Google India's 'Internet Saathi' programme to empower rural women

Google India's 'Internet Saathi' programme to empower rural women

Google India's 'Internet Saathi' programme aimed to empower rural women on how to use the Internet has now added two more states -- Punjab and Odisha.

With this, the programme has now reached 2.6 lakh villages in 20 states.

Launched as a pilot project in 2015, along with Tata Trusts, 'Internet Saathi' programme focuses on educating women on how to use the Internet.

These women, in turn, impart training to other women in their community and neighbouring villages.

Bulgarian lawmakers ratified US 1.3-bn deal to buy eight F-16 fighter jets from US

Bulgarian lawmakers ratified US 1.3-bn deal to buy eight F-16 fighter jets from US

Bulgarian lawmakers today ratified a hefty 1.3-billion US Dollar deal to buy eight F-16 fighter jets from the US in the country's biggest military equipment purchase since the fall of communism three decades ago.

Significantly the rate was higher than what other countries have paid for F-16s.

The deal with the US government, equivalent to 1.1 billion Euros, is for eight F-16 Block 70 multi-role fighters including six single-seaters and two double-seat jets.

These will replace the NATO country's Soviet-built MiG-29s. 

Lockheed Martin, the US manufacturer of the F-16s, said the US fighters have technology that features in more advanced jets such as the F-35 and F-22.

Bulgaria will be the first Balkan country to have this brand-new version of the aircraft.

G7 Finance Ministers agreed plan for taxing digital companies

G7 Finance Ministers agreed plan for taxing digital companies

G7 Finance Ministers meeting in France agreed a plan for taxing digital companies such as Facebook and Google that will set a minimum level of taxation for them.

A statement from France said that Ministers fully supported a two-pillar solution to be adopted by 2020.

France, which holds the rotating chairmanship of the group of world's most developed countries, said, new rules should be developed to address new business models allowing companies to do business in a territory without any physical presence.

Ministers agreed that a minimum level of effective taxation would contribute to ensuring that companies pay their fair share of tax.

It added the G7 looks forward to further progress in the context of the G20 and a global agreement on the outlines of the architecture by January 2020.

The French Parliament earlier this month passed a new law that will tax digital giants on revenue accrued inside the country, even if their European headquarters are elsewhere, in a move that will affect huge US groups Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon.

The WHO made the declaration yesterday following a meeting of its emergency committee in the Geneva.

Ebola outbreak declared global health emergency in DR Congo

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo a public health emergency of international concern.

The WHO made the declaration yesterday following a meeting of its emergency committee in the Geneva.

The UN health agency made the announcement days after the virus was confirmed in Goma, a major regional crossroads in northeastern Congo on the Rwandan border.

A WHO expert committee declined on three previous occasions to advise the United Nations health agency to make the declaration for this outbreak, even though other experts say it has long met the conditions.

More than 1,600 people have died since August in the second-deadliest Ebola outbreak in history, which is unfolding in a region described as a war zone.

This is the fifth such declaration in history.

Previous emergencies were declared for the devastating 2014-16 Ebola outbreak in West Africa that killed more than 11,000 people, the emergence of Zika in the Americas, the swine flu pandemic and polio.

European Commission elected first female president

European Commission elected first female president

German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen has been elected as the European Commission's first female president.

Leyen's nomination was approved by 383 votes, a narrow margin of just nine votes over the required 374, at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France yesterday.

There were 327 votes against her and 22 abstentions.

Von der Leyen was nominated to become the first woman in Brussels' top job last month by the leaders of the bloc's 28 member states

China GDP growth slowed to 6.2 per cent

China GDP growth slowed to 6.2 per cent

China's economic growth slowed to a record low of 6.2 per cent in the second quarter of this year.

This is the weakest growth rate in nearly three decades for the world's second-largest economy

Government data showed that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth slid from 6.4 per cent in the first quarter to 6.2 per cent.

China's GDP expanded 6.3 per cent year-on-year in the first half of 2019 to about 6.56 trillion US Dollars.

The growth, however, was in line with the government's annual target range of 6.0-6.5 per cent for the whole year, down from the 6.6 per cent growth China put up in 2018.

England won ICC Cricket World Cup 2019

England won ICC Cricket World Cup 2019

England won their maiden ICC World Cup cricket trophy beating New Zealand in a final that was decided via a dramatic Super Over in London last night.

