1. Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev dies at the age of 91
Tags: Person in news International News
Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev died on 30 August at the age of 91.
IMPORTANT FACTS -
- In June, he was taken to the hospital after suffering from a serious kidney ailment.
He played an important role in ending the Cold War.
About Mikhail Gorbachev :
He was born in 1931 in southern Russia.
Gorbachev was the last leader of the former Soviet Union from 1985 until 1991, he pushed for stronger Soviet-India ties.
During his tenure, he visited India twice in 1986 and 1988.
He became general secretary of the Soviet Communist Party in 1985.
He wanted to reform the communist regime on the lines of democratic principles by giving freedom to the citizens.
Gorbachev's policies helped to open up the Soviet economy and liberalize society in the late 1980s.
He played a major role in the withdrawal of Soviet troops from a nearly decade-long military operation in Afghanistan.
He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1990 "for his role in the radical change in East-West relations".
Cold War :
The Cold War was an ongoing political rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union and its allies that developed after World War II.
This enmity between the two superpowers was first named the Cold War by George Orwell in an article published in 1945.
Its period is considered to be between 1945 to 1991.
The term "cold" is used because there was no direct large-scale war between the two sides.
2. NASA postpones launch of Artemis 1 mission to Moon due to malfunctioning core stage engine
Tags: Science and Technology International News
NASA has postponed the launch of the Artemis 1 mission to the Moon on August 29 due to a faulty core stage engine.
IMPORTANT FACTS -
- The launch was postponed due to fuel leakage and engine problems.
- After many years of hard work, the US space agency was going to send its mission to the Moon.
- The mission is important because in view of its success, humans have to be sent to the moon in the future.
- Once launched, Artemis 1 will test the Orion spacecraft, which will orbit the Moon and one day take human crew members there.
- The cost of Artemis 1 is estimated at $4 billion.
What is Artemis 1?
- It is named after the mythical twin sister of Apollo, Artemis.
- This spacecraft is the world's most powerful rocket, capable of carrying more payloads into deep space than any other vehicle.
- The first flight of the new Space Launch System (SLS), Artemis 1 is a heavy-lift vehicle.
- Artemis 1 is an uncrewed mission.
- It will have three test dummies – Helga, Zohar and Moonikin Campos – equipped with sensors to measure vibrations, cosmic radiation and other conditions.
- During the six-week long mission, Artemis 1 and the capsule will cover a distance of about 65,000 km to the Moon.
Why was the launch postponed?
- The launch was postponed due to a fault in the RS-25 engine, which had to be mixed with liquid hydrogen and oxygen to condition it before launch.
- One of its engines was not bleeding as expected.
- The launch was postponed because the launch team was unable to resolve these issues.
- A crack was also visible on the side of the inner tank.
About Artemis 1 mission :
- For the first time in 50 years since the end of the Apollo program, the launch of Artemis 1 is an ambitious US mission to return astronauts to the surface of the Moon.
- The Artemis 1 launch will also be the first flight of NASA's 21st century moon-exploration program.
- With Artemis 1 on the surface of the Moon, NASA aims to demonstrate new technologies, business approaches and capabilities that are essential for future explorations, including Mars.
- The launch aims to further aid in the study of the Moon, its origin and history.
ISRO’s Moon Exploration Mission :
- Chandrayaan 1
- Chandrayaan-2
- The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) recently announced India's third lunar mission Chandrayaan-3, which will consist of a lander and a rover.
3. Africa adopt PEN-PLUS strategy against non-communicable diseases
Tags: International News
Recently Africa has adopted a new strategy called the Pen-Plus strategy to promote access to diagnosis, treatment and care of serious non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Pen-plus strategy :
It is a regional strategy to address serious non-communicable diseases in first-level referral health facilities.
The strategy aims to bridge the gap in access to care for patients with chronic and severe NCDs.
It urges countries to establish standardised programs to combat chronic and serious non-communicable diseases to ensure that essential medicines, technologies and diagnostics are available and accessible in district hospitals.
IMPORTANT FACTS -
Non-Communicable Diseases :
Non-communicable diseases are medical conditions or diseases that are not spread by infectious agents.
Non-communicable diseases are also known as chronic diseases because they are long-lasting and result from a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioural factors.
NCDs include heart disease, cancer, diabetes, asthma etc.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), these cause 71% of deaths globally.
The proportion of mortality due to NCDs in the African region ranges between 27-88%.
Status of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in India :
About 58 million people in India die from NCDs every year (WHO report, 2015) or in other words 1 in 4 Indians are at risk of dying from NCDs before they reach the age of 70.
Further it has been found that the duration of 'Disability-adjusted Life Years' (DALYs) due to NCDs has increased by 30% in the year 1990 to 55% in the year 2016 and the proportion of deaths due to it has also increased .
NCDs (for all types of deaths) increased from 37% in 1990 to 61% in 2016.
4. For the first time, India votes against Russia in UNSC during procedural vote on Ukraine
Tags: International News
India for the first time on August 24 voted against Russia during a “procedural vote” at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Ukraine.
IMPORTANT FACTS -
- The UNSC held a meeting to take stock of the six-month-old Russia-Ukraine conflict on the 31st anniversary of Ukraine's independence.
A procedural vote was requested regarding the participation of the Ukrainian President in the meeting held by video tele-conference.
The 15-member UNSC invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to address a meeting through a video tele-conference.
This is the first time India has voted against Russia on the Ukraine-Russia issue since Russian military action began in February.
So far, India has not participated in the UN Security Council on Ukraine due to the displeasure of the Western powers led by the United States.
Western countries, including the US, have imposed major economic and other sanctions on Russia after the attack on Ukraine.
India has so far not criticised Russia for its aggression against Ukraine.
India has repeatedly called on Russia and Ukraine to return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue.
India has also expressed its support for all diplomatic efforts to end the conflict between the two countries.
About UNSC :
It was established in 1945 by the United Nations Charter.
It is one of the six major organs of the United Nations.
The other 5 organs of the United Nations are - the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the Trusteeship Council, the Economic and Social Council, the International Court of Justice and the Secretariat.
It has five permanent members - China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, collectively known as the P5.
India is currently a non-permanent member of the UNSC for a two-year term, which expires in December.
Any one of them can veto a resolution.
Headquarters - New York
5. Argentina shows interest in Made in India 'Tejas' fighter aircraft
Tags: Defence International News
Argentina has shown interest to buy Tejas fighter aircraft manufactured in India under Make in India.
IMPORTANT FACTS -
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar acknowledged Argentina's interest in Tejas fighter aircraft and highlighted the importance of the proposal to enhance strategic cooperation of bilateral ties.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Argentina Minister of Foreign Affairs Santiago Cafiero jointly presided over a Joint Commission Meeting in Buenos Aires.
During the meeting, both sides underlined the importance of bilateral relations in defence, nuclear energy, space, pharma, science and technology, yoga, climate change and economic cooperation.
Australia, Egypt, the United States, Indonesia and the Philippines are also interested in Tejas jets.
TEJAS fighter aircraft :
It is an 'Indigenous Light Combat Aircraft'.
It has been jointly developed by 'Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)' and 'Hindustan Aeronautics Limited' (HAL).
It is the smallest-lightweight single-engine 'Multirole Tactical Fighter Aircraft'.
It has been designed with an aim to reduce India's dependence on Russia's MiG-21 fighter jets and move towards self-reliance in the field of national security.
It is designed to carry a range of air-to-air, air-to-surface weapons.
It is capable of refueling in the sky during the journey and has a maximum payload capacity of 4000 kg.
It can achieve a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 and has a range of 3,000 km.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION -
Types of tejas :
Tejas Trainer
LCA Navy
LCA Tejas Navy MK2
LCA Tejas Mk-1A
Argentina :
President - Alberto Fernández
Capital - Buenos Aires
Currency - Argentine peso
Official Language -Spanish
location - South America continent
6. Thailand constitutional court suspends PM Prayuth Chan-ocha
Tags: Person in news International News
The constitution court of Thailand on 25 August temporarily suspended prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha over allegations that he has continued in the post after the expiry of his term.
IMPORTANT FACTS -
- The court ruled that the PM would remain suspended until the allegations were investigated.
According to the Constitution of Thailand, the prime minister cannot hold office for more than eight years.
Prayuth Chan-ocha became prime minister after a coup in 2014, and eight years have passed since then.
As military leader, Prayuth seized power after a coup in May 2014 and, in August 2014, appointed himself prime minister of the new military government.
Hence the opposition argues that his term as prime minister began in August 2014 and ended this week.
The court considered the petition and supporting documents and gave this decision on the basis of factual doubts.
The court, with a majority of four out of five judges, with effect from 24 August 2022, said that Prayuth be suspended as prime minister until the court issues a final decision.
Deputy Prime Minister Pravit Wongsuwan will currently be the interim head of government.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION -
About Thailand :
Capital - Bangkok
Official Language - Thai
7. Bangladesh-born Fahmida Azim wins 2022 Pulitzer prize
Tags: Awards International News
Bangladesh-born illustrator and story writer Fahmida Azeem, who works for America's online magazine 'Insider', has been selected for the Pulitzer Prize for the year 2022.
IMPORTANT FACTS -
- He will be given this award for the category of Illustrated, Interpretive Reporting and Commentary.
Fahmida Azeem has been selected to work on the persecution of Uighurs in China.
Four journalists of Insider magazine including Fahmida Azeem have been selected for the award –
fahmida azeem
Anthony Dale Colonel
Josh Adams
Walt Hickey
Fahmida Azeem was born in Bangladesh and later settled in America.
His work has focused on themes of identity, culture and autonomy.
