1. PM Modi conferred Egypt’s highest state honour
Tags: International Relations Awards International News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the 'Order of the Nile,' Egypt's highest honor, by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi during a ceremony at the Presidential palace in Cairo on 25th June.
An overview of the news
The 'Order of the Nile' was established in 1915 and is bestowed upon heads of states, crown princes, and vice presidents who have rendered invaluable services to Egypt or humanity.
This is the 13th highest state honor conferred upon Prime Minister Modi.
During the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Egypt in 26 years, India and Egypt elevated their relationship to a 'Strategic Partnership' following extensive discussions between Modi and El-Sisi.
Political and security cooperation
The talks focused on enhancing political and security cooperation.
Modi and El-Sisi signed a strategic partnership document, which encompassed various areas of collaboration such as political and security cooperation, defense collaboration, trade and investment ties, scientific and academic exchanges, and strengthening people-to-people contacts.
The two countries signed three more pacts covering agriculture and allied sectors, protection and preservation of monuments and archaeological sites, and competition law.
Modi and El-Sisi also discussed further cooperation within the G-20 framework, emphasizing issues such as food and energy insecurity, climate change, and the need for the Global South to have a unified voice.
Modi extended an invitation to El-Sisi to attend the G-20 Summit in New Delhi in September.
Egypt's historic Al-Hakim Mosque
Before returning to India, Modi visited Egypt's historic Al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo, which dates back to the 11th century.
The mosque has been restored with the assistance of India's Dawoodi Bohra community.
Modi admired the intricate carved inscriptions on the walls and doorways of the mosque, which was constructed in 1012.
Al-Hakim Mosque is the fourth oldest mosque in Cairo and the second Fatimid mosque built in the city.
About Egypt
Egypt is a country located in North Africa.
Egypt is home to famous monuments such as the Giza Pyramid Complex. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Pyramids of Giza are located on the banks of the Nile River. The Great Pyramid of Giza was built in 2560 BC.
Capital - Cairo
President – Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
Currency - Egyptian pound
2. INS Sunayna visits Mombasa, Kenya to strengthen bilateral ties
Tags: Defence International News
INS Sunayna visited Mombasa, Kenya, with the aim of strengthening bilateral ties with maritime neighbors under the theme of Ocean Ring of Yoga.
An overview of the news
The Commanding Officer of INS Sunayna held a meeting with Brigadier Y S Abdi, Deputy Commander of the Kenya Navy, and emphasized the significance of Yoga in fostering unity and bringing the world closer together.
On the occasion of the International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2023, a joint Yoga session was conducted onboard INS Sunayna, involving Indian Navy personnel and members of the Kenyan Defence Forces.
A Maritime Partnership Exercise took place between the Indian and Kenyan navies, where drills related to firefighting, damage control, boarding exercises, asymmetric threat simulations, and VBSS (Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure) operations were carried out during the harbor phase.
An onboard Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capsule was also conducted to enhance the capabilities of the Kenya Navy.
In honor of General Francis Ogolla, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Kenyan Defence Forces, a reception was hosted onboard INS Sunayna by Vice Admiral Sanjay Mahindru, Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff.
The event was attended by Namgya Khampa, the High Commissioner of India in Nairobi.
As a symbol of goodwill, the Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff gifted 200 life jackets to Major General Jimson Muthai, Commander of the Kenya Navy.
Prior to departure from Mombasa, INS Sunayna conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Kenya Naval Ship Jasiri on June 23, 2023, further strengthening the maritime cooperation between the two navies.
3. Asian Development Bank to provide 400 million US dollars in loans to Bangladesh
Tags: Economy/Finance International News
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a loan agreement with the government of Bangladesh to provide $400 million for the construction of a dual gauge railway between Chattogram and Cox's Bazar.
An overview of the news
The purpose of the railway project is to promote trade, investment, and tourism in Bangladesh.
The new rail link is expected to open this year and aims to transport approximately 2.9 million passengers annually between Chattogram and Cox's Bazar by 2024.
The ADB is supporting the government's shift from road to rail transport, as rail is considered a climate-friendly, safe, affordable, and efficient mode of transportation.
Chattogram-Cox's Bazar Railway
The Chattogram-Cox's Bazar Railway is part of the Trans-Asia Railway (TAR) network, which is an initiative led by the United Nations.
The TAR network aims to establish seamless rail links between Asia and Europe to enhance connectivity between people and markets.
The TAR network covers a total of 128,000 kilometers and passes through 28 countries.
It was formalized through an Inter-governmental Agreement on Trans-Asian Railway network in 2009.
