General Awareness

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - October 2017

Oct 2017

Apr 05, 2022

UN Human Rights Council Names Tuvalu Negotiator Dr. Ian Fry as Climate Expert

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) appointed Dr. Ian Fry as the world's first independent expert for human rights and climate change.
He has negotiated on behalf of least developed countries including at the 2015 Paris climate conference where he helped ensure that human rights were part of the final package.The position of Special Rapporteur for human rights and climate change was created by UNHRC in October 2021. The new independent expert will have the mandate to "study and identify how the adverse effects of climate change, including sudden and slow-onset disasters, affect the full and effective enjoyment of human rights and make recommendations on how to address and prevent these adverse effects".
The headquarters of the Council are in Geneva, Switzerland.

Viktor Orban Wins Fourth Term as Prime Minister of Hungary

Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban won a fourth successive term in office by a landslide victory in the country's general elections for 2022. His right-wing Fidesz party secured 53.1% of the total 98% of the count complete. The 58-year-old is already the longest-serving head of government in the EU, since assuming the role of Prime Minister in May 2010.
The 58-year-old, already the longest-serving head of government in the EU, was challenged by six united opposition parties seeking to roll back the "illiberal" revolution Orban's Fidesz party has pursued during 12 consecutive years in office.

Russia Prepares Bill Seeking Jail Terms for Adhering to Sanctions

Russian lawmakers submitted a draft bill to the Lower House of parliament, or the Duma, that envisages a prison term of up to 10 years and fines for adhering to Western sanctions in Russia.
The bill, if passed, would mark further tightening of Russian laws after Moscow launched what it calls "a special military operation" in Ukraine on Feb. 24, prompting an unprecedented wave of Western economic sanctions in response.
The new bill, which needs to be approved by the parliament and signed by President Vladimir Putin before it becomes law, aims to prevent a deterioration of Russia's economic situation.
A number of Russian companies, including firms partially owned by the state, are refusing to work with sanctioned banks and companies because they fear they could land on the sanctions list as well.

Apr 04, 2022

India's Aprajita Sharrma Selected for the Prestigious ITU Position

An Indian official was selected as vice-chairperson of the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) Council Standing Committee on Administration and Management, giving India a leadership position. Ms. Aprajita Sharma, an IP&TAF Service officer, was appointed vice-chair of the Standing Committee on Administration and Management at the International Telecommunication Union's Council session.
Aprajita would continue to serve as vice-chairperson of the Council Standing Committee in 2023 and 2024 and as chairman in 2025 and 2026.

Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari Inaugurates Himalayan Hydro Expo-2022

Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari inaugurated the Himalayan Hydro Expo-2022, a three-day event aimed to boost the viability and capacity of the hydroelectric sector in the country.
At the expo, close to 100 companies from India and Nepal are showcasing their products and services related to hydropower generation. Themed "creating markets for Nepal's hydropower", around 60,000 people are expected to visit the expo.

Apr 03, 2022

Indians Top as Canada Admits 108,000 New Immigrants in 1st Quarter

In 2021, nearly 100,000 Indians became permanent residents of Canada as the country admitted a record 405,000 new immigrants in its history. Canada, which plans to admit a record 432,000 new immigrants in 2022, is on target to hit this mark as the country welcomed 108,000 newcomers in the first three months of the year.
There are over 622,000 foreign students in Canada, with Indians numbering 217,410 as of December 31, 2021.

China, Solomons Islands Ink Draft of Controversial Security Pact

China and the Solomon Islands signed a draft version of a security pact that could see Chinese police and other forces take up duties in the Pacific Island nation, drawing concerns from traditional partners New Zealand, Australia and the United States.
The agreement aims to respond to Solomon Islands' soft and hard domestic threats.
Under the terms of the draft agreement, China could send police, military personnel and other armed forces to the Solomon Islands to assist in maintaining social order and for a variety of other reasons. It could also send warships to the islands for stopovers and to replenish supplies, leading to speculation about the possibility of China establishing a naval base on the islands.

Apr 02, 2022

Nepal PM on His Maiden Visit to India after Becoming PM in July 2021

Deuba's trip comes on the heels of an invitation by his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, which the Nepali leader has accepted. This will be Deuba's first official trip since his appointment as Prime Minister in July last year. Deuba and Modi, however, met in Glasgow in November last year on the sidelines of the UN climate conference.

Apr 01, 2022

State of World Population Report

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) publishes the State of World Population (SoWP) report annually. The 2022 version of this report was released.
The State of World Population Report 2022 was titled "Seeing the Unseen: The case for action in the neglected crisis of unintended pregnancy."
Between the years 2015 to 2019, there was a rise in unintended pregnancies which numbered around 121 million across the globe annually.
The report stated that there has been a rise in rape-related pregnancies. Among women who have experienced partner violence contraceptive use is 53 percent lower. There is more chance of pregnancies occurring due to rape than consensual sex.
In 1967, UNFPA was established. It is a sexual and reproductive health agency of the United Nations. In 1969, the UNFPA became operational and it works as a subsidiary under the UN General Assembly. Its earlier name was United Nations Fund for Population Activities and in 1987 it was renamed as United Nations Population Fund but retained the abbreviation 'UNFPA.'

India, Australia to Collaborate in Lithium and Cobalt Identification Projects

The plan is to involve agencies and companies in both the countries to identify opportunities that come up for mining these key minerals and take joint investment decisions and acquisition of the assets in Australia. India and Australia have agreed to jointly undertake due diligence of greenfield and brownfield Lithium and Cobalt mineral assets that holds critical and strategic interest for both countries.
Both India and Australia have committed an initial investment of $ 6 Million for the joint due diligence process in the 50:50 ratio of participating interest.

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