India Strikes Pakistan

 

India has attacked Pakistan. This follows an act of  terrorism that killed Indian tourist in Kashmir.. Kashmir is divided by Pakistan and India. Both the two Asian powers occupy the area. India blamed the Pakistani government for the murder of 26 Indian tourist. While it is known that Pakistan has funded and supported armed groups, little evidence exists this was a government directed operation. Pakistan has been fighting terrorist organizations and multiple armed groups. The return of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan created more turbulence. Operation Sindoor was launched in both Pakistan and Pakistani occupied Kashmir. The military strikes targeted Jaish e-Mohammed  and Lashkar e-Tayyiba. There have been three major Indo-Pakistani Wars. These occurred in 1947, 1965, and 1971. The Kargil War broke out in 1999. Fears are growing of another Indo-Pakistani War. The situation becomes more precarious with nuclear weapons. An Indian and Pakistani nuclear war devastate the region and the world. Mutual assured destruction could act as restraint for the two countries. An Indo-Pakistani War would complicate the BRICS association. China tends to favor Pakistan in its foreign policy. India is a member of BRICS which could cause tension. A regional war would create refugees. They would either flee to Central Asia, Europe, or Australia. Air strikes kill more civilians than enemy combatants. The Bharatiya Janata Party promotes anti-Muslim and Islamophobic policies. The BJP Party are Hindu nationalists and use anti-Muslim rhetoric to  obtain political support. The vituperation and abuse gets worse around India's election cycle. The hatred will intensify  with a war with Pakistan. Reports of the air forces of both countries are  fighting one another. It remains unclear how Pakistan will retaliate. India tends to win wars against Pakistan, but conditions in the region are different from the 20th century.  

The 2024 BRICS Summit

 

BRICS met for its sixteenth summit in 2024. It was hosted in Kazan, Russia. BRICS is expanding with more nations seeking to join. The challenge is that there are some tensions between some members. Venezuela and Brazil are experiencing a decline in diplomatic  relations. Brazil vetoed Venezuela's entry into BRICS. President Lula Da Silva questioned Venezuela's election results and appears to be drifting further away from President Nicolas Maduro. China and India do have border disputes. The atmosphere was different. Global South nations are asserting their economic independence. Since 2009 BRICS was an informal association of emerging economies in Asia, South America, and Africa. Since then it has become an important factor in the world economy. Attempts made by NATO to isolate Russia internationally were not successful. Seeing as the Russian Federation faces hostility from the European Union, diplomatic ties are sought elsewhere. A growing movement has emerged for creating a new currency and replacing the dollar. African and Asian nations are going to be a great force in the 21st century. Natural resources and a new currency are methods of challenging the dominance of EU countries. More members can be an advantage, but it brings complications. Argentina was set to join, yet reversed it decision. The reason was the country elected a right-wing libertarian President Javier Milei. Saudi Arabia has not taken the offer to become a member. Being a member of BRICS remaining western aligned would be difficult. Most EU countries and the United States see BRICS as an adversary. BRICS could also shield against sanctions unfairly placed on countries from Europe and North America. The 2024 BRICS summit marks an important geopolitical shift.   

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Has Fled Bangladesh

 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has fled Bangladesh. Reports have suggested she has taken refuge in India. Demonstrations spread throughout Bangladesh due to the quota on government jobs. This became very contentious when positions were going to be reserved for relatives of veterans of the independence war. The quota seems to be for the younger generation, who never fought in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. A growing concern about nepotism and corruption was becoming part of the political discourse. Students are becoming the focal point of the protests. When they graduate, the expectation is they can compete for public sector jobs. Relatives of veterans are going to get an unfair advantage. The Supreme Court still supported the 5% government job reservation for the privileged. Even though they rejected the proposed increase their neutrality is being questioned. Prime Minister Sheik Hasina responded with crackdowns by law enforcement. The growing accusation is that the quota system was a means of rewarding those loyal to the Awami League. Bangladesh has seen economic growth, but this did not result in higher employment or  living standards. Students are particularly frustrated, because after attaining higher education employment is no present. Prime Minister Hasina did not address economic needs of the population. Imposing a curfew during protests caused her downfall. Instability in Bangladesh goes beyond its borders. India sees Bangladesh as an important ally.  Military coups over the years make Bangladesh's parliamentary system fragile. Coups occurred in 1975, 1981, 2007, 2009, and 2012. The recent coup is different. Refugees from Myanmar, instability in Pakistan, and the Taliban government in Afghanistan are going to be factors in Bangladesh. The military claims an interim government will be formed. The assertion was that Prime Minister Hasina resigned, but appears that she was forced from power. The protests are continuing despite her removal.    

