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INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - November 2016

Nov 2016

Oct 10, 2024

Bangladesh Forms Nine-Member Constitution Reform Commission

Bangladesh's interim government established a nine-member Constitution Reform Commission, headed by Bangladeshi-American professor Ali Riaz, to review and propose reforms within 90 days. The commission, formed after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned, aims to create a more representative and democratic framework. Members include professors, legal experts, and student representatives, with student Mahfuj Alam serving as special assistant to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. The commission is part of broader reforms announced by Yunus, which include commissions for judiciary, police, electoral system, public administration, and anti-corruption.
The interim government also announced five other commissions to reform key sectors. The commissions aim to strengthen governance, particularly in the judiciary and electoral systems, for free and fair elections. Final consultations with political parties will follow these reforms.

Oct 09, 2024

North Korea Appoints New Defence Minister

North Korea appointed a new Defence Minister, while making no mention of an expected step by Pyongyang to harden its position against Seoul.
No Kwang Chol was named the new Defence Minister at a key parliamentary meeting, succeeding Kang Sun Nam.
No was part of Kim's delegations during visits to Singapore in 2018 and Vietnam in 2019 for discussions with then-US President Donald Trump.

Tunisian President Wins Second Term with Landslide

In an election that was criticised by rights groups, Tunisia's President Kais Saied won a second term with more than 90% of the vote, the electoral commission has said.
Only two candidates out of more than a dozen other hopefuls were allowed to stand against President Saied in the ballot, where only 29% of the more than nine million registered voters took part.
Saied's closest challenger, businessman Ayachi Zammel, won 7% of the vote despite being sentenced to 12 years in prison for falsifying documents - just five days before the poll.

Oct 08, 2024

India-Maldives Ties Strengthened: RuPay Card Launch and Airport Upgrade

The recent inauguration of a new runway at Hanimadhoo International Airport and the launch of the RuPay card in the Maldives signify a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between India and the Maldives. Conducted through a virtual ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu marked these developments as essential steps to enhance economic ties and boost tourism cooperation.
The discussions preceding the launch focused on charting a new path for future collaboration, reinforcing the longstanding bonds built on trade and cultural exchanges.
The introduction of the RuPay card aims to facilitate cashless transactions for Indian tourists, enhancing convenience and reducing costs in the Maldives' tourism sector. This initiative is expected to strengthen economic cooperation between the two nations.
The new runway at Hanimadhoo International Airport is part of a broader airport redevelopment project funded by an Indian Line of Credit of USD 132 million. This project includes modern infrastructure upgrades, such as a new Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, a hangar, cargo facilities, and a passenger terminal building.

Japanese Parliament Confirms Ishiba as New PM

Members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) used their majority to confirm Ishiba's appointment. The 67-year-old replaces outgoing leader Fumio Kishida.
Following the vote, Ishiba revealed his cabinet, comprising 19 ministers. As well as getting to grips with running the government, the new premier must quickly prepare for snap elections on October 27, which he called on Monday.
Ishiba's appointment comes after he secured on Friday a narrow victory in a contest to lead the LDP, which has been in power for much of the past 80 years.

India and Maldives Ink Five Pacts

India has extended significant financial aid to the Maldives by signing a $750 million currency swap agreement to ease the country's foreign exchange crisis. This includes a $400 million swap and an additional Rs. 3,000 crore ($357 million) under the SAARC Currency Swap Framework, available until 2027.
The agreement was sealed during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who is on a five-day visit to India. Both leaders discussed key economic and security collaborations, adopting a "vision statement" that reinforces their partnership.

Oct 07, 2024

Nepal, India, and Bangladesh Sign Historic Electricity Trade Agreement

Nepal, India, and Bangladesh entered into a significant tripartite agreement aimed at facilitating cross-border electricity trade, marking a notable step in regional energy cooperation. This agreement allows Nepal to export its surplus electricity to Bangladesh via India during the rainy season, specifically from June 15 to November 15 each year. In the initial phase, Nepal is set to export 40 MW of hydroelectricity, leveraging India's infrastructure for transmission. The agreed rate per unit of electricity is fixed at 6.4 cents, with Nepal expected to generate approximately USD 9.2 million annually from this trade.
The agreement was signed in Kathmandu by NEA Executive Director Kulman Ghising, NTPC Vidyut Byapar Nigam CEO Deino Naran, and Bangladesh Power Development Board Chairman Mohamad Rizwan Karim, with the presence of Nepal's Energy Minister Dipak Khadka and Bangladeshi counterpart Sayeda Rijwana Hasan.
This agreement not only strengthens energy ties among the three nations but also paves the way for further regional cooperation in energy sustainability and infrastructure development, highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing energy needs and promoting economic growth in South Asia.

Singapore Ends over 180 Years of Horse Racing to Provide Land for New Homes

Over 180 years of horse racing in Singapore ended. The Singapore Turf Club hosted its final race on October 5 and now the track would be handed back to the government to provide land for new homes.
As per reports, the race track of more than 300 acres would be bulldozed for new public and private homes as Singapore is trying to accommodate a growing population that crossed six million this year.
Though the government's decision to end horse racing sent shockwaves through the riding and training community in Singapore, horse racing has already been on the decline in the country.

Oct 04, 2024

WETEX 2024 in Dubai

The 26th Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) 2024 was held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, featuring a strong Indian presence with 29 leading companies participating in the Indian pavilion. The event, organised by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), concluded on October 3, showcasing cutting-edge innovations in renewable energy, water treatment, and environmental technologies.
Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE, highlighted the significance of Indian participation at WETEX 2024. He emphasised that the companies in the Indian pavilion are demonstrating advanced technologies and sustainable projects that support the green economy and contribute to realizing the Sustainable Development Goals.
WETEX 2024 features 16 international pavilions from 14 countries, underscoring its global significance in promoting sustainable technologies and fostering international partnerships.

Britain Returns Chagos Islands to Mauritius, But Retains Diego Garcia Airbase

The UK agreed to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, ending years of bitter dispute over Britain's last African colony.
The agreement allows a right of return for Chagossians, who the UK expelled from their homes in the 1960s and 1970s, in what has been described as a crime against humanity and one of the most shameful episodes of post-war colonialism.
However, there is an exception for the key island of Diego Garcia, which is home to a joint UK-US military base, and which will remain under UK control. Plans for the base were the reason the UK severed the Chagos Islands from the rest of Mauritius when it granted the latter independence in 1968 and forcibly displaced up to 2,000 people.

UN Chief Guterres Banned to Enter in the Israel

Foreign Minister of Israel Katz announced that they decided to declare the U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres an undesirable personality in Israel and banned his entry into Israel. Israel banned UN chief António Guterres from entry for failing to condemn Iran's missile attacks on Israel.
Iran launched a 180-ballistic missile attack on Israel on 1st October Night in a joint effort between the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and allied militant groups, including Hezbollah and the Houthis.
The attack was in response to Israel's killings of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, among several other leaders.

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