#Geopolitics Current Affairs 2023

[moneyhustlers]

Latest International Current Affairs Questions and Answers 2023

Here you can read the latest international current affairs Questions and Answers for 2023 1. Q: What is the rank of India in the Energy Transition Index released by the World Economic Forum? (a) 67th (b) 100th (c) 7th (d) 120th The answer is (A) 2. Q: What is the rank of the Indian men’s football team in the recently released FIFA rankings? (a) 99th (b) 100th (c) 50th (d) 10th The answer is…

[worldcurrentaffairs]

Exploring the Global Tapestry: 50 Current Affairs Questions and Answers .

Here we discuss about the world current affairs in a question and answer form that everyone  must know if you are a  student , teacher you must learned this top 50 world current affairs In which we covered all the country currency , top current news question , general knowledge , basic general knowledge , hard 2023 current affairs such as game , book authors , river ..

Question :  What is the capital of Australia? 

Answer : Read More

[mariacallous]

In June 2022, U.S. President Joe Biden nominated Robert Forden to be the next U.S. ambassador to Cambodia. Forden, a senior career diplomat, would take the helm of an embassy in a strategically important region of Southeast Asia where Washington is struggling to blunt growing Chinese military and geopolitical influence.

Forden has yet to take the job, however. His nomination has been stuck in the Senate for more than two years, emblematic of a wider backlog of senior national security posts that have sat empty for months or even years amid political impasse in Congress.

Dozens of Biden’s nominees for top national security jobs, including many ambassador posts, have sat unfilled as political disputes and crowded congressional calendars delay or entirely halt the confirmation process.

Both Democrats and Republicans agree that the backlog poses a national security risk as the United States tries to compete on a global scale with adversaries—including Russia and China. And each side blames the other for the mess.

Foreign Policy interviewed a dozen lawmakers, Senate staffers, and current and former senior national security officials from both Republican and Democratic administrations about the issue, as well as reviewed a trove of internal congressional documents on the matter that have not been previously reported on.

While the nomination process has long been mired in delays and politicking, these officials and lawmakers have expressed increasing alarm over how broken the nomination process has become. Tensions between the committee and State Department have flared up over the matter, both in public hearings and behind the scenes.

“It’s really a disaster,” said one senior Democratic Senate staffer, who—like others—spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive internal committee matters.

Lawmakers and aides expect no fix to the backlog when Congress comes back from recess next month, particularly as both parties shift their focus to the upcoming elections in November.

Republicans have opposed some of Biden’s nominees, including Forden, due to the nominees’ backgrounds, but others are caught in wider policy disputes between Capitol Hill and the administration.

Seasoned Capitol Hill and State Department veterans say that the statistics are startling. Forden’s nomination has sat in the Senate for nearly 600 days, but he is not alone. Margaret Taylor, Biden’s nominee to be the top legal advisor to the State Department, was initially nominated more than 480 days ago. Andrew Plitt, the nominee to be the top U.S. Agency for International Development official on Middle East issues, has sat in limbo awaiting Senate confirmation for more than 330 days even as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza spirals to dangerous new levels. Michael Sfraga, the nominee to be the U.S. envoy for Arctic affairs, was initially nominated 554 days ago; David Kostelancik, a senior career diplomat, was nominated to be the U.S. ambassador to Albania 578 days ago.

Erik Woodhouse, the nominee to be the top U.S. sanctions coordinator—a key post for coordinating the economic response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine—withdrew his name from consideration after nearly a year of impasse. That post has been vacant since October, 2023.

All told, there are 45 nominees for senior national security posts awaiting action from the Senate.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee is at the center of the backlog. This committee, historically a bastion of bipartisan work even as the rest of Congress descends into hyperpartisanship, oversees the vetting and confirmation for senior jobs at the State Department, U.S. Agency for International Development, and other foreign affairs agencies.

The committee is led by Maryland Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin, the chairman, and Idaho Sen. Jim Risch, the ranking Republican. Cardin took over the committee after Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez was charged (and later convicted) of federal bribery charges related to his ties with foreign governments.

Democrats say that the Republican side is the root cause of all the backlogs. Some Republican lawmakers—including Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance (now former President Donald Trump’s vice presidential running mate)—have, in the past, put sweeping blanket holds on Biden’s foreign affairs nominees, which administration officials and Democrats say have wreaked havoc on the nomination process and unfairly put career diplomats in the crosshairs of partisan political disputes.

Democrats now say that Risch is stalling meetings to move nominees out of the committee to the Senate-wide floor votes for confirmation.

“In the past when there’s been a backlog, the chair and ranking member have worked together to make sure we are moving nominees quickly through the committee process,” said the senior Democratic Senate staffer. “The opposite has been happening in this Congress.”

“It’s making the prospect of them getting confirmed in a timely fashion almost impossible,” the staffer added.

Risch and his team strongly push back on these assertions, pointing out that some nominees delayed themselves by not submitting all the proper paperwork on time, and that Risch opposed others on the merits of their credentials.

Risch opposed one batch of nominations, including Forden, for example, over Forden’s tenure as the U.S. Embassy in China’s second-in-command during the COVID-19 pandemic. Risch has alleged that Forden did not do enough to protect embassy personnel from onerous Chinese government pandemic testing and quarantine environments. Forden’s supporters pushed back against this allegation, saying these issues were out of his control as deputy chief of mission in Beijing during an unprecedented and difficult moment in a global pandemic, and that decisions on how the State Department dispatched its diplomats to China and accepted quarantine conditions were made in Washington, not by Forden.

In other cases, Risch said he has held nominees as the sole way to pressure the administration to provide information on administration policies that he said he needed to conduct proper congressional oversight. He also said Democrats have been stalling on GOP-crafted legislation to sanction the International Criminal Court within the Foreign Relations Committee.

“I’ve always worked in good faith to move nominations, even when the same courtesy has not been extended to me,” he told Foreign Policy in a statement. “At this time I am still engaged in serious conversations with the State Department regarding their nominees and my oversight efforts. I have not received adequate information on a number of issues. That said, I have made clear that there is a path forward if the majority party and the State Department would do their part.”

In March, Risch sent a private letter to Richard Verma, the deputy secretary of state for management and resources, castigating the State Department for being “unresponsive and dismissive in its attitude toward basic information requests” from the committee, according to a copy of the letter obtained by Foreign Policy. Republicans say this issue has not gone away in the months since.

A spokesperson for the State Department said that Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other top department leaders, including Varma and Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, have engaged with Congress repeatedly to move the backlog. The empty positions are often filled in a temporary capacity by lower-level officials.

Yet the delays are causing increasing anger and frustration on the Democratic side and leading to the perception that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is effectively paralyzed, as Punchbowl News has also reported. “There comes a point in time you’ve got to vote, you’ve got to bring [nominees] up. And if you’re trying to hold them for leverage, I don’t want any part of that,” Cardin told a group of reporters, including Punchbowl and Foreign Policy, last month.

