1. G20 Second Digital Economy Working Group meeting begins in Hyderabad
Tags: Summits National News
The G20 Second Digital Economy Working Group meeting began on April 17 in Hyderabad, India, with 140 representatives from member and invited countries and international organisations.
An Overview of the News
The three-day meet focused on digital public infrastructure, cyber security and skills.
Highlighted the government's objective of bridging the digital divide and providing broadband facilities to all villages in the country by 2025.
The meeting stressed the importance of multi-stakeholder participation in creating an inclusive and robust digital economy and the use of digital technologies and the empowerment of vulnerable sections in the digital economy.
Indian Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology - Dev Singh Chauhan
Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment - A Narayanaswamy
About Telangana
It is a state located in south-central India on the high Deccan Plateau.
It is the eleventh largest state of India by area.
Telangana was carved out of the northwestern part of Andhra Pradesh on 2 June 2014 and became the newly formed state of Telangana with Hyderabad as the capital.
Telangana is bordered by Maharashtra to the north, Chhattisgarh to the northeast, Karnataka to the west, and Andhra Pradesh to the east and south.
Formed (by split) - 2 June 2014
Capital - Hyderabad
District - 33
Governor - Tamilisai Soundararajan
Chief Minister - K Chandrasekhar Rao (BRS)
State Legislature - Bicameral
Rajya Sabha - 7 seats
Lok Sabha - 17 seats
High Court - Telangana High Court
2. Second Health Working Group meeting begins in Goa
Tags: Summits National News
The second Health Working Group meeting under the chairmanship of the Indian G20 began in Goa on 17 April and will conclude on 19 April.
An Overview of the News
The meeting was attended by over 180 delegates from 19 G20 member states, 10 invited states and 22 international organisations.
Prevention, preparedness and response to health emergencies, including strengthening cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector, were discussed at the second G20 health working group meeting.
Which will focus on access to safe, effective, quality and affordable medical interventions and digital health innovations and solutions to aid universal health coverage and improve healthcare delivery.
Cultural programs infused with flavours of Goan culture were planned to showcase the rich diversity and culture of India based on the Indian philosophy of 'Atithi Devo Bhava'.
Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare - Mr. Lav Agarwal
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.
About Goa
It is a state located on the west coast of India, bordering the Arabian Sea.
It is the smallest state of India by area.
Formation (as a state) - 30 May 1987
Capital - Panaji (Executive Branch)
State Legislature - Unicameral
Accession to the Union - 19 December 1961
Official Animal - Gaur
Official Bird - Yellow Throated Bulbul
Official Sport - Football
Official Tree - Terminalia elliptica
Rajya Sabha - 1 seat
Lok Sabha - 2 seats
High Court - Bombay High Court
Governor - PS Sreedharan Pillai
Chief Minister - Pramod Sawant
3. G20 meeting of chief agricultural scientists begins in Varanasi
Tags: National News
The G20 Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists (MACS) began on 17 April in Varanasi.
An overview of the news
The three-day meet is being organized by the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
The theme of the meeting is “Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems for Healthy People and the Planet.’
Around 80 foreign delegates from G20 member states are participating in the event.
Director General of Indian Council of Agricultural Research Dr. Himanshu Pathak told that this is the 100th event related to G20.
The discussions covered various issues of agricultural research and development including food security and nutrition, climate smart agriculture, digital agriculture, public private partnership etc.
Invited guest countries
Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Spain, UAE, Vietnam and international bodies like United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, World Health Organization will participate in the meeting.
International Solar Alliance, CDR and Asian Development Bank will also be participating as special invitees in the three-day meeting.
Millets and other Ancient Grains International Research Initiative (MAHARISHI)
This initiative is also proposed for discussion as a G20 initiative during India's chairmanship.
MAHARISHI aims to advance research collaboration and create awareness about millets and other ancient grains during the International Years of 2023 and beyond.
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.
4. India opens its 16th Visa application center in Bangladesh's Kushtia
Tags: International Relations International News
The High Commission of India opened its 16th Visa application center in Kushtia town of Southwestern Bangladesh on 16th April.
