08.11.2024

In a stunning upset, former U.S. President Donald Trump secured a second term, defeating Vice-President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. His victory, fueled by voter anxieties over inflation and the economy, saw Republicans regain control of the Senate. Trump’s campaign, focused on border security and economic nationalism, resonated with voters despite his controversial past, including accusations of racism, misogyny, and inciting violence. Harris, who aimed to unite the country, struggled to overcome the economic anxieties and Trump’s strong appeal to Hispanic and younger voters. The results mark a significant shift in American politics, with Trump’s return potentially ushering in a new era of conservative policies. His victory also makes him the second U.S. President to win a non-consecutive second term and the oldest President at the time of entry into office. The election’s outcome has left the nation deeply divided, with Trump’s supporters celebrating his return and his opponents expressing deep concern about the future of American democracy.

A referendum in Qatar has resulted in the abolition of legislative elections for the Shura Council, an advisory body with limited powers. The vote, which saw over 90% of eligible voters participate, approved a raft of constitutional amendments, including the return of Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s authority to appoint all members of the Shura Council. This decision marks the end of a short-lived experiment with democracy in the Gulf monarchy, which had seen the first and only legislative elections in 2021. The referendum also granted naturalized citizens the right to hold ministerial office, previously reserved for Qatari-born nationals. The decision to scrap legislative elections has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising the move as a return to stability and others criticizing it as a step back from democratic reforms.

Brazil’s Amazon rainforest experienced a significant 30.6% drop in deforestation compared to the previous year, marking the lowest level of destruction in nine years. This positive trend, attributed to the policies of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, contrasts sharply with the high deforestation rates during his predecessor’s term. However, despite this progress, concerns remain as the government faces criticism for supporting projects that could harm the Amazon, including highway construction and oil drilling. While the reported figures cover the period from August 2023 to July 2024, the full impact of a recent historic drought and subsequent surge in forest fires remains to be assessed. The Amazon, a vital ecosystem for global climate regulation and biodiversity, faces ongoing threats, raising concerns about the future of this crucial rainforest.

The 12th edition of the North East Festival, taking place in Delhi from November 15-17, will bring together over 200 communities from eight northeastern states to showcase their cultural heritage, artistic talents, and culinary delights. The festival, which has evolved from a cultural showcase to a major tourism event, aims to foster understanding and appreciation for the region’s diverse traditions and entrepreneurial spirit. This year’s focus will be on showcasing the region’s entrepreneurial energy through numerous MSME stalls featuring unique products ranging from farm produce to handloom and handicrafts. The festival, organized by Socio-Cultural Trust Trend MMS with government support, is expected to attract visitors from across India and promote tourism, business, and creativity in the northeastern region.

Anil Pradhan, a 28-year-old social worker from Odisha, has been awarded the third Rohini Nayyar Prize for his exceptional contributions to rural development. The prize, established by the Rohini Nayyar Foundation in honor of the renowned economist, includes a ₹10 lakh cash award, a citation, and a trophy. Pradhan, an innovative engineer and educationist, is recognized for his work in promoting education in rural areas. He is the chief designer of Asia’s first university rocket team, VSLV, and has dedicated his efforts to empowering rural communities through education. The award highlights the importance of education in rural development and acknowledges the crucial role of civil society in achieving this goal.

The 6th Session of the Zambia-India Joint Permanent Commission, co-chaired by Zambian Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe and Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, saw both leaders reaffirm their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. The meeting highlighted a range of areas for enhanced cooperation, including agriculture, education, energy, healthcare, and defense. India pledged significant assistance to Zambia, including 2500 MT of maize to address the ongoing drought, 100 solar power irrigation pumps, and support for the establishment of a 400 MW solar power plant. Both sides also discussed the early commencement of the India-Zambia Technology Transfer Programme and the need to expand cooperation in the mining sector, particularly in critical minerals. The meeting concluded with an invitation for Zambia to join the International Big Cat Alliance, Coalition of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and Global Biofuels Alliance, and an invitation for the Zambian delegation to lead the 7th Session of the Joint Permanent Commission in New Delhi in 2026.

Nepal and India have agreed to accelerate the development of hydropower projects, including the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project and the Arun Third hydropower project, during a recent visit by Nepal’s Energy and Water Resources Minister Deepak Khadka to India. The two countries also discussed enhancing cooperation in energy trade, water resources management, and irrigation. India pledged to assist Nepal in providing drinking water and irrigation facilities in hilly areas through solar panel installations. Additionally, India has positively responded to Nepal’s request to use an Indian transmission line to export electricity to Bangladesh, signifying a strengthening of bilateral ties and a commitment to regional cooperation.

The first Integrated Check Post (ICP) along the India-Bhutan border was inaugurated at Darranga in Assam on November 7, 2024. The ICP, spanning 14.5 acres and located near the border, boasts modern facilities including office spaces, parking areas, loading and unloading zones, a weighbridge, a warehouse, and residential quarters for officials. Developed by the Land Ports Authority of India, the ICP also features inspection spaces, plant quarantine systems, and parking facilities to ensure efficient operations. The strategic location of Darranga is further enhanced by its connectivity to National Highway 27 in India and the robust customs infrastructure at Samdrup-Jongkhar in Bhutan. Ongoing improvements to the highway from Samdrup-Jongkhar to Tashigang are expected to further boost connectivity and trade prospects between the two countries.