Voodoo, Solar Mamas and Smog vs Private Schools

Outriders Magazine #347

Tensions in Asia: India, the Philippines, China, and EU-China Relations

Philippine officials are increasingly alarmed by China’s aggressive actions in the disputed South China Sea, which they believe are coercing the Philippines into submission. In January, a Chinese Coast Guard vessel came alarmingly close, just 140 km from the Philippines' northwestern coast. In response, the government has firmly demanded that China withdraw from its 370 km exclusive economic zone. Since 2022, the Philippines has taken a strong stand in defending its territorial rights in this vital global trade route, showcasing its commitment to sovereignty.

In the Indian Ocean, the Indian Navy is making impressive strides, recently launching a submarine, a destroyer, and a frigate to emphasize the strategic importance of this region, through which 95% of India's trade passes. Facing the challenges an increasingly assertive China poses, the Indian government is poised to finalize a deal for three more French-Spanish Scorpene submarines to be built domestically. Furthermore, in 2022, India commissioned its first-ever homegrown aircraft carrier, a significant step towards balancing China’s much larger nautical forces and enhancing its maritime capabilities.

On the European front, trade relations with China are souring. The European Commission has accused Beijing of "systematic discrimination" against EU medical equipment manufacturers in public procurement. This came after the EU imposed five years of anti-dumping duties on Chinese mobile access equipment and titanium dioxide. Additionally, the EU has enacted taxes on Chinese electric vehicles, leading China to retaliate with tariffs on EU brandy exports. As tensions rise, the necessity for a united and resilient stance against unfair trade practices has never been clearer.

Genetic Causes of Depression, Mental Health of Parents and PhD Students

A comprehensive global study, spearheaded by experts from the University of Edinburgh and King’s College London, has unveiled a staggering 300 new genetic risk factors for depression, utilizing genetic data from over 5 million individuals across 29 countries. This groundbreaking research identified 700 variations in the genetic code linked to depression, with nearly half being previously unrecognized. These subtle DNA changes were associated with neurons in diverse brain regions, especially those responsible for emotional regulation. The World Health Organization highlights the urgency of this issue, noting that 3.8% of the global population—around 280 million people—suffers from depression.

In the UK, a troubling trend has emerged: parental mental health is now the leading factor cited by social workers when assessing a child's risk of serious harm or neglect, outpacing domestic violence. Poverty and insufficient access to mental health services have driven some parents to employ “inappropriate and dangerous strategies” to cope, including substance abuse, further endangering their families.

In academia, a study from Arizona State University reveals that the harsh criticism and unrealistic expectations faced by PhD students are taking a toll on their mental health. The intense pressures of research and teaching heighten anxiety and depression, leading many promising young scientists to consider leaving their academic paths altogether. Alarmingly, those reporting severe anxiety or depression were three to five times more likely to think about quitting graduate school compared to their peers with milder symptoms. This highlights the urgent need for better support systems within the academic community to safeguard the mental well-being of future leaders in research and education.

The Role of Women in the Economy and Case Studies from Mexico and Zanzibar

A recent World Bank report, which analyzed 165 countries since 1970, reveals a stark reality: women enjoy less than two-thirds of men's rights in critical areas such as childcare, wages, and access to finance. Alarmingly, no country has achieved legal parity between men and women. As of 2023, women occupy only 26% of parliamentary seats and hold only 23% of government positions in the studied nations. The World Bank strongly argues that empowering women with equal rights and workforce participation could double global growth and boost the GDP by a remarkable 20%.

In Mexico, a dedicated network of volunteer midwives offers invaluable support to pregnant migrants en route to the US, providing essential prenatal care. These altruistic volunteers deliver care in shelters and camps across 12 states, from the southern border to the proximity of US border crossings. They not only provide clothing and shelter but also care for both migrants and their babies, facilitating lab tests and ultrasounds to ensure their health.

