1. Taiwan Receives First Shipment of U.S.-Made Harpoon Missile Systems
Tags: International News
The first shipment of 100 land-based Harpoon anti-ship missile systems has arrived in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
An Overview of the News
This delivery is part of a broader deal of 71.02 billion New Taiwan dollars ($2.22 billion) made in 2020.
Taiwan has allocated an additional 15 billion New Taiwan dollars ($469 million) for constructing related facilities.
The total investment in this missile system package now stands at 86.02 billion New Taiwan dollars ($2.69 billion).
Delivery and Integration Timeline
The U.S. approved the sale of 400 RGM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II Surface Launched Missiles and four RTM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II Exercise Missiles.
The package includes:
411 containers
100 Harpoon Coastal Defense System Launcher Transporter Units
25 radar trucks
Spare and repair parts
Logistics support, including personnel training and technical assistance
The first phase of deliveries is expected to be completed by 2026, coinciding with the establishment of Taiwan’s new Littoral Combat Command.
The second and final phase is anticipated by 2028.
Enhanced Defense Capabilities
Taiwan plans to integrate the Harpoon missile system with its indigenous Hsiung Feng series missiles to bolster its maritime defense against potential Chinese threats.
The country is actively renovating and building missile bases to support this initiative.
About the Harpoon Missile
Design and History: The Harpoon (RGM-84/UGM-84/AGM-84) is a U.S.-designed subsonic anti-ship cruise missile in service since 1977, utilized by over 30 countries, including India.
Features:
All-weather, over-the-horizon anti-ship missile system.
Length: 4.5 m; Weight: 526 kg.
Propulsion: Turbojet, solid propellant.
Capable of executing both land-strike and anti-ship missions.
Low-level, sea-skimming cruise trajectory with active radar guidance.
Equipped with a 221 kg penetration blast warhead.
GPS-aided inertial navigation for targeting.
Range: 90-240 km.
2. Archaeologists Discover 8,200-Year-Old Kohl Stick in Turkey
Tags: Popular International News
Archaeologists uncovered the oldest known kohl stick, an early form of eyeliner, at the prehistoric site of Yeşilova Höyük in Turkey.
An Overview of the News
The kohl stick, dating back over 8,200 years, is made from green serpentine stone and shows traces of black paint at its tip.
Lead archaeologist Zafer Derin noted the historical significance of kohl, used across cultures, including Egypt, the Levant, and Anatolia.
Physical Details of the Kohl Stick
The kohl stick measures about 10 cm in length and 1 cm in thickness, resembling a modern pen.
Its finely crafted design indicates advanced skills in creating personal care tools during that era.
It was likely used by dipping it in kohl powder for application around the eyes, with the black substance likely containing manganese oxide for a dramatic look.
Kohl’s Medicinal and Cultural Uses
Beyond aesthetics, kohl held medicinal and cultural significance, protecting the eyes from sunlight and treating various eye ailments.
Historical texts associate kohl application with spiritual beliefs, including warding off evil spirits and enhancing vision.
Traditionally made by grinding stibnite into a fine powder, kohl continues to inspire beauty practices worldwide.
A Glimpse into Ancient Beauty Practices
The Kohl Stick discovery emphasizes the long-standing human interest in cosmetics, dating back to prehistoric times.
It illustrates that ancient people valued personal appearance and used cosmetics for both practical and aesthetic purposes.
The craftsmanship of the kohl stick reflects the sophistication of early civilizations, blending beauty with functionality, and showcasing the complexity of early human culture.
3. India Participates in Euronaval 2024 Defence Exhibition in France
Tags: International News
India is among 104 countries invited to the Euronaval 2024 defense exhibition, the largest naval defense trade show in the world, scheduled for November 4-7 in Paris.
An Overview of the News
The exhibition will showcase innovative solutions aimed at enhancing naval forces and protecting maritime infrastructure against modern threats, including air and surface drones, and next-generation anti-ship missiles.
Focus Areas
The event emphasizes innovation, sovereignty, and international cooperation within the naval industry.
