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Goa, 15th October 2025: The  Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, represented the state at the National Conference of State and Union Territories Tourism Ministers held in Udaipur, Rajasthan on 14th–15th October 2025. The two-day conference, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, was graced by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, and brought together Tourism Ministers, Secretaries, and senior officials from across India to deliberate on policies, strategies, and coordinated initiatives to strengthen India’s tourism ecosystem.

The Goa delegation included Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, and Shri Shawn Mendes, OSD to the Minister for Tourism.

The conference served as a strategic platform to discuss draft frameworks on the Development of 50 Tourist Destinations, Performance Linked Incentives (PLI), and the Integrated Tourism Promotion Scheme (ITPS)  all designed to position India as a holistic tourism destination in both domestic and global markets.

Speaking at the conference, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte stated,

“Goa’s tourism vision is rooted in regenerative practices that balance economic growth with environmental preservation and community well-being. As we begin the 2025–26 season, Goa is expanding its international connectivity and diversifying its offerings. Our new destination development projects in Pernem and Canacona will redefine Goa’s tourism landscape by fostering community and economic growth while upholding our commitment to sustainability. Through technology-enabled tourist safety and a visitor-first approach, we aim to deliver transformative experiences inspired by our philosophy of Atithi Devo Bhava.”

Goa’s presentation highlighted two flagship projects  the Mega Performance Arena at Mandrem (Pernem) and the Lord Parshuram Statue and Museum with the Lifescape Project at Loliem (Canacona) — envisioned as transformative hubs to enhance visitor experiences, generate employment, and strengthen Goa’s global positioning.

The Mega Performance Arena, a 20,000-seat state-of-the-art facility, will serve as a flexible, multi-use venue for international concerts, conventions, cultural festivals, and entertainment events — establishing Pernem as a northern tourism gateway.

The Lord Parshuram Statue and Museum, together with the Lifescape Project, will be developed as a cultural and spiritual landmark celebrating Goa’s mythological heritage. Featuring storytelling zones, scenic viewpoints, and curated exhibits, the project will anchor hinterland tourism growth in South Goa and advance the state’s “Goa Beyond Beaches” vision.

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, remarked,

“The Udaipur conference provided an excellent opportunity to align Goa’s regenerative tourism model with the national strategy. Our focus is on strengthening Goa’s identity as a year-round experiential destination through infrastructure enhancement, heritage conservation, and digital solutions for safety and engagement. Projects like the Mega Performance Arena and the Lord Parshuram Museum will create new economic opportunities for local communities while positioning Goa on the world tourism map.”

During the plenary and technical sessions, Goa showcased its long-term regenerative tourism strategy, focused on sustainability, community participation, digital innovation, and infrastructure development.

The Minister also highlighted Goa’s strong start to the 2025–26 tourism season, marked by the arrival of the first charter flight and enhanced international air connectivity. With three new weekly flights from Novosibirsk to MOPA, nine weekly Aeroflot flights from Moscow, Yekaterinburg, and Novosibirsk, and upcoming charter operations from Kazakhstan starting 25th October 2025, Goa continues to strengthen its presence in key source markets.

Goa’s roadmap is anchored on seven strategic pillars:

1. Eco & Nature-Based Tourism

2. Goan Backwaters

3. Heritage & Culture

4. MICE Tourism

5. Adventure Tourism

6. Leisure & Entertainment

7. Spiritual, Wellness & Medical Tourism

The state reaffirmed its commitment to technology-enabled tourist safety, seamless visitor experiences, and community-centered development, aligning with India’s broader tourism growth agenda.

Through its participation in the National Tourism Ministers’ Conference, Goa reaffirmed its role as a key stakeholder in shaping India’s tourism future — driving towards a vibrant, resilient, and globally competitive tourism ecosystem built on the principles of sustainability and inclusivity.

