The World This Week

CWA # 792
The World This Week
The new DART Mission: A new era of planetary defence

GP Team
2 October 2022
Photo Source: dart.jhuapl.edu

TWTW#184, 02 October 2022, Vol. 4, No. 33
 

Ankit Singh

DART Mission: From the age of mapping and navigating the solar system to the era of planetary defence
 
What happened?
On 26 September, as part of the planetary defence testing method, NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART), a spacecraft designed to smash into an asteroid, collided with an asteroid categorized as a Near-Earth Object. The target of the spacecraft was Dimorphos, which is 11 million kilometres away, orbiting a larger asteroid Didymos, in a binary system. DART spacecraft, weighing around 600 kg and travelling at a speed of 22,000 kilometer per hour, collided with Dimorphos to achieve a kinetic impact as part of humanity’s first-ever planetary defence research. DART managed to alter the orbit of Dimorphos by almost a minute.
 
On 29 September, the Hubble Space Telescope and Webb Space telescope confirmed the alteration by observing plumes of material streaming away from the binary system consisting of Dimorphos. In visible light the impact created collision of DART increased the brightness of the binary system by three times, confirming a successful kinetic impact. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said: “DART is turning science fiction into science fact and is a testament to NASA’s proactivity and innovation for the benefit of all.”

What is the background?
First, practising planetary defence. Astronomers estimate that there are about 1,000 near-Earth asteroids close to a half-mile wide and larger and big enough to cause a global disaster if they struck the Earth. About 95 per cent of these large asteroids have been identified. In contrast, it is predicted that there are roughly 25,000 near-Earth asteroids that are 500 feet wide or larger, but only about a third of these asteroids have been found. Dimorphos which poses no threat to Earth was used like a test to achieve a desired deflection in the orbit.
 
Second, feeding the computation of space generated kinetic impact from the back end.  The objective for DART was also to be able to observe the post-impact changes and effects in the binary system, and train the computer-generated simulations of similar possible kinetic impacts. All models of sub-solar systems can be observed and predicted mathematically, DART would be the first ever evidence of real-time data on recording and observing the kinetic impact. Mathematics and computer science will now have a real-time template to compute and learn from raw data in post-impact assessment and effects as well.
 
Third, the space mission was a proof and culmination of the most sophisticated technologies. As part of inter-agency planetary defence, it carried, a DRACO Camera, used for optical navigation to determine and measure the geologic context as DART gained on the Dimorphos, SMART Nav (Small-body Maneuvering Autonomous Real-Time Navigation) which took control of DART in the last part of the journey, and NEXT–C (NASA’s Evolutionary Xenon Thruster–Commercial), an ion thruster and lastly, Roll-Out Solar Array (ROSA).

What does it mean?
The success of the mission demonstrates NASA’s ability in low-cost space missions in planetary science. NASA has embarked on planetary science experiments which entail less cost and within scope of time affordability. DART is the first ever humanity’s stray into planetary defence research and looks into the impact of planetary defence in the terrain of gravity of systems. 
 
The history of the mission and coordination showed that the US contributed and led the mission on its part. The efficiency and technology demonstration has placed NASA into domains of research from which space agencies of other nations will pick up. It might seem like a technological (arms) race, but it will likely make the planet more secure.

Also, in the news... 
Regional round-ups

East and Southeast Asia This Week
China: Yuan drops by 15 per cent to lowest value in 14 years  
On 28 September, the value of the Chinese Yuan fell to a 14 year low against the dollar to 7.2301. Despite the Central Bank’s efforts to restrain the fall in the value of the yuan, the currency fell by 15 per cent, lowest since January 2008. Although the fall in the value benefits some individuals by making the Chinese goods cheaper abroad, it greatly impacts the Communist Party of China’s efforts of boosting the weaking economy.
 
China: The US Vice President accuses condemns Beijing’s actions in the Pacific
On 28 September, the US Vice President Kamala Harris visited Japan and addressed the soldiers from the largest overseas US Navy installation. In her speech, Harris condemned China’s disturbing actions in the Pacific and pledged to deepen the unofficial ties with Taiwan. She said: “China has flexed its military and economic might to coerce and intimidate its neighbours. And we have witnessed disturbing behaviour in the East China Sea and in the South China Sea, and most recently, provocations across the Taiwan Strait.” The statement by Harris comes days after the US administration promised to defend Taiwan in case of an unprecedented attack.
 
