1. India Sends 1,400 kg of Anti-Cancer Drugs to Syria
Tags: International News
India has sent a consignment of approximately 1,400 kgs of anti-cancer drugs to Syria as part of its humanitarian assistance.
An Overview of the News
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced the dispatch, emphasizing India's commitment to supporting Syria.
Cordial Relations Between India and Syria
India and Syria have historically shared strong and cordial relations, supported by deep-rooted people-to-people ties.
The Indian Embassy in Syria has remained operational throughout the Syrian conflict, facilitating various exchanges.
Support Through Education and Capacity Building
India has contributed to the development of Syrian youth through scholarship schemes and training courses under the ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) program.
This support has played a significant role in building capacity among the Syrian population.
Health Challenges Facing the Syrian First Lady
In May this year, Syria's First Lady Asma Assad was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, as reported by the state news agency SANA.
The First Lady, who was born and raised in London to Syrian parents, had previously recovered from breast cancer in 2019.
About Syria
Capital - Damascus
Official language - Arabic
Currency - Syrian pound (SYP)
President - Bashar al-Assad
Vice President - Najah al-Attar
Prime Minister - Hussein Arnous
2. Germany Becomes 18th Member of UNC
Tags: International News
Germany become the 18th member state of the United Nations Command (UNC), following the trend of expanding participation, such as Italy's reinstatement in 2013.
An Overview of the News
Representatives from Germany, the United States, the Republic of Korea, and other UNC Member States gathered at Barker Field to recognize Germany's accession to the UNC on August 2.
Germany wasn't a UN member in 1953, it offered to deploy a field hospital two months before the Armistice signing.
The West German Red Cross Hospital in Busan, operated by 117 German doctors, nurses, and technicians from 1954 to 1959, treated nearly 300,000 patients and assisted with over 6,000 births.
South Korea recognized Germany as a "Medical Support Nation" in 2018, acknowledging their contributions during the Korean War.
About the UNC
Established in 1950: Created during the Korean War to support South Korea.
Coalition: Composed of member states, not a standing army.
Headquarters: Located in Seoul, guided by UN Security Council resolutions.
Ceasefire: Upholds a ceasefire since 1953, without a formal peace treaty.
Current Commander: Major General Paul J. LaCamera.
Humanitarian Work: Involved in humanitarian missions and disaster relief in the region.
About Germany
Berlin Zoo: Founded in 1844, it’s the oldest zoo globally, with over 19,000 animals.
Beer Varieties: Germany boasts around 1,500 types of beer, regulated by the Beer Purity Law (Reinheitsgebot).
Berlin Wall: A Cold War symbol, the wall was dismantled in 1989.
Oktoberfest: Munich hosts the world’s largest beer festival annually.
Car Production: Germany produces around 1 million cars each year, with brands like Volkswagen dominating the industry.
3. US Navy Unveils AIM-174B Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Tags: International News
The U.S. Navy has introduced the AIM-174B, an advanced long-range air-to-air missile, to bolster its aerial capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region amid rising tensions with China.
An Overview of the News
This missile aims to replace the retired AIM-54 Phoenix and provide carrier-based fighters like the F/A-18E/F Super Hornets with enhanced long-range engagement capabilities.
Key Features:
Development: The AIM-174B was unveiled and flew for the first time in 2024.
Performance: It can achieve speeds of Mach 3.5 and has a maximum range of about 300 kilometers, surpassing the AIM-120 AMRAAM in range.
Technology:
Utilizes an active radar homing seeker, based on the AIM-120 AMRAAM.
Expected to be integrated with the Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air (NIFC-CA) system, collaborating with platforms such as the E-2D Hawkeye, F-35 fighters, and AEGIS combat systems.
India's Air-to-Air Missile
Astra: India's first BVR missile with a range of 80-110 km and Mach 4.5+ speed, using active radar for guidance.
MICA: Versatile short to medium range missile (500 m-80 km) with Mach 4 speed, employing both infrared and radar guidance.
R-73: Short-range missile with a 30 km range and Mach 2.5 speed, featuring high maneuverability and infrared guidance.
R-77 (RVV-AE): Medium-range missile with an 80 km range and Mach 4.5 speed, using active radar for high-speed aerial combat.
Python-5: Advanced short-range missile (20 km) with Mach 4 speed and infrared guidance, known for its agility.
