India-Ethiopia – Visa Facilitation and Leather Technology Agreement Signed
2 days ago
India and Ethiopia signed two agreements on February 20, 2021, which are related to visa facilitation and leather technology. Highlights: These agreements were signed in the presence of Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Demeke Mekonnen Hassen and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia paid a four-day visit to India. The two countries have had useful and fruitful discussions on bilateral and regional issues. The ministers also agreed to expand the bilateral agenda in economic, national defense, S&T, digital and cultural cooperation.
Month: Current Affairs February 2021
US Rejoined Paris Climate Deal Officially
3 days ago
The United States (US) officially rejoined the “Paris Climate Agreement” on February 19, 2020. After leaving office 107 days, the United States rejoined the agreement. Highlights: With the re-entry of the United States, world leaders expect that the country will now prove its seriousness largely absent for four years. The two countries are still waiting for Washington to announce the United States’ goal of reducing emissions of heat-collecting gas by 2030. US President Joe Biden signed an executive order to overturn the order of former President Donald Trump. In 2019, the Donald Trump administration announced its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Due to the provisions of the agreement, the order came into effect on November 4, 2020. The Paris Climate Agreement is an agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The agreement was signed in 2016 and involves climate change mitigation, adaptation and financing. The Paris agreement was negotiated by representatives of about 196 states. The paris agreement was signed at the 21st Conference of the Parties of the French “United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.” The agreement was later passed by consensus in December 2015. Currently, 190 members of the “Convention” are parties to the agreement. Countries such as Turkey, Iran and Iraq have not joined. According to the Paris Agreement, there is a long-term goal to keep the average temperature below 2°C above the pre-industrial level. It also tried to limit the temperature to 1.5°C. This will help reduce the risks and impacts of climate change. The agreement further aims to improve the ability of all parties to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change. It also seeks to make money flow towards low-greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development.
Month: Current Affairs February 2021
Kala Namak Rice To Be Export From UP to Singapore
3 days ago
Uttar Pradesh is to export a batch of 20 tons of Kala Namak rice to Singapore. This has greatly promoted the export of agricultural products from the state. Highlights: Nearly 20 tons of cargo will be sent from Siddharth Nagar to Singapore. The rice is packaged in glass jars, which also mentions the quality of the rice. The rice packaging contains the saying of the Mahatma Buddha: “The unique aroma of rice will remind people of me.” Soon, the state will start to watch the Kalamanak Rice Festival at the Strawberry Festival. The government also plans to jointly establish the Kara Namac Rice Research Center in Siddharth Nagar with the Varanasi International Rice Research Center. The state government also declared rice to be a regional product of Siddharth Nagar. At the same time, the central government announced that it was once a district product of Gorakhpur, Basti, Maharajganj and Sant Kabir Nagar. This statement will help the production, processing, packaging and branding of rice. Kala Namak Rice – This kind of rice is also called Buddha rice. It is one of the best fragrant rice varieties grown in India. Rice is also called “Buddha ka Mahaprasad” (Buddha dedication). Rice was provided to monks to promote rice in Buddhist countries. This type of Rice ( Kala Namak Rice) is mainly grown in Deoria, Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, Gonda, Maharajganj, Siddharth Nagar, Balrampur, Sant Kabir Nagar, Bahraich, Shravasti. Geographical indications (GI) claim that these regions have similar climates.
Month: Current Affairs February 2021
Quad Meeting Military Takeover in Myanmar
3 days ago
India joined Australia, Japan and the United States to participate in a ministerial meeting under the Quadrilateral grouping (Quad) and discussed the issue of military takeover in Myanmar and the Indo-Pacific. Highlights: Discussed contemporary challenges, especially the impact of Covid-19, and agreed to increase access to affordable vaccines, medicines and medical equipment. Discussed combating false information, counter-terrorism, maritime security, and “priority considerations for strengthening democratic resilience in a wider area” Emphasize that they are committed to maintaining a rule-based international order, which is based on respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, rule of law, transparency, freedom of navigation in international waters, and peaceful settlement of disputes. Reiterated “the common vision of establishing a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, and clearly supports the cohesion and centrality of ASEAN”, and pointed out that the concept of Indo-Pacific has gained more and more international attention, including Europe. Discussed cooperation on climate change and humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and supply chain resilience. Agreed to hold at least one ministerial meeting of the Quad every year, and regularly hold high-level and working-level meetings to strengthen cooperation in advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Month: Current Affairs February 2021
India-EU Macroeconomic Dialogue Was Held
3 days ago
The 11th India-EU Macroeconomic Dialogue was held. Highlights: The dialogue includes, among other things, the exchange of experience, enabling the two parties to cooperate in various aspects, including cooperation on financial issues in the G20, including the adoption of the results of the G20 Framework Working Group, the G20 Action Plan, and debt-related Issues and international taxation of the digital economy. Also discussed fiscal policy responses and medium-term fiscal strategies including financial/structural reform priorities. India shared its policy response to the Covid crisis and took steps to recover the economy from its impact, including the carefully adjusted stimulus packages announced by the Indian government and measures related to vaccination.
Month: Current Affairs February 2021
Make Peace with Nature UNEP
5 days ago
In 2020, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) announced that despite the decline in greenhouse gas emissions due to the pandemic, the world will continue to warm up to more than 3°C in this century. The UNEP has long issued a warning: The per capita stock of natural capital (the resources and services that nature provides to humans) has fallen by 40% in just two decades. We already know that nine out of ten people in the world breathe polluted air. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): UNEP is an agency of the United Nations. It coordinates the environmental activities of the United Nations. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) assists developing countries in implementing environmentally sound policies and practices. It was established as a result of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in 1972. Its headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya. The main UNEP reports are the Emission Gap Report, Global Environmental Outlook, Frontier, and Investment in a Healthy Planet.
Month: Current Affairs February 2021
CECPA Between India and Mauritius
6 days ago
The Cabinet approved the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) between India and Mauritius. Highlights: The agreement is a limited agreement, covering Trade in Goods, Rules of Origin, Service Trade, Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures, Dispute Settlement, Movement of Natural Persons, Telecommunications, Financial services, Customs Procedures and Cooperation in other Areas. The India-Mauritius CECPA will be the first trade agreement signed between India and a country in Africa. CECPA provides an institutional mechanism to encourage and improve the trade between two countries. It covers more than 310 export items in India. Mauritius will benefit from preferential market access for 615 products into India. In terms of services, Indian service providers will have access to approximately 115 sub-sectors of 11 major service industry, such as professional services, computer-related services, research and development, other business services, telecommunications, construction, power distribution, education, environment, finance, tourism and travel related, entertainment, yoga, audiovisual services and transportation services.
Month: Current Affairs February 2021
SAARC Virtual Meet to be Hosted by India
6 days ago
India hold a virtual health secretary-level meeting with the member states of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). The virtual conference held on February 18, 2021. During the meeting, members discussed the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Pakistan was also invited to participate in the meeting. Highlights: The virtual conference discusses challenges and developments related to COVID-19 management and pandemic response. Members exchanges best practices on the ongoing pandemic. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also raised the Coronavirus Emergency Fund COVID-19 crisis. Represented the SAARC region in a video conference of SAARC heads of state in March 2020. SAARC members have established a Coronavirus Emergency Fund to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of establishing the emergency fund is to reduce the risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in South Asia. India has proposed to contribute 10 million US dollars to the fund. Other SAARC member states also support the move to establish a fund proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India has been and has been at the forefront of the fight against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. India has also become the country with the most vaccinations. Therefore, India is also in a leading position in providing countries with the country’s developed COVID-19 vaccine as a gift or commercial channel. India recently donated 500,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine to Afghanistan, 2 million doses to Bangladesh, 1.7 million doses to Myanmar, 500,000 doses to Sri Lanka, 150,000 doses to Bhutan and Mauritius And Maldives each provided 100,000 doses, Nepal 1 million doses, and Seychelles 50,000 doses. SAARC: The members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) include Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Maldives, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Nepal. It was established on December 8, 1985. Its headquarters is located in Kathmandu, Nepal. It occupies 3% of the world’s area.
Month: Current Affairs February 2021
Cairn Energy Case – New York Convention
7 days ago
Cairn Energy has filed a case in the USA District Court under the New York Convention to enforce a US$1.2 billion arbitration award won in a tax dispute with India. Highlights: The Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards, also known as the “New York Arbitration Convention” or the “New York Convention”, is one of the important instruments in international arbitration. Arbitration is a procedure in which the parties agree to submit a dispute to one or more arbitrators (independent person/body) who make a binding decision on the dispute. It applies to the recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards, as well as referral to arbitration by the court. After a diplomatic conference was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York in May and June 1958, the United Nations adopted the convention and entered into force on June 7, 1959. Aim: The main purpose of the Convention is that the courts that require enforcement should not distinguish between foreign and non-domestic arbitral awards. Parties to Convention: The Convention has 166 state parties (Countries). India is a party to the Convention.
Month: Current Affairs February 2021
Rohingyas Sent to Bhasan Char
7 days ago
The Bangladeshi authorities sent the fourth batch of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar to a newly developed island in the Bay of Bengal, despite the call from human rights groups to stop the process. Highlights: Rohingya refugees living in refugee camps in Bangladesh have agreed to move to Bhashan Char Island in the Bay of Bengal. The island is also known as Bhasan Char Island. Bhashan Char Island was formed at the mouth of the Meghna River about twenty years ago. This uninhabited island is located about 30 kilometers east of Hatiya Island in southeast Bangladesh. Bangladesh hopes to transfer 100,000 Rohingya refugees to muddy silt islands to ease the pressure on the overcrowded border camps.
Month: Current Affairs February 2021
One-Month Exercise in Thar Desert
9 days ago
The Pakistan Army held a one-month exercise code-named ‘Jidar-ul-Hadeed’ in the Thar Desert. The purpose is to prepare for conflict in the extreme desert environment. The multinational naval exercise Aman-2021 hosted by Pakistan has also begun in the Arabian Sea. 45 countries including the USA, Russia, China and Turkey will participate in the exercise. Key Facts: Part of the Thar Desert is located in Rajasthan State, northwestern India, and the other part is located in Punjab and Sindh provinces, eastern Pakistan. The Thar Desert is an arid region covering more than 2 million square kilometers. It forms a natural boundary along the border between India and Pakistan. The Thar Desert is bordered by the Irrigated Indus Plain in the west, the Punjab Plain in the north and northeast, the Aravalli Range in the southeast, and Rann of Kachchh in the south. The subtropical desert climate there is due to continuous high pressure and subsidence at this latitude. In summer, the prevailing southwest monsoon winds brings rain to most of the subcontinent, often bypassing the Thar in the east. There are several playas (saline lake beds) known locally as dhands, are scattered throughout the region The region mainly produces herbaceous plants such as cactus, neem, khejri, acacia nilotica. All these plants can adapt to high or low temperature and harsh weather conditions.
Month: Current Affairs February 2021
One-Month Exercise in Thar Desert
9 days ago
The Pakistan Army held a one-month exercise code-named ‘Jidar-ul-Hadeed’ in the Thar Desert. The purpose is to prepare for conflict in the extreme desert environment. The multinational naval exercise Aman-2021 hosted by Pakistan has also begun in the Arabian Sea. 45 countries including the USA, Russia, China and Turkey will participate in the exercise. Key Facts: Part of the Thar Desert is located in Rajasthan State, northwestern India, and the other part is located in Punjab and Sindh provinces, eastern Pakistan. The Thar Desert is an arid region covering more than 2 million square kilometers. It forms a natural boundary along the border between India and Pakistan. The Thar Desert is bordered by the Irrigated Indus Plain in the west, the Punjab Plain in the north and northeast, the Aravalli Range in the southeast, and Rann of Kachchh in the south. The subtropical desert climate there is due to continuous high pressure and subsidence at this latitude. In summer, the prevailing southwest monsoon winds brings rain to most of the subcontinent, often bypassing the Thar in the east. There are several playas (saline lake beds) known locally as dhands, are scattered throughout the region The region mainly produces herbaceous plants such as cactus, neem, khejri, acacia nilotica. All these plants can adapt to high or low temperature and harsh weather conditions.
Month: Current Affairs February 2021
Italy Gets Green Super Ministry Climate Change
9 days ago
Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi put climate change at the center of his management of the Italian plan. He created a super ministry to ensure that the transition to green energy drives the country’s recovery. The purpose of setting up the Super Department is to make full use of EU funds on climate change. Highlights: In the first step, the Prime Minister will redraft Italy’s recovery plan. Italy’s recovery plan must be submitted to the European Commission by April 2021 to obtain more than 200 billion euros (240 billion US dollars) in funding. This amount is needed in order for the country to revive the economy hit by the recession during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the EU agreement, 37% of the 200 billion euros must be transferred to the transition to a low-carbon economy. Mario Draghi: Mario Draghi was former President of the European Central Bank. He was formally sworn in as Italy’s new prime minister on February 13, 2021, when the country experienced a fatal coronavirus pandemic and severe economic recession. From the left to the far-right alliance of Salvini, the Prime Minister has the support of the Rainbow Alliance. Italian government crisis: This political campaign started in Italy in January 2021 and ended in February 2021 after Mario Draghi was sworn in as prime minister. The Italian government crisis included the announcement of the withdrawal of IV support for the Giuseppe Conte government. The announcement was made by the leader of Italy’s Viva (IV) and former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi. Hung Parliament 2018: The 2018 general election produced a suspended parliament in Italy. After several negotiations and negotiations, the Centrist Five-Star Movement (M5S) and the Right-wing Alliance formed a coalition government on June 1, 2019.
Month: Current Affairs February 2021
Kailash Range Threat of Conflicts
9 days ago
The Kailash Range was the battlefield during the Chinese offensive in 1962, with key battles in Rezang La and Gurung Hill. In 2020, the Indian army surprised the Chinese by making a surprise attack on the Kailash Ridge in an operation. Kailash Mountains: The Karakoram Range ends on the north side of Pangong Tso. The Kailash Range originates from the south bank and extends northwest to more than 60 kilometers southeast. Kailash ridge is characterized by rough, broken and uneven terrain, with a height between 4,000-5,500m. Its main features include helmet top, Gurung Mountain, Spanggur Gap, Muggar Mountain, Mukhpari, Rezang La and Rechin La. Ridge rules the Chushul Bowl, Important communication centre.
