Author: Rasmita Jena

  • India Demands Transparency and Reform in UN Security Council

    India Demands Transparency and Reform in UN Security Council

    India has called for more openness in how the UN Security Council and its working groups operate. Speaking at a recent UN meeting, Ambassador P. Harish explained that when requests to add people to the UN’s blacklist of terrorists are denied or delayed, the reasons are often kept secret. He referred to this lack of information as a “disguised veto,” meaning it acts like a veto but isn’t officially recognized as one.

    Harish stressed the importance of reforming the Security Council to make it work better and be more transparent. He pointed out that while decisions to add individuals to the terrorist list are shared publicly, the reasons for rejecting these listings remain hidden, limiting accountability. This lack of transparency is especially concerning given that China, a close ally of Pakistan, often blocks India’s attempts to blacklist Pakistani terrorists.

    Harish also lamented that while many countries agree on the necessity for reform, little progress has been made. He urged all UN member states to stop just talking about reform and take action instead. He emphasized that the path to real change begins with clear plans and timelines.

    Additionally, he mentioned that when peacekeeping missions are planned, the concerns of countries providing troops and police need to be considered. As the largest contributor of peacekeeping forces, India believes this is crucial.

    He urged the Security Council to remove outdated issues that no longer matter today and to engage more meaningfully with all UN member states. Simply summarizing the Security Council’s activities in reports isn’t enough; those reports should be more thorough and help member countries understand how the Council is functioning.

    Harish concluded by saying the Security Council needs major changes to fit today’s world. Its current structure has not changed much in 80 years and doesn’t reflect contemporary realities. To effectively carry out its mission and meet people’s expectations, the Council must be reformed to serve its purpose better.

  • Trump Cuts USAID Aid: Millions of Lives at Risk!

    Trump Cuts USAID Aid: Millions of Lives at Risk!

    On Thursday in Cape Town, South Africa, health groups and charities were shocked and angry when they heard the Trump administration decided to cut 90% of foreign aid contracts from USAID. This means that important programs that help people with food, health, and emergency assistance around the world will lose funding, leaving millions in danger.

    One group, InterAction, said this decision will hurt many vulnerable people, leading to hunger and disease. They warned that “women and children will go hungry, and families will struggle.” Instead of keeping people safe, this could create more problems like instability and migration.

    The U.S. government is stopping about $60 billion in aid because they believe it doesn’t help American interests. This means thousands of contracts with NGOs will end, which many say is a huge blow to American foreign aid.

    Liz Schrayer, a leader of a non-profit organization, said that this decision could allow countries like China, Russia, and Iran to gain more power and influence around the world.

    In South Africa, health organizations mentioned that many programs aimed at treating HIV will end, affecting thousands of people. USAID plays a large role in fighting diseases like HIV and tuberculosis, and the cuts can put these programs at serious risk.

    Critics, including Trump and his advisor Elon Musk, argue that foreign aid is wasteful and supports a liberal agenda. They are making deep cuts to these programs quickly, and many organizations have received letters saying their funding is being terminated because it doesn’t match U.S. priorities.

    After the cuts, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio introduced a waiver program to save some funding, but many essential services still lost support.

    Many USAID workers received just a short time to clear their workspaces amid the cuts. This rapid change has left many programs and the people they help in a difficult position.

  • Trump Fires Top Military Leaders: What You Should Know

    Trump Fires Top Military Leaders: What You Should Know

    In a surprising move, President Donald Trump fired Gen. CQ Brown Jr., the top leader of the U.S. military, along with five other high-ranking officials. This decision stirred up a lot of talk because people admired Brown for his service. He was only the second African American to hold this important position in U.S. history.

    When Trump confirmed Brown as the Air Force chief of staff in 2020, he celebrated the decision on social media. But when he fired Brown and the others on February 21, he was much quieter about it. Critics worry that this move mixes politics into the military, which is usually nonpartisan.

