Welcome to our monthly current affairs update for August 2023. In this ever-changing world, staying informed about the latest events, trends, and developments is crucial. This month, we’ll take you on a journey through the most significant and noteworthy happenings across the globe. From politics to technology, from culture to the environment, we’ll cover it all. Join us as we explore the stories shaping our world and the issues that demand our attention. Our goal is to provide you with a concise and insightful overview of the events that are shaping our times, enabling you to engage in informed conversations and make well-informed decisions. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the whirlwind of current affairs for this month.
India-Greece Bilateral Relationship
In News:
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Greece marks first visit by an Indian PM in the past 40 years. It witnessed the two nations upgrading their relationship to a strategic partnership with focus on expanding political defence & security cooperation.
About India-Greece relationships:
- Historical Relations:
- India’s contacts with Greece began over 2500 years ago. Trading between the Mauryan Kings and Greece is evidenced by coinage and writings.
- With Alexander’s invasion in 326 BC, cultural, trade and diplomatic relationships began.
- Political relations:
- Diplomatic relations were established between the two countries in May 1950.
- After India’s nuclear tests in 1998, when Western countries were contemplating sanctions, the Greek Defence Minister signed a MOU on Defence Cooperation.
- Greece supported India at the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group, MTCR, WASSENAAR arrangements, Australia Group.
- Greece also supported India’s candidature for ICJ, ITLOS, IMO.
- Defence Cooperation:
- There have been bilateral cooperation between the two countries and MoU on defence. Joint exercises like Passex and Iniochos are also held.
- Economic, Commerce and trade:
- India and Greece have a robust trade valued at 1.32 billion euros. Main exports from India are cotton, iron and steel, electronic machinery, scraps, marble, etc.
- India participated in 84th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) 2019, the largest annual commercial exposition of Greece.
Highlights of the visit:
- The President of Greece conferred the Grand Cross of the Order of Honour on the Indian PM making him the first foreign head of government to receive it.
- Both sides set a target of doubling bilateral trade by 2030 and decided to firm up a migration and mobility partnership pacts.
- The two leaders strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and the use of terrorist proxies for cross-border terrorism.
- The two countries, in a joint statement, backed their vision of a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific, and also the Mediterranean Sea, in accordance with the law of the sea and freedom of navigation to the benefit of international peace, stability and security.
- The two leaders expressed their strong support for the ongoing India-EU trade and investment negotiations and the early implementation of the India-EU Connectivity Partnership.
- The two Prime Ministers also decided to take steps to further strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries. They also agreed to encourage direct flights between Greece and India.
- Early finalisation of a Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement (MMPA) would be mutually beneficial, facilitating in particular the free movement of workforce between the two countries.
- The Indian PM welcomed Greece into the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and looked forward to Greece’s membership of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
India and the Northern Sea Route
In News:
Importance of Northern Sea route post the 2021 Suez Canal blockage crisis.
About India and the Northern Sea Route
- Northern Sea Route (NSR) is the shortest shipping route between Europe and Asia-Pacific, spanning Arctic Ocean’s seas.
- It is about 5,600 km long, starting from Barents-Kara seas boundary to Bering Strait offering a potential 50% distance savings compared to Suez or Panama routes.
- India’s engagement with the Arctic dates back to the 1920 signing of the Svalbard Treaty to it becoming an observer-state of the Arctic Council in 2013.
- Significance of the Arctic Region for India:
- Vulnerability of the Arctic region to climate changes affects India’s economic security, water security, and sustainability.
- Arctic region contains significant unexplored hydrocarbon reserves, including oil, gas, coal, zinc, and silver.
- India conducts various scientific studies and research in atmospheric, biological, marine, hydrological, and glaciological fields.
- It has also established research station “Himadri” in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, in 2008 and launched multi-sensor moored observatory and atmospheric laboratory in 2014 and 2016.
