1. India and Panama agree on electoral cooperation
Tags: International Relations
On 7th July 2023, The Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Electoral Tribunal (ET) of Panama signed an MoU on Electoral Cooperation.
An Overview of the news:
- Under this agreement, both the countries will set up an institutional framework for ongoing cooperation in the field of election management and administration.
- A three-member Election Commission delegation led by Chief Election Commissioner of India Rajeev Kumar met with Alfredo Junca Vendheke, Presiding Magistrate of the Electoral Tribunal of Panama, to strengthen cooperation and exchange of knowledge between the Election Management Bodies (EMBs) of the two countries. discussed.
- This MoU reflects the commitment of the Election Commission to engage with election bodies around the world and strengthen democratic processes.
- The Election Commission is expanding its connectivity and collaboration with foreign Election Management Bodies (EMBs) through the 'International Cooperation Programme'.
Fourth agreement of ECI with Latin American countries:
- After signing MoUs with Mexico, Brazil and Chile in the past few years, this is the fourth MoU signed with an election management body in the Latin America region.
- ECI has so far signed a total of 31 MoUs with election management bodies and international organizations across the globe.
Mutual cooperation by both the countries:
- Both the Election Commission of India and the Electoral Tribunal of Panama are members of the Association of World Election Bodies (A-WEB).
- ET of Panama officials also participated in the International Conference on 'Inclusive Elections and Electoral Integrity' organized by the ECI in March 2023.
- It was a part of the operation of 'Cohort on Elections Integrity' under the aegis of 'Summit for Democracy'.
- Officials from the Electoral Tribunal of Panama also participated in the 'International Election Visitors Program' organized by the ECI during the state assembly elections in April 2021.
Association of World Election Bodies (A-WEB):
- A-WEB is the largest association of Election Management Bodies (EMBs) worldwide.
- A-WEB has 119 election management bodies as members and 20 regional associations/organizations as associate members.
- The ECI delegation will participate in the 11th Executive Board Meeting of A-WEB and an International Conference in Cartagena, Colombia.
2. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's four-day visit to Tanzania
Tags: International Relations
Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar went on a four-day official visit to Tanzania from 5 to 8 July 2023.
An Overview of the news:
- During his visit, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar attended the reception of Indian Naval Ship Trishul.
- Along with this, he also addressed the Indian expatriates and inaugurated the statue of Swami Vivekananda.
- In Zanzibar, he visited a water supply project funded by a line of credit from the Government of India.
10th India-Tanzania Joint Commission:
- The External Affairs Minister then visited the Tanzanian city of Dar-es-Salaam from 7-8 July 2023, where he co-chaired the 10th India-Tanzania Joint Commission Meeting with his counterpart.
IIT Madras at Zanzibar:
- To strengthen education ties between the two countries, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) will open its first overseas campus in Zanzibar, Tanzania in October 2023.
- It will admit 50 undergraduate students and 20 master's students.
- The new IIT campus will be set up in Zanzibar under the name of IIT Madras at Zanzibar.
- Along with this, IIT will also open its other foreign campus in Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur.
About Tanzania
- It is an East African country.
- Serengeti National Park is a popular safari destination in Tanzania.
- Kilimanjaro National Park is located in Tanzania.
- Zanzibar is a tropical island off the coast of Tanzania.
- Mafia is another tropical island in Tanzania.
Capital - Dodoma
Currency - Tanzanian Shilling
President - Samia Suluhu Hasan
Vice President - Philip Mpango
Prime Minister - Kassim Majaliwa
Speaker - Tulia Axon
Chief Justice - Ibrahim Hamis Zuma
3. Member countries of the SCO should collaborate to fully capitalize on the potential of the Chabahar Port: PM Modi
Tags: International Relations Defence International News
The Prime Minister has suggested that the member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) should collaborate to fully capitalise on the potential of the Chabahar Port, especially with Iran's recent accession to this major regional organisation.
An Overview of the News
During a virtual summit hosted by India, Iran was formally inducted as a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
The induction took place within the influential SCO, with the virtual summit serving as the forum for this announcement.
Chabahar Port:
Location and Access: The Chabahar Port is located in Iran's Sistan-Balochistan province, at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz.
