India: world’s biggest election explained
On 19 April Indians commenced voting for their next parliament, with Narendra Modi seeking a third term. Opinion polls favour his BJP party and its allies over an opposition alliance of over two dozen parties including Congress. The election is unfolding amidst bitterness, with opposition leaders alleging an unfair playing field. The numbers are mindboggling: a staggering 969 million voters (almost one-eighth of the world’s population) are eligible to vote, electing 543 MPs. The process will run in seven phases over six weeks: results will be announced on 4 June. Election commissioner Rajiv Kumar has vowed to ‘take democracy to every corner of India’, with some polling booths in the unlikeliest of places. Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, is seen as a key battleground. The outcome of this monumental electoral process will shape India's political landscape for the next five years.
Niger / Benin: oil starts to flow along pipeline
Despite strained diplomatic ties, Benin is hoping for revenue from transit duties and taxes on Nigerien oil passing through Sémè Kraké. The site marks the terminus of a 1,980km pipeline from Niger's Agadem oil fields; oil has started to flow along it, raising hopes for two thousand new jobs in Benin. The pipeline aims to transport 90,000 barrels per day, bolstering Niger's status as a regional oil player. In July 2022 a military coup in Niger disrupted optimism, leading to border closures by Benin in solidarity with ECOWAS sanctions. However, President Talon later eased restrictions to facilitate trade, signalling a desire for improved regional relations, even though Niger's junta has been prioritising ties with Burkina Faso and Mali rather than with Benin. Due to the new pipeline, Niger's oil production is set to rise significantly, with substantial reserves awaiting exploitation.
Climate change: Asia most affected
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has reported that Asia bore the brunt of climate change and weather-related disasters in 2023. Floods and storms caused significant casualties and economic damage, while heatwaves intensified. Asia's temperature rose almost 2 degrees Celsius above the 1961-90 average; many countries experienced record heat in 2023. 79 water-related disasters, primarily floods and storms, resulted in over 2,000 deaths and nine million people affected. Floods were the leading cause of death. Hong Kong witnessed record rainfall due to a typhoon, and glaciers in high Asian mountains suffered significant mass loss. The Himalayas and Hindu Kush experienced below-normal precipitation, while southwest China faced drought. Japan had its hottest summer on record. Recent severe floods in China, Afghanistan, and Pakistan have underscored the urgency for improved weather services. The WMO stressed the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change.
Mexico: angry farmers target thirsty avocado orchards
In Mexico's drought-stricken Michoacan state, subsistence farmers are taking direct action against commercial farms, particularly avocado orchards, which are depleting water sources. Angry residents have organised teams to remove illegal water pumps and breach unlicensed irrigation ponds, sparking potential conflicts with avocado growers, some of whom have ties to drug cartels. The drought, exacerbated by increased water use for lucrative export crops, has led to disappearing rivers and lakes. The residents are demanding fair access to water resources; they have proposed giving 20% of the water to the orchard owners. The government has been urged to address the root causes of the conflict and prevent further environmental degradation.
