The 5th AITIGA Joint Committee meeting, marking a significant milestone in ASEAN-India economic cooperation, concluded in Jakarta in August. The discussions aimed at reviewing and enhancing the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) were co-chaired by Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, India, and Ms. Mastura Ahmad Mustafa, Deputy Secretary General (Trade), Ministry of Investment, Trade & Industry, Malaysia. Delegates from all 10 ASEAN countries and India participated in the meeting.
During the meeting, the Indian delegation held bilateral discussions with Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam to align on key issues. Meetings were also held with ASEAN Secretary General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn and ASEAN Deputy Secretary General Mr. Satvinder Singh to explore further economic cooperation opportunities.
The next AITIGA Joint Committee meeting is scheduled to be held in India from November 19-22, 2024.
SC Panel: Bar Pvt Vehicles in Sariska Reserve, Raise Tiger Protection Force
To protect tigers and their habitats in Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR), Rajasthan, from adverse impacts of vehicular traffic, the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) of the Supreme Court recommended a ban on entry of private vehicles by March 2025 and the creation of a special tiger protection force.
The STR sees heavy traffic of unregulated vehicles as a large number of devotees visit the numerous temples inside the reserve, including the famous Pandupol temple that is located 22 km inside the core area.
The CEC has recommended using electric shuttle buses in lieu of ban on private vehicles and said that other options of transportation such as tramway, elevated road, motorable twin tunnel or ropeway could be considered based on feasibility studies.
Tata Group Unveils Rs. 27,000 Crore Semiconductor Facility in Assam
The Tata Group unveiled a Rs. 27,000 crore semiconductor assembly and test facility in Assam, aiming to produce 15 billion chips annually. This landmark project, set to be operational by next year (2025), aligns with the Indian government's semiconductor mission and is poised to transform Assam into a key player in the global semiconductor ecosystem.
The Bhoomi Pujan ceremony marks the commencement of India's first indigenous semiconductor assembly and testing facility.
Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran highlighted the group's comprehensive strategy, which includes establishing manufacturing capabilities in Tamil Nadu, packaging facilities in Karnataka, an advanced chip manufacturing plant in Gujarat, and now, the assembly and test facility in Assam.
RIL Jumps Up 2 Places in Fortune's Global 500 List For 2024
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) achieved a milestone by advancing two positions in the 2024 Fortune Global 500 list, securing the 86th spot. This marks the highest ranking ever attained by the conglomerate on the list, underscoring its growth and stability within the global business arena.
The latest ranking reflects an impressive climb from the previous year's position of 88th. Over the past three years, Reliance Industries has surged an impressive 69 places from its 155th position in 2021. This leap highlights the company's robust performance and its strategic growth across various sectors.
For the 21st consecutive year, Reliance Industries is the highest-ranked Indian corporation in the Fortune Global 500 list, a record unmatched by any other private sector firm in India. This enduring presence underscores the company's resilience and significant impact on both the Indian and global economies.
India continues to be a player in the global business landscape with nine companies featured in the Fortune Global 500 list this year (2024). Among these, five are public sector entities–Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and State Bank of India (SBI)–while the remaining four are private sector firms.
Scindia, Sekhar Inaugurate Network Operations Centre for Telecom Network Security
Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Minister Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia along with Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development Dr. Pemmasani Chandrasekhar inaugurated the Network Operations Centre at the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) Delhi Campus.
The Centre is an indigenously developed security infrastructure for identifying and monitoring cyber threats in telecom networks in the country. Various malicious activities like malware, ransomware, DoS, DDoS, DNS amplification, malicious domain communication etc. can now be proactively identified.
The Communications Minister also made a pilot 5G call in the live network of BSNL. This 5G call was made using indigenously developed 5G Radio and 5G Core (NSA).
Novak Djokovic Clinches First Olympic Gold Medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics
Novak Djokovic of Serbia secured his first Olympic gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The tennis legend overcame Spain's Carlos Alcaraz in a gripping men's singles final at Roland Garros, cementing his status in the annals of tennis history.
Mondo Duplantis Breaks Pole Vault World Record Ninth Time to Win Gold at Paris Olympics
Mondo Duplantis wins gold at Paris Olympics. Pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis soared to new heights and literally redefined the limits of human possibility by breaking his own world record in pole vault at the Paris Olympics.
