1. New Zealand becomes the first country to ban plastic product bags
Tags: International News
New Zealand has become the first country to ban plastic produce bags in supermarkets.
An Overview of the News
New Zealand has banned the thin plastic bags commonly used in supermarkets for the collection of fruit and vegetables.
Plastic straws and silverware are also included in the ban as part of the government's campaign against single-use plastics.
The ban bans the manufacture, sale and distribution of single-use plastic product bags, plastic plates, bowls and cutlery.
Some establishments, such as supermarkets, pharmacies, hospitality venues and health and disability services, are exempt and can still sell and provide plastic straws to people with disabilities.
Since the 2019 ban on take-home plastic bags, customers in New Zealand have been using reusable tote bags for their shopping.
About New Zealand
Capital - Wellington
Emperor - Charles III
Governor General - Cindy Kiro
Prime Minister - Chris Hipkins
Currency - New Zealand Dollar
2. NADA India signs MoU with SARADO in New Delhi
Tags: International News
National Anti-Doping Agency, India (NADA India) signed a MoU with South Asia Regional Anti-Doping Organization (SARADO) on 3rd July 2023 in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
Ritu Sain, Director General and CEO, NADA India and Mohammad Mahid Sharif, Director General, SARADO signed the MoU on behalf of their organisations.
It includes the anti-doping organisations of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Objectives of MoU
It aimsto enhance regional cooperation in the field of anti-doping in sports.
It focuses on a variety of areas including anti-doping education and prevention programs.
To train and skill sample collection personnel and anti-doping education officers.
To organise courses, seminars, workshops, research and exchange tours on anti-doping education.
To facilitate exchange of experts and education officials in anti-doping education.
The MoU supports anti-doping education activities and the production of literature.
About NADA
It was established on 24 November 2005 as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act 1860 in India.
Its headquarteris inNew Delhi, India.
Its main objective is to ensure dope-free sports in India by operating in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code.
NADA enforces anti-doping rules and regulations in India by following the WADA Code, which sets international standards for anti-doping in sports.
NADA regulates and administers the dope control program in India. The program involves random and targeted drug testing of athletes to detect and prevent the use of banned substances in sports.
3. Virgin Galactic completes first manned mission to space
Tags: Science and Technology International News
Virgin Galactic, founded by Richard Branson, successfully completed its first manned mission to the edge of space on June 29, marking a significant milestone for the company after two decades of dedicated efforts.
An overview of the news
The mission had a research-oriented focus and featured two Italian Air Force personnel, Colonel Walter Villadei and Lieutenant Colonel Angelo Landolfi, who were funded by Virgin Galactic.
Pantaleone Carlucci, an engineer affiliated with Italy's National Research Council, and Colin Bennett, a Virgin Galactic astronaut instructor, were also part of the group.
The mission aimed to assess the flight's comfort and functionality, providing valuable feedback to enhance Virgin Galactic's rocket-powered spaceplane, VSS Unity.
The journey began at Virgin Galactic's spaceport in New Mexico, where the passengers boarded VSS Unity attached beneath the wing of the twin-fuselage mothership, VMS Eve.
VMS Eve accelerated down the runway and ascended to an altitude exceeding 40,000 feet before releasing VSS Unity.
VSS Unity ignited its rocket engine and ascended directly upward, reaching an altitude of more than 80 kilometers, which is recognized as the edge of outer space by the United States government.
During its ascent, VSS Unity achieved supersonic speeds and experienced moments of weightlessness at the peak of its flight.
After reaching the designated altitude, VSS Unity glided back to the spaceport, entering freefall and landing on a runway.
About Virgin Galactic
Virgin Galactic is a space venture established by British entrepreneur Richard Branson.
The company aims to provide commercial space travel experiences to customers.
Virgin Galactic has been in operation for over two decades, with the goal of making space accessible for non-astronauts.
The company's spacecraft, VSS Unity, is a rocket-powered spaceplane designed to carry passengers to the edge of space.
Unlike traditional space missions, Virgin Galactic's focus is on providing a unique and thrilling experience rather than conducting scientific research.
4. World Bank approves $700 million for crisis-hit Sri Lanka
Tags: International News
The World Bank has approved a substantial funding package of 700 million dollars for Sri Lanka, providing a significant boost to the country's financial situation.
