1. India, Sri Lanka to accelerate implementation of digital education project in Galle District
Tags: International Relations International News
India and Sri Lanka have expressed their commitment to fast-tracking the implementation of a digital education project in the Galle District, Sri Lanka.
An overview of the news
The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Gopal Baglay, and the Secretary of the Sri Lankan Ministry of Education, M N Ranasinghe, exchanged diplomatic notes to accelerate the establishment of modern computer labs and smart boards in 200 schools.
These facilities will be equipped with customized curriculum software.
The project is aimed at promoting digital literacy among students in underprivileged areas of the Galle District.
It is supported by a grant from the Government of India.
This digital education initiative is part of a broader set of grant projects in the education sector undertaken by the Indian government in Sri Lanka, highlighting their commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in the country.
India's development assistance to Sri Lanka
India's development assistance to Sri Lanka encompasses a total amount of approximately USD 5 billion, with nearly USD 600 million provided as grants.
Across Sri Lanka's 25 districts, more than 65 grant projects have already been implemented, demonstrating the substantial support from India in various sectors.
The digital education project in the Galle District is among more than 20 ongoing projects that are at different stages of implementation, further illustrating the sustained collaboration between India and Sri Lanka in driving socio-economic development in the region.
About sri lanka
The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a tropical island nation located off the southeast coast of the Indian subcontinent.
Sri Lanka is separated from the Indian subcontinent by the Gulf of Munnar and the Palk Strait.
Capital: Colombo (Executive and Judicial) and Sri Jayawardenepura (Legislative).
Official languages: Sinhala and Tamil
President – Ranil Wickremesinghe
Prime Minister – Dinesh Gunawardena
Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee
2. United Nations adopt first-ever treaty to protect marine life in high seas
Tags: Environment International News
The United Nations on 19 June adopted the first-ever treaty to protect marine life in the high seas, setting a significant milestone in ocean conservation.
An overview of the news
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised the historic agreement and stressed its importance in providing a fighting chance against the many threats to the ocean.
Delegates representing all 193 member states expressed their happiness in accepting the treaty.
Addressing the delegates, Secretary-General Guterres stressed that the adoption of the treaty comes at a critical time when the oceans are facing many challenges.
He urged all countries to spare no effort to sign and ratify the treaty immediately.
The treaty aims to protect biodiversity in the high seas, which cover about half of the Earth's surface and lie beyond national boundaries.
Negotiations on this treaty had been going on for 20 years, facing many obstacles and delays in reaching an agreement.
Signing of Treaty
On 20 September, during the annual meeting of world leaders at the General Assembly, the treaty will be open for signature, signaling countries' commitment to its principles.
The treaty will come into force after 60 countries have ratified it, indicating their willingness to abide by its provisions and actively contribute to marine conservation efforts.
Need of Oceans Protection
The ocean plays a critical role in supporting the livelihoods of three billion people worldwide and serves as a vital ecosystem that sustains human life and economic well-being.
The ocean is a fundamental source of food and economic security for millions of people.
Its ecosystems, including fisheries and aquaculture, provide sustenance and income for communities globally.
It has absorbed approximately 93% of the heat generated by greenhouse gases, helping to mitigate the impacts of global warming.
It serves as a source of resources such as energy, minerals, and materials that are crucial for various industries and economic sectors.
3. Joint Exercise 'Khaan Quest’ 2023'
Tags: Defence International News
With the participation of military contingents and observers from more than 20 countries, the multinational peacekeeping joint exercise "Ex Khan Quest 2023" began in Mongolia on 19 June.
An overview of the news
The ceremony was inaugurated by Mongolian President Ukhnagin Khurelsukh at the exercise site.
The exercise is jointly sponsored by the Mongolian Armed Forces (MAF) and the United States Army Pacific Command (USARPAC).
The Indian Army is being represented by a contingent of the Garhwal Rifles.
Purpose of the exercise
The 14-day exercise aims to improve interoperability among the participating countries, facilitate exchange of experiences and provide training to uniformed personnel for United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO).
Significance of exercise
The exercise will help prepare participants for future UN peacekeeping operations, enhance peacekeeping capabilities and improve military preparedness.
It includes various activities like Command Post Exercise (CPX), Field Training Exercise (FTX), Combat Discussion, Lectures and Demonstrations.
This military exercise will strengthen defense cooperation between the Indian Army and the participating countries, especially the Mongolian Armed Forces, thereby enhancing bilateral relations between India and Mongolia.
