1. UAE And Malaysia Conclude Joint Military Exercise `Desert Tiger 5`.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Malaysia concluded "Desert Tiger 5" joint military exercise aimed at sharing expertise and enhancing joint military actions, UAE state news agency WAM reported on Saturday.
Brigadier Saeed Rashid Al Shehi, deputy commander of the UAE land forces, and General Dato` Sri Zulkiple bin Hj Kassim, Malaysian chief of army, attended the conclusion ceremony of the joint military drill.
The military exercise was implemented within the framework of the UAE leadership`s continued desire "to support and create unique partnerships between both countries in all areas."
The drill was also aimed at raising the level of performance and combat efficiency, and working together based on a strategy to improve the overall ability and combat readiness of the ground forces.
"The UAE land forces have been drafting strategic plans to develop the capabilities of their personnel," WAM reported.
The exercise highlighted "the success of these plans to build their skills and capacities," it said.
2. Conference On Water Environment And Climate Change Begins In Nepal.
An international conference on ‘Water, Environment and Climate Change: Knowledge Sharing and Partnership’ will start in Kathmandu from Tuesday.
The three-day event is being organised by the Department of Water Supply and Sewerage, Govt of Nepal in association with the Society of Public Health Engineers Nepal (Sophen) and Nepal Engineers Association.
The basic objective of the conference is to bring together professionals, academicians,researchers,entrepreneurs, government and non government institutions to discuss and deliberate on challenges,opportunities and strategies related to water and environmental issues.
It will also provide an opportunity to various stake holders to discuss critical issues concerning environment and sustainable water resources management.
According to the organizers, more than 100 international participants from 20 different countries, including India, will attend the conference.
3. Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates 16th International Energy Forum Ministerial Meeting.
India, the world’s third-largest energy consumer after the US and China, will host the 16th International Energy Forum Ministerial (IEF—16), that will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday.
The ministerial comes in the backdrop of a supply cut by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) and Russia that has led to a rally in global oil price. This has resulted in the cost of Indian basket of crude, which averaged $47.56 a barrel in 2016-2017, touching $63.80 (average price) in March 2018, according to information from Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell. Extreme volatility has marked crude oil prices, which reached a record $147 per barrel in July 2009.
The Indian basket represents the average of Oman, Dubai and Brent crude.
“Covering all six continents and accounting for around 90% of global supply and demand for oil and gas, the IEF is unique in that it comprises not only consuming and producing countries of the IEA and Opec, but also Transit States and major players outside of their memberships, including Argentina, China, India, Mexico, Russia and South Africa,” the Indian government said in a statement on Monday.
The ministerial hosted by India also assumes significance given that the country’s energy needs are primarily met through imports, with India importing 214 million tonnes of crude oil in 2016-17.
“Sellers also need a steady and stable buyers’ market. India fulfils that need,” said an Indian government official closely involved in evolving the country’s new energy security paradigm, requesting anonymity.