1. 8th India-Thailand Defence Dialogue
Tags: International Relations International News
The 8th India-Thailand Defence Dialogue was held in Bangkok on 20th April.
An overview of the news
The meeting was co-chaired by Nivedita Shukla, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Defense and General Nuchit Sribunsong, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Defense of Thailand.
They reviewed defence cooperation between the two countries and explored new initiatives to further strengthen bilateral ties.
The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of common interest.
India and Thailand share a strategic partnership and defense is a major pillar of this cooperation.
India-Thailand relations
India and Thailand share a maritime boundary in the Andaman Sea.
Thailand was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with India in 1947.
Since 2001, India-Thailand economic and commercial relations have grown significantly.
India and Thailand have been cooperating in various multilateral fora such as ASEAN and BIMSTEC, a sub-regional grouping consisting of Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Nepal and Bhutan.
India is a member of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) initiated by Thailand in 2002 and the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) grouping of six countries.
The India-AESAN Agreement on Trade in Goods was implemented in January 2010.
Since 2015, India has been participating in the largest Asia Pacific military exercise X-Cobra Gold.
Exercise MAITREE (Army) and exercise SIAM BHARAT (Air Force) are Bilateral exercises between both countries.
About Thailand
Prime minister - Prayuth Chan-ocha
Capital - Bangkok
Head of State - King Vajiralongkorn
Official Language -Thai
Official Name - Ratcha Anachak Thai (Kingdom of Thailand)
2. Pranav Haridasan appointed as new MD & CEO of Axis Securities
Tags: Person in news
-Recovered-Recovered-Recovered-Recovered-Recovered-Recovered_MGSt6oj.png)
Pranav Haridasan has been appointed as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Axis Securities for the next three years.
An Overview of the News
B Gopakumar, currently MD & CEO of Axis Securities, has been transferred to Axis Asset Management Company as MD & CEO.
Pranav Haridasan is currently serving as the Managing Director and Co-Head of Equity at Axis Capital.
Pranav Haridasan has over 20 years of experience in financial markets, having served as Citigroup Director Global Markets and Head of India/ASEAN Execution Services prior to joining Axis Capital.
Axis Securities is a subsidiary of Axis Bank which operates retail broking services through Axis Direct.
Axis Capital provides investment banking and institutional equity services.
About Axis Bank
It is a leading private sector bank in India.
It was established in 1993 as UTI Bank, and later renamed as Axis Bank in 2007. The headquarter of this bank is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
It provides personal banking, corporate banking and international banking services and this bank is focusing on digitization and innovation to improve its services.
It has launched digital initiatives such as Axis Mobile App and Axis Direct for online trading.
Axis Bank is involved in several Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives through the Axis Bank Foundation.
Amitabh Choudhary is the MD and CEO of Axis Bank.
3. Vo Van Thuong elected as new President of Vietnam
Tags: Person in news International News
Vo Van Thuong, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), was elected as the country's new President by the National Assembly of Vietnam.
Overview of the news
Thuong's election came after the sudden resignation of the previous president, Nguyen Xuan Phuc.
Thuong is the youngest member of the party's Politburo, the country's top decision-making body.
About Vo Van Thuong
Thuong began his political career in 1993.
In 2003, Thuong became secretary of the Communist Youth Union of Ho Chi Minh City.
Thuong was elected as a member of the SPV Central Committee for the third time in 2021 and became a member of the Politburo for the second time.
About Vietnam
It lies in South East Asia and it is a member of Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN)
Capital: Hanoi
Currency: Dong
President: Vo Van Thuong
4. For the first time, Indian submarine INS Sindhukesari docks Indonesia amid South China Sea conflict
Tags: Defence International News
Indian submarine INS SindhuKesari docks Jakarta, Indonesia for the first time amid the conflict between China and Indonesia in the South China Sea.
An overview of the news
Indonesia is among the countries embroiled in a naval dispute with Beijing in the South China Sea.
It is about strengthening the maritime partnership between India and Indonesia towards a secure Indo-Pacific.
Indian warships frequently visit Indonesia and other ASEAN countries. This is the first time the submarine has been deployed for long distances.
Under the rule of Xi Jinping, China is trying to expand its territory by making incursions into its neighbouring countries.
