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Overview of 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth Held in New DelhiThe Government of India(GoI) hosted the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), organized by the Parliament of India, from January 14 to 16, 2026 at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, part of the Parliament House Complex in New Delhi, Delhi.The conference was chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.India hosted the conference for the fourth time, after earlier editions in 1970–71, 1986, and 2010.Highlights of CSPOC 2026:Standing Committee Meeting: The CSPOC 2026 commenced on 14 January 2026 with a meeting of the CSPOC Standing Committee, which oversaw the organisation’s activities and comprised 15 members, with five members constituting the quorum.Inauguration of CSPOC 2026: On 15 January 2026, the conference was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.He also inaugurated the 9th Group of Twenty (G20) Parliamentary Speakers’ (P20) Summit, held on the sidelines of CSPOC 2026 in New Delhi.Participation: The 2026 event witnessed the largest participation, with 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers from 42 Commonwealth Countries and representatives of 4 semi-autonomous parliaments.Other Events: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also chaired the Lightning Round, the Special Plenary, and the Closing Plenary, and delivered the keynote address during the Special Plenary on “The Role of Speakers and Presiding Officers in Maintaining Strong Democratic Institutions.”Chairmanship Handover: During the event, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla handed over the chairmanship of the 29th CSPOC to Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the United Kingdom (UK) House of Commons.The 29th CSPOC will be held in London (UK) in 2028.
Overview of 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth Held in New DelhiThe Government of India(GoI) hosted the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), organized by the Parliament of India, from January 14 to 16, 2026 at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, part of the Parliament House Complex in New Delhi, Delhi.The conference was chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.India hosted the conference for the fourth time, after earlier editions in 1970–71, 1986, and 2010.Highlights of CSPOC 2026:Standing Committee Meeting: The CSPOC 2026 commenced on 14 January 2026 with a meeting of the CSPOC Standing Committee, which oversaw the organisation’s activities and comprised 15 members, with five members constituting the quorum.Inauguration of CSPOC 2026: On 15 January 2026, the conference was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.He also inaugurated the 9th Group of Twenty (G20) Parliamentary Speakers’ (P20) Summit, held on the sidelines of CSPOC 2026 in New Delhi.Participation: The 2026 event witnessed the largest participation, with 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers from 42 Commonwealth Countries and representatives of 4 semi-autonomous parliaments.Other Events: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also chaired the Lightning Round, the Special Plenary, and the Closing Plenary, and delivered the keynote address during the Special Plenary on “The Role of Speakers and Presiding Officers in Maintaining Strong Democratic Institutions.”Chairmanship Handover: During the event, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla handed over the chairmanship of the 29th CSPOC to Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the United Kingdom (UK) House of Commons.The 29th CSPOC will be held in London (UK) in 2028.
Overview of 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth Held in New DelhiThe Government of India(GoI) hosted the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), organized by the Parliament of...
Indian Army Day 2026 – January 15Indian Army (IA) Day also known as Bhartiya Sena Diwas is celebrated annually across India on 15th January to honour the courage, discipline and sacrifice of Indian Army (IA) personnel.
Indian Army Day 2026 – January 15Indian Army (IA) Day also known as Bhartiya Sena Diwas is celebrated annually across India on 15th January to honour the courage, discipline and sacrifice of Indian Army (IA) personnel.
Indian Army Day 2026 – January 15Indian Army (IA) Day also known as Bhartiya Sena Diwas is celebrated annually across India on 15th January to honour the courage, discipline and sacrifice of Indian Army (IA) personnel....
