1. India to invite Bangladesh and other friendly as guest country during its G-20 presidency
The Ministry of External Affairs on 13 September 2022, said that India will invite a number of friendly countries and International Organisation to the G-20 summit as Guest countries to the G-20 Summit meeting being hosted by India on 09 and 10 September 2023 in New Delhi.
IMPORTANT FACTS -
Guest Countries :
- India will invite Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Spain and UAE as Guest Countries.
International Organisations to be invited :
- India will invite the United Nations, International Monetary Fund(IMF),World Bank, World Health Organisation (WHO),World Trade Organization (WTO),International labour organization(ILO),Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Financial Stability Board(FSB), Head of African Union, International Solar Alliance ,Association of South-east Asian Nation(ASEAN) , African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD ) CDRI (Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure) and ADB (Asian Development Bank).
- The G20, or Group of Twenty, is an intergovernmental forum of the world’s major developed and developing economies. It comprises 19 countries including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, UK, USA and the European Union (EU).
2. India-Senegal sign three MoUs
Tags: International Relations
India and Senegal signed three MoUs for cultural exchange, cooperation in youth affairs and visa-free arrangement for officials.
This is the first ever high level Indian visit to Senegal.
The visit comes at a time when both the countries are celebrating 60 years of their diplomatic ties.
The Vice President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu, who is on a three-nation tour, arrived in Senegal (West Africa) on June 2.
Three MoUs were signed by both sides
Visa-free arrangement for holders of diplomatic and official passports which will strengthen cooperation between the two countries through seamless travel of officials/diplomats.
Renewal of Cultural Exchange Progarmme (CEP) for the period 2022-26.
To enhance bilateral cooperation in youth matters.
India-Senegal Bilateral Relations
Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1962 at the ambassadorial level in Dakar.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, India-Senegal trade grew by 37% to US$1.5 billion during the last one year.
A significant amount of phosphate, an important component of fertilizers, is imported into India from Senegal.
Senegal is a member of the International Solar Alliance (IAS).
Phase II of the upgrade of the Center for Entrepreneurship Training and Development (CEDT) in Dakar has been approved and its implementation will begin soon.
Senegal has supported India for permanent UNSC membership.
About Senegal
Senegal is a country in western Africa
It is known as the “Gateway to Africa
Head Of State And Government - President, Macky Sall
Capital - Dakar
Official Language - French
Literacy - Male (2017) 64.8%, Female (2017) 39.8%
3. International News
Tags: International News
1. Mount Semeru erupted in Indonesia
- Mt Semeru (3676 m above sea level) is the biggest mountain on the island of Java.
- Semeru is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia and a part of a chain of volcanic mountains stretching from northern Sumatra to the Lesser Sunda Islands.
2. Suu Kyi sentenced to four years in prison
The military junta ruling Myanmar has sentenced the deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi for four years for incitement against the military and breaching COVID-19 rules,
3. US to diplomatic boycott Beijing winter olympics
The US has announced a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in China because of concerns about China's human rights record especially its treatment of Uighur muslim in Xinjinag provinces, a move that has been heavily criticised by Beijing.
- However American sports persons will participate in the winter olympic games.
- Following the US announcement, New Zealand and Australia also announced a diplomatic boycott of the games though their athletes will be participating in the games.
- Canada will join the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia in a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics over human rights concerns, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on December 8.
4. ADB to provide loan to India
Government of India and Asian Development Bank(ADB) has signed two agreement for loan to projects in India
- ADB will provide a $125 million loan to improve access to safe and affordable drinking water supply and citywide inclusive sanitation services in Dehradun and Nainital cities in the state of Uttarakhand.
- It will also provide a $150 million loan to provide access to inclusive, resilient, and sustainable housing for the urban poor in the state of Tamil Nadu.
5. India amongst the most unequal countries in the world
As per the 'World Inequality Report 2022' by World Inequality Lab, which aims to promote research on global inequality dynamics. India is among the most unequal countries in the world, with rising poverty and an 'affluent elite'.
- Distribution of Wealth: In India, the top 10% and top 1% hold 57% and 22% of the total national income respectively while the share of the bottom 50% has gone down to 13%.
