7 International Issues That Were Widely Reported And Read In 2022

The year 2022 was a rollercoaster to say the least as record numbers of people, many fleeing violence and persecution made headlines from across the world. From ongoing protests in Iran to humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, we, at Indiatimes, have compiled a list of the world's most talked about crises of the year.

Here's a list of top 7 international issues read widely by Indians in 2022.

Reuters

1) Afghanistan Under Taliban Rule

When the Taliban first seized power of Afghanistan in the 1990s, there was a mass exodus from the country while among those who stayed, many put up a fierce resistance. The Taliban¡¯s return 25 years on (August 2021) has forced millions to flee once more and again instigated widespread backlash from people who remain.

Over a year after the Taliban¡¯s ascent to power in Afghanistan, the plight of Afghans is worsening. The economic situation is dire, malnutrition rates are increasing, women¡¯s rights are being curtailed, there is continuing migration and internal displacement, and the health care system is crumbling ¨C the already high maternal mortality rates are thought to have increased four-fold.

Reuters

To say where India stands with respect to relations with Afghanistan, our country has, so far, supplied 45 tonne of medical assistance in 13 batches. The supplies included essential life-saving medicines, anti-TB medicines, 500,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines etc. To ensure food security in Afghanistan, India has also provided food assistance of 40,000 tonne of wheat.

This happened after urgent appeals were made by the United Nations in October to assist the Afghan people.

2) Russia-Ukraine War

On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine in a major escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War, which began in 2014. But Ukrainian forces retook large areas around Kyiv in early April after Russia abandoned its push towards the capital.

Multiple air strikes from Russian troops spanning over months have resulted in strong retaliation from Ukraine. In recent development, the city of Kherson has been liberated by Ukrainian troops in a major setback to Russia.

Ukraine's latest advance comes after weeks of attacks on Russian-controlled bridges and other positions around Kherson. Elsewhere in Ukraine, fighting continues in Donetsk as Russian forces attempt to advance towards Bakhmut.

AFP

Seven months into Russia¡¯s war in Ukraine, India's position on it has evolved. It appears today that there is a clear shift away from India¡¯s (initial) subtle support for Russia. Going forward, India¡¯s stand on the Ukraine war will depend on how and when the war ends ultimately.

On Saturday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba and both the leaders discussed recent developments in the region, nuclear concerns and ways to end Russia¡¯s war on Ukraine.

3) Canada's New Immigration Policy

In February 2022, Canada announced that it will increase its proposed intake of immigrants into the country, targeting as many as 475,000 in 2024. Among the major beneficiaries of the plan will be Indians as they comprise the single largest source country for immigrants to Canada.

The new targets were announced by Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Sean Fraser. The 2022-24 Immigration Levels Plan aims to continue welcoming immigrants at a rate of about one per cent of Canada¡¯s population, including 431,645 permanent residents in 2022, 447,055 in 2023, and 451,000 in 2024.

However, the high end of the range forecast for 2024 could reach 475,000. The majority of immigration into Canada is in the economic class, with Indians making for almost 60% of those numbers.

4) Sri Lanka's Economic Crisis

The Sri Lankan economic crisis is an ongoing crisis in the island-state of Sri Lanka that started in 2019. It is the country's worst economic crisis since its independence in 1948.

In June 2022, then Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said in parliament that the economy had collapsed, leaving it unable to pay for essentials. The country then saw massive protests where civilians took to the streets, the consequent violence saw an increased death toll, arson and loot.

In September 2022, a United Nations report said that the economic crisis is a result of officials' impunity for human rights abuses and economic crimes.

Sri Lanka Crisis

Cut to today, the number of people in Sri Lanka needing urgent humanitarian help has doubled to 3.4 million, the United Nations has said as it warned of a worsening food crisis. UN agencies working in Sri Lanka in a joint statement on Tuesday said that they had raised $79m to feed those in need, but the increasing number of poor people meant an additional $70m was needed.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's High Commissioner to India, Milind Moragoda on Saturday met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and reviewed the bilateral ties between India and south Asian neighbour.

5) Abortion Ban In US

In June 2022, The U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that had provided a constitutional right to abortion. The ruling led to abortion bans in roughly half the states, although the timing of those laws taking effect varied.

American Psychological Association

Some Republican-led states had banned or severely limited abortion immediately, while other restrictions took effect later. In anticipation of the decision, several states led by Democrats had taken steps to protect abortion access. The decision has also set up the potential for legal fights between the states over whether providers and those who help women obtain abortions can be sued or prosecuted.

6) Lost Luggage Crisis In Europe

In July, those travelling to anywhere in Europe were being advised to ditch black suitcases and kit themselves out with more colourful and eye-catching luggage instead to make locating them easier at airports struggling with baggage handling chaos. Yes! That happened.

Pictures from airports started doing rounds on the internet, where multiple luggage could be seen piled up, and no one in sight to sort them out.

luggage crisis

But, why? Travel has hit pre-pandemic levels while staffing levels are at rock bottom. Luggage is piling up, because there is no one to load it onto the plane and some eventually got lost. That said, many airline employees are also on strike these days. As a result, many pieces of luggage don¡¯t get loaded onto the plane.

This luggage nightmare even caused the airline KLM to ban passengers from checking their bags on flights to Amsterdam earlier in Septmeber, in an attempt to curb the dire pileup that is sitting abandoned on airport floors.

7) Iran Anti-hijab Protests in Iran

Protests against Iran's clerical establishment erupted two months ago after the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who was detained by morality police for allegedly breaking the strict hijab rules. They are reported to have spread to 140 cities and towns and evolved into the most significant challenge to the Islamic Republic in over a decade.

Thousands of women then turned to cutting their hair as an act of defiance in a stance against the rules of the hijab being compulsory. The act has been adopted by others, including women in India.

Images of Iranian Women anti hijab protest iran

At least 326 protesters, including 43 children and 25 women, have been killed in a violent crackdown by security forces, according to Iran Human Rights.

The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), which is also based outside the country, has put the death toll at 341 and said another 15,800 protesters have been detained. It has also reported the deaths of 39 security personnel.

Indian activists also started to publicly cut their hair in a show of solidarity with Iranian women at the forefront of the biggest anti-government protests.

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