China: Emergency Response Agency releases report tracing cyberattacks back to the US
On 27 September, China’s National Computer Virus Emergency Response Centre published an investigation report which supported the country’s claims that the US National Security Agency conducted thousands of attacks on the Northwestern Polytechnical University. The report took technical assistance from European and Southeast Asian countries and traced the features, attack weapons and paths used in the cyberattack. According to the report: “They have found that those attacks originated from the NSA-affiliated Office of Tailored Access Operation (TAO), which had exposed its own technical loopholes and operational missteps during the attack.” Over 41 types of cyber weapons have been used in the recent attack on the University.
 
Japan: Hundreds of overseas dignitaries attend Shinzo Abe’s state funeral
On 27 September, the government conducted a state funeral for Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the Nippon Budokan venue in Tokyo. It was attended by 700 foreign representatives, including 50 former and current leaders. The US Vice-President Kamala Harris, Prime Ministers of India, Australia and Canada: Narendra Modi, Anthony Albanese and Justin Trudeau, and the UK’s Foreign Secretary James Cleverly were some of the few dignitaries who attended the funeral. Shinzo Abe was assassinated on 08 July 2022. The funeral occurred amidst controversies surrounding Abe. His involvement with the ultra-conservative group Unification Church, his policies in his administration, the cost of the funeral being JPY 1.7 billion, and the need for a state funeral were some of the controversies behind Abe. Japan’s Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, defended the funeral stating that it was to honour the Prime Minister of Japan, who served the longest since World War II and the one who introduced changed Japan economically and defensively through his policies.

North Korea: Pyongyang launches ballistic missiles for the second time in a week
On 28 September, North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles from the Sunan area of Pyongyang into the East Sea, the second in a week. The missile was launched on the eve of US Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that the missile travelled a distance of 360 kilometres after reaching the maximum altitude of 30 kilometres. The missile launch displayed force against the US-South Korea joint military drill. North Korea launched six ballistic missiles during the time of South Korea’s President Yoon Suk-yeol’s administration till now.
 
North Korea: Trilateral anti-submarine drill to counter Pyongyang held by the US, Japan and South Korea
On 30 September, Japan, South Korea and the US held a military drill for the first time in five years. The anti-submarine training was conducted to help against North Korea’s submarine launch missile systems (SLMS) if the threat arises. The US nuclear-powered aircraft USS Ronald Reagan was involved in the drill along with Japanese and South Korean warships. It taught ways to fight against missiles launched underwater, which are harder to detect in advance. The trilateral training was a one-day event off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula.
 
Philippines: Israeli industry supplies first battery of Rafael/IAI Spyder air defense systems
On 27 September, according to a report in ‘armyrecognition’, Philippines received its first ever Spyder air defence system. The deal was disclosed in July 2022 in which Philippines declared that it will buy three batteries from Israeli industrial giant. The Spyder ("Surface-to-air Python and Derby") is a short and medium-range mobile air defense system. The Spyder is a low-level, quick-reaction surface-to-air missile system capable of engaging aircraft, helicopters, unmanned air vehicles, drones, and precision-guided munitions. 

Central Asia, Middle East and Africa This Week
Saudi Arabia: Crown Prince named Prime Minister
On 27 September, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman was named the Kingdom’s Prime Minister, through a royal decree ordered by King Salman. The decree reaffirmed all other senior ministers in their posts- the finance minister, investment minister, and foreign minister. The decree is a confirmation of a steady transfer of power from the hands of King Salman to the Crown Prince, who has been the de facto ruler of the country.
 
Iran: Iran and IAEA restart stalled talks to revive JCPOA
On 27 September, the talks between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) restarted over an issue of a nuclear material found at nuclear sites in Iran. The issue has been the centre of stalled talks on the restoration of the JCPOA. The talks followed a meeting between the Director General of IAEA Rafael Grossi and Iran’s nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami at Vienna.
 
