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Scholz addresses Bundestag over German budget crisis
Deutsche Welle
28 Nov 2023, 15:35
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is addressing lawmakers about his coalition government's budget crisis. Ministers must fill a hole in state finances after a bombshell Constitutional Court ruling on borrowing.
Germany's lower house of parliament, the Bundestag, was set to debate the budget shortfall on Tuesday after Chancellor Olaf Scholz's statement to lawmakers.
A gap in government finances emerged after the Constitutional Court earlier this month ruled that unused pandemic funds could not be repurposed for climate and green industry projects.
The court said the state could not rechannel reserve emergency loans for separate post-pandemic projects because this did not meet the constitutional requirements for emergency borrowing — blowing a hole in the government's budget.
Scholz said the ruling would have an impact on Germany's various levels of government from this time on.
"This ruling creates a new reality — for the federal Government and for all current and future governments, federal and state. A reality that, however, it makes important and widely shared goals more difficult for our country to achieve."
The German government's three-way ruling coalition on Monday said it would temporarily extend the lifting of constitutionally enshrined restrictions on borrowing as part of a supplementary budget.
The plan included a credit of around €45 billion ($49 billion) to cover funds that had already been spent in 2023. The budget must still be approved by the Bundestag.
Why is the budget revision necessary?
The Karlsruhe-based Constitutional Court's ruling effectively vetoed government plans to funnel €60 billion that was borrowed for a pandemic fund into the Climate and Transformation Fund (KTF).
The gap in finances has posed one of the biggest challenges so far for the coalition of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's center-left Social Democrats, the environmentalist Green Party, and the business-focused Free Democrats.
It had already been expected that the 2023 supplementary budget would see Germany suspend the debt brake for a fourth year in succession.
The debt brake is part of the German constitution and limits the federal government's structural net borrowing to 0.35% of gross domestic product. It was first adopted in 2009 after the financial crash.
The brake was suspended from 2020 to 2022 during the pandemic and energy crisis but was set to come back into force this year.
Finance Minister Christian Lindner last week said he would declare 2023 a year of emergency so as to put the existing spending plans on a "firm constitutional footing."
The court's decision has also cast doubt over the government's 2024 budget, which Scholz on Friday promised would also be finalized by the end of this year.
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Modi's GatiShakti: / India's Blueprint for Transforming Third-World Infrastructure
On October 12, 2024, the Indian government announced significant advancements in the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, marking its third anniversary since its launch in 2021.
This initiative aims to enhance infrastructure planning and execution through integrated data sharing and international collaboration. The Indian government is actively working to extend the PM GatiShakti framework beyond national borders. Diplomatic engagements are currently underway with countries including Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Senegal, and Gambia to promote the use of geospatial technology in infrastructure development.
This will be done through leveraging geospatial technology for integrated infrastructure planning in collaboration with India’s neighboring countries. A recent statement from the Indian Commerce Ministry highlighted plans to provide secure access to non-sensitive data for non-governmental users involved in developmental activities. This would help these developing and underdeveloped countries streamline their infrastructure building and inculcate the Indian best-practices to catapult their development journey.
Launched by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2021, PM GatiShakti has dramatically altered how India approaches infrastructure projects. The Indian nodal ministry emphasized that the initiative has fostered a paradigm shift by integrating data from 44 central ministries and 36 states/UTs of the country, resulting in a more efficient, transparent and synchronised system. The PM GatiShakti framework employs GIS-based tools and real-time monitoring systems that support informed decision-making.
The integration of over 1,600 data layers has streamlined project execution, reduced logistics costs, and enhanced service delivery across the country. The initiative has also expanded its focus to include social sector ministries, aiming to address gaps in essential services such as healthcare and education. The platform is also integral to achieving India’s commitment to Net Zero emissions by 2070, promoting sustainable logistics solutions.
Looking ahead, PM GatiShakti aims to incorporate emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) into its planning processes. This focus on technological integration is expected to further revolutionize infrastructure management in India.
The PM GatiShakti initiative is closely aligned with the National Logistics Policy (NLP), addressing critical infrastructure gaps while improving India’s logistics performance. According to the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index Report (2023), India’s rank improved from 44th in 2018 to 38th this year, reflecting the positive impact of these initiatives. The technological sophistication and comprehensive nature of this master plan could similarly benefit the developing world, reinforcing India's role as a leader and voice for the Global South.