Mumbai/Delhi NCR, 15 October 2025: Jeena & Company, a leading player in freight forwarding and supply chain solutions, celebrated its 125^th anniversary with a grand gala that brought together five generations of leadership, decades-long partners, and employees who collectively represent more than a century of service excellence.

The anniversary celebration was both a reflection on the company’s journey from a single-office operation in 1900 to its present-day global presence and a bold declaration of its vision for the next 125 years. The gala highlighted enduring relationships that define the company, including a Germany-based client partnership spanning over 40 years.

Reflecting on this massive milestone, Sam Katgara, Partner, Jeena & Company, said, “As we celebrate 125 years of Jeena, we continue to honour our legacy of service excellence, built on passion, integrity, and generations of trust. Our strength lies in the loyalty and dedication of our people, with over 25% of our colleagues serving for more than 15 years, reflecting our deep belief in nurturing growth from within. Through challenges and new beginnings, we have remained guided by our values, standing firm not to be the biggest, but to be the best.”

As the fifth-generation siblings Ayesha, Nari, and Jeh Katgara step into leadership, they bring fresh perspectives to time-tested foundations. The company has already embarked on significant transformation initiatives, partnering with global technology leaders to modernise its operations while maintaining its customer-first approach.

Speaking at the occasion, Prediman Koul, Chief Executive Officer, said, “Today, we are not only celebrating 125 years of Jeena’s presence in the industry, but also honouring the service, trust, and dedication that have brought us here. As we raise a toast to the future, we look forward to the next 125 years of delivering excellence, embracing digital transformation, and building more sustainable logistics solutions for our customers worldwide. Very few companies have the privilege of such a legacy, and even fewer get the opportunity to transform themselves for the next century — Jeena is proud to be among them.”

While few companies reach 125 years, even fewer successfully transition into their next century of growth. Jeena & Company, one of India’s largest logistics firms, is the first freight forwarding company to transition from paper-based documentation to fully digital operations. As the company steps into its next century, it continues to set new benchmarks in global logistics through innovation and digital transformation.

Building on 125 years of legacy and excellence, the company is now charting the course for the next century with innovation, digital transformation, and a vision to serve global customers for generations to come.

Notes to Editor  additional quotes by fifth generation

Ayesha Katgara, the Head Transformation Office, said, “We take immense pride in our legacy of trust, goodwill, and partnerships. This milestone is not just a reflection of our past, but a commitment to the future. With technology, digital transformation, and our people at the core, we are determined to carry forward this heritage while shaping a future that is agile, innovative, and global.”

Nari Katgara:  “At Jeena, we do not measure headcount; we measure heart count. Eleven percent of our workforce has been with us for over 15 years – they carry our history and values forward. We are proud to honour our legacy while shaping a future that is global, innovative, and people-driven. With fresh ideas and bold ambitions, we are committed to carrying this story forward for the next 150 years, and beyond.”

Jeh Katgara: “Every successful business relies on contributions from all levels and core values established at the beginning. As we prepare to lead Jeena into its next chapter, we feel both the weight of responsibility and the excitement of possibility.”

India ,15th october 2025: Festivals are a time of celebration, gifting, and increased shopping activity. Both online and offline channels offer attractive discounts, limited-time sales, and cashback promotions that encourage quick purchasing decisions. In this festive rush, many individuals may act impulsively to secure a ‘too good to be true’ deal. Scamsters are aware of these behavioral patterns and often exploit them through social engineering. As scams evolve with technology, awareness and a few mindful steps can help users enjoy a safe and seamless experience. 

Shop Only on Official Apps and Websites: Fraudsters create lookalike websites and links, especially during sale season, to steal personal and payment details. Always type the web address yourself or use the official app. Avoid clicking on links from promotional emails, SMS or forwarded messages. Do not download files or click on links from unknown sources, as they may contain harmful software and could gain access to your device.

