CGTMSE has been provided with an additional corpus support of Rs9,000 crore in the Union Budget for FY 2023-24 to revamp its Scheme to provide guarantee for additional Rs2 lakh crore to Micro & Small Enterprises.
The modifications included reduction in guarantee fees for loans upto Rs1 crore by 50% bringing the minimum guarantee fee to the level of 0.37% per annum only.
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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated 91 new 100W FM Transmitters, which have been installed in 85 districts across 18 States and 2 Union Territories to boost to radio connectivity in the country.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated 91 new 100W FM Transmitters, which have been installed in 85 districts across 18 States and 2 Union Territories to boost to radio connectivity in the country. The States and UTs which are covered include Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Ladakh and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. With this expansion of AIR’s FM service, an additional 2 crore people will now be covered who did not have access to the medium. It will result in the expansion of coverage in about 35,000 sq km area.
The States and UTs which are covered include Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Ladakh a
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India’s first cable-stayed Anji Khad bridge will be ready in May 2023.
India’s first cable-stayed Anji Khad bridge will be ready in May 2023. This new bridge is being dubbed as an engineering marvel as it is one of the biggest railway projects on top of a mountain. The 725m bridge is approximately 331m above the Anji River by a total of 96 cables. Though not the entire bridge is cable-stayed, a whopping 473 m of the bridge is. The Anji Khad Bridge is located approximately 80 kms from the Union Territory of Jammu. Though the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Line will be ready only by February 2024, the Anji Khad Railway Bridge will be here soon. It will, for sure, open up several new travel experiences for travellers to the regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
India’s first cable-stayed Anji Khad bridge will be ready in May 2023.
The 725m bridge is approximately 331m above the Anji River by a total of 96 cables.
Though not the entire bridge is cable-stayed, a whopping 473 m of the bridge is.
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ITC Ltd has overtaken Infosys Ltd to become India’s 6th largest company, as per market capitalization (m-cap).
ITC Ltd has overtaken Infosys Ltd to become India’s 6th largest company, as per market capitalization (m-cap). ITC’s market cap currently stands at Rs5.11 lakh crore, while the m-cap of Infosys (7th placed) stand at Rs5.08 lakh crore. HDFC's m-cap is around Rs5,05,558.17 crore, holding the 8th largest company title. The market capitalization value of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) is Rs16.07 lakh crore followed by TCS with Rs11.62 lakh crore and HDFC bank with Rs9.28 lakh crore.
ITC Ltd has overtaken Infosys Ltd to become India’s 6th largest company, as per market capitalization (m-cap).
ITC’s market cap currently stands at Rs5.11 lakh crore, while the m-cap of Infosys (7th placed) stand at Rs5.08 lakh crore.
HDFC's m-cap is around Rs5,05,558.17 crore, holding the 8th largest company title.
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The Reserve Bank of India removed restrictions on resident individuals from opening interest-earning Foreign Currency Accounts (FCA) in International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).
The Reserve Bank of India removed restrictions on resident individuals from opening interest-earning Foreign Currency Accounts (FCA) in International Financial Services Centre (IFSC). Further, the central bank removed the condition of repatriating any funds lying idle in the FCA account for a period of up to 15 days. The long-awaited amendment by the RBI now puts IFSC at par with other jurisdictions when it comes to remittances. In February 2021, the RBI allowed resident individuals to make remittances under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) to IFSCs set up in India. However, the remittances were to be made only for making investments in IFSC securities. Moreover, only a non-interest-bearing FCA was allowed in IFSCs under LRS.
The Reserve Bank of India removed restrictions on resident individuals from opening interest-earning Foreign Currency Accounts (FCA) in International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).
Further, the central bank removed the condition of repatriating any funds lying idle in the FCA account for a period of up to 15 days.
In February 2021, the RBI allowed resident individuals to make remittances under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) to IFSCs set up in India. However, the remittances were to be made only for making investments in IFSC securities.
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NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has signed a definitive agreement with global digital payments infrastructure provider PPRO to offer global partners access to Unified P
NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has signed a definitive agreement with global digital payments infrastructure provider PPRO to offer global partners access to Unified Payments Interface (UPI). The UK-based PPRO's global clients include payment service providers (PSPs) and global merchant acquirers around the world. By partnering with PPRO, Indian consumers will now be able to shop online with merchants around the world and pay safely and easily using UPI. This association will also drive NIPL’s expansion into foreign markets and will add India to PPRO’s Local Payment Method (LPM) coverage map. The partnership between NIPL and PPRO will empower the global PSPs, banks, payment gateways, and enterprises with payment platforms to expand globally giving international e-commerce merchants access to Indian consumers.
NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has signed a definitive agreement with global digital payments infrastructure provider PPRO to offer global partners access to Unified P
The UK-based PPRO's global clients include payment service providers (PSPs) and global merchant acquirers around the world.
By partnering with PPRO, Indian consumers will now be able to shop online with merchants around the world and pay safely and easily using UPI.
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Full-Stack Payments and Banking Platform Razorpay joined with the ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) to offer payment reconciliation services for buyer and seller apps.
Full-Stack Payments and Banking Platform Razorpay joined with the ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) to offer payment reconciliation services for buyer and seller apps. Razorpay becomes the First Payment Gateway to launch a Payment Reconciliation Service for Network Participants (NPs) like buyers, sellers, and logistic partners, thereby streamlining the payment processes on ONDC, and providing them with an integrated single view of all their transactions. Through this solution, Razorpay aims to provide a seamless and efficient way for Network Participants (NPs) to settle funds and process transactions on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
Razorpay becomes the First Payment Gateway to launch a Payment Reconciliation Service for Network Participants (NPs) like buyers, sellers, and logistic partners, thereby streamlining the payment processes on ONDC, and providing them with an integrated sin
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The Redington Ltd, a major distributor of IT hardware, partnered with SBI for provision of solar loans of up to Rs5 crore at interest rates linked to rates that the bank charges its best customers.
The Redington Ltd, a major distributor of IT hardware, partnered with SBI for provision of solar loans of up to Rs5 crore at interest rates linked to rates that the bank charges its best customers. As of 27th April 2023, the interest rates for these solar loans ranges between 9.5 percent and 10 percent, according to Pradeep Srikanthan, who heads the solar business at Redington. Redington also has tie-ups with other financiers, notably ICICI Bank, U Gro Capital and SIDBI, who provide loans either for putting up rooftop solar plants, or to systems integrators (channel partners).
As of 27th April 2023, the interest rates for these solar loans ranges between 9.5 percent and 10 percent, according to Pradeep Srikanthan, who heads the solar business at Redington.
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The 68th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2023 with Maharashtra Tourism were held on April 27, 2023 at the Jio World Conventional Centre in Mumbai.
The 68th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2023 with Maharashtra Tourism were held on April 27, 2023 at the Jio World Conventional Centre in Mumbai. Salman Khan hosted the ceremony for the very first time, alongside co-hosts Ayushmann Khurrana and Maniesh Paul. The award show was telecast on April 28, 2023 on Colors TV. The 68th Filmfare Awards 2023 is presented by Hyundai Motor India as the Title Partner, Destination Partner Maharashtra Tourism, Co-presented by Vimal Elaichi. Special Awards: RD Burman Award For Upcoming Music Talent: Janhvi Shrimankar for Dholida - Gangubai Kathiawadi; Lifetime Achievement Award: Prem Chopra. Filmfare Awards 2023 winners: Best Film: Gangubai Kathiawadi; Best Actor In A Leading Role (Male): Rajkummar Rao for Badhaai Do; Best Actor In A Leading Role (Female): Alia Bhatt for Gangubai Kathiawadi; Best Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali for Gangubai Kathiawadi.
Salman Khan hosted the ceremony for the very first time, alongside co-hosts Ayushmann Khurrana and Maniesh Paul.
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On 24th April 2023, the Green Organization, London, UK presented the Green World Awards 2023 held in Miami International Airport, USA.
On 24th April 2023, the Green Organization, London, UK presented the Green World Awards 2023 held in Miami International Airport, USA. The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has won the Green World Awards 2023. The CMRL won silver in the carbon reduction category of the Green World Awards 2023. The recognition was given to CMRL in recognition of its initiatives to cut down on energy use, carbon emissions, and solar energy usage. Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) has been conferred Global Gold Award by The Green Organization. Dr V. K. Singh, Director (Personnel), POWERGRID received the award on behalf of the organization. Vedanta Ltd has been conferred Global Gold Award in the Environmental Policy & Management category at the Green World Awards 2023.
On 24th April 2023, the Green Organization, London, UK presented the Green World Awards 2023 held in Miami International Airport, USA.
The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has won the Green World Awards 2023.
Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) has been conferred Global Gold Award by The Green Organization.
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Neeli Bendapudi, the Indian American president of Penn State University, received 2023 Immigrant Achievement Award for her contributions to higher education in the US.
Neeli Bendapudi, the Indian American president of Penn State University, received 2023 Immigrant Achievement Award for her contributions to higher education in the US. The award recognises individuals or organisations that exhibit a commitment and dedication to our heritage as a nation of immigrants and to the struggle for fair and humane immigration policies in the United States. The award was presented at the DC Immigrant Achievement Awards reception on April 28, 2023 in Washington. She was appointed the 19th President of Penn State University in 2022. Earlier, she was the President of University of Louisville from 2018 to 2021.
The award was presented at the DC Immigrant Achievement Awards reception on April 28, 2023 in Washington.
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Vodafone has appointed Margherita Della Valle as its new permanent chief executive officer (CEO) of Vodafone.
Vodafone has appointed Margherita Della Valle as its new permanent chief executive officer (CEO) of Vodafone. She is one of only 10 women at the helm of the UK’s top 100 listed companies. Della Valle, who was finance chief for the FTSE 100 company, has served as interim chief executive since January 2023, when she took over from Nick Read.
Vodafone has appointed Margherita Della Valle as its new permanent chief executive officer (CEO) of Vodafone.
She is one of only 10 women at the helm of the UK’s top 100 listed companies.
Della Valle, who was finance chief for the FTSE 100 company, has served as interim chief executive since January 2023, when she took over from Nick Read.
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A Madhavarao, Director of Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), has been named as the next Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of BDL.
A Madhavarao, Director of Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), has been named as the next Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of BDL. The recommendation was made by the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) panel after conducting interviews with 5 candidates, including two from Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), and one each from BDL, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. Madhavarao was chosen from the list of 5 candidates interviewed by the PESB selection panel.
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Noted scientist and orator Dr N Gopalakrishnan passed away at the age of 68 in Thrippunithura, Kerala.
Noted scientist and orator Dr N Gopalakrishnan passed away at the age of 68 in Thrippunithura, Kerala. Gopalakrishnan worked as a scientist at the Advanced Seismic Testing and Research Laboratory (ASTaR) of CSIR-SERC, before assuming charge as Director, CSIRCBRI. He has five Indian patents to his credit and has co-authored 61 international and national journal publications.
Noted scientist and orator Dr N Gopalakrishnan passed away at the age of 68 in Thrippunithura, Kerala.
Gopalakrishnan worked as a scientist at the Advanced Seismic Testing and Research Laboratory (ASTaR) of CSIR-SERC, before assuming charge as Director, CSIRCBRI.
He has five Indian patents to his credit and has co-authored 61 international and national journal publications.
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World Day for Safety and Health at Work is celebrated every year on April 28 to promote safe, healthy, and decent work environments across the globe.
World Day for Safety and Health at Work is celebrated every year on April 28 to promote safe, healthy, and decent work environments across the globe. The International Labour Organization celebrated the World Day for Safety and Health at Work for the first time in the year 2003. International Labour Organization declared this day as an annual international campaign to raise awareness of the importance of workplace safety and health. The International Labour Organization decides the theme for World Day for Safety and Health at Work. The theme of World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2023 is “A safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental principle and right at work”.
The theme of World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2023 is “A safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental principle and right at work”.
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Khongjom Day is celebrated annually on 23 April in Manipur to commemorate the soldiers who fought in the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891.
Khongjom Day is celebrated annually on 23 April in Manipur to commemorate the soldiers who fought in the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891. 23rd April 2023 marks the 132nd observance of Khongjom Day. Khongjom Day is a significant event in the history of Manipur that commemorates the bravery of the state’s soldiers who fought in the 1891 Anglo-Manipuri War. The battle took place at Khongjom in Thoubal district of Manipur and marked the beginning of colonial rule in the region.
23rd April 2023 marks the 132nd observance of Khongjom Day.
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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the re-appointment of N Kamakodi as the MD and CEO of City Union Bank (CUB) for three more years effective from 1st May 2023.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the re-appointment of N Kamakodi as the MD and CEO of City Union Bank (CUB) for three more years effective from 1st May 2023. In a stock exchange filing, based on the recommendation of the board of directors of the bank, RBI in its letter dated April 26, 2023, has given approval for his re-appointment for a further period of 3 years. Kamakodi has been serving as MD & CEO of the bank since May 2011. Joining CUB as DGM in 2003, he was elevated as GM in 2005 and later as the executive director in 2006.
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The Union Cabinet approved National Medical Devices Policy 2023 with an aim to increase domestic production and reduce imports of such equipment.
The Union Cabinet approved National Medical Devices Policy 2023 with an aim to increase domestic production and reduce imports of such equipment. The policy is expected to help the medical devices sector grow from the present $11 billion to $50 billion in the next five years. During the cabinet meeting, the establishment of 157 government nursing colleges was also approved at a cost of Rs1,570 crore in co-location with existing medical colleges. The aim is to provide quality, affordable, and equitable nursing education in the country and enhance the number of nursing professionals.
The Union Cabinet approved National Medical Devices Policy 2023 with an aim to increase domestic production and reduce imports of such equipment.
The policy is expected to help the medical devices sector grow from the present $11 billion to $50 billion in the next five years.
During the cabinet meeting, the establishment of 157 government nursing colleges was also approved at a cost of Rs1,570 crore in co-location with existing medical colleges.
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Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman approved the upgradation of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) to Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) from Category-I Miniratna.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman approved the upgradation of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) to Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) from Category-I Miniratna. RVNL, a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Railways, will be the 13th Navratna amongst CPSEs. RVNL is a Ministry of Railways CPSE with an annual turnover of Rs19,381 crores and net profit of Rs1,087 crores for the years 2021-22. The company must have Miniratna status, with 4 independent board directors. Moreover, the company must get a score of 60 out of 100 in parameters like net worth, net profit, total production cost, manpower cost, service cost, capital employed, and PBDIT.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman approved the upgradation of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) to Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) from Category-I Miniratna.
RVNL, a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Railways, will be the 13th Navratna amongst CPSEs.
The company must have Miniratna status, with 4 independent board directors.
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched IFFCO’s liquid nano Di-Ammonia Phosphate (DAP), a locally developed liquid form of the fertilizer widely used by the farm sector, the world’s first such product.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched IFFCO’s liquid nano Di-Ammonia Phosphate (DAP), a locally developed liquid form of the fertilizer widely used by the farm sector, the world’s first such product. Nano DAP would increase crop productivity, add to farm incomes and save subsidies. Nano variants such as nano-urea and nano-DAP have immense potential to strengthen Indian economy by reducing the fertiliser input cost in agriculture. Nano (liquid) DAP will start replacing conventional DAP. The use of nano urea and nano DAP will lead to a reduction in imports as well as the government’s fertiliser subsidy bill. The first mass manufacturing plant of nano DAP will be set up in Kalol of Gujarat. The estimated urea demand is 17.9 million tonne, while domestic output is pegged at 13.9 million tonne. An opening balance of 5.5 million tonne will take total availability to a surplus 19.4 million tonne.
The first mass manufacturing plant of nano DAP will be set up in Kalol of Gujarat.
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The Department of Consumer Affairs and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action signed the new Work Plan for 2023 during the 9th Annual Meeting of the Indo-German Working Group on Quality Infrastructure.
The Department of Consumer Affairs and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action signed the new Work Plan for 2023 during the 9th Annual Meeting of the Indo-German Working Group on Quality Infrastructure. The plan was signed in Berlin, Germany on 25 April 2023. This year's Annual Meeting marks the 10th anniversary of the Working Group. The Work Plan 2023 is structured along the key elements of QI, including standardisation, accreditation, conformity assessment, legal metrology, product safety and market surveillance. It addresses cross-cutting topics.
The Department of Consumer Affairs and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action signed the new Work Plan for 2023 during the 9th Annual Meeting of the Indo-German Working Group on Quality Infrastructure.
The plan was signed in Berlin, Germany on 25 April 2023.
This year's Annual Meeting marks the 10th anniversary of the Working Group.
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As per World Bank's annual report 'World Development Report 2023: Migrants, Refugees & Societies', there are currently 184 million migrants globally, which is 2.3% of the population, including 37 million refugees.
As per World Bank's annual report 'World Development Report 2023: Migrants, Refugees & Societies', there are currently 184 million migrants globally, which is 2.3% of the population, including 37 million refugees. The largest share— 43%—lives in developing countries. Spain, with a population of 47 million, is projected to reduced by more than one third by 2100, with those above age 65 increasing from 20% to 39% of the population. Countries like Mexico, Thailand, Tunisia and Türkiye may soon need more foreign workers because their population is no longer growing.
The largest share— 43%—lives in developing countries.
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The United States Trade Representative (USTR) again placed India on the ‘Priority Watch List of 2023’ along with China and Russia and Venezuela, Chile, Indonesia, Argentina, for lack of adequate intellectual property rights protection and enforcement.