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ICICI Bank Re-appointed Sandeep Bakshi as MD & CEO till 2028In January 2026, ICICI Bank Limited re-appointed Sandeep Bakshi as Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for another two years, with effect from October 04, 2026 to October 03, 2028.His reappointment is subject to further approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), stakeholders, and such other approvals as may be required.Apart from his reappointment, the Board of Directors (BoDs) of the bank has also re-appointed Ajay Kumar Gupta as Executive Director (ED) of the bank for another two years with effect from November 27, 2026 to November 26, 2028.What? Re-appointment of MD and CEO of ICICI Bank LimitedWho? Sandeep BakshiTenure: from October 04, 2026 to October 03, 2028Another Re-appointment: ED of ICICI Bank LimitedWho? Ajay Kumar GuptaTenure: from November 27, 2026 to November 26, 2028About Sandeep Bakshi:Previous Tenure: Bakshi was appointed as the MD and CEO of the bank for the 1st time in October 2018 and later, his term was extended until October 2026.Previous Role: Prior to his appointment as MD & CEO, he served as a Whole-time Director (WTD) and the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the bank.Other Roles: Bakshi has been associated with the ICICI Group since 1996 and has held various senior positions across the group in ICICI Limited, ICICI Lombard General Insurance, ICICI Bank and ICICI Prudential Life Insurance.
ICICI Bank Re-appointed Sandeep Bakshi as MD & CEO till 2028In January 2026, ICICI Bank Limited re-appointed Sandeep Bakshi as Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for another two years, with effect from October 04, 2026 to October 03, 2028.His reappointment is subject to further approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), stakeholders, and such other approvals as may be required.Apart from his reappointment, the Board of Directors (BoDs) of the bank has also re-appointed Ajay Kumar Gupta as Executive Director (ED) of the bank for another two years with effect from November 27, 2026 to November 26, 2028.What? Re-appointment of MD and CEO of ICICI Bank LimitedWho? Sandeep BakshiTenure: from October 04, 2026 to October 03, 2028Another Re-appointment: ED of ICICI Bank LimitedWho? Ajay Kumar GuptaTenure: from November 27, 2026 to November 26, 2028About Sandeep Bakshi:Previous Tenure: Bakshi was appointed as the MD and CEO of the bank for the 1st time in October 2018 and later, his term was extended until October 2026.Previous Role: Prior to his appointment as MD & CEO, he served as a Whole-time Director (WTD) and the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the bank.Other Roles: Bakshi has been associated with the ICICI Group since 1996 and has held various senior positions across the group in ICICI Limited, ICICI Lombard General Insurance, ICICI Bank and ICICI Prudential Life Insurance.
ICICI Bank Re-appointed Sandeep Bakshi as MD & CEO till 2028In January 2026, ICICI Bank Limited re-appointed Sandeep Bakshi as Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for another two years, with effect from October 04, 2026 to Octob...
President Droupadi Murmu Appoints Praveen Vashista as Vigilance Commissioner in CVCOn 16 January 2026, President of India, Droupadi Murmu, has appointed Praveen Vashista as Vigilance Commissioner(VC) in the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) for four years or until the incumbent attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.The appointment was made through a warrant dated 12 December 2025 under Section 4(1) of the CVC Act, 2003.Who? Praveen VashistaPosition: Vigilance Commissioner, CVCAppointed By: President Droupadi MurmuLegal Provision: CVC Act, 2003, Section 4(1)Tenure: 4 years or until age 65About Praveen Vashista :Experience: He brings more than 30 years of expertise in law enforcement, criminal investigations, and internal security management.Background: He is an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the 1991 batch, belonging to the Bihar cadre.State-Level Experience: He held key positions in Bihar, including Inspector General (IG) roles in the Economic Offences Wing and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), as well as serving as Superintendent of Police (SP) in districts such as Ranchi, Dumka, and Garhwa.Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI): At the central level, he served in the CBI as SP and Deputy Inspector General (DIG).Central Deputation: He occupied senior roles in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), including Joint Secretary, Additional Secretary, Officer on Special Duty (OSD), and Special Secretary (Internal Security).
