1. Etihad Airways named Environmental Airline of the Year 2023
Tags: Awards International News
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has been named the Environmental Airline of the Year 2023 for the second year in a row at the Airline Rating Awards.
An Overview of the News
The prestigious award acknowledges the airline's commitment to sustainable aviation through innovation and collaboration.
Etihad is ranked third in the 'Top 10 Airlines' category, which evaluates comfort, innovation, value and safety in economy, business and first class.
Etihad's sustainability strategy focuses on emissions reduction, industry alignment, collaboration with the UAE ecosystem and proactive transparency.
Key initiatives of the airline include the Greenliner program using Boeing 787 Dreamliners and the deployment of Sustainable50 A350-1000 aircraft.
Antonaldo Neves, Group CEO, Etihad Aviation Group
Geoffrey Thomas, Editor-in-Chief, AirlineRatings.com
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
2. Sri Lanka's Council of Ministers Approves Establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Mechanism
Tags: International News
Sri Lanka's cabinet ministers approved a proposal to set up a Truth and Reconciliation Mechanism.
An Overview of the News
The proposal draws inspiration from the successful Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa.
In March, Sri Lanka's Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabri and Justice Wijedasa Rajapaksa visited South Africa to study the commission's functioning.
The proposed mechanism aims to address issues surrounding the three-decade-long armed conflict in Sri Lanka.
Former prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe submitted a cabinet memorandum and concept paper in 2018 as the basis for the commission.
There were efforts to set up a similar mechanism in 2015 under pressure from the United Nations human rights body, but it was not followed through.
The establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Mechanism is seen as a way to address the demands of affected Tamils seeking information on missing persons.
The proposed commission aims to provide answers, reconciliation and justice in the post-conflict context of Sri Lanka.
About Sri Lanka
It is an island country in South Asia.
It was earlier known as Ceylon.
The official name of the country is the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
It is located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of the Bay of Bengal.
Sri Lanka is separated from the Indian peninsula by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait.
Capital - Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (legislative) and Colombo (executive and judicial)
Official languages - Sinhala AND Tamil
President -Ranil Wickremesinghe
Prime Minister -Dinesh Gunawardena
3. UAE withdraws from US-led Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)
Tags: International News
Recently the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced its withdrawal from the US-led Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a maritime alliance.
An overview of the news
A few weeks ago, Iran seized two tankers within a week in Gulf waters near the Strait of Hormuz.
The second tanker, Niovi, was on its way from Dubai to the port of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates.
The UAE was disappointed by the lack of US response to the recent tanker seizures, saying it was a "misrepresentation" of the talks between the two countries.
Why did UAE withdraw from this alliance?
The UAE did not give any specific reasons for withdrawing from the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) in an official statement.
This could be part of a broader strategy by the UAE to assert its own regional influence, pursue independent foreign policies, or rebalance its relations with China and Iran.
About Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)
It was established in 2002.
Its objective is promoting security, stability, and prosperity across maritime regions.
Member Nations - 34 member nations: Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, the Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, United Kingdom, United States, and Yemen.
Its main operations are counter-narcotics, counter-smuggling, suppressing piracy, encouraging regional cooperation.
Focus Areas - Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, Indian Ocean, Arabian Gulf, and surrounding areas.
InApril 2022, India had announced that it would join the CMF as an Associate Partner.
4. South Korea launches first commercial-grade satellite
Tags: Science and Technology International News
South Korea to launch its first commercial-grade satellite on May 25, 2023.
An Overview of the News
The commercial-grade satellite was launched by the Naro Space Center in Gohang, South Korea, using a Launch Nuri rocket.
The main satellite, called "Next Generation Small Satellite 2", was accompanied by seven cube-shaped satellites.
The main satellite objectives include verifying imaging radar technology and observing cosmic radiation in near-Earth orbit.
South Korea's Science Minister Lee confirmed the successful launch of all seven secondary satellites from the rocket.
South Korea plans to launchthree more Nuri rockets by 2027.
In the past year, South Korea became the 10th country to send a satellite into space using its technology, with a "performance verification satellite" launched via a Nuri rocket.
South Korea
It is an East Asian nation located in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula.
It shares a heavily militarised border with North Korea.
