1. UN suspends food aid to Ethiopia over diversion of supplies
Tags: International News
The United Nations World Food Program has temporarily suspended food aid to Ethiopia on June 9 because it is not reaching those in need in the African country.
An overview of the news
America had also made a similar announcement a day earlier. WFP executive director Cindy McCain said the transfer of food aid is completely unacceptable.
About 20 million Ethiopians out of the country's population of about 120 million are dependent on food aid due to drought and conflict.
Much of this aid comes from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the World Food Program.
Ethiopia has a population of about 120 million. This move by the United Nations agency is expected to increase malnutrition in Africa's second most populous country.
United Nations World Food Program
It is an international organization within the United Nations.
It provides food assistance worldwide.
It is the world’s largest humanitarian organization and the leading provider of school meals.
It was founded in 1961.
Its Headquarter is in Rome, Italy.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) are the founders of WFP.
2. First edition of India, France and UAE maritime partnership exercise begins
Tags: Defence International News
The first edition of the India, France and UAE maritime partnership exercise began in the Gulf of Oman.
An Overview of the News
The exercise includes the participation of INS Tarkash and French Ship Surcouf, both equipped with integral helicopters, as well as French Rafale aircraft and UAE Navy Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
The exercise focused on a wide range of naval operations, including surface combat, tactical firing, missile engagement on surface targets, helicopter cross deck landing operations, advanced air defence exercises and boarding operations.
The primary objective of the exercise is to enhance trilateral cooperation between the three navies and address conventional and non-conventional threats in the maritime environment.
The exercise serves as a platform for sharing of knowledge, experience and best practices in maritime security.
The participating navies aim to strengthen ties, promote mutual understanding and promote regional security and stability in the maritime domain.
United Arab Emirates (UAE):
Capital - Abu Dhabi
Official language - Arabic
Government - Federal Islamic parliamentary elective semi-constitutional monarchy
President/Crown Prince - Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Prime Minister - Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Vice President - Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Oman:
Capital - Muscat
Currency - Omani Rial
Official language - Arabic
Sultan - Haitham bin Tariq
Crown Prince - Thiazin bin Haitham
3. NATO plans German-led air force exercise, "Air Defender 23"
Tags: Defence International News
NATO is set to commence its largest air force deployment exercise in Europe, known as "Air Defender 23," according to German and US officials.
An overview of the news
The exercise will span approximately 10 days, starting from 12th June, and will involve the participation of around 220 military aircraft from 25 NATO and partner countries.
The exercise will be conducted across Germany, with some of the training taking place at Ramstein Air Base, one of NATO's largest air bases.
Air Defender 23
The exercise is purely defensive in nature.
Its primary objective is to enhance the defense capabilities of participating nations and ensure preparedness to respond to potential security challenges.
The exercise also intends to send a message to other countries including Russia.
The demonstration of NATO's unity and collective defense posture serves as a reminder of the Alliance's commitment to address potential threats and maintain regional stability.
By conducting this exercise, NATO seeks to improve interoperability and strengthen the effectiveness of its air defense capabilities.
By conducting this exercise, NATO seeks to improve interoperability and strengthen the effectiveness of its air defense capabilities.
About NATO
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), is a military alliance between North American and European countries formed in 1949 and headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.
It was created during the Cold War as a defence pact to prevent Soviet expansion and protect member states from possible aggression.
The founding members of NATO were the United States, Canada, and ten European countries, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and the United Kingdom.
NATO Secretary General- Jens Stoltenberg
4. India & Serbia agree to set bilateral trade of 1 Billion Euros
Tags: International Relations International News
President Droupadi Murmu and her Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic on 8 June in Belgrade agreed to set a target for bilateral trade from the present 320 million euros to one billion euros by the end of the decade.
An overview of the news
President Draupadi Murmu is on a three-day state visit to Serbia from June 7 to 9.
During the visit, President Draupadi Murmu highlighted that the relations between the two sides have a shared understanding of each other's core interests.
In a joint press statement, President Murmu highlighted the positive outcomes of the delegation-level talks and the resolve of the two countries to work on diverse areas of potential cooperation.
Official talks
President Murmu's official engagements in Serbia included a guard of honor at the Serbia Palace, restricted-level talks, delegation-level talks, a joint media address, and a business event.
These engagements aimed to foster closer ties and explore opportunities for collaboration between the two nations.
During the bilateral interactions, both leaders emphasized their commitment to the rule of law, respect for sovereignty, and territorial integrity of nations.
Fraternal Relations
President Vucic described Serbia's relationship with India as a fraternity, emphasizing the strong bond between the two countries.
He expressed that India should consider Serbia as a second motherland, underscoring the warmth and depth of their bilateral ties.