It provides direct access to the Indian Ocean and is situated outside the Hormuz Strait.
Importance and Potential: As Iran's only seaport, the Chabahar Port has the potential to become a significant commercial hub in the region.
Its strategic proximity to countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, along with its role in the International North-South Transport Corridor, contributes to its importance.
Chabahar Project:
Tripartite Agreement: In May 2016, India, Iran, and Afghanistan signed a tripartite agreement to develop the Shahid Beheshti Terminal at Chabahar.
This marked India's first foreign port project.
Objectives: The agreement aimed to establish an International Transport and Transit Corridor at Chabahar.
Key highlights of the project include the construction of the Chabahar Port and a rail line connecting it to Zahedan.
Bypassing Pakistan: The Chabahar Port provides India with an alternative route to access Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.
This offers increased trade and connectivity opportunities.
International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC):
Description: The INSTC is a multimodal transportation route that connects the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf to the Caspian Sea.
It further extends to northern Europe through St. Petersburg, Russia.
Components: The corridor encompasses seaports in the Persian Gulf and the Caspian region, as well as road and rail networks.
Objective: The primary aim of the INSTC is to reduce transportation costs and transit time between India and Russia.
Once fully functional, it is expected to significantly decrease transit time by nearly half.
4. Vietnam's Justice Minister Le Thanh Long's visit to India
Tags: International Relations
On July 2, 2023, a bilateral meeting between Union Minister of State for Law and Justice (Independent Charge) Arjun Ram Meghwal and Vietnam's Justice Minister Le Thanh Long was held in New Delhi.
An Overview of the news: -
- The meeting was also attended by a delegation from both sides, which included senior officials from the respective Ministries.
- Bilateral meeting between Minister of State for Law and Justice India and Vietnam
Opportunities for cooperation between the two countries:
- The Union Law Minister recalled the close friendly relations that the two countries have developed over the last more than 50 years.
- Appreciated Vietnam for being a key partner of India's 'Act East Policy'.
- Both sides used the occasion to discuss measures for cooperation in various fields of law and justice.
- This will take bilateral relations to new heights commensurate with the status of a Comprehensive Strategic Partner.
- The meeting proved fruitful in efforts towards the possibility of signing an MoU to promote cooperation between the two countries in the field of law and justice.
- The two sides have also agreed to hold consultations at the official level to take forward discussions on wide-ranging areas of cooperation in the field of law and justice, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.
Vietnam:
- It is located in the eastern part of the Indochina Peninsula of Southeast Asia.
- It is bordered by the South China Sea to the east, China to the north, Laos to the northwest and Cambodia to the southwest.
- Capital: Hanoi
- Prime Minister: Pham Minh Chinh
- Currency: Vietnamese dong
5. India-UK 'Electric Propulsion Technology Workshop' held in New Delhi
Tags: International Relations
India-UK 'Electric Propulsion Technology Workshop' was organized in New Delhi on 03 July 2023.
An Overview of the news:
- It aims to collaborate, exchange knowledge and explore exciting possibilities in the field of electric propulsion.
- The workshop was co-chaired by Rajiv Prakash, Joint Secretary (Naval Systems) from the Indian side and Commodore John Voyce, Naval Base Commander, Portsmouth, from the UK side.
- The workshop served as an important platform for experts, researchers and industry professionals from both the countries to come together, share their knowledge and engage in meaningful discussions on the development of electric propulsion in ships.
- The interactions and discussions that took place in this provided a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and paved the way for collaboration and exchange of ideas.
- During the workshop, both the countries expressed their commitment to establish stronger defense ties, conduct joint research, transfer technology and explore avenues for strategic partnership.
About 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
6. PM Modi conferred Egypt’s highest state honour
Tags: International Relations Awards International News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the 'Order of the Nile,' Egypt's highest honor, by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi during a ceremony at the Presidential palace in Cairo on 25th June.
An overview of the news
The 'Order of the Nile' was established in 1915 and is bestowed upon heads of states, crown princes, and vice presidents who have rendered invaluable services to Egypt or humanity.
This is the 13th highest state honor conferred upon Prime Minister Modi.
