International

Ukraine Moves to Defang U.S.-Backed Anticorruption Agency

Ukraine Targets U.S.-Backed Anticorruption Agency for Reform

The leaders of Ukraine have initiated actions that could greatly diminish the authority of a well-known anti-corruption body, which was created with the backing of Western partners. This change takes place as the nation continues to manage its intricate domestic political scene, while it heavily depends on global financial and military support during a continuing conflict.The institution in question, originally created to serve as an independent watchdog over government corruption, has long been a centerpiece of Ukraine’s post-2014 reform agenda. It was designed to ensure accountability at the highest levels of power, with backing—both technical and financial—from the United States…
Read More
China’s Xi Gives Up Air Miles for More Time at Home

China’s Xi Chooses Fewer Air Miles to Spend More Time at Home

President Xi Jinping of China has significantly cut back on his trips abroad in recent times, indicating a change in his leadership strategy as he focuses more on domestic matters. This change occurs as China confronts a variety of internal difficulties, ranging from economic challenges to concerns about social stability, leading the country's top leaders to focus on national priorities rather than major international commitments.Historically, Chinese leaders have leveraged international journeys to bolster diplomatic relationships, enhance economic collaborations, and affirm China's role globally. At the beginning of Xi's presidency, he undertook numerous trips, engaging with international leaders and participating in…
Read More
China begins building world's largest dam, fuelling fears in India

World’s largest dam construction by China stirs anxiety in India

China has begun building what is anticipated to be the biggest hydroelectric dam globally, a massive infrastructure endeavor situated close to its southwestern frontier. Although this development marks a crucial step in China’s renewable energy goals, it has raised increasing concerns in nearby India, mainly because of the dam’s placement on a river that continues into the Indian subcontinent.The new dam is being built on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, which becomes the Brahmaputra once it crosses into India. As one of the major rivers supporting agriculture, livelihoods, and biodiversity in northeastern India and Bangladesh, any large-scale development on…
Read More
Harvard and Trump lawyers take funding fight to court

Funding battle between Harvard and Trump lawyers reaches court

A legal confrontation has emerged between attorneys representing Harvard University and those aligned with former President Donald Trump, centering on a contentious disagreement over funding and its implications for free speech, donor influence, and institutional independence.The legal conflict currently taking place in the courtroom centers on financial contributions and the question of whether such funding can, or ought to, influence the direction of academic programming and faculty choices. Although the legal discussions are specific in nature, the wider implications highlight the increasing conflict between higher education institutions and political leaders over the impact of money, ideology, and authority.At the core…
Read More