Xi’s European Tour: Global Power Shifts and India’s Challenge

In these changing times, where every nation is trying to recalibrate its position according to its interests and the shifting power balances President Xi Jinping’s visit to France, Hungary, and Serbia has garnered observers of international politics their inquisitive seats of analysis. This comes when multiple conflictual clashes are building around the globe. The more than two-year war in Ukraine, the result of which seems to be elusive to the site, the Israeli siege of Gaza and its spillover effects in the region and the covert build-up of tensions between Israel and Iran distorting the current power status quo.

Impact of Israel-Hamas and Russia-Ukraine Conflicts on Stock Markets

Geopolitical conflicts have the potential to impact global stock markets through various economic and financial channels. Disruptions to energy and commodity supplies, increased market volatility, and heightened economic uncertainty can all weigh on investor sentiment and stock prices. Additionally, the potential for these conflicts to escalate and draw in other regional or global powers could further exacerbate their impact on the financial markets.

China Launches Shenzhou-18 Mission Aiming for Lunar Exploration

China’s space program is making great strides with the Shenzhou-18 mission. This time, three astronauts are sent to the country’s first domestically built space station. Led by former fighter pilots Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu, the crew embarks on a six-month mission, which includes conducting experiments and preparing for lunar exploration. In the midst of all this are zebrafish, part of more than 90 scientific experiments. Among them are creating a closed aquatic ecosystem for studying the interactions between fish and algae in space, information that can maybe inform future designs of habitats.

Israel Conducts Airstrikes on Iran Despite US Implorements to not Retaliate

According to a US official, Israeli Defense Force carried out an air strike on Iran on Friday, April 19, in retaliation to an Iranian attack last Sunday, April 14. The Iranian defense force has blocked three drones near the air base in Isfahan province. However Iran did not make any comment on who could be behind the attack and nor did Israel claim responsibility over the strike. The No large scale damage was caused by the attack, reported CNN. Sources said that Netanyahu government’s war cabinet has been planning for an attack since Monday which was hold back due to international pressure coming from allies like the United States and Gulf.

US Reports Reveal that China is Aiding Russia’s Military Expansion

According to an assessment by US officials, it is revealed that China is playing a significant role in the military expansion of Russia, particularly in its efforts in the war against Ukraine. China has been increasing its sales of various technology and equipment to Russia, which Moscow will use to build up its military arsenal. China has been the major supplier of microelectronics, machine tools, and other crucial technology to Russia. In 2023, around 90% of Russia’s microelectronics came from China, which is essential in the production of tanks, missiles, and aircraft. Additionally, over 70% of Russia’s machine tool imports came from China last year.

Christ Good Shepherd Church Attack is another example of Religious Extremism

The suburbs of Wakeley in Sydney faced a state of mayhem and disarray on Monday due to the protests caused by the attack on The Assyrian Christ Good Shepherd Church. The bishop and the priest were attacked by a 16-year-old boy during a mass that was being live-streamed. At least four people have been reported to have suffered “non-life threatening” injuries and the attacker was also hurt. This comes just two days after the mass attack in a shopping mall in Sydney. The police there is labelling this case as “Religious extremism” and thus a terrorist attack. As of now, the boy (attacker) has been hospitalised for finger injuries. The New South Wales Police took the decision of treating and investigating this case as a Terrorist attack on Tuesday.

BRICS is the Cure for Bitterness between India and China

BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) is one of the major platforms of the five emerging economies, aiming at promoting peace, security, inclusive development and cooperation. The platform represents 43% of the world’s total population and 30% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Since its establishment against the backdrop of the 2008 global financial crisis, as a potential alternative to G7 platform. The BRICS has grown substantially as an effective platform to articulate views of countries in the Global South as at least one country is present from every different continent across the region. Economy, being in focus point of the grouping, the initial decade of BRICS has advanced coordinated policy initiatives in the field of global economic governance.

Chinese Cyber Agents likely to disrupt upcoming Election in India

The report also sheds light on the Chinese cyber actors, who are actively involved in spying and other cyber operations around the world. They have been using AI-generated content to intensify tensions, particularly in the disputed Asia-Pacific region and in the US. One notable group that is known for carrying out such activities is Storm-1376. They have been identified for intensifying their use of AI-generated news reports and memes. These tactics were used during Taiwan’s presidential elections, where they targeted political candidates, including spreading misinformation about William Lai, a candidate belonging to Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party, a party that nurtures anti-Chinese sentiments.

Palestine opts for Technocratic Governance

Guns and Bullets is our popular newsletter offering critical intelligence, analysis and news on current ongoing wars and conflicts around the world. This issue cover story includes “Palestine opts for Technocracy Governance” and quick roundup of news around the world.

India-China Rivalry: Boon for USA’s Dominance in Asia

When considering the United States, its robust economy and formidable military are typically the foremost aspects that come to mind. However, if these strengths were ever endangered, it becomes crucial to contemplate potential scenarios. One significant concern would arise if India and China were to align their efforts. However, we are living in a realistic world where this scenario doesn’t seem likely to happen. This article discusses why such cooperation would be detrimental for the United States.