International

The festival started in 1995 during the regime of the Left Front government and 25 editions have so far been organised by the Information and Cultural Affairs department. After the Trinamool Congress came to power in 2011, the budget of the festival was increased and it started drawing stars from Bollywood along with well-known names from Bengali cinema. In 2019, Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan inaugurated the festival. Amitabh Bachchan and other well-known actors have also been regulars. … [Read more...] about Kolkata International Film Festival rescheduled to be held in January 2021

“The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a draft notification...seeking comments and suggestions for amendment to Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 for facilitating the issuance of International Driving Permit (IDP) for citizens whose IDP has expired while they are abroad,” MoRTH said in a statement. … [Read more...] about Govt could renew international driving licence for citizens abroad

“We will bring the total amount of greenhouse gas (emitted by Japan) to net zero by 2050, meaning carbon neutral,” Suga said in his first policy address to parliament since taking office. “I declare we will aim to realise a decarbonised society,” he added, to applause from Diet members. … [Read more...] about Japan PM Suga sets 2050 deadline for carbon neutrality

India's largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) has signed a loan agreement worth $1 billion with Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). The facility is co-financed by SMBC, MUFG Bank, Mizuho Bank, Shizuoka Bank and Bank of Yokahama.Being in line with the Government's Make in India initiative, the loan is intended to provide funds for the manufacturers, suppliers and dealers of Japanese automobile manufacturers in India. JBIC will provide a guarantee for the portion co-financed by the participating Bank.C Venkat Nageswar, DMD (IBG), SBI said, “The friendship between India and Japan has a long history, rooted in spiritual affinity and strong cultural and civilizational ties. It is a historic occasion for both SBI and JBIC, as for the first time we are entering into an untied loan. This will assist in achieving our Prime Minister’s vision of making India “Atmanirbhar”.JBIC is a policy-based financial institution, wholly owned by the Japanese government, … [Read more...] about SBI inks $1 billion loan deal with Japan Bank for Intl Cooperation

1850-1900 Average temperature 13.7°C 1.0°C Temperature rise expected to surpass 1°C in 2015 2.7°C Forecast warming† by 2100 even if all COP21 pledges are implemented 4-5°C Forecast rise by 2060 if current emissions levels continue 2.0°C 2010: 193 nations sign Cancun Agreements committing governments to “hold increase in global average temperature below 2°C above pre-industrial levels” 3-5°C Warming on existing emissions-reduction policies. Low-lying island states at risk from rising sea levels *Accurate assessment of temperatures in 1750s – when industrial revolution began – is difficult. To overcome problem, climatologists use average temperatures recorded between 1850 and 1900. †United Nations Synthesis report on aggregate effect of Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) … [Read more...] about Historic Paris climate pact puts world on green path