Lebanon: Parliament fails to elect President
On 29 September, the Lebanese Parliament failed to elect the President, the head of the state, replacing the current President Michel Aoun whose term ends on 31 October 2022. The Lebanese Hezbollah, Shiite Amal Movement and Aoun’s Free Patriotic Movement casted blank ballots, amounting to 63 of 122 lawmakers present. The Parliament Speaker said that he would call a new session once there was a consensus on a candidate. The Lebanese political system dictates that the head of the state must be a Maronite Christian. 
 
Sao Tome and Principe: Oppositions win the legislative elections
On 27 September, the National Electoral Commission’s (CEN) preliminary data showed the Independent Democratic Action (ADI), the opposition party, led by former Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada, won the legislative elections in Sao Tome and Principe. According to the CEN data, ADI won the elections with a total of 36,549 votes. The Movement for the Liberation of Sao Tome and Principe\Social Democratic Party (MLSTP\PSD) led by the current Prime Minister Jorge Bom Jesus came second with 25,531 votes. Patrice Trovoada, the former Prime Minister of the country and the leader of ADI claimed the victory with majority seats, announcing that he will head the government.
 
Tunisia: Hundreds protest against inflation and food shortage
On 25 September, hundreds of Tunisians took to the streets of capital city Tunis to demonstrate against the rising inflation and food shortages. Images and videos of people scrambling at supermarkets for essential items like sugar, milk and rice were abuzz on social media. In a suburb of Tunis, protests were triggered after a fruit seller died by suicide following the police's seizure of his weighing machine for selling his products without permission. This resembled the self-immolation of a vegetable vendor in December 2010, which triggered the Arab Spring in 2011.
 
Burkina Faso: Army captain overthrows coup leader Damiba
On 30 September, army captain Ibrahim Traore declared the overthrow of Lt Col Paul-Henri Damiba who had led the military coup in January. Traore justified the decision claiming that Damiba was unsuccessful in addressing the Islamist insurgency in Burkina Faso. Traore further announced the closure of borders and suspension of political activities. The African Union and the Economic Community of West African States condemned the development, terming it unconstitutional. The development comes after 11 soldiers were killed in an attack on a convoy in the country's north on 26 September.

Europe and The Americas This Week
Ukraine: President Putin declares the annexation of four Ukrainian regions
On 30 September, Russian President Putin signed off the annexation of the four partially-occupied regions of Ukraine- southern Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and eastern Donetsk and Luhansk. Calling on Ukraine to lay down their arms and come to the negotiating table, Putin stated in his 40-minute speech, “People living in Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson are becoming our citizens forever.” The four proxies joined hands and chanted "Russia! Russia! Russia!,” after signing the annexation accords. The Russian state Duma is expected to ratify the treaties during the coming week after which, the four regions will formally become a part of Russia.

The annexation is a major escalation in the seven months of the war. Ukraine and its allies of the West have announced that they would never recognise the annexation and called it a blatant violation of the sovereignty of Kyiv. On 30 September, the US announced "severe" new sanctions on Russia after Biden stated that it condemns the Russian “fraudulent annexation” of sovereign Ukraine territory. The White House announced that the US along with the support from G7 allies on imposing swift and severe costs on Russia, and imposing costs on any country that supports the Kremlin's attempt to incorporate the Ukrainian regions.
 
Bulgaria: Opinion polls for the upcoming election released
On 29 September, the opinion polls indicated the political flux of Bulgaria with a prediction of a coalition government involving more than six parties. With a 24 per cent chance, the Citizens of European Development of Bulgaria (GERB) leads in the opinion polls, though that this is not enough to establish a majority. GERB is led by former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and his scandal, and corruption-filled tenure is the reason for Bulgaria’s political crisis. This is the fourth election in 18 months and was called after Prime Minister Kiril Petkov and his government were ousted in June 2022. The people of Bulgaria are now asked to choose a government that will lead the country through the harsh winter and be able to face issues such as inflation, high energy prices and the Ukraine war. 
 
Europe: Commission imposes eight sets of sanctions on Russia
On 28 September, the European Commission proposed the eighth package of sanctions against Russia. The proposal comes as a response to the escalation of Ukraine crisis, partly caused by Russia’s annexation attempts in the occupied regions. As per the proposal, the Commission will publish the ‘legal Basis’ for an oil price cap. As part of the package, additional Russian products such as aviation items, or electronic components and specific chemical substances will be banned which could cause EUR seven billion loss in revenue for Russian economy. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the referendums an “...illegal attempt to grab land and change international borders by force,” and said that the EU was determined that Russia would feel the consequences of its actions. 