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) again placed India on the ‘Priority Watch List of 2023’ along with China and Russia and Venezuela, Chile, Indonesia, Argentina, for lack of adequate intellectual property rights protection and enforcement. In its 2023 Annual Special 301 Report, that identifies trade barriers to American companies due to IP laws of other countries, India remained one of the most challenging economies for IP enforcement and protection and the country’s overall IP enforcement was inadequate. USTR’s annual Special 301 Report lists out the countries that are perceived to have serious deficiencies in their national IPR systems. In 2022, USTR had reviewed more than 100 trading partners for the Special 301 Report and placed 27 of them, including India, on the Priority Watch List.
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NSE Indices, an arm of the National Stock Exchange (NSE), has revised the methodology for handling demergers, allowing the demerged entities to be retained in the index.
NSE Indices, an arm of the National Stock Exchange (NSE), has revised the methodology for handling demergers, allowing the demerged entities to be retained in the index. The change shall be applicable to the scheme of arrangement of all companies involving demerger which may be approved by equity shareholders of respective companies on or after April 30, 2023. At present, the demerged company is excluded from the index and the same is replaced with another eligible stock soon after the equity shareholders’ approval to a scheme of arrangement for the demerger of a company (in case of indices with a fixed number of constituents).
The change shall be applicable to the scheme of arrangement of all companies involving demerger which may be approved by equity shareholders of respective companies on or after April 30, 2023.
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WYLD, the world’s first social currency payment card has launched in Mumbai.
WYLD, the world’s first social currency payment card has launched in Mumbai. It is powered by Visa, the platform will allow everyday social media users (with as little as 1K followers) to leverage their Instagram following to earn massive cashbacks on everyday spends. The platform is open to the first 5,000 users on their waitlist of 10,000 potential customers, for their beta-testing phase. All users have to do is make purchases using the WYLD card, post about their purchase on Instagram, and earn massive cashbacks, ranging from 30 -100% of their transaction value, back into their card wallet, the cashback percentage determined by the persons WYLD Score. Higher the score, higher the cashback!
It is powered by Visa, the platform will allow everyday social media users (with as little as 1K followers) to leverage their Instagram following to earn massive cashbacks on everyday spends.
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The Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) Uttar Pradesh has been awarded the country’s prestigious HUDCO Award (2022-2023) for Best Practices to Improve the Living Environment 2022-23 category for cleanliness.
The Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) Uttar Pradesh has been awarded the country’s prestigious HUDCO Award (2022-2023) for Best Practices to Improve the Living Environment 2022-23 category for cleanliness. The award was presented by Manoj Joshi, secretary, ministry of housing and urban affairs, to Neha Sharma, state mission director, Uttar Pradesh during a programme organised on the 53rd Foundation Day of the Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO) in New Delhi. An amount of Rs1 lakh was also given to the UP government as part of the award. This campaign was conducted by the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) Uttar Pradesh from January 14 to 24. In this, 75 tourist and historical places of the state were included. Special cleanliness drives were conducted at these places.
The Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) Uttar Pradesh has been awarded the country’s prestigious HUDCO Award (2022-2023) for Best Practices to Improve the Living Environment 2022-23 category for cleanliness.
The award was presented by Manoj Joshi, secretary, ministry of housing and urban affairs, to Neha Sharma, state mission director, Uttar Pradesh during a programme organised on the 53rd Foundation Day of the Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limite
An amount of Rs1 lakh was also given to the UP government as part of the award.
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The 1959 Ramon Magsaysay Award was presented to Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama by members of the award foundation personally after 64 years in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh.
The 1959 Ramon Magsaysay Award was presented to Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama by members of the award foundation personally after 64 years in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh. It was the first international award given to the 14th Dalai Lama for his Holiness for Community Leadership in recognition of his leadership of the Tibetan community's gallant struggle in defense of the sacred religion. The Ramon Magsaysay Award, often called the "Nobel Prize of Asia". The prize was established in April 1957 by the trustees of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund based in New York City with the concurrence of the Philippine government.
The 1959 Ramon Magsaysay Award was presented to Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama by members of the award foundation personally after 64 years in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh.
It was the first international award given to the 14th Dalai Lama for his Holiness for Community Leadership in recognition of his leadership of the Tibetan community's gallant struggle in defense of the sacred religion.
The Ramon Magsaysay Award, often called the "Nobel Prize of Asia".
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RINL (Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd) bagged Steel Ministry’s "Ispat Rajbhasha Samman" First Prize for the year 2021-22.
RINL (Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd) bagged Steel Ministry’s "Ispat Rajbhasha Samman" First Prize for the year 2021-22. CMD, RINL Shri Atul Bhatt received this prestigious award from the Minister of State for Steel and Rural Development Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste in the meeting of Hindi Salahkar Samiti held at Srinagar. Shri Kulaste also released RINL's March issue of Hindi In-house Magazine "Rashtriya Ispat Sugandh". Shri Lalan Kumar, GM (Rajbhasha) and Admin Incharge, RINL-Visakhapatnam steel plant was also awarded First Prize for his special efforts in ensuring effective implementation of Hindi in the organisation.
RINL (Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd) bagged Steel Ministry’s "Ispat Rajbhasha Samman" First Prize for the year 2021-22.
CMD, RINL Shri Atul Bhatt received this prestigious award from the Minister of State for Steel and Rural Development Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste in the meeting of Hindi Salahkar Samiti held at Srinagar.
Shri Kulaste also released RINL's March issue of Hindi In-house Magazine "Rashtriya Ispat Sugandh".
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Padma Shri awardee and Olympian boxer Kaur Singh passed away at the age of 74 in Kurukshetra, Haryana.
Padma Shri awardee and Olympian boxer Kaur Singh passed away at the age of 74 in Kurukshetra, Haryana. He had won six gold medals in international tournaments, including the Asian Games held in Delhi in 1982. He represented India at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984. He was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 1982 and the Padma Shri in 1983. He also fought with boxing legend Muhammad Ali in an exhibition match on January 27, 1980, in Delhi. He served in the Indian Army and then Punjab Police. He also participated in the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
Padma Shri awardee and Olympian boxer Kaur Singh passed away at the age of 74 in Kurukshetra, Haryana.
He had won six gold medals in international tournaments, including the Asian Games held in Delhi in 1982. He represented India at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984.
He was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 1982 and the Padma Shri in 1983.
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The Himachal Pradesh government signed a MoU with Oil India Ltd to establish a framework for cooperation in harnessing and developing new and renewable energy sources in the state.
The Himachal Pradesh government signed a MoU with Oil India Ltd to establish a framework for cooperation in harnessing and developing new and renewable energy sources in the state. The MoU was signed by Harikesh Meena, Director (Energy), on behalf of the state government, and Pankaj Kumar Goswami, Director (Operations), Oil India Ltd, in the presence of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu. The company would explore the possibilities of setting up floating solar power plants in water reservoirs, besides establishing ground mounted solar power projects. Oil India can also set up a plant for producing green hydrogen and green ammonia on a pilot basis.
The Himachal Pradesh government signed a MoU with Oil India Ltd to establish a framework for cooperation in harnessing and developing new and renewable energy sources in the state.
The MoU was signed by Harikesh Meena, Director (Energy), on behalf of the state government, and Pankaj Kumar Goswami, Director (Operations), Oil India Ltd, in the presence of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu.
Oil India can also set up a plant for producing green hydrogen and green ammonia on a pilot basis.
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International Girls in ICT Day 2023, was observed on 27th April 2023 with theme 'Digital Skills for Life'.
International Girls in ICT Day 2023, was observed on 27th April 2023 with theme 'Digital Skills for Life'. International Girls in ICT Day is annually celebrated on the 4th Thursday of April to encourage and empower girls and young women to explore and pursue careers in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). International Girls in ICT Day was declared by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on April 8, 2011, to encourage women to pursue careers in information and communication technologies. The Day has been celebrated globally since its inception, with over 11,400 events held in 171 countries and more than 3,77,000 girls and young women participating.
International Girls in ICT Day is annually celebrated on the 4th Thursday of April to encourage and empower girls and young women to explore and pursue careers in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
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India's Jaden Pariat of Argenti Motorsport becomes first Indian in 6 years to get on podium in ROKiT British F4 Championship held at Donington Park, UK.
India's Jaden Pariat of Argenti Motorsport becomes first Indian in 6 years to get on podium in ROKiT British F4 Championship held at Donington Park, UK. He is only the second Indian to get an international podium in a Tatuus F4 car after Kush Maini’s podium in 2017. He qualified in 17th place, he managed to secure a third-place finish in Race 2.
India's Jaden Pariat of Argenti Motorsport becomes first Indian in 6 years to get on podium in ROKiT British F4 Championship held at Donington Park, UK.
He is only the second Indian to get an international podium in a Tatuus F4 car after Kush Maini’s podium in 2017.
He qualified in 17th place, he managed to secure a third-place finish in Race 2.
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Indo-Australian Association (IAA) honoured Meritorious Service Award 2023 to His Highness Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali.
Indo-Australian Association (IAA) honoured Meritorious Service Award 2023 to His Highness Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali. The award was presented by Miss Sara Kirliew & Susan Verghese, president, Indo-Australian Association. The award is a recognition of the Nawab’s long-standing efforts toward improving communal peace, harmony and his patronage of international relations between the two countries.
The award was presented by Miss Sara Kirliew & Susan Verghese, president, Indo-Australian Association.
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Hari Hara Mishra has been appointed as the new CEO of the Association of Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs).
Hari Hara Mishra has been appointed as the new CEO of the Association of Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs). The Association, which is the voice of all Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs), has been active for more than eight years. Currently, there are 28 ARCs registered with Reserve Bank of India. Hari Hara Mishra is an experienced professional in the field of asset reconstruction. As the new CEO of the Association of Asset Reconstruction Companies, Mishra will lead the organization and represent the interests of its member companies.
Hari Hara Mishra has been appointed as the new CEO of the Association of Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs).
Hari Hara Mishra is an experienced professional in the field of asset reconstruction.
As the new CEO of the Association of Asset Reconstruction Companies, Mishra will lead the organization and represent the interests of its member companies.
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Indian Apex exporters body Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) has signed an MoU with Business Russia to promote trade and investments between the two countries.
Indian Apex exporters body Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) has signed an MoU with Business Russia to promote trade and investments between the two countries. The two organizations will cooperate to arrange exhibitions, buyers-sellers’ meetings, workshops, seminars and encourage enterprises to work in tandem with their counterparts for joint ventures. The MoU was inked during a visit of a 50-member delegation of the agro and food processing sector to Moscow.
The two organizations will cooperate to arrange exhibitions, buyers-sellers’ meetings, workshops, seminars and encourage enterprises to work in tandem with their counterparts for joint ventures.
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The National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) has appointed Microsoft India’s president Anant Maheshwari as its Chairperson for the year 2023-24, promoting him from his previous tenure as vice-chairperson.
The National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) has appointed Microsoft India’s president Anant Maheshwari as its Chairperson for the year 2023-24, promoting him from his previous tenure as vice-chairperson. He has taken the reins from Krishnan Ramanujam, who heads business and technology services at Tata Consultancy Services. NASSCOM also appointed Rajesh Nambiar, Chairman and MD, Cognizant India as its Vice Chairperson for 2023-24.
The National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) has appointed Microsoft India’s president Anant Maheshwari as its Chairperson for the year 2023-24, promoting him from his previous tenure as vice-chairperson.
He has taken the reins from Krishnan Ramanujam, who heads business and technology services at Tata Consultancy Services.
NASSCOM also appointed Rajesh Nambiar, Chairman and MD, Cognizant India as its Vice Chairperson for 2023-24.
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India finished 2nd the Turkey meet with four medals - two gold, one silver and one bronze at the Archery World Cup 2023 Stage 1 in Antalya, Turkey.
India finished 2nd the Turkey meet with four medals - two gold, one silver and one bronze at the Archery World Cup 2023 Stage 1 in Antalya, Turkey. The Indian men’s recurve team of Atanu Das, Dhiraj Bommadevara and Tarundeep Rai finished with a silver medal. Dhiraj Bommadevara clinched the bronze in the men’s individual recurve event after beating Ilfat Abdullin of Kazakhstan 7-3 in his medal match. Jyothi Surekha Vennam won gold in women's individual compound.
India finished 2nd the Turkey meet with four medals - two gold, one silver and one bronze at the Archery World Cup 2023 Stage 1 in Antalya, Turkey.
The Indian men’s recurve team of Atanu Das, Dhiraj Bommadevara and Tarundeep Rai finished with a silver medal.
Jyothi Surekha Vennam won gold in women's individual compound.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the book ‘Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamprashastih’ by Shree Somnath Sanskrit University during the closing ceremony of ‘Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam’.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the book ‘Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamprashastih’ by Shree Somnath Sanskrit University during the closing ceremony of ‘Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam’. The Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam takes forward this vision by celebrating the shared culture and heritage between Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. The 10-day confluence saw more than 3000 Saurashtrian Tamils come to Somnath on a special train. The programme began on April 17, with its closing ceremony now being held on April 26, 2023 at Somnath.
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Former Punjab Chief Minister and veteran Akali Dal leader Parkash Singh Badal passed away in Mohali, Punjab.
Former Punjab Chief Minister and veteran Akali Dal leader Parkash Singh Badal passed away in Mohali, Punjab. Parkash Singh Badal served as the chief minister of Punjab from 1970-71, from 1977-80 and from 2007-2017. He was also the youngest politician to have ever hold the office of CM in Punjab. Born on December 8, 1927, in the village of Abul Khurana, Punjab, Parkash Singh Badal began his political career in the 1950s as a member of the Akali Dal party. He served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of Punjab multiple times and was first elected as the chief minister of Punjab in 1970.
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Tripura’s first Padma Shri awardee Himanshu Mohan Choudhury passed away in Agartala, Tripura.
Tripura’s first Padma Shri awardee Himanshu Mohan Choudhury passed away in Agartala, Tripura. He was a retired civil service officer. He was posted as Sub Divisional Officer (SDO) in Sonamura during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. He was awarded the country’s third highest civilian award by the Central Government in 1972.
He was awarded the country’s third highest civilian award by the Central Government in 1972.
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World Intellectual Property Day is observed annually on 26 April to promote awareness about the influence of patents, copyrights, trademarks, and design on daily life.
World Intellectual Property Day is observed annually on 26 April to promote awareness about the influence of patents, copyrights, trademarks, and design on daily life. The function of intellectual property (IP) rights is to stimulate innovation and creativity across the various civilizations present in the world. The day was first established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000. It promotes the role of IP in stimulating innovation and creativity. World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) designated April 26 as a day to raise awareness about the importance of intellectual property rights. The theme of World Intellectual Property Day 2023 is 'Women and IP: Accelerating Innovation and Creativity'.
World Intellectual Property Day is observed annually on 26 April to promote awareness about the influence of patents, copyrights, trademarks, and design on daily life.
The day was first established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000. It promotes the role of IP in stimulating innovation and creativity.
The theme of World Intellectual Property Day 2023 is 'Women and IP: Accelerating Innovation and Creativity'.
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International Chornobyl Disaster Remembrance Day is observed annually on 26 April to mark the anniversary of the 1986 Chornobyl nuclear power plant disaster.
International Chornobyl Disaster Remembrance Day is observed annually on 26 April to mark the anniversary of the 1986 Chornobyl nuclear power plant disaster. 26th April 2023 marks the 37th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor disaster. After the 30th anniversary of the accident, on December 8, 2016, the United Nations adopted the resolution and proclaimed April 26 as the International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day.
26th April 2023 marks the 37th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor disaster.
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Reliance General Insurance has become the first general insurance company to accept RBI’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) e-Rupee (eRs) for premium payments.
Reliance General Insurance has become the first general insurance company to accept RBI’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) e-Rupee (eRs) for premium payments. The insurer has partnered with YES Bank to facilitate the collection of premiums in digital mode using the bank’s e-rupee platform. Customers who have an active e-wallet with any bank can scan Reliance General Insurance's eRupee QR code to make immediate payment. eRupee is a digital token that is equivalent to a banknote i.e legal tender, and is a sovereign currency backed by the RBI.
Reliance General Insurance has become the first general insurance company to accept RBI’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) e-Rupee (eRs) for premium payments.
The insurer has partnered with YES Bank to facilitate the collection of premiums in digital mode using the bank’s e-rupee platform.
eRupee is a digital token that is equivalent to a banknote i.e legal tender, and is a sovereign currency backed by the RBI.
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On the ocassion of Earth Day 2023, Rajasthan’s announced three new conservation reserves that will protect the rare and endangered wildlife of Rajasthan.
On the ocassion of Earth Day 2023, Rajasthan’s announced three new conservation reserves that will protect the rare and endangered wildlife of Rajasthan. These three new wildlife conservation reserves are Sorsan in Baran, Khichan in Jodhpur, and Hamirgarh in Bhilwara. With these three new additions, now there are 26 wildlife conservation reserves in Rajasthan. Khichan is also India’s first conservation reserve for Demoiselle cranes.
On the ocassion of Earth Day 2023, Rajasthan’s announced three new conservation reserves that will protect the rare and endangered wildlife of Rajasthan.
These three new wildlife conservation reserves are Sorsan in Baran, Khichan in Jodhpur, and Hamirgarh in Bhilwara.
Khichan is also India’s first conservation reserve for Demoiselle cranes.