Complete Payments only Within the Platform: Some scams push users to pay on external UPI IDs or links outside the shopping app or site, skipping safety checks. Always complete transactions on the official checkout page and confirm the seller’s details.

Be Careful with Free Vouchers and Cashback promises: Messages offering rewards, cashback or festival gifts may ask for OTPs, account details or small “fees”. Genuine offers don’t need sensitive information or upfront payments. Pause and verify before engaging.

Treat Unexpected OTP Requests as Warning: Some messages claim that a payment has failed, or an account is blocked, and then request OTPs to “fix” the problem. OTPs are meant only to confirm a transaction initiated by users. Banks or payment apps never ask for them over calls or messages.

Don’t Act Under Pressure: Scammers create urgency by saying an offer will expire soon or your account will be blocked if you don’t act. Genuine platforms don’t use fear or rush tactics. Take a moment to check before responding.

To ensure a secure transaction experience, users should adopt the ‘Stop, Think, Act’ principle. By stopping at the point of unexpected requests, thinking and verifying the information, and acting wisely, users can effectively safeguard transactions and protect sensitive information, ensuring a secure experience.

Mumbai, October 15, 2025: Integrated communications firm SGA PR has strengthened its North India leadership with two senior appointments. Divyata Kalhans joins as Senior Vice President & Head , North, while Nehha Gupta takes on the role of Vice President  Client Delight. The consultancy firm, which partners closely with the founders’ team to solve business challenges through strategic communications and bespoke narratives that shape companies’ brand image and perception, aims to scale its presence in new-age emerging sectors like Fintech, Deeptech, Traveltech, Travel & Tourism, among others.  

Divyata Kalhans brings over 18 years of experience in strategic communications. She spent a decade at Adfactors PR, driving strategic storytelling and reputation-building for leading fintech, edtech and other technology brands. Her career includes stints at Edelman, Ogilvy PR, and Hindustan Times, where she began her journey in communications. At SGA PR, she will head North India operations and spearhead the firm’s expansion along with focus on  strengthening fintech and new economy technology brands.

Nehha Gupta, with nearly 18 years of experience in public relations and strategic communications, joins from Value 360 Communications, leading high-impact campaigns along with focus on driving strategic storytelling for consumer, travel, VCs and technology brands across sectors. Her career spans reputed organizations including Weber Shandwick, IKEA India, Citi. At SGA PR, Nehha will focus on client strategy, delivery excellence, and strengthening stakeholder engagement across the North India region.

Commenting on the appointments, Rahul Jain, Partner and Joint CEO at SGA PR, said: “SGA PR is growing significantly owing to its consultative thought process and bespoke, business-led approach. Today SGA PR partners with over 60 clients across fintech, BFSI, technology, chemicals, pharma, real estate, auto-ancillary PE/VC and new-age sectors. The firm has delivered industry-first narratives for its clients. Divyata and Nehha bring the right mix of experience and sector expertise to help clients navigate complex business challenges through problem-solving communication strategies. Their leadership will be key to scaling SGA PR’s operations in North India.”

With a growing client base and experienced talent joining the team, SGA PR remains focused on building a new-age communications firm that combines strategic insight, sector expertise, and creativity to deliver real business impact across India. 

Rohit Panchal wins PR 24×7’s ‘Idea Championship’; secures first place with a score of 73 percent

Indore, October 14th 2025: ‘Idea Championship’, a unique initiative by PR 24×7, India’s leading Public Relations company, concluded with great success.

The competition was aimed to bring out the creativity and innovative ideas of employees, thereby providing a new direction for the company’s growth. Through this event, the company conveyed the message that its true strength lies in its people, and their ideas are the foundation of its progress.

Employees from various departments of the company participated in this competition. All participants were divided into six teams, each consisting of six members. Each team was challenged to present the most outstanding and practical ideas focused on business growth. The teams presented their ideas on topics such as digital marketing, social media strategy, brand value, customer connect and improvement of internal processes. These ideas not only suggested solutions to current issues but also identified new opportunities for the future.