His works are published in many international magazines like Glamour, Scientific American, The Intercept, Vice, The New York Times.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION -
About Pulitzer Prize :
The award was established in the year 1917 by provisions written in the will of Joseph Pulitzer.
Columbia University administers the award.
The Pulitzer Prize is considered America's most prestigious honour in the field of journalism.
The award is given in a total of 22 categories. In which 15 categories of journalism and 7 categories of book, drama, music etc. are included.
In 21 categories, each winner receives USD 15,000 and a certificate. A gold medal is awarded to the winner in the Public Service category of the award.
Govind Bihari Lal was the first Indian to receive the Pulitzer Prize in 1937.
8. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky to be awarded the 'Liberty Medal' award for the year 2022
Tags: Awards International News
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has been nominated for the 'Liberty Medal' for the year 2022 by the 'National Constitution Centre'.
IMPORTANT FACTS -
- He has been chosen for this honour for his heroic defence of freedom in the face of Russian tyranny.
He will be honoured in October 2022 at the National Constitution Centre (NCC), Philadelphia, USA.
Other awards given to Volodymyr Zelensky :
Ronald Reagan Freedom Award 2022 - It is given to those who have made a great contribution to the cause of freedom.
John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award 2022
About Liberty Medal Award :
The 'Liberty Medal' award is an annual award given by the NCC of the United States of America.
It was founded by the Philadelphia Foundation.
The major winners of this award are Nelson Mandela, Kofi Annan, Malala Yousafzai and Colin Powell.
This award is given to a person of courage and conviction who has fought to protect the cause of freedom of the people.
9. 8th India-Brazil Joint Commission Meeting
Tags: Summits International News
External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar who is on his first ever visit to South America, co-chaired the 8th India-Brazil Joint Commission Meeting on 24 August with his Brazilian counterpart, Carlos Franca.
IMPORTANT FACTS -
- The two leaders held wide-ranging discussions on trade, investment and other consular domains.
The two ministers signed agreements in the field of broadcasting and taxation, exchanging views on BRICS, IBSA, UN, G20 and Ukraine conflict.
The Joint Commission meeting saw wide-ranging discussions on trade and investment, petroleum, biofuels, edible oils and minerals, health, pharma, traditional medicine, science and technology, agriculture and livestock, space, defence, terrorism and consular.
The Brazilian Government released a commemorative stamp on the occasion of India's 75th Independence day.
On 22 August, Jaishankar concluded his first ever official visit to Paraguay where he inaugurated the newly-opened Indian Embassy in the capital city Asuncion.
He also unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Paraguay on 21 August and appreciated the Asuncion Municipality’s decision to locate it at the prominent waterfront of the city.
He also visited the historic Casa de la Independencia, from where Paraguay's independence movement began more than two centuries ago.
India-Brazil Relations :
Diplomatic relations were established between India and Brazil in 1948, both countries opened embassies in the same year.
India's strategic partnership with Brazil continues to intensify with several high-level partnerships.
President Bolsonaro was the chief guest at India's Republic Day parade in 2020.
As strategic partners, India and Brazil have several institutional mechanisms to coordinate various aspects of their bilateral relations.
This includes Joint Commission Meeting, Strategic Dialogue, Foreign Office Consultations, Trade Monitoring Mechanism, Economic and Financial Dialogue, Dialogue on Consular and Mobility Issues, Joint Defence Commission, Joint Committee on Science & Technology and India-Brazil Business Leaders Forum.
In Brazil, the Brazil-India Parliamentary Friendship Group has been established.
President - Jair Bolsonaro
Capital - Brasília
Official Language - Portuguese
Currency - Brazilian real
10. Sri Lanka ranks 5th among the 10 countries with highest food price inflation - World Bank
Tags: International News
Sri Lanka ranks 5th among the 10 countries with the highest food price inflation, according to the latest World Bank assessment.
IMPORTANT FACTS -
- According to the World Bank assessment, Lebanon, Zimbabwe, Venezuela and Turkey ranked first four countries, while Iran, Argentina, Suriname, Ethiopia and Moldova ranked behind Sri Lanka.
The World Bank said record high food prices have triggered a global crisis that drives millions of people to extreme poverty, hunger and malnutrition.
The Ukraine war, supply chain disruptions, and the COVID-19 pandemic have pushed food prices to an all-time high.
Rising food prices have a greater impact on people in low- and middle-income countries.
These countries spend a larger share of their income on food than people in high-income countries.
Domestic food price inflation at high worldwide :
According to the data, almost all low and middle income countries have high inflation between April and July 2022.
The World Bank says countries should lift trade restrictions or export bans on fertilizers.
The use of fertilizers should be made more efficient by giving proper incentives to the farmers.
Investing in innovation to develop best practices and new technologies can help increase production per kilogram of fertilizer.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION -
Top 10 Countries hit hardest by Food Inflation :
Lebanon
Zimbabwe
Venezuela
Turkiye
Sri Lanka
Iran
Argentina
Suriname
Ethiopia
Moldova
