One of the key highlights of the upcoming Games will be the distribution of eco-friendly welcome kits to the athletes. These kits will feature products made from sustainable materials, including cork coasters, bamboo fiber water bottles, wheat fiber coffee mugs, and cork luggage tags. In addition, the event program will be printed on recycled paper, further reinforcing the Games’ commitment to minimizing its environmental footprint.

The initiative aligns with the government’s broader goal to not only foster sportsmanship but also raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation. This approach serves as a model for future sporting events, encouraging others to adopt eco-friendly practices.

The 38th National Games will see participation from athletes across India, competing in 32 sporting disciplines along with four demonstration events. The Games will also be an opportunity for states and Union Territories to come together, showcasing both athletic prowess and commitment to sustainability.

By focusing on eco-friendly practices, the National Games set a new benchmark for how modern sporting events can integrate environmental responsibility. Through these steps, the event is not only creating an inspiring example of sustainability but also taking tangible action towards the preservation of the planet.

The 2025 edition of the National Games follows the success of the 2023 event held in Goa, where Maharashtra topped the medal tally with 228 medals. The previous edition, hosted by Gujarat in 2022, marked the return of the National Games after a seven-year hiatus and saw Services emerge as the top team.

As the 38th edition draws near, the spotlight will be on both the athletic achievements and the significant strides being made toward sustainability. The Green Games promise to be a milestone event, demonstrating how sports and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.

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This shift is not just about athletic achievement; it’s about inspiring future generations to embrace an eco-friendly lifestyle and contribute to the preservation of our planet. The Green Games concept embodies the spirit of “Sankalp Se Shikhar Tak” (From Resolution to Pinnacle), symbolizing the journey towards excellence through sustainable practices. By blending world-class sports with environmental consciousness, Uttarakhand is setting a new benchmark in organizing large-scale events with a focus on sustainability.

Several eco-friendly initiatives are being introduced to make this edition of the National Games stand out. To curb pollution, only certified green fireworks will be used during celebrations. In a creative display of upcycling, the event’s decorations and selfie points are made from e-waste and discarded sports equipment. At select venues, solar-powered heating systems are being employed to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and minimize carbon footprints.

Further emphasizing sustainability, the medals and certificates awarded to athletes will be made from biodegradable and eco-friendly materials. The event’s trophies will be crafted from e-waste and wood waste, further promoting environmental responsibility. Instead of plastic, cloth-based materials have been used for branding to help reduce plastic waste.

Electric vehicles will transport players and officials between locations, cutting down on emissions. A significant environmental milestone will be the creation of “Khel Van” (Sport Forest), a park where 10,000 trees will be planted. For every medal won by an athlete, a tree will be planted in their name, symbolizing the link between achievement and environmental stewardship. Additionally, the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium will harness solar energy with a 2 MW rooftop solar installation, helping to power the stadium with clean, renewable energy.

Uttarakhand, with its rich natural resources and unwavering commitment to environmental conservation, is providing a stellar example of how large-scale events can be held responsibly. As the 38th National Games unfold, the state will not only celebrate sporting excellence but also champion sustainable development. The Green Games serve as an inspiring reminder of the potential for sports to lead the way toward a greener, more sustainable future.

Scheduled to take place from January 28 to February 14, the National Games will feature 32 sporting disciplines and four demonstration events, bringing together athletes from across India. This exciting multi-sport event follows the successful editions hosted by Goa in 2023 and Gujarat in 2022. As Uttarakhand embraces the fusion of athletics and environmental responsibility, the 38th National Games are set to be a landmark moment in the history of sports in India.

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Digital technologies are revolutionizing the built environment in several ways, providing greater precision, faster decision-making, and increased collaboration. For example, Building Information Modeling (BIM) allows architects, engineers, and contractors to collaborate seamlessly, visualize designs in 3D, and detect potential issues before construction even begins. Similarly, GIS empowers urban planners to make informed, data-driven decisions regarding land use, transportation, and sustainability. Artificial Intelligence is improving building operations by analyzing sensor data to predict equipment failures, optimize heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and assess construction risks. These digital tools enable professionals to make proactive decisions that reduce delays and enhance overall project outcomes.

