The US has allowed the UN to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, withdrawing its protection of Israel. This move comes as the Biden administration seeks to avoid blame for the ongoing massacre in Gaza, especially with upcoming elections. Israel, under Netanyahu, has been ignoring US advice, leading to a potential shift in US perception of the Muslim world. Traditional allies, the US and Israel, are now on a collision course.

India has increased its assistance to Bhutan during Prime Minister Modi's visit, including promises to build an airport and two rail lines. Modi was awarded Bhutan's highest civilian honor. The article questions whether this support will prevent Bhutan from establishing closer ties with China and conceding territory near the sensitive Doklam border, a move that could pose a security risk for India.

China is increasingly deploying robots in its factories to address labor shortages and improve product quality, which is crucial for enhancing exports. This move is also seen as a strategy to counteract demographic challenges and mitigate US trade pressures. In Dongguan, a heavily industrialized city in southern China, traditional factory settings are being transformed as robots replace human workers.

India's government has established a second naval base in Lakshadweep to counter China's growing influence in the Indian Ocean. The Maldives has responded by planning a surveillance drone base, following a recent military pact with China. China has also signed a deal with Myanmar for a deep-sea port in the Bay of Bengal. The US and its Indo-Pacific allies are expected to support India's efforts in the region.

Japan is taking steps to reduce its dependence on China for strategic reasons, facing resistance from the private sector which values market-based relationships. The country is vulnerable due to its reliance on China in sectors like semiconductors. The market slump in China is aiding Japan's de-risking policy, while Japan enhances its military capacity and forms strategic alliances to counter China.

The Russian economy is growing despite the Ukraine war, revealing the limitations of Western economic sanctions. India and China have significantly supported Russia by purchasing oil and supplying goods. Russian President Vladimir Putin is poised to win the upcoming election in March, outsmarting Western analysts and decision-makers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visits to the UAE and Qatar marked significant diplomatic developments, with gestures such as the inauguration of a temple in Abu Dhabi and the release of Indian Navy veterans in Qatar demonstrating a strengthening of ties. These events come at a time when India is competing with China for influence in the Middle East, a region experiencing considerable change. The Middle East's acknowledgment of India's potential to become the third-largest economy within five years and the pardoning of Indian Navy veterans by Qatar underscore the growing relationship between India and the Muslim world.

Imran Khan's PTI supporters have emerged victorious in the elections, securing the largest number of seats. Despite this, the Pakistan military is seeking ways to prevent them from taking power, favoring Nawaz Sharif for the prime ministerial position. The military's actions represent a significant risk as they interfere with the electoral process, and PTI signals a willingness to reconcile with the military. The formation of the government is expected to involve horse trading and covert agreements.

Japan has retained its title as the world’s biggest car exporter in 2023, but China is rapidly catching up due to a significant increase in exports, particularly to Russia, and the rise in production of New Energy Vehicles. Despite facing domestic economic challenges, Chinese automakers are expanding their export market, posing a serious challenge to Japan's dominance in the global automotive industry.

A significant portion of Bangladesh's electorate has shown dissatisfaction with the government by not participating in the recent elections, resulting in a low voter turnout of 40 percent. Despite Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's expected victory and continuation into her fifth term, her administration faces criticism for suppressing democratic rights. The opposition's boycott has led to concerns about a one-party democracy. Internationally, the US and European countries have expressed worries about the election's conduct, while India is pleased with Hasina's retention of power.

Elections in Taiwan, the US, India, and Pakistan will significantly influence China's foreign policy in 2024. China is particularly concerned about the potential return of the pro-independence DPP in Taiwan and the rise of anti-China sentiment in the US elections. Additionally, the political instability in Pakistan and the uncertainty surrounding its 2024 elections are causing concern among Chinese leaders.

China has taken significant steps, including infusing $112 billion into banks and easing home buying controls, to combat its economic slowdown. However, analysts believe these measures may not be sufficient to revive the sluggish property industry, which contributes 30% to GDP. Moody’s has downgraded China’s credit rating, indicating a bleak future for its economy.