The assistance provided by ADB for the Chattogram-Cox's Bazar Railway Project is the third part of a $1.5 billion loan package for the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) initiative.
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
It is a regional multilateral financial institution which focuses on the countries of Asia and Pacific region.
It was set up after a resolution was passed at the first Ministerial Conference on Asian Economic Cooperation held by the United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East in 1963.
It started functioning from 19 December 1966 with 31 member countries.
At present it has 68 members—of which 49 members are from within Asia and the Pacific and 19 outside.
Japan is the largest shareholder of the ADB and a Japanese has always been the head of the ADB.
President of ADB: Masatsugu Asakawa
Headquarters: Mandaluyong City, Manila, Philippines
4. New Russian frigates will be armed with hypersonic Zircon missiles
Tags: Defence International News
The Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy has recently made an announcement stating that all new frigate and corvette class vessels of the Russian Navy will be equipped with hypersonic Zircon missiles.
About Zircon Missile
The Zircon Missile, also known as the 3M22 Zircon or SS-N-33, is a hypersonic cruise missile developed in Russia.
It is designed as an anti-ship missile with advanced capabilities.
Characteristics of Zircon Missile
The Zircon Missile can achieve speeds of over 9,500 kilometers per hour (6,000 miles per hour), which is approximately nine times the speed of sound.
It is a two-stage missile, utilizing solid fuel in the first stage and a scramjet motor in the second stage.
The missile has a range of more than 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) and is capable of accurately pinpointing targets within that range.
The Zircon Missile employs an active and passive radar seeker as its guidance system.
Hypersonic Cruise Missiles
Hypersonic cruise missiles are a type of missile designed to travel at extremely high speeds, typically exceeding Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound).
They are propelled by rocket engines and are equipped with guidance systems for target navigation.
One notable characteristic of hypersonic cruise missiles is their ability to maneuver during flight, making them difficult to track and intercept.
5. US agrees to provide market access to India's steel and aluminum products
Tags: Economy/Finance International News
The United States on 23 June has agreed to grant market access to India's steel and aluminium products, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
An overview of the news
As per the agreement, the US Department of Commerce will clear 70 percent of steel and 80 percent of aluminium applications for products originating in India.
The decision was made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry expects this agreement to boost India's steel and aluminium exports by approximately 35 percent.
The US had restricted market access for Indian steel and aluminium products since June 14, 2018, under the exclusion process of Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act 1962.
Under this restriction, additional duties of 25 percent and 10 percent were imposed on steel and aluminium products, respectively.
In response, India had implemented retaliatory tariffs on certain products, which it has now agreed to remove.
However, the basic import duties applicable to all imports of steel and aluminium products will continue.
6. India and UAE signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement for Authorized Economic Operators
Tags: International Relations International News
India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 23 June have signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement for Authorized Economic Operators.
An overview of the news
The agreement was formally signed during the World Customs Organization's (WCO) Customs Co-operation Council meeting held in Brussels.
Aim of Mutual Recognition Arrangement
The Mutual Recognition Arrangement aims to promote trade facilitation and ease of doing business between the two countries.
It establishes a framework for recognizing Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs) from both India and the UAE.
Significance
The recognition of AEO status will streamline customs procedures, reduce administrative burdens, and lower costs for authorized businesses.
This agreement signifies an important milestone in the economic cooperation between India and the UAE and is expected to strengthen bilateral trade ties.
By leveraging the benefits of the Mutual Recognition Arrangement, both countries aim to enhance trade facilitation, improve the ease of doing business, and encourage investments.
India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
The signing of this arrangement is in line with the broader objective of the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in February 2022.
CEPA aims to significantly increase the total value of bilateral trade in goods and services within five years.
The Mutual Recognition Arrangement is expected to contribute to achieving the trade targets set under the CEPA, fostering greater economic growth and cooperation between India and the UAE.
7. China inks deal with Pakistan to set up nuclear power plant
Tags: International News
China and Pakistan signed an agreement on 20 June to set up nuclear power plants worth $4.8 billion in Punjab province.
An Overview of the News
The nuclear power plant deal is a symbol of growing economic cooperation between China and Pakistan.
The agreement covers the construction of the 1,200 MW Chashma-5 nuclear plant in Punjab's Mianwali district.
Pakistan is receiving a significant investment of $4.8 billion from China for this project.