    Republican senators mostly defended Trump’s right to make these changes. Sen. Mike Rounds said he thought Brown had done a great job but acknowledged Trump’s ability to choose his team. Sen. Thom Tillis compared this situation to when President Barack Obama made military changes.

    Gen. Brown, along with Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the first woman to lead the Navy, and other top officials, was dismissed in a rare shakeup. Some Republicans backed the president, saying he has the right to change military leaders.

    Others, like Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, criticized the firings and said it showed that political loyalty mattered more than skill. Brown’s dismissal was especially noted because he had spoken out about race in the military after the murder of George Floyd.

    A bipartisan group of House members asked for clear rules about firing military leaders, emphasizing the importance of keeping the military apolitical. Sen. Susan Collins expressed her view that Brown and the others had been doing well in their roles. In contrast, some, like Rep. Derrick Van Orden, approved of the firings, saying it was time for a new start at the Department of Defense.

    Trump announced that retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine would replace Brown. While Caine had a solid military background, he didn’t meet every requirement to be chairman, but Trump can overlook those rules. Some see this as a way to bring in new perspectives.

    Democrats, however, worry this could hurt recruitment and retention in the military, as it suggests the president’s political views matter more than talent and experience. Sen. Richard Blumenthal expressed strong concerns about the message these firings send.

  • WhiteOak Launches Equity Savings Fund: Smart Investing Made Easy!

    WhiteOak Launches Equity Savings Fund: Smart Investing Made Easy!

    WhiteOak Capital Mutual Fund has introduced a new investment option called the WhiteOak Capital Equity Savings Fund. This fund lets you put your money into three main areas: stocks (equity), a strategy to make money without risk (arbitrage), and safer investments like bonds (debt). The new fund is open for people to invest in until March 5.

    The goal of this fund is to help your money grow by investing in stocks and safe options. It is designed for people who want a mix of stable and potentially high returns. The fund will be overseen by a team of experienced managers.

    One of the best parts about this fund is that it isn’t as risky as just investing in stocks. This means it can help you make money while keeping your savings safe. The fund is also good for people who pay higher taxes, as it can offer tax-friendly returns.

    “We believe investing is about finding the right balance between making money and protecting what you have. This fund is perfect for those looking for stable returns during uncertain times,” says Aashish Somaiyaa, the CEO of WhiteOak Capital Asset Management.

    If you invest for more than one year, any profits you make could be taxed at a lower rate. The fund usually invests a large part of the money in stocks, about 65% to 90%. This includes safe investments to balance out any risks. The fund’s smart strategy adjusts how much it invests in stocks based on how the market is doing.

    In times when it’s hard to find good chances to make money with stocks, the fund will shift to safer options, ensuring that your investments are always working for you.

  • BJP’s Push to Rename Delhi Villages: Madhavpuram and Nahargarh

    BJP’s Push to Rename Delhi Villages: Madhavpuram and Nahargarh

    BJP MLA Anil Sharma plans to rename Mohammadpur village in his RK Puram area of Delhi to ‘Madhavpuram.’ He mentioned that a proposal to change the name had been approved by the local corporation long ago but had been stuck in the Assembly during the Aam Aadmi Party’s government.

    Sharma said, “People want this village to be called Madhavpuram. Now that the BJP is in charge in Delhi, we will listen to what the people want.” He hopes to present this proposal to the Assembly soon.

    Sharma isn’t alone in this effort. BJP MLA Neelam Pehelwan also wants to change the name of her area, Najafgarh, to ‘Nahargarh.’ She explained that the change is important due to the area’s history, saying, “During the 1857 revolt, local leader Raja Nahar Singh fought for our region. It’s important for our people to honor our history.”

    Pehelwan has been trying to change the name for a while, believing that the new name represents the local struggles and significance of the area more accurately.

  • Karnataka Minister Defends CM Siddaramaiah Amid Leadership Change Rumors

    Karnataka Minister Defends CM Siddaramaiah Amid Leadership Change Rumors

    Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is like fire, said B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan, a minister in his team. He made this statement to calm people who think there might be a change in leadership in the state. Khan said that both Siddaramaiah and D K Shivakumar, who is the state Congress President, are in their positions and there’s no talk of changing them right now.

