The President of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Dennis Francis, is paying a 5-day visit to India beginning tomorrow to the 26th of January at the invitation of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. During Mr. Francis' visit, he is scheduled to engage in talks with the External Affairs Minister on critical multilateral issues of mutual interest. The discussions are expected to encompass a wide range of topics, including India’s call for comprehensive reforms within the United Nations, with a particular emphasis on the Security Council, aiming for increased equity and representation, especially for developing countries.
 
The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement that Mr. Francis' visit to India presents a unique opportunity to strengthen India-UN ties, especially with the General Assembly, which is the most representative organ of the United Nations. The MEA said this visit will also be an opportunity to enhance India's collaboration with the United Nations on Indian priorities as well as the global challenges being faced by the Global South. The theme of his UNGA presidency is “Rebuilding trust and reigniting solidarity.

Union Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy, today, inaugurated the National Skill Training Institute in Hyderabad, Telangana. Constructed for 19.90 crore rupees in 4 acres of area, the institute offers both short-term and long-term skilling courses to women in various sectors.
 
Speaking on the occasion, Kishan Reddy said empowerment of women has been a major priority for the Central Government. He said the Government has launched numerous schemes dedicated to empowering women across India. He recalled the initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhav and PM Ujjwala. He added that several other initiatives have also been taken to help women increase their opportunities to build decision-making power.

Several women achievers like Saina Nehwal and Sunita Krishnan also participated in the event. 

The first pilot technology project to make jet fuel from alcohol was inaugurated yesterday by Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri in Pune. This project will produce sustainable biological aviation fuel or SAF. This pilot project has been set up in the research and development department of Praj Udyog Group in Pirangut Industrial Estate near Pune. Pramod Chaudhary, President of Praj, along with officials of Indian Oil and other oil companies were present for the inauguration program. The Minister said, there is a huge demand for this bio aviation fuel in the global market, and it is a big challenge to provide the necessary raw materials for it. He added, that most of the countries around the world have great expectations from India for biofuel. He congratulated the engineers of Praj Udyog Group for setting up this project in India before Brazil and expressed confidence that this project will truly be a pioneer for the world.

Almost all disputes and conflicts ended in Assam with the signing of several accords and Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government is working for a vibrant Northeast, said, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Minister Amit Shah while launching the book '"Assam's Braveheart Lachit Barphukan" written by Arup Kumar Dutta at the Srimanta Sankardeva International Auditorium in Guwahati in presence of Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Addressing at the book launch programme on Saturday, the Union Minister said that the Prime Minister believes in inclusiveness and is working for the welfare of all communities in the northeastern states. He said that multilingualism is a strength for our country rather than weakness.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology signed an MoU with the Ministry of Communications of the Republic of Cuba on Cooperation in the field of Sharing Successful Digital Solutions Implemented at Population Scale for Digital Transformation in New Delhi on Friday. The MoU intends to promote digital transformation through capacity-building programs, exchange of best practices, and other collaborative activities to mutually benefit the digital ecosystems of both countries.

The Ministry of Electronics and IT said that India will collaborate with Cuba by building upon development partnership on digital transformation leading to a smooth adoption of Digital Public Infrastructure in Cuba.

The nine-day extravaganza, part of the Republic Day celebrations, is set to unfold from January 23rd to January 31, at the Lawns and Gyan Path in front of the historic Red Fort in Delhi.

Since its inception in 2016, Bharat Parv has evolved into a grand celebration, bringing together the rich tapestry of India's cultural heritage, citizen-centric initiatives, and vibrant traditions. The event promises a captivating blend of Republic Day Parade tableaux, dynamic cultural performances, engaging presentations, and a feast of delectable delicacies from every corner of the country.

This year's Bharat Parv showcases the participation of 26 Central Ministries and Departments, each highlighting citizen-centric schemes and government initiatives such as Mission Life, One District One Product, Viksit Bharat, Nari Shakti, and Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. An experiential zone leveraging the latest technology has been set up to promote "Dekho Apna Desh," offering visitors an immersive journey through the diverse landscapes of India.

Japan's Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (Slim) spacecraft successfully touched down on the lunar surface on Friday, making Japan the fifth nation to achieve a soft landing on the Moon.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has confirmed the landing of the spacecraft equipped with a variety of instruments, including a camera, a laser altimeter, and a magnetometer, which will be used to study the Moon's geology, environment, and resources.

However, Slim’s solar panel had failed to generate power, which could shorten its activity on the moon, the Japanese space agency said.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel laid the foundation stone of Khodaldham Trust Cancer Hospital in Rajkot on Sunday.

The Shree Khodaldham Trust (SKT), an organisation for the Leuva Patel community, will build a hospital and a cancer research center in Amreli village in Padadhari taluka of Rajkot.

Earlier, PM Modi, while virtually addressing the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the hospital, said that 30 new cancer hospitals were developed in the state in last nine years.

Jharkhand Governor CP Radhakrishnan on Friday inaugurated the centralised Akshaypatra kitchen in Hazaribag town.

The governor said the kitchen will not only help boost attendance in schools, but also improve the health condition of students.

This kitchen will serve midday meal to one lakh students of around 800 schools in the district, officials said.

Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan will be on a three-day visit to Kampala in Uganda from Saturday to participate in the Third South Summit of the Group of 77 and China (G-77). External Affairs Ministry said, the theme of the Summit "Leaving No One Behind”, is in line with India’s vision of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - the World is one Family. Leaders of this cross-regional group will meet with the aim of strengthening cooperation among its 134 Member States. During the Summit, MoS will deliver India’s National Statement and hold bilateral engagements with his counterparts, especially from the G-77 Member States. MoS will also interact with the Indian community in Uganda.