President Droupadi Murmu Appoints Praveen Vashista as Vigilance Commissioner in CVCOn 16 January 2026, President of India, Droupadi Murmu, has appointed Praveen Vashista as Vigilance Commissioner(VC) in the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) for four years or until the incumbent attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.The appointment was made through a warrant dated 12 December 2025 under Section 4(1) of the CVC Act, 2003.Who? Praveen VashistaPosition: Vigilance Commissioner, CVCAppointed By: President Droupadi MurmuLegal Provision: CVC Act, 2003, Section 4(1)Tenure: 4 years or until age 65About Praveen Vashista :Experience: He brings more than 30 years of expertise in law enforcement, criminal investigations, and internal security management.Background: He is an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the 1991 batch, belonging to the Bihar cadre.State-Level Experience: He held key positions in Bihar, including Inspector General (IG) roles in the Economic Offences Wing and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), as well as serving as Superintendent of Police (SP) in districts such as Ranchi, Dumka, and Garhwa.Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI): At the central level, he served in the CBI as SP and Deputy Inspector General (DIG).Central Deputation: He occupied senior roles in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), including Joint Secretary, Additional Secretary, Officer on Special Duty (OSD), and Special Secretary (Internal Security).
President Droupadi Murmu Appoints Praveen Vashista as Vigilance Commissioner in CVCOn 16 January 2026, President of India, Droupadi Murmu, has appointed Praveen Vashista as Vigilance Commissioner(VC) in the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) for four...
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Shaea Muhssin Mohammed Al-Zindani Appointed as PM of YemenOn January 15, 2026, Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) appointed Shaea Muhssin Mohammed Al-Zindani, Foreign Minister of Yemen, as the new Prime Minister (PM) of Yemen. He succeeds Salem bin Braik, who formally submitted his resignation during a meeting with PLC Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.What? Appointment of Yemen’s new PMWho? Shaea Muhssin Mohammed Al-ZindaniBy Whom? Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), headed by Rashad Al-AlimiPrevious Role: Minister of Foreign Affairs and ExpatriatesPredecessor: Salem bin Braik.About Shaea Muhssin Mohammed Al-Zindani:Profile: He is a senior Yemeni diplomat and politician, widely recognized for his extensive diplomatic experience and key role in representing Yemen internationally during a critical phase in the country’s political transition.Diplomatic Career: He has had an extensive career in diplomacy and foreign service.He served as Deputy Foreign Minister of Yemen during the early 1990s, followed by key ambassadorial assignments as Yemen’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom(UK) (1991–1994), Italy (2005–2010) with concurrent non-resident accreditation to Greece, Serbia, Albania, and San Marino and later to Jordan (from 2010).He also represented Yemen as Ambassador to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) from 2008 to 2010.Previous Role: Before his appointment as PM, he served as Yemen’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates from 2024.About Yemen:Capital – SanaaCurrency – Yemeni Rial (YER)
Shaea Muhssin Mohammed Al-Zindani Appointed as PM of YemenOn January 15, 2026, Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) appointed Shaea Muhssin Mohammed Al-Zindani, Foreign Minister of Yemen, as the new Prime Minister (PM) of Yemen. He succeeds Salem bin Braik, who formally submitted his resignation during a meeting with PLC Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.What? Appointment of Yemen’s new PMWho? Shaea Muhssin Mohammed Al-ZindaniBy Whom? Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), headed by Rashad Al-AlimiPrevious Role: Minister of Foreign Affairs and ExpatriatesPredecessor: Salem bin Braik.About Shaea Muhssin Mohammed Al-Zindani:Profile: He is a senior Yemeni diplomat and politician, widely recognized for his extensive diplomatic experience and key role in representing Yemen internationally during a critical phase in the country’s political transition.Diplomatic Career: He has had an extensive career in diplomacy and foreign service.He served as Deputy Foreign Minister of Yemen during the early 1990s, followed by key ambassadorial assignments as Yemen’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom(UK) (1991–1994), Italy (2005–2010) with concurrent non-resident accreditation to Greece, Serbia, Albania, and San Marino and later to Jordan (from 2010).He also represented Yemen as Ambassador to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) from 2008 to 2010.Previous Role: Before his appointment as PM, he served as Yemen’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates from 2024.About Yemen:Capital – SanaaCurrency – Yemeni Rial (YER)
Shaea Muhssin Mohammed Al-Zindani Appointed as PM of YemenOn January 15, 2026, Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) appointed Shaea Muhssin Mohammed Al-Zindani, Foreign Minister of Yemen, as the new Prime Minister (PM) of Yemen. He succeeds ...
