Gurjars, AI Companion and Cocaine Ecuador
OFF The World Magazine #356
Tense Japan-Russia Relations and the Civil War in Myanmar
Amidst the fraught relations with Russia, Japan has steadfastly reaffirmed its commitment to finalise a peace treaty concerning the long-standing Kuril Islands dispute, a complex issue rooted in the aftermath of World War II. During that turbulent period, the USSR seized control of the Kunashir, Iturup, Shikotan, and Habomai islands, lands that Japan continues to claim as its own. These Northern Territories, strategically situated between Japan's Hokkaido island and Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, hold considerable military and political significance. In anticipation of potential threats, Japan has ramped up its defence efforts, notably enhancing the deployment of F-35A fighters. By 2029, an impressive total of 36 of these advanced fifth-generation aircraft will be stationed at the Komatsu base near the picturesque Sea of Japan.
Meanwhile, in Myanmar, the military junta and a coalition of rebel forces have proclaimed a temporary ceasefire aimed at aiding earthquake victims, yet the spectre of conflict lingers. Despite the ceasefire, the military has launched a series of aggressive assaults, accusing two groups from the Three Brothers Alliance—who are resisting the junta—of taking up arms. Since the earthquake in early April, over 60 violent incidents have been documented, with 16 occurring after the ceasefire announcement. This devastating earthquake has left more than 17 million people in dire straits, many of whom are struggling to secure necessities such as food, clean water, shelter, and medical care.
Solar Geoengineering, the Decline of Satellites, and Climate Disinformation in France
Scientists have differing opinions on solar geoengineering, a process that aims to cool the planet by reflecting sunlight into space. Methods under consideration include injecting reflective aerosol particles into the stratosphere or brightening clouds over the ocean. However, researchers are concerned that solar geoengineering could significantly alter global temperatures and precipitation patterns, potentially worsening climate inequalities, especially in the Global South. Additionally, there are concerns that aerosol particles in the stratosphere may harm the ozone layer and increase ground-level air pollution when they settle.
NASA's Terra, Aqua, and Aura satellites are nearing the end of their service life, and there are no plans to replace some of the specialised instruments onboard. These instruments measure various climate and environmental factors, such as forests, clouds, glaciers, and oceans, as well as changes in the ozone layer and solar radiation. Some of these instruments may stop functioning as early as this year, which could hinder climate scientists' ability to monitor how the Earth responds to greenhouse gas emissions.
An AI-powered study has found that climate disinformation is prevalent across French social media, mainstream news outlets, and television. From January to March 2025, 128 verified instances of climate disinformation were identified in France, averaging about 10 instances per week. The majority of this disinformation was reported on Sud Radio, CNews, and BFM TV, France’s largest news channel.
Human Rights: The Death Penalty, the Gurjars in Kashmir, and Attacks on Journalists
According to Amnesty International, the number of executions worldwide rose to over 1,500 in 2024, marking the highest total in nine years. Since some countries do not provide data on executions, it is believed that thousands more may have occurred. The most significant number of executions was reported in Iran, with at least 972, followed by Saudi Arabia and Iraq. However, experts consider China to be the "world's greatest executioner, "noting that thousands of people have been executed there, although the Chinese authorities do not release any data. Currently, the death penalty is implemented in 15 countries, and more than 40% of last year's executions were related to drug-related cases.
In Indian-administered Kashmir, the Gurjar ethnic group is facing a troubling wave of disappearances involving young men. The community does not believe the authorities' explanations, which suggest that the missing individuals drowned or committed suicide. Gurjar representatives suggest that security forces or local armed groups could be responsible for these deaths. Since December of last year, 17 members of the community have mysteriously died over just over a month, with neurotoxins likely being the cause.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has reported a significant increase in attacks on journalists in Germany. The number of reported and verified incidents, totalling 89, has more than doubled in 2024 compared to the previous year. Hostility towards journalists has intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic, with numerous attacks occurring during protests against Israel and in the context of the war in Gaza. Germany is ranked 10th out of 180 countries in the Press Freedom Index.
Sleep and Social Media: The Addictive Nature of Companion AI
Screen time isn’t the only culprit behind restless nights. A growing body of research reveals that our nightly ritual of checking social media—and the emotional intensity we bring to these interactions—may have a more significant impact on sleep quality. Key drivers of disrupted sleep include the heightened arousal from consuming emotionally charged content before bed, the compulsive urge to check notifications, scrolling through endless social media feeds, the pervasive fear of missing out (FOMO), and the desire to stay connected. These elements keep our minds in a constant state of alertness, making it increasingly difficult to relax, drift off, and enjoy restorative sleep.
In contrast, AI is emerging as a remarkable companion, forging deeper connections than social media ever could. It fuels a booming industry dedicated to capturing our attention. We are stepping into a future where AI companions are perceived as social beings, with voices that sound strikingly human. These AI entities send out social cues that prompt meaningful responses and exhibit genuine agency, acting as engaging conversational partners rather than mere conduits for human connection.