Opting to bat, New Zealand put up a score of 241 for eight.

In reply, England ended at the same score leading to the one-over eliminator at the Lord's.

In the Super Over, England batted first and the duo of Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler made 15, and New Zealand also ended at the same score but for the loss of one wicket, paving the way for an English victory on boundary count. 

England's Ben Stokes is named player of the match for a score of 84 not out off 92 balls, while New Zealand's skipper Kane Williamson was adjudged player of the tournament 

2019 Wimbledon Championships – Women's Singles

2019 Wimbledon Championships – Women's Singles

Angelique Kerber was the defending champion, but lost in the second round to Lauren Davis.

 Simona Halep won her second Grand Slam singles title, defeating Serena Williams in the final, 6–2, 6–2.

 It took just 56 minutes for Halep to secure victory and in the entire tournament

Williams was attempting to equal Margaret Court's all-time record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles for the third time.

Halep became the first Romanian female player to reach and win the Wimbledon final. Romanian players previously won 8 Open Era titles at Wimbledon, but none in senior singles.

Ilie Năstase lost two senior singles finals in 1972 and 1976.

The only other Romanian woman to have previously held a trophy here is Ioana Gașpar, back in 2000 when she was only a junior.

Ashleigh Barty retained the WTA no. 1 singles ranking.

Cori Gauff at 15 became the youngest player to win a main draw singles match at Wimbledon since Jennifer Capriati in 1991, defeating the oldest player in the main draw, Venus Williams in the first round. Gauff was also the youngest qualifier in Wimbledon history.

This was the first Wimbledon where a final set tie break rule was introduced.

Upon reaching 12–12 in the third set, a classic tie break would be played.

Turkey received first parts of Russian S-400 defence system

Turkey received first parts of Russian S-400 defence system

Turkey has received the first parts of a Russian S-400 missile defence system despite opposition from the US.

 the first shipment has arrived in air base near the capital Ankara.

 US, has warned that Turkey cannot have both the S-400 anti-aircraft defence system and US F-35 fighter jets.

 Turkey will face economic sanctions under the 'Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act' if it goes ahead with the purchase.

the Russian system is incompatible with NATO systems and the F-35.

World Population Day

World Population Day

World Population day is an annual event, observed on July 11 every year, which seeks to raise awareness of global population issues.

The event was established by the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme in 1989

This year's World Population Day calls for global attention to the unfinished business of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development.

It was inspired by the public interest in Five Billion Day on July 11, 1987, the approximate date on which the world's population reached five billion people.

World Population Day aims to increase people's awareness on various population issues such as the importance of family planning, gender equality, poverty, maternal health and human rights.

US House of Representatives passed bill removing country cap Green Card

US House of Representatives passed bill removing country cap Green Card

The US House of Representatives has passed a bill aimed at lifting the present seven per cent country-cap on issuing Green Cards.

The move will benefit thousands of highly-skilled Indian IT professionals.

A Green Card allows a person to live and work permanently in the US.

The bill, however, has to be passed by the Senate,  before it can be signed into law

The bill, on being signed into law, will considerably shorten the agonising wait of talented professionals who have applied for permanent residency in the United States.

Bahrain recorded hottest June in more than 100 years

Bahrain recorded hottest June in more than 100 years

Bahrain has recorded temperatures that make the month of June the hottest ever experienced in the country in more than a century.

June had the highest average temperatures since 1902, with 20 days recording temperatures exceeding 40 Celsius.

Summers in the Arabian Peninsula are consistently hot and humid, with people bunkering indoors for the better part of at least five months.

Bahrain's Meteorological Directorate says the average temperature in June was 36.3 Celsius, about 3.9 degrees Celsius above the long-term normal for that month.

The hottest day recorded 45.3 Celsius.

Iran breached uranium enrichment cap set by 2015 nuclear deal

Iran breached uranium enrichment cap set by  2015 nuclear deal

Iran has breached a uranium enrichment cap set by a troubled 2015 nuclear deal and warned Europe against taking retaliatory measures.

Iran surpassing the cap and reaching 4.5 percent enrichment

this level of purity completely satisfies the power plant fuel requirements of the country.

The move came more than a year after Washington pulled out of the landmark accord between world powers and Tehran

The UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), confirmed that Iran had enriched uranium to a level above the deal's cap.

The IAEA has scheduled a special meeting on Iran's nuclear programme for July 10.