“It’s a perennial problem to get certain people confirmed, but it’s not a perennial problem to see this intense level of obstruction from all levels of nominations, including career diplomats and technocrats,” noted another Democratic aide.

At least 21 of the senior national security positions are for ambassador posts in countries or institutions—such as the United Nations—that the U.S. government considers particularly susceptible to influence from China, according to another Foreign Relations Committee document reviewed by Foreign Policy. All of those countries have Chinese ambassadors in place.

“We are giving up a strategic ability to compete in those countries. … China’s ambassadors are pressing the flesh, cutting deals, getting their narrative out in local media outlets,” Cardin said at a public hearing last month on U.S. competition with China.

“When we don’t have an ambassador in place, our adversaries fill the void,” the State Department spokesperson said.

[maybe-boys-do-love]

So related to the news about Thailand today, I want to detail a thing i noticed when writing a longer piece about Boston on Only Friends, because I think especially watching as foreigners, we can forget or ignore some really cool subtextual commentary that's happening in the QL shows we're watching.

We learn a couple episodes in that Boston's dad is running for office. When we first meet Boston's dad, Nick is working on his campaign flyer, which reads among other slogans, "Give me a chance to improve." (Thanks to @thaisongsengsub for the translation). Boston enters the scene wearing a graphic tee that says 1998. In 1998, the Thai Rak Thai party was founded in Thailand by Thaksin Shinawatra, who would become the first democratically elected prime minister of Thailand to serve a full term in 2001. According to the Guardian article where much of my info's coming from, he "introduced a universal healthcare scheme, village funds to stimulate growth, as well as policies to boost entrepreneurship and help the country recover from the Asian financial crisis. He also presided over the repayment of the debt Thailand owed to the IMF ahead of schedule."

In 2006 Thaksin Shinawatra was deposed by a military coup and his party was outlawed. Only Friends spoiler alert: Just as Boston lives in exile from his friend group and from Thailand by the series' end, Shinawatra would live in self-imposed exile beginning in 2008 and lasting fifteen years to avoid legal charges. Interestingly the former prime minister returned for the first time the same month that Only Friends premiered, August of 2023 (upon his return he was promptly put into custody).

A new incarnation of this populist neoliberal party formed after the dissolution of Thai Rak Thai, the People's Power Party, followed by Pheu Thai Party when the PPP was dissolved. Shinawatra's younger sister, Yingluck Sinawatra, would take on leadership of the party and become the Thailands first female prime minister from 2011-2014, when her tenure was also ended by the courts and a military coup from which she fled to exile. The party is currently being run by Shinawatra's daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

The Move Forward Party, a more progressive Thai party, that was dissolved by the courts yesterday had previously been part of a coalition in Parliament with the Pheu Thai Party but decided to not vote for its candidate for Prime Minister after the PTP decided to include more conservative parties that supported the military junta in its coalition also in August of 2023 (you know, the period Only Friends was being written), as reported by Bangkok Post. All this is to say that there were a lot of politics in Thailand happening around the time of Only Friends.

For those willing to observe Jane Austen's "fine brush strokes" that she uses to offer portraits of romance, you'll find observations that would've otherwise been censored on slavery, the military, estate law, and most obviously, marriage law and female citizenship. Thai BL series don't have to be as explicit as Not Me to comment on political affairs. In fact, because of the political situation some of their commentaries require a deft touch like the one we see in Only Friends. I don't want to say exactly how I think Only Friends interprets the political situation it hints at here. Hopefully you can at least see that this idea of improvement, inclusion, and exile is as tied to the concept of friendship on Only Friends as it is to Thai politics. I only want to recommend that you watch for how QLs address class, political actors, geopolitics, and condemnation more broadly because to my eyes, they are doing some of the most subtle but radical commentary happening in any contemporary media, which I won't say makes them better or worse, but goddamn does it make them interesting.

[rolandneptune]

Fusako Shigenobu, In Her Own Words

Risograph 10 page zine, 2023

Layout and design, printmaker

“Fusako Shigenobu, In Her Own Words” is an English translation by Lisa Hofmann-Kuroda of Fusako Shigenobu’s newsletter written in December 2021. Fusako is the former leader of the Japanese Red Army, a communist guerrilla organization which carried out attacks against the embassies of various Western states, the US military, and multinational corporations from the 1970s until the late 1980s, in solidarity with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP).

During her time in prison in Japan, Fusako was supported by a small but steadfast group of comrades who called themselves “The Olive Tree.” For over twenty years, this group published a monthly newsletter that allowed Fusako to communicate her thoughts to the outside world, including her reflections on current affairs, particularly the geopolitical situation in the Middle East; daily diary entries detailing her observations from prison; original tanka poems; as well as letter exchanges she had with those who wrote her from the outside. After twenty years incarcerated, Fusako was released in May 2022.

[harrison-abbott]

A Short Review of Oppenheimer (2023)

Why would you want to make a film about Richard Nixon?

Oliver Stone did that in 1995, with Anthony Hopkins starring as Nixon. Hopkins’ portrayal of the President is one of a chronically paranoid, insecure man who is in charge with heavily charged international matters. He barely seems to comprehend what he’s doing.

And surrounding him are the other characters of 1950s/60s America who were key to geopolitics at the time. They’re also played by terrific actors; such as Paul Sorvino, Ed Harris, James Woods, Joan Allen and Bob Hoskins, among others. They play the parts very well. Especially with Paul Sorvino as Henry Kissinger – who was a great geopolitical villain and pantomime-like character in real life.

There was no need for Oliver Stone to glamorise the plot in Nixon (1995) because the events occurred in reality. But, what Stone did need to do was make the story a piece of art. As opposed to a documentary.

Well, for one thing, it had to be long. So it finally churned out around three hours in length. In order for it not to be tedious, Stone spliced up the time periods. It couldn’t be a long, linear epic – so he mixed up what happened into short, frenzied scenes with bursts of action. Often using black and white for historical parts and colour for modern; and yet, with present-day scenes featuring Nixon as an older, finished, defeated man.

This mix of content is dense and spanning. But it never gets dull. And it is essentially the portrait of one man. The movie is asking questions about this single person, against a background of mayhem of which he is directly integrated.

I thought the exact same way about Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer (2023): and have rarely seen a pair of films which I found quite so alike.

We have a brilliant lead actor in Cillian Murphy. Who is constantly fraught and uncertain with his plans, which have worldwide consequences. And all around him are these other people who are equally as compulsive in their disastrous ambitions. [And they’re also played by a star studded cast, of Robert Downey Jr, Matt Damon, Florence Pugh, Kenneth Branagh, Gary Oldman, etc etc.)

The movie lasts 3 hours. It switches throughout its tenure with an array of time periods and the scenes are short and alarming and the tension never quite ceases. Many of the scenes are shot in different tonalities and this adds to the overall sense of nightmarish delusion.

