Global Pulse #6

Ontario's premier says Trump's tariffs would be a disaster for US markets

Writer: Harman Kaur Minhas

Ontario Premier Doug Ford criticized President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, calling them a “disaster” due to the deeply integrated U.S.-Canada supply chain, especially in the auto sector. Ford also expressed concerns over Trump’s plans for mass deportations of undocumented migrants, a warning in response by Canadian police. Ford emphasized Canada’s energy exports and proposed retaliatory measures, like restricting electricity sales to certain U.S. states. Canada is also working on a border plan to counter the tariffs and address drug trafficking, highlighting the much lower levels of fentanyl and migrant encounters at the Canadian border.

US lawmakers urge Biden administration to halt offensive weapons to Israel

Writer: Manushree Mahat

After Israel’s inability to uphold the ultimatum given by the Biden administration to let humanitarian aid enter into Gaza, US lawmakers led by Summer Lee and Greg Casar have issued a letter urging the country to halt the transfer of offensive weapons to Israel. The Biden administration had issued an ultimatum to Israel, stating that if the country doesn’t allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza within 30 days, consequences will follow. However, humanitarian groups have stated that Israel has failed to uphold the conditions needed to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Despite Israel failing to uphold the standards of the ultimatum, the Biden administration has continued supplying offensive weapons to the country. The congressional letter addressed has stated that despite the nominal progress put by Israel in some areas, it has not met the minimum standards of the demands, and therefore the US must halt the transport of offensive weapons to the country.

Apple accused of using conflict minerals

Writer: Manushree Mahat

The Democratic Republic of Congo has filed criminal complaints against the tech company Apple for using conflict minerals, sourced by the mines controlled by armed groups in the area. The complaints have been filed in Apple’s subsidiaries in France and Belgium. While Apple has strongly rejected the accusation, stating that it is involved in responsible sourcing its minerals, the lawyers for the Democratic Republic of Congo have stated that Apple’s complicity has led to financing militias and armed groups, which in turn has caused a cycle of violence in the country.

Dozens in Mozambique killed by 'intense' cyclone. 

Writer: Rohan Shah

Cyclone Chido, one of the most intense storms recorded, has devastated northern Mozambique and Mayotte, claiming at least 34 and 21 lives, respectively, with fears of a much higher toll. In Mozambique, over 34,000 families have lost homes, and 200,000 are without power due to winds of 260km/h. Mayotte faces catastrophic destruction, with 90% of buildings damaged and thousands reported missing. Emergency responses are severely  hindered by destroyed infrastructure. The cyclone underscores the vulnerability of affected regions, echoing the devastation caused by Cyclone Freddy in Mozambique last year.

Sweden and Singapore Deepen Defence Ties, Focus on Maritime Security and Emerging Technologies

Writer: Vanshika Saklani 

Sweden and Singapore have taken a significant step forward in their defense collaboration, highlighting shared priorities in maritime security and technological innovation. During a state visit by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, both nations updated their long-standing 1998 defense cooperation memorandum. The renewed agreement focuses on fostering collaboration among start-ups, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and academic institutions in areas such as dual-use technologies—innovations with both civilian and military applications. A key highlight is the partnership between Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency and Swedish defense firm Saab to co-develop cutting-edge underwater systems to enhance maritime security. Given Singapore’s strategic position as a global trade hub and Sweden’s expertise in technological innovation, both countries view these efforts as vital for protecting sea lanes and maintaining regional stability. Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard emphasized the importance of preserving a rules-based international order in an era of growing geopolitical competition, including China’s expanding maritime influence. This partnership reflects their commitment to addressing modern security challenges while fostering innovation.

A president facing both impeachment and an insurrection probe – what’s next for Yoon Suk Yeol?

Writer: Harman Kaur Minhas

South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached by the parliament following his declaration of martial law, leading to mass protests and political turmoil. Suspended from office, Yoon faces investigations for insurrection and potential charges punishable by life imprisonment or death. The Constitutional Court will determine his fate within six months, needing a unanimous approval from its six current justices to uphold the impeachment. During the interim, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is serving as acting president. If upheld, Yoon would be South Korea’s shortest-serving president, with new elections required within 60 days.