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The Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation various development projects worth more than Rs4850 crores at Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation various development projects worth more than Rs4850 crores at Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. The projects include the dedication of NAMO Medical Education & Research Institute in Silvassa, and the dedication and laying the foundation stone of 96 projects. The Prime Minister also handed over the house keys to beneficiaries of PMAY Urban from Diu and Silvassa. He inaugurated the institute and paid floral tributes at the statue of Lord Dhanvantari.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation various development projects worth more than Rs4850 crores at Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
The projects include the dedication of NAMO Medical Education & Research Institute in Silvassa, and the dedication and laying the foundation stone of 96 projects.
He inaugurated the institute and paid floral tributes at the statue of Lord Dhanvantari.
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Jupiter, A Neobanking start-up based in Bengaluru, India, has been granted a non-banking finance company (NBFC) license by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Jupiter, A Neobanking start-up based in Bengaluru, India, has been granted a non-banking finance company (NBFC) license by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). It will allow the firm to offer credit directly to customers and builds on Jupiter's existing lending operations through partner NBFCs. The granting of the license follows regulatory changes in India's digital lending sector. Jupiter also plans to launch UPI on credit through partners.
Jupiter, A Neobanking start-up based in Bengaluru, India, has been granted a non-banking finance company (NBFC) license by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
The granting of the license follows regulatory changes in India's digital lending sector.
Jupiter also plans to launch UPI on credit through partners.
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A team from Nasa’s Johnson Space Center in Houston have successfully extracted oxygen from simulated lunar soil.
A team from Nasa’s Johnson Space Center in Houston have successfully extracted oxygen from simulated lunar soil. Lunar soil refers to the fine-grained material covering the Moon's surface. This was the first time that this extraction has been done in a vacuum environment.
Lunar soil refers to the fine-grained material covering the Moon's surface.
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NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd (NBBL) has launched the NOCS platform to provide reconciliation and settlement services for transactions undertaken on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) network.
NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd (NBBL) has launched the NOCS platform to provide reconciliation and settlement services for transactions undertaken on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) network. The services, provided under the guidance of RBI, will serve as the foundation for the ONDC network and enable smooth, secure and timely transfer of funds to network participants. ONDC aims to create an inclusive competitive marketplace by enhancing the participation of multifarious entities and bringing them together under one unified platform network.
The services, provided under the guidance of RBI, will serve as the foundation for the ONDC network and enable smooth, secure and timely transfer of funds to network participants.
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SBI General Insurance Company Ltd announced the launch of a fully customizable digital-only health insurance plan 'Health Edge Insurance'.
SBI General Insurance Company Ltd announced the launch of a fully customizable digital-only health insurance plan 'Health Edge Insurance'. The policy offers a single comprehensive plan with 9 basic indemnity covers and 18 optional covers, allowing customers to design a tailor-made health insurance policy as per their requirements. It offers customers a convenient and hassle-free experience. The policy provides multiple sum insured options ranging between INR 3 Lacs to INR 25 Lacs, with long-term policy options available for up to 3 years. It offers customers value with premiums starting from less than Rs 15/day. The entry age to purchase the Health Edge plan is 18 years to 65 years for adults and 91 days to 30 years for children.
SBI General Insurance Company Ltd announced the launch of a fully customizable digital-only health insurance plan 'Health Edge Insurance'.
The policy provides multiple sum insured options ranging between INR 3 Lacs to INR 25 Lacs, with long-term policy options available for up to 3 years.
The entry age to purchase the Health Edge plan is 18 years to 65 years for adults and 91 days to 30 years for children.
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World Malaria Day is annually observed on April 25 to highlight the importance of a responsibility to end malaria and to make a malaria-free world.
World Malaria Day is annually observed on April 25 to highlight the importance of a responsibility to end malaria and to make a malaria-free world. World Malaria Day was first held in 2008. It was developed from Africa Malaria Day, which was an event that had been observed since 2001 by African governments. According to WHO, the theme for World Malaria Day 2023 is "Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement".
According to WHO, the theme for World Malaria Day 2023 is "Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement".
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The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation various development projects worth more than Rs3200 crores at Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation various development projects worth more than Rs3200 crores at Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The projects include the dedication of the Kochi Water Metro to the nation, laying the foundation stone of various rail projects and the Digital Science Park in Thiruvananthapuram. He flagged off Kerala’s first Vande Bharat Express between Thiruvananthapuram and Kasargod. The Prime Minister dedicated the Kochi water metro to the nation. This one-of-its-kind project connects 10 islands around Kochi through battery-operated electric hybrid boats for seamless connectivity with Kochi city. He also laid the foundation stone of various rail projects including the redevelopment of Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and Varkala Sivagiri railway stations. Apart from this, the Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of the Digital Science Park in Thiruvananthapuram. The initial investment for Phase-1 of the project is around Rs200 crore while the total project outlay has been estimated at around Rs1515 crore.
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation various development projects worth more than Rs3200 crores at Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
He flagged off Kerala’s first Vande Bharat Express between Thiruvananthapuram and Kasargod.
Apart from this, the Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of the Digital Science Park in Thiruvananthapuram.
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To provide products from more than 35 Lakh Handloom weavers & 27 Lakh Handicraft artisans directly to the consumers while eliminating the middlemen, the Union Minister of Ministry of Textiles Piyush Goyal has launched an E-Commerce portal (Indiahandmade)
To provide products from more than 35 Lakh Handloom weavers & 27 Lakh Handicraft artisans directly to the consumers while eliminating the middlemen, the Union Minister of Ministry of Textiles Piyush Goyal has launched an E-Commerce portal (Indiahandmade) for handicrafts and handloom sector from Gujarat. Indiahandmade portal offers a wide range of products, including clothing, home decor, jewellery, accessories, and more. The portal will also provide an opportunity to total 62 Lakh weavers and artisans become future e-entrepreneurs.
The portal will also provide an opportunity to total 62 Lakh weavers and artisans become future e-entrepreneurs.
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28 states and Union Territories have adopted the National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS) for land records.
28 states and Union Territories have adopted the National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS) for land records. These regions have either begun e-registration or started sharing data with the national portal through User Interface or API. The latest data from the Land Resources Division revealed that 26 states have adopted the Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) or Bhu-Aadhar, with pilot testing underway in seven additional states. Some states have also integrated ULPIN with the SVAMITVA portal. As of 18th April 2023, computerization of record of rights (RoRs) has been completed in 94.62% of villages, with cadastral maps digitized in 75.62% of cases.
28 states and Union Territories have adopted the National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS) for land records.
These regions have either begun e-registration or started sharing data with the national portal through User Interface or API.
The latest data from the Land Resources Division revealed that 26 states have adopted the Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) or Bhu-Aadhar, with pilot testing underway in seven additional states.
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Canara Bank, in collaboration with Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH), has launched a new customer-friendly service called “Digitalised Submission of Form 15G/15H” to enhance the customer experience.
Canara Bank, in collaboration with Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH), has launched a new customer-friendly service called “Digitalised Submission of Form 15G/15H” to enhance the customer experience. Form 15G and Form 15H are self-declaration forms that individuals submit to the bank, requesting that TDS not be deducted on their interest income as their income falls below the basic exemption limit. The submission of these forms is particularly prevalent at the beginning of each financial year, especially during the first few weeks of April, and is especially relevant for senior citizens. While Canara Bank currently accepts the online submission of these forms through internet and mobile banking platforms, many senior citizens are not familiar with these technologies and, as a result, must wait in long lines at bank branches to submit their forms. Recognizing this problem, RBIH consulted with several banks to develop a solution that would address this issue.
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actyv.ai, a Singapore-Headquartered licensed corporate agency, has announced a partnership with Bajaj Allianz General Insurance to offer insurance products through their technology platform to MSME enterprises and the partner ecosystem across the supply c
actyv.ai, a Singapore-Headquartered licensed corporate agency, has announced a partnership with Bajaj Allianz General Insurance to offer insurance products through their technology platform to MSME enterprises and the partner ecosystem across the supply chain. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, a private general insurer, will leverage the technology stack of the actyv.ai platform by offering innovative insurance products to champion the sustainability of suppliers, distributors and retailers. With this collaboration, Bajaj Allianz will offer bite-sized commercial insurance products like fire and burglary, in addition to group health products like personal accident, hospital cash, credit-linked health plans and group health plans.
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The Goldman Environmental Prize 2023, Known as the “Green Nobel Prize,” winners were announced at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco, USA.
The Goldman Environmental Prize 2023, Known as the “Green Nobel Prize,” winners were announced at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco, USA. 2023 marks the 34th anniversary of the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize, which honors one grassroots activist from each of the six inhabited continents. The prize was founded in 1989 by U.S. philanthropists Rhoda and Richard Goldman. The 2023 prize winners are Alessandra Korap Munduruku from Brazil, Chilekwa Mumba from Zambia, Delima Silalahi from Indonesia, Diane Wilson from the U.S., Tero Mustonen from Finland, and Zafer Kizilkaya from Turkey.
The Goldman Environmental Prize 2023, Known as the “Green Nobel Prize,” winners were announced at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco, USA.
2023 marks the 34th anniversary of the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize, which honors one grassroots activist from each of the six inhabited continents.
The prize was founded in 1989 by U.S. philanthropists Rhoda and Richard Goldman.
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Ratan Tata, the chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons has been conferred with Order of Australia (AO) honour, the highest civilian honour of the country.
Ratan Tata, the chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons has been conferred with Order of Australia (AO) honour, the highest civilian honour of the country. He was honoured for his longstanding commitment to the India Australia bilateral relations. The announcement was made by the Barry ‘O’ Farrell, who is Australia’s High Commissioner to India.
Ratan Tata, the chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons has been conferred with Order of Australia (AO) honour, the highest civilian honour of the country.
He was honoured for his longstanding commitment to the India Australia bilateral relations.
The announcement was made by the Barry ‘O’ Farrell, who is Australia’s High Commissioner to India.
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Renowned tennis player Jaidip Mukerjea launched his autobiography titled “Crosscourt”.
Renowned tennis player Jaidip Mukerjea launched his autobiography titled “Crosscourt”. The book provides an insight into Mukherjee's life and describes his journey as a successful tennis player. In addition to tennis, "Crosscourt" also covers various aspects of Mukherjee's personal life, including her successes, failures, relationships and behind-the-scenes moments.
The book provides an insight into Mukherjee's life and describes his journey as a successful tennis player.
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The government has appointed Arun Sinha as the appointed Chairman of the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO).
The government has appointed Arun Sinha as the appointed Chairman of the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO). Arun Sinha has been an advisor in NTRO for two years. He is 1984 batch Kerala cadre. The post had been lying vacant for over three to four months and with this, the government is also now likely to clear appointments for the heads of the border security force and the Indian Coast Guard too. Currently, the BSF is being looked after by the CRPF chief Thaosen. He is serving as the director general (DG) of the CRPF, the government’s largest paramilitary force, and is also handling the additional charge of helming the Border Security Force (BSF), The coast guard chief post is also lying vacant since January 31.
Arun Sinha has been an advisor in NTRO for two years.
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The Reserve Bank of India has given in-principal approval to Hinduja Group, promoters of IndusInd Bank, to raise their stake in IndusInd bank.
The Reserve Bank of India has given in-principal approval to Hinduja Group, promoters of IndusInd Bank, to raise their stake in IndusInd bank. The promoters have filled out a form to increase the stake and the due diligence process takes about 90-180 days as per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) norms. IndusInd's promoters currently hold a stake of about 16.5% in the bank. In 2021, the RBI raised the cap on the stake promoters can hold in a bank to 26% from 15%.
IndusInd's promoters currently hold a stake of about 16.5% in the bank.
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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has completed post mission disposal (PMD) operation of the communication satellite GSAT-12.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has completed post mission disposal (PMD) operation of the communication satellite GSAT-12. The post mission disposal operation of GSAT-12 was completed on March 23, 2023. GSAT-12 is the 23rd Geosynchronous Earth Orbital (GEO) satellite to undergo PMD before decommissioning. The satellite carrying 12 extended C band transponders was launched on July 15, 2011. It was located at 83 degrees E longitude till March 2021. After the launch of its replacement satellite CMS-01 in 2020, it was later relocated to 47.96 degrees E longitude.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has completed post mission disposal (PMD) operation of the communication satellite GSAT-12.
The post mission disposal operation of GSAT-12 was completed on March 23, 2023.
GSAT-12 is the 23rd Geosynchronous Earth Orbital (GEO) satellite to undergo PMD before decommissioning.
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Pakistani-Canadian journalist Tarek Fatah, a self-described “Midnight’s Child”, passed away in Toronto, Canada at the age of 73.
Pakistani-Canadian journalist Tarek Fatah, a self-described “Midnight’s Child”, passed away in Toronto, Canada at the age of 73. Fatah was known for his criticisms of Islamic extremism and the Pakistani establishment, and was a celebrated advocate of queer rights. He wrote several books.
Fatah was known for his criticisms of Islamic extremism and the Pakistani establishment, and was a celebrated advocate of queer rights.
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International Delegate’s Day is observed annually on April 25 to honours delegates who play a crucial role in the United Nations.
International Delegate’s Day is observed annually on April 25 to honours delegates who play a crucial role in the United Nations. This day marks the anniversary of the first day of the San Francisco Conference in the year 1945, during which delegates from fifty countries came together for the first time in San Francisco. In its resolution 73/286 from 2 April 2019, the General Assembly proclaimed 25 April as International Delegate’s Day. 25th April 2023 marks the observance of the 4th International Delegate's Day.
25th April 2023 marks the observance of the 4th International Delegate's Day.
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World Day For Animals In Laboratories is annually observed on April 24 to spreading information about the animals suffering because of medical and non-medical tests around the world.
World Day For Animals In Laboratories is annually observed on April 24 to spreading information about the animals suffering because of medical and non-medical tests around the world. This day was established more than 40 years ago to promote the cause of the National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS). The first modern use of animal testing can be seen in the creation of anthrax and insulin in the 1800s and 1900s respectively. The National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS), the first anti-vivisection group in history, was founded in 1875. This London-based nonprofit organisation protects animals.
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World Penguin Day is observed annually on 25th April to raise people more about penguins, their habitats, and their importance in the ecosystem.
World Penguin Day is observed annually on 25th April to raise people more about penguins, their habitats, and their importance in the ecosystem. There are 18 species of penguins, and all their natural habitats are in the Southern hemisphere. Emperor Penguins are the tallest… about 4 feet tall. The smallest, Little Blue, stands about 16 inches. And Penguins are excellent swimmers with the fastest penguin swimmer getting up to about 22 mph.
There are 18 species of penguins, and all their natural habitats are in the Southern hemisphere.
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The United Nations's Spanish Language Day is observed annually on April 23 to celebrate cultural diversity and multilingualism.
The United Nations's Spanish Language Day is observed annually on April 23 to celebrate cultural diversity and multilingualism. The observance of the UN Spanish Language Day was initiated by UNESCO in 2010 to celebrate cultural diversity and multilingualism. It marks the death anniversary of Miguel de Cervantes. Miguel de Cervantes is considered as the greatest writer in Spanish and is a noted novelist. Spanish was one of the earliest official languages of UN to be declared working language. Currently, all 6 official languages are working languages.
Spanish was one of the earliest official languages of UN to be declared working language.
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World Book and Copyright Day is observed every year on April 23 to spread awareness about the benefits of reading books.
World Book and Copyright Day is observed every year on April 23 to spread awareness about the benefits of reading books. The day is also dedicated to paying respect to renowned authors, including William Shakespeare, Miguel Cervantes, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, who died on this day. In 1995, this date was finalised by the UNESCO General Conference, held in Paris, to pay tribute and honour authors and books worldwide. World Book Day 2023 theme is “Indigenous Languages”.
World Book and Copyright Day is observed every year on April 23 to spread awareness about the benefits of reading books.
The day is also dedicated to paying respect to renowned authors, including William Shakespeare, Miguel Cervantes, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, who died on this day.
World Book Day 2023 theme is “Indigenous Languages”.
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Shreekant M Bhandiwad has taken charge as the new chairman of Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB).
Shreekant M Bhandiwad has taken charge as the new chairman of Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB). Outgoing chairman P Gopikrishna handed over the charge to the new incumbant. Shreekant M Bhandiwad certified associate of Indian Institute of Bankers. Prior to his joining as chairman of KVGB, Shreekant Bhandiwad was heading the Patna circle of Canara Bank. P Gopikrishna has been repatriated to Canara Bank as circle head, Bengaluru.
Shreekant M Bhandiwad has taken charge as the new chairman of Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB).
Outgoing chairman P Gopikrishna handed over the charge to the new incumbant.
P Gopikrishna has been repatriated to Canara Bank as circle head, Bengaluru.
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24th April 2023 marks the observance of the 14th National Panchayati Raj Day.
National Panchayati Raj Day is annually observed in India on April 24 to mark the constitutional amendment that created the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India. 24th April 2023 marks the observance of the 14th National Panchayati Raj Day. The National Panchayati Raj Day 2023 commemorates 30 years of Panchayati Raj in India. The PRIs are the third tier of governance in India, after the central and state governments. The day marks the establishment of the first Panchayati Raj system in India on April 24, 1993. The Panchayati Raj System was introduced in India through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1993.
National Panchayati Raj Day is annually observed in India on April 24 to mark the constitutional amendment that created the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India.
24th April 2023 marks the observance of the 14th National Panchayati Raj Day.
The National Panchayati Raj Day 2023 commemorates 30 years of Panchayati Raj in India.