India's Heatwave

 

India is experiencing an extreme heatwave. This follows a pattern that has been observed by climate scientists. The heatwave become even more precarious with water shortages. The heatwave can be explained by climate change and India's growing urbanization. The human environment interaction in cities contributes to an increase in temperatures. India needs a level of industry and urbanization to become a developed nation. The need to regulate industries and to have fossil fuel free alternatives must be put into motion. heatwaves pose a serious threat to public health and a danger to workers. Pakistan is also having challenges with the 2024 heatwave. If the climate models are correct, India's temperature will continue to increase. Efforts must be made to reduce emissions. The desire to develop the country should not come at the expense of the environment or the Indian citizen. At some point, no amount of environmental policy or regulation can reverse rapid climate change. The population is not only effected, but also India's wildlife. Certain animals might not be able to survive under such temperatures. That will result in changes in the ecosystem, which will directly impact farmers. With high temperatures comes the risk of forest fires. Jammu and Kashmir are experiencing forest fires. Heatwaves and water shortages could in the future determine how India votes. Indians are being harmed by the heatwaves, with deaths being reported in the last five days.  

A Major Goal of The New Development Bank

 

The New Development Bank has outlined major objectives in the coming years. The focus will be on Africa. The NDB founded by BRICS wants to see changes in the global economy. The New Development Bank will finance infrastructure and digital projects. Investments will also be made in education. Such a policy makes sense considering the jobs of the future will require more skills and knowledge. A fourth industrial revolution is coming and the Global South should not be left behind. The African continent has large amounts of natural resources. This means it is a significant force in the world market. NDB President Dilma Rousseff  noted that direct foreign investment in Africa went from 4.9% in 2010 to 8.8 % in 2021. Rousseff described African nations as  quality partners. The challenges that remain are related to expanding payment mechanisms Rousseff added. Cooperation, stability of the continent, and banking procedures remain persistent obstacles. Economic growth is not slowing down in Africa. The result of this is that the New Development Bank's importance will be elevated. 

More Countries Want To Join BRICS

 

BRICS might be getting more members. A total of 30 countries are attempting to be part of the economic alliance. The development represents that the Global South is becoming more united in relation to economic matters. The details of which countries will get membership have not been disclosed. Much of the information related to possible members was from South African BRICS ambassador Anil Sookal. The countries that want to be part of the alliance include Algeria, Argentina, Bahrain, Belarus, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Egypt, Iran, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sudan, Syria, the UAE, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe. The controversial additions would the Gulf monarchies and Afghanistan. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates tend to be in alignment with Europe and North America. Afghanistan remains under the control of the Taliban regime and tends to isolate itself from the wider world. Pakistan has serious tensions with India and Sudan has fallen into civil war. Countries that are unstable, have disputes with other members, or are too close to the West might bring complications to the economic alliance. The challenges could be negated by one currency among members and a series of diplomatic agreements. Many nations want to move away from the US dollar and challenge the US-EU led global economy. The addition of new members also the world is heading to a multipolar power system. At some point the world will not be influenced by a sole superpower. Developing countries could most likely benefit more from BRICS. The IMF and World Bank have failed to produced programs that create economic stability or industrialization. Leaders of BRICS will meet in Johannesburg , South Africa to discuss bring more countries into the alliance, trade, currency, and concerns related to the global economy.    

India Set To Become The Most Populated Nation

 

India's population has dramatically increased. According to United Nations data, India will overtake China as the most populated country in 2023. Looking at the demographics, India has a large amount of youth. Other nations struggle with a growing aging population. Japan and Italy are dealing with a growing number of senior citizens. India has seen rapid economic growth. However, this does not translate to improved living standards or the reduction of poverty. Growing concerns of unemployment and inadequate social services make a larger population more of a challenge. If there is not enough jobs or access to education millions could be left behind. It might also cause much of the population to be attracted to political extremism. During times of hardship or crisis prejudice and hatred become more pronounced. The news of population growth could cause a reaction from Pakistan. Diplomatic relations are less than optimal. India's growing power will mean it will play a larger role in Asia. Religious and ethnic tension will not disappear with a new generation. The rise of a narrow minded Hindu nationalism is actively being promoted by the BJP Party. India's population increased due to a decline in infant mortality rates and an increased fertility rate. The youth population might not want to remain in a country with limited opportunities. The youth population could emigrate to other countries. There could be an Indian diaspora coming in the following decades. Although India has a $3 trillion economy wealth is not distributed among the population. The rural and urban divide has expanded. India has not done a census since 2011, so the exact number of people in India might not be precise.  

