India has advanced to 36th place on the UNCTAD’s “Readiness for Frontier Technologies” index for 2024, improving from 48th in 2022. The country is also celebrating the GI tag for Amalsad Chikoo from Gujarat’s Navsari. Meanwhile, Kerala is facing protests over offshore mining proposals, citing environmental and livelihood concerns.

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• India ranks 36th on UNCTAD’s Technology Readiness Index in 2024; a jump from 48th in 2022.
• India’s frontier technology investments: USD 1.4 billion, ranking 10th globally.
• Amalsad Chikoo awarded GI tag, Gujarat’s Navsari district contributes 98% of India’s chikoo exports.
• Kerala protests against offshore mining; concerns over damage to fisheries and toxic pollution.
• Green Credit Programme (GCP) launched in 2023, aims to incentivize environmental protection through tradable credits.
• Sahyog portal, launched by the government, faces criticism as “censorship portal” by Elon Musk’s X.
• BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand: Focus on prosperity, resilience, and open cooperation among member states.
• Prime Minister Modi awarded Sri Lanka’s highest honor, the ‘Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana,’ in Colombo.
• NITI Aayog launches new economic portal to aid states in managing finances and learning from peers.
• Sarhul festival celebrated in Jharkhand, worshipping the Sal tree as part of tribal traditions.