November 2019 International Affairs

Sakshi Education

Oxford Names ‘Climate Emergency’ as the Word of the Year 2019
Oxford Dictionaries named climate emergency as its 2019 Word of the Year choosing it from an all-environmental shortlist that also included climate action, climate denial eco-anxiety extinction, and flight shame.

The Word of the Year citation is intended to highlight a word or expression shown through usage evidence to reflect the ethos, mood, or preoccupations of the passing year, and have lasting potential as a term of cultural significance. Recent winners have included toxic youthquake post-truth and vape.

The shortlist includes a variety of different words that illustrate new trends in language usage.

The use of the term climate emergency increased by a hundredfold since 2018, according to data collected in the Oxford Corpus, a database containing hundreds of millions of words of written English.

It is the most common compound involving emergency occurring three times as often as the next most-common, health emergency.

This reflects a deliberate decision by some news organizations, including The Guardian, to use climate emergency or climate crisis instead of climate change to better convey the urgency of the situation.

It reflects similar deliberate decision to focus people’s attention, but a reading, if a necessarily subjective one, of the lexicographic evidence.
India’s Constitution is a seminal document: UNGA President
(India’s Constitution, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, 70th Constitution Day)

India’s Constitution marked the country’s emergence from the shadows of colonialism to the light of independence, says Tijjani Muhammad-Bande

Tijjani Muhammad-Bande Congratulating India on the occasion of the 70th Constitution Day, the President of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday (26 November, 2019) said the country’s Constitution is a “seminal document” which marked its emergence from the shadows of colonialism to the light of independence.

He said India’s struggle for independence inspired many others and India’s Constitution is a seminal document which marked the country’s emergence from the shadows of colonialism to the light of independence.

Muhammad-Bande, who presides over the 193-Member General Assembly, wished the people of India peace, happiness and prosperity for decades ahead on this special day.

It was on this day in 1949 that the Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly and it came into force on January 26, 1950, marking the beginning of India as a republic.
Pakistan’s Supreme Court suspends Pakistan Army Chief Extension
Pakistan's Supreme Court suspended the decision to grant a three-year term extension to Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

The move came just ahead of 59-year-old Bajwa's retirement on November 29.

Prime Minister Imran Khan had approved an extension to the tenure of General Bajwa for another three years, citing the regional security environment.

The petition against Bajwa's extension was filed by a person named Raiz Rahi, who later filed an application to withdraw it.

Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa rejected the withdrawal bid and took up the petition as public interest litigation under Article 184.

Justice Khosa said that only the president of Pakistan can extend the tenure of the Army chief. He also observed that when the matter was discussed in the Cabinet, only 11 out of 25 members approved the extension.
Earthquake of 6.4 magnitude hits Albania
A strong earthquake measuring 6.4 on Richter Scale, rocks Albanian capital Tirana; At least nine people died and around 300 injured when an earthquake of 6.4 magnitude jolted Albania triggering panic amongst residents.

The strongest earthquake in decade has caused at least one building to collapse in the nearby port town of Durres which witnessed major damage.

The U.S. Geological Survey predicted the second powerful tremor may hit the region within two months.
Thirteen French troops killed in Mali helicopter crash
Thirteen French soldiers were killed in a helicopter collision during an operation against jihadists in Mali.

The deaths resulted from a collision between a 'Tigre' and a 'Cougar' helicopters. President Emmanuel Macron expressed "deep sadness" over the biggest single loss of life for the French military since the 1980s.

The accident was the biggest loss of French troops in a single day since an attack in Beirut 36 years ago when 58 soldiers died.

Thousands of French troops have been deployed in Mali since 2013 after militants overran parts of the north. Mali's army has since recaptured the territory but insecurity continues and the violence has spread to neighbouring countries.

French Defence Minister Florence Parly vowed that her country would not turn its back on the fight against terrorism after the deadly collision.
Singapore Signs MOU with South Korea on Cybersecurity Cooperation
Singapore signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with South Korea to enhance cooperation and information-sharing on cybersecurity, according to a statement from the city-state's government.

The MOU signed by David Koh, chief executive of the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore, and Kim Seok-hwan, president of the Korea Internet & Security Agency. The MOU witnessed by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

Singapore signed similar agreements with New Zealand, Canada, India, Australia, France, the Netherlands, the UK the United States. The city-state, a trade-reliant nation with a rapidly aging population, is trying to restructure its economy to make it a global center of innovation. As a hyper connected financial hub, it's also been a target for hackers.
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women observed on November 25th every year
On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, UN and regional experts on violence against women and women's rights call upon all States to close the gap between international and national laws on rape and sexual violence.
Theme
The 2019 theme for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is Orange the World: Generation Equality Stands against Rape.
History of Day
The Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women issued by the UN General Assembly in 1993 defines violence against women. The act of gender-based violence that results in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life. Several public events are coordinated at the International Day. The Iconic buildings and landmarks will be ‘oranged’ to recall the need for a violence-free future.
Saudi Arabia elected to UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, member state of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), was elected to the World Heritage Committee for the first time, days after winning the membership in the UNESCO Executive Board.

Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who is also Chairman of the National Committee for Education, Science and Culture, said that the Kingdom's election to the World Heritage Committee shows the international community's confidence in the Kingdom's standing and supportive role for preserving the world heritage.
China topped with the most diplomatic posts across the world
Lowy Institute, an Australian think tank, reported that China has overtaken the United States as the country with the most diplomatic posts across the world.

India ranked 12th in the diplomatic sweepstakes in the report.
Report highlights:
China now has 276 diplomatic posts globally whereas the US holds 273 diplomatic posts.
China has just one additional embassy and high commission, 169, than the US that has 168
Beijing has 96 consulates around the world and Washington has 88.
India has 123 embassies and high commissions, and 54 consulates, across the world.
International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People November 29
International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People is observed on November 29 every year. The day is also known as Solidarity Day. The day marks the anniversary of resolution 181.
History:
In 1977, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution 32/40 B and called for the observance of the International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People. On 29 November 1947, the UNGA adopted the resolution on the partition of Palestine and passed resolution 181 (II) on the observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

On 1 December 2005, the Assembly requested the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People and the Division for Palestinian Rights. It organized an annual exhibit on Palestinian rights or a cultural event in cooperation with the Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine to the UN.

The day encourages the Member States to continue to give the widest support and publicity to the observance of the Day of Solidarity.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa directs state institutions to display National Emblem
Sri Lanka’s new President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has directed all state institutions to display the national emblem in place of the traditional portrait of the incumbent President.

Among his first orders after being sworn in as President yesterday, Mr Rajapaksa stated that he instructed for the removal of politicians' photographs from name boards of roads as well.

Accordingly, some state institutions have already replaced the President’s photograph with the national emblem.

After swearing-in at Anuradhapura, Mr Rajapaksa assured a neutral foreign policy and refused to get involved in the battles between other countries.

He asked all nations to respect unitary status and sovereignty of Sri Lanka.
Indra Nooyi and Jeff Bezos inducted into NPF
Indian-American former PepsiCo head Indra Nooyi and Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos have been inducted into the National Portrait Gallery(NPF).

It inducted for the positive impact on America’s shared history, development and culture. National Portrait Gallery was founded by Congress in 1962. It located in Washington D.C, USA.

Kim Sajet is the director of the National Portrait Gallery.
US President Donald Trump orders additional troop deployment in Middle East
United States President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of additional troops in the Middle East to deter alleged threat from Iran.

This will take the total number of US armed forces in Saudi Arabia to 3,000.

Iran continues to pose a threat in the region through various activities, including the attack on oil and natural gas facilities.

Additional forces ordered for deployment in Saudi Arabia include radar and missile systems, an air expeditionary wing and two fighter squadrons.

The first of these additional forces have arrived and the remaining forces will arrive in the coming weeks.
World’s first electric racing aircraft was unveiled at 2019 Dubai air show
An all-electric racing aircraft was unveiled by Air Race E, an Airbus-backed European planemaker, at the on-going 2019 Dubai Air Show. The aircraft was called White Lightning.

The aircraft is to be manufactured by the UK-based Condor Aviation.

The aircraft aims to boost its green aerospace technology.

The invention comes amid the increasing concerns about the environmental impact of fossil-fuel intensive air travel.

The aircraft uses an electric motor that will carry it at flight speeds of around 482 km per hour on a tight 5 km circuit, just 10 meters above the ground.

Lithium batteries are installed under the fuselage of the plane. It provides power for five minutes of high-intensity racing and around 10 minutes of reserve flying at reduced power.

It is expected to provide a testbed for innovation and accelerate the journey towards commercial electric travel.

Other companies, including US ride-hailing company Uber Technologies Inc, Boeing, Volkswagen's sports car brand, Porsche, are working to develop a concept electric flying vehicle capable of transporting people in urban environments.
2019 Dubai Airshow:
The 2019 Dubai Airshow is held from 17-21 November 2019 at Dubai World Central, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The show gives access to one of the world's largest meeting places for the aerospace industry.

The airshow exhibited aircraft from over 1,300 suppliers to explore
Mahinda Rajapaksa to be sworn in as new PM
Mahinda Rajapaksa will be sworn in as new Prime minister today (21 November, 2019).

Mr. Ranil Wickremsinghe will resign from the post of prime minister following which Mahinda Rajapaksa will be sworn in.

Mr. Rajapaksa served as two-term President during which 2005 to 2015 and is the elder brother of current President Gotabaya Rajapksa.

He was barred from contesting Presidential elections because of two-term limit and will be staging a political comeback as Prime minister. A caretaker cabinet of 15 ministers is also expected to be sworn in.

The caretaker government will carry routine work till parliamentary elections are held early next year.
Tuvalu rejects China offer to build islands, retains ties with Taiwan
The tiny South Pacific nation of Tuvalu has rejected offers from Chinese firms to build artificial islands that would help it deal with rising sea levels.

Tuvalu Foreign Minister Simon Kofe saw the offers as an attempt to reduce Taiwan's influence in the region. But he instead reaffirmed his country's support for Taiwan.