Brazil won Copa America 2019 title

Brazil  won  Copa America  2019 title

The 2019 Copa América Final was a football match that took place on 7 July 2019 at the Estádio do Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to determine the winner of the 2019 Copa América.

The match featured Brazil, the tournament hosts, and Peru, in their first final since 1975

Brazil won the final 3–1 for their ninth Copa América title, and their first since 2007

The 2019 Copa América was the 46th edition of the Copa América, the international men's association football championship organized by South America's football ruling body CONMEBOL. It was held in Brazil and took place between 14 June to 7 July 2019 at 6 venues across the country.

 Chile were the two-time defending champions, having won the 2015 and 2016 editions of the tournament, but were eliminated by Peru in the semi-finals leading to the third place match against Argentina, which they lost.

Brazil won their ninth title by defeating Peru 3–1 in the finalArgentina took third place by beating Chile 2–1 in the third-place match

UNESCO names ancient Babylon city a World Heritage Site

UNESCO names ancient Babylon city a World Heritage Site

The ancient Mesopotamian city of Babylon has been declared a Unesco World Heritage Site. Iraq has been lobbying since 1983 for the 4,000-year-old site to be added to the UN's prestigious list.

the seat of successive empires, under rulers such as Hammurabi and Nebuchadnezzar, Babylon represents the expression of the creativity of the Neo-Babylonian Empire at its height.

The city's association with one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World the Hanging Gardens  has also inspired artistic, popular and religious culture on a global scale.

It also warns that the site is in an "extremely vulnerable condition" and in need of urgent conservation.

The city was famous for its Hanging Gardens, which were among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The site has suffered in recent years

The UN World Heritage Committee met in Azerbaijan to decide on the latest sites to be given the honourawarded to areas or landmark considered important for the whole of humanity and protected by international treaties.

Iraq has welcomed the designation, seeing it as a recognition of the significance of Babylon and Mesopotamian civilisation.

India will train 1800 Bangladeshi Civil Servants at Mussoorie

India will train 1800 Bangladeshi Civil Servants at Mussoorie

Eighteen hundred Bangladeshi mid-career civil servants will be trained at the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) in Mussoorie between 2019-2025.

The first batch of 30 civil servants leaving for a two-week long training programme in Mussoorie paid a visit to the  Indian High Commission in Dhaka .

The Bangladeshi civil servants are being trained at the National Centre for Good Governance based on the Memorandum of Understanding signed in February this year in the Fifth meeting of the India-Bangladesh Joint Consultative Commission (JCC).

such trainings provide an opportunity to share experiences of administration between civil servants of the two countries.

French lawmakers approve 3% tax on online companies

French lawmakers approve 3% tax on online companies

In France, the lower house of parliament today approved a small, pioneering tax on internet giants like Google, Amazon and Facebook.

The French government hopes that other countries will follow the suit.

The bill foresees a 3 per cent tax on the French revenues of digital companies with global revenue of more than 750 million Euros.

At present, the companies pay nearly no tax in countries where they have large sales like France.

The bill adopted by the National Assembly will be sent to the Senate next week, where it is expected to win final approval.

World Vitiligo Day

World Vitiligo Day

The World Vitiligo Day, observed on June 25, is an initiative aimed to build global awareness about vitiligo.

Vitiligo occurs in 1-2% of the population world wide; a loss of color in the skin creating a variety of patterns on the skin from loss of pigment.

Vitiligo is often called a disease instead of a disorder and that can have a significantly negative social and/or psychological impact on patients, in part because of numerous misconceptions still present in large parts of the world.

The first World Vitiligo Day was observed on June 25, 2011.

The choice of June 25 as World Vitiligo Day is a memorial to musical artist Michael Jackson, who suffered from vitiligo from the early 1980s until his death, which occurred on June 25, 2009.

 The International Conference on World Vitiligo Day for 2019 was held in Hanoi, Vietnam.

US Senate passed legislative provision to give India NATO ally-like status

US Senate passed legislative provision to give India NATO ally-like status

The United States Senate has passed a legislative provision that brings India at par with America's NATO allies and countries like Israel and South Korea for increasing defence cooperation.

The National Defense Authorisation Act or NDAA for the fiscal year 2020, was introduced by Senate India Caucus Co-Chair Senator John Cornyn with the support of Senate India Caucus Co-Chair Senator Mark Warner.