- India’s participation in NSR development is due to rising cargo traffic growth along NSR which was around 73% during 2018-2022.
- Previously, India has announced Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor (CVMC) project to enhance connectivity, reduces transport time and facilitate potential for Russian imports.
- At present, Russia has a nuclear-powered icebreaker fleet to provide Icebreaking assistance to ensure safe navigation in icebound Arctic seas.
- It launched its first nuclear icebreaker “Lenin” in 1959 besides FSUE Atomflot, subsidiary of Rosatom, to operate nuclear-powered icebreakers.
- Russian government has announced a 2035 plan targeting 80 million tonnes and 150 million tonnes cargo traffic for 2024 and 2030.
- Overall, NSR offers reliable and safe transport for energy resources to India besides being an important Transit route for India’s sea-dependent trade.
Trinidad and Tobago
In News:
Recently, India and Trinidad and Tobago signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for sharing India Stack.
About:
- India Stack is a collection of open APIs and digital public goods that aim to facilitate identity, data, and payment services on a massive scale.
Trinidad and Tobago
- Trinidad and Tobago, island country of the southeastern West Indies.
- It consists of two main islands, Trinidad and Tobago, and 21 smaller islands.
- It is located in the southern Caribbean Sea, and lie close to the continent of South America, northeast of Venezuela and northwest of Guyana.
- The climate of Trinidad and Tobago is tropical, with high relative humidity.
More about the news:
- India and Trinidad and Tobago agreed to cooperate in the areas of digital transformation by means of capacity building, training programmes, exchange of best practices, exchange of public officials and experts, development of pilot or demo solutions etc.
Source: Economic Times
Admitting new members to BRICS
In news:
The BRICS alliance faces challenges of becoming a tool for China’s diplomatic ambitions, creating potential complications for India
About Admitting New Members to BRICS
- BRICS was coined by Goldman Sachs economists in the early 2000s to suggest that Brazil, Russia, India, and China would eventually surpass the G6 economies in size.
- While China and India have risen in economic rankings, Brazil and Russia have fallen short with both not being even among the top 10 economies in the world.
- Expanding BRICS Membership:
- Over 40 developing countries have expressed interest in joining BRICS with countries like Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates are among those seeking membership.
- Expanding membership will help increase diversity and representation from various regions besides enhanced geopolitical influence on the global stage.
- Challenges:
- New members might have varying economic sizes and development stages, potentially impacting group dynamics.
- Ensuring alignment of interests and goals among existing and new members can be challenging as addition of certain countries might lead to shifts in geopolitical dynamics within the group.
- Expansion could strengthen China’s diplomatic influence within BRICS leading to India facing complexities due to its adversarial relationship with China and alignment with Western countries.
- Thus, establishing clear criteria for new members is crucial to maintain coherence and relevance besides balancing economic strength, population size, and geopolitical importance.
- Overall, balancing inclusivity and coherence will be crucial to the group’s continued relevance and effectiveness in shaping the global agenda which at present is intriguing yet uncertain.
Source: Business Standard
Indonesia’s Aceh Province
In News:
Recently, Authorities in Indonesia’s Aceh province have issued an order requiring men and women not immediately related or married to stay apart in vehicles and public spaces.
About:
- This move aims to enforce stricter adherence to Islamic law in the ultra-conservative province of Aceh.
Aceh Province
- Aceh is a province in Indonesia located on the northwestern tip of Sumatra Island.
- Aceh is surrounded by water on three sides: the Indian Ocean to the west and north and the Strait of Malacca to the east.
- Its boundary with the province of North Sumatra (Sumatera Utara) to the southeast extends north-south from Salahaji, on the northeastern coast just north of Aru Bay, to a point on the southwestern coast about midway between Singkil and Barus.
- The capital is Banda Aceh.