Month: Current Affairs February 2021
US Plans to Reengage with UN Human Rights Council
15 days ago
The United States has announced plans to re-engage with the UN Human Rights Council, which former President Donald Trump withdrew three years ago. Highlights: The UN Human Rights Commission was reorganized from its predecessor, the UN Human Rights Commission, to help overcome the “credibility flaws” of the previous organization. organization. The headquarters of UNHCR is in Geneva, Switzerland. The Office of the United Nations Human Rights Commission for Refugees has 47 members, who serve at any time, according to the distribution of the world’s regions to ensure geographical representation, and elections are held every year to fill seats. Each elected member provides a three-year term. Countries are not allowed to hold more than two consecutive seats. The UN Commission on Human Rights has passed regular reviews of all 193 UN member states and passed non-binding resolutions on human rights issues, which is called the universal periodic review. It is responsible for supervising expert investigations (special procedures) of infringements in specific countries.
Month: Current Affairs February 2021
Uttar Pradesh 16 Digit Unicode to Identify Landholdings
16 days ago
The Uttar Pradesh government introduced a system that publishes the unique 16-digit Unicode on February 7, 2020. The Unicode will be used to mark all kinds of landholdings in the state. About Unicode numbers: The Unicode number of the land will consist of 16 digits. The first six digits are population-based on land. The next 4 digits in the row will determine the unique identity of the land. The digits from 11 to 14 will be the number of divisions of the land. Finally, the two digits will contain detailed information about the category. With the help of the last two digits, the category of the land viz. residential, agricultural and commercial land can be identified. Significance of the Unicode number: With the introduction of Unicode, every piece of land in the state will now have its own unique identity. Unicode will help to examine land dispute cases. It will also put people in the trap of fraudsters. Unicode will be issued by the revenue department of the Uttar Pradesh government. It will be issued for various agricultural, residential and commercial land. With the help of Unicode, people can know detailed information about the land with just single click.
Month: Current Affairs February 2021
India-EU High-Level Dialogue Held
17 days ago
The first India-EU High-Level Trade and Investment Dialogue was held. Highlights: The dialogue is the outcome of the 15th India-EU Leaders Summit held in July 2020. The goal is to guide bilateral trade and investment relations at the ministerial level. The ministers also agreed to hold meetings in the next three months with an objective to reach consensus on a series of bilateral trade and investment cooperation issues viz. a Bilateral Regulatory Dialogue; India-EU Multilateral Dialogue to explore the possibility of further cooperation, etc. In an important step forward, it was also discussed to relaunch the regular interaction of bilateral trade and investment agreements, with an interim agreement, to start with, were also discussed
Month: Current Affairs February 2021
Trade Deficit Between India and China
20 days ago
The Minister of State of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry provided this information in Lok Sabha. Highlights: The details of the import and export and trade deficit between India and China in the past three financial years and the current financial year are as follows: FY Trade (Million USD) Trade Deficit Export Import 2017 – 18 13333.53 76380.70 63047.16 2018 – 19 16752.20 70319.64 53567.43 2019 – 20 16612.75 65260.75 48647.99 2020-21 (Apr-Nov) Provisional 13639.18 38817.90 25178.72
Month: Current Affairs February 2021
India and US Joint Military Exercise – Yudh-Abhyas
20 days ago
The 16th India-US joint military exercise “Yudh Abhyas” will begin in Rajasthan on February 8 and end on February 21, 2021. The exercise will be held near the border between India and Pakistan. Highlights: The purpose of this meeting is to strengthen the cooperation and interoperability between the Indian and American forces. The exercise will also focus on conducting counter-terrorism operations in accordance with the mandate of the United Nations. The exercise between India and the United States will take place during a five-day exercise conducted by the Indian and French air forces in Rajasthan in January 2021. Bilateral training exercises between the two armies will be held at the Mahajan field shooting range at the foreign training node. The Army of India will be represented by the 11th Battalion of Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, part of the Southwest Command. Troops will represent the U.S. Army from the Second Infantry Regiment and the Third Infantry Regiment. These units belong to the combat team of the 1-2 Stryker brigade. The headquarters of each brigade will also represent the army together with the troops. Since 2004, a holy war has been held between the two armies. This exercise aims to promote cooperation between the two armies. The two parties share their training skills, their culture and build joint combat skills. Yudh Abhyas, between the Indian and American forces, is of great significance to the security challenges (such as terrorism) faced by both countries, global terrorism. The purpose of holding this exercise is to improve the level of defence cooperation between the two armies. In turn, this will also promote bilateral relations between the two countries. The exercise also marked India’s pivotal role in the Indo-Pacific region. This work is also of great significance for the latest development of the border with northern China.
Month: Current Affairs February 2021
UK Special Visa Scheme for Hong Kong Residents
22 days ago
The UK is opening a special visa scheme that will allow lakhs of Hong Kong residents the opportunity to immigrate and eventually apply for British citizenship. Highlights: Visas will be issued to Hong Kong citizens and their immediate family members holding British National (Overseas) passports, and provide fast-track access to UK citizenship. Applicants who have obtained a visa can live and work in the UK for 5 years, after which they can apply for settlement. After twelve months, they can apply for citizenship. This move is considered the UK’s most generous welcoming of foreign workers since the entry of new EU citizens in 2004. The move came a few months after China implemented comprehensive national security laws on Hong Kong, and is aimed at targeting pro-democracy protests that have attracted global attention since 2019.
Month: Current Affairs February 2021
State of Emergency Announced in Myanmar
22 days ago
The Myanmar military has taken control of the country and declared a state of emergency for a year. In addition, State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and other government leaders were also detained. Highlights: The state emergency was declared because the November 2020 election was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the government failed to resolve the situation. Therefore, the military took over Myanmar in accordance with Article 417 of the Myanmar Constitution. Article 417 gives the army the power to take over in emergency situations. The military formulated the constitution of Myanmar in 2008 and retained powers under the charter, at the expense of democracy and civilian rule. The military highlight is that in the November 2020 election, there were millions of irregularities on the voter list, of which Suu Kyi’s party won 396 of the 476 seats. However, the election commission rejected the military request. Now in Myanmar, telecommunications have ceased. Internet and telephone access have also been blocked. Many people’s social media accounts have been temporarily suspended. Barbed wire barriers were installed, and military forces overtook government buildings. In addition, there is concern that human rights defenders, journalists and other critics of military personnel will be suppressed, because journalists, advocates and critics of freedom of speech have faced multiple legal proceedings even before the military takeover. Myanmar is a country in Southeast Asia, bordering Bangladesh and India in the northwest, China in the northeast, Laos and Thailand in the east and southeast, and the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal in the south region and southwest. In Southeast Asia, Myanmar is the largest mainland, but it is the tenth-largest country in Asia by region. The capital of the country Myanmar is Naypyidaw. Yangon or Rangoon is the largest city in Myanmar. Myanmar borders the states of Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.
Month: Current Affairs February 2021
Facts of Bhashan Char Island
23 days ago
The Bangladesh Authorities recently moved about 1,750 Rohingya Muslims to a disputed island in the Bay of Bengal called “Bhashan Char Island”. This move-in Bangladesh was opposed by refugees already living on the island. Key Facts: The island is also called Char Piya. It is in Hatiya Upazila, Bangladesh. The island is located in the Bay of Bengal, about 6 kilometres from Sandwip Island and 60 kilometres from the mainland. Its area is 40 square kilometres. Bhahan Char island was formed in 2006 by Himalayan silt. Cox’s Bazar is a city, fishing port, tourist centre and regional headquarters in southern Bangladesh. The city is famous for its long natural sandy beaches. It is also called Panowa. Sandwip Island is an island on the southeast coast of Bangladesh in Chittagong District. The island is part of Sandwip Upazila. Recent development by Bangladesh on Island: The Government of Bangladesh plans to build 1,440 buildings on the island. The building will also include 120 cyclone shelters. The purpose of constructing these buildings is to move 100,000 Rohingya refugees from Cox’s Bazar mainland camps. In August 2019, the Ashrayan project (Ashrayan-3) was expanded to build 100,000 houses on the island.
