1. US Approves $20 Billion Arms Sale to Israel
Tags: International News
The US State Department has approved a $20 billion arms sale to Israel.
An Overview of the News
The sale includes over 50 F-15 fighter jets, advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles, 120 mm tank ammunition, high explosive mortars, and tactical vehicles.
The delivery of the F-15 jets is scheduled by 2029.
Context and Justification:
The Pentagon emphasizes the importance of assisting Israel in developing a strong self-defense capability.
The arms deal occurs amid heightened tensions in West Asia, following the recent killings of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Lebanon.
Both incidents have led to threats of retaliation against Israel.
About Israel
Israel is a Middle Eastern country on the Mediterranean Sea.
It is considered the Holy Land of the Bible by Jews, Christians and Muslims.
Tel Aviv is the financial centre of the country and is known for its beaches and Bauhaus architecture.
Capital - Jerusalem
Official language - Hebrew
Recognized Language - Arabic
President - Isaac Herzog
Prime Minister - Benjamin Netanyahu
2. Paul Kagame Takes Oath for Fourth Term as Rwanda's President
Tags: International News
On August 11, 2024, Paul Kagame began his fourth term as President of Rwanda. Kagame won the election with more than 99% of the vote.
An Overview of the News
The inauguration ceremony took place in a crowded stadium in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. Many prominent African leaders attended the ceremony.
Kagame’s Political Background
Kagame has been in power since shortly after the 1994 Rwandan Genocide.
He officially became President in 2000.
Kagame first took on a leadership role after the genocide.
Kagame’s Leadership and Contributions
Kagame is credited with improving Rwanda’s economy and infrastructure.
Kagame is a strong supporter of gender equality.
Rwanda has the highest percentage of women in its parliament of any country in the world.
The Rwandan Genocide (1994)
Historical Background:
The Rwandan Genocide occurred from April to July 1994.
Approximately 800,000 people, mostly Tutsis, were killed by Hutu extremists.
The genocide lasted about 100 days.
International Response:
The international community, including the United Nations, failed to take strong action to stop the violence.
Post-Genocide Recovery:
Rwanda has made a remarkable recovery since the genocide.
The country is often seen as a model for reconciliation.
About Rwanda
Capital - Kigali
Official Languages - Kinyarwanda, French, English, Swahili
Currency - Rwandan Franc
Prime Minister - Édouard Ngirente
3. India and New Zealand Sign Customs Cooperation Agreement
Tags: International Relations International News
India and New Zealand signed a Bilateral Customs Cooperation Arrangement to strengthen trade between the two countries.
An Overview of the News
The agreement was formalized in Wellington on August 8, 2024, during President Droupadi Murmu's official visit to New Zealand.
President Murmu’s Three-Nation Tour:
President Draupadi Murmu was on an official visit to Fiji, New Zealand and Timor Leste.
Her visit to New Zealand occurred on August 8 and 9, 2024.
Diplomatic Engagements:
President Murmu received a traditional Maori greeting in Wellington.
She was welcomed by New Zealand's Governor General, Dame Cindy Kiro, and met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters.
Discussions focused on exchanging best practices in traditional medicine through the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
India-New Zealand Relations:
India established a Trade Mission in New Zealand in 1950, later becoming a High Commission.
As of June 2023, India is New Zealand's 15th largest trading partner, with trade valued at US$1.56 billion.
New Zealand exports wool, edible fruits and nuts, and forest products to India, while India exports precious metals and gems, textiles, motor vehicles, pharmaceuticals, and non-knitted apparel to New Zealand.
About New Zealand
Independence: From the UK in 1947
Head of State: UK Monarch, King Charles III
Capital: Wellington
Currency: New Zealand Dollar
Unique Species: Flightless bird Kiwi
Prime Minister: Christopher Luxon
4. Tunisian President Saied Replaces Prime Minister Hachani with Kamel Madouri
Tags: International News
Tunisian President Kais Saied dismissed Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani on Wednesday without providing an explanation.
