48 Hours to Leave

Hi Global Recap readers,

Before we dive into India’s latest diplomatic ultimatum, I’ve got to talk about this whole thing with people calling JD Vance a “devil.”

At first, I figured it was people were just joking around. But now, I am semi-convinced that a decent chunk of people are actually serious. Some are accusing him of straight-up causing deaths and triggering natural disasters, and demanding he repent like he’s some kind of sinner.

I still feel like I’m getting memed, but the fact that I’m even second-guessing it says a lot about how… “vibrantly chaotic” the Internet is (that’s a nice way of framing it). 😂 

Okay, let’s get serious now. 👇️ 

🇮🇳 INDIA
48 Hours to Leave

Pakistani nationals traveling on the SAARC visa waiver have less than 48 hours to get out of India following a terrorist attack in Kashmir, which was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a group linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba.

On top of that, India has also shut down its main border crossing with Pakistan.

Visa Exemption Cancelled

In an emergency Cabinet Committee on Security meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India abruptly halted the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistanis.

• Foreign Secretary Vikam Misri announced, “Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas. Any SVES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India.”

Treaty Suspension & Border Closure

Not stopping at visas, India is ramping up measures along its borders.

• The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 is suspended immediately until “Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.”

• The Integrated Check Post at Attari will be closed, although those with valid endorsements can return before May 1.

Diplomatic Retaliation

Visa crackdowns and border measures are just the start.

• Defence, naval, and air advisors at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared “Persona Non Grata” with one week to exit. In contrast, similar advisors will be withdrawn from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.

• Additionally, the overall staff at both High Commissions will be cut from 55 to 30 by May 1.

🇬🇧 UNITED KINGDOM
Sun Dimming Trials

The UK government is about to green-light a project many are calling “dystopian.”

It involves small-scale geoengineering experiments that aim to dim the sun to fight global warming.

Project Kickoff

The government is rolling out outdoor tests in just a few weeks.

• ARIA is fronting £50 million for these experimental projects.

• The plan: Controlled trials that include methods like injecting aerosols into the atmosphere or brightening clouds.

Geoengineering

• Stratospheric Aerosol Injection involves releasing tiny particles high in the atmosphere, mimicking nature’s volcanic cool-down effects.

• Marine Cloud Brightening would spray sea-salt particles to boost the reflectivity of low clouds—a method inspired by bright lines of clouds seen over busy shipping lanes.

Expert Insights

Officials and researchers are keeping a close eye on safety and reversibility.

• Professor Mark Symes emphasized, “We have strong requirements around the length of time experiments can run for and their reversibility and we won’t be funding the release of any toxic substances to the environment.”

• Professor Jim Haywood from the University of Exeter highlighted that just a little boost in cloud brightness could send more sunlight bouncing back into space.

Risks and Rewards

While the promise of countering global warming is tempting, critics insist caution is key.

• History shows us that sudden stops in similar geoengineering methods could lead to rapid, dangerous warming.

• Some worry these strategies might trigger unpredictable weather patterns if they go awry—think severe droughts or extreme storms.

Looking Ahead

If these mini field trials prove safe and effective, large-scale implementation could be on the horizon within a decade.

• Alongside outdoor work, ARIA is funding modeling studies, indoor tests, and climate monitoring to get a full picture.

• This isn’t the only geoengineering approach on the table; there’s also research into carbon capture, ocean fertilization, and even afforestation as complementary strategies.

🇨🇭 SWITZERLAND
WEF Probes Klaus Schwab

In case you missed it, Klaus Schwab—the controversial founder of the World Economic Forum—has officially “stepped down” as WEF chair.

For critics who’ve long accused the WEF of pushing so-called “globalist agendas,” this move feels like a big win. However, this didn’t stop people from questioning the reason behind the recent move.

Well, now we might just have our answer.

Whistleblower Bombshell

It started with a whistleblower letter from current and former staff laying out serious claims.

• The letter accuses Schwab of misusing WEF funds and mistreating employees.

• It also alleges that his wife, Hilde Schwab, used Forum resources for personal travel.

• These claims were first reported by the Wall Street Journal and remain unverified.

