- BILATERAL
INDIA- BRAZIL STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP DEEPENED AND DIVERSIFIED OVER YEARS
- The India-Brazil strategic partnership has evolved significantly over the years, encompassing various domains such as defence, space, security, technology, and people-to-people relations. This was highlighted during the ninth India-Brazil Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) in Delhi, attended by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira.
- India-Brazil Strategic Partnership:
- Establishment: The strategic partnership between India and Brazil was established in 2006
- Domains: The partnership spans various domains including defence, space, security, technology, and people-to-people relations.
- Deepening Relations: Over the years, the partnership has deepened and diversified, reflecting the growing importance of bilateral ties.
- Bilateral Trade:
- Trade Basket: India and Brazil have a substantial bilateral trade basket, which has generally seen an upward trend.
- Challenges: Despite the overall positive trend, there have been challenges in the last year, which were discussed during the JCM.
- Multilateral Cooperation:G-20 Presidency: Brazil is currently the chair of the G-20, having taken over from India. Both countries have supported each other during their respective presidencies.
- Global Agenda: Both India and Brazil share common views on many pressing global issues, including sustainable development and prosperity.
- People-to-People Relations:
- Cultural Exchange: The partnership also emphasizes people-to-people relations, fostering cultural and educational exchanges between the two countries
2. NATIONAL
AUTOMAKERS TO OFFER DISCOUNT FOR SCRAPPING OLD VEHICLES
- Vehicle Scrappage Policy, 2021
- Objective: The policy aims to phase out old, polluting vehicles and promote the use of newer, more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles.
- Benefits: It is expected to reduce pollution, improve road safety, and boost the automobile industry by increasing the demand for new vehicles.
- Impact on Automobile Industry: Boost in Sales: The policy is expected to boost the sales of new vehicles as consumers take advantage of the discounts.
- Environmental Benefits: Phasing out old vehicles will reduce pollution and promote the use of more efficient and less polluting vehicles.
- Economic Incentives: The discounts serve as an economic incentive for consumers to scrap their old vehicles and purchase new ones.
3. ENVIRONMENT
UN’S GUTTERRES ISSUES GLOBAL SOS OVER FAST RISING PACIFIC OCEAN
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a global climate “SOS” during a Pacific islands summit in Tonga. He unveiled research indicating that sea levels in the Pacific region are rising much faster than the global average, posing a significant threat to the region
- Climate Change and Rising Sea Levels:
- Global Warming: The increase in global temperatures due to greenhouse gas emissions is causing polar ice to melt and seawater to expand, leading to rising sea levels.
- Regional Impact: Research unveiled by the UN Secretary-General shows that the Pacific region’s seas are rising much faster than the global average. This accelerated rise poses a severe threat to the low-lying islands and coastal areas in the region.
- Impact on Pacific Islands: Environmental Threats: Rising sea levels can lead to coastal erosion, loss of habitat, and increased salinity in freshwater sources, affecting both biodiversity and human populations.
- Global Climate SOS: UN’s Role: The UN Secretary-General’s call for a global climate “SOS” highlights the urgent need for international action to address the climate crisis.
- Research Findings: The research presented underscores the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable regions like the Pacific islands, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions
- International Cooperation: Climate Diplomacy: The summit in Tonga serves as a platform for Pacific island nations to voice their concerns and seek support from the international community.
- Policy Measures: The UN and other international bodies are advocating for stronger climate policies, increased funding for climate adaptation and mitigation, and greater support for affected regions
4. INTERNATIONAL
KHAMENEI OPENS DOOR FOR DISCUSSIONS WITH U.S OVER IRAN’S NUCLEAR PROGRAMME
- Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has indicated a willingness to engage in renewed negotiations with the U.S. over Iran’s nuclear program. This comes amidst ongoing tensions in West Asia and the backdrop of the upcoming U.S. presidential election.
- Background of Iran’s Nuclear Program: 2015 Nuclear Deal: Known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), this agreement saw Iran curtail its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.
- U.S. Withdrawal: In 2018, then-President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the U.S. from the JCPOA, leading to the re-imposition of sanctions on Iran and escalating tensions.
- Khamenei’s Remarks: Negotiation Stance: Ayatollah Khamenei has opened the door to renewed negotiations, stating there is “no harm” in engaging with the U.S., but emphasized not to place hopes in them.
- Red Lines: He set clear boundaries for any talks, reflecting a cautious approach towards negotiations with the U.S.
- Trust Issues: Khamenei reiterated his warnings that Washington is not to be trusted, reflecting a long-standing skepticism towards U.S. intentions.
- Current Geopolitical Context: West Asian Tensions: The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and broader regional instability add complexity to any potential negotiations.
- U.S. Presidential Election: The upcoming U.S. presidential election in November could influence the dynamics of the negotiations, depending on the administration in power.
- Implications for Iran: Economic Sanctions: The lifting of sanctions could provide significant economic relief for Iran, which has been struggling under the weight of economic restrictions.
- Nuclear Program: Renewed negotiations could lead to a framework for Iran to limit its nuclear activities in exchange for economic and diplomatic incentives
5. NATIONAL
COUNTER MINDSET THAT SEES WOMEN AS LESS CAPABLE – PRESIDENT
- President Droupadi Murmu emphasized the urgent need to address crimes against women.
- She declared that “enough is enough” and called for a societal awakening to counter the mindset that views women as inferior.
- Recent Incidents
- Reference to the August 9 rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata.
- Highlighted that such incidents are part of a series of crimes against women, including even kindergarten girls.
- Mindset and Objectification
- The President pointed out that crimes against women stem from a mindset that sees women as less powerful, less capable, and less intelligent.
- She stressed that this mindset leads to the objectification of women, which is deeply ingrained in some individuals. Role of State and Society
- She emphasized that countering this mindset is a task for both the State and society.
- Called for removing hurdles from the path of women to win freedom from fear
ONE LINER
- Tamil Nadu School Education Minister released the book – The Heart and Art of Teaching – authored by B.Purushothaman
- Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister released book Tiruvannamalai : Shrine of Eternal Fire brought jointly by the Hindu Group and the HR &CE Department