The proposal was passed by the Senate last week.                   
    
The amendment provides for increased US-India defence cooperation in the Indian Ocean in areas of humanitarian assistance, counter-terrorism, counter-piracy and maritime security.

Last week, House India Caucus Co-Chair Brad Sherman, along with other Congressmen including Raja Krishnamoorthi introduced a similar legislative proposal to the House, FY2020 NDAA that would greatly enhance the US-India relationship.

The bill would be signed into law after both chambers of the US Congress pass it.

The House is expected to take up its version of the NDAA this month before legislators adjourn for the August recess.

New Zealand banned single-use plastic shopping bags

New Zealand banned single-use plastic shopping bags

New Zealand has officially banned single-use plastic shopping bags today. Companies that break the ban will face heavy penalties, including fines of up to 100,000 New Zealand dollars (USD 67,000).

Under the new rules, thin plastic single-use shopping bags can no longer be supplied, but reusable carriers are allowed.

The legislation which was announced in August last year came into force today.

Major supermarkets in the country have already banned the bags voluntarily. 

More than 80 countries have already introduced similar bans, according to the UN Environment Programme.

Plastic pollution has become a growing global concern, with a million birds and more than 100,000 marine mammals injured or killed every year by becoming entangled in packaging or ingesting it through the food chain.

International Asteroid Day

International Asteroid Day

International Asteroid Day is an annual global event which is held on the anniversary of the Siberian Tunguska event that took place on June 30, 1908, the most harmful known asteroid-related event on Earth in recent history.


The United Nations has proclaimed it be observed globally on June 30 every year in its resolution.

Asteroid Day aims to raise awareness about asteroids and what can be done to protect the Earth, its families, communities, and future generations from a catastrophic event.

US and South Korea will have a meeting

US and  South Korea will have a meeting

US President Donald Trump has landed in South Korea for an impromptu meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un

Donald  Trump earlier informed from Japan, where he was attending a G-20 summit, that he would be willing to meet Kim

The two leaders first met in Singapore last year, the first ever encounter between a leader of North Korea and a sitting US President.

The summit produced a vaguely-worded pledge about denuclearisation.

Their second meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam four months ago ended without any agreement.

Italy selected to host 2026 Winter Olympics

Italy selected to host 2026 Winter Olympics

The International Olympic Committee announced Monday that Italy's bid to host the 2026 Winter Olympics has been accepted.

The games will be held in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, IOC President Thomas Bach revealed during the announcement ceremony.

After a  conference in Lausanne, Switzerland,   the IOC selected Milan-Cortina over Swedish rivals Stockholm  to host the games.

Eighty-three members of the IOC were eligible to vote on the location of the 2026 Winter Olympics

The Milan-Cortina bid won 47 votes and Stockholm-Are received 34 votes. One voter abstained.

WTO panel rules in India's favour in renewable energy case against US

WTO panel rules in India's favour in renewable energy case against US

A World Trade Organisation,WTO dispute resolution panel has ruled in favour of India in a case against the United States.

The panel stated that America's domestic content requirements and subsidies provided by eight of its states in the renewable energy sector are violative of global trade norms.

The panel concluded in its ruling that "the measures" of the US "are inconsistent" with certain provisions of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade,GATT. 

It said the US has "nullified or impaired benefits accruing to India under that agreement".

The GATT aims to promote trade by reducing or eliminating trade barriers like customs duties.

The ruling stated that ten measures implemented by the US pertaining to renewable energy sector are inconsistent with its obligations under GATT 1994.

In September 2016, India had dragged the US to WTO's dispute settlement mechanism over America's domestic content requirements and subsidies provided by eight states in the renewable energy sector.

BIMSTEC Day celebrated in Dhaka

BIMSTEC Day celebrated in Dhaka

Members of the 7 countries regional grouping Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) celebrated the BIMSTEC Day yesterday in Dhaka.

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) celebrated 22 years of its establishment

The organization is comprised of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

 About 21% of the global population (1.7 billion people) reside in the member states of the regional organization.     

Bimstec was established in 1997 with the aim of facilitating cooperation between member states to accelerate economic and social development.

the Bimstec ’s headquarters was established   in Dhaka in 2014

Russian, North American astronauts return to earth from International space station

Russian, North American astronauts return to earth from International space station

The first crew to the International Space Station after Russia's launch accident returned to earth safely today.