As digital technologies continue to revolutionize the built environment sector, acquiring digital skills has become crucial for students seeking to thrive in this rapidly evolving field. Mastering emerging technologies is not only beneficial for gaining a competitive edge but is also essential for solving complex challenges, improving project management, and driving sustainability across industries such as engineering, urban planning, healthcare, and logistics. These skills offer students access to diverse career opportunities on a global scale while contributing to a sustainable future.

RICS School of Built Environment (RICS SBE), affiliated with Amity University, is taking significant strides to prepare students for this digital transformation. Established in 2013, RICS SBE is India’s first built environment school, founded by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) UK, with campuses in Noida and Mumbai. The school offers internationally accredited programs in fields like Construction Project Management, Construction Economics, Quantity Surveying, Real Estate, Urban Infrastructure, and Facilities Management.

The programs at RICS SBE are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in today’s dynamic and technology-driven built environment sector. Collaboration with top industry companies provides students with unparalleled opportunities for internships, placements, and live projects. Additionally, international exchange programs offer global exposure, expanding career prospects. The school’s programs are accredited by esteemed bodies like RICS (UK) and the Project Management Institute (PMI), ensuring that students receive education of the highest quality.

By blending a strong emphasis on digital proficiency, sustainability, and practical experience, RICS SBE is preparing future leaders in the real estate and construction sectors to navigate and shape the future of the built environment. As the industry continues to evolve, these students will be at the forefront of creating innovative solutions that not only drive business success but also contribute to building a more sustainable world.

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The ceremony will honour winners from nations including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt, Turkiye, Jordan, Oman, Tunisia, Iran, Lebanon, and Algeria. Tickets for the event are available through the official website at www.StevieAwards.com.

Stevie Awards President Maggie Miller praised the quality of nominations this year, saying, “The quality of nominations received this year was exceptional. The programme has grown every year, showing the vast amount of innovation in the MENA region.”

This year’s competition saw over 1,100 nominations submitted in both Arabic and English. A panel of 118 judges from around the world evaluated the entries, selecting winners based on their contributions to various categories, including innovation in apps, customer service, sustainability, technology, public relations, human resources, and more.

Among the distinguished winners are notable organizations such as Abu Dhabi Customs, the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority, Saudi Arabia’s Insan Charitable Society for the Care of Orphans and Their Mothers, and DHL Express. Other awardees include Ebebek Magazacilik A.S from Turkiye, ZIRA Arabia and The Fashion Commission from Saudi Arabia, and Mobile Communications Company of Iran (MCI).

The Stevie Awards celebrate achievements across a range of sectors, with categories recognizing innovation, management, leadership, and excellence in services and technologies. This prestigious event highlights the continued growth and development within the MENA region, showcasing the region’s rising influence on the global stage.

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The QS World Future Skills Index, produced by QS Quacquarelli Symonds, evaluates countries based on four key criteria: Skills Fit, Academic Readiness, Future of Work, and Economic Transformation. These indicators assess how well countries are positioned to meet the changing demands of the global workforce. India ranks 25th overall in the index, emerging as a “Future Skills Contender,” and notably excels in the Future of Work category, securing the second-highest score globally (99.1), just behind the United States.

India’s Strengths: A Dynamic and Resilient Job Market

India’s impressive score in the Future of Work indicator reflects its job market’s readiness to recruit talent equipped with the skills needed for the future. The country’s ability to attract venture capital funding, even amidst global downturns, signals a robust and resilient investment ecosystem. Furthermore, India is set apart from many other nations by its rapid integration of AI into its workforce, positioning it well for the future job market.

