1. Cyril Ramaphosa Re-Elected South African President
Tags: International News
Cyril Ramaphosa has been re-elected as the President of South Africa.
An Overview of the News
This follows a landmark coalition deal between his African National Congress (ANC) and opposition parties.
The new government combines Ramaphosa’s ANC, the centre-right Democratic Alliance, and other smaller parties.
Parliament Vote
Ramaphosa won convincingly in a Parliament vote.
He received 283 votes against Julius Malema’s 44 in the 400-member house.
Malema is the leader of the far-left Economic Freedom Fighters.
Crucial Agreement
Ramaphosa secured his second term after an agreement with the Democratic Alliance.
This agreement was struck just hours before the presidential vote.
The ANC lost its 30-year majority in Africa’s national assembly.
Election Results
In the recent elections, the ANC’s vote share dropped to 40%.
The Democratic Alliance emerged as the second-largest party with 22% of the votes.
Co-Governance
The parties will now co-govern South Africa.
This marks the first national coalition where no party has a majority.
About South Africa
It is located at the southernmost tip of the African continent and is known for its diverse ecosystems.
Capital:- Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative) and Bloemfontein (judicial)
Largest city:- Johannesbur
2. India Sends Humanitarian Aid to Papua New Guinea
Tags: International Relations International News
India dispatched a flight with 19 tons of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief supplies to Papua New Guinea.
An Overview of the News
Response to Disaster: The aid is in response to a devastating landslide in Enga province, Papua New Guinea.
Aid Details
Disaster Relief Material: 13 tons of supplies, including temporary shelters, water tanks, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat meals.
Medical Supplies: 6 tons of emergency use medicine and medical equipment, including dengue and malaria diagnostic kits and baby food.
Geographical Background Of Papua New Guinea:
New Guinea, the world's second-largest island, covers an area of 785,753 km2.
Situated in Oceania, it lies in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, adjacent to Australia, separated by the Torres Strait.
The island is surrounded by numerous smaller islands to the west and east.
India-Papua New Guinea Relations:
Diplomatic ties between India and Papua New Guinea were established in 1975 upon PNG's independence from Australia.
India opened its resident mission in Port Moresby in 1996, reciprocated by PNG with a resident mission in New Delhi in 2006.
Both nations, being Commonwealth countries, share warm relations, aligning closely on various global issues.
Collaboration extends to international forums like the Commonwealth, Non-Aligned Movement, and the United Nations Organization.
Humanitarian Aid and Assistance:
India extends humanitarian aid and disaster relief to PNG periodically.
In 2023, assistance included drugs for HIV/AIDS patients.
A grant-in-aid totaling US $760,000 provided computers and peripherals to PNG in 2017-18.
Capacity-building efforts involve training through programs like Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC) and the Colombo Plan.
Ongoing implementation of aid proposals in various fields submitted by PNG under the annual grant-in-aid.
A Centre of Excellence in Information Technology was established at the University of PNG with Indian financial and technical assistance.
In 2018, Government of India provided assistance of US$1 million for earthquake relief in areas affected by the PNG earthquake.
3. Indian Diaspora Artists Curate a Unique Art Showcase Centered around Paramount Classics
Tags: International News
The PaintBrush Art Community, consisting of Indian diaspora artists in the UAE, organized the "Retro Revival" exhibition.
An Overview of the News
This collaborative artistic venture unites 22 artists hailing from 8 different countries, aiming to honor the iconic Paramount movies from Hollywood's golden era.
Artistic Homage
Vibrant paintings revisit beloved films such as The Terminator, Titanic, The Godfather, Sleepy Hollow, Tomb Raider, and Top Gun.
The artworks aim to capture the essence and magic of these classic movies, transporting viewers to a time of cinematic excellence.
Cultural Icons Depicted
"Retro Revival" extends beyond cinema, encompassing artistic representations of legendary personalities such as Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson, and Bob Marley.
These artworks serve as a homage to the cultural giants and the eras they defined.
Inspiration from Paramount Pictures
The exhibition draws inspiration from Paramount Pictures, one of the oldest and most influential film studios globally.
UAE as a Hub for the Arts
The UAE has witnessed a significant rise as a hub for the arts, fostering a dynamic environment for creative expression.
