INTERNATIONAL
G7 Hiroshima Declaration Calls For ‘World Without Nuclear Weapons’
The Group of 7 (G-7) countries’ foreign ministers have issued Hiroshima Declaration that calls for a world without nuclear weapons. The foreign ministers G-7 countries’ on 11 April signed this joint declaration after meeting in Japan’s Hiroshima. G7 countries include Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK and US. The declaration came as ministers wrap up their final day of meetings focused on global hotspot issues including terrorism and other security threats as well as instability in the Middle East and the refugee crisis. Hiroshima Declaration reaffirms commitment of G-7 countries’ to seek a safer world for all and create the conditions for a world without nuclear weapons to promote international stability. It calls for creating the conditions without nuclear weapons in a way that promotes international stability.
China, Pakistan Launched Joint Air Force Exercise
Pakistan and China have launched a joint bilateral air force exercise named Shaheen (Eagle) 5 in Pakistan. This is the fifth edition of such drill between the two countries that will take place from April 9 to 30, 2016. This edition of exercise seeks to boost bilateral relations between all-weather friends China and Pakistan. Shaheen-4 i.e. fourth edition of the bilateral exercise was held in China last in 2015. It had featured fighters, fighter bombers as well as airborne early warning and control aircraft.
US Orders Nine AH-1Z Viper Attack Helicopters for Pakistan
The US Navy has ordered nine AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters for Pakistan. The US Navy on 5 April awarded a $170 million contract to Bell Helicopter for the manufacture of the AH-1Z helicopters. The combat helicopters will be delivered to Pakistan under the Foreign Military Sales Programme. The Bell AH-1Z Viper is a twin-engine combat chopper based on the previous SuperCobra model developed for the US Marine Corps. It has a top speed of 420 km per hour and a range of 610 km.
US Senate Unanimously Approved Defend Trade Secrets Bill
The US Senate on 4 April approved Defend Trade Secrets Bill. The legislation provides greater legal protection to companies for their commercial secrets. It was passed by 87-0, amid strong White House backing. Now the bill will be sent for approval to the House of Representatives. It empowers companies to sue in federal court if their commercial secrets are stolen. It would help them to recover damages, enforce injunctions and prevent the further dissemination of stolen trade secrets. Trade secrets are confidential information that can give a business a commercial edge.
Philippines Launches World’s First Public Immunization Program For Dengue
The Philippines on 4 April launched the first public immunization program for dengue fever, seeking to administer to a million school children the world’s first licensed vaccine against a mosquito-borne disease that the World Health Organization estimates infects 390 million people a year globally. Mexico was first country in the world to approve first-ever Dengvaxia Dengue fever vaccine for the public use and Philippines was the first county in Asia to allow it. However with the launch of first public dengue vaccination programme, Philippines became first country to introduce, adopt and implement the first-ever dengue vaccine through the public health system and under public school settings.
World Bank Approved $100 million Loan To Jordan
The World Bank agreed to provide concessional 100 million US dollar loan to Jordan for creating one lakh jobs for Jordanians and Syrian refugees. The loan will be provided at rates usually reserved for the poorest countries.The announcement was made by World Bank President Jim Yong Kim during a joint visit of Kim and United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to Jordan.