Key participants include shipbuilders, equipment manufacturers, institutions, and experts, providing a platform to explore the latest technological advancements that will shape future naval operations.
Strategic Discussions
Euronaval 2024 will address critical strategic and industrial challenges amid rising maritime security threats and technological competition.
Topics will include innovation, resilience, sustainability, and the need for agile maritime forces capable of adapting to various missions, from humanitarian aid to combat operations.
4. A new ghost shark species discovered in New Zealand
Tags: Science and Technology International News
New Zealand scientists discovered the Australian narrow-nosed spookfish (Harriotta avia) in the deep waters of the Chatham Rise.
An Overview of the News
Ghost sharks, also known as chimeras, are cartilaginous fish related to sharks and rays.
They live in deep ocean waters, making them difficult to study.
The discovery is significant due to the rarity and limited knowledge about ghost sharks.
It aids conservation efforts and deepens the understanding of marine biodiversity.
Naming and Distinction:
The new species was named Harriotta avia in honor of Dr. Finucci's grandmother.
Genetic testing revealed that the species is unique to the waters around Australia and New Zealand.
5. Shigeru Ishiba: New leader of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)
Tags: International News
Shigeru Ishiba won a close contest in an unusual LDP election with nine candidates.
An Overview of the News
He replaced Fumio Kishida, who resigned amid corruption scandals and economic challenges.
Ishiba represents reformist views, in contrast to the conservative Sanae Takaichi associated with former PM Shinzo Abe.
His support for progressive policies, such as female monarchs, has highlighted internal divisions in the LDP.
Public appeal:
Ishiba's openness to criticise his party and engage with the public has won him support.
His leadership may lead to early elections to consolidate his position ahead of general elections.
Shigeru Ishiba's background:
Born in 1959, Ishiba is a former defence minister and a supporter of military reforms.
Elected to Japan's House of Representatives in 2000, he is known for his expertise in the defense sector and is active on social media.
6. Harini Amarasuriya Becomes 16th Prime Minister of Sri Lanka
Tags: Person in news International News
Harini Amarasuriya, leader of the National People's Power (NPP), was sworn in as the 16th Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.
An Overview of the News
She replaced Dinesh Gunawardene, who resigned following the recent Presidential election results.
The oath of office was administered by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo.
Harini Amarasuriya is the third woman to hold the position of Prime Minister in Sri Lanka, after Sirimavo Bandaranaike and Chandrika Kumaratunga.
Background of Harini Amarasuriya
She is an academic and human rights activist, previously serving as a university lecturer in the Department of Social Studies at the Open University of Sri Lanka.
Her activism began in 2011 during the Rajapaksa government, where she participated in protests advocating for free education.
She campaigned for Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) in the 2019 Presidential election.
In 2020, she became a Member of Parliament (MP) for the first time, representing the NPP, an alliance led by the JVP.
New Cabinet Appointments
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has formed a new caretaker cabinet with four members, including himself.
The other three cabinet members are NPP parliamentarians: Harini Amarasuriya, Vijitha Herath, and Laxman Nipunarachchi.
This cabinet will be a caretaker government until the next parliamentary election on 14th November 2024.
Facts About Sri Lanka
Legislative Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Executive and Judicial Capital: Colombo
Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (SLR)
President: Anura Kumara Dissanayake
Prime Minister: Harini Amarasuriya
7. Anura Kumara Dissanayake Sworn in as Sri Lanka's 9th President
Tags: International News
On September 23, 2024, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, aged 55, was sworn in as the 9th President of Sri Lanka.
An Overview of the News
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, officiated by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya.
This election marks the first presidential election since the 2022 economic collapse that led to the resignation of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Election Results
Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the Marxist-Leninist party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), won the election with 42.31% of the vote.
His main rival, Sajith Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), finished second, securing 32.76% of the vote.
Background on Anura Kumara Dissanayake
Dissanayake began his political journey as a student leader during the second insurrection in the 1980s, a period marked by violence and mass killings in Sri Lanka.