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SpaceX's Starship spacecraft, the most powerful rocket ever built, exploded during its first flight to space on April 20, 2023 from Boca Chica in Texas.
SpaceX's Starship spacecraft, the most powerful rocket ever built, exploded during its first flight to space on April 20, 2023 from Boca Chica in Texas. The next-generation rocket, which was designed to send astronauts to Moon, Mars and beyond was launched at 8:33 am Central Time (1333 GMT) from Starbase on a planned 90-minute debut flight into space.
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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) signed a MoU with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for cooperation in aviation safety.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) signed a MoU with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for cooperation in aviation safety. The agreement was signed on the first day of the EU-India Aviation Summit where the Airport Authority of India also signed a declaration of intent with Eurocontrol, a pan-European, civil-military organisation dedicated to supporting European aviation. While the MoU between DGCA and EASA will focus on collaboration at regulatory level and safety level, the declaration of intent between AAI and Eurocontrol will be focused on the area of air traffic control.
The agreement was signed on the first day of the EU-India Aviation Summit where the Airport Authority of India also signed a declaration of intent with Eurocontrol, a pan-European, civil-military organisation dedicated to supporting European aviation.
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Uneecops Technologies, a Delhi-based green hydrogen and solar developer, to set up a 1st green hydrogen-based fuel cell microgrid project of 25 kW capacity at Alchi in the Leh region.
Uneecops Technologies, a Delhi-based green hydrogen and solar developer, to set up a 1st green hydrogen-based fuel cell microgrid project of 25 kW capacity at Alchi in the Leh region. The project will be developed at a high altitude of 3,200 meters. The project will supply power to a major hydro-power company’s guest house at the power station in the area. The Leh and Ladakh regions have been a hotspot for renewable energy project developments.
Uneecops Technologies, a Delhi-based green hydrogen and solar developer, to set up a 1st green hydrogen-based fuel cell microgrid project of 25 kW capacity at Alchi in the Leh region.
The project will be developed at a high altitude of 3,200 meters.
The project will supply power to a major hydro-power company’s guest house at the power station in the area.
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Union labour minister Bhupender Yadav launched new features in eShram portal to enhance the utility of the portal and facilitate ease of registration for unorganised workers.
Union labour minister Bhupender Yadav launched new features in eShram portal to enhance the utility of the portal and facilitate ease of registration for unorganised workers. It will help in capturing family details of migrant workers for providing the benefit of child education and women centric schemes. Registered workers can now connect with employment opportunities, skilling, apprenticeship, pension scheme, digital skilling and states' schemes through eShram portal. A feature of capturing family details of migrant worker has been added to the eShram portal. The Union minister also formally launched Data Sharing Portal (DSP) for sharing of eShram data with states and Union Territories. The Ministry of Labour & Employment launched eShram portal on 26th August 2021 to create a comprehensive national database of unorganised workers. As on 21st April 2023, over 28.87 crore unorganised workers have registered on eShram portal.
Union labour minister Bhupender Yadav launched new features in eShram portal to enhance the utility of the portal and facilitate ease of registration for unorganised workers.
A feature of capturing family details of migrant worker has been added to the eShram portal.
The Union minister also formally launched Data Sharing Portal (DSP) for sharing of eShram data with states and Union Territories.
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India's and Asia’s first mobile biosafety level-3 (BSL-3) laboratory named 'Rapid Action Mobile BSL-3 Advanced Augmented Network (RAMBAAN)', designed to investigate emerging viral infections was showcased at the G-20 Health Working Group meeting held in P
India's and Asia’s first mobile biosafety level-3 (BSL-3) laboratory named 'Rapid Action Mobile BSL-3 Advanced Augmented Network (RAMBAAN)', designed to investigate emerging viral infections was showcased at the G-20 Health Working Group meeting held in Panaji, Goa. It can access the remotest part of our country. The mobile laboratory is equipped with a -20 degree and -80 degree refrigerator, bio-safety cabinets, an automatic Ribonucleic acid (RNA) extractor, and a real-time PCR machine. India has two operational mobile laboratories, with one located at RMRC, Gorakhpur, catering to the northeastern part of the country, while the southern and western parts have access to the laboratory located at NIV Pune.
India's and Asia’s first mobile biosafety level-3 (BSL-3) laboratory named 'Rapid Action Mobile BSL-3 Advanced Augmented Network (RAMBAAN)', designed to investigate emerging viral infections was showcased at the G-20 Health Working Group meeting held in P
It can access the remotest part of our country.
The mobile laboratory is equipped with a -20 degree and -80 degree refrigerator, bio-safety cabinets, an automatic Ribonucleic acid (RNA) extractor, and a real-time PCR machine.
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Mongolia’s first greenfield oil refinery, being built on the outskirts of the capital city, Ulaanbaatar, and funded with Indian assistance, will be completed by 2025.
Mongolia’s first greenfield oil refinery, being built on the outskirts of the capital city, Ulaanbaatar, and funded with Indian assistance, will be completed by 2025. The first stage of Mongol Oil Refinery, built with a $1.2 billion Indian soft loan, will be completed at the end of this year. The refinery will enable Mongolia to satisfy 70% of its domestic demand. It is being developed by the Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited (MEIL).
Mongolia’s first greenfield oil refinery, being built on the outskirts of the capital city, Ulaanbaatar, and funded with Indian assistance, will be completed by 2025.
The first stage of Mongol Oil Refinery, built with a $1.2 billion Indian soft loan, will be completed at the end of this year.
It is being developed by the Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited (MEIL).
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Axis Bank and HDFC Bank signed a definitive agreement to invest up to Rs69.90 crore in Go Digit Life in two tranches.
Axis Bank and HDFC Bank signed a definitive agreement to invest up to Rs69.90 crore in Go Digit Life in two tranches. The banks will both acquire 9.94 percent shares in Go Digit Life for Rs10 each. Axis Bank and HDFC Bank will pay Rs10.93 crore in the first tranche and it may choose to invest Rs58.97 crore in the second tranche. The company is to complete the acquisition in three to six months from the execution date. Go Digit Life was incorporated as “Go Digit Life Sciences Private Limited” on December 16, 2021 as a private limited company under the Companies Act, 2013.
Axis Bank and HDFC Bank signed a definitive agreement to invest up to Rs69.90 crore in Go Digit Life in two tranches.
The banks will both acquire 9.94 percent shares in Go Digit Life for Rs10 each.
Axis Bank and HDFC Bank will pay Rs10.93 crore in the first tranche and it may choose to invest Rs58.97 crore in the second tranche. The company is to complete the acquisition in three to six months from the execution date.
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The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is set to launch a gold-backed digital currency to serve as legal tender in the country.
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is set to launch a gold-backed digital currency to serve as legal tender in the country. The move is a government initiative to stabilize the local currency from continued depreciation against the US dollar. It will allow small amounts of Zimbabwean dollars to be exchanged for the digital gold token, enabling more Zimbabweans to hedge against currency volatility. In 2009, the country adopted the US dollar as its currency after an episode of hyperinflation. In 2019, the Zimbabwean dollar was reintroduced in an effort to revive the country’s struggling economy.
It will allow small amounts of Zimbabwean dollars to be exchanged for the digital gold token, enabling more Zimbabweans to hedge against currency volatility.
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In a major boost for energy cooperation between Nepal and India, private entities and companies of both countries signed an agreement for selling and buying energy directly.
In a major boost for energy cooperation between Nepal and India, private entities and companies of both countries signed an agreement for selling and buying energy directly. Earlier, this power was only enjoyed by two government or government-owned entities. Now the Nepal government has to make a law to allow the private sector to sell energy directly to external private companies. The agreement was signed during the final day of the 8th Power Summit, inaugurated by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'. As per the agreement, Indian private sector hydropower project developers can buy electricity up to 200 MW from Nepal. The Nepal Power Exchange (NEPEX), which was established by the private sector with the aim of trading electricity abroad, signed the agreement with India's Steel Mint with IPPA, Nepal, President Krishna Prasad Acharya and Steel Mint's Kshitiz the signatories.
In a major boost for energy cooperation between Nepal and India, private entities and companies of both countries signed an agreement for selling and buying energy directly.
The agreement was signed during the final day of the 8th Power Summit, inaugurated by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'.
As per the agreement, Indian private sector hydropower project developers can buy electricity up to 200 MW from Nepal.
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Veteran freedom fighter, jurist and politician Md Sahabuddin was sworn in as the 22nd President of Bangladesh.
Veteran freedom fighter, jurist and politician Md Sahabuddin was sworn in as the 22nd President of Bangladesh. Parliament Speaker Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury administered the oath of office at an impressive ceremony in the historic Durbar Hall of Bangabhaban. Md. Sahabuddin during his career, he served as District and Sessions Judge and Anti Corruption Commissioner (ACC) Commissioner. Md. Sahabuddin actively participated in the 6-Point Movement in 1966, Bhutta (Maize) Movement in 1967, mass uprisings in1969, the election of 1970 and Liberation War in 1971. Later, in 1975 he led a protest against the brutal killing of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujiburrahman along with his family members for which he was imprisoned for three years.
Md. Sahabuddin during his career, he served as District and Sessions Judge and Anti Corruption Commissioner (ACC) Commissioner.
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DRDO and Indian Navy successfully conducted a maiden flight trial of a sea-based endo-atmospheric Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) interceptor missile off the coast of Odisha in Bay of Bengal.
DRDO and Indian Navy successfully conducted a maiden flight trial of a sea-based endo-atmospheric Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) interceptor missile off the coast of Odisha in Bay of Bengal. The purpose of the trial was to engage and neutralize a hostile ballistic missile threat thereby elevating India into the elite club of Nations having Naval BMD capability. Prior to this, DRDO has successfully demonstrated land-based BMD system with capability to neutralize ballistic missile threats, emerging from adversaries.
The purpose of the trial was to engage and neutralize a hostile ballistic missile threat thereby elevating India into the elite club of Nations having Naval BMD capability.
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United Nations's International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace is annually observed on April 24.
United Nations's International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace is annually observed on April 24. The Day acknowledges the use of multilateral decision-making and diplomacy in achieving peaceful resolutions to conflicts among nations. It was established on the 12th of December 2018 through resolution A/RES/73/127 and was first observed on the 24th of April 2019.
United Nations's International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace is annually observed on April 24.
The Day acknowledges the use of multilateral decision-making and diplomacy in achieving peaceful resolutions to conflicts among nations.
It was established on the 12th of December 2018 through resolution A/RES/73/127 and was first observed on the 24th of April 2019.
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UN English Language Day is annually observed on 23 April to observe multilingualism and cultural diversity.
UN English Language Day is annually observed on 23 April to observe multilingualism and cultural diversity. The days also promote the equal use of all six official languages throughout the Organisation. The day coincides with both the birthday and death day of William Shakespeare.
The day coincides with both the birthday and death day of William Shakespeare.
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Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh, Judge of the Jharkhand High Court, was sworn-in as the 8th Chief Justice of the Tripura High Court.
Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh, Judge of the Jharkhand High Court, was sworn-in as the 8th Chief Justice of the Tripura High Court. Governor Satyadeo Narain Arya administered the oath of office to Justice Singh at a function at the Raj Bhavan. Headed by Chief Justice D.Y Chandrachud, the Supreme Court collegium, on February 7, recommended the name of Justice Singh for appointment as the Tripura HC Chief Justice.
Governor Satyadeo Narain Arya administered the oath of office to Justice Singh at a function at the Raj Bhavan.
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As per Morgan Stanley, India's gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow at 6.2 percent in FY24.
As per Morgan Stanley, India's gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow at 6.2 percent in FY24. The inflation in India is likely to be below 5 percent in the second quarter of calendar year 2024. Inflation for April 2023 is currently tracking at 4.7 percent YoY. Inflation is expected to average around 5.5 percent in F2024.
The inflation in India is likely to be below 5 percent in the second quarter of calendar year 2024.
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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given HDFC Bank 3 years to comply with the priority sector lending norms (PSL) following its merger with HDFC Ltd (HDFC).
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given HDFC Bank 3 years to comply with the priority sector lending norms (PSL) following its merger with HDFC Ltd (HDFC). According to RBI norms, commercial banks need to extend 40 percent of the adjusted net bank credit (ANBC) of the previous year towards the priority sector. The RBI has allowed HDFC Bank to consider a third of the outstanding HDFC loans in the first year of the merger. HDFC Bank has to set aside 4.5 percent of HDFC’s assets as CRR and 18 percent as SLR after the merger. CRR/SLR norms are not applicable for NBFCs.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given HDFC Bank 3 years to comply with the priority sector lending norms (PSL) following its merger with HDFC Ltd (HDFC).
The RBI has allowed HDFC Bank to consider a third of the outstanding HDFC loans in the first year of the merger.
HDFC Bank has to set aside 4.5 percent of HDFC’s assets as CRR and 18 percent as SLR after the merger. CRR/SLR norms are not applicable for NBFCs.
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Mastercard has collaborated with M1xchange to offer a digital invoice discounting solution to farmers, farmer producer organizations (FPOs), and agri-MSMEs through Farm Pass, its cutting-edge agritech platform.
Mastercard has collaborated with M1xchange to offer a digital invoice discounting solution to farmers, farmer producer organizations (FPOs), and agri-MSMEs through Farm Pass, its cutting-edge agritech platform. Along with enabling easy access to credit and working capital, the solution will allow farmers and FPOs to directly connect with buyers, negotiate the best price for their produce, and get paid faster. Farm Pass is part of Mastercard’s broader Community Pass platform. The solution jointly developed by the two organizations is the first of its kind for the agriculture sector and will help lenders in underwriting credit offerings through the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS).
Mastercard has collaborated with M1xchange to offer a digital invoice discounting solution to farmers, farmer producer organizations (FPOs), and agri-MSMEs through Farm Pass, its cutting-edge agritech platform.
Farm Pass is part of Mastercard’s broader Community Pass platform.
The solution jointly developed by the two organizations is the first of its kind for the agriculture sector and will help lenders in underwriting credit offerings through the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS).
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ICICI Bank has introduced an easy first-of-its-kind EMI facility under which an amount for a UPI payment can be converted into instalments by simply scanning a QR code.
ICICI Bank has introduced an easy first-of-its-kind EMI facility under which an amount for a UPI payment can be converted into instalments by simply scanning a QR code. Those customers who are eligible for ICICI Bank's ‘buy now, pay later’ service can avail of this EMI facility. This can be done almost instantly in an easy and seamless way. The facility is available for a host of categories such as electronics, groceries, fashion apparels, travel and hotel bookings. Any transaction amount above Rs10,000 can be converted into easy instalments in three, six or nine months. The EMI facility for PayLater will shortly be extended for online shopping as well.
ICICI Bank has introduced an easy first-of-its-kind EMI facility under which an amount for a UPI payment can be converted into instalments by simply scanning a QR code.
Those customers who are eligible for ICICI Bank's ‘buy now, pay later’ service can avail of this EMI facility. This can be done almost instantly in an easy and seamless way.
Any transaction amount above Rs10,000 can be converted into easy instalments in three, six or nine months. The EMI facility for PayLater will shortly be extended for online shopping as well.
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The National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme of the Union Health Ministry received the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2022 under the innovation category.
The National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme of the Union Health Ministry received the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2022 under the innovation category. Shri Rajesh Bhushan, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Ministry received the award from the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at a function organized on the occasion of 16th Civil Services Day at Vigyan Bhawan. They have won the award under the innovation category on the occasion of 16th Civil Services Day in New Delhi.
They have won the award under the innovation category on the occasion of 16th Civil Services Day in New Delhi.
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The Walt Disney Company-owned Star Sports Network India has signed cricketer Rishabh Pant as its brand ambassador.
The Walt Disney Company-owned Star Sports Network India has signed cricketer Rishabh Pant as its brand ambassador. The company also has other cricketers as its ‘Believe Ambassadors’ like Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer. Star Sports had two ambassadors in 2017. Cricketer Virat Kohli is also part of this association. The ambassadors will represent different parts of the country as well as different IPL Teams.
The company also has other cricketers as its ‘Believe Ambassadors’ like Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer.
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SAIL-Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL) has signed an MoU with Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) to explore potential of application of 5G/ IT/ Telecom and other wireless communication technologies in SAIL-BSL.
SAIL-Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL) has signed an MoU with Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) to explore potential of application of 5G/ IT/ Telecom and other wireless communication technologies in SAIL-BSL. SAIL-BSL Steel Plant including SAIL’s Mines & Collieries, Central Coal Supply Organization and the SAIL Refractory Unit in Jharkhand. SAIL-BSL has taken this initiative of becoming the first PSU in the country to take initiative for setting up a dedicated 5G network with the help of TCIL which will pave way for application of 5G/ IT / Telecom technologies in Steel manufacturing. Besides steel plant, this partnership will also be useful in providing innovative solutions in SAIL Mines and Collieries in Jharkhand, Smart Cities etc.
SAIL-Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL) has signed an MoU with Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) to explore potential of application of 5G/ IT/ Telecom and other wireless communication technologies in SAIL-BSL.
SAIL-BSL has taken this initiative of becoming the first PSU in the country to take initiative for setting up a dedicated 5G network with the help of TCIL which will pave way for application of 5G/ IT / Telecom technologies in Steel manufacturing.
Besides steel plant, this partnership will also be useful in providing innovative solutions in SAIL Mines and Collieries in Jharkhand, Smart Cities etc.
