1. Judith Suminwa Tuluka becomes the first female Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tags: International News
Judith Suminwa Tuluka has been appointed as Congo's first female Prime Minister under President Félix Tshisekedi on April 1, 2024, amid a political realignment following the resignation of Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde.
An Overview of the News:
In January 2024, President Tshisekedi was sworn in for a second five-year term. After this Prime Minister Tuluka was appointed.
Constitutional Mobility:
According to the Constitution of the DRC, the President cooperates with the Prime Minister, who is elected from the largest legislative party.
Challenges in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC):
The DRC, which is endowed with abundant natural resources such as copper, uranium, cobalt and diamonds, is struggling with ongoing violence and instability, particularly in its eastern provinces.
The situation is worsened by tensions with neighboring Rwanda, which is accused of providing support to militia groups such as the March 23 Movement, which has led to mass displacement of civilians.
About the Democratic Republic of Congo:
Central Africa is the second largest country in Africa after Algeria. Known as the Republic of Zaire until 1971, it gained independence from Belgium in 1960.
Kinshasa, the capital, is located next to the Congo River, the second longest river in Africa after the Nile River.
Congo is the only river in the world that crosses the equator twice.
Its currency is the Congolese franc.
2. NHAI Implements 'One Vehicle, One FASTag' Norm
Tags: National News
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has initiated the 'One Vehicle, One FASTag' norm to address misuse of FASTags.
An Overview of the News
This norm discourages the practice of using a single FASTag for multiple vehicles or linking multiple FASTags to a single vehicle.
Compliance Deadline Extension:
NHAI extended the compliance deadline for the initiative until the end of March due to issues faced by Paytm FASTag users.
Effective Enforcement Date:
Starting April 1st, 2024, multiple FASTags for a single vehicle will cease to function, and users with such setups won't be able to utilize them.
Objectives of the Initiative:
NHAI aims to enhance the efficiency of electronic toll collection and ensure smooth traffic flow at toll plazas through the 'One Vehicle, One FASTag' initiative.
Overview of FASTag System:
FASTag, operated by NHAI, is an electronic toll collection system widely adopted in India with over 8 crore users and a penetration rate of around 98%.
It utilizes Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for toll payments directly from linked prepaid or savings accounts or directly to the toll owner.
3. Romania and Bulgaria's Schengen Accession
Tags: International News
On March 31, Romania and Bulgaria formally joined, at least partially, Europe's visa-free Schengen travel area.
An Overview of the News
Statements from political leaders:
Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov called the event a "big victory" for Bulgaria, emphasizing its historical significance.
Despite his resignation, Denkov remains in office, highlighting the achievement as Bulgaria's "greatest success" since joining the EU.
Deputy Prime Minister Maria Gabriel echoed this sentiment, calling it a "historic moment" with benefits for various sectors.
Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu qualified the achievement with plans for full Schengen accession by the end of the year.
European Commission Perspective
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the development as a "great success" for both countries and a historic moment for the Schengen area.
They emphasized the shared goal of building a stronger, more united Europe.
Implications and Challenges
Free movement for flights and boats is allowed, land routes are restricted due to Austrian objections.
Both countries aim to open land borders by the end of 2024, awaiting the opportune political moment for full integration.
The Schengen area, established in 1985, covers 29 European countries and allows more than 400 million people to travel freely without internal border controls.
Reactions and Concerns
While welcome, ongoing border checks on the roads have caused frustration among truck drivers, leading to calls for urgent measures for full Schengen integration.
Long wait times at the border have caused significant financial losses to Romanian carriers, leading to calls for faster progress.
Bulgarian businesses also express disappointment at the slow progress, especially concerning land transport.
Romania:
Southeastern European country.
Known for the forests of Transylvania and the Carpathian Mountains.
It includes well-preserved medieval cities such as Sighisoara.
Famous for fortified churches and castles, including Bran Castle associated with Dracula.
Capital: Bucharest, home of the communist-era Palatul Parlamentului government building.
Bulgaria:
The Balkan nation with diverse geography.
It includes the Black Sea coast, the mountainous interior and rivers such as the Danube.
Cultural diversity with influences from Greek, Slavic, Ottoman and Persian civilizations.
Capital city: Sofia, located at the base of Mount Vitosha, dates back to the 5th century BC.
