1. 5000 year old tree from Chile recognized as the oldest tree in the world
Tags: International News
A giant tree in southern Chile, known as the "Great Grandfather" and this tree, a Patagonian cypress, located in the Alerce Costero National Park is the oldest tree in the world.
news overview
The trunk of the tree has a diameter of four metres (13 ft) and it is 28 metres tall.
It is over 5,000 years old, surpassing the oldest tree currently known as the Methuselah, which is 4,850 years old.
It is located in a forest in the southern Los Ríos region, 800 kilometres (500 mi) south of the capital Santiago.
This tree belongs to the species Fitzroya cupressoides, which is also known as Patagonian cypress.
Fitzroya cupressoides is the largest tree species in South America.
About Chile
It is a long, narrow country located on the western edge of South America.
Santiago is the capital of Chile and is located in a valley surrounded by the Santiago Andes and Chilean Coast Range mountains.
The city's central square is called the Plaza de Armas and has palm-lined streets.
The Plaza de Armas houses the Neoclassical Cathedral and the National History Museum.
There is a huge park in Santiago called Parque Metropolitano.
President - Gabriel Boric
2. Amy Pope became the first woman Director-General of the United Nations Migration Agency
Tags: Person in news International News
Amy Pope of the United States has been selected as the first female Director-General of the United Nations Migration Agency.
An Overview of the News
She will head the Geneva-based International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Pope is currently serving as deputy to Director General Antonio Vitorino.
Her five-year term as director general will begin on October 1, replacing Vitorino.
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
It is an agency of the United Nations and provides services and advice related to migration.
The agency provides assistance to governments and expatriates.
It caters to the needs of diverse groups including internally displaced persons, refugees and migrant workers.
Formation - 6 December 1951
Headquarters - Geneva, Switzerland
Membership (2023) - 175 member states and 8 observer states
3. PM Modi conferred with highest civilian honours by Fiji, Papua New Guinea
Tags: Awards International News
Prime MinisterNarendra Modi was conferred with the highest honor by Fiji and Papua New Guinea on 21 May.
An overview of the news
PM Modi was honored with the island nation's highest civilian award during his visit to Papua New Guinea to attend the 3rd India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) summit.
PM Modi was awarded "The Companion of the Order of Fiji" by his Fijian counterpart Sitweni Rabuka for his global leadership, a rare honor for a non-Fijian.
Papua New Guinea conferred its highest civilian honour, Grand Companion of the Order of Loghu (GCL) on PM Modi for his efforts towards unity of the Pacific island nation.
Republic of Fiji
It is an archipelago consisting of around 300 islands in the South Pacific Ocean.
Capital: Suva
Currency: Fijian Dollar
Prime Minister: Sitiveni Rabuka
Papua New Guinea
Prime Minister: James Marape
Capital: Port Moresby
Currency: kina (K)
4. Mahatma Gandhi Scholarships awarded to 300 students in Sri Lanka
Tags: Awards International News
Recently three hundred school students from all 25 districts of Sri Lanka have received the prestigious Mahatma Gandhi Scholarship.
An overview of the news
Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay, Sri Lankan Education Minister Dr. Sushil Premjayantha and Minister of State for Education A.K. Arvind Kumar provided scholarships to the students.
The scholarship provides 2500 Sri Lankan Rupees per student per month to the top six students from each district based on merit.
This year, two batches of scholarships were awarded simultaneously to compensate for the disruptions caused by COVID-19 during the period 2021-2022.
During the ceremony, the High Commissioner emphasized the importance of bilateral cooperation in the education sector for the bright future of the youth in Sri Lanka and India.
Drawing parallels between the philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi and Buddha, he said Gandhi's ideals remain relevant even in a rapidly changing world.
Mahatma Gandhi Scholarship
Mahatma Gandhi Scholarship plays a vital role in promoting educational opportunities for students in Sri Lanka.
By providing financial support, these scholarships enable students to pursue their academic aspirations and fulfill their potential.
In addition to the Mahatma Gandhi Scholarship, the Government of India offers about 210 scholarships annually to Sri Lankan students in fields such as engineering, technology, arts, science and indigenous medicine.
The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Scheme offers over400 scholarships to Sri Lankan government officials to enhance their domain knowledge.
Furthermore, there are thousands of seats available for Sri Lankan students in India under the Study in India program.
5. Panel discussion on ‘Role of G20 in creating global economic stability’
Tags: Summits International News
A recent panel discussion held in Dubai highlighted the important role of the G20 in creating global economic stability.
An overview of the news
A panel discussion held in Dubai shed light on the vital role of the G20 in creating global economic stability.
The event took place on the sidelines of the International Conference jointly organized by the Indian Institute of Management Rohtak, Academy for Global Business Advancement, and Council for Strategic Affairs.
Importance of the G20
The panelists highlighted the significance of the G20 in the current international order.
The group plays a multifaceted role in creating global economic stability, fostering inclusive growth, ensuring financial stability, promoting balanced and sustainable growth, and effectively managing and preventing crises.
Panelists and insights
The panel consisted of Manjeev Singh Puri, former ambassador of India to Nepal, Prof Tatiana Karabchuk from UAE University, and Prof Mayssa Banat from Rafik Hariri University in Lebanon.
They provided valuable insights into the G20's role and its impact on global economic stability.
The discussion was moderated by Prof. Dheeraj Sharma, the Director of IIM Rohtak.
G20 as a platform for decision-making
Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri highlighted the G20's ability to bring together leaders from the world's largest economies and facilitate effective decision-making and implementation through national and multinational systems.