Rohit Panchal presented a unique and impressive idea amidst stiff competition. He scored 73% out of 100 marks and earned the title of “Champion of Champions.”  His idea was declared a “Champion Idea,” and will now be implemented into the company’s actual operations. This achievement not only brought Rohit personal pride but also shaped the entire company.

Speaking on this achievement, Rohit Panchal, said, “Given the right opportunity and support, an employee is no longer just a worker but becomes a true innovator of the organization. This was my biggest learning. The competition, which lasted approximately 15 days, went through several stages and reached the final result.

During this time, I learned many things that will help me in developing and moving forward with the company. I will ensure that I fulfill my responsibilities with utmost devotion.”

The employees displayed excellent teamwork, leadership skills and dedication during the said competition.  The participants described the event as a ‘platform of pride and contribution’ where they could apply their creativity for the benefit of the organization.

PR 24×7’s ‘Idea Championship’ proved that given the right opportunity, employees are not just workers but can also become true innovators. This event marks a new milestone in the growth journey of PR 24×7 2.0, which will take it to new heights of success.

Hyderabad, October 14, 2025: Bengaluru Torpedoes defeated Chennai Blitz 17-15, 14-16, 17-15, 16-14 in a hard-fought encounter at the RR Kabel Prime Volleyball League powered by Scapia, held at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, Hyderabad, on Monday. Joel Benjamin was adjudged the Player of the Match for his stellar performance.

Chennai Blitz began the match at a blistering pace, with skipper Jerome Vinith and Luiz Felipe Perotto spearheading their attacks. Setter Sameer combined well with Tarun Gowda to add depth and precision to the Blitz’s offense.

The Torpedoes, however, relied on the dynamic duo of Joel Benjamin and Sethu to mount a counter-offensive. Supported by Mujeeb, Jishnu, and Nitin Minhas, Bengaluru took control of the middle court. As the Torpedoes’ defense settled into rhythm, Chennai found it increasingly difficult to break through. Libero Midhunkumar stood firm in defense, while captain Mathew West ensured flawless ball distribution.

Despite a strong comeback attempt by Jerome and Perotto, a few unforced errors from Bengaluru allowed Chennai to stay in contention. The entry of blocker Aditya Rana injected renewed belief into the Blitz’s camp.

At a decisive moment, Penrose delivered crucial points to swing the momentum back in Bengaluru’s favor. Two smart reviews by Coach David Lee further strengthened the Torpedoes’ position. As the match reached its climax, Penrose’s composure and precision sealed the deal, guiding Bengaluru Torpedoes to a 3-1 victory and extending their impressive winning run.

Amaravati, October 13, 2025: CII’s Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) marked a momentous occasion as Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, inaugurated the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority’s (APCRDA) new Project Office in Amaravati on October 13, 2025. The inauguration was graced by Mr. C Shekar Reddy, National Vice-Chairman, IGBC, Mr. Vijay Sai Meka, Chairman, IGBC Amaravati Chapter, and the Core committee IGBC Amaravati chapter – Mr. Kiran Parachuri , Dr Saandeepani and Mr. Sundeep V, Senior Counsellor, IGBC. This landmark event signified Andhra Pradesh’s continued commitment to sustainable development and green building practices.

Speaking at the inauguration, Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, said, “The IGBC certification awarded to APCRDA is a proud milestone in our journey towards building a sustainable, world-class capital region. This recognition reflects our commitment to integrating green principles into urban planning, infrastructure development, and every facet of citizen life. Andhra Pradesh continues to lead by example in creating smart, resilient, and environmentally responsible cities for the future.”

The newly inaugurated APCRDA Project Office has become India’s first government project to earn the IGBC Net Zero Energy Rating – Design Stage, and the first government building in Amaravati to achieve this distinction. With an EPI of 0.85 (≈17,08,980 kWh/year)—about 15% better than the ECBC 2017 baseline—the office features energy-efficient lighting, high-performance HVAC systems, and 100% renewable energy compliance through a 540 kWp rooftop solar PV system and Green Tariff energy procurement.