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The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has launched the fifth phase of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)— UDAN or UDAN 5.0— to further enhance the connectivity to remote and regional areas of the country.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has launched the fifth phase of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)— UDAN or UDAN 5.0— to further enhance the connectivity to remote and regional areas of the country. The earlier stage length constraint of 600 km has been eliminated and there are no restrictions on the distance between the origin and destination of the trip in UDAN 5.0, which concentrates on Category-2 (20-80 seats) and Category-3 (>80 seats). There will be no set routes available and the viability gap funding (VGF) will be capped at 600 km stage length for both Priority and Non-Priority sectors, up from the previous cap of 500 km. Under UDAN 5.0, only airline-proposed network and individual route proposals would be taken into account.
Under UDAN 5.0, only airline-proposed network and individual route proposals would be taken into account.
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The Centre Government will release a Rs100 coin to commemorate the 100th episode of the radio program Maan Ki Baat, which will be broadcasted on 30 April 2023, the Finance Ministry informed through a notification.
The Centre Government will release a Rs100 coin to commemorate the 100th episode of the radio program Maan Ki Baat, which will be broadcasted on 30 April 2023, the Finance Ministry informed through a notification. The coin will be circular in shape, with a diameter of 44 millimetres and 200 serrations, according to the notification. The coin will be 35-gram and will be made from quaternary alloy, with 50 percent silver, 40 percent copper, 5 percent nickel, and 5 percent zinc. On one side, the coin will have the Lion Capitol of Ashoka Pillar at the centre with the legend "Satyamev Jayate" written below and "Bharat" written in Devnagri script on the left and "India" written in English on the right. The coin will also have the Rupee symbol and denominational value in the international numerals inscribed on it. On the reverse face, the coin will have the logo for the 100th Episode of Mann Ki Baat, depicting an image of a microphone with sound waves and the year ‘2023’ inscribed on it. 'Mann Ki Baat 100’ in Devnagri will be written above the microphone image and below the image the same will be inscribed in English. Mann ki Baat, PM Modi's own radio show first aired in October 2014.
Mann ki Baat, PM Modi's own radio show first aired in October 2014.
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Asia's largest underwater hydro-carbon pipeline, below the river Brahmaputra connecting Jorhat and Majuli in Assam has been completed by the Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL).
Asia's largest underwater hydro-carbon pipeline, below the river Brahmaputra connecting Jorhat and Majuli in Assam has been completed by the Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL). The Herculean task of laying the 24-inch diameter pipeline by horizontal directional drilling (HDD) method was completed. IGGL had now achieved more that 71% physical progress of the project and would be able to complete the Guwahati-Numaligarh section of NEGG by February 2024. The total length of the pipeline in this single HDD crossing is 4,080 metre across the main water channel of Brahmaputra river. This is the longest river crossing by any hydrocarbon pipeline of size 24-inch diameter and above in Asia and the second longest in the world.
Asia's largest underwater hydro-carbon pipeline, below the river Brahmaputra connecting Jorhat and Majuli in Assam has been completed by the Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL).
IGGL had now achieved more that 71% physical progress of the project and would be able to complete the Guwahati-Numaligarh section of NEGG by February 2024.
This is the longest river crossing by any hydrocarbon pipeline of size 24-inch diameter and above in Asia and the second longest in the world.
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Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao unveiled the 125-ft tall bronze statue of BR Ambedkar in Hyderabad, to mark the 132nd birth anniversary of the architect of the Indian Constitution.
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao unveiled the 125-ft tall bronze statue of BR Ambedkar in Hyderabad, to mark the 132nd birth anniversary of the architect of the Indian Constitution. The statue in Hyderabad is India's tallest statue of Ambedkar. The statue stands next to the State Secretariat on the banks of Hyderabad's famous Hussain Sagar lake. The overall cost of the project was estimated at Rs146.50 crore. The statue weighs 474 tonnes, while 360 tonnes of stainless steel was used for building the armature structure of the statue, 114 tonnes of bronze was used for casting of the statue.
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao unveiled the 125-ft tall bronze statue of BR Ambedkar in Hyderabad, to mark the 132nd birth anniversary of the architect of the Indian Constitution.
The overall cost of the project was estimated at Rs146.50 crore.
The statue weighs 474 tonnes, while 360 tonnes of stainless steel was used for building the armature structure of the statue, 114 tonnes of bronze was used for casting of the statue.
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Amara Raja Group-backed Log9 Materials inaugurated India's first lithium-ion cell manufacturing facility in Bengaluru.
Amara Raja Group-backed Log9 Materials inaugurated India's first lithium-ion cell manufacturing facility in Bengaluru. The plant has an initial capacity of 50 MWh. The company has deployed almost 3,000 batteries in EVs which have covered around 5.5 million kilometres. Log9 materials has also launched its indigenously developed battery management system (BMS) incorporated with power control mechanisms and SoX algorithms to ensure high safety and reliability for high-power applications.
The company has deployed almost 3,000 batteries in EVs which have covered around 5.5 million kilometres.
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The British government named Oliver Dowden deputy prime minister, replacing Dominic Raab who resigned following an inquiry into bullying allegations.
The British government named Oliver Dowden deputy prime minister, replacing Dominic Raab who resigned following an inquiry into bullying allegations. Oliver Dowden currently serves as cabinet office minister in Rishi Sunak's government. He was previously chairman of Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party. In the same announcement, lawmaker Alex Chalk was appointed new justice minister.
In the same announcement, lawmaker Alex Chalk was appointed new justice minister.
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India has improved its ranking on the World Bank’s LPI 2023 by six spots, now ranking at 38th out of 139 countries.
India has improved its ranking on the World Bank’s LPI 2023 by six spots, now ranking at 38th out of 139 countries. India has significantly improved its performance on the LPI, ranking from 44th in 2018 to 38th in the 2023 listing. India has improved its logistics competence and equality, moving up four places to rank 48th in 2023. The Logistics Performance Index (LPI) 2023 provides comparisons of logistics performance across 139 countries. Singapore and Finland are the most efficient and highest-ranked countries in terms of logistics performance, according to the LPI 2023.
India has improved its ranking on the World Bank’s LPI 2023 by six spots, now ranking at 38th out of 139 countries.
India has improved its logistics competence and equality, moving up four places to rank 48th in 2023.
Singapore and Finland are the most efficient and highest-ranked countries in terms of logistics performance, according to the LPI 2023.
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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully placed two Singaporean satellites, TeLEOS-2 and Lumelite-4, in orbit aboard the trusted Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, while also carrying out experiments with seven payloads attached to its PS4
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully placed two Singaporean satellites, TeLEOS-2 and Lumelite-4, in orbit aboard the trusted Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, while also carrying out experiments with seven payloads attached to its PS4 upper stage. The launch took place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. PSLV- C55/TeLEOS-2 mission is accomplished successfully. In a textbook launch, the vehicle placed TeLEOS-2 and LUMELITE-4 satellites precisely into their intended 586 km circular orbit. The mission marked the 57th flight of PSLV and the 16th mission using the PSLV Core Alone configuration, the lightest version of the launch vehicle as it has four core stages and no strap-on boosters to provide an added thrust.
PSLV- C55/TeLEOS-2 mission is accomplished successfully. In a textbook launch, the vehicle placed TeLEOS-2 and LUMELITE-4 satellites precisely into their intended 586 km circular orbit.
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Nagpur based Solar Industries India Ltd has bagged an order to supply unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) ‘Nagastra-I’ to the Indian Army, beating competitors from Israel and Poland.
Nagpur based Solar Industries India Ltd has bagged an order to supply unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) ‘Nagastra-I’ to the Indian Army, beating competitors from Israel and Poland. The first indigenous Loiter Munition (LM), Nagastra–1, has been designed and developed by Economics Explosives Ltd (EEL), a 100 percent subsidiary of Solar Industries Nagpur, in association with Z-Motion, Bangalore. A model of ‘Nagastra-1’ loitering munition was displayed in the Army Commanders conference held in New Delhi. Nagastra-1 having an indigenous content of more than 75 percent has many world class features.
The first indigenous Loiter Munition (LM), Nagastra–1, has been designed and developed by Economics Explosives Ltd (EEL), a 100 percent subsidiary of Solar Industries Nagpur, in association with Z-Motion, Bangalore.
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Veteran politician and former Jagatsinghpur MP Trilochan Kanungo passed away in Bhubaneswar at the age of 83.
Veteran politician and former Jagatsinghpur MP Trilochan Kanungo passed away in Bhubaneswar at the age of 83. Kanungo was elected to the Odisha Assembly in 1971, 1974 and 1985. In 1999, he was elected from the Jagatsinghpur Lok Sabha seat on BJD ticket. He was also chairman of the second Odisha Finance Commission.
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Earth Day also known as International Mother Earth Day is annually celebrated on April 22 to raise awareness to protect environment.
Earth Day also known as International Mother Earth Day is annually celebrated on April 22 to raise awareness to protect environment. The theme of World Earth Day 2023 is "Invest in Our Planet". Senator Gaylord Nelson established Earth Day in the 1970s. He wanted to promote ecology and increase public awareness of issues pertaining to the environment. The United Nations General Assembly declared April 22 as International Mother Earth Day in 2009 through resolution A/RES/63/278.
Earth Day also known as International Mother Earth Day is annually celebrated on April 22 to raise awareness to protect environment.
The theme of World Earth Day 2023 is "Invest in Our Planet".
The United Nations General Assembly declared April 22 as International Mother Earth Day in 2009 through resolution A/RES/63/278.
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Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched first of its kind heavy lift logistics drone, made by Odisha-based start-up BonV Aero, which has the capacity to transport 50kg over 10kms, on the opening day of "Odisha Skill Conclave 2023".
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched first of its kind heavy lift logistics drone, made by Odisha-based start-up BonV Aero, which has the capacity to transport 50kg over 10kms, on the opening day of "Odisha Skill Conclave 2023". BonV Aero is an IIT Mandi, AIC CV Raman Global University, Odisha and NITI Aayog-backed venture building Electric Aerial Vehicles for Cargo transportation. Start-up has successfully done a trial of this ‘RM001’ Electric Aerial Vehicle carrying 50-kilogram cargo at the altitude of 8000-10,000 feet in the Tawang of Eastern Command of the Indian Army forward post in Arunachal Pradesh.
BonV Aero is an IIT Mandi, AIC CV Raman Global University, Odisha and NITI Aayog-backed venture building Electric Aerial Vehicles for Cargo transportation.
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The Assam and the Arunachal Pradesh governments signed an agreement in presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to settle their five-decade-old border dispute.
The Assam and the Arunachal Pradesh governments signed an agreement in presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to settle their five-decade-old border dispute. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Arunachal Pradesh counterpart Pema Khandu signed the agreement. Assam and Arunachal Pradesh share an 804.1-km-long border. The two states decided to resolve the dispute in 123 villages.
The Assam and the Arunachal Pradesh governments signed an agreement in presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to settle their five-decade-old border dispute.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Arunachal Pradesh counterpart Pema Khandu signed the agreement.
Assam and Arunachal Pradesh share an 804.1-km-long border.
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Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) jointly launched a whitepaper aimed at making India a global leader in Agri-Tech innovation and expanding these innovations to the least developed countries
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) jointly launched a whitepaper aimed at making India a global leader in Agri-Tech innovation and expanding these innovations to the least developed countries in Asia and Africa. The whitepaper, meticulously prepared by experts from AIM, NITI Aayog, and UNCDF, offers actionable steps to overcome challenges faced by Agri-Tech start-ups and facilitate their growth at national and international levels.
The whitepaper, meticulously prepared by experts from AIM, NITI Aayog, and UNCDF, offers actionable steps to overcome challenges faced by Agri-Tech start-ups and facilitate their growth at national and international levels.
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Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has signed an umbrella Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Oil India Ltd (OIL) to form a technological partnership in select areas across the energy value chain.
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has signed an umbrella Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Oil India Ltd (OIL) to form a technological partnership in select areas across the energy value chain. The MoU establishes a formal framework for collaboration between OIL and CSIR Labs, aiming to facilitate research in advanced technologies for energy security. The objective of the MoU is to facilitate collaboration for research across advanced technologies.
The MoU establishes a formal framework for collaboration between OIL and CSIR Labs, aiming to facilitate research in advanced technologies for energy security.
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As per 'water bodies- first census report', released by Ministry of Jal Shakti, West Bengal tops list of States with most ponds and reservoirs.
As per 'water bodies- first census report', released by Ministry of Jal Shakti, West Bengal tops list of States with most ponds and reservoirs. India has 24.24 lakh water bodies like ponds, tanks and lakes. West Bengal accounts for most of the water bodies and Sikkim the least. Top 5 States which lead in the private owned water bodies are West Bengal, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Jharkhand. Top 5 States wherein major use of water bodies is in pisciculture are West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. Top 5 States wherein major use of water bodies is in irrigation are Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal and Gujarat.
As per 'water bodies- first census report', released by Ministry of Jal Shakti, West Bengal tops list of States with most ponds and reservoirs.
West Bengal accounts for most of the water bodies and Sikkim the least.
Top 5 States which lead in the private owned water bodies are West Bengal, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Jharkhand.
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IIT Madras will set up its first International campus in Zanzibar, Tanzania, with plans to to start the classes by October 2023.
IIT Madras will set up its first International campus in Zanzibar, Tanzania, with plans to to start the classes by October 2023. This will be first Indian Institute of Technology to be set up in Africa. In February 2023, a team of five professors from IIT Madras visited Tanzania and held discussions with various officials on starting the campus. This announcement was made by IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti in his presidential address at IIT Madras’ 64th Institute Day (20 April 2023).
IIT Madras will set up its first International campus in Zanzibar, Tanzania, with plans to to start the classes by October 2023.
This will be first Indian Institute of Technology to be set up in Africa.
This announcement was made by IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti in his presidential address at IIT Madras’ 64th Institute Day (20 April 2023).
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Indian Cricket captain Rohit Sharma was appointed as JioCinema’s brand ambassador.
Indian Cricket captain Rohit Sharma was appointed as JioCinema’s brand ambassador. He will work with the team at JioCinema, collaborating on a shared vision that is focused on making sports viewing synonymous with digital through a series of initiatives. He will take JioCinema’s digital-first proposition for all sports properties nationwide expanding the fan base.
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InPrime Finserv (STK credit private limited), a financial services start-up catering to the informal economy, has obtained a Certificate of Registration (COR) from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC).
InPrime Finserv (STK credit private limited), a financial services start-up catering to the informal economy, has obtained a Certificate of Registration (COR) from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC). With this license, InPrime joins an exclusive group of startups that have received approval from the RBI to build a lending business, achieving this feat in less than five months. InPrime aims to transform the way informal customers access formal finance in India by identifying and tapping into an untapped segment of the informal economy, which it calls the "Prime" segment. InPrime Finserv is a brand owned by STK Credit Private Limited, a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) headquartered in Bangalore.
InPrime Finserv (STK credit private limited), a financial services start-up catering to the informal economy, has obtained a Certificate of Registration (COR) from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC).
With this license, InPrime joins an exclusive group of startups that have received approval from the RBI to build a lending business, achieving this feat in less than five months.
InPrime Finserv is a brand owned by STK Credit Private Limited, a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) headquartered in Bangalore.
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The Bengaluru-based startup CoRover has collaborated with the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) to launch the 1st phase of conversational AI-powered chatbot LIC Mitra.
The Bengaluru-based startup CoRover has collaborated with the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) to launch the 1st phase of conversational AI-powered chatbot LIC Mitra. CoRover.ai has developed LIC Mitra, which is available on LIC’s website and mobile app. It is powered by technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to understand and respond to users’ queries in multiple languages. The technology allows users to interact with LIC Mitra even with voice. CoRover is offering chatbot solutions to dozens of clients including IRCTC, Max Life Insurance, NPCI, Fastag, Mahindra Group, Digital India, RuPay, and many more, and has over 1 billion users.
CoRover is offering chatbot solutions to dozens of clients including IRCTC, Max Life Insurance, NPCI, Fastag, Mahindra Group, Digital India, RuPay, and many more, and has over 1 billion users.
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The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed a host member agreement to established Abu Dhabi the Bank’s first overseas office, an Interim Operational Hub (the Hub).
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed a host member agreement to established Abu Dhabi the Bank’s first overseas office, an Interim Operational Hub (the Hub). The establishment of the Hub in the UAE gives the Bank a robust platform to manage growing investment portfolio. It also enhances client and member engagement, project monitoring and implementation services across the globe. The Hub provides proximity to global financial centers and connectivity with the international infrastructure ecosystem which is important in maintaining AIIB’s growth momentum.
The establishment of the Hub in the UAE gives the Bank a robust platform to manage growing investment portfolio.
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Fintech major CRED has launched peer-to-peer (P2P) UPI payments on its app, allowing CRED members to transact with CRED members or non-members by searching their contact list and adding phone numbers, or UPI ids.
Fintech major CRED has launched peer-to-peer (P2P) UPI payments on its app, allowing CRED members to transact with CRED members or non-members by searching their contact list and adding phone numbers, or UPI ids. The new payment method has been made available with the introduction of Scan & Pay, which enables users to "pay anywhere" via UPI. The UPI-based newly introduced transaction system further has the WIN-WIN feature that is activated after a member uses the UPI P2P experience for payments to ‘special contacts’.
Fintech major CRED has launched peer-to-peer (P2P) UPI payments on its app, allowing CRED members to transact with CRED members or non-members by searching their contact list and adding phone numbers, or UPI ids.