 NASA astronaut Anne McClain, veteran cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko of Roscosmos and Canadian Space Agency record-holder David Saint-Jacques touched down near the Kazakh city of Dzhezkazgan.

The trio's launch on 3rd December last year was the first after a Soyuz rocket carrying Russia's Aleksey Ovchinin and US astronaut Nick Hague failed in October just minutes after blast-off.

The pair had to make an emergency landing.

They escaped un-harmed but the failed launch was the first such incident in Russia's post-Soviet history

Russian, North American astronauts return to earth from International space station

Russian, North American astronauts return to earth from International space station

The first crew to the International Space Station after Russia's launch accident returned to earth safely today.

 NASA astronaut Anne McClain, veteran cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko of Roscosmos and Canadian Space Agency record-holder David Saint-Jacques touched down near the Kazakh city of Dzhezkazgan.

The trio's launch on 3rd December last year was the first after a Soyuz rocket carrying Russia's Aleksey Ovchinin and US astronaut Nick Hague failed in October just minutes after blast-off.

The pair had to make an emergency landing.

They escaped un-harmed but the failed launch was the first such incident in Russia's post-Soviet history

US signed order to impose fresh sanctions on Iran

US   signed order to impose fresh sanctions on Iran

US has signed an executive order, that will impose hard-hitting sanctions on Iran and deny the Iranian Supreme Leader and other officials access to financial instruments within US jurisdiction.

The order will deny Iran's leadership access to financial resources and authorises the targeting of persons appointed to certain official or other positions by the Supreme Leader or the Supreme Leader's Office.

any foreign financial institution that knowingly facilitates a significant financial transaction for entities designated under this Executive Order could be cut off from the US financial system.

 it includes actions against eight senior commanders of Navy, Aerospace and Ground Forces of the Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).

United Nations Public Service Day

United Nations Public Service Day

The United Nations Public Service Day is celebrated on June 23 of every year.

The prestigious UN Public Service Awards are given away on this day.

The UN Public Service Day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly's resolution A/RES/57/277 of 2003, to “celebrate the value and virtue of public service to the community”.

The United Nations Economic and Social Council established that the United Nations Public Service Awards be bestowed on Public Service Day for contributions made to the cause of enhancing the role, prestige, and visibility of public service.

The day also marks the anniversary of the date when the International Labour Organization adopted the Convention on Labour Relations (Public Service), 1978 (No. 151).

This Convention is a framework for determining working conditions of all civil servants across the world.

International Olympic Day

International Olympic Day

The day is celebrated to promote participation in different sports throughout the world without any discrimination of the gender, age and athletic ability.

The day is not confined to sports activities but a serious international effort to promote fitness and well-being in addition to the Olympic ideals of fair play, solidarity, respect and sportsmanship across the globe.

 in 1947 during the 41st Session of the International Olympic Committee in Stockholm,  a report on a World Olympic Day celebration was presented

The project was adopted some months later on the occasion of the 42nd IOC Session in St Moritz in January 1948.

the day is celebrated for foundation of the International Olympic Committee at the Sorbonne, Paris, on 23 June 1894, where Pierre de Coubertin obtained the revival of the Olympic Games.

The first Olympic Day was celebrated on 23 June 1948.

World Giraffe Day

World Giraffe Day

World Giraffe Day is celebrated on 21 june

 it is a worldwide celebration  and an annual event to raise support, create awareness and shed light on the challenges giraffe face in the wild.

there are only approximately 111,000 giraffe in the wild

5th International Yoga Day

5th International Yoga Day

Fifth International Yoga Day is being celebrated on 21.06.2019

The theme of 5th International Yoga Day 2019 is "Climate Action".

The idea of International Day of Yoga was first proposed by India at the UN General Assembly (UNGA), on September 27, 2014.

Thereafter, a draft resolution on 'International Day of Yoga' was introduced by India

 The draft received support from 177 nations, the highest number of co-sponsors for any UNGA resolution.

Thereafter, the United Nations proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga.

Jharkhand's capital Ranchi will be hosting the main yoga day event.

The event will take place at Prabhat Tara ground  where    18,000 people will perform Yoga

World Refugee Day

World Refugee Day

 World Refugee Day  is observed on the 20th of June every year to celebrate the stories and contributions of refugees.

The theme this year is Step with Refugees - Take a Step on World Refugee Day.

