UKRAINE POWER CRISIS
In Russia, Biden's verbal slip over Putin's name elicits mockery and unease
In response to President Joe Biden's recent verbal slip-ups, including mistakenly referring to Ukraine's leader as "President Putin," Russia's Foreign Ministry and state media commentators have seized upon these incidents to mock Biden's perceived cognitive lapses. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov downplayed the gaffes as slips of the tongue, labeling them as an internal U.S. matter, but criticized Biden's remarks about President Putin. Russian media have often portrayed Biden as unfit for office compared to Putin, whom they depict as a strategic leader. The incidents come amid strained U.S.-Russia relations, exacerbated by Moscow's actions in Ukraine and ongoing diplomatic tensions.
Ukraine solution can't be found on battlefield: PM
India and Russia discussed peaceful resolutions to the Ukraine conflict during an annual summit meeting in Kremlin on Tuesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the issue with President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing the impact on innocent lives, particularly children, in war and terror attacks.
India a key ally of US in rivalry with China: US ambassador to India
America is investing locally and joining hands with allies such as India to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region while competing with China, US ambassador to India Eric Garcetti said.
Ballot in Britain: Keir Starmer-led Labour Party set to sweep to power, ousting Rishi Sunak
Britons are casting their votes in a parliamentary election that could see Keir Starmer's Labour Party replacing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservatives. Opinion polls suggest a potential landslide victory for Starmer, reflecting a desire for change after years of Conservative leadership marked by infighting. Both parties have made their final appeals to voters, with contrasting visions for the country's future. The outcome of the election could have significant implications for British politics and policy direction. Stay updated for the latest developments as the voting process concludes and results are announced.
Russia launches 'massive' attack on Ukraine power infrastructure
Ukraine reported a "massive" overnight attack by Russia on energy infrastructure in the west and south. The attacks damaged Ukrenergo facilities, injured two employees, and marked the eighth such attack in three months. The ongoing Russian invasion has severely impacted Ukraine's electricity generation, leading to blackouts and the need to import energy. President Zelensky called for urgent measures to equip hospitals and schools with solar panels to counter Russian attempts at blackmail.
Putin in Vietnam, seeking to strengthen ties in Southeast Asia while Russia's isolation deepens
Putin was greeted by dignitaries upon his arrival in the Southeast Asian country as soldiers in white dress uniforms stood at attention. He arrived from North Korea, where he and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed an agreement that pledges mutual aid in the event of war.
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World leaders to meet at Swiss resort on possible Ukraine peace roadmap, Russia is notably absent
Leaders from Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Kenya, and Somalia, alongside numerous Western heads of state and government, are set to convene at a conference this weekend to discuss the initial steps toward peace in Ukraine, with Russia notably absent. Hosted by Swiss officials, the conference will see over 50 heads of state and government, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as well as 100 delegations from European bodies and the United Nations.
Russia rehearses delivering tactical nuclear weapons with dummy warheads
Russia conducted drills involving tactical nuclear weapons, deploying dummy warheads to storage points and an airfield amid escalating tensions with the West over Ukraine. President Putin ordered these exercises, which involved multiple military districts. The drills aim to signal Russia's readiness to respond to threats, particularly from Western support for Ukraine. The U.S. and European allies are urged to consider the consequences of escalating the conflict. These drills highlight the ongoing risk of nuclear confrontation and the need for diplomatic solutions to de-escalate tensions.
G7 Summit: How G-7 nations plan to counter rising clout of Russia and China
The G-7, facing challenges from rising powers like China and Russia, grapples with economic and military limitations while navigating a shifting global landscape. Focused on protecting democracy, the group confronts issues such as defense spending, economic vitality, and trade tensions, seeking to maintain its influence and address geopolitical threats.
In USA's backyard, Russian army to begin naval and air exercises in the Caribbean
Russia is deploying maritime and air assets in the Caribbean region. The US is not concerned at this stage but is closely monitoring the developments.
Traders are bracing for a record-smashing summer that will shake up commodities
Prices for some of the world’s most vital commodities — natural gas, power and staple crops like wheat and soy — are climbing.
Kazakhstan President bats for dialogue & diplomacy on Ukraine akin to India’s position
India's stance on the Ukraine conflict has garnered praise from various sources. During a recent trip to Singapore, the President of Kazakhstan, a neighbor of Russia, echoed India's position and elucidated why his nation opted for neutrality. This move countered criticisms directed towards the largest state in Central Asia.
Why reforming the WTO dispute settlement mechanism is imperative
The 13th Ministerial Conference of WTO in Abu Dhabi renewed commitment to a well-functioning Dispute Settlement Mechanism (DSM) by 2024, crucial for the rules-based multilateral trading system.
Top UN court orders Israel to halt military operation in Rafah; Israel is unlikely to comply
Israel signals defiance of ICJ order, citing protection of citizens, while Russia ignores court order on Ukraine invasion.
Concerned about China providing inputs to Russia's defence industrial base: US
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed concerns about China's support to Russia's defense industry, emphasizing the Biden administration's concerted efforts with allies to address this issue. Responding to the UK Defence Minister's claim that China is providing lethal aid to Russia, Sullivan clarified that the US has not observed direct weapon transfers but is worried about China's contributions to Russia's defense production. British Defence Minister Grant Shapps accused China of supplying combat equipment to Russia, noting increased trade between the two nations.