The new payment method has been made available with the introduction of Scan & Pay, which enables users to "pay anywhere" via UPI.
The UPI-based newly introduced transaction system further has the WIN-WIN feature that is activated after a member uses the UPI P2P experience for payments to ‘special contacts’.
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As per the report on EASE Reforms Index for Q3 FY 2022-23 published by Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), Union Bank of India, for the first time, secures 1st rank in EASE reforms.
As per the report on EASE Reforms Index for Q3 FY 2022-23 published by Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), Union Bank of India, for the first time, secures 1st rank in EASE reforms. Enhanced Access & Service Excellence (EASE) is an initiative by the DFS (GOI) as part of the PSB Reforms Agenda and is currently under its fifth iteration which focuses on Enhanced Digital experience, Data – driven, Integrated and Inclusive Banking. The performance of PSBs is measured on five themes under EASE 5.0, in which, Union Bank of India has set the benchmark under the four themes i.e, “Digitally - enabled customer offerings”, ‘Big data and analytics’, ‘Modern Technology Capabilities’ and “Employee development and Governance” by securing 1st rank amongst PSBs.
The performance of PSBs is measured on five themes under EASE 5.0, in which, Union Bank of India has set the benchmark under the four themes i.e, “Digitally - enabled customer offerings”, ‘Big data and analytics’, ‘Modern Technology Capabilities’ and “Emp
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Wing Commander Deepika Misra was conferred the Vayu Sena medal by Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Air Marshal VR Chaudhari, making her the first woman Air Force officer to receive a gallantry award.
Wing Commander Deepika Misra was conferred the Vayu Sena medal by Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Air Marshal VR Chaudhari, making her the first woman Air Force officer to receive a gallantry award. IAF chief Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari presented the Yudh Seva Medal and other awards to several officers and air warriors at an Investiture Ceremony held at the Air Force Auditorium in Subroto Park, New Delhi. While two IAF officers were awarded Yudh Seva Medal, 13 officers, and air warriors received Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry), 13 officers Vayu Sena Medal and 30 Vishisht Seva Medal. Wing Commander Deepika Mishra was detailed to undertake Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations in response to flash floods in northern Madhya Pradesh in August 2021. Her efforts helped in saving 47 lives. Wing Commander Deepika Misra is a trained helicopter pilot, qualified flying instructor and an instrument-rated instructor and examiner.
Wing Commander Deepika Misra was conferred the Vayu Sena medal by Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Air Marshal VR Chaudhari, making her the first woman Air Force officer to receive a gallantry award.
While two IAF officers were awarded Yudh Seva Medal, 13 officers, and air warriors received Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry), 13 officers Vayu Sena Medal and 30 Vishisht Seva Medal.
Wing Commander Deepika Misra is a trained helicopter pilot, qualified flying instructor and an instrument-rated instructor and examiner.
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For the 1st time, Karnataka has bagged the national award for the best implementation of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), a crop subsidy insurance scheme, for the year 2022-23.
For the 1st time, Karnataka has bagged the national award for the best implementation of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), a crop subsidy insurance scheme, for the year 2022-23. The award was received by Shivayogi Kalasad, the Secretary to the government, Department of Agriculture, Karnataka. The PMFBY is a large-scale crop subsidy insurance scheme aimed to safeguard the farmers, implemented in Karnataka in 2016. This scheme is being managed by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers’ Welfare, under the Ministry of Agriculture, along with empanelled general insurance companies.
For the 1st time, Karnataka has bagged the national award for the best implementation of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), a crop subsidy insurance scheme, for the year 2022-23.
The award was received by Shivayogi Kalasad, the Secretary to the government, Department of Agriculture, Karnataka.
The PMFBY is a large-scale crop subsidy insurance scheme aimed to safeguard the farmers, implemented in Karnataka in 2016.
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The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointments of as many as 12 IAS officers at Secretary/ Secretary-equivalent level in various Ministries and Department.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointments of as many as 12 IAS officers at Secretary/ Secretary-equivalent level in various Ministries and Department. Arun Singhal (IAS) has been appointed as Director General of National Archives of India under the Ministry of Culture in the rank of Secretary by temporarily upgrading the post to Secretary level. Anurag Jain (IAS) has been appointed as Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Rajesh Kumar Singh (IAS) has been appointed as Secretary of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Alka Upadhyaya (IAS) has been appointed as Secretary of Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying. Anjali Bhawra (IAS) has been appointed as Secretary of the National Commission for Minorities under the Ministry of Minority Affairs. Mukhmeet Singh Bhatia (IAS) has been appointed as Chairperson of National Authority Chemical Weapons Convention in the rank and pay of Secretary. Saurabh Garg (IAS) has been appointed as Secretary in the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment. Abhilaksh Likhi (IAS) has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty in the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying in the rank of Secretary. V Vidyavathi (IAS) has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty in the Ministry of Tourism in the rank of Secretary. Rakesh Sarwal (IAS) has been appointed as Additional Secretary of Inter State Council Secretariat under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Rakesh Ranjan (IAS) has been appointed as Additional Secretary of Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Faiz Ahmed Kidwai (IAS) has been appointed as Additional Secretary in the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Rajinder Kumar Kashyap (lPoS) has been appointed as Special Secretary in the Department of Justice under the Ministry of Law & Justice in the rank of Secretary. AR Sule (IDAS) has been appointed as Additional Secretary in the Department of Atomic Energy.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointments of as many as 12 IAS officers at Secretary/ Secretary-equivalent level in various Ministries and Department.
Arun Singhal (IAS) has been appointed as Director General of National Archives of India under the Ministry of Culture in the rank of Secretary by temporarily upgrading the post to Secretary level.
Anurag Jain (IAS) has been appointed as Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
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On 21 April 2023, 16th National Civil Service Day was celebrated.
National Civil Service Day is annually observed in India on April 21 to recognize the contribution of civil servants towards the development of the Nation. The theme of National Civil Service Day 2023 is ‘Viksit Bharat: Empowering Citizens and Reaching the Last Mile’. Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, the Home Member of Parliament, introduced the All India Services on April 21, 1947. The first National Civil Services Day was observed on April 21, 1947. On 21 April 2023, 16th National Civil Service Day was celebrated.
National Civil Service Day is annually observed in India on April 21 to recognize the contribution of civil servants towards the development of the Nation.
The theme of National Civil Service Day 2023 is ‘Viksit Bharat: Empowering Citizens and Reaching the Last Mile’.
On 21 April 2023, 16th National Civil Service Day was celebrated.
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On 18th April 2023, 5th edition of HUN- a Thadou Cultural Festival 2023 was inaugurated by Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren at Thomas Ground in Kangpokpi district of Manipur.
On 18th April 2023, 5th edition of HUN- a Thadou Cultural Festival 2023 was inaugurated by Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren at Thomas Ground in Kangpokpi district of Manipur. HUN festival is an annual cultural festival and a civilising act of the Thadous community of Manipur and it is celebrated at the arrival of the new year according to the community.
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World Creativity and Innovation Day is annually observed on April 21 to raise awareness about the importance of creativity and innovation in solving global problems.
World Creativity and Innovation Day is annually observed on April 21 to raise awareness about the importance of creativity and innovation in solving global problems. UN declared April 21 as World Creativity and Innovation Day, in its 79th plenary meeting on April 27, 2017. The declaration was made at the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The first World Creativity and Innovation Day was celebrated in 2018.
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The Kerala government launched a project 'One Panchayat, One Playground' for reviving the sports culture in the State by opening quality playgrounds in every panchayat of the southern state.
The Kerala government launched a project 'One Panchayat, One Playground' for reviving the sports culture in the State by opening quality playgrounds in every panchayat of the southern state. The project was inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at Kallikkad. The project will address the lack of quality playgrounds in around 450 local bodies in the State. Within three years, the playgrounds will be built and for the first phase of the project, a list of 113 panchayats has been prepared. Each playground would cost around Rs1 crore, half of which would be footed by the Sports department and the rest would be raised from the MLA and local body funds, through CSR, public private partnerships, etc.
The Kerala government launched a project 'One Panchayat, One Playground' for reviving the sports culture in the State by opening quality playgrounds in every panchayat of the southern state.
The project was inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at Kallikkad.
Within three years, the playgrounds will be built and for the first phase of the project, a list of 113 panchayats has been prepared.
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Emkay Global Financial Services has received in-principle approval from the capital markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to launch mutual fund business in India.
Emkay Global Financial Services has received in-principle approval from the capital markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to launch mutual fund business in India. With this, Emkay Global will join companies like Angel One, Zerodha Broking and Helios Capital Management in doing so. The company has received in-principle approval from SEBI for sponsoring a Mutual Fund and incorporate an asset management company.
With this, Emkay Global will join companies like Angel One, Zerodha Broking and Helios Capital Management in doing so.
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Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced three online services to digitally empower people.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced three online services to digitally empower people. The newly launched online services are: Pro-active Divyang Pension Service, ‘Tau se Poochho’ WhatsApp chatbot and online booking of government rest houses. Now, Pension benefits to Persons With Disabilities (PwDs) and such beneficiaries will not have to visit the offices to get their benefits. He launched a portal for room booking at PWD (B&R) rest houses.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced three online services to digitally empower people.
The newly launched online services are: Pro-active Divyang Pension Service, ‘Tau se Poochho’ WhatsApp chatbot and online booking of government rest houses.
He launched a portal for room booking at PWD (B&R) rest houses.
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The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) at a total cost of Rs6003.65 crore for 8 years from 2023-24 to 2030-31.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) at a total cost of Rs6003.65 crore for 8 years from 2023-24 to 2030-31. It is aiming to seed, nurture and scale up scientific and industrial R&D and create a vibrant & innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology (QT). The new mission targets developing intermediate scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits in 8 years in various platforms like superconducting and photonic technology. Four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) will be set up in top academic and National R&D institutes on the domains - Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing & Metrology and Quantum Materials & Devices.
Four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) will be set up in top academic and National R&D institutes on the domains - Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing & Metrology and Quantum Materials & Devices.
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IndusInd Bank and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) have signed a $100 million long-term loan agreement to foster the growth of Japanese construction equipment companies in India, through need-based credit facilities to upstream and down
IndusInd Bank and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) have signed a $100 million long-term loan agreement to foster the growth of Japanese construction equipment companies in India, through need-based credit facilities to upstream and downstream companies. The loans will be further co-financed by Mizuho Bank, Japan, the Shizuoka Bank, Singapore, and Joyo Bank, Japan. Under this initiative, IndusInd Bank will offer credit to companies that make up the supply chain of Japanese original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in India. The agreement was signed by the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) branch of IndusInd bank, which is an IFSC Banking Unit (IBU).
IndusInd Bank and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) have signed a $100 million long-term loan agreement to foster the growth of Japanese construction equipment companies in India, through need-based credit facilities to upstream and down
Under this initiative, IndusInd Bank will offer credit to companies that make up the supply chain of Japanese original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in India.
The agreement was signed by the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) branch of IndusInd bank, which is an IFSC Banking Unit (IBU).
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Agri-tech company Fasal announced its partnership with State Bank of India (SBI) to provide farmers with easy access to capital.
Agri-tech company Fasal announced its partnership with State Bank of India (SBI) to provide farmers with easy access to capital. The partnership will help solve cash-flow constraints during key cycles in farming by providing quick, easy, and collateral-free loans at very competitive rates. Through this financing solution, farmers can access collateral-free loans up to 3 lakhs. The goal is to enable farmers to effectively fund and manage urgent and immediate agri-input needs and adopt Fasal's technology solution to make their farming precise and predictable.
Agri-tech company Fasal announced its partnership with State Bank of India (SBI) to provide farmers with easy access to capital.
The partnership will help solve cash-flow constraints during key cycles in farming by providing quick, easy, and collateral-free loans at very competitive rates.
Through this financing solution, farmers can access collateral-free loans up to 3 lakhs.
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AU Small FInance Bank Limited (SFB) has received permission from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to act as an authorised dealer to deal in foreign exchange.
AU Small FInance Bank Limited (SFB) has received permission from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to act as an authorised dealer to deal in foreign exchange. RBI vide its letter dated April 19, 2023 has granted Authorized Dealer Category-I (AD-I) License to the Bank under Section 10 (1) of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 to deal in foreign exchange. Authorised dealer category 1 banks, also known as AD Category-I Banks, are the banks with an RBI licence to buy and sell foreign exchange for specified purposes. Such banks aim to ease the foreign exchange facilities for non-resident Indians (NRIs).
RBI vide its letter dated April 19, 2023 has granted Authorized Dealer Category-I (AD-I) License to the Bank under Section 10 (1) of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 to deal in foreign exchange.
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Federal Bank has entered into a Banking Correspondent agreement with Chennai-based KiVi, an agri fintech start-up operated by Agrosperity Tech Solutions, to scaling and expanding its agri lending portfolio in Tamil Nadu.
Federal Bank has entered into a Banking Correspondent agreement with Chennai-based KiVi, an agri fintech start-up operated by Agrosperity Tech Solutions, to scaling and expanding its agri lending portfolio in Tamil Nadu. Federal Bank launched the instant KCC platform in September 2022. Claimed to be the first of its kind in agriculture lending, it offers farmers convenience and turnaround time. Under the agreement, KiVi will acquire, service and augment Federal Bank’s underwriting capability.
Under the agreement, KiVi will acquire, service and augment Federal Bank’s underwriting capability.
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The Reserve Bank of India has approved the appointment of Kaizad Bharucha as Deputy Managing Director and Bhavesh Zaveri as Executive Director of HDFC Bank for three years with effect from April 19, 2023.
The Reserve Bank of India has approved the appointment of Kaizad Bharucha as Deputy Managing Director and Bhavesh Zaveri as Executive Director of HDFC Bank for three years with effect from April 19, 2023. Zaveri, before being appointed as executive director, was group head–operations, cash management. Bharucha has more than 35 years of experience in banking and he has been associated with HDFC Bank since 1995. Before his new assignment, Bharucha was executive director responsible for wholesale banking.
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Norwegian Government Pension Fund Global has increased its stake in Bajaj Electricals by 1.73%, bringing its total shareholding in the electrical appliances company up to 3.03%.
Norwegian Government Pension Fund Global has increased its stake in Bajaj Electricals by 1.73%, bringing its total shareholding in the electrical appliances company up to 3.03%. Government Pension Fund Global already holds 1.30% stake in the company. The total foreign investors holding in Bajaj Electrical is at 11.21%, while mutual funds own 11.53%, as of March quarter.
Government Pension Fund Global already holds 1.30% stake in the company.
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Miguel Díaz-Canel has been re-elected as President of the Republic of Cuba for a second term on April 19, 2023 by the National Assembly of the People's Power.
Miguel Díaz-Canel has been re-elected as President of the Republic of Cuba for a second term on April 19, 2023 by the National Assembly of the People's Power. Salvador Valdés Mesa has also been re-elected as Vice President. Díaz-Canel received 97.66% of the vote, while Valdés Mesa received 93.4%.
Salvador Valdés Mesa has also been re-elected as Vice President.
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Former England batter Gary Ballance announced his retirement from from all forms of the cricket.
Former England batter Gary Ballance announced his retirement from from all forms of the cricket. Gary Ballance played 24 Tests (23 for England), 21 ODIs and 1 T20I in his international career. He was well known for his contribution in red-ball cricket scoring 1653 runs at an an average of 40.32 with five tons to his name.
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Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar launched the SATHI (Seed Traceability, Authentication and Holistic Inventory) Portal and Mobile App, a Centralized Online System for seed traceability, authentication and inventory design
Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar launched the SATHI (Seed Traceability, Authentication and Holistic Inventory) Portal and Mobile App, a Centralized Online System for seed traceability, authentication and inventory designed to deal with the challenges of seed production, quality seed identification and seed certification. It has been developed by the NIC in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on the theme of ‘Uttam Beej – Samriddh Kisan’. SATHI portal is an important step in this direction. When its use starts right to the grassroot level, it will prove to be a revolutionary step in the field of agriculture. SATHI portal will ensure quality assurance system, identify the source of seed in the seed production chain. The system will consist of integrated 7 verticals of the seed chain - Research Organisation, Seed Certification, Seed Licensing, Seed Catalogue, Dealer to Farmer Sales, Farmer Registration and Seed DBT.
Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar launched the SATHI (Seed Traceability, Authentication and Holistic Inventory) Portal and Mobile App, a Centralized Online System for seed traceability, authentication and inventory design
It has been developed by the NIC in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on the theme of ‘Uttam Beej – Samriddh Kisan’.
The system will consist of integrated 7 verticals of the seed chain - Research Organisation, Seed Certification, Seed Licensing, Seed Catalogue, Dealer to Farmer Sales, Farmer Registration and Seed DBT.
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Virginia Tower Norwood, the aerospace pioneer, has passed away at the age of 96.
Virginia Tower Norwood, the aerospace pioneer, has passed away at the age of 96. Virginia Tower Norwood was widely known for her invention of the Multispectral Scanner which was used in the Landsat 1 Satellite Program. She is often called ‘The Mother of Satellite Imaging Systems’.
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The Chinese Language Day is annually celebrated on 20 April to celebrate Chinese language as one of the six official languages of the United Nations.
The Chinese Language Day is annually celebrated on 20 April to celebrate Chinese language as one of the six official languages of the United Nations. The theme of Chinese Language Day 2023 is “Chinese Wisdom for a Green World”. Chinese was recognized as one of the official languages of the United Nations in 1946. However, in the early years, it was not widely used in the organization’s work.