Swedish sensation Mondo Duplantis cleared an astonishing 6.25 meters on his third and final attempt, solidifying his status as the undisputed king of the event.
This marks the ninth time that Mondo Duplantis shattered the world record, a streak which first started on February 8, 2020.
This was Mondo Duplantis' second consecutive Olympic gold medal. Behind Mondo Duplantis, American Sam Kendricks claimed silver, while Emmanouli Karalis of Greece secured the bronze.
Nagaland Govt, SBI General Insurance Ink MoU on Disaster Risk Management Solution
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said that his government and SBI General Insurance inked an MoU for Disaster Risk Transfer Parametric Insurance Solution (DRTPS), making Nagaland the first state in the country to implement a disaster risk management insurance solution.
Disaster Risk Transfer Parametric Insurance Solution (DRTPS) will aid in protecting the state's critical infrastructure and reduce economic losses due to a disaster.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed for a period of three years with immediate effect.
The signing of the MoU was held at the Chief Minister's Office here between the officials of SBI General Insurance and the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA).
India to Host BIMSTEC Business Summit
The Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India in association with Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) is hosting the 1st BIMSTEC Business Summit in New Delhi from on August 6 to 8, 2024.
The first edition of the Business Summit aims to foster greater regional collaboration through robust trade and investment relations among the member countries of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).
The Business Summit was inaugurated by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Minister of Commerce and Industries Piyush Goyal and other leaders delivered key note addresses. Several Ministers of the BIMSTEC Member States from the ambit of Trade, Commerce and Industry, as well as Energy, along with high-ranking Government officials, policy makers, entrepreneurs and industry associations participated in the event.
The BIMSTEC member states Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand are among the countries dependent on the Bay of Bengal.
PM Marks 5 Years of Abrogation of Articles 370 and 35(A)
On the fifth anniversary of the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35(A), Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the decision as a pivotal moment in Indian history, marking the beginning of a new era of progress and prosperity for Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and Ladakh. He emphasised that the abrogation ensured the full implementation of the Indian Constitution in these regions, aiming to enhance security, dignity, and development opportunities for marginalised communities while reducing corruption.
August 5, 2019: The Parliament of India abrogated Articles 370 and 35(A), which previously granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in its reorganisation into two Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
US Hands over its Last Military Base in Niger to the Ruling Junta
The US handed over its last military base in Niger, one of two crucial hubs for American counterterrorism operations in the country, to local authorities, the US Department of Defense and Niger's Ministry of Defense announced in a joint statement.
The handing over of Airbase 201 in the city of Agadez came after the U.S. troops withdrew earlier this month from Airbase 101, a small drone base in Niger's capital of Niamey.
US troops have until September 15 to leave the Sahel country following an agreement with Nigerien authorities.
Air Force Approves Production of 200 Astra Missiles
The Indian Air Force (IAF) gave clearance to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) to produce 200 Astra air-to-air missiles for its Su-3O and LCA Tejas fighter aircraft.
The clearance was given to the DRDO and public sector firm BDL, during a visit by Indian Air Force Deputy Chief Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit to Hyderabad.
While DRDO is the development agency for the project, BDL is the production agency for it.
Former England Cricketer Graham Thorpe Passes Away
The cricketing world mourned the loss of Graham Thorpe, a former England cricketer and coach, who passed away at the age of 55. Thorpe's contributions to the sport, both as a player and coach, left an indelible mark on cricket history.
Graham Thorpe's international career spanned over a decade, from 1993 to 2005. During this time, he established himself as one of England's most reliable batsmen.
He palyed Played 100 Test matches for England and represented England in 82 ODIs.
Hiroshima Day, observed annually on August 6, stands as a solemn reminder of one of the most devastating events in human history. This year (2024) marks the 79th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during World War II. The city of Hiroshima, once reduced to ashes, now stands as a powerful symbol of peace, resilience, and the enduring human spirit.
On the morning of August 6, 1945, an American B-29 bomber named Enola Gay took off from Tinian Island in the Pacific and dropped the first atomic bomb 'Little Boy' ever used in warfare on the Japanese city of Hiroshima.