According to the latest annual study released by the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, 70.8 million children, women and men were forcibly displaced at the end of last year.

This is the highest number in the organization’s almost 70-year history.

The study, released yesterday, said wars, violence and persecution have driven record numbers of people from their homes worldwide.

Almost two thirds of those uprooted from their homes are internally displaced people who have not left their homelands.

About 80 percent of these refugees live in countries neighbouring their country of origin.

 On an average, one person is forcibly displaced every two seconds as a result of conflict or persecution and refugees are among the most vulnerable people in the world.

On 4 December 2000, the United Nations General Assembly in Resolution 55/76 decided that, from 2000, 20 June would be celebrated as World Refugee Day.

In this resolution, the General Assembly noted that 2001 marked the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees

India extended 15 million dollars grant assistance to Niger in support of organizing of AU summit

India extended 15 million dollars grant assistance to Niger in support of organizing of AU summit

India has extended 15 million dollars grant assistance to Niger in support of organizing of the African Union summit scheduled from 7th of next month in capital Niamey.

 the support of grant assistance was in response to a specific request made by Government of Niger. Niger is hosting the AU Summit for the first time.

The AU Summit in Niamey is also expected to launch the historic African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA.

India and Niger enjoy close relations.

Bilateral relations have expanded significantly since the opening of the Indian Resident Diplomatic Mission in Niamey in 2009.

India has provided Lines of Credit worth 96.54 million dollar to Niger for projects in transport, electrification, solar energy and potable drinking water.

India is also establishing Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre, MGICC under grant assistance in Niamey.

The Centre honours the memory of Mahatma Gandhi whose 150th birth anniversary is being observed in 2019.

The Centre is likely to host some meetings associated with the forthcoming AU Summit.

India’s grant assistance for organizing the AU Summit will further contribute towards enhancing of bilateral ties.

The grant assistance is also reiteration of India’s firm commitment towards Africa

World Day to Combat Desertification, Drought

World Day to Combat Desertification, Drought

The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is a United Nations observance each June 17.

Its purpose is to raise awareness of the presence of desertification and drought, highlighting methods of preventing desertification and recovering from drought

 The day is observed to promote public awareness of international efforts to combat desertification.

This year the theme is “Let’s Grow the Future Together”.

This day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly resolution A/RES/49/115 on January 30, 1995, after the day when United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification is drafted

 

International Day of Family Remittances

 International Day of Family Remittances

The International Day of Family Remittances is being observed across the world

It is a universally-recognized observance adopted by the United Nations General Assembly and celebrated every year on 16 June.

The day recognizes the contribution of over 200 million migrants worldwide to improve the lives of their 800 million family members back home, and to create a future of hope for their children.

Through this observance, the United Nations aims to bring greater awareness of the impact that these contributions have on millions of households, but also on communities, countries, and entire regions

The IDFR is fully recognized at the global level, and included as one of the key initiatives to implement the newly-adopted Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (Objective 20), also calling for the reduction of remittance transfer costs, and greater financial inclusion through remittances. The Day also furthers the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Australia and Qatar will participate in Copa America 2020

Australia and Qatar will participate in Copa America 2020

Qatar and Australia will join 10 South American nations in the 2020 tournament, which will for the first time will be held jointly in two countries Colombia and Argentina

Australia and Qatar will be invited guest teams at the 2020 Copa America to be jointly held in Colombia and Argentina.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup host Qatar is making its Copa America debut this year and has been placed alongside 14-time winner Argentina, Colombia and Paraguay in Group B.

 Qatar are the last champions of the Asian confederation

The 2020 Copa América will be the 47th edition of the Copa América, the quadrennial international men's football championship organized by South America's football ruling body, CONMEBOL.

The tournament will take place in Colombia and Argentina from 12 June to 12 July 2020. 

Host countries: Argentina; Colombia

Dates: Fri, 12 Jun, 2020 – Sun, 12 Jul, 2020

Teams: 12

Venues: 9

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

The United Nations (UN) has designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is being observed  .

This day is observed on the 15th of June every year to voice opposition to the abuse and suffering inflicted on elderly people.

It was officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2011 following a request by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse.

According to the UN, around 1 in 6 older people experience some form of abuse.

It is predicted to rise as populations age worldwide.

Elder abuse can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences.

