Rafale: A national tragedy or just plain stupidity?

The article delves into the controversy surrounding India's procurement of Dassault Rafale fighter jets, highlighting the intense debate and differing opinions on the deal's cost, necessity, and execution. It traces the origins of the deal back to 2001, discusses the various aircraft considered, and details the final agreement for 36 Rafale jets. The article criticizes both the current Modi government and the previous Congress administration, questioning the involvement of Reliance Group and the performance of HAL. It emphasizes the urgent need for modern aircraft in the Indian Air Force and calls for a more informed and less politicized discussion on the matter.

Crisis in the Maldives: A geopolitical chess game

The power struggle in the Maldives, involving President Abdulla Yameen and exiled former president Mohamed Nasheed, has led to a state of emergency and arrests of senior figures. This conflict has significant geopolitical implications, particularly for China, India, the United States, and Saudi Arabia. Yameen's actions, including eroding democracy and aligning with Chinese and Saudi interests, have been widely criticized. Nasheed and other opposition figures have called for Indian intervention. The situation highlights the strategic importance of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean and the broader geopolitical chess game involving major powers.

South Asian Regional Parliament: A European Model

February in Nepal marked the historic first meeting of provincial parliaments, highlighting the need for transformative governance in South Asia. The article proposes a regional parliament modeled after the European Parliament to enhance decision-making and cooperation among South Asian countries. It suggests a phased approach to build trust and mitigate power concerns, emphasizing the benefits of exposure, transparency, and economic growth. The article envisions a South Asian society that balances religious preservation with development, advocating for low delegation talks and goodwill foreign visits to initiate the process.

New Museum on Underwater Archaeology opens in Mexico

The Museum of Underwater Archaeology opened on December 5th, 2017, in the 18th-century fortress of Reducto San Jose el Alto in Campeche, Mexico. Recognized as a Best Practice by the 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage, the museum showcases significant finds from Mexican cenotes and historical shipwrecks, using new technologies to reconstruct sites. The museum aims to preserve underwater cultural heritage and promote public access, with the STAB playing a crucial role in its evaluation and promotion.

Coming up for clean air in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina faces severe air pollution, primarily from coal power plants like Tuzla, which significantly impacts public health and the environment. The pollution has led to respiratory diseases, heart problems, and economic losses. Efforts to combat this include UN Environment's initiatives to improve air quality monitoring and promote renewable energy. Local residents and students express concerns over the pollution, highlighting the urgent need for policy changes and sustainable development.

Faces of change: Fighting for a mercury-free future

Charito Elcano, a 60-year-old advocate from Luklukan Sur, Philippines, is fighting for mercury-free small-scale gold mining after losing her brother and son to mercury poisoning. She works with BAN Toxics and the UN Environment-backed GEF GOLD programme to raise awareness and promote safer mining practices. Despite challenges, including legal and financial hurdles, Charito remains committed to educating her community on the dangers of mercury and advocating for safer alternatives.

Cairo’s bad breath

Cairo faces severe air pollution, exacerbated by dust, vehicle emissions, and agricultural waste burning, leading to significant public health issues and economic losses. Despite these challenges, there are emerging signs of improvement through public transport projects, stricter regulations on waste fires, and innovative solutions from entrepreneurs. Efforts by organizations like UN Environment and WHO are also contributing to tackling the global air quality crisis. Local initiatives, such as promoting cycling and utilizing rice straw for construction, offer hope for a cleaner future.

India-Taiwan synergies: Beyond the economic sphere

A pact signed on December 14, 2017, between representatives of India and Taiwan aims to institutionalize cooperation in design, engineering, product manufacturing, R&D, and after-sales service. Economic ties between the two countries have significantly increased since economic liberalization, with bilateral trade reaching nearly 5 billion USD in 2017. Taiwanese investments in India span various sectors, including auto components, chemicals, and ICT, with Foxconn committing nearly 5 billion USD. Taiwan's South Bound Policy and India's Act East Policy have facilitated these economic ties, also promoting tourism and student exchanges. The article suggests that India and Taiwan should also explore strategic synergies in the Indo-Pacific region, despite potential Chinese objections. Strengthening political and strategic engagement is crucial for both nations, with India maintaining an independent approach towards the Indo-Pacific.