China has initiated a special development programme targeting approximately 20 Indian Ocean countries, with the intention of using these nations as potential bases for espionage and covert operations against India. The programme, which includes poverty alleviation, clean energy, and infrastructure construction, aims to counteract the influence of India and the US in the Indo-Pacific region. The Maldives has publicly expressed support for China's efforts.

The recent meeting between US President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping did not significantly improve the strained US-China relationship. Business interests are pushing for better relations, but Biden maintained restrictions on Chinese high-tech companies and continued to refer to Xi as a dictator. The meeting did, however, result in an agreement to open military communication channels between the two countries. The concept of decoupling or de-risking from China was not a major focus during the discussions.

The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk, is expected to discuss the rising Chinese pressure to settle the border dispute with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Bhutan is balancing its relations between India and China, with a small but growing faction in Bhutan advocating for normalized relations with China. Bhutan's Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji recently visited Beijing to advance border settlement talks. China aims to capture the Doklam Plateau to pressure the Siliguri corridor and seeks to open an embassy in Thimphu. The Bhutan King aims to assure India that Bhutan will not compromise Indian strategic interests.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh faces significant political challenges ahead of the January elections, with rising food prices and internal party issues exacerbating her problems. The opposition, though weak and divided, has managed to mobilize resistance and demands a caretaker government to oversee the elections. The Awami League, in power since 2009, is grappling with unpopularity and internal strife, making the upcoming elections a critical test for Hasina's leadership.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's 14-year rule in Bangladesh is facing significant political challenges ahead of the January elections. The opposition, despite being weak and divided, has managed to mobilize resistance against her government, which is grappling with high inflation and internal party issues. The opposition demands the formation of a caretaker government, a move Hasina is unlikely to accept. Rising food prices have exacerbated her political problems, highlighting the unpopularity of the Awami League government among a large section of the population.

Nawaz Sharif is attempting to become Pakistan's prime minister for the fourth time, contingent on the military's stance on keeping rival Imran Khan detained. Sharif's potential success could lead to improved relations with India and increased involvement with the US regarding Iran. The political landscape in Pakistan is poised between an orderly election and possible unrest from Khan's supporters, with the military playing a pivotal role. Rising inflation and Pakistan's efforts to regain US favor are also significant concerns.

Arab leaders are concerned about the growing sympathy for Gazans amid the Israeli bombardment, fearing it could undermine their control over their populations and are reluctant to accept refugees that may include Hamas fighters. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation's upcoming meeting is seen as crucial, while the US is concerned about potential unity among Muslim nations affecting its influence in the region.

The conflict between Israel and Gaza is escalating, with increasing casualties and the involvement of international players like the US and Iran. The efficiency of Israel, particularly its spy agency Mossad, is being questioned. Arab leaders, including the Saudi Crown Prince, face pressure to halt peace talks with Israel. The threat of Hezbollah from Lebanon escalating the conflict is growing.

Maldives' newly elected pro-China President Muizzu poses a strategic challenge for India, potentially granting greater access to the Indian Ocean to Chinese vessels. While Muizzu favors China's Belt and Road Initiative, he must balance this with the risk of upsetting India, a close neighbor. Indian investments in the Maldives are at risk, and the Indian government faces a dilemma on whether to continue investing. The article highlights the broader implications of this political shift for regional diplomacy and international relations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's influence, referred to as the 'Modi factor,' is seen as a decisive element in the BJP's recent electoral victories in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh. The article argues that Modi's leadership overshadows other campaign issues and suggests that the BJP should focus on governance and welfare delivery to capitalize on this momentum. It also compares Modi's impact to Indira Gandhi's historical influence and discusses the limitations of issue-based campaigns and freebies in swaying voters.