China has increased efforts to expand its influence in the Pacific, alarming the United States and its allies. Beijing has been accused of luring them in with the promise of financial aid and airplanes.
General strike as thousands protest Colombia's government
Tens of thousands of Colombians took to the streets of the capital Bogota amid a general strike to protest the policies of President Ivan Duque's right-wing government.

Several clashes and arrests were reported as trade unions, students, opposition parties and the South American country's indigenous organisations challenged the full gamut of Duque's economic, social and security policies.

The popularity of Duque's right-wing government, a key US ally, has been on the wane since his election 18 months ago, as it deals with hosting 1.4 million refugees from neighbouring Venezuela's economic meltdown as well as the complex fallout of a 2016 peace deal with FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) rebels and rampant drug trafficking.

The protest comes amid social upheaval across South America, as a wave of unrest over the past two months has battered governments in Chile, Bolivia and Ecuador.
Israel PM Netanyahu charged with corruption in three separate cases
Israel's attorney general has charged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with bribery, fraud and breach of trust in connection with three separate cases.

O Mr Netanyahu is alleged to have accepted gifts from wealthy businessmen and dispensed favours to try to get more positive press coverage.

The prime minister described the charges as an attempted coup, blaming them on a tainted process. He has also insisted he will not resign and is not legally obliged to do so.

Earlier, Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit made the decision with a heavy heart, adding that it showed nobody was above the law in Israel.

The announcement comes amid a political stand-off in Israel following two inconclusive general elections in April and September.
Bangladesh Transport strike called off as govt agrees to examine demands
The indefinite strike by transport workers and owners in Bangladesh was called off after government assurance that it would look into the nine-point charter of demands.

The announcement came after the Home Minister held a long discussion late last night with the representatives of the transport workers and owners.

The nine-point demand of the transport workers has been sent to the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry and their demands will be examined.

He agreed that there were certain problems in the implementation of the Traffic act 2018.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader assured that there will be no unnecessary harassment by the police in enforcing the law.

The guidelines on the new act are in the final stages and once these are finalised there won't be any problems in its implementation.

The movement of buses and trucks in various parts of Bangladesh was slowly coming back to normal after the announcement that strike has been called off was made.
Mahinda Rajapaksa sworn in as new PM of Sri Lanka
Mahinda Rajapaksa has been sworn in as the new Prime minister of Sri Lanka.

He was sworn in by President Gotabaya Rajapksa, his younger brother after Ranil Wickremsinghe resigned from his post.

A 15-member cabinet is also expected to be sworn.

Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa served as two-term President during 2005 to 2015 and was barred from contesting Presidential elections because of two-term limit.

While his government still has the majority in Parliament, it was decided to respect the mandate given to Gotabaya Rajapaksa and step down.

As per constitution, parliament cannot be dissolved till February unless two-thirds of members pass a resolution to this effect.

Meanwhile, United National Party (UNP) has written to the speaker to name Mr. Wickremsinghe as the leader of opposition.
Colombian President Iván Duque orders curfew amid continuing unrest in country
Colombian President Iván Duque ordered a curfew in the nation's capital amid continuing unrest in the country.

The President announced on Twitter that he had also requested Bogota's Mayor to enforce a curfew in the city of seven million.

The curfew comes one day after an estimated 2,50,000 people took to the streets in one of the nation's biggest marches in recent history.

While the protest started out peaceful, it ended with scattered clashes between protesters and police.

Three people were killed during nationwide demonstrations in Colombia as part of a general strike protesting against the policies of President Ivan Duque's right-wing government.

Hundreds of thousands of Colombians took to the streets in the capital Bogota and other cities to protest Duque's economic, social and security policies.
India, China to hold celebratory activities to mark 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties
India and China will jointly hold 70 celebratory activities to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The year-long activities starting from 2020 will demonstrate historic connect between two civilisations as well as growing bilateral relations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping had agreed to organise 70 celebratory activities in both countries during their Second Informal Summit in Chennai last month.

These activities will further deepen people-to-people exchanges at all levels, including between legislatures, businesses, academics, cultural and youth organisations as well as the defence forces.

The two sides will also engage in cooperative projects in studying ancient maritime links between India and China through various ways including the establishment of sister-state relations between Tamil Nadu and Fujian Province.

Activities will be held related to martial arts exchange, traditional sports, entrepreneurship, and joint post-earthquake search and rescue exercise.
US warns Pakistan of long-term consequences for pursuing China's Economic Corridor project
The United States warned Pakistan that it faced long-term economic damage with little return if China keeps pursuing its giant infrastructure push.

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor heralded as a game-changer by both Asian countries but this would profit only Beijing the United States offered a better model.

Alice Wells said it needs to be clear, that CPEC is not about aid since it is driven by non-concessionary loans, with Chinese companies sending their own labor and material.

The corridor is going to take a growing toll on the Pakistan economy, especially when the bulk of payments start to come due in the next four to six years.

While acknowledging that the United States could not come to Pakistan with offers from state-run companies, private US investment, coupled with US grants, would improve the troubled economy's fundamentals.
Court suspends ruling on Hong Kong mask ban for seven days
Hong Kong police can continue enforcing a ban on demonstrators wearing masks for the next seven days, to allow the government time to appeal an earlier ruling that the action was unconstitutional.

