News In Shorts: 22 March 2024

March 22, 2024

International Telecommunication Union’s Digital Innovation Board (DTB)	Dr. Neeraj Mittal was unanimously chosen co-chair of the ITU’s Digital Innovation Board. Aim: To create a more inclusive and equitable digital future for everyone. Founded: It was founded under the aegis of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development. Members: The Digital Innovation Board is made up of Telecom/ICT Ministers and Vice Ministers from 23 ITU Member Countries. About International Telecommunication Union (ITU): Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland. Members: 193 countries India and ITU: India has been an active member of the ITU since 1869, and it has been on the ITU Council continuously since 1952. Functions Functions include allocating global radio airwaves and satellite orbits Coordinating technical standards for telecommunications and ICT Improving access to ICTs in underprivileged populations globally.
International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE)	The International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE) is holding its 41st Steering Committee Meeting in New Delhi. About IPHE Intergovernmental Agency: The IPHE was created in 2003 as an international intergovernmental cooperation led by the United States. Goal: To accelerate advancement in hydrogen and fuel cell technology. Member Countries: IPHE has 21 member countries and the European Commission is a non-voting member. Among the member nations are India as well as the US, Japan, Germany, China, South Korea, and Canada. Additionally, the United Kingdom, Russia, and Singapore have been mentioned in various contexts within the supplied materials, but they are not specifically recognised as IPHE members.
The Order of the Druk Gyalpo	At Bhutan’s 114th National Day, the Indian Prime Minister was recently awarded with the Druk Gyalpo order. About Druk Gyalpo Order Highest Civilian Order: The highest civilian honor of Bhutan, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, also referred to as “Ngadag Pel gi Khorlo,” is given in recognition of a lifetime of service to the people and country. The award recognizes Prime Minister Modi’s contribution to strengthening India-Bhutan friendship and his people centric leadership. As per ranking and precedence established, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo was instituted as the decoration for lifetime achievement and is the pinnacle of the honor system in Bhutan First Druk Gyalpo: It commemorates Ugyen Wangchuck’s coronation as the first Druk Gyalpo of contemporary Bhutan.
Exercise IMT TRILAT- 2024	The second edition of the Trilateral Exercise (IMT TRILAT) started recently in the western Indian Ocean. About IMT TRILAT Maritime Exercise: It is a Trilateral maritime exercise between India, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Aim: To create capabilities for dealing with common dangers through training and the sharing of best practices.
Shanghai Cooperation Organization Startup Forum	The fourth Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Startup Forum was held on March 19, 2024, in New Delhi. About Shanghai Cooperation Organization Startup Forum Collaborative Platform: It serves as a platform for stakeholders in startup ecosystems across all SCO Member States to engage and collaborate. Aim: To strengthen the local startup ecosystems in the SCO Member States. Objectives Best Practices: Sharing best practices to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation Collaboration: Bringing in corporations and investors to collaborate closely with startups and provide much-needed support and market access