Dominica to Bestow Highest National Honour on PM Modi
The Commonwealth of Dominica is set to award Prime Minister Narendra Modi its highest national honour, the Dominica Award of Honour. This accolade recognizes Modi’s significant contributions to the global fight against COVID-19, particularly for supplying 70,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to Dominica in February 2021, which supported the Caribbean region. The award also highlights India’s aid in healthcare, education, and IT under Modi’s leadership and his efforts in promoting climate resilience and sustainable development worldwide. The award ceremony will take place during the India-CARICOM Summit in Georgetown, Guyana, from November 19 to 21, where Dominican President Sylvanie Burton will present the honour.
“ADB Expands Climate Lending by $7.2 Billion with Historic U.S. and Japan Guarantees”
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is set to significantly boost its climate-related lending by $7.2 billion, thanks to a groundbreaking agreement with the United States and Japan. This marks the first-ever use of sovereign guarantees for climate finance, allowing the ADB to extend more loans for climate projects without needing additional capital donations. The U.S. will guarantee up to $1 billion, and Japan will underwrite $600 million, freeing up resources for critical climate initiatives.
Mnemiopsis leidyi: The Comb Jelly That Reverses Aging
Recent research has unveiled a fascinating phenomenon in marine biology: the comb jelly species Mnemiopsis leidyi, also known as the sea walnut, has the extraordinary ability to reverse its aging process. When subjected to extreme stress, such as starvation or injury, these comb jellies can revert to their larval form. This discovery challenges long-standing beliefs about animal life cycles and suggests that such regenerative capabilities may be more widespread than previously thought.
Shigeru Ishiba Re-elected as Japan’s Prime Minister
Shigeru Ishiba has been re-elected as Japan’s Prime Minister following a challenging general election for the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Despite the LDP and its coalition partner Komeito losing their majority in the Lower House, Ishiba secured 221 votes in a runoff against opposition leader Yoshihiko Noda. This marks a significant moment in Japan’s political landscape, as Ishiba will now lead a minority government, navigating economic reforms and strategic alliances to ensure stability.
Indian Navy’s Largest Coastal Defence Exercise: Sea Vigil-24
The Indian Navy is gearing up for the fourth edition of its nationwide coastal defence exercise, Sea Vigil-24, scheduled for November 20-21. This year’s exercise will be the largest yet, involving six ministries and 21 organizations/agencies. The exercise aims to strengthen the security of coastal assets like ports, oil rigs, single-point moorings, and critical infrastructure. For the first time, officials from the National Security Council Secretariat will participate, along with personnel from the State Marine Police, Coast Guard, Customs, and Fisheries. The Indian Army and Air Force will also join, enhancing the scope and operational tempo of the exercise.
South Western Command Launches ‘Gyan Shakti’ Think Tank in Jaipur
The Army’s Jaipur-based South Western Command has introduced a new think tank named ‘Gyan Shakti’. This initiative aims to strengthen Rajasthan’s defence industrial base by fostering debate and interaction among the armed forces, industry leaders, state government, and academia on defence and security matters at regional and national levels. The think tank will leverage the expertise of veterans and promote intellectual activities to support the government’s objectives of Rising Rajasthan and Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Elise Stefanik Nominated as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Republican Representative Elise Stefanik to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. This marks his first Cabinet pick for his second term. Stefanik, a staunch ally of Trump, has been a vocal defender of his policies and is expected to bring a strong “America First” approach to the role. She will succeed Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who served throughout the Biden administration. Stefanik’s nomination is anticipated to face little resistance in the GOP-led Senate.