Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development

Context: Recently, India has been elected as the Chairman of the Executive Board of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) during the 23rd AIBD General Conference.

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• India last held the position of AIBD Executive Council Chairman in 2016.
• This development further strengthens India’s leadership in AIBD, as it continues its presidency until August 2025.
• This prestigious appointment reaffirms global trust in India’s broadcasting leadership and paves the way for a greater role in global media development.

Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD)

• The AIBD was founded in 1977 under the auspices of UNESCO and the Secretariat is located in Kuala Lumpur.
• It is a unique regional inter-governmental organisation servicing countries of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP) in the field of electronic media development.
• It currently has more than 92 member organizations from 45 countries, including:
  26 Government Members represented by 48 national broadcasters
  44 Affiliate Members from 28 countries and regions, spanning Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa, Arab States, and North America
• India is a founding member of AIBD.
• The Executive Board (EXBO) supports the General Conference and Institute in areas like finance, HR, institutional growth, administration, and programme development.

Source:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2159841#:~:text=About%20AIBD,represented%20by%2048%20national%20broadcasters https://aibd.org.my/  

 23rd AIBD General Conference

• Theme of the conference: “Media for People, Peace & Prosperity”. 
• The 23rd General Conference and Associated Meetings of AIBD concluded successfully in Phuket, Thailand.
• The conference united global media stakeholders to promote a collaborative Asia-Pacific media landscape through policy exchange and resource sharing.

 3rd International Conference of Young Buddhist Scholars

Context: The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), in collaboration with the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC), successfully hosted the 3^rd International Conference of Young Buddhist Scholars (ICYBS).

3^rd International Conference of Young Buddhist Scholars (ICYBS)

• The theme for this year’s conference was “Wisdom Transmission in Buddha Dhamma in the 21st Century.”
• ICYBS was hosted under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre. 
• The conference brought together young scholars, professors, monks, and dignitaries from countries including Russia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Taiwan, and India.
• The conference aims to strengthen the role of the youth in preserving the essence of the Buddha Dhamma.
• Across four thematic panels, participants discussed Emperor Ashoka’s governance model, traditional knowledge transmission through the Guru-Shishya relationship, the role of Buddha Dhamma in shaping ethical AI, and the engagement of youth through education and Sangha-led initiatives.

International Buddhist Confederation (IBC)

• IBC was formally established in 2012 following a Global Buddhist Congregation in New Delhi.
• This body aims to give Buddhism a global voice to preserve heritage, share knowledge, promote values, and ensure meaningful participation in global discourse.
• It unites all Buddhist organizations to actively address and engage with global issues of shared concern.
• Motto: Collective Wisdom: United Voice.

Sources:

https://www.newsonair.gov.in/3rd-international-conference-of-young-buddhist-scholars-held-in-new-delhi/ 

Agni-5 missile

Context: Recently, India successfully test-fired Agni-5 from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha.

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• The launch validated all operational and technical parameters and was carried out under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command.
• The previous trial of the Agni-5 took place on 11 March 2024, when it was successfully tested with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology.
• DRDO is developing Agni-VI with an expected range of ~10,000 km, while the deployed Agni series already covers ranges from 700 km to 3,500 km.

Agni-5 Missile

• It is an indigenously developed intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• It is a nuclear capable Surface-to-Surface Ballistic Missile.
• It is India's longest-range operational missile with a range of 5,000km.
• Its coverage includes the complete Asian continent and extends to parts of Europe.
• The Agni-V launches from a sealed canister on a road-mobile launcher, compressing the time needed to prepare for launch.
• The missile’s advanced guidance systems reportedly provide high precision, and it is powered by a three-stage solid-fuel rocket.

 Sources:

 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/20/india-successfully-tests-nuclear-capable-missile-able-to-reach-deep-into-china