This is the second bi-weekly bulletin for the period from July 21- August 2, 2023.

(1) July 22, 2023-  The G20 Energy Ministerial Meeting in Goa 

The 4th G20 Energy Ministerial meeting was held in Goa on July 22, 2023, with Mr R. K. Singh, the Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy, as its chairperson. The purpose of the meeting was to bring together Energy Ministers from G20 member countries to address pressing global energy issues and promote collaboration toward a resilient and sustainable energy future. Dr Pramod Sawant, the Chief Minister of Goa, commented, “We are immensely honoured to host the 4th G20 Energy Ministerial Meeting in the vibrant state of Goa. This event represents a unique opportunity for our nation to showcase its dedication to advancing clean and sustainable energy solutions.” Choosing the State of Goa as the host of this event brings to light India’s growing leadership in the energy sector and further strengthens the State’s adherence to driving positive transformation on the international stage.

(2) July 24, 2023-  MOU between Punjab Government and British Council (UK)

Intending to open new employment channels for the youth, the Punjab Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the British Council Education India Pvt. Ltd. for an English training course “English for Work” for students of government colleges. Mr Bhagwant Mann, the Chief Minister of Punjab, believes that the impact of the memorandum would be manifold. Not only will the course focus on imparting English training for jobs, but it will also upgrade the employability skills of the youth of Punjab at the workplace. He further added that this is a  step towards reversing the trend of brain drain from the State as it will also motivate the youth to stay within India. The project will commence with a pilot project of Punjab’s government colleges for 5000 students from the  Academic Session 2023-2024.

The British Deputy High Commissioner in Chandigarh commented on the MoU by saying, “This partnership is yet another example of the UK’s unique and longstanding connection with Punjab. We were proud to be Punjab’s partner country at the Invest Punjab summit. And we are proud to demonstrate our commitment to support excellence in education”.

(3) July 28, 2023- 4th G20 ECSWG Meeting 

The fourth and final G-20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) and Environment and Climate Ministers meeting took place from July 26- 28, 2023, in Chennai. It brought together around 300 delegates from the G20 member countries to finalize the Ministerial Outcome and the Presidency Document. However, the meeting concluded on 28 July 2023 without a final communique on climate change. The Outcome Document, as discussed by the G20 nations, declared the adoption of principles for a vigorous blue economy by prioritizing ocean health, fostering social and intergenerational equity, and sustainable use of the marine environment.

(4) July 28, 2023- Inauguration of Semicon India 2023 at Gandhinagar 

The second edition of Semicon India 2023 took place in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The event was scheduled from 28 July 2023 to 30 July 2023, with its theme being: Catalysing India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem. The primary aim of the conference was to exhibit India’s progress in becoming a preeminent global player in Semiconductor Design, Manufacturing, and Technology Development, in accordance with the notion of the India Semiconductor Mission. The Semicon India 2023 witnessed the participation of representatives of several major companies like Micron Technology, Applied Materials, Foxconn, SEMI, and many more. As PM Narendra Modi addressed the gathering during the inauguration, he focussed on how in one year, the question has changed from ‘Why invest in India?’ to ‘Why not invest in India?’. The Prime minister concluded his speech by stating, “The theme coined by India as the Presidency of G-20 is ‘one earth, one family, one future’. This is also our spirit behind making India a semiconductor manufacturing hub. India’s skill, India’s capacity, India’s capability should benefit the whole world; that’s what India desires.”