Current Affairs

1. WORLD PRESS FREEDOM            INDEX   2024       ANNOUNCED,   INDIA RANKED 159TH OUT OF 180 COUNTRIES –

• In the latest edition of the World Press Freedom Index published annually by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), India finds itself at a concerning position, ranking 159th out of 180 countries. This marks a slight improvement from its previous rank of 161, yet it still underscores significant challenges faced by journalists in the country. Surprisingly, India trails behind its neighboring nation Pakistan, which holds the 152nd position, while Sri Lanka stands at 150th place.
• Norway topped the ranking, while Denmark was on the second rank in World Press Freedom Index. Sweden ranked third on the list.
• The World Press Freedom Index evaluates 180 countries based on the freedom and independence journalists have to work and report. The rankings shed light on the varying degrees of press freedom across the globe. In the Asia-Pacific region, which ranks as the world’s second most challenging area for journalism, several countries, including Myanmar, China, North Korea, Vietnam, and Afghanistan, are among the most dangerous for media personnel. Notably, no Asian country made it to the Index’s top 15 this year, indicating a pervasive challenge to press freedom in the region.
• The recently released 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has once again shed light on the state of press freedom across the globe. In South Asia, India finds itself ranked at 159th, while its neighbor Pakistan stands marginally higher at 152. Sri Lanka, another regional player, is positioned at 150. These rankings underscore the challenges journalists face in the region, where the ability to work and report independently is often compromised.

 

2. SOLOMON ISLANDS  ELECTS  PRO-CHINA  LEADER JEREMIAH MANELE AS NEW PRIME MINISTER –

• In a significant political development, the Solomon Islands has elected former Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele as its new prime minister, indicating that the South Pacific island nation is likely to maintain close ties with China.
• Jeremiah Manele secured 31 votes in a secret ballot involving 49 lawmakers, defeating opposition leader Matthew Wale, who received 18 votes. Manele used his first speech as the leader to promise to govern with integrity and prioritize the nation’s interests.
• The withdrawal of pro-Beijing former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare from the contest and his support for Manele as their party’s candidate suggest that the Solomon Islands could follow a similar trajectory in its relationship with China.
• During Sogavare’s previous term, China’s influence in the Solomon Islands grew significantly, with the country switching diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing and striking a secret security pact that raised concerns about potential Chinese naval presence in the region.
• Meg Keen, the director of the Pacific Islands program at the Lowy Institute, a Sydney-based international policy think tank, stated that while Manele may be a “less fiery and combative leader” for the West to manage, he is expected to continue pursuing close relations with China.
• The Solomon Islands’ political landscape has been marked by instability and unrest in recent years, with riots erupting in the capital, Honiara, following elections and leadership changes. The country’s ties with China have been a contentious issue, raising concerns among regional powers and allies.

 

3. INDIA TO     HOST     46TH      ANTARCTIC     TREATY CONSULTATIVE MEETING IN KOCHI –

• India reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding Antarctica’s delicate ecosystem and advancing scientific exploration in the region. The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, in collaboration with the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), is set to host the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46) and the 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP 26) from May 20 to 30, 2024, in Kochi, Kerala.
• The Antarctic Treaty, enacted in 1959 and enforced in 1961, designates Antarctica as a zone dedicated to peace, scientific collaboration, and environmental preservation. Over 56 countries have ratified the Treaty, showcasing global support for its principles.
• Established under the Madrid Protocol in 1991, the CEP advises the ATCM on environmental conservation and protection in Antarctica. India, a Consultative Party since 1983, actively contributes to the decision-making process alongside 28 other Consultative Parties.
• India’s participation in the ATCM underscores its dedication to Antarctic affairs. With two year-round research stations – Maitri (1989) and Bharati (2012) – India conducts vital scientific expeditions in Antarctica.