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01/06/2023 ---- 05/06/2023

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05.06.2023
THEME: ENVIRONMENT

Microplastics Swarm the Open Ocean: The Disturbing Findings from The Ocean Race

Recent findings from The Ocean Race have revealed alarming concentrations of microplastics in the world's oceans, including the most remote areas. With concentrations up to 1,884 particles per cubic meter of seawater, this is an 18-fold increase from the 2017-18 Ocean Race. Microplastics, tiny plastic particles measuring between 0.03 mm and 5 mm, pose a significant threat to marine life and ecosystems.

The Ocean Race, a 62,000km sailing competition that began in January and finishes in July, allows sailors to collect data on various environmental factors in locations rarely reached by research vessels. So far, 40 samples have been analyzed, with microplastics found in each one. The highest concentrations were found near urban areas, coastlines, and "garbage patch" areas. Even near Point Nemo, the most remote area in the ocean, 320 microplastic particles per cubic meter were found, a significant increase from the 9-41 particles found during the last race.

These high concentrations of microplastics near shorelines are particularly concerning for fisheries production and the blue economy, which relies heavily on healthy marine ecosystems. The microplastics research is part of a science program during The Ocean Race, involving two teams: GUYOT environnement - Team Europe and Team Holcim - PRB. The samples are sent daily to the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) for analysis, with support from the University of Rhode Island.

The Ocean Race science initiative is part of the Racing with Purpose sustainability program, and all teams in the competition carry equipment to collect data on human impact on the ocean. The race started in Alicante, Spain on 15th January 2023 and will end in Genova, Italy in June. This year's race is also analyzing microplastic fibers, which were not tested in the previous edition. The Ocean Race contributes data to the Ocean Decade Odyssey project, part of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030).

In conclusion, the alarming increase in microplastic concentrations found during The Ocean Race highlights the urgent need for global action to reduce plastic pollution and protect our oceans. The race serves as a stark reminder of the human impact on even the most remote areas of our planet, emphasizing the importance of preserving the health and sustainability of our oceans for future generations.

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04.06.2023
THEME: WORLD

Shangri-La Dialogue: A Platform for Peace, Tensions, and New Security Initiatives

The Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) is an annual inter-governmental security conference held in Singapore since 2002, organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). It serves as a crucial platform for fostering a sense of community among defense and security policymakers in the Asia-Pacific region. The summit attracts defense ministers, military chiefs, legislators, academic experts, journalists, and business delegates from primarily Asia-Pacific states.

The 19th SLD took place on 10-12 June 2022 after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Japan's Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, was the keynote speaker, with representatives from 42 countries attending, including 37 ministerial-level delegates and over 30 senior defense officials. The 2023 SLD, held on 2-4 June, featured a keynote speech by Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Li Shangfu on June 4, 2023. Li proposed the Global Security Initiative (GSI) as a means to conform to world peace and development trends, emphasizing China's vision for security in the Asia-Pacific region.

During the summit, tensions between the US and China over Taiwan, South China Sea, and semiconductor chip exports were evident. Li Shangfu warned against using freedom-of-navigation patrols as a pretext for hegemony, while US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin criticized China's refusal of military talks. Despite the tensions, the two officials shook hands at dinner.

In a secret meeting held concurrently with the SLD, senior officials from around two dozen major intelligence agencies discussed Russia's war in Ukraine and transnational crime. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke at the 20th Shangri-La Dialogue summit on June 3, 2023, emphasizing the US alliance with Asia-Pacific countries and criticizing China's "dangerous operational behavior at sea or in international airspace."

Indonesia's defense minister, Prabowo Subianto, proposed a peace plan for the war in Ukraine at the SLD, including a ceasefire, establishing a demilitarized zone, and monitoring by a UN peacekeeping force. Subianto also suggested a UN referendum to determine the wishes of inhabitants in disputed areas.

The Shangri-La Dialogue has proven essential in discussing peace, security initiatives, and addressing tensions between nations. As the world navigates complex geopolitical landscapes, the significance of such forums in fostering dialogue and cooperation cannot be understated. The SLD provides an opportunity for nations to find common ground and work towards a more peaceful and stable world.

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03.06.2023
THEME: WORLD

BRICS Bloc Expansion and Shared Currency Plans: A New World Order on the Horizon?

