EUROPE, US MARK 75 YEARS SINCE END OF WWII
Why in news? Europe and the United States mark 75 years since the end of World War II on 8th May 2020. Second World War (1939-1945) It was the most destructive war observed by the world which started in earnest on September 1, 1939 with the attack of Poland by Nazi Germany, and concluded on September […]
CHINA, U.S. COMMIT TO IMPLEMENT TRADE DEAL
Why in news? Chinese and U.S. trade representatives agreed on 8th May to “create favourable conditions” for the phase one trade deal signed in January 2020, officials said, despite recent tensions over the coronavirus pandemic. Good progress Both sides said they should strengthen macroeconomic and public health cooperation, strive to create a favourable atmosphere and conditions […]
TRUMP: COVID CRISIS ‘WORSE THAN PEARL HARBOR’ OR 9/11
Why in news? Donald Trump has said the COVID-19 pandemic is a worse “attack” on the U.S. than either Pearl Harbor or 9/11. The Japanese assault on the Pearl Harbor naval base in Hawaii drew the United States into Second World War. The September 11, 2001 jihadist attacks on that killed about 3,000 people and […]
U.S. RECOGNISES INDIA’S ROLE IN AFGHANISTAN
Why in news? The U.S. recognises India’s “constructive contribution” to Afghanistan, said U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan reconciliation. Details The U.S. side recognised India’s constructive contribution in economic development, reconstruction and humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. They laid importance to India’s crucial and continuing role in sustainable peace, security and stability in Afghanistan. Expressing deep concern […]
3 INDIAN PHOTOGRAPHERS WIN PULITZER PRIZE
Why in news? The 2020 Pulitzer Prize winners were announced virtually on 4th May owing to the COVID-19 outbreak. Indians who won: The Associated Press was awarded the feature photography prize for images showing life in Kashmir as India revoked its semi-autonomous status. Three photographers — Mukhtar Khan, Yasin Dar and Channi Anand —were named for the […]
IRAN APPROVES NEW CURRENCY- TOMAN
Why in news? The Iran’s parliament has passed a bill allowing the government to slash four zeros from the Iranian ‘rial’. Iran’s national currency will be changed from the Iranian rial to the ‘Toman’, which is equal to 10,000 rials, under the bill. Why did they need a new currency? There was a sharp fall in the […]
INDIA ON PAKISTAN’S ELECTIONS IN GILGIT BALTISTAN
Why in news? The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a “strong protest” on 4th May over an order by the Pakistan Supreme Court allowing the Imran Khan government to hold elections in the region of Gilgit-Baltistan of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Details The government said it had issued a demarche to protest what it called Pakistan’s […]
INDIA ABROAD
Why in news? The European Union Parliament’s discussion recently on India’s Citizenship (Amendment) Act or CAA, is more proof of concern, particularly in the West, over the possible repercussions of the law and the protests across India. The EU parliamentarians went a step further: putting out six different and extremely critical resolutions, including one that spoke of […]
WHAT IS INDIA’S PERMANENT MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS?
Why in news? India has appointed diplomat T S Tirumurti, currently serving as Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, as its Permanent Representative to the United Nations, succeeding Syed Akbaruddin. What are Permanent Missions to the United Nations? The Permanent Mission is the diplomatic mission that every member state deputes to the United Nations, […]
SAUDI ARABIA’S INVESTMENTS IN INDIA ON TRACK
Why in news? Despite a massive 50% drop in oil revenues and a downturn in the economy, Saudi Arabia’s investments in India will not be affected, the Kingdom’s Ambassador to India Saud bin Mohammed Al Sati said in a written interview. At a time when a UN body has predicted a cut in about 1.7 […]