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CWA # 1468, 9 September 2024
The World This Week
The Ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and Elections in East Germany

  GP Team

The World This Week #277, Vol. 6 No. 31, 08 September 2024
 

Femy Francis and Samruddi Pathak

China-Africa: The Ninth FOCAC Summit 
Femy Francis

What happened?
On 06 September, the ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) concluded with 53 African countries' heads of state and the African Union’s chairperson attending the summit. The theme for the three-day forum was “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future.” By the summit's last day, several African Union countries elevated their bilateral relations with China to an “all-weather partnership” and “comprehensive strategic partnership.” The delegation unanimously agreed to a Beijing Declaration, and China signed several economic agreements with the African countries. Chinese President Xi Jinping commemorated the summit by giving a keynote address where he said: “China and Africa's joint pursuit of modernization will set off a wave of modernization in the Global South, and open a new chapter in the drive for a community with a shared future for mankind.” The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Moussa Faki Mahamat appreciated China’s effort to modernise the Global South and noted that FOCAC has been an instrumental support for Africa. 

The summit’s output included economic support for critical African sectors and a Beijing Declaration outlining China-Africa’s prospects. The highlight was Xi Jinping pledging to support Africa with USD 51 billion. Additionally, 210 billion was pledged through credit lines, and Chinese firms will invest USD 70 billion. He also informed that China will provide Africa with USD 140 million in emergency food aid and initiate 30 infrastructure connectivity projects.  Xi Jinping assured that China would give 60,000 people from Africa training opportunities and provide training for 6,000 military personnel and 1,000 police officials. The Beijing Declaration issued that they want to build high-level China-Africa relations, Synergize BRI and the African Union’s Goal of Agenda 2063, establish a framework for joint action for China-Africa development, joint action to maintain international peace, and further dialogue and cultural exchanges. 

What is the background?
First, a brief background to the FOCAC. It was founded in 2000 when both China and Africa first formalized their relationship. Currently, there are 53 African countries part of FOCAC. The summit is held every three years. It has all African countries as part of the forum except Eswatini, which has diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Over the years, FOCAC has evolved to provide more in areas of cooperation with African countries, and through FOCAC China has been increasing its investments in Africa while pushing for its other flagship project Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). 

Second, the Chinese investments in Africa. China is Africa’s largest trading partner, and over one-fourth of its raw materials are exported to China. Between 2000 to 2022 Africa was given USD 170.08 billion in loans. China has also established an international base in Djibouti. China also believes its annual trade volume can reach USD 300 billion by 2035. China is also the main source of foreign direct investment and has built critical infrastructure and industrial parks that are paramount to providing employment opportunities. China also has the largest refineries in Africa for rare earth materials, giving them access to key resources that are largely untapped. 

Third, Africa’s untapped potential and resources. Africa is the key supplier of 90 per cent of the world’s cobalt and platinum, it also supplies 75 per cent of the world’s coltan that are used to make electronic parts. Africa also has the largest bloc in the UN General Assembly and the numerical power to swing any resolution's result. African Union’s support helps with geopolitical alliances, and the sheer numerical force provides overwhelming support. 

What does it mean? 
First, mutual benefit. The world, looking at the summit, expressed concern regarding the Chinese debt trap and how this economic cooperation can be fatal for Africa. However, while many countries want to invest in Africa, they cannot do so at the level China does. Africa is largely unbreached and has a poor economy, Chinese investments have given African countries the much-needed infrastructure and agricultural support. For China, Africa is a quiescent that gives Beijing the space to explore and exploit what Africa offers. 

Second, China’s sustained efforts to reach out to Africa. The FOCAC summit and the utmost attention given to the African countries is not new to China. For the past 34 years, every Chinese Foreign Minister’s first pit stop has been to Africa. This action is not merely to show historical friendship but also to counter other countries that want to invest in Africa. Like China, other countries like the US, France, Japan, and even India are trying to woo Africa. 

Third, geopolitical alliance. Since China's hefty investment after the current FOCAC summit, Beijing has confirmed an ally in the international arena. Africa’s support gives China an upper hand, and the sheer number of African countries can affect the outcome of resolutions and disagreements in the international world order. The monetary funding to Africa now has sealed its support for China over other actors.  