Board’s Decisive Move

In response, the WEF board jumped into action during an emergency meeting.

• The board of trustees unanimously backed an independent investigation.

• External legal counsel is now helping the Audit and Risk Committee lead the probe.

• This decision fulfills the Forum’s commitment to its fiduciary responsibilities.

Sudden Resignation

Klaus Schwab’s exit came as a real shock. Some people online even thought it was a joke or satire at first.

• Although he had stepped down as executive chairman last year, he was expected to remain in a non-executive role until 2027.

• The emergency board meeting on Sunday led to his immediate resignation from the board.

• Schwab has strongly denied all the allegations, paving the way for a messy investigation. But many are still wondering if such a massive foundation can truly investigate its infamous founder impartially.

Successor

Peter Brabeck-Letmathe has stepped in as interim chairman to replace Schwab.

• He was previously the Vice Chairman of the WEF and the former CEO of Nestlé.

• People are circulating the image below of him, using it to label him as some sort of "devil-incarnate.” 😬

🇵🇸 PALESTINE
Abbas: Free Hostages, End War

Speaking at a key Palestine Liberation Organization meeting, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas demanded that Hamas release the remaining hostages and disarm, insisting these moves would “shut down” Israel’s excuses for continuing.

He even cursed at them.

Hostage Demand

Abbas is pushing Hamas to change course and end the endless bloodshed in Gaza.

• He warned, “The first priority is to stop the war of extermination in Gaza. It must be stopped—hundreds are being killed every day.”

• With a straightforward, “Why don’t you hand over the hostages?” he left little room for ambiguity.

Remarks

Not one to mince words, Abbas showed a more “passionate” side, coloring his venting with frustration and harsh language.

• He openly called Hamas “sons of dogs,” a remark that is meant to show deep animosity and desperation, though, given his history, some say it comes off as rather fake and exaggerated.

PLO Meeting

The speech came during a PLO Central Council meeting—a significant venue as the council looks to select Abbas’s potential successor.

• This is the first time since the start of the Gaza war that Abbas has demanded Hamas cede power to the PA, adding a layer of internal political maneuvering to his message.

• The move hints at a broader strategy to consolidate the Palestinian Authority amid ongoing conflict.

🇺🇦 UKRAINE
US Peace Plan

The US has proposed a controversial “peace plan” to freeze the Ukraine-Russia frontlines, offering concessions to Russia in exchange for halting the war.

Critics are calling it a “surrender” to Russian interests, while supporters argue it’s a pragmatic step toward ending the conflict.

What do you think?

Plan Outline

The idea is simple on paper—freeze the battle lines where they currently stand.

• JD Vance explained, “The current lines, or somewhere close to them, is where you’re ultimately going to draw the new lines.”

• This implies that both Ukraine and Russia would need to give up parts of the territory they now hold.

The Proposal

The plan suggests freezing territorial lines close to their current positions.

• Russia would formally gain US recognition of its control over Crimea and relief from energy sanctions.

• Ukraine would receive security guarantees from European nations and financial support for rebuilding.

Proposal Details

The plan has a few more practical points that add extra layers.

• It includes ensuring unimpeded passage on the Dnipro River and some adjustments in the Kharkiv region.

• There’s also talk of the Zaporizhzhia power plant coming under US management, helping to keep the lights on for both sides.

The Reactions

The proposal has sparked mixed reactions from key players.

• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy rejected the idea of recognizing Crimea as Russian territory, calling it unconstitutional.

• Former US President Trump criticized Zelenskyy’s stance, claiming it jeopardizes peace negotiations.

• Kremlin insiders hinted at a willingness to negotiate but remain opposed to European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine.

The Stakes

For some, this might seem like much ado about nothing, but this plan will essentially reshape US postwar policy and even redraw European borders.

• Critics warn it might legitimize Russia’s invasion and set a dangerous precedent. They’re concerned that giving in to aggression might encourage other would-be aggressors to follow suit.

• Supporters believe it could prevent further bloodshed and stabilize the region. They believe compromises are necessary for peace.

📊 Poll

It’s tough to fully align with either side of the debate on this conflict, but here it is: