1. NATO Launches Arctic exercise
Tags: Defence International News
NATO countries have started military exercises in the Arctic region.
An Overview of the News
The exercise involves approximately 1,000 allied forces from Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States, along with NATO applicant Sweden.
Finland, NATO's newest member, is hosting its first joint training in the Arctic region since joining the Western alliance in April.
The exercise took place at Rovajärvi in northern Finland, near the Russian border, at one of Europe's largest artillery training grounds.
Oath to defend Finland:
NATO has pledged to protect its newest member, Finland.
The decision to join NATO was influenced by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which raised tensions between Moscow and the West.
Participation and Scope of Practice:
About 6,500 Finnish soldiers and 1,000 vehicles are participating in the exercise.
The Arctic Challenge 2023 exercise also includes 150 aircraft from 14 NATO members and partner countries.
The objective of the exercise is to enhance military cooperation and preparedness in the Arctic region.
Joint training reinforces NATO's commitment to collective defence and regional security.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO):
It is a military alliance between North American and European countries formed in 1949 and headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.
It was created during the Cold War as a defense pact to prevent Soviet expansion and protect member states from possible aggression.
The founding members of NATO were the United States, Canada, and ten European countries, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and the United Kingdom.
NATO Secretary General- Jens Stoltenberg
About Finland
Finland is the 31st member of NATO.
Prime Minister- Sana Marin
Capital- Helsinki
Currency- Euro
2. Saudi naval cadet trains with Indian Navy for the first time
Tags: Defence International News
55 cadets of the Royal Saudi Naval Force (RSNF) underwent training with the Indian Navy for the first time.
An Overview of the News
The cadets have been attached to the Indian Navy's First Training Squadron ships, INS Tir and INS Sujata, for afloat training.
The cadets were given simulator training before commencing sea training.
During sea flights, cadets received training in navigation, seamanship, anchoring, coastal navigation, replenishment at sea, sea boats, fire fighting and emergency drills.
The Chief of the Naval Staff was apprised of the ongoing training activities and progress of the trainees.
Navy Chief Admiral -R Hari Kumar
Indian Navy:
It is the maritime branch of the Indian Armed Forces, responsible for protecting India's interests at sea.
The President of India holds the position of Supreme Commander of the Indian Navy, which vests ultimate authority and responsibility over naval operations.
The Navy is commanded by the Chief of Naval Staff, who is a four star Admiral.
Establishment - 26 January 1950
Headquarters -New Delhi
3. MoU signed between the Indian Navy and the Indian Maritime University
Tags: National National News
The Indian Navy and Indian Maritime University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for technical collaboration on 2 June.
An overview of the news
The MoU outlines the procedure for collaboration in various areas, including training, joint research and development, collaborative courses, and resolution of field level issues.
The collaboration will involve teams from the Centre of Excellence (Marine Engineering) at INS Shivaji, Lonavala, and the Indian Maritime University.
Vice Admiral Sandeep Naithani, Chief of Materiel, and Dr. Malini V Shankar, IAS (Retd), Vice Chancellor of Indian Maritime University, signed the MoU.
The agreement aims to enhance cooperation between the Indian Navy and Indian Maritime University in areas related to maritime education, research, and resolving practical challenges faced in the field.
Through this collaboration, the Indian Navy and Indian Maritime University will work together to develop and implement training programs, conduct joint research projects, and address issues specific to the maritime sector.
Significance of MoU
The technical collaboration between the Indian Navy and Indian Maritime University is expected to contribute to the overall growth and development of maritime education, training, and research in India.
This partnership reflects the importance of synergy between academic institutions and defense forces in fostering innovation, knowledge sharing, and addressing real-world challenges.
The signing of the MoU demonstrates the commitment of both the Indian Navy and Indian Maritime University to strengthen their cooperation and promote excellence in the maritime sector.
About Indian Maritime University (IMU)
It is a central university in India dedicated to maritime education, training, and research.
It was established through an Act of Parliament in 2008 as a teaching-cum-affiliating university.
The university has its headquarters in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and operates through its various campuses and affiliated institutes located across the country.
The university aims to provide quality education and training to students aspiring to pursue careers in the maritime industry, including shipping, logistics, ports, offshore sectors, and related fields.
4. MoU signed between the Indian Navy and the Indian Maritime University
Tags: National National News
The Indian Navy and Indian Maritime University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for technical collaboration on 2 June.
An overview of the news
The MoU outlines the procedure for collaboration in various areas, including training, joint research and development, collaborative courses, and resolution of field level issues.
The collaboration will involve teams from the Centre of Excellence (Marine Engineering) at INS Shivaji, Lonavala, and the Indian Maritime University.
Vice Admiral Sandeep Naithani, Chief of Materiel, and Dr. Malini V Shankar, IAS (Retd), Vice Chancellor of Indian Maritime University, signed the MoU.
The agreement aims to enhance cooperation between the Indian Navy and Indian Maritime University in areas related to maritime education, research, and resolving practical challenges faced in the field.
Through this collaboration, the Indian Navy and Indian Maritime University will work together to develop and implement training programs, conduct joint research projects, and address issues specific to the maritime sector.
Significance of MoU
The technical collaboration between the Indian Navy and Indian Maritime University is expected to contribute to the overall growth and development of maritime education, training, and research in India.
This partnership reflects the importance of synergy between academic institutions and defense forces in fostering innovation, knowledge sharing, and addressing real-world challenges.
The signing of the MoU demonstrates the commitment of both the Indian Navy and Indian Maritime University to strengthen their cooperation and promote excellence in the maritime sector.
About Indian Maritime University (IMU)
It is a central university in India dedicated to maritime education, training, and research.
It was established through an Act of Parliament in 2008 as a teaching-cum-affiliating university.
The university has its headquarters in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and operates through its various campuses and affiliated institutes located across the country.
The university aims to provide quality education and training to students aspiring to pursue careers in the maritime industry, including shipping, logistics, ports, offshore sectors, and related fields.
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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
9. 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).
10. 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.