It is a global social issue which affects the health and human rights of millions of older persons around the world.

The global population of people aged 60 years and older will more than double, from 900 million in 2015 to about 2 billion in 2050.

El Salvador Legislative Assembly Declared “Forests Are Living Entities”

El Salvador Legislative Assembly Declared “Forests Are Living Entities”

 On June 5, on World Environment Day, the Legislative Assembly of El Salvador approved a pronouncement deeming that “forests are living entities.”

 The pronouncement also states that each person must commit to caring for, preserving, and respecting forests, and to promoting concrete actions that expand forests in El Salvador.

This historic recognition was part of a larger pronouncement in support of a healthy environment.

El Salvador has lost about 85 percent of its native forests since the 1960s, and the planet as a whole has lost about 80 percent of its native forests.

But in recent years, El Salvador has made a strong commitment to restoring its native landscapes.

Forbes' 2019 List Of World's 100 Highest-Paid Athletes

Forbes' 2019 List Of World's 100 Highest-Paid Athletes

Lionel Messi was the world's highest paid athlete. The Barcelona and Argentina star dethroned retired boxer Floyd Mayweather as the sports world's highest earner, with USD 127 million via salary and endorsement deals.

 Cristiano Ronaldo, the Juventus and Portugal star  was second with earnings of $109 million.

Brazil and Paris Saint-Germain striker Neymar completed a sweep of the top three positions by footballers, coming in third with earnings of $105 million.

The fourth highest earner on the list was Mexico's middleweight boxing star Saul "Canelo" Alvarez with $94 million.

tennis star Roger Federer was fifth on the list with total earnings of $93.4 million.

Tennis superstar Serena Williams was the only woman to make the list, coming in at 63rd with earnings of $29.2 million.

Virat Kohli is the only Indian and the only cricketer to have a place in Forbes 2019 list of world's 100 highest-paid athletes

 Virat Kohli raked in USD 25 million via salary and endorsement deals over the past year

Novak Djokovic topped ATP rankings

Novak Djokovic topped  ATP rankings

Austrian Dominic Thiem keeps his fourth place behind Switzerland's Roger Federer

Russian Karen Khachanov jumped two spots into a personal best of ninth thanks to his achievement in reaching the French Open quarter-finals.

Italy's Fabio Fognini, also a quarter-finalist at Roland Garros and winner in Monte-Carlo in April, also moved up two places to 10th.

The biggest mover in the top 20 was Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka, whose quarter-final defeat by Federer in Paris was enough to see him go up nine places into 19th.

Ashleigh Barty leaped six places to world number two in the WTA rankings released today after the Australian's surprise win at the French Open.

Naomi Osaka narrowly retains top spot despite her shock elimination in the third round at Roland Garros which ended her hopes of winning a third successive Grand Slam.

Britain's Johanna Konta moved up eight spots to 18th as a reward for reaching the French Open semi-finals.

World Oceans Day

World Oceans Day

World Oceans Day takes place every 8 June. The concept was originally proposed in 1992 by Canada's International Centre for Ocean Development (ICOD) and the Ocean Institute of Canada (OIC) at the Earth Summit – UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.


In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution officially recognizing 8 June to be "World Oceans Day", effective 2009, through Resolution 63/111 (paragraph 171).

 As such, the United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, Office of Legal Affairs promotes the celebration of this International Day for the United Nations.

World Oceans Day events are celebrated on 8 June, the closest weekend, the week, and the month of June


The theme   (2019) is "Gender and Oceans"

'Gandhi Cycle Rally for Peace' organised in Saudi Arabia

'Gandhi Cycle Rally for Peace' organised in Saudi Arabia

To mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Indian Embassy in Saudi today organized ‘Gandhi Cycle Rally for Peace’ in association with the Diplomatic Quarter Authority and Saudi Cycling Federation.

Seven teams were deployed along the 6 km long route to assist the participants.

A Saudi cycle acrobatic team performed before the start of the rally.

All the participants were distributed t-shirts and certificates of participation.

The Cycle Rally was part of the series of events organized globally by the Government of India to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

Thai parliament elects Prayuth Chan-ocha as prime minister

Thai parliament elects Prayuth Chan-ocha as prime minister

In Thailand, the Parliament has elected Prayuth Chan-ocha as Prime Minister.

Prayuth won the second-highest number of seats in the House of Representatives in a general election in March.