Month: Current Affairs February 2021
UN – Countries to Repatriate Children from Syria
23 days ago
The UN counter-terrorism chief has asked these countries to repatriate 27,000 children trapped in large camps in northeastern Syria. Many children are the children of Islamic State extremists who control large tracts of land in Iraq and Syria. Highlights: The terrible situation of children in Al Hol (camp) is one of the most pressing problems in the world today. 27,000 children were trapped and abandoned by fate. They are also vulnerable to hunting by law enforcers in Islamic countries. In addition, children are at risk of radicalization in the camp. The Al Hol or al-Hawl refugee camp is the largest camp for refugees and displaced Syrians in the country. The refugee camp currently has nearly 62,000 residents. More than 80% of residents are women and children. After the Syrian civil war, the Islamic State militants fled the refugee camp after losing their last stronghold in Syria in 2019. The camp is located in the southern outskirts of the town of al-Hawl in northern Syria. It is close to the Syria-Iraq border. The camp accommodates people displaced from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. The camp is controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) backed by the United States. The Syrian civil war is an ongoing multilateral civil war in Syria. The Baath Party in the Syrian Arab Republic, led by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, fought various domestic and foreign forces against the Syrian government and each other. The riots in Syria began on March 15, 2011 as part of the broader 2011 Arab Spring protests. This situation has gradually escalated due to dissatisfaction with the Syrian government. Syria is a country in West Asia. It borders Lebanon to the southwest, the Mediterranean to the west, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest. Syria is the seat of various ethnic groups such as Syrian Arabs, Turkmen, Kurds, Armenians, Assyrians, Circassians, Greeks and Manders, while Sunnis, Christians, Druze, Alawites, Salafis, Mendes, Shiites and Yazidis are religious groups. Among them, Arabs are the largest ethnic group, and Sunnis are the largest religious group. The country is a member of the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement. Syria withdrew from the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The largest city in Syria is Aleppo, followed by Damascus, Homs, Latakia and Hama. The country was the center of Neolithic culture in 10,000 BC or Neolithic A in the pottery age. It was the first country in the world where agriculture and cattle breeding appeared.
Month: Current Affairs February 2021
Highlights of ASEAN India Hackathon
23 days ago
Union Education Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal’Nishank’ delivered a speech at the ASEAN India Hackathon. Shri Pokhriyal (Shri Pokhriyal) emphasized that the opening of the ASEAN-India hackathon aims to further strengthen the ties between India and ASEAN. Highlights: The background of the India-ASEAN hackathon is the call of Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the 2019 India-Singapore hackathon. The minister emphasized that the ASEAN-India Hackathon will provide India and ASEAN countries with a unique opportunity to solve their common challenges. The challenges facing the two countries are divided into two themes of “blue economy” and “education”. The hackathon provides an opportunity to promote economic and cultural ties between ASEAN and India through cooperation in education, science and technology. The hackathon will help to formulate the six basic virtues of our civilization, namely dialogue, respect, peace, cooperation, prosperity and innovation. The background and foundation of the relationship between India and ASEAN lies in the common belief, religion and culture. India is the largest democratic and populous country in the region. Therefore, it becomes a place where India can lead the ASEAN community. In this regard, India has provided support to ASEAN countries by providing a COVID-19 vaccine. India and ASEAN also have strong academic and research ties. Various Indian universities such as IIT-Delhi and Tezpur University recruit students from ASEAN partner countries. India has also launched 1,000 ASEAN PhD scholarships for ASEAN citizens. In addition, the “National Education Policy 2020” will also bring opportunities to India and the entire world. The ASEAN-India hackathon initiative was initiated by the Ministry of Education. In 2021, the hackathon will be held online from February 1 to 3, 2021. This hackathon will provide all 10 ASEAN countries and India with new opportunities to strengthen their economic and cultural ties through cooperation in the fields of education, science and technology.
Month: Current Affairs February 2021
Global Climate Litigation Report by UNEP
26 days ago
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released the “2021 Global Climate Litigation Report.” The report was published by UNEP in cooperation with the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law of Columbia University. The report emphasizes that climate lawsuits have increased in recent years. The litigation makes the courts increasingly relevant to efforts to address global climate change. Highlights: According to reports, climate cases have almost doubled in the past three years. More and more climate cases are forcing government and corporate participants to fulfil their climate commitments. These cases also force the government to pursue more ambitious climate change mitigation and adaptation goals. According to the data provided in the report, 884 cases were filed in 24 countries/regions in 2017. As of 2020, the number of cases received in 38 countries and the European Union courts has increased to 1,550. The report found that climate litigation continues to be concentrated in high-income countries, and this trend may intensify in the global south. The report also identified trends in climate litigation, such as violations of “climate rights.” This means that cases increasingly rely on basic human rights such as the right to life, food, health and water. The United Nations Environment Programme (also known as the United Nations Environment Programme) was established by Maurice Strong after the United Nations Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment in 1972. The organization participates in coordinating the response to environmental issues within the United Nations system. It provides leadership, provides scientific knowledge and develops solutions on issues such as climate change, marine and terrestrial ecosystem management, and green economic development. It also developed international environmental agreements and helped achieve environmental goals. The main purpose of UNEP is to help the world achieve 17 sustainable development goals. UNEP has organized environmental agreements such as the “Water and Mercury Convention”, “Convention on Biological Diversity”, “Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora” and “Convention on Migratory Species.”
Month: Current Affairs January 2021
Ageing Dams Report by United Nations
27 days ago
The United Nations released a report entitled “Ageing Water Infrastructure: An Emerging Global Risks”, which involved the aging of India’s dams. The report was edited by the United Nations University’s Institute of Water, Environment and Health in Canada. The decommissioning or aging of dams in the United States, Canada, France, Japan, India, Zambia and Zimbabwe were analyzed. Highlights: The report emphasized that by 2025, there will be thousands of large dams in India that will be used for about 50 years. It warned that this aging structure around the world poses a growing threat. The report also pointed out that by 2050, most people on the planet will live downstream of thousands of dams built in the 20th century. According to the report, between 1930 and 1970, 58,700 dams were built worldwide. The design life of these dams is 50 to 100 years. The report also emphasized that the world will witness another dam-building revolution similar to the mid-20th century. But these dams will show their age. The report emphasizes that 32,716 dams have been discovered in four Asian countries (China, India, Japan and South Korea), accounting for 55% of the world’s total. If India’s Mullaperiyar dam in Kerala collapses, about 3.5 million people will be at risk. The dam was built more than 100 years ago. The dam is constructed from concrete surkhi, which is a mixture of limestone and burnt brick powder. Mullaperiyaru Dam is a masonry gravity dam that is located on the Periyar River in Kerala. Mullaperiyaru is located 881 m above mean sea level. It is located on the Cardamom Hill in the Western Ghats in the Idukki District of Kerala. The dam was built by John Pennycuick between 1887 and 1895. Periyar National Park is located near the dam reservoir. It was built at the confluence of Mullayar and Periyar rivers. The dam is located on the Periyar River in Kerala but is operated and maintained by Tamil Nadu.