Government-backed initiatives, including world-class museums, galleries, and renowned events like World Art Dubai and the Sharjah Biennale, contribute to this vibrant scene.
This focus on arts and culture has attracted not only Indian artists but has also empowered the local art community.
4. Philemon Yang Elected President of the Upcoming General Assembly Session
Tags: International News
Philemon Yang of Cameroon was elected President of the upcoming General Assembly session.
An Overview of the News
Philemon Yang served as the President of the African Union’s Panel of Eminent Africans.
Theme of the 79th Session
Proposed theme: “Unity in diversity, for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for all everywhere.”
Dialogue and consensus: Yang highlighted the importance of dialogue, consensus and collective problem-solving.
Session dates
Event: The 79th session of the General Assembly will begin on 10 September.
High-level debate: The general debate will begin on 24 September 2024.
About UN
The United Nations (UN) is a diplomatic and political international organization.
Its stated purposes are:
Maintain international peace and security.
Develop friendly relations among nations.
Achieve international cooperation.
Serve as a center for harmonizing the actions of nations.
It is the world's largest international organization.
Founders:- United States, India, United Kingdom, Brazil, France, Iran
Founded:- 24 October 1945, San Francisco, California, United States
Headquarters: New York, New York, United States
Secretary‑General - António Guterres
5. Krishn Kanhai Unveils 'The Golden Krishna' Exhibition in Dubai
Tags: International News
On May 31, 2024, renowned Indian artist Krishna Kanhai unveiled "The Golden Krishna" collection in Dubai.
An Overview of the News
Exhibition focuses on Lord Krishna, showcasing Kanhai's latest works.
Showcase includes a life-sized, 3D painting of Tirupati Balaji made with 24-karat gold.
Painting measures 5 feet by 8 feet, exemplifying Kanhai's signature style.
Kanhai, a Padma Shri recipient, known for exhibitions worldwide including Hong Kong, London, the Philippines, and the United States.
Artistic Themes:
Contemporary paintings blend gold leaves with traditional Krishna themes.
Artworks evoke emotions of love, peace, and tranquility associated with Krishna.
Exhibition Experience:
Visitors invited to a three-day journey through Kanhai's spiritual world.
Celebration of Krishna's pastimes and life lessons.
Exhibition runs until June 2nd, offering audiences a unique artistic experience.
6. India announces $1 million relief assistance to landslide-hit Papua New Guinea
Tags: International Relations International News
India announces immediate relief assistance of one million US dollars to aid Papua New Guinea.
An Overview of the News
The assistance aims to support relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts following a devastating landslide in Enga Province on May 24th.
The landslide buried hundreds of people, resulting in significant destruction and loss of life.
Condolences and Support:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expresses grief over the loss of lives and damage caused by the landslide.
In a social media post, Mr. Modi extends heartfelt condolences to the affected families and offers prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.
India stands ready to offer all possible support and assistance to Papua New Guinea during this difficult time.
Geographical Background Of Papua New Guinea:
New Guinea, the world's second-largest island, covers an area of 785,753 km2.
Situated in Oceania, it lies in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, adjacent to Australia, separated by the Torres Strait.
The island is surrounded by numerous smaller islands to the west and east.
India-Papua New Guinea Relations:
Diplomatic ties between India and Papua New Guinea were established in 1975 upon PNG's independence from Australia.
India opened its resident mission in Port Moresby in 1996, reciprocated by PNG with a resident mission in New Delhi in 2006.
Both nations, being Commonwealth countries, share warm relations, aligning closely on various global issues.
Collaboration extends to international forums like the Commonwealth, Non-Aligned Movement, and the United Nations Organization.
Humanitarian Aid and Assistance:
India extends humanitarian aid and disaster relief to PNG periodically.
In 2023, assistance included drugs for HIV/AIDS patients.
A grant-in-aid totaling US $760,000 provided computers and peripherals to PNG in 2017-18.
Capacity-building efforts involve training through programs like Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC) and the Colombo Plan.
Ongoing implementation of aid proposals in various fields submitted by PNG under the annual grant-in-aid.
A Centre of Excellence in Information Technology was established at the University of PNG with Indian financial and technical assistance.
