THE VERITY LIBERATE

 ~Preet. The fifth summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) grouping was recently held in Colombo, Sri Lanka (Host for the Fifth Summit).  The primary consequence of this meeting was the signing of the BIMSTEC Charter. The members were supposed to convene once every two years under this Charter. The BIMSTEC now has a worldwide presence as a result of the Charter. It has an emblem and a flag.  It has a formally stated goal and values to which it will adhere. In keeping with the organization's evolution into a formal structure, the leaders of the member nations have decided to split the group's operations into seven sectors, with India leading the security pillar. The Master Plan for Transport Connectivity, which will establish a framework for regional and domestic connectivity, was announced at the summit. A pact on mutual legal aid in criminal proceedings was also signed by member countries. A Memorandum of Agreement

 ~Preet. The Japanese Prime Minister recently paid an official visit to India to attend the 14th India-Japan Annual Summit. The Summit took place at the 70th anniversary of the beginning of diplomatic ties between the two countries, as well as India's 75th anniversary of independence. Earlier, the Indian Prime Minister virtually launched a Japanese 'Zen Garden - Kaizen Academy' at Gujarat's Ahmedabad Management Association (AMA). Japan will invest Rs 3.2 lakh crores in India over the next five years. 7 JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) loans to several states for projects in connectivity, water supply and sewage, horticulture, healthcare, and wildlife protection. Japanese firms have inked an agreement to introduce Johkasou technology for decentralised wastewater treatment in India. It is utilised in locations where sewage infrastructure has yet to be built. The Sustainable Development Initiative for the North Eastern Region of India was launched with a focus

Russia-Ukraine war. ~Preet After threats of economic penalties from the United States and its allies failed to discourage him, Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his long-anticipated invasion of Ukraine, sparking one of Europe's biggest security crises since World War II.  In a televised speech that coincided with the operation's start around dawn, Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to "demilitarise" the neighbouring country of more than 40 million people, denigrated the Ukrainian leadership, and said the assault was directed at those he claims have taken Ukraine "hostage." At the same time, a barrage of missiles, artillery, and air assaults poured down on Ukraine, while Russian soldiers advanced from positions in Belarus onto Kyiv, the country's capital city. Ukraine's border guard said that it was being attacked from five different directions, and that Russian tank convoys were entering the country. Hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers were ki

UAE-India virtual meet. ~Preet A virtual summit between India and the United Arab Emirates was recently conducted (UAE). India and the UAE formally began discussions on the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in September 2021. (CEPA). The two countries issued a joint vision statement titled "Advancing India and the UAE's Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: New Frontiers, New Milestones." The Statement sets a road plan for India and the UAE's future-oriented engagement, including emphasis areas and goals. The common goal is to foster new trade, investment, and innovation dynamics across a variety of areas. It was agreed to strengthen maritime cooperation in order to contribute to the region's peace and security.  Reaffirmed united commitment to combating extremism and terrorism in all forms, including cross-border terrorism, at the regional and international levels. They agreed to support each other's clean energy initiatives and to form a