climate cooperation

Prime Minister Modi's five-nation tour secured nearly $40 billion in investment, with over 50 global firms pledging fresh capital and expansion. Key sectors like semiconductors, defence, and energy saw significant commitments. India elevated ties with the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, and Italy, fostering strategic partnerships and boosting economic cooperation.

India and Sweden have elevated their ties to a strategic partnership, signing an action plan for 2026-2030 covering green transition, technology, trade, and defence. Prime Minister Modi emphasized shared democratic values and innovation, highlighting growing defence cooperation moving beyond a buyer-seller dynamic. Discussions also explored strengthening supply chains and sustainable mobility.

A JICA team, working with the local forest department, will survey natural resources and socio-economic conditions in Gaberletuwa village and ten others across Jharkhand. The initiative aims to facilitate proper resource utilization and conservation, supporting forest dwellers against climate change threats and promoting sustainable rural economies through forest regeneration.

India's Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted the nation's "coexistence-based management" approach to tackle human-wildlife conflict amidst growing economies. He emphasized that conservation efforts extend beyond mere numbers, focusing on habitat expansion, connectivity, and multi-species protection, including tigers, lions, leopards, snow leopards, and cheetahs, with the International Big Cat Alliance poised to foster cross-border cooperation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Afsluitdijk dam in the Netherlands highlighted Dutch expertise in water management, relevant to India's ambitious Kalpasar Project. This mega-project aims to create a freshwater reservoir in Gujarat, addressing water scarcity and flood protection, mirroring the multi-functional Dutch approach to climate resilience.

Tamil Nadu government initiated a significant bureaucratic reshuffle, moving senior officials across key departments like municipal administration, energy, and transport. Gagandeep Singh Bedi now heads municipal administration and water supply, while Dr. G S Sameeran takes charge as GCC Commissioner. Several other crucial appointments were made in civic bodies and state agencies.

According to a govt order, Gagandeep Singh Bedi, who was serving as additional chief secretary to govt, rural development and panchayat raj department, has been transferred and posted as additional chief secretary to govt, municipal administration and water supply department, replacing D Karthikeyan.

As part of the reshuffle, Vijay retained the Poverty Alleviation portfolio and reassigned the Women Welfare department, previously held by him, to newly inducted minister K Jegadeshwari. Congress leaders S Rajesh Kumar and P Viswanathan have been allotted the Tourism and Higher Education portfolios, respectively. Another TVK minister, Mohamed Farvas, has been allocated the Labour Welfare and Skill Development portfolio.

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar urged BRICS nations to find practical solutions to geopolitical crises, emphasizing the threat to global energy and economic security from West Asian tensions. He stressed dialogue, diplomacy, and respect for sovereignty, while also highlighting concerns over unilateral sanctions, terrorism, and the need for UN Security Council reform.

A bold overhaul of higher education aims to align degrees with emerging industries, transforming classrooms into pathways for jobs and nation-building