General Awareness

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - February 2016

Feb 2016

Feb 21, 2024

PML-N and PPP to Form Coalition Government

Two major Pakistan political parties reached a formal agreement to form a coalition government, ending days of intense negotiations after an inconclusive national election did not return a clear majority.
The agreement between Bhutto Zardari's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of three-time Premier Nawaz Sharif ended days of uncertainty and negotiations after the elections produced a hung national assembly.
Bhutto Zardari confirmed that former premier Shehbaz Sharif would be the coalition's candidate for Prime Minister.
He added that his father Asif Ali Zardari will be the alliance's candidate for the country's president.
PML-N is the largest party with 79 seats and PPP is second with 54. They, along with four other smaller parties, have a comfortable majority in the legislature of 264 seats.

Feb 19, 2024

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar Attends 60th Munich Security Conference in Germany

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar participated in the 60th Munich Security Conference in Germany. During the conference, he engaged in various discussions and meetings with global leaders to address bilateral cooperation and key global and regional concerns.
On the sidelines of the conference, Jaishankar engaged in fruitful discussions with various global leaders. He met with US Secretary of State Blinken and British counterpart David Cameron, focusing on topics ranging from West Asia and Ukraine to the Indo-Pacific. Discussions also included a review of the progress in India-US bilateral relations.
The 60th Munich Security Conference, which spanned for three days, served as a platform for high-level debates on the world's most pressing security challenges.

The 16th Conference of the World Social Forum

The 16th conference of the World Social Forum was held in Kathmandu. The five-day WSF 2024 under the 'Another World is Possible' banner aimed to open horizontal exchange among civil society organisations, social movements, trade unions and individuals opposing neoliberal globalisation.
The Forum served as a vital platform for open and horizontal exchange among civil society organisations, social movements, trade unions and individuals opposing neoliberal globalisation. This edition of the WSF focused on a myriad of pressing issues including economic inequality, climate justice, labour, migration, caste discrimination, gender equality, peace, sustainable development and many others, to engage in dialogue and actions that challenge neoliberal globalisation and promote a more equitable, sustainable, and just world.
Since its inception in 2001, the WSF has been a beacon for social movements, unions and activists to come together, share experiences, and build strategies for change. The Kathmandu Forum represents a significant milestone, showcasing the resilience and diversity of global solidarity movements. It offers a unique platform for discussing solutions to many pressing global issues such as economic inequality, climate change, social justice and the rights of indigenous peoples.

Feb 18, 2024

'Operation Dunki': Nepal Police Bust Trafficking Racket in Kathmandu

Eleven Indian nationals, mostly students, held hostage for over two weeks with a promise to facilitate travel to the USA, were rescued as Nepal police busted a human trafficking racket and arrested eight Indian mafia members along with their Nepali accomplice here.
Nepal police named it 'Operation Dunki' as the case turned out to be similar to the situation shown in popular Indian actor Shah Rukh Khan's 2023 movie Dunki. The rescued persons and mafia members came mostly from the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana.

Feb 17, 2024

India Leads the Charge at the 62nd Session of the Commission for Social Development

India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ruchira Kamboj, chaired the 62nd Session of the Commission for Social Development, marking a notable moment in international cooperation on social development issues. Held from February 5-15, the session concentrated on reinforcing global collaboration to tackle pressing social challenges, a priority that aligns with the broader objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Under the theme 'Fostering Social Development and Social Justice through Social Policies to Accelerate Progress on the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to Achieve the Overarching Goal of Poverty Eradication', the session aimed to address critical social challenges. This theme underscores the Commission's commitment to leveraging social policies as a means to eradicate poverty and ensure equitable progress for all.
Ruchira Kamboj's stewardship of the session was pivotal in navigating the Commission's focus towards achieving meaningful outcomes. India's role was instrumental in the adoption of four significant resolutions that are expected to contribute substantially to social development globally. These resolutions encompass a range of issues from promoting care and support systems, addressing the social dimensions of the New Partnership for Africa's Development, and setting priority themes for future sessions of the Commission.
India's chairmanship of the 62nd Session of the Commission for Social Development marked a significant achievement, being the first time since 1975 that the country has held this esteemed position. The Commission, an essential intergovernmental platform under the Economic and Social Council, remains a key forum for promoting dialogue and advancing international cooperation on social development.

Feb 16, 2024

US House Passes Quad Bill

The US House of Representatives passed the Quad bill, aiming to enhance collaboration among the United States, Australia, India, and Japan. This legislative move signifies a significant step toward fostering closer ties and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Quad bill directs the Biden administration to establish a Quad Intra-Parliamentary Working Group to facilitate closer cooperation among the four nations.
This group will serve as a platform for strategic discussions and coordination on various regional and global issues.
The bill was passed by a roll call vote of 379 to 39 votes.
Within 180 days of the bill's enactment, the State Department is required to submit a strategy to Congress outlining plans to increase engagement and cooperation within the Quad. This strategy will address key areas such as pandemic preparedness, technological innovation, and economic integration.
The bill also established a US group, comprising a maximum of 24 members of Congress, to represent the United States in the Quad Intra-Parliamentary Working Group. Guidelines for annual meetings and group leadership are also outlined to ensure effective coordination and communication.

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