China Retains Dominance in Global Wind and Solar Energy
China is solidifying its position as the global leader in renewable energy development, with 180 GW of utility-scale solar and 159 GW of wind power currently under construction. This combined total of 339 GW is nearly twice the capacity of the rest of the world combined, according to new data from Global Energy Monitor (GEM).
In comparison, the United States ranks second with a project pipeline of 40 GW, which is more than eight times smaller than China's. This highlights China's strategic focus on transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
Pakistan and IMF Agree on New USD 7 Billion Loan to Address Economic Woes
Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreed on a USD 7 billion aid package spread over more than three years to help the cash-strapped country deal with its chronic economic issues.
Building on the economic stability achieved under the 2023 Stand-by Arrangement (SBA), IMF staff and the Pakistani authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on a 37-month Extended Fund Facility Arrangement (EFF) of about USD 7 billion," the global lender said, confirming the much-awaited deal subject to the approval by the IMF's Executive Board.
Scientists Discover New Species of Dogfish Shark off Kerala Coast
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) scientists discovered a new species of dogfish shark off Kerala coast.
Various varieties of dogfish, which is a small shark, are in demand for their fins, liver oil and meat and sporadically caught as bycatch by fishermen.
The newly discovered species differs from others by the number of teeth counts, trunk and head heights, fin structure and fin colour, the team that discovered it said.
Jio Financial Services Gets RBI Nod to Become Core Investment Company
The Reserve Bank of India approved the conversion of Jio Financial Services from a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) to a Core Investment Company (CIC).
Jio Financial Services is the demerged entity of energy-to-telecom conglomerate Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL).
In November 2023, Jio Financial Services had submitted an application to the RBI to convert its status from an NBFC to a Core Investment Company.
Indians Can Now Pay via UPI in Qatar
Indians in Qatar will be able to scan a QR code and make payments via UPI as NPCI International Payments (NIPL) signed an agreement with QNB, the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, headquartered in Qatar.
This collaboration enables Indian travellers to use their preferred payment methods at retail outlets, tourist spots, leisure venues, duty-free stores, and hotels.
By adopting UPI payments, merchants in Qatar will also be able to offer a faster and more convenient payment and checkout process.
India Pitches for Infusing New Energy into BIMSTEC Grouping
India called on the seven-nation BIMSTEC grouping to infuse new energies, resources and a fresh commitment to bolster cooperation among the Bay of Bengal countries. The appeal was made by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar while hosting his counterparts from the BIMSTEC member states at a two-day retreat in the national capital.
Besides India, the BIMSTEC comprises Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan.
"For India, BIMSTEC represents the intersection of its 'Neighbourhood First' outlook, the 'Act East Policy' and the 'SAGAR' vision," said S. Jaishankar.
The BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers had last met in a similar format in Bangkok in July 2023.
Sikkim Govt. Declares Second, Fourth Saturdays Holiday for Employees
The Sikkim government declared the second and fourth Saturdays of every month as a holiday for its employees.
In a circular issued by the Department of Personnel, the state government said it would give additional time to the employees to rest.
The government also asked its employees to strictly comply with the working hours, from 10 am to 4.30 pm.
Half-day casual leave would be deducted if an employee is found to have reported after 10.30 am or left the place of duty before 4.30 pm without valid official reasons, the circular said.
This Indian City is the First One in the World to Ban Non-vegetarian Food
Situated in the Bhavnagar district of the Indian state of Gujarat, the city of Palitana emerged as the first city in the world to declare non-vegetarian food as illegal.
The historic decision to ban non-veg foods was taken after the sale and consumption of meat as well as the butchering of animals for meat was declared illegal and punishable by law in the city of Palitana. The city is a famous pilgrimage site for Jains.
The decision was taken after nearly 200 Jain monks held protests demanding that nearly 250 butcher shops in the city be closed.
Palitana, which is located in Gujarat, is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Jains. The place, which is located around Shatrunjaya Hills, is also known as the Jain Temple Town.
There are more than 800 temples in the city, the most famous among them is Adinath Temple.
DRDO Awards 7 New Projects to Industries under Technology Development Fund Scheme
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) awarded seven new projects to industries under the Technology Development Fund scheme for various requirements of the Armed Forces and aerospace and defence sectors. Defence Ministry said these project sanctions are a testimony to the continuing endeavour of DRDO in nurturing Industries, especially MSMEs and start-ups, in defence and aerospace domains.
The sanctioned projects include the development of Ice Detection Sensors for Aircraft, Underwater Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Long-range remotely operated vehicles for detection and neutralisation. The Ministry said, the Indigenous development of these technologies will strengthen the military-industrial ecosystem.
Abu Dhabi Selected as 2025 International Jazz Day Global Host City
Every year on April 30, International Jazz Day is celebrated around the world, honouring the sound of artistic freedom. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock announced that Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, will serve as the Global Host of the 2025 edition of International Jazz Day.
Presented in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the celebration will be anchored around its cultural heritage defined as a tapestry of an Arab and Emirati culture. Classical instruments like Oud, Qanoon and Ney will introduce global audiences to 'Arabic Jazz'. As the 2025 Global Host City, Abu Dhabi, the UNESCO Creative City of Music, will showcase the interplay of local musical traditions and Jazz dating back decades.
Home Ministry Amends J&K Reorganisation Act, Boosts Powers of Lt Governor
In a significant move, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) amended the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019 enhancing some powers of the Lieutenant Governor of the erstwhile state.
President Droupadi Murmu gave her approval to the amendments in the rule exercising the powers conferred by section 55 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, (34 of 2019) read with the Proclamation dated 31st October 2019 issued under section 73 of the Act, a notification issued by the MHA mentions.
The President made the rules further to amend the Transaction of Business of the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Rules, 2019.
CBSE Gets Affiliated with School Games Federation of India
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) formalised its affiliation with the School Games Federation of India (SGFI). This partnership will allow winners of the CBSE National Games to participate in the SGFI National School Games starting from the 2024-25 academic year.
CBSE also issued a caution against an organisation named the CBSE Board School Games Welfare Society (CBSE-WSO) in Agra, which falsely claims affiliation with CBSE to organise sports events. Schools have been advised to avoid any engagement with this entity as it is not officially recognised by CBSE.
East India's First Disabled Varsity at Ranchi: Jharkhand
The Jharkhand government is working on a plan to open eastern India's first university for physically challenged students in Ranchi (Jharkhand). The proposed university will offer education according to the needs of students with disabilities. Higher and Technical Education Minister Champai Soren directed officials to prepare a proposal to open the university for physically challenged students in Ranchi.