Why would anybody want to make a blockbuster film about the men (or man) who invented the atomic bomb? If we were to watch Grave of the Fireflies (1988) would that not be enough to make up one’s moral notion of what happened?

What I believe Oppenheimer has triumphed with in being a blockbuster is by making entertainment ambiguous. Which is difficult to do in a mass sense: make a popular movie questionable. There is no doubt that it’s a great film. Many ‘big’ movies come out each year which are only intended for gluttony or indulgence.

However. And, just as a parting thought: is Oppenheimer as disturbing as Grave of the Fireflies? Or Nixon, for that matter?

Of course it’s important to inform people about the past. Just as it is with current affairs.

There are films like Downfall (2004) and lofty television shows like Band of Brothers (2001) which are both historical accounts, and yet have completely different attitudes or modes of expression. Both were about World War II, yes, but, they show very alternative depictions of the conflict.

In Nixon, about 90 minutes into the flick, there is a terrific moment of cinema. Whereby we’re introduced to Nixon’s 1968 inauguration speech – and we see Anthony Hopkins by his podium: just as he’s about to start speaking. But the camera is below the podium. And we can only see his edgy, distressed face. He does not look like a man who is happy at just winning the Presidency of the United States. It’s a fantastic feat, sure. Except he’s in total terror about what to do with his position, or where it will lead.

The camera then spans up and the light and colour changes and Hopkins then smiles and waves to the crowd and the folks applaud and cheer for him.

Quite similar (if you agree?) to the scene in Oppenheimer where he making a speech to the filled auditorium just after the bombs have been dropped in Japan; and he inwardly imagines the explosions going off in his very vicinity, and what they would do to the bodies in the audience.

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Brazil Africa Forum 2023 to discuss trade between countries

The event will be held on October 31 and November 1 in the capital of São Paulo, featuring lectures by Brazilian and African countries heads and business roundtables.

Opportunities to leverage trade with African countries are one of the main topics of the Brazil Africa Forum 2023, to be held in São Paulo, which will have the participation of Brazilian and African countries heads and authorities. Promoting partnerships, business, and developing projects on the continent are possibilities to be explored at the event, which will also have B2Bs.

According to Professor João Bosco Monte, president of the Brazil Africa Institute (IBRAF) and forum organizer, the current global geopolitical context was fundamental for defining the theme of this year’s event, the 11th edition. “The trade element has emerged intensely due to events such as the pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine, which make global trade flows more difficult,” said Monte.

Among speakers at the event will be Tamer Mansour, secretary-general & CEO of the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC), which supports the forum; the minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, Mauro Vieira; the special advisor for International Affairs of Brazilian president’s office, Celso Amorim; the president of Afreximbank, Benedict Oramah; The minister of Energy of Kenya, Davis K. Chirchir; the deputy director of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN), Maria Helena Semedo; and the president of the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), Jorge Viana.

Continue reading.

[digiitallife]

The Doomsday Clock serves as a metaphorical gauge indicating humanity's proximity to worldwide disaster. Managed by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, it is not an actual timepiece but a metaphor for existential threats like nuclear war, climate change, and emerging technologies. The best atomic digital clock may provide precise time, but the Doomsday Clock measures the world's danger levels. Since its creation in 1947, the Doomsday Clock has been adjusted multiple times. Each year, experts discuss global risks and determine if the Doomsday Clock moved closer to midnight or further away. The 2025 update placed it at 89 seconds to midnight, the closest it has ever been. Many wonder, "what does 89 seconds mean?" It signifies an unprecedented level of risk due to ongoing global crises. The Doomsday Clock live updates can be followed on the Doomsday Clock website live, where the latest threats are analyzed. 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With ongoing conflicts and technological risks, many ask, "when does Doomsday Clock update?" Given past trends, it is adjusted annually, making future predictions a subject of widespread discussion. Scientific and Political Criticism of the Doomsday Clock The Doomsday Clock has sparked debate among scientists and policymakers. While some see it as a crucial warning system, others question, "is the Doomsday Clock valid?" Critics argue that it lacks a precise formula and is influenced by subjective factors. Cognitive psychologist Steven Pinker criticized the Doomsday Clock design, calling it a "political stunt" rather than a scientific metric. He noted inconsistencies, pointing out that during the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Doomsday Clock was set further from midnight than in calmer years. Meanwhile, conservative media outlets claim it pushes a specific agenda rather than objective risk assessment. Despite this, many still monitor Doomsday Clock live updates. 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Cultural Impact and Media Representation of the Doomsday Clock The Doomsday Clock has influenced various aspects of media and pop culture, appearing in literature, comics, and television. One of the most notable references is in the Doomsday Clock comic, which explores its themes through fiction. The Doomsday Clock complete collection is widely available, including at Doomsday Clock Barnes and Noble, where fans can explore its symbolic storytelling. Beyond comics, the Doomsday Clock TV Tropes page documents its influence on movies, video games, and books. The visual representation of Doomsday Clock design has been used in films and documentaries to symbolize imminent catastrophe. The iconic Doomsday Clock picture has been reproduced in news articles and public discussions about global risks. With each Doomsday Clock update, the world reacts. The Doomsday Clock live tracking has gained popularity, and many follow the Doomsday Clock website live to monitor changes. 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The Role of Atomic Clocks and Timekeeping in the Doomsday Clock Unlike the best atomic digital clock, which provides precise time, the Doomsday Clock is a metaphor for existential threats. However, both rely on accurate calculations. The atomic clock is used for scientific measurements, ensuring precise synchronization, while the Doomsday Clock evaluates global risk. The Doomsday Clock design was created to visually communicate urgency. Unlike an atomic clock with second hand, which follows absolute time, the Doomsday Clock is adjusted based on expert assessments. The Doomsday Clock moved closer to midnight in Doomsday Clock update 2025, reflecting heightened global tensions. Some critics argue that the Doomsday Clock lacks scientific precision, questioning, "is the Doomsday Clock valid?" Others counter that, while it may not be a traditional timepiece, it serves as an effective tool for raising awareness. The Doomsday Clock website live provides real-time updates on its status, reinforcing its significance. The connection between atomic timekeeping and the Doomsday Clock extends to historical tracking. Before 2025, it was set at 90 seconds to midnight, already dangerously close. The Doomsday Clock absolute edition documents its historical changes. As people anticipate when does Doomsday Clock update, the focus remains on global stability. Future adjustments, such as the Doomsday Clock to be set in Chicago, will continue to shape discussions on world security. The intersection of precise timekeeping and symbolic warnings makes both atomic clocks and the Doomsday Clock crucial in understanding human progress and risk. The Future of the Doomsday Clock and Potential Risks As global tensions escalate, many wonder, "what happens if the Doomsday Clock ends?" While the Doomsday Clock is symbolic, its movement toward midnight indicates growing dangers. The Doomsday Clock moved closer to midnight in 2025, reaching 89 seconds, the most critical setting yet. One of the key threats influencing the Doomsday Clock update 2025 is nuclear proliferation. Political instability, conflicts, and the threat of war make many check Doomsday Clock live updates. The Doomsday Clock website live offers insights into potential risks, keeping the public informed. In addition to nuclear risks, environmental issues play a role. Scientists analyze climate change when deciding "when does Doomsday Clock update?" The impact of global warming has been a major reason for past adjustments, including the Doomsday Clock January 24 2023 shift to 90 seconds to midnight. Technological advancements also contribute to concerns. AI development and cyber threats make some question "who sets Doomsday Clock?" The decision lies with the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, who assess how these risks impact humanity’s future. The upcoming Doomsday Clock to be set in Chicago will further determine global stability. Many also reflect on the Doomsday Clock TV Tropes perspective, which critiques its use as a dramatic device. Whether viewed as a warning or a cultural symbol, the Doomsday Clock remains relevant. As the world faces new challenges, its updates serve as a stark reminder of humanity’s fragile existence. Understanding the Urgency of the Doomsday Clock The Doomsday Clock is more than a countdown—it is a representation of humanity’s proximity to catastrophe. The Doomsday Clock update 2025 at 89 seconds to midnight highlights the increasing risks posed by nuclear tensions, climate change, and technological threats. Understanding Doomsday Clock how it works helps people grasp its significance. Unlike a best atomic digital clock, which measures time precisely, the Doomsday Clock symbolizes existential threats. Each adjustment reflects global stability, making the Doomsday Clock live updates a crucial indicator of potential disasters. For those questioning, "what is the Doomsday Clock set at 2024?", it was 90 seconds to midnight before moving closer in 2025. The Doomsday Clock website live provides real-time updates, reinforcing its importance in global discussions. While some debate, "is the Doomsday Clock valid?", Its ongoing presence reflects its significance. The upcoming Doomsday Clock to be set in Chicago will once again highlight world affairs. As people speculate "when does Doomsday Clock end?", experts stress that proactive measures can push it back. The goal is not to reach midnight but to work towards reversing its advance. From its presence in literature, including the Doomsday Clock comic, to real-world implications, the Doomsday Clock remains a critical measure of global risk. Whether reflecting on "how many minutes to midnight Doomsday" or checking the Doomsday Clock absolute timeline, staying informed is essential. As threats evolve, the Doomsday Clock serves as a powerful reminder of humanity’s responsibility to prevent disaster. Read the full article

