1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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
7. 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
8. India Sends 1,400 kg of Anti-Cancer Drugs to Syria
Tags: International News
India has sent a consignment of approximately 1,400 kgs of anti-cancer drugs to Syria as part of its humanitarian assistance.
An Overview of the News
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced the dispatch, emphasizing India's commitment to supporting Syria.
Cordial Relations Between India and Syria
India and Syria have historically shared strong and cordial relations, supported by deep-rooted people-to-people ties.
The Indian Embassy in Syria has remained operational throughout the Syrian conflict, facilitating various exchanges.
Support Through Education and Capacity Building
India has contributed to the development of Syrian youth through scholarship schemes and training courses under the ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) program.
This support has played a significant role in building capacity among the Syrian population.
Health Challenges Facing the Syrian First Lady
In May this year, Syria's First Lady Asma Assad was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, as reported by the state news agency SANA.
The First Lady, who was born and raised in London to Syrian parents, had previously recovered from breast cancer in 2019.
About Syria
Capital - Damascus
Official language - Arabic
Currency - Syrian pound (SYP)
President - Bashar al-Assad
Vice President - Najah al-Attar
Prime Minister - Hussein Arnous
9. Germany Becomes 18th Member of UNC
Tags: International News
Germany become the 18th member state of the United Nations Command (UNC), following the trend of expanding participation, such as Italy's reinstatement in 2013.
An Overview of the News
Representatives from Germany, the United States, the Republic of Korea, and other UNC Member States gathered at Barker Field to recognize Germany's accession to the UNC on August 2.
Germany wasn't a UN member in 1953, it offered to deploy a field hospital two months before the Armistice signing.
The West German Red Cross Hospital in Busan, operated by 117 German doctors, nurses, and technicians from 1954 to 1959, treated nearly 300,000 patients and assisted with over 6,000 births.
South Korea recognized Germany as a "Medical Support Nation" in 2018, acknowledging their contributions during the Korean War.
About the UNC
Established in 1950: Created during the Korean War to support South Korea.
Coalition: Composed of member states, not a standing army.
Headquarters: Located in Seoul, guided by UN Security Council resolutions.
Ceasefire: Upholds a ceasefire since 1953, without a formal peace treaty.
Current Commander: Major General Paul J. LaCamera.
Humanitarian Work: Involved in humanitarian missions and disaster relief in the region.
About Germany
Berlin Zoo: Founded in 1844, it’s the oldest zoo globally, with over 19,000 animals.
Beer Varieties: Germany boasts around 1,500 types of beer, regulated by the Beer Purity Law (Reinheitsgebot).
Berlin Wall: A Cold War symbol, the wall was dismantled in 1989.
Oktoberfest: Munich hosts the world’s largest beer festival annually.
Car Production: Germany produces around 1 million cars each year, with brands like Volkswagen dominating the industry.
10. US Navy Unveils AIM-174B Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Tags: International News
The U.S. Navy has introduced the AIM-174B, an advanced long-range air-to-air missile, to bolster its aerial capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region amid rising tensions with China.
An Overview of the News
This missile aims to replace the retired AIM-54 Phoenix and provide carrier-based fighters like the F/A-18E/F Super Hornets with enhanced long-range engagement capabilities.
Key Features:
Development: The AIM-174B was unveiled and flew for the first time in 2024.
Performance: It can achieve speeds of Mach 3.5 and has a maximum range of about 300 kilometers, surpassing the AIM-120 AMRAAM in range.
Technology:
Utilizes an active radar homing seeker, based on the AIM-120 AMRAAM.
Expected to be integrated with the Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air (NIFC-CA) system, collaborating with platforms such as the E-2D Hawkeye, F-35 fighters, and AEGIS combat systems.
India's Air-to-Air Missile
Astra: India's first BVR missile with a range of 80-110 km and Mach 4.5+ speed, using active radar for guidance.
MICA: Versatile short to medium range missile (500 m-80 km) with Mach 4 speed, employing both infrared and radar guidance.
R-73: Short-range missile with a 30 km range and Mach 2.5 speed, featuring high maneuverability and infrared guidance.
R-77 (RVV-AE): Medium-range missile with an 80 km range and Mach 4.5 speed, using active radar for high-speed aerial combat.
Python-5: Advanced short-range missile (20 km) with Mach 4 speed and infrared guidance, known for its agility.
Novator K-100: Ultra-long range missile (300-400 km) with Mach 3.3 speed and passive radar guidance, aimed at high-value targets.
Derby: BVR missile with a 50 km range, Mach 4 speed, and active radar guidance, used for interception and air superiority.
- Meteor: Future BVR missile with over 100 km range, Mach 4+ speed, and active radar guidance, featuring advanced ramjet propulsion.