The ban was imposed in October by the city's pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam under colonial-era emergency powers not used in more than half a century.

It was aimed at quelling months of unrest sparked by concerns that Beijing was tightening its grip on Hong Kong, but instead triggered fresh protests by demonstrators the ban merely underlined their fears.

The High Court earlier this week had ruled the ban to be unlawful, but the government asked for a suspension of the ruling.

Protesters have used face masks to avoid identification and respirators to protect themselves from tear gas.

The new law threatens anyone wearing masks at protests with up to a year in prison.
Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appointed brothers Mahinda, Chamal Rajapaksa to new Cabinet
In Sri Lanka, a new Cabinet comprising 15 ministers was sworn in by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa after change of government following Presidential elections.

New Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapksa has been given the portfolio of finance and urban development among others while Dinesh Gunawardana is the new foreign minister.

Former Speaker and elder brother in Rajapaksa family, Chamal Rajapaksa has been given agriculture and rural development.

There are two ministers from minority Tamil community and a lone woman minister in the cabinet.

The interim cabinet will be in place till the next Parliamentary election.
Britain detains 22 migrants in English Channel
UK Border Force intercepted a boat on 10 November, 2019 carrying 22 migrants as public attention refocused on people smuggling following the death of 39 Vietnamese nationals in a truck near London.

The operation brought to 44 the number of people picked up in the English Channel since Friday (08 November, 2019).

No information about their nationalities or ages and gender were revealed.

The Vietnamese victims' bodies were discovered in a refrigerated truck near London. The British driver has been charged with manslaughter and other offences.

None of the 11 people detained in Vietnam's own investigation has been formally charged.
Top US military official says 500 troops to remain in Syria
US troop levels in northern Syria will probably stabilize around 500, weeks after President Donald Trump had announced a complete withdrawal.

General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told that the US troops will be less than 1,000.

Trump's abrupt announcement last month drew angry rebukes. He later relented in part, saying he would leave some troops in the region.
US Court retains H-1B visa rule giving work permit to spouses
In a temporary relief to thousands of Indians living in America, a US court has refused to strike down an Obama-era rule that allowed spouses of H-1B visa holders to work in America.

A three-judge bench of the US Courts of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit sent the case back to a lower court.

The bench noted that it is best to remand to give the district court an opportunity to thoroughly assess and finally determine the merits in the first instance.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows the US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations.

A 2015 rule issued by US President Donald Trump's predecessor Barack Obama allowed work permits for certain categories of H-4 visa holders, primarily spouses of those having H-1B work visas waiting for their Green Card, to work in the US.

Indians, in particular women, were the greatest beneficiary of this rule, which has been challenged by several US workers with the current Trump administration saying that it wants to rescind the rule.
France, Britain, Germany, EU ‘extremely concerned’ by Iran's nuclear deal breach
France, Germany, Britain and the European Union have said they are "extremely concerned" by Iran's decision to restart nuclear activities at one of its key sites. Iran is restarting uranium enrichment activities at the Fordow facility.

It was confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in its report.

Iran's action was "inconsistent" with the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPoA, under which Tehran had agreed to curb some of its nuclear activities- notably uranium enrichment- in return for a lifting of economic sanctions.

The IAEA report confirmed that Iran has ramped up uranium enrichment, with its stockpile now reaching the equivalent of 551 kilogrammes, as opposed to the 300-kilogramme limit laid down in the JCPoA.
Mexico offers asylum to former Bolivian President Evo Morales
Mexico has offered asylum to former Bolivian President Evo Morales, a day after he resigned following weeks of protest over a disputed election.

The decision was taken for "humanitarian reasons" after a request from Mr Morales. Morales, 60, had been in power since 2006.

Mr Morales, Bolivia's first indigenous leader, stepped down after the head of the army publicly called on him to leave his post.

The deputy head of the Senate said she would take over as interim president until new elections were held.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has hailed the resignation of Bolivia's leftist leader Evo Morales as a sign to "illegitimate" regimes and praised the role of the country's military.
Dhaka Global Dialogue 2019
Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina on 11 November, 2019 inaugurated the first edition of the three day long Dhaka Global Dialogue. She said that friendship to all, malice to none is the main principle of Bangladesh’s foreign policy. Speaking about the importance of oceans Sheikh Hasina said that peace and stability in the maritime domain will be critical to Asia’s rise.

She said that due to its geographical location Bangladesh is a bridge between South Asia and South-East Asia.

She expressed the hope that the Dhaka Global Dialogue will act as a platform for the countries in this region on the way of achieving environmentally sustainable peace and prosperity.

The strategic location of the country gives it an advantage on which it needs to build further.

Bangladesh loses almost 2 percent of its GDP annually due to climate change issues but Bangladesh is an example of adaptive resilience which could be emulated by other countries in the world.

President of the ORF Samir Saran in his welcome address said that this is the Asian Century which will be shaped by stories of transformations in the east and its collective rise.

A large number of scholars, policy makers, strategic experts, law makers and industry leaders and professionals of various fields are participating in the event.

The three day long programme is being jointly organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS).