BSNL & Viasat Collaborate for Indian Navy’s SatCom UpgradeIn January 2026, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Viasat, Inc., an American satellite communications firm, announced a partnership to support the next phase of the Indian Navy’s (IN) Satellite Communications (SatCom) upgrade programme.What? Partnership announcedBetween: BSNL and Viasat, Inc.For: Indian Navy’s SatCom upgradeFocus: Multi-band, multi-constellation SatCom, enhanced coverage and reliabilityIntegration: Viasat Ka-band systems with BSNL L-band networkInfrastructure: BSNL Gateway Earth Station, Viasat global satellite networkKey Details of Partnership:Integration: Viasat’s Ka‑band systems will integrate with BSNL’s L‑band network, enabling the IN’s multi‑band SATCOM connectivity.Enhanced Connectivity: Strengthening coverage and providing dependable communication for vital naval operations.Key Roles:Viasat: An international government team to manage the program under the Communication Services segment.BSNL: Provide gateway infrastructure, integration, and strategic support for naval SATCOM.Installation: Viasat’s equipment has reached India, with installation scheduled to start in late January 2026.
BSNL & Viasat Collaborate for Indian Navy’s SatCom UpgradeIn January 2026, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Viasat, Inc., an American satellite communications firm, announced a partnership to support the next phase of the Indian Navy’s (IN) Satellite Communications (SatCom) upgrade programme.What? Partnership announcedBetween: BSNL and Viasat, Inc.For: Indian Navy’s SatCom upgradeFocus: Multi-band, multi-constellation SatCom, enhanced coverage and reliabilityIntegration: Viasat Ka-band systems with BSNL L-band networkInfrastructure: BSNL Gateway Earth Station, Viasat global satellite networkKey Details of Partnership:Integration: Viasat’s Ka‑band systems will integrate with BSNL’s L‑band network, enabling the IN’s multi‑band SATCOM connectivity.Enhanced Connectivity: Strengthening coverage and providing dependable communication for vital naval operations.Key Roles:Viasat: An international government team to manage the program under the Communication Services segment.BSNL: Provide gateway infrastructure, integration, and strategic support for naval SATCOM.Installation: Viasat’s equipment has reached India, with installation scheduled to start in late January 2026.
BSNL & Viasat Collaborate for Indian Navy’s SatCom UpgradeIn January 2026, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Viasat, Inc., an American satellite communications firm, announced a partnership to support the next phase of the Indian Navy’s (IN) Sa...
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IGGEFIL Sanctions First International Green Loan for Zambia Solar ProjectIn January 2026, IREDA Global Green Energy Finance IFSC Limited (IGGEFIL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), sanctioned its first international green energy loan of USD 22.5 million to Swarna Solar Limited (SSL) for developing a 100 Megawatt (MW) Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Power Project in Serenje District, Central Province of Zambia.What? First international green loan sanctionedBy whom? IREDA Global Green Energy Finance IFSC Limited (IGGEFIL)To Whom? Swarna Solar Limited (SSL)Amount: USD 22.5 millionProject: 100 MW Photovoltaic Solar Power PlantWhere? Serenje District, Central Province, ZambiaMinistry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) About Loan Sanction:First Overseas: This sanction marks IGGEFIL’s inaugural international loan since its incorporation at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City(GIFT City), Gandhinagar, Gujarat.GIFT Advantage: Operating from GIFT City enables access to foreign-currency loans, reducing hedging costs and improving global competitiveness.Catalyst: The loan was approved to leverage competitive international capital for global renewable energy development, positioning IREDA as a global catalyst for clean energy financing.Policy Alignment: The move supports the Government of India’s (GoI) vision of promoting cross-border investments in renewable energy.