The report specifically identifies India as one of the countries “most ready to recruit into digital roles,” along with Mexico. This suggests that India’s job market is prepared to meet the growing demand for digital expertise in sectors ranging from software development to data science and machine learning.

Areas for Improvement: Education and Industry Collaboration

Despite these strengths, the report highlights areas where India’s education system, industry collaboration, and employment markets need further development. While Indian universities perform well in international rankings, there remains a significant gap in equipping graduates with the in-demand digital, AI, and green skills that employers increasingly seek.

To address these gaps, the QS World Future Skills Index makes several recommendations for India’s higher education system:

1. Increase Tertiary Education Supply: India needs to leverage its large, youthful population by expanding access to higher education, particularly in fields that will drive long-term economic growth. More routes into tertiary education are crucial to avoiding potential skills shortages.
2. Modularised Learning: Adopting modular learning approaches that lower barriers to entry can help increase the supply of graduates with skills aligned to industry demands, particularly in high-growth sectors such as AI, green technologies, and digital roles.
3. Foster Entrepreneurial and Innovative Mindsets: Indian universities should prioritize integrating creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial thinking into their curricula. Strengthening partnerships with industry will help bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world business needs.
4. Focus on Green Skills and Sustainability: Embedding sustainability and green skills into academic programs is crucial, as India faces a growing demand for talent in sectors like electric vehicles and renewable energy. Progress is being made, with 21 of India’s 78 universities featured in the 2025 QS Sustainability Rankings, but there remains room for improvement in green skills development.
5. Bridge Investment and Innovation Gaps: The report underscores the need for greater investment in research and development (R&D) to drive innovation and economic transformation. India’s R&D spending, at just 0.6% of GDP, is significantly lower than leading nations such as the U.S. (3.5%) and the UK (2.9%).
6. Strengthen Industry-Academia Collaboration: India’s higher education sector must work more closely with industry to ensure that academic curricula evolve in line with fast-changing business requirements. Strengthening this collaboration will help improve Skills Fit and ensure that graduates are better prepared for the demands of the future job market.

India’s Bright Economic Future

Despite these challenges, India’s economic trajectory remains promising. The country is expected to experience an average annual GDP growth of 6.5% between 2025 and 2030, outpacing many global competitors. This growth is largely driven by India’s youthful population, burgeoning start-up culture, and dynamic economy.

Matteo Quacquarelli, Vice President of Strategy and Analytics at QS, emphasizes that India’s young demographic offers the nation a unique opportunity for continued growth. He points out that while many countries face demographic challenges due to aging populations, India’s youthful workforce presents an advantage in the race for future talent.

The Road Ahead

The QS analysis also provides strategic recommendations for higher education institutions in India. Among these are the establishment of lifelong learning pathways, the implementation of modularized learning to enhance skill alignment with industry needs, and the fostering of international research partnerships. These initiatives could play a critical role in closing the gaps in emerging technologies such as AI and green innovation.

As the world transitions into a future driven by AI, digitalization, and sustainability, India’s educational institutions, industries, and policymakers must work together to ensure that the country remains at the forefront of this transformation. By addressing the gaps in education, innovation, and industry collaboration, India can continue to build a workforce capable of meeting the demands of the global job market in the years ahead.

In conclusion, India’s strong performance in the QS World Future Skills Index signals that the country is on the right path to becoming a global leader in preparing talent for the jobs of the future. However, continued investment in education, innovation, and sustainability is essential for realizing its full potential. As India positions itself to take advantage of the opportunities presented by its youthful population and economic growth, the country must remain agile and proactive in addressing the evolving needs of the global workforce.

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Over the next three days, the summit will serve as a hub for high-level discussions with energy policymakers and industry leaders, focusing on pathways to energy transition and the creation of circular economies. With 13 heads of state and over 140 ministers and government officials in attendance, the event aims to foster discussions that will drive socioeconomic and technological progress and tap into a potential $10 trillion economic transformation opportunity.