Sweden and Denmark: Gas leak to continue for a week in the Nord Stream pipeline
On 27 September, new leaks were identified in the Nord Stream pipeline 1 and 2. According to the Danish and Swedish authorities, underwater attacks in the Baltic Sea had resulted in damaging the pipelines leading to leakage of gas. They have predicted the leak to continue for “at least a week.” Maritime agencies of Sweden and Denmark have issued fresh instructions for ships in this area and have also included warnings to aircraft flying over the Danish and Swedish economic zones in the Baltic Sea. Speculations have risen that Russia caused this leak by initiating underground explosions as a form of aggression towards the EU and intended as sabotage for the upcoming winter. While it is too early to say what caused these leaks, these speculations are not being dismissed by European leaders as they are of the view that multiple leaks could not be a coincidence.

Italy: Far-right coalition wins the snap elections
On 25 September, Italy’s general elections were conducted and amongst the four competing parties, the Right alliance emerged as the clear winner with a majority in the Chamber of Duties and Deputies of the Senate. The Right alliance was headed by Giorgia Meloni from the Brothers of Italy, joined by League, Forza-Italia, and Nio Moderati parties winning 237 seats in the lower house and 115 seats in the upper house. Whereas the left alliance led by Enrico Letta from the Democratic Party along with the Green/left alliance, Più Europa, and Impegno Civico were able to gain only 85 and 44 seats respectively, in both houses.
 
Russia: Finland joins Baltic States in restricting Russian tourists
On 29 September, Finland announced it would be closing its borders to Russian tourists. Other than Belarus, Finland was the only state amongst those sharing major borders with Russia still allowing Russian tourists. However, Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto said that Russia’s recent announcement of conscription which resulted in a surge of Russians at border crossings impacted the decision to ban tourists greatly. To visit Finland, Russians will now have to apply in advance and provide an invitation from personal or business contacts.
 
Moldova: Anti-government protests reported in Chisinau
On 24 September, several thousand people gathered in Moldova’s capital, Chisinau to protest against President Maia Sandu’s pro-western government. The protestors set up tents in front of Sandu’s official residence and demanded her resignation. Increasing gas prices and rising inflation in the country has been the main trigger for the protest. The protestors say that instead of lobbying for EU membership, the government should have negotiated a better gas deal with Russia, who is Moldova’s main supplier. Moldova is not the only country where protests have broken out because of a cost-of-living crisis. Earlier, similar protests were reported in the Czech Republic. Around 70,000 protestors took to the streets to protest against the energy crisis and demanded the government's resignation.
 
Cuba: Referendum paves way for same sex family laws
On 27 September, about two third of the country’s residents votes in favor of approving reforms in a new Family Code, which will also allow surrogate pregnancies and give gay couples the right to adopt children. Mariela Castro, the daughter of former Cuban president Raul Castro, has openly advocated through a government-funded center for improved rights for gays, lesbians and transgender people. But the push for greater equality faced stiff opposition from both outside and from within the Cuban government.
 
Haiti: UN envoy warns of an impending humanitarian crisis
On 26 September, speaking to UNGA, Haiti’s envoy, Helen La Lime warned that “an economic crisis, a gang crisis and a political crisis have converged into a humanitarian catastrophe”. The situation has worsened amid widespread looting and protests that followed Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s announcement of fuel price hikes on 11 September. Meanwhile, World Food Program (WFP) Deputy Executive Director Valerie Guarnieri said food insecurity was expected to increase in Haiti this year, “surpassing the record high of 4.5 million people estimated to face crisis or worse levels of acute food insecurity, including 1.3 million people in emergency.
 
Venezuela: Seven jailed Americans released in return for nephews of the President
On 1 October, President Nicholas Maduro initiated a goodwill measure of prisoner swap. The swap of the Americans on Saturday, including five oil executives held for nearly five years, is the largest trade of detained citizens ever carried out by the Biden administration. The deal follows months of back-channel diplomacy by Washington’s top hostage negotiator and other US officials. Separately, Simon-Bolivar Bridge, connecting Venezuela and Columbia was reopened on the basis of a popular support from people along both side of the border. A defence official at the US Embassy told Al Jazeera: “There is a high level of concern within the US government regarding the current president’s embrace of the new left in Latin America and the tacit rejection of defence cooperation with the United States.”
 

