General Awareness

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - February 2016

Feb 2016

Sep 23, 2024

Macron Unveils New Right-wing French Government

French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled his new government almost three months after a snap general election delivered a hung parliament.
The long-awaited new line up, led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier, marks a decisive shift to the right, even though a left-wing alliance won most parliamentary seats.
Despite the partnership between Macron's centrist party and those on the right, parliament remains fractured and will rely on the support of other parties to pass legislation.
It comes as the European Union puts France on notice over its spiralling debt, which now far exceeds EU rules.
Among those gaining a position in the new cabinet is Bruno Retailleau, a key member of the conservative Republicans Party founded by former President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Sri Lanka's New President Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Left-leaning politician Anura Kumara Dissanayake was elected as Sri Lanka's next President after he won the debt-ridden country's first election since its economy collapsed in 2022.
He beat off his nearest rival, opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, and emerged as the clear winner after a historic second round of counting, which included second-preference votes. Outgoing President Ranil Wikremesinghe trailed in third.

Sep 21, 2024

Jordan Becomes First Country to Receive WHO Verification for Eliminating Leprosy

The World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognised Jordan as the first country globally to eliminate leprosy, marking a significant milestone in public health. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised this achievement, emphasising the collective efforts to stop transmission and reduce the stigma associated with leprosy. Saima Wazed, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia, highlighted that Jordan's success is not only a victory over the disease but also against the associated psychological and socio-economic harms.
Jordan has not reported any indigenous cases of leprosy for over 20 years, a testament to the nation's strong political commitment and effective public health strategies. An independent verification team, commissioned by WHO, confirmed this status after a thorough assessment, validating Jordan's elimination of the disease.

Sep 20, 2024

SIF 2024 Unveils World's First AI-Powered Trade Licence Service

The Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF) 2024 concluded, marking a significant milestone in the realm of global business and technology. Held at the prestigious Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre, this two-day event drew an impressive crowd of over 5,000 attendees, including a diverse array of high-profile officials, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from around the world.
SIF 2024 established itself as a pivotal platform for knowledge sharing and networking, offering attendees a rich tapestry of experiences.
The highlight of SIF 2024 was undoubtedly the unveiling of the world's first AI-powered trade licence service. This groundbreaking innovation represents a significant leap forward in business facilitation and government services.

Sep 18, 2024

Ursula von der Leyen Unveils New European Commission Team

The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, presented her proposed new team of commissioners after negotiations with the EU's member states.
The European Commission is the EU's equivalent of a cabinet, and each commissioner is responsible for a different portfolio.
Out of a total of 26 proposed commissioners, 10 are women and 16 are men.
When she was elected European Commission president for a second five-year term in July (2024), Ms von der Leyen has asked member countries to put forward two names, a man and a woman, as candidates.

World Bank Pledges Additional Support of $2 Billion for Bangladesh

The World Bank said it could mobilise an additional USD 2 billion in financing to Bangladesh in this fiscal year to support critical reforms, flood response, better air quality and health.
World Bank Country Director Abdoulaye Seck pledged the assistance when he called on interim government's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka. He said the World Bank was committed to increasing lending to Bangladesh in this fiscal year to help the reform agenda of the interim government.
His remarks came days after the US Agency for International Development-Bangladesh on Sunday said it would provide USD 202.25 million in aid to Bangladesh.

Sep 17, 2024

Jordan's King Appoints New Prime Minister after Parliamentary Elections

Jordan's King Abdullah II accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Bisher al-Khasawneh following parliamentary elections. Al-Khasawneh, a seasoned diplomat who had been in office since October 2020, resigned after legislative elections.
Jafar Hassan, a technocrat and former Planning Minister was appointed as the new Prime Minister.

India at G20 Agriculture Ministerial Meeting in Cuiabá, Brazil

India participated in the G20 Agriculture Ministerial Meeting in Cuiabá, Brazil. Led by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Ram Nath Thakur, the Indian delegation engaged in bilateral discussions with several global partners to enhance agricultural cooperation and address market access issues.
Ram Nath Thakur highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India prioritises agricultural development. Our approach not only focuses on productivity but also ensures economic, social, environmental sustainability, enhancing farmer prosperity and embodying a comprehensive vision for development. He further mentioned that India is implementing the world's largest food-based safety net programs to ensure food security and nutrition.
The meeting centered around discussions on four key priority areas for global agriculture: First, sustainability of agriculture and food systems in their multiple paths; Second, enhancing international trade's contribution to food security and nutrition; Third, elevating the essential role of family farmers, smallholders, indigenous peoples and local communities in sustainable, resilient and inclusive agriculture and food systems; Fourth, promote the integration of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture into local and global value chains.

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