Category: Politics

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill, which aims to streamline elections across India. The bill is set to be tabled during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, which runs from November 25 to December 20.

The proposal for simultaneous elections has been a key agenda of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for several years. The idea is to synchronize Lok Sabha and state assembly elections to reduce election-related costs and administrative burden. Earlier reports had hinted at the bill’s approval, with government sources suggesting it was under consideration. In September, reports claimed that the Modi government had given the green light for implementing the concept of unified elections.

“This is today’s ‘nth approval’,” remarked a political analyst on LinkedIn, reflecting on the frequent discussions surrounding the bill’s progress.

The government aims to present the bill in Parliament during the current session and send it for further scrutiny by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). This step is seen as a significant move toward electoral reforms, with many political experts closely watching the bill’s impact on India’s democratic process.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani on Sunday, ahead of the 4th India-Bahrain High Joint Commission (HJC) meeting. Jaishankar will co-chair the HJC alongside his Bahraini counterpart on Monday.

“Delighted to meet FM Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani today. Look forward to a productive meeting of India-Bahrain High Joint Commission tomorrow,” Jaishankar shared on X.

What’s on the Agenda?

The High Joint Commission will review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and explore ways to strengthen the multifaceted ties between India and Bahrain, according to a statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

Cultural Visit to Shreenathji Temple

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar visited the 200-year-old Shreenathji Temple in Manama, calling it a “true symbol of the longstanding India-Bahrain friendship.” His visit highlighted the deep cultural and historical ties between the two nations.

Address at IISS Manama Dialogue 2024

Jaishankar later spoke at the 20th IISS Manama Dialogue, emphasizing India’s commitment to the Gulf and Mediterranean regions. He highlighted India’s focus on advancing economic, political, connectivity, and security cooperation within and beyond the region.

Key Diplomatic Engagements

On the sidelines of the Manama Dialogue, Jaishankar met with Czech Republic’s National Security Adviser Tom Pojar.

UK PM Keir Starmer Seeks Stronger Economic and Defense Ties with UAE and Saudi Arabia

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has begun his first multi-day visit to the Gulf region since taking office. His goal is to strengthen economic, defense, and security partnerships with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, two of the UK’s most important modern-day partners, according to a government statement.

Starmer arrived in the UAE yesterday and is set to meet UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today. Later, he will travel to Saudi Arabia to hold talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The visit aims to boost investment and push for progress on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Free Trade Agreement. Starmer also seeks to attract investment from wealthy Gulf nations to modernize UK infrastructure and support the clean energy shift.

Rebuilding ties with the UAE is a key focus, following strained relations under the previous UK government over a failed Abu Dhabi-backed bid to buy the Telegraph newspaper. Starmer stressed the importance of Middle East stability, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and faster delivery of humanitarian aid.

Japan and the Philippines have taken a major step toward bolstering maritime security. On Thursday, the two nations signed a 1.6 billion yen ($10.65 million) security assistance agreement to enhance the Philippines’ maritime surveillance capabilities amid ongoing tensions in the South China Sea.

As close allies of the United States, both countries have maintained a firm stance against what they perceive as China’s aggressive maritime activities in disputed waters.

Under Japan’s Overseas Security Assistance Programme, the Philippine Navy will receive vital equipment, including rigid-hulled inflatable boats and coastal radar systems, aimed at improving maritime domain awareness. The Japanese Embassy in Manila highlighted the project’s importance, stating, “The project is expected to contribute to maintaining and strengthening regional security and to enhance the security of the vital sea lanes, and will be of significance to Japan’s security.”

The agreement also extends to the Philippine Air Force, which will acquire tools to bolster its air surveillance radar system, further enhancing its monitoring capabilities.

“This strengthened security cooperation reflects Japan and the Philippines’ shared commitment to regional peace and stability,” said the Philippine Department of National Defense in a statement.

This deal follows a landmark military pact signed in July, allowing Japanese and Philippine forces to deploy on each other’s soil.

India and Bhutan strengthened their cooperation on Thursday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirming India’s support for Bhutan’s Gelephu special administrative region project. During discussions with Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, PM Modi assured continued assistance for the initiative.

The “Gelephu Mindfulness City,” an economic hub envisioned by King Wangchuck near the Indian border, was a key focus of the talks. The leaders also discussed India’s support for Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan (2024-29) and the Economic Stimulus Programme.

In a joint statement, King Wangchuck shared updates on the progress of the Gelephu project and emphasized its potential for regional benefits. PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment, saying the project “will bring prosperity and well-being in Bhutan and also the border areas, and further strengthen economic and investment linkages between the two countries.”

Meanwhile, sources indicated that Bhutan’s earlier government had nearly reached an understanding with China to resolve their unsettled border, a development that had raised concerns in New Delhi.

South America’s Mercosur trade bloc is set to meet in Uruguay on Thursday, with a chance they could announce a long-delayed trade deal with the European Union. Last-minute negotiations are ongoing to finalize the agreement.

The deal, backed by most South American countries and strongly supported by Germany and Spain, faces resistance from France. French leaders worry that increased agricultural imports could harm their powerful farming sector.