About the authors
Ankit Singh, Harini Madhusudan and Rashmi Ramesh are PhD Scholars in the School of Conflict and Security Studies at the National Institute of Advanced Studies. Avishka Ashok, Apoorva Sudhakar, Padmashree Anandhan, Rishma Banerjee, Sai Pranav, and Anu Maria are Research Associates at NIAS.


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Russia (Jan-Mar 2026)
Assertive Military Posture, Attempts for an Economic Turnaround and Search for Partners
April 2026 | CWA # 2062

Himani Pant

Europe (Jan-Mar 2026)
Trade diversification & FTAs, Increased defence spending, Tightening irregular migration and Economic slowdown
April 2026 | CWA # 2061

S Shaji

Africa (Jan-Mar 2026)
Elections, Civil Wars, Militancy and Peace Initiatives
The World This Quarter
April 2026 | CWA # 2059

Adarsh Vijay

April 2026 | CWA # 2058

Nishchal N Pandey  & Mahesh Raj Bhatta

Nepal (Jan-Mar 2026)
Political Upheaval, Generational Change and Economic Uncertainty
The World This Quarter
April 2026 | CWA # 2057

Bibhu Prasad Routray

Myanmar (Jan-Mar 2026)
An Illegitimate Regime's Consolidation Game
The World This Quarter
April 2026 | CWA # 2056

Ashik J Bonofer

Southeast Asia (Jan-Mar 2026)
Deteriorating situation in Myanmar, Philippines as the ASEAN Chair, New government in Thailand, and Economic & Environmental challenges
The World This Quarter
April 2026 | CWA # 2054

Amrita Jash

Regional assertion, Pragmatic recalibration with the West and Avoiding military entanglement in the Middle East
The World This Quarter
April 2026 | CWA # 2053

Anand V

The "Two Sessions," Recalibrated growth targets, Technology prioritization, and Military purges
The World This Quarter
April 2026 | CWA # 2052

Shreya Upadhyay

Conflict Weekly
April 2026 | CWA # 2050

IPRI Team

March 2026 | CWA # 2042

Preetha Renganarayanan

Five Takeaways of the US Annual Threat Assessment (ATA) Report for 2026
March 2026 | CWA # 2039

Femy Francis

Trump-Xi Meeting
Why did Trump reschedule it? What does that mean?
March 2026 | CWA # 2035

Akshath Kaimal

Pakistan-Afghanistan Conflict
Broken ceasefire, Expanding military strikes and Worsening humanitarian situation
Global Politics Early Bird
March 2026 | CWA # 2033

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal after elections:
Five major challenges for the new government
March 2026 | CWA # 2023

Femy Francis

New Five-Year Plan, Ethnic Unity Law, and an Enhanced Defence Budget
March 2026 | CWA # 2019

Akshath Kaimal

Rising Violence in Nigeria
Limited State Capacity, Multiple Actors, and a Complex Security Environment
The World This Week
March 2026 | CWA # 2017

Global Politics Team

March 2026 | CWA # 2011

Tanvi Thara Harendra Jha

Resetting Economic, Strategic and Cultural Ties
March 2026 | CWA # 2009

Sreemaya Nair

Nepal Elections 2026
Rise of a new leadership and Reset in political landscape
March 2026 | CWA # 2004

Akshath Kaimal

Instability returns, with a fragile peace agreement, uptick in violence and limited international engagement
March 2026 | CWA # 2003

Yesasvi Koganti

From bilateral ties to a special strategic partnership
March 2026 | CWA # 2002

Femy Francis

Reducing trade deficit and recalibrating economic cooperation with Beijing
March 2026 | CWA # 2001

Preetha Renganarayanan

Six major takeaways on the economy, border and internal security and Iran
February 2026 | CWA # 1998

Anu Maria Joseph

Instability in Sudan
Response to the genocide call and the threats of a regional spillover
March 2026 | CWA # 1991

