G20 Ministers Discuss Conflicts, Global Governance In Brazil

On Wednesday, G20 ministers gathered in Rio de Janeiro to address pressing global conflicts and governance challenges in preparation for the annual leaders’ summit chaired by Brazil’s President Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva.

Lula has emphasised that the G20’s top priority this year should be tackling climate change, reorganising global governance, and reducing poverty. Yet, there are still several active conflicts in the region, such as the tensions in Gaza and Russia-Ukraine, which makes it difficult to move forward with governance reforms in the biggest economies in the world.

Brazil has made a strong case for the extension of the Security Council and has been outspoken in its support for UN reform. However, veto-holding countries’ opposition has hampered progress and exposed significant differences between member states on UN reforms.

Diplomats can express their concerns and start conversations about multilateral reform during the Rio gathering. President Lula’s recent deterioration of diplomatic relations with Israel over his criticism of the UN’s handling of the Israel-Palestine problem served as a reminder of the complexity of international disputes.

In total, the G20 countries account for about two-thirds of the world’s population, over 75% of global trade, and 85% of global GDP.

Bident Cancels $1.2 Billion Of Student Loans

The Biden administration recently cancelled another $1.2 billion in student debt for over 150,000 borrowers under its income-based repayment plan. This brings the total amount of debt relief that Biden has approved for almost 4 million Americans to $138 billion.

Eligible borrowers will have their debts cancelled soon, with notices already sent by email. Despite initial delays, the Education Department accelerated the forgiveness process through the Savings on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan. To qualify, borrowers must be enrolled in SAVE and repay for at least 10 years on a federal student loan of $12,000 or less.

Biden’s student debt relief efforts are part of his reelection strategy, despite opposition from Republicans and legal challenges. He attributes setbacks to “MAGA Republicans in Congress” and “special interests.” Republicans, like Sen. Bill Cassidy, criticise the move as unfair vote-buying.

Biden argues that debt cancellation benefits everyone by enabling borrowers to invest in homes, businesses, and communities. He emphasises its economic growth potential. At a California event, Biden was praised by Dr. Jessica Saint-Paul, whose $144,652 student loans were forgiven after 18 years of payments, illustrating the program’s life-changing impact.

UN Plans Envoy Appointment For Taliban Engagement With International Community

The UN Secretary-General plans to initiate consultations for appointing a UN envoy to coordinate engagement between Afghanistan’s Taliban government and the global community.

Antonio Guterres revealed that Taliban representatives declined an invitation to a recent meeting in Doha, expressing hope for their participation in future gatherings. He criticized the unilateral approach of the international community, urging for more constructive engagement with the Taliban. The envoy aims to enhance collaboration with the Taliban, potentially fostering their involvement in upcoming meetings.

Despite this, a Taliban spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment. Following the Taliban’s resurgence in Kabul in 2021, the UN reports that two-thirds of Afghanistan’s population requires humanitarian aid. Aid funding has decreased due to concerns over Taliban restrictions and competing global crises. The Doha meeting convened Afghan civil society groups and representatives from over 25 nations.

Kanni Wignaraja, the UN Development Program’s Asia regional director, expressed disappointment at the Taliban’s absence, hoping for future participation. The Taliban regained control of Kabul in 2021 upon the departure of US troops, marking the end of a 20-year conflict. However, the Taliban-led government lacks international recognition, despite prior negotiations with US officials.

UK Nears Agreement On Cooperation With EU Border Forces

UN Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stands on the brink of solidifying a pivotal agreement between the UK and the EU’s border protection agency, Frontex, marking a significant step in thawing post-Brexit relations. Expected to echo Frontex’s existing accords with “third country” states such as Albania, the agreement focuses on intelligence sharing regarding migration trends.

However, it notably sidesteps the pressing issue of the small boat crisis, which sees individuals crossing the Channel through irregular means. The agreement is being negotiated, driven by shared interests, and is expected to be discussed by the Frontex management board next week, with a possible signing scheduled for later this month.

