Armenia Joins International Solar Alliance as 104th Member
Armenia has become the 104th full member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA).The Armenian Embassy in India announced this significant development, formalized through the exchange of official documents between Armenia’s Ambassador to India, Vahagn Afyan, and Abhishek Singh from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. This membership, effective from November 15, 2024, aligns with Armenia’s commitment to sustainable development and renewable energy.
COP29 Puts Spotlight on Tourism for Climate Action
COP29 marked a pivotal moment in addressing climate change within the tourism sector. For the first time, Tourism Day was held at the summit, featuring the launch of the COP29 Declaration on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism. The declaration, endorsed by over 50 nations, aims to promote sustainable tourism practices to mitigate environmental impacts. This event highlighted the need for cross-sector collaboration to foster resilient and inclusive cities worldwide.
Bali Celebrates Ngusaba Festival of Gratitude
Bali recently celebrated the Ngusaba Festival, a significant cultural event rooted in Hindu philosophy, local animist traditions, and Buddhist influences. Known as the Festival of Gratitude, Ngusaba spans two weeks and is a time for the community to express thanks for a bountiful harvest. The festival includes various traditional dances, such as the sacred Rejang Dewa and Rejang Pucuk.
World Bank Unveils ‘Jobs at Your Doorstep’ Report in Delhi
The World Bank has launched its comprehensive report titled “Jobs at Your Doorstep: A Jobs Diagnostics for Young People in Six States” in New Delhi on November 22, 2024. The report was unveiled by Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan and Minister of Labour and Employment, Youth Affairs, and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya. This significant study analyzes the skills gap and aims to align educational trades with industry-specific needs in the districts of Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Rajasthan. Conducted under the World Bank’s STARS program, the report seeks to enhance job readiness and economic opportunities for the youth in these regions.
RBI Doubles UPI 123Pay Transaction Limit for Feature Phones
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased the transaction limit for UPI 123Pay from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000. This move enhances the utility of UPI 123Pay for India’s 400 million feature phone users, allowing them to perform larger transactions without internet access. UPI 123Pay facilitates digital payments through various methods, including IVR numbers, missed calls, OEM-embedded apps, and sound-based technology. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has directed banks and service providers to comply with the new limits by January 1, 2025, aiming to broaden the reach and convenience of digital payments across the country.
ISRO and ASA Collaborate on Gaganyaan Mission
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has partnered with the Australian Space Agency (ASA) to support India’s first crewed spaceflight program, Gaganyaan. On November 20, 2024, an Implementation Agreement (IA) was signed to enhance cooperation in space activities. This partnership will focus on the recovery of crew members and crew modules, with Australian authorities providing assistance with search and rescue operations in Australian waters in case of emergencies during the mission.
PM Modi Awarded the Global Peace Prize in Washington
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been honored with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Global Peace Award for his unwavering commitment to minority upliftment. The award was presented in absentia during the inauguration of the Association of Indian American Minorities (AIAM) in Maryland, USA. This prestigious recognition highlights Modi’s efforts towards inclusive development and minority welfare, aligning with his vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047.