Novator K-100: Ultra-long range missile (300-400 km) with Mach 3.3 speed and passive radar guidance, aimed at high-value targets.
Derby: BVR missile with a 50 km range, Mach 4 speed, and active radar guidance, used for interception and air superiority.
- Meteor: Future BVR missile with over 100 km range, Mach 4+ speed, and active radar guidance, featuring advanced ramjet propulsion.
4. US Approves $20 Billion Arms Sale to Israel
Tags: International News
The US State Department has approved a $20 billion arms sale to Israel.
An Overview of the News
The sale includes over 50 F-15 fighter jets, advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles, 120 mm tank ammunition, high explosive mortars, and tactical vehicles.
The delivery of the F-15 jets is scheduled by 2029.
Context and Justification:
The Pentagon emphasizes the importance of assisting Israel in developing a strong self-defense capability.
The arms deal occurs amid heightened tensions in West Asia, following the recent killings of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Lebanon.
Both incidents have led to threats of retaliation against Israel.
About Israel
Israel is a Middle Eastern country on the Mediterranean Sea.
It is considered the Holy Land of the Bible by Jews, Christians and Muslims.
Tel Aviv is the financial centre of the country and is known for its beaches and Bauhaus architecture.
Capital - Jerusalem
Official language - Hebrew
Recognized Language - Arabic
President - Isaac Herzog
Prime Minister - Benjamin Netanyahu
5. Paul Kagame Takes Oath for Fourth Term as Rwanda's President
Tags: International News
On August 11, 2024, Paul Kagame began his fourth term as President of Rwanda. Kagame won the election with more than 99% of the vote.
An Overview of the News
The inauguration ceremony took place in a crowded stadium in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. Many prominent African leaders attended the ceremony.
Kagame’s Political Background
Kagame has been in power since shortly after the 1994 Rwandan Genocide.
He officially became President in 2000.
Kagame first took on a leadership role after the genocide.
Kagame’s Leadership and Contributions
Kagame is credited with improving Rwanda’s economy and infrastructure.
Kagame is a strong supporter of gender equality.
Rwanda has the highest percentage of women in its parliament of any country in the world.
The Rwandan Genocide (1994)
Historical Background:
The Rwandan Genocide occurred from April to July 1994.
Approximately 800,000 people, mostly Tutsis, were killed by Hutu extremists.
The genocide lasted about 100 days.
International Response:
The international community, including the United Nations, failed to take strong action to stop the violence.
Post-Genocide Recovery:
Rwanda has made a remarkable recovery since the genocide.
The country is often seen as a model for reconciliation.
About Rwanda
Capital - Kigali
Official Languages - Kinyarwanda, French, English, Swahili
Currency - Rwandan Franc
Prime Minister - Édouard Ngirente
6. India and New Zealand Sign Customs Cooperation Agreement
Tags: International Relations International News
India and New Zealand signed a Bilateral Customs Cooperation Arrangement to strengthen trade between the two countries.
An Overview of the News
The agreement was formalized in Wellington on August 8, 2024, during President Droupadi Murmu's official visit to New Zealand.
President Murmu’s Three-Nation Tour:
President Draupadi Murmu was on an official visit to Fiji, New Zealand and Timor Leste.
Her visit to New Zealand occurred on August 8 and 9, 2024.
Diplomatic Engagements:
President Murmu received a traditional Maori greeting in Wellington.
She was welcomed by New Zealand's Governor General, Dame Cindy Kiro, and met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters.
Discussions focused on exchanging best practices in traditional medicine through the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
India-New Zealand Relations:
India established a Trade Mission in New Zealand in 1950, later becoming a High Commission.
As of June 2023, India is New Zealand's 15th largest trading partner, with trade valued at US$1.56 billion.
New Zealand exports wool, edible fruits and nuts, and forest products to India, while India exports precious metals and gems, textiles, motor vehicles, pharmaceuticals, and non-knitted apparel to New Zealand.
About New Zealand
Independence: From the UK in 1947
Head of State: UK Monarch, King Charles III
Capital: Wellington
Currency: New Zealand Dollar
Unique Species: Flightless bird Kiwi
Prime Minister: Christopher Luxon
7. Tunisian President Saied Replaces Prime Minister Hachani with Kamel Madouri
Tags: International News
Tunisian President Kais Saied dismissed Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani on Wednesday without providing an explanation.