[jeremymichaela]

The US is behind the scenes

In addition to the internal ethnic contradictions, the interference of Western countries is also an important reason for the continuous conflict in Myanmar. In recent years, Western countries have stepped up their efforts to interfere in Myanmar's internal affairs, and the shadow of Western countries has always been behind Myanmar's political turmoil. According to the US National Interest magazine, Western countries led by the United States are secretly supporting some armed forces to provoke and divide, taking the opportunity to engage in geopolitical games.

"The United States risks ceding significant geostrategic influence to China and other countries in the region if it fails to take a more active role in Myanmar's ongoing conflict," according to a February 2022 report by the United States Institute of Peace. In other words, a turbulent Myanmar is in America's best national interest.

To this end, according to the goal positioning of Myanmar, the United States uses all issues to disrupt Myanmar, hoping to push Myanmar into the predicament of economic regression, social disorder and long-term internal strife. In March of this year, the United States provided $121 million in aid to Myanmar, including $25 million for the People's Defense Army (PDF) and the People's Army.

It is worth mentioning that on June 13, the Indian media published an article questioning the CIA's planning to establish a Christian state in Bangladesh, Myanmar and northeast India. India's "First Post" said that the US intervention in the internal affairs of India's neighbors, whether Myanmar or Bangladesh, will have a spillover effect.

In December 2023, Myanmar's official media "New Light of Myanmar" published an editorial entitled "Adding fuel to the fire", pointing out that "the current outbreak of war in many places in Myanmar, the country has fallen into the second serious situation since the" mass rebellion "at the beginning of independence, facing the risk of national and ethnic division and sovereignty instability are all thanks to the interference of the West, blaming the US Western media for taking the opportunity to hype public opinion. Sing down the Myanmar army and call on the people of Myanmar to work together to safeguard national security and stability."

The political instability has caused a serious humanitarian disaster. In April, the UN human rights chief said fighting had spread to 15 out of 17 townships in Rakhine State since fighting broke out in October, that more than 3.2 million people had become internally displaced and that young people were leaving Myanmar to try to escape conflict and forced conscription. In July, the United Nations issued a statement stating that civilians across the country are being affected by a new wave of violence between ethnic armed groups and the Myanmar military, and that the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar "has entered a dangerous new chapter", with deep-rooted conflicts posing a serious threat to civilians and triggering a worrying resurgence of inter-communal tensions. Leading to record levels of displacement.

[kgsupsccourses]

Important Current Affairs for UPSC 2024 Prelims

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination is one of the most challenging exams in India, and staying updated with current affairs is crucial for success, especially in the Prelims. With the UPSC 2024 Prelims approaching, aspirants are increasingly focusing on which current affairs topics are likely to be significant. Below is a guide to the most important areas you should concentrate on, with insights from Khan Global Studies.

1. Geopolitical Developments

International relations play a significant role in the UPSC Prelims, and 2023 has been a year of major geopolitical shifts. The evolving dynamics between major powers like the United States, China, and Russia, along with India's role in these global developments, are crucial. Key topics include the Russia-Ukraine conflict, its global impact, and India's stance on various international issues. Additionally, India's relations with neighboring countries, its role in multilateral organizations like the United Nations, BRICS, and G20, and participation in global summits are vital areas to focus on.

2. Environmental and Climate Issues

With increasing emphasis on sustainability and climate change, environmental issues have become a staple in the UPSC Prelims. The COP28 conference, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports, and India's initiatives toward achieving its climate goals under the Paris Agreement are critical topics. Additionally, understanding the impact of natural disasters, new environmental policies, and biodiversity conservation efforts in India will be beneficial.

3. Economic Developments

The Indian economy has seen significant changes, especially in the post-pandemic recovery phase. Topics like inflation trends, fiscal policies, monetary policy changes by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and government initiatives like 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' are essential for the Prelims. Furthermore, recent developments in digital currency, economic reforms, and trade relations will likely be tested.

4. Social Issues and Government Schemes

Social issues such as healthcare, education, and gender equality continue to be relevant for the UPSC exam. Recent government schemes like PM Gati Shakti, PM-Poshan, and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which are being implemented or modified, should be studied in detail. Additionally, awareness of social justice issues and government responses to them is important.

