1. Simon Harris: Ireland's Youngest Prime Minister
Tags: Person in news International News
37 year old Simon Harris is going to become the youngest Prime Minister of Ireland.
An Overview of the News
He came into limelight after the unexpected demise of Leo Varadkar.
Harris, a prominent figure in Irish politics, emerged as the only candidate to be the next Prime Minister of Ireland.
At 37, he is set to make history as Ireland's youngest Prime Minister.
Simon Harris's Political and Ministerial Experience:
A member of Fine Gael, Harris has been actively involved in politics since his youth, and has risen through the ranks of the party's youth organisation.
Despite not completing her undergraduate degree, she increasingly demonstrated her commitment to politics, holding various positions within Fine Gael.
Notably, Harris held the position of Health Minister of Ireland from 2016 to mid-2020, and played a key role in managing the country's response to the COVID-19 pandemic during that period.
Currently serving as Minister for Further and Higher Education, her time in these ministerial roles has honed her leadership skills and policy acumen.
Strategic Approach and Social Media Presence:
With 92,000 followers and 1.8 million likes, Harris' skillful use of TikTok has attracted attention.
It serves as a platform to promote their political agenda and connect with voters.
Harris aims to rejuvenate Fine Gael's appeal by taking advantage of his youth and crisis management skills.
His campaign will emphasize key policy priorities while addressing internal concerns of the party.
2. AUKUS Partnership: Australia building SSN-AUKUS Submarines
Tags: International News
The AUKUS partnership has been established by the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia to enhance trilateral security and develop nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy.
An Overview of the News
This historic agreement represents a major step in defense cooperation between the three countries.
Submarine Construction:
Collaboration between Australia's ASC and UK-based BAE Systems to build submarines.
Based on British design incorporating American weapons systems.
Australia aims to operate eight nuclear-powered submarines by 2050.
Capabilities:
Submarines equipped for intelligence, surveillance, undersea warfare and attack operations.
Increased privacy and quiet compared to Australia's existing diesel-powered fleet.
Focus on maximizing interoperability between AUKUS partners.
Funding:
Australia has pledged 4.6 billion Australian dollars to British industry for the SSN-AUKUS submarines.
Significant investment from all AUKUS partners to ensure the success of the programme.
Trilateral industrial bases will be converged and integrated to support SSN cooperation.
Regional Concerns:
China has expressed concern over a potential arms race in the Asia-Pacific region due to the AUKUS agreement.
China's military modernization and assertiveness towards the South China Sea and Taiwan are highlighted.
General Information:
This is the first time that a country has acquired the capability to build nuclear-powered submarines and continue production indefinitely.
The Australian funding for British industry comes after a defense and security agreement with the UK aims to tackle issues such as growing Chinese involvement in the South China Sea and the South Pacific.
Taiwan has spotted 36 Chinese military aircraft around the island, representing the highest number in 2024, which coincides with the unveiling of the AUKUS partnership.
3. Operation Indravati Begins: Evacuation of Indian Citizens from Haiti
Tags: Latest International News
Operation Indravati was launched to evacuate Indian citizens from Haiti amid increasing gang violence.
An Overview of the News
Armed gangs have attacked the suburbs of Port-au-Prince, prompting India to intervene.
The evacuation plan includes relocating Indian nationals to the Dominican Republic.
More than 15 Americans are being airlifted to Santo Domingo.
Haiti is facing a crisis exacerbated by gang violence following the 2010 earthquake.
Gangs are carrying out attacks, burning police stations and spreading anarchy.
The airport was closed, prisoners were released, a state of emergency was declared, and a curfew was imposed.
Gang leader Jimmy Charizier demanded the resignation of acting Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Ariel Henry announced his decision to step down but remained in power. Henry is currently in exile in Puerto Rico.
About Haiti:
Haiti, located in the Caribbean, shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic to its east.
Despite ongoing efforts to recover from the devastating 2010 earthquake, Haiti has preserved many sites dating back to the early 19th century.
These sites include the Citadelle La Ferriere, which sits atop a mountain and serves as a fortress.
The Sans-Souci Palace, the Baroque former royal residence of King Henry I, is located in nearby ruins, offering a glimpse of Haiti's historic past.
Capital - Port-au-Prince
Official languages - Haitian Creole, French
Currency - Haitian Gourde
Continent - North America
4. New Zealand Implements Ban on Disposable E-Cigarettes and Vapes
Tags: Popular International News
Following the recent repeal of legislation aimed at phasing out tobacco smoking, the New Zealand government has implemented a ban on disposable e-cigarettes and vapes.
An Overview of the News
Government action:
To prevent sales to minors, fines for retailers selling to those under 18 will increase.