In Zanzibar, women with limited education are breaking barriers by training to become solar installers, enhancing living conditions on the island and challenging entrenched patriarchal norms. Familiarly known as "solar mamas," these women make a difference by assembling, installing, repairing, and maintaining solar panels in villages across the archipelago. The nonprofit Barefoot College Zanzibar provides this transformative training. Today, nearly half of Zanzibar's two million residents enjoy access to electricity, showcasing the power of empowerment and education.

AI and Venomous Snakes and Downsides of Using Artificial Intelligence

Researchers at the Technical University of Denmark have harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to create proteins that effectively neutralize toxins in the venom of cobras and other snakes. In laboratory trials, AI-generated proteins not only saved the lives of mice exposed to lethal doses of venom but also demonstrated how innovative science can combat life-threatening challenges. These proteins bind with the toxins, preventing them from attaching to the victim's cells, showcasing a promising advancement in medical technology. With snakebites claiming around 100,000 lives annually, exploring such groundbreaking solutions is crucial, especially considering that traditional serum production is both costly and time-intensive.

Moreover, physicians at the University of Pennsylvania Health System are encouraged to engage in meaningful conversations about treatment and end-of-life decisions through an AI algorithm designed to predict patient mortality. However, a 2022 study revealed that the algorithm's accuracy deteriorated during the COVID-19 pandemic, failing to predict patient deaths with a seven percentage point drop in efficiency. This highlights a critical point: the medical community recognizes that AI tools require ongoing oversight, additional resources, and dedicated staff to function optimally.

Furthermore, AI data centres depend on clean, fresh water to cool their heat-generating servers, an often-overlooked aspect of their environmental impact. At Microsoft, AI operations consume between 1.8 and 12 litres of water for every kilowatt-hour of energy. Alarmingly, projections indicate that global AI could demand up to 6.6 billion cubic meters of water by 2027, nearly two-thirds of England's total annual water consumption. Addressing these challenges is essential to ensure that technological advancements do not come at the cost of our vital resources.

State-Rebel Conflict in Sudan, Nigeria, and Pakistan

The Sudanese army has decisively retaken Wad Madani, the capital of Sudan’s El Gezira state, from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This pivotal moment could mark a turning point in a nearly two-year civil war that has created one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, displacing over 12 million people and leaving half of Sudan’s population in dire conditions. Experts highlight that this military victory not only bolsters morale for the Sudanese army but also places large contingents of RSF forces in the area at significant risk of being encircled.

In the Lake Chad region, which spans Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad, the presence of extremist groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) poses a severe threat. These organizations exploit the region as a base from which to execute attacks. Boko Haram has been engaged in violent opposition to Western education since 2009, seeking to impose a radical interpretation of Islamic law. The Nigerian army, recognizing the urgency of the situation, has intensively pursued these insurgents, establishing safe havens for farmers and fishermen in areas where ISWAP and Boko Haram operate. Tragically, in a recent attack, insurgents killed 40 farmers who inadvertently crossed a security line.

Pakistan has also experienced a troubling surge in militant violence since November 2022, when the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a faction aligned with the Afghan Taliban, terminated a ceasefire with Islamabad—in a decisive raid on a militant hideout in Kachhi, Balochistan, Pakistani security forces eliminated nearly 30 TTP insurgents. Balochistan, a province rife with separatist movements and home to the Pakistani Taliban, remains a focal point for frequent, devastating attacks on security forces. The ripple effects of this violence extend beyond borders, threatening regional stability and safety.

Visas and Travel: An Overview of Thailand, Bulgaria, and the India-Bangladesh Dispute

The Thai government has made a bold move by approving changes to its visa regulations that will significantly enhance the country’s appeal to skilled professionals, investors, and affluent foreigners seeking long-term residence permits. These transformative changes eliminate the minimum annual income requirement for wealthy foreigner visa applicants and lower the revenue threshold for companies that allow employees to work remotely from Thailand. This proactive approach aims to revitalise the economy after the COVID-19 pandemic and position Thailand as a global hub for talent and innovation.