Month: Current Affairs January 2021
Intergovernmental Negotiations Framework – India
27 days ago
Intergovernmental Negotiations Framework – India The Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations said that 13 years have passed since the start of the Intergovernmental Negotiations. The UN Security Council has found itself unable to take effective actions to resolve international peace and security issues due to its lack of inclusiveness. Highlights: The Intergovernmental Negotiation Framework (IGN) is a group of nation-states working within the United Nations to further reform the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which is the world’s highest body and consists of 15 members. Composition: IGN is composed of several different international organizations, namely: (1) African Union; (2) G4 nations (India, Brazil, Japan and Germany); (3) Unified Consensus Group (UfC); (4) L.69 Group of Developing Countries; (5) Arab League; (6) Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Compared with reforming the UN Security Council, each group represents a different position. In 2016, the United Nations General Assembly passed an “oral decision” which approved a declaration called “elements of convergence” outlining the status of consensus reached by members of the IGN network at that time.
Month: Current Affairs January 2021
USA Restores Relations with Palestine
28 days ago
The US Presidential Administration announced that it will resume relations with the Palestinians and provide assistance to Palestine refugees. Highlights: This is a reversal of the shutdown of the Donald Trump administration and a key element of its new support for the two-state solution to the decades-long conflict that Israel and Palestine have agreed to. Palestine is officially recognized as a Palestinian state by the United Nations and other entities. It is a legally sovereign state in West Asia. Although its administrative center is currently located in Ramallah, the West Bank (on the border with Israel and Jordan) and the Gaza Strip (on the border with Israel and Egypt) have Jerusalem as the designated capital. Since 1948, the entire territory claimed by the State of Palestine has been occupied by Egypt and Jordan, and then by Israel after the Six-Day War in 1967.
Month: Current Affairs January 2021
U.S President Signs Buy American Executive Order
28 days ago
The US President Joe Biden signed an executive order in a bid to tighten the “Buy American” requirements in federal government procurement. This move by the president is the first step in fulfilling his campaign promise. Highlights: In 2019, the federal government spent $586 billion on goods and service contracts The President has vowed to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in purchasing American products and materials to modernize our infrastructure. In turn, this will help improve the competitive strength in the competitive world. They also pledged to invest heavily in strategic areas such as artificial intelligence to improve the competitiveness of the United States. This move is also aimed at countering the “Made in China 2025” campaign initiated by the Chinese government. Aim of the Executive Order: An executive order was signed with the purpose of strengthening the country’s manufacturing industry. In addition, the government hopes that it will be more difficult for government agencies to purchase foreign products. It also aims to increase the percentage of local content (US Made). The order will also include job creation in the definition of U.S.-made. Finally, it tried to extend the regulations to information technologies that are currently exempted.
Month: Current Affairs January 2021
Global Climate Survey done by UN
28 days ago
The United Nations released the largest public opinion survey on climate change in history, the “United Nations Global Climate Survey.” The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) conducted a People’s Climate Vote people from 50 countries/regions to prepare the report for 1.2 million. Highlights: In the investigation, the United Nations found that two-thirds of people believed this was a “global emergency.” The survey emphasized that people around the world support climate action. They also give politicians a clear mandate to take major actions to find solutions. According to the survey, young people expressed the greatest concern. 69% of people aged 14-18 said there was a climate emergency, while 58% of people over 60 agreed. Therefore, there is no generation gap on climate issues. In countries where fossil fuels are the main source of emissions, people strongly support renewable energy. For example, 65% of people in the United States support renewable energy, 76% of people in Australia support Russia, and 51% of people in Russia support renewable energy. People also support the protection of trees in countries where deforestation is the main source of emissions. Brazil received 60% of support and Indonesia received 57%. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations global development network headquartered in New York City. The organization promotes technology and investment cooperation between countries. It is committed to providing expert advice, training and support to developing countries. It cooperates with countries to formulate its own solutions to meet global and national development challenges. UNDP provides assistance to countries only when different countries request assistance. UNDP is fully funded by voluntary contributions from United Nations Member States. UNDP operates in 177 countries. It also helps countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Month: Current Affairs January 2021
Bangladesh Takes part in Republic Day Event
28 days ago
India celebrates the 72nd Republic Day. Although this year’s Republic Day parade was silent due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no major guests were invited to participate. But this year, a unit of the Bangladesh Army entered Rajpat. Highlights: The Bangladeshi army contingent participated in the military parade to celebrate the 50-year liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistani rule. Victory is one of the best military victories, and the world rarely sees military battles like the 1971 India-Pakistan War. Therefore, to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the war, the Bangladeshi army marched with the Indian army. The war was fought in Pakistan, united with Indian and Bangladeshi forces. During the war, a powerful 122-man task force from Bangladesh fought with the Indian army. The war lasted for 14 days and resulted in the greatest surrender of the opposing armies. Mukti Bahini is the Bangladeshi army. The force is composed of Bangladeshi military, paramilitary and civilians in the Liberation War. It was formerly known as Mukti Fauj. Mukti Bahini also includes civilian Gonobahini (Gonobahini), meaning People’s Army. The Z Army led by Major Ziyar Rahman, the K Army led by Major Khalid Moshalaf, and the S Army led by Major Saudi Mula were important forces during the war. The relationship between India and Bangladesh is determined on the basis of civilization, culture, society and economy. Common history and common heritage, language and cultural ties, literature, passion for music and art are the areas that unite the two countries. For example, Rabindranath Tagore wrote the national anthems of Bangladesh and India in 1905 and 1911, respectively. The cooperation and coordination between the Indian army and the Mukti Bahini in Bangladesh can be traced back to the India-Pakistan War in March 1971. Now, cooperation and coordination have become part of the folklore and common history of the two countries.
Month: Current Affairs January 2021
Nepal PM Oli got expelled from Party
30 days ago
Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was fired from the ruling Communist Party of Nepal (NCP). He was expelled from the party after he decided to dissolve the parliament. He was expelled from the Central Committee at the party’s split group meeting. Highlights: The party’s separatist group is led by former prime ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Madhav Kumar. Both members earlier asked Prime Minister Ollie to explain his unconstitutional decision. They sent a letter asking for clarification. But Prime Minister Oli did not do so. Prime Minister Ollie has recommended a parliamentary resolution on December 20, 2020. He made this decision after a dispute with the former prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda (Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda). Since then, Nepalese President Bidhya Devi Bhandari accepted the Prime Minister’s proposal. Therefore, the parliament was dissolved. Parliamentary elections are now scheduled to be held from April 30 to May 10, 2021. The Communist Party of Nepal is the ruling party in Nepal. The party is considered to be the largest Communist Party in South Asia and ranks third in Asia. The party was established on May 17, 2018. It was formed after the unification of the two leftist parties, the Communist Party of Nepal (a unified Marxist-Leninism) and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist center). This party is the largest party in the House of Representatives and the National Assembly. In addition to second place, it is also the largest of all provincial councils. The former prime minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Pushpa Kamal Dahal) currently only serves as the party chairman after Prime Minister Oli is expelled. After PM Oli is removed, NCP is divided into two departments.