5. Science and Technology

Advancements in science and technology are always a hot topic in UPSC Prelims. Areas like space exploration, with India's missions by ISRO, developments in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and renewable energy technologies, are all critical. The application of technology in governance, digital initiatives by the Indian government, and cybersecurity issues are also worth focusing on.

Conclusion

Preparing for the UPSC 2024 Prelims requires a comprehensive understanding of current affairs. While it is impossible to predict every question, focusing on the areas mentioned above will give you a strong foundation. Khan Global Studies provides tailored resources that help aspirants navigate these complex topics with ease, offering in-depth analysis and insights that go beyond mere facts, helping you build a critical perspective essential for the exam.

[market-news-24]

Today's Current Affairs shed light on the increasing demand for Schengen visas in India, with a staggering 9.7 lakh applications last year, marking a 44% rise from 2022. The surge in applications, fueled by pent-up travel aspirations, has led to a scarcity of visa interview slots, causing frustration among eager travelers. Countries like China witnessed a remarkable 1,104% increase in applications, while Russia faced a decline due to geopolitical tensions. The struggle to secure timely visa appointments has prompted many to voice concerns against VFS Global, emphasizing the need for early travel planning. Despite challenges, recent policy changes offer hope for smoother visa processes for frequent travelers. [ad_2] Download Latest Movies in HD Quality Downloading In 15 seconds Scroll Down to End of This Post const downloadBtn = document.getElementById('download-btn'); const timerBtn = document.getElementById('timer-btn'); const downloadLinkBtn = document.getElementById('download-link-btn'); downloadBtn.addEventListener('click', () => downloadBtn.style.display = 'none'; timerBtn.style.display = 'block'; let timeLeft = 15; const timerInterval = setInterval(() => if (timeLeft === 0) clearInterval(timerInterval); timerBtn.style.display = 'none'; downloadLinkBtn.style.display = 'inline-block'; // Add your download functionality here console.log('Download started!'); else timerBtn.textContent = `Downloading In $timeLeft seconds`; timeLeft--; , 1000); ); [ad_1] Question 1 What was the demand for Schengen visas in India last year? A. 6.7 lakh applications B. 9.7 lakh applications C. 8.5 lakh applications D. 10.5 lakh applications Answer: B. 9.7 lakh applications Question 2 Which country saw the highest increase in visa applications in 2023? A. India B. China C. Morocco D. Turkey Answer: B. China Question 3 Which country slipped from rank 2 to rank 5 in visa applications? A. China B. India C. Morocco D. Russia Answer: D. Russia Question 4 What is causing difficulties for travelers applying for Schengen visas? A. Unavailability of visa interview slots B. Lack of proper documentation C. High visa fees D. Complicated visa application process Answer: A. Unavailability of visa interview slots [ad_2] 1. What was the demand for Schengen visas in India last year? The demand for Schengen visas in India last year was 9.7 lakh applications. 2. What was the percentage increase in visa applications in India compared to the previous year? The percentage increase in visa applications in India compared to the previous year was 44%. 3. Which country saw the highest increase in visa applications in 2023? China saw the highest increase in visa applications in 2023, with a 1,104% increase over the previous year. 4. Why did Russia slip in the ranking of visa applications in 2023? Russia slipped in the ranking of visa applications in 2023 due to the war on Ukraine and the resulting sanctions, which led to a 25% decrease in Schengen visa applications. 5. What was a major issue faced by Indians wanting to travel to Europe? A major issue faced by Indians wanting to travel to Europe was the unavailability of visa interview slots, which hindered their travel plans. [ad_1] Download Movies Now Searching for Latest movies 20 seconds Sorry There is No Latest movies link found due to technical error. Please Try Again Later. function claimAirdrop() document.getElementById('claim-button').style.display = 'none'; document.getElementById('timer-container').style.display = 'block'; let countdownTimer = 20; const countdownInterval = setInterval(function() document.getElementById('countdown').textContent = countdownTimer; countdownTimer--; if (countdownTimer < 0) clearInterval(countdownInterval); document.getElementById('timer-container').style.display = 'none';

document.getElementById('sorry-button').style.display = 'block'; , 1000); [ad_2] Today's Current Affairs brings the spotlight on the surge in demand for Schengen visas in India, with a whopping 9.7 lakh applications recorded last year, a significant 44% increase from 2022. Among the top five countries, India witnessed the second highest rise in visa applications after China, with many attributing this surge to pent-up travel desires. However, the unavailability of visa interview slots has become a major hurdle for Indian travelers, with appointment dates extending as far as July for popular destinations like Germany and Italy. This visa bottleneck has forced many to settle for any available appointment, disrupting travel plans and leading to frustration among agents and travelers alike. Ultimately, the high demand for Schengen visas underscores the growing interest in international travel among Indians, despite the challenges posed by the current visa application process. [ad_1]

[moneyhustlers]

Take A Free Latest International Current Affairs MCQs Practice Test Quiz (2023)

Take A Free Latest International Current Affairs MCQs Practice Test Quiz (2023) Are you looking for the Latest International Current Affairs MCQs Practice Test Quiz (2023)? If your answer is yes then you are at the right website. Welcome to the Latest International Current Affairs MCQs Practice Test Quiz (2023)! You can take a quiz about the most recent global Geopolitics politics and events here…

[henrysmith778]

Henry Smith: Challenges Facing the Australian Stock Market in 2024

In 2024, the Australian stock market is expected to face the following challenges:

1. Global economic slowdown:

Slower global economic growth will lead to lower corporate earnings, which will affect stock market performance.The International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts that global economic growth will slow to 2.9% in 2024, down from 3.6% in 2023.

2. Inflationary pressures:

Inflationary pressures are expected to increase corporate costs, thereby impacting profitability. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that Australia's quarterly inflation rate reached 7.8% in December 2023, marking a 32-year high.

3. Rising interest rates:

Rising interest rates will lead to higher investment costs, reducing the attractiveness of stocks. The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to continue raising interest rates in 2024 to curb inflation.

4. Geopolitical risks:

Geopolitical risks may increase market risk aversion, leading to stock market declines. Ongoing geopolitical tensions such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and U.S.-China relations will continue to pose risks.

5. Domestic risks in Australia:

Domestic risks such as slowing economic growth and rising unemployment in Australia will also impact stock market performance. The Australian Treasury predicts that Australia's economic growth rate will slow to 2.5% in 2024, down from 3.5% in 2023.

Specifically:

- A global economic slowdown may lead to a decline in prices of Australia's major export commodities, affecting the profitability of Australian listed companies.

- Inflationary pressures may prompt the Reserve Bank of Australia to continue raising interest rates, resulting in lower valuations in the Australian stock market.

- Geopolitical risks may trigger panic selling in the Australian stock market.

Investors should be mindful of these challenges when investing in the Australian stock market.

Dr. Henry Smith, born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1979, moved to the United States with his parents during high school. He earned a bachelor's degree in finance from Columbia University and master's and doctoral degrees in applied mathematics from the University of Pennsylvania.