The BRICS foreign ministers convened in Cape Town, South Africa, to discuss the potential expansion of the bloc and the establishment of a common currency. Representatives from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, and Kazakhstan also attended the meeting, with the BRICS summit of heads of state scheduled for August 22-24 in Johannesburg. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the growing global interest in joining BRICS, while Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva supported the idea of a shared currency.

The New Development Bank (NDB), created by the BRICS nations, is expanding its membership, with Bangladesh and the UAE joining in 2021, Egypt in February, and Saudi Arabia currently in discussions. Thirteen nations have formally asked to join the group, while at least six others have expressed interest. India, a founding member, seeks an agreement on the process to ensure it isn't sidelined by China and its allies.

Jim O'Neill, who coined the acronym BRIC, calls for strict criteria on membership, while South African central bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago expresses caution on shared currency plans. Russian and Chinese officials raised the possibility of accepting new members, with more than a dozen countries expressing interest in joining BRICS, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.

During the meeting, the ministers called for a "rebalancing" of the world order and discussed alternative currencies to the US dollar for international trade, strengthening the NDB, and reforming global decision-making. They also criticized the lack of permanent African representation on the United Nations Security Council.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhouxu expects the group to take on new members, while South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor reiterated that Putin is invited to the August summit, but his attendance remains unconfirmed. The BRICS ministers discussed building influence in a multi-polar world, and Pandor mentioned the potential use of alternative currencies to avoid sanctions.

Countries expressing interest in joining BRICS include Iran, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Argentina, Algeria, and the UAE. The meeting continued on Friday, chaired by Naledi Pandor, South Africa's minister of international relations and cooperation. Preparations for the leaders' summit in August in Johannesburg were discussed, with topics including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, reducing reliance on the US dollar, and plans for expansion.

The NDB is expanding, with Bangladesh, the UAE, Egypt, and Uruguay having joined, and Saudi Arabia in talks to join. BRICS aims to build a platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries, improve global governance, and build a global community of shared future. With the potential expansion of the bloc and the establishment of a shared currency, a new world order may be on the horizon, as the BRICS nations continue to gain influence and challenge the status quo.

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02.06.2023
THEME: ECONOMY

U.S. Congress Averts Financial Crisis by Lifting $31.4 Trillion Debt Ceiling

In a crucial move to prevent a financial catastrophe, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan legislation lifting the government's debt ceiling to $31.4 trillion. The Senate voted 63-36 to approve the bill, which had already been passed by the House of Representatives with a 314-117 vote. The timely decision came as the Treasury Department warned of an inability to pay bills on June 5 if Congress failed to act. President Joe Biden praised Congress for their timely action and plans to sign the bill into law as soon as possible.

The statutory limit on federal borrowing will now be suspended until January 1, 2025, allowing the government to continue borrowing money to pay its bills and avoid defaulting on its $31.4 trillion debt. The legislation also includes about $1.5 trillion in spending reductions over the next 10 years, which the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated would save $1.5 trillion over that period.

The last close call with a default occurred in 2011, which led to the first-ever downgrade of the government's credit rating. This time, the Senate vote saw bipartisan support, with 44 Democrats, 17 Republicans, and 2 independents voting in favor of the bill. The House of Representatives vote had 165 Democrats and 149 Republicans supporting it. President Joe Biden is expected to enact the measure into law soon.

The debt ceiling suspension will last until January 1, 2025, during which time the government will have the ability to borrow money without limit. The legislation also caps non-defense spending, expands work requirements for some food stamp recipients, and claws back some Covid-19 relief funds.

The passage of this bill comes as a relief to many who feared the consequences of a default on the nation's debt, which could have led to a severe financial crisis affecting not only the U.S. economy but also the global financial system. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy thanked the negotiating team, Representatives Garret Graves and Patrick McHenry, for their efforts in reaching this bipartisan agreement. President Joe Biden also expressed his gratitude to congressional leaders for their cooperation in averting a potential financial disaster.

This bipartisan debt limit deal demonstrates the ability of both parties to come together and make difficult decisions for the good of the nation. With the debt limit suspended through January 1, 2025, the government can now focus on addressing other pressing issues and continue working towards a stable and prosperous future for all Americans.

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02.06.2023
THEME: WORLD

The Unraveling Mystery of the Nord Stream Pipeline Explosions

The Nord Stream gas pipeline explosions in September have raised concerns about energy security, as the search for the perpetrators behind the attack on the undersea pipelines carrying natural gas from Russia to Europe continues. The incident resulted in a massive release of methane gas and reduced Europe's energy dependence on Russia, increasing US influence.