Month: Current Affairs January 2021
Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) Agreement 1st Anniversary
30 days ago
The historic Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) Agreement was established for the first anniversary. Bodos: They are a Tibetan-Burmese-speaking ethnic and linguistic group living in the Brahmaputra Valley in northeastern India. Bodos is the largest plains tribe in the Bodoland Territorial Autonomous District (BTAD), spanning four districts in western Assam-Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa and Udalguri. The word “Bodo” is derived from the word “Bod”, which means Tibet. People in Bodos speak Bodo language. The people of Bodo traditionally practice Bathouism, which is the worship of ancestors, and is called Obonglaoree.
Month: Current Affairs January 2021
USAs New President Restores Americas Participation In Paris Climate Agreement
30 days ago
Joe Biden assumed the office as president of the United States of America. One of the first orders he signed was to restore US participation in the United Nations Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Highlights The return of the United States will take effect on February 19. The United States promises to implement the mechanism to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, including the goal of expiry of the term of office no later than 2025, and there is also a planned federal investment that will total $1.7 trillion over ten years, besides private investments. The plan revolves around about 10 million high-paying clean energy jobs, with a focus on solar and wind energy. The UN Climate Conference in Glasgow this year will enable the new government to cooperate with UNFCCC member nations to increase global ambitions.
Month: Current Affairs January 2021
New START Treaty by US President
30 days ago
US President Joe Biden proposed to extend the New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) for five years. Russia welcomes this proposal. Highlights: The United States and Russia signed a New START Treaty in Prague (the capital of the Czech Republic) in 2010. It became effective in 2011. The official name of the New START Treaty is “Measures to Further Reduce and Limit Strategic Offensive Weapons”. The United States and Russia signed a treaty to reduce the production and use of nuclear weapons. Under the treaty, the two countries will reduce their strategic nuclear missile launchers by half. The treaty establishes an inspection and verification system that replaces SORT. Reduce the number of deployable strategic nuclear warheads to 1,550. This is 10% lower than the strategic warhead limit set by the “Moscow Treaty” signed by the two countries in 2002. It reduces the number of submarine-launched ballistic missiles, intercontinental ballistic missile launchers, and heavy bombers equipped with nuclear weapons to 800. It will reduce the number of heavy bombers equipped with nuclear weapons to 700. This treaty replaces the Moscow Treaty, also known as SORT (Strategic Offensive Reduction Treaty). The term strategic offensive weapons refers to nuclear warheads deployed by Strategic Nuclear Delivery Vehicles. It is the successor to the START I framework signed between counties in 1991, limiting the country’s warheads to 6,000 and strategic delivery vehicles to 1,600. The START II Treaty has never come into effect, and the negotiations on the START III have never ended. The New START Treaty will expire in February 2021.
Month: Current Affairs January 2021
Operation Sard Hawa by BSF
31 days ago
Operation Sard Hawa was launched by border guards on the western border of Rajasthan. The main purpose of this operation is to check the penetration of dense fog in the area. The operation has also been launched to strengthen security before Republic Day. The operation will continue until January 27, 2021. Highlights: This operation was carried out to keep an eye on the international borders. In this operation, these jaws will use advanced weapons to patrol the police station area near the border. This operation increased the number of Khoba deployed at the border. During Operation Thad Hawa, the intelligence department of the border troops will also be active. Due to the dense fog in the desert area in winter, there is a possibility of infiltration in this area. Attempts have been made to use this haze to infiltrate from the border. In this case, border guards have increased their patrols under special operations such as Operation Thaad Hawa. They also monitor the border through vehicles and on foot. Jaws also go on foot hikes. During the trekking, camels, vehicles and pedestrians used by intruders will be detected. India’s border troops are also known as “the first line of defence in Indian territory.” It was established after the Indo-Pakistani War in 1965. The main function of the Border Security Force is to ensure the security of the Indian border. It is led by an officer of the Indian Police Service. The BSF also took defensive operations during the war to liberate the Indian Army to attack. The BSF also assists the Central Reserve Police Force and the Indian Army in counter-insurgency operations. The BSF has a naval wing, air wing, commando and artillery regiments. Currently, BSF is the largest border guard in the world.
Month: Current Affairs January 2021
Construction of Village In Arunachal Pradesh By China
33 days ago
China stated that the villages built across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh are “beyond reproach” because it has “never recognized” Arunachal. The Ministry of External Affairs of India also stated that it has understood the construction process. Highlights: The village was built between November 2019 and November 2020. It is located a few kilometers across the LAC, outside the border that India considers to separate Arunachal Pradesh and Tibet, on the banks of the Tsari Chu River in the Upper Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh. The site of the village is close to the location where China attacked the Assam rifles post in the so-called Longju incident in 1959. It is at least 2 kilometers south of the McMahon Line and China does not recognize it. After the 1962 war, India stopped patrolling that area. Another village built last year, called Pangda, was built in another disputed area within 2-3 kilometers of Bhutan’s territory.
Month: Current Affairs January 2021
LongOps Project Between UK and Japan
33 days ago
The LongOps project is a collaboration between the UK and Japan. In this operation, Japanese and British scientists will develop new safety technologies to dismantle old nuclear facilities such as Fukushima that were severely damaged by the tsunami and earthquake. Highlights: The project will use remote robotic arms, so it is called the “LongOps Project”. The project will reduce risks to human health and will accelerate the decommissioning of non-operating nuclear reactors. The implementation cost of the LongOps project is 12 million euros (1.2 billion rupees). It will focus on the rapid decommissioning of nuclear facilities. In addition to dismantling the nuclear fission field, the project will also focus on the partial automation of the nuclear fusion power generation process. The project will also help improve and dismantle nuclear fusion facilities, such as the European Union Circle. The United European Ring is a nuclear fusion experiment located at the Culham Fusion Energy Center in the United Kingdom. This is the first reactor produced using a 50-50 mixed fuel of the and deuterium. It was closed in 2009 to adopt the concepts used in the ITER project. ITER is the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor. India is also part of ITER. The other countries participating in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor are China, Russia, Japan, the European Union, the United States and South Korea. Digital twin technology is part of the LongOps project. It will analyze data at the decommissioning site and predict operation and maintenance challenges. Between 1950 and 2000, there were more than 21 serious incidents of radioactive release in Sellafield. Sellafield is located in the United Kingdom. It is the former nuclear power plant. As of August 2020, activities at the site include nuclear fuel reprocessing, nuclear decommissioning and nuclear waste storage. In 2011, the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactor was severely damaged in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. The incident displaced more than 150,000 people. In addition, the animals and plants in the surrounding area are seriously polluted.
Month: Current Affairs January 2021
India Singapore Defence Ministers Dialogue
34 days ago
The 5th Defence Ministers Dialogue (DMD) between India and Singapore was successfully held. Highlights: The Indian and Singapore navies signed the “Submarine Rescue Support and Cooperation Implementation Agreement.” Military exchanges between India and Singapore: Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercises (SIMBEX)-annual exercises between navies. SITMEX-Singapore, India, Thailand Maritime Exercises. Background: The Defence and security engagements between India and Singapore have expanded significantly in all three branches of the Armed Forces, as well as the Defence technology and Industry fields. The two countries have also found common ground in multilateral forums and engagements. In August 2020, the “Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Cooperation Implementation Agreement” was signed to enable the two-armed Forces to have closer operational collaboration in response to disasters and capacity building activities of mutual concern. The cyber agencies of the two-armed forces have also strengthened their engagements.
