World News as of 03/20/2024–6.32 AM EST

Elections India

The Lok Sabha elections are set to take place in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, with the results being announced on June 4123.
This extensive electoral exercise is considered the largest in the world, with nearly 970 million eligible voters expected to participate.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third consecutive term, facing off against a coalition of opposition parties.
The elections will also include simultaneous Assembly elections in four states: Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim.

Elections in USA

Fani Willis Decision: The election fraud case against former President Donald Trump is awaiting a decision by a Georgia judge, which could influence whether the case goes to trial before Election Day1.
Ongoing Prosecutions: Former President Trump is still facing two separate federal cases prosecuted by Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith. These cases involve classified documents and election interference2.
Ohio Senate Primary: Bernie Moreno, backed by Trump, won the pivotal GOP primary in Ohio, setting up a significant contest against Sen. Sherrod Brown.
US Primary Elections: Both Joe Biden and Donald Trump have notched wins in the primary elections, with Biden winning in Ohio and Trump winning in both Ohio and Florida. Despite dropping out of the race, Nikki Haley still captured a sizable fraction of the Republican vote.

North Korea

North Korea’s Missile Development: North Korea claims to have made progress in the development of a hypersonic missile capable of striking Guam, after successfully testing a solid-fuel engine.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s Security Law: Hong Kong has passed a second national security law, which critics say will widen crackdown powers and align the city’s laws more closely with mainland China
Hong Kong passes second national security law, widening crackdown powers and aligning city more closely with mainland China

Cuba

Cuban president accuses U.S. of inflaming protests over food and power shortages

Southern border of the USA

FBI Director Christopher Wray warned of ‘dangerous individuals’ coming across the border and mentioned that the FBI has seized enough fentanyl in the last two years to kill 270 million people. However, he clarified that there is no specific plot but expressed concern over some smuggling network facilitators with ISIS ties1.
Additionally, there has been a marked increase in Border Patrol apprehensions of individuals with matches on the U.S. terror watchlist over the past two years, although they represent a tiny fraction of all migrants processed along the southern border2. Terrorism experts have stated there is no proof that Hamas militants are “pouring” across the U.S. southern border, and the Department of Homeland Security has said there’s no intelligence to back up such claims.

Respiratory disease

Respiratory Illnesses: As we head into early spring, respiratory illnesses like the flu and norovirus are still prevalent. Health officials recommend vigilance and adherence to CDC warnings to avoid these illnesses
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS): Researchers in Missouri are working on genetically altered pigs to combat PRRS, a virus that has been financially devastating the global pig and pork industry since its discovery in the U.S. in 1987.
Norovirus Alert: The CDC has issued warnings about norovirus, commonly known as the stomach flu, which causes unpleasant symptoms and can be avoided by following certain precautions.
For more detailed information, you can follow the news on the provided references or visit COVID-19: The 4-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) was recently marked, prompting reflections on the global response and key moments since the outbreak began1.

Measles:

Measles: The U.S. is experiencing a rise in measles cases in 2024, surpassing the previous year’s count. Health officials are emphasizing the importance of vaccination to prevent further spread2.
Mpox: The Republic of Congo has reported its first cases of mpox in several regions, indicating a potential spread of the disease in Africa since sexual transmission of the virus was confirmed on the continent last year3.
For ongoing updates on various diseases and outbreaks, the WHO’s Disease Outbreak News provides information on confirmed public health events of concern4. It’s always a good idea to follow health advisories and updates from reliable sources to stay informed about the latest developments.

Israel:

Aid Convoys: The United Nations has reported that Israel allowed less than half the necessary aid convoys into Gaza in March. The basic food needs of Gaza require at least 300 daily trucks, but the March average was only 161.

Gaza’s Largest Hospital: An Israeli military raid is ongoing at Gaza’s largest hospital, Al-Shifa, where thousands are sheltering under dire conditions. The Israeli military claims the site is being used by “senior Hamas terrorists”2.
Purim Celebration: Despite the conflict, Jews in Israel will soon celebrate Purim, one of their most joyous holidays, which commemorates the biblical story of thwarting a plot to exterminate Jews .

