1. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah became Namibia’s first female president.
Tags: International Relations
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah became Namibia’s first female president.
Why in the news?
- Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has made history as Namibia’s first female president-elect securing 57% of the vote in the November 27, 2024, election.
Important points:
- Representing the ruling SWAPO party, which has governed Namibia since its independence in 1990, she defeated her closest rival, Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), who received 26% of the vote.
About Nandi-Ndaitwah:
- Born on October 29, 1952, in the northern village of Onamutai, Nandi-Ndaitwah is the ninth of thirteen children in her family.
- Her father was an Anglican priest, and her early life was marked by political activism.
- At just 14, she joined SWAPO during Namibia’s fight for independence from South African rule.
Education and early career:
- Nandi-Ndaitwah pursued higher education in Zambia, the Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom, earning advanced degrees in International Relations and Public Administration.
- After Namibia gained independence in 1990, she returned to play a key role in nation-building, holding several significant ministerial positions throughout her career.
Advocacy and leadership
- Nandi-Ndaitwah is a vocal advocate for women’s rights. She was instrumental in passing the Combating of Domestic Violence Act in 2002 and has consistently pushed for gender equality in a traditionally male-dominated political sphere.
About Namibia:
- Namibia, a country insouthwest Africa, is distinguished by the Namib Desert along its Atlantic Ocean coast.
- The country is home to diverse wildlife, including a significant cheetah population. The capital, Windhoek, and coastal town Swakopmund contain German colonial-era buildings such as Windhoek's Christuskirche, built in 1907.
- In the north, Etosha National Park’s salt pan draws game including rhinos and giraffes.
2. India re-elected to UN Peacebuilding Commission
Tags: International Relations
India re-elected to UN Peacebuilding Commission
Why in the news?
- India has been re-elected to the UN Peacebuilding Commission for 2025–2026.India’s current term on the Commission was expiring on December 31.
About UN Peacebuilding Commission:
- The Peacebuilding Commission isan intergovernmental advisory body that supports peace efforts in conflict-affected countries and is a key addition to the capacity of the International Community in the broad peace agenda, according to its website.
- The PBC is composed of 31 Member States, elected from the General Assembly, the Security Council, and the Economic and Social Council.
- The top financial contributing countries and the top troop-contributing countries to the United Nations system are also members.
- India is among the largest contributors of uniformed personnel to UN Peacekeeping.
Functions of UN Peacebuilding Commission:
- The Commission is mandated to bring together all relevant actors to marshal resources and to advise on and propose integrated strategiesfor post-conflict peacebuilding and recovery.
- To focus attention on the reconstruction and institution-building efforts necessary for recovery from conflict and to support the development of integrated strategies in order to lay the foundation for sustainable development.
- It is also mandated to provide recommendations and information to improve the coordination of all relevant actors within and outside the United Nations, to develop best practices, to help to ensure predictable financing for early recovery activities and to extend the period of attention given by the international community to post-conflict recovery.
3. First trilateral power transaction from Nepal to Bangladesh
Tags: International Relations
First trilateral power transaction from Nepal to Bangladesh
Why in news?
- Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, jointly inaugurated the power flow from Nepal to Bangladesh, alongwith Md. Fouzul Kabir Khan, Adviser, Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Government of Bangladesh and Mr. Dipak Khadka, Minister of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Government of Nepal through a virtual event
Key points:
- The Government of India had announced its decision to facilitate thefirst trilateral power transaction from Nepal to Bangladesh, through Indian grid with an export of upto 40 MW of powerduring the visit of the former Prime Minister of Nepal, Mr. Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ to India from 31 May to 3 June 2023.
- Subsequently, a tripartite power sales agreement betweenNTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam, Nepal Electricity Authority and Bangladesh Power Development Boardwas signed on 3 October 2024 in Kathmandu.
Significance:
- This historic occasion marks the first trilateral power transactionwhich has been carried out through the Indian grid.
- The start of this power flow from Nepal to Bangladesh through India is expected to boost sub-regional connectivity in the power sector.