An overview of the news
Out of the approved funds, approximately 500 million dollars will be allocated for budgetary support, aimed at stabilizing the country's economy.
The remaining 200 million dollars will be dedicated to welfare support, with the objective of assisting those most affected by the ongoing crisis.
Sri Lanka's financial crisis
Sri Lanka has been facing its most severe financial crisis since gaining independence from Britain in 1948.
The country experienced record lows in Foreign Exchange reserves last year, prompting India to provide humanitarian assistance totaling approximately 4 billion dollars through grants and lines of credit.
The World Bank's assistance represents the largest amount of financial support received by the crisis-stricken nation since the approval of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreement in March.
The IMF agreement provided Sri Lanka with an extended fund facility of close to 3 billion dollars, which will be available over a 48-month period.
About the World Bank
It was established in 1944 and is headquartered in Washington, DC.
Its primary goal is to reduce poverty in developing countries by providing financial assistance, technical expertise, and other resources to support development projects.
The World Bank operates through two main institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA).
The IBRD provides loans to middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries, while the IDA provides grants and loans to the poorest countries.
The World Bank also works closely with other international organisations such as the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, and regional development banks to coordinate development efforts and promote economic growth.
Founders -John Maynard Keynes, Harry Dexter White
President - Ajay Banga
5. UN chief appoints Xu Haoliang of China as deputy head of UNDP
Tags: Person in news International News
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has announced the appointment of Xu Haoliang from China as the new Undersecretary-General and Associate Administrator of the UN Development Programme (UNDP).
An overview of the news
Xu Haoliang will succeed Usha Rao-Monari from India in this role.
Xu has been serving as the UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support at the UNDP since 2019.
Prior to that, from 2013 to 2019, he held the position of UNDP Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific.
He has worked in various capacities within the United Nations, undertaking assignments both in the field and at headquarters in regions such as Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Central Asia.
Before joining the United Nations, Xu worked in the field of civil engineering in China and the United States.
His academic qualifications include a bachelor's degree in engineering from Tongji University in China, a master's degree in management science from the Stevens Institute of Technology in the United States, and a master's degree in international affairs from Columbia University.
Xu is proficient in Chinese, English, and Russian.
About The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
It is the leading agency of the United Nations.
It works to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality in 170 countries and territories.
It helps countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Its work is concentrated in three focus areas; sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience.
6. Canada launches 'Digital Nomad Strategy' for foreign workers
Tags: International News
Canada launched the "Digital Nomad Strategy" to address its skilled labour shortage, particularly in the tech industry.
An Overview of the News
The strategy aims to attract talented individuals from around the world.
The shortage of skilled workers, particularly in the tech industry, has prompted Canada to take proactive measures.
The announcement was made during Collision's technical conference in Toronto.
The strategy focuses primarily on the technology industry, recognizing its importance in driving innovation and economic growth.
Digital Nomad Strategy
Foreign workers are allowed to stay in Canada for up to six months under the Digital Nomad Strategy.
If digital nomads receive job offers during their stay, they have the option of extending their time in the country.
The strategy aims to address the shortage of skilled professionals in Canada's tech sector.
Digital nomads can continue their remote working arrangements while living in Canada.
This strategy encourages networking and collaboration between foreign workers, local professionals and Canadian businesses.
About Canada
Capital - Ottawa
Currency - Canadian Dollar
Official languages - English and French
National Symbol - Maple Leaf
Prime Minister - Justin Trudeau
7. US decision to introduce in-country renewable of H-1B visas
Tags: International News
The Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) has welcomed the US announcement to start in-country renewal of H-1B visas, saying it will facilitate the movement of Indian IT professionals and boost services exports.
An overview of the news
The decision will make on-site customer engagement easier for in-house IT professionals.
Quick travel to client locations abroad allows them to better understand client requirements, establish strong relationships, and provide tailored solutions.
The US is a major market for India's IT exports, and this decision will have a significant positive impact on IT services exports from India.
This will contribute to the timely completion of visa renewal projects in the country, ensuring high quality outcomes and meeting customer expectations.
It also enhances India's reputation as a reliable IT service provider, thereby creating more export opportunities.
About H-1B Visa
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations.