An Overview of the News
Hachani was replaced by Kamel Madouri, who was serving as the social affairs minister since May.
Ahmed Hachani had replaced Najila Bouden as Prime Minister in August 2023, who was also removed without a specific reason.
Political Context
President Kais Saied, elected in 2019, carried out a power grab in 2021.
He amended the Tunisian constitution, significantly increasing the powers of the presidency while reducing the authority of the parliament.
Saied is seeking re-election, with the next elections scheduled for October 6.
He submitted his official candidacy and stated that his campaign aims to "establish a new republic."
About Tunisia
Capital - Tunis
Official languages - Arabic
Currency - Tunisian dinar (TND)
President - Kais Saied
Prime Minister - Kamel Madouri
5. China's SSST Launches First 18 Satellites for Qianfan Constellation
Tags: International News
On 5th August 2024, Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST), a Chinese state-owned enterprise, successfully launched the first batch of 18 satellites for the "Qianfan" (Thousand Sails Constellation) megaconstellation, formerly known as the G60 Project.
An Overview of the News
The launch took place at the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre (TSLC) in Shanxi Province, China.
G60 Project Details:
The G60 Project was initiated in 2023 with the ambitious goal of deploying 1,296 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites by 2030.
In 2024, the plan includes the launch of 108 satellites, with 648 satellites targeted for deployment by the end of 2025.
The project aims to achieve global network coverage by 2027.
Funding and Partnerships:
SSST secured 6.7 billion yuan (approximately USD 943 million) to finance the project.
SSST partnered with the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IAMCAS) to establish Shanghai Gesi Aerospace Technology (Genesat) in 2022.
Genesat is responsible for building satellite manufacturing facilities.
The first satellite for the G60 constellation was produced in December 2023 in Shanghai's Songjiang District.
Advantages of LEO Satellites:
LEO satellites, orbiting at altitudes between 300 km and 2,000 km, are more cost-effective and offer more efficient transmission compared to higher orbit satellites.
6. Ax-4 Mission to Include Indian, Polish, and Hungarian Astronauts
Tags: Science and Technology International News
Axiom Space is collaborating with India’s ISRO, Poland, and Hungary, supported by ESA, to send three national astronauts on Ax-4.
An Overview of the News
The crew includes Commander Peggy Whitson, Mission Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla (India), Mission Specialist Sławosz Uznański (ESA/Poland), and Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu (Hungary).
The crew is pending approval from the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP), which involves NASA, ESA, Roscosmos, JAXA, and the Canadian Space Agency.
Mission Goals:
Ax-4 aims to advance scientific research, technology demonstrations, and space commercialization.
The mission emphasizes international cooperation by sharing knowledge, resources, and opportunities with global partners.
Significance of the Mission:
Ax-4 will be Axiom Space’s second mission including an ESA astronaut and will see a Polish astronaut in space for the first time in over 40 years.
The mission continues Axiom Space’s tradition of involving diverse nationalities, following previous missions with the first Saudi female astronaut, first Turkish astronaut, and first ESA astronaut on a commercial flight.
Launch Details:
The mission will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft from Florida.
The crew is expected to spend up to 14 days on the International Space Station.
Agreements:
Axiom Space signed a memorandum of understanding with Hungary in July 2022 and a spaceflight framework agreement in September 2023 for Hungary’s astronaut program.
In July 2024, Axiom Space signed a spaceflight framework agreement with ISRO, marking a significant step towards a joint ISRO-NASA mission on the ISS.
7. Kamala Harris Becomes First Black and South Asian Woman to Win Democratic Presidential Nomination
Tags: International News
Kamala Harris has won the Democratic presidential nomination. Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison announced her win.
An Overview of the News
Harris secured the support of 2,350 delegates. She ran unopposed after President Joe Biden endorsed her.
Voting Process
The nomination was decided through a five-day electronic vote.
Nearly 4,000 party convention delegates participated.