Month: Current Affairs January 2021
Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries
35 days ago
For the first time, top palm oil producers are seeking opportunities to launch promotional campaigns in Europe. Indonesia and Malaysia, the world’s largest oil producers, have issued proposals for an advocacy company to conduct a campaign in Europe through the Committee of Palm Oil Producing Countries. Highlights: According to the European Union, the main producer of palm oil is Malaysia, and it has exploited the biodiversity-rich tropical rain forests in Southeast Asia and exploited migrant workers. As part of the European Green Agreement, the EU will strengthen legislation on deforestation. This may limit the use of palm oil in fuel and food. Therefore, CPOPC, led by Indonesia and Malaysia, is looking for opportunities to initiate campaigns to change the perceptions of European countries. The EU has finalized a rule in 2019, mainly due to deforestation, to phase out palm oil in renewable fuels by 2030. Malaysia and Indonesia produce 85% of global palm oil production. Indonesia alone produces 60% of the world’s palm oil. India and China are the biggest buyers of palm oil. The Committee of Palm Oil Producing Countries is an intergovernmental organization. It was established in 2015. Indonesia and Malaysia are the founding countries of the Palm Oil Producing Countries Committee. The council targets to promote and strengthen cooperation in oil palm cultivation. It improves the welfare of oil palm stakeholders. It solves the barriers to palm oil trade. The six main areas of cooperation focus of the council are palm oil sustainability, research and innovation, smallholder productivity, industrial cooperation to achieve value-added production, trade policy issues, and technical regulations and standards. The “European Green Agreement” is a series of EU policy measures aimed at neutralizing the European climate by 2050.
Month: Current Affairs January 2021
India-EU IPR Dialogue was Held
35 days ago
The first India-EU IPR dialogue was held to strengthen relations and promote cooperation in the field of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). Highlights: The EU Commission and India’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) conducted the first India-EU dialogue virtually. The purpose of the dialogue is to further strengthen the relationship between India and the European Union and promote cooperation in the field of Intellectual Property Rights. Intellectual Property Rights refers to the provision of providing property rights through patents, copyrights and trademarks. Intellectual property holders have a monopoly on the use of property or objects within a specified period of time. The term intellectual property began in the 19th century. It was only in the 20th century that it became part of the world’s legal system.
Month: Current Affairs January 2021
GoI Strengthened the Chabahar Port
36 days ago
The Indian government has strengthened the cargo handling capacity of Iran’s Chabahar port. Highlights: India has provided cargo of two Mobile Harbour Cranes (MHC) to Iran’s Chabahar Port. According to the contract agreement, the total value of the contract exceeds USD 25 million and a total of 6 MHCs are supplied. This is a stage towards India’s responsibility towards infrastructure development of Shahid Beheshti Port of Chabahar. The bilateral contract between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of India was signed in 2016, with a total value of USD 85 million, for the equipment, mechanization and start of operation at Shahid Beheshti Port of Chabahar development Phase- I. In order to achieve this ambitious goal, an SPV namely India Ports Global Limited (IPGL), Mumbai was incorporated under the ambit of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The development of Chabahar Port is the anchor point for the expansion of economic and mutual relations between India and Iran, and it will further promote the maritime trade between both countries. The geographical location of Chabahar Port has strategic advantages and huge potential. It can establish connectivity between India, Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and other CIS countries (especially the eastern countries of the CIS) to increase these Trade between countries.
Month: Current Affairs January 2021
India France Military Exercise
36 days ago
India and France will hold ex-Desert Knight 21 exercises. This is a bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force and the French Air Force. Desert Knight 21 will be held in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Rafale fighters will participate in the exercise. Highlights: Under the leadership of the Indo-French Defense Cooperation Organization, the French Air Force and the Indian Air Force have so far conducted six air exercises called the “Eagle.” The last of the six exercises was held at Mont-de-Marsan Air Force Base in France in 2019. In addition to the Garuda series of exercises, “Desert Front Knight 21” will also be held. About Former Desert Rider 21: The main purpose of this exercise is to provide operational risks and share best practices. Rafale flying jets from the French Aerospace Agency, multi-purpose tanker transport aircraft and approximately 175 personnel will participate in the exercise. Su-30 MKI, Mirage 2000 and IL-78 flying tankers from the Indian Air Force will participate in this exercise. The regular defense exercises between India and France are as follows: – Shakti exercise was held between the Indian and French forces – The Varuna exercise was held between the Indian Navy and the French Navy – The Garuda exercise was held between the two air forces The three main pillars of the India-French strategic partnership are space, defense and civil nuclear cooperation. France has been supporting India as a permanent member of the UN Security Council. France has also received strong support from India in the missile technology control system, the Wassenaar arrangement, the Australian group and the nuclear supplier group. India joined the Wassenaar Arrangement and became the 42nd member. In addition, India joined the missile technology control regime in 2018. Since India is a non-signatory of the NPT, India’s accession has been widely opposed.
Month: Current Affairs January 2021
Ndrangheta from South America to Europe
37 days ago
Italian authorities believe that the Ndrangheta Mafia is responsible for controlling the large amount of cocaine entering Europe from South America. After the large-scale Mafia trial against the Ndrangheta group, the Italian government confirmed this. Highlights: The Ndrangheta is a famous Italian Mafia in the region of Calabria. The Mafia began in the 18th century. During the reign of the Bourbon of Naples, the first official report of Ndrangheta was submitted in 1792. According to US, money laundering activities, drug trafficking accounts for 3% of Italy’s GDP. Ndrangheta’s annual revenue is approximately US$50 billion to US$60 billion. Ndrangheta is also active in other countries, such as Albania, Australia, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Brazil, Colombia, the Netherlands, Germany, Malta, Switzerland, Slovakia, the United Kingdom, Uruguay and the United States. According to EUROPOL (European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation), in the whole world Ndrangheta is the most powerful organized crime group. Calabria is a region located in southern Italy. The region borders the Ionian Sea to the east and the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west. The Strait of Messina separates Calabria from Sicily. The Mafia in Sicily is considered to be one of Ndrangheta’s closest allies. The Allies of the Ndrangheta Mafia are Camorra, Sacra Corona Unita, Societa foggiana, Stidda, Albanian Mafia, American Mafia, Primeriro Comando da Capital. The Camorra, Safian Mafia, Sacra Corona Unita, Stidda and Societa foggiana are located in Italy. Primeiro Comando da Capital is located in Brazil.
Month: Current Affairs January 2021
Boris Johnson Invited PM Modi To Attend G7 Summit
37 days ago
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson invited Prime Minister Modi to attend the G7 summit. Britain also invited Australia and South Korea. Previously, the United Kingdom had proposed the idea of D10. Highlights: D10 includes members of the Group of Seven countries as well as India, Australia and South Korea. G7 was originally established in 1975. The members are the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Japan, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Russia formally joined the organization in 1998. G7 becomes G8. However, when Russia moved its troops to eastern Ukraine and conquered Crimea in 2014, other G8 countries criticized Russia severely. Subsequently, they withdrew Russia from the Group of Eight. Therefore, the G8 became the G7 again in 2014. For a country to become a member of the G7, it must have a high net national wealth and a high human development index. The annual summit of the Group of Seven nations is chaired by the leaders of its member states in turn. The summit is an informal two-day gathering. During the summit, leaders discussed global issues. The ground work of the summit was completed by the “Sherpas”. Sherpa Collaboration is the personal representative or ambassador of the members of the Group of Seven. The decisions made by the Group of Seven (G7) have a huge impact on a global scale, because the members are major economic powers. They account for 58% of global net wealth. However, the decision made on the Group of Seven (G7) is not legally binding, but has strong political influence. Five of the seven countries of the Group of Seven, the United States, Italy, Japan, France, and Germany have the largest proven gold reserves. G7 attracted thousands of protesters. The protesters claimed that the G7 had no representatives from Africa and other Middle Eastern countries. It is important for protest groups to use the global platform as a stage for loitering and campaigning. In addition, some people claim that the G7 is widening the gap between developed and developing countries and making the fight against poverty more difficult.
