1. World Sustainable Development Summit
Tags: Summits
The 22nd World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) was held on 22-24 February 2023 in New Delhi. It is primarily the flagship annual event of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).
An overview of the news:
Theme: “Mainstreaming Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience for Collective Action”.
The Summit is TERI’s annual flagship multistakeholder event and is the only independently convened event of such scale in the Global South that brings together world leaders, thinkers, scientists, industry and government representatives to work towards long-term solutions for the planet’s health.
Other highlights at WSDS 2023 included high-level sessions on COP28, Women's Leadership, CEO Forum, Youth Plenary and G20 Leadership.
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)
TERI is an independent think-tank, multi-dimensional organisation, with expertise in research, policy, consultancy and implementation.
Established in 1974.
Headquarter - New Delhi.
It was formerly known as the Tata Energy Research Institute. It was later renamed The Energy and Resources Institute in 2003.
Sustainable Development:
- The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
2. International Conference on Trade and Marketing of Coconut Products at Hyderabad
The Coconut Development Board in association with the International Coconut Community (ICC) organised a two-day International Conference on Trade and Marketing of Coconut Products with the participation of world stakeholders from February 27 to 28, 2023 at Hyderabad, Telangana.
An Overview of the news:
The theme of the conference is “Global Coconut Industry - Cruising to the Pinnacle”.
The objective of the program is to disseminate knowledge on coconut industry and innovative industry practices on market potential and work towards realising the potential opportunities of the sector.
This hybrid mode conference was organised with the participation of representatives from national and international organisations, policy makers, entrepreneurs, exporters and other stakeholders of the industry.
Coconut production in India:
- According to Dr. Vijayalakshmi Nadendla, CEO of the Coconut Development Board, India is currently the largest coconut producer with a 30.93% share in global production and ranks second in terms of productivity - 9,346 nuts per hectare after Vietnam at 10,547 nuts per hectare. According to 2020 ICC data, India is the world's largest coconut producer with a 30.93% share in global production, followed by Indonesia and the Philippines.
The production of coconut in the country during 2020-21 stood at 21207 million nuts, which was 34 per cent of the global production. With the increase in coconut production, India has been exporting coconut oil to Malaysia, Indonesia and Sri Lanka since April 2017, whereas till March 2017, India used to import coconut oil.
Now for the first time India is also exporting desiccated coconut in large quantities to America and other European countries.
In India, coconut is cultivated in states including West Bengal, Kerala, Karnataka, Odisha, Goa, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
World Coconut Day - 2 September
3. 18th World Security Congress
Tags: Summits National News
The 18th World Security Congress is being organised by the International Union of Railways (UIC) and Railway Protection Force (RPF) from 21 to 23 February in Jaipur.
An overview of the news
The 18th edition of this Congress is focused on the theme of "Railway Safety Strategy: Responses and Vision for the Future".
It will be attended by concerned officials from UIC, partner international organisations, Indian Railways, RPF and senior police officers from India besides security heads from railway organisations across the globe.
The Congress is divided into 4 sessions, which include the topics "Safety of critical assets and goods", "Human safety approaches", "Best railway safety equipment and practices around the world" and "Vision 2030".
Earlier, in 2006 and 2015, RPF India successfully organized and hosted the International UIC World Security Congress in New Delhi.
RPF Director General Sanjay Chander IPS has taken over as the Chairman of the International UIC Security Forum from July 2022 to July 2024.
About International Union of Railways (UIC)
The Union Internationale des Chemins de Fer (UIC) or International Union of Railways (UIC) is headquartered in Paris, France.
It is a professional association which has been in existence since 1922.
It represents the railway sector and promotes rail transport around the world.
UIC serves on the mission of promoting interoperability and standardisation of rail transport, increasing cooperation and sharing of best practices, supporting members in new business and new areas of activities and proposing improved technical and environmental performance of rail transport.
About Railway Protection Force of India
This is a prime security and Law Enforcement Agency in the field of Railway Security in India.
It was formed in 1957 for better protection of railway property.
It has proven itself with the additional roles of passenger safety and passenger convenience and protection of railway property.
Director General of RPF - Sanjay Chander
4. Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurates SemiconIndia Conference of Electronics Manufacturing Supply Chain Ecosystem in New Delhi
Tags: Summits National News
The Minister for Communications, Electronics & Information Technology and Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the ‘SemiconIndia Conference of Electronics Manufacturing Supply Chain Ecosystem’, on 18 February in New Delhi.
