In a new survey which is called "Best countries for 2024" Switzerland was crowned as the best country in the world. Switzerland achieved this fate in the third year successively. This survey included 89 countries for the results.
European countries made up the majority of the top 25
In the ranking, Switzerland is followed by Japan, the United States of America, Canada and Australia
Only Japan, Singapore, China and South Korea managed to the top 25 from Asia
The United Arab Emirates and Qatar were the only two Middle-Eastern countries that got the 17 and 25th positions in the survey.
Nepal became the 101st country to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as a full member. The Ministry of External Affairs said that Nepal handed over its Instrument of Ratification to the ISA in New Delhi.
The ISA is a global intergovernmental organisation dedicated to advancing solar power adoption for a carbon-neutral future.
The ISA is a collaborative initiative between India and France aimed at uniting efforts to combat climate change by implementing solar energy solutions. It was conceptualised on the side lines of COP21 in Paris in 2015.
Following a 2020 amendment to its Framework Agreement, all UN member states are now eligible to join the Alliance.
Researchers Discover Endangered Myristica Swamp Forest in Maharashtra
Researchers near the Goa-Maharashtra border discovered a sacred Myristica swamp forest in Kumbral, Maharashtra. This finding highlights the importance of local communities in preserving rare ecosystems. Sacred groves like this are often protected due to cultural beliefs, in this case, tied to the reverence of Lord Shiva, locally known as Bhalandeshwar.
Myristica magnifica is an endangered plant species mainly found in Karnataka and Kerala. It plays a key role in the ecosystem, providing food for wildlife, including the threatened hornbill birds. This tree is part of the nutmeg family and can grow up to 50 meters tall. Though its seeds resemble nutmeg, they are not as commercially valuable. Its wood is used locally, and the tree's essential oil has potential in aromatherapy.
This discovery makes Kumbral the second village in Maharashtra, after Hewale-Bambarde in Sindhudurg, to have a Myristica swamp forest.
R. S. Sharma Appointed Non-Executive Chairperson of ONDC
The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) announced the appointment of R. S. Sharma as its Non-Executive Chairperson. Sharma, who has previously served as the Director General and Mission Director of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), Chairman of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), and CEO of the National Health Authority, will now lead ONDC into its next phase of growth and innovation.
R. S. Sharma has been a pivotal figure in India's digital transformation. His extensive career includes roles such as the Chief Secretary for the Jharkhand government and key positions within ONDC's advisory and strategy councils. Sharma was instrumental in guiding ONDC's evolution from a pilot project to a national initiative. His contributions also include leading the CoWin project, which was crucial for the Covid-19 vaccination campaign.
CCI Approves Tata Motor Finance Merger with Tata Capital
The Competition Commission of India approved the merger of Tata Motor Finance with Tata Capital. The merger, announced in June, will see Tata Capital issue its equity shares to the shareholders of Tata Motor Finance resulting in Tata Motors effectively holding a 4.7% stake in the merged entity.
The transaction is in-line with Tata Motors' stated objective of exiting non-core businesses and focus its capital spends on emerging technologies and products.
Deepali Thapa Makes History as First Schoolgirl Champion
In a groundbreaking moment for Indian boxing, Deepali Thapa etched her name in the annals of sports history by becoming the first-ever schoolgirl champion at the Asian Youth Boxing Championships held in Al Ain, UAE. This remarkable achievement not only highlights Thapa's exceptional talent but also underscores India's rising prowess in women's boxing on the international stage.
India's Deepali Thapa defeated Ukraine's Liudmyla Vasylchenko in the final.
The championships proved to be a showcase of India's depth of talent in women's boxing, with multiple victories across various weight classes.
NITI Aayog Releases Report On Future Pandemic Preparedness
NITI Aayog released a new report that provides a blueprint of a rapid response system in the event of a public health emergency or pandemic.
The report titled 'Future Pandemic Preparedness and Emergency Response - A Framework for Action' was prepared by an expert group constituted by the government think tank.
The new report provides an action plan for a 100-day response to any outbreak or pandemic.
It outlines the detailed roadmap for preparedness and implementation, indicating the steps on how the outbreak can be tracked, tested, treated, and managed through a well-developed framework.
After the Covid-19 pandemic, which claimed over 7 million lives globally, and more than half a million lives were lost in India, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned of more such health threats.
Piyush Goyal Inaugurates Akurli Bridge
Piyush Goyal, as he inaugurated the Akurli bridge on the Western Express Highway in Mumbai, stated that this will not just benefit North Mumbai but will benefit the entire city. He is also Member of Parliament from Mumbai North.
The completion of this road work brings significant relief to lakhs of Mumbaikars, as it addresses a major traffic bottleneck on one of the city's arterial roads. The project is expected to bring dual benefits to the citizens, save valuable time and fuel.
Lockheed Martin and Tata Systems Partner for C-130J Expansion in India
Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) announced a collaboration to enhance the C-130J Super Hercules program in India. This partnership aims to establish a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India to support both the Indian Air Force's (IAF) fleet of 12 C-130Js and global C-130J fleets.
Additionally, the agreement includes plans to expand C-130J manufacturing and assembly in India, potentially for the IAF's Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, pending necessary government approvals.
The collaboration marks a milestone for Tata Advanced Systems, entering the defence MRO sector for large aircraft. It strengthens the partnership between Lockheed Martin and TASL, building on their existing joint venture, Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Ltd. (TLMAL), which has been manufacturing C-130J empennages since 2010.