Areas of Cooperation
President Vucic identified six major areas of cooperation between India and Serbia, including defense and military technology cooperation, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, industrial cooperation, information technology, and cultural cooperation, including film production.
These areas present potential avenues for collaboration and mutual benefits.
About Serbia
Serbia is a landlocked country in the west-central Balkans. For most of the 20th century, it was a part of Yugoslavia.
Prime Minister: Ana Brnabic
Capital: Belgrade
President: Aleksandar Vučić
Currency: Serbian dinar (RSD)
5. India Sri Lanka Defense Seminar cum Exhibition to be held at Taj Samudra in Colombo
Tags: International News
India Sri Lanka Defence seminar cum exhibition to be held on 6 June at Taj Samudra in Colombo.
An overview of the news
The seminar seeks to identify potential areas of cooperation for economic revival and capacity building of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces.
It aims to strengthen the partnership between India and Sri Lanka in defence-related matters.
The event will feature a comprehensive exhibition that showcases the capabilities of both countries in defence equipment manufacturing.
The exhibition will be open to the public, offering them an immersive experience of various defence equipment on display.
The exhibition promotes exchange of ideas and promotes dialogue and encourages meaningful partnerships in the defense sector.
Objective of the event
The event aims to highlight and celebrate India's prowess in defence manufacturing while fostering a stable and peaceful Indian Ocean region.
It aligns with India's vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region.
Successful Utilization of Indian Defence Equipment
The Sri Lankan Armed Forces have successfully utilized a wide range of Indian defence equipment, including the Indra Radar, Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessels, L 70 Guns, Dornier Aircraft, and Army training simulators.
This highlights the effectiveness and reliability of Indian defence technology.
Mutual Benefits
The Indian armed forces have also benefited from the use of Fast Interceptor Crafts and the refit of a Floating Dock in Colombo.
In line with India's 'Neighborhood First' policy, the Government of India has committed to supplying additional equipment such as a Floating Dock, a Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, and Dornier aircraft.
This commitment further strengthens the capacity building of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces.
Significance of the Event
The India-Sri Lanka Defence Seminar and Exhibition hold great importance as a landmark event.
It fosters greater cooperation and collaboration between the two nations, ultimately contributing to regional peace and stability in the Indian Ocean.
Boost for Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
With the Sri Lankan Armed Forces utilizing Indian defence equipment, the seminar and exhibition are likely to provide a boost for indigenous defence manufacturing.
It showcases India's technological capabilities and encourages self-reliance in defence production.
6. Five new countries elected as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council
Tags: International News
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Algeria, Guyana, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone and Slovenia were elected non-permanent members of the UN Security Council on 6 June for a two-year term.
An overview of the news
The newly elected members will take up their new responsibilities on January 1, 2024 and serve till December 31, 2025.
Slovenia defeated Belarus by a vote of 153 to 38, while Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone and the Republic of Korea were elected unopposed.
These new members will replace Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana and the United Arab Emirates at present when their two-year term ends on 31 December 2023.
Election of non-permanent members
Voting is done by secret ballot and candidates have to get a two-thirds majority, or 128 votes.
In all, 192 countries voted to fill five seats on the council allocated to the Africa and Asia-Pacific groups, and one each to Eastern Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean.
About United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
It was established in 1945 by the United Nations Charter.
It is one of the six major organs of the United Nations.
The other 5 organs of the United Nations are - the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the Trusteeship Council, the Economic and Social Council, the International Court of Justice and the Secretariat.
It has five permanent members - China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, collectively known as the P5.
Any one of them can veto a resolution.
Headquarters - New York
7. Oil tanker breaks down in Egypt's Suez Canal
Tags: International News
On 4 June, an oil tanker broke down in the Suez Canal, a major global waterway, disrupting traffic and temporarily halting the transit of other ships.
An overview of the news
As a result of the breakdown, eight other vessels in the convoy were affected by the disruption.
The Seavigour was part of the north convoy, which moves from the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea.
The Suez Canal Authority deployed three tugboats to tow the stranded tanker away from the single-lane area.
The goal was to move the tanker to a double-lane section at the 17 kilometer mark, allowing other vessels to continue their transit.
About Seavigour
According to MarineTraffic, the Seavigour is a tanker built in 2016, measuring 274 meters (899 ft) in length and 48.63 meters (159 ft) in width.
Previous Incidents in the Suez Canal
The recent incident adds to a series of vessels encountering difficulties in the vital waterway.
Notably, inMarch 2021, the Panama-flagged Ever Given, a massive container ship, blocked the canal for six days, causing significant disruptions to global trade.
About Suez Canal
The Suez Canal, operational since 1869, serves as a crucial link for oil, natural gas, and cargo transportation.
The Suez Canal is an artificial sea-level waterway running north to south from the Isthmus of Suez in Egypt to connect the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.