Global Politics Team

PR Commentary
February 2026 | CWA # 1986

Preetha Renganarayanan

Focus on Trade, Defense, Energy and Regional Connectivity
PR Commentary
February 2026 | CWA # 1985

Abhimanyu Solanki

Basant in Pakistan
The return of Basant, and what it signifies
February 2026 | CWA # 1977

Anu Maria Joseph

Violence in Nigeria
US military deployment amidst worsening insurgency
February 2026 | CWA # 1976

Lekshmi MK

The War in Ukraine
The Geneva Talks and Growing Negotiation Asymmetry
Pakistan in 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1971

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

Pakistan Budget 2025-26
Legislating stabilisation under IMF discipline and coalition constraints
Pakistan in 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1970

Aparna A Nair

Pakistan & China
Ten Years of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
PR Explainer
November 2025 | CWA # 1968

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

Pakistan and the US
A New opening, or another cycle?
PR Explainer
November 2025 | CWA # 1967

R Preetha

Risks, Reforms and Trajectories
November 2025 | CWA # 1966

Lekshmi MK

Five Questions on Challenges, Capacity and Policies
The World This Week
February 2026 | CWA # 1962

Global Politics Team

Regional Roundups: From East Asia to the Americas
Early Bird
February 2026 | CWA # 1961

Lekshmi MK

What does it mean for domestic politics and regional stability?
The World This Week
February 2026 | CWA # 1955

Global Politics Team

Regional Roundups: From East Asia to the Americas
TWTW Note
January 2026 | CWA # 1947

Brighty Ann Sarah

TWTW Note
January 2026 | CWA # 1946

Preetha Renganarayanan

The Davos Summit 2026
Five Major Takeaways from The World Economic Forum
The World This Week
January 2026 | CWA # 1945

Global Politics Team

Conflict Weekly Note
January 2026 | CWA # 1943

Anu Maria Joseph

CW Note
January 2026 | CWA # 1942

Lekshmi MK

CW Note
January 2026 | CWA # 1941

Brighty Ann Sarah

Conflict Weekly
January 2026 | CWA # 1940

IPRI Team

TWTW Note
January 2026 | CWA # 1939

Lekshmi MK

CW Note
January 2026 | CWA # 1937

Anu Maria Joseph

State of Global Politics 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1931

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
State of Global Politics 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1930

Aparna A Nair

State of Global Politics 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1924

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
State of Global Politics 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1914

Preetha Renganarayanan

State of Global Politics 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1913

Rohini Reenum

State of Global Politics 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1912

Lekshmi MK

State of Global Politics 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1911

Swati Sood

State of Global Politics 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1905

Femy Francis

State of Peace and Conflict 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1902

Brighty Ann Sarah

State of Peace and Conflict 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1893

Lekshmi MK

State of Peace and Conflict 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1889

Femy Francis

State of Peace and Conflict 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1881

Sunidhi Sampige

China Reader
December 2025 | CWA # 1864

Femy Francis

Ten Takeaways of a SCMP Interview with a former PLA Colonel
TWTW Note
December 2025 | CWA # 1861

Femy Francis

China Reader
CW Column: The Conflicts in The Middle East
November 2025 | CWA # 1859

Brighty Ann Sarah

CW Column: The War in Ukraine
November 2025 | CWA # 1858

Padmashree Anandhan

This Week in History
August 2025 | CWA # 1801

R Preetha

28 August 1963
Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech and the Civil Rights Movement in the US
The World This Week
August 2025 | CWA # 1790

GP Team

The World This Week#323-324
The Trump-Putin meeting & the US-China tariff extension
TWTW note
August 2025 | CWA # 1780

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

Trump tariffs:
Weaponization of access to the US economy
The World This Week
August 2025 | CWA # 1779

GP Team

The World This Week#322
US tariffs on India, Brazil and Canada & the EU-US trade deal
This Week in History
August 2025 | CWA # 1778

Lekshmi MK

28 July 1914
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia, starting the First World War
Global Politics Explainer
July 2025 | CWA # 1770

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

Pakistan-Afghanistan relations:
Why the focus on terrorism, refugees, and Uzbekistan as the third partner?
The World This Week
July 2025 | CWA # 1769

GP Team

The World This Week#321
Indian PM Modi's visit to the Maldives I Elections to the Upper House in Japan
Global Politics Explainer
July 2025 | CWA # 1762

