General Awareness

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - January 2018

Jan 2018

Aug 21, 2024

Kazakhstan Takes Lead in Global Push for Nuclear Disarmament amid Heightened Tensions

In a world increasingly shadowed by the threat of nuclear conflict, Kazakhstan is stepping up its efforts in the global disarmament movement. On August 27-28, 2024, in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), Kazakhstan will host a critical workshop in Astana. This gathering, the first of its kind in five years, is set to reinvigorate the five existing Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones (NWFZs) and enhance cooperation and consultation among them.
This initiative aligns with UN Secretary-General António Guterres's Agenda for Disarmament, particularly Action 5, which emphasises the strengthening of NWFZs through enhanced collaboration between zones, urging nuclear-armed states to respect relevant treaties, and supporting the establishment of new zones, such as in the Middle East. This effort reflects the global community's ongoing push to reduce the nuclear threat and foster regional and global peace.
Kazakhstan's vision for a nuclear-free world is deeply rooted in its leadership in global disarmament efforts. This vision is not just aspirational; it is grounded in the country's lived experience of the devastating impact of nuclear weapons.
Kazakhstan's dedication to disarmament is further highlighted by its initiative to establish August 29 as the International Day against Nuclear Tests, recognised by the United Nations. This date commemorates both the first Soviet nuclear test at Semipalatinsk in 1949 and the closure of the site in 1991, serving as a reminder of the horrors of nuclear testing and a call to action for the global community.

Sudan's Health Minister Declares Cholera Epidemic

Sudan's Health Minister declared a cholera epidemic after weeks of heavy rain in the war-torn country.
The decision was taken in conjunction with authorities in the eastern state of Kassala, United Nations agencies and experts after the discovery by the public health laboratory of the cholera virus.

Aug 20, 2024

Outgoing Indonesian President Names Prabowo Subian Aides to Cabinet

Outgoing Indonesian President Joko Widodo appointed people close to his successor in a cabinet reshuffle, including new energy and investment ministers, two months before he is due to step down.
Jokowi, as the President is commonly known, will leave office in October, replaced by President-elect and current Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto, who won the election in February.
Bahlil Lahadalia, formerly the Investment Minister, will be the new Energy Minister, while former Ambassador to the United States Rosan Roeslani will be the new Investment Minister.
Both men campaigned for Prabowo during his presidential run.

Renowned Actor Pankaj Tripathi Guest of Honour at NYC's India Day Parade

Tripathi was in New York and was the guest of honour at the 42nd India Day Parade that was organised by leading diaspora organisation Federation of Indian Associations NY-NJ-CT-NE at Madison Avenue in the heart of Manhattan.
Tripathi said that it was a moment of pride for him that the message of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' as well as India's rich cultural heritage was highlighted at the parade.
The annual parade passes through New York City's popular Madison Avenue and is attended by thousands of members of the Indian diaspora.
India's rich cultural heritage, traditions and accomplishments were highlighted at the annual parade as the city's Madison Avenue got seeped in the colours of the Indian flag and Indian patriotic and popular songs waft through the celebratory atmosphere. Along with Tripathi, actor-politician Manoj Tiwari was the guest of honour at the parade, while actress Sonakshi Sinha was the grand marshal and her actor-husband Zaheer Iqbal was the VIP guest.

Aug 18, 2024

UN Human Rights Team to Visit Bangladesh to Investigate Human Rights Violations

A human rights team from the United Nations will visit Dhaka next week to discuss with the Bangladesh interim government, investigations into the human rights violations during the recent unrest in Bangladesh.
The team visiting Bangladesh will discuss with the interim government areas of support and the modalities for an investigation of human rights violations in the context of the recent violence and unrest, Haq said. Turk said in a statement issued in Geneva that a comprehensive, impartial, and transparent investigation into all human rights violations and abuses that have occurred will be a critical first step.

Aug 17, 2024

Thailand's Youngest PM Paetongtarn Shinawatr

Thailand's Parliament elected Paetongtarn Shinawatra as their youngest Prime Minister, days after her father Thaksin Shinawatra was removed by a court order.
The 37-year-old Shinawatra received 319 votes, which is nearly two-thirds of the house. With this victory, she became the second female to hold the prime ministerial position after her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra.
In April 2023, she was formally nominated as one of the three prime minister candidates, along with Srettha Thavisin -the 30th Prime Minister of Thailand, and Chaikasem Nitisiri -the Minister of Justice in her aunt's cabinet. The brief political journey leaves Paetongtarn with limited to no administrative experience with an elected government position she has never held before. Previously she has been remarked to be inexperienced as she received backlash when she criticised the Bank of Thailand's independence as an "obstacle" to resolving economic problems.

Aug 16, 2024

Germany Joins United Nations Command in South Korea as 18th Member State

Germany's inclusion in the U.S.-led United Nations Command (UNC) in South Korea marked a significant expansion of the command's member states, now totalling 18 nations. This move underscores Berlin's commitment to global security, linking European stability to the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Established in 1950, the UNC was created to restore peace and enforce the Korean War armistice, serving as a communication channel with North Korea. The command, led by the U.S. military commander in South Korea, operates independently of the United Nations. The addition of Germany introduces new perspectives and resources, enhancing the command's expertise and capabilities.
China and North Korea, historical adversaries of the UNC, have criticized the command's role. North Korea has labelled the UNC as a U.S. tool for confrontation, while China has expressed concern over NATO's growing influence in Asia. Despite these tensions, Pistorius assured that Germany's involvement is committed to upholding a rules-based international order rather than provoking further unrest.

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