4. Thailand Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage, Promotes Equality and Tourism
Tags: International News
Thailand's lower house of parliament approved a landmark bill legalizing gay marriage, making the country a leader in Southeast Asia in promoting equal rights.
An Overview of the News
The bill, amending the Civil and Commercial Code, received overwhelming support in the House of Representatives.
Major Provisions of the Bill:
The "Marriage Equality" bill has received overwhelming majority approval from the 500-member House of Representatives.
400 MPs voted in favour, while 10 opposed it, and after three hours of debate, five MPs abstained.
The law allows same-sex partners aged 18 and over to register their marriages, giving them inheritance, tax benefits and child adoption rights.
It modifies the legal definition of marriage from "one man and one woman" to "two persons" and changes the status from "husband and wife" to "married couple".
Impact and Importance:
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's administration is leading the bill, which aims to strengthen Thailand's reputation as an LGBTQ-friendly destination.
Thailand joins Taiwan and Nepal as one of the few Asian regions to recognize same-sex marriage, joining around 40 other countries globally.
Despite previous obstacles, such as a 2021 Constitutional Court decision and failed attempts at civil partnership recognition, LGBTQ activists have persisted in their quest for equality.
Tourism Promotion and Economic Implications:
Legalizing same-sex marriage is expected to have a positive impact on tourism, which contributes significantly to Thailand's economy.
Before the pandemic, LGBTQ tourism in Thailand generated approximately $6.5 billion, underscoring the potential economic benefits of this progressive legislation.
5. New Members take Oath in Lokpal of India
Tags: Person in news National News
Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi assumed charge as the newest judicial member of the Lokpal on March 27, 2024.
An Overview of the News
Lokpal Chairperson Justice AM Khanwilkar administered the oath to Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi.
Pankaj Kumar and Ajay Tirkey took oath as new members of the Lokpal at the Lokpal Office in New Delhi on March 27, 2024.
On March 26, the tenure of two judicial members, Justice PK Mohanty and Justice Abhilasha Kumari, ended.
Additionally, on the same day, the tenure of three other members – DK Jain, Archana Ramasundaram and Mahendra Singh – expired.
Introduction of New Members:
Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, former Chairman of the 22nd Law Commission of India and former Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, plays the role of judicial member.
Pankaj Kumar, a 1986 batch IAS officer of Gujarat cadre, previously served as the Chief Secretary of Gujarat.
Ajay Tirkey, a 1987 batch IAS officer of Madhya Pradesh cadre, was the former Secretary of the Department of Land Resources, Government of India.
Historical Background of Lokpal:
The concept of an ombudsman originated in Sweden in 1809 and gained global prominence with its adoption by New Zealand and Norway in 1962.
In India, the idea of a Constitutional Lokpal was first proposed in Parliament in the early 1960s by Law Minister Ashok Kumar Sen.
The terms "Lokpal" and "Lokayukta" were introduced by jurist LM Singhvi, and the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 was ultimately passed after advocacy by the Anna Hazare-led India Against Corruption Movement.
The purpose of this Act was to establish the Lokpal at the Center and Lokayuktas in the states to investigate allegations of corruption against public officials.
6. Bassirou Diomaye Faye wins in Senegal's Presidential Election
Tags: Person in news International News
Faye, known as an anti-establishment figure, won the initial round with 54.28% of the vote.
An Overview of the News
At 44, Faye is poised to become Africa's youngest democratically elected head of state.
His victory marked the first time an opposition candidate had won in the first round since Senegal gained independence from France in 1960.
Recognition of Faye's victory awaits confirmation from Senegal's Constitutional Council in the coming days.
Defeat of the governing coalition candidate:
Faye won a decisive victory over the ruling coalition's candidate, former Prime Minister Amadou Ba, who won 35.79% of the vote.
Aliou Mamadou Dia is in third place among 19 contenders with just 2.8% of the votes.
Voter turnout stood at 61.30%, surpassing the 2012 figure but lower than the previous 2019 election.
Departure from the status quo:
Faye, who was released from prison just 10 days before the election, advocates a departure from the current political landscape.
He promised to restore national "sovereignty" and launch a program focused on "leftist Pan-Africanism", potentially indicating a significant restructuring of Senegal's institutions.