Month: Current Affairs January 2021
Open Skies Treaty Withdrawal of Russia
37 days ago
Russia announced its withdrawal from the Surveillance “Open Skies Treaty”. The treaty allows signatories to conduct unarmed surveillance flights on each other’s territory. In 2020, the United States announced that it will withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty. Highlights: After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, the “Open Skies Treaty” was signed in 1992. It was first proposed by former U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower in 1955 to ease the tensions of the Cold War. The treaty was signed between NATO (non-Atlantic Treaty Organization) members and former Warsaw Pact countries. In 2002, more than 35 countries signed the treaty. This also includes the United States and Russia. India has not signed the Open Skies Treaty. The Open Skies Treaty aims to build trust among its signatories. According to the treaty, a member country can conduct espionage anywhere in the host country only after obtaining its consent. Similarly, a member state can take an aerial image of the host country after giving a notice 72 hours in advance. The United States left the Open Skies Treaty and accused Russia of not complying with the Open Skies Treaty. On the other hand, Russia believes that the withdrawal of the United States from the treaty has caused an imbalance in its implementation. This is why Russia withdrew. In addition, the Open Sky Treaty was signed when there was no satellite surveillance. This makes the treaty out of sync with satellite surveillance technology, which is currently the preferred method of intelligence gathering. The United States and Russia withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 2019. According to the INF, these countries agreed to destroy deadly missile systems from their stockpiles in order to slow the nuclear arms race.
Month: Current Affairs January 2021
Foreign Policy of UK After Brexit
37 days ago
Chatham House published a report that put forward a blueprint for British foreign policy after Brexit. The report listed India together with China, Saudi Arabia and Turkey as one of the “Four Difficult Countries.” Highlights: The title of the report released by Chatham House is “Global Britain, Global Broker”. The report pointed out that India’s domestic politics is complex, making it one of the countries that resist open trade and foreign investment. The report drew attention to India’s extreme right-wing policies. As Indian politics enters a stage of ethnic nationalism, the D10 alliance may eventually end because D9 disrupts the relationship between India and Britain. National nationalism is a form of nationalism in which nation and nation are defined according to race. The report criticized India’s diplomatic behaviour. According to the report, India did not join the group of nations that criticized China at the UN General Assembly in 2019. The member states of the United Nations criticized China for its human rights violations in Xinjiang. In addition, India remains silent on Hong Kong’s National Security Act. By listing India as one of the “difficult four countries”, Britain is destined to list India as a competitor or embarrassing opponent in the pursuit of global goals. Chatham House is also known as the Royal College of International Affairs. Chatham House aims to promote debate on major developments in international affairs and policy responses. Experts usually use it as a source of information on major international issues. The D10 group of countries was proposed by the United Kingdom. Group D10 will include all G7 countries, as well as India, Australia and South Korea. D10 means the top ten democracies in the world.
Month: Current Affairs January 2021
UN Released International Migration 2020 Report
37 days ago
The United Nations (UN) released the International Migration 2020 Highlights report. According to the report, Indian diaspora is the largest in the world. As of 2020, more than 18 million people from India are living outside India. Highlights: Other diaspora countries are Mexico, China, Russia, and Syria. According to this report, Indian diasporas are distributed in many major countries, such as the UAE (3.5 million), Saudi Arabia (2.5 million) and the United States (2.7 million). Some other countries that receive high numbers of immigrants from India are Oman, Australia, Kuwait, Canada, Qatar, Pakistan and the United Kingdom. Between 2000 and 2020, the size of immigrant populations in all countries is increasing. During his tenure, India received the largest gain of nearly 10 million. India is followed closely by Syria, Venezuela, China and the Philippines. The places where the immigrant population increased during this period were Ukraine, Pakistan, Tanzania, Armenia, India, and Ukraine. Immigration to India is for labor and family reasons. The United States is the largest destination country for international immigrants. As of 2020, there are more than 51 million immigrants in the United States. This is equivalent to 18% of the world’s total immigrant population. The United States is close behind. Germany has hosted the second largest immigrants in the world, with an immigrant population of more than 16 million. Germany is closely followed by Saudi Arabia, Russia and the United Kingdom. The number of international immigrants increased by 281 million. It was 221 million in 2010 and 173 million in 2000. Currently, the total number of international immigrants accounts for about 3.6% of the world’s population. In terms of regional migration corridors, Central Asia and South Asia to North Africa and West Asia have seen the most growth. In these corridors, the immigrant population has almost tripled between 2000 and 2020.
Month: Current Affairs January 2021
US National Rifle Association filed for Bankruptcy
38 days ago
The National Rifle Association recently filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. The association filed for bankruptcy to avoid being investigated by the New York Attorney General. Highlights: The Attorney General of New York sued the National Rifle Association in August 2020 on the grounds that the association’s senior management embezzled millions of dollars for personal travel. The American Rifle Association is a non-profit organization founded in 1871 by Civil War veterans General George Wingate and Colonel William C. Church. The organization was established to promote and encourage scientific rifle shooting. It is considered the most influential gun organization in the United States. Critics believe that the organization is a contributing factor to gun violence in the country. NRA teaches gun safety and capabilities. It published several magazines and sponsored competitive marksmanship competitions. As of December 2018, the NRA consists of more than 5 million members. The NRA’s main efforts are the Gun Owners Protection Act, which reduces the restrictions of the Gun Control Act of 1968, and the Dickey Amendment that prevents the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from using federal funds to promote gun control. The establishment of the American National Rifle Association is consistent with the establishment of the British National Rifle Association, which was established a year and a half ago. The American Civil War happened from 1861 to 1865. The civil war was the result of long-term enslavement of blacks. NRA is considered a product of civil war. The National Rifle Association opposed the Arms Trade Treaty. The Arms Trade Treaty is a multilateral treaty regulating trade at international level. More than 109 states have ratified the treaty. The treaty attempts to regulate the international trade of conventional weapons.
Month: Current Affairs January 2021
India Chairs 3 Key Subsidiary Bodies of the UNSC
45 days ago
India will host the three-key subsidiary bodies of the UNSC (United Nations Security Council). Highlights: The groups are the Counter-Terrorism Committee, Taliban Sanctions Committee and Libya Sanctions Committee. The Chairman of the Counter-Terrorism Committee evoked a special response in India. Not only has India been at the forefront of combating terrorism, especially cross-border terrorism, but it’s also one among India’s biggest victims. Considering India’s strong interest and commitment to peace, security, development and progress in Afghanistan. The Taliban Sanctions Committee has always a top priority for India. When the international community pays attention to Libya and therefore the social process, India will assume the chairmanship of the Libya sanctions committee at a critical juncture.
Month: Current Affairs January 2021