1. G20 Infrastructure Working Group meeting started in Madhya Pradesh
Tags: Summits
The 4th International Infrastructure Working Group meeting under India's G20 chairmanship began on 21 September 2023 at the Maharaja Chhatrasal Convention Center in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
An Overview of the News
More than 50 delegates representing different countries participated in the two-day meeting.
The primary agenda of the meeting revolves around several aspects of infrastructure investment, such as:
To develop infrastructure as an asset class.
To promote the development of high-quality urban infrastructure.
Exploration of Infratech (Technology in Infrastructure).
To identify innovative financial instruments to mobilize funds to invest in resilient, sustainable, and inclusive urban infrastructure.
The Ministry of Finance is hosting and chairing the meeting with co-chair support from Australia and Brazil.
About G20
It is an international forum of the world's leading economies established in 1999.
Its primary objective is to promote international financial stability and sustainable economic growth.
The G20 serves as a forum to discuss and coordinate policies related to a wide range of economic and financial issues such as trade, investment, employment, energy and climate change.
2. African Union becomes permanent member of G20
Tags: Summits
African leaders expressed unanimous support for the G20's decision to admit the African Union as a permanent member of the grouping.
An Overview of the News
During the 18th G20 meeting in New Delhi, India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially announced the induction of the African Union (AU) as the 21st permanent member.
AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat accepted Africa's full membership in the G20.
South African President and former AU Chair Cyril Ramaphosa was among the first to support the decision.
Prior to this decision, the G20 had only granted observer status to the African Union since its establishment in 1999 in response to global economic crises.
African Union (AU):-
The African Union (AU) is a continental union of 55 member states in Africa.
The AU was officially launched on 9 July 2002 in Durban, South Africa.
Its main purpose was to replace the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which began on 25 May 1963 in Addis Ababa and was dissolved on 9 July 2002.
The Assembly of the African Union, a semi-annual meeting of heads of state and government of member states, makes the most important decisions within the AU.
Chairman - Azali Assoumani
Chairman of the Commission - Moussa Faki
Parliamentary Speaker - Fortune Jade Charumbira
About G20
It is an international forum of the world's leading economies established in 1999.
Its primary objective is to promote international financial stability and sustainable economic growth.
The G20 serves as a forum to discuss and coordinate policies related to a wide range of economic and financial issues such as trade, investment, employment, energy and climate change.
President of Kenya - William Ruto
President of Egypt - Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi
3. World's tallest Nataraja statue unveiled at G20 Summit Venue
The world's tallest Nataraja statue crafted by skilled artisans was unveiled at the G20 summit venue.
An Overview of the News
The G20 summit venue is now adorned with a stunning 27-foot tall statue of Nataraja, which depicts Lord Shiva in his cosmic dance.
This magnificent statue is carved from Ashtadhatu, an eight-metal alloy, and weighs a remarkable 18 tonnes. A trailer with 36 tires was required for transportation to Delhi.
The skilled artisans of Swamimalai, Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu are responsible for creating this masterpiece, which beautifully blends tradition with modernity, taking inspiration from the ancient Nataraja sculptures.
Master Sculptor of Swamimalai
The primary sculptors of this statue are Srikanda Sthapati (61 years old) and his brothers Radhakrishna Sthapati and Swaminath Sthapati. His family boasts an impressive lineage in sculpture, spanning 34 generations, with origins dating back to the Chola era.
The Sthapathi family received their training through the ancient Gurukul system passed down for generations. She was selected for the Nataraja Project based on stringent criteria outlined by the Indira Gandhi National Center for the Arts, Ministry of Culture.
The project draws inspiration from three iconic Nataraja sculptures: the Thillai Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, the Uma Maheswara Temple in Konerirajapuram, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur.
Traditional 'lost-wax' casting method
The crafting process adopted for this statue was the traditional 'lost-wax' casting method, an indigenous technique of the Chola era.
The process began with the creation of a highly detailed wax model adorned with intricate ornaments.
A unique alluvial clay paste, found exclusively in Swamimalai, was used to cover the entire mold, with Kaveri clay from a specific part of the river at Swamimalai playing a key role.
Investing in Artistry:
The construction of this remarkable Nataraja statue cost Rs 10 crore including GST.
4. 43rd ASEAN Summit to begin in Jakarta on September 5
Tags: Summits
The 43rd ASEAN Summit is scheduled to be held in Jakarta from September 5 to 7.
An Overview of the News
This summit is taking place in the context of increased tension in the South China Sea. Some ASEAN member countries have expressed protest over China's recent release of a new map claiming disputed areas.
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will lead a delegation to the summit.
During the summit, ASEAN leaders will also discuss the crisis in Myanmar among other pressing regional issues.
Singapore's Prime Minister's Office issued a statement emphasizing that ASEAN leaders will focus on strategies to maintain the bloc's relevance and central role in the emerging regional landscape.
The leaders will also discuss strengthening ASEAN integration and enhancing cooperation in key areas such as the digital and green economy.
About ASEAN
ASEAN was officially established on August 8, 1967, through the signing of the ASEAN Declaration by the foreign ministers of five countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
Brunei Darussalam joined ASEAN on 7 January 1984.
Vietnam became a member on 28 July 1995.
Lao PDR and Myanmar joined on 23 July 1997.
Cambodia became a member on 30 April 1999.
ASEAN currently consists of ten member states.
5. The 2nd edition of Naval Commanders' Conference, 2023 begins in New Delhi
Tags: Summits
The second edition of the Naval Commanders' Conference, 2023 began in New Delhi on 4 September.
An Overview of the News
The conference serves as the highest-level biennial event, which facilitates discussion and policy formulation among naval commanders.