An overview of the news
He highlighted the success achieved in telecom manufacturing and the Vande Bharat development supported by the government.
He highlighted 'Your success, our success and the success of the global semiconductor industry'.
He highlighted that 'Electronics manufacturing is not sustainable in India without the development of semiconductor ecosystem which plays a major role in driving the overall economic growth in automotive, power, telecom, electronics etc.
Conference is being organised by the Institute of Supply Management (ISM).
Prominent sessions
Panel discussion on the existing semiconductor ecosystem in India.
Presentation on facilitating the development of the semiconductor ecosystem.
Panel discussion regarding the fab construction and availability of requisite chemicals, gasses.
Presentation on vision for skilled workforce generation.
Panel discussion regarding the industry readiness, challenges for materials and equipment with panellists.
Panel Discussion regarding Policies and readiness of State Governments for semiconductor ecosystem.
Panel discussion regarding the concerns of the industry.
India’s Semiconductor Mission
On 29 December 2022, the Information Technology Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, launched the India Semiconductor Mission.
Under the policy, the government will provide Rs 76000 crore incentives for companies setting up manufacturing facilities in India.
This was done by the government to encourage companies to set up chip manufacturing plants in India.
What is semiconductor?
Semiconductors are materials which have a conductivity between conductors and insulators.
They can be pure elements, silicon or germanium or compounds; gallium, arsenide or cadmium selenide.
They are the basic building blocks that serve as the heart and brain of all modern electronics and information and communications technology products.
These chips are now an integral part of contemporary automobiles, household gadgets and essential medical devices such as ECG machines.
5. World Hindi Conference concludes in Fiji
Tags: Summits International News
The 12th World Hindi Conference concluded on 17 February in Nadi, Fiji. It was held from 15 to 17th February.
An overview of the news
Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan and Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Mishra addressed the closing ceremony.
The three-day conference was organised by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with the Government of Fiji.
The main theme of the conference was "Hindi - Traditional Knowledge of Artificial Intelligence".
In addition to the theme-based plenary sessions, 10 parallel sessions were held.
Representatives of 50 countries participated in the World Hindi Conference.
The conference was inaugurated by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar along with Fijian Prime Minister Sitwini Rabuka.
This program will be used to promote Hindi as a global language.
World Hindi Conference
The first World Hindi Conference was held in Nagpur in 1975 to popularise Hindi as a global language. At that time Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister of India.
11th World Hindi Conference was held at Port Louis, Mauritius between 18-20 August' 2018.
Hindi Diwas
Every year 14 September is observed as Hindi Diwas in India.
On this day in 1949 the Constituent Assembly adopted Hindi as the official language of the country.
Republic of Fiji
It is an archipelago consisting of around 300 islands in the South Pacific Ocean.
Capital: Suva
Currency: Fijian Dollar
Prime Minister: Sitiveni Rabuka
6. Economic Times Global Business Summit
Tags: Summits National News
The Economic Times Global Business Summit 2023 was held in New Delhi on 17 February.
An overview of the news
The two-day Summit was held on 17-18 February.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Summit.
The theme of the two-day Summit is 'Resilience, Influence and Dominance'.
The summit brought together thought leaders, policy makers, academicians and corporate leaders on a common platform seeking to provide solutions to key economic challenges.
More than 200 business leaders spoke in 40 sessions at the summit.
About Global Business Summit
The Global Business Summit is hosted by The Times Group every year.
Global Business Summit 2023 is the 7th edition.
It brings together thought leaders, policy makers, academicians and corporate leaders on a common platform seeking to provide solutions to key economic challenges.
7. The First G20 Culture Group (CWG) meet to be organised in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
Tags: Summits National News
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The Ministry of Culture is organising the first G20 Culture Group (CWG) meeting from 22 to 25 February 2023 in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
An overview of the news
'Protection and restitution of cultural heritage' will be the theme for the first G20 Culture Group (CWG) meeting.
An exhibition titled 'Re(ed) Dress: Return of Treasures' will also be organized on this theme at the Maharaja Chhatrasal Convention Center in Khajuraho.
The second and third meetings under this track will be held at Bhubaneswar in Odisha and Hampi in Karnataka.
India's cultural richness and diversity will be "prominently showcased" at the G2O meetings.