About Mongolia
It is located in North Central Asia.
Capital: Ulaanbaatar
Currency: Tugrik
President: Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh
4. Nusrat Chowdhary will become the first Muslim woman federal judge in US history
Tags: Person in news International News
Nusrat Chowdhry, a civil rights lawyer, has been confirmed by the US Senate for appointment as the first Muslim female federal judge in US history.
An overview of the news
She became the first Bangladeshi American and the first Muslim American woman to become a federal judge.
She will serve as a federal judge in Brooklyn federal court in New York after receiving a 50-49 vote along party lines.
Endorsed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), she currently holds the position of Legal Director for the ACLU of Illinois.
Chowdhary previously served in the ACLU National Office and was the Deputy Director of the ACLU Racial Justice Program.
Chowdhury has a notable academic background, having graduated from Columbia, Princeton and Yale Law Schools.
He has also served as clerk to chief justices in the US District Court and US Circuit Court of Appeals.
Earlier, in 2019, Zahid Qureshi became the country's first federal Muslim judge when he was confirmed to serve as a district court judge in New Jersey.
5. Daniel Ellsberg, Renowned Whistleblower of the Pentagon Papers, Passes Away at 92
Tags: Person in news International News
Daniel Ellsberg, a prominent whistleblower who leaked the Pentagon Papers, passed away at the age of 92.
An overview of the news
Ellsberg's actions, which exposed the government's deception and doubts regarding the Vietnam War, had far-reaching consequences and played a role in President Richard Nixon's resignation.
Ellsberg revealed his terminal illness with pancreatic cancer in February.
Until the early 1970s, Ellsberg was an influential member of the government and military establishment.
As a Harvard graduate and self-described "cold warrior," he served as a consultant on Vietnam, risking his life and holding the highest security clearances.
He gained the trust of officials from both Democratic and Republican administrations.
The Pentagon Papers, a comprehensive study commissioned by then-Defense Secretary Robert S McNamara in 1967, became the catalyst for Ellsberg's whistleblowing.
6. Japan raised the age of consensual sex from 13 to 16
Tags: International News
In a welcome move, Japan's parliament on June 16 raised the age of voluntary sexual intercourse from 13 to 16.
An overview of the news
Provisions have also been made under the new law to amend the old law related to sexual offenses and to raise awareness about the issues of same-sex relationships.
The move comes after a wait of over a century since it was last changed in 1907.
Japan revised its criminal law on sexual offenses in 2017 for the first time in 110 years.
The historic move sets the stage for rape trial and criminalises voyeurism.
Under the newly implemented changes, having sex with a person below the age of 16 years is considered rape.
Those who threaten, entice or use money to get children under 16 to meet for sexual purposes face up to one year in prison or a fine of 500,000 yen ($3,500).
Secretly filming private body parts, underwear or obscene acts without reasonable cause shall be punishable by imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to three million yen.
Age of consent in different countries
In India the age of consent is 18, while in Britain it is 16, in Germany and China it is 14.
About Japan
It is also called Nihon or Nippon and is an archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean in East Asia.
It is made up of four main islands Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu and Honshu is the largest island of Japan.
Its highest mountain is Mount Fuji.
It is the third largest economy in the world after the United States and China.
Capital - Tokyo
Currency - Yen
Prime Minister - Fumio Kishida
7. UNGA adopts Resolution to establish a new Memorial Wall for fallen Peacekeepers
Tags: International News
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) recently unanimously adopted a resolution to set up a new memorial wall for dead peacekeepers, which was moved by India.
An overview of the news
The adoption of this resolution is a significant achievement for India and reflects the confidence of the international community in India's contribution and intention.
India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj presented the draft resolution titled 'Memorial Wall for Fallen United Nations Peacekeepers' at the UN General Assembly Hall.
The resolution received widespread support and a record 190 co-sponsorships, demonstrating global recognition of India's efforts in peacekeeping.
About the Memorial Wall
The Memorial Wall will symbolize the UN's commitment to peacekeeping and serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by fallen peacekeepers.
It will stand as a constant reminder of the price paid for global decisions and the importance given to peacekeeping operations by the United Nations.
The installation of the Memorial Wall for the Deceased Peacekeepers underlines India's commitment to global peacekeeping efforts and recognizes the selfless dedication and sacrifice made by peacekeepers in maintaining peace and security across the world.
It serves as a tribute to his memory and as a symbol of gratitude and remembrance of the international community for his service.