Crafted by experts at the Icahn School of Medicine, a groundbreaking AI model has been developed to enhance our understanding of sleep and identify potential disorders and health risks. This innovative tool, known as the Patch Foundational Transformer for Sleep (PFTSleep), meticulously analyses brain waves, muscle activity, heart rate, and breathing patterns, enabling it to classify sleep stages with greater accuracy than traditional methods. This pioneering study analysed over a million hours of patient sleep data, paving the way for a deeper understanding of the brain during sleep.
Economic Talks: EU-UAE, India-UK, and Switzerland-Malaysia
The European Union (EU) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have begun a new chapter, announcing the launch of negotiations for a transformative deal aimed at deepening their economic ties. These pivotal discussions will centre on trade in goods and services, investment opportunities, and fruitful collaboration in vital sectors such as renewable energy, green hydrogen, and critical raw materials. To lower tariffs and dismantle trade barriers, the goal is to enhance market access and stimulate growth in industries such as healthcare, logistics, and artificial intelligence. Notably, the EU stands as the UAE's second-largest trading partner, accounting impressive 8.3% of its total non-oil trade.
In a significant development, the United Kingdom (UK) and India have reached an agreement of 90% on a free trade deal, with plans to finalise it later this year. Key topics on the table include the removal of tariffs on India's beloved exports, such as Scotch whisky and cars, as well as addressing the visa challenges faced by Indian workers. Other critical matters remain, such as tariffs on medicines and agricultural products, as well as India's request for an exemption from the UK’s carbon tax. These institutions are unfolding alongside discussions on an investment agreement designed to safeguard investments and facilitate easier access to the UK’s financial sector.
Meanwhile, Switzerland and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) have successfully concluded negotiations on a free trade agreement with Malaysia, strategically positioned as Southeast Asia’s fifth-largest economy. This landmark agreement aims to foster Asia 'stronger economic relations, boost trade, and attract new investments, all while making commitments to public procurement, human rights, environmental stewardship, and the rights.
Cocaine Smuggling into Europe and Gangs in the UK
Ecuador has emerged as a crucial transit point for cocaine en route to Europe, despite not being a producer of the drug itself. The Albanian mafia exerts control over much of the cocaine trafficking from Colombia and Peru, cleverly utilising Ecuador’s ports to conceal their illicit cargo within shipments of bananas. The surging cocaine trade in Europe, combined with Ecuador’s strategic location, has transformed the nation into a vital smuggling hub. In Ecuador, efforts by law enforcement to combat drug trafficking have failed to stem the tide of cocaine entering the market.
In the UK, police have taken decisive action, raiding hairdressing salons, cigarette shops, and mini-markets suspected of functioning as fronts for nefarious activities such as money laundering, human trafficking, and drug trafficking. Under the banner of ‘Operation Machinize,’ authorities have executed 265 raids, resulting in 35 arrests and the identification of 55 undocumented immigrants. The operation has yielded a trove of seized items, including drugs, weapons, illegal tobacco, and significant amounts of cash. Many of these establishments have been in operation for years, falling prey to exploitation by criminal enterprises.
Meanwhile, Trump administration officials have reportedly deliberated the controversial idea of conducting drone strikes against Mexican drug cartels and their leaders within Mexico, perhaps without the Mexican government's cooperation. This bold strategy aims to “declare war” on organised government, diminishing drug smuggling across the U.S. Southern border. At least six sources familiar with the discussions have provided insights to NBC News, painting a picture of a high-stakes battle against influential criminal organisations.
Corporate Responsibility for the Effects of Global Warming
Saúl Luciano Lliuya, a dedicated farmer from Huaraz, Peru, has taken a bold stand by suing the German energy giant RWE. He asserts that the company’s actions have significantly contributed to climate change, endangering his home and the well-being of his community. This landmark case may set a powerful legal precedent for holding corporations accountable for the far-reaching impacts of global warming. Lliuya is seeking financial support from RWE to help fund the construction of vital flood defences, citing compelling research that attributes approximately 0.47% of global CO₂ emissions to the company. In response, RWE firmly denies these allegations, maintaining that it adheres to regulations and has no operational presence in Peru.
In a strikingly different scenario, the United States of Kailasa—a fictional state envisioned by Indian religious guru Nithyananda—has sought to assert control over expansive tracts of land belonging to indigenous communities in Bolivia. In return for multi-year leases, Kailasa has offered these communities annual payments and complete sovereignty over their lands. Agreements have been inked with at least four indigenous groups, granting them rights to the airspace and natural resources, while obligating them to advocate for this imagined state on the international stage. The situation was brought to light by investigative Bolivian media, sparking public outrage and leading to the expulsion of 20 foreign nationals linked to the controversial agreements.