Source: The Hindu
Arash-Dorra Gas Field
Tags: GS – 2 International Relation
In News:
Recently, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have rejected Iran’s claims to a disputed gas field located in the offshore area known as Arash in Iran and Dorra in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
About:
- The offshore field, known as Arash in Iran and Dorra in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, has long been a focal point of contention between the three countries.
- The field holds significant natural gas reserves, making it a highly valuable resource for all involved parties.
- It was discovered in 1967. It began production in 2013 and produces natural gas and condensates.
- The dispute over this field dates back to the 1960s between Saudi Arabia, Iran and Kuwait.
Source: The Hindu
Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) framework
In News:
Government releases successful conclusion of Joint Expedition of Scientists on Colombo Security Conclave
About Colombo Security Conclave
- Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) of Ministry of Earth Sciences has recently released overview under the regional framework of Colombo Security Conclave (CSC).
- The CSC framework is a regional initiative aimed at addressing security and environmental challenges in the Indian Ocean region.
- Participating countries in the CSC framework include India, Bangladesh, Mauritius, and potentially other Indian Ocean littoral states.
- Major highlights:
- The framework will encourage collaboration and cooperation among countries bordering the Indian Ocean to enhance maritime security and address common threats.
- It provides a platform for participating nations to share knowledge, expertise, and resources related to ocean observation, security, and environmental issues.
- It will focus on building capacity in ocean observation and services through joint research expeditions of ocean scientists.
- It will predict and manage changes in the regional environment of the including monitoring climate patterns and extreme weather events.
- The framework will facilitate the exchange of best practices and advanced technologies for ocean research, data collection, and modelling.
- The CSC framework will help in understanding the oceanic and atmospheric states in the Arabian Sea during critical periods like the summer monsoon.
- Fostering cooperation in the region will also help contribute to the sustainable management and conservation of the Indian Ocean’s marine resources.
- Overall, the collaborative efforts under the CSC framework are expected to lead to better forecasting and services, benefiting all participating nations in the region.
China-Bhutan Boundary Dispute
In News:
China and Bhutan recently held boundary talks to expedite efforts to resolve their disputed border issue.
About:
- Bhutan shares a 477 km-long border with China.
- The disputed regions between China and Bhutan include Doklam, Gamochen, Batangla, Sinchela, Sakteng and Amo Chhu.
- The China-Bhutan border dispute involves territorial claims and tensions between the two countries over parts of Bhutan’s territory, particularly in areas bordering Tibet.
Panama Canal
In News:
Recently, A severe drought in Panama is causing extensive delays for cargo ships transiting the Panama Canal, a vital route connecting almost 2,000 ports across 170 countries.
About:
- Panama Canal is a constructed waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans across the Isthmus of Panama.
- It is approximately 82 kilometers long.
- It is one of the two most strategic artificial waterways in the world, the other being the Suez Canal.
- It allows ships to avoid the lengthy and dangerous voyage around Cape Horn.
- Panama itself forms an isthmus (a narrow land strip connecting two larger landmasses) between North and South America.
- Originally under French control in the late 1800s, the United States completed the project in 1914 and managed it until 1999 when Panama took over. It’s now operated by the Panama Canal Authority.
- The Panama Canal consists of a series of locks that raise and lower the water level to facilitate the passage of ships through the continental divide.
Denmark
In News:
Denmark to ban Quran burnings, says justice minister
About
- Denmark, positioned in Scandinavia, encompasses the Jutland Peninsula and an array of islands. It is connected to its neighboring country Sweden by means of the Öresund Bridge.
- The capital, Copenhagen, boasts royal residences, the vibrant Nyhavn harbor, the Tivoli theme park, and the renowned “Little Mermaid” sculpture.
- Denmark is attached directly to continental Europe at Jutland’s boundary with Germany.
- All the frontiers with surrounding countries are maritime, including that with the United Kingdom to the west across the North Sea. Norway and Sweden lie to the north, separated from Denmark by sea lanes linking the North Sea to the Baltic Sea.
