Current Affairs search results for tag: international-news

1. Bangladesh Joins Colombo Security Conclave as 5th Full Member

Tags: International News

Bangladesh officially became the 5th full member of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC), joining India, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and the Maldives.

An Overview of the News

• The announcement was made during the 8th Deputy National Security Adviser (DNSA) meeting of the CSC, hosted virtually by Mauritius on July 10, 2024.

• Seychelles participated as an Observer state.

Historical Context:

• Mauritius became the 4th member of the CSC during the 5th meeting held in Male, Maldives, in March 2022.

• The 6th NSA-level meeting was held in Mauritius in December 2023.

Key Dignitaries:

• India: Represented by Pankaj Kumar, Deputy National Security Adviser (Internal Affairs).

• Bangladesh: Represented by Lt. General Mizanur Rahman Shameem, Principal Staff Officer, Armed Forces Division, Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

• Maldives: Represented by Major General (Retired) Hamid Shafeeg, DNSA.

• Mauritius: Represented by Yoidhisteer Thecka, Principal Coordinator Security Matter in PMO.

• Sri Lanka: Represented by General LHSC Silva, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

• Secretariat of the CSC: Represented by Acting Secretary Commodore AD Weerasinghe.

• Seychelles: Delegation led by Lt. Colonel Michael Hollanda, Commander of Land Force, Seychelles Defence Forces.

Future Meetings:

• The 7th National Security Adviser (NSA)-level meeting of the CSC will be hosted by India in 2025.

Review of Previous Decisions:

• Member nations reviewed decisions from the 7th DNSA level meeting hosted virtually by the Maldives on July 12, 2023, and the 6th NSA-level meeting.

• Progress of activities under the Roadmap of Activities for 2023-24 of the CSC was also reviewed.

About CSC:-

• Established: 2011 as a trilateral maritime security group (India, Sri Lanka, Maldives).

• Renamed: 2020 as Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) to expand maritime cooperation.

• Aim: Promote regional cooperation and shared security for littoral nations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Secretariat: Established in Colombo, Sri Lanka in 2021.

About Bangladesh:-

• Capital: Dhaka

• Official Language: Bengali

• Currency: Bangladeshi Taka

• Borders: India, Myanmar

• National Day: 26th March

• National Symbols: Shapla (water lily), Royal Bengal tiger

• National Anthem: Amar Sonar Bangla (‘My Golden Bengal’)

• Prime Minister: Sheikh Hasina

• President: Mohammad Shahabuddin

2. KP Sharma Oli sworn in as Nepal PM

Tags: Person in news International News

KP Sharma Oli took oath as Nepal PM on 14 July.

An Overview of the News

• The swearing-in ceremony took place at Shital Niwas, the main building of Rashtrapati Bhavan in Kathmandu at 10:45 am IST.

• A group of ministers were also inducted into the Cabinet along with Oli.

• Oli was appointed PM for the third time to lead the new coalition government.

• He will replace Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, who lost the trust vote in the House of Representatives on 12 July.

• Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel appointed Oli from the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML)-Nepali Congress (NC) alliance as the new PM.

• Oli presented the signatures of 165 members of the House of Representatives - 77 of which were from his party and 88 from the NC.

About Nepal

• The kingdom of Nepal was established by the Shah dynasty.

• It is a landlocked country in South Asia.

• President - Ram Chandra Paudel

• Capital - Kathmandu

• Currency - Nepalese Rupee

3. India-UAE Strengthen Defense Ties in 12th Joint Committee Meeting in Abu Dhabi

Tags: International News

The 12th India-UAE Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting took place in Abu Dhabi on July 9, aiming to enhance defense relations.

An Overview of the News

• The Indian delegation, led by Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad, met with UAE counterparts led by Brigadier General Staff Jamal Ebrahim Mohamed Almazrooqi.

• Discussions included training cooperation, joint military exercises, defense industrial partnerships, and research and development initiatives.

• Both sides emphasized exchanging subject matter experts to benefit from shared knowledge and experience.

• Maritime security and other regional security concerns were key topics of discussion.

• Separate staff talks between the navies and armies focused on enhancing operational synergies.

Bilateral Engagements

• Joint Secretary Prasad engaged in bilateral discussions with UAE officials, including Ali Abdulla Al Ahmed and the CEO of Tawazun Economic Council.

• The meeting aimed to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2006, contributing to stability in the Middle East and South Asia.

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

4. Dubai Hosts 4th India-GCC Food and Beverage Meet

Tags: International News

Dubai hosts the fourth edition of the India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Buyers Sellers Meet on Food and Beverages.

An Overview of the News

• The event brings together key players from the food and beverage industry across India and GCC countries.

• Organized by the Trade Promotion Council of India, it aims to boost trade relations and showcase innovative Indian products to the GCC market.

• Thirty-six Indian companies and 170 buyers from GCC countries are participating.

• The meet serves as a crucial platform for Indian exporters to display their diverse product range and forge valuable business connections.

