India, France Appointed President and Co-President of ISA for 2024-26
India and France were elected as President and Co-President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for a two-year term from 2024 to 2026. India was the sole candidate for the presidency, while France won the co-presidency in a contest with Grenada.
The Seventh Session of the ISA Assembly was held at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from November 3 to 6, 2024.
Ministers and representatives from 29 countries attended and discussed solar energy goals and initiatives.
Henley Passport Index 2024
In the latest Henley Passport Index released in October 2024, Singapore once again emerged as the world's most powerful passport. This accolade reflects the country's robust global standing and extensive diplomatic relations, granting its citizens visa-free access to an impressive 195 countries.
Following Singapore, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain are tied for the second position. Each of these nations offers their citizens visa-free access to 192 countries. This shared rank illustrates the significance of European nations in the realm of international travel and their strong diplomatic networks.
In the latest rankings, the United States has secured the 8th position, allowing its citizens visa-free entry to 186 countries.
In contrast, India ranks 83rd, providing its citizens with visa-free access to 58 countries. This ranking underscores the challenges that Indian passport holders face in terms of global mobility.
Cairn Joins UNEP's OGMP 2.0 as India's First Oil & Gas Pioneer
Cairn Oil & Gas, a part of Vedanta Group, became the first oil and gas producer in India to join the United Nations Environment Programme's Oil & Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) 2.0. By signing this agreement, Cairn committed to reducing methane emissions effectively, marking a significant step towards environmental sustainability in the oil and gas sector.
Punjab & Sind Bank Launches e-Bank Guarantee Facility with NeSL
Punjab & Sind Bank (PSB) launched of its e-Bank Guarantee (e-BG) facility in collaboration with National e-Governance Services Ltd (NeSL). This innovative service modernises the traditional bank guarantee process, transitioning from paper-based issuance requiring physical stamping and signatures to a fully digital format utilising e-stamping and e-signatures.
The initiative aims to enhance efficiency, reduce time spent on verification, and improve transparency for beneficiaries.
FSIB Recommends Rahul Bhave as New MD & CEO of IFCI
In a significant development for the financial sector, the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) recommended Rahul Bhave, currently the Deputy Managing Director of IFCI Ltd, for the position of Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This recommendation came after FSIB evaluated four candidates, taking into account their performance, overall experience, and established criteria.
Alongside Bhave, FSIB also put forth Palash Srivastava, the CEO of IIFCL Projects Limited, for the role of Deputy Managing Director at IIFCL. The final appointment decisions will rest with the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
IREL and Kazakhstan's UKTMP Collaborate for Titanium Slag JV in Odisha
In a significant Indo-Kazakh collaboration, IREL (India) Limited, a CPSU under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), and Kazakhstan's Ust-Kamenogorsk Titanium and Magnesium Plant JSC (UKTMP JSC) inked a joint venture agreement to establish IREUK Titanium Limited, aimed at producing titanium slag in Odisha, India.
The agreement formalised by Dr. Deependra Singh, CMD of IREL, and Ms. Assem Mamutova, President of UKTMP, witnessed by Dr. A.K. Mohanty, Secretary of DAE, alongside senior officials from both nations. This venture aims to strengthen India's titanium supply chain, create jobs in Odisha, and bolster foreign exchange reserves.
Japan Launches World's First Wooden Satellite, LignoSat, into Space
The world's first wooden satellite, LignoSat, was launched by Japanese scientists to understand the feasibility of timber in space.
Kyoto University and homebuilder Sumitomo Forestry jointly developed the wooden satellite, LignoSat, and sent it to the International Space Station (ISS) on a SpaceX mission. The satellite will be positioned approximately 400 kilometres above Earth.
Indian Boxers Shine at U-19 World Boxing Championships with 17 Medals
Parthavi Grewal, Vanshika Goswami, and Hemant Sangwan showcased their exceptional talent by securing gold medals as Indian boxers made a remarkable impact at the inaugural U19 World Championships organised by World Boxing in Colorado, USA. The Indian contingent delivered an impressive performance, culminating in a total of 17 medals.
India Makes Official Move to Host 2036 Olympics
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha said that India's commitment to hosting the 2036 Olympics "remains steadfast" after a letter of intent expressing the country's desire to host the 2036 Summer Olympics and Paralympics was submitted by the IOA to the International Olympic Committee's Future Host Commission.