Fourth, Africa’s dependency on China. The large investments made by China in Africa for critical sectors can lead to increased dependency on one country. This over a period of time can lead to China influencing the domestic and international politics of Africa. Africa needs to focus on dispersing its foreign investments not as an alternative to China, since no other country has the economic capacity to invest like China. But to have multiple players in the region to have regulatory checks on China. 

Elections in Eastern Germany
Samruddi Pathak

What happened?
On 01 September, two out of the 16 states in Germany, Thuringia and Saxony, casted their votes for the Landtag, the state parliament. 

On 02 September, the results were clear. Alternative for Germany (AfD), a far-right wing party, emerged as the largest one in Thuringia winning 32 per cent of the votes. CDU won the highest share of votes in Saxony with 31.9 per cent of the votes while AfD came second to CDU with a close margin, winning 30.6 per cent. Alliance Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW), a relatively new party, emerged as the third largest party in both the states. 

Olaf Scholz said, “Our country cannot and must not get used to this. The AfD is damaging Germany. It is weakening the economy, dividing society and ruining our country’s reputation.” Björn Höcke, a prominent leader of AfD in Thuringia, said, “We are the number one people’s party in Thuringia. You don’t want to classify one-third of Thuringian voters as right-wing extremists, do you?” Sahra Wagenknecht, the leader and founder of the BSW party, “We want the war in Ukraine to end and we don’t see that happening with more and more arms deliveries.” Friedrich Merz, a leader of CDU in Thuringia, said, “We will not start any cooperation with the AfD.”

Meanwhile, media houses like Politico and Deutsche Welle have summarised the elections as a big win for AfD and BSW, simultaneously a huge loss for the Social Democratic Party (SDP). 
. 
What is the background?
First, voting trends in Thuringia and Saxony. Saxony is a state in eastern Germany. It is the most populous state of Germany. It suffered a drastic decline in employment rates since the unification. Saxony also had uranium mines, a source of income for the state. However, the mining stopped over environmental concerns after unification. Thuringia is another state in eastern Germany. The state mostly consists of forests. Thus, the state's main income source is forestry and agriculture. Even though it has a manufacturing industry, it is not as prosperous as most states in Germany. It has 44 constituencies, out of which AfD won 29 in the first vote. A report published by the Government of Germany in 2022 suggests that almost 20 per cent of the population in eastern Germany feels that they have been left behind in the economic progress compared to western states. The University of Leipzig carried out a survey in eastern Germany just before the elections and found that more than half the population wanted authoritarian leadership.

Second, electoral history in Thuringia and Saxony.The top three parties in both the states are AfD, CDU and BSW. Most experts perceive BSW as the winner of the elections. Despite being a new party, it managed to procure 15 seats in both states; 15.8 per cent of votes in Thuringia and 11.8 per cent in Saxony. Meanwhile, AfD won 40 seats in Saxony and 32 seats in Thuringia, which was ten more than the last elections in both states which were held in 2019. The CDU won 40 seats in Saxony which is two less than the last elections. 

Third, the rise of the AfD. The emergence of AfD is not a sudden event in Saxony and Thuringia. As the above statistics suggest, AfD had won substantial votes in the 2019 Landtag as well. It suggests the space that the far-right narrative is gaining in the national discourse. However, this is not the case in western Germany. As per the exit polls published ARD, AfD does not pose a challenge to centre-left or centre-right as much as it does in Saxony, Thuringia and Brandenburg. Evaluating the results of Landtag elections, most national media reports have suggested declining hold of left-leaning parties and the ruling coalition of SDP, FPD and the Greens party.

Fourth, campaign issues. AfD is a far-right party which has advocated for the termination of military aid to Ukraine. Meanwhile, BSW also advocates ending aid for Ukraine. Thus, providing German support to Ukraine emerged as a polarising issue among voters. The BSW has campaigned for left-leaning economic policies like wealth redistribution, and at the same time, it proposed right-leaning deportation laws and strict immigration control. The AfD had also taken an extreme right stance on immigration. The sentiment is said to be fuelled by the Solingen stabbing incident that took place in August, for which the Islamic State took the responsibility and Germany’s immigration procedure came under scrutiny by the voters. Similarly, CDU which emerged as the largest party in Saxony will also hold talks with the ruling coalition in Bundestag on controlling immigration. 