• Leading regional retailers such as LuLu Group, Choithrams, and Nesto are among the prominent participants.

Highlights

• K. Kalimuthu, Consul (Trade and Commerce) at CGI Dubai, highlighted the growing trade relations between India and the UAE.

• He noted that bilateral trade reached over $85 billion last year.

• Kalimuthu emphasized the potential for growth in the processed food segment, stating that nearly two-thirds of UAE’s imports from India come from fresh items like rice, wheat, meat, fresh vegetables, and special foods, while only one-third comes from processed and packaged foods.

About GCC

• Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (Gulf Cooperation Council)

• Regional, intergovernmental, political, and economic union

• Members: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates

• Headquarters: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

• Founders: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman

• Founded: 25 May 1981, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

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

Important facts about UAE

• Rivers: No rivers in the UAE

• AI Minister: First country to appoint a minister for artificial intelligence

• National Animal: Arabian Oryx

• Tallest Hotels: Six of the world’s tallest hotels are in the UAE

• Government: Absolute monarchy

• Royal Families: Each emirate is ruled by a separate royal family

• National Symbol: Falcon

• Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain

• Religion: Muslims 76%, Christians 19%

• Currency: Dirhams

• National Day: 2 December

5. Sanath Jayasuriya Appointed Interim Head Coach of Sri Lanka Men's Cricket Team

Tags: Person in news International News

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has appointed Sanath Jayasuriya as the interim head coach of the men’s national team.

An Overview of the News

• Jayasuriya will hold the position until the completion of the upcoming tour of England.

• Sanath Jayasuriya steps in to replace Chris Silverwood, who resigned following Sri Lanka's disappointing performance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

• The team finished third in Group D, managing only one win in four games during the T20 World Cup.

Jayasuriya's Background

• Prior to the T20 World Cup, Jayasuriya was part of Sri Lanka's contingent as a Cricket Consultant.

• He has previously served Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) as a selector.

• Jayasuriya currently holds the role of full-time Cricket Consultant for SLC.

• Sanath Jayasuriya has played 586 matches for Sri Lanka across all formats.

• He accumulated an impressive 21,032 runs and took 440 wickets in his career.

Chris Silverwood's Tenure

• Chris Silverwood’s coaching tenure included a T20 Asia Cup triumph in 2022.

• Under Silverwood, Sri Lanka also secured a runner-up position in the 50-over Asia Cup in 2023.

• The team achieved several victories in bilateral series during his tenure.

Upcoming England Tour

• Sri Lanka will travel to England for a three-match Test series.

• The first Test will be played in Manchester, starting on 21 August.

• The second and third Tests will be held in London, at Lord's and The Oval respectively.

6. Ukraine and Poland Solidify Defense Partnership with New Security Agreement

Tags: International Relations International News

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk finalized a long-term security agreement in Warsaw.

An Overview of the News

• The agreement solidifies Poland's strong support for Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia.

Strategic Alliance:

• The agreement marks a strategic alliance between Poland and Ukraine amid ongoing geopolitical challenges in Eastern Europe.

• Discussions focused on defense cooperation and Poland's support for Ukraine's integration into Europe.

Humanitarian Support:

• Poland, a key advocate within the EU, has provided significant humanitarian aid and refuge to Ukrainian war refugees.

• Approximately one million refugees currently seek shelter in Poland, emphasizing its role as a haven amidst the crisis.

Geopolitical Context:

• Zelenskyy's visit aimed to strengthen international solidarity and support for Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression.

• The visit coincided with a serious escalation in hostilities, including a missile strike on a children's hospital in Kyiv.

India-Poland Relations:

• India and Poland enjoy a long-standing political relationship dating back to 1954, marked by regular high-level visits and strong diplomatic ties. 

• Economically, Poland is India's largest trading partner in Central & Eastern Europe, with bilateral trade reaching $2.73 billion in 2020. 

• Both countries collaborate extensively in sectors such as mining, IT, pharmaceuticals, and textiles, supported by multiple bilateral agreements. 

• Cultural ties are strengthened through Indology studies at Polish universities and widespread practice of yoga in Poland. 

• Consular relations have improved with facilities like e-visas and the establishment of an honorary consulate in Wroclaw, reflecting growing people-to-people contacts and a vibrant Indian community in Poland.

India-Russia Partnership:

• Russia has been a longstanding and trusted partner for India, with ties deepening significantly since the 2000 "India-Russia Strategic Partnership" declaration. 

• The partnership spans various domains, including political, security, defence, trade, technology, and culture, and was elevated to a "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership" in 2010. 

• Institutionalized dialogues, such as the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission and the 2+2 Dialogue, ensure regular high-level engagement. 

• Bilateral trade reached an all-time high of $65.70 billion in FY 2023-24, with significant cooperation in defence and technology, including joint projects like the S-400 system and Kudankulam Nuclear Plant. 

• The relationship remains strong, with both countries committed to expanding cooperation in new areas, supporting a multipolar world order.