Germany's Government Collapses Amid Leadership Crisis, Escalating Challenges for Europe

Writer- Vanshika Sakalni 

Germany is navigating a political crisis following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government, a development that underscores the fragility of multi-party alliances. The coalition disintegrated after Scholz dismissed Finance Minister Christian Lindner due to  disagreements over fiscal and economic  policies. These tensions were exacerbated by Germany’s economic stagnation, ongoing inflation concerns, and global trade challenges, including increasing competition from China. This political upheaval has led to the announcement of early elections, with the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) under Friedrich Merz currently favored in polls. The crisis extends beyond national politics; as Europe’s largest economy, Germany’s instability has significant implications for the European Union. Germany has long been a linchpin in EU’s economic and political strategies, and its unstable government  raises concerns about the bloc’s unity, economic resilience, and its ability to tackle broader geopolitical issues such as energy security and migration.

Putin states that Russia is ready to compromise with Trump on Ukraine war

Writer: Aniket Vijayvargiya

Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to compromise over Ukraine in potential talks with US President Donald Trump as the Russia-Ukraine conflict nears 3 years since the initial invasion. Putin’s statement came out during his communication with the press on the state TV, where he told a US-based news channel reporter that he was ready to meet President Trump whom he apparently hasn’t spoken to for years. While Putin has stated his willingness to negotiate, he clarified that Moscow would not make any territorial concessions to Ukraine and instead urged Kyiv to abandon its efforts to join NATO. Putin’s statements come a few weeks after the test of a new hypersonic missile codenamed “Oreshnik”, which stoked fears of escalation as the US and NATO countries continue to supply Ukraine with various forms of weaponry to combat the Russians. If followed through, the talks between then Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin could bring a potential end to the Ukraine conflict, but, for the time being, the end of the deadly war seems to be distant.

UN urges Iran to pursue talks as it inches closer to acquiring a Nuclear weapon.

Writer: Aniket Vijayvargiya

A top U.N. official has urged significant powers and Iran to engage in discussions to restore a deal focused on lifting sanctions on Tehran in exchange for restricting it’s progress towards building nuclear weapons. The “Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action”  (JCPOA) was a deal between multiple countries that aimed to control Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons. However, this ultimately failed when US President Donald Trump pulled out of the deal in 2018 due to Iran’s constant violations of the deal. A deputy US ambassador stated, “While diplomacy is the best option, the US will make sure that Iran does not become a nuclear weapons state and aims to use any aspect of National power to ensure that outcome”. European and Iranian diplomats met in 2024 to discuss Tehran’s nuclear program, focusing on the diffusing of tensions in the middle east, which have escalated following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in 2023. These talks took place ahead of Donald Trump’s return to the White house, where he is expected to pursue an aggressive policy towards Iran, similar to the approach taken during his presidency in 2018. The UN reiterated that “time is of the essence” and hoped that the talks would limit Iran’s path towards acquiring nuclear weapons, a development that could escalate tensions in the middle east with long-time rivals such as Israel, and have a lasting  impact on the geopolitical balance in the region.

Syrian mass graves expose "machinery of death" under Assad, top prosecutor says. 

Writer: Rohan Shah

An investigation into mass graves in Qutayfah and Najha, near Damascus, has exposed a state-orchestrated system of terror under Syria’s former leader Bashar al-Assad. Prosecutor Stephen Rapp estimates that over 100,000 individuals have been  forcibly disappeared, tortured, and executed since 2013. This "machinery of death" involved secret police, interrogators, and grave diggers, reminiscent of Nazi-era atrocities. Assad's regime has been accused of mass extrajudicial killings, chemical attacks, and systematic abuse against dissenters during Syria's civil war, which began in 2011. Advocacy groups, documenting these crimes, aim to secure accountability through future war crimes trials. Assad denies these allegations, dismissing them as propaganda.

(Please note: This post is a part of the weekly headlines written on 19th December, 2024.)