The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released an Artificial Intelligence Preparedness Index (AIPI) Dashboard on their website, tracking 174 economies globally for AI readiness.
The Index categorised each country into Advanced Economy (AE), Emerging Market Economy (EM), and Low-Income Country (LIC). Singapore (0.80), Denmark (0.78), and the United States (0.77) were among the highest-rated AEs, with India categorised as an EM with a 0.49 rating. India ranked 72 in a total of 174 countries, with Bangladesh (0.38) on 113, Sri Lanka (0.43) on 92, and China (0.63) on 31.
The rating for each country is given based on the assessment of readiness in four key areas - digital infrastructure, human capital and labour market policies, innovation and economic integration, and regulation.
Additional Secretary Chandra Shekhar Kumar Represents India at the Three-day Meeting of CLGF Annual Board in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Additional Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Chandra Shekhar Kumar represented India at the three - day meeting of CLGF Annual Board in Colombo, Sri Lanka in June 2024. The conference facilitated regional exchange and priority setting for ongoing initiatives in Commonwealth Asia. It also guided the future work of CLGF's Commonwealth Women in Local Government Network. Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Shri Dinesh Gunawardena inaugurated CLGF's Commonwealth Women in Local Government Network South Asia Regional Meeting on "Reinforcing Social Resilience through Women's Political Representation".
Addressing the CLGF conference, Chandra Shekhar Kumar requested to host the next CLGF meeting in India, the largest member country of the Commonwealth. This initiative aims to promote and strengthen democratic local governments across the Commonwealth and foster the exchange of best practices.
RBI Announces SAARC Currency Swap Framework for 2024-27
The Reserve Bank of India with the concurrence of the Government of India decided to put in place a revised Framework on Currency Swap Arrangement for SAARC countries for the period 2024 to 2027. Under this Framework, the Reserve Bank would enter into bilateral swap agreements with SAARC central banks, who want to avail of the swap facility.
Under the Framework for 2024-27, a separate INR Swap Window has been introduced with various concessions for swap support in Indian Rupee. The total corpus of the Rupee support is Rs. 250 billion. The RBI will continue to offer swap arrangement in US$ and Euro under a separate US Dollar/ Euro Swap Window with an overall corpus of US$ 2 billion. The Currency Swap Facility will be available to all SAARC member countries, subject to their signing the bilateral swap agreements.
SAARC Currency Swap Facility came into operation on November 15, 2012 with an intention to provide a backstop line of funding for short term foreign exchange liquidity requirements or balance of payment crises of the SAARC countries till longer term arrangements are made.
The Director General of Railway Protection Force (RPF) Manoj Yadava launched the Sangyaan App, designed by the RPF Tech Team to provide in-depth information on three new Criminal Acts: the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) 2023. The app aims to educate and empower RPF personnel with comprehensive information on both new and old criminal laws, emphasizing their relevance to RPF operations. Available for Android and iOS, the app features user-friendly navigation, a searchable database, and offline access, making it a practical tool for staying informed about the latest legal developments in India.
Global Chess League to Hold Second Edition in London in October
After a successful first season in Dubai, the Global Chess League will return for another edition, this time in London. The highly anticipated second edition of Tech Mahindra Global Chess League will take place in London, England from October 3 to 12, 2024. It will take place at Friends House in central London.
The Global Chess League, a joint initiative between the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and Tech Mahindra, a leading global provider of technology consulting and digital solutions to enterprises across industries, is set for a highly anticipated second edition in London.
After 2 Decades, Odisha Gets a Chief Secretary from Outside the State
The new BJP government in Odisha appointed 1990-batch cadre officer Manoj Ahuja as the new Chief Secretary after the retirement of incumbent Pradeep Kumar Jena. He was also appointed as secretary of the general administration department.
Haryana native Ahuja, who was on central deputation since 2017, was repatriated to the parent cadre, Odisha, on the request of the state government. Ahuja is first person from outside Odisha to serve as the top administrator of the state in two decades.
Ahuja, who has vast administrative experience, was last posted as the Union agriculture secretary. He had earlier served in key positions like special director of Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Admin (LBSNAA) and chairman, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
World Bank Lends $1.5 Billion Push to Power Green Hydrogen Market
The World Bank approved a $1.5 billion loan to help India accelerate low-carbon energy development by promoting a market for green hydrogen as well as electrolysers and renewable energy penetration.
The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors approved $1.5 billion in financing to help India accelerate the development of low-carbon energy. The operation will seek to promote the development of a vibrant market for green hydrogen, continue to scale up renewable energy, and stimulate finance for low-carbon energy investments.
