Current Affairs - International

BSA Motorcycles, the UK company, has launched its first model in India, the Classic Legends-owned Gold Star 650. The bike represents a significant milestone for BSA's presence in the Indian motorcycle market. It is available for pre-order with a starting price of Rs 2.99 lakh and a top model at Rs 3.34 lakh. The Gold Star 650 features a 652cc engine, Brembo brakes, Pirelli tyres, and digital-analogue instrumentation, offering a blend of traditional design with modern performance. This launch signifies a major entry for BSA into the Indian motorcycle market, offering a piece of motorcycling history with a modern twist.

A 13-year-old Chinese girl, Lei Muzi, performed a historic Bharatanatyam "Arangetram" in China at the Indian Embassy. Her debut was attended by Indian diplomats and a large crowd of fans, including the first Indian ambassador to China, marking a milestone in the spread of India's ancient dance form among Chinese audiences. Lei Muzi is the only Chinese person to have been trained in Bharatanatyam and has been practising it for six years at a school affiliated with Bharatanatyam expert Raja Ravi Varma. Her performance in China signifies the growing interest and appreciation of Indian dance forms in China, particularly in the realm of classical arts and cultural exchange.

The world's oldest solar calendar was discovered at Göbekli Tepe, a renowned archaeological site in southern Turkey. This discovery highlights the advanced astronomical knowledge of the people who lived nearly 13,000 years ago. The calendar, featuring 365 V-shaped symbols, is believed to represent days, forming a comprehensive annual system. Additionally, the calendar combines lunar and solar elements, reflecting a sophisticated understanding of timekeeping by the ancient inhabitants of Gobekli Tepe.

India and New Zealand formalized a Bilateral Customs Cooperation Arrangement on 8 August 2024 during President Droupadi Murmu’s official visit to New Zealand. This agreement aims to simplify trade procedures between the two nations. President Murmu’s visit to New Zealand was part of a broader three-nation tour, which also included Fiji and Timor Leste, highlighting the strengthening of international ties and cooperation.

Zambia hosted the 4th Foreign Office Consultations with India in Lusaka, which aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas such as education, defence, and trade. Zambia, a landlocked country in southern Africa, shares borders with several countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Mozambique. This meeting highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.