During the three-day conference, to be held in a hybrid format, the senior leadership of the Indian Navy will review major operational, material, logistics, training, and administrative activities undertaken during the last six months.
The objective of the conference is to establish a structured platform for naval commanders to engage with senior government officials with a focus on taking forward various inter-ministerial initiatives aimed at ensuring a safe and secure maritime environment.
Indian Navy (IN):-
It is the marine branch of the Indian Armed Forces.
The President of India is the supreme commander of the Indian Navy.
The Chief of Naval Staff, a four-star admiral, leads the Navy.
The Navy operates as a blue-water force in areas such as the Persian Gulf, the Horn of Africa, and the Malacca Straits.
Established - 26 January 1950
Headquarters - New Delhi
Navy Day - 4 December
6. India to host the first edition of the 'Global IndiaAI 2023' conference in October
Tags: Summits
The inaugural edition of 'Global IndiaAI 2023' will be hosted by India in October.
An Overview of the News
The responsibility for organizing this program will be of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
The conference will attract leading figures in the field of AI, such as key players, researchers, startups, and investors from India and around the world.
A variety of topics will be covered during the program, ranging from next-generation learning and foundational AI models to applications of AI in healthcare, governance and the advancement of electric vehicles.
The conference will also discuss future trends in AI research, AI computing systems, investment prospects and strategies to promote AI talent.
The proceedings of the conference are being monitored by Rajiv Chandrashekhar, Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Electronics and IT.
7. G20 One Health Workshop inaugurated in Bengaluru
Tags: Summits
Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shobha Karandlaje inaugurated the G20 One Health Workshop in Bengaluru.
An Overview of the News
The workshop focused on the theme “One Health - Opportunities and Challenges”.
Representatives of G20 member states and invited countries are participating in the three-day event.
India's G20 chairmanship is focused on the theme "One Earth, One Family, and One Future".
Its goal is to create a harmonious system for sharing knowledge, experience, and resources among nations.
About the G20
It is an international forum of the world's leading economies established in 1999.
Its primary objective is to promote international financial stability and sustainable economic growth.
The G20 serves as a forum to discuss and coordinate policies related to a wide range of economic and financial issues such as trade, investment, employment, energy, and climate change.
8. The second G20-Roundtable meeting of Chief Scientific Advisors begins in Gandhinagar
Tags: Summits
The second G20-Chief Scientific Advisers Roundtable under India's G20 Presidency began in Gandhinagar.
An Overview of the News
The meeting was attended by science advisors, scientists, and researchers from G20 countries and other invited countries.
The main focus of the meeting is to address important issues related to scientific research and the development of technology.
Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India - Ajay Kumar Sood
The meeting consisted of four sessions, each focused on specific topics:
'Opportunity in One Health'
'Coordinating global efforts to increase access to scholarly scientific knowledge
'Diversity, Equity, and Access in Science and Technology
'Institutional Mechanism for Inclusive Global S&T Policy Dialogue.'
About Gujarat
Formation - 1 May 1960
Capital - Gandhinagar
Governor - Acharya Devvrat
Chief Minister - Bhupendrabhai Patel (BJP)
District - 33
Rajya Sabha - 11 seats
Lok Sabha - 26 seats
9. Inauguration of ICONS 2023 - 3rd International Conference on Structural Integrity
Tags: Summits
The 3rd International Conference on Structural Integrity (ICONS 2023) began virtually at Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu on August 23, 2023.
An Overview of the News
ICONS 2023 was inaugurated under the leadership of Dr. N. Kailaiselvi, Director General, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.
ICONS 2023 is organized by Indira Gandhi Center for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam and Society for Failure Analysis.
Association with Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Indian Society for Non-Destructive Testing (Kalpakkam Chapter), Indian Institute of Metals (Kalpakkam Chapter), and Indian Structural Integrity Society.
Executive Director, LWR Engineering, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited, N. Ram Mohan shared insights from setting up critical infrastructure in areas such as design, manufacturing and construction.
Diverse Participation and Conference Focus
ICONS 2023 was attended by around 250 delegates from India and abroad, including mechanical engineers, materials scientists, academicians, industry experts, plant managers and regulatory personnel.
The aim of the conference is to discuss recent developments and future directions in assessing and ensuring structural integrity in industries such as nuclear, defence, aerospace, chemical and oil.
The next two days featured around 35 invited lectures by experts and around 200 contributed papers.
About Tamil Nadu
The state was formed on 26 January 1950 but its boundaries were redrawn on 14 January 1969.
Governor - Ravindra Narayan Ravi
Chief Minister - MK Stalin
Assembly seats - 235 seats
Rajya Sabha seats - 18
Lok Sabha seats - 39
10. G20 Culture Ministers' meeting begins in Varanasi
Tags: Summits
The G20 Culture Ministers' meeting began on 26 August in Varanasi.
An Overview of the News
The event represents the culmination of India's G20 Culture Working Group (CWG) meetings and discussions.
A comprehensive report summarizing the insights and recommendations of the webinar 'G20 Culture: Shaping the Global Narrative for Inclusive Growth' will be unveiled during the meeting.
A special stamp will be issued to commemorate the 'Culture Unites All' campaign, an important initiative under India's G20 Presidency CWG.
Union Culture Minister - G Kishan Reddy
Minister of State for Culture - Meenakshi Lekhi
About the G20
It is an international forum of the world's leading economies established in 1999.
Its primary objective is to promote international financial stability and sustainable economic growth.
The G20 serves as a forum to discuss and coordinate policies related to a wide range of economic and financial issues such as trade, investment, employment, energy and climate change.
