India’s Saryu class Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel, INS Sumedha, made noteworthy waves as it sailed into Port Alexandria for the historic ‘Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23’. This unprecedented military event is the largest joint military exercise ever hosted in the Middle East and North Africa region. Simultaneously, far to the east, Indonesia pushes its ambitions of becoming a dominant force in the electric vehicle (EV) industry by initiating trade discussions with the United States focusing on critical minerals. Not forgetting human rights, the President of India is scheduled to inaugurate the Asia Pacific Human Rights Conference in Delhi, while the importance of sustainable transportation is celebrated globally on World EV Day.
The Historic Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23
Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 is a significant multinational Tri-Services military exercise taking place in Port Alexandria, Egypt. Thirty-four countries are participating, establishing it as the largest joint military venture in the Middle East and North Africa region. The exercise comprises two phases: the Harbour Phase and the Sea Phase.
During the Harbour Phase, activities range from cross-deck visits and sports fixtures to professional exchanges and planning interactions. The Sea Phase takes a more rigorous turn, with high-intensity exercises such as live weapon firing drills, anti-surface and anti-air exercises and cross-deck flying. The Indian Navy marks its debut in Exercise BRIGHT STAR.
Indonesia’s Push for EV Dominance
Indonesia, the holder of the world’s largest nickel reserves – 21 million metric tons, is keenly eyeing the electric vehicle industry. It has requested the United States to start trade talks focused on critical minerals, an essential component in EV manufacturing and their batteries. These minerals have vast strategic applications, forming the foundation for numerous clean energy technologies, including solar panels, wind turbines, and EVs. Nickel, Lithium, Graphite and Cobalt are some of the critical minerals, instrumental in the progression towards a greener and digital economy.
Asia Pacific Human Rights Conference
The President of India is all set to inaugurate the National Human Rights Institutions’ (NHRIs) biennial conference of the Asia Pacific on 20th September 2023, marked by the presence of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Asia Pacific Forum (APF). The event marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and celebrates 30 years of the existence of National Human Rights Institutions and the advent of the Paris Principles. The NHRC, established by the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA) of 1993, plays a vital role in safeguarding human rights in India.
World EV Day
On the 9th of September, the world commemorates World EV Day. This annual event, initiated by GreenTV, is dedicated to raising global awareness about the benefits and importance of electric vehicles. It serves as an influential platform to promote sustainable transportation, reduce emissions, and highlight the critical role EVs play in our fight against climate change and air pollution.
