#6: The Weekly Brief

A 10 mins brief of the key world and Indian political events.

World:

Today we end up with the theme of democracy and how institutions and trust play a role.

Thai Democratic Protests Continue:
Led by students and young activists, Thai are protesting against the King and Prime Minister demanding the dissolution of parliament, amending the constitution to reduce the powers of the Monarchy and end harassment of dissidents and protestors. After the 2014 coup by the army, a new government and constitution were implemented which consolidated power, wealth, and influence over the country’s politics with the King and military. Link

Mali Coup ends with a Civilain President:
With pressure from ECOWAS, a west African political and economic union demanding civilian leadership after the August coup, the military leadership appointed Bah Ndaw former defense minister as President of the transitional government. The August coup came after civilian protests due to bad economy and mismanaged efforts to quell insurgency in country’s north. Link

Protests in Belarus against President:
Long ruling president Alexander Lukashenko was recently sworn in an unpublicised ceremony (unlike the usual grand affair). Protests have erupted since the election in August widely seen as rigged with Lukashenko claiming 80% vote share. A strong man, he has ruled over the former Soviet state for the past 26 years with an iron fist and Russian support. EU and US have called for sanctions, but Russia which borders Belarus will have the ultimate say. Link

Hamas and Fatah agree to hold Palestinian Elections:
Palestinian territories have been divided between the factions of Hamas which controls Gaza and Fatan which controls West Bank, have agreed to hold elections, a first in 15 years. This comes at the heels of Arab nations like UAE and Bahrain normalizing relations with Israel which makes the need for united Palestinian front important. Link

India:

SAD quits NDA:
To protect its 2022 poll prospects Shiromani Akali Dal, one of the oldest BJP allies has quit NDA. Opposition to the farm bills is gaining momemtum with Congress and other opposition parties framing the new legislation as anti-farmer, pro-corporate and allowing APMCs (govt. mandi’s) and MSP (minimum support price) to die a slow death. The govt could and should compromise on few aspects for the sake of larger reform. Link

Parliament ammendments to Foreign Contribution Act:
These changes put additional limits on organizations in receving foreign funds. Now NGOs etc can only use these funds for 20% of their adminstrative costs reducing it from 50% and they further cannot distribute it to other persons/organizations. Previous amendments to this act by UPA also tighetened the screws on use of foreign funds to influence domestic agenda. Remember political parties could still get foreign funds without any limits. Link

Modi makes a case for India’s permanent UNSC seat:
Rhetorically asking ‘how long can India be kept out of decision making bodies of UN?’ as the world has changed since the UN establishment 75 years ago. He has reminded the general assembly of India’s glorious past and colonial days saying ‘when we were strong, we were never a threat to the world, when we were weak, we never became a burden on the world’. He also mentioned that the resurgent India, as worlds largest democracy will aim for global good in all its endeavors including supplying covid vaccine. Link

Jaswant Singh passes away.
Major Jaswant Singh, BJP veteran and minister in Vajpayee government known for his deft diplomacy and skill in maintaining relationship with US post the 1998 nuclear tests passed away in Delhi. He had a falling out with BJP in his later years for his criticism of 2009 election failures and his views on Jinnah in his 2009 book. Link

Singer SP Balasubramaniam dies due to Covid complications:
Popular south Indian singer (from my ancestral district in Andhra Pradesh) Padma Bhushan SPB passed away in Chennai at the age of 74. He sang over 40000 songs(a world record) in 16 languages, being the voice for stars like Rajini,Kamal Hasan, Chiranjeevi and Salman among others. He will be fondly remembered for his mild manner and soulful voice. Link