    He added, “Can anyone touch Siddaramaiah’s chair? It’s like fire. If you touch fire, you get burnt. Siddaramaiah is powerful, and changing him is impossible.”

    There has been talk about whether there should be a new Chief Minister later this year. Shivakumar really wants to be the Chief Minister too, but Khan believes that everyone in the Congress party should listen to what the party leaders decide.

    If there needs to be a change in leadership, they will share their views, but the final decision will come from the party’s high command. Khan also mentioned that it’s natural for all communities, including Dalits and minorities, to want a chance at being the Chief Minister.

    After the May 2023 election, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar both wanted to be the Chief Minister. In the end, Shivakumar agreed to be the Deputy Chief Minister. There were rumors that Shivakumar would get a turn to be the Chief Minister in a couple of years, but the party has not officially confirmed this. Some people think Shivakumar should not handle two big jobs at once.

  • Delhi Court Orders ED to Release Documents in Kejriwal Money Laundering Case

    Delhi Court Orders ED to Release Documents in Kejriwal Money Laundering Case

    New Delhi: A Delhi court has ordered the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to give certain documents to people accused in a money laundering case related to former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and others involved in a suspected scam. Special Judge Kaveri Baweja issued this order on February 25 after multiple accused claimed they had not received important documents tied to the case’s chargesheet. The case also includes AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh.

    The court is currently examining the documents and has scheduled the next hearing for March 3. This money laundering case began because the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) started an inquiry after Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena asked for a probe into alleged problems with the city’s excise policy. The CBI and ED say there were irregularities during changes to this policy, which gave unfair advantages to certain license holders. The Delhi government launched the excise policy on November 17, 2021, but canceled it by the end of September 2022 after corruption allegations came to light.

  • Germany’s New Defense Strategy: A Shift in Europe’s Security Landscape

    Germany’s New Defense Strategy: A Shift in Europe’s Security Landscape

    After the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, French President Francois Mitterrand reassured the US, saying that Europe was far from having its own defense. There were too many obstacles: the UK was hesitant, Ireland was neutral, and reunited Germany seemed lost on what role it should play.

    Fast forward nearly 40 years, and things are starting to change in Germany with a new leader, Friedrich Merz. He wants Europe to take defense more seriously, especially since the US, under President Donald Trump, seems less reliable to help against threats like Russia. “America First” is pushing Europe to work together on defense, much like how Mitterrand once helped set the groundwork for the euro in exchange for Germany’s reunification.

    Although Merz’s new coalition is just getting started, he’s pushing for Germany to spend big—up to €200 billion (about $210 billion) —to strengthen its defense. He’s sounding alarms about the urgent need for action, noting that time is running out. This could lead Germany to change its old ways of being careful with money and focus more on spending for security.

    Rethinking its defense spending could lead to new partnerships, especially in areas like sharing nuclear capabilities with France. Experts say that a strong partnership between Germany’s financial resources and France’s defense goals could emerge from this new thinking.

    This shift is particularly important now as Germany and France tackle challenges like economic slowdown, rising right-wing politics, and the need for more unity in Europe. Leaders like Mario Draghi have urged Germany to take action amid growing concerns over security and trade competitiveness.

    Merz’s approach could also strengthen ties with countries like Poland, which has become a major defense spender in Europe. Together, France, Germany, and Poland could create a united front against external pressures.

    However, some people still worry about Germany returning to a more powerful role in Europe, especially after previous leaders were criticized for strict economic policies. But there is a sense of optimism that Europe is starting to move forward.