In 2018, Government of India provided assistance of US$1 million for earthquake relief in areas affected by the PNG earthquake.
7. Gitanas Nauseda Re-elected Lithuanian President
Tags: Person in news International News
Gitanas Nauseda has been re-elected as the President of the Republic of Lithuania, securing a second five-year term from 2024 to 2029.
An Overview of the News
Gitanas Nauseda has held the office of President since 2019.
Nauseda won the presidential election with an impressive 74.43% of the total votes cast.
Ingrida Simonyte came in second place, securing 24.06% of the votes.
Background of Gitanas Nauseda:
Gitanas Nauseda, aged 60, holds expertise in economics, banking, and politics, hailing from Lithuania.
From 1996 to 2000, Nauseda occupied the role of Director of Monetary Policy at the Bank of Lithuania.
He further contributed to the banking sector as the Chief Economist to the Chairman of SEB bankas, a prominent commercial bank in Lithuania, spanning from 2008 to 2018.
In his capacity as President, Nauseda addressed Lithuania's responses to the Belarusian uprisings occurring between 2020 and 2021, as well as Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
About Lithuania
It is one of the three Baltic countries located in the northeastern region of Europe, alongside Estonia and Latvia.
It became a member of the European Union in 2004.
The Prime Minister of Lithuania is Ingrida Simonyte.
Gitanas Nauseda serves as the President of Lithuania.
The capital city of Lithuania is Vilnius.
The currency used in Lithuania is the Lithuanian litas (LTL).
8. WHO and Indian Mission Host 'Walk the Talk' Yoga Event for International Yoga Day
Tags: International News
The 'Walk the Talk' Yoga session event was organized for International Yoga Day.
An Overview of the News
Hosted by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in Geneva and the World Health Organization (WHO) and It took place at Place des Nations.
Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra participated along with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and other senior officers from the Indian delegation.
The event aimed to rejuvenate participants with yoga asanas.
About WHO
Founded:- 7 April 1948
Director-General:- Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Headquarters:- Geneva, Switzerland
Founders:- United States, Brazil, Mexico, France, Australia, Türkiye,
Parent organization:- United Nations
9. Purnima Shrestha Makes History: First Woman to Scale Everest Thrice in 13 Days
Tags: International News
Purnima Shrestha, a 32-year-old mountaineer and photojournalist from Gorkha, Nepal, has achieved a historic feat.
An Overview of the News
She is now recognized as the first woman in the world to climb Mount Everest three times in a single season.
This remarkable accomplishment was achieved within a span of just 13 days.
Shrestha's triple ascent surpasses any previous record held by a woman for climbing Everest thrice in a season.
Prior to this achievement, Shrestha had already summited Everest once in 2018, bringing her total Everest ascents to four.
Additional Information:
Nepali mountaineer and guide Kami Rita Sherpa has achieved a historic feat by becoming the first person to climb Mount Everest a remarkable 29 times.
His inaugural ascent of the mountain took place on May 13, 1994, when he was just 24 years old.
Kami Rita now holds the unmatched record for the most ascents of the world's tallest peak in its 71-year climbing history.
About Nepal
The kingdom of Nepal was established by the Shah dynasty.
It is a landlocked country in South Asia.
Prime Minister - Pushpa Kamal Dahal
President - Ram Chandra Paudel
Capital - Kathmandu
Currency - Nepalese Rupee
10. WHO Launches $7 Billion ‘Investment Round’ to Address Global Challenges
Tags: International News
The World Health Organization (WHO) has initiated a new 'Investment Round' with the objective of raising $7 billion to address global challenges.
An Overview of the News
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the initiative via social media, emphasizing the pressing need to confront issues like climate change, displacement, poverty, and inequality.
The Investment Round aims to gather $7 billion over a span of four years to provide support to countries in tackling these multifaceted challenges.
This initiative stems from recommendations put forth by the WHO Working Group on Sustainable Financing and received approval during the 154th Meeting of the WHO Executive Board in January 2024.
About WHO
Founded:- 7 April 1948
Headquarters:- Geneva, Switzerland
Founders:- United States, Brazil, Mexico, France, Australia, Türkiye,
Parent organization:- United Nations
Director-General:- Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