BRICS Is Developing A New Currency

 

BRICS has been planning on developing a new currency. This development indicates that the world might be shifting away from the US dollar. The motivations of some members of the emerging economies do vary. China seeks to be more competitive in the global market. Russia wants more economic connections in Asia and Africa seeing as relations in Europe are in decline. India wants to expand economic growth. Brazil has a desire to unlock more business opportunities. South Africa has been exploring ways to combat economic inequality. The motivations to move away from the US dollar differ among BRICS members. One currency among members of emergent economics could be useful. There markets would not be so dependent on the US or Europe. Tensions between members could cause such a project to be stalled. India and China have had border disputes. All members do not agree about Russia's invasion of Ukraine. If the currency is successful, questions remain about the chance of more countries becoming members. The global financial system is headed for a drastic change. Multipolarity will not just effect international affairs, but also the world economy. The name proposed for this new currency would be called the R5. Doing this could mean that sanctions could no longer harm Global South nations. It is not certain if the R5 would protect nations from a global financial collapse. The Global South appears to be asserting a type of economic independence. The measure of success depends on how economically secure citizens are and if the currency maintains a high value.  

Queen Elizabeth And The Imperial Legacy

 

Queen Elizabeth has passed away. She had been a fixture of the United Kingdom for half a century. While the press in both the US and UK praise the longtime Queen, they  ignore the sordid imperial legacy during the last years of the British Empire. Although a constitutional monarchy, it virtually ruled over Hong Kong, Jamaica, and India. The British Empire was not willing to grant independence to the African and Asian colonies after World War II. Wars had to be fought for the cause of national liberation. Queen Elizabeth put a more tolerable image of empire, when it was not longer acceptable as a political entity. Malaya, Kenya, Cyprus, and Yemen people took up arms to fight the British. The Anglo-Jewish War brought an end to the British mandate in Palestine. White settlers refused to acknowledge that times had changed. The exact amount of causalities from the anti-colonial wars may never be known. While there is no evidence that the Queen was directly involved in abuses, she was complicit in them. The stance against South Africa was only taken by Queen Elizabeth when more African states gained independence in the 1960s. Rhodesia was an issue even before the Universal Declaration of Independence. She headed the Commonwealth which was designed to maintain British influence in the former colonies. It was and continues to be more paternalistic and condescending rather than a partnership of equals. Over the past five decades a  public relations campaign was designed  to make he seem like a humanitarian figure. The attempts to sanitize the history of violence by the British Empire has come under new scrutiny. It was reported 10 years ago thousands of documents related to abuses in the colonies were destroyed. Those documents related to colonial abuses remain in the Foreign Office archive. Queen Elizabeth was more so a symbol for those who believed in the myth of benevolent empire. The history exposes how nostalgia distorts  the public's understanding of events. The British Empire has a different meaning to African and Asian peoples. The negative effects are still resonating in global affairs.       

Imran Khan Loses No Confidence Vote

 

Imran Khan is no longer the prime minister of Pakistan. He lost the vote of no confidence and now the country is about to get a new leader. What sparked this vote was accusations of mismanagement of the economy and negligent handling of Pakistan's foreign policy. Serious charges such as corruption were not mentioned, but there is no evidence that Khan's government did any criminal wrong doing. His removal was instigated by a coalition of political opponents and defectors from his own party. The legality of this vote was questioned by Pakistan's Supreme Court. The view was that the charge of economic mismanagement was unconstitutional and the the vote of no confidence was not valid. Imran Khan was elected during a period in which the effects of the Nawaz Sharif era and the war in Afghanistan caused Pakistan immense amounts of instability. Ongoing tension with India complicated matters. His desire to reduce poverty and stop government corruption was hindered by multiple internal and external obstacles. The Pakistan Tehreek -e-Insaaf Party might struggle to remain politically relevant. A change in leadership also is a concern to China. The Belt and Road Initiative is a significant trade and infrastructure project that Pakistan is a part of. Khan suggested that he was a victim of a foreign influenced plot. While it could be a possibility, his government was losing support due to inflation and reduced foreign exchange reserves.    

