1. Sarbananda Sonowal flags off maiden International Cruise Vessel, MV Empress in Chennai
Tags: International Relations Defence
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off India's first international cruise vessel - MV Empress, from Chennai to Sri Lanka on June 5.
An overview of the news
This is the launch of the International Cruise Tourism Terminal at Chennai built at a cost of Rs 17.21 crore, ushering in a new era of cruise tourism and maritime trade in the country.
On the occasion of Environment Day, Sonowal along with the port officials also planted 2,500 saplings at the port.
The launch of the first cruise service between Chennai and Sri Lanka has opened a new chapter in the cruise tourism sector in the country.
This is the result of an MoU signed during the Incredible India International Cruise Summit in 2022 between Chennai Port and M/s Waterways Leisure Tourism Pvt Ltd to start domestic and international cruise services.
International Cruise Vessel, MV Empress
It is a renowned and luxurious cruise ship that operates globally.
It offers passengers a unique and unforgettable experience on the open seas, combining comfort, entertainment, and leisure.
The vessel is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation systems and safety features, ensuring a secure and smooth journey for all on board.
Its elegant design and modern amenities make it a preferred choice for travelers seeking a premium cruising experience.
2. Nepal's PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal's visit to India
Tags: International Relations International News
In a significant diplomatic development, Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' made a four-day visit to New Delhi on 31 May.
An overview of the news
Various projects were launched during the visit which included the Kurtha-Bijalpura section of the railway line.
An Indian Railways cargo train was inaugurated from the newly constructed rail link Bathnaha (India) to Nepal Customs Yard under Indian grant.
Integrated Checkposts (ICPs) were inaugurated at Nepalgunj (Nepal) and Rupaidiha (India).
Celebration of ICP in Bhairahawa (Nepal) and Sonauli (India).
Phase-II facilities under Motihari-Amlekhganj petroleum pipeline inaugurated.
Apart from this, another new pipeline will be built from Siliguri to Jhapa in eastern Nepal.
Exchange of MoU/Agreement between the two countries
Treaty of Transit between India and Nepal.
MoU between India and Nepal for cooperation in the field of Petroleum Infrastructure.
MoU between India and Nepal for development of infrastructure at Dodhra Chandani Check Post on Indo-Nepal border.
MoU between NPCIL and NCHL, Nepal for cross border payments.
Project Development Agreement of Lower Arun Hydro Electric Project.
MoU for the development of Phukot-Karnali Hydroelectric Project.
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
President - Ram Chandra Paudel
Capital - Kathmandu
Currency - Nepalese Rupee
3. India, Vietnam hold 3rd Maritime Security Dialogue
Tags: International Relations International News
India and Vietnamese officials held the third Maritime Security Dialogue in New Delhi on 31st May.
An overview of the news
Both sides discussed ways to better maintain the marine environment which is helpful for theinclusive development of both the countries.
Senior officials from ministries and services dealing with maritime affairs participated in the dialogue.
The two sides also reviewed initiatives for maritime cooperation and ways to strengthen international and regional mechanisms for comprehensive maritime security.
The second India-Vietnam Maritime Security Dialogue was to be held in virtual format in April 2021 after the first round was held in Hanoi in March 2019.
India, Vietnam Relation
Vietnam has become an important partner in India’s Act East policy and the Indo-Pacific vision as both countries have disputes with China.
Vietnam is involved in a dispute with China on the South China Sea Island. China claims nearly all of the disputed South China Sea islands, though Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam all claim parts of it. Beijing has built artificial islands and military installations in the South China Sea.
India favours free and open navigation right in the South China Sea which is threatened by China.
India has oil exploration projects in the Vietnamese waters in the South China Sea. India and Vietnam are boosting their maritime security cooperation in the last few years to protect common interests.
In 2016, during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Vietnam, the bilateral relations were further elevated to a “comprehensive strategic partnership”.
India and Vietnam signed an important Joint Vision Statement on defence partnership during the visit of the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Vietnam on 8 June 2022.
During the defence minister's visit India provided a $500 million defence loan to Vietnam.
About Vietnam
It lies in South East Asia and it is a member of Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN)
Prime Minister: Pham Minh Chinh
Capital: Hanoi
President: Vo Van Thuong
Currency: Dong
4. India extends $1 billion credit line to Sri Lanka till March 2024
Tags: International Relations International News
India on May 30 extended its $1 billion line of credit to Sri Lanka till March 2024 to help purchase essential food, medicine and other essential commodities as Sri Lanka grapples with an unprecedented economic crisis.
An overview of the news
This agreement is an important step towards continuation of financial assistance provided by the Indian side to the Sri Lankan Government for procurement of essential items.
The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Sri Lanka's Minister of State for Finance, Shehan Semasinghe, senior officials from Sri Lanka's Ministry of Finance and representatives of the Indian High Commission in Colombo.
The credit line was extended last year when Sri Lanka was passing through its worst economic crisis.
The facility has been instrumental in prompt procurement of critical supplies such as fuel, medicines, food items and industrial raw materials for the island nation.
This extension of financial assistance further underscores the strong commitment of the Government of India as it continues to assist Sri Lanka with a comprehensive package of approximately USD 4 billion in line with India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy.
About sri lanka
The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a tropical island nation located off the southeast coast of the Indian subcontinent.