This achievement has been possible under the visionary leadership of Sri K. Kanna Babu, I.A.S., Commissioner, APCRDA, and the strategic guidance of Sri A. Bhargav Teja, I.A.S., Additional Commissioner, who have championed the integration of sustainability in all major projects. The technical innovation and design excellence coordination by Sandeep Dixit, Chief Architect & Design Coordinator, ensured that the project met the highest standards of green building design and performance.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. C Shekar Reddy, National Vice-Chairman, IGBC, said, “The inauguration of the APCRDA Project Office in Amaravati, the first government building in the region to achieve IGBC Net Zero Energy Design Certification, demonstrates Andhra Pradesh’s vision and determination to champion sustainability and climate-responsive development. The collaborative efforts between APCRDA and IGBC set a benchmark for government infrastructure, and I am confident that Amaravati will continue to inspire other cities to adopt similarly ambitious standards for green and resilient growth.”

Mr. Vijay Sai Meka, Chairman, IGBC Amaravati Chapter in his remarks, acknowledged APCRDA’s vision and the proactive steps taken to align with IGBC Green Ratings across major developments, reaffirming Amaravati’s position as a frontrunner in India’s Net Zero and sustainable infrastructure movement.

The Indian Green Building Council reiterated its support, noting the Project Office’s Net Zero achievement as an inspiration and a model for other cities aiming for climate-resilient urban growth. The office, spread across 22,527 sq. m, stands as a testament to the state’s vision of developing Amaravati into a model green capital for India. IGBC commends the leadership of APCRDA and the Government of Andhra Pradesh for their unwavering focus on integrating sustainable practices into the state’s infrastructure.

Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose, Governor of West Bengal Honours Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad with Governor’s Award of Excellence at MIT-WPU 7th Convocation Ceremony

Mumbai/Pune, October 11, 2025: In recognition of his lifelong contributions toward education and global peace, Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, Founder-President of MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), was honored with the “Governor’s Award of Excellence” by Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose, Governor of West Bengal.

Speaking at the 7th Convocation Ceremony of MIT-WPU in Pune, Dr. Bose remarked, “Every great achievement begins with a vision that must be translated into action. Vision without action is meaningless, and action without vision can be counterproductive.”

Emphasizing the power of education, he described it as “emancipation, empowerment, and enrichment,” urging students to pursue lifelong learning and use knowledge as a means for social transformation.

At the 7th Convocation Ceremony of MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), degrees were conferred upon 6,837 students from Diploma, Undergraduate, and Postgraduate programs across diverse disciplines. A total of 114 Gold, 103 Silver, and 103 Bronze Medals were presented to outstanding students, while 37 scholars received Ph.D. degrees for their research excellence. Ms. Shwetha Rajshree Iyer and Ms. Vedangee Gunesh Patkar were honored with the Founder President’s Medal and Executive President’s Medal, respectively, for their exemplary academic achievements.

Praising Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, Founder-President of MIT-WPU, Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose, Governor of West Bengal, described him as a visionary leader who turned ideas into reality through dedication and purposeful action. Referring to the World Peace Dome, Dr. Bose remarked, “This magnificent dome stands as a symbol of how vision, when blended with action, can create something truly transformative. Dr. Karad’s life and work embody the spirit of education, peace, and human values that inspire generations.”

Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, Founder President, MIT World Peace University said, “This convocation is not just an academic milestone but a reaffirmation of our mission of peace and harmony. In a world marked by chaos and uncertainty, true education must unite science, spirituality, and philosophy to nurture enlightened minds and compassionate hearts. It is through this union that we can build a world rooted in understanding, introspection, and lasting peace”.