He was first elected to parliament in 2000 and served as Minister of Agriculture under President Chandrika Kumaratunga Bandaranaike from 2004 to 2005.
In 2014, he became the leader of JVP, succeeding Somawansa Amarasinghe.
Previous Presidential Election
Anura Kumara Dissanayake contested his first presidential election in 2019 but finished in third place, obtaining only 3% of the valid votes against Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
8. Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik Appointed as New DG ISI
Tags: International News
Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik was appointed as the new Director General (DG) of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) on September 23, 2024.
An Overview of the News
Malik will officially take over the position on September 30, 2024, replacing the current DG, Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum.
Current Role and Key Military Positions
Adjutant General: Lt Gen Malik is currently serving as the adjutant general at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.
Previous Commands: He has commanded the Infantry Division in Balochistan and the Infantry Brigade in Waziristan.
Prime Minister and Army Chief Consultation
Appointment Procedure: Although the ISI chief is officially appointed by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the decision is traditionally made in consultation with the Army Chief.
Significance of the ISI Chief Role
Influence of the Post: The DG ISI is considered one of the most powerful positions within the Pakistan Army, and it has played a central role in the country’s security and foreign policy.
Historical Context: The military has ruled Pakistan for more than half of its existence and continues to wield significant influence.
Education and Military Training
Sword of Honour: Lt Gen Malik received the prestigious Sword of Honour award during his military course.
Instructor Roles: He has served as the chief instructor at the National Defence University (NDU) and as an instructor at Command and Staff College in Quetta.
International Training: He is a graduate of Fort Leavenworth in the USA and the Royal College of Defence Studies in the UK.
9. Jordan Becomes First Country to Eliminate Leprosy, Verified by WHO
Tags: International News
Jordan became the first country verified by WHO to eliminate leprosy on 19 September 2024.
An Overview of the News
Jordan has not reported any locally transmitted cases of leprosy for over two decades.
An independent review team, commissioned by WHO, verified the elimination after an extensive assessment.
Despite the elimination of leprosy, Jordan will maintain robust surveillance systems to manage future potential cases, including foreign-borne infections.
Leprosy, a neglected tropical disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, remains a global issue, with more than 200,000 new cases reported annually across 120 countries.
About Leprosy
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae.
It primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, upper respiratory tract mucosa, and eyes.
Leprosy is curable, and early treatment can prevent long-term disabilities.
Patients often face stigmatization and discrimination due to physical deformities.
Transmission:
The disease spreads through droplets from the nose and mouth, requiring prolonged, close contact with an untreated person.
It does not spread through casual contact, such as shaking hands, hugging, or sharing meals.
Once treatment begins, the patient is no longer contagious.
Treatment:
Leprosy is treated with Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT), which combines three drugs: dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine.
For PB cases, treatment lasts 6 months, while for MB cases, it lasts 12 months.
MDT is provided free of charge by WHO and helps cure the disease by killing the bacteria.
About the World Health Organization (WHO)
Founded: 7 April 1948
Founding Countries: United States, Brazil, Mexico, France, Türkiye, and others.
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
Current Director-General: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
10. Indian and Omani Armies Begin 5th Edition of Joint Exercise "AL NAJAH" in Salalah
Tags: Defence International News
The Indian Army contingent has departed for the 5th edition of the India-Oman Joint Military Exercise “AL NAJAH” in Salalah, Oman.
An Overview of the News
The Defence Ministry announced that the Indian Army’s contingent comprises 60 personnel from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment.
The Royal Army of Oman’s contingent also consists of 60 personnel from the Frontier Force.
Objectives and Schedule
The primary goal of the joint exercise is to enhance the joint military capability of both nations for counterterrorism operations.
The exercise will focus on operations in a desert environment.
Exercise AL NAJAH has been conducted biennially since 2015, alternating between India and Oman.
About Oman
Sultan - Haitham bin Tariq Al Said
Capital - Muscat
Official Language - Arabic
Official Religion - Islam
Currency - Omani rial
