As we delve into today’s current affairs, September 28, 2024, several significant developments have emerged that highlight India’s growing influence on the global stage. From the inauguration of the 5G Open RAN Testing Lab by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia to the upcoming World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) set to take place in New Delhi, India is positioning itself as a leader in telecommunications and technology innovation.
Additionally, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized the importance of impactful research at the 83rd Foundation Day of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
These events not only showcase India’s advancements in science and technology but also reflect its commitment to sustainable development and global cooperation in addressing pressing challenges. Join us as we explore these pivotal moments shaping India’s future.
Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia Inaugurates 5G Open RAN Testing Lab at CDoT, Bangalore
On September 27, 2024, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Minister of Communications, inaugurated the 5G Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) Testing Lab at the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) in Bengaluru. This lab is a significant step towards developing a comprehensive Indian end-to-end 5G ecosystem.
Key Highlights:
- Purpose of the Lab: The testing lab will facilitate advancements in various areas, including core, access, transport, cloud orchestration, and security, essential for establishing a robust 5G network in India.
- Minister’s Remarks: Scindia encouraged young engineers to innovate and contribute to the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) and progress towards “Viksit Bharat 2047”. He praised C-DOT’s collaborative research initiatives like BharatRAN-1 and BharatRAN-2, which focus on developing O-RAN compliant solutions for public and private networks.
- Wireless Center of Excellence: During his visit, Scindia also inaugurated the Wireless Center of Excellence at Tejas Networks, aimed at advancing research in next-generation mobile networks evolving towards 6G. This center will support innovative wireless solutions using state-of-the-art modeling tools and test infrastructure.
- Focus Areas: The center will concentrate on emerging technologies such as AI/ML, Terahertz Communications, and Sub-band Full Duplex, crucial for future telecom applications as outlined in the ITU-R’s IMT-2030 framework.
The establishment of the 5G O-RAN Testing Lab and the Wireless Center of Excellence underscores India’s commitment to leading the global telecommunications landscape through innovation and technological advancement.
Deepak C. Mehta Honored with ICC Lifetime Achievement Award for 2023
Shri Deepak C. Mehta, Chairman and Managing Director of Deepak Nitrite Limited, received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indian Chemical Council (ICC) at the 59th ICC Annual Awards Function in Mumbai.
Key Highlights:
- Career Contributions: Mehta has been a pivotal figure in the chemical industry, serving as a former President of the ICC and a member of the Government of India’s Task Force on Chemicals Industry. He currently chairs the National Chemicals Committee and the Sector Skills Council at FICCI.
- Recognition: The award acknowledges his leadership in growing Deepak Nitrite into a major player while promoting sustainable practices.
- Vision for the Future: In his acceptance speech, Mehta expressed optimism for India’s chemical sector, advocating for “Responsible Chemistry” and encouraging entrepreneurs to aim for global standards.
Vice President of India Inaugurates 83rd Foundation Day Celebrations of CSIR
On September 27, 2024, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the 83rd Foundation Day celebrations of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in New Delhi. He emphasized the need for substantial outcomes in research and development (R&D), urging that contributions should extend beyond superficial efforts.
Key Highlights:
- Foundation’s Role: Dhankhar remarked on CSIR’s integral role in strengthening India’s foundations as a vibrant democracy and a rising global power. He referred to CSIR as a “Catalyst for Scientifically Imaginative Rashtra” and called for the establishment of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure impactful research.
- Union Minister’s Remarks: Jitendra Singh, Union Minister for State PMO, highlighted CSIR’s vital role in positioning India as a global science leader by promoting women in science and driving economic growth. He noted CSIR’s contributions towards the Viksit Bharat @2027 vision and praised its breakthroughs in areas like green hydrogen technology.
- Foundation Lecture: The event featured a lecture by Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, former Chairman of ISRO, who discussed “Team Excellence and Indian Space Odyssey,” focusing on the collaborative efforts behind India’s successful space missions.