President - Yoon Suk Yeol
Capital -Seoul
Prime minister -Han Duck-soo
5. South Korea offers KSS-III batch-II submarine to India
Tags: Science and Technology International News
Recently South Korea has made an exclusive offer to provide its advanced KSS-III Batch-II submarines to India.
An overview of the news
The proposal comes at a time when Germany is about to complete India's submarine acquisition programme, Project 75I.
About KSS-III Batch-II submarine
The KSS-III is the largest submarine to ever be built by South Korea, is being developed in two phases, Batch-I and Batch-II.
It is part of the Korean Attack Submarine program and represents a significant advancement in the country's naval capabilities.
The KSS-III Batch-II submarine is an advanced version of its predecessor submarine in terms of combat management system, firepower and sonar capabilities.
It is jointly developed by Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) and Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).
The KSS-III submarine is a series of diesel-electric attack submarines.
Features of KSS-III batch-II submarine
It is equipped with advanced technologies and facilities to enhance operational effectiveness.
The submarine has a length of approximately 84 m (275 ft) and a submerged displacement of approximately 3,000 tonnes.
The KSS-III Batch-II submarine utilizes a combination of air-independent propulsion (AIP) system and diesel-electric propulsion.
The submarine is capable of reaching speeds of over 20 knots (37 kilometers per hour)while submerged.
The submarine is equipped with a range of armaments and sensors to fulfill its mission requirements.
It includes torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare,anti-ship missiles for surface engagement, and land-attack capabilities.
The submarine also features advanced sensor systems, such as sonar and radar, to detect and track underwater and surface targets.
The KSS-III Batch-II submarine has a crew capacity of around 50 personnel.
Export Potential
South Korea aims to promote the KSS-III Batch-II submarine for potential export to other countries.
The advanced features, operational capabilities, and competitive pricing make it an attractive option for nations seeking to modernize their naval forces.
6. Edinburgh University launches Hindi course
Tags: International News
The University of Edinburgh and the Indian Consulate in the UK collaborated to create the first open access course in the Hindi language.
An Overview of the News
The course, entitled "Climate Solutions", was developed with the help of translators and in partnership with the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute and the Government of India.
Professor Dave Ray, Executive Director of the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute, and other climate change experts collaborated to design and deliver the course.
The Climate Solutions Course syllabus is available in Hindi, English and Arabic.
It focuses on the causes, implications and solutions related to climate change in India.
University of Edinburgh:
It is a public research university located in Edinburgh, Scotland.
It was established in 1582 by the city council under a royal charter granted by King James VI.
United Kingdom:
It is an island nation located innorthwestern Europe. It consists of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Capital - London
Prime Minister - Rishi Sunak
Emperor - Charles III
7. Sakhalin-1 Project
Tags: International News
ONGC Videsh, a subsidiary of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, recently said that oil production from the Sakhalin-1 project in Russia is back from zero to a high of around 200,000 barrels per day (bpd).
An overview of the news
ONGC expressed confidence that it would be able to retain its 20 per cent stake in the Sakhalin-1 project.
ONGC last year applied to the new Russian operator of Sakhalin-1 to retain its stake in the oil and gas project in the country's Far East.
ONGC Videsh also has a 26% stake in Russia's Vankorneft, a company that owns Vankor Field and the North Vankor licence.
ONGC, which has set a net zero target by 2038, is expecting gas production from its Mozambique project to begin by 2026-27.
About Sakhalin-1 project
The Sakhalin-1 project is an oil and gas exploration and production project located on the northeastern coast of Sakhalin Island in Russia.
It is one of the largest foreign direct investments in Russia's energy sector.
The Sakhalin-1 project is estimated to have significant oil and gas reserves.
Consortium: The project is operated by Exxon Neftegas Limited, a subsidiary of ExxonMobil, in cooperation with other international partners, including Rosneft, ONGC Videsh Limited, and SODECO (a consortium of Japanese companies).
Technological Challenges: The project faced numerous technological challenges due to its location in a remote and harsh environment.
The offshore fields are located in the subarctic region, where ice and extreme weather conditions pose significant operational difficulties.
Socio Economic Impact: The Sakhalin-1 project has had a significant socioeconomic impact on the region and Russia as a whole.
It has contributed to job creation, infrastructure development, and technology transfer, stimulating economic growth in the area.
