1) India and Egypt sign pacts on security, counter-terrorism and defence
Seeking to inject new momentum in their ties, India and Egypt on 24th August decided to put in place a bilateral framework for enhancing cooperation in key areas of security, counter-terrorism, defence and investments. Both sides agreed to step up engagement in a range of potential areas while underlining the need to combat terrorism particularly the threat of dreaded terrorist outfit ISIS in an effective manner as visiting External Affairs Minister Swaraj called on Egyptian President Fattah Al-Sisi.
2) Australia to collaborate with Indian researchers
The Australian government, through the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF), would collaborate with Indian researches in the field of agriculture, mining, energy, health etc. The Australian government has earmarked $84 million to be spent over three years in creating infrastructure, awarding fellowship and scholarship to promote research between the two countries.
- During his visit to Australia, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi identified sectors like agriculture, mining, energy, health etc for research, so Australia has decided to enhance cooperation between the two countries in these areas.
- The AISRF is Australia`s largest fund dedicated to bilateral research with any country and one of India`s largest sources of support for international science. The AISRF helps Australian researchers from public and private sectors to participate with Indian scientists in leading-edge scientific research projects and workshops. Taking a step forward in this direction, the minister on Saturday officially opened new facilities at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB)-Monash Research Academy.
- The collaboration between the IITB and Monash University will see students receive a joint PhD from both institutions, with the added benefit of exposing a large cohort of young researchers to cutting-edge international research.
- The Australia-Asia Building Regional Intercultural Dialogue and Growing Engagement, or BRIDGE, connects Australian teachers, students, and school communities with their peers in Asia so they can exchange knowledge.
3) IndianOil inks MoU to build Rs. 275 cr pipeline to Nepal
Current Affirs Indian Oil Corporation has signed an agreement with Nepal Oil Corporation to build a Rs. 275-crore petroleum product pipeline from Raxaul in Bihar to Amlekhgunj in Nepal.
- Subsequent to signing of a MoU between the Government of India and the Government of Nepal on August 24, 2015, Indian Oil and Nepal Oil signed a MoU on August 25 in Kathmandu for construction of Raxaul-Amlekhgunj petroleum product pipeline with a 1.3-million tonne per annum capacity
- Construction of the pipeline and maintenance work at the Amlekhgunj petroleum depot of Nepal Oil will cost Rs. 275 crore. Indian Oil said that the completion period is 30 months after the receipt of the statutory clearances. The 41-km pipeline will primarily run through Nepal and initially supply petrol, diesel and kerosene.
- Indian Oil said that the pipeline will “ensure long-term supply of petroleum products to Nepal as well as stability of supplies from India to Nepal, which will benefit both the countries.
4) India to boost security ties with Egypt to tackle terrorism: Sushma Swaraj
India on 25th August said it was ramping up security ties with Egypt to remove the scourge of terrorism completely. In an address to a select group of strategic thinkers and policy makers, External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj talked about the threat of dreaded terror outfit ISIS in the Gulf region and that of Taliban and LeT in India`s neighbourhood.
- Swaraj, who held extensive talks with Egyptian leadership on 24th August, proposed to step up exchange of information and coordination to combat terrorism, both at the regional as well as global level while elaborating on importance of closer security and defence cooperation between India and Egypt.
5) Black money fight: India, Seychelles sign info exchange pact
India has signed an information exchange agreement with Seychelles on tax matters. This will help New Delhi fight against Black money. The agreement was signed after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the visiting Seychelles President James Alix Michel in New Delhi on 26th August.
- It will help curb tax evasion and provide for mutual assistance between the authorities of the two countries on enforcement action against suspected tax evaders.
- The two countries also signed 4 other agreements including one on air connectivity and the other for supply of a Dornier aircraft to the island nation besides agricultural research.
- According to Modi, India and Seychelles have excellent security cooperation especially for maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region. He said, India will gift one more interceptor coast guard boat to the Island nation. The Prime Minister said, bilateral agreement for cooperation on blue economy is a huge step forward in the relationship and in promoting sustainable ocean economy in the region.
- He said, India is looking forward to cooperate in Space, including in the areas of managing land and marine resources, fisheries advisory, weather forecasting and disaster management.
- President of Seychelles James Alix Michel said, his visit illustrates the unique and special relationship that the two countries share based on common values and aspirations.
6) India acquires Ambedkar’s London house
Ending months of uncertainty, India on 27th August sealed the deal to acquire the ownership of a three-storey bungalow here, where Dr. B.R. Ambedkar lived as a student in the 1920s, and will be converted into an international memorial.
- Maharashtra’s Minister for social justice and special assistance Raj Kumar Badole exchanged contracts with regard to the 2,050 sq ft house at 10 King Henry’s Road, in northwest London, said Santosh Dass, president of the Federation of Ambedkarite and Buddhist Organisations UK.
7) PM Modi visits Sheikh Zayed Grand mosque in UAE
Current Affirs Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 16th August began his two-day trip to the UAE by visiting the historic Sheikh Zayed Grand mosque, the world`s third largest
- After his arrival, PM Modi, on first public engagement in Abu Dhabi, visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a key place of worship in the UAE and known as a masterpiece of Islamic architecture.
- The mosque is third largest in the world after the ones in Mecca and Madina in Saudi Arabia. It is named after the founder and first President of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
- The mosque can accommodate around 40,000 people. The mosque was constructed from 1996 to 2007.