- Gender inequality: The share of female labour income share in India is equal to 18% which is significantly lower than the average in Asia (21%, excluding China) & is among the lowest in the world. Although, the number is slightly higher than the average share in the Middle East (15%).
6. Nicaragua cut its diplomatic relation with Taiwan
- The Central American country Nicaragua has become the latest country to cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favour of China.
- The decision was praised by China, which demands that any country that wants diplomatic relations with it must cut existing ties with Taipei.
- However, Taiwan sees itself as a democratically-governed, independent country, though it has never formally declared independence from the mainland.
- Before Nicaragua, the Pacific Island nations of Kiribati and the Solomon Islands were the latest countries to cut ties with Taiwan in favour of China in 2019.
Capital of Nicaragua: Managua
President of Nicaragua: Daniel Ortega
Capital of Taiwan: Taipei
7. UN General Assembly Grants Observer Status To International Solar Alliance
- The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has granted Observer Status to International Solar Alliance (ISA), India's Permanent Ambassador to the United Nations.
- A total of 108 countries participated in the Assembly, including 74 Member Countries and 34 Observer and Prospective Countries, 23 Partner Organizations and 33 Special Invitee Organisations.
4. UN General Assembly Grants Observer Status To International Solar Alliance
Tags: International News
- The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has granted Observer Status to International Solar Alliance (ISA), India's Permanent Ambassador to the United Nations.
- A total of 108 countries participated in the Assembly, including 74 Member Countries and 34 Observer and Prospective Countries, 23 Partner Organizations and 33 Special Invitee Organisations.
- The launch of the ISA was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and former French President Francois Hollande in November 2015, at the 21st session of the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties in Paris, France.
- In 6 years, the International Solar Alliance has become an example of positive global climate action through partnerships to benefit global energy growth and development.
Observer Status Observer status is a privilege granted by some organizations to non-members to give them an ability to participate in the organization's activities. Observer status is often granted by intergovernmental organizations (IGO) to non-member parties and international nongovernmental organizations (INGO) that have an interest in the IGO's activities. |
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) The United Nations General Assembly is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, serving as the main deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ of the UN. Responsibilities of UNGA includes:
It also establishes numerous subsidiary organs to advance or assist in its broad mandate. Headquarters: New York, United States President: Abdulla Shahid Convened: 10 January 1946 India’s Permanent Ambassador to the UN, T S Tirumurti. |
International Solar Alliance The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an alliance of 124 countries initiated by India, most of them being the sunshine countries, which lie either completely or partly between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. The primary objective of the alliance:
Formation: 30 November 2015 Headquarters: Gurugram, Haryana, India Director General: Ajay Mathur |
5. Italy-India Strategic Partnership in Energy Transition:
Tags:
Why in news?
Recently, at a bilateral meeting, India and Italy released the mutual Statement on Italy-India Strategic Partnership in Energy Transition.
Key points:
- Both countries consider working together to support a large size green corridor project in India to capitalize on India's target to produce and integrate 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030.
- Both countries encourage joint investments of Indian and Italian companies in energy transition-related fields.
- Initiate a dialogue to support the development and deployment of green hydrogen and related technologies in India.
- Encourage Italian and Indian companies to develop joint projects in natural gas sector, technological innovation for decarbonisation, Smart Cities and other specific domains (i.e.: electrification of urban public transport).
- Such a partnership could build on existing bilateral mechanisms, including by giving new impetus to the cooperation on renewable energy and sustainable development between the Italian Ministry of Ecological Transition and its Indian counterparts, namely the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
The Green Energy Corridor Projects:
- The Green Energy Corridor Project aims at synchronizing electricity produced from renewable sources, such as solar and wind, with conventional power stations in the grid.
- For evacuation of large-scale renewable energy, Intra State Transmission System (InSTS) project was sanctioned by the Ministry in 2015-16. It is being implemented by eight renewable-rich states of Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. The project is being implemented in these states by the respective State Transmission Utilities (STUs).
- The purpose is to evacuate 20,000 MW of large-scale renewable power and improvement of the grid in the implementing states.
- The total project cost is Rs. 10141 crores.
- The project is being implemented by respective State Transmission Utilities (STUs) allocating the work through a competitive bidding process. The Ministry monitors the project every month.
Additional Information:
- Italy is the eighth largest economy in the world and the third largest in the Eurozone.