President Droupadi Murmu Conferred 'Companion of the Order of Fiji' in Capital Suva
Indian President Droupadi Murmu was on a two-day state visit to Fiji, marking a milestone in the diplomatic relations between the two nations. The visit, characterised by ceremonial honours and high-level meetings, underscored the growing partnership between India and Fiji in various spheres of cooperation.
President Murmu was conferred with the 'Companion of the Order of Fiji', the highest honour bestowed by the Fijian government. This prestigious recognition symbolises the deep respect and strong ties between India and Fiji.
President Murmu was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour by the Fiji Military Force. This formal welcome exemplified the respect and importance Fiji attributes to India's head of state.
BITS Pilani, Hyderabad's Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Partner for Joint Research, Specialised Courses
The Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani (BITS Pilani) and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Hyderabad (TIFRH) partnered to promote academic excellence and innovative research.
This partnership is established to provide opportunities including short-term mutual exchange of students, specialised courses, joint research programmes, joint PhD and joint masters programmes. Students from BITS and TIFRH will have opportunities to undertake short-term projects and specialised courses at either institution, contributing to their degree requirements and research experience.
In a First, Centre Issues SOPs for Transportation of Human Organs
The Union Health Ministry came out with its first-ever Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for seamless transport of human organs through various modes of travel, which will allow airlines carrying them to request the Air Traffic Control for priority take-off and landing and also arrange front-row seats.
"By streamlining organ transport process, we aim to maximise the utilisation of precious organs and offer hope to countless patients awaiting life-saving transplants," Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra said.
According to the SOPs for transportation by air, airlines carrying human cadaveric organs can request the Air Traffic Control for priority take-off and landing of the aircraft and arrange front-row seats. Airport officials should define a 'green corridor', free from obstruction, and a trolley for the organ box from ambulance to the aircraft at the airport of origin and vice versa.
Delhi Education Department Bans Use of Non-NCERT, SCERT Textbooks in Schools
The Delhi Education Department issued a strict directive to all recognised private schools, prohibiting textbooks for elementary classes that are not prescribed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) or the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT). This mandate ensures compliance with the Right to Education (RTE) Act 2009.
As per the directives, schools mandating students to study textbooks not included in the prescribed list of NCERT or SCERT will be in violation of the RTE Act.
The directive underscores that no child should face discrimination, harassment, or neglect for using books approved by the academic authorities. Violating these guidelines, which causes 'mental or physical suffering' to students, could invoke the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act 2015.
Piyush Goyal Launches 'India@100': A Vision for India's Economic Future
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, unveiled a significant publication that charts India's economic trajectory towards 2047. The book, titled 'India@100: Envisioning Tomorrow's Economic Powerhouse', authored by Prof. K. V. Subramanian, was launched at a high-profile event in New Delhi. This launch marks a pivotal moment in India's discourse on economic development and its aspirations to become a developed nation by its centenary year of independence.
The book launch was organised by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), underlining the importance of this publication in the business and economic circles. The event brought together key stakeholders from government, industry, and academia.
Amit Shah Launches E-Sakshya, Nyaya Setu, Nyaya Shruti and E-Summon App
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah launched the e-Sakshya, Nyaya Setu, Nyaya Shruti and e-Summon apps for the three new criminal laws in Chandigarh. The Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria, and the Union Home Secretary were among the dignitaries present on the occasion.
With e-Sakshya, investigating officers can record videos and take photographs of crime scenes as needed. The application also allows officers to gather information from witnesses and record their statements. Once the recording is complete, all information is securely transmitted to an evidence locker and linked to the charge sheet, which is then made available to the court electronically. These recordings and photographs can also be downloaded for use by prosecutors and defence lawyers.
The second tool, Nyaya Shruti, facilitates court hearings through electronic medium. This automated system is connected with the police, prisons, prosecution, forensics, and designated access points. Whenever the court issues a summons or warrant, an alert is sent to the domain application, and a video conferencing link for judicial hearings is provided to all relevant individuals and officers.
The third application, e-Summon, handles the electronic compliance of legal orders. Through this facility, legal orders such as summons and warrants issued by the court are electronically transmitted to the police. These orders are then distributed to the relevant officers via their mobile devices. The officers deliver the orders to the specified addresses and obtain the recipient's signature upon delivery.
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