INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Guyana in 56 years.

• PM Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Guyana in 56 years, arriving on 20 November 2024.

• He received a warm welcome from Guyana’s President Mohamed Irfaan Ali at Georgetown Airport.

• Modi will co-chair the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit with Grenada’s PM Dickon Mitchell.

• The summit focuses on strengthening ties in energy, agriculture, health, technology, and infrastructure.

• India and Guyana share a strong partnership in health, defence, renewable energy, and connectivity.

• Recent collaborations include a seagoing yacht built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and two HAL 228 aircraft.

• India provided solar lighting systems for 30,000 indigenous families in Guyana.

• Over 800 Guyanese professionals have been trained under India’s ITEC programme.

• Modi’s visit underscores efforts to deepen India-CARICOM relations across key sectors.

APPOINTMENT

Harbhajan Singh has been appointed as the ambassador for sports in Dubai.

• Harbhajan Singh has been named Dubai's Sports Ambassador by the Dubai Sports Council.

• This appointment reflects Dubai's focus on enhancing its sports culture and infrastructure.

• Harbhajan joins notable ambassadors like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Sania Mirza, and Patrice Evra.

• The former Indian cricketer has over 700 international wickets and has played 100+ Test matches.

• He brings extensive experience and global recognition to his new role.

• Harbhajan will work to strengthen Dubai's reputation as a global sports hub.

• The Dubai Sports Council continues to engage renowned athletes for its initiatives.

• His appointment adds to Dubai's growing efforts to promote international sports collaborations.

SPORTS

West Bengal won the team title at the 4th National Finswimming Championship.

• West Bengal won the team title at the 4th National Finswimming Championship 2024 with 151 medals (67 gold, 43 silver, 41 bronze).

• Karnataka secured the second spot with 50 medals, including 17 gold, 18 silver, and 15 bronze.

• Uttarakhand took third place with 21 medals (8 gold, 6 silver, 7 bronze).

• Haryana also won 21 medals but ranked fourth due to fewer gold medals than Uttarakhand.

• The event saw participation from 1,500 athletes representing 26 states and union territories.

• The championship was organized by the Underwater Sports Federation of India in collaboration with the Physical Education Foundation of India.

• Dronacharya awardee hockey coach AK Bansal presented medals and trophies at the closing ceremony.

• The competition showcased outstanding performances over three days, with West Bengal dominating the championship.

AWARDS

Coal India Ltd received Green World Awards 2024 in London.

• Coal India Ltd (CIL) won the Green World Environment Award 2024 in London under the CSR category.

• The award recognized CIL’s Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojna, which has treated over 600 Thalassemia patients.

• CIL was the first PSU to launch a CSR project for Thalassemia treatment through Bone Marrow Transplants in 2017.

• Under the scheme, CIL provides financial aid of up to ₹10 lakh per patient for Bone Marrow Transplants.

• The award was presented by The Green Organization, a global non-profit promoting environmental and CSR initiatives.

• The Green Organization honors projects that demonstrate outstanding environmental and social contributions worldwide.

• CIL plays a crucial role in India’s energy sector, producing over 80% of the country’s coal.

• It contributes to 70% of India’s coal-based power generation.

• This recognition highlights CIL’s commitment to social welfare and sustainable practices.