Prayuth was elected to serve a second term by a vote of 500 to 244

His appointment becomes official when it is endorsed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

Russia launched first Arctic train service

Russia launched first Arctic train service

In Russia, the first tourist train traveling through Russia's Arctic region and on to Norway, set off from St. Petersburg station yesterday with 91 passengers aboard for the inaugural trial journey.

The tourists came from seven countries including the US, Germany, Norway and Russia.

The train, named, Zarengold, complete with two restaurant cars will travel from Saint Petersburg through according to the organisers, the whole trip will take 11 days and allow passengers to discover areas difficult to access by other means.

International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression

International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression

 The International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is a United Nations observance each 4 June.

It was established on 19 August 1982.

Originally focused on victims of the 1982 Lebanon War, its purpose expanded to "acknowledge the pain suffered by children throughout the world who are the victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse.

This day affirms the UN's commitment to protect the rights of children

 On April 2, 2019, a campaign “Act to Protect Children affected by Conflict” was launched by Ms. Virginia Gamba, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict to create awareness and implement action to protect children affected by war. It will be effective until the end of 2022.

ICA issues first UAE Permanent Residency 'Golden Card' in Abu Dhabi

ICA issues first UAE Permanent Residency 'Golden Card' in Abu Dhabi

UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) has issued the first Golden Residence Permit in Abu Dhabi, as part of the Investors Permanent Residence System aimed to attract investors, entrepreneurs and qualified individuals who meet its criteria.

 Abu Dhabi, awarded the first permit to investor Yousuf Ali

The Abu Dhabi-based Keralite tycoon is worth 4.7 billion dollars and has been ranked the richest expat in UAE according to Forbes magazine's 2019 list of billionaires.

The UAE government had announced  that the first batch of 6,800 investors with 100 billion Dirhams worth of investments in the country will be granted the Golden Card.

The UAE Cabinet has approved the long-term visa system for expatriates announced by the country earlier this year, while also confirming the criteria that need to be met.


The programme is an outreach initiative for investors and business leaders of foreign origin

The UAE has also started  five and 10-year residency visas to investors, entrepreneurs, specialists in the medical, scientific, research and technical fields, and ‘outstanding’ students to "facilitate business and create an attractive and encouraging investment environment" in the country.

Nayib Bukele sworn in as president of El Salvador

Nayib Bukele sworn in as president of El Salvador

In the Central American country of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele has been sworn-in as the nation's President.

Bukele was sworn-in by the Speaker of the National Assembly in downtown San Salvador.

Delegations from 83 countries attended the ceremony.

Bukele was elected in February to succeed Salvador Sanchez Ceren, a leftist former guerrilla.

ICC announced content partnerships with Facebook, YouTube, Twitter for World Cup

ICC announced content partnerships with Facebook, YouTube, Twitter for World Cup

ICC will provide cricket fans greater access to the content from World Cup event, the teams and the stars than ever before.

ICC has entered into content partnerships with global social media platforms Facebook, YouTube and Twitter to cater to the huge interest from fans in this event.

Fans can enjoy recaps, reports, live scores and s, behind-the-scenes and other content across the ICC’s digital channels.

 ICC 's website and mobile App will provide a host of content so that fans can connect and engage with the event anytime, anywhere.

 Content will be available in four languages - English, Hindi, Bengali and Urdu.

The ICC’s Digital Insiders will bring unique daily behind-the-scenes access content.

A new dedicated tournament website www.cricketworldcup.com  has been created with in-game clips, fastest live scores, previews, live blogs, press conferences and in-depth reports from all matches.

The ICC has also launched a channel on TikTok which will provide the audience with offbeat short-form videos, with focus on user-generated content. Additionally, all post-match press conferences will be streamed live on ICC’s Facebook and YouTube channels.

The ICC is also introducing a special feature to fans to keep track of their team’s preparations ahead of every match.

‘At the Nets’ will provide snippets into teams’ training sessions across all ICC digital and social media platforms.

World No Tobacco Day

World No Tobacco Day

World No Tobacco Day is observed around the world every year on 31 May. It is intended to encourage a 24-hour period of abstinence from all forms of tobacco consumption around the globe.

World No Tobacco Day is being observed to create awareness about the negative impacts of tobacco consumption on human health.


Theme of the event was Don't Let Tobacco Take Your Breath Away - Choose Health Not Tobacco.