An overview of the news
The new Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) was inaugurated by High Commissioner Pranya Verma.
Mahbubul Alam Hanif, MP from Kushtia-3 was also present on this occasion.
This will provide greater ease and convenience to residents of Kushtia and its surrounding areas seeking visa services to visit India.
Continuous efforts are being made to improve visa facilities for the people of Bangladesh.
The new center will further strengthen people-to-people contact.
It will serve as a new platform to promote tourism, trade and people-to-people exchanges between India and Bangladesh.
The High Commission of India operates its largest Visa Operations Center in the world in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh accounts for the largest number of foreign tourists in India, including those availing medical, tourism, business and student visa facilities.
In the year 2019-20, more than 16 lakh visas were issued in Dhaka.
People’s Republic of Bangladesh
Capital: Dhaka
Prime Minister: Sheikh Hasina Wazed
President: Mohammad Shahabuddin
Currency: Taka
5. India opens its 16th Visa application center in Bangladesh's Kushtia
Tags: International Relations International News
The High Commission of India opened its 16th Visa application center in Kushtia town of Southwestern Bangladesh on 16th April.
An overview of the news
The new Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) was inaugurated by High Commissioner Pranya Verma.
Mahbubul Alam Hanif, MP from Kushtia-3 was also present on this occasion.
This will provide greater ease and convenience to residents of Kushtia and its surrounding areas seeking visa services to visit India.
Continuous efforts are being made to improve visa facilities for the people of Bangladesh.
The new center will further strengthen people-to-people contact.
It will serve as a new platform to promote tourism, trade and people-to-people exchanges between India and Bangladesh.
The High Commission of India operates its largest Visa Operations Center in the world in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh accounts for the largest number of foreign tourists in India, including those availing medical, tourism, business and student visa facilities.
In the year 2019-20, more than 16 lakh visas were issued in Dhaka.
People’s Republic of Bangladesh
Capital: Dhaka
Prime Minister: Sheikh Hasina Wazed
President: Mohammad Shahabuddin
Currency: Taka
6. India, Peru hold 2nd Joint Commission Meeting
Tags: International News
The 2nd India-Peru Joint Commission Meeting was held in New Delhi on 15th April.
An overview of the news
In the meeting both sides reviewed their traditionally friendly relations and discussed ways to take forward cooperation in areas of mutual interest including trade and investments.
The meeting was co-chaired by Saurabh Kumar, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs and Ignacio Higueras, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Peru.
They also discussed regional and multilateral issues of current relevance and underlined cooperation between the two countries in multilateral fora and international organizations.
The two sides also agreed to exchange visits and hold a series of business, cultural, educational and other bilateral events as part of celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
About Peru
Peru is the third-largest country in South America after Brazil and Argentina.
The world’s largest rainforest, the Amazon covers nearly half of Peru.
Capital: Lima
President: Dina Boluarte
Currency:Nuevo Sol
Official Language :Spanish, Quechua
7. Bangladesh's capital Dhaka recorded the highest temperature in 58 years
Tags: International News
Bangladesh's capital city Dhaka had its hottest day on 15 April in 58 years with the temperature rising to 40.4 degrees Celsius.
An overview of the news
This is the highest temperature since 1965 when the highest temperature was recorded at 42 degree Celsius.
The mid-western city of Chuadanga recorded a maximum temperature of 42.2 degrees on 15th April.
Bangladesh experienced its highest temperature of 44.5 degrees at Jashore in 1964.
On 15th April, a severe heatwave was experienced in several districts of Bangladesh including Dhaka, Faridpur, Manikganj, Bagerhat, Pabna, Jashore, Chuadanga, and Kushtia.
The extraordinary heat wave in Bangladesh continues over large parts of the country.
People’s Republic of Bangladesh
Capital: Dhaka
Prime Minister: Sheikh Hasina Wazed
President: Mohammad Shahabuddin
Currency: Taka
8. Army Commanders’ Conference to be organized in Hybrid format
Tags: Summits National News
The first Army Commanders’ Conference (ACC) for the year 2023 will be held on the 17th of April in Hybrid format.
