General Awareness

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - February 2016

Feb 2016

May 04, 2022

Prime Minister Modi Participates in India-Denmark Business Forum in Copenhagen

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi jointly participated with Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, in the India- Denmark Business Forum at the Confederation of Danish Industry.
Prime Minister emphasized the complemetary skillsets of the two economies and invited Danish companies to take advantage of India's enormous opportunities in areas like green technologies, cold chains, waste to wealth, shipping and ports, among others. He highlighted the business-friendly approach of India and exhorted business communities of both sides to explore collaboration opportunities.
Prime Minister Frederiksen highlighted the role of the business communities in forming a bridge between the two countries.

India Falls 8 Places to 150th Position in World Press Freedom Ranking

According to a report by a global media watchdog, India's ranking in the World Press Freedom Index fell down to 150th position from 2021's 142nd rank out of 180 countries. The ranking of India's neighbours, except that of Nepal, have also slid down, with the index placing Pakistan at 157th position, Sri Lanka 146th, Bangladesh 162nd and Maynmar at 176th position, the report released by Reporters Without Borders said. According to the RSF 2022 World Press Freedom Index, Nepal has climbed up by 30 points in the global ranking at 76th position. In 2021, the Himalayan nation had been placed at 106th position, Pakistan at 145th, Sri Lanka 127th, Bangladesh 152nd and Myanmar at 140th position in the index.
In 2022, Norway (1st) Denmark (2nd), Sweden (3rd) Estonia (4th) and Finland (5th) grabbed the top positions, while North Korea remained at the bottom of the list of the 180 countries and territories.

May 03, 2022

India to Receive 10 bn Euros for Green Projects from Germany until 2030

Germany made an advance commitment to provide 10 billion euros of new and additional developmental assistance in India until 2030 under the Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) on Green and Sustainable Development Partnership signed between the two countries. The JDI provides "a long term strategic perspective" to the development cooperation agenda between India and Germany.
A total of nine agreements in multiple areas were signed between India and Germany on the occasion of the sixth India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC).
PM Modi received a ceremonial guard of honour followed by a bilateral meeting with the German chancellor Olaf Scholz. This was their first engagement since Chancellor Scholz assumed office in December 2021.

Bangladesh Discovers a New Gas Field of 20 MMCFD Capacity

Bangladesh discovered a new gas field with the capacity to produce 20 million cubic feet of gas per day (MMCFD) at the Koilastila Gas field. The announcement was made by the State Minister for power, energy and mineral resources Nasrul Hamid. The production capacity of the well will last for several years.
Koilastila Gas Field is one of the five gas fields purchased from the Shell Oil company by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975 for just 4.5 million pounds.
The first gas field in Bangladesh was made in Sylhet in 1955. Bangladesh currently produces 2370 MMCFD from its 26 commercial gas fields out of which 85 percent comes from the top 4 gas fields. Bibiyana Gas Field and Titas Gas field are its major locations for production of gas. It is estimated that Bangladesh has a remaining gas reserve of 11 trillion cubic feet.

Indian-origin Nand Mulchandani is 1st-ever Chief Technology Officer of CIA

Nand Mulchandani, an Indian-origin man with more than 25 years of experience in Silicon Valley as well as the Department of Defense (DoD), was appointed by Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as the first-ever Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Mulchandani brings substantial private sector, startup, and government expertise to the Agency. In his new role, Mulchandani will ensure the Agency is leveraging cutting-edge innovations and scanning the horizon for tomorrow's innovations to further the CIA's mission.
Mulchandani holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from Cornell University, a Master's in Science and Management from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, and a Master of Public Administration from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

May 02, 2022

EU Emerges Top Purchaser of Fossil Fuels from Russia since Ukraine Invasion: CREA Report

According to data published by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), the European Union (EU) was the top purchaser of fossil fuels from Russia, since the country invaded Ukraine in February 24, 2022, with imports worth €44 billion that accounted for 71 per cent of Russia's exports of the commodity worth €63 billion in the period.
Interestingly, despite the West's focus on India's economic dealings with Russia, New Delhi's purchase of crude and fossil fuel from the country in the period was much below $ 1 billion and even lower than purchases made by the US, according to data projected in the report.
Western powers, including the EU and the US, announced a number of economic sanctions against Russia following its attack on Ukraine, in order to financially isolate it. However, because of the dependence of many countries, including European nations, on Russian fossil fuels, the report shows that trade is continuing to take place.

Delhi-NCR Ranks 9th in Asia Pacific in Occupancy Cost for Office Space

According to Knight Frank India, Delhi-NCR ranked ninth in Asia Pacific in terms of occupancy cost for prime office space at USD 60.1 per square feet per year. Hong Kong SAR was at the first position with an occupancy cost of USD 186 per square feet, followed by Singapore (USD 105), Tokyo (USD 101.2), Sydney (USD 98.6) and Beijing (USD 84.8).
Hong Kong SAR continued to be Asia's most expensive office market with a cost at USD 186 per square feet per year. Delhi-NCR was the 9th most expensive market at USD 60 per square feet per year (Rs. 376/sq ft/month). Mumbai at USD 50.9 per sq ft per year (Rs. 318 per square feet per month) and Bengaluru at USD 26.7 per square feet per year (Rs. 167 per square per month) were at 15th and 21st positions in terms of most expensive office locations, respectively.