IGGEFIL Sanctions First International Green Loan for Zambia Solar ProjectIn January 2026, IREDA Global Green Energy Finance IFSC Limited (IGGEFIL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), sanctioned its first international green energy loan of USD 22.5 million to Swarna Solar Limited (SSL) for developing a 100 Megawatt (MW) Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Power Project in Serenje District, Central Province of Zambia.What? First international green loan sanctionedBy whom? IREDA Global Green Energy Finance IFSC Limited (IGGEFIL)To Whom? Swarna Solar Limited (SSL)Amount: USD 22.5 millionProject: 100 MW Photovoltaic Solar Power PlantWhere? Serenje District, Central Province, ZambiaMinistry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) About Loan Sanction:First Overseas: This sanction marks IGGEFIL’s inaugural international loan since its incorporation at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City(GIFT City), Gandhinagar, Gujarat.GIFT Advantage: Operating from GIFT City enables access to foreign-currency loans, reducing hedging costs and improving global competitiveness.Catalyst: The loan was approved to leverage competitive international capital for global renewable energy development, positioning IREDA as a global catalyst for clean energy financing.Policy Alignment: The move supports the Government of India’s (GoI) vision of promoting cross-border investments in renewable energy.
IGGEFIL Sanctions First International Green Loan for Zambia Solar ProjectIn January 2026, IREDA Global Green Energy Finance IFSC Limited (IGGEFIL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), sanctioned it...
SBI Life Launches ‘Smart Platina Advantage’ Guaranteed Savings PlanIn January 2026, SBI Life Insurance launched ‘SBI Life – Smart Platina Advantage’, an individual, non-linked, non-participating life insurance savings plan offering long-term guaranteed benefits and life insurance protection to support financial goals across life stages, such as children’s education, retirement, and wealth creation.What? Launch of SBI Life – Smart Platina AdvantageBy whom? SBI Life InsuranceType: Individual, non-linked, non-participating life insurance savings planObjective: Provide long-term guaranteed savings and life cover for financial securityTarget Audience: Individuals planning for milestones like children’s education, retirement, wealth creation, or secondary incomePremium Term: Limited Premium Payment Term (LPPT) of 7 or 10 years.Minimum Premium: Rs. 50,000 per annumPolicy Term: Options of 15, 20, or 30 years.Other Launch: SBI Signs MoU with TN PSUs for Enhanced Salary BenefitsPurpose: Extend enhanced banking benefits to PSU employeesBenefits: Zero-balance accounts, concessional interest rates, fee waivers, premium banking, digital solutionsAbout ‘Smart Platina Advantage’ Guaranteed Savings Plan:Product Nature: A savings-oriented life insurance plan offering guaranteed benefits and financial protection.Life Cover: Provides security for the family throughout the policy term in case of the life assured’s death.Minimum Premium: The plan features limited premium payment terms, assured guaranteed additions every policy year, and flexible maturity payout options (lump sum or instalments) for post-maturity liquidity, available from Rs.50,000 annual premiums with tax benefits under Income Tax Act provisions.Term: Limited premium payment of 7 or 10 years with coverage for 15, 20, or 30 years.Guaranteed Additions: Accrues annually to boost maturity value, with higher additions for larger premiums and longer terms.Maturity Option: Flexibility to receive maturity proceeds in installments up to 7 years for post-maturity liquidity.Transparency: Ensures predictable outcomes with guaranteed additions and protection regardless of market fluctuations.SBI Signs MoU with TN PSUs for Enhanced Salary BenefitsIn January 2026, the State Bank of India (SBI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Tamil Nadu (TN) to extend enhanced benefits under the Corporate Salary Package (CSP) for TN’s State Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) employees.The MoU was signed by C.R. Balaji, Additional Director and ex-officio Joint Secretary, Finance Department, TN, and Smitha S. Nair, Deputy General Manager, SBI.Key Benefits of CSP:Cost Savings: The package offers zero-balance salary accounts, concessional interest rates on home, car, and personal loans, and a waiver of processing fees across select banking and loan services.Premium Access: Employees receive premium banking support, including dedicated relationship managers, wealth management solutions, and secure, customized digital banking platforms for seamless transactions.
