29th April, 2024 Current Affairs

Sakshi Education

NATIONAL
Mines Ministry Organizes Critical Minerals Summit

Ministry of Mines today organized a summit to foster collaboration, sharing knowledge and driving innovation in the field of critical mineral beneficiation and processing in New Delhi.
The government initiated the auction of 20 blocks of critical and strategic minerals in November 2023, followed by another tranche of 18 blocks in February 2024. He added that more such auctions are expected in the future.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was exchanged between the Ministry of Mines and Shakti sustainable energy foundation along with Council on Energy, Environment and Water and Indian Institute of Sustainable Development during the session.
This deal aims to provide knowledge support in critical minerals which are crucial for the nation’s economic development, national security and low-carbon transition. Exhibition pavilions displaying minerals excavated from earth and ocean were also set up at this strategic summit.

DARPG To Visit Bangladesh For Bilateral Discussions

The four-member delegation of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) will visit Bangladesh for bilateral discussions for the renewal of the MoU between the National Centre for Good Governance and the Bangladesh Ministry of Public Administration.
The National Centre for Good Governance and the Bangladesh Ministry of Public Administration have collaborated in conducting capacity-building programs for Bangladesh Civil Servants since 2014. Under the bilateral collaboration, 71 Capacity Building Programs were held and 2775 Bangladesh Civil Servants visited the National Centre for Good Governance. The Bangladesh Government has emphasized the utility of these training programs and conveyed interest in the renewal of this MOU for the next five years.

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INTERNATIONAL
Sri Lanka To Lift Vehicle Import Restrictions

In a bid to stimulate economic growth, Sri Lanka is contemplating the lifting of vehicle import restrictions. Local media outlets report that Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Finance is considering to ease these restrictions, potentially by the close of 2024 or early 2025, pending certain conditions.
This consideration comes after Sri Lanka enforced a ban on vehicle imports in response to the economic turmoil that hit the island nation in 2022.
Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremasinghe’s appointed committee’s recommendations are slated to play a pivotal role in the decision-making process.
The committee’s view appears to be in line with meeting revenue targets set by IMF for next year.
However, this move could potentially strain the country’s foreign exchange reserves by approximately 800 million USD. Sri Lanka, grappling with its most severe economic downturn since gaining independence, has been actively seeking ways to rejuvenate its economy.
Sri Lankan rupee has shown signs of stabilization, prompting President Wickremasinghe to hint at further positive developments in the currency’s value in the foreseeable future.

Third Investment Summit Kicks Off In Kathmandu

The Third Investment Summit kicked off in Kathmandu on Sunday, to bring in foreign direct investment and launch development projects for the country’s economic progress. Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ inaugurated the Summit.
151 projects have been presented for investment in the Summit. One thousand and six hundred investors from more than 55 countries are participating in the event. There are 23 exhibition stalls with detailed information on the projects at the conference. Concept notes were called for 20 projects, mostly the hydropower projects.
The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and the Malaysia-based National Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed bilateral agreements to explore trade and investment promotion. Nepal’s BLC Group and India’s Yotta Data Services Private Limited signed an agreement for the establishment and operation of a Data Centre.
The two-day international event features 11 parallel sessions on Monday. The first day witnesses the inauguration session and two major sessions. The investors had an opportunity to interact in person with PM Dahal and Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun during this summit.
The First Investment Summit was organised on March 2-3, 2017 and the Second Investment Summit on March 29 and 30, 2019.

Iraq’s Parliament On Passes Law Criminalising Same-Sex Relationships

Iraq’s parliament on saturday passed a law criminalising same-sex relationships. The Law bans same-sex relations with maximum of 15 years in prison, and mandates at least seven years in prison for anybody who promotes homosexuality or prostitution. It also imposes between one and three years in prison for anyone who changes their biological gender or dresses in an effeminate manner.
The law was backed mainly by conservative Shi’ite Muslim parties who form the largest coalition in mainly Muslim Iraq’s parliament. According to the officials, the move aimed to uphold religious values and to protect Iraqi society from moral depravity.
Major Iraqi parties have in the past year stepped up criticism of LGBT rights, with rainbow flags frequently being burnt in protests by both ruling and opposition conservative Shi’ite Muslim factions last year.
According to data available, same-sex sexual acts are legal in more than 130 countries while more than 60 countries have criminalised gay sex.

Published date : 29 Apr 2024 05:48PM