1. 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
2. US Congress approves deal to lift country's borrowing limit
Tags: International News
The US Congress approved a deal to lift the country's borrowing limit, thereby preventing default on its debt.
An Overview of the News
The bipartisan measure passed through the Senate with a vote of 63-36 after the US House of Representatives approved it.
President Joe Biden committed to turning the measure into law to protect the US from a catastrophic default on its $31.4 trillion debt.
United States House of Representatives
It is the lower house of the United States Congress.
It, along with the Senate, forms the national bicameral legislature of the United States.
Its structure and functions are established by Article One of the United States Constitution.
It provides proportional representation based on the population of each state.
It has a total of 435 representatives.
Founded - 1789
Headquarters - Washington, D.C., United States
Speaker - Kevin McCarthy
Majority Leader - Steve Scalise
Minority Leader - Hakeem Jeffries
3. Latvian parliament elects Edgars Rinkevics as new president
Tags: Person in news International News
In 2011, Edgars Rinkevics, Latvia's foreign minister, was elected as the new president by the 100-seat Saimaa legislature.
An Overview of the News
In a close vote, Edgars Rinkevics secured 52 votes, more than the minimum needed to win the election.
Edgars Rinkevics, aged 49, has previously held positions such as State Secretary in the Ministry of Defense and worked as a journalist with Latvian Radio in the 1990s.
Latvia:
It is a country on the Baltic Sea, situated between Lithuania and Estonia.
The capital of Latvia is Riga, known for its remarkable woodwork and Art Nouveau architecture.
Riga's mediaeval Old Town contains St. Peter's Church is a popular tourist destination.
Capital - Riga
Prime minister - Krišjānis Kariņš
Official language - Latvian
4. BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Cape Town
Tags: Summits International News
BRICS countries kicked off its foreign ministers meeting on 1st June in Cape Town, the legislative capital of South Africa.
An overview of the news
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar participated in the meeting of foreign ministers of BRICS countries.
South Africa, which currently holds the chair of the bloc, hosted the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Cape Town on 1-2 June.
The foreign ministers’ meeting will finalise the agenda for the 15th BRICS summit scheduled to be held in South Africa in August.
It is believed that 19 countries are in line to join BRICS.
Joint Agreement
The BRICS foreign ministers agreed BRICS cooperation should be strengthened to promote unity among developing countries.
Advance the global governance system reform.
Accelerate the realization of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Contribute to world peace and development.
About BRICS
The full form of BRICS is Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
Goldman Sachs economist Jim O'Neill coined the term BRIC (without South Africa) in 2001.
He claimed that by 2050, the four BRIC economies would dominate the global economy by 2050.
South Africa was included in the list in 2010.
The presidency of the Forum is rotated annually among the members.
BRICS accounts for about 40% of the world’s population.
It accounts for 30% of the world's GDP (Gross Domestic Product).
In the year 2014, during the 6th BRICS Summit in Fortaleza, Brazil, the BRICS leaders signed an agreement to establish a New Development Bank (NDB).
5. Cabinet approves setting up of UPU Regional Office in New Delhi
Tags: National National News
The Cabinet approved the setting up of a Regional Office of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) at New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
The purpose of the office is to carry out the development cooperation and technical assistance activities of the UPU in the region through an agreement with the UPU.
India will actively participate in multilateral organizations in the postal sector with a focus on South-South and triangular cooperation.
India will provide field project experts, staff and office infrastructure for the UPU Regional Office.
The office will formulate and implement projects for capacity building, training, improving postal service efficiency and quality, enhancing postal technology, promoting e-commerce and trade in the region.
These projects will be coordinated with UPU.
The establishment of the office will expand India's diplomatic footprint and strengthen its ties with other countries, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
It will also enhance India's presence and influence in global postal forums.
About UPU
Establishment: The UPU was established in 1874 through the Treaty of Bern.
Purpose: It is a specialised agency of the United Nations.