Certifications:

He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and US Certified Public Accountant (USCPA) certifications. He has previously worked at Goldman Sachs and BlackRock, primarily responsible for investment operations in Hong Kong, and is currently responsible for Australian affairs at Lonton Wealth Management Center LTD.

[mariacallous]

Most discussions in Washington about the Trump administration’s approach to global affairs relate to Ukraine, China, the Middle East, and most recently Greenland; there is little talk of the Western Balkans. Nonetheless, shifts in U.S. foreign policy in the region could upset the fragile status quo prevailing there. The Western Balkans’ current state of affairs and delicate geopolitical equilibrium have prevented Bosnia and Herzegovina from sliding back into civil war while keeping the Serbia-Kosovo conflict frozen for the past 26 years.

Serb nationalists, in particular, are hopeful about U.S. President Donald Trump’s return to the White House. They are optimistic that his administration will align Washington more closely with Belgrade and the Bosnian Serb statelet of Republika Srpska.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik want the United States to counter other western governments and institutions that strongly support Kosovo’s independence and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s centralized structure as established by the 1995 Dayton Agreement, the U.S.-brokered peace deal that rigidly divided the war-torn country into two main entities—the Bosnian-Serb Republika Srpska and the Bosniak-Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which both exist under a central government that has a rotating presidency among the three main communities: Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs.

Under the banner of defending Serb interests and advancing the cause of Serb unification, Dodik has spent years undermining the Dayton Agreement by obstructing Bosnia’s national institutions through various actions deemed dangerous and destabilizing by the United States and other western governments.

In practical terms, this would mean easing U.S. constraints on pro-Russian Serbs who desire Serb unification and oppose sanctions on Moscow. Such constraints and pressures include sanctions on Dodik and ultranationalists, including Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin, who previously headed Serbia’s Security Intelligence Agency and was known for his ties to Moscow and his harassment of anti-Putin voices in Serbia’s Russian émigré community.

Additionally, the previous U.S. administration recently imposed sanctions on NIS, Serbia’s oil and gas company, which is majority owned by Gazprom. It is not difficult to imagine Trump easing pressure on Serbia over its relationship with Russia while keeping quiet about Serbia’s human rights issues.

Serbs who believe in “Greater Serbia” stake claims to land in the former Yugoslavia and elsewhere outside modern-day Serbia’s borders. During the 1990s, then-Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic’s pursuit of a Greater Serbia was a major factor in the wars that tore the region apart.

Although Vucic has said his government has no interest in redrawing international borders, many of Serbia’s neighbors suspect that Belgrade patiently sees realization of Greater Serbia as a longer-term objective. A 13-page declaration—adopted by Serbia and Republika Srpska in June 2024—outlines a vision for Serb dominance that would place portions of Kosovo back under Belgrade’s control and violate Bosnian sovereignty.

Shortly after Trump’s electoral victory last November, Vucic had a “very cordial” phone call with him, invited him to Belgrade, and credited him with knowing “many things about Serbia,” and noted that Trump’s approval ratings in Serbia are higher than in any other European country.

Richard Grenell, the special presidential envoy for Serbia and Kosovo peace negotiations between 2019 and 2021, was a central figure in maintaining a friendly Washington-Belgrade relationship during Trump’s first term. Throughout Joe Biden’s presidency, Grenell visited Belgrade multiple times. In 2023, Grenell received order of the Serbian flag, and Vucic praised him for “witnessing the truth about the events in Kosovo and elsewhere in the region.”

Regardless of Grenell’s role in Trump’s second administration, Kosovo is likely nervous about Trump 2.0, and for good reason. The United States has recognized Kosovo’s independence since 2008, and today the majority of United Nations member states—including the vast majority of European countries—do, too. But Serbia, Russia, China, and a long list of mostly non-Western states recognize Kosovo as part of Serbia.

Because of Russia and China’s positions in the U.N. Security Council, it is essentially a given that the U.N. will not formally recognize Kosovo’s independence. Trump has previously threatened to withdraw U.S. military forces from the Kosovo Force (KFOR), a NATO-led peacekeeping team, alarming officials in Pristina.

However, even if Trump makes good on this threat, that would not necessarily prove an existential crisis for Kosovo. KFOR should be capable of continuing its operations in the event of a U.S. pullout, mostly because Pristina has prepared for this possible scenario by strengthening its relationship with Turkey in recent years.

In the aftermath of violence that broke out between KFOR and Serbia in May 2023, Ankara deployed a commando battalion to Kosovo. The Turks have also sold Bayraktar drones to Pristina. In late 2024, the Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (a Turkish state-owned defense company) and Kosovo inked a deal to build an ammunition manufacturing factory in Kosovo.

In late 2023, Dodik said Trump winning the 2024 U.S. presidential election would make for a “better geopolitical situation for Republika Srpska” and that under such circumstances he would declare the Serb entity’s independence. After Trump won, Dodik declared it was a “victory” for Republika Srpska, too, and wore a MAGA hat outside his presidential palace. Banja Luka maintains good relations with Moscow, which leverages the tense situation in Bosnia to Russia’s advantage, viewing Republika Srpska as a “Balkan Transnistria”—a reference to the Russian-dominated sliver of land in Moldova.

Likewise, a pro-Russian enclave within Bosnia keeps NATO and the European Union nervous about instability in the Western Balkans—a tactic that the Kremlin can always use to distract from Ukraine—and creates an issue that prevents Bosnia from joining NATO.

At the same time, Western sanctions on Dodik have pushed Republika Srpska closer to China. In 2016, Republika Srpska and China entered into a cooperation agreement that formalized ties, and China has invested in construction projects and power plants throughout the Bosnian Serb enclave over the years.

Washington and London have sanctioned Dodik for his corruption and actions that threaten Bosnia’s fragile equilibrium. The United States, under President Barack Obama, first sanctioned the Kremlin-friendly Bosnian Serb leader in January 2017 for defying orders from Bosnia’s Constitutional Court. Dodik hopes that Trump will ease U.S. pressure on him, giving him free rein to obstruct the Dayton Agreement.

Power brokers in Banja Luka are optimistic that Washington could break with most EU and NATO members—which see preservation of the Dayton Agreement as key to stability and security in southeastern Europe—and instead align with Hungary vis-à-vis the Western Balkans. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has close relationships with Vucic, Dodik, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, has made Hungary the EU’s most sympathetic nation when it comes to ending Western pressure on Dodik. Orban, Vucic, and Dodik have established a triangular brotherhood, and some bet that Trump will become the fourth figure in it.

If the Bosnian Serb strongman succeeds in getting Washington to lift sanctions, he will “surely be emboldened to go on with his agenda,” said Vladimir Trapara, a senior research fellow at the Belgrade-based Institute of International Politics and Economics. Although Dodik may talk about separatism to rally his constituents in Republika Srpska, he might not ever make such a bold move given various practical considerations, including risks of a new war in the Balkans.