After recent successes in settling trade disputes in Northern Ireland and enabling the UK’s re-entry into the Horizon science research programme, this development marks Sunak’s latest attempt to restore the practical contacts between the UK and the EU on a day-to-day basis.

Resolved issues remain, especially concerning Suella Braverman’s position on the European Convention on Human Rights and its possible effects on security cooperation, even as pragmatism is fostered in UK-EU ties. The ongoing conversation depicts a dynamic and intricate environment as both parties work through the challenges of post-Brexit cooperation.

PM Modi, UAE Vice President Deepens Ties By Laying Bharat Mart’s Foundation Stone In Dubai

PM Modi and UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum virtually inaugurated Bharat Mart at the Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone in Dubai. DP World is constructing the Bharat Mart project.

Established with an aim to enhance India-UAE ties, Bharat Mart is anticipated to revolutionise trade relations by capitalising on Jebel Ali Port’s strategic location and logistical capabilities.

India’s exports could be greatly increased by this project, especially those from micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. Bharat Mart wants to strengthen India’s position in the international market by giving it a platform to interact with customers from other countries. These nations include the Gulf countries, West Asia, Africa, and Eurasia.

PM Modi highlighted Bharat Mart’s pivotal role in enabling exports from India’s smaller sectors, predicting that it will serve as a portal to global markets on multiple continents.

The unveiling ceremony strengthens India’s and the UAE’s bilateral ties and marks a significant turning point in their long-term economic partnership.

The opening of the Bharat Mart is expected to promote cooperation and economic expansion. Additionally, it signifies both nations’s common goal of achieving inclusive development through strong commercial ties.

India To Start Talks With IEA For Full Membership

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has declared that it will hold talks with India for full membership, recognising the strategic significance of India in tackling global energy and climate issues. Ministers from 31 member nations supported India’s request at the IEA’s 2024 ministerial conference in Paris, acknowledging its possible influence on global energy policy.

India, an IEA association country since 2017, formally applied for full membership in October. If accepted, India’s membership would significantly influence global energy dynamics, given its status as the world’s most populous country and its projected substantial energy demand growth over the next three decades.

PM Modi emphasised the benefits of India’s inclusion, citing its talent, technology, and innovation capabilities. He highlighted India’s potential to enhance IEA’s credibility and effectiveness through inclusivity.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed support for IEA’s efforts to integrate emerging economies like India, referencing recent collaborations with Kenya and Senegal. India’s critical role in determining the global energy landscape was emphasised by IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol, who also emphasised the importance of India’s involvement in international energy negotiations. Additionally, the IEA’s decision to begin formal membership negotiations with India reflects its recognition of the critical role that India must play in addressing global issues such as energy security, inclusive transitions, and climate change.

Indonesia’s Prabowo Claims Victory In Presidential Election

Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto, a former general tied to past human rights abuses, claimed victory in Indonesia’s presidential election. He positioned himself as an heir to the current president, Joko Widodo, whose son was his running mate. The unofficial results showed Subianto leading with 57–59% of the votes, though election officials hadn’t declared a winner and other candidates hadn’t conceded.

Subianto’s background includes service under the cruel Suharto dictatorship, serving as a special forces commander connected to abductions and torture. Despite facing criticism, he pledged to pursue a peaceful solution to the Israel-Hamas conflict and to establish an Indonesian embassy in either the West Bank or Gaza.

Given Indonesia’s economic growth, infrastructure projects, and diplomatic influence, the election’s outcome is crucial. However, concerns about democratic values have arisen due to Subianto’s association with authoritarian regimes and his opponent’s familial ties to power. The election logistics were immense, spanning 17,000 islands and involving 270 million people.

Despite facing opposition from human rights activists due to his contentious past, Subianto’s candidature was characterised by efforts to soften his image through the use of social media platforms and portraying himself as a grandfather figure. In addition to his dishonourable discharge from the army, his involvement in kidnappings and torture remains controversial.