An overview of the news
The conference is scheduled from 17 to 21 April 2023.
For the first time, the ACC is being held in a hybrid format using available technology for secure communication, with the Army Commander and other senior officers meeting virtually on the first day.
On the first day of the conference, the agenda points sponsored by various Command Headquarters will be discussed.
The Forum will also review the progress on the Agneepath plan, digitization and automation initiatives, Combat Engineers tasks and budget management as well as activities drawn up as part of the 'Year of Transformation-2023'.
The top leadership will also brainstorm on the current and emerging security scenarios and review the operational preparedness of the Indian Army.
Defense MinisterRajnath Singh will address the conference on 19 April.
He will also review the performance of equipment focused on niche technology, innovation, solutions for surveillance, artificial intelligence, training, robotics and operational logistics.
About Army Commanders' Conference (ACC)
It is an apex-level biannual program which is an institutional platform for conceptual level discussions.
In this, important policy decisions are taken for the Indian Army.
9. Global Conference on Compressed Biogas (CBG)
Tags: Summits National News
According to the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas a two-day Global Conference on Compressed Biogas will be held in New Delhi from 17 April.
An overview of the news
The theme of the conference is - Towards Progressive Policy Framework for a Robust CBG Foundation and Growth.
The conference will be held on 17-18 April 2023 at Silver Oak, Indian Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
IFGE- CBG Producers Forum is organizing this global conference.
The objective of the conference is to appraise the industry about the initiatives taken by the Central Government for the development of compressed biogas industry and identify areas where policy amendments are required.
Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri will inaugurate the conference.
The topics discussed in the conference are- Feedstock Availability, CBG Uptake, Fermented Organic Manure, Carbon Credits, Incentives, Investment and Financing for CBG Industry and Biofuel Policies of Various States.
About Indian Federation of Green Energy (IFGE)
It is an umbrella organization representing the interests of the national renewable energy sector in its totality including bio-energy, solar, wind, mini hydro, tidal, geothermal etc.
It is a partnership of visionary and committed groups of stakeholders from diverse industries, trade and services to create a sustainable energy ecosystem and mitigate challenges and concerns.
It focuses on green energy with a mission to promote energy security in a sustainable manner in every area of economic development.
About IFGE : CBG Producer Forum
This is a dedicated platform for CBG producers.
It aims at training and awareness programs for LOI holders, stakeholders, potential investors including policy support for industry members.
10. Piyush Goyal addresses India – France Business Summit
Tags: International Relations International News
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal addressed the India-France Business Summit and CEO Roundtable in Paris, France on 11 April.
An overview of the news
The Embassy of India, Paris, France, in association with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Mouvement des entreprises de France(MEDEF) and the Indo French Chamber of Commerce and Industry(IFCCI), organised the India – France Business Summit.
Sessions were held on the following topics-
Building a Green Future
Critical and Emerging Technologies: The New Strategic Frontier
Defence Cooperation: Securing a Shared Future Through Atmanirbhar Bharat
France and India: Springboard to Europe and Indo-Pacific
CEOs Roundtable
Trade between India and France
Bilateral trade with France has reached US$ 10.75 billion in the last decade and has shown steady growth. Both sides have taken forward the discussions on the India-EU Trade and Investment Agreement.
Agreements worth about $16 billion have been signed at the trade summit.
Nearly 1,000 French companies are present in India while over a hundred Indian businesses have established a presence in France.
India, France bilateral relations
France is the first country with which India started a strategic dialogue after its 1998 nuclear tests.
Both sides recognized the importance of discussing the India-EU Trade and Investment Agreement.
In 2005, an agreement was signed to build six Scorpene submarines in India with the help of France.
There has been an agreement between the Government of France and India for 36 Rafale aircraft.
About France
President: Emmanuel Macron
Prime minister: Élisabeth Borne
Capital: Paris
Currency : euro