Retailers may face fines of up to NZ$100,000, while individuals can be fined NZ$1,000 for the same offence.
Youth Safety Measures:
The rules also restrict the sale of e-cigarettes with packaging or branding that appeals to youth, with the aim of preventing youth from being attracted to vaping.
Reasoning behind the ban:
Associate Health Minister Casey Costello says e-cigarettes are recognized as a smoking cessation tool, but the ban is intended to discourage minors from taking up the vaping habit.
Global trend against disposable vapes:
United Kingdom's ban: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a ban on disposable vapes in 2022, citing concerns about long-term effects and youth addiction.
Australia's ban: Joining the global movement to address the popularity and potential health risks of vaping among youth, Australia also implemented a ban on disposable single-use vapes this year.
5. PM Modi Receives Bhutan's 'Order of the Druk Gyalpo' Award
Tags: Popular Awards International News
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has created history by becoming the inaugural non-Bhutanese recipient of Bhutan's prestigious 'Order of the Druk Gyalpo'.
An Overview of the News
PM Modi received this prestigious honor from King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan during his two-day official visit to Thimphu.
Importance of Award:
The 'Order of the Druk Gyalpo' is Bhutan's premier civilian honor recognizing lifetime achievements.
It has the distinction of being the highest civilian honor given in Bhutan.
This prestigious award takes precedence over all other orders, decorations and medals of the country.
To date, only four distinguished individuals have been honored with this prestigious award.
Previous Award Winners:
Her Royal Queen GrandmotherAshi Kesang Choden Wangchuck was awarded this honor in 2008.
The 68th Je Khenpo of Bhutan, His Holiness Je Thrizur Tenzin Dendup, also received the award in 2008.
His Holiness Je Khenpo Trulku Ngawang Jigme Choedra was awarded the award in 2018.
Recipients include Je Khenpo, who holds the position of chief abbot of Bhutan's central monastic body.
About Bhutan
Capital- Thimphu
King - Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk
Currencies - Bhutanese Ngultrum, Indian Rupee
Official language- Dzongkha
6. Vaughan Gething elected the first black leader of a European country
Tags: Person in news International News
Vaughan Gething, the current Economic Minister of Wales, has been elected as the new leader of the Welsh Labor Party.
An Overview of the News
Vaughan Gething has become the first black person to lead a European country.
Early Life :
Gething was born in 1974 in Zambia.
Despite relocating to England due to discrimination, he was educated at Aberystwyth and Cardiff universities.
Gething worked as a trade union lawyer and became the first black president of both the Welsh Trades Union Congress and the Welsh National Union of Students.
Vaughan Gething's political journey:
After joining the Welsh legislature in 2011, Gething became the first black minister in any of Britain's devolved countries in 2013.
Notably, he served as Wales's Health Minister and later as its Economy Minister during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gething won a close election with 51.7% of the vote to become the new leader of Welsh Labour, following his recent tenure as Economy Minister.
About Wales:
This country is a part of the United Kingdom.
Located in the western part of Great Britain, Wales is bordered by:
Irish Sea to the north and west
England in the East
Bristol Channel to the south
Celtic Sea to the south-west
Capital - Cardiff
Official languages - Welsh, English
Currency - Pound Sterling
7. Pokhara named as Nepal's new Tourism Capital
Tags: International News
On 17 March, the Government of Nepal officially designated Pokhara as the country's tourism capital during a ceremony at Barahi Ghat.
An Overview of the News
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' presided over the event, which featured cultural performances by renowned artists.
Nepal announced to seek China's assistance in the development of Pokhara International Airport, which was constructed by China and was considered ready for commercial operations in January 2022.
Despite operations, it is not being used as a result of disputes between Nepal and China over the airport's status under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Concurrently, Nepal is preparing to seek Chinese assistance to build the Nepal-China Industrial Friendship Park, spread over about 4,000 acres in Jhapa in eastern Nepal, and potentially extending up to 6,600 acres along the Nepal-Bengal border.
The Industrial Friendship Park and the 327-MW Upper Marsyangdi hydropower project are expected to be formalized at the Kathmandu investment summit on April 29-30.
About Pokhara
It is known for its natural beauty and serene environment, situated on the banks of Phewa Lake with the majestic Annapurna mountain range as a stunning backdrop.
Boating on Phewa Lake with its reflection of snow-capped peaks is a favorite activity for tourists seeking peace and adventure.
Serving as the gateway to popular trekking routes like the Annapurna Circuit and Jomsom Trek, Pokhara offers ample opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Cultural attractions such as the Bindhyabasini Temple and the World Peace Pagoda provide insight into the rich heritage of the region.