This signifies the first major official step in implementing India's long-standing ambition to stage the marquee quadrennial showpiece.
With the Summer Games set to take place in Los Angeles, United States in 2028, and Brisbane, Australia in 2032, the decision for the host of the 2036 edition is yet to be decided by the IOC, and is likely to be finalised after the IOC elections slated for next year (2025).
The Ministry of Culture and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) hosted the first Asian Buddhist Summit (ABS) in New Delhi. The theme of the summit is 'Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia.'
The summit, brought together Sangha leaders, scholars, experts and practitioners from various Buddhist traditions across Asia and fostered dialogue, promoted understanding and addressed contemporary challenges faced by the Buddhist community. Buddhism holds a unique position in the spiritual and cultural history of India and pan-Asia.
Meluri Becomes Nagaland's 17th District
The Nagaland government announced the creation of Meluri as the 17th district of the state. This upgrade from a sub-division to a full district marks administrative changes in the region. Meluri is notable for being predominantly inhabited by the Pochury Naga tribe. It also shares an international border with Myanmar.
It has become the fifth district to be created by the state government in the last three years.
In 2021, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio-led People's Democratic Alliance government had created the Tseminyu district through bifurcation of Kohima district, Chümoukedima and Niuland districts by bifurcating Dimapur district, and later in 2022 created Shamator district carving it out of the eastern district of Tuensang.
With an aim to showcase cutting-edge technologies, and foster collaboration between the Indian Army and the nation's defence manufacturers, the Eastern Command hosted a two-day weapons and equipment exhibition 'East Tech 2024'.
The two-day exhibition aimed to showcase cutting-edge technologies, and foster collaboration between the Indian Army and the nation's defence manufacturing sector, including MSMEs, DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation), DPSUs (defence public sector undertakings), research and development organisations and academia.
The event provided a vital platform to Indian manufacturers and start-ups to showcase the latest advancements in defence technologies.
International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict
The International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict is a global day observed on November 6 every year. This day highlights the impact of armed conflicts on our environment. This day reminds us of the importance of protecting our environment from the damage caused by war and armed conflicts in different regions of the world.
On November 5, 2001, the UN General Assembly declared November 6 of each year as the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict.
Andhra Pradesh CM Launches Deepam 2.0 Scheme for Women
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu visited Edupuram in Srikakulam district to launch the Deepam 2.0 scheme, aimed at empowering women by providing them with free gas cylinders. During his visit, Naidu personally handed over a gas cylinder to a beneficiary, Santhamma, and even lit her stove, preparing tea as a gesture of support for the initiative.
The scheme aims to empower women by providing free access to clean cooking energy. Women will receive three free gas cylinders per year under the scheme. The initiative is part of Naidu's broader efforts to improve living conditions in Andhra Pradesh.
Celebrate Swami Vivekananda's Legacy at ICSI's Yuvotsav 2025
The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) opened registration for Yuvotsav 2025, a vibrant event celebrating Swami Vivekananda's 162nd birth anniversary. Set for January 11-12, 2025, in Ahmedabad, the event will feature a range of competitions under the slogan 'Future meets Present', aiming to engage and inspire the youth.
Yuvotsav 2025 will feature 23 unique competitions, all held in person, to highlight participants' diverse talents.
Some of the events are: Business Idea Pitch: Present your business idea within 2 minutes, Essay Writing Competition, Tongue Twister Challenge ('Zuban Sambhal Kar'), Slogan Writing Competition, Arm Wrestling, Fashion Show - Ethnic Indian
Quiz (Prashnavali), Group Dance ('Payal ki Jhankaar') and Poster Making ('Poster Kala Pradarshan').
Additional activities include storytelling, rapid chess, debate, calligraphy, and more. These competitions offer students an opportunity to showcase creativity, cultural pride, and intellectual prowess.
Interested and eligible ICSI students can register for the event by visiting the official ICSI website.
IIT Kanpur to Consider Olympiad Scores for Admission to BTech-BS Programmes
The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur will admit students to its BTech and BS programmes through Olympiads. This new admission pathway will apply to five departments: Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Economics, and Mathematics and Statistics.
The Olympiad-based admissions initiative is designed to provide opportunities for the brightest minds who have excelled in international competitions.
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