India Bolsters Naval Capabilities: Launch of Mahe Class Anti-Submarine Warfare Vessels
The Indian Navy launched two anti-submarine warfare (ASW) shallow water crafts, named Malpe and Mulki, at Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (CSL) in Kochi. These vessels, part of the Eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft project, are the fourth and fifth ships to be launched under the program, which was initiated through a contract signed between the Indian Ministry of Defence and CSL on April 30, 2019.
The project is part of India's broader 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) initiative, aimed at reducing dependence on foreign defense imports.
A US ultra-endurance cyclist claimed a new world record for the fastest woman to circumvent the globe by bike.
Lael Wilcox took 108 days, 12 hours and 12 minutes to cycle 29,169km (18,125 miles), starting and ending in Chicago.
She beat the 2018 record held by Jenny Graham, from Scotland, whose journey took 124 days 11 hours.
Wilcox crossed 21 countries on four continents before arriving back in Chicago.
She cycled up to 14 hours a day on her journey, which will now be verified for inclusion in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Peru's Fujimori, Divisive Head of Political Dynasty, Dies
Former President of Peru Alberto Fujimori, who steered economic growth during the 1990s but was later jailed for human rights abuses stemming from a bloody war against Maoist rebels, died. He was aged 86.
Fujimori governed Peru between 1990 and 2000 before being forced from office amid allegations of corruption.
Fujimori, the son of Japanese immigrants, was the little-known chancellor of a farming university when elected to office in 1990. He quickly established himself as a cunning politician whose hands-on style produced results even as he angered critics for concentrating power.
He slayed hyperinflation that had thrown millions of Peruvians out of work, privatised dozens of state-run companies and slashed trade tariffs, setting the foundations for Peru to become, for a while, one of Latin America's most stable economies.
Odisha-based Komal Panda is the national winner of India for the James Dyson Award 2024 for her innovation, Novocarry, a portable cooling carrier that helps keep insulin and other liquid medication under desired temperatures. The national winner will receive a prize money of approximately Rs. 5 lakh.
Novocarry's advanced cooling technology preserves insulin potency during long-distance travel, even in areas with limited electricity, and its powerful battery doubles as a charging station, making it a uniquely versatile solution. Komal's inspiration came from her father who used to struggle to store and transport insulin due to the lack of refrigeration at his office.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Indian government green-lighted a (INR 500,000) health coverage plan for all senior citizens aged 70 and above. The plan, launched under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), will cover all senior citizens, irrespective of economic status.
The decision was taken at the meeting of the Union Cabinet.
According to the Indian government, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana is the world's largest publicly funded health assurance scheme. The scheme covers 550 million families, regardless of the age of family members.
Bengaluru Teen Suyash Manchali Wins Silver at World Youth Scrabble Championship
In a historic achievement at the World Youth Scrabble Championship (WYSC), two Indian players made it to the top five for the first time. 14-year-old Suyash Manchali and 13-year-old Madhav Gopal Kamath achieved remarkable success at this year's (2024) tournament, securing second and fourth places, respectively. Their impressive results represent the highest-ranking finish ever for India at the WYSC.
The Indian team, consisting of 13 players—nine boys and four girls—also saw strong finishes from other participants. Triambak Eashwar from Chennai placed 17th, Aarush Jotwani from Mumbai took 20th place, and Ahana Goyal from Delhi finished 27th.
The 2024 championship, which was held in Sri Lanka, saw 136 players from 15 countries competing for top honours.
The World Youth Scrabble Championship is an annual event organised by the World English-language Scrabble Players Association (WESPA), bringing together the most talented youth Scrabble players from across the globe.
To Boost Research in Higher Institutes, the PAIR Programme Launched
The government will launch the Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) programme designed to elevate research capabilities in higher education institutions (HEIs) by linking top-tier research institutions with those where research capability is limited, creating a collaborative mentorship environment.
The decision was taken during the inaugural Governing Board meeting of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
Through PAIR, ANRF will link top-tier research institutions with those where research capability is limited, creating a collaborative mentorship environment," he said.
The goal is to create a "Hub and Spoke" framework that will enable these institutions to systematically enhance their research excellence.
Special Rail Coach Dedicated to Gandhi Unveiled at Gandhi Darshan
A meticulously restored railway coach from the bygone era, symbolising Mahatma Gandhi's famous train journeys that were instrumental in his mission to unite the nation during the freedom struggle, was unveiled by Union Minister for Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
The coach, painted in a shade of brown, bears a 'III' marker depicting the third-class railway compartments he used to travel in, has been installed at Gandhi Darshan at the Raj Ghat, Delhi.
A life-size sculpture of the Mahatma showing him stepping down from the coach has been placed on its footsteps.
The railway coach at Gandhi Darshan is enriched with sculptures depicting Gandhi's travels and interactions with fellow travellers, providing visitors with an immersive experience that brings alive Mahatma Gandhi's rail journeys.
India Remains Top Source for Sri Lanka Tourism in 2024
As Indians roam all around the world, as per data released in September 2024, Sri Lanka is also one of the top travel destinations for Indians in 2024. India maintained the top spot for Sri Lanka in the first 8 months of this year (2024).
As per the data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, the increase in tourist arrivals in the current year to date increased by 50.7 per cent as against the same period in 2023.
The West Bengal Cabinet gave its nod to a proposal to set up five more special POCSO courts in the state, taking the total number of such courts to 67 Minister of State for Finance Chandrima Bhattacharya said.
The decision came when the state is rocked by the protests against the rape and murder of an on-duty doctor in the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Bhattacharya said the step was taken to quickly dispose of cases linked to child sexual abuse.
The Cabinet meeting, held at the state secretariat was chaired by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
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