It is designed to allow skilled foreign workers to come to the United States and work for American companies.
This requires theoretical or technical expertise.
Other Visa Categories
L-1B - For Specialized Employees
L-1A - For Managers and Executives
E-2 - Treaty Investor Visa
E-1 - Treaty Trader Visa
E-3 - for Australians etc.
8. Pakistan and China sign $4.8 billion nuclear power plant deal
Tags: International News
Pakistan and China recently have signed a $4.8 billion deal to construct a 1,200-megawatt nuclear power plant.
An overview of the news
The investment by China, which Pakistan considers its most dependable ally, is viewed as a significant achievement.
The project, known as Chashma 5, will be located in the central province of Punjab.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between China National Nuclear Cooperation and Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, marking the beginning of the project.
The Chashma 5 project will aid Pakistan in transitioning away from reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to its nuclear energy production capacity.
Pakistan's total nuclear energy production capacity reached 1,400 MW with the opening of the country's sixth nuclear power plant in Karachi, which was also constructed with Chinese assistance.
The investment is separate from the $65 billion that China has pledged for infrastructure development in Pakistan under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Chinese side has already disbursed an initial amount of 30 billion Pakistani rupees ($104.53 million) for project initiation.
Nuclear power plant in Pakistan
The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commissionstates that the four existing Chashma power plants have a combined installed capacity of 1,330 megawatts.
Apart from the Chashma power plants, Pakistan also operates two other nuclear power plants known as Karachi Nuclear Power Plants (KANUPP) 2 and 3.
The Karachi Nuclear Power Plants have a substantial capacity of 2,290 megawatts, further enhancing Pakistan's nuclear energy generation capabilities.
9. Greece’s centre-right leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis sworn in as Prime Minister
Tags: Person in news International News
Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the leader of Greece's centre-right New Democracy party, was sworn in as Prime Minister for a second term on 26th June.
An overview of the news
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the presidential palace in the presence of the leader of the Greek Orthodox Church, following the country's tradition.
Mitsotakis expressed his gratitude for the strong mandate given to him by the voters and pledged to accelerate institutional and economic reforms.
He emphasized that major reforms would be implemented rapidly, and he had ambitious targets for his next four years in power that could bring transformative changes to Greece.
With 99.67 percent of the vote counted, New Democracy secured 40.55 percent of the vote, more than twice the percentage obtained by the main opposition party, Syriza.
Under the new electoral law that prioritizes the first party, New Democracy secured a comfortable majority of 158 seats in the 300-member Parliament, while Syriza obtained 48 seats.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis, aged 55 and a Harvard graduate, comes from a prominent political family in Greece, with his father serving as Prime Minister in the 1990s and his sister and nephew also holding political positions.
About Greece
Greece is the southernmost of the countries of the Balkan Peninsula.
Greece has more than 2,000 islands, of which about 170 are inhabited.
President - Katerina N. Sakellaropoulou
Prime Minister - Kyriakos Mitsotakis
Capital - Athens
Currency - euro
10. Greece's conservative New Democracy party wins landslide election victory for second 4-year term
Tags: International News
Greece's conservative New Democracy party has emerged victorious in the parliamentary election, securing another four-year term for reformist Kyriakos Mitsotakis as the Prime Minister.
An overview of the news
According to interior ministry figures with most votes counted, New Democracy, a centre-right party, led with 40.5 percent of the vote, securing 158 seats in the 300-seat parliament.
New Democracy's lead of more than 20 points over Syriza, a radical leftist party that governed Greece from 2015 to 2019 during a severe debt crisis, marked a significant victory for Mitsotakis.
Mitsotakis, a former banker, has pledged to boost revenue from Greece's crucial tourist industry, generate employment opportunities, and raise wages to approach the European Union average.
The election result dealt a humiliating blow to Syriza, which suffered the loss of over 30 Members of Parliament.
This election was the second within five weeks, as the initial poll on May 21, conducted under a different electoral system, failed to grant any single party an outright majority in Parliament.
About Greece
Greece is the southernmost of the countries of the Balkan Peninsula.
Greece has more than 2,000 islands, of which about 170 are inhabited.
President - Katerina N. Sakellaropoulou
Prime Minister - Kyriakos Mitsotakis
Capital - Athens
Currency - euro
