India, France, UAE join hands to boost ties in defence, energy

India, France, and the UAE announced a formal trilateral cooperation initiative in the areas of defense, nuclear energy, and technology.
The Foreign Ministers of the three countries held a telephonic meeting to adopt a roadmap for the implementation of this initiative.
Aim: To promote the design and execution of cooperation projects in the fields of energy
The countries will discuss further collaboration and training between their defense forces.

PM inaugurates India Energy Week 2023 in Bengaluru

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated ‘India Energy Week 2023’ in Bengaluru, which is being held from 6th to 8th February 2023.
Aim: To showcase India’s rising prowess as an energy transition powerhouse
It will bring together leaders from the energy industry, governments, and academia to discuss the challenges and opportunities that a responsible energy transition presents.
During the program, he has also launched multiple initiatives in the field of green energy.

Indian music composer, Ricky Kej wins third Grammy for ‘Divine Tides’

Indian music composer, Ricky Kej won his third Grammy Award in the best new age album category for ‘Divine Tides’ at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles.
He has shared this award with Stewart Copeland, who collaborated with Kej on the album.
Stewart Copeland is a Drummer of the iconic British rock band The Police.
Record of the Year: About Damn Time by Lizzo
Album of the Year: Harry’s House by Harry Styles
Song of the Year: Just Like That

AIM and UNDP India launch 5th edition of Youth Co:Lab

The 5th edition of Youth Co:Lab was jointly launched by Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog and UNDP India.
Youth Co:Lab is an initiative launched in 2019 by UNDP India in partnership with Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog.
Aim: To establish a common agenda for Asia-Pacific countries to invest in and empower youth to accelerate implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through leadership, social innovation, and entrepreneurship.

PMKKK renamed as Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS)

Smriti Zubin Irani (Minister of Minority Affairs) has informed in the Lok Sabha, that the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Ko Kaam Karyakram (PMKKK) has been renamed as Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) Scheme.
The integrated scheme converges five erstwhile schemes of the Ministry viz. Seekho aur Kamao, USTTAD, Hamari Dharohar, Nai Roshni and Nai Manzil.
The scheme has been approved by the Cabinet for the period of 15th Finance Commission.

Indian-origin Leo Varadkar re-elected as Prime Minister of Ireland

Indian-Origin, Leo Varadkar (38) has been re-elected as the Prime Minister of Ireland in line with a coalition deal struck in 2020.
He has replaced Micheal Martin as Taoiseach (premier) in a rotation deal between his Fine Gael (party) and Martin’s Fianna Fail (party).
He was born in Dublin to an Irish mother who worked as a nurse and an Indian immigrant father, who was a qualified doctor.
In 2007, he secured election for Fine Gael in Dublin West.

Ministry of culture organised Delhi International Arts Festival at Kartavya

Ministry of Culture has organised Delhi International Arts Festival in collaboration with Prasiddha Foundation at Kartavya Path, New Delhi.
The festival is being organised from 16th December to 30th December.
Tagline of festival: Where Bharat Meets India
In the opening ceremony of the event, Kuchipudi dance was performed, which was choreographed by Jayarama Rao.
On the occasion, Prism Theatre society performed Hindi theatre ‘Veer Abhimanyu.’

Bolivian film Utama won Suvarna Chakoram at IFFK 2022

Bolivian movie, Utama directed by Alejandro Loayza Grisi was awarded Suvarna Chakoram for Best Film at the 27th edition of IFFK which was held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
The Hungarian filmmaker, Bela Tarr was bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Best Asian Film: Alam (Director: Firas Khoury)
Rajata Chakoram for Best Director: Tayfun Pirselimoglu for Kerr
Audience poll award: Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery

Manipur govt launches alternative farming system for poppy planters

Manipur CM, N Biren Singh has launched the Alternative Farming System for Tribal Jhumias/Poppy Planters in ten districts of Manipur.
Districts: Churachandpur, Pherzawl, Noney, Tamenglong, Senapati, Kangpokpi, Ukhrul, Kamjong, Tengnoupal, and Chandel
The programme was organized by the Eastern Border Areas Development Authority (EBADA), Govt of Manipur, under the funding of the North Eastern Council (NEC), Shilong.