International News January 30, 2025

International News January 30, 2025

Middle East

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Impact on Journalists

The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to have severe repercussions for journalists operating in the region. In October 2024, Australian social worker Helen O'Sullivan witnessed the fatal shooting of fellow volunteer Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi by Israeli forces during a protest against settlement expansion in Beita. Eygi was unarmed and posed no threat at the time of the incident. This tragedy has led to calls for an independent investigation into her death.

In a related development, international press organizations have expressed alarm over the Israeli Defense Forces labeling six Al Jazeera journalists as terrorists, alleging affiliations with Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. These accusations have raised concerns about the safety of journalists and the potential suppression of ground reporting in Gaza. The situation is further complicated by restricted access to Gaza for international journalists, leading to increased reliance on local contacts and social media, which heightens the risk of misinformation.

Asia

Hong Kong: Conviction of Stand News Editors

In Hong Kong, a court has convicted former Stand News editors Chung Pui-kuen and Patrick Lam of conspiring to publish seditious articles, marking the first such conviction of journalists since the 1997 handover. The editors face up to two years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for September 26. This case has intensified concerns about diminishing press freedoms in Hong Kong amid a broader national security crackdown. International observers, including the U.S. government and media advocacy groups, have condemned the verdict as a significant threat to journalistic freedom.

North America

Political Developments in Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his intention to step down as both Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Party once a successor is chosen. This decision comes amid various political challenges and has prompted discussions about the future direction of Canada's leadership. The resignation has also led to speculation about its potential impact on international relations, particularly between Canada and its allies.

United States: Trump's Return to Office

Donald Trump has been inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, marking his return to the White House. In his inaugural address, President Trump outlined key policy initiatives and signed several executive orders, including measures addressing the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization. These actions signal significant shifts in U.S. domestic and foreign policy.

South Asia

Earthquake in Nepal

A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal on Tuesday morning, with tremors felt across parts of North India, including Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, and the Delhi-NCR region. The National Centre for Seismology reported that the quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers. Authorities are assessing the situation to determine the extent of damage and any casualties.

Europe

Airlines Resume Flights to Israel

Several major international airlines have announced plans to resume flights to Israel, enhancing connectivity to the region. Air India will restart its Tel Aviv-Delhi route from March 2, 2025, while Air France and the Lufthansa Group plan to begin flights at the end of January 2025. British Airways is set to operate from April, and Ryanair intends to implement a full summer schedule after previously canceling flights. These developments are expected to bolster travel and tourism in Israel.

Legal Actions Against Israeli Prime Minister

Labour leader Keir Starmer has been cautioned about the potential negative impact on UK-US relations if Britain adheres to the International Criminal Court's (ICC) warrant to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, should he visit the UK. Downing Street has indicated that the UK would comply with its legal obligations under international law, despite Israel being an important ally. This situation has led to significant backlash from across the political spectrum, with concerns that it may weaken the UK's relationship with the US.

Global

Air Crash Fatalities Increase in 2024

The German Aviation Association has reported a significant rise in global air crash fatalities, with 334 lives lost in civil aviation accidents in 2024. This increase has prompted discussions about aviation safety protocols and the need for enhanced measures to prevent future incidents. Aviation authorities worldwide are expected to review and potentially update safety regulations in response to this concerning trend.

National Affairs

Government Shifts Focus from Privatisation to Revitalisation of State-Run Enterprises

The Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is redirecting its strategy from extensive privatisation to investing in and revitalising state-owned enterprises. Plans include a $1.5 billion rescue package for two state-run companies, notably helicopter operator Pawan Hans. Privatisation efforts for at least nine other state-owned units have been paused due to opposition from various ministries. Since 2021, the government has completed only three significant privatisation deals, including that of Air India. This policy shift is influenced by expectations that restructured entities could become profitable and generate dividend income, as well as political considerations such as opposition from employee unions and the need to maintain support from regional allies. 

Economic Developments

Reserve Bank of India Implements Measures to Inject Liquidity

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced several initiatives to infuse liquidity into the banking system, including bond purchases and USD/INR swaps. These actions are anticipated to inject approximately ₹1.5 trillion ($17.39 billion) into the banking sector, addressing a prolonged cash shortage that has driven up short-term lending rates. The RBI plans to conduct government bond purchases totaling ₹600 billion in three phases and a variable rate repo auction of ₹500 billion on February 7. Additionally, a USD/INR swap auction of $5 billion with a six-month tenure is scheduled for January 31. Analysts interpret these measures as potential precursors to a rate cut in the upcoming monetary policy review on February 7, following the federal budget presentation on February 1. 

Geopolitical Concerns

India Raises Alarm Over China's Planned Mega Dam in Tibet

India has expressed significant concern regarding China's proposal to construct a colossal hydropower dam in Tibet on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, a structure projected to be three times larger than the current Three Gorges Dam. There are apprehensions about potential ecological disruptions and water scarcity downstream, which could adversely affect agriculture and drinking water supplies in India and Bangladesh. The dam's location in a seismic zone near Arunachal Pradesh has heightened geopolitical tensions, especially as both nations seek to mend relations following the 2020 border clashes. Despite China's assurances about environmental safety and water resource management, critics warn of severe ecological and human rights implications. In response, India is planning its own large dam in Arunachal Pradesh to mitigate flood risks, adding complexity to the regional dynamics. 

Public Safety and Incidents

Stampede at Maha Kumbh Festival in Prayagraj Results in Multiple Fatalities

A tragic stampede occurred during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, leading to several deaths and numerous injuries. The incident took place in the early hours as tens of thousands of Hindu devotees rushed to take a holy dip in the river, causing chaos. Reports suggest that up to ten individuals may have died. The festival, known as the world's largest religious gathering, is expected to attract over 400 million participants over six weeks. Following the incident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urged devotees to avoid the confluence area to prevent further tragedies. Despite enhanced security measures, including the deployment of 50,000 personnel and over 2,500 surveillance cameras, the event underscores the challenges of managing massive crowds during religious festivals in India. 

Recent Naxalite Attack in Chhattisgarh

On January 6, 2025, a significant Naxalite attack occurred in Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh, resulting in the deaths of eight security personnel from the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and a civilian driver. The assailants used an improvised explosive device (IED) weighing between 60 and 70 kilograms, marking the most substantial assault on security forces in the state in two years. The attack transpired as the DRG team was returning from an anti-Naxalite operation. In response, authorities have intensified counter-insurgency efforts in the region. 

Transportation Tragedy in Maharashtra

On January 22, 2025, a tragic incident occurred near Maheji railway station in Jalgaon district, Maharashtra. Passengers aboard the 12533 Pushpak Express, traveling from Lucknow to Mumbai, panicked due to rumors of a fire and jumped onto adjacent tracks, where they were struck by the oncoming Bengaluru Express. The accident resulted in 13 fatalities and over 15 injuries. The Ministry of Railways has announced ex-gratia payments to the victims' families and initiated an inquiry into the incident. 

Cultural Events

Significance of the 2025 Prayag Maha Kumbh Mela

The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is particularly noteworthy due to a unique astrological alignment that occurs once every 144 years, involving Jupiter, the Sun, and the Moon. The Uttar Pradesh state government has allocated a budget of nearly ₹6,382 crore for the event, anticipating that it will generate over ₹2 lakh crore in revenue for the state. Advanced safety measures, including the deployment of fire-fighting vehicles and the appointment of 500 'Ganga Praharis' to maintain river cleanliness, have been implemented. Additionally, artificial intelligence tools and chatbots are being utilized to assist tourists and pilgrims during the festival.