West Asia & North Africa Digest by Ambassador Mahesh Sachdev | October 2020
I) Political Developments Regional Impact of Covid-19: Second Wave LingersThe second wave of Covid-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on various countries of the WANA region which saw nearly 31% increase in confirmed cases and 25% increase in cumulative deaths during September 2020. (For comparison, India’s two figures were up 71% and 51% respectively.) Some states, such as […]
Russia Review | October 2020
Overview • The world according to Putin • The world order and its institutions• The malaise in international organizations• Constructive multilateralism• Arms control• Relations with Germany• Russia-China relations• US elections• India-Russia relations The world according to Putin It is universally believed that President Putin has unchallenged control over Russia’s foreign, defence and security policies. He makes frequent public pronouncements on these issues, announcing, clarifying […]
Indian Economy Review | October 2020
H I G H L I G H T S • Worrying signs in state finances• State Budgets shrinking with expenditure cuts• Stimulus II, but with negligible impact on the fisc• LTC measures may benefit 850,000 govt staffers• 6 % rise in Central capex, but states may be worried• Confusion over GDP contraction estimates• Implications […]