Lekshmi MK

Ocean Darkening: 
What is the phenomenon? What are its effects? And who are more vulnerable?
Global Politics Explainer
July 2025 | CWA # 1749

R Preetha

Africa as the Hunger Epicenter
Of the 13 Global Hunger Hotspots, 8 are in Africa: Five reasons why
The World This Week
July 2025 | CWA # 1748

GP Team

The World This Week #318
PM Modi’s Visit to Trinidad and Tobago & Ghana, One big beautiful bill, and Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting
Global Politics Explainer
July 2025 | CWA # 1744

Chittrothu Vaihali

EU-Canada Summit 2025
What is security and defence partnership all about?
Conflict Weekly
July 2025 | CWA # 1742

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly # 287-88
The 12 Day War and the Congo-Rwanda Peace Deal
Global Politics Explainer
July 2025 | CWA # 1738

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

Thailand and Cambodia
What was the phone call between PM Shinawatra and President of Senate Hun Sen? What is the border dispute between the two? Why has this become an issue?
TWTW Note
June 2025 | CWA # 1735

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025:
Trump making Europe great again
The World This Week
June 2025 | CWA # 1734

GP Team

The World This Week #317
NATO Summit 2025 and Russia-Mali bilateral agreements
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1733

Ananya Dinesh

China and the Pacific Islands 
What was the recent China-PIC joint statement about? What it says, and what it means?
TWTW Note
June 2025 | CWA # 1728

M Kejia

G7 Summit 2025:
The Focus on the Middle East and Trade negotiations
The World This Week
June 2025 | CWA # 1726

GP Team

The World This Week #316
China-Central Asia Summit in Kazakhstan, and the G7 Summit in Canada
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1725

Brighty Ann Sarah, R Preetha, Santhiya M, Aparna A Nair & M Kejia

Operation Midnight Hammer: US bombs three nuclear sites in Iran
What were the three Iranian nuclear sites that were targeted? What are the B2 Bombers and Bunker Buster Bombs? What do these attacks mean? What Next?
Conflict Weekly
June 2025 | CWA # 1724

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly #286
The Spiralling Israel-Iran Crisis, and the Dangerous Hunger Hotspots
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1721

Rizwana Banu S and Santhiya M

Who are the Afrikaners?
Why is Trump interested in the Afrikaner question in South Africa?
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1720

Lekshmi MK

New WMO Report on Arctic Warming
What are the social, economic and environmental implications of Arctic warming
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1719

J Yamini  

China’s EV Surge
What contributes to the rise of BYD
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1717

J Yamini

Gender Violence in Pakistan:
What are the larger issues in the Noor Mukadam case?
TWTW Note
June 2025 | CWA # 1715

Femy Francis

The US-China:
On Tariffs, Rare Earths and Visas
The World This Week
June 2025 | CWA # 1713

GP Team

The World This Week #315
The UN Ocean Conference in France and the US-China Meeting in London
CW Note
June 2025 | CWA # 1712

R Preetha

The World This Week
June 2025 | CWA # 1705

GP Team

The World This Week #314
Elections in South Korea and Poland I China and the Pacific Island Countries I Bangladesh Election Announcement 2026
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1703

M Kejia 

Sagarmatha Sambaad in Nepal
Kathmandu’s Global Agenda for the Himalayas
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1700

R Preetha

Ethiopia bans the TPLF
What does the TPLF ban mean for the Pretoria agreement? What next for Ethiopia?
TWTW Note
June 2025 | CWA # 1694

Aashish Ganeshan

The US:
Harvard vs Trump Administration
The World This Week
June 2025 | CWA # 1691

GP Team

The World This Week #313
China-ASEAN-GCC Summit I President Macron's visit to South East Asia I Trump Vs Harvard
The World This Week
May 2025 | CWA # 1690

GP Team

The World This Week #312
Elections in Romania, Portugal & Poland I UK-EU Summit
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1689

Padmashree Anandhan

Ukraine
Continuing Russia’s Aerial Attacks, despite exchange of prisoners
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1688

Ayan Datta

Gaza
The Humanitarian Crisis and Israel’s Renewed Offensive
TWTW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1685

