The International Institute for Management Development (IMD) has today published the 2023 World Digital Competitiveness Ranking (WDCR), in which India ranks 49th among 64 economies. According to IMD's study, India has made significant in terms of cybersecurity knowledge but lacks on fronts like technology and future readiness. IMD's World Digital Competitiveness Ranking offers insights into how various nations are navigating digital transformation in the era of artificial intelligence (AI).

Essentially, it sheds light on the essential elements that contribute to a nation's genuine digital prowess —a crucial quality as the impact of this technology continues to reshape society. The leading economies in this year's ranking are akin to "digital nations,"implying countries that actively promote the comprehensive integration of digital technologies, encompassing AI, across governmental, corporate, and individual spheres. The United States moved back to the top position with robust results across all three factors: knowledge, technology, and future readiness.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch a green credits initiative, aimed at encouraging the establishment of plantations, during his two-day visit to the United Nations climate conference being held in the United Arab Emirates.

The Prime Minister, who is expected to deliver his address at the opening session of the World Climate Action Summit, will also launch another climate initiative aimed at industries, foreign secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said at a press briefing on Thursday.

In the eco-conscious lead-up to COP28, the UAE proudly showcases 'Jaywun,' its eco-friendly marine research vessel launched by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi  'Jaywun,' a symbol of sustainable innovation, not only marks a significant leap in marine science capabilities but also exemplifies the UAE's dedication to environmentally conscious practices.

Amid the global urgency to address climate change, at COP28 'Jaywun' actively contributes to the 'Ocean World Discovery' project, emphasizing sustainable practices and ecological awareness. The vessel employs green technologies to monitor and comprehensively assess the marine environment, aligning with COP28's focus on climate resilience and eco-friendly solutions.

Dubai, 1 December 2023: Today, amidst the gathering of global leaders at COP28, the United Arab Emirates , the COP28 Presidency declared an unprecedented $30 billion commitment to ALTÉRRA, a climate-focused investment vehicle. This initiative aims to revolutionize international climate finance, prioritizing equitable access for the Global South.

With the $30 billion pledge, ALTÉRRA now stands as the world's largest private investment vehicle dedicated to climate action, with a targeted mobilization of $250 billion globally by 2030. The primary focus is to guide private markets toward climate investments and bring transformative change to emerging markets and developing economies, where traditional investments face perceived higher risks.

Veteran actor R. Subbalakshmi, best known for her immense contribution to Malayalam cinema, has passed away.

She was 87. Subbalakshmi breathed her last on Thursday. She had been admitted to a hospital a few days ago due to age-related ailments.

Subbalakshmi was also a trained singer. She started her career as a Carnatic musician. Later, she went on to explore acting. She was widely recognised for her roles in Malayalam movies, including popular films like Kalyanaraman (2002), Pandippada (2005), and Nandanam (2002). She also acted in Telugu and Tamil films.

NTPC Bongaigaon has been recognized for its outstanding achievements in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environment Protection with two prestigious awards from the Greentech Foundation. The power station received the trophy in the Environment Protection Category at the 22nd Annual Greentech Environment Award 2023 and in the Rural Development Category at the 10th Annual Greentech CSR India Awards.

Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, IAS, Addl. Chief Secretary, Environment, Govt. of Assam in the presence of Dr. Arup Kumar Mishra, Chairman, Assam Pollution Control Board and Shri Shantanu Kumar Dutta, Member Secretary, Pollution Control Board, Assam presented the awards to Shri Ekonthung Ngullie, AGM (EMG & O&M/Civil) at the award ceremony in Sonmarg, Jammu and Kashmir.,

Odisha’s Manisha Padhi, a 2015 batch IAF Squadron Leader, has been appointed as India’s first woman Aide-De-Camp (ADC). Mizoram Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati appointed her as his ADC on Wednesday. Padhi, currently serving as a Squadron Leader in the IAF, hails from Berhampur. Governor Kambhampati shared a video of appointing the officer to the key post on his ‘X’ handle.

“Hearty congratulations to Sqn Leader Manisha Padhi for being appointed as Aide-De-Camp (ADC) to the Governor of Mizoram. Sqn Leader Manisha is India’s first Woman Indian Armed Forces officer to be appointed as Aide-De-Camp (ADC) to the Governor in the country. My best wishes to her and may she excel in the sector with the expertise she has earned over the years,” the Governor wrote.

Ranveer Singh was honoured at the Red Sea International Film Festival by Sharon Stone. The festival in Jeddah had many celebrities in attendance including Johnny Depp. Calling Johnny his inspiration, Ranveer posed with the Pirates of the Caribbean fame actor. 

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma received the certificates from Guinness World Record Adjudicator Swapnil Dangarikar at a function held at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra in Guwahati on Wednesday.

It may be noted that Chief Minister Sarma launched Amrit Brikshya Andolan and as a part of the drive, over 1 crore (1,11,17,781) seedlings of commercially valuable tree species were planted across the state on a single day on September 17.

The entire exercise was carried out in the Jan Bhagidaari model through the active involvement of the Self-Help group members, ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, educational institutions, police personnel, including tea garden workers, government officials and other citizens. During Amrit Brikshya Andolan, started by the Department of Environment and Forests, attempts were made to create Guinness World Records.

The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Fast Track Special Court (FTSCs) for a further three years. It has been extended till 31st March 2026 with financial implications of over 1952 crore rupees. The Central share is to be funded from Nirbhaya Fund. The scheme was launched in 2019. The FTSCs, designed as dedicated courts, are expected to ensure swift dispensation of justice, offering quick relief to victims while strengthening the deterrent framework for sexual offenders. The scheme reflects the nation's commitment to ending sexual and gender-based violence as well as substantially reducing pending cases of rape and POCSO Act. It is also aimed at ensuring swift access to justice for victims of sexual crimes through improved facilities and expedited trials.

Thirty States and Union Territories have participated in the Scheme, operationalizing 761 FTSCs, including 414 exclusive POCSO Courts. Over one lakh 95 thousand cases have been disposed off so far. These courts support State and UT Government efforts to provide timely justice to victims of sexual offenses even in remote and far-flung areas.