Author: Arif ArifArman

ZOOMBANGLA DESK: At the 28th Council of the International Seabed Authority being held in Kingston, Jamaica, negotiations resumed on Environmental Impact Assessment. Bangladesh delegate Rear Admiral (retd) Md. Khurshed Alam, Secretary (Maritime Affairs Unit) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs tookpart in the deliberations and significantly contributed to the negotiations. The meeting of the Council is taking place from July 10-21, 2023 and the ISA Assembly will meet from July 24-28, 2023. Delegates deliberated on the meaning of ‘cumulative effects’ within the context of synergetic effects and expressed a preference for differentiating between ‘impacts’ and ‘effects’. Deliberations also took place…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: India and France have committed to eliminate single-use plastic products pollution and progressively reduce and eliminate consumption and production of certain single-use plastic products, according to a release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Pollution due to littered and mismanaged plastic waste is a global environmental issue that must be urgently addressed. It has adverse impacts on ecosystems in general and marine ecosystems in particular. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) defines single-use plastic products as “an umbrella term for different types of products that are typically used once before being thrown away or recycled”, which include…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: India and France on Friday said that they believe in free, open, inclusive, secure and peaceful Indo-Pacific regions. The two nations noted that they seek to secure economic and security interests and build a balanced and stable order in the region. The two nations have released India-France Indo-Pacific Roadmap. The roadmap said that India and France are strategically located resident powers and key partners with vital stakes in the Indo-Pacific. The Indo-French partnership in the Indian Ocean has become an important focus of our bilateral relations. In 2018, India and France agreed on a ‘Joint Strategic Vision of…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday met Chinese diplomat Wang Yi and discussed issues related to peace and tranquillity in India-China border areas. Jaishankar’s discussions with Wang Yi, who is also the Director of the Office of the CPC Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, also covered EAS/ARF agenda, BRICS and the Indo-Pacific. “Just concluded meeting with Director Wang Yi of the Office of the CPC Central Commission for Foreign Affairs. Discussed outstanding issues related to peace & tranquility in border areas. Our conversation also covered EAS/ARF agenda, BRICS and the Indo-Pacific,” tweeted Jaishankar following their meeting. The…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Secretary General of the Muslim World League and President of the International Islamic Halal Organisation, Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, said India is a great example of Unity in Diversity and his visit to the Akshardham temple in the national capital on Thursday only served to reinforce the belief. Al-Issa, who is on a five-day visit to India, spent three hours at the Swaminarayan Akshardham on Thursday. On visit to the shrine, which draws visitors from across the globe, he said, “India is a great example of Unity in Diversity and my visit to Akshardham – a…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Iran Khodro Industrial Group (IKCO), Iran’s largest automobile manufacturer, is aiming for expansion of its automotive business to additional nations despite the US sanctions, following its successful car exports to Russia and has now set its sights on India. After having captured the markets of Venezuela and Russia the company, Iranian automaker Khodro, is determined to increase its car production to meet the demands of its partner countries. Leila Yusufi, the logistics manager at Khodro, expressed confidence in expanding the market to India when questioned about the company’s plans for the Indian market. She stated, “Certainly, if India…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that Indian students who are pursuing a master’s degree in France will now be given a five-year long-term post-study visa. Earlier, Indian students were given two-year work visas. PM Modi made the announcement during his address to the Indian community at LA Seine Musicale in Paris. He also received a gala welcome from the people gathered there. “The last time I came to France, it was decided that Indian students studying in France would be given a 2-year post-study work visa. Now, it has been decided that Indian students pursuing Masters…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: As per the French proposal for the 26 Rafale Marine aircraft, their Navy will provide two to four of its maritime fighter aircraft to the Indian Navy for training within six months of signing the contract. Defence sources told ANI that as per the discussions between the two sides, the French Navy will provide two to four of their Rafale Marine aircraft within six months of the contract signing as the first aircraft for the Indian Navy will be delivered only after 36 months of contract signing. The aircraft provided to the Indian Navy will help Indian