On the land border, China is trying to enter Indian as well as Bhutanese territories.
This maiden long-range deployment of a submarine also underlines the operational capability and reach of the country's underwater warfare arm.
INS Sindhukesari is the 3,000-tonne diesel-electric submarine.
5. Third ASEAN Digital Ministers meeting approves India-ASEAN Digital Work Plan 2023
Tags: National National News
.jpeg)
India-ASEAN Digital Work Plan 2023 was approved at the third ASEAN Digital Ministers meeting in New Delhi February 10.
An overview of the news
The Minister of State for Communications Devusinh Chauhan, and Ivan John E Uy, Secretary, Department of Information and Communication Technology, Philippines co-chaired the meeting.
The meeting was held on a virtual platform with the theme of "Synergy Towards a Sustainable Digital Future" to strengthen India-ASEAN ties in the field of Information and Communication Technology.
The action plan includes capacity building and knowledge sharing in emerging areas of information and communication technology such as artificial intelligence in cyber security.
In 2022, the ASEAN India Friendship Year was celebrated, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of dialogue relations with ASEAN.
It furthers the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in ASEAN and India.
India-ASEAN Digital Work Plan 2023
The India-ASEAN Digital Action Plan 2023 was approved in the ministers' meeting.
The action plan includes-
Capacity building and knowledge sharing in emerging areas of information and communication technology such as artificial intelligence in cyber security.
Application of IoT and AI in Next Generation Smart City and Society 5.0.
Sustainable data and transport networks for the future: standards and applications.
5G technologies for IoT and future trends,
Role of ICT in implementation of digital health and safety and assessment for future networks, etc.
6. Vietnam President Nguyen Xuan Phuc resigns amid allegations of corruption and scandals
Tags: Person in news International News
Vietnam's President Nguyen Xuan Phuc has submitted his resignation on January 17 after the ruling Communist Party found him responsible for corruption, scandals and wrongdoings.
An overview of the news
The anti-corruption campaign has led to the sacking of several ministers in Vietnam.
Earlier, two deputy prime ministers who served under President Phuc had quit.
The resignation of the President requires approval from the National Assembly.
Former Prime Minister Phuc had assumed the office of President from 2021.
Phuc, 69, served as Vietnam's prime minister from 2016 until April 2021, when he was elected president.
Vietnam is a country with single party rule and any political changes are very carefully managed for political stability and continuity.
However, it is not clear who will be the new President.
About Vietnam
It lies in South East Asia and it is a member of Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN)
Capital: Hanoi
Currency: Dong
7. Shalini Kumari received first prize in 3rd ASEAN India Grassroots Innovation Forum
Tags: Awards
Ms Shalini Kumari from India received first prize in the Grassroots Innovation Competition at the 3rd ASEAN India Grassroots Innovation forum for her innovation ‘Modified walker with adjustable legs’.
Important facts
The first prize winner from India Ms Shalini Kumari at the forum, a resident of Patna in Bihar; she was first recognized by the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) – India.
The technology was transferred to the industry, Vissco Rehabilitation Aids, a leading manufacturer of orthopaedic products in the country.
It is available for purchase through Brick and Mortar stores and also through marketplaces like Amazon India for purchase by common people of the country.
Ms Shalini Kumari received the prize from H E Dr Hul Seingheng, Cambodia COSTI Chairman and Director General, General Department of Science, Technology & Innovation under the Ministry of Industry Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI), Kingdom of Cambodia.
She has won the cash prize of USD 1,500 by virtue of being the winner of first prize.
The second and third prizes were won by innovators from the Philippines and Myanmar, who won US$1000 and US$500, respectively.
A total of 45 innovators participated and represented 9 nationalities in the competition.
The first and second prize in the Student Innovation competition has been won by participants from Thailand whereas the third prize has been won by the student from Lao PDR.
