Current Affairs

In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russia has launched an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) targeting Ukraine on 21 November 2024. This marks the first time such a weapon has been used in the conflict, highlighting the increasing intensity of the situation.

The missile was launched from the Astrakhan region in Russia and targeted the city of Dnipro in central-eastern Ukraine. The attack also involved the launch of six Kh-101 cruise missiles, five of which were intercepted by Ukrainian air defenses. The use of an ICBM, which typically has a range exceeding 5,500 kilometers and can carry nuclear or conventional warheads, represents a major escalation in the conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, stating that it demonstrates Russia’s use of Ukraine as a testing ground for its advanced weaponry. The European Union has also expressed concern, calling the attack a “clear escalation” and a significant change in the nature of the conflict.

This development follows recent updates to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, which now considers aggression from a non-nuclear state supported by a nuclear power as a direct threat to its sovereignty. The situation remains tense, with international observers closely monitoring the developments.

The 19th G20 Summit concluded on 19 November 2024, with Brazil’s President Lula Da Silva handing over the presidency to South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa. President Lula highlighted key initiatives during Brazil’s presidency, including:

1. Launching the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.
2. Introducing a debate on taxing and integrating climate change into the agendas of Finance Ministries and Central Banks.
3. Approving the first multilateral document on the bioeconomy.
4. Establishing a Women’s Empowerment Working Group and proposing a new Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) to promote racial equality.
5. Committing to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030 and forming a coalition for local production of vaccines and medicines.
6. Advocating reforms to make global governance more representative and engaging society through the G20 Social platform.

The summit also focused on addressing health challenges through WHO investment rounds, fostering cooperation in open innovation, and creating a task force for the governance of artificial intelligence.

President Lula noted that South Africa’s presidency would mark the completion of a leadership cycle in which all G20 member countries will have led the group at least once. The event represented the penultimate stage of a four-year sequence of G20 leadership by developing countries: Indonesia, India, Brazil, and South Africa.

At the 19th G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, leaders adopted the Rio de Janeiro Declaration on November 18, 2024. The declaration emphasized addressing global challenges such as climate change, conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth. Key highlights include:

1. UN Security Council Reforms: A call to expand its composition to improve representation of underrepresented regions and groups.
2. Condemnation of Terrorism: Firm opposition to all forms of terrorism.
3. Humanitarian Concerns: Urged increased humanitarian aid and civilian protection in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.
4. Conflict Resolution: Advocated for peaceful resolutions and diplomatic solutions to crises.
5. Climate Commitments: Reaffirmed dedication to multilateralism, progress under the UNFCCC, and the Paris Agreement.

The declaration highlights the G20’s role in fostering global cooperation and addressing pressing crises.

Sri Lanka’s ruling National People’s Power (NPP) party, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, secured a landslide victory in the parliamentary elections, winning 159 out of 225 seats (approximately 63% of the votes). This marks a dramatic shift in Sri Lankan politics, as the NPP previously held only three seats.

The main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya, led by Sajith Premadasa, won 40 seats, while Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi secured 8 seats. The New Democratic Front, aligned with former President Ranil Wickremasinghe, faced a major setback with only 5 seats.

This victory, following the 2022 economic crisis and the ousting of Gotabaya Rajapaksa, is seen as a strong mandate for President Dissanayake’s promises to combat corruption, recover stolen assets, and implement reforms to address poverty and economic challenges. The NPP’s leftist coalition has gained significant support, including from minority communities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a six-day visit to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana from November 16 to 21, 2024, strengthening India’s bilateral and multilateral relations.

• Nigeria (Nov 16–17):
  PM Modi’s visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 17 years. He will hold talks with Nigerian leadership to review the strategic partnership, focusing on economic, energy, and defense collaboration. India and Nigeria have been strategic partners since 2007, with over 200 Indian companies investing $27 billion in Nigeria. He will also engage with the Indian diaspora in Nigeria.
• Brazil (Nov 18):
  PM Modi will attend the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. As part of the G20 Troika with Brazil and South Africa, he will discuss global issues, build on India’s leadership in the G20, and hold bilateral meetings with world leaders.
• Guyana (Nov 19–21):
  PM Modi’s visit is the first by an Indian Prime Minister since 1968. He will meet Guyana’s President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, address the Guyanese Parliament, and interact with the Indian diaspora. He will also participate in the Second CARICOM-India Summit in Georgetown to deepen ties with the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM), focusing on economic integration and cooperation.

The first trilateral power transaction between Nepal, India, and Bangladesh was inaugurated on November 15, 2024, via the Indian power grid. The event was virtually inaugurated by India’s Power Minister Manohar Lal, Bangladesh’s Power Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, and Nepal’s Energy Minister Dipak Khadka. This historic power flow of up to 40 MW from Nepal to Bangladesh marks a significant milestone in sub-regional energy cooperation.

The initiative, initially announced during Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s visit to India last year, highlights a commitment to enhancing sub-regional connectivity and mutual economic benefits. The foundation was laid with a tripartite agreement between NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam, Nepal Electricity Authority, and Bangladesh Power Development Board, signed on October 3, 2024. This collaboration is expected to strengthen power sector interlinkages in the region.