General Awareness

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - March 2017

Mar 2017

Oct 11, 2024

China's 'Anaconda Strategy' Tightens Grip on Taiwan

Beijing is systematically increasing pressure on Taiwan through a multifaceted strategy that military officials describe as the 'Anaconda Strategy', aimed at compelling Taipei to accept reunification as inevitable. Although the situation around Taiwan has been relatively stable compared to global conflicts like those in Ukraine, this calm may be deceptive. Chinese military activities are intensifying, with a marked increase in air and naval incursions near Taiwan, raising concerns about a potential blockade or cyber warfare aimed at crippling Taiwan's economy and communications.
Taiwanese officials reported a significant rise in Chinese military activities, with air incursions across the median line in the Taiwan Strait increasing over five-fold in recent months, from 36 in January to 193 in August. Naval vessels operating around Taiwan have also doubled, from 142 to 282 in the same timeframe. These exercises are becoming more sophisticated, involving joint operations among the People's Liberation Army (PLA) branches, indicating preparations for a potential blockade or amphibious assault.

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.

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