Pakistan actively engaged with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to meet the conditions required for the 9th review, and Prime Minister Sharif of Pakistan acknowledged the support of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
About Pakistan
Independence - 14 August 1947
Capital - Islamabad
President - Arif Alvi
Prime Minister - Shahbaz Sharif
Official languages - Urdu, English
About China
Government - Unitary Marxist-Leninist One Party Socialist Republic
President - Xi Jinping
Capital - Beijing
Official Language - Standard Chinese
Currency - Renminbi
8. For the first time, US regulators approved the sale of chicken made from animal cells
Tags: Science and Technology International News
The US regulators on 21st June have granted approval for the sale of chicken made from animal cells, making it the first time such products will be available to consumers.
An overview of the news
Two California-based companies, Upside Foods and Good Meat, have received the green light from the Department of Agriculture to offer "cell-cultured" meat, which is produced in laboratories rather than derived from slaughtered animals.
Benefits of Cultivated Meat
The approval of lab-grown meat marks a new era in meat production aimed at addressing concerns related to animal welfare and environmental impact.
This has the potential to significantly reduce animal harm and environmental degradation.
Federal Inspections and Safety
Both Upside Foods and Good Meat have obtained the approvals for federal inspections required to sell meat and poultry in the US.
Prior to this, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had declared the products from these companies as safe for consumption.
Joinn Biologics, a manufacturing company associated with Good Meat, has also been cleared to produce the cultured meat products.
Process of Lab grown meat
Cultivated meat is grown in steel tanks using cells derived from living animals, fertilized eggs, or stored cell banks.
Upside Foods produces large sheets of meat that are then shaped into chicken cutlets and sausages.
Good Meat, which already sells cultivated meat in Singapore, creates various products such as cutlets, nuggets, shredded meat, and satays from chicken cells.
The production of cultured meat begins with the selection of cells from live animals or commercially available cell lines.
These cells are combined with a nutrient-rich mixture in a cultivator, where they grow rapidly.
9. India-United States Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS X) launched in Washington DC
Tags: International Relations Defence International News
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The U.S. Department of Defense and the Indian Ministry of Defense launched the India-U S Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) on 21st June at an event hosted by the U S-India Business Council.
An overview of the news
The launch of INDUS-X is a major milestone in promoting US-India defense cooperation, innovation, and job creation.
The initiative seeks to enhance defense capabilities and contribute to global peace, security and prosperity while reaffirming commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Significance of INDUS-X
INDUS-X aims to revitalize defense industrial cooperation between the United States and India, promoting the development of new technologies and fostering collaboration in manufacturing.
It represents a strategic effort to strengthen bilateral ties and unlock the potential for advancements in the defense sector.
Job Creation and Economic Growth
INDUS-X holds the potential to create job opportunities for working families in both countries.
By fostering collaboration between U S and Indian start-ups, the initiative aims to generate employment and drive economic growth, contributing to global peace, security, and prosperity.
Collaboration Agenda
This agenda outlines various initiatives that INDUS-X stakeholders intend to pursue, complementing existing government-to-government collaboration.
These initiatives include the formation of a Senior Advisory Group for Start-ups.
Indo-Pacific Defence Capabilities
U S and Indian officials have affirmed that INDUS-X will act as a catalyst for innovation and contribute to equipping their armed forces with the necessary capabilities to ensure the defense of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
This emphasizes the shared commitment to regional security and stability.
10. Estonia becomes first Central European nation to allow same-sex marriage
Tags: International News
Estonia's parliament passed a law legalizing same-sex marriage, making it the first Central European nation to do so.
An Overview of the News
Same-sex marriage is prohibited in several former communist Central European countries that were once part of the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact.
In 2014, Estonia legalized same-sex partnerships.
In 2016, the government passed an anti-discrimination law to protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination in employment, education, and other areas.
About Estonia Same-sex Marriage Bill:
The bill was passed by 55 votes in the 101-seat parliament, with the support of a coalition of liberal and social democratic parties led by Prime Minister Kailas, who will win the 2023 election.
The new law will go into effect in 2024.
A recent poll by the Center for Human Rights found that 53% of Estonians support same-sex marriage, compared to 34% a decade earlier.
The Estonian parliament voted on the bill and it passed, making Estonia the first country in the Baltic region to legalize same-sex marriage.
Why Same-sex marriage in Estonia?
According to the government, half of Estonians in the LGBTQ+ community have recently experienced harassment.
Tomas Jermalavicius, head of studies at the International Center for Defense and Security, believes that Estonia's successful legalization of same-sex marriage was aided by changing public opinion and Kailas' strong electoral victory.
Latvia and Lithuania, the other two Baltic nations formerly annexed by the Soviet Union, have not yet legalized same-sex marriage.
Same-sex partnership bills in Latvia and Lithuania are stuck in their parliaments.
Same-sex marriage allows same-sex couples to formalize their commitment and build a stable foundation for their families.
