International Girls in ICT Day 2023: 27th April
International Girls in ICT Day is an annual event celebrated on the fourth Thursday of April to encourage and empower girls and young women.
International Girls in ICT Day is an annual event celebrated on the fourth Thursday of April to encourage and empower girls and young women to explore and pursue careers in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This day helps to promote gender equality and diversity in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). It raises awareness about the gender gap in the tech industry and inspires women to consider careers in ICT.
This year, it is being observed on April 27 with the theme “Digital Skills for Life”. Despite the significant role of ICT in our lives, a relatively small percentage of women globally opt for higher education in ICT-related fields, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
International Girls in ICT Day 2023: History
International Girls in ICT Day was declared by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on April 8, 2011, to encourage women to pursue careers in information and communication technologies. The Day has been celebrated globally since its inception, with over 11,400 events held in 171 countries and more than 3,77,000 girls and young women participating.
Governments, ICT regulatory bodies, businesses, academic institutions, UN agencies, and NGOs support the event, which provides opportunities for girls to learn about ICT, meet role models and mentors, and explore various career paths in the industry.
India Climbs 6 Spots to 38th in World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index 2023
India climbs 38th in World Bank's Logistics Performance Index 2023: India's rank in the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index 2023 has improved by 6 positions to 38th among 139 countries.
India climbs 38th in World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index 2023
According to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, India’s rank in the 7th edition of the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index 2023 has improved by 6 positions, and it now stands at 38th among 139 countries. The ministry further stated that India has shown significant progress in 4 out of 6 LPI indicators.
India’s Performance in World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index 2023: Key Points
The government claimed in an official statement that India’s improved logistics infrastructure is evidence of the country’s global standing.
They attribute this development to their concentrated effort on reforming logistics infrastructure.
The government also mentioned that the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, launched in October 2021, is responsible for this update.
The plan aims to address the evolving requirements of logistics due to factors such as e-commerce, urbanization, energy preferences, and the need to establish sturdy supply chains.
Additionally, the Ministry stated that India’s ranking was improved due to the implementation of the National Logistics Policy (NLP), which provides guidance for States or UTs in developing logistics policies.
The NLP focuses on promoting energy-efficient transportation modes and the use of greener fuels to minimize carbon emissions.
Moreover, the Commerce Ministry mentioned that the government invested in trade-related infrastructure, including both soft and hard infrastructure, to connect port gateways on both coasts to economic zones in the hinterland.
Index of Economic Freedom Significance, Methodology and Rank of India
Logistics Data Bank project by NICDC
The Ministry stated that the Logistics Data Bank project by NICDC, which involves the use of RFID tags on containers and has been implemented in the Western region of India since 2016, and expanded to a Pan India level in 2020, has resulted in significant improvements in cross-border trade facilitation.
Additionally, the project fosters competition among ports by offering data on performance benchmarking, congestion, dwell time, speed, and transit time analysis, according to the Ministry. The Ministry also recognized that initiatives such as Sagarmala and Bharatmala have been instrumental in enhancing India’s logistics efficiency.
US State Pennsylvania Recognizes Diwali as an Official State Holiday
US State Recognizes Diwali as an Official State Holiday: Senator Nikil Saval tweeted that the state of Pennsylvania in the United States has declared Diwali, the Hindu festival, as a national holiday.
US State Recognizes Diwali as an Official State Holiday
Senator Nikil Saval tweeted that the state of Pennsylvania in the United States has declared Diwali, the Hindu festival, as a national holiday. The legislation to make Diwali an official state holiday was introduced by State Senators Greg Rothman and Nikil Saval in February of this year.
Pennsylvania Recognizes Diwali as an Official State Holiday
The bill was passed unanimously by the Senate. According to My Twin Tiers, there are almost 200,000 South Asian residents in Pennsylvania, many of whom celebrate Diwali as a time for gathering and reflection. Senator Saval expressed gratitude to Senator Rothman for the opportunity to introduce this bill and welcomed all Pennsylvanians who celebrate Diwali.
