1. China launches world's first methane-fuelled space rocket
Tags: Science and Technology International News
China's ZhuQue-2 Y-2 became the world's first methane-fuelled rocket to successfully reach orbit.
An Overview of the News
The methane-powered rocket, known as Metalox, followed the anticipated trajectory and completed its flight as planned.
Methane engines provide improved performance while significantly reducing operating costs, contributing to the advancement of reusable rocket technology.
Metalox rockets use methane as the fuel and liquid oxygen (LOX) as the oxidizer, with specific design considerations compared to conventional rockets.
Methane offers advantages as a rocket propellant, including high energy density, favourable combustion characteristics, and wide availability.
Important Point
Landspace has become the second private Chinese company to successfully launch a liquid-propellant rocket.
Beijing Tianbing Technology successfully launched the kerosene-oxygen rocket.
About China
Capital: Beijing
Official language: Mandarin
CCP General Secretary, President, CMC Chairman - Xi Jinping
Congress President - Zhao Leji
CPPCC Chairman - Wang Huning
2. Israel Parliament Approves Bill Limiting Supreme Court's Power
Tags: International News
Israel's parliament approved a bill in its first reading that aims to limit the Supreme Court's oversight powers.
An Overview of the News
The bill received a majority of 64 to 56 in favor of the proposed limit, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right ruling coalition overwhelming the opposition.
The bill is part of a controversial judicial reform initiated by Netanyahu's government, raising concerns about the erosion of checks and balances within the government system.
The bill still needs two more votes to become law. With Netanyahu's ruling coalition holding a 64-seat majority in parliament, the bill is likely to pass. If this happens, there is a possibility of intensifying the protests.
The Bill aims to limit the power of the Supreme Court to invalidate decisions taken by the government, ministries and elected officials as unreasonable.
About Israel
Capital - Jerusalem
Prime Minister - Benjamin Netanyahu
Official language - Hebrew
3. UAE becomes first Arab country to get observer status on Asia-Pacific money laundering
Tags: International News
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become the first Arab country to receive observer status in the Asia/Pacific Group (APG) on Money Laundering, a regional body similar to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
An Overview of the News
The UAE is participating as an observer at the plenary session of the APG, which is currently taking place in Vancouver, Canada.
Obtaining observer status reflects the UAE's commitment to international cooperation in combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
Observer status is awarded to countries that actively and cooperatively combat financial crime, and the UAE has demonstrated this through its participation in organizations such as MENAFATF and other multilateral fora.
The UAE delegation attending the APG plenary session is led by Hamid Al Zaabi, Director-General of the Executive Office for Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (EO AML/CTF).
The delegation includes representatives from the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and other government officials.
About United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Location: It is located in Western Asia.
Geographical Boundaries: It shares borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia.
Maritime Borders: It also has maritime borders with Qatar and Iran in the Persian Gulf.
Religion: Islam is the dominant religion in the UAE, with the majority of the population being Sunni Muslim.
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
4. Operation Broader Sword: Indo-US joint initiative to stop illegal shipments
Tags: International News
In June 2023, India and the United States jointly launched 'Operation Broader Sword' with the goal of stopping the illegal transportation of pharmaceuticals, equipment and precursor chemicals through the International Mail System (IMS).
An Overview of the News
The operation was aimed at disrupting the flow of illegal substances entering the United States from India.
The operation primarily focused on packages entering the United States from India through the two major International Mail Facilities (IMF) located at New York (JFK International Airport) and Chicago (ORD International Airport).
During the operation, investigators thoroughly examined more than 1,500 shipments originating from India, and took conclusive action on nearly 500 products. These operations primarily targeted illegal drugs intended to treat serious illnesses.
Many of the shipments were found to contain opioids and other controlled substances, highlighting the importance of the operation in combating illegal drug trafficking.
Collaborative Effort:
Operation Broader Sword involved collaboration of multiple agencies from both countries. These include India's Department of Revenue Retail Investigation (DRI) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).
5. Edgars Rinkevic becomes the first openly gay head of state of the European Union
Tags: International News
Latvia's former foreign minister Edgars Rinkevics achieved a historic feat as the first openly gay head of state in the European Union.
An Overview of the News
Following his role as Foreign Minister, Rinkevic was officially sworn in as President of Latvia.
Rinkewicz pledged to prioritise the fight for inclusion and equality during his presidency.
Rinkevics aims to use his limited powers to influence legislation and shape public opinion, with the goal of making Latvia a more inclusive and egalitarian country.
Rinkevics served as the Foreign Minister of Latvia from 2011 until his recent resignation.
In November 2014, Rinkewicz publicly came out as gay and became a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
Status of LGBTQ+ rights in Latvia
Latvia currently bans same-sex marriage, making it illegal within the country.
Latvia's constitutional court recognized same-sex unions last year, indicating progress toward legal recognition.
Latvia:
It is a country on the Baltic Sea, situated between Lithuania and Estonia.
The capital of Latvia is Riga, known for its remarkable woodwork and Art Nouveau architecture.
St. Peter's Church is a popular tourist destination in Riga's mediaeval Old Town.
Capital - Riga
Prime Minister - Krisjanis Karins
Official language - Latvian
6. India in 'Champions Group' of Global Crisis Resolution Group
Tags: International News
The Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India informed on 7 July 2023 that India has been included in the “Champions Group” of the Global Crisis Resolution Group (GCRG).
An Overview of the news:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
- UN Secretary-General Guterres established the Global Crisis Response Group (GCRG) in March 2022 to address urgent and critical global issues such as food and energy security challenges.
Champions Group:
- Champions Group maintains GCRG.
