THE CLAT POST - JULY 2024 original-80-82.pdf

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Official Visit to Austria News Highlights: Marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Austria in 41 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Austria. High level Engagement P...

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Official Visit to Austria News Highlights: Marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Austria in 41 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Austria. High level Engagement PM Modi met with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Karl Nehammer, discussing a broad range of issues aimed at enhancing the strategic partnership between the two nations. Strategic and Political Cooperation Shared Democratic Values: Both leaders emphasised democracy, freedom, international peace, and a rules-based order as central themes in their discussions. Security Dialogue: Enhanced institutional dialogues have been encouraged, with a focus on contributing to regional and global peace and adhering to international laws, including the UN Charter. Know Austria Better Location and Geography: Austria is located in Central Europe, landlocked and mountainous, largely due to its location within the Alps. Capital: Vienna is not only the political capital but also a cultural hub known for its historical significance and vibrant arts scene. EU Membership: Austria has been a member of the European Union since 1995, playing an active role in European affairs. Economic Overview: Known for its high standard of living and well-developed social market economy, Austria is one of the richest countries in the EU. Cultural Influence: Austria has a rich cultural heritage, especially in music and the arts, home to legendary figures like Mozart and Freud. Economic and Technological Collaboration Economic Goals: Agreed on elevating bilateral trade and investment, targeting sectors like green and digital technologies, infrastructure, renewable energy, and smart cities. Business Forum: The inaugural high-level bilateral Business Forum saw participation from top CEOs, fostering new business tie-ups. Innovation Linkages: Initiatives like the Start-Up Bridge aim to connect the innovation ecosystems of both countries, with a focus on mutual technological and R&D partnerships. LEGALEDGE 7676564400 [email protected] www.toprankers.com 77 Multilateral and Cultural Relations Multilateral Cooperation: Both countries pledged to uphold multilateralism and work together in international forums like the UN, G20, and the EU. Cultural and People-to-People Ties: Emphasised the importance of cultural exchanges, including the promotion of yoga and Ayurveda, enhancing mutual understanding through arts and literature. Tourism and Mobility: Discussed increasing tourist flows and connectivity, supported by the operationalization of the bilateral Migration and Mobility Agreement. Austria During World War II Annexation by Nazi Germany: Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany on March 12, 1938, through the Anschluss, becoming part of the Third Reich. Austrian Support for Nazism: Initially, there was widespread support among Austrians for the annexation and Nazi policies, largely due to early German military successes. Military Contribution: About 800,000 Austrians were drafted into the German Wehrmacht, and 150,000 served in the Waffen SS. No Independent Military Units: Austrians were integrated into German units; no distinct Austrian military units were formed during the war. Moscow Declaration of 1943: In November 1943, the declaration described Austria as "the first victim of Hitlerite aggression" but also held it responsible for its participation in the war alongside Germany. Allied Bombings: Starting in 1943, Allied bombers regularly attacked Austrian industrial and transportation centers, intensifying in the winter of 1944-45. Soviet Capture of Vienna: The Soviet Red Army captured Vienna on April 13, 1945, marking the beginning of the end of Nazi rule in Austria. Allied Occupation: After the unconditional surrender of Germany on May 8, 1945, Austria was occupied by Allied forces (U.S., UK, France, and Soviet Union) until 1955. State Treaty of 1955: This treaty re-established Austria as an independent and neutral country, ending the decade- long Allied occupation. India-Austria Historic Cooperation In 1955, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru visited Austria, making him the first state leader to visit Austria after it regained full independence through the State Treaty. Austrian President Dr. Adolf Schärf visited India in 1961, marking one of the earliest high-level interactions between the two nations. Austria's interest in Indian culture dates back to the 19th century with Indology studies being introduced at the University of Vienna in 1845. LEGALEDGE 7676564400 [email protected] www.toprankers.com 78  Austria's first two satellites, TUGSAT-1/BRITE-Austria and UniBRITE, were launched aboard an Indian PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) in 2013, highlighting cooperation in space technology. PRACTICE QUESTIONS 1. Who is the current President of Austria? 4. Which vehicle was used to launch Austria's first two (a) Heinz Fischer satellites in 2013? (b) Sebastian Kurz (a) Ariane 5 (b) Falcon 9 (c) Alexander Van der Bellen (c) PSLV (d) Soyuz (d) Karl Nehammer 5. Which of the following is not an international forum 2. Since which year has Austria been a member of the where India and Austria pledged to work together? European Union? (a) UN (b) G20 (a) 1980 (b) 1985 (c) EU (d) NATO (c) 1990 (d) 1995 3. What are the names of Austria's first two satellites launched aboard an Indian PSLV in 2013? (a) ARSAT-1 and ARSAT-2 (b) TUGSAT-1/BRITE-Austria and UniBRITE (c) Astra 1A and Astra 1B (d) TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X ANSWER KEYS & EXPLANATIONS 1. Correct Answer: (c) Alexander Van der Bellen 4. Correct Answer: (c) PSLV Explanation: The current President of Austria is Explanation: Austria's first two satellites were launched Alexander Van der Bellen. aboard an Indian PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) in 2013. This launch highlighted the cooperation between 2. Correct Answer: (d) 1995 India and Austria in the field of space technology. Explanation: Austria has been a member of the European Union since 1995. Since joining, Austria has played an 5. Correct Answer: (d) NATO active role in European affairs, contributing to the EU's Explanation: India and Austria pledged to uphold policies and initiatives. multilateralism and work together in international forums such as the UN, G20, and the EU. NATO is not one of the 3 Correct Answer: (b) TUGSAT-1/BRITE-Austria and forums where they pledged cooperation, as it is a military UniBRITE alliance primarily involving North American and Explanation: Austria's first two satellites, TUGSAT- European countries. 1/BRITE-Austria and UniBRITE, were launched aboard an Indian PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) in 2013. This event highlighted the cooperation between India and Austria in space technology. LEGALEDGE 7676564400 [email protected] www.toprankers.com 79