About CSIR
Established in September 1942, CSIR is India’s largest R&D organization, comprising 37 national laboratories and various outreach centers. It operates under the Ministry of Science and Technology, focusing on advancing scientific research for national development.The celebrations underscored CSIR’s commitment to innovation and its pivotal role in shaping India’s scientific landscape.
IDB and UNDP Collaborate to Enhance Climate Data in Latin America and the Caribbean
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have partnered to enhance climate data sharing in Latin America and the Caribbean through the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF).
Key Highlights:
- Objective: Improve climate data collection and sharing to support adaptation efforts and regional coordination.
- Funding: SOFF, established by the WMO, UNDP, and UNEP, targets countries with significant data gaps, especially LDCs and SIDS.
- Initial Projects: Launching in Belize with over $800,000, followed by projects in several other countries including The Bahamas and Ecuador.
- Phased Approach:
- Readiness Phase: Assess data gaps.
- Investment Phase: Grants for weather observation upgrades.
- Compliance Phase: Financing for maintaining data-sharing systems.
- Significance: This initiative aims to enhance resilience to climate change, aligning with global sustainable development goals.
Dwayne Bravo Announces Retirement from All Cricket
Dwayne Bravo has officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket following an injury that curtailed his final season in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). The West Indies all-rounder will transition into a mentorship role in franchise cricket.
Key Points:
- Injury: Bravo sustained a groin injury while fielding against St. Lucia Kings, forcing him to leave the match without bowling.
- Retirement Announcement: In an emotional message, Bravo reflected on his 21-year career, expressing gratitude for the sport that shaped his life and acknowledging the physical limitations that led to his decision.
- Career Achievements: Over his 18-year career, Bravo became a T20 legend, amassing 631 wickets in 582 matches, and winning two T20 World Cups with the West Indies in 2012 and 2016.
- Future Plans: He will serve as a mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL starting in 2025, replacing Gautam Gambhir. Bravo has previously held coaching roles with Chennai Super Kings and the Afghanistan national team.
Bravo’s retirement marks the end of an illustrious playing career, but he looks forward to contributing to cricket through mentorship.
India Joins Leadership of Global Anti-Corruption Alliance
India has been elected to the GlobE Steering Committee, enhancing its role in the global fight against corruption. This decision was made during a plenary session in Beijing on September 26, 2024, allowing India to influence anti-corruption strategies and asset recovery efforts.
Key Highlights:
- Election Details: India is now part of a 15-member committee focused on combating corruption, following a multi-stage voting process.
- Background: The GlobE Network originated from a G-20 initiative supported by India in 2020. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) emphasized that India’s involvement will be crucial for tackling global corruption.
- Political Context: Since 2014, many politicians facing corruption charges have shifted to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), leading to claims of selective investigations that favor the ruling party.
- Global Cooperation: The GlobE Network now includes 121 member countries and serves as a platform for international collaboration against cross-border corruption.
- India’s Commitment: This election aligns with India’s ongoing efforts to promote global cooperation against financial crimes, particularly following its G20 presidency in 2023, where it advocated for enhanced anti-corruption measures.
India’s new role on the GlobE Steering Committee positions it as a key player in shaping international anti-corruption policies and practices.
PM Modi Launches Three PARAM Rudra Supercomputers
On September 26, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually launched three PARAM Rudra supercomputers, developed under the National Supercomputing Mission with a total investment of ₹850 crore. These high-performance computing systems are deployed in Pune, Delhi, and Kolkata, aiming to enhance scientific research across various fields.
Key Highlights:
- Investment and Development: Each supercomputer was developed at a cost of ₹130 crore. The initiative underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance in technology and computing capabilities.
- Research Applications:
- The Giant Metre Radio Telescope (GMRT) in Pune will utilize the supercomputers for exploring astronomical phenomena like Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs).
- The Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) in Delhi will focus on material science and atomic physics.
- The S.N. Bose Centre in Kolkata will drive research in physics, cosmology, and earth sciences.
- Technological Significance: Modi emphasized that technology is essential across all sectors and that India’s contributions should extend beyond basic computing to advanced capabilities. This launch is seen as a significant step towards enhancing India’s position in global scientific research.