Senator Nikil Saval on Diwali as an Official State Holiday
“The Senate voted unanimously to recognize Diwali as an official holiday! To all Pennsylvanians who celebrate this festival of light and connection: you are seen, you are welcome, you matter. Thank you, @rothman_greg, for the opportunity to join you in introducing this bill,” Senator Nikil Saval wrote on Twitter
Japan’s health ministry approves first abortion pill in its histor
Senator Greg Rothman on Diwali as an Official State Holiday
Rothman mentioned that a significant number of individuals residing in the 34th Senatorial District of Pennsylvania participate in Diwali festivities every year.
He stated that by designating Diwali as an official state holiday, the state honors and embraces its diverse cultural heritage.
According to My Twin Tiers, Senate Bill 402 does not mandate the closure of schools or government offices on the day of Diwali, as the date of the holiday varies each year and this year it will be celebrated on November 12.
India Pavilion At Global Education & Training Exhibition Inaugurated At Dubai
The 'Study in India Pavilion' at the Global Education & Training Exhibition (GETEX) in Dubai was inaugurated by the Consul General of India in Dubai, Dr. Aman Puri on April, 26, 2023.
Study in India Pavilion at GETEX 2023: Inauguration and Overview
The ‘Study in India Pavilion’ at the Global Education & Training Exhibition (GETEX) in Dubai was inaugurated by the Consul General of India in Dubai, Dr. Aman Puri on April, 26, 2023. Organized by the Services Export Promotion Council with the support of the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the India Pavilion at GETEX 2023 is being held from 26-28 April 2023 at Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE. The pavilion, spanning over 200 sqm, features more than 30 universities and edtech stakeholders of Indian higher education.
Indian Institutions Expanding Global Reach:
Dr Aman Puri expressed his excitement at the increasing number of Indian institutions expanding their global reach. He also highlighted that India is an ideal destination for students looking to pursue technologies like Data Science and Cybersecurity. This is a positive sign for Indian higher education, as it indicates that Indian universities are becoming increasingly competitive in the international market.
Major Exhibitors in the Pavilion:
Major exhibitors in the pavilion include Ajeenkya DY Patil University, B. S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science & Technology, Birla Institute of Technology, Board of Open Schooling and Skill Education, Brindavan Group of Institutions, Dome Technical Information Pt Ltd, Dr. D. Y Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Dr. Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University, EdCIL, Ganpat University, Janikk International, Kumaraguru Institutions, Marwadi Education Foundation, MW Global Academy Pt Ltd, NIRMA University, NITTE Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Pandit Deen Dayal University, Pimpri Chinchwad Education Trust, Sandip University, Sharda University, SRM University, Symbiosis International University, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, and a few others. These institutions are known for their academic excellence, and their participation in this event reflects their commitment to promoting Indian higher education in the international market.
GETEX: An Efficient Platform for Educational Institutions:
The Global Education & Training Exhibition (GETEX), a leading education fair in the region for over 30 years, provides an efficient platform for educational institutions to meet their enrollment quotas and admission targets. The exhibition attracts over 25,000 local and expatriate students every year who are actively looking for higher education, professional development, and training options. The India Pavilion at GETEX 2023 serves as an opportunity to engage with the target audience and enhance marketing awareness for the exhibitors.
Hari Hara Mishra takes charge as CEO of Association of Asset Reconstruction Companies
Hari Hara Mishra has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Association of Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs).
Hari Hara Mishra takes charge as CEO of Association of Asset Reconstruction Companies:
Hari Hara Mishra has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Association of Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs). The ARCs are the voice of all Asset Reconstruction Companies in India and have been active for over eight years. Currently, there are 28 ARCs registered with the Reserve Bank of India.
Mishra’s Background:
Hari Hara Mishra is an experienced professional in the field of asset reconstruction. He began his career with the State Bank of India in 1982 and worked there until 2004. Since then, he has been associated with the asset reconstruction sector in various executive and director level roles.