What does it mean? 
First, the rise of AfD and BSW. AfD becoming the main opposition party in state parliament will certainly bring a far-right narrative in the national discourse of Germany. Similarly, BSW, which holds conservative views on migration, also has significant representation. This also reflects the declining hold of SDP, FDP and Greens, the ruling parties in Bundestag, on the voters. 

Second, the rise of debate on migration and Islamophobia. The role of liberal deportation laws and Islamophobia in the elections indicates polarisation of voters. The upcoming Landstag elections in Brandenburg on 22 September 2024 will also paint a clearer picture of regional politics in Germany. Brandenburg elections will be important because it consists of Berlin, the capital city.

TWTW Regional Roundups
News from around the world
Rohini Reenum, Padmashree Anandhan, Anu Maria Joseph, Femy Francis, Nuha Amina, Samrudhi Pathak, Sachin Aravind, Sayeka Ghosh, Ayan Datta, Neha Tresa George and Advik S Mohan

CHINA THIS WEEK
China: Leads chip tool purchases surpassing the US, Taiwan and South Korea
On 02 September, Nikkei Asia reported that China purchased more chip tools and equipment in the first half of 2024 than South Korea, Taiwan, and the US. The global semiconductor industry association reported that China, the world’s biggest semiconductor equipment market, spent a record 25 billion USD on chip tools in the first six months of 2024. This comes amidst the Chinese push to localise chip supplies and reduce the risk of Western export restrictions. 

China: Database to protect migrant workers’ children
On 04 September, the South China Morning Post reported that China plans to address the challenges faced by children of migrant workers through a comprehensive nationwide database. The initiative aims to cover “left-behind” children displaced with their parents. The director of the Ministry of Civil Affairs’ Child Welfare Department Guo Yuqiang announced the government’s goal to compile a list of children needing care by 2026, to improve their psychological and physical health by 2035. The database will encompass various aspects of these children’s lives, including residency status, medical insurance, and disabilities. Local authorities are tasked with providing 16 essential services, ranging from infant vaccinations to school enrollment assistance. 

SOUTH  AND SOUTHEAST ASIA THIS WEEK
Thailand: New Prime Minister and cabinet sworn in
On 06 September, the new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and 35 Cabinet ministers were sworn in by Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn at Bangkok's Dusit Palace. After the oath, the King said: "I want to wish, with gladness, that the Cabinet will have the encouragement and determination to perform your duties as you have sworn for the benefit of the country and people." Paetongtarn aged 38 is the youngest Prime Minister to serve the country. The new government came after a period of political turmoil when the former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was dismissed on charges of ethics violation. The cabinet comprises 17 members from Pheu Thai, the ruling party and 19 other positions which were divided among the coalition partners.

Malaysia: Prime Minister meets Russian President on the sidelines of Eastern Economic Forum
On 05 September, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum. They promised to strengthen their ties and forge closer trade relations. According to Anwar: "Malaysia would benefit if Russia shared its achievements and agreed to “collaborate in all fields of endeavour”. They discussed collaborating in the fields of aerospace, advanced technologies, agriculture and security. He also accepted Putin's invitation to attend the BRICS summit in October in Kazan, Russia. He referred to the move as a "significant step" towards Malaysia's membership in the group.

Bangladesh: Jamaat-e-Islami chief proposes balanced relations with China
On 28 August, the chief of the Bangladesh political party Jamaat-e-Islami, Shafiqur Rahman stated that his party wanted stable ties with China. In an interview, Rahman informed that his party seek “balanced and stable ties” with global powers like China and the US, in an increasingly globalised and interconnected world. He stated that his party was not against India and hoped India to be “a friend and play a responsible role in bilateral ties.” However, he also suggested a policy of non-interference in internal affairs. According to him, the Jamaat wants “an equal and balanced relationship” with all South Asian countries since the balance is crucial to stability.