Over 150 delegates from 50 countries are participating in the conference to discuss some of the most pressing global imperatives in the context of the Indo-pacific region.
Australia: New South Wales and Queensland declare state of emergency
In Australia, the states of New South Wales and Queensland have declared a state of emergency, following the widespread bush fires which took at least three lives.

Thousands have been displaced by three days of dangerous weather conditions and bring a catastrophic threat to heavily populated areas of the nation's east.

More than 120 bush fires are burning across the two states.

The catastrophic warning is in place across the greater Sydney area and regions to the city's north and south.

In New South Wales, the blazes have scorched 9,70,000 hectares of land and destroyed 150 houses.

Nine homes have been razed in Queensland.

New South Wales fire authorities have issued the maximum level of warning for the first time since new fire warnings were introduced a decade ago, after Australia's deadly Black Saturday disaster.
Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid arrived in Nepal on four-day visit
President of Bangladesh Md. Abdul Hamid is on a four day visit to Nepal. On first day of his visit, Nepal's Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali paid a courtesy call on Bangladeshi President in Kathmandu last evening.

During the meeting, matters pertaining to cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, energy, connectivity, waterways, aviation, education, transportation and agriculture were discussed. Both the leaders also shared views on enhancing cooperation on matters of regional and global interests, including climate change.

President of Bangladesh also visited famous Bhaktapur Durbar Square and observed with interest the archaeological and historical sites.

President Hamid is scheduled to meet his Nepalese counterpart Bidya Devi Bhandari. President of Nepal will also host a Banquet in his honour.

Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and Chairperson of the National Assembly Ganesh Prasad Timilsina will pay courtesy call on Bangladeshi President. Nepal President Hamid will also visit Pokhara.
Former Bolivian President Evo Morales arrives in Mexico to take up political asylum
Ex-President of Bolivia Evo Morales arrived in Mexico on 12 November, 2019 to take up political asylum, vowing to continue the struggle.

He had resigned amid mounting protests over his fraud-stained re-election to a fourth term on October 20th .

He vowed to remain in politics, saying, his flight into exile would not be the end of the story.

Morales, 60, led Bolivia for more than 13 years. He was a member of the "pink tide" of leftist leaders who held sway across much of Latin America in the 2000s.

He was, however, forced to step down after losing the backing of the military and police amid weeks of increasingly violent protests over his constitutionally questionable re-election.

The constitutional next-in-line, deputy senate speaker Jeanine Anez, has pledged to call fresh elections.
Sri Lanka: Campaigning for Presidential elections ends
In Sri Lanka, campaigning for Presidential elections ended midnight last night. Polling will be held on Saturday.

Sri Lanka People’s Party (SLPP) contender is Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

New Democratic Front’s candidate is Sajithan.
Presidents of Bangladesh and Nepal meet in Kathmandu
President of Bangladesh Md. Abdul Hamid met his Nepali counterpart Bidya Devi Bhandari in Kathmandu on Wednesday evening.

According to the Nepal President's office, matters relating to friendly relations existing between the two countries, mutual interest and matters of concern were discussed in the meeting.

They also discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations between Nepal and Bangladesh.

President Bhandari also hosted State Banquet in honour of her Bangladeshi counterpart.

Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, Chairperson of National Assembly Ganesh Prasad Timilsina and Former Prime Minister and President of Nepali Congress Sher Bahadur Deuba called on President Hamid.

Prime Minister Oli had a fruitful meeting with President of Bangladesh. During his four-day Nepal visit, which concludes on Friday, President Hamid will also visit Pokhara and the historical, archaeological and cultural sites in the Kathmandu Valley.
Bangladesh tops business bribery risk in South Asia
Bangladesh has the highest business bribery risk among South Asian courtiers, according to the Trace Bribery Matrix which releases annual ranking for 200 countries.

The Matrix evaluates countries under four parameters which are business interaction with the government, anti-bribery deterrence, transparency and civil society oversight.

Bangladesh has been placed at 178 position among 200 countries in terms of business bribery risk.

It has been on the high risk country list of Trace Bribery Matrix since 2014 when the first matrix was released.

According to the report Bangladesh has a high degree of government interaction in business, a high expectation of bribes and a high regulatory burden which contributes in high bribery risk for business in the country.

In South Asia, Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only countries where the bribery risk is 'high'. Bhutan has the lowest risk of bribery on the index in South Asia as it is placed at 52 in the ranking.

According to this year's TRACE Matrix data, Somalia, South Sudan, North Korea, Yemen and Venezuela presented the highest risk of bribe demands. New Zealand, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland presented the lowest bribery risk.
Impeachment hearing against Trump to resume today (15 November)
Impeachment hearing against US President Donald Trump will resume today (15 November, 2019) with the testimony of former envoy to Ukraine.

After the first round of the impeachment hearings in the House of Representatives, the White House made clear its defence outline which will be to discredit the witnesses, dismiss the accusations and shift the focus to the Bidens.

Top White House counsellor Kellyanne Conway said that the Democrats have no case against the president and that he was being treated unfairly.

Trump had claimed that the impeachment inquiry against him over his dealings with Ukraine was a witch-hunt.

White House budget official Mark Sandy has agreed to provide closed-door testimony in the ongoing impeachment probe against US President Donald Trump. Sandy's lawyer stated that he would appear if subpoenaed by the Congress.