- It is also the world's sixth largest manufacturing nation, dominated by small and medium enterprises clustered in many industrial districts.
- India, on the other hand, is the sixth-largest economy and a large market for over 600 Italian companies operating in India.
- Recently, Italy has joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
6. USA becomes 101st member country of ISA:
Tags:
USA becomes 101st member country of ISA:
Why in the news?
US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry formally signed the ISA framework agreement on November 10, 2021 during the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow.
Key highlights:
- "This move will strengthen ISA and propel future action on providing a clean source of energy to the world."
- The U.S is now the 101st country to sign the framework agreement of the ISA.
- Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav, who was present at the signing of the framework agreement.
- Emphasised on the urgency of action to provide financial and technological support from the developed countries to the developing ones to ensure Climate Justice
Additional information:
What is ISA?
- ISA, known as the International Solar Alliance.
- It is an international organization comprising 98 member countries that have signed the ISA Framework Agreement.
- The ISA has been established as a coalition of solar-rich countries between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.
- The ISA aims to help governments across the world in improving energy access and security around the globe while promoting solar energy as a sustainable way to transition to a carbon-neutral future.
- The ISA was launched in Paris, France on November 30, 2015. It is headquartered in Gurugram, India.
What is OSOWOG?
- India along with the United Kingdom had launched the Green Grids Initiative – One Sun One World One Grid on November 2, 2021 during the World Leaders Summit of the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow.
- It is an initiative by India to interconnect global renewable energy systems with the vision ‘The Sun Never Sets’.
- The concept of OSOWOG is simply a single global grid for solar energy.
- The initiative was outlined by PM Narendra Modi during the 1st General Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in October 2018.
OSOWOG aims to build and scale-up inter-regional energy grids to share solar energy across borders, leverage the differences between time zones, seasons, pricing, and resources of different countries.
7. China launched world's 1st Earth Science Satellite
Tags:
Why in news?
China has launched the world’s first Earth-science satellite, named Guangmu or SDGSAT-1
Key points:
- It is launched from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in the northern Shanxi Province.
- The satellite was launched by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and developed by the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (CBAS).
- Guangmu was launched by a Long March-6 carrier rocket which is the 395th flight mission.
- Developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the satellite (SDGSAT-1) is the world's first space science satellite dedicated to serving the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
- The satellite will observe interactions between human activities and nature.
- The satellite, with three optical payloads in it, can provide space observation data for monitoring, evaluating and studying the interaction between human and nature and sustainable development.
Additional Information:
About 'Xihe' solar observation satellite:
- Recently, China also launched its first solar observation satellite.It was launched from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in northern Shanxi Province aboard a Long March-2D rocket.
- The satellite was named as 'Xihe' (Xihe is the goddess of the sun who created the calendar in ancient Chinese mythology)
- China has sent its first solar exploration satellite into space from Taiyuan satellite launch centre.
- The satellite has been developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC)
- Ten small satellites including an orbital atmospheric density detection experimental satellite and a commercial meteorological detection constellation experimental satellite were also sent into space using the same career rocket.
- The current launch marks the 391st flight mission of the Long March carrier rocket series.
- About China:
- Capital: Beijing
- President: Xi-Jinping
- Currency: Renminbi
The US space agency NASA has launched its first Lucy mission to study Jupiter's Trojan asteroids.
- The Lucy probe was launched on a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on October 16, 2021.
- Jupiter's Trojan asteroids are two large clusters of space rocks that scientists believe are remnants of the primordial material that formed the solar system's outer planets.
- The mission life of Lucy is 12-year, during which the spacecraft will fly by a total of eight ancient asteroids to study about solar system's evolution.
Why the name LUCY?
- There is a reason behind why NASA has named this mission as Lucy. In 1974, a human skeleton was found in Hadar, Ethiopia. After his study, scientists described him as the world's oldest human skeleton ever found. This skeleton was named Lucy (Australopithecine afarensis).
- To investigate Trojans on Jupiter, NASA has named its mission after the skeleton named Lucy. This spacecraft has gone out in search of fossils that are orbiting the Sun along with Jupiter, millions of kilometers from Earth.
About NASA
- The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is America's civil space program and the global leader in space exploration.
- It was established in 1 October 1958.
- Headquarters: Washington D.C.