- Weather and Climate Research: Along with the PARAM Rudra systems, two additional high-performance computing systems named Arka and Arunika were introduced to improve weather forecasting capabilities.
Modi’s launch of the PARAM Rudra supercomputers marks a pivotal advancement in India’s technological landscape, promising to facilitate groundbreaking research and innovation across multiple disciplines.
Nirmala Sitharaman Attends 9th AIIB Board of Governors Meeting in Samarkand
On September 25-26, 2024, Nirmala Sitharaman, India’s Union Minister for Finance, represented India at the 9th Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Board of Governors meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. During her visit, she also held discussions with Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Key Highlights:
- Meeting Theme: The theme was “Building Resilient Infrastructure for All,” focusing on developing financial tools to help member countries withstand climate-induced shocks. AIIB introduced Climate Policy-Based Financing (CPBF) to mobilize private capital for national climate action plans.
- Membership Update: The meeting approved the application of the Republic of Nauru to join AIIB, increasing total membership to 110 countries.
- Sitharaman’s Remarks: She urged AIIB to expand its non-lending services and emphasized the need for sustainable infrastructure amid geopolitical tensions and unsustainable debt burdens affecting financing capabilities.
- AIIB Overview: Established in 2016, AIIB is a multilateral bank with China as its largest shareholder and India as the second largest. It focuses on funding sustainable infrastructure projects across Asia.
Sitharaman’s participation underscores India’s commitment to enhancing global infrastructure development and addressing climate challenges through collaborative financial strategies.
India Elected to GlobE Network Steering Committee
India has been elected to the fifteen-member steering committee of the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GlobE Network) during a plenary session in Beijing, as announced by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on September 26, 2024. This election emphasizes India’s commitment to combating international corruption and financial crime.
Key Highlights:
Significance of Election: As a steering committee member, India will play a crucial role in shaping the global anti-corruption agenda and asset recovery strategies. The CBI noted that India’s expertise in tackling corruption will be invaluable to the GlobE Network, which was launched under the G20 framework.
GlobE Network Overview: The network consists of 121 member countries and 219 member authorities, providing a platform for international cooperation against cross-border corruption. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) serves as India’s central authority, with the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) representing the country.
Collaborative Efforts: The GlobE Network facilitates the exchange of best practices and criminal intelligence among global agencies, enhancing their ability to combat corruption effectively. The steering committee provides leadership and direction for these initiatives.
India’s Commitment: This election aligns with India’s ongoing efforts to promote global cooperation against financial crimes, particularly following its G20 presidency in 2023, where it advocated for leveraging the GlobE Network to combat corruption.
India’s position on the steering committee strengthens its role in international anti-corruption initiatives, fostering collaboration among member countries to address financial crimes effectively.
India to Host the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) in Delhi
India is preparing to host the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA 2024) from October 15-24 in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone as it will be the first time this pivotal event is held in Asia. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has initiated outreach sessions across major cities, including Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, to engage students and industry experts.
Key Highlights:
- Outreach Sessions: These sessions aim to provide students with a platform for learning and direct engagement with telecom industry leaders. Over 500 students attended in person, with an additional 450 participants joining online. The discussions focused on the importance of standardization in deploying technologies like 5G and the upcoming 6G.
- 5G-6G Hackathon 2024: Alongside the outreach sessions, the DoT launched the 5G-6G Hackathon 2024 to encourage innovation tailored to India’s unique telecom needs. Participants from government, academia, and industry are expected to develop India-specific use cases for next-generation technologies.
- Global Participation: The WTSA 2024 will see participation from over 190 countries, highlighting India’s growing influence in the global telecommunications landscape. This assembly serves as the governing conference of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Standardisation Sector.
- Significance of WTSA: The WTSA is a quadrennial event that plays a crucial role in setting global telecom standards, making India’s hosting a landmark achievement. The event will also feature side events such as the ITU Kaleidoscope Conference and exhibitions aimed at promoting inclusivity and innovation.
India’s hosting of WTSA 2024 underscores its commitment to shaping the future of telecommunications and enhancing its position as a leader in global technology advancements.
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