With the proposal to grant countries worldwide access to the Gati Shakti Masterplan, India is poised to emerge as a key player in global infrastructure development. The By sharing the best practices that have helped India navigate various challenges, this initiative could position India as a pioneer in infrastructure development. The prospect of other countries benefiting from a concept and technology developed entirely in India will further enhance the country's aspirations of becoming a 'Vishwaguru' on the global stage.
It seems that the world is taking notice of India’s success, positioning India as a role model for emerging economies. As PM GatiShakti continues its journey towards international collaboration and enhanced infrastructure planning, it stands as a testament to India's commitment to modernizing its infrastructure landscape while ensuring sustainable development for future generations, not just for India but for the whole world.
(Source: Times of Oman)
China Abuses Legal Systems to Achieve Global Domination
China employs Lawfare (distorted use of legal systems) by manipulating existing laws and creating new regulations to advance the Chinese Communist Party’s global objectives. In September, a China Coast Guard vessel deliberately collided with a Philippine coast guard ship while a U.S.-based “60 Minutes” news team was onboard.
The CCP justifies such actions under China Coast Guard Order No. 3, a domestic law allowing the Coast Guard to detain foreign vessels and individuals for up to 60 days if they are suspected of illegally entering waters claimed by China. This tactic demonstrates China’s strategic use of legal frameworks to assert control and influence.
In the same month, the House Committee on Homeland Security and the Select Committee on the CCP raised concerns about espionage and demanded that Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Company Limited (ZPMC), a state-affiliated company supplying technology and equipment to U.S. ports, disclose its relationship with the CCP. However, ZPMC stated it needed approval from the CCP under Beijing’s Data Security Law to share such information and required the committees to sign a nondisclosure agreement. These events underscore the CCP’s use of lawfare as a strategic tool against the United States and other countries.
Lawfare-the strategic use of legal systems and international organizations to achieve political or military goals without force-is a significant tactic of the CCP. As part of its “three warfares” strategy (psychological, media, and legal warfare), China leverages international treaties and national laws to further its interests. This is apparent in Beijing’s territorial claims in the South China Sea, where legal frameworks justify expanding control over territory and resources. Lawfare enables the Chinese regime to suppress dissent, shape global norms, and pressure nations to adopt its “One China” policy. By exploiting legal mechanisms, the CCP advances its strategic objectives while maintaining an appearance of legitimacy under international law.
In the South China Sea, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) strategically employs lawfare to assert its territorial claims through the “nine-dash line,” introduced in 1947. This line is based on vague historical rights that aim to legitimize Beijing’s control over almost the entire sea, including islands and manmade structures. By leveraging legal arguments and historical narratives, Beijing seeks to strengthen its claims. Despite widespread international criticism, China has militarized these islands, enhancing its defence capabilities and exerting dominance in the region. These assertions directly conflict with the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of neighbouring nations such as Japan, the Philippines, and Vietnam, creating significant geopolitical tensions and disputes over maritime sovereignty and resource rights. The CCP’s actions highlight the complexities and ongoing conflicts in the South China Sea.
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) dismisses both the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which nullified China’s claims in the South China Sea. This rejection is rooted in the CCP’s belief that its domestic laws take precedence over international law. The Supreme People’s Court of China has declared CCP jurisdiction over all areas within its “sovereign control,” aligning with the CCP’s “core interests.” These core interests encompass state sovereignty, national security, territorial integrity, national reunification, the political system established by the constitution, social stability, and the safeguarding of sustainable economic and social development. China’s maritime disputes in the East and South China Seas with nations like Japan and the Philippines involve critical aspects of “state sovereignty,” “national security,” and “territorial integrity.”
The CCP has engaged in legal manoeuvring by asserting that China should be recognized as an archipelago state, similar to the Philippines or Indonesia. This status would allow China to treat the waters between its islands as internal waters, thereby restricting foreign transit without permission. Typically, the U.N. grants archipelago status, as it has for 22 nations, but not China. Despite this, China’s claim is consistent with its internal laws, which state that foreign military operations within China’s EEZ violate Chinese law, while China maintains the right to conduct military operations within other states’ EEZs.
China’s lawfare strategy is prominently showcased in its approach to Taiwan. Through the “One China” policy, Beijing has systematically isolated Taiwan internationally, leveraging diplomatic and legal pressure to compel countries and international organizations to recognize Taiwan as part of China. This stance aligns with China’s core interests in national sovereignty, as articulated in its Anti-Secession Law and the “One China” principle. Beijing refuses to engage in normal relations with countries that violate its internal laws concerning Taiwan. By invoking the “One China” principle, China has successfully blocked Taiwan from joining entities like the U.N. and the World Health Organization, falsely claiming this policy reflects the “general consensus of the international community.”
