- The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global organization that oversees financial crimes, has suspended Russia from membership after finding that Moscow’s (Russia) offensive in Ukraine violated FATF principles. The FATF is an intergovernmental organization that aims to combat money laundering and terrorist financing by setting international standards and monitoring country compliance. Ukraine welcomed the FATF’s decision to suspend Russia, but also said it would continue to work with FATF members to sanction and blacklist Moscow.
- Pakistan reopens Torkham border. The 7,000 blocked trucks are back in business as borders are opened. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan were not going well due to the attacks by the terrorist group TTP, as Afghanistan closed its borders the day before. As a result, 7,000 food trucks have been banned from the Torkham border trade route. The Pass is an important trade route for Pakistan. It is a trade channel that connects Pakistan with Central Asian countries.
- China gave Pakistan $700 million. When they don’t meet the conditions of an IMF loan, China’s money can ease. Pakistan is currently facing an unprecedented economic crisis. Inflation in the country is on the rise. Pakistan received funds from the Chinese State Development Council. The money is expected to be received at the State Bank of Pakistan by the end of this week. Pakistan’s current external debt obligations for the fiscal year 2022-23 are $23 billion, of which $6 billion has been disbursed. The state also has $75 billion in repayment obligations in FY2-26.
- In order to ease the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), the European Parliament has approved legislation banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in the EU from 2035. The new law paves the way for new cars and light commercial vehicles that are zero CO2 emissions by 2035. The European Union plans to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from cars and vans. A 100% reduction is expected from 2021.
- From Washington, US President Joe Biden nominated former MasterCard CEO Ajay Banga to lead the World Bank after current World Bank President, David Malpass, announced his intention to resign soon. Banga’s appointment comes as development lenders strive to more effectively address global issues such as environmental concerns. The development lender has started accepting applications and the process will continue until March 29. The bank said it would “strongly” encourage women to apply. The head of the World Bank is usually American, while the head of the International Monetary Fund is traditionally European.
- Australia will host the multilateral naval exercise Malabar for the first time this year, with India, Australia, Japan and the United States participating. New defense plans are likely to be unveiled as high-level bilateral talks between the two countries continue with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong expected to visit India early of March Violence
Read more: Indian Affairs: Top 10 National News Of This Week
- Violence erupted in the West Bank on Sunday following the killing of two Israelis by a Palestinian gunman. Israelis living in the West Bank attacked Palestinian villages. Sameh Al-Aktash, a 37-year-old Palestinian, died in the attack. Meanwhile, around 390 Palestinians were injured. The attacks took place in the villages of Hawara, Jatara, Burin and Asir al-Qibliyya in the city of Nablus. The Palestinian assailants then shot and killed an Israeli-American. The Israeli military said the attackers fired three shots at the Israeli car before setting it on fire. No Palestinian group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack. But Hamas, the terrorist organization that controls the Gaza Strip, said the attack was a response to the Israeli strike.
- The Spanish government has approved a historic law that allows paid leave for women with intense menstrual pain, the first of its kind in a European country. A handful of countries, including Japan, Indonesia and Zambia, offer these holiday facilities. Equality Minister Irene Monteiro said it was a historic day for women’s rights. Equality Minister Irene Monteiro said the measure would be a step to address the health problem. On February 2, 2022.
- Russian soldiers attacked Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The war has entered into second year. Vladimir Putin has only one goal behind him: to occupy Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky did not agree to this, so even a year later, the war continues. Both countries suffered greatly from the war. Infrastructure and military equipment have been destroyed. There are no exact figures, but it is believed that thousands of soldiers on both sides died in the war. The world praises Ukraine. Some countries, including the United States, also offered military assistance, but still advised Russia to end the war.
- Nepal is in another political crisis. The United Marxist-Leninist Party of Nepal, which is part of the coalition government, announced its withdrawal from the union on Monday. Its leader is former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Nepali Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as Prachanda, canceled a visit to Qatar on March 3 following the collapse of the alliance. From March 3, the Fifth Conference of the Least Developed Countries will be held in Doha, the capital of Qatar. Prachanda’s involvement in this is very important. As you know, there will be presidential elections in Nepal on March 9.