The summit is packed with 34 dedicated sessions and more than 70 speakers, all working to accelerate sustainable development and stimulate impactful action. Key topics will include the integration of cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) to build a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous global future.

Taking place in a region that is prioritizing energy transformation, with an emphasis on renewable sources like solar energy, the summit is expected to attract over 30,000 attendees, including government representatives, business leaders, and sustainability advocates from across the world.

The event will showcase the latest innovations in renewable energy, AI, climate technology, circular economy principles, green financing, and sustainable cities. It also features interactive exhibits and valuable networking opportunities, with more than 400 exhibitors presenting solutions in solar energy, eMobility, clean energy, water, and waste management.

In addition, the summit will offer seven specialized conference streams, covering the full spectrum of the energy ecosystem. These will provide deep insights into the latest trends and developments in Solar & Clean Energy, Water, EcoWASTE, Sustainable Cities, Green Finance, eMobility, and the pathways to achieving a 1.5°C global warming limit. This event promises to be a key milestone in driving forward global sustainability and energy transformation.

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Key Drivers of EV Adoption

Norway’s success is driven by:

1. Financial Incentives: Tax exemptions, rebates, and discounted fees make EVs more affordable.
2. Access to Infrastructure: Free or discounted access to charging stations, toll roads, and ferries makes EV ownership convenient.
3. Business Incentives: Encouragement for businesses to transition their fleets to electric vehicles.
4. Strict Emissions Standards: A clear goal to phase out combustion engine vehicles by 2025.

Market Trends and Pricing

With falling battery prices and more affordable EV models, BEVs now make up 84% of new car sales. As EVs become price-competitive with traditional cars, price parity is expected soon.

The Future of EVs in Norway

Norway plans to expand charging infrastructure, utilize renewable energy (mainly hydropower) for EVs, and continue cross-sector collaboration to support the transition to a fully electrified transportation system.

Conclusion

Norway’s approach provides a successful model for other countries aiming to achieve a sustainable, zero-emission future. Its policies and infrastructure set a global benchmark for EV adoption and environmental sustainability.

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In his address, Goyal emphasized that while Product Linked Incentives (PLIs) and subsidies can play a crucial role in initiating the sector, they are not sustainable in the long term for the clean energy industry. He stressed that the clean energy sector must evolve to become self-sustaining and independent of government support.

“The PLI scheme can only help kickstart the sector, but the clean energy sector must strive to become self-sustaining,” Goyal remarked, adding that the cleantech sector should aim for independence from government backing.

He called on the participants at the forum to innovate and scale up manufacturing in India. According to Goyal, the Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform will offer Indian firms an opportunity to collaborate, co-innovate, and access financing. The platform will also allow for sharing ideas, technologies, and resources, positioning India as a prominent global leader in sustainability and the cleantech sector.

Additionally, Goyal expressed confidence that the ambitious clean energy target set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi – 500 Gigawatts of clean energy by 2030 – could be met. He highlighted India’s impressive progress in the energy sector, noting that the country has already exceeded expectations by achieving its renewable energy target in 2022, eight years ahead of schedule. With the installation of 200 Gigawatts of clean energy, India is now well on track to meet the 500 Gigawatt goal.

India’s success in this area, Goyal explained, is a result of its well-connected national grid, which is the largest of its kind in the world. He also credited Gujarat for being a pioneer in adopting solar power, recognizing the state’s role in the broader national effort to scale up renewable energy sources.

The affordability of solar power in India, Goyal stated, can largely be attributed to the transparency fostered by Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. Through honest auctions and fostering fair competition, the cost of solar energy has decreased significantly.

In conclusion, Goyal reiterated that the Government’s renewable energy program is centered around the principles of 3S: speed, scale, and skill, which have driven the success of the country’s clean energy initiatives.