Special Guest of Honour, Prof. Dr. Ram Charan, was highly delighted to see the number of students at the convocation and said, “Today marks Day Zero — the true beginning of your journey. Your classrooms and professors have guided you so far; now the world is your university. Expand your mind every day, discover your true calling, keep learning, build relationships, earn trust, and master the fundamentals. Success and fulfillment belong to those who cultivate their mind, character, and skills — the rest is up to you.”

Mr. Rahul V. Karad, Executive President, MIT-WPU, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all attendees, dignitaries, and parents for their continued support, during this occasion and said, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the graduates, gold medallists, and award winners of MIT-WPU. Today is a celebration of your dedication, hard work, and achievement. We sincerely thank the Hon’ble Governor, our Chancellor, faculty, and parents for their guidance and encouragement. This institution, under the visionary guidance of Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, has not only equipped students with knowledge but has nurtured values, critical thinking, and a problem-solving mindset. As you step forward, carry these lessons with you and use your education to contribute meaningfully to society, promote peace, and help build a better world.”

International Solar Alliance to host the Eighth Session of the ISA Assembly from 27-30 October in India

Bengaluru , India,14^th October 2025: The Eighth Session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly, scheduled from 27 to 30 October 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, will bring the world together under one Sun, one vision, and one shared commitment to solar energy.

Launched by India and France at COP21 in Paris, ISA is the largest treaty-based intergovernmental organisation from the Global South, bringing together 124 Member and Signatory Countries. This high-level ministerial gathering comes weeks ahead of COP30 in Brazil, shaping priorities for scaling solar energy, unlocking transformative finance, charting technology and policy roadmaps, and building skill ecosystems to accelerate a just and inclusive energy transition.

At the curtain-raiser today, Shri Pralhad Joshi, Minister of New and Renewable Energy, GoI, & President of the ISA Assembly, said, “Owing to its clear vision and the consistent policies, India achieved its renewable energy targets five years ahead of the schedule, crossing the 50% mark in overall installed electricity capacity from non-fossil resources. Today with approximately 125 GW of solar capacity, India is the world’s third largest solar producer. This progress shows how the national ambition can translate to meaningful change at the local level. It is because our success story is more than just numbers; it is about the people. We have seen firsthand how decentralised solar transforms lives, bring light to rural homes, powers local health centres and gives new tools to our farmers. With PM Surya Ghar – Muft Bijli Yojana, more than 20 lakh households are benefiting from solar power.”

He further added, “Under the PM-KUSUM scheme, we are taking this transformation to the heartland of India. The three components of the scheme target the installation of 10 gigawatts of small solar plants; support 1.4 million off-grid solar pumps; and solarise 3.5 million grid-connected agricultural pumps. Together, these efforts are ensuring that clean energy reaches the last mile. It is this combination of scale and inclusiveness that defines India’s energy transition.”

Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, GoI, noted, “Today we are the third largest in solar power, fourth largest in wind power and overall, we are now the third largest renewable energy installation in the world. Additionally, in manufacturing of solar modules we are the second largest after China. Our manufacturing is not only confined to solar modules but also extends to areas like green hydrogen which is a pivotal part of our energy security—and is going ahead as per our goal of manufacturing about 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2031.”

He also noted, “ISA’s role in experience sharing, in cross learning and in deploying solar both at scale as well as at a distributed level has been commendable and I compliment the partner countries who have collaborated within the framework of ISA for expansion of solar energy in their respective countries. We remain committed to continue this collaboration in future and in a variety of ways through both financial support as well as technical support which we have been extending to ISA.  We also wish to see how it can be scaled up in other countries. Some of the deployment experiments in Africa have shown encouraging results. Given India’s success in deploying solar energy at both utility and distributed levels—through household and farm-level initiatives such as the PM Surya Ghar – Muft Bijli Yojana, which aims to solarise 10 million households, and the PM-KUSUM scheme for farm-level solarisation—India is ready to partner with other countries in implementing similar initiatives.”