In his July 25 phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump had allegedly asked for an investigation into his potential 2020 Democratic rival Joe Biden and his son Hunter.

The call is at the heart of just the fourth attempt to impeach a president in US history.
Italy declares state of emergency in Venice after high tides
The Italian government has declared a state of emergency for Venice after an exceptional tide surged through churches, shops and homes, causing millions of euros worth of damage to the UNESCO city.

The cabinet had approved the state of emergency and ordered the immediate release of 20 million euros in funds for the most urgent interventions in the devastated city after Tuesday's flooding, the highest in 50 years.

Several museums remained closed to the public as authorities assessed the extent of the damage to Venice's cultural treasures, such as St Mark's Basilica where water invaded the crypt.
Anti-government protesters paralyse parts of Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, anti-government protesters paralysed parts of the city for a fourth day today (15 November, 2019).

The protests forced school closures and blocking highways and other transport links to disrupt the financial hub amid a marked escalation of violence.

Black-clad anti-government protesters and university students maintained their blockades of major roads, including the entrance to the Cross-Harbour Tunnel that links Hong Kong island to the Kowloon area. Police fired tear gas near the tunnel early today to try to clear the protesters.

Demonstrators are angry about what they see as police brutality and meddling by China. Beijing denies interfering and has blamed Britain and the United States, for stirring up trouble.
Israel again strikes Islamic Jihad targets in Gaza
Israel has begun another round of airstrikes on targets linked to Islamic Jihad in Gaza despite a ceasefire that came into effect on 15 November, 2019.

The Israeli Army said the Israeli Defence Force, IDF is currently striking Islamic Jihad terror targets in the Gaza strip. Counter-attack by Israel began after Islamic Jihad fired a number of rockets into Israel.

The ceasefire had been agreed between Israel and the Palestinian armed group after two days of fighting in Gaza that began after Israel killed a top Islamic Jihad commander in an air raid. The announcement by the Israeli military suggested that the ceasefire, reportedly brokered by Egypt, was breaking down.
Dhaka International Folk Festival
The 5th edition of the Dhaka International Folk Festival was inaugurated on 14th November, 2019 by the Information Minister of Bangladesh Dr Hasan Mahmud at Bangladesh Army Stadium.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen was present as chief guest in the opening ceremony.

More than 200 artistes from 6 countries are be performing in the largest folk festival of Asia.

The event began with performance by artistes of Bhabna Nrityadal, a prominent dance troupe from Bangladesh.

Daler Mehendi from India, Shah Alam Sarkar from Bangladesh and Georgian folk band Chveneburebi performed on the first day of the programme.

Among the notable ones Chandana Majumdar, Kajol Dewan from Bangladesh, Daler Mehndi from India, Junoon and Hina Nasrullah from Pakistan and Sattuma from Russia will be performing in the three day long event between November 14-16.
The 2nd Summit of World Religious Leaders began in Baku
The 2nd Summit of World Religious Leaders began in Baku, Azerbaijan held from 14-15 November, 2019.

The Summit aims to contribute to the development of inter-religious dialogue, promotion, and evolution of such human values as mutual understanding and human solidarity.

It has brought together religious leaders of 25 traditional religions and movements from 70 countries.
The 2nd edition of the Paris Peace Forum was held in France
The 2nd edition of the Paris Peace Forum was held at La Grande Halle de La Villette in Paris, France from 11-13 November 2019.

The event aimed to encourage international cooperation and collective action for a peaceful world.

It works as an incubator to drive projects and launch new initiatives.

The forum is held to mobilize and bring together all stakeholders.
Draft 'Industry Guidelines on Digital Learning' launched at 40th UNESCO General Conference
The 40th UNESCO General Conference was held in Paris, France. The conference is to be held on 12-27 November 2019.

In the conference, the Union Minister of Human Resource Development, Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ launched the Industry Guidelines on Digital Learning at the Ministerial Roundtable on Media and Information Literacy and Games in the Digital World.

The Roundtable was jointly organized by India and Finland in partnership with UNESCO headquarters and UNESCO’s category one institute, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP).

The Draft Guidelines were developed by UNESCO MGIEP, based in New Delhi.

The guidelines are a response to the Vizag Declaration on Digital Learning that was adopted at TECH 2018.

Guidelines are developed to help build digital learning solutions. It will also promote active learning and build 21st-century skills, including social and emotional skills.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa wins in Sri Lankan Presidential elections
Presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa has won the elections held in Sri Lanka .

Rajapaksa, 70, defeated Premadasa, 52, by more than 13 lakh votes, according to the official results.

Rajapaksa, who will succeed President Maithripala Sirisena for a five-year term, will be sworn in as the seventh executive President of Sri Lanka on Monday at the ancient north central town of Anuradhapura.

Rajapaksa will be the second member from the Rajapaksa family to become the President. His older brother Mahinda Rajapaksa was President from 2005 to 2015.

Rajapaksa secured 52.25 per cent votes (6,924,255) while Premadasa received 41.99 per cent of the total votes polled (5,564,239), the election commission said.
Protests erupt across Iran as government announces 50% increase in petrol prices
Protests have erupted across Iran after the government announced that it was rationing petrol and increasing its price.