An Overview of the News
Hachani was replaced by Kamel Madouri, who was serving as the social affairs minister since May.
Ahmed Hachani had replaced Najila Bouden as Prime Minister in August 2023, who was also removed without a specific reason.
Political Context
President Kais Saied, elected in 2019, carried out a power grab in 2021.
He amended the Tunisian constitution, significantly increasing the powers of the presidency while reducing the authority of the parliament.
Saied is seeking re-election, with the next elections scheduled for October 6.
He submitted his official candidacy and stated that his campaign aims to "establish a new republic."
About Tunisia
Capital - Tunis
Official languages - Arabic
Currency - Tunisian dinar (TND)
President - Kais Saied
Prime Minister - Kamel Madouri
8. China's SSST Launches First 18 Satellites for Qianfan Constellation
Tags: International News
On 5th August 2024, Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST), a Chinese state-owned enterprise, successfully launched the first batch of 18 satellites for the "Qianfan" (Thousand Sails Constellation) megaconstellation, formerly known as the G60 Project.
An Overview of the News
The launch took place at the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre (TSLC) in Shanxi Province, China.
G60 Project Details:
The G60 Project was initiated in 2023 with the ambitious goal of deploying 1,296 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites by 2030.
In 2024, the plan includes the launch of 108 satellites, with 648 satellites targeted for deployment by the end of 2025.
The project aims to achieve global network coverage by 2027.
Funding and Partnerships:
SSST secured 6.7 billion yuan (approximately USD 943 million) to finance the project.
SSST partnered with the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IAMCAS) to establish Shanghai Gesi Aerospace Technology (Genesat) in 2022.
Genesat is responsible for building satellite manufacturing facilities.
The first satellite for the G60 constellation was produced in December 2023 in Shanghai's Songjiang District.
Advantages of LEO Satellites:
LEO satellites, orbiting at altitudes between 300 km and 2,000 km, are more cost-effective and offer more efficient transmission compared to higher orbit satellites.
9. Ax-4 Mission to Include Indian, Polish, and Hungarian Astronauts
Tags: Science and Technology International News
Axiom Space is collaborating with India’s ISRO, Poland, and Hungary, supported by ESA, to send three national astronauts on Ax-4.
An Overview of the News
The crew includes Commander Peggy Whitson, Mission Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla (India), Mission Specialist Sławosz Uznański (ESA/Poland), and Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu (Hungary).
The crew is pending approval from the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP), which involves NASA, ESA, Roscosmos, JAXA, and the Canadian Space Agency.
Mission Goals:
Ax-4 aims to advance scientific research, technology demonstrations, and space commercialization.
The mission emphasizes international cooperation by sharing knowledge, resources, and opportunities with global partners.
Significance of the Mission:
Ax-4 will be Axiom Space’s second mission including an ESA astronaut and will see a Polish astronaut in space for the first time in over 40 years.
The mission continues Axiom Space’s tradition of involving diverse nationalities, following previous missions with the first Saudi female astronaut, first Turkish astronaut, and first ESA astronaut on a commercial flight.
Launch Details:
The mission will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft from Florida.
The crew is expected to spend up to 14 days on the International Space Station.
Agreements:
Axiom Space signed a memorandum of understanding with Hungary in July 2022 and a spaceflight framework agreement in September 2023 for Hungary’s astronaut program.
In July 2024, Axiom Space signed a spaceflight framework agreement with ISRO, marking a significant step towards a joint ISRO-NASA mission on the ISS.
10. Kamala Harris Becomes First Black and South Asian Woman to Win Democratic Presidential Nomination
Tags: International News
Kamala Harris has won the Democratic presidential nomination. Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison announced her win.
An Overview of the News
Harris secured the support of 2,350 delegates. She ran unopposed after President Joe Biden endorsed her.
Voting Process
The nomination was decided through a five-day electronic vote.
Nearly 4,000 party convention delegates participated.
Harris was the sole candidate on the ballot.
Official Nomination
Harris will be officially nominated at a convention in Chicago later this month.
She expressed her honor in being the presumptive Democratic nominee.
Historical Significance
Harris is the first Black and first South Asian woman to be a major US political party's White House nominee.
If she wins against Republican nominee Donald Trump in November, she will be the first female president of the United States.