Negotiators from all sides met in Brazil last week, according to senior diplomatic and government sources. Virtual talks have continued this week, and there are plans for delegations to travel to Montevideo if they reach an agreement.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen might attend the Dec. 5-6 summit in Uruguay’s capital, two European sources revealed. One source noted that she has even reserved a plane ticket, although most officials caution that no deal is expected to be signed yet.

“The last round of negotiations ended with important progress,” said Mauricio Lyrio, secretary of economic affairs at Brazil’s foreign ministry. “We’re hopeful. Pending issues are being submitted to the leaders to be finalized.”

The outcome remains uncertain, but the involved parties appear committed to pushing the deal forward.

As South Africa prepares to assume the G20 presidency in December, it has pledged to carry forward Brazil’s agenda for the group, which represents the world’s largest economies, including 19 countries and the European and African Unions. Zane Dangor, South Africa’s G20 sherpa, confirmed the country will align closely with Brazil’s priorities while leading negotiations next year.

South Africa plans to focus on global solidarity, sustainable development, and tackling inequality. “We need to move away from an approach solely focused on economic growth and address inequality and its associated challenges,” said Mr. Dangor, who also serves as the director-general of South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

South Africa will formally take over G20 leadership on December 1, with a handover ceremony set for the conclusion of the G20 Leaders’ Summit on November 18–19. Mr. Dangor emphasized continuity, stating there would be “no major departure from what Brazil has done.”

Key priorities, such as reforming global governance, will remain central under South Africa’s leadership, with an emphasis on debt relief for developing nations.

Mr. Dangor highlighted the importance of giving these countries “a stronger voice in policies that shape the global economy.”

Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, will visit Britain for a two-day state visit starting Tuesday. Hosted by King Charles, the trip includes meetings with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other key figures, aiming to strengthen ties between Britain and Qatar.

Accompanied by an official delegation, including Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the Emir’s visit highlights Britain’s push for co-investors in infrastructure projects, particularly clean energy systems. Starmer is also looking to finalize a trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a move projected to boost the UK economy by £1.6 billion ($2.03 billion) in the long term.

The Emir will meet Starmer on Wednesday at 10 Downing Street to discuss investment opportunities and trade collaboration. Britain’s Labour government, in power since July, sees this partnership as a step towards deepening economic relations with Gulf states.

Ahead of the bilateral talks, Prince William and Princess Kate will welcome the Emir on Tuesday morning. King Charles and Queen Camilla will then host a formal reception at Horse Guards Parade, followed by a ceremonial carriage procession. The Emir’s itinerary includes a visit to Westminster Abbey and a state banquet before his departure on Wednesday evening.

Qatar, known for significant UK investments through its sovereign wealth fund, holds stakes in Barclays, Sainsbury’s, and Canary Wharf. This visit, the Emir’s ninth since 2014, underscores ongoing collaboration between the two nations, with both leaders last meeting at COP28 in Dubai in December.

India’s ‘One Nation, One Subscription’ (ONOS) plan, approved on November 25, aims to improve public access to research by negotiating a single national subscription fee for journals. First proposed in the 2020 draft National Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy, ONOS addresses the high costs journals charge for access. It replaces consortium-based negotiations with a centralized approach, allowing even underfunded government institutes access to expensive journals.

However, ONOS is limited to publicly funded institutes and perpetuates reliance on commercial publishers. Many journals profit from publicly funded research while charging for access. Though ONOS reduces these fees, the ₹6,000 crore allocation over three years for 30 publishers raises concerns, especially given stagnant research and development spending as a share of GDP.

Critics argue the government could have promoted open-access models like ‘green’ or ‘diamond’ to ensure free public access or supported Indian journals better attuned to local scholars’ needs. Additionally, ONOS overlooks India’s potential to influence global research access norms and lacks transparency regarding journal selection and monitoring.

With many journals adopting ‘gold’ open-access and preprints gaining popularity, ONOS appears misaligned with evolving trends. The absence of consultation with institutes further weakens its case, making celebrations premature.

India has the lowest per capita emissions among G20 countries, making it a leader in climate efforts. As G20 President, India is using this position to push for global climate action.

The challenge is urgent. The IPCC warns that global warming will exceed 1.5°C this century if action is delayed. Developing nations, especially in the Global South, face the biggest risks due to fewer resources and existing problems. Since G20 nations produce 80% of global emissions, their actions can change the course.

India Leads by Example

India is the only G20 country meeting its climate targets for limiting warming to 2°C. Initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, the Green Hydrogen Mission, and increased use of renewable energy show India’s commitment to sustainable growth.

A Key Moment for Action

India’s G20 leadership comes at the right time. Climate goals align with India’s G20 priorities, such as improving infrastructure, advancing technology, and supporting global trade. India is focusing on “disruptive innovation” to promote low-carbon growth and fair resource use.

Lessons from the Past

Past G20 summits have supported climate talks, but progress has been slow. Current commitments will only reduce emissions by 10% by 2030. Renewable energy makes up just 30% of the G20’s energy, and much of this comes from nuclear and hydro, which have their own environmental challenges.

India is stepping up to show how nations can balance growth and climate responsibility. It’s a chance for the G20 to act together and secure a sustainable future.