The theme of Chinese Language Day 2023 is “Chinese Wisdom for a Green World”.
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Himachal Pradesh has become the first Indian state to develop a DNA database for unidentified bodies.
Himachal Pradesh has become the first Indian state to develop a DNA database for unidentified bodies. The process of creating this database had started in April 2022. So far, the database holds records of 150 DNA samples of unidentified bodies. The database with DNA details will help massively in such cases, Assistant Director (DNA). The Directorate of Forensics Services, Junga had procured DNA profile databasing and matching technology (Smallpond TM software from USA) at a price of Rs55 lakh in 2022. It has a capacity of about 20,000 DNA profiles which can be scaled further.
The process of creating this database had started in April 2022.
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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) accepted bids worth Rs5,500 crore at an auction for conversion and switching of five government of India (GoI) bonds against the notified amount of Rs11,000 crore.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) accepted bids worth Rs5,500 crore at an auction for conversion and switching of five government of India (GoI) bonds against the notified amount of Rs11,000 crore. As for floating rate bond (FRB) maturing in 2024, for conversion into paper to be redeemed in 2032, it accepted Rs2,000-crore bids, as against the notified amount of Rs4,000 crore.
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Harmanpreet Kaur, Tom Blundell, Daryl Mitchell, Matthew Potts, and Ben Foakes became Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year 2023.
Harmanpreet Kaur, Tom Blundell, Daryl Mitchell, Matthew Potts, and Ben Foakes became Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year 2023. Harmanpreet becomes the first Indian female cricketer to win this reward. Ben Stokes was also named the men’s leading cricketer of the year 2023. Among New Zealand’s cricketers, Tom Blundell & Daryl Mitchell made their names in Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year 2023. Suryakumar Yadav was also named as the leading Twenty20 Cricketer in the World.
Harmanpreet becomes the first Indian female cricketer to win this reward.
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Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda launched 'Marketing and Logistics Development for Promotion of Tribal Products from North-Eastern Region (PTP-NER)' scheme in Manipur.
Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda launched 'Marketing and Logistics Development for Promotion of Tribal Products from North-Eastern Region (PTP-NER)' scheme in Manipur. The scheme has been introduced for the benefit of Scheduled Tribes of the North-Eastern Region. It has the vision to strengthen livelihood opportunities for tribal artisans through increased efficiency in procurement, logistics and marketing of tribal products from North Eastern States. The scheme will apply to the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim. As part of the scheme, it is planned to initiate empanelment of tribal artisans from North Eastern Region by organizing 68 Tribal Artisan Melas onwards in various districts of the region. The Outlay of scheme is Rs143 Crore.
Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda launched 'Marketing and Logistics Development for Promotion of Tribal Products from North-Eastern Region (PTP-NER)' scheme in Manipur.
The scheme will apply to the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim.
The Outlay of scheme is Rs143 Crore.
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The Government of India has advanced its target to achieve 20 percent ethanol blending in petrol from 2030 to 2025-26.
The Government of India has advanced its target to achieve 20 percent ethanol blending in petrol from 2030 to 2025-26. While addressing the Global CBG Conference of the Indian Federation of Green Energy (IFGE) - CBG Producers Forum, Hardeep Singh Puri stated that the Government of India has notified the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018. Production of indigenous biofuels will play a pivotal role in achieving the targets of net zero and import reduction. This translates into forex savings of Rs41,500 crore, timely payment of over Rs40,600 crore to farmers and a reduction of 27 lakh tones in CO2 emissions. Government of India has set a target to increase the share of gas in the energy mix up to 15 percent in 2030 to make India a Gas based economy. India has an ambitious target to set up 5000 commercial plants by 2024- 25 and produce 15 MMT of CBG which would replace other gaseous fuels being used in the country. So far 46 CBG/biogas plants have been commissioned and sale has been started from more than 100 Retail Outlets.
The Government of India has advanced its target to achieve 20 percent ethanol blending in petrol from 2030 to 2025-26.
Government of India has set a target to increase the share of gas in the energy mix up to 15 percent in 2030 to make India a Gas based economy.
India has an ambitious target to set up 5000 commercial plants by 2024- 25 and produce 15 MMT of CBG which would replace other gaseous fuels being used in the country.
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NTPC and Chempolis India, a Fortum group associate company and a leading Finnish bio-refining technology provider, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the feasibility of setting up a Bamboo-based Bio-Refinery in Bongaigaon, Assam.
NTPC and Chempolis India, a Fortum group associate company and a leading Finnish bio-refining technology provider, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the feasibility of setting up a Bamboo-based Bio-Refinery in Bongaigaon, Assam. Chempolis will work with NTPC to conduct the feasibility study for the project which shall utilize bamboo for the production of 2G Ethanol, Bio-Coal for thermal power plant & other value-added products. The project will support NTPC’s decarbonization efforts, create job opportunities and build a sustainable model by promoting the use of locally available resources. M/s EIL is the Project Consultant for NTPC for preparation of Detailed Project Report.
The project will support NTPC’s decarbonization efforts, create job opportunities and build a sustainable model by promoting the use of locally available resources. M/s EIL is the Project Consultant for NTPC for preparation of Detailed Project Report.
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According to a report 'World's Wealthiest Cities Report 2023' by global wealth tracker Henley & Partners, New York is top as world's richest city, with the 3,40,000 millionaires in 2023.
According to a report 'World's Wealthiest Cities Report 2023' by global wealth tracker Henley & Partners, New York is top as world's richest city, with the 3,40,000 millionaires in 2023. It is followed by Tokyo and San Francisco Bay Area with resident millionaire populations of 290,300 and 285,000, respectively. The US dominated the list with four cities - New York, The Bay Area, Los Angeles and Chicago. China has two of its cities (Beijing and Shanghai) in the list. The report covers 97 cities across nine regions worldwide (Africa, Australasia, CIS, East Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, South Asia, and Southeast Asia) and has four Indian cities in the list (Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad).
According to a report 'World's Wealthiest Cities Report 2023' by global wealth tracker Henley & Partners, New York is top as world's richest city, with the 3,40,000 millionaires in 2023.
It is followed by Tokyo and San Francisco Bay Area with resident millionaire populations of 290,300 and 285,000, respectively.
The report covers 97 cities across nine regions worldwide (Africa, Australasia, CIS, East Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, South Asia, and Southeast Asia) and has four Indian cities in the list (Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad).
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External affairs minister S. Jaishankar concludes his six-day visit to African nations Uganda, Ethiopia and Mozambique.
External affairs minister S. Jaishankar concludes his six-day visit to African nations Uganda, Ethiopia and Mozambique. EAM along with the minister of water and environment of Uganda formally launched the EXIM Bank funded project that will supply drinking water to half a million people in 20 districts of Uganda. EAM Jaishankar met with members of Uganda’s Parliamentary Forum on Indian Affairs to discuss parliamentary cooperation and development cooperation. He also inaugurated the first overseas campus of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in the country. EAM also interacted with the Indian community of Uganda and addressed the Indian Business Forum, which was attended by minister of trade, industry and cooperatives Mr Mwebesa Francis. EAM also formally launched a project funded by the Indian community of Uganda for the restoration of the Tulsi Ghat in Varanasi. The meetings covered a wide array of subjects including bilateral, regional and international issues. Issues related to cooperation in multilateral fora, including the UN were also discussed.
External affairs minister S. Jaishankar concludes his six-day visit to African nations Uganda, Ethiopia and Mozambique.
EAM along with the minister of water and environment of Uganda formally launched the EXIM Bank funded project that will supply drinking water to half a million people in 20 districts of Uganda.
He also inaugurated the first overseas campus of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in the country.
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According to a new UNFPA report, India has surpassed China, become the world's most populous nation with 142.86 crore people.
According to a new UNFPA report, India has surpassed China, become the world's most populous nation with 142.86 crore people. China has a population of 142.57 crore. The United States is third, with an estimated population of 340 million. 25 percent of India's population is in the age group of 0-14 years, 18 percent in the 10 to 19 age group, 26 per cent in the age bracket of 10 to 24 years, 68 percent in 15 to 64 years age group, and 7 percent above 65 years. The population demographics of India vary from state to state. Kerala and Punjab have an ageing population while Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have a young population.
According to a new UNFPA report, India has surpassed China, become the world's most populous nation with 142.86 crore people.
China has a population of 142.57 crore. The United States is third, with an estimated population of 340 million.
The population demographics of India vary from state to state. Kerala and Punjab have an ageing population while Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have a young population.
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RBL Bank launched an innovative Digital Fixed Deposit (FD) scheme available to new-to-bank customers.
RBL Bank launched an innovative Digital Fixed Deposit (FD) scheme available to new-to-bank customers. Customers can book the Digital FD within minutes without having to visit a branch or opening a savings account with the Bank. This unique offering is a part of new-age banking solutions that seamlessly integrates traditional and digital channels. The online Fixed Deposit is a secure and reliable investment avenue that will enable customers to get better returns and build savings over a period of time. With an interest rate of up to 7.8% for a tenure of 15 months to 725 days, RBL Bank's digital FD provides investors with an interesting investment option.
RBL Bank launched an innovative Digital Fixed Deposit (FD) scheme available to new-to-bank customers.
Customers can book the Digital FD within minutes without having to visit a branch or opening a savings account with the Bank.
With an interest rate of up to 7.8% for a tenure of 15 months to 725 days, RBL Bank's digital FD provides investors with an interesting investment option.
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South Indian Bank (SIB) has launched two flexible saving products 'SIB SEAFARER' and 'SIB PULSE' for NRI its customers specifically for mariners and healthcare professionals.
South Indian Bank (SIB) has launched two flexible saving products 'SIB SEAFARER' and 'SIB PULSE' for NRI its customers specifically for mariners and healthcare professionals. With these products, NRIs can now take advantage of the freedom to either keep deposits or the required minimum amount in their savings accounts. Features of SEAFARER: Flexibility to maintain a minimum balance of Rs10,000/- in linked accounts (eligible for the latest 2 NR Accounts opened); No minimum balance required for the maintenance of the NRI Term Deposit of Rs2,00,000/- and above. Features of SBI PULSE: Flexibility to maintain a minimum balance of Rs10,000/- in linked accounts (eligible for the latest 2 NR Accounts opened); NR Term Deposit above Rs2 Lakh or RD with minimum monthly instalment above Rs20,000/-. Preference for 25% waiver on processing fees for Home Loans and Vehicle Loans.
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State Bank of India (SBI) in its Executive Committee of the Central Board approved to examine the status and decide on long term fund-raising in single or multiple trenches up to US $2 Billion.
State Bank of India (SBI) in its Executive Committee of the Central Board approved to examine the status and decide on long term fund-raising in single or multiple trenches up to US $2 Billion. The fund raising of up to $2 billion would be done in single or multiple trenches through a public offer or private placement of senior unsecured notes in US Dollar or any other convertible currency during FY 2023-24. In March 2023, SBI raised Rs3,717 crore through its third Basel III compliant Additional Tier 1 bond issuance for FY23, at a coupon rate of 8.25%.
In March 2023, SBI raised Rs3,717 crore through its third Basel III compliant Additional Tier 1 bond issuance for FY23, at a coupon rate of 8.25%.
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IIT Roorkee signed an MoU with Taiwan’s National Science and Technology Centre for Disaster Reduction (NCDR).
IIT Roorkee signed an MoU with Taiwan’s National Science and Technology Centre for Disaster Reduction (NCDR). The document was signed by scientists from the NCDR and faculty members under the direction of Dr Hongey Chen during a visit to advance academic and scientific collaboration and research in disaster management. The MoU aims to develop technological solutions for natural disasters like earthquakes, landslides, floods, debris flows, and compound disasters.
The MoU aims to develop technological solutions for natural disasters like earthquakes, landslides, floods, debris flows, and compound disasters.
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According to the Global Unicorn Index 2023 by Hurun, Edtech decacorn BYJU’S, foodtech platform Swiggy and fantasy gaming company Dream11 are India’s top unicorns.
According to the Global Unicorn Index 2023 by Hurun, Edtech decacorn BYJU’S, foodtech platform Swiggy and fantasy gaming company Dream11 are India’s top unicorns. In addition, the list also revealed that India has 138 unicorns in total, 70 of which were started by Indian co-founders but are headquartered outside of India. India has maintained its position as the world’s third-largest country with unicorns after the US and China. Dream11 and Swiggy, each valued at $8 billion, are among the leading unicorns in the country.
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Tata Steel has been recognised as 2023 Steel Sustainability Champion by the World Steel Association.
Tata Steel has been recognised as 2023 Steel Sustainability Champion by the World Steel Association. The Sustainability Champions were announced at the Worldsteel Special General Meeting of the Board of Members held in Vienna, Austria. Tata Steel is one of only two steel companies in the world to receive this recognition each year since the program’s inception in 2018. Additionally, the company’s Noamundi and Joda East Iron Mines received a 5-Star rating for sustainable development for 2021-22 from the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM).
Tata Steel has been recognised as 2023 Steel Sustainability Champion by the World Steel Association.
Tata Steel is one of only two steel companies in the world to receive this recognition each year since the program’s inception in 2018.
Additionally, the company’s Noamundi and Joda East Iron Mines received a 5-Star rating for sustainable development for 2021-22 from the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM).
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World Liver Day is annually observed on April 19 to raise awareness of ailments and disorders affecting the liver.
World Liver Day is annually observed on April 19 to raise awareness of ailments and disorders affecting the liver. The theme of World Liver Day 2023 is ‘Be Vigilant, Do Regular Liver Check-Ups, Fatty Liver Can Affect Anyone’. Liver diseases are the tenth most common cause of death in India, according to data supplied by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The theme of World Liver Day 2023 is ‘Be Vigilant, Do Regular Liver Check-Ups, Fatty Liver Can Affect Anyone’.
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The Tamil Nadu e-Governance Agency (TNeGA) signed a MoU with the Indian Bank for integrating the Indian Bank Payment Aggregator with the e-governance applications of various state government departments.
The Tamil Nadu e-Governance Agency (TNeGA) signed a MoU with the Indian Bank for integrating the Indian Bank Payment Aggregator with the e-governance applications of various state government departments. While all the state government departments can avail the plug and play platform for any payment-related needs, the payment aggregator platform services will offer timely and cost effective solutions to these departments besides providing citizens and businesses with a seamless payment experience. This platform facilitates an integrated payment mechanism for online payment and collection through aggregation and reconciliation services with multiple payment channels such as debit/credit cards, UPI payment wallets, net banking, e-challans and e-RsUPI.
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The Ministry of Civil Aviation has granted site clearance for the Sabarimala Greenfield Airport project at Kottayam in Kerala.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has granted site clearance for the Sabarimala Greenfield Airport project at Kottayam in Kerala. The Kottayam Greenfield Airport project is proposed to be developed on approximately 2,250 acres of land and intended to be undertaken at Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model at an approximately cost of Rs4000 crore by Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC).
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The Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) has constituted a 4-member working group on asset reconstruction companies (ARCs).
The Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) has constituted a 4-member working group on asset reconstruction companies (ARCs). The group will operate continuously on various issues and report them to the IBA, the RBI and the government. The four-member group comprises Hari Hara Mishra, CEO of Asset Reconstruction Companies Association, Purshotam Agarwal, chief investment officer of National Asset Reconstruction Company (NARCL), Mythili Balasubramanian of Edelweiss, and Tarun Kumar, director of Encore Asset Reconstruction Company.
The group will operate continuously on various issues and report them to the IBA, the RBI and the government.
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Multilateral exercise Orion in which the Indian Air Force is also taking part began at Mont-de-Marsan in France.
Multilateral exercise Orion in which the Indian Air Force is also taking part began at Mont-de-Marsan in France. This is the first overseas exercise for the Indian Air Force Rafale aircraft. The exercise will see the IAF engage in realistic combat scenarios with other participating Air Forces. The Indian Air Force Contingent comprises four Rafale, two C-17, two IL-78 aircraft and 165 air warriors. Air Forces from Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Spain and United States of America are also participating in the exercise which will be continue till 5th May 2023.
Air Forces from Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Spain and United States of America are also participating in the exercise which will be continue till 5th May 2023.
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Bengaluru recorded 29 million transactions valued at Rs6,500 crore, the highest number of digital transactions across 12 cities in India.
Worldline, a global leader in payment services, has published the -‘India Digital Payments Annual Report' for 2022. In 2022, payment modes like UPI, Debit and Credit cards, Prepaid Payment Instruments, Mobile and Prepaid cards processed 87.92 billion transactions worth INR 149.5 trillion. In the year 2022, UPI clocked over 74.05 billion transactions in volume and INR 126 trillion in terms of value. Its transactions volume and value almost doubled since last year as it recorded 91% increase in volume and over 76% increase in value in Year 2022 as compared to Year 2021. As of year 2022, the top 5 UPI Apps in terms of volume and value were PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm Payments Bank App, Amazon Pay and Axis Bank. The Average Ticket Size (ATS) for UPI P2P transactions was INR 2753 and ATS for UPI P2M transactions was INR 687 by December 2022. Bengaluru recorded 29 million transactions valued at Rs6,500 crore, the highest number of digital transactions across 12 cities in India. Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, and Chennai were the other top five cities on the list.
Worldline, a global leader in payment services, has published the -‘India Digital Payments Annual Report' for 2022.
In 2022, payment modes like UPI, Debit and Credit cards, Prepaid Payment Instruments, Mobile and Prepaid cards processed 87.92 billion transactions worth INR 149.5 trillion.