Niger
In News:
Recently, the African Union has suspended Niger from its institutions and activities due to the recent coup that overthrew the democratically elected president.
About:
- Niger, officially Republic of Niger is a landlocked country in West Africa.
- It is bounded on the northwest by Algeria, on the northeast by Libya, on the east by Chad, on the south by Nigeria and Benin, and on the west by Burkina Faso and Mali.
- The capital is Niamey.
- The country takes its name from the Niger River (the third-longest river in Africa), which flows through the southwestern part of its territory.
- Niger River flows through Niger, Mali, Guinea, Benin, Nigeria, and Cameroon.
- Over 80% of its land area lies in the Sahara (Sahel Region).
More About the News:
- In Niger, the military coup has led to the detention of President Mohamed Bazoum. The coup plotters have named General Abdourahamane Tchiani as the new leader, citing security concerns related to jihadist violence.
- The suspension will last until the restoration of constitutional order.
| African Union: |
| The African Union (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Founder: Muammar Gaddafi) is a continental union consisting of 55 member states located on the continent of Africa. The African Union was announced in the Sirte Declaration in Sirte, Libya, on 9 September 1999, calling for the establishment of the African Union. |
North Sea Transition Authority (NTSA)
In News:
The U.K. plans to conduct more fossil fuel drilling in the North Sea, sparking concerns about its alignment with climate goals.
About:
- The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA), known as the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) until March 2022, is a private company limited by shares wholly owned by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
- It is responsible for maximising the economic recovery of oil from the North Sea.
- It is empowered to license and regulate activity in relation to oil and gas in the United Kingdom, including oil and gas exploration, carbon capture and storage, and offshore gas storage.
North Sea:
- North Sea, shallow, northeastern arm of the Atlantic Ocean, located between the British Isles and the mainland of northwestern Europe.
- The sea is bordered by the island of Great Britain to the southwest and west, the Orkney and Shetland islands to the northwest, Norway to the northeast, Denmark to the east, Germany and the Netherlands to the southeast, and Belgium and France to the south.
- It is connected to the Atlantic by the Strait of Dover and the English Channel.
- Almost the entire seabed of the North Sea is a continental shelf (depth of only about 200 meters).
- The geological formations beneath the North Sea, such as porous rocks and structural traps, provide suitable environments for the collection of oil and gas reserves.
Why is offshore drilling problematic?
- Offshore drilling is problematic due to its environmental risks, including threats to marine life, biodiversity, climate change, and ocean ecosystems.
More Information:
- The 1958 Geneva Convention (which came into force in 1964) on the Continental Shelf was the first international legislation to establish the rights of countries over the continental shelves adjacent to their coastlines and paved the way for exploration in the North Sea.
Sulina Channel (Danube River)
In News:
The Sulina Channel holds immense importance for Ukraine’s grain trade as an alternative passage after Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea grain deal.
About:
- This deal was used to provide safe passage for cargo ships carrying grain from Ukrainian Black Sea ports.
Sulina Channel
- Sulina Channel is a 63 km long distributary of the Danube. It lies completely within the borders of Romania.
- Of the three major channels of the Danube River, the Sulina Channel is the only one deep and wide enough for freight transport.
- It is a sort of a riverine ‘expressway’, crucial for transport of goods from inland to the Black Sea.
- It plays a crucial role in this new trade route, connecting major Ukrainian ports to the Black Sea within Romania’s borders.
Danube River:
- Danube is the second-longest river in Europe, after the Volga in Russia.
- It flows through much of Central and Southeastern Europe, from the Black Forest into the Black Sea.
- Near Romania, the river begins to spread out into its delta which has three major channels – Chilia, Sulina and St George.
- It passes through or forms the border of ten countries, making it one of the most international rivers in the world.
- The countries it flows through include: Germany; Austria; Slovakia; Hungary; Croatia; Serbia; Bulgaria; Romania; Moldova; Ukraine.