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World Bank Approves USD286 Million for West Bengal HealthcareIn January 2026, The World Bank (WB) approved USD286 million financing for the West Bengal Health System Reform Program (WBHSRP), targeting improved quality of life and life expectancy for over 90 million people through equitable access to quality healthcare services.What? WB approved loanWho? West Bengal Health System Reform ProgramPurpose: Healthcare services for people over 30 yearsLoan Amount: USD 286 MnLoan Tenure:16.5 years with grace period – 3 yearsFinancing Arm: International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)Health Indicators: IMR – 19 (2018 to 2020), TFR – 1.64 (2019), Life expectancy – 72 yrsChallenge: Adolescent Pregnancy – 16%, MMR – 103Focus Districts: Purulia, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Maldah and Uttar DinajpurObjective: Improve quality of life and life expectancy through equitable healthcare accessKey Highlights:Objective: The WB approved WBHSRP will support delivery of personalized healthcare services across the state for people over 30 years.It provides digital tracking of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and diabetes.Loan Terms: The International Bank of Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) approved a loan with a maturity of 16.5 years, including a grace period of 3 years. Health Indicators: West Bengal has made sustainable health gains in the past 20 years, with Infant Mortality Rates (IMR) declining from 32 deaths per 1000 births in 2018 to 2012 to 19 deaths in 2018 to 2020.Also, the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) stood at 1.64 births per woman in 2019, among the lowest in the country.Life expectancy in the state has reached 72 years, above the national average.Challenge: Despite the improvements, West Bengal has the second-highest rate of adolescent pregnancies in India at 16%, contributing to a Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) of 103 deaths per 1,00,000 live births in 2018.GBV: The Program will also support strengthening gender-based violence (GBV) services including targeted interventions for boys, married adolescents, and healthcare providers.Five Districts: The programme will enhance access to quality healthcare services and reduce inequities in maternal and adolescent health in the districts of Purulia, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Maldah and Uttar Dinajpur.About World Bank (WB)President– Ajay BangaHeadquarters-Washington, DC, the United States of America (USA)Established-1944
India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives Conducts 17th Trilateral Coast Guard Exercise ‘DOSTI 17’ in MaldivesOn 17 January 2026, the 17th edition of the biennial trilateral Coast Guard exercise ‘DOSTI 17’ involving the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Sri Lanka Coast Guard(SLCG), and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard, commenced in Male, Maldives.The biennial maritime exercise was held from 17 to 19 January 2026.What? 17th DOSTI Trilateral Coast Guard ExerciseWhere? Male, MaldivesWhen? From 17th to 19th January 2026Participants: India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka.Objective: Enhance maritime cooperation, interoperability and operational coordinationPhases: Harbour phase (17–19 Jan) followed by operational sea phasePrevious Edition: February 2024, MaldivesBackground: History: Exercise DOSTI was initiated in 1991 as a bilateral exercise between the ICG and the MNDF Coast Guard, and expanded into a trilateral exercise including Sri Lanka in 2012.Previous Edition: The last DOSTI exercise was conducted in February 2024 in the Maldives.About DOSTI 17 Maritime Exercise:Delegations: India is represented by a four-member ICG delegation led by Director General (DG) Paramesh Sivamani, while Sri Lanka is represented by Admiral Rohan Joseph, DG of the SLCG.Phases: The harbour phase was held from 17–19 January 2026 and was followed by an operational sea phase.Harbour Phase: Focus: The exercise emphasizes collaborative MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships)-based marine pollution response drills while promoting reciprocal learning and strengthening operational capabilities among participants.VBSS & SOPs: Conducts joint Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) drills and develops cross-boarding Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enhance coordination.Activities: Features live demonstrations of pollution response equipment and tabletop exercises.Sea Phase:Participants: ICG ships and aircraft will participate to test operational coordination in open-sea conditions.Operations: Focuses on search and rescue (SAR) missions and tactical maritime security drills.Strategic Vision: The exercise supports India’s SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region) vision and Neighbourhood First policy by fostering regional maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.About Indian Coast Guard (ICG):Director General (DG) – Paramesh SivamaniHeadquarters – New Delhi, DelhiEstablished – 1977Motto – Vayam Rakshamah (We Protect)
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