Postal Coordination: The UPU coordinates postal policies among the member countries.
Global Postal System: It oversees and enhances the postal system around the world.
Financial Services: UPU promotes accessible and affordable postal financial services.
Innovation and Collaboration: It encourages member countries to embrace innovation and collaborate with stakeholders.
6. Cabinet approves setting up of UPU Regional Office in New Delhi
Tags: National National News
The Cabinet approved the setting up of a Regional Office of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) at New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
The purpose of the office is to carry out the development cooperation and technical assistance activities of the UPU in the region through an agreement with the UPU.
India will actively participate in multilateral organizations in the postal sector with a focus on South-South and triangular cooperation.
India will provide field project experts, staff and office infrastructure for the UPU Regional Office.
The office will formulate and implement projects for capacity building, training, improving postal service efficiency and quality, enhancing postal technology, promoting e-commerce and trade in the region.
These projects will be coordinated with UPU.
The establishment of the office will expand India's diplomatic footprint and strengthen its ties with other countries, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
It will also enhance India's presence and influence in global postal forums.
About UPU
Establishment: The UPU was established in 1874 through the Treaty of Bern.
Purpose: It is a specialised agency of the United Nations.
Postal Coordination: The UPU coordinates postal policies among the member countries.
Global Postal System: It oversees and enhances the postal system around the world.
Financial Services: UPU promotes accessible and affordable postal financial services.
Innovation and Collaboration: It encourages member countries to embrace innovation and collaborate with stakeholders.
7. Health Ministry asks OTTs to post anti-tobacco warnings
Tags: National National News
The Union Health Ministry has made it mandatory for OTT platforms to display anti-tobacco warnings as seen in cinema halls and television programmes.
An Overview of the News
The amendment to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2004 requires online platforms to show at least 30 seconds of anti-tobacco health spots at the beginning and middle of their programmes.
A prominent static message stating "Tobacco causes cancer" or "Tobacco kills" must be displayed at the bottom of the screen when displaying tobacco products or their use.
Warning messages should be legible with black font on a white background and health warnings, spots and disclaimers should be in the language of the material.
Display of tobacco brands, product placement and use of tobacco in promotional material is prohibited.
India has implemented measures to reduce tobacco use including 85% pictorial warnings on cigarette packets since 2018.
India's data from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey shows that tobacco use has declined by 42% among school-going children aged 13-15 over the past decade.
The decision was taken by the Health Ministry after consultations with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) and other stakeholders.
Tobacco Effects:
More than 7 million deaths are caused by direct tobacco use, while 1.2 million deaths are due to secondhand smoke exposure.
More than 80% of the world's 1.3 billion tobacco users live in low- and middle-income countries.
In 2020, 22.3% of the global population used tobacco (36.7% men, 7.8% women).
WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC):
Adopted by WHO member states in 2003, it is currently ratified by 182 countries.
It aims to address the tobacco epidemic and its harmful effects.
New and Emerging Nicotine and Tobacco Products:
Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs): Toxicity similar to other tobacco products, proved no less harmful.
Electronic-cigarettes: injurious to health, especially risky for young people and pregnant women.
WHO response:
MPOWER measures were launched in 2007 for effective tobacco control implementation.
MPOWER measures include monitoring, protection, termination support, warnings, advertising restrictions, and taxes.
8. Health Ministry asks OTTs to post anti-tobacco warnings
Tags: National National News
The Union Health Ministry has made it mandatory for OTT platforms to display anti-tobacco warnings as seen in cinema halls and television programmes.
An Overview of the News
The amendment to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2004 requires online platforms to show at least 30 seconds of anti-tobacco health spots at the beginning and middle of their programmes.
A prominent static message stating "Tobacco causes cancer" or "Tobacco kills" must be displayed at the bottom of the screen when displaying tobacco products or their use.
