WORLD THIS WEEK

Contributed by the National Institute for Advanced Studies, BengaluruCompiled by Avishka Ashok, Harini Madhusudan, Lokendra Sharma,Akriti Sharma and Sukanya Bali

The US: Biden brings back the climate change agenda

Photo Courtesy: Reuters.jpg

What happened?

On 22 April, President Joe Biden hosted online a two-day "Leaders Summit on Climate." The summit aimed at addressing the climate crisis, resilience and adaptation, reduction in emissions, innovation, finance, and job creation. The summit was attended by 40 world leaders along with business leaders around the globe.

"Time is short, but I believe we can do this," Biden said in his opening remarks. "We will do this." He also said: "As we transition to a clean energy future, we must ensure workers who have thrived in yesterday's and today's industries have as bright a tomorrow in the new industries as well as in the places where they live."

What does it mean?

First, the US leadership. During the pandemic, climate action has taken a back seat as the world is grappled with the socio-economic impact of COVID-19. The US has taken the responsibility of bringing back the climate change agenda to focus. By announcing the revised targets, Biden seems to be ahead of Obama in attempting to institutionalize climate action globally.

Second, the US engaging with the rivals. Biden is using soft power to deal with rival states like China and Russia to achieve its climate targets. The presence of the world's largest emitters, including China and the EU, further makes it significant to achieve the targets that cannot be achieved unilaterally by any country.

Third, setting up the pace for the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference. Countries like the US, Canada, and Japan have set up an example by releasing the targets way ahead of the COP26. The summit has promoted more meaningful interactions for the upcoming conference in Glasgow.

Hong Kong: China now targets media freedom

What happened?

On 22 April, Bao Choy Yuk-ling, a freelance journalist with Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), was convicted of making false statements using license plate information from publicly accessible databases. She was fined USD 775 for violating the road traffic ordinance.

Ivy Chui, West Kowloon Magistrate, said: "The regulations are not intended to allow the public to obtain vehicle particular without limitations." She highlighted that the public could obtain vehicle ownership records only for three stated purposes: legal matters, vehicle purchase or other transport or traffic-related matters. According to Reuters, Chris Yeung, Chief of Hong Kong Journalists Association, said: "it was a day of shame for the city." Also according to Reuters, he considered this as criminalizing normal journalism and said it is "recklessly destroying" the press freedom.

What does it mean?

Boa's conviction indicates the growing pressure on media in Hong Kong. The use of national security law against media freedom has narrowed the space for dissent.

China seems to be moving towards a "one country, one media" environment by replicating mainland media's features in Hong Kong, thereby effectively eroding the territory's civil liberties.

India: The second wave drives an unprepared country into a humanitarian disaster

What happened?

On 22 April, India recorded over 3.14 lakh COVID-19 infections, the highest daily infection recorded anywhere in the world. On 23 April, even this grim milestone was surpassed as the country reported over 3.22 lakh infections and 2,247 deaths, taking the total reported cases to 1,62,57,337 cases and deaths to 1,86,919.

On 23 April, New Delhi's Sir Ganga Ram Hospital said that 25 patients had died due to a shortage of oxygen. In another incident, 20 patients died at Delhi's Jaipur Golden Hospital due to oxygen shortage.

Photo Courtesy: The Reddifmail.com

On 23 April, PM Modi chaired a review meeting with chief ministers of 11 high burden states. Chief ministers flagged issues of oxygen supply and vaccine pricing. PM Modi asked states to ensure uninterrupted movement of medical oxygen and assured that the Railways and the Indian Air Force had been pressed into service.

On 22 April, the Supreme Court (SC) took cognizance of the rising cases. But, on 23 April, the SC adjourned the case till 27 April. Earlier, on 19 April, the central government announced that everyone above the age of 18 would be eligible for vaccine shots from May 2021.

What does it mean?