  • Son Fights for Release of Imprisoned Journalist Dong Yuyu in China

    Son Fights for Release of Imprisoned Journalist Dong Yuyu in China

    The son of Dong Yuyu, a Chinese journalist in prison, is asking for his father’s release after he was sentenced to seven years for spying. Dong Yuyu was taken by the police in February 2022 while having lunch with a Japanese diplomat in Beijing. His son, Dong Yifu, spoke at the National Press Club in Washington and said his dad plans to appeal his conviction. He argued that the meetings with the diplomat were about journalism, not spying.

    “It’s about press freedom and human rights,” said Dong Yifu. China’s Foreign Ministry has not responded to requests for comments on this case.

    Dong Yuyu used to be a top editor at Guangming Daily, a newspaper that has become less open to new ideas over the years. He wrote about democracy and political reform, but those topics are now discouraged by the government. Dong Yuyu had also studied at Harvard University and in Japan.

    His arrest shocked many in China, especially journalists and diplomats, because it’s normal for reporters to meet with diplomats when gathering news. His son mentioned that in court, it was revealed that eight meetings with Japanese diplomats were used as evidence against his father.

    In November, a Chinese court sentenced him to seven years for espionage. The former U.S. Ambassador, Nicholas Burns, stated that the conviction was unfair.

    Japan’s Assistant Foreign Secretary, Masashi Mizobuchi, said that all meetings at the Japanese Embassy in China are standard diplomatic work. The Japanese government expressed concern that the ruling would harm friendly exchanges between people in China and Japan.

    Despite being in prison, Dong Yuyu is staying healthy. His son said he does 200 push-ups and leg raises every day, but he only gets a few hours of sunlight each year and is not allowed to see his wife. Dong Yuyu can meet with his lawyer once a month, who brings him letters from his wife. His father also wrote a 45-page letter for his appeal.

    Recently, the U.S. State Department called for Dong Yuyu’s immediate release. Reporters Without Borders, an organization promoting press freedom, reported that China has more than 100 journalists in prison and often accuses them of espionage to silence them.

  • Explore Mirae Asset’s New Equal Weight ETF for Balanced Investing!

    Explore Mirae Asset’s New Equal Weight ETF for Balanced Investing!

    Starting now, Mirae Asset Mutual Fund has opened a new investment opportunity called the Mirae Asset BSE 200 Equal Weight ETF. You can subscribe to this fund until March 5, and after that, it will be available for buying and selling from March 11 onwards.

    What is this fund all about? It’s designed to copy the BSE 200 Equal Weight Index, which includes 200 top companies in India. The goal of this fund is to help investors earn returns similar to this index, keeping in mind some small chances of errors along the way.

    Why Choose an Equal Weight Strategy?

    The cool thing about this investment is that it treats each company equally. This means every company in the index has the same chance to help you earn money. This strategy is popular around the world, especially for those who prefer a simple and passive way to invest.

    You can start investing with a minimum of Rs 5,000, and after that, you can put in any amount in Re 1 increments.

    Mirae Asset will also soon launch a related fund, called Mirae Asset BSE 200 Equal Weight ETF Fund of Fund, opening for subscriptions on February 25 and closing on March 11.

    What Makes This Fund Special?

    According to Siddharth Srivastava, who manages the fund, this equal-weighted strategy includes 100 large companies and 100 mid-sized companies. This helps you spread out your risk since you have many different companies in your portfolio.

    Experts say this fund can be great for people who want a balanced investment across large and mid-sized companies. However, it’s important to know that it may not always be the best performer in every situation.

    The fund will invest 95-100% in the companies in the BSE 200 Equal Weight Index and a small portion (0-5%) in safe money market instruments. This can help keep some money liquid for quick transactions.

    Important Tips for Investors

    Before deciding to invest, think about your existing investments. If you have overlapping stocks, this new fund might not add much variety to your portfolio. It’s best for those whose investments are not heavily focused on just one type of stock.

    Overall, while the Mirae Asset BSE 200 Equal Weight ETF offers an exciting way to invest, always evaluate how it fits with your financial goals and comfort with risk.

    Disclaimer: Information provided by experts may not reflect the views of the Economic Times or any other organization.