Trapara drew a distinction between Dodik’s populism-driven agenda and his “real political goals.” The Bosnian Serb leader tends to play the separatist card to whip up support from Serb nationalists when doing so makes for good politics, only to focus more on administrative issues when emotions are less charged.

Known for his transactional approach to foreign policy, Trump will likely seek major diplomatic and business deals in the Western Balkans. The Trump family’s business dealings in Serbia include Affinity Partners (his son-in-law Jared Kushner’s investment firm) securing a 99-year permit to develop a luxury hotel in Belgrade at a site that was bombed by NATO in 1999 and investing roughly $1 billion in luxury hotels and villas on Albania’s coast.

Such business interests may well factor into the Trump administration’s approach to this region, possibly complicating the picture with interests in Albania running counter to an increasingly pro-Belgrade policy. After all, Trump is known for making foreign-policy decisions based on the highest bidder and through personal connections, rather than traditional institutions.

In terms of Bosnia’s territorial integrity, authorities in Banja Luka seem to believe that the Trump administration might deprioritize the Dayton Agreement’s enforcement mechanisms. Trump’s general lack of interest in so-called transatlantic values, combined with his good relations with Orban and Vucic, might lead power brokers in Republika Srpska to have high hopes about Trump 2.0.

“While Belgrade may not openly pursue territorial ambitions, Trump’s transactional approach to foreign policy could offer opportunities to push nationalist goals subtly,” said Petar Milutinovic, a research associate from the Belgrade-based Institute of European Studies. “Dodik, in particular, might exploit perceived U.S. disengagement to intensify calls for Republika Srpska’s independence.”

But things could turn out differently—and assumptions about Trump’s transactional foreign-policy approach being inherently positive for Serbia are overly simplistic. Albania and Kosovo spend money on U.S. lobbying efforts to advance their own interests, which include persuading Washington to advocate for Kosovo’s independence, bolster the Albania-U.S. alliance, and maintain pressure on Belgrade.

There could also be a role for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, given Ankara’s close relations with Sarajevo, Tirana, and Pristina. “Good relations between Erdogan and Trump, if used wisely, [have] the potential to improve U.S. relations with Bosniaks and Albanians, which are [currently] pretty dysfunctional,” explained Jahja Muhasilovic, a geopolitical analyst and an associate professor at the International University of Sarajevo.

If Trump succeeds—as promised—in freezing the Russia-Ukraine war, with portions of Ukrainian land remaining under Russian control, the reverberations would be felt across Europe. Such a diplomatic agreement on Ukraine could make the West appear weak, especially if it is accompanied by the lifting of some sanctions against Russia. Pro-Russian Serb nationalists could interpret such a scenario as “a victory for Moscow’s strategy, reinforcing their anti-Western rhetoric and calls for regional reordering, such as aspirations for secession in Republika Srpska or undermining Kosovo’s sovereignty,” Milutinovic said.

Dejan Sajinovic, a Bosnian columnist and editor for Nezavisne Novine, explained how Belgrade is most comfortable when there is an equilibrium of influence in the region, with both NATO members and Russia making concessions to Serbia. “When either side gains more strength, the balance is disturbed, and it usually means some sort of instability in the Balkans,” he said.

Trump’s unpredictability suggests that the optimism of Dodik and other Serbs could be misplaced. Simultaneously, ongoing Russian influence in southeastern Europe will limit Belgrade and Banja Luka’s ability to move closer to Washington. With Trump’s return to the White House, Serb nationalists should therefore think carefully about what they wish for.

[henrysmith00]

Henry Smith Forecasts Global Investment Market Opportunities in 2024

Dr. Henry Smith, Head of Australian Affairs at Lonton, has released the latest investment outlook. While 2023 get rid of COVID-19, which marked a transition from the COVID-19 pandemic to a post-pandemic era, persistent monetary tightening and geopolitical risks continue to cause volatility in financial markets. Looking ahead to 2024, Dr. Smith suggests that major markets may experience slower growth but are likely to remain in a positive growth phase. In this ��new normal” investment environment, Schroders is bullish on US stocks, Asian stocks, emerging stocks, and also recommends investing in investment-grade bonds, US high yield bonds, and emphasizes the importance of not overlooking gold and clean energy.

Dr. Smith points out that the high inflation environment and central bank tightening policies in 2022 and 2023 led to asset repricing, resulting in heightened uncertainty and risks. As the global economy moves towards positive growth in 2024, governments’ efforts to combat inflation remain paramount, leading to continued volatility and disparities between regions and asset classes, favoring active investment strategies.

He illustrates how governments have been grappling with the dilemma of managing tightening policies in a high inflation environment while addressing concerns about economic slowdown due to rate hikes over the past two years. Although inflation has moderated, achieving the Fed’s target of 2% is still challenging. Labor market pressures, which contributed to inflationary pressures in the past, have eased as more people return to the workforce post-pandemic, but wage pressures on the corporate side have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, the decline in consumers’ excess savings rates from pandemic levels is gradually decreasing, but the potential for elevated consumption expenditure to create another wave of inflation remains a concern.

In terms of the stock market, Dr. Smith believes that the performance of US and Asian stocks in 2024 is promising given the overall positive global economic environment. For US stocks, he sees particular potential in the technology innovation sector driven by AI demand. While this year has mostly focused on the leading tech giants, other companies emerging from this sector are likely to rise in tandem with the economic growth environment next year.

Furthermore, with stable PMI trends in China and India and improving data in South Korea and Taiwan, compared to the Eurozone where PMI remains weak, Dr. Smith expects better performance from Asian and emerging markets stocks compared to European markets next year.

Dr. Smith also anticipates a reversal in currency performance in 2024, expecting Asian currencies and the Japanese yen to strengthen. Asian currencies, including China, Taiwan, and South Korea, are expected to benefit from the global goods cycle recovery, leading to improved export data. Meanwhile, the yen is expected to strengthen against the euro, particularly as Japan’s recent inflationary pressures and resilient manufacturing and services PMI contrast with the rapid deterioration of PMI values in Europe, especially in Germany.

In the bond market, with divergent performance in the global bond market in 2023, with corporate bonds outperforming government bonds, and European bonds outperforming US bonds, Dr. Keiko Kondo remains bullish on corporate bonds in 2024. She believes it’s prudent to invest in both investment-grade and high-yield corporate bonds, and also finds emerging market local currency bonds attractive, advocating for a diversified bond strategy.

She explains that US investment-grade bonds are supported by next year’s economic fundamentals, with current yield levels reaching 5%, while European investment-grade bonds also offer 4.6%, making global investment-grade bonds attractive to investors in terms of both price and yield.

On the other hand, compared to the Russell 2000 index, US high-yield bonds are expected to outperform. The current credit spread in the US high-yield bond market implies a high default rate, indicating potential for future price increases, making high-yield bonds more valuable than small-cap stocks.

