General Awareness

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - March 2016

Mar 2016

May 20, 2020

Nepal Approves New Map

The updated map of Nepal was presented by the Ministry of Land Management in Council of Ministers meeting.
The new map incorporates northern, southern, western and eastern International borderlines as well as includes the political and administrative arrangements.
The new map also incorporates Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani, territories claimed by Nepal.

Indian Gave Aid Of $2 Million For Palestinian Refugees To UNRWA

India has given USD 2 million in aid to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency working for the welfare of Palestinian refugees in support of its core programmes and services, including education and health, amidst the coronavirus crisis.
About 3.1 million Palestine refugees depend on health services provided by the UNRWA. At the same time, the agency's schools educate 526,000 students every year, of which half are female.
India had increased its annual contribution to the UNRWA from USD 1.25 million in 2016 to USD 5 million in 2019.
It pledged another USD 5 million for 2020 which opens its way to become a member of the agency's advisory commission.
The agency was created in December 1949 by the UN to support the relief and human development of Palestinian refugees.

May 19, 2020

Thomas Thabane Resigns as Lesotho Prime Minister

Thomas Thabane has announced he will step down as prime minister of Lesotho following months of pressure after he was named as a suspect in the murder of his ex-wife.
He did not say when he would leave office but his party said a new premier would be sworn in.
The 80-year-old's current wife, with whom he was living at the time of the murder, was charged in connection with the killing in February, 2020.
The pair have denied any involvement.

Leonardo DiCaprio Joins DR Congo Gorilla Park Campaign After Attack

Leonardo DiCaprio has joined a campaign to support Africa's oldest nature reserve after it came under a deadly attack.
Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a popular tourist attraction and is known for its endangered mountain gorilla population.
In April 2020, 12 rangers at the park were killed in an ambush by a suspected Rwandan rebel group.
DiCaprio has now contributed to a new fund which aims to support the park.
Earth Alliance, a group co-founded by the actor, has donated part of the initial $2

Coronavirus has Japanese Businesses Mulling a Future Without Hanko

Amid government stay-at-home requests to slow the spread of the coronavirus, Japanese companies are increasingly trying to implement work-from-home policies. But some say the use of traditional seals, called hanko or inkan, as proof of agreement is hampering their efforts.
A hanko/inkan (used interchangeably) is a carved stamp that can be used in any situation where an individual, or an individual on behalf of a company, might otherwise use a signature or initials. Signing contracts, doing your banking (at a bank) or receiving a parcel are just three such cases.

May 18, 2020

Mysterious US Military Aircraft Launched

The US Air Force has successfully launched its Atlas V rocket, carrying a X-37B space plane for a secretive mission.
The rocket launched from Cape Canaveral. The aircraft, also known as an Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV), will deploy a satellite into orbit and also test power-beaming technology.
It is the plane's sixth mission in space.
The launch was dedicated to front line workers and those affected by the pandemic. A message including the words "America Strong" was written on the rocket's payload fairing.

India Joins 61 Nations Seeking Probe Into Coronavirus Crisis

With the world battling hard to contain the spread of the novel COVID-19 virus, India has decided to join 61 nations calling for an independent inquiry into the World Health Organisation's (WHO) response to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a draft resolution proposed for 73rd World Health Assembly (WHA) meeting.
The 62 nations have also called the organisation to "identify the zoonotic source of the virus and the route of introduction to human population, including possible role of intermediate hosts" and to enable this through "collaborative field missions."

Germany's Bundesliga Becomes World's First Major Sports Competition to Resume Post COVID-19 Lockdown

Germany's Bundesliga has become the world's first major sports competition to resume its season post nationwide lockdown imposed to contain coronavirus pandemic.
The European Football League's remaining matches from the 2019-20 season kickstarted from May 16, 2020.
Though football is back, the games during corona-era will not be played in the same way as before. The Bundesliga games resumed with empty stadiums, behind closed doors with no fans to minimise the risk of coronavirus infection.

Israel Swears in New Gov't as Netanyahu Pledges Annexation Push

Israel's parliament has sworn in a new government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former rival Benny Gantz, ending the longest political crisis in the country's history.
After more than 500 days without a stable government and three inconclusive elections, lawmakers in the 120-seat Knesset approved a three-year coalition, with 73 voting for and 49 against. One member was absent.

Afghan President and Rival Announce Power-Sharing Deal

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and political rival Abdullah Abdullah signed a power-sharing agreement.
The political deal would see Ghani remain president of the war-torn. The deal also calls for Abdullah to lead the country's National Reconciliation High Council, and he will be able to appoint half of Ghani's Cabinet and issue executive orders.
The Reconciliation Council has been given the authority to handle and approve all affairs related to Afghanistan's peace process. The council will have five deputies from both leaders' teams.

May 17, 2020

Chinese Ambassador to Israel Found Dead at Home

China's Ambassador to Israel, Du Wei, has been found dead in his apartment north of Tel Aviv.
The official said Israeli police had launched an investigation but initial findings suggested no foul play.
Mr Du, 57, was only appointed ambassador in February 2020 having previously served as envoy to Ukraine.

May 15, 2020

WTO Head Steps Down a Year Early as Downturn Looms

The head of the World Trade Organization has said he will step down a year earlier than planned, at a crucial moment for the global economy.
Roberto Azevedo's surprise departure comes as the WTO faces the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and criticism from US President Donald Trump.
Global trade has slumped and the world is braced for the worst downturn since the Great Depression.
Meanwhile, Mr Trump has accused the body of treating America unfairly.

Namibian President Bans New Cars for Ministers

Namibian ministers and government officials have been banned by the president from buying a new car for five years so that the money can be spent on dealing with coronavirus.
The measure will save $10.7m (£8.8m).

Share on

TCY Analytics (View Subscription Plans)

Subscribe to GK Updates

I want to receive

GK Tags

September GK, August GK, July GK, INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, ENVIRONMENT, BUSINESS AND ECONOMY, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, SPORTS, NATIONAL AFFAIRS, DEFENCE, PERSONS IN NEWS, DAYS AND EVENTS, AWARDS AND HONOURS, GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES, GENDER/ HEALTH/ EDUCATION, ART AND CULTURE, BOOKS AND AUTHORS, TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS, ART AND CULTURE, LAW AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Start Discussion

On any topic

Take Tests

Compiled from GK updates

Login

Sign Up

Forgot Password

Download TCY App

Unlock All Services And Enjoy The Premium Benefits

US$ 10

US$ 13

US$ 15

US$ 17

US$ 19

US$ 20

US$ 21

US$ 22

US$ 23

US$ 24

US$ 25

US$ 26