1. China launches 3 astronauts to Tiangong space station
Tags: Science and Technology International News
In China, three astronauts, including a civilian, were launched to the Tiangong Space Station on Shenzhou-16 on 30 May.
An overview of the news
The civilian, Professor Gui Haichao of Beihang University, was the first to be placed in orbit in space.
This is the first mission for Shenzhou-16 Tiangong since it entered the application and development phase.
Tiangong is the crown jewel of China's space program, which has also landed robotic rovers on Mars and the Moon. The launch was a complete success and the astronauts are in good condition.
The Shenzhou-16 crew was launched aboard a Long March 2F rocket at 9:31 a.m. local time from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.
China's first manned space mission in 2003 made it the third country after the Soviet Union and the United States to send a man into space from its own resources.
2. India extends $1 billion credit line to Sri Lanka till March 2024
Tags: International Relations International News
India on May 30 extended its $1 billion line of credit to Sri Lanka till March 2024 to help purchase essential food, medicine and other essential commodities as Sri Lanka grapples with an unprecedented economic crisis.
An overview of the news
This agreement is an important step towards continuation of financial assistance provided by the Indian side to the Sri Lankan Government for procurement of essential items.
The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Sri Lanka's Minister of State for Finance, Shehan Semasinghe, senior officials from Sri Lanka's Ministry of Finance and representatives of the Indian High Commission in Colombo.
The credit line was extended last year when Sri Lanka was passing through its worst economic crisis.
The facility has been instrumental in prompt procurement of critical supplies such as fuel, medicines, food items and industrial raw materials for the island nation.
This extension of financial assistance further underscores the strong commitment of the Government of India as it continues to assist Sri Lanka with a comprehensive package of approximately USD 4 billion in line with India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy.
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
3. India gets approval to set up second hydroelectric project in Nepal
Tags: International News
The Government of Nepal has approved India's Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVN) to develop the second hydroelectric project in the country.
An Overview of the News
- SJVN is currently involved in the development of the Arun-III Hydroelectric Project in eastern Nepal with a capacity of 900 MW.
- The Investment Board Nepal (IBN), chaired by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, approved the draft Project Development Agreement (PDA) between Nepal and SJVN.
- The PDA is for development of the Lower Arun Hydroelectric Project in eastern Nepal with a capacity of 669 MW.
- The Lower Arun Hydroelectric Project is to be developed by SJVN.
About Nepal
- The kingdom of Nepal was established by the Shah dynasty.
- It is a landlocked country in South Asia.
Prime Minister - Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda
President - Ram Chandra Paudel
Capital - Kathmandu
Currency - Nepalese Rupee
4. Ireland becomes first country to introduce comprehensive health labelling of alcohol products
Tags: International News
Ireland has become the first country in the European Union to implement comprehensive health labelling on alcohol products.
An Overview of the News
- Its purpose is to provide information to consumers about the health risks associated with the consumption of alcohol.
- The Public Health (Alcohol) (Labelling) Regulations 2023 and the remaining provisions of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act of Ireland were signed into law by Stephen Donnelly, Minister for Health, on 22 May 2023.
- Regulations require alcohol product labels in Ireland to include key information such as calorie content and grams of alcohol.
- The labels will prominently display warnings about the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, as well as the dangers of liver disease and alcohol-related cancers.
- The introduction of comprehensive labelling enables consumers to make informed decisions about their alcohol consumption.
World Health Organization (WHO)
- The World Health Organization is a specialised agency of the United Nations that was established on April 7, 1948.
- Every year 7th April is celebrated as "World Health Day".
Headquarters - Geneva, Switzerland
Director General - Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of Ethiopia
5. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to Nigeria
Tags: International News
Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh left for a three-day (May 28 to 30, 2023) official visit to the West African country of Nigeria.
An Overview of the News:
- Rajnath Singh will attend the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Eagle Square in Abuja on May 29.
- He will also meet outgoing Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari during a reception hosted for him on May 28.
- This is the first visit by an Indian Defense Minister to Nigeria.
- There are about 50,000 Indian communities in Nigeria. During the visit, the Raksha Mantri will also address the Indian diaspora in Abuja.
- He will hold meetings with representatives of Nigerian industry and the armed forces to identify equipment and platforms through which the Indian defense industry can support the needs of that country.
- This visit of the Indian Defense Minister will prove to be an important milestone in building strong bonds of friendship between the two countries.
Nigeria :
- President: Muhammadu Buhari
- Capital: Abuja
- Currency: Nigerian naira
6. World Meteorological Congress approves a global tracker for greenhouse gas emissions
Tags: International News
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the World Meteorological Congress approved a new greenhouse gas (GHG) monitoring initiative.
An Overview of the News
- The initiative aims to support urgent action in reducing heat-trapping gases that contribute to global temperature rise.
- The newly established Global Greenhouse Gas Watch integrates observational systems, modelling capabilities and data assimilation.
- The initiative addresses critical information gaps in GHG monitoring.
- The unanimous support of the 193 members of the WMO highlights the importance of greenhouse gas monitoring.