His New Role:
As the new CEO of the Association of Asset Reconstruction Companies, Mishra will lead the organization and represent the interests of its member companies. He will work closely with the Reserve Bank of India and other regulatory bodies to ensure that the ARCs continue to operate in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) are financial institutions that specialize in the acquisition and resolution of non-performing assets (NPAs). NPAs are loans and other financial assets that are in default, or in danger of default, and are considered a major problem for banks and other financial institutions.
About Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs):
The primary objective of ARCs is to acquire NPAs from banks and other financial institutions at a discount, with the aim of recovering as much of the outstanding amount as possible through resolution or restructuring. ARCs have become an increasingly important part of the Indian financial system, as they help to clean up banks’ balance sheets, free up capital for new lending, and facilitate the resolution of stressed assets in the economy.
In India, the first ARC was set up in 2003, and since then, the number of ARCs has grown steadily. There are currently 28 ARCs registered with the Reserve Bank of India, and they play an important role in the Indian financial system by helping to resolve stressed assets and support economic growth. The Association of Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) is the industry body that represents all ARCs in India and works towards promoting the interests of the sector.
Japan’s health ministry approves first abortion pill in its history
A panel in Japan’s health ministry has approved the country’s first abortion pill, in a major step for reproductive rights decades after other countries made abortion medication widely available.
A panel in Japan’s health ministry has approved the country’s first abortion pill, in a major step for reproductive rights decades after other countries made abortion medication widely available. The ministry’s pharmaceutical board granted approval to the MeFeego Pack, an abortion pill manufactured by British pharmaceutical Linepharma, according to a spokesperson from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.
Overview of the news
The medication consists of two types of pill, and can be used within nine weeks of pregnancy, according to Japanese public broadcaster NHK. In a clinical trial in Japan, 93% of participants had a complete abortion within 24 hours. The medication combines mifepristone and misoprostol, which the World Health Organization has included in its Essential Medicines List, described as safe and effective for pregnant people.
It would provide an alternative to a surgical procedure amid calls for progress in women’s reproductive rights and gender equality. In Japan, abortions have been usually performed with metal instruments. As this procedure is invasive, medical experts and others are calling for introduction of abortion pills in Japan.
Under Japan’s existing laws, women can only receive an abortion if a pregnancy “may significantly damage the person’s physical health due to bodily or economic reasons” or if they became pregnant due to rape.
Australia To Host Third In-Person Quad Summit
The third in-person Quad Summit, which will be held in Australia, will see the participation of President Joe Biden, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, PM Narendra Modi, and PM Anthony Albanese.
Quad Leaders to Meet in Sydney: A Boost for Indo-Pacific Cooperation
The upcoming Quad Summit in Sydney is set to mark a significant milestone in the growing cooperation between the four democracies of the Indo-Pacific region. The Quad, comprising the United States, Japan, India, and Australia, has been seeking to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific, with a focus on maritime security, infrastructure development, and economic integration.
The third in-person Quad Summit, which will be held on May 24, will see the participation of US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The leaders are expected to discuss a range of issues related to regional security, economic development, and pandemic recovery.
Strengthening Partnerships with ASEAN and the Pacific Islands Forum:
One of the key themes of the Quad Summit is likely to be the group’s efforts to strengthen partnerships with regional organizations such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Pacific Islands Forum. The Quad has sought to engage with these organizations in order to promote greater regional integration and cooperation.
ASEAN has been a key partner for the Quad in its efforts to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. The group has emphasized the importance of upholding international law, promoting peace and stability, and promoting economic development in the region. The Quad has also worked to strengthen its ties with the Pacific Islands Forum, which has been a key platform for promoting regional cooperation and development.
Commitment to an Open, Stable, and Prosperous Indo-Pacific:
The Quad has made clear its commitment to promoting an open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. The group has emphasized the importance of upholding the rules-based international order, promoting economic growth and development, and enhancing regional security.
At the same time, the Quad has sought to be inclusive and transparent in its efforts. The group has emphasized the importance of respecting sovereignty and ensuring that all countries in the region benefit from its initiatives. The Quad has also worked to engage with other regional powers such as China, in order to promote greater dialogue and cooperation.
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