On the flip side, ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh have resulted in a sharp decline in visa availability for Bangladeshis wishing to travel to India, particularly students and those in need of medical assistance. Currently, only five visa centres are processing applications for emergency and humanitarian reasons, drastically reducing daily visits from over 7,000 to just 500-700. This situation highlights the urgency for diplomatic resolution and support for affected individuals.

Meanwhile, Bulgaria is determined to meet all U.S. requirements for inclusion in the visa-free travel program by 2026. Recent data from the U.S. State Department shows that the refusal rate for Bulgarian tourist visas was slightly above 6% in 2024. To gain entry into the visa-free program, this rate must fall below 3%. Failure to achieve this could leave Bulgaria as the only EU nation with visa restrictions for U.S. travellers. In contrast, Romania and Cyprus are poised to have their U.S. visa requirements lifted shortly, underscoring the importance of timely action for Bulgaria to secure its place in this valuable initiative.

Pollution: Private Schools, RAF Bases, and Wildfires

Activists from Solve the School Run are sounding the alarm about the detrimental impact of private schools on air quality in South London, noting a staggering 27% increase in air pollution linked to parents driving their children to school. The presence of private schools not only elevates levels of nitrogen dioxide and PM2.5 but also exacerbates traffic congestion, leading to late city buses and a higher risk of health issues for residents. Private schools must take action now to adopt sustainable transport methods that can ease this burden on our environment and community.

Additionally, a troubling analysis from the British Ministry of Defence has uncovered that Royal Air Force (RAF) bases are major culprits in toxic and persistent water pollution. Alarmingly, some of the highest levels of harmful chemicals like PFOS and PFOA are found near these bases, with one report highlighting a staggering 7,700 nanograms per litre (ng/l) of these substances in groundwater at Benson Base in South Oxfordshire—far exceeding the maximum allowable limit of 100 ng/l for drinking water in England. This is a public health crisis that must be urgently addressed.

As California grapples with the devastating consequences of wildfires, the risk of drinking water contamination escalates. Ash, soot, and toxic particles can infiltrate the water supply, posing serious health hazards to communities. Immediate action is crucial to protect public health and ensure safe drinking water sources by implementing better infrastructure and pollution control measures. We must act decisively to safeguard our environment and the well-being of future generations.

Religious Holidays and Festivals: Voodun Days, Kumbh Mela, and Seijin-Shiki

Voodun Days, an annual voodoo festival in Benin, is a vibrant celebration that unveils the profound pantheon of deities and spirits in this 500-year-old faith. Voodoo practitioners passionately combat harmful stereotypes, emphasizing that "voodoo is not about dolls; it is a deep spirituality. Voodoo is you and me. It is the essence of life itself, rooted in the four elements: water, air, fire, and earth." They assert that their belief system is entirely focused on harmony and healing, and it bears no connection to witchcraft or harm.

Meanwhile, in India, the Kumbha Mela draws an astonishing gathering of up to 400 million Hindus in Prayagraj, making it the world’s largest religious festival, lasting six weeks. This monumental event attracts pilgrims, spiritual masters, yogis, and saints to the sacred confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. The logistics are staggering: envision a tent city covering nearly 39 square kilometres, with 3,000 kitchens, 15,000 toilets, 11 hospitals, and 40,000 security personnel dedicated to ensuring a safe and enriching experience for all attendees.

In Japan, Seijin-shiki represents a cherished coming-of-age ceremony celebrated since 1948, occurring on the second Monday in January. This special day captivates spectators who admire the beautiful costumes of young people, especially young women, marking their transition from childhood to adulthood. Although Japan has officially lowered the age of adulthood from 20 to 18, many young individuals opt to wait until they turn 20 to partake in this significant ceremony, highlighting its cultural importance and the desire for a meaningful celebration.