General Awareness

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - June 2015

Jun 2015

Jan 03, 2024

Claudine Gay Resigns as Harvard University President

Harvard President Claudine Gay resigned from her post after facing month long uproar over her stand on antisemitism in the campus and plagiarism charges levelled against her. The resignation made her tenure at Harvard shortest presidency in the University's history.
Claudine said that after consultation with members of the Corporation, it has become clear that it is in the best interests of Harvard for me to resign so that our community can navigate this moment of extraordinary challenge with a focus on the institution rather than any individual.

Felix Tshisekedi Named President of the Democratic Republic of Congo

Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi won re-election with more than 70% of the vote, the country's election commission said.
President Tshisekedi emerged victorious with approximately 73% of the vote, leaving his closest rival, Moise Katumbi, with 18%. The election faced significant issues, including delayed openings of two-thirds of polling stations and malfunctions in 30% of voting machines on the first day. Millions of voters endured long waits, with some ultimately abandoning the process. Opposition leaders argue that these challenges were part of a systematic plan to rig the results in favour of President Tshisekedi.
Felix Tshisekedi, the son of veteran opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi, secured his first term in 2019. Despite this victory, previous elections, including one contested by Martin Fayulu, have raised questions about the credibility of the electoral system. Fayulu, who garnered 5% in the recent election, had claimed victory in the 2019 poll, with backing from the influential Catholic Church.

Jan 02, 2024

Denmark's Crown Prince Frederik

After an impressive 52-year reign, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, recognised as Europe's longest-serving monarch, declared her intention to abdicate on January 14. The throne will be inherited by her eldest son, Crown Prince Frederik.

Nobel Peace Laureate Muhammad Yunus Convicted in Bangladesh Labour Law Case

The Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus was convicted of violating Bangladesh's labour laws in a trial decried by his supporters as politically motivated.
Yunus, credited with lifting millions out of poverty with his microfinance bank, Grameen, earned the enmity of Sheikh Hasina, the long-time Prime Minister, who has accused him of sucking blood from poor people.
A labour court in the capital Dhaka convicted and sentenced them to "six months' simple imprisonment.

Chad Opposition Leader Masra is PM of Transitional Government

Chadian opposition leader Succes Masra who returned to the central African country following a deal with the ruling junta, was appointed as Prime Minister of the transitional government.
His appointment could be seen as a move by the junta to appease the opposition after a constitutional referendum in which most opposition political parties either called for a boycott or a no vote.
Masra, a staunch opponent of the junta which seized power in April 2021, fled the country after dozens were killed and hundreds injured as security forces cracked down on demonstrations in the capital N'Djamena on October 20, 2022.

Jan 01, 2024

Argentina Rejects BRICS Membership under President Javier Milei

Argentine President Javier Milei officially declined the invitation to join the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) grouping of major emerging economies. The rejection was conveyed through letters sent to BRICS leaders, solidifying Argentina's decision to abstain from the bloc. The libertarian outsider, who assumed office after a significant electoral victory over traditional political parties, had pledged during his campaign not to align Argentina with BRICS.
President Milei's rejection was grounded in the assertion that Argentina's membership was not considered appropriate at this time. The letters emphasized a departure from the foreign policy approach of the previous administration, indicating a comprehensive review of decisions made earlier.

Dec 31, 2023

China Appoints New Defence Minister, 2 Months after Ousting Li Shangfu

China named former naval commander General Dong Jun, said to be a close confidant of President Xi Jinping, as the new Defence Minister, two months after the summary dismissal of General Li Shangfu without an explanation.
Dong, formerly the commander of the Chinese navy, was promoted to the rank of general in September 2021, making him one of the highest-ranking officers in active service.

Dec 30, 2023

GCC Inks Free Trade Deal With South Korea

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) signed a free trade agreement with South Korea, its second trade deal this year (2023), as the six-member bloc intensifies efforts to boost investment ties with major economic partners in Asia.
South Korea will remove tariffs on almost 90% of all items, including liquefied natural gas (LNG), and other petroleum products, while the Gulf states will scrap tariffs on 76.4% of traded products and 4% of traded goods.
The FTA will also cover trade in goods, services, government procurement, as well as cooperation among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), customs procedures, and intellectual property, among others.
Earlier this year (2023), the GCC - comprising Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain - signed a free trade agreement with Pakistan, advanced negotiations with China, and restarted talks with Japan.

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