About Senegal
Capital - Dakar
Currency - West African CFA Franc
Official language - French
7. Rumi Alqahtani, the first Saudi contestant to participate in the Miss Universe Pageant
Tags: International News
Rumi Alqahtani, a 27-year-old Saudi Arabian model, was the first to reveal her participation in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant via Instagram.
An Overview of the News
Riyadh-born Alqahtani has held previous awards including Miss Saudi Arabia, Miss Arab World Peace 2021, and Miss Woman (Saudi Arabia).
Her participation marks the inaugural representation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the Miss Universe pageant, marking a significant milestone for the country.
Miss Universe Pageant (2024):
The upcoming Miss Universe pageant for the year 2024 is scheduled to be held in Mexico.
The current Miss Universe titleholder is Shanice Palacios, representing Nicaragua.
Highlights of other Beauty Pageants
Kristina Piszkova of Czech Republic won the title of Miss World 2024 in Mumbai, India on March 9, 2024.
About Saudi Arabia
Capital - Riyadh
King - Salman of Saudi Arabia
Currency - Saudi Riyal
8. PM Modi Unveils Cutting-edge Medical Center in Thimphu
Tags: International Relations International News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay jointly inaugurated Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck Mother and Child Hospital in Bhutan's capital Thimphu.
An Overview of the News
This hospital is an example of the strong development cooperation between India and Bhutan.
The hospital has a state-of-the-art 150-bed facility built with Indian assistance.
Built in two phases, the first phase costing ₹22 crore became operational in 2019, while the second phase, completed recently, was undertaken as part of Bhutan’s 12th Five Year Plan at a cost of ₹119 crore.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Prime Minister Modi’s visit aims to bolster the unique and long-standing friendship between India and Bhutan.
During his visit, PM Modi met with Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and held talks with Prime Minister Tobgay.
Recognition and Support
The King of Bhutan confers the prestigious ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’ on PM Modi, making him the first foreign Head of Government to receive this honor.
India pledges ₹10,000 crore in support to Bhutan over the next five years, reinforcing the enduring partnership between the two nations.
About Bhutan:
Capital- Thimphu
King - Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk
Currencies - Bhutanese Ngultrum, Indian Rupee
Official language- Dzongkha
9. PM Modi Unveils Cutting-edge Medical Center in Thimphu
Tags: International Relations International News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay jointly inaugurated Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck Mother and Child Hospital in Bhutan's capital Thimphu.
An Overview of the News
This hospital is an example of the strong development cooperation between India and Bhutan.
The hospital has a state-of-the-art 150-bed facility built with Indian assistance.
Built in two phases, the first phase costing ₹22 crore became operational in 2019, while the second phase, completed recently, was undertaken as part of Bhutan’s 12th Five Year Plan at a cost of ₹119 crore.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Prime Minister Modi’s visit aims to bolster the unique and long-standing friendship between India and Bhutan.
During his visit, PM Modi met with Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and held talks with Prime Minister Tobgay.
Recognition and Support
The King of Bhutan confers the prestigious ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’ on PM Modi, making him the first foreign Head of Government to receive this honor.
India pledges ₹10,000 crore in support to Bhutan over the next five years, reinforcing the enduring partnership between the two nations.
About Bhutan:
Capital- Thimphu
King - Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk
Currencies - Bhutanese Ngultrum, Indian Rupee
Official language- Dzongkha
10. Luis Montenegro Appointed as Prime Minister of Portugal
Tags: Person in news International News
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa announced the appointment of Luis Montenegro, leader of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), as the country's new prime minister.
An Overview of the News
The decision followed political consultations on forming a new government, during which the president consulted with parties and coalitions that secured seats in the March 10 elections for the Assembly of the Republic.
Montenegro's party, the Democratic Alliance (AD), emerged victorious in terms of seats, leading to his appointment as prime minister.
Election Results and Parliamentary Composition
Montenegro's AD defeated the incumbent Socialist Party (PS) in the March 10 elections but secured only 80 seats in the 230-seat parliament, falling short of a majority.
The Socialist Party won 78 seats in the elections.
Commencement of the New Government
The new government, headed by Luis Montenegro, is scheduled to assume office on April 2.
Montenegro's Political Journey
Luis Montenegro's political career began in the early 2000s when he joined the PSD.
He swiftly climbed the party ranks and held various positions within the party over the years.
In 2011, Montenegro was elected to the Portuguese Parliament as a representative for Aveiro, a city situated on the Atlantic Ocean coast.