Sri Lanka: Record revenue of LKR one trillion 
On 06 September, Daily Mirror quoted the Sri Lankan Customs spokesperson on its highest revenue collection. The figure stands at LKR one trillion. Speaking on the matter, Additional Director General Seevali Arukgoda said: “It is a victory to all of us as we have managed to achieve Rs. 1 trillion from the given target within the first eight months of the year, and we believe that we could surpass the next Rs. 533 billion in the remaining four months.” Similar performance was seen in the previous year, when the revenue target of 2023 was LKR 892 billion which rose to LKR 975 billion by the end of the year. 

Sri Lanka: Tariff reduction makes way for stable prices, says Daily Mirror opinion
On 31 August, an article in the Daily Mirror revealed a reduction in inflation during August. It is attributed to the government’s low tariffs on utility and fuel bills, which reduced prices of food and non-food commodities. Additionally, the central bank said it was capable of maintaining inflation levels below 5.0 per cent by the next fiscal year.  It also signalled a monetary relief, given that low prices are kept and no significant events threaten price stability. Inflation on food narrowed to 0.8 per cent in August annually, and inflation on non-food prices fell by 1.8 per cent in August.

Pakistan: Plans to “reset” ties with Bangladesh
On 01 September, The Express Tribune reported on a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and former High Commissioners of Pakistan to Bangladesh and other retired diplomats. They assembled to discuss the political change in Bangladesh and a possible strategy towards the interim government in Dhaka. On the promise of anonymity, a source revealed that the Prime Minister has sought inputs from retired officials on resetting ties with Bangladesh after the conclusion of Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule. During her term, although Bangladesh grew increasingly close to India, Hasina rejected Islamabad’s efforts towards improving ties. Her ouster is seen as a setback for India and a potential opportunity for Pakistan. It has been suggested that Pakistan must have its Bangladesh policy independent of the India-Bangladesh dynamic. In a statement, a retired bureaucrat even suggested that Pakistan should consider appointing a high commissioner who speaks in Bengali. 
 
Pakistan: India’s claims on J&K “misleading” and “dangerously delusional,” comments Foreign Office
On 01 September, Pakistan termed Indian claims on Jammu and Kashmir as “misleading” and “dangerously delusional.” In a statement to the media, the Foreign Office spokesperson of Pakistan responded to Indian Ministry of External Affairs claims regarding Jammu and Kashmir. The spokesperson emphasised that this is an “internationally recognized issue” and the dispute must be resolved in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions and in consultation with the Kashmiri people. The spokesperson stressed that Pakistan is open to engaging in diplomatic dialogue but any hostile action will be responded with “unyielding resolve.” The statement called upon India to stop its “provocative rhetoric” on Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan: Prime Minister seeks cooperation in AI, IT and agriculture with China
On 02 September, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong that Pakistan is working towards enhancing its cooperation with China in strategic areas such as information technology, artificial intelligence and modern agriculture. He said: “The friendship between Pakistan and China has withstood the test of time, with China providing unwavering support to Pakistan during every challenging period.” The Prime Minister appreciated China’s efforts to strengthen its relations with Pakistan and upgrade the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. He added that the friendship between the countries was essential for regional and global peace.

Pakistan: Discussion on bilateral and regional issues with US Ambassador
On 03 September, the US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar discussed bilateral and regional issues in a meeting. The discussions were focused on the “protection of Afghan refugees and asylum seekers, economic cooperation, security and counterterrorism and regional cooperation.” A statement released by the Foreign Office said: “The discussion covered various aspects of Pakistan-US bilateral relations including avenues for enhanced cooperation in diverse fields. They also discussed matters relating to the upcoming session of the UN General Assembly.” This engagement comes against the backdrop of Pakistan’s plan to implement its second round of repatriation of Afghan refugees who do not have sufficient identity proof. Earlier, Islamabad had complained of security concerns arising out of illegal migrants living in Pakistan, especially Afghans and ordered their deportation. However, after the country was criticized by the UN and human rights groups, a year’s extension was granted to all Afghan refugees who held the Afghan Citizenship Card. After the meeting, The US embassy welcomed the decision. 