7. Masoud Pezeshkian wins Iranian Presidential Election

Tags: International News

Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian wins Iran's presidential election with approximately 53.6% of the vote.

An Overview of the News

• Masoud defeated Saeed Jalili, an ultraconservative candidate advocating closer ties with Russia and China.

• The election had about 50% voter turnout, following a previous round with low participation.

India-Iran Relations:

• Strategic Partnerships: India and Iran have historically maintained important economic and strategic ties, including energy cooperation.

• Steady Relations Expected: Pezeshkian's presidency is likely to see continued engagement with India on bilateral and regional issues.

• Economic Cooperation: Both countries are likely to focus on enhancing trade and economic cooperation despite global geopolitical challenges.

About Iran

• Iran is a country located in the southwest section of Jambudweep (Asia). It was known as Persia (Persia) till 1935.

• Iran was declared an Islamic republic in 1979.

• Iran's economy is mainly dependent on oil and natural gas exports.

• Iran is the largest country in the world in terms of natural gas reserves.

• Capital- Tehran

• Currency - Iranian Rial

8. Keir Starmer Takes Helm as UK's 58th Prime Minister, Succeeding Rishi Sunak

Tags: International News

Keir Starmer of the Labour Party became the 58th Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on July 5, 2024, succeeding Rishi Sunak.

An Overview of the News

• Labour secured 412 seats, an increase of 211, while the Conservative Party received 121 seats, a decrease of 250, in the 650-seat House of Commons.

• Labour garnered 35% of the votes, compared to the Conservative Party's 24%.

Historical Significance:

• Keir Starmer's election marks the return of the Labour Party to power after 14 years, since Gordon Brown's tenure from 2007 to 2010.

• He is the first Labour Party leader to win a general election since Tony Blair's leadership from 1997 to 2007.

Career Background:

• Prior to becoming Prime Minister, Keir Starmer served as Shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union from 2016 to 2020 and as Shadow Immigration Minister from 2015 to 2016.

• He was knighted as Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) in the 2014 New Year Honours for his contributions to law and criminal justice.

• Historical Note: Keir Starmer is the first Knight of the realm to become Prime Minister since Sir Alec Douglas-Home in 1963.

NOTE - Rishi Sunak makes history as the first British Asian and Hindu as Prime Minister of the UK, holding the post from October 2022 to July 5, 2024.

About UK

• The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, often referred to as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is situated in Northwestern Europe.

• It includes four constituent countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

• Geographically, it is located off the coast of the continental mainland of Europe.

• Capital - London

• Prime Minister - Keir Starmer

9. U.K. PM Keir Starmer Appoints Rachel Reeves as the Country's First Female Chancellor

Tags: International News

Angela Rayner has been named Deputy Prime Minister, and Rachel Reeves has become the country's first female Chancellor of the Exchequer.

An Overview of the News

• Keir Starmer has been appointed as the new UK Prime Minister.

• Cabinet Appointments:

  • Yvette Cooper has been appointed as Home Secretary.

  • David Lammy has been named Foreign Secretary.

  • John Healey has been appointed Defence Secretary.

  • Shabana Mahmood has been named Justice Secretary.

  • Wes Streeting has been appointed Health Secretary.

  • Bridget Phillipson has been named Education Secretary.

  • Ed Miliband has been appointed Energy Secretary.

• The cabinet includes a record number of women, with 11 out of the 25 members being female.

About UK

• The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, often referred to as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is situated in Northwestern Europe.

• It includes four constituent countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

• Geographically, it is located off the coast of the continental mainland of Europe.

• Capital - London

• Prime Minister - Keir Starmer

10. Russian Cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko Becomes First Human to Spend 1,000 Days in Space

Tags: International News

On June 3, 2024, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko was announced by Russia's space agency, Roscosmos, as the first person to spend a total of 1,000 days in space.

An Overview of the News

• Kononenko's record was reached during his ongoing mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), which began on September 15, 2023.

Mission Details

• Total Time in Space: By the end of his current mission on September 23, 2024, Kononenko will have spent a total of 1,110 days in orbit.

• Multiple Missions: Kononenko accumulated his time in space over five separate missions to the ISS. His first mission was Expedition 17, which launched in April 2008.

Previous Records

• In February 2024, Kononenko broke the previous record of 878 days in space set by his colleague, Gennady Padalka.

About The International Space Station (ISS)

• It was commissioned in 1998 and has been fully operational since 2011.

• The first astronauts were sent to the ISS in 2000.

• It is operated by 16 countries, led by NASA, including America, Russia, Japan, Brazil, Canada, and 11 European countries.

• The ISS is the most complex international scientific and engineering project and the largest manned spaceflight structure.

• It orbits Earth at an average altitude of 400 kilometers, completing an orbit every 90 minutes at a speed of about 28,000 kilometers per hour.

• The ISS appears as a bright moving light in the night sky, similar to the planet Venus.

Russia

• Capital and largest city - Moscow

• Official and national language - Russian

• President - Vladimir Putin

• Prime Minister - Mikhail Mishustin

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