Despite lacking de jure power, the G20 possesses significant de facto power, making it influential in driving positive change globally.
Specific areas of impact
The panelists delved into specific areas where the G20 can make a significant impact.
Prof Tatiana Karabchuk emphasized the importance of public opinion polls for informed decision-making and suggested the G20's role in implementing necessary changes in online education.
Prof Mayssa Banat emphasized the power of language education in overcoming barriers and shaping global economic policies.
G20's contribution to global economic stability
The panel discussion showcased the diverse aspects of the G20's role in fostering cooperation among major economies and driving sustainable development.
The group's focus on inclusive growth, financial stability, crisis management, and balancing de jure and de facto power within global institutions is essential for global economic stability.
6. Big win for Twitter, Google at US Supreme Court in internet liability cases
Tags: International News
Recently social media platforms Twitter and Google have registered a big victory in the US Supreme Court. The court ruled that Internet companies could not be held liable for content posted on their sites.
An overview of the news
The judges delivered their ruling on two cases in which families of victims of a terrorist attack claimed that Google and Twitter should be held accountable for aiding and abetting ISIS, which resulted in the death of their loved ones.
The decision has far-reaching implications for the tech industry, intellectual property rights and freedom of expression.
In particular, these judgments highlight the evolving legal landscape surrounding online platforms and their role in shaping public discourse.
7. PM Narendra Modi holds bilateral meeting with Japanese PM Fumio Kishida in Hiroshima
Tags: International Relations International News
On May 20, PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida ahead of the G-7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan.
An Overview of the News
Discussed enhancing India-Japan friendship in trade, economy, culture and Indo-Pacific cooperation.
Emphasised efforts to synergize between the G-7 and G-20 Presidencies and the voices of the Global South.
Prime Minister Modi unveiled a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima as a symbol of friendship and peace.
G-7 summit priorities include nuclear disarmament, economic resilience and security, regional issues, climate and energy, food and health, digitization and science and technology.
Later, Prime Minister Modi had a productive meeting with President of South Korea Yoon Suk Yeol to strengthen bilateral friendship in key developmental areas.
About G-7
It is an intergovernmental political forum.
It consists of seven member states: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
In addition to the seven member states, the European Union is also part of the G7 as a non-enumerated member.
Formation - 25 March 1973
First G6 Summit - 15 November 1975
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
8. India launches 'Operation Karuna' to provide aid to Myanmar
Tags: International News
India launched "Operation Karuna" to provide humanitarian assistance for people in Myanmar, which is affected by Cyclone Mocha.
An overview of the news
Three ships from India carrying relief material reached Yangon on 18th May.
Indian Naval Ships Shivalik, Kamorta and Savitri were the first Naval ships to arrive at Yangon with relief material on 18th May.
The ships are carrying emergency food supplies, tents, essential medicines, water pumps, portable generators, clothes, hygiene items, etc.
Indian Navy Committed to Ensuring Security and Growth for All in the Region
India has always been at the forefront in providing assistance to its neighbors during such calamities.
About Cyclone Mocha
Cyclone Mocha which recently hit Myanmar has been classified as an extremely severe cyclonic storm by the IMD.
It has been classified as a 'Super Cyclone' by the global weather website Zoom Earth.
The name of the storm 'Mocha' has been suggested by Yemen.
Mocha originated in the Bay of Bengal.
With a recorded wind speed of 277 kmph, Mocha has become the strongest all-season cyclone to form in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal since 1982.
9. UK announces sanctions on Russian diamonds and metals ahead of the G7 meeting in Japan
Tags: International News
The United Kingdom has announced sanctions on the military-industrial complex and metals as well as Russian diamonds in a new round of sanctions ahead of the G7 meeting in Japan.
An Overview of the News
The ban specifically covers imports of copper, aluminium and nickel of Russian origin.
In addition to trade sanctions, the UK is targeting 86 members of Russia's military-industrial complex and individuals involved in key industries such as energy, metals and shipping.
The UK government aims to crack down on sanctions violations and target those who aid the Kremlin in undermining the effect of existing sanctions.
About G7
It is an intergovernmental political forum.
It consists of seven member states: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
In addition to the seven member states, the European Union is also part of the G7 as a non-enumerated member.
Formation - 25 March 1973
First G6 Summit - 15 November 1975
United Kingdom:
It is an island nation located in northwestern Europe. It consists of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Capital - London
Prime Minister - Rishi Sunak
Emperor - Charles III
10. Next five years expected to be hottest on record: UN
Tags: International News
The United Nations' World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that the next five years will be the warmest period on record due to the combined effects of El Niño and greenhouse gases.
An Overview of the News
The WMO predicts that global temperatures are likely to exceed a 1.5°C increase by 2027, with a 98 percent chance of setting new heat records in at least one of the next five years.
There is a two-thirds chance that the more ambitious target set by the Paris climate agreement will be exceeded within one of the next five years, indicating that global temperatures are set to rise further.
The years between 2015 and 2022 are among the warmest ever recorded, and temperatures are expected to rise as climate change accelerates.
The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to "well below" two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, preferably 1.5 degrees Celsius. However, the global average temperature in 2022 was already 1.15°C higher than the average measured between 1850 and 1900.
World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
It is a specialised agency of the United Nations and the organisation facilitates cooperation among member states.
It promotes international cooperation in atmospheric science, climatology, hydrology and geophysics.
It supports research and development in atmospheric science, which includes the study of Earth's atmosphere and its properties.
WMO focuses on understanding long-term weather patterns and climate variability.
Formation - 23 March 1950
Headquarters - Geneva, Switzerland
WMO Secretary General - Peteri Talas