Mr Ashish Khanna, Director General of ISA said, “Global renewable energy is at an inflection point. It took oil 25 years to reach 1,000 GW — renewables doubled that in just two years. For the first time, renewable generation has surpassed fossil generation. This is a decisive moment for the Global South to lead. The coming decade must be defined not only by ambition but by tangible action. In this new energy landscape, ISA is emerging as a platform of aggregation—convening nations for collective action to drive large-scale solar deployment. Our vision is to accelerate this momentum by moving from commitments to concrete projects, from dialogue to delivery, and from potential to measurable impact—ensuring solar truly becomes the foundation of a sustainable and inclusive future.”

Recalling  Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision at the first ISA Assembly in 2018, Mr Khanna emphasised ISA’s role in enhancing solar deployment through aggregation, harmonising technology standards, enabling data-driven energy planning, supporting research and innovation, and advancing One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG). He highlighted India’s potential to become the “Silicon Valley for Solar” with the establishment of the Global Capability Centre (GCC), linked with STAR-C hubs worldwide for technical support, digital tools, and training.

The Eighth Session of the ISA Assembly will focus on four strategic pillars: Catalytic Finance Hub; Global Capability Centre & Digitisation; Regional & Country-Level Engagement; and Technology Roadmap & Policy. Ministerial and technical sessions will explore actionable priorities, including advancing catalytic finance through the Africa Solar Facility, strengthening country partnerships through the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Platform, a dedicated initiative to support SIDS in accelerating solar energy deployment through finance, technology, and capacity-building partnerships. and scaling innovation via floating solar, AI and digitisation, OSOWOG, green hydrogen, and standards and testing and solar for agriculture, underscoring ISA’s shift from ambition to action.

The Assembly will also see the release of ISA’s flagship reports—Ease of Doing Solar 2025 and Solar Trends 2025—outlining global progress and pathways to scale solar deployment.

Ahead of the Assembly, ISA convened Regional Committee Meetings across its four regions: Europe & Others in Brussels (10–12 June), Asia-Pacific in Colombo (15–17 July), Latin America & the Caribbean in Santiago (4–6 August), and Africa in Accra (2–4 September). These meetings, attended by representatives from over 100 countries, reviewed progress, addressed challenges, and aligned regional initiatives with ISA’s global priorities. Recommendations on catalytic finance, innovation partnerships, and solarisation for energy access will feed into the Assembly’s deliberations and outcomes.

Pic Credit: Pexel

A strong earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale rocked the Drake Passage, the oceanic strait located between South America and Antarctica, early Saturday morning. According to reports, the tremor was felt at around 1:59 AM Indian Standard Time.

The National Center for Seismology (NCS) stated that the earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 10 kilometers beneath the seabed. Coordinates place the epicenter at 60.18° south latitude and 61.85° west longitude, a region known for frequent seismic activity due to the tectonic boundary between the South American and Antarctic plates.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the earthquake’s depth to be around 10 kilometers. Following the quake, authorities issued tsunami warnings as a precaution, but later clarified that there was no immediate threat of a tsunami in the region.

This seismic event follows a recent earthquake of magnitude 7.4 that struck the Mindanao region of the Philippines on Friday. In response to the Philippine quake, local authorities issued tsunami alerts and warned residents about the possibility of aftershocks. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) reported that the Philippine earthquake occurred at a depth of 62 kilometers.

In the aftermath of the Drake Passage quake, coastal residents in nearby areas were advised to move to higher ground and comply with government instructions to ensure safety.

Earlier this month, on October 1, a devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 struck the central Philippines, resulting in over 60 fatalities. This recent spate of strong earthquakes highlights the ongoing seismic risks faced by regions along tectonic plate boundaries.

Authorities continue to monitor seismic activity closely and urge residents in vulnerable zones to remain alert and prepared.