Harris was the sole candidate on the ballot.
Official Nomination
Harris will be officially nominated at a convention in Chicago later this month.
She expressed her honor in being the presumptive Democratic nominee.
Historical Significance
Harris is the first Black and first South Asian woman to be a major US political party's White House nominee.
If she wins against Republican nominee Donald Trump in November, she will be the first female president of the United States.
8. NCGG Successfully Concludes 4th Capacity Building Program for Sri Lankan Civil Servants in New Delhi
Tags: International News
NCGG successfully concluded the 4th Capacity Building Program for Sri Lankan civil servants on August 3, 2024, in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
40 senior civil servants from Sri Lanka attended the program.
Participants included Assistant Divisional Secretaries, Assistant Secretaries, Deputy Secretaries, Directors, Senior Assistant Secretaries, Assistant Directors, and Deputy Directors.
Key ministries represented: Commission of Local Government, Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Ministry of Provincial Council and Local Government, and Ministry of Justice, Prisons Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms.
Group Presentations and Topics
Geogoviya Programme: Focus on using geographical information systems to enhance agricultural productivity.
Agriculture Modernization Project: Aim to transform Sri Lanka's agriculture through innovative practices.
Aswasuma Programme: Welfare benefit initiative providing comprehensive social security support in Sri Lanka.
PPP Success in India: Demonstrated how India's Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model can aid in improving Sri Lanka's infrastructure.
Program Overview and Institutional Visits
Dr. A.P. Singh, Associate Professor and Course Coordinator, provided an overview of the program, emphasizing the sharing of India's successful governance models through interactive sessions.
Participants visited various institutions and sites: Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy, Forest Research Institute, District Administration in Panchkula, Cyber Crime Centre in Chandigarh, National Institute of Solar Energy, International Solar Alliance, Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, and the Taj Mahal.
Program supervised by Dr. A.P. Singh and Dr. M.K. Bhandari, with assistance from Shri Sanjay Dutt Pant and team.
Prisca Poly Mathew, Consultant and Chief Administrative Officer, NCGG, was present during the occasion.
NCGG has successfully trained 135 senior and mid-level civil servant officers from Sri Lanka through its capacity-building programs.
V. Srinivas, Director General of NCGG and Secretary of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG)
9. Dr. Jaishankar Strengthens Ties in Lao PDR and Brunei During 3-Day Visit
Tags: International News
Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Union Minister for External Affairs, Government of India, undertook a 3-day official visit to Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic from 25th to 27th July 2024.
An Overview of the News
25th July 2024: Dr. Jaishankar attended the 57th ASEAN-Foreign Ministers Meeting (AMM), chaired by Lao PDR, with the theme "ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience."
26th July 2024: Dr. Jaishankar and Dato Haji, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei, jointly launched a logo commemorating 40 years of diplomatic relations between India and Brunei.
27th July 2024: Dr. Jaishankar held a bilateral meeting with Saleumxay Kommasith, Foreign Minister of Lao PDR, and jointly released a special commemorative postage stamp set featuring Lord Ram Lalla of Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh).
About Lao PDR:
Prime Minister: Sonexay Siphandone
Capital: Vientiane
Currency: Lao kip
10. India Assumes Chairmanship of ADPC for 2024-25
Tags: International News
India has assumed the chairmanship of the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC) for the 2024-25 term.
An Overview of the News
Rajendra Singh, Member and Head of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), has taken over as ADPC Chair from China.
The transition occurred on July 25, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand.
ADPC is an autonomous international organization focused on disaster risk reduction and climate resilience in Asia and the Pacific region.
India, along with Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, are founding members of ADPC.
India also chaired the 5th Board of Trustees meeting of ADPC on July 25, 2024, in Bangkok.
About Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC)
Founded in 1986, ADPC focuses on disaster risk reduction and climate resilience in Asia and the Pacific.
Headquarters: Bangkok, Thailand.
Country offices: Bangladesh, Lao PDR, Myanmar.