China's economy is faltering amidst policy uncertainties, and the Communist Party is intensively promoting the study of Xi Jinping Thought to millions, including students and professionals. This ideological push is likened to the cultural revolution of the seventies and comes at a time when key government figures like the defence minister have mysteriously disappeared. Xi Jinping's political economy favors state-owned enterprises and opposes Western capitalism, raising concerns about his political management and the country's direction.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is avoiding international meetings like the G20 summit in Delhi and the Asia Pacific Leaders' meet in San Francisco to evade tough questions about China's struggling economy. Premier Li Qiang will represent China at the G20, but analysts believe he will be directed by Xi. The Chinese Ministry of Security has criticized the US's policies, preparing grounds for Xi to skip the San Francisco meeting. Xi's absence is also influenced by the lack of support from allies and the absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The US, led by President Biden, is backing India's leadership role, with Biden visiting New Delhi to boost India's position ahead of the G20 summit.

Pakistan is attempting to enter a security pact with the US to counterbalance its image as a follower of China, which could lead to increased military support from the US. This move is seen as a strategy by the US to counter Chinese influence in Pakistan and Afghanistan. India is concerned about this potential agreement and the implications for its own security, emphasizing the need for India to assert itself in the region. The article highlights the strategic maneuvers of Pakistan, the US, and China, and the potential impact on India.

The disappearance of China's foreign minister Qin Gang for a month before his removal has impacted President Xi Jinping's image as a strong leader. This incident has raised questions about China's foreign policy and its global image. Qin Gang, who introduced significant changes in China's diplomatic style during his short tenure, vanished on June 25, leading to a month without a foreign minister. The episode has reportedly enraged Xi Jinping, especially after Joe Biden's remarks calling him a 'dictator'. While the style of diplomacy may change, the core content of China's foreign policy is expected to remain unchanged.

Western strategists are concerned about a potential improvement in India-China relations, which could undermine US plans to contain China. Despite US persuasion, PM Modi has maintained India's policy towards Russia, raising doubts about India's commitment as a US ally. The article explores the possibility of India and China setting aside their territorial disputes to form a superpower bloc.

The article discusses the new regulations imposed by the Cyber Administration of China on journalists, requiring them to verify social media reports before publication. Major news websites like Sina, ifeng, and 163.com have been penalized for fabricating stories. The Chinese government is attempting to control the narrative by ensuring that media and cultural industries align with the Communist Party's agenda. President Xi Jinping has emphasized the need for 'Marxist journalistic education' to maintain the party's ideology and legitimacy, especially in the face of economic challenges. The article also touches on the suicide of Zhu Tiezhi, a senior Communist Party ideologue, which has sparked discussions about internal party disputes and the role of media and propaganda in China.

The article discusses the concerns of Chinese politicians and business people regarding the potential exit of Britain from the European Union (Brexit). Chinese President Xi Jinping and other prominent figures view Britain as a vital gateway to the European market and are worried about losing this advantage if Brexit occurs. China has political and economic reasons to be concerned, as Britain has been an advocate for China within the EU and has seen significant Chinese investment in various sectors. The article mentions several Chinese investments in the UK, including stakes in major companies and infrastructure projects. It also highlights China's deviation from its usual non-interference policy by commenting on the Brexit debate. The stakes are high for both countries, with predictions of substantial Chinese investment in the UK by 2025. The article suggests that Brexit could lead to a decrease in Chinese investment, as the UK's role as a gateway to the EU market would be diminished.

The article discusses the disparity between the growing number of billionaires in China and the country's relatively low level of charitable donations compared to the West. Despite a 38 percent increase in billionaires in 2015, charitable giving remains at just 4 percent of Western levels. The lack of transparency and trust in charity organizations, along with minimal tax incentives, contribute to this issue. The Chinese government has introduced new laws to control foreign NGOs and regulate domestic charities, aiming to align charitable activities with state goals. The article also mentions Jack Ma's announcement to donate a significant portion of his income to charity, which some believe is a move to improve public relations. The UNDP is encouraging China to facilitate online donations, but the government has recently restricted Internet-based charitable activities.