2024 BRICS Summit: Expanding Cooperation and New Milestones
The 2024 BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia, from October 22-24, the sixteenth annual BRICS summit, marked a significant turning point for the group as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE joined its ranks following their inclusion at the 2023 summit. The event centred around the theme, 'Strengthening Multilateralism for Fair Global Development and Security.' The summit witnessed the adoption of the BRICS Kazan Declaration, endorsing UN reforms and investigating cross-border financial solutions to reduce reliance on the US dollar.
Leaders from several nations, including South Africa, China, India, and UAE, attended, with Brazilian President Lula da Silva participating online due to health reasons. Other countries such as Armenia, Belarus, and Uzbekistan also sent delegates, contributing to the growing influence of BRICS on global geopolitics.
Neowise Launches India's First AI-Driven Debt Collection SaaS Tools
With a mission to enable lenders to engage with borrowers more effectively, Neowise unveiled two industry-first transformative products powered by generative AI: NeoBot, the Debt Collection VoiceBot, and NeoSight, the AI Call Analytics Tool. Neowise is India's fastest-growing debt recovery solutions provider and a Decentro Group subsidiary that contributes to the overarching lending infrastructure.
Developed in close collaboration with Bangalore-based generative AI start-up Sarvam AI, these solutions, powered by advanced large language models (LLMs), transform the way lenders approach debt recovery by improving efficiency by around 15% and reducing costs by 33%.
HDFC Life's Commitment to DEI: A Dual Recognition Triumph
HDFC Life Insurance Co. Ltd., a prominent player in India's insurance sector, earned dual accolades for its commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) by Avtar and Seramount. Recognised among the Best Companies for Women in India (BCWI) and as 'Exemplars of Inclusion' in the Most Inclusive Companies Index (MICI), HDFC Life stands out for its supportive ecosystem not only for women but also for people with disabilities, the LGBTQ+ community, and diverse cultural backgrounds. This recognition reflects the company's ongoing efforts to create an environment that fosters equality and empowers all employees.
The recognition underscores HDFC Life's belief in equal opportunities, continuously striving to address challenges that hinder individual expression and growth.
Infosys Collaborates with University of Cambridge to Establish AI Lab in London
Infosys, a next-generation digital services and consulting on October 24 unveiled its new and expanded Living Labs, part of a network of over 12 established centres globally, to help clients accelerate innovation and leverage emerging technologies for future-proofing their business.
Infosys also announced collaboration with University of Cambridge to establish a new AI Lab, aimed at harnessing the power of AI to drive positive impact for clients, academia, and students.
The education and research collaboration with University of Cambridge to establish a joint AI Lab will draw from Infosys' industry expertise and practical application of AI as well as Cambridge University's world-class education and research capabilities to help address real-world challenges. This new lab will also be a catalyst for cutting-edge research and innovation initiatives.
Kagiso Rabada, Fastest to 300 Test Wickets by Balls Bowled (25)
Kagiso Rabada etched his name in cricket history by becoming the fastest bowler to reach 300 Test wickets based on balls bowled, achieving the milestone in just 11,817 deliveries. The South African pace sensation is now among the greats, surpassing legends like Waqar Younis (12,602 balls) and Dale Steyn (12,605 balls).
Rabada, who made his Test debut in November 2015 against India, continues to be a cornerstone of South Africa's bowling attack. He took his 300th wicket during his 65th Test.
Commemoration of Sardar Patel's 150th Birth Anniversary
Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the government will celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, on October 31 next year (2025), with two-year nationwide celebrations from 2024 to 2026.
This celebration will serve as a testament to his remarkable achievements and the spirit of unity that he epitomised.
Sardar Patel, born in Nadiad, Gujarat on October 31, 1885, was a Congress leader and the first Home Minister of independent India. He is credited with integrating 562 princely states to build the Republic of India.
Defence Ministry Signs Contract with Firm to Procure 6 Air Cushion Vehicles
The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Chowgule & Company Pvt. Ltd., Goa for procurement of six Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) for the Indian Coast Guard at a total cost of Rs. 387.44 crore. These amphibious vessels, also called 'Hovercrafts', will be procured under the Buy (Indian) category.
These ACVs will be manufactured in India for the "first time in line with the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision of the government, representing a pivotal step in the nation's shipping landscape.
Urmila Chaudhary Honored with Global Anti-Racism Championship Award 2024
Urmila Chaudhary, a prominent social campaigner from Nepal, was honoured with the prestigious Global Anti-Racism Championship Award 2024. The award was presented by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a ceremony held at the Department of State in Washington, D.C.
Urmila has shown incredible leadership and commitment to advancing human rights for marginalized castes and ethnic communities in Nepal.
The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati's Centre for Career Development (CCD) successfully hosted the 'Leadership Summit 2024,' a two-day corporate-academia event centred around the theme 'Grooming Young Talents.' The summit brought together nearly 50 delegates from leading companies, including Google, NetApp, BNY Mellon, Micron, Kanoria Foundation, Dalmia Cement, Groww, NRL, and Reliance-BP, among others.
India's Linguistic Heritage Celebrated at Pravasi Parichay 2024 in Riyadh
The 2024 edition of the Embassy's flagship diaspora engagement event, Pravasi Parichay, was inaugurated by Suhel Ajaz Khan, the Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia, at the Embassy Auditorium in Riyadh. This cultural celebration kicked off with a specially curated event titled 'Classical Languages of India,' designed to showcase the country's rich linguistic diversity.
Launched in 2023, Pravasi Parichay quickly became a significant cultural celebration for the Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia.
Shillong Tops Travel Destinations for Indian Travellers in 2025
Shillong emerged as the most popular destination for Indian travellers in 2025, as revealed by Skyscanner's "Travel Trends Report". Meghalaya's capital topped the list, surpassing Baku (Azerbaijan) and Langkawi (Malaysia), showing a strong interest among Indians for unique and immersive experiences. The report indicated that 66% of Indians plan to travel more in the coming year.
Known as the 'Scotland of the East, it offers a mix of culture, natural beauty, and adventure, attracting travellers who want more than just relaxation. Meanwhile, Baku, Azerbaijan, and Langkawi, Malaysia, also ranked high for their balance of leisure and exploration.
Delhi Government Establishes Special Courts for People with Disabilities
The Delhi government, led by Chief Minister Atishi, approved the establishment of special courts dedicated to people with disabilities. This initiative aims to provide fair and swift justice by designing court environments that cater specifically to the needs of individuals with disabilities. Atishi described this as a "historic step" that underscores the government's commitment to ensuring equitable judicial processes for all citizens.