The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in Trouble

Russia has confirmed the United States of America's decision to cancel the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty between the two countries. The treaty was signed between between US President Ronald Reagan and USSR President Mikhail Gorbachev in 1987. It banned the development, testing and possession of short and medium-range ground-launched nuclear missiles with a range of 500-5,000 km. USA had announced the withdrawal decision in October 2018.

The New Capital of Burundi

The Republic of Burundi in Africa declared the small central city of Gitega as the country’s new political capital on December 22, 2018. This was in line with a presidential promise made a decade ago.

India Retains Highest Aviation Safety Ranking

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of US communicated that India's International Aviation Safety Assessment rating remains Category 1 on December 18, 2018. Based on an audit of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in July 2018, India is adhering to safety standards of International Civil Aviation Organization.

People-to-People Exchanges Meeting Between India and China

India and China identified 10 areas, ranging from films and television to yoga, for boosting cooperation under a new high level mechanism for cultural and people-to-people exchanges. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi co-chaired the first-ever meeting of India-China High-Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges in New Delhi on December 21, 2018.

Reporters without Borders

The annual worldwide round-up of deadly violence and abusive treatment of journalists was released by Reporters without Borders (RSF) on December 18, 2018. According to the report, Afghanistan was the world’s deadliest country for journalists in 2018, with 15 killed. Syria followed, with 11 killed. Mexico became the deadliest country outside a conflict zone, with nine journalists murdered in 2018. In the report, RSF highlighted two instances of India where journalists have lost their lives while exposing the mafia. This makes India the fifth most deadliest place for journalists.