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Seymour Hersh alleges US Navy divers planted bombs that destroyed the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in September, citing an unnamed source. However, the Pentagon, White House spokesperson Adrienne Watson, and CIA spokesperson Tammy Thorp have all denied these claims. Swedish officials suspected "gross sabotage," and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the situation "serious." Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova says Moscow believes the US and NATO were involved in the explosions. However, an investigation involving 23 diplomatic and intelligence officials in nine countries found no evidence that Russia was behind the attack.

The attribution of the attack remains challenging, as the damage occurred in the exclusive economic zones of Sweden and Denmark. Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto has highlighted the attack's demonstration of the vulnerability of energy networks. Russia remains a key suspect due to its recent history of bombing civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. However, skeptics argue Moscow had little to gain from damaging pipelines that generated billions in annual revenue.

New information has surfaced, such as unidentified aerial drones appearing around Norwegian oil and gas facilities around the time of the Nord Stream attacks. The New York Times cites anonymous US intelligence officials suggesting a pro-Ukrainian group could be responsible. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov calls the report a "co-ordinated fake news media campaign." German investigators searched a ship in January suspected of transporting explosives, and German media links a boat used in the attack to a Polish firm owned by two Ukrainians.

The Nord Stream pipeline explosions have intensified the energy crisis in Europe and strained the relationship between Russia and the West. As the world awaits the results of the ongoing investigations, the need for increased security and cooperation in protecting critical energy infrastructure has never been more crucial. The truth behind the Nord Stream pipeline explosions remains elusive, casting a shadow of uncertainty over global energy security.

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01.06.2023
THEME: ENVIRONMENT

Heatwaves in India: A Looming Crisis Demanding Urgent Action

India is grappling with the devastating effects of heatwaves as temperatures soar to 45°C (113°F) in recent weeks. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued heatwave alerts for some states, and with the southwest monsoon delayed until the first week of June, the situation is becoming increasingly dire for the country's vulnerable communities, particularly poor and daily-wage laborers working in outdoor industries such as construction.

In April, 13 people died from heatstroke in Maharashtra, and over 12 suffered from heat-related illnesses. Heatwaves have claimed more than 17,000 lives in India over the past 50 years, with South Asia being one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change. Temperatures in South Asia are now at least 2°C (3.6°F) hotter than in pre-industrial times, increasing the risks of heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.

India is expected to lose 34 million jobs by 2030 due to heatwaves, and agricultural productivity and food security are also at risk. Despite having a lower per capita carbon footprint than Western industrialized nations, the Earth's surface temperature is on track to rise 2.7°C above preindustrial levels by 2100, pushing over 2 billion people worldwide outside the climate comfort zone – including 600 million in India.

In mid-April, a record-breaking heatwave struck Bihar, India, where temperatures exceeded 44 degrees Celsius. Bihar is the third-most populous Indian state, with a population of over 100 million, and has the country's lowest per capita GDP. Agriculture accounts for 77% of employment and 25% of the state's GDP, making it particularly vulnerable to the impacts of heatwaves.

Bihar established a Heat Action Plan (HAP) under the responsibility of the Disaster Management Department (DMD). However, insufficient infrastructure and funding have hindered the implementation of HAP actions. Over 500 public drinking water outlets have been built, but few are visible or accessible. Furthermore, the Heat Action Plan was formulated without input from climate researchers, leading to a lack of comprehensive understanding of the problem.

Aditya Valiathan Pillai, a fellow at the Centre for Policy Research, highlights the need for proper funding, implementation, and review of HAPs. Environmental activist Devopriya Dutta emphasizes the need for authorities to work on ground-level implementation to prevent further loss of life.

Recurring heatwaves in New Delhi are also affecting outdoor workers, with the Indian Meteorological Department issuing heatwave warnings on May 22 as temperatures in certain areas crossed 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit). Since 2010, an estimated 6,500 people have died from heat-related illnesses.

A drastic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is needed to prevent further heatwaves, with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change calling for a 45 to 50 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. Unfortunately, many Indian cities' heat action plans are inadequate or not implemented properly, highlighting the need for better city planning and housing infrastructure to adapt to heat stress.

India's escalating heatwave crisis demands urgent and comprehensive action. With millions of lives and livelihoods at stake, it is crucial for authorities to invest in effective heat action plans, improved infrastructure, and greenhouse gas emissions reductions to protect the country's most vulnerable populations and ensure a sustainable future.

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