During the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Egypt in 26 years, India and Egypt elevated their relationship to a 'Strategic Partnership' following extensive discussions between Modi and El-Sisi.
Political and security cooperation
The talks focused on enhancing political and security cooperation.
Modi and El-Sisi signed a strategic partnership document, which encompassed various areas of collaboration such as political and security cooperation, defense collaboration, trade and investment ties, scientific and academic exchanges, and strengthening people-to-people contacts.
The two countries signed three more pacts covering agriculture and allied sectors, protection and preservation of monuments and archaeological sites, and competition law.
Modi and El-Sisi also discussed further cooperation within the G-20 framework, emphasizing issues such as food and energy insecurity, climate change, and the need for the Global South to have a unified voice.
Modi extended an invitation to El-Sisi to attend the G-20 Summit in New Delhi in September.
Egypt's historic Al-Hakim Mosque
Before returning to India, Modi visited Egypt's historic Al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo, which dates back to the 11th century.
The mosque has been restored with the assistance of India's Dawoodi Bohra community.
Modi admired the intricate carved inscriptions on the walls and doorways of the mosque, which was constructed in 1012.
Al-Hakim Mosque is the fourth oldest mosque in Cairo and the second Fatimid mosque built in the city.
About Egypt
Egypt is a country located in North Africa.
Egypt is home to famous monuments such as the Giza Pyramid Complex. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Pyramids of Giza are located on the banks of the Nile River. The Great Pyramid of Giza was built in 2560 BC.
Capital - Cairo
President – Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
Currency - Egyptian pound
7. India and UAE signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement for Authorized Economic Operators
Tags: International Relations International News
India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 23 June have signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement for Authorized Economic Operators.
An overview of the news
The agreement was formally signed during the World Customs Organization's (WCO) Customs Co-operation Council meeting held in Brussels.
Aim of Mutual Recognition Arrangement
The Mutual Recognition Arrangement aims to promote trade facilitation and ease of doing business between the two countries.
It establishes a framework for recognizing Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs) from both India and the UAE.
Significance
The recognition of AEO status will streamline customs procedures, reduce administrative burdens, and lower costs for authorized businesses.
This agreement signifies an important milestone in the economic cooperation between India and the UAE and is expected to strengthen bilateral trade ties.
By leveraging the benefits of the Mutual Recognition Arrangement, both countries aim to enhance trade facilitation, improve the ease of doing business, and encourage investments.
India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
The signing of this arrangement is in line with the broader objective of the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in February 2022.
CEPA aims to significantly increase the total value of bilateral trade in goods and services within five years.
The Mutual Recognition Arrangement is expected to contribute to achieving the trade targets set under the CEPA, fostering greater economic growth and cooperation between India and the UAE.
8. India and US sign Artemis Accord to take Space cooperation to new heights
Tags: International Relations Science and Technology
During his state visit to the United States, Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed the Artemis agreement with the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), highlighting the growing importance of India's role as a global space power.
An overview of the news
The agreement establishes the foundation for cooperation in space exploration and underlines India's commitment to peaceful space activities.
Joint Mission to the International Space Station (ISS)
In addition to the Artemis agreement, NASA and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) have agreed to launch a joint mission to the International Space Station in 2024.
This collaborative effort will enable both countries to advance their space research and exploration efforts.
What is the Artemis Agreement?
The Artemis Agreement outlines principles for international cooperation in space exploration, particularly relating to the use of the Moon, Mars, comets and asteroids for peaceful purposes.
As non-binding multilateral arrangements, these agreements allow governments, including the United States and other participating nations, to contribute to NASA's Artemis program.
Significance of the Artemis Program
NASA's Artemis program aims to advance scientific discoveries and expand human exploration of the lunar surface.
By studying the Moon, researchers hope to make breakthroughs that could lead to advances in various fields such as technology, medicine and our understanding of the universe.
The program focuses on sending astronauts to Mars and exploring other planets and celestial bodies.
Establishment of the Artemis Accord
In 2020, NASA established the Artemis Agreement in collaboration with the US State Department.