Asserting its strategic choice, China backs Russia to the hilt
China supports Russia in the Ukraine conflict, defying calls for neutrality. Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, autocratic leaders, reaffirm their alliance during Putin's visit to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. They strengthen military cooperation, denounce US actions, and agree on deep-space exploration, satellite navigation systems, telecommunications, and a multipolar world order.
Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin condemn U.S., pledge closer ties as Russia advances in Ukraine
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned aggressive U.S. actions and pledged to deepen their defense ties. Xi emphasized the importance of their partnership, and both leaders opposed Western pressure, particularly regarding Ukraine. A joint statement criticized U.S. military policies and stressed the need for a political resolution to the Ukraine conflict. Putin's visit, his first since re-election, reinforced the strong bilateral relationship, marked by cooperation in defense, energy, and trade, and celebrated 75 years of China-Russia diplomatic ties.
Despite $125 billion debt, why is Pakistan increasing its defence budget to 18000 crore rupees
Pakistan faces economic strain with a $124.5 billion foreign debt, 42% of its GDP. It boosts military capabilities through major arms imports, mainly from China, accounting for 82% from 2019 to 2023. Despite economic woes, it increases defense spending by 15.4% in the national budget, totaling 18000 crore Pak rupees. This military expansion includes submarines from China. Reports suggest Pakistan may have secretly supplied arms to Ukraine, contradicting its neutrality stance. Public discontent grows due to economic hardships and perceived military dominance in resource allocation.
Global debt crisis impacting nearly 95 countries: G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant
G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant emphasized the challenges posed by the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions in the Middle East for global stability and economics. He stressed the need for urgent action to pursue inclusive and sustainable growth strategies in the face of a global debt crisis affecting nearly 95 countries, while maintaining focus on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Ukraine gets a big boost of US aid. It still faces a long slog to repel Russia
The US House of Representatives approved the package on Saturday after months of delays by some Republicans wary of US involvement overseas. It was passed by the Senate on Tuesday, and President Joe Biden said he would sign it Wednesday.
India to receive remaining S-400 Triumf missile regiments from Russia by next year
India is on track to receive the remaining S-400 Triumf missile systems from Russia by next year, following delays due to the Ukraine war. The delivery of two frigates, Tushil and Tamal, is also expected, with the latter to be delivered in January. India's acquisition of these systems and ships is part of efforts to enhance its air power capabilities, particularly in light of security challenges from China. The deliveries are part of agreements signed with Russia, despite warnings from the US about potential sanctions. India's stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict remains focused on diplomatic solutions.
Russia warns of direct clash of N-Powers over Ukraine
President Vladimir Putin's 2022 invasion of Ukraine has touched off the worst breakdown in relations between Russia and the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, according to Russian and US diplomats. Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said the US and NATO were obsessed with the idea of inflicting "strategic defeat" on Russia.
Pushing the envelopes hard: Conflicts are being ‘managed’ to draw new lines of hostile engagement
As these points of tumult escalate, irrelevance of UNSC and the tangential impact on conflicts in Africa, South America and other parts of the world paints a grim picture. Livelihood and economic logic are factors on which new conversations will now have to move faster. Otherwise, matters can spiral out of control sooner than expected.
Red Sea ‘sharks’ threaten to wreck India’s economic plans tied to exports
As global disruptions put export targets under a cloud, the government has taken a cautious approach by setting flexible export goals. Experts say now is the time to expedite FTA talks to stabilise the situation.
Modi 'willing to do his utmost' to resolve Russia-Ukraine issue by 'peaceful means,' says Putin
Putin's remarks came during a meeting with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar at the Kremlin on Wednesday. The EAM is on a Russia visit from December 25 to 29 as a part of the ongoing high-level exchanges between the two sides. Putin emphasised the positive stance of Prime Minister Modi on complex global developments, including the situation in Ukraine.
China's political clout highly overrated, says Pew Research survey
The survey's findings are important because a country's soft power has a significant impact on FDI and influence in international fora like the UN. Three of China's four neighbours hold a negative view. In India, 67% of people surveyed hold an unfavourable view of China. This is higher at 87% in Japan and 77% in South Korea. This could be because Japan and South Korea are close allies of the US, while India remains 'non-aligned'. Indonesia is an exception among China's neighbours as it holds a favourable view. Several European countries, as well as Australia, are found to see China as 'the top global economy'.
View: Great powers are abdicating strategic space or being forced to fight for it
So, the latest developments in West Asia, especially Hamas audacity, can be seen as part of a larger global trend where great powers are either abdicating strategic space or are being forced to fight for it. The UN Security Council is a divided house between two groups — US-Britain-France and Russia-China — among the five veto-privileged permanent members. With no consensus on most security issues, non-state actors are bound to get emboldened, taking the cue from countries like Türkiye to use the turmoil as an opportunity to settle old.
Ukraine is the spotlight at UN leaders' gathering, but is there room for other global priorities?
Developing countries are pushing for faster action on poverty and inequality at the United Nations General Assembly, the first full-on meeting of world leaders since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted travel three years ago. The top priority for developing countries is the U.N.'s two-day summit aimed at achieving 17 global goals by 2030, including ending extreme poverty, ensuring quality education for all children, achieving gender equality, and combating climate change.
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