Ukraine

France’s Response: France has criticized Russia’s foreign intelligence service chief for suggesting that Paris was preparing to send troops to Ukraine, calling it ‘disinformation and irresponsible’1.
Ukraine’s Survival: U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has warned that Ukraine’s survival is at stake amid an ongoing funding impasse in the U.S. Congress2.
EU Import Deal: The European Union lawmakers have agreed to renew Ukraine’s import rates, adding protective measures for agricultural products to address the concerns of farmers across the 27-nation bloc.

British Elections

The latest news regarding the British elections includes discussions among Cabinet members about the possibility of replacing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak before the parliamentary elections1. Additionally, local elections in parts of England and Wales are scheduled for May 2, where voters will elect councillors, mayors, and police commissioners2. These are the last local elections before the next general election.
Opinion polls suggest that Labour is currently leading as the next general election looms, with most analysts expecting it to be called late this year. The latest a general election could be called is January 20253. The timing of the election will be determined by the Prime Minister’s calculation of what date will be most advantageous for the Conservatives.
British Prime Minister might be removed from office before parliamentary elections – Bloomberg

Taiwan-China

Export Orders: Taiwan’s export orders fell in February, with productivity affected by fewer working days during the Lunar New Year holiday. The outlook remains uncertain due to geopolitical tensions and high interest rates, despite strong demand for AI applications1.
US Troops in Taiwan: Taiwan has confirmed the permanent stationing of US troops on its islands in the Taiwan Strait, a move that could escalate tensions with China. This follows the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed in 20232.
Chinese Military Bases: Taiwan’s foreign minister has warned of large Chinese military bases on three islands near Taiwan’s main holding in the South China Sea. However, Taiwan is not seeking to escalate tensions in the strategic waterway.

The current global supply chain and inflation

Rising Cost of Living: Skyrocketing inflation has impacted household budgets and consumer demand, leading to uncertainty in supply chain planning1.

Pandemic

Pandemic Disruptions: The pandemic has caused significant disruptions, with businesses struggling to keep up with demand due to shortages of inputs and labor2.
Logistics Issues: Driver shortages, capacity issues with logistics providers, shipping delays, increased freight costs, and labor shortages have all contributed to the strain on supply chain.

Inflation

Global Inflation Trends: Inflation is falling faster than expected in most regions, thanks to unwinding supply-side issues and restrictive monetary policy. Global headline inflation is expected to fall to 5.8% in 2024 and to 4.4% in 2025.

Interest rate

Interest Rates: Central banks around the world are adjusting interest rates in response to inflationary pressures, which are beginning to wane.

World inflation :

Global Inflation Trends: Inflation is falling faster than expected in most regions, thanks to unwinding supply-side issues and restrictive monetary policy. Global headline inflation is expected to fall to 5.8% in 2024 and to 4.4% in 2025.
Interest Rates: Central banks around the world are adjusting interest rates in response to inflationary pressures, which are beginning to wane.

Ukraine

Pentagon’s Warning: U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has warned that Ukraine’s survival is at stake amid an ongoing funding impasse in the U.S. Congress, suggesting that the situation is critical.
International Law Violations: There are discussions on how the U.S. and its allies can make Russian President Vladimir Putin pay for his war of aggression against Ukraine, which is seen as a clear violation of the international order established since 1945
France’s Response: France has criticized Russia’s foreign intelligence service chief for suggesting that Paris was preparing to send troops to Ukraine, calling it ‘disinformation and irresponsible’1.
Ukraine’s Survival: U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has warned that Ukraine’s survival is at stake amid an ongoing funding impasse in the U.S. Congress.
EU Import Deal: The European Union lawmakers have agreed to renew Ukraine’s import rates, adding protective measures for agricultural products to address the concerns of farmers across the 27-nation bloc.