Warning messages should be legible with black font on a white background and health warnings, spots and disclaimers should be in the language of the material.
Display of tobacco brands, product placement and use of tobacco in promotional material is prohibited.
India has implemented measures to reduce tobacco use including 85% pictorial warnings on cigarette packets since 2018.
India's data from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey shows that tobacco use has declined by 42% among school-going children aged 13-15 over the past decade.
The decision was taken by the Health Ministry after consultations with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) and other stakeholders.
Tobacco Effects:
More than 7 million deaths are caused by direct tobacco use, while 1.2 million deaths are due to secondhand smoke exposure.
More than 80% of the world's 1.3 billion tobacco users live in low- and middle-income countries.
In 2020, 22.3% of the global population used tobacco (36.7% men, 7.8% women).
WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC):
Adopted by WHO member states in 2003, it is currently ratified by 182 countries.
It aims to address the tobacco epidemic and its harmful effects.
New and Emerging Nicotine and Tobacco Products:
Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs): Toxicity similar to other tobacco products, proved no less harmful.
Electronic-cigarettes: injurious to health, especially risky for young people and pregnant women.
WHO response:
MPOWER measures were launched in 2007 for effective tobacco control implementation.
MPOWER measures include monitoring, protection, termination support, warnings, advertising restrictions, and taxes.
9. Etihad Airways named Environmental Airline of the Year 2023
Tags: Awards International News
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has been named the Environmental Airline of the Year 2023 for the second year in a row at the Airline Rating Awards.
An Overview of the News
The prestigious award acknowledges the airline's commitment to sustainable aviation through innovation and collaboration.
Etihad is ranked third in the 'Top 10 Airlines' category, which evaluates comfort, innovation, value and safety in economy, business and first class.
Etihad's sustainability strategy focuses on emissions reduction, industry alignment, collaboration with the UAE ecosystem and proactive transparency.
Key initiatives of the airline include the Greenliner program using Boeing 787 Dreamliners and the deployment of Sustainable50 A350-1000 aircraft.
Antonaldo Neves, Group CEO, Etihad Aviation Group
Geoffrey Thomas, Editor-in-Chief, AirlineRatings.com
About United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Location: It is located in Western Asia.
Geographical Boundaries: It shares borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia.
Maritime Borders: It also has maritime borders with Qatar and Iran in the Persian Gulf.
Religion: Islam is the dominant religion in the UAE, with the majority of the population being Sunni Muslim.
Capital - Abu Dhabi
Official language - Arabic
Government - Federal Islamic parliamentary elective semi-constitutional monarchy
President/Crown Prince - Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Prime Minister - Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Vice President - Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan
10. Sri Lanka's Council of Ministers Approves Establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Mechanism
Tags: International News
Sri Lanka's cabinet ministers approved a proposal to set up a Truth and Reconciliation Mechanism.
An Overview of the News
The proposal draws inspiration from the successful Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa.
In March, Sri Lanka's Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabri and Justice Wijedasa Rajapaksa visited South Africa to study the commission's functioning.
The proposed mechanism aims to address issues surrounding the three-decade-long armed conflict in Sri Lanka.
Former prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe submitted a cabinet memorandum and concept paper in 2018 as the basis for the commission.
There were efforts to set up a similar mechanism in 2015 under pressure from the United Nations human rights body, but it was not followed through.
The establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Mechanism is seen as a way to address the demands of affected Tamils seeking information on missing persons.
The proposed commission aims to provide answers, reconciliation and justice in the post-conflict context of Sri Lanka.
About Sri Lanka
It is an island country in South Asia.
It was earlier known as Ceylon.
The official name of the country is the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
It is located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of the Bay of Bengal.
Sri Lanka is separated from the Indian peninsula by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait.
Capital - Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (legislative) and Colombo (executive and judicial)
Official languages - Sinhala AND Tamil
President - Ranil Wickremesinghe
Prime Minister - Dinesh Gunawardena
