AMERICA
Biden Pardons Son Hunter Amid Legal Troubles and Tightens Chip Export Curbs on China
1. US Tightens Chip Export Curbs on China
In an effort to impede China’s military development, the US placed additional export restrictions on 140 Chinese companies, focussing on sophisticated chipmaking equipment and AI-capable processors. Affected companies include Huawei affiliates and Naura Technology Group. Additionally, by excluding allies like Japan and the Netherlands, the limits increase US power internationally. The action was denounced by China as “economic coercion.”
2. Joe Biden Pardons Son Hunter Amid Legal Troubles
US President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, who faced charges of tax evasion and illegal firearm possession. Hunter, 54, admitted to past struggles with drug addiction and was convicted for possessing a gun while using drugs. The pardon comes despite Biden’s previous pledge not to interfere in legal matters involving his family. This marks the first time a sitting president has pardoned a child facing criminal charges.
3. Biden Pardons Son Hunter, Sparks Controversy
Despite his promise not to, US President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter for tax and firearm charges, citing political persecution. Republicans and some Democrats condemned the action, calling it an abuse of power. The White House justified the decision by pointing to earlier pardons of members of the presidential family.
ASIA
South Asia Faces Crises: Cyclones, Power Disputes, and Longstanding Tragedies
1. Bangladesh Reacts to Indian Politician’s Call for UN Peacekeepers
In the face of increasing violence, Indian politician Mamata Banerjee called for UN peacekeepers to safeguard Hindus in Bangladesh, a move that shocked the country’s interim government. Attacks on minorities resulted from the turmoil that followed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s removal. While protests broke out in Bangladesh and India, Bangladesh’s foreign minister called for composure and denied allegations of prejudice against Hindus.
2. Bhopal Gas Disaster: Four Decades of Suffering
With an estimated 25,000 fatalities and continuing health problems brought on by toxic exposure, the 1984 Bhopal gas leak catastrophe still has an impact on survivors forty years later. Higher death rates and birth abnormalities have been caused by contaminated soil and groundwater. The culpable firms have not been held accountable, and victims have not received proper justice despite early compensation. As the survivors and their families deal with long-term effects, the fight for justice goes on.
3. Cyclone Fengal Death Toll Reaches 20 in South Asia
Twenty people have died as a result of Cyclone Fengal, which struck southern India and Sri Lanka. Three people died in India and seventeen in Sri Lanka. The storm caused flooding and landslides with its heavy rains. Nearly 470,000 people in Sri Lanka are seeking shelter in shelters as rescue efforts continue despite the cyclone’s weakening.
4. Bangladesh Halves Power Purchase from Adani Amid Payment Dispute
Due to decreased winter demand and an ongoing payment issue that has resulted in $650 million in unpaid bills, Bangladesh has cut its power purchases from India’s Adani Power by 50%. Bangladesh wants to renegotiate the arrangement after Adani previously suspended supply due to late payments. The highest power supply rates are charged by Adani, which puts additional financial strain on Bangladesh’s energy industry.
MENA
Middle East Conflicts Escalate: Gaza, Syria, and Turkey’s Calls for Compromise
1. Hamas Claims 33 Captives Killed in Gaza Amid Talks
According to a statement from Hamas, 33 prisoners have been killed since Israel launched its war against Gaza. The group said those deaths had come from Israeli airstrikes and military actions. The United States and Egypt are spearheading international efforts to secure a truce and release of Israeli hostages, while Hamas and Fatah negotiate how to administer Gaza after the war.
2. Syria and Russia Intensify Air Strikes to Halt Opposition Advance
Syrian and Russian airstrikes have increased in Idlib and Aleppo to try to halt the progress of opposing militants. With the opposition, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, making significant advances, their momentum has slowed in recent weeks. Opposition leaders are determined to continue the fight for political change.
3. Yaalon Accuses Israel of War Crimes in Gaza
Some of the accusations made by the former Israeli defence minister Moshe Yaalon that Israel is committing war crimes and ethnic cleansing in Gaza echo those made by the International Criminal Court. Netanyahu’s government consists of hardliners seeking to re-establish Jewish settlements and expel Palestinians from the northern Gaza area, Yaalon said. Over 44,000 Palestinians have been killed in the fighting since October 2023, also as civilian deaths mount.
4. Turkey Calls for Syrian Compromise
In a statement, Hamas said 33 prisoners had been killed since Israel started its war in Gaza. The group accused Israeli airstrikes and military actions of being responsible for the deaths. Hamas and Fatah are negotiating how to manage Gaza following the conflict, while nations, particularly Egypt and the United States, are working to secure a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages.
 EUROPE
Global Tensions Rise: Ukraine Aid, NATO Challenges, Protests, and ICC Concerns
1. Scholz Pledges $680M Aid to Ukraine on Surprise Visit
During an unexpected visit to Kyiv, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz promised $680 million in new military aid to Ukraine. The purpose of the visit is to reaffirm Germany’s backing for Ukraine in the face of continuing Russian aggression. President Zelenskyy, who is pressing NATO for security assurances, will speak with Scholz. The visit coincides with Scholz’s political struggles leading up to a snap election.
2. Russia Outpaces NATO in Weapons Production: SIPRI Report
Russia’s defence contractors enjoyed a 40% boost in revenue, according to new SIPRI research, outpacing their US and European competitors, who saw far lower increases. The paper emphasises Russia’s more successful weaponization of its economy during the conflict in Ukraine, even though NATO’s defence budget is ten times larger than Russia’s. SIPRI also points out that following the takeover of Crimea in 2014, there has been less transparency in Russian arms manufacture.
3. Pro-EU Protests Continue in Georgia
For the fourth night in a row, tens of thousands of pro-EU demonstrators battled with police in Georgia, calling on the government to reopen EU accession negotiations. Authorities arrested 224 people and injured 21 officers with the use of water cannons and tear gas. The Georgian government’s decision to halt EU negotiations, which sparked widespread resistance, is the cause of the turmoil. President Zourabichvili has accused the government of following pro-Russian policies and demanded measures to void the recent elections.
4. ICC President Warns of Threats to Court’s Existence
Tomoko Akane, the president of the International Criminal Court (ICC), issued a warning, saying the court’s existence is in danger due to growing threats from the United States and Russia over arrest warrants for Russian and Israeli officials. Akane emphasised the grave repercussions for victims seeking justice and denounced attempts to erode the ICC’s legitimacy. Following the issuance of warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, the United States has vowed to impose sanctions on ICC officials.