The ongoing second wave has exposed the lack of administrative preparation at both federal and state levels. It has also highlighted the inadequacies of healthcare infrastructure to cope with any major crisis. Despite the experience of the first wave, and despite more than a year to build healthcare capacity, India did little on this front. And, that some states are even disrupting the movement of oxygen tankers highlights the failure of cooperative federalism in this moment of crisis. Finally, people would have to strictly adhere to safety protocols to beat the second wave as vaccination will take many months, if not years, to reach a significant proportion of the population.

The only positive story so far, notwithstanding the delayed approval to the Sputnik V vaccine, is India's vaccination programme. According to the Health Ministry, India became the fastest nation to administer 13 crore doses in 95 days. Rolling out vaccines for all aged above 18 is a welcome development.

ALSO IN NEWS

China: Australia scraps Belt and Road Initiative deal

On 21 April, Australia's foreign minister decided to cancel four deals, including two, which the State of Victoria agreed with China, in 2018 and 2019. FM said: "I consider these four arrangements to be inconsistent with Australia's foreign policy or adverse to our foreign relations." China's embassy in Australia showcased its "strong displeasure and resolute opposition" to the move.

China: Scientists accuse WHO director of being "extremely irresponsible"

On 21 April, Chinese scientists accused the WHO Director of being "extremely irresponsible" for pursuing "lab leak theory." A foreign ministry spokesperson said: "all parties should respect science and the opinion and conclusion of scientists, WHO in particular should play an exemplary role." Last month, after the release of the joint report on origin COVID-19, Tedros suggested further investigation on 'lab leak theory', which was described as an 'extremely unlike' scenario in the report.

Myanmar: UN Secretary General's calls for a regional solution, as violence continues

On 19 April, the UN Secretary- General called for the ASEAN members to collectively find a solution to the crisis in Myanmar. On 20 April, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) attacked a police post in Kachin State. No casualties were reported. KIA also warned local people to relocate to safe places. A series of attacks also took place in Injangyang, Momauk, Namtu, Hpakant, Tanai and Shwegu townships.

Indonesia: Navy declares all 53 on board of the missing submarine dead

On 24 April, the Indonesian navy announced: "missing submarine had sunk and cracked open, killing 53 crew members aboard." Searchers have found parts of torpedo straightener, a grease bottle, debris from prayer rugs, and a broken piece from a coolant pipe. Navy chief said: "With the authentic evidence we found, believed to be from the submarine, we have now moved

India: The fifth batch of Rafael jets arrives

On 22 April, the fifth batch of four Rafale fighter jets arrived in India, completing the first Rafale squadron No. 17 Golden Arrows based in Ambala. Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria said: "The fifth ferry marks end of training of our third batch of pilots and all our maintenance crew." The jets flew with air-to-air refueling support by the French and UAE Air Force. from the 'sub miss' phase to 'sub sunk'."

Afghanistan: Trilateral meet on Taliban, reaffirm commitment to peace

On 23 April, FM of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Turkey held talks about Afghanistan's future. As per the joint statement, the ministers underlined: " 'the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire' to end the violence and 'provide a conducive atmosphere for peace talks.'" They also "called on all parties, in particular the Taliban, to reaffirm their commitment for achieving an inclusive negotiated settlement leading to lasting peace in Afghanistan desired by the Afghan people, the region, and the international community."

The US: The Senate passes Anti- Asian hate crimes bill

On 22 April, the US Senate passed a bill to address the hate crimes against Asians. The bill received immense support in the Senate, with 91 lawmakers voting in support of the bill and one voting against it. The bill mandates the Justice Department to review hate crimes and support local bodies to respond to violent acts of targeted hate. The bill will be sent to the House of Representatives and then to the President for final approval.

About the Authors

Harini Madhusudan, Lokendra Sharma and Akriti Sharma are PhD Scholars in the School of Conflict and Security Studies at the National Institute of Advanced Studies. Sukanya Bali and Avishka Ashok are Research Associates at the Institute.