Future Expansion: Additional exploration activities are being conducted to identify new reserves and expand production capacity.
Collaboration and Partnerships: The Sakhalin-1 project serves as an example of successful international collaboration in the energy sector.
It has brought together major international oil companies and Russian partners to leverage their expertise, resources, and technology.
About ONGC Videsh
ONGC Videsh Limited is a Miniratna Schedule "A" Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) of the Government of India under the administrative control of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
It is a wholly owned subsidiary and overseas arm of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC).
ONGC Videsh Limited's primary business is to explore possibilities for oil and gas production outside India, including exploration, development and production of oil and gas.
8. India, Vietnam hold 3rd Maritime Security Dialogue
Tags: International Relations International News
India and Vietnamese officials held the third Maritime Security Dialogue in New Delhi on 31st May.
An overview of the news
Both sides discussed ways to better maintain the marine environment which is helpful for theinclusive development of both the countries.
Senior officials from ministries and services dealing with maritime affairs participated in the dialogue.
The two sides also reviewed initiatives for maritime cooperation and ways to strengthen international and regional mechanisms for comprehensive maritime security.
The second India-Vietnam Maritime Security Dialogue was to be held in virtual format in April 2021 after the first round was held in Hanoi in March 2019.
India, Vietnam Relation
Vietnam has become an important partner in India’s Act East policy and the Indo-Pacific vision as both countries have disputes with China.
Vietnam is involved in a dispute with China on the South China Sea Island. China claims nearly all of the disputed South China Sea islands, though Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam all claim parts of it. Beijing has built artificial islands and military installations in the South China Sea.
India favours free and open navigation right in the South China Sea which is threatened by China.
India has oil exploration projects in the Vietnamese waters in the South China Sea. India and Vietnam are boosting their maritime security cooperation in the last few years to protect common interests.
In 2016, during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Vietnam, the bilateral relations were further elevated to a “comprehensive strategic partnership”.
India and Vietnam signed an important Joint Vision Statement on defence partnership during the visit of the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Vietnam on 8 June 2022.
During the defence minister's visit India provided a $500 million defence loan to Vietnam.
About Vietnam
It lies in South East Asia and it is a member of Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN)
Prime Minister: Pham Minh Chinh
Capital: Hanoi
President: Vo Van Thuong
Currency: Dong
9. Recep Tayyip Erdogan becomes the President of Türkiye
Tags: Person in news International News
Justice and Development Party (AK Party) leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan became the President of Turkey.
An Overview of the News
In the parliamentary elections, the AK Party and its allieswon 323 out of 600 seats.
Erdogan has been in power for two decades after becoming prime minister in March 2003.
Erdogan won the presidential election, defeating Kemal Kilikdaroglu, the opposition leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP).
Erdogan's government aims to prioritise fighting inflation and dealing with the aftermath of the devastating February 6 earthquake.
About Türkiye
It is officially known as the Republic of Turkey, a transcontinental country.
It is located mainly on the Anatolian Peninsula in Western Asia, with a small portion on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe.
Ankara is the capital of Türkiye.
Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and serves as the main financial center.
President - Fuat Octay
Assembly Speaker -Mustafa Sentop
Chief Justice - Zuhu Arslan
Official languages - Turkish
10. Sri Lanka's National Poson Week begins
Tags: Festivals International News
In Sri Lanka, the National Poson Week began on 31 May.
An overview of the news
The Posan festival will be held till June 6 and will be centered around the holy city of Mihinthalaya, Thanthirimalaya and Anuradhapura.
The festival celebrates the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka in 236 BCE by Arhat Mahinda, the son of Emperor Ashoka.
A large number of devotees are expected to visit Anuradhapura for the festival this year and steps have been taken to provide all facilities to the devotees.
Due to economic crisis and lockdown in the last few years the festival could not be celebrated on a large scale.
Apart from this, the traffic police have implemented a special traffic plan to make travel easier in Anuradhapura.
About Poson Festival
Posan, also known as Poson Poya, is an annual festival held by Sri Lankan Buddhists celebrating the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE.
The festival is the most important Poya (full moon) holiday of the year and the second most important Buddhist holiday of the year.
Posan is celebrated throughout the island, with Anuradhapura and Mihintale holding the most important celebrations of the festival.
The festival is held in early June, coinciding with the June full moon.