Aparna A Nair

UK-EU Summit:
First step towards a reset
TWTW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1683

Aashish Ganeshan

Elections in Portugal:
The Rise of Chega Party and the Search for Political Stability
TWTW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1679

Aashish Ganeshan

US in the Middle Easr
Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE
TWTW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1678

Gauri Gupta

China in Latin America
China-CELAC forum: Strengthening ties with Latin America and Caribbean
The World This Week
May 2025 | CWA # 1677

GP Team

The World This Week #310-311
China in Latin America and the Carribbean I Trump's Middle East Visit I Denmark as the new Arctic Chair
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1675

Lekshmi MK

Turkey:
PKK disbands after 40 years of armed insurgency
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1673

Padmashree Anandhan

Ukraine:
The Discussion in Turkiye and the Elusive Ceasefire
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1671

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

US, Ukraine and Russia:
Air attacks amidst a Minerals deal and Ceasefire Proposals
Global Politics Early Bird
May 2025 | CWA # 1670

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

Singapore Elections in 2025:
People’s Action Party (PAP) Wins, Again
TWTW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1667

R Preetha and Brighty Ann Sarah

East Asia:
Tough Tariff Negotiations with the US
TWTW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1666

Padmashree Anandhan

The US-Ukraine
The mineral deal with the US
Conflict Weekly
May 2025 | CWA # 1665
Conflict Weekly # 280-81
India-Pakistan De-escalation I Ukraine Discussion in Istanbul I The Battle over Port Sudan I Disbanding of PKK in Turkiye I France-Algeria Diplomatic Tensions
Global Politics Early Bird
May 2025 | CWA # 1663

R Preetha

Canada Elections 2025:
What do the results convey? What next for Mark Carney?
Conflict Weekly 250th Issue
October 2024 | CWA # 1480

IPRI Team

This Week in History
July 2024 | CWA # 1413

Ramya B

Global Politics Early Bird
May 2024 | CWA # 1336

Femy Francis

This Week in History
April 2024 | CWA # 1275

Ramya B

NIAS Global Politics Database
March 2024 | CWA # 1251

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
This Week in History
March 2024 | CWA # 1246

Sivasubramanian K

NIAS Global Politics Database
February 2024 | CWA # 1226

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
The World This Week
November 2023 | CWA # 1148

GP Team

The War in Ukraine
October 2023 | CWA # 1091

Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri

Issues for Europe
NIAS Pakistan Weekly
October 2023 | CWA # 1087

PR Team

The World This Week
October 2023 | CWA # 1083

GP Team

Conflict Weekly
August 2023 | CWA # 1049

IPRI Team

IPRI Quarterly Forecasts I Triggers, Trends, and Trajectories
July 2023 | CWA # 1012

Bibhu Prasad Routray

Myanmar continues to burn
The World This Week
July 2023 | CWA # 1009

GP Team

2022: The World This Year
December 2022 | CWA # 879

Padmashree Anandhan

The Ukraine War
2022: The World This Year
December 2022 | CWA # 872

Sapna Elsa Abraham

Europe: Heatwaves, Wildfires, Droughts, and Ice Melt in Alps
November 2022 | CWA # 838

Rishma Banerjee

Tracing Europe's droughts
NIAS Africa Weekly
March 2022 | CWA # 705

NIAS Africa Team

In Focus: Libya
The World This Week: 150th Issue
December 2021 | CWA # 630

GP Team

Europe in 2021
Pakistan Reader
October 2021 | CWA # 588

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

TLP is back again
NIAS Fortnightly on Science, Technology & International Relations
August 2021 | CWA # 528

STIR Team

Space Tourism
GLOBAL PROTEST MOVEMENTS
September 2020 | CWA # 337

Anju Annie Mammen

The FATF Meeting, February 2020
February 2020 | CWA # 235

Lakshmi V Menon

Science, Technology and International Relations
September 2019 | CWA # 162

Lakshman Chakravarthy N

5G: A Primer
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 71

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 70

Nasima Khatoon

The Maldives
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 69

Harini Madhusudan

India
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 68

Sourina Bej

Bangladesh
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 67

Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer

Afghanistan
United States
July 2018 | CWA # 47

Rahul Arockiaraj

East Asia
June 2018 | CWA # 26

Siddhatti Mehta