pilots…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Chandrayaan-3 is essentially a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2 to demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface. It consists of lander and rover configurations. The launch window opened on June 12. If successful, India will become the fourth country to achieve the remarkable feat of landing a spacecraft on the Moon’s surface. As the countdown to the big launch day begins, there is tremendous excitement across India about launching the lunar spacecraft. S Somnath, head of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), says, “Essentially, Chandrayaan-3 is similar to Chandrayaan-2, with the same scientific architecture…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Making a strong pitch for India’s permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the primary UN body cannot claim to be speaking for the world when its most populous country and the largest democracy is not a permanent member. He made the remark during an interview with French newspaper ‘Les Echos’ ahead of his two-day official visit to France that begins later on Thursday. On whether the credibility of UN was at stake, with India still not finding permanent membership of the UNSC, Prime Minister Modi said the UN was…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Bhutanese traders can continue to export potatoes to India for another year. This development follows a notification from India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The notification dated 3rd of July states import of potatoes is allowed from Bhutan without any import license up to the end of June next year. A similar exemption has also been made for areca nut export. Previously, the Indian government had given import exemption for potatoes from Bhutan for a year, which ended on the 30th of last month. The new import notification on potatoes signed by the Director General of Foreign Trade…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Secretary General of the Muslim World League, Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa called on President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday. Welcoming Dr Al-Issa on his first official visit to India, the President said that India appreciates the role and objectives of the Muslim World League in promoting tolerant values, moderation of consciousness and inter-faith dialogue. She stated that India, as a multi-cultural, multi-lingual, multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, celebrates unity in diversity. “Our more than 200 million Indian Muslim brothers and sisters make us the country with the second largest population of Muslims in the world,” she…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: In an unprecedented development, Bhutanese students are about to embark on a transformative journey to Japan to pursue their dreams of becoming medical professionals. The Royal Civil Service Commission has recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the esteemed International Japan’s University of Health Welfare, marking a significant milestone for Bhutan’s education and healthcare sectors. Under this historic collaboration, the University of Health Welfare will grant two scholarships for the prestigious Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) courses to Bhutanese students. This remarkable opportunity is part of the university’s longstanding tradition of providing scholarships to numerous…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Indian Rafale jets taking part in the Bastille Day flypast over the Champs Elysees, Paris, will send a message across the world that India-France ties are very strong and close, said Indian Ambassador to France Jawed Ashraf on Wednesday. In an interaction with ANI, Ashraf said that the flypast and marching by the IAF air warriors on Bastille Day follow a long association that the two nations share, especially in the field of air power. The Indian envoy also termed Rafale being part of the Bastille Day flypast as “very important.” “Any ship could have come from India.…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: The spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie reached new heights as Handwara, a town in northern Kashmir’s Kupwara district, witnessed a captivating Night Volleyball Tournament under floodlights. Thousands of sports enthusiasts, athletes, and local residents flocked to the Boys’ Higher Secondary School ground, transforming the streets into a vibrant hub of excitement. The tournament, eagerly anticipated by volleyball enthusiasts, became the talk of the town after news of the matches scheduled under floodlights spread like wildfire across social media platforms. The allure of witnessing the high-intensity action under illuminated skies proved irresistible, prompting people to leave the comfort of…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: In a remarkable fusion of cultures and flavours, the centuries-old delicacy from southern Anatolia, Turkish ice cream, has made its debut in the Kashmir Valley. Drawing crowds with its tantalizing taste and captivating presentation, the purchase of Turkish ice cream is now an opportunity for adventure and entertainment. Aabid Naseer and Moin Ayoub, two young entrepreneurs, have taken the bold step of introducing this unique treat in Srinagar, and their venture, aptly named “Turquoise,” is