1. 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
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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
9. PM Modi attended FIPIC summit in Papua New Guinea
Tags: Summits International News
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PM Modi attended the third India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit in Papua New Guinea 23 May. 14 countries from the Pacific Islands (PICs) attended the summit.
An overview of the news
The summit was led by Papua New Guinea's PM James Marape and PM Modi.
As part of India's Act East Policy, the Prime Minister of India announced a 12-point development plan for the Pacific Island Nations.
The 12-point development plan focuses on a number of areas including health care, renewable energy and cyber security.
The two leaders also launched a translation of the Tamil classic ‘Thirukkural’ to the Tok Pisin language of Papua New Guinea.
The translated book is co-authored by linguist Subha Sasindran and Sasindran Muthuvel, Governor of West New Britain Province of Papua New Guinea.
PM Modi's 12-point action plan
A 100-bed regional super specialty hospital in Fiji
Setting up a regional IT and cyber security training hub in Papua New Guinea
Sagar Amrut Scholarships-100 scholarships in the next five years
Jaipur foot camp in Papua New Guinea in 2023
FIPIC SME development project,
A solar project for government buildings
Provide desalination units for drinking water
Supply sea ambulances
Set up dialysis unit
Emergency helpline number
Set up Jan Aushadi kendras
Set up yoga centres.
Pacific Island nations
The Pacific Islands are island geographic regions of the Pacific Ocean.
Pacific Island nations include the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, the Republic of Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
About India Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC)
It was launched during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Fiji in November 2014.
FIPIC includes India and 14 of the island countries – Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
About FIPIC summit
FIPIC-I, in 2014, took place at Suva, Fiji’s capital city.
India announced various development assistance initiatives and other cooperation projects in areas of climate change, trade, economy, telemedicine and tele education, IT, grants for community development projects, etc.
FIPIC-II summit took place in 2015 in Jaipur.
In 2019, the Leaders of the Indo-Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) meeting (consisting of delegations from 12 of the 14 Pacific Island countries) was held in New York on September 24, 2019.
10. 76th World Health Assembly at Geneva
Tags: Summits International News
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will represent India in the 76th World Health Assembly at Geneva, Switzerland to be held from 21st to 30th May 2023.
An overview of the news
In line with India's commitment to a healthier world, the Union Health Minister will deliver the keynote address at the side events of 'Heal in India and Heal by India' as well as 'Together We Fight Against TB'.
During his stay till 24 May 2023, Mandaviya will participate in various bilateral meetings with countries across the world.
He will promote opportunities for health-related cooperation among the participating countries.
The bilateral meetings will engage representatives from Singapore, France, Netherlands, USA, Bangladesh, Argentina, Brazil, Qatar and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Additionally, a multilateral meeting is also scheduled with representatives from BRICS (Brazil, Russia, China and South-Africa).
Key agenda for assembly
Discussions and deliberations on the issues of Universal Health Coverage.
Public Health Emergencies
Health & Well-Being
Emphasising the importance of global collaborations and partnerships for building resilient global health architecture.
Collectively striving to achieve Universal Health Coverage through value-based healthcare.
About World Health Assembly
The World Health Assembly is the decision-making body of WHO.
It is attended by delegations from all WHO Member States and focuses on a specific health agenda prepared by the Executive Board.
The main functions of the World Health Assembly are to determine the policies of the Organization, appoint the Director-General, supervise financial policies, and review and approve the proposed programme budget.
The Health Assembly is held annually in Geneva, Switzerland.