These agreements serve as agreements between the United States and the seven other founding member states, reinforcing commitment to international space treaties and agreements.
These agreements promote best practices, including the transparent sharing of scientific data with the public.
Guiding principle of Accord
The purpose of the Artemis Agreement is to create a framework for peaceful and cooperative space exploration.
These principles facilitate progress while ensuring ethical and responsible practices in space.
Since many countries and private companies are actively engaged in lunar missions and operations, agreements establish shared principles governing civilian exploration and use of outer space.
Key principles include conducting all activities in space peacefully and with full transparency, sharing research findings, registering space objects, and releasing scientific data.
Nations Participating in the Artemis Accord
The agreement was signed in October 2020 by the directors of the national space agencies of the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan, Luxembourg, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.
Ukraine joined the agreement a month later. Subsequently, in 2021 the agreement was extended to South Korea, New Zealand, Brazil, Poland, Isle of Man and Mexico.
In 2022, Israel, Romania, Bahrain, Singapore, Colombia, France, Saudi Arabia, Rwanda, Nigeria and the Czech Republic also become signatories.
Spain, Ecuador and now India have also joined it, taking the total number of participating countries to 28.
9. India-United States Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS X) launched in Washington DC
Tags: International Relations Defence International News
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The U.S. Department of Defense and the Indian Ministry of Defense launched the India-U S Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) on 21st June at an event hosted by the U S-India Business Council.
An overview of the news
The launch of INDUS-X is a major milestone in promoting US-India defense cooperation, innovation, and job creation.
The initiative seeks to enhance defense capabilities and contribute to global peace, security and prosperity while reaffirming commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Significance of INDUS-X
INDUS-X aims to revitalize defense industrial cooperation between the United States and India, promoting the development of new technologies and fostering collaboration in manufacturing.
It represents a strategic effort to strengthen bilateral ties and unlock the potential for advancements in the defense sector.
Job Creation and Economic Growth
INDUS-X holds the potential to create job opportunities for working families in both countries.
By fostering collaboration between U S and Indian start-ups, the initiative aims to generate employment and drive economic growth, contributing to global peace, security, and prosperity.
Collaboration Agenda
This agenda outlines various initiatives that INDUS-X stakeholders intend to pursue, complementing existing government-to-government collaboration.
These initiatives include the formation of a Senior Advisory Group for Start-ups.
Indo-Pacific Defence Capabilities
U S and Indian officials have affirmed that INDUS-X will act as a catalyst for innovation and contribute to equipping their armed forces with the necessary capabilities to ensure the defense of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
This emphasizes the shared commitment to regional security and stability.
10. Oman Creates History as First Foreign Government to Promote Country through Yoga
Tags: International Relations International News
The Indian Embassy in Oman has introduced a unique video titled 'Soulful Yoga, Serene Oman' on the occasion of the International Day of Yoga 2023.
An overview of the news
This initiative is considered pioneering and showcases the beauty of Oman while featuring yoga enthusiasts from different countries.
The video stands out as it is a collaborative effort between the Indian Embassy and 'Visit Oman,' a subsidiary of Oman's Ministry of Tourism.
This partnership marks the first instance of a foreign government using yoga to promote its own country, highlighting the significance of this collaboration.
The video not only demonstrates the increasing popularity of yoga worldwide but also highlights its growing prominence in Oman.
With a significant Indian community of 700,000 in Oman, yoga has gained considerable traction in recent years.
Promoting Yoga through Initiatives
The Indian Embassy has been actively involved in promoting yoga in Oman through various initiatives.
In 2022, they organized the 'Muscat Yog Mahotsav,' a 75-day celebration featuring over 75 yoga events across major cities in Oman.
This initiative was timed with the 75 years of India's independence celebrations.
Oman Yoga Yatra
This year, the Embassy launched the 'Oman Yoga Yatra,' a five-month-long journey leading up to a large-scale celebration of the International Day of Yoga 2023.
The event, scheduled for June 21, 2023, is expected to attract more than 2,000 participants from diverse backgrounds.
About Oman
Sultan - Haitham bin Tariq Al Said
Capital - Muscat
Official Language - Arabic
Official Religion - Islam
Currency - Omani rial