4. Inauguration of first India-Bhutan Integrated Check Post in Assam
Tags: International Relations
Inauguration of first India-Bhutan Integrated Check Post in Assam
Why in news?
- The first Integrated Check Post (ICP) along the India-Bhutan border was inaugurated atDarranga in Assam with state-of-the-art facilities and strategic connectivity.
- Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya inaugurated the ICP in presence ofPrime Minister of Bhutan Dasho Tshering Tobgay.
Important point:
- Developed by the Land Ports Authority of India, it also features inspection spaces, plant quarantine systems and parking facilities to ensure efficient operations.
- The strategic location of Darranga is further boosted by its connectivity.
- On the Indian side, it is well-connected to National Highway 27 near Rangia, while on the Bhutanese side, robust customs infrastructure at Samdrup-Jongkhar ensures efficient trade.
5. Brazil became the second BRICS country, after India, to decide not to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative
Tags: International Relations
China’s Belt and Road Initiative:
Why in news:
- Brazil became the second BRICS country, after India, to decide not to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Brazil will cooperate with Chinese investors in alternative ways.
- The Brazilian government believes this decision will help avoid further complications in relations with the United States.
What is China’s Belt and Road Initiative:
- The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a Chinese-led infrastructure project that aims to improve connectivity, trade, and economic growth across Asia, Africa, and Europe:
- The BRI is also known as the One Belt One Road Initiative or the New Silk Road, a reference to the ancient Silk Road trade routes that connected China to the Mediterranean.
- China's President Xi Jinping announced the BRI in 2013, and the planned completion date is 2049.
How it's financed?
- The BRI is financed by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Silk Road Fund, China Investment Corporation, policy banks, and other sources.
- India’s concerns about China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI):
- Sovereignty:India is concerned about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, a region India claims as its own.
- Transparency:India has questioned the transparency and processes of the BRI.
- Financial viability:India is concerned about the financial viability of the BRI projects, and whether they will create debt traps for smaller countries.
- Environmental and social risks:India is concerned that the BRI projects may create environmental and social risks for the host countries.
- Growing Chinese influence:India perceives China's growing influence in the Indian Ocean region as a security threat.
6. India Approves Additional 251 MW Power Exports from Nepal
Tags: International Relations
India’s Designated Authority for Cross-Border Trade has approved an additional 251 MW of power exports from 12 Nepali hydropower projects.
An Overview of the News
This increases the total allowed power exports from Nepal to India from 690 MW (from 16 projects) to 941 MW (from 28 projects).
Growth in Power Exports
Nepal, already a net exporter of electricity and revenue generator, sold NPR 16.93 billion worth of electricity in the last fiscal year.
Power exports from Nepal to India, which began with 39 MW in October 2021, have surged more than 24 times in less than three years.
New Agreements and Market Access
Nepal has gained access to the Real-Time Market in addition to the Day Ahead Market of the Indian Energy Exchange.
Medium-term power sales agreements have been established with distribution companies in Haryana and Bihar.
India has included hydropower imports from Nepal in the Hydropower Purchase Obligation (HPO) for Indian buyers, incentivizing purchases.
Future Prospects
The Agreement for Long-Term Power between India and Nepal aims to sell up to 10,000 MW of Nepali power to India over the next decade, with around 1,000 MW already achieved this year.
Nepal is on track to become the leading hydropower exporter in South Asia.
A planned agreement for 40 MW power export to Bangladesh was postponed due to recent political developments.
About Nepal
The kingdom of Nepal was established by the Shah dynasty.
It is a landlocked country in South Asia.
Capital - Kathmandu
Currency - Nepalese Rupee
President - Ram Chandra Paudel
Vice President -Ram Sahaya Yadav
Prime Minister - KP Sharma Oli
Chief Justice - Bishowambhar Prasad Shrestha
7. 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
8. Ukraine and Poland Solidify Defense Partnership with New Security Agreement
Tags: International Relations International News
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk finalized a long-term security agreement in Warsaw.
An Overview of the News
The agreement solidifies Poland's strong support for Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia.
Strategic Alliance:
The agreement marks a strategic alliance between Poland and Ukraine amid ongoing geopolitical challenges in Eastern Europe.
Discussions focused on defense cooperation and Poland's support for Ukraine's integration into Europe.
Humanitarian Support:
Poland, a key advocate within the EU, has provided significant humanitarian aid and refuge to Ukrainian war refugees.
Approximately one million refugees currently seek shelter in Poland, emphasizing its role as a haven amidst the crisis.
Geopolitical Context:
Zelenskyy's visit aimed to strengthen international solidarity and support for Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression.
The visit coincided with a serious escalation in hostilities, including a missile strike on a children's hospital in Kyiv.
India-Poland Relations:
India and Poland enjoy a long-standing political relationship dating back to 1954, marked by regular high-level visits and strong diplomatic ties.
Economically, Poland is India's largest trading partner in Central & Eastern Europe, with bilateral trade reaching $2.73 billion in 2020.
Both countries collaborate extensively in sectors such as mining, IT, pharmaceuticals, and textiles, supported by multiple bilateral agreements.
Cultural ties are strengthened through Indology studies at Polish universities and widespread practice of yoga in Poland.
Consular relations have improved with facilities like e-visas and the establishment of an honorary consulate in Wroclaw, reflecting growing people-to-people contacts and a vibrant Indian community in Poland.
India-Russia Partnership:
Russia has been a longstanding and trusted partner for India, with ties deepening significantly since the 2000 "India-Russia Strategic Partnership" declaration.
The partnership spans various domains, including political, security, defence, trade, technology, and culture, and was elevated to a "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership" in 2010.
Institutionalized dialogues, such as the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission and the 2+2 Dialogue, ensure regular high-level engagement.
Bilateral trade reached an all-time high of $65.70 billion in FY 2023-24, with significant cooperation in defence and technology, including joint projects like the S-400 system and Kudankulam Nuclear Plant.
The relationship remains strong, with both countries committed to expanding cooperation in new areas, supporting a multipolar world order.
9. Bangladesh Navy Inks Deal for 'Made in India' 800-Ton Ocean-Going Tug with GRSE
Tags: International Relations
Bangladesh Navy signs a contract for a "Made in India" 800-tonne ocean-going tug with Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
An Overview of the News
This is the second contract for GRSE this month, following a $16.6 million deal with the Bangladesh Inland Waterways Transport Authority (BIWTA) to build a dredger.
Admiral Tripathi's Visit
Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi visits Bangladesh for a four-day official visit.
The visit coincides with the contract signing between Bangladesh Navy and GRSE.
Bilateral Relations and Agreements
The visit follows Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina's bilateral visit to India on June 21-22.
Agreements were signed to strengthen ties in the maritime sphere and blue economy.
Bangladesh decided to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), a forum promoted by India for collaborative solutions to common challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
Purpose of the Visit
The visit aims to consolidate bilateral defence relations between India and Bangladesh.
Exploration of new avenues for naval cooperation.
10. US and Ukraine Forge Long-Term Security Pact Amid G7 Summit in Italy
Tags: International Relations Summits
The US and Ukraine signed a long-term security agreement during the G7 summit in Italy.
An Overview of the News
On June 13, 2024, during the 2024 G7 summit in Italy, President Joe Biden of the USA and President Volodymr Zelensky of Ukraine concluded a 10-year bilateral security agreement.
Similar agreements have been reached previously with 15 other countries, such as Britain, France, and Germany.
The agreement covers a wide range of cooperation levels between the US and Ukraine, including military equipment, training, and maneuvers.
However, it does not include commitments to supply specific weapons systems to Ukraine.
About G7
The G7 is a group of seven major industrialized countries, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The G7 holds annual meetings to discuss various global issues, but these meetings are usually held in different locations each year.
The 48th G7 summit was hosted by Germany in 2022.
The city of Hiroshima in Hiroshima Prefecture hosted the 49th G7 summit from May 19th to May 21st, 2023.
The 50th G7 summit is currently taking place from June 13th to June 15th, 2024, at Borgo Egnazia in Fasano, Apulia, Italy. Italy is hosting the 50th G7 summit.
