France Shines at the 30th Kolkata International Film Festival
The 30th edition of the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF), set to take place from December 4 to 11, 2024, will feature a diverse array of films from 41 countries, with a special focus on French cinema. This year, France has been chosen as the spotlight country, showcasing a rich selection of French films, including both classics and contemporary works by women directors. The festival lineup includes 42 feature-length films, 30 short films, and documentaries in competitive categories, as well as 103 non-competitive entries. Screenings will be held at 20 venues across Kolkata, providing a cinematic treat for film enthusiasts. The festival will also honor legendary filmmaker Tapan Sinha on his birth anniversary, with his renowned film “Golpo Holeo Sotyi” likely to open the event.
Celebrating India’s Constitutional Heritage: “Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman” Campaign
Launched on January 24, 2024, by the Honorable Vice President of India, the “Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman” campaign marks the 75th anniversary of India as a Republic and the adoption of its Constitution. Spearheaded by the Department of Justice, this nationwide initiative aims to deepen public understanding of the Constitution and citizens’ legal rights. The campaign features a series of regional events, workshops, and seminars, alongside the introduction of the Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman Portal. This portal serves as a comprehensive knowledge repository, enhancing public awareness of constitutional values and legal protections. Through this initiative, the campaign aspires to empower individuals to uphold democratic principles and contribute to a developed and inclusive India by 2047.
Boosting Horticulture: India Secures $98 Million ADB Loan for Plant Health Management
On November 30, 2024, India successfully secured a $98 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to significantly boost horticulture productivity through enhanced plant health management. This initiative is a crucial part of the Building India’s Clean Plant Programme, which aims to provide farmers with certified disease-free planting materials. The project is designed to improve crop yields, quality, and resilience to climate change. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, in collaboration with the National Horticulture Board and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, will oversee the project’s implementation. By focusing on plant health, the program is expected to have a substantial impact on the horticulture sector, benefiting farmers nationwide.
S. Jaishankar Inaugurates Modern Chancery of Indian Embassy in Rome
On November 30, 2024, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar inaugurated the modern and upgraded Chancery of the Indian Embassy in Rome, emphasizing the enduring and deep-rooted historical ties between India and Italy. In his speech, Jaishankar highlighted the longstanding maritime connections and the growing partnership between the two nations. He also underscored that the new Chancery will significantly enhance the Embassy’s capabilities to serve the Indian community in Italy and promote stronger bilateral relations. This state-of-the-art facility is a testament to the shared commitment to global maritime security and freedom of navigation, reflecting the evolving dynamics of India-Italy relations.
Strengthening Ties: 4th India-Bosnia and Herzegovina Foreign Office Consultations
On November 29, 2024, India and Bosnia and Herzegovina held their fourth Foreign Office Consultations in Sarajevo. The Indian delegation, led by Arun Kumar Sahu, Additional Secretary (Central Europe) in the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Bosnian delegation, headed by Tarik Bukvic, Head of the Department for Asia and Africa in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discussed a wide range of bilateral, regional, and international issues. The consultations focused on enhancing political relations, trade and investment, cooperation in science and technology, cultural relations, and people-to-people contacts through student and youth exchange programs. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, including multilateralism in BRICS, the United Nations, the European Union, and the Non-Aligned Movement. The next round of consultations is scheduled to be held in New Delhi at a mutually convenient time.
Major Drug Bust: India-Sri Lanka Joint Operation Seizes 500 kg of Crystal Meth
On November 24 and 25, 2024, the Indian and Sri Lankan Navies successfully executed a joint anti-narcotics operation in the Arabian Sea. This operation led to the interception of two Sri Lankan-flagged fishing vessels and the seizure of approximately 500 kg of crystal methamphetamine. Acting on intelligence from the Sri Lankan Navy, the Indian Navy deployed an array of assets, including long-range maritime patrol aircraft and drones, to locate and intercept the vessels. The operation, which involved extensive aerial and maritime surveillance, resulted in the boarding and search of the vessels and the significant narcotics seizure. The contraband and the boats’ crew were subsequently handed over to Sri Lankan authorities for further legal action. This operation underscores the strong maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka and their shared commitment to combating regional maritime threats.