Current Affairs - National

India's rank in the International IP Index 2024 is 42nd, remaining unchanged since 2022. The index evaluates the intellectual property (IP) environment across various economies, providing a roadmap for nations to improve their innovation and creativity ecosystems. India's position at 42nd reflects its standing in the global intellectual property landscape, signalling the importance of fostering better IP practices to boost competitiveness and economic growth.

India has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the world's third-largest ethanol producer and consumer, as announced by Food Minister Pralhad Joshi at the India Sugar and Bio-Energy conference. This accomplishment is attributed to the government's policy changes and initiatives. The country has witnessed a 40% increase in sugarcane production over the past decade, contributing to this achievement. Additionally, the launch of National Green Hydrogen with an outlay of ₹19,744 crores aims to establish India as a global hub, further boosting its ethanol production and consumption capabilities.

India signed the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement at the UN General Assembly. The agreement, which took 20 years to negotiate, focuses on protecting marine biodiversity beyond national territorial waters, referred to as the high seas. It aims to regulate activities such as destructive fishing and pollution while ensuring the fair and equitable sharing of marine resources.

Amazon India has partnered with the Ministry of Labour and Employment by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to utilize the National Career Service (NCS) portal. This collaboration aims to connect job seekers with suitable career opportunities within Amazon and its staffing agencies. By leveraging the NCS portal, Amazon can effectively source candidates, improving access to various job roles across the country. This partnership highlights Amazon's commitment to enhancing recruitment processes and expanding employment opportunities for underserved communities, including women and persons with disabilities, while also supporting India's youth in finding meaningful jobs.

B Vanlalvawna, a 1998-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Cambodia. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). His appointment comes at a time of growing diplomatic relations between India and Cambodia. Cambodia, with its capital Phnom Penh and its leaders Prime Minister Hun Manet and President Hun Sen, share historical and cultural ties with India.