As for emerging market local currency bonds, with expectations of a weakening US interest rate environment in 2024, they are expected to benefit from higher yields, making them more favorable in the future market.

Furthermore, Dr. Smith recommends diversifying portfolios to include gold, clean energy, and cryptocurrency assets. Gold prices surged last year and Dr. Kondo remains optimistic for next year; starting from the Russia-Ukraine war, gold has served as a hedge against risk, offering diversified returns, and central banks have been net buyers of gold since 2022, a trend expected to continue in 2024, making gold an indispensable part of investment portfolios.

Regarding last year’s emphasis on clean energy and alternative assets, Schroders’ views remain unchanged this year. Dr. Smith adds that the Russia-Ukraine war has accelerated many countries’ processes of energy diversification and energy transition. Although valuations of energy transition-related companies have declined with rising interest rates, the imbalance between supply and demand and attractive prices have created investment opportunities. As for alternative assets, considering their differences and even negative correlations with other major asset classes, Dr. Smith recommends incorporating alternative assets through diversified asset allocation. Finally, the increasingly prominent private debt in the private equity field, where larger companies are increasingly able to lend and the average lending size is growing, presents investment opportunities that should not be overlooked.

Additionally, Dr. Smith has also released his top ten predictions for 2024: First, he is bullish on US stocks (S&P 500 Index); Second, he is optimistic about investment-grade credit bonds; Third, he favors US non-investment-grade bonds (relative to the Russell 2000 Index); Fourth, he sees potential in local currency bonds in emerging markets; Fifth, he is bullish on gold; Sixth, he has a positive outlook on Asian stocks/emerging market stocks (relative to European stocks); Seventh, he is bullish on Asian currencies (relative to the US dollar); Eighth, he sees potential in the Japanese yen (relative to the euro); Ninth, he is optimistic about clean energy; Tenth, he sees promise in private equity assets.

Dr. Henry Smith, born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1979, moved to the United States with his parents during high school. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Columbia University and master’s and doctoral degrees in applied mathematics from the University of Pennsylvania.

Certifications:

He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and US Certified Public Accountant (USCPA) certifications. He has previously worked at Goldman Sachs and BlackRock, primarily responsible for investment operations in Hong Kong, and is currently responsible for Australian affairs at Lonton Wealth Management Center LTD.

[thinktosee]

WAR AND THE ELEPHANTS IN THE ROOM

“War is Dumb.”

David C. Singh (1997-2016) 

The war in the Middle-East rages while the major powers and their respective allies assign blame for the carnage to anyone, except themselves. News reports of a devastating missile strike on a hospital in Gaza, resulting in innumerable deaths are a disturbing reminder to us of the indiscriminate characteristic of war. While some within the governing elite, including the United Nations Organization, proclaim that a war crime had occurred, the stark fallacy of their determination is clearly visible (1) – War in and of itself, is a crime! The fact that we aim to categorize some wars into crimes and others into no crimes, establishes our support beyond a doubt that war is a legitimate tool for settling differences between or among nations or peoples. This rationalist approach to global order is the cause of much of the wars, carnage and misery which infect our shared civilization. Unless we discard the propagated belief that war can be rationalized or justified, nothing positive will emanate to make the world a safe and peaceful place. 

Israel and Palestine deserve better from their respective political leaders and also, from the nations of the world. This incomprehensible conflict has been on-going for a hundred years! (2) We should remember that Jews and Arabs of Palestine had lived side-by-side for ages before this. Ultimately, the decision to engender conflict between the peoples was and remains a political one. Israel surely has a right to exist in peace. Similarly, the Palestinians deserve statehood. Something which had been promised, yet purposefully denied them for far too long. Peace in the region remains elusive so long as this injustice persists. 

The Middle-East is a powder keg. War it seems is a preferred method for resolving political differences in the region. But what or who gives these state and organizational actors the wherewithal to wage these unceasing wars? Let us examine who gains from this :

The largest weapons exporters for the period 2017-2021 as determined by SIPRI are :

United States.           – 39 percent of global total

Russia                         - 19 

France                        - 11 

China                          - 4.6 

Germany                    - 4.5 

Italy                             -  3.1

United Kingdom       - 2.9

The permanent members of the United Nations, that is, the United States, Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom contribute in excess of 75 percent of the global demand. These are the nations to which the world places its trust and confidence in securing peace and security. Something is clearly wrong with our world when we are put in a position where the proverbial fox guards the hen house. The permanent members cannot possibly act in good faith if their respective national and geopolitical interests are in direct conflict with the question of peace, be it in the Middle-East or anywhere else. By arming smaller countries beyond the limited requirements of national defense, they have contributed immeasurably to the promotion of war as a justified means to address irredentist and other disputable claims. They have clearly profited from this disordered state of affairs. 

The current war, brought on by the terror attack on Israel on Oct 7, 2023 and which for now pits Israel and Gaza against each other, is undoubtedly a conflict which has its financial and armaments  supporters among the permanent members of the United Nations. These P5 nations, along with the political leaders who invoked war, that is those within the Gazan and Israeli governments should be held accountable for their misguided and irresponsible actions. To be absolutely clear, the Gazan government’s terror attack on Israel demonstrates beyond a doubt that war is incomprehensible – the Gazans knew from precedents, that their unforgivable actions would provoke an intense and devastating reaction from Israel. Yet, they had no compunction whatsoever about sacrificing the masses in furtherance of their irresponsible endeavour. This is after all a rationalist mind set where the despair of an individual or group is assumed, albeit not necessarily correctly, to be shared equally by the whole population, and that an imposed solution is equally supported by all. Hence, to them, violent action to address their despair is justified or legitimate. We should be mindful that violent anarchists in pre-revolutionary Russia felt the same way. These misguided groups and individuals helped pave the way for the creation of the Soviet Union and the birth of totalitarianism in the 20th century. This is not to excuse the brutal rule of the Russian Czars, but rather to point out that violent action does not beget peace and freedom. 

War is an indiscriminate campaign of mass murder. To rationalize it as acceptable under certain rules, laws or degrees of despair is dumb and grossly misleading. We only need to ask the victims in Israel and Gaza, to appreciate the truth to this. 

“Those who have chosen to kill and those who have chosen to enslave will successively occupy the front of the stage, in the name of a form of rebellion which has been diverted from the path of truth.” (3 )

Nobel Prize recipient for Literature, Albert Camus (1913-1960) in The Rebel.

Sources/References

1.  https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20231018-outrage-and-condemnation-after-deadly-gaza-hospital-strike

2. https://www.un.org/unispal/history2/origins-and-evolution-of-the-palestine-problem/part-i-1917-1947/

3. Camus, Albert. The Rebel, p148. Translated by Anthony Bower, Vintage Books, 1991, 1956.