General Awareness

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - August 2018

Aug 2018

Jul 12, 2024

India Leads Global Maritime Discourse at IMO Council Session in London

India, represented by a high-level delegation led by T.K. Ramachandaran, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, took a prominent role in shaping international maritime policies at the 132nd session of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London. The session, which began on July 8, 2024, and concluded on July 12, 2024, addressed critical issues and proposals for the future of global maritime operations.
India, an elected member of the IMO Council due to its substantial interest in international seaborne trade, highlighted the urgent issue of seafarer abandonment. The Indian delegation noted 44 active cases involving 292 Indian seafarers, emphasising the need for robust measures to protect maritime workers worldwide. India's strong stance on this issue was well-received, securing its position in the Joint Tripartite Working Group dedicated to addressing seafarers' welfare and human element issues.
India reiterated its proposal for the South Asian Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime Transport (SACE-SMarT). This regional hub aims to transform the maritime sector in South Asia into a technologically advanced, environmentally sustainable, and digitally proficient industry. The centre will focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, fostering technical cooperation, capacity-building, and digital transition. T.K. Ramachandaran stated, "India remains deeply committed to addressing the issue of seafarer abandonment and ensuring the safety and welfare of our maritime workforce."

India Abstains from UN Resolution Demanding Russia to Immediately Halt Offensive in Ukraine

India abstained on a resolution in the UN General Assembly demanding Russia to immediately halt its offensive in Ukraine and urgently withdraw its military and other unauthorised personnel from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. The resolution was adopted with 99 votes in favour, nine against and 60 abstentions, including India, Bangladesh, China, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia.
The resolution titled 'Safety and security of nuclear facilities of Ukraine, including the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant' demanded that Russia "immediately cease its aggression against Ukraine and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders."

Jul 11, 2024

NATO Summit: Leaders Pledge Long-term Support for Ukraine

NATO member states issue joint declaration at summit in Washington, DC, outlining commitment to military alliance and long-term support for Ukraine amid Russia's invasion.
The communique also pledges to back Ukraine on its "irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership".
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanks Denmark and the Netherlands for moving forward with the transfer of US-made F-16s to Kyiv, as Norway says it would also deliver more of the fighter jets by the end of the year.
US President Joe Biden has hailed the alliance as he seeks to rehabilitate his image amid growing concerns over his viability as a candidate in November's US election.

PM Modi Calls On Austria President Alexander Van der Bellen

This historic visit of PM Modi to Austria has reinforced the commitment to strengthen bilateral ties between India and Austria, emphasising core democratic values and the rule of law as shared foundations. The visit holds special significance as it marks several decades since an Indian Prime Minister last visited Austria, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
PM Modi and Austrian Chancellor Nehammer also participated in the India-Austria Business Meeting, bringing together around 40 businesses from both nations to explore new economic opportunities and strengthen bilateral trade relations. The two also addressed India-Austria joint press statement, following their delegation-level talks.

China Has Become 'Decisive Enabler' of War in Ukraine

Nato leaders have labelled China a "decisive enabler" of Russia's war against Ukraine and called its deepening ties with Moscow a cause of "deep concern", in what's been seen as the most serious rebuke against Beijing from the alliance.
The final communique, approved by the 32 Nato members at the summit in Washington, also highlights concerns about Beijing's nuclear arsenal and its capabilities in space.
"I think the message sent from Nato from this summit is very strong and very clear, and we are clearly defining China's responsibility when it comes to enabling Russia's war," Nato secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg said, calling the statement an important message.

Jul 10, 2024

Ukrainian President, Polish Prime Minister Sign Bilateral Security Agreement

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk signed a bilateral security agreement in Warsaw.
The agreement was signed a day before the start of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) summit, in Washington.
The agreement spells out Poland's continued defence support for Ukraine, especially air defence. Poland also pledged to support energy security for Ukraine, and participate in reconstruction.

Jul 09, 2024

Philippines and Japan Strengthen Security Ties with New Agreement

The Philippines and Japan took a big step in their security relationship. They signed a new deal that allows their military forces to enter each other's countries more easily. This came at a time when there are growing concerns in the Indo-Pacific region.
Philippine Defence Minister Gilberto Teodoro and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa signed the deal. The signing happened in Manila, with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. watching.
This is Japan's first such agreement in Asia.

French PM Attal Hands in His Resignation, Macron Refuses to Accept

French voters split the legislature on the left, centre and far-right, leaving no faction even close to the majority needed to form a government. The results from vote raised the risk of paralysis for the European Union's second-largest economy.
President Emmanuel Macron gambled that his decision to call snap elections would give France a "moment of clarification," but the outcome showed the opposite, less than three weeks before the start of the Paris Olympics thrusts the country on the international stage.

Jul 08, 2024

Rachel Reeves Becomes First Woman UK Finance Minister

Rachel Reeves, Britain's first woman Finance Minister, is a former child chess champion and Bank of England economist who pledged to grow the nation's economy while showing strong fiscal discipline.
Reeves became Chancellor of the Exchequer after her centre-left Labour party won Thursday's UK general election by a landslide, ending 14 years of rule by the right-wing Conservatives.

Ex-Pak PM Launches Party

Pakistan's former PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi formally launched a new political party, Awaam Pakistan Party, to "change the system and restore respect for the Constitution of the country".
Party officials said that its main slogan was "Badlien gaen nizam" (we will change the system) and its membership was open to anyone who can contribute for the development of the country.
Abbasi had served as PM from August 2017 to May 2018 when the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif was disqualified by the Supreme Court. Abbasi later distanced himself from the PML-N due to policy disagreements after 2018.

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