Hawaii, USA
In News:
Recently, A devastating wildfire swept through Maui, Hawaii, leading to destruction, fatalities, and evacuations.
About:
- The Hawaiian Islands are an archipelago of eight major volcanic islands, several atolls, and numerous smaller islets in the North Pacific Ocean.
- The eight major islands at the eastern end of the chain are, from west to east, Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and Hawaii.
- The capital is Honolulu, located on the island of Oahu.
- Formation:
- The Hawaiian Islands were formed by a hot spot occurring in the middle of the Pacific Plate. While the hot spot itself is fixed, the plate is moving. So, as the plate moved over the hot spot, the string of islands that make up the Hawaiian Island chain was formed.
- Maui is an island in the Central Pacific, part of the Hawaiian archipelago.
Ghana
In News:
Recently, Ghana has approved a new policy to maximize benefits from mining green minerals, aligning with the global demand for clean energy resources.
About:
- Ghana is a country in West Africa, situated on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea.
- It is bordered to the northwest and north by Burkina Faso, to the east by Togo, to the south by the Atlantic Ocean, and to the west by Côte d’Ivoire.
- The capital is Accra. Ghana is the second-most populous country in West Africa, after Nigeria.
- Ghana has rich mineral resources such as gold, diamonds, manganese, limestone, bauxite, iron ore as well as various clays and granite deposits.
- Ghana is the second largest producer of gold in Africa.
Kenya
In News:
Recently, Kenya’s Environment and Land Court has issued a 14-day stay on President Ruto’s decision to repeal a logging ban introduced in 2018 to protect forests.
About:
- Environmentalist has argued that lifting the ban could harm the environment, threaten communities reliant on forests, and lack proper scientific and participatory basis.
Kenya
- Kenya is in East Africa with a coastline on the Indian Ocean.
- It is bordered to the north by South Sudan and Ethiopia, to the east by Somalia and the Indian Ocean, to the south by Tanzania, and to the west by Lake Victoria and Uganda.
- The capital of Kenya is Nairobi.
- It encompasses the savannah, Lakelands, the dramatic Great Rift Valley and mountain highlands.
- From Nairobi, the capital, safaris visit the Maasai Mara Reserve, known for its annual wildebeest migrations, and Amboseli National Park, offering views of Tanzania’s 5,895m Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Mali
In News:
Recently, France and Mali have suspended issuing visas to each other’s citizens in a heightening of a row between the former allies.
About:
- Mali is a landlocked country of western Africa, with the Niger River flowing through its central region.
- It is bounded on the north by Algeria, on the east by Niger and Burkina Faso, on the south by Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea, and on the west by Senegal and Mauritania.
- It is the eighth-largest country in Africa.
- The climate is hot and dry in the north, and more humid in the south.
- The major ethnic groups in Mali are the Bambara, Malinke, Songhai, and Tuareg.
- The Desert covers about 65 per cent of Mali’s total area.
Belem Declaration
In News:
Declaration released for advancing conservation and indigenous participation in Amazon region
About Belem Declaration:
- Belem declaration has been released during the Amazon Summit organized recently by the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO).
- The declaration highlights the critical aspects of biodiversity conservation and Indigenous engagement in the Amazon region.
- It aims to prevent deforestation, protect rich biodiversity, and ensure the well-being of Indigenous communities.
- Key features:
- It represents an effort to address environmental and Indigenous rights concerns in the Amazon region and encourages sustainable use of biodiversity resources in the Amazon.
- It emphasizes the significance of Indigenous knowledge for biodiversity conservation and calls for the full and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples in decision-making and policy formulation.
- It recognizes that Indigenous Peoples are under constant threats and stresses the importance of securing their land rights.
- It has been suggested that Brazil’s “Amazon fund” could potentially be expanded to cover the entire Amazon region.