Pakistan: Foreign Minister visits the UK
On 05 September, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held talks with the UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, during his five-day visit to the UK. They discussed opportunities for strengthening cooperation. Dar highlighted their common interests on regional and bilateral cooperation. According to the Foreign Office statement, Dar reasserted his country’s commitment to collaborating with the UK’s climate actions and mobilising other states towards the same. He also appreciated the UK’s duty-free trade for Pakistani exports and spoke about strengthening bilateral ties in the areas of trade, investment and youth opportunities. Dar also attended other meetings with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland where the leaders discussed Pakistan’s commitment to the Commonwealth, existing bilateral relations, and regional issues. 

Pakistan: Increasing domestic borrowing leads to “double-debt trap,” says the Dawn
On 06 September, an article in Dawn discussed the double-debt problem in Pakistan. The article highlighted that due to the rising domestic borrowing and a shortfall in revenue, Pakistan will have to borrow heavily to meet its external and domestic debt-servicing needs. According to data, the country’s total debt rose to PKR 69.604 trillion in July, while it stood at PKR 68.914 in August. This is an increase of PKR 690 billion in one month. Further, its total debt grew from PKR 7.827 trillion to PKR 69.604 trillion in a year. Domestic borrowing has also risen by PKR 537 billion, from PKR 47.160 trillion in June to PKR 47.697 trillion in July. The government has provided an estimate of PKR 9.3 trillion to fund its financing gap for fiscal 2025. Although the interest rates in domestic banks have been reduced to 2.5 per cent, borrowings of more than 40 trillion are enough to devour the tax revenue. Despite the crisis, the government is struggling to meet its external debt repayments and is borrowing from domestic parties. 

MIDDLE-EAST THIS WEEK
 Israel: WHO concludes first round of polio vaccinations in Gaza
On 4 September, according to the Times of Israel, the World Health Organisation (WHO) completed the first out of its two-phase polio vaccination campaign in Gaza, with 200,000 children administered an initial dose. The first phase lasted from 01 to 03 September and focussed on children under ten years. The WHO stated that it was preparing to launch the next phase from 05 to 08 September, with a target of 340,000 children

The UAE: President pardons Bangladeshis convicted for protesting against Hasina
On 03 September, Al Jazeera reported that UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan pardoned 57 Bangladeshi citizens imprisoned for participating in protests in UAE against the Sheikh Hasina government. The Bangladeshis will be released and deported. Previously, a UAE court had convicted them for “crimes of gathering in a public place and protesting against their home government with the intent to incite unrest.” 

THE EUROPE THIS WEEK
France: Financial aid package to ensure economic stability in New Caledonia
On 06 September, RNZ reported on The French government’s financial aid package of USD 144 million for New Caledonia. The main focus of the package is assisting in preventing essential services like electricity operators and social services from collapsing. The new financial aid would allow the necessary services to continue operating, until September. Preliminary French emergency assistance was available with the new aid package, bringing the total to USD 444 million excluding Caledonia's plagued nickel industry. However, the new package will adhere to reforms to be engaged in the most important sectors of New Caledonia, including the ENERCAL power supply company and retirement.

Russia: Putin delivers a speech at the Eastern Economic Forum
On 05 September, RT reported on the keynote address delivered by Putin at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. He highlighted Russia’s interests in East Asia, cooperation with the Asia-Pacific region and the implications of the Kursk incursion. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese Vice President Han Zheng attended the meeting. In his speech, he highlighted the East Asian countries as a possible means to compensate for the sanctions imposed by the West. He said: “We have defined the development of the Far East as a national priority for the entire 21st century.” He noted that the world economy was facing de-dollarization, citing the BRICS way of using national currencies in transactions. On the Kursk incursion, he pointed out that it depleted Ukraine’s strong military forces in the Donbass, thus favouring Russia.