Grassroots Innovation Competition
1st Prize | India - Ms Shalini Kumari | Modified walker with adjustable legs |
2nd Prize | Philippines - Mrs Meriam Bouquia | Multi purpose Fiber Stripper |
3rd Prize | Myanmar - Mr. Myo Thaw | GreenToddy’s Plamyra palm coconut |
Student Innovation Competition
1st Prize | Thailand - Ms. Napaschol Inthapan | ORA (Osteoarthritis Rehabilitation Assistant) |
2nd Prize | Thailand - Mr. Tanapat Charunworaphan | The HealthTech that keeps your heart in checked |
3rd Prize | Lao PDR - Mr. Phonsena Chanthavong | Intelligent boat for a cleaner river |
8. India-Indonesia Investment and Business Forum meeting held in Port Blair
Tags: place in news Summits
A meeting of the Joint Task Force Committee of "India-Indonesia Investment and Business Forum" to identify new areas of cooperation, develop infrastructure, tourism, trade and connectivity to enhance business relations was held in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar on 20 December 2022.
This is the second meeting of the Task Force Committee. The first meeting was held in the Indonesian Capital of Jakarta on November 25, 2019.
Indonesia's Sabang port in Aceh is around 90 nautical miles from Andaman and Nicobar Islands. India is keen to expand trade and tourism with Indonesia.
The meeting with Indonesian delegates was attended by Andaman and Nicobar Lieutenant Governor D K Joshi, Director for South and Central Asian Affairs of the Indonesian government, Jatmiko Heru Prasetyo.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Indonesia in 2018, he called for a Joint Task Force Committee from both sides to boost bilateral investments.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs Indonesia is the second largest trading partner of India amongst the ASEAN (Association of SouthEast Asian Nations). Singapore is the largest trading partner of India amongst ASEAN countries.
India is one of the largest buyers of coal and crude palm oil from Indonesia and imports minerals, rubber, pulp & paper and hydrocarbons reserves. India exports refined petroleum products, commercial vehicles, telecommunication equipment, bovine meat, animal feed, agriculture products, steel and plastics to Indonesia.
9. Joint HADR Exercise Samanvay - 2022 to begin at Air Force Station Agra
Tags: Defence
The Indian Air Force is conducting the annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise 'Samanvay 2022' from November 28, 2022 to November 30, 2022 at Air Force Station Agra.
Important facts
The exercise will include a seminar on disaster management, a 'multi-agency exercise' aimed at assessing the effectiveness of institutional disaster management infrastructures and contingency measures.
There will also be static and flight demonstrations of various HADR assets and a 'table top exercise'.
Representatives of ASEAN countries will also participate in the exercise along with the participation of various stakeholders from the country.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be the chief guest for the capability demonstration events to be conducted during the exercise on 29 November 2022.
Samanvay 2022 will promote a joint approach of various national and regional stakeholders including civil administration, armed forces, NDMA.
The exercise also aims to provide a unique platform for exchange of domain knowledge, experiences and best practices with ASEAN member countries.
10. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh co chair the first India ASEAN defence ministers meeting in Cambodia
Tags: place in news Defence Summits
Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Cambodia on 21 November 2022 to participate in the to co-chair the first India-ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting and attend the 9th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM Plus).This year, India and Cambodia are celebrating 70 years of diplomatic ties.
On 22 November he along with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of Cambodia General TEA Banh co-chaired the first India-ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting to commemorate the 30 years of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations. Also the year 2022 is being celebrated as the ASEAN-India Friendship Year to commemorate the 30 years of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations.
He will also attend the 9th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM Plus) to be held on 23 November 2022.
Cambodia is the current chairman of the ASEAN (Association of South East Nation) and all ASEAN related summits and conferences are being hosted by it. Both the 9th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM Plus) and India-ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting will be held at Siem Reap, Cambodia. Siam Reap is the second largest city of Cambodia after its capital Phnom Penh.
Angkor Wat
Siem Reap province of Cambodia is home to Angkor Wat. It is a world heritage site and is the world's largest religious structure, covering some 400 acres. It is dedicated to Hindu gods and goddesses. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is helping in the preservation of the Temple.
ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM Plus)
The ADMM-Plus is a platform for ASEAN and its eight Dialogue Partners Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States (collectively referred to as the "Plus Countries"), to strengthen security and defence cooperation for peace, stability, and development in the region.
The first ADMM-Plus was convened in Ha Noi, Viet Nam, on 12 October 2010.
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
It is an association of 10 countries of SouthEast Asia. They are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The headquarters of ASEAN: Jakarta, Indonesia.