Petrol prices rose by at least 50% as subsidies on petrol were reduced by the government.

In the city of Sirjan in central Iran, demonstrators tried to set a fuel warehouse on fire.

Other cities were also affected including the capital, Tehran, Kermanshah, Isfahan, Tabriz, Karadj, Shiraz, Yazd, Boushehr and Sari.
Biennial Commonwealth Law Ministers’ Conference begins in Colombo, Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, the biennial Commonwealth Law Ministers’ Conference began in Colombo under the theme Equal Access to Justice and the Rule of Law.

Union Minister for Law and Justice Ravi Shankar Prasad will be representing India at the conference.

The four-day conference participated by Law Ministers and Attorney Generals from Commonwealth countries seeks to address challenges faced by millions of people seeking to resolve legal problems or disputes.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland emphasized the event’s significance in the current global context in which obstacles to justice are prevalent in many forms.

These include barriers such as poverty, lack of legal aid, distrust of the justice system and corruption. She said that access to justice is fundamental for democracy and peace to flourish and so Commonwealth countries are working actively through mutual support and encouragement to address barriers that may remain, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Italian ship with 151 migrants rescued off Libya docks in Sicily
An Italian offshore supply vessel has brought 151 migrants to Sicily after rescuing them in waters off Libya a day earlier.

The Asso Trenta docked at Pozzallo with the migrants.

It wasn't immediately known if the migrants would stay in Italy or be distributed among other European Union countries.

Hours earlier, a German charity's rescue boat, Alan Kurdi, had disembarked 88 migrants at Taranto on the Italian mainland.

Under an EU-brokered deal, 67 of them will go to four other countries, while the others will stay in Italy.
Nepal's President relieves all seven Governors
Nepal's President Bidya Devi Bhandari has relieved Governors of all seven provinces of the country.

According to a press statement issued by the President's Office, the Governors have been relieved as per the constitutional provisions on the recommendation of cabinet.

The Governors were appointed in January 2018 after first-ever provincial elections in the country.
Excess amount of lead found in water supply of major cities
In Canada, an investigation has found the excess amount of lead in the water supply of major cities.

Out of 12,000 samples taken from 2014 to 2018, one third exceeded the national safety guideline of 5 parts per billion.

The biggest source of lead in Canada's drinking water is antiquated pipes and public service lines that connect people's homes to the main water supply.

Lead contamination has been linked with low IQ in children, hypertension and heart disease.
US formally notifies UN about its withdrawal from Paris Climate Accord
The US has formally notified the United Nations that it was withdrawing from the Paris climate accord.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the withdrawal, the agreement had imposed what he called an unfair economic burden on the US.

The notification begins a one-year process of exiting the global climate change accord, culminating the day after the 2020 US election.

The agreement brought together 188 nations to combat climate change.

It committed them to keeping rising global temperatures below 2 Celsius above pre-industrial levels and attempting to limit them even more, to a 1.5 Celsius rise.

The US contributes about 15 per cent of global emissions of carbon.
Biggest US-Bangladesh Navy exercise starts in Chattogram
The second phase of the biggest US- Bangladesh Navy exercise named 'Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT)- 2019' started in Chattogram on 04 November, 2019.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) wing of Bangladesh armed forces, Assistant chief of naval staff (operations) Bangladesh Navy rear admiral M Makbul Hossain was present as the chief guest in the opening ceremony.

Rear admiral Murray Tynch, commander logistic group, Western Pacific Command Task Force 73 (CTF-73) of the US Navy was present as the special guest.

The second phase of the exercise is being conducted from 4 to 7 November with different subject-based training and exercise.
Iran to enrich uranium using centrifuges
Iran announced that it will begin enriching uranium using centrifuges at its Fordow facility.

Iran's expansion of uranium enrichment activities in defiance of key nuclear commitments is a big step in the wrong direction and underscores the continuing challenge to international peace and security, the State Department of US said.
Russia criticizes US on withdrawal from Paris climate accord
Russia joined other nations in criticizing the United States withdrawal from the Paris climate accord, it seriously undermined the agreement. President Vladimir Putin's Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told in Moscow that it's very hard to talk about any kind of climate agreement in view of the US pullout from this agreement.

The US is the leading country in terms of emissions and any US pullout undermines this agreement in the most serious way.

Earlier, China also expressed regret over Washington's decision to formally notify the United Nations that the US was withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement.

China's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Geng Shuang at a press briefing in Beijing said the US can take more responsibility and do more to contribute a driving force to the multilateral cooperation process, instead of adding negative energy.

The United States will be officially out of the accord on 4th of November 2020, one day after the Presidential election in which Mr. Trump is seeking a second term.
Guyana to be fastest growing country in the World
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Guyana’s GDP is expected to be more at 86% in 2020 after expanding 4.4% in 2019.

Guyana’s economy will grow more than three times within five years.

Guyana’ GDP is to get fourteen times as fast as China’s GDP in 2020.

Guyana is projecting $300 million in petroleum revenue in 2020.