This canal separates the continent of Africa from Asia.
It provides the shortest sea route between Europe and the lands surrounding the Indian and Western Pacific Oceans.
The Suez Canal is one of the busiest trade routes in the world. About 12 percent of the world's total trade passes through this canal daily.
8. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh holds talks with his US counterpart Lloyd Austin
Tags: International Relations International News
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, held discussions with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin in New Delhi on 5th June.
An overview of the news
The meeting focused on strengthening defence cooperation in various areas, including aligning strategic interests and enhancing security cooperation.
During the talks, Minister Singh emphasized the significance of the India-US partnership in ensuring a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.
He expressed India's commitment to closely collaborate with the United States across different domains, aiming for capacity building and further strengthening strategic partnership.
Both ministers explored opportunities to build resilient supply chains and identified areas for co-development of new technologies and co-production of existing and new systems.
Facilitation to enhance cooperation between the defense start-up ecosystems of the two countries was also discussed.
A roadmap for US-India defense industrial cooperation was agreed upon, which will shape their cooperation in the years to come.
They welcomed the recent dialogues focused on Defense Artificial Intelligence and Defense Space.
Regional security issues were also discussed, reflecting their shared interest in promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The meeting was attended by senior officials of the Ministry of Defense including Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan, Defense Secretary Giridhar Armane and DRDO Secretary and Chairman Dr Sameer V Kamat.
India America relations
Historical Background
The establishment of diplomatic relations between India and the United States dates back to 1947.
Both countries share common values of democracy, pluralism and rule of law.
Strategic Partnership
India and the United States have developed a strong strategic partnership based on shared interests and values.
The partnership has seen significant growth in various areas including defence, trade and technology.
Defense and Security Cooperation
Defense cooperation between India and the US has expanded significantly in recent years.
Both countries engage in joint military exercises, defense equipment cooperation and intelligence sharing.
Defense ties have been strengthened by the signing of the US-India Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI).
Economic and trade relations
Economic relations between India and America have grown steadily.
The US is one of India's largest trading partners and bilateral trade has grown over the years.
Both the countries have signed various agreements to enhance economic cooperation and promote investments.
Technology and Innovation
India and the US cooperate in the fields of science, technology and innovation.
Cooperation has been promoted in areas such as space exploration, clean energy and information technology.
The US has supported India's initiatives like Digital India and Skill India.
9. Bangladesh records highest inflation rate in over a decade
Tags: International News
Bangladesh recently experienced its highest monthly inflation rate in over a decade, with inflation reaching 9.94 percent in May.
An overview of the news
This rate is the highest since 2010-11 when it was recorded at 10.11 percent.
The data was released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS).
The increase in inflation is primarily attributed to the rise in both food and non-food prices during this period.
The average inflation rate for the period between June 2022 and May 2023 has risen to 8.84 percent, surpassing the budgetary target of 5.6 percent.
In comparison, the inflation rate in April 2023 was reported at 9.24 percent, and in March, it was 9.33 percent.
These figures indicate higher inflation compared to the corresponding months in April 2022 (6.29 percent) and March 2022 (6.22 percent).
To calculate inflation, the BBS has changed the base index from 2005-06 to 2021-22 and adopted a revised methodology for the compilation of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) based on the latest 2020 CPI manual of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
People’s Republic of Bangladesh
Capital: Dhaka
Prime Minister: Sheikh Hasina Wazed
President: Abdul Hamid
Currency: Taka
10. 1st India-Namibia Joint Commission of Cooperation
Tags: International Relations International News
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently co-chaired the first India-Namibia Joint Commission with Namibian Foreign Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in Windhoek.
An overview of the news
In his opening remarks, Dr. Jaishankar highlighted the special place Namibia holds in the hearts of Indians.
He emphasized that India supports Namibian independence and expressed happiness at Namibia's rightful place in the international community.
Dr. Jaishankar underlined the strong bond between India and Namibia, which is characterized by developmental cooperation, capacity building programs and political solidarity.
The Joint Commission will assess the progress of India-Namibia relations. In addition, high-level visits and ongoing interactions will strengthen the India-Namibia partnership in the future.
During his visit, the External Affairs Minister inaugurated the India-Namibia Center of Excellence in Information Technology in Windhoek. The center will contribute to research, cyber security and good governance.
About Namibia
Namibia is a country located in southwestern Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
It shares borders with Angola, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa.
The country's diverse geography includes the Namib Desert along the Atlantic coast, the Kalahari Desert to the east, and the central plateau.
Namibia gained independence from South Africa on March 21, 1990, becoming the last African country to gain independence from colonial rule.
Windhoek is the capital and largest city of Namibia.
Namibia is known for its stunning natural landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Etosha National Park, located in the north of the country, is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts, offering the chance to see elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinos and various bird species.