PM Modi Introduces UPI Services During His Abu Dhabi Visit

PM Narendra Modi engaged in extensive discussions with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to enhance their strategic partnership. The talks encompassed various sectors, including trade, investment, digital infrastructure, fintech, energy, and culture.

An agreement was made to link UPI (India) and AANI (UAE) instant payment platforms, and RuPay (India) with JAYWAN (UAE) debit/credit cards, facilitating seamless cross-border transactions. PM Modi expressed gratitude for the UAE’s support in constructing the BAPS Temple in Abu Dhabi, a symbol of UAE-India friendship. Additionally, he emphasised the importance of cooperation between various sectors and expressed his gratitude for Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s cordial welcome.

S Jaishankar, Ajit Doval, and Vinay Kwatra were important members of the Indian delegation who added to the proceedings of the meeting. The recent launch of UPI services in Mauritius and Sri Lanka was welcomed by PM Modi, who emphasised the blending of old ties with new digital developments.

Notably, UPI payments are becoming more popular worldwide as several nations have adopted them, including France, the United Arab Emirates, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Bhutan, and Nepal. Additionally, the Indian government has been actively promoting UPI as a convenient and secure mode of digital transactions within the country.

ROSATOM DG Visits India As India-Russia Seeks To Expand Civil Nuclear Cooperation

Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom, and Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Chairman of India’s Atomic Energy Commission, visited the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) construction site in Tamil Nadu. They reviewed the progress of units 3 to 6 construction, expressing satisfaction with units 1 and 2’s performance. Discussions included expediting units 3 to 6 construction and enhancing civil nuclear cooperation. They signed an amendment to the 2008 Intergovernmental Agreement on February 8.

Likhachev emphasized the deep-rooted strategic partnership between Russia and India in the nuclear field, dating back to the 1980s. Kudankulam NPP celebrated its 10th anniversary since connecting its first unit to India’s power grid, reflecting ongoing collaboration and optimistic prospects.

Kudankulam, situated near Tuticorin, houses two operational Russian VVER 1000 pressurized water reactors, operational since 2014 and 2017. Construction of four more VVER units is underway, with two more proposed. Rosatom subsidiary Atomstroyexport is the general contractor.

In December, Indian Minister of EA Jaishankar and Russia’s Deputy PM Denis Manturov signed agreements concerning Kudankulam and cooperation in pharmaceuticals and healthcare.

India aims to increase its nuclear generating capacity from 7480 MWe to 22,800 MWe by 2031-32. Measures include constructing ten indigenous 700 MWe pressurized heavy water reactors, establishing the Indian Nuclear Insurance Pool, amending the Atomic Energy Act, and fostering international nuclear cooperation for fuel supply.

India and Sri Lanka Take Grid Connectivity Further

According to Sri Lanka’s Power and Energy Minister, Kanchana Wijesekera, discussions between India and Sri Lanka on grid connectivity and collaborative renewable energy sources are progressing. After nearly two decades of planning, the two countries are accelerating efforts, aligning with their green energy ambitions.

Officials from Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), Power Grid Corporation, and India’s Central Electricity Authority (CEA) are reviewing technical reports. The grid connection is poised to be a joint venture with India’s Power Grid Corporation.

Feasibility studies have been conducted, and a joint consultant will be appointed to guide investment decisions. The focus extends to ongoing projects, notably the solar energy venture involving India’s NTPC Ltd. and the Ceylon Electricity Board, with power purchase agreements for the initial 130-MW phase expected soon.

Sri Lanka explores offshore wind potential and plans to invite expressions of interest, particularly from Indian firms. Feasibility studies for offshore wind energy are underway, suggesting surplus capacity in Colombo, potentially for export, be it as electricity or green hydrogen.

With a target to source 70% of electricity from renewables by 2030, Sri Lanka aims to integrate an additional 5,000 MW into its grid, comprising solar, wind, or floating solar capacity. Collaboration between India and Sri Lanka signals progress towards sustainable energy goals.