- A working group will be established to discuss financial requirements and resource mobilization to address the concerns related to the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
- It also acknowledges the importance of financing conservation efforts and aligns with the GBF’s objective of protecting at least 30% of land and sea by 2030.
- The declaration highlights the need for multiple forest economy solutions to counter the dominance of agricultural commodity models in the region.
- Overall, the declaration demonstrates the commitment of Amazon countries to work together for the conservation of the vital ecosystem often referred as the “lung of earth”.
Coup in Niger
In News:
Niger is currently in the midst of a political upheaval as a military coup has taken control, ousting the democratically elected President.
About:
- Historical Context:
- Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world.
- It was a French colony until 1960.
- Since independence, the country have lived under 5 constitutions and 3 periods of military rule.
- After the military coup in 2010, Niger became a multi-party state.
- Geography:
- Niger is a landlocked country located in West Africa.
- Border countries – Libya, Chad, Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali and Algeria.
- Niger has more than 80% of its land area lying in the Sahara Desert.
- Niger takes its name from the Niger River, which flows through the southwestern part of its territory.
- It is the largest country in West Africa and roughly twice the size of France.
- Capital city: Niamey.
- Climate:
- Desert, mostly hot, dry, dusty, tropical in extreme south.
- Ethnic Groups: Hausa, Zarma-Songhai, Tuareg, Fulani, Kanuri, Arab, Toubou.
- Official Language: French language is recognized as the official language of Niger.
More Information:
- The Sahel region, home to Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Senegal, has witnessed political instability and ethnic tensions.
- Weak governance, corruption, and ethnic clashes led to military interventions under the pretext of restoring stability.
Kuril Islands
In News:
The Kuril Islands dispute between Russia and Japan has gained attention amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
About:
- The Kuril Islands dispute, known as the Northern Territories dispute in Japan, is a territorial dispute between Japan and Russia over the ownership of the four southernmost Kuril Islands.
- The islands stretch approximately 1,300 km northeast from Hokkaido in Japan to Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia, separating the Sea of Okhotsk from the North Pacific Ocean.
- Japan refers to them as Northern territories, Russia calls them the Kuril Islands and South Korea named them as Dokdo islands.
- The Kuril Islands are a volcanic archipelago (part of the Pacific Ring of Fire belt and have over 100 volcanoes) administered as part of the Sakhalin Oblast in the Russian Far East.
Issue:
- Both Russia and Japan claim sovereignty over them though the islands have been under Russian control since the end of World War II.
- The Soviet Union had seized the islands at the end of World War II and by 1949 had expelled its Japanese residents.
- Tokyo claims that the disputed islands have been part of Japan since the early 19th century.
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
In News:
Recently, Two Indian military aircraft visited Australia’s strategic Cocos Islands.
About:
- Expanding the strategic reach of the Indian military and improving interoperability with Australia, an Indian Navy Dornier maritime patrol aircraft and an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-130 transport aircraft visited Australia’s Cocos (Keeling) Islands (CKI) in the Southern Indian Ocean, close to Indonesia.
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
- The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are a remote territory of Australia in the Indian Ocean, approximately 3,000 km northwest of Perth in Western Australia, and comprise two coral atolls made up of 27 smaller islands.
- The territory’s administrative headquarters are on West Island in the southern atoll.
Lao PDR (Laos)
In News:
Recently, Five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between India & LAO PDR for the implementation of five Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) in the fields of education, health, water facility and IT.
About:
- The MOUs were signed during the 3rd round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held between India and Lao PDR in Vientiane.
- India & LAO PDR share profound religious, cultural, and people-to-people connections stretching far back into history.
Lao PDR (Laos)
- Laos, landlocked country of northeast-central mainland Southeast Asia.
- Laos is bounded to the north by China, to the northeast and east by Vietnam, to the south by Cambodia, to the west by Thailand, and to the northwest by Myanmar (Burma).
- It is traversed by the Mekong River and is known for its mountainous terrain, French colonial architecture, hill tribe settlements and Buddhist monasteries.