Abdul Qadeer Khan Explains The Reasoning For Pakistan's Atomic Weapons Program

 

Abdul Q.  Khan ( 1936-2021) was the responsible for Pakistan's nuclear weapons program. He explains the reason that Pakistan needed nuclear weapons was a means to balance the power with India. India had a larger army, navy, and air force. Khan claims that in 1998 Pakistan was capable of making a nuclear strike on New Delhi. India conducted its first nuclear test in 1974. This alarmed Pakistan, so it sought to develop atomic weapons of its own. The defeat in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 made the country change its national security policy. The Khan Research Laboratories were established in 1976. By the end of the 20th century India, Pakistan, and China had nuclear weapons. Abdul Q. Khan was later accused of selling nuclear secrets to other nations. It was discovered that he sold secrets to Iran, North Korea, and Libya. Nuclear proliferation among nations will continue to be an issue among various regions of the world. Khan was pardoned by Pervez Musharraf  in 2004. The more conservative political circles considered Khan a national hero. Others believe that nuclear power should be used for peaceful purposes, rather than military applications. 

Renewed Border Clashes Between India and China

China and India are once more engaging in border clashes. This comes as Asia is struggling with other regional tensions. The source of tension is located in Aksai Chin, the Galwan Valley, Pangong Tso Lake, Demchock, and Arunachal Pradesh. Aksai Chin is controlled by China, but claimed by India. Arunachal Pradesh is controlled by  India, by claimed by China. Gunfire and casualties have been reported. According to BBC News, 20 Indian troops were killed in Ladakh. When the first incident occurred it appeared as if the two regional powers were willing to come to an agreement. Now it appears tensions are escalating. A war between  two powerful Asian nations could have devastating consequences. If China goes to war with India, Pakistan could come to its assistance. India and Pakistan were attempting to improve relations, but so far attempts have failed. A conflict in 2020 would not be the same as the Sino-Indian War in 1962. Disorder in both Pakistan or India could reverberate to Afghanistan. The Taliban has never been defeated and could take advantage of regional conflict. Kashmir already under new strict guide lines for control will also be effected. A China-India war may attracted other world powers to get involved. It is uncertain what exactly the objectives are of both China and India. The border disputes could just remain minor. There was a border fight  in 2017 that  did not escalate. Seeing as the global political situation is different, with China being viewed with more suspicion the issue could be exacerbated.  

Locusts Populations Increase in East Africa and Asia

The dramatic rise in locusts populations has occurred in East Africa. Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia are experiencing a threat to the production of crops. Swarms have been detected in Pakistan and India. The growing concern is food security. Locusts are consuming and living on crops that feed numerous nations. Somalia in particular has been known to have limited food security. The potential human toll could be catastrophic, if not adequately addressed. Famine could happen in multiple countries at once. This also could cause economic damage in countries that are dependent on commercial agriculture. Framers risk having their businesses fail from the sudden increase in locusts. There could be an ecological shift occurring in the world. It could be the result in the change in climate or insect behavioral response. Asian hornets have been spotted in the US, which is suspicious . This is the first time such an insect has been detected in the country suggesting a change in migration pattern. Locusts could be following a new migration pattern in response to environmental changes. The locusts swarms in East Africa and Asia were not sudden. For months it was a gradual build up and became to large to ignore. African and Asian nations must assist one another to ensure protection of agriculture and food security.   

Kashmir Detainees : India Will not Release the Numbers

India and Pakistan could be on the verge of a major conflict. Kashmir has been a source of contention between the two countries for nearly half a century. India revoked Kashmir's autonomous status, which has become a growing crisis.  Pakistani Prime Minister  Imran Khan condemn India's decision as an act of aggression. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi argues it is for the sake of India's security. India has been detaining a number of Kashmiris who are suspected of being separatists. There is no indication that  the people detained are getting fair trials or legal representation. Human rights groups cannot gain access to certain areas and India remains secretive about the total numbers of people detained. Accusations of torture and abuse of the security forces have been made. This has taken a toll on the Kashmiri people who have relatives and friends who are imprisoned. If  India continues this policy it will only increase resentment among Kashmiris. Kashmir has been a source of tension for both India and Pakistan that it may be time to consider letting the area become its own independent nation-state. While this seems unlikely, it could prevent future pretext for the two Asian countries going to war. Such a conflict would certainly spill over into Afghanistan or the wider Central Asian region.