Hungary: Foreign minister visits Bahrain
On 05 September, Hungary Today reported on the visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary Peter Szijjarto to Bahrain. He met the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain Abdullaitf bin Rashid al Zayani to discuss the possibilities for greater cooperation between their countries. Szijjarto stated that both ministers agreed on the peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue rather than war.  In the joint statement, the ministers agreed on combating terrorism and improving stability in Europe and the Middle East. Szijjarto urged free trade talks and visa agreements to continue, and greater cooperation between the EU and the Gulf. Additionally, negotiations for an investment by the oil company MOL into environmentally friendly oil extraction and potentially building a rubber bitumen plant in Bahrain also took place

France: Edouard Philippe announces presidential candidacy in 2027
On 05 September, Edouard Philippe, former Prime Minister of France and the first prime minister under Emmanuel Macron announced that he would run for President in the 2027 elections. After his resignation in 2020, Philippe founded his party Horizons which has largely supported Macron’s party. His announcement also comes at a time when Macron is struggling to find a head for the government. He also extended his support to any prime minister picked from a political space ranging from the conservative right to social-democracy.

Ukraine: Nine new ministers appointed 
On 05 September, Swissinfo.ch reported on the appointment of new ministers in the Ukrainian parliament. There were nine ministers and two deputy prime ministers as the new appointees. This marks Zelenskyy’s “biggest government shakeup” since 2022. He said that the government needed “new energy” as the autumn was crucial for Ukraine. Andrii Sybiha, an experienced diplomat with a public figure is set to replace Dmytro Kuleba, as the foreign minister. Olha Stefanyshina took up the position of Justice minister along with her role in coordinating Ukraine’s accession to the EU and NATO. In addition, a former deputy head of Zelenskyy’s office, Oleksiy Kuleba was appointed as deputy prime minister. He is in charge of reconstruction, regions and infrastructure and Herman Smetanin is the strategic industries minister. However, Ukraine’s foreign policy was unlikely to alter if Zelenskyy was in power. He is set to visit the US with a “victory plan” to present before President Joe Biden.

THE AMERICAS THIS WEEK
Colombia: President orders investigation into Pegasus purchase
On 05 September, the President of Colombia Gustavo Petro, ordered an investigation into the purchase of Pegasus, a spyware by an Israeli company NSO. He said that the software was bought when Ivan Duque was the President. He added that it was an all-cash deal made in two instalments of USD 5.5 million. Colombia has been facing wiretapping scandals for more than a decade, even leading to the closure of Colombia’s intelligence agency in the past.

Brazil: Apex court bans X
On 05 September, Brazil’s Supreme Court upheld the ban on social media platform X that was imposed on 31 August 2024. The platform failed to appoint a new legal representative before the deadline given by the court.” The Court has instructed Apple and Google to remove X from their app stores while declaring a fine of USD 8,000 on individuals or groups using VPNs to operate X. The feud between Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes and X’s owner Elon Musk began in April 2024 when the Court had asked X to ban certain leaders’ accounts on the allegations of spreading misinformation. In his response, Musk said: “Free speech is the bedrock of democracy and an unelected pseudo-judge in Brazil is destroying it for political purposes

The US: Joe Biden and Kamala Harris make a joint appearance on Labour Day
On 02 September, Kamala Harris gave a speech along with the President of the US, Joe Biden during her Presidential campaign in Pittsburg. The speech was given on Labour Day. This is the first joint appearance both leaders have made since Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race. Both leaders criticised the acquisition of US Steel by Nippon Steel. Biden said that the US Steel should remain American-owned and American-operated. The United Steelworkers Union that represents over a thousand steel company workers opposes the purchase as it violates unions’ rights. They are in negotiation talks with Nippon Steel. Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, also opposes the Nippon Steel deal and promised to block the deal if elected. 

About the Authors
Rohini Reenum is a PhD scholar at NIAS. Anu Maria Joseph and Padmashree Anandhan are Research Associates at NIAS. Femy Francis, Samruddi Pathak, Neha Tresa George, Sayeka Ghosh and Nuha Aamina are Research Assistants at NIAS. Advik S Mohan and Sachin Aravindan are Research Interns at NIAS. Ayan Datta is a postgraduate student at the University of Hyderabad.

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