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The core idea behind this integration of AI is to preserve the expertise of retiring employees and pass it on to the new generation, ensuring that valuable knowledge is not lost. When combined with digital twins — virtual representations of physical assets or processes — the impact of AI becomes even more powerful. This union enables a range of advancements from enhanced performance monitoring and optimization to creating realistic simulations and generating precise predictions. Together, AI and digital twins have the potential to revolutionize industries by improving operational efficiency and fostering smarter decision-making.

One clear example of this transformation can be seen in the IT sector. Historically, one IT administrator might have serviced around 1,000 tickets. However, thanks to digitalization, the same administrator can now handle up to 100,000 tickets. Importantly, this shift doesn’t eliminate IT jobs but rather increases productivity, demonstrating that digital tools can augment human capacity rather than replace it.

This pattern is expected to repeat across multiple industries as digital technologies become more widely adopted. According to WEF, when these technologies are combined with sector-specific knowledge, they can unlock vast new possibilities, making cutting-edge solutions more accessible and addressing crucial challenges such as equitable growth and sustainability. The ability to scale such technologies holds the potential to not only improve productivity but also to help tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues.

AI’s strength lies in its capacity to turn raw data into actionable insights. When paired with digital twins, AI enables the collection, analysis, and optimization of data to eliminate inefficiencies and make smarter decisions. For example, in highly automated manufacturing environments, machines generate vast amounts of data—equivalent to half a million movies every month. Historically, much of this data has gone underutilized, but with the introduction of AI, manufacturers are able to unlock valuable insights. AI helps to identify patterns, spot inefficiencies, predict outcomes, and facilitate better decision-making. In fact, in quality control, the integration of AI and digital twins has reduced efforts by 95%.

While the use of AI and digital twins is particularly transformative in manufacturing, the potential of these technologies extends far beyond factories. In healthcare, AI can assist in interpreting complex medical images, such as MRI scans and X-rays, improving diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. In agriculture, robots equipped with AI can help identify ripe fruits for harvesting, streamlining processes in the field. In the building sector, AI can be used to analyze data from building materials and designs to enhance energy efficiency, reduce costs, and lower carbon emissions.

To unlock the full potential of these technologies and address the global productivity gap, the key lies in developing a comprehensive digital strategy. By adopting technologies like AI and digital twins across industries, we can drive sustainable growth, foster innovation, and improve efficiency. As WEF emphasizes, how we embrace and implement these tools today will lay the foundation for future generations, creating a landscape where technology not only boosts productivity but also tackles critical global challenges such as sustainability and equitable development.

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This year’s ranking places APSEZ in the 97th percentile within its sector, an enhancement from the 96th percentile it attained in 2023, according to a company statement released on Wednesday.

Notably, for the second consecutive year, APSEZ clinched the top position in the “Environment” dimension of the CSA. The company also excelled in several key areas across the Social, Governance, and Economic dimensions. These included high scores in Transparency and Reporting, Materiality, Supply Chain Management, Information Security/Cybersecurity, System Availability, and Customer Relations.

Ashwini Gupta, the Whole-Time Director and CEO of APSEZ, emphasized the company’s commitment to responsible business practices. He stated, “We firmly believe responsible business practices drive innovation and long-term success. The latest recognition only reflects our commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility.” Gupta added that the company’s success in integrating sustainability across its operations has been integral to this achievement, and reiterated APSEZ’s commitment to reaching its Net Zero target by 2040.

As of December 31, 2024, 60% of the 318 companies in the transport and transport infrastructure sector were assessed as part of the CSA 2024.

About APSEZ

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), part of the globally diversified Adani Group, has evolved from a port operator to an Integrated Transport Utility. With 15 strategically located ports and terminals across India’s west and east coasts, APSEZ handles a significant portion of the country’s total port volumes, accounting for 27% of the national total.

In addition to its operations in India, APSEZ is actively developing international ventures, including a transhipment port in Colombo, Sri Lanka, operating the Haifa Port in Israel, and managing Container Terminal 2 at the Dar Es Salaam Port in Tanzania.

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