- The capital is Vientiane, located on the Mekong River in the northern portion of the country.
Niger
In News:
Recently, In Niger, the military coup has led to the detention of President Mohamed Bazoum.
About:
- Niger is a landlocked country located in West Africa.
- It is a unitary state bordered by Libya to the northeast, Chad to the east, Nigeria to the south, Benin and Burkina Faso to the southwest, Mali to the west, and Algeria to the northwest.
- Over 80% of its land area lies in the Sahara (Sahel Region).
- The capital of Niger is Niamey, which is also its largest city and serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the country.
- Niger is predominantly covered by the Sahara Desert, and its landscape comprises a mix of desert, semi-arid regions, and savannahs.
- More in News: The coup plotters have named General Abdourahamane Tchiani as the new leader, citing security concerns related to jihadist violence.
Papua New Guinea
In News:
Recently, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) of India and the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) of Papua New Guinea have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to share INDIA STACK.
About:
- INDIA STACK is a collection of open APIs and digital public goods that aim to facilitate identity, data, and payment services on a large scale.
Papua New Guinea
- Papua New Guinea, island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean.
- It shares land borders with Indonesia and water border with Australia, and the Solomon Islands.
- It includes the eastern half of New Guinea and many small offshore islands.
- The capital is Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea is mainly mountainous but has low-lying plains in southern New Guinea.
- A country of immense cultural and biological diversity, it’s known for its beaches and coral reefs.
FAQs on Monthly Current Affairs – August 2023
Q1: What are monthly current affairs?
A1: Monthly current affairs refer to the latest and most significant events, developments, and news stories that have occurred within a particular month. These events encompass a wide range of topics, including politics, economics, science, technology, culture, and more. They are a reflection of the dynamic nature of our world and provide a snapshot of what’s happening globally or within a specific region during a given month.
Q2: Why are monthly current affairs important?
A2: Monthly current affairs are important for several reasons:
- Informed Citizenship: Staying updated with monthly current affairs is crucial for informed citizenship. It empowers individuals to make well-informed decisions, including voting in elections, advocating for causes, and engaging in meaningful discussions about societal issues.
- Professional Relevance: Professionals, such as journalists, policymakers, and business leaders, need to be aware of current affairs to make strategic decisions, create informed content, and respond to changes in their respective fields.
- Academic and Competitive Exams: Many academic institutions and competitive exams assess students’ knowledge of current affairs, making it essential for academic and career success.
- Cultural Awareness: Understanding current events helps individuals appreciate and understand different cultures, societies, and global interconnections.
- Safety and Preparedness: Some current affairs, such as natural disasters or public health emergencies, can directly impact personal safety and require timely awareness and preparedness.
Q3: What are the key events and developments related to polity and governance that I should be aware of this month?
A3: Each month, there are several important events and developments in the field of polity and governance. These may include legislative changes, court rulings, elections, government policies, and more. To stay informed, you can follow reputable news sources, government websites, and organizations specializing in political analysis. Additionally, you can subscribe to monthly political magazines or newsletters that provide summaries of the month’s key events.
Q4: How can I better understand the implications of monthly political developments on governance and policy?
A4: Understanding the implications of monthly political developments on governance and policy requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are a few tips:
- In-depth Analysis: Read articles and analyses from experts and scholars who can provide a deeper understanding of the issues. Academic journals and think tank publications are great sources for this.
- Public Opinion: Pay attention to public opinion and discussions on social media, news forums, and public debates. This can give you insights into how these developments are perceived by the public.
- Policy Implications: Try to connect the dots between political events and potential policy changes. This often requires reading government reports, policy briefs, and expert opinions.
- Legal Implications: If legal matters are involved, consult legal experts or follow court proceedings to understand the legal implications.
- Historical Context: Consider the historical context of political developments. Understanding the history of a specific issue can shed light on its significance.
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