Moreover, the CCP has deliberately distorted and misrepresented U.N. Resolution 2758, adopted in 1971. This resolution was solely meant to transfer Taiwan’s seat in the General Assembly and the Security Council to China, acknowledging it as the “only legitimate representative of China.” It did not address Taiwan’s status as an independent nation nor declare Taiwan as part of China. Nevertheless, the CCP has used this resolution to falsely claim that the U.N. recognizes Taiwan as part of China, despite the resolution’s silence on Taiwan’s sovereignty.
With the space race between China and the United States heating up, the CCP is striving to set legal guidelines for space exploration and resource extraction. The same strategy applies to deep-sea mining and ocean floor resource rights. The CCP aims to mould international laws to serve its interests. While Beijing professes support for a rules-based global order, it intends to ensure those rules are dictated by the CCP.
The United States and its allies must take decisive action to prevent Beijing from establishing a new world order that would place the CCP in control of earth’s resources, oceans, deep-sea territories, and even extend to space, including the moon and stars.
(Source: European Times)
Khamenei Orders Attack on Israeli Military Installations
Iran is angered by Israel over various issues, including conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. Tensions have already led to attacks and counterattacks between the two sides. According to a report, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has now instructed his military officials to prepare for a “retaliatory attack” against Israel.
Citing Iranian officials, The New York Times reported that Iran would not carry out any attack on Israel before the U.S. election on November 5. However, other media sources suggest that Iran might launch an attack on Israel before the U.S. election.
According to The Times, which quoted three officials linked to Tehran’s war planning, after being briefed on the extent of damage from Israeli attacks, Khamenei directed his Supreme National Security Council last Monday to plan the retaliatory attack.
The report also mentions that Iranian military officials are preparing a potential list of Israeli military targets.
On Wednesday, October 30, CNN, quoting a senior source, reported that a “specific” and “painful” Iranian response to recent Israeli strikes could occur before the U.S. presidential election.
The source connected to Iranian authorities told CNN that Iran’s reaction against “Zionist regime aggression” would be “specific” and “painful.” While no exact date was provided, the source indicated that “it will likely happen the day before the U.S. presidential election.”
The Israeli military has yet to comment on this matter.
Trump Strongly Condemns Alleged Persecution of Minorities in Bangladesh
U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump has issued a strong condemnation against Bangladesh, alleging persecution of Hindus, Christians, and other minorities in the country. Trump claimed that Bangladesh is currently in a state of complete chaos.
In an X post (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, October 31, Trump criticized Bangladesh harshly, stating, “I strongly condemn the brutal violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities in Bangladesh. They are being attacked and looted in an organized manner. Bangladesh is now in a complete state of chaos.”
Trump mentioned that such incidents never happened during his administration. He wrote, “Kamala (another presidential candidate) and Joe (President Joe Biden) have ignored Hindus in the U.S. and around the world. From Israel to Ukraine, and at our southern border, they have been a disaster. But we will make America strong again and restore peace through strength!”
He further stated, “We will protect American Hindus from the radical left. We will fight for their freedom. Under my administration, we will strengthen our broader partnership with India and my good friend Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
The former president added, “Kamala Harris will destroy your small businesses with high taxes and more regulations. Where I cut taxes, reduced regulations, strengthened American energy, and built the strongest economy in history, we will do it again, bigger and better than ever. And we will make America great again.”
In closing, he extended Diwali greetings to everyone, saying, “I hope this festival of lights will drive away darkness and bring victory of good over evil.”
US Rapper Young Thug Released After Pleading Guilty
American rapper Young Thug was released from jail on probation Thursday, after he pled guilty to several charges, such as being involved in a criminal gang and drug and firearms charges.
Born Jeffery Lamar Williams, the 33-year-old was accused of being the leader of Young Slime Life or YSL, a part of the Bloods street gang. He was among 28 alleged members charged under state racketeering laws, including charges of murder, assault, carjacking, drug dealing, and theft.
The Grammy Award winner must stay away from the metro Atlanta area for the first 10 years of his probation, except for weddings, funerals, graduations, or serious illness of family members, the judge said.
Rap lyrics linked to events say prosecutors
In the opening arguments, prosecutors accused the YSL label of being a front for a crime ring with Young Thug as the leader.
Prosecutor Adriane Love read verses from Young Thug's track "Take It To Trial," saying the lyrics the prosecution had identified had "an uncanny similarity to very true, and very real, and quite specific events."
