Turkey, Syria quake deaths near 12,000
Summary:
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and Syria on Monday resulting in 11,719 deaths with 9,057 in Turkey and 2,662 in Syria. Emergency workers are racing against time to save survivors who are trapped under rubble and facing freezing temperatures. The Turkish Red Crescent warned that the first 72 hours are critical for search and rescue efforts, but weather conditions are complicating their efforts. The World Health Organization has warned that time is running out for the thousands injured and those still feared trapped. The White Helmets leading rescue efforts in rebel-held areas of Syria have appealed for international help.
RBI lifts loan costs to tame inflation
Summary:
The Monetary Policy Committee of the Reserve Bank of India raised the benchmark lending rate by 25 basis points to 6.5% as the RBI targets persistently high core inflation as a risk to the improving outlook for the economy. The MPC also lowered its CPI inflation forecast for the current fiscal year to 6.5% from 6.7% and raised its growth estimate for Q1 of the fiscal year to 7.8%. However, two of the panel's six members voted against the majority decision to raise rates. The speech by PM Modi was focused on addressing criticism and the nature of Indian society, where negativity is tolerated but not accepted. He compared his government's performance favorably to the UPA government during 2004-2014, describing the decade as the "lost decade" and stating that the years 2020-2030 would be "India's decade". The Motion of Thanks to the President was then passed by the Lok Sabha.
Constitution does not give aldermen right to vote: SC
Summary:
The Supreme Court in India has issued notice to the Lieutenant Governor and the pro tem presiding officer of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi in a petition filed by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alleging stalling of mayoral elections for the third time. The Court stated that the Constitution does not allow nominated members of a municipality the right to vote in meetings. The case is scheduled for a detailed hearing on February 13. AAP mayoral candidate, Shelly Oberoi, had previously moved the Supreme Court seeking swift and timely conduct of the mayoral polls after the House was stalled twice. A senior advocate, appearing for Oberoi, argued that the case concerned the "destruction of democracy". The results of the MCD polls were announced on December 7, with AAP securing the majority with 134 wards in the 250-ward House, followed by the BJP with 104 wards.
An appeal to mark Feb. 14 as Cow Hug Day
Summary:
The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) is advocating for February 14 to be named Cow Hug Day and is encouraging people to embrace cows, claiming that this will bring "emotional richness" and increase "individual and collective happiness." The AWBI claims that the cow is the backbone of Indian culture, representing cattle wealth and biodiversity, and providing nourishment and riches to humanity. The AWBI also says that the tradition of Vedic culture is almost extinct due to the influence of Western culture, and the appeal is made with the approval of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. However, dairy farmers have criticized the AWBI, claiming that it did not provide assistance when thousands of cows died from lumpy skin disease.
EDITORIAL
A judge’s appointment exposes the opaque collegium system
Summary:
The appointment of L. Victoria Gowri as a judge of the Madras High Court has sparked criticism of the system of judicial appointment. Some believe it is a government-led project to take over the bench with its favorites. The Union Law Ministry processed the recommendation for her appointment with remarkable speed, ignoring objections from lawyers and a recommendation for a different candidate. The challenge to Gowri's appointment was based on her past speeches and interviews that revealed her prejudice against minorities. However, the court rejected the petitions and emphasized that it could not revisit the suitability of the appointee after the collegium had decided on it. Critics argue that the current appointment process is opaque and closed-door, leaving room for unhealthy compromises. A more comprehensive process is needed that combines an objective evaluation of the candidates' credentials with public scrutiny of their suitability.
Is there a change in German policy towards Russia?
Summary:
Germany's relationship with Russia has been a critical factor in European security and prosperity. After the Bolshevik revolution and Germany's defeat in WWI, the Soviet Union and Germany signed the Treaty of Rapallo to establish diplomatic relations. During the Cold War, West Germany adopted "Ostpolitik," an approach aimed at promoting economic ties and better political relations with the Soviet Union. However, after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Germany's policy underwent a fundamental shift and moved away from dialogue and diplomacy to a more assertive stance. The key factor driving this change was the recognition of the need to reduce dependence on Russian energy. Germany has stalled the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, struck an energy deal with Qatar, supported EU sanctions against Russian entities, and worked with European capitals to assure swift delivery of arms and aid to Ukraine.
Opposition members suggest amendments on inflation, farm distress, women’s Bill
Summary:
The opposition in India has proposed 106 amendments to a motion in the Rajya Sabha, thanking President Droupadi Murmu for her address to the joint session of Parliament. The amendments address issues such as inflation, agrarian distress, the need to pass the Women's Reservation Bill, unemployment, and providing GST compensation to the states. The amendments will be voted on Thursday after the Prime Minister's reply to the two-day debate that concluded on Wednesday. The Left parties and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) have moved three amendments, expressing regret over the lack of mention of the failure to pass the Women's Reservation Bill in the address. Other amendments raised concerns about rising fuel prices, depreciation of the rupee, inflation, rising prices of essential commodities, and the low labour participation rate of women.
Biden warns U.S. will act on China after downing surveillance balloon
Summary:
In his State of the Union address, President Joe Biden vowed to defend the US against China if it threatens US sovereignty, while also keeping the door open to cooperation. Biden called for investment in the military, technology, and alliances to take on China as the main competitor. He stated that he is committed to working with China where it benefits American interests and the world, but would act to protect the US if necessary. China responded with a statement that it will firmly defend its interests and opposed using competition to define the entire US-China relationship. China called on the US to pursue a positive and pragmatic policy and work with China to improve the relationship. Biden's speech lasted over an hour and focused mostly on domestic issues, with China being one of the few foreign policy issues mentioned.