By Shastri Ramachandaran* NEW DELHI (IDN) — Amidst the raging epidemic and desperate clamour for vaccines, along with oxygen and hospital beds, comes news that Russia’s Covid-19 vaccine, Sputnik V, is expected in India by May end. Russia has also been forthcoming with a lot of other support and assistance as India finds itself desperately […]
Russia Keen to Strengthen Partnership with Africa
Kester Kenn Klomegah* Interviews Roscongress’ CEO MOSCOW (IDN) — As the epidemiological situation begins to stabilize through mass vaccination and building herd immunity, the 24th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum is finally set to take place on June 2-5, 2021. This unique Russian forum is expected to bring together politicians, corporate business directors and investors […]
Viewing Post-American Afghanistan Through Looking Glass
Viewpoint by M.K. Bhadrakumar The writer is a former Indian diplomat. This article was first published in the Indian Punchline. NEW DELHI (IDN) — Ex-CIA officer Bruce Riedel at Brookings Institution in Washington, DC, whose familiarity with Afghanistan is never in doubt, has held a looking glass to figure out the future course of events […]
New Zealand’s Climate Aid in the Pacific Comes With Strings Attached
By Matthew Scott* A special feature moved in association with the Asia Pacific Report. AUCKLAND, New Zealand (IDN) — The beach is vanishing, one day at a time. The sea approaches the coastal village. It will not be negotiated with. With seawater flooding the water table, crops that have fed the islanders for centuries are […]
The State of COVID-19 in Sri Lanka: Are the Government’s Policies Effective in Controlling it?
Viewpoint by Sunil J. Wimalawansa The writer is Professor of Medicine: Director, Cardio-Metabolic Institute, New Jersey, U.S.A. NEW JERSEY, USA (IDN) — The SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) affected the entire world; many died, millions got sick, and the misery continues. Second and third waves of SARS.Cov-2 infection are devastating most countries. Non-strategic lockdowns and curfews (as […]
Chernobyl Anniversary Underscores the Need for Safeguards Against Nuclear Accidents
Viewpoint by Sugeeswara Senadhira The writer is Director (International Media), Presidential Secretariat, Colombo. This article was first published on April 26. It is being re-published with Mr Senadhira’s permission. COLOMBO (IDN) — Exactly 35 years ago, on April 26, 1986, the biggest nuclear accident in history took place at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in […]
Sleepwalking into Nuclear War?
Viewpoint by Jonathan Power* LUND, Sweden (IDN) — On April 20, US Strategic Command, the part of the military responsible for nuclear weaponry and its use, posted an official Tweet that read, “We must account for the possibility of conflict leading to conditions which could very rapidly drive an adversary to consider nuclear use as […]
COVID-19 Exposes Fault Lines on Protecting Vulnerable Workers
By Mahinda Seneviratne* SYDNEY (IDN) — As twilight approaches, Rakesh (not his real name) mounts his bicycle with a large thermal backpack over his narrow shoulders. He lost his regular job at a small suburban restaurant when the family business could not sustain itself during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. With the recent shocking road deaths […]
South African Lawyers Sue Uber Car Service Seeking Employee Rights
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) — South African law firm Mbuyisa Moleele Attorneys is partnering with lawyers at Lehigh Day, a UK law firm, to launch a class action in South Africa against the ride-hailing firm Uber. The case on behalf of drivers would recognize them as employees with benefits, rather […]
State Funeral for Leader of Chad, Embraced by Western Nations
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) — European and American military leaders lost a key African ally in their fight against insurgent movements across Africa. Foreign forces face an uncertain future with the recent death of the President of the African nation of Chad. Idriss Deby Itno died on April 20 during […]