- The initiative strengthens the scientific basis for climate change mitigation efforts.
World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
- It was established in 1873 by the International Meteorological Organization.
- Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland
- On March 23, 1950, the World Meteorological Organization became a specialised organisation of the United Nations.
- This organisation uses the latest information on meteorology, climatology, hydrology and related geophysical research to contribute to the safety and welfare of society.
About Greenhouse Gases
- Greenhouse gas definition: A greenhouse gas absorbs and emits thermal infrared radiation, causing the greenhouse effect.
- Primary Greenhouse Gases: The main greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere are water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone.
- Water vapour: It is the most abundant greenhouse gas and contributes to the natural greenhouse effect.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Released by human activities such as burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, it is a major cause of global warming.
- Methane (CH4): Produced during coal, oil and gas production as well as livestock farming, it is a potent greenhouse gas.
- Nitrous Oxide (N2O): Emitted from agricultural and industrial activities, it contributes to both global warming and ozone depletion.
- Ozone (O3): While beneficial in the stratosphere, at lower levels, it acts as a greenhouse gas.
7. 76th World Health Assembly held in Geneva
Tags: International News
The 76th World Health Assembly was inaugurated by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 21 May 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland.
An Overview of the News:
- This ten-day 76th World Health Assembly is being organized from 21 to 30 May 2023.
- In this, India is being represented by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
- It serves as a platform for representatives of all WHO member states to come together and address health issues affecting people around the world.
- Appreciating India's health priorities, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation, praised India's progress in chairing the G20 as well as its efforts to advance digital health and traditional medicine.
- Theme of the 76th World Health Assembly: WHO at 75: Saving Lives, Driving Health for All.
World Health Assembly:
- The World Health Assembly serves as the decision-making body of the WHO.
- Its primary functions include key aspects of the organization's operations.
- These set policies that guide global health initiatives. Along with this, it also appoints the Director General.
World Health Organization (WHO):
- It is an inter-governmental organization and works in collaboration with the Ministries of Health of its member states.
- Establishment : 1948
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
- Members: 194 countries
- WHO started functioning from 7th April, 1948.
- World Health Day is celebrated every year on 7th April.
- WHO has offices in 150 countries as well as six regional offices.
8. Ireland to become the first country in the world to introduce health warnings on alcohol
Tags: International News
Ireland's health minister, Stephen Donnelly, signed new regulations on May 22 that will carry warnings about the health risks of drinking alcohol, as well as the product's calorie count.
An overview of the news
This innovative step aims to raise awareness about the potential health risks associated with alcohol consumption.
The introduction of health warnings on alcohol bottles and cans will serve as a powerful tool for public health promotion and education.
The warnings will provide concise information about the health hazards linked to excessive alcohol consumption, encouraging individuals to make informed decisions.
Health warnings include liver disease, heart problems, increased risk of cancer, mental health problems and other associated risks.
By emphasizing the risks and potential harms associated with alcohol consumption on alcohol packaging, youth can be deterred from drinking at an early age.
Republic of Ireland
The Republic of Ireland is a western European country which shares a boundary with Great Britain.
The Parliament of Ireland is called the Oireachtas. The lower house of the parliament is called Dail and the upper house is called Seanad Éireann (Senate).
President of Ireland: Michael D. Higgins
Currency: Euro
Capital: Dublin
9. India hands over 20 broad gauge locomotives to Bangladesh
Tags: International Relations International News
Taking a significant step towards enhancing bilateral cooperation in the railway sector, India and Bangladesh handed over 20 broad gauge locomotives to Bangladesh on May 23.
An overview of the news
The initiative is aimed at meeting the growing demand for passenger and freight traffic between the two neighboring countries.
The handover ceremony was conducted virtually, which was attended by Indian Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav and Bangladesh Railway Minister Nurul Islam Sujan.
During the meeting held in June 2022, fruitful discussions were held on various aspects of railway operations between the two countries.
Minister Nurul Islam Sujan highlighted the importance of strengthening rail connectivity between India and Bangladesh to promote trade and travel.
The newly acquired locomotives will help in meeting the growing demands of passenger and freight traffic on both sides of the border.
Currently, there are nine interchanges between India and Bangladesh, of which five are already operational and two are under construction.
People’s Republic of Bangladesh
Capital: Dhaka
Prime Minister: Sheikh Hasina Wazed
President: Mohammad Shahabuddin
Currency: Taka
10. India and Australia sign agreements in the field of migration, mobility partnership and green hydrogen
Tags: International Relations International News
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was exchanged after a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese in Sydney.
An Overview of the News
Prime Minister Modi invited Prime Minister Albanese and Australian cricket fans to India for the Cricket World Cup.
Prime Minister Albanese announced the establishment of a new Australian Consulate General in Bengaluru to link Australian businesses to India's digital and innovation ecosystem.
About Australia
It is a sovereign country located in the Southern Hemisphere and is geographically isolated from the rest of the world.
Capital - Canberra
Government - Federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Emperor - Charles III
Governor-General - David Hurley
Prime Minister - Anthony Albanese