PM Participates in Unveiling of Sardar Patel's Statue in Canada

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated virtually at an event in Canada's Markham where a statue of Sardar Patel was unveiled at the Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre. PM Modi hailed the unveiling of the statue as a great initiative by the Indian diaspora to deepen cultural linkages with India.
Noting that the unveiling of the statue took place on the occasion of Gujarat Diwas, the Prime Minister hoped along with the Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, the event will enable people of Canada to look more closely at India.

India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to Provide Enhanced Market Access and Redu...

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and the United Arab Emirates came into force on May 1, 2022 that would allow 90% of the country's exports a duty-free access to the Emirates.
Officials of the commerce and industry ministry flagged off the first consignment of goods from India to UAE under the pact. The CEPA is likely to benefit about $26 billion worth of Indian products that are currently subjected to 5% import duty by the UAE, India's third-biggest trading partner behind the US and China.

India, Russia, China on United States' Intellectual Property Protection 'Priority Watch List'

India, China, Russia, and four other countries were added to the US's annual 'Priority Watch List' for intellectual property protection and enforcement. Argentina, Chile, Indonesia, and Venezuela are among the other countries on the Office of the United States Trade Representative's list. All seven countries on this year's list were also on the previous year's list.
US Trade Representative Katherine Tai indicated in her Special 301 Report on the adequacy and effectiveness of US trading partners' protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights that these nations will be the focus of particularly intense bilateral engagement in 2023. The Special 301 Report is an annual assessment of the state of intellectual property protection and enforcement around the world.

May 01, 2022

Mission SAGAR IX: INS Gharial Reaches Colombo, Delivers Critical Medical Aid to Sri Lanka

With the overarching aim of providing critical medical aid to Sri Lanka during the ongoing crisis, INS Gharial as part of Mission SAGAR IX reached Colombo. It delivered over 760 kg of 107 types of critical lifesaving medicines. The shipment was received by Sri Lankan Health Minister Channa Jayasumana.
In line with the Government's vision of SAGAR - Security And Growth for All in the Region - the Indian Navy undertakes several deployments titled Mission SAGAR to assist friendly countries. Since May 2020, the Indian Navy has successfully concluded eight such missions, deploying ten ships to 18 Friendly Foreign Countries.

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Agrees to Remove Brother as PM

As per reports, Sri Lanka's President agreed to replace his older brother as Prime Minister in a proposed interim government to solve a political impasse caused by the country's worst economic crisis in decades.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa agreed that a national council will be appointed to name a new prime minister and a Cabinet comprised of all parties in Parliament.
Rajapaksa earlier reshuffled his Cabinet and offered a unity government in an attempt to quell the protests, but opposition parties refused to join a government headed by the Rajapaksa brothers.

Apr 29, 2022

Russia Withdraws from UN Tourism Body Ahead of Vote on its Suspension

Russia withdrew from the United Nation's tourism body, the UN World Tourism Organization ahead of a vote to suspend Moscow's membership over its military operation of Ukraine.The UNWTO announced in March 2022 that it wanted to suspend Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. The decision must be approved by two-thirds of its 159 member states at a two-day extraordinary general assembly which got underway in Madrid in April 2022. The UNWTO said the vote will go ahead even though Russia has said it is withdrawing from the body to give member states their say.

Border Haat at Indo-Bangladesh Border in Meghalaya Opens after Gap of Two Years

The Border Haat at Bangladesh-Meghalaya border was opened after a gap of two years. The decision to open the Border Haat between Balat in East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya and Lauwaghar at Dalora in Sunamganj District of Bangladesh was taken by the Joint Border Haat Management Committee.
At present, India and Bangladesh have seven established Border Haats and nine more new Border Haats are in the pipeline. Border Haats enable local residents on both sides of the border to trade the local produce. At the Border Haats local community from Bangladesh and India gets an opportunity to sell locally produced agricultural and horticultural products, small agriculture and household goods, minor forest products, fresh and dry fish, cottage industry items, wooden furniture, handloom and handicraft items, etc.

India, European Union Agree to Establish Trade and Technology Council

India and the European Union (EU) agreed to establish a Trade and Technology Council, a strategic mechanism to address the challenges of ensuring trusted technology and security in the wake of rapid geopolitical changes — a move that is expected to deepen their strategic relationship.
The decision to set up such a council will be the first for India with any of its partners and second for the EU, following the first one with the US.
The announcement came in the backdrop of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's two-day visit to the national Capital.

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