodies began being discovered.
Read more : https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/18/kenya-cult-leader-charged-with-terrorism-over-starvation-deaths

Somalia rejects mediation with Ethiopia government over Somaliland port deal


  • The Ethiopia-Somalia feud continues with Mogadishu claiming its territorial integrity has been violated by the deal.
  • Tensions in the Horn of Africa have escalated after landlocked Ethiopia reached a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland on January 1 that gives it access to the sea.
  • “There is no space for mediation unless Ethiopia retracts its illegal MOU and reaffirms the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia,” the country’s foreign ministry said in a statement posted on its official social media accounts.
Read more : https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/18/somalia-rejects-mediation-with-ethiopia-govt-over-somaliland-port-deal

Zimbabwe opposition party claims an activist was kidnapped and discovered dead.


  • The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party announced late on Monday that an opposition party member from Zimbabwe has been found dead following his kidnapping on Saturday during a political campaign just outside of Harare. This is the second kidnapping of an opposition party member in recent weeks.
  • Ahead of the Dec. 9 by-elections, Tapfumaneyi Masaya was allegedly forced into a car by unidentified males while she was campaigning for the candidate of the main opposition party, the CCC.
  • After that, Masaya's body was sent to a mortuary at Parirenyatwa Hospital, which is located roughly 5 kilometres outside central Harare. There, CCC members who had been looking for Masaya identified his body. Mkwananzi stated
Read more: https://edition.cnn.com/2023/11/14/africa/zimbabwe-opposition-party-says-activist-found-dead-after-abduction/index.html

Explosion in southwest Nigeria results in two deaths and numerous injuries.

  • In Oyo state, southwest of Nigeria, the governor said on Wednesday that the detonation of explosives placed in a private property resulted in at least two fatalities and numerous injuries.
  • Witnesses reported that the explosion on Tuesday night in the Bodija neighbourhood of Ibadan caused several buildings to fall, forcing terrified people into the streets. 
  • Locals reported that the effect was felt throughout the city.The governor, Seyi Makinde, stated in a statement that 77 individuals received medical attention for injuries, the majority of whom were released. Two fatalities were reported.


In Somali capital, a suicide explosion claims three lives and injures two, according to police

  • According to the authorities, a suicide bombing in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, has left three persons dead and two injured.
  • The attack was attributed to the armed group al-Shabab, which is connected with al-Qaeda.
  • Police spokesperson Sadik Ali said on Tuesday that the suicide bomber, who was under pursuit, detonated himself outside an Indian eatery in the Hamar Weyne neighbourhood of Mogadishu.
  • In a statement, Al-Shabab claimed that the explosion was directed at local security personnel. It mentioned casualties but did not give an exact figure.
  • For years, Somalia has been beset by instability, with al-Shabab and the terrorist organisations ISIL (ISIS) posing the biggest dangers.

Rights groups claim that femicide is a national crisis in Kenya.

  • Following the gruesome murders of two women, rights groups are pleading with the Kenyan government to look into and prosecute cases of femicide immediately.
  • Femicide Count Kenya reported 152 homicides in a year, the most in the previous five years. According to representatives of the NGO, which only keeps track of cases that are recorded, the real number of killings is probably far higher.
  • Since the year's beginning, there have been at least four instances of femicide. 

Ethiopian government forces bombarding civilian areas following an infantry defeat.


  • Abiy Ahmed government forces are accused by fano forces operating in Ethiopia's Amhara region's Jawi area of killing people in the zone's Jawi district. 
  • A spokesman for the local forces unit told Anchor Media that "several regiments of government troops were routed." But once the government began "to shell civilian targets and residential homes," the forces were forced to realign.  Numerous people thought to have died.
read more: https://borkena.com/2024/01/19/jawi-ethiopian-govt-forces-shelling-civilians-after-losing-infantry-battle/

One Sudanese city saw up to 15,000 ethnic massacres; UN report.

  • The first review of a 36-month loan deal with Ghana was authorized by the International Monetary Fund board on Friday, releasing $600 million in desperately needed money.
  • Ghana, which was experiencing its worst economic crisis in decades, consented to a $3 billion loan from the IMF in order to strengthen its public finances and improve the way it managed its substantial debt load.
  • Ghana and its foreign creditors came to a debt restructuring agreement last week, which cleared the way for Friday's much-needed money disbursement.
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Lankan Crisis: Jingoism to Jeopardy?

Go home Gota” “Go home Jokers” “You messed with the wrong generation” These are few of the  slogans on placards wielded  by young protesters...