General Awareness

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - September 2017

Sep 2017

May 07, 2024

José Raúl Mulino Wins Panama's Presidential Election

In a significant political development, José Raúl Mulino has emerged victorious in Panama's presidential election, securing nearly 35% of the counted votes with over 92% of the ballots tallied. The 64-year-old former security minister has gained an unassailable 9% lead over his nearest rival, prompting three of his closest opponents to concede defeat.
Mulino: From Vice-Presidential Candidate to President
Initially, Mulino was chosen as the Vice-Presidential candidate by former President Ricardo Martinelli, who was the initial Presidential candidate. However, after Martinelli's conviction for money laundering and subsequent 10-year prison sentence, he fled and sought political asylum in the Nicaraguan embassy in the capital. Mulino stepped in to replace Martinelli as the Presidential candidate, garnering support from the Achieving Goals and Alliance parties

Putin Begins New Term, Enters into Era of Extraordinary Power in Russia

Just a few months short of a quarter-century as Russia's leader, Vladimir Putin put his hand on a copy of the Constitution and began another six-year term as President wielding extraordinary power.
Since becoming acting President on the last day of 1999, Putin has shaped Russia into a monolith crushing political opposition, running independent-minded journalists out of the country and promoting an increasing devotion to prudish traditional values that pushes many in society into the margins.
His influence is so dominant that other officials could only stand submissively on the sidelines as he launched a war in Ukraine despite expectations the invasion would bring international opprobrium and harsh economic sanctions, as well as cost Russia dearly in the blood of its soldiers.
With that level of power, what Putin will do with his next term is a daunting question at home and abroad.

India-Nigeria Local Currency Settlement System Agreement

India and Nigeria have agreed to finalize the Local Currency Settlement System Agreement to enhance bilateral trade. The agreement, to be settled in Indian rupees and Nigerian naira, was discussed during the 2nd session of the India-Nigeria Joint Trade Committee in Abuja.
Led by Amardeep Singh Bhatia, the Indian delegation included officials from RBI, EXIM Bank, and NPCI. The meeting aimed to identify areas for boosting trade cooperation.
Both nations targeted resolving market access issues and enhancing collaboration in sectors like Crude oil, Pharmaceuticals, UPI, Renewable Energy, Agriculture, Education, Transport, MSMEs, etc.

May 06, 2024

Bilawal Bhutto Likely to Become Pakistan's Foreign Minister Again: Report

Pakistan's former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari is likely to make a comeback for another stint as his Pakistan Peoples Party and the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) were close to finalising a power-sharing deal.
They claimed that Bilawal, who was initially reluctant to join the cabinet, agreed to become the foreign minister once again. The two sides are now working on the details and the timing of PPP formally joining the cabinet.
The incumbent Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, was appointed as Deputy Prime Minister to allow room for Bilawal to become the top diplomat.

Nepal to Introduce New Rs. 100 Currency Note Featuring Indian Territories

Nepal announced the printing of a new Rs. 100 currency note with a map that shows the controversial territories of Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani, already termed as artificial enlargement and untenable by India.
The meeting of the council of ministers chaired by Prime Minister Pushpakamal Dahal 'Prachanda' took a decision to print the new map of Nepal, which includes the Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani in the Rs. 100 denomination bank notes.

May 05, 2024

EU Allocates $1 Billion Aid to Lebanon

The European Union, led by EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, pledged $1 billion in aid to Lebanon. Announced during her visit to Lebanon, this commitment aims to bolster the country's socio-economic stability, grappling with a profound economic crisis since late 2019. The funds, available until 2027, are designated to enhance basic services such as education and health, in addition to fostering economic momentum through necessary reforms.
This financial support came in response to Lebanon's dual challenges of hosting a significant number of refugees and managing increased irregular migration.
Lebanon is currently home to around two million Syrian refugees, the highest per capita globally, with almost 785,000 registered with the United Nations amidst ongoing regional conflicts.

May 04, 2024

Sri Lankan Cabinet Approves Renovation of Kankesanthurai Port with Indian Financial Grant

The Sri Lankan Cabinet approved the renovation of the Kankesanthurai Port (KKS Port) in the Northern Province, with India agreeing to grant the entire estimated cost of the project, amounting to USD 61.5 million. The decision highlights India's commitment to enhancing regional cooperation and supporting Sri Lanka's infrastructure development.
The KKS Port, covering an area of approximately 16 acres, is located 104 km (56 nautical miles) from Karaikal Port in Puducherry, India.
A direct passenger ship service connects Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu to the KKS Port, covering a distance of 111 km (60 nautical miles) in about 3.5 hours.
The port has the potential to boost socio-economic development and cultural relations between India and Sri Lanka, particularly in the northern region of the island nation.
The KKS Port began operations as a commercial port in 1950.

John Swinney Set to Become First Minister of Scotland

John Swinney is poised to become head of the Scottish National Party and the next first minister of Scotland.
Main challenger Kate Forbes withdrew from the leadership race, likely avoiding a repeat of last year's contentious contest.
Swinney, the sole formal candidate for leader, rejected suggestions of a temporary term.
Scotland is a province of the United Kingdom.

May 02, 2024

India to Host 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in Kochi

India reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Antarctica's delicate ecosystem and advancing scientific exploration in the region. The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, in collaboration with the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), is set to host the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46) and the 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP 26) from May 20 to 30, 2024, in Kochi, Kerala.
The Antarctic Treaty, enacted in 1959 and enforced in 1961, designates Antarctica as a zone dedicated to peace, scientific collaboration, and environmental preservation. Over 56 countries have ratified the Treaty, showcasing global support for its principles.
Established under the Madrid Protocol in 1991, the CEP advises the ATCM on environmental conservation and protection in Antarctica. India, a Consultative Party since 1983, actively contributes to the decision-making process alongside 28 other Consultative Parties.

Pro-China Candidate Wins Solomon Islands PM Vote

Lawmakers in the Solomon Islands selected a pro-China candidate as their Prime Minister, in an indication the Pacific nation will remain a close Beijing ally.
Jeremiah Manele won the Prime Minister vote, beating out his opponent in a 31-18 count.
He will succeed former PM Manasseh Sogavare, a vocal critic of the West.
Manele was Foreign Minister in 2019, when the Solomons chose to switch its longstanding diplomatic recognition of Taiwan to China - a move that shocked regional neighbours.

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