News Update 5th Feb 2025

 

News Update 5th Feb 2025

Press Freedom in Cambodia

British investigative journalist Gerald Flynn, associated with environmental news outlet Mongabay, has been barred from entering Cambodia. Flynn was blacklisted on November 25, 2024, and denied entry on January 5, 2025. His involvement in a France24 documentary scrutinizing carbon offsetting practices in Cambodia led to governmental backlash over alleged dissemination of false information. Organizations such as Human Rights Watch and the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand have condemned this action, viewing it as a significant assault on journalistic freedom. The incident underscores a broader decline in press freedom within Cambodia, marked by increased arrests, lawsuits, harassment, and violence against journalists. The government has yet to comment on the ban. 

U.S. Postal Service Halts Parcel Shipments from China

The U.S. Postal Service has announced an immediate suspension of parcel shipments originating from China and Hong Kong. This decision aims to address the exploitation of a tariff loophole that exempts packages valued under $800, a provision extensively utilized by Chinese e-commerce giants like Shein and Temu. The suspension does not affect the delivery of letters or shipments handled by logistics companies such as UPS, FedEx, or DHL. However, it significantly impacts small online vendors that rely on the postal service. Critics argue that the de minimis provision has allowed Chinese firms to avoid tariffs intended to protect U.S. manufacturers and has facilitated the smuggling of illegal goods. In response to increasing trade restrictions, Chinese exporters have been leasing warehouse space within the U.S. 

Restructuring of USAID

President Donald Trump has appointed Senator Marco Rubio as the acting director of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) following perceived insubordination from agency staff and threats by Elon Musk to dismantle the organization. Rubio has accused USAID professionals of non-cooperation with the new administration’s inquiries into their funding and priorities, prompting a comprehensive reevaluation of the agency to better align it with U.S. foreign policy objectives. Subsequently, USAID's headquarters have been closed, with employees directed to work remotely under specific directives. Elon Musk, leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has criticized USAID's spending and called for its shutdown, labeling it a "criminal organization." These actions have drawn criticism from Democratic senators and philanthropist Bill Gates, who warn that scaling back USAID could result in "literally millions of deaths" due to its critical role in global health and disaster relief efforts. 

ADNOC's International Expansion

The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has transferred its U.S. investments to its newly established international investment arm, XRG, as part of a strategy to expand its presence in the lower carbon energy and chemicals sectors. These investments include stakes in ExxonMobil's hydrogen plant and NextDecade's liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility. XRG's valuation exceeds $80 billion and is set to become the majority owner of German chemicals company Covestro following a €14.7 billion takeover. Additionally, XRG has formed a joint venture with BP in Egypt, focusing initially on gas projects. ADNOC CEO Sultan Al Jaber emphasized the importance of a diverse energy approach, highlighting the need for increased investments in gas and chemicals, driven by emerging markets, energy system transformations, and advancements in artificial intelligence. 

Earthquake in Nepal Felt Across Northern India

A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 struck Nepal, with tremors felt across parts of northern India, including Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, and the Delhi-NCR region. The National Centre for Seismology reported the quake, which has raised concerns about potential damage and the need for emergency response in the affected areas. 

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Announces Resignation

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that he will step down as the leader of the Liberal Party once his party has chosen a new leader. Trudeau, who has been the Prime Minister since 2015, stated that he believes it is the right time for new leadership. This development has significant implications for Canadian politics and the future direction of the Liberal Party. 

US Congress to Certify Trump's 2024 Election Victory

The US Congress is set to certify President-elect Donald Trump's victory in the November 2024 election, concluding the electoral process. This certification marks a significant moment in US politics, following a contentious election period. 

India-Canada Relations Under Spotlight After Trudeau's Resignation

Following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's announcement of his resignation, there is increased attention on India-Canada relations. Observers are keen to see how this political change will affect bilateral ties between the two nations. 

Air Crash Fatalities Increase Globally in 2024

Global air crash fatalities rose sharply in 2024, with 334 lives lost in civil aviation accidents, according to preliminary data released by the German Aviation Association. This marks a significant increase compared to previous years and raises concerns about aviation safety standards worldwide. 

Bangladesh Repatriates 95 Indian Fishermen

Bangladesh has handed over 95 Indian fishermen to India, while India released 90 Bangladeshi fishermen in a reciprocal repatriation process. This exchange underscores the ongoing cooperation between the two neighboring countries in addressing issues related to their fishing communities. 

UAE Expresses Interest in Collaborating with Pakistan in Mining and Minerals Sector

UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has expressed interest in collaborating with Pakistan