It is a country of South America with 7,80,000 population

About Guyana:
Capital: George Town
Currency: Guyanese Dollar
President: David A.Granger
Prime ministerMoses Nagamootoo
Iran begins injecting uranium gas into centrifuges at Fordow
Iran stepped up activity at its underground Fordow nuclear plant.

With the presence of inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran started injecting uranium gas into centrifuges in Fordow. The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran also confirmed the operation, which it said started at 00:00 local time today.

French President Emmanuel Macron called Iran's latest move 'grave', saying it explicitly signalled Iran's intent for the first time to leave the deal - formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Iran insists that the latest move is not a violation of the nuclear deal, but is based on the Articles 26 and 36 of the agreement.
US announces increase in H-1B work visa application fee by 10 USD
The US has announced the increase of H-1B work visa application fee by 10 US Dollars as part of its revised selection process.

The non-refundable fee will support the new electronic registration system to make the H-1B cap selection process more efficient.

Petitioners seeking to file H-1B cap-subject petitions, will first have to electronically register with the USCIS during a designated registration period.

The electronic registration system is part of an agency-wide initiative to modernise immigration system while deterring fraud.

The H-1B program allows US companies to temporarily employ foreign workers in occupations that require the application of a body of highly specialised knowledge with bachelor's or a higher degree in the specific speciality, or it's equivalent.
Russia re-enacts historic wartime parade
Russian troops wearing World War II uniforms marched across Moscow's Red Square, in memory of the historic 1941 parade, when Soviet soldiers went directly to the battlefield to fight the Nazis.

The annual re-enactment featuring some 4,000 troops and T-34 tanks commemorated the legendary November 7, 1941 parade whose participants marched from Red Square to the front line, becoming a symbol of courage and patriotism.

Nearly 7,000 guests including World War II veterans watched the parade.

The Red Army's triumph in the deadliest war in history is seen as a huge point of pride in Russia.

In recent years, the victory in the 1941-1945 conflict known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War has acquired signs of cult status.
Iran resumes uranium enrichment, raising concern from signatories to 2015 nuclear deal
Iran has resumed uranium enrichment at its underground Fordow plant south of Tehran in a new departure from its commitments under a landmark 2015 nuclear deal.

The suspension of uranium enrichment at the long secret plant was one of the restrictions Iran had agreed to on its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of UN sanctions.

Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia have been trying to salvage the hard-won deal since Washington abandoned it in May 2018 and reimposed crippling unilateral sanctions.

The resumption of enrichment at Fordow is Iran's fourth move away from the deal. Uranium enrichment is the sensitive process that produces fuel for nuclear power plants but also, in highly extended form, the fissile core for a warhead. Iran has always denied any military dimension to its nuclear programme.

Iran's latest move comes after the passing of a deadline it set for the remaining parties to the 2015 nuclear agreement to come up with a mechanism that would allow foreign firms to continue doing business with Iran without incurring US penalties.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed concern about Tehran's announcements but said European powers should do their part. The Kremlin had previously called sanctions against Iran as unprecedented and illegal.
Bosnia outraged after Emmanuel Macron calls it a 'ticking time bomb’
Officials in Bosnia expressed outrage to remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron where he described the country as a ticking time-bomb. Also the greatest concern for Europe in the Balkans as there is a possibility of returning jihadists.

Referring to escaped or released Islamic State fighters who could return to Europe,if you're concerned about this region, the first question should be Bosnia-Herzegovina.

According to Bosnian intelligence, 241 adults and 80 children left Bosnia or the Bosnian diaspora in 2012-2016 for Syria and Iraq, where 150 more children were born.

About 100 adults, around a half of them women, remain there, while at least 88 have been killed or died.
Spain fourth general election
Spain will hold its fourth general election in as many years to try and break a deadlock.

At the last vote, in April, 2019, acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party, won the most seats.

But after failing to rally enough support to form a government, he announced a fresh vote in September.

His predecessor Mariano Rajoy, of the conservative, Christian Democratic People's Party, won the December 2015 election but stepped down in June 2018 after a vote of no confidence, amid a corruption scandal.
Iran to enriching uranium to five percent
Iran is now enriching uranium to five percent, after stepping back from its commitments under the troubled 2015 accord with significant powers.

The deal four years ago set a 3.67 percent limit for uranium enrichment, but Tehran announced it would no longer respect it after the United States unilaterally abandoned the agreement last year (2018) and reimposed crippling sanctions.

What are the affects of Uranium? General Essay on Uranium
UN chief Antonio Guterres welcomes opening of Kartarpur Corridor
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on 09 November, 2019 welcomed the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor, saying the initiative paves the way for interfaith harmony and understanding.

In a historic people-to-people initiative, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan inaugurated the historic corridor linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev, to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab's Gurdaspur.

For more info on Kartarpur Corridor, check here

The Gurdwara Darbar Sahib is located across the Ravi river in Pakistan and is about four kilometres from the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur.

Separate events were organised on both the sides of the border to launch the much-awaited corridor ahead of the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev's 550th birth anniversary on the 12th November, 2019.

Guru Nanak Dev spent the last 18 years of his life at Kartarpur Sahib, which has now become the world's largest Sikh Gurdwara.