The defense denied these charges and said "Rap is the only fictional art form treated this way." Young Thug's lead attorney Brian Steele said it was "offensive" that the state used his lyrics against him
He pleaded guilty to one gang charge, three drug charges, and two gun charges, but pleaded no contest to being the leader of a criminal street gang and racketeering charges.
Young Thug was arrested two and a half years ago and charged a year later, in a trial marred by delays. Jury selection began in January 2023 at the Atlanta courthouse and took nearly 10 months.
The original judge was removed in July after two defendants sought his recusal, and the case was taken over by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Whitaker.
Fulton County jail records showed Young Thug was released on Thursday, with the disposition of charges listed as "time served" or "probation" on the database.
The judge imposed a sentence of 40 years with the first five to be served in prison but commuted to time served. He will be on probation for 15 years. On successful completion, another 20 years will be commuted to time served. But if he violates the conditions, he will have to serve 20 years.
Super-Thin Skyscraper, Just One Apartment Wide, Planned for Dubai
A super-narrow skyscraper, measuring no more than a single apartment across, is being planned for Dubai. CNN News.
The Muraba Veil will reach 1,247 feet into the sky but will be just about 74 feet across, according to details revealed by the architects and developer behind the project.
The 73-story tower will feature 131 apartments with between two and five bedrooms each, according to a statement sent to CNN by the project's United Arab Emirates-based developer, Muraba. The high-end apartment block will feature "a range of curated leisure amenities," including a spa, restaurant, gallery, padel court, and private movie theater, it said.
The striking tower will be built next to a canal by Dubai’s main transport artery, Sheikh Zayed Road. It was designed by Spanish architecture firm RCR Arquitectes, winner of the prestigious Pritzker Prize — an award often dubbed the "Nobel of architecture" — in 2017.
It is the fifth collaboration between Muraba and RCR Arquitectes, which expects the Muraba Veil to be complete by December 2028.
Needless to say, an apartment in the city’s latest luxury address does not come cheap — prices start at 18 million dirhams ($4.9 million).
Each apartment will occupy the full width of the building and will be modeled on traditional Arabian houses, around an inner courtyard and "softened by shade and greenery," the developer said.
The building's design is meanwhile "revealed behind a series of layers," with the first being the "veil," which the creative team describes as "a bespoke stainless steel mesh, porous and responsive, reflecting the different shades of the sky."
In a press statement, Rafael Aranda, founder of RCR Arquitectes, said: "We are passionate about ensuring our buildings are responsive to the place, that they belong to the site and the native landscape where they are situated. They must communicate with nature and be infused with the atmosphere of the local culture."
Dubai's super-sized skyline is already home to the world’s tallest skyscraper — the Burj Khalifa, which stands at 2,717 feet tall — and it will soon be home to the second-tallest, too. Last month, the property developer behind the Burj Azizi, also due to be finished in 2028, announced that the skyscraper will stretch to 2,379 feet.
Dubai currently has more towers measuring over 300 meters (984 feet) than any other city in the world, according to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.
The city is no stranger to superlative structures. It boasts the world’s highest infinity pool, the world’s largest natural flower garden, and the world’s largest picture frame, to name a few.
Deadly Train Station Collapse in Serbia Claims Multiple Lives
At least 14 people lost their lives on Friday when the concrete roof above the entrance of a railway station in Novi Sad, a city in northern Serbia, collapsed.
Interior Minister Ivica Dacic reported, "When we reached eight victims, we knew that five more individuals were still trapped under the debris, though we couldn't confirm whether they were alive or dead."
Dacic confirmed that those recovered had died "on the spot." Earlier, he noted that "over 80 rescuers are working on the scene, aided by heavy machinery."
Emergency teams, alongside excavation crews, were using heavy equipment to cut and clear through the wreckage in search of any additional survivors. The Blood Transfusion Institute in Novi Sad urged residents to donate blood to aid the response.
Station recently renovated
It was not immediately clear what caused the partial collapse, but the Novi Sad Railway Station had only reopened in July after three years of renovation work. Construction work was still ongoing in parts of the building.
Surveillance footage showed people entering and exiting the building and sitting on benches on a sunny day before the concrete structure suddenly collapsed.
Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic described it as "a black Friday for us, for all of Serbia."
"We will insist on finding those responsible, those who should have ensured the structure's safety. My condolences to the families of the deceased," he said. The Serbian government has declared Saturday a national day of mourning.
(Source: Deutsche Welle)