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
It is the United Nation’s chief policy-making and representative organ and was created in 1945.
It is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations (UN).
It serves as the main deliberative, policy making and representative organ of the United Nations.
Its powers, structure, functions and procedures are set out in Chapter IV of the United Nations Charter.
Its main functions are to prepare the budget of the United Nations, appoint non-permanent members to the Security Council, appoint the Secretary-General of the United Nations, receive reports from other parts of the United Nations system, and make recommendations through resolutions.
8. World Bank launches its first road safety project in South Asia
Tags: International News
The World Bank (WB) launched its first dedicated road safety project in South Asia with a USD 358 million financing agreement signed in Dhaka with the government of Bangladesh on 14th June.
An overview of the news
The project seeks to improve road safety and reduce fatalities and injuries from road crashes in selected cities, high-risk highways, and district roads
Implementation on National Highways
The project will focus on two national highways in Bangladesh: Gazipur-Elenga (N4) and Natore-Nawabganj (N6).
These highways will serve as the primary sites for implementing various road safety measures.
The aim is to achieve a substantial reduction of over 30 percent in road traffic deaths on these two highways.
Infrastructure Enhancements
To enhance road safety and reduce accidents and fatalities, the project will include the construction of essential infrastructure elements along the Gazipur-Elenga and Natore-Nawabganj highways.
These improvements will encompass the installation of road signs, dividers, footpaths, zebra crossings, speed breakers, and bus bays.
By implementing these measures, the project aims to create safer road environments in the five divisions of Bangladesh: Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, Rangpur, and Mymensingh.
Emergency Services and Trauma Care
The project will introduce innovative emergency services, including the use of bike-ambulances equipped with a toll-free number.
These services will ensure swift transportation of road crash victims to hospitals, improving their chances of receiving timely medical attention.
Additionally, trauma care facilities in selected district hospitals and Upazila Health Complexes will be upgraded to enhance the quality of care provided to accident victims.
Speed Control Measures and Institutional Strengthening
To regulate speed and curb reckless driving, the project will install closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems along the roads and develop an electric messaging system.
It will also allocate resources for patrol vehicles and crash site cleaning equipment.
Furthermore, the project aims to support the Bangladeshi government in strengthening its institutions to effectively manage road safety across the country.
9. U.S. Will Rejoin UNESCO in July
Tags: International News
The United States will rejoin UNESCO, the United Nations cultural organization, in July 2023.
An overview of the news
The move ends Washington's more than ten-year dispute with the UN cultural agency after the US left UNESCO in 2018.
US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma submitted a letter to UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay last week to formalize plans to rejoin.
In addition, the US will also pay an outstanding balance of over $600 million.
America's reason for being out of UNESCO
The United States exited UNESCO primarily due to the induction of Palestine as a member in 2011.
This move resulted in the US suspending its funding to the agency, which amounted to millions of dollars, during the presidency of Barack Obama.
The reason behind the US halting funding was that Palestine is not recognized as a sovereign state by the United Nations.
While Palestine was granted non-member observer state status in 2012, enabling its participation in General Assembly proceedings, it did not possess voting rights.
Why did the USA rejoin UNESCO?
The absence of the United States from UNESCO allowed China to gain greater influence within the organization.
Recognizing the need to maintain a strong international presence and influence, the US has sought to re-engage to counter China's growing authority.
By rejoining, the US is seeking to regain its role in shaping and influencing UNESCO's policies.
About UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations (UN).
It is also a member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UN SDG), a coalition of United Nations agencies and organisations that aims to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Headquarters:- Paris, France
Director General: -Audrey Azoulay
Founded:- 16 November 1945 in London, United Kingdom
The organisation has -193 members and 11 associate members.
10. Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who was in power for 17 years, dies
Tags: International News
On 12 June 2023, former Prime Minister of Italy Silvio Berlusconi passed away at the age of 86.
An Overview of the News:
- Berlusconi previously served as Prime Minister of Italy four times, from 1994 to 1995, 2001 to 2006, and 2008 to 2011.
- Berlusconi was Italy's longest-serving prime minister despite allegations of corruption.
- Berlusconi was admitted to the hospital on 9 June for treatment of chronic leukemia. He was also suffering from heart disease, prostate cancer for a long time and was hospitalized in 2020 after getting infected with Kovid-19.
Italy:
- Capital: Rome
- President: Sergio Mattarella
- Prime Minister: Georgia Meloni
- Currency: Euro