India is the fastest-growing large economy in the world, and the economy is expected to continue to expand at a rapid pace. Decoupling economic growth from emissions growth will require scaling up renewable energy, especially in hard-to-abate industrial sectors. This, in turn, will require an expansion of green hydrogen production and consumption as well as a faster development of climate finance to boost the mobilization of finance for low-carbon investments.
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Successfully Concluded "One Week, One Theme" Campaign
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP) successfully concluded the "One Week, One Theme" campaign, which focused on the pivotal theme of Energy and Energy Devices (EED) at IIP Dedradun.
Following the success of the 'One Week One Lab' (OWOL) program conducted by all CSIR laboratories in 2023, Jitendra Singh, Hon'ble Minister (S&T), proposed the observance of the 'One Week One Theme' event in 2024. The OWOT event aimed to showcase innovative approaches and technological advancements developed by CSIR laboratories focused on each of the eight themes of CSIR. Each Theme's road map and activities focused on substantial contributions toward public, private, strategic, and societal benefits.
Jaipur Military Station: 2nd Military Station to Have Plastic Waste Road
Jaipur Military Station became the second military station in India to have a road made from plastic waste. The road, inaugurated by Major General R. S. Godara, General Officer Commanding of 61 Sub Area, is 100 meters long and stretches from Sagat Singh Road under bridge to Cubs Corner complex. This initiative aligns with the Indian Army's policy to create sustainable and green military stations, and it was constructed under the aegis of GE (South), CE Jaipur Zone, with assistance from Deep Constructions Pvt. Ltd. Compared to conventional roads, plastic waste roads are more durable, suffer less wear and tear, reduce water induction, and increase sustainability.
The first military station to have a plastic waste road was Narangi Military Station in Guwahati, Assam, built in 2019.
Indian Navy Bids Farewell to UH-3H helicopter after 17 Years of Service
The Indian Navy bid adieu to UH-3H helicopter, a versatile platform that has played a crucial role in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, after 17 years of glorious service. The de-induction ceremony was held at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam.
The event was presided by Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command. Veteran officers and sailors of the UH-3H squadron graced the event with families reminiscing the yeoman service of the helicopter.
The UH-3H helicopter will be replaced by Sea King 42C helicopter at INAS 350 to continue and deliver operational power and capability.
The International Day of Parliamentarism is celebrated every year on June 30, the date in 1889 on which the IPU was founded. The Day was established in 2018 through a United Nations General Assembly Resolution.
The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), established in 1889, holds the distinction of being the first political multilateral organization aimed at fostering international cooperation and resolving conflicts through dialogue rather than warfare. Throughout its history, the IPU has been a pivotal platform for parliamentary diplomacy, enabling nations to engage in meaningful conversations and mediation.
International Asteroid Day
International Asteroid Day, observed annually on June 30, commemorates the largest asteroid impact in recorded history, the Tunguska event in Siberia, Russia. This day, sanctioned by the United Nations, aims to raise public awareness about the potential hazards asteroids can pose to our planet and the importance of monitoring and defending against them.
In December 2016, the United Nations General Assembly passed resolution A/RES/71/90 proclaiming June 30 as International Asteroid Day to commemorate the Tunguska impact over Siberia, Russian Federation, on June 30, 1908, and to raise awareness about the risks of asteroids on a global scale.
The theme for International Asteroid Day in 2024 is "Guardians of Our Planet: The Role of Asteroids in Earth's History and Future." This theme emphasizes the dual nature of asteroids as both bearers of resources that may have seeded life on Earth, and as potential threats that could pose significant risks to our planet.
IIT Madras Launches World's First MBA in Digital Maritime and Supply Chain
The Indian Institute of Technology, IIT Madras launched the World's First MBA in Digital Maritime & Supply Chain. It is designed to cater to the needs of working professionals worldwide. The launch event was held in the campus in the presence of industry professionals, faculty and students.
This pioneering 24-month programme, developed by IIT Madras Departments of Management Studies and Ocean Engineering along with industry partner i-maritime Consultancy, aims to equip global professionals with the skills necessary to navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape of maritime trade and supply chain management.
Tata Sons to Build Rs. 650 Crore 'Museum of Temples' in Ayodhya
The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved Tata Sons' proposal to build a 'museum of temples' in Ayodhya, a project worth Rs. 650 crore to be funded through Tata's corporate social responsibility fund. Additionally, the state cabinet also sanctioned Rs. 100 crore for further development works in Ayodhya and endorsed the initiation of helicopter services in Lucknow, Prayagraj, and Kapilvastu.
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