- It includes the Heads of State and Government of Bangladesh, Barbados, Denmark, Germany, Indonesia and Senegal.
- According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the decision to join the grouping reflects India's growing global leadership and commitment to address current global challenges.
- India's participation will further strengthen the efforts of the United Nations in finding result-oriented solutions to development issues affecting the world, especially developing countries.
Sanjay Verma became the Sherpa of GCRG
- Sanjay Verma, who was Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, has been designated as the "Sherpa" for the GCRG process.
- According to the Ministry of External Affairs, these Sherpas will have an online meeting on July 14 and the Champions Group meeting will be held on July 21.
7. 'Ozone UV Bulletin' released by WMO
Tags: International News
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) issues Ozone and UV bulletins at an interval of seven years. According to which the ozone layer is continuously improving.
An Overview of the news:
- To monitor and understand changes in the ozone layer, WMO has released its first Ozone and UV Bulletin.
- According to the information given by WMO, with the help of Montreal Protocol and amendments made from time to time, the use of substances that damage the ozone layer has been limited by 99 percent.
- The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty on the prevention of substances that deplete the ozone layer.
- It is designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out emissions of substances known to be responsible for depleting the ozone layer.
International Initiative for the Protection of the Ozone Layer:
- The 1985 Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer provided a framework for international cooperation on ozone protection.
- The Montreal Protocol which was adopted in the year 1987 is a worldwide agreement to stop the production of ozone-depleting substances.
- The Montreal Protocol has been signed by 197 parties of the world.
8. 67th TAAI Conference begins in Colombo
Tags: International News
The three-day much-awaited 67th Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) convention began in Colombo on 6th July.
An Overview of the News
The 67th TAAI Convention began with a star-studded opening ceremony.
Special guests include Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and High Commissioner of India Gopal Baglay.
Business opportunities for Indian and Sri Lankan travel industry stakeholders:
The conference provides valuable business opportunities for stakeholders in the Indian and Sri Lankan travel industries.
It serves as a platform to promote business partnership and cooperation between the two countries.
A major itinerary in the area:
The 67th TAAI convention cements its position as a premier travel event in the region.
With 500 participants and 50 Indian media personnel, the conference attracts a large number of industry professionals.
Thought provoking sessions on various topics:
The agenda of the conference includes thought-provoking sessions on a wide range of topics.
Topics of discussion included India's tourism vision for 2047, experiential travel, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions), and digital opportunities in the travel industry.
Knowledge Exchange and Partnership Building:
Industry leaders and travel professionals from India and Sri Lanka get an opportunity to exchange knowledge during the conference.
The event facilitates networking and partnership building among attendees.
Strengthening ties between India and Sri Lanka:
The objective of the TAAI Convention is to strengthen the ties between India and Sri Lanka.
It serves as a platform to enhance bilateral relations and promote mutual development in the tourism industry.
India largest source market for tourism to Sri Lanka:
India was the largest source market for tourism to Sri Lanka last year.
This highlights the importance of cooperation and collaboration between India and Sri Lanka in the travel industry.
9. Ministry of External Affairs announced that the first IIT campus outside India will be set up in Zanzibar, Tanzania
Tags: International News
An MoU for setting up a campus of IIT Madras in Zanzibar was signed in the presence of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwini.
An Overview of the News
The decision to set up the IIT campus in Zanzibar reflects the long-standing friendship between India and Tanzania and emphasizes India's focus on building people-to-people ties across Africa and the Global South.
India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recommends encouraging high-performing Indian universities to set up campuses in other countries, and this initiative is in line with that recommendation.
During his four-day official visit to Tanzania, Dr. Jaishankar will participate in high-level talks, co-chair the 10th Joint Commission Meeting, visit an India-funded water supply project, and inaugurate the India-Tanzania Business Meeting.
During his visit, Dr. Jaishankar will participate in high-level talks, co-chair the 10th Joint Commission Meeting, visit an India-funded water supply project, meet top leadership and inaugurate the India-Tanzania Business Meeting .
Dr Jaishankar will also meet members of India's Parliamentary Friendship Group, address the Indian diaspora and inaugurate a statue of Swami Vivekananda in Dar es Salaam.
About Tanzania
It is an East African country.
Serengeti National Park is a popular safari destination in Tanzania.
Kilimanjaro National Park is located in Tanzania.
Zanzibar is a tropical island off the coast of Tanzania.
Mafia is another tropical island in Tanzania.
Capital - Dodoma
Currency - Tanzanian Shilling
Official languages - Swahili, English
President - Samia Suluhu Hasan
Vice President - Philip Mpango
Prime Minister - Kassim Majaliwa
Speaker - Tulia Axon
Chief Justice - Ibrahim Hamis Zuma
10. DGCA Signs MoU with European Union Aviation Safety Agency for Unmanned Aircraft Systems & Innovative Air Mobility
Tags: International News
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) India and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have signed an MoU for collaboration in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Innovative Air Mobility.
An Overview of the News
Focus of the MoU:
The MoU aims to enhance cooperation between DGCA and EASA in the field of unmanned aircraft systems and innovative air mobility.
Areas of Collaboration:
Development of certification standards and environmental standards for UAS and innovative air mobility operations.
Licensing of personnel, training, air traffic management, and infrastructure.
Establishment of Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) standards and services.
Harmonized Standards and Accelerated Growth:
The collaboration between DGCA and EASA is expected to result in harmonized standards for UAS and contribute to the accelerated growth of the Indian unmanned aviation sector.
Previous Letter of Intent:
Prior to the MoU, DGCA had signed a letter of intent (LoI) with EASA during the EU-India Aviation Summit in April 2023, expressing their intention to collaborate on UAS and innovative air mobility.