About Nepal
Location: Nepal is located in South Asia, bordered by China to the north and India to the south.
Government: It follows a federal democratic republic government.
Capital: Kathmandu
Currency: The official currency used in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee.
Major Mountain Ranges: Nepal is famous for its majestic mountain ranges including the Himalayas and Annapurna.
Major Rivers: The country is surrounded by important rivers like Karnali and Koshi.
8. North America's first Gandhi Museum opens in Houston, Texas
Tags: International News
North America's first Gandhi museum, the Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston (EGMH) was inaugurated in Houston, Texas, USA.
An Overview of the News
The inauguration ceremony took place on 2 October 2023, coinciding with Gandhi's 154th birth anniversary.
The museum officially opened to the public on August 15, 2023.
Special guest at the inauguration ceremony:
The event was attended by prominent personalities, including Dr. Rajmohan Gandhi (grandson of Mahatma Gandhi), Isaac Newton Farris Jr. (nephew of Martin Luther King), and Consul General of India (CGI) in Houston D. Manjunath.
Architectural Features and Design:
The architecture of the museum is inspired by Gandhi's iconic twenty-four-spoke Chakra Charkha.
A prominent statue of Gandhiji is prominently displayed in front of the museum.
The museum's semicircular exterior walls depict notable peace activists including Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., and Betty Williams.
Interactive Display:
Inside the museum, visitors can see interactive exhibits that narrate Gandhi's life story in three different parts: "His Journey," "Our Journey," and "My Journey."
9. Bangladesh receives the first batch of Russian Uranium for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant
Tags: International News
The Russian Embassy in Bangladesh officially delivered the first batch of uranium from Russia to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP).
An Overview of the News
After the commissioning of the Rooppur plant, Bangladesh is on its way to becoming the 33rd country globally to produce nuclear power.
A formal "graduation ceremony" marked the handover of radioactive fuel from the Russian contractor, Rosatom, to RNPP officials.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Russian President Vladimir Putin virtually attended the ceremony held at the Gana Bhavan and the Kremlin respectively.
Rosatom Director General Alexei Likhachev presented the fuel, and the ceremony was presided over by Minister of Science and Technology Architect Yefesh Osman.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi also participated via video conference.
Uranium Shipment and Transportation:
The second batch of uranium-making nuclear fuel for the first unit of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant arrived in Dhaka via a special plane at Dhaka Shahjalal International Airport on October 5.
The initial batch of uranium reached Bangladesh on 28 September and was safely transported by road to the nuclear power plant site the next day.
Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Overview and Expenses Fuel Management:
Rosatom, the Russian contractor, is responsible for the construction of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, which has a total capacity of 2400 MW and consists of two units, each capable of producing 1200 MW of electricity.
After nuclear fuel is loaded into the plant's reactors, it can generate electricity for up to a year before needing to reload the fuel.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced that Russia is committed to reclaiming the spent fuel from the Rooppur plant and an agreement has been signed with the Russian Federation for the management of the spent fuel.
10. India-Bangladesh SAMPRITI-XI: Joint Military Exercise Begins
Tags: Defence International News
India and Bangladesh began the 11th edition of their annual joint military exercise, SAMPRITI, in Umroi, Meghalaya on October 3, 2023.
An Overview of the News
SAMPRITI is organized by both countries on a rotation basis and is a symbol of their strong bilateral defense cooperation.
Around 350 troops from India and Bangladesh will participate in SAMPRITI-XI and the exercise is scheduled to last for 14 days.
SAMPRITI-XI consists of a Command Post Exercise (CPX) and a Field Training Exercise (FTX).
The CPX consists of 20 officials from each team and focuses on making decisions after thorough deliberations.
FTX validates ground-level operations and includes joint tactical exercises for counter-terrorism operations, such as hostage rescue and crowd control measures.
Verification Exercises and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' Tools:
A validation exercise will be conducted at Darrang Field Firing Range in Assam on October 14 and 15, 2023.
During this exercise, participants will see the capabilities of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' equipment highlighting indigenous manufacturing.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations:
SAMPRITI-XI aims to enhance defense cooperation between India and Bangladesh.
It promotes deeper bilateral relations, cultural understanding and mutual benefit through shared experiences in sub-traditional operations.
The exercise emphasizes on improving interoperability, sharing tactical expertise and promoting best practices between the two armies.
About Bangladesh
It is located in South Asia and is bordered by India to the north, east and west and Myanmar to the southeast.
The country is home to several major rivers, including the Padma (Ganga), Meghna and Jamuna, which flow through the country and create fertile plains important for agriculture.
Capital - Dhaka
Currency - Bangladeshi Taka
Official Languages - Bengali, English
Prime Minister - Sheikh Hasina