The overarching theme of G20 is ‘Vasudev Kutumbakam’ – One Earth, One Family, One Future.’
India's G20 culture track is based on the idea of 'Culture for LiFE' as a campaign for eco-conscious lifestyle and sustainable living.
Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year.
Cultural Programmes
Cultural programs will be organised during the meeting including Khajuraho Dance Festival.
The delegates will also visit the Western Group of Temples, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
An ancient city, Khajuraho is known for its majestic temples and erotic sculptures.
The Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built between 950–1050 by the Chandela dynasty.
Guest Countries
Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Spain and the UAE.
Four priority areas of India’s CWG
Protection and restitution of cultural property
Harnessing living heritage for a sustainable future
Promotion of cultural and creative industries
Creative economy; and leveraging digital technologies for Protection and promotion of culture
8. First Agriculture Deputies Meeting of the Agriculture Working Group
Tags: Summits National News
The first Agriculture Representatives Meeting (ADM) of the Agriculture Working Group (AWG) under the G20 chairmanship of India was held in Indore.
An overview of the news
Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia launched it on 14 February 2023.
On the second day of the meeting, presentations were made on the release note for AWG, covering the four key themes of Food Security and Nutrition, Sustainable Agriculture with Climate Smart Approach, Inclusive Agriculture Value Chain and Digitization for Food System and Agriculture Transformation.
Member countries, invited countries and international organisations made their interventions on the issue note.
G20 member states and guest countries also held bilateral meetings focusing on the G20 agriculture agenda.
After the technical session, the delegates visited Silotia village in Dhar district where they saw organic farming in poly house.
The key deliverables of the AWG will be discussed on the third and concluding day of the event.
Mention was made about the 3S template for development in the agriculture sector – ie Smart, Serve All and Sustainable.
Their views were also presented on the importance of drones in the Indian agriculture development saga.
9. Egyptian President bestows Global Best M-GOV Awards on IIT Indore students
Students of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore won an award of AED (Emirates Dirham) 1 million along with a gold medal at the World Government Summit in Dubai on 13 February.
An overview of the news
Niyati Totala and Neil Kalpeshkumar Parikh who are students of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore were awarded this prestigious medal by the President of Egypt, Abel Fattah El-Sisi.
These students are the makers of the 'Blockbill' app.
'Blockbill' app
BlockBill is a blockchain-based receipt generation app that generates digital receipts for all its users' transactions.
This app solves many problems, transitioning from producing thermal paper to printing receipts.
Thermal papers that are ubiquitous and found in most retail locations cannot be recycled due to the chemicals used to make them.
Blockbills have been conceptualised to address this issue.
“M-Gov Award” and the “GovTech Award”
These are annual awards organised by the Government of the United Arab Emirates as part of the World Government Summit.
These awards are given to leading students, researchers, government agencies and institutions, private sector companies and startups for developing innovative solutions using the latest technologies.
World Government Summit 2023
It was held under the theme of “Shaping Future Governments” at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 13 -15 February 2023.
The participants of this summit reaffirm its important role as a unique platform for building a better future for humanity.
10. PM Narendra Modi inaugurated Asia's biggest air show Aero India 2023 in Bengaluru
Tags: Summits National News
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 14th edition of Aero India show in Bengaluru on 13 February.
An overview of the news
The 14th edition of Aero India 2023 is being organised by the Indian Department of Defense Production from February 13 to 17 at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
The theme of the five-day event is ‘The Runway to a Bllion Opportunities’.
The main objective of the event is to promote indigenous production and exports of aerial platforms and attract foreign investment.
98 countries are participating in the event and MoUs worth Rs 75,000 crore are expected to be signed during the event.
Defence Ministers' Conference, CEOs' Round Table, Brainstorm Startup Event, India and Karnataka Pavilion and an Air Show are the highlights of the event.
In the India Pavilion section, 115 Indian companies will display 227 products made in India.
LCA Tejas Mark 1 is the main attraction of these products.
Made in India Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv Mark III and IV, Light Combat Helicopter Prachanda participating in HAL's HTT 40 Trainer Air Show.
Significance of Aero India 2023
The event will promote the export of indigenous air platforms - Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Tejas, HTT-40, Dornier Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).
The event will help integrate domestic MSMEs and start-ups into the global supply chain.
It will attract foreign investment including partnership for co-development and co-production.
This event will make a significant contribution to the development of the aerospace and aviation sector.
