International - The Purbottar

13 Oct

Beijing Hosts High-Level Meeting to Mark 30 Years Since 1995 Conference

Mohini BarmanInternational

China and UN Women will co-host the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women, bringing together heads of state, ministers, and senior representatives to reflect on 30 years since the 1995 Beijing Declaration. The summit aims to galvanize renewed global commitment toward gender equality, address structural challenges, and set an agenda for the coming decade. Xi Jinping is expected to deliver a keynote address. Agenda topics include women’s economic empowerment, gender-based violence, political representation, health access, and intersectional justice. The event emphasizes that while progress has been made, many goals remain unmet or backsliding under rising secular and authoritarian trends. For Chinese…

11 Oct

Historic Near-Earth Passage Observed Over South Pole

Mohini BarmanInternational

October 2025, the meter-sized asteroid 2025 TF passed just 428±7 km above the surface of Antarctica — one of the closest near-Earth flybys ever recorded. Though it posed no danger, the event offers scientists a rare opportunity to study asteroid dynamics at close range. Observatories and radar stations in the Southern Hemisphere mobilized to collect data. The event was part of ongoing research into near-Earth objects (NEOs) and planetary defense. It underscores how even small space objects can come astonishingly close to Earth. For science media worldwide, the story is a compelling space event. For South Asian science outlets (Nepal,…

10 Oct

UK Signs £350 Million Missile Deal with India

Mohini BarmanInternational

The United Kingdom has inked a £350 million (≈ $468 million) contract to supply India with lightweight multirole missiles manufactured by Thales in Northern Ireland. The deal was announced during UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to India and is seen as a cornerstone of an expanded defense-industrial partnership. It is expected to secure around 700 jobs in the Thales factory and underpin further arms cooperation between the two nations. In addition, the UK and India advanced a naval collaboration, signing a follow-on agreement for electric-powered ship engines, reflecting deepening military ties in the Indo-Pacific. Indian officials described the arrangement…

09 Oct

G20’s Cross-Border Payments Goals Likely to Miss 2027 Target

Mohini BarmanInternational

The Financial Stability Board (FSB) stated that the G20’s goal to make cross-border payments faster, cheaper, and more transparent by 2027 is likely to be missed. When first set in 2021, the targets included bringing average retail payment costs to 1% and ensuring 75% of payments are settled within an hour. But infrastructure complexity, regulatory differences, and coordination hurdles are hampering progress. Some improvements in settlement speed have occurred, but many users are still charged high fees and face opaque processes. The FSB report suggests the G20 may need to extend its deadline or set new benchmarks. Meanwhile, innovations like…

09 Oct

UN Cuts 25% of Peacekeeping Force Amid U.S. Budget Cuts

Mohini BarmanInternational

The United Nations has announced a dramatic 25 % reduction in its global peacekeeping presence, which will see 13,000–14,000 troops pulled from missions across more than 50 countries. This decision follows sharp cuts in U.S. funding—from $1 billion down to $680 million—as part of the Trump administration’s broader “America First” budget retrenchment. UN Secretary-General António Guterres defended the move, noting that peacekeeping has historically been one of the most cost-effective mechanisms for conflict prevention. However, several missions in Congo, South Sudan, Lebanon, and Somalia will be impacted, and over 60 UN offices are slated for staffing cuts up to 20…

08 Oct

WTO Warns U.S. Tariffs Could Cut Goods Trade Expansion

Mohini BarmanInternational

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has issued a stark warning that global goods trade growth will decelerate significantly in 2026, falling to just 0.5%, largely due to escalating tariffs imposed by the U.S. under the Trump administration. The jump in U.S. tariff rates—now nearing 17%, the highest since the 1930s—has created broad policy uncertainty. Many countries have refrained from retaliatory measures thus far, helping cushion the immediate blow. Still, the WTO projects that 2025 trade growth in goods will fare better at 2.4%, boosted by pre-tariff stockpiling in the U.S., robust AI-sector demand, and increased trade among emerging markets. While…

07 Oct

Historic Election Ushers New Era for Olympic Movement

Mohini BarmanInternational

Zimbabwean Olympian Kirsty Coventry has been elected president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), becoming the first woman and the first African to hold the post in the IOC’s 131-year history. Coventry, a decorated swimmer with multiple Olympic medals, won 49 of 97 votes at the IOC session in Greece, defeating candidates from Europe. She pledged to emphasize diversity, inclusion, and gender balance within the Olympic movement. Observers expect her tenure to involve reforms in host city selection and increased representation of underrepresented regions. For global sports coverage, her election is a landmark. For African media and sports communities, it’s…

07 Oct

Millions Starve as Aid Cuts and Climate Shocks Combine

Mohini BarmanInternational

Afghanistan is reeling under a severe hunger crisis, with over 22 million people—more than half the population—now facing acute food insecurity, according to the latest IPC (Integrated Food Security Classification) estimates. The crisis stems from a combination of economic collapse, sharp reductions in international aid, climate extremes, and mass displacement. Rural areas are hardest hit, with drought destroying crops and driving families to rely on unsafe coping strategies. UN agencies warn that malnutrition rates among children under five are soaring; around 3.5 million children are already suffering from acute malnutrition. Aid organizations say funding shortfalls are hampering relief; the World…

06 Oct

UAE Prepares Landmark Forum Amid Global Sustainable Investment Push

Mohini BarmanInternational

Sharjah is set to host the Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF) 2025 on October 22–23 at the Al Jawaher Reception & Convention Centre. This edition is expected to be the largest yet, with over 10,000 delegates expected from 142 countries. In conjunction with the 29th World Investment Conference (WIC), the forum will focus heavily on sustainable development goals and bridging a global finance gap of USD 4.2 trillion needed by 2030. Key sessions will target smart manufacturing, clean energy, and green infrastructure. UAE officials have said the forum is part of the broader strategy to pivot the Gulf region from hydrocarbon…

26 Sep

Millions Rally, Italy Halts Amid Global Solidarity

Mohini BarmanInternational

Over 75 municipalities across Italy, including major cities, participated in a general strike to protest Italy’s role in the Gaza conflict. The strike, organized by multiple unions, aimed to halt arms shipments from Italian ports and call for a stronger stance on Gaza. Thousands marched through central Milan, Bologna, and Naples, confronting police and disrupting transportation. At least 60 people were injured and dozens arrested in clashes. Leaders demanded government accountability and a reevaluation of foreign policy. The protests represent one of the largest displays of public dissent in Italy in recent years, reflecting deep frustration with war and humanitarian…