Sri Lanka is separated from the Indian subcontinent by the Gulf of Munnar and the Palk Strait.
Capital: Colombo (Executive and Judicial) and Sri Jayawardenepura (Legislative).
Official languages: Sinhala and Tamil
President – Ranil Wickremesinghe
Prime Minister – Dinesh Gunawardena
Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee
5. 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
6. 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
7. India-US Working Group on Education and Skill Development virtually launched
Tags: International Relations International News
The Ministry of Education, Government of India and US Department of State on 22 May launched the India-US Working Group on Education and Skill Development in virtual mode.
An overview of the news
Its aim is to enhance cooperation and collaboration between the two countries in the field of education and skill development.
Both sides acknowledged the importance of skilling and vocational education in an industry-centric era.
Recognizing the need to align skill training programs with industry requirements, both sides agreed to promote partnerships between educational institutions, industry stakeholders and relevant government agencies.
The collaboration aims to bridge the skill gap, increase employability and promote entrepreneurship in both the countries.
The delegations from both sides expressed their commitment to strengthen cooperation in education and skill development between India and the United States.
The establishment of an India-US Working Group on Education and Skill Development was announced during the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue held between India and the US in Washington DC in April 2022.
Topic of discussion
Skilling and vocational education
Certification and recognition
Matchmaking between U.S. and Indian higher educational institutions
Engaging with the Private Sector
8. AL-MOHED AL-HINDI 2023 Naval Exercise
Tags: International Relations Defence International News
Indian Navy ships INS TARKASH and INS SUBHADRA arrived at Port Al-Jubail in Saudi Arabia on 21st May.
An overview of the news
The visit of these ships marks the beginning of the harbor phase of the second edition of the naval exercise between the two countries, known as 'Al-Mohad Al-Hindi 2023'.
This year the naval exercise also includes the participation of a Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
During the exercise, naval forces from both countries will engage in joint maneuvers, training activities, and exchange of expertise.
The exercise will focus on enhancing maritime security capabilities and promoting interoperability between the two navies.
The inaugural edition of the exercise was successfully conducted in 2021.
About Al-Mohed Al-Hindi Exercise
The decision on this bilateral exercise between India and Saudi Arabia was taken at the Riyadh summit held in 2019.
Its aim is to carry out tactical maneuvers, search and rescue operations, and an electronic warfare drill to enhance interoperability.
It aims to strengthen the defense ties between India and Saudi Arabia.
Importance of the Exercise
AL-MOHED AL-HINDI 2023 signifies the growing strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia in the defense sector.
The exercise will provide an opportunity for both navies to learn from each other's experiences and improve their operational capabilities.
The naval exercise also serves as a platform for fostering diplomatic relations and strengthening regional security cooperation.
The successful conduct of AL-MOHED AL-HINDI 2023 may pave the way for future collaborations in defense technology, intelligence sharing, and joint defense projects.
The exercise contributes to maintaining stability and security in the region by promoting cooperation and mutual understanding between the Indian and Saudi Arabian navies.
9. PM Narendra Modi holds bilateral meeting with Japanese PM Fumio Kishida in Hiroshima
Tags: International Relations International News
On May 20, PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida ahead of the G-7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan.
An Overview of the News
Discussed enhancing India-Japan friendship in trade, economy, culture and Indo-Pacific cooperation.
Emphasised efforts to synergize between the G-7 and G-20 Presidencies and the voices of the Global South.
Prime Minister Modi unveiled a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima as a symbol of friendship and peace.
G-7 summit priorities include nuclear disarmament, economic resilience and security, regional issues, climate and energy, food and health, digitization and science and technology.
Later, Prime Minister Modi had a productive meeting with President of South Korea Yoon Suk Yeol to strengthen bilateral friendship in key developmental areas.
About G-7
It is an intergovernmental political forum.
It consists of seven member states: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
In addition to the seven member states, the European Union is also part of the G7 as a non-enumerated member.
Formation - 25 March 1973
First G6 Summit - 15 November 1975
Japan:
It is also called Nihon or Nippon and is an archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean in East Asia.
It is made up of four main islands Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu and Honshu is the largest island of Japan.
Its highest mountain is Mount Fuji.
It is the third largest economy in the world after the United States and China.
Capital - Tokyo
Currency - Yen
Prime Minister - Fumio Kishida
10. India, EFTA take significant steps towards new Trade and Partnership Agreement
Tags: Economy/Finance International Relations
India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) states have recently taken important steps towards a new trade and partnership agreement.
An overview of the news
At the ministerial meeting held in Brussels on May 15, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held discussions with representatives of EFTA to work towards a comprehensive new Trade and Partnership Agreement (TEPA).
The Ministerial meeting marked an important milestone in taking forward the negotiations on TEPA between India and the European Free Trade Association.
Both sides stressed the importance of principles of good faith and respect for each other's sensitivities in order to achieve a fair, just and balanced settlement.
About India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)
EFTA has established bilateral relations and cooperation in the field of trade and commerce.
The objective of this cooperation is to strengthen economic ties and promote mutually beneficial trade between the two countries.
The EFTA is an intergovernmental organization consisting of four member states: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
These countries have a strong tradition of trade and economic liberalization.
India and EFTA have engaged in negotiations to establish a comprehensive trade agreement.
The negotiations cover various aspects, including trade in goods, services, investment, intellectual property rights, and other trade-related issues.