already creating waves in the City Mall. Turquoise, with its vibrant ambience and delectable offerings, has quickly become a must-visit destination for residents…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Nepal Foreign Minister NP Saud on Tuesday rejected the claims of the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal that an airport had been built under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Nepal. FM Saud rejected the claims while addressing the International Relations and Tourism Committee stating the BRI project hasn’t been put into action in Nepal. Time and again, the Chinese Ambassador has been claiming that the Pokhara International Airport was built under the BRI framework. Saud, while addressing the committee meeting denied the Chinese Ambassador’s claim by saying that Nepal only has signed on the pact and no…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France is likely to boost economic cooperation between India and France and shape broader strategic ties between European Union and India, Media India Group reported, adding that his visit to France holds special significance as the two nations are celebrating 25 years of their strategic partnership. PM Modi will visit France to attend the Bastille Day Parade as the Guest of Honour at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. He will be the second Indian PM after Manmohan Singh in 2009 to be the Guest of Honour at Bastille Day Parade,…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: In a historic stride towards lunar exploration, India’s space agency, ISRO, is set to launch Chandrayaan-3. Garnering global attention, this mission positions India potentially as the fourth nation to achieve lunar landing. By rigorously integrating lessons from the Chandrayaan-2 mission, ISRO aims to ensure a flawlessly executed mission that outperforms its predecessors. Chandrayaan-3, equipped with a rover, is primed to gather vital lunar data, enriching our understanding of the celestial sphere. Its key objective involves extending the rover’s operational life beyond 14 earth-days. The mission’s success signifies not only a leap in India’s space exploration, but also paves…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: External Affairs S Jaishankar held delegation-level talks with Maldives Foreign Affairs Minister Abdulla Shahid at Hyderabad House on Tuesday. India and Maldives signed various agreements and Memorandum of Understanding at Hyderabad House on Tuesday. “A warm and productive meeting today with FM Abdulla Shahid of Maldives. Encouraged to learn of the steady progress in our development partnership. It is directly contributing to the economic growth and social welfare of our neighbour. Shared perspectives on the stability and prosperity of the Indian Ocean region and how our collaboration advances those goals. A good day for Neighborhood First and SAGAR…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: The India visit of Dr Mohammad Bin Abdulkarim al-Issa, Secretary-General of the World Muslim League is aimed to communicate the message of moderation and interfaith unity. His visit to India comes when a debate is raging around Uniform Civil Code. The Law Commission of India has recently initiated a fresh deliberation on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and solicited public views on the same. This has resulted in a debate over the recognising women as equal to men, and a uniform law to protect her rights in marriage, divorce and inheritance. Founded and funded by Saudi Arabia, the…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday interacted with the athletes and coaches of the Indian Wushu team who are set to participate in the 19th Asian Games, an official statement read. The interaction took place at Raj Bhavan. The Lieutenant Governor conveyed his best wishes and blessings on behalf of the entire Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory to the players, attending training camp at Srinagar. Expressing his confidence in the team’s abilities, Lt Governor Sinha stated, “I am confident that our contingent will win laurels and make the country proud. The Wushu players are attending…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought up the issue of the extradition of fugitives Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi in every India-UK trade-related meeting, according to sources. Time and again, the delegations from the UK that have come to India have faced Indian pressure to extradite Mallya and Nirav Modi, the sources revealed. In a recent interview with private English news channel Times Now, senior advocate Harish Salve said that the British always complain that as soon as there is a meeting the first question that PM Modi would ask is the progress of the extradition proceedings of…

ZOOMBANGLA DESK: Bangladesh is all set to settle trade with India in Rupee from Tuesday, a move to cut their reliance on the American currency, which was involved in nearly 90 per cent of global forex transactions in 2022, The Daily Star reported. Bangladesh Bank and the Indian High Commission are expected to announce the news regarding the Indian currency at an event at Le Meridien Hotel in Dhaka tomorrow. The central bank governor and the Indian high commissioner will also join, a Bangladesh Bank (BB) official said. The BB has already given permission to three banks – Sonali Bank,…