Joe Biden has signed a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, emphasising its importance in enhancing global security. He promised to send the military assistance for Ukraine ‘right away’, with $61 billion allocated for this purpose. The bipartisan bill, approved by the Senate in a 79-18 vote after months of congressional debate, signals America's commitment to its allies. Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the aid as a reinforcement of America's democratic leadership. The package also includes provisions for confiscating Russian assets and imposing new sanctions on Russia, China, and Iran. The aid is expected to provide critical support to Ukraine's forces, which have faced shortages of ammunition and defence systems. Meanwhile, Biden has faced significant protests against his stance on Gaza at different universities, notably Columbia: see
India: world’s biggest election explained
25 Apr 2024
On 19 April Indians commenced voting for their next parliament, with Narendra Modi seeking a third term. Opinion polls favour his BJP party and its allies over an opposition alliance of over two dozen parties including Congress. The election is unfolding amidst bitterness, with opposition leaders alleging an unfair playing field. The numbers are mindboggling: a staggering 969 million voters (almost one-eighth of the world’s population) are eligible to vote, electing 543 MPs. The process will run in seven phases over six weeks: results will be announced on 4 June. Election commissioner Rajiv Kumar has vowed to ‘take democracy to every corner of India’, with some polling booths in the unlikeliest of places. Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, is seen as a key battleground. The outcome of this monumental electoral process will shape India's political landscape for the next five years.
Niger / Benin: oil starts to flow along pipeline
25 Apr 2024
Despite strained diplomatic ties, Benin is hoping for revenue from transit duties and taxes on Nigerien oil passing through Sémè Kraké. The site marks the terminus of a 1,980km pipeline from Niger's Agadem oil fields; oil has started to flow along it, raising hopes for two thousand new jobs in Benin. The pipeline aims to transport 90,000 barrels per day, bolstering Niger's status as a regional oil player. In July 2022 a military coup in Niger disrupted optimism, leading to border closures by Benin in solidarity with ECOWAS sanctions. However, President Talon later eased restrictions to facilitate trade, signalling a desire for improved regional relations, even though Niger's junta has been prioritising ties with Burkina Faso and Mali rather than with Benin. Due to the new pipeline, Niger's oil production is set to rise significantly, with substantial reserves awaiting exploitation.
Climate change: Asia most affected
25 Apr 2024
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has reported that Asia bore the brunt of climate change and weather-related disasters in 2023. Floods and storms caused significant casualties and economic damage, while heatwaves intensified. Asia's temperature rose almost 2 degrees Celsius above the 1961-90 average; many countries experienced record heat in 2023. 79 water-related disasters, primarily floods and storms, resulted in over 2,000 deaths and nine million people affected. Floods were the leading cause of death. Hong Kong witnessed record rainfall due to a typhoon, and glaciers in high Asian mountains suffered significant mass loss. The Himalayas and Hindu Kush experienced below-normal precipitation, while southwest China faced drought. Japan had its hottest summer on record. Recent severe floods in China, Afghanistan, and Pakistan have underscored the urgency for improved weather services. The WMO stressed the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change.
In Mexico's drought-stricken Michoacan state, subsistence farmers are taking direct action against commercial farms, particularly avocado orchards, which are depleting water sources. Angry residents have organised teams to remove illegal water pumps and breach unlicensed irrigation ponds, sparking potential conflicts with avocado growers, some of whom have ties to drug cartels. The drought, exacerbated by increased water use for lucrative export crops, has led to disappearing rivers and lakes. The residents are demanding fair access to water resources; they have proposed giving 20% of the water to the orchard owners. The government has been urged to address the root causes of the conflict and prevent further environmental degradation.
Hundreds of thousands have rallied in Buenos Aires and other cities, protesting against president Javier Milei's austerity measures. The demonstrations united students, professors, trade unions, leftist political parties, and even conservative politicians against the budget cuts which threaten the country's universities. Milei, dismissing the crisis as political manoeuvring, faces criticism for slashing spending across various sectors to achieve a zero deficit. The impact of the cuts is evident as universities struggle to maintain basic services amid soaring inflation (currently 290%). The University of Buenos Aires (UBA) exemplifies the crisis, experiencing power cuts because it cannot cover its electricity bill. The outcry underscores the human cost of Milei’s measures and the urgent need to preserve Argentina's education system.
Scottish church leaders are opposing proposed assisted suicide legislation, citing moral concerns and the sanctity of life. They have urged MSPs to reject the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults bill, expressing worries about crossing moral boundaries and devaluing human life. The bill, introduced by Liam McArthur, would grant terminally ill adults the right to end their lives under certain conditions. Church leaders argue that legalising assisted suicide could undermine the inherent value of all lives and lead to an ethical decline in society. They advocate prioritising palliative and hospice care to uphold dignity and compassion for those facing terminal illnesses. Despite growing public support, including a survey showing majority approval, they are emphasising the importance of maintaining equal value for every individual's life.
Prepare for Pentecost - return to the cross
18 Apr 2024
A recent online World Prayer Centre team prayer watch meeting turned into a significant altar moment about preparing for Pentecost and returning to the Cross. One of the team reminded us to focus again on the cross after Easter. Another teammate, Diana, said that at another online prayer meeting God prompted her to share ‘re-‘ words. She told us that God had shown her that ‘re’- means Ruach Elohim, or Holy Spirit. We realised that all re- words are life-giving. Then the words started to flow: Refresh, Renew, Rebuild, Restore, Reset, Realign, Relationship, Revival … to name a few! All this happened on the first day after the Jewish New Year, a time of new beginnings. So we urge you to return with us to the place of prayer. Remember the cross and all that Jesus did for us. We invite you to speak out the Easter to Pentecost declaration each day. We pray that God will reignite you with Ruach Elohim this Pentecost and that many will be revived to see a spiritual awakening.