Bengaluru recorded 29 million transactions valued at Rs6,500 crore, the highest number of digital transactions across 12 cities in India.
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HDFC Bank has launched 'Regalia Gold Credit Card', a super-premium credit card.
HDFC Bank has launched 'Regalia Gold Credit Card', a super-premium credit card. Regalia Gold Credit Card is offered with many travel and lifestyle benefits. The card has complimentary airport lounge access globally and premium milestone benefits. HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card will be available to high-income individuals and is designed exclusively to cater to the needs and requirements of travellers and lifestyle enthusiasts.
HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card will be available to high-income individuals and is designed exclusively to cater to the needs and requirements of travellers and lifestyle enthusiasts.
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Karnataka Bank, on the occasion of Centenary year of the Bank has launched a Special campaign “KBL Centenary Mahotsav” for Home loan from 17 April 2023 to 17 July 2023.
Karnataka Bank, on the occasion of Centenary year of the Bank has launched a Special campaign “KBL Centenary Mahotsav” for Home loan from 17 April 2023 to 17 July 2023. Customers may avail the benefits of digital banking and offers of the special campaign across all its 901 branches with discount in upfront fee, attractive rate of interest starting from 8.75%, nil processing charge for home loan, and other benefits. Karnataka Bank has developed digital loan products for home loans, allowing customers to enjoy seamless digital processing and immediate in-principle approvals at their convenience and comfort.
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AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) has partnered with the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) to launch bill payment services through video banking.
AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) has partnered with the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) to launch bill payment services through video banking. The primary aim of this initiative is to promote digital accessibility and enhance economic capability, leading to greater financial inclusions. AU Small Finance Bank’s video banking service underscores its commitment to providing innovative solutions to its customers. To access the newly launched bill payment service on video banking, customers of AU Small Finance Bank can conveniently connect with the bank’s video banker through the link (https://www.aubank.in), or AU 0101 app.
To access the newly launched bill payment service on video banking, customers of AU Small Finance Bank can conveniently connect with the bank’s video banker through the link (https://www.aubank.in), or AU 0101 app.
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President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the National Panchayat Awards Week and conferred the National Panchayat Awards 2023 at the ‘National Conference on Incentivisation of Panchayats-cum-Award Ceremony’ in New Delhi.
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the National Panchayat Awards Week and conferred the National Panchayat Awards 2023 at the ‘National Conference on Incentivisation of Panchayats-cum-Award Ceremony’ in New Delhi. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is celebrating National Panchayat Awards Week from 17th to 21st April 2023, as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) 2.0, leading up to National Panchayati Raj Day on 24th April 2023. The Ministry has conceptualized a series of Thematic Conferences based on the theme of “Panchayaton ke Sankalpon ki Siddhi ka Utsav” to celebrate this monumental occasion. Five National Conferences covering nine themes under Localisation of Sustainable Development Goals through Panchayati Raj Institutions and Way Forward for 2047 will be organised during the Week Celebrations. The Awardee Panchayats under various categories of National Panchayat Awards–2023 namely, (i) Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar (DDUPSVP) for the performance under individual LSDG themes, (ii) Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar (NDSPSVP) for the aggregate performance under all 9 LSDG themes and green initiative related Special Categories of (iii) Gram Urja Swaraj Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar and (iv) Carbon Neutral Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar will be felicitated and the award money will be transferred digitally to the Awardee Panchayats on this occasion. A booklet on ‘Best Practices on Works of Awardee Panchayats’ would be released by Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj and the first copy of the booklet will be presented to the President of India.
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the National Panchayat Awards Week and conferred the National Panchayat Awards 2023 at the ‘National Conference on Incentivisation of Panchayats-cum-Award Ceremony’ in New Delhi.
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is celebrating National Panchayat Awards Week from 17th to 21st April 2023, as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) 2.0, leading up to National Panchayati Raj Day on 24th April 2023.
A booklet on ‘Best Practices on Works of Awardee Panchayats’ would be released by Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj and the first copy of the booklet will be presented to the President of India.
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Utsa Patnaik, a renowned economist of national and international repute, has been selected for the Malcolm Adiseshiah Award 2023.
Utsa Patnaik, a renowned economist of national and international repute, has been selected for the Malcolm Adiseshiah Award 2023. The award is given every year by the Malcolm & Elizabeth Adiseshiah Trust. The prestigious national award honours outstanding social scientists selected by a national-level jury specially constituted for this purpose, from the nominations received. The reward includes a citation and Rs2 lakh. The Malcolm and Elizabeth Adiseshiah Trust was established in 2000. Utsa Patnaik is a well-known economist who has achieved both national and international acclaim. She has made significant contributions to the fields of political economy, agricultural studies, history of economic theory, and the study of colonialism and imperialism.
The award is given every year by the Malcolm & Elizabeth Adiseshiah Trust.
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Raj Subramaniam, the Indian-American CEO of global transportation giant FedEx, has been presented with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, the highest civilian award given by India to persons of Indian origin and Indian diaspora.
Raj Subramaniam, the Indian-American CEO of global transportation giant FedEx, has been presented with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, the highest civilian award given by India to persons of Indian origin and Indian diaspora. Subramanian, was presented with the award by India's Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu at a ceremony at the India House. The other awardee, Darshan Singh Dhaliwal, was also present at the event. Subramanian is the president and CEO of FedEx Corporation, one of the world's largest transportation companies.
Raj Subramaniam, the Indian-American CEO of global transportation giant FedEx, has been presented with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, the highest civilian award given by India to persons of Indian origin and Indian diaspora.
Subramanian, was presented with the award by India's Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu at a ceremony at the India House.
Subramanian is the president and CEO of FedEx Corporation, one of the world's largest transportation companies.
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Karnataka Bank has appointed Sekhar Rao as interim managing director and CEO following the completion of the term of the incumbent CEO M S Mahabaleshwara.
Karnataka Bank has appointed Sekhar Rao as interim managing director and CEO following the completion of the term of the incumbent CEO M S Mahabaleshwara. Mahabaleshwara M S, the incumbent managing director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) of Karnataka Bank, demitted the office on April 14, 2023 after successful completion of his second term of three years. Rao, Executive Director, assumed charge as an interim MD and CEO with effect from April 15, 2023, in terms of RBI approval dated April 12, 2023. He has been appointed for a period of three months or till the appointment of regular MD and CEO whichever is earlier.
Karnataka Bank has appointed Sekhar Rao as interim managing director and CEO following the completion of the term of the incumbent CEO M S Mahabaleshwara.
Mahabaleshwara M S, the incumbent managing director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) of Karnataka Bank, demitted the office on April 14, 2023 after successful completion of his second term of three years.
Rao, Executive Director, assumed charge as an interim MD and CEO with effect from April 15, 2023, in terms of RBI approval dated April 12, 2023.
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Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh launched “YUVA PORTAL”, which will help in connecting and identifying potential young Start-Ups.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh launched “YUVA PORTAL”, which will help in connecting and identifying potential young Start-Ups. He also launched the One Week -One Lab programme. The One Week - One Lab programme will offer the opportunity to the CSIR labs to showcase the work being done by them so that others can avail of it. Each of the 37 CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) laboratories is dedicated to a different specialised area of work. CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is going to organise the One Week- One Lab program from 17-21 April, 2023.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh launched “YUVA PORTAL”, which will help in connecting and identifying potential young Start-Ups.
He also launched the One Week -One Lab programme.
CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is going to organise the One Week- One Lab program from 17-21 April, 2023.
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The International Day for Monuments and Sites is observed on April 18 all around the world every year to raise awareness of cultural heritage diversity, the vulnerability of sites and monuments, and the measures needed to maintain and conserve them.
The International Day for Monuments and Sites is observed on April 18 all around the world every year to raise awareness of cultural heritage diversity, the vulnerability of sites and monuments, and the measures needed to maintain and conserve them. The theme for International Day for Monuments and Sites 2023 is “Heritage Changes”. The idea of celebrating World Heritage Day was proposed by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in 1982 and was later approved by the United Nations General Assembly in 1983. The date, April 18th, was chosen to commemorate the day when the Convention Concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage was adopted by UNESCO in 1982.
The theme for International Day for Monuments and Sites 2023 is “Heritage Changes”.
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Kerala became the first state to adopt a water budget in a bid to come up with a solution to water scarcity in certain regions there.
Kerala became the first state to adopt a water budget in a bid to come up with a solution to water scarcity in certain regions there. The first phase of the project would cover 94 gram panchayats and 15 block panchayats. The Public Water Budget was released by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, along with the launch of the third phase of the Ini Njan Ozhukatte (Let me flow now) project, for the rehabilitation of irrigation networks in the Western Ghats. The idea of a water budget was first mooted by the state in 2019. The current Budget was prepared based on the availability and consumption of water in the state. As part of the Ini Njan Ozhukatte project, the state has recovered hundreds of water bodies and will be using satellite data to assess the status of water bodies in 230 gram panchayats in its third phase. During the first and second phases, around 7,290 km of irrigation networks had been rejuvenated.
Kerala became the first state to adopt a water budget in a bid to come up with a solution to water scarcity in certain regions there.
The first phase of the project would cover 94 gram panchayats and 15 block panchayats.
The idea of a water budget was first mooted by the state in 2019. The current Budget was prepared based on the availability and consumption of water in the state.
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To support farmers and enhance their livelihoods, the state government, led by Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has launched a new initiative called ‘Sanjeevani’.
Himachal Pradesh's economy is largely banking on agriculture and animal husbandry. With a livestock population of about 4.41 million, their care is an essential part of every rural household. To support farmers and enhance their livelihoods, the state government, led by Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has launched a new initiative called ‘Sanjeevani’. It will enhance the lives of farmers by providing them convenient and quality care for livestock at their doorsteps. Telemedicine and technology will help reducing the turnaround time of services and also arrest outbreaks to one extent.
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Indian Navy conducted a coordinated exercise code-named “Prasthan”.
Indian Navy conducted a coordinated exercise code-named “Prasthan”. The exercise was conducted on April 6, 2023 in the offshore development area off Maharashtra’s Mumbai. The exercise is held every six months to validate measures and procedures to address contingencies that may occur in oil production platforms. The current exercise was conducted on the Greatdrill Chaaya platform about 30 nm South West of Mumbai harbour.
The exercise was conducted on April 6, 2023 in the offshore development area off Maharashtra’s Mumbai.
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India is acquiring armaments worth over $300 million from the US to arm its naval multi role helicopters that will enhance their capability to counter enemy warships and submarines.
India is acquiring armaments worth over $300 million from the US to arm its naval multi role helicopters that will enhance their capability to counter enemy warships and submarines. The weapons are for the MH 60 'Romeo' choppers, the most advanced multi role helicopters currently in service with the Indian Navy. The fleet of 24 choppers will get additional Hellfire missiles and Mk 54 lightweight torpedoes.
The weapons are for the MH 60 'Romeo' choppers, the most advanced multi role helicopters currently in service with the Indian Navy.
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The Ministry of Rural Development's Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) launched “Sangathan Se Samridhhi– Leaving no Rural Woman Behind”, a national campaign under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Samaveshi Vikaas.
The Ministry of Rural Development's Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) launched “Sangathan Se Samridhhi– Leaving no Rural Woman Behind”, a national campaign under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Samaveshi Vikaas. It is aimed at mobilizing 10 crore women from eligible rural households. This special drive will go on till June 30th 2023 and aspires to bring all the vulnerable and marginalized rural households under the Self-Help Group (SHG) fold to enable them to draw benefits provided under the programme.
It is aimed at mobilizing 10 crore women from eligible rural households.
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Union Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju released the 1st edition of the Dogri version of the Constitution of India at University of Jammu.
Union Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju released the 1st edition of the Dogri version of the Constitution of India at University of Jammu. Translation of the Constitution in Dogri was a long-standing demand of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Dogri language is one of the 22 official languages recognized by the Indian Constitution and also an official language of the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Dogri language is one of the 22 official languages recognized by the Indian Constitution and also an official language of the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
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India has contributed USD 500,000 to the UN Women - United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women.
India has contributed USD 500,000 to the UN Women - United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. Ruchira Kamboj, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, handed over the cheque towards the Government of India's contribution to the core voluntary budget of UN Women. India's model is one of women-led development with emphasis on entrepreneurship and STEM education. Sima Sami Bahous, Under Secretary General and Executive Director of UN Women, received the cheque.
Ruchira Kamboj, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, handed over the cheque towards the Government of India's contribution to the core voluntary budget of UN Women.
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India, Japan and France have announced a common platform for talks among creditors to address the debt restructuring programme of Sri Lanka.
India, Japan and France have announced a common platform for talks among creditors to address the debt restructuring programme of Sri Lanka. The representatives of the three creditor countries, including finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, held a press briefing on the margins of the annual spring meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington. The purpose of the meetings was to demonstrate the multilateral cooperation regarding the debt restructuring process among the creditors, together with Sri Lanka.
The purpose of the meetings was to demonstrate the multilateral cooperation regarding the debt restructuring process among the creditors, together with Sri Lanka.
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Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) released a new framework for upfront collection of funds from eligible issuers of debt securities to build the Settlement Guarantee Fund of the Limited Purpose Clearing Corporation (LPCC).
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) released a new framework for upfront collection of funds from eligible issuers of debt securities to build the Settlement Guarantee Fund of the Limited Purpose Clearing Corporation (LPCC). The eligible issuers would be notified by the LPCC as per its risk management policy. Under the framework, an amount of 0.5 basis points of the issuance value of debt securities per annum based on the maturity of debt securities will be collected by the stock exchanges and placed in an escrow account before the allotment of the debt securities. This amount is applicable on a public issue or private placement of debt securities. The stock exchanges would transfer the amounts so collected to the bank account of the LPCC within one working day of the receipt of the amount and inform the details of the same to the LPCC.
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) released a new framework for upfront collection of funds from eligible issuers of debt securities to build the Settlement Guarantee Fund of the Limited Purpose Clearing Corporation (LPCC).
Under the framework, an amount of 0.5 basis points of the issuance value of debt securities per annum based on the maturity of debt securities will be collected by the stock exchanges and placed in an escrow account before the allotment of the debt securi
This amount is applicable on a public issue or private placement of debt securities.
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World Haemophilia Day is annually celebrated on 17 April to raise awareness about the disease Haemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders.
World Haemophilia Day is annually celebrated on 17 April to raise awareness about the disease Haemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders. The day was started by the World Federation of Haemophilia (WHF). Haemophilia is a genetic disease i.e. it can be caused by parents to a child. Usually, this disease is more common in males. Chromosomes are the carriers of this disease and as a result, blood does not clot due to which bleeding occurs. The theme of World Hemophilia Day 2023 is "Access for All: Prevention of Bleeds as the Global Standard of Care". This day was first observed in the year 1989.
The theme of World Hemophilia Day 2023 is "Access for All: Prevention of Bleeds as the Global Standard of Care".
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Citi India’s treasury and trade solutions business has completed Contour’s first domestic end-to-end blockchain-enabled letter of credit (LC) transaction in the South Asian country.
Citi India’s treasury and trade solutions business has completed Contour’s first domestic end-to-end blockchain-enabled letter of credit (LC) transaction in the South Asian country. The transaction is a first for both Cummins and Citi India on Contour. The transaction is for Cummins India, an engine manufacturer and distributor. Contour's decentralized global trade finance network has proven that LC processing time can fall by as much as 90%.
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Kenya launched its first operational earth observation satellite 'Taifa-1' onboard a SpaceX rocket from the United States.
Kenya launched its first operational earth observation satellite 'Taifa-1' onboard a SpaceX rocket from the United States. The satellite, developed by nine Kenyan engineers, will collect agricultural and environmental data, including on floods, drought and wildfires, that authorities plan to use for disaster management and to combat food insecurity. The satellite was put together with the help of Bulgarian aerospace company Endurosat at a cost of 50 million Kenyan shillings ($372,000) over two years. It will operate for five years and then decay over 20 years, entering the atmosphere and burning out.
It will operate for five years and then decay over 20 years, entering the atmosphere and burning out.
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According to the provisional data of the Commerce Ministry, the bilateral trade between India and the US has increased by 7.65 per cent to $128.55 billion in 2022-23 as against $119.5 billion in 2021-22.
According to the provisional data of the Commerce Ministry, the bilateral trade between India and the US has increased by 7.65 percent to $128.55 billion in 2022-23 as against $119.5 billion in 2021-22. It was $80.51 billion in 2020-21. The US has emerged as India’s biggest trading partner in 2022-23 on account of increasing economic ties between the two countries. Exports to the US rose by 2.81 percent to $78.31 billion in 2022-23 as against $76.18 billion in 2021-22, while imports grew by about 16 percent to $50.24 billion. During 2022-23, India’s two-way commerce with China declined by about 1.5 percent to $113.83 billion as against $115.42 billion in 2021-22.
Exports to the US rose by 2.81 percent to $78.31 billion in 2022-23 as against $76.18 billion in 2021-22, while imports grew by about 16 percent to $50.24 billion.
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India's annual Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation declined to a 30-month low of 1.34 percent in March 2023.
India's annual Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation declined to a 30-month low of 1.34 percent in March 2023. The WPI inflation data was 3.85 percent in February, 4.73 percent in January 2023, and 14.63 percent in March 2022. The food index inflation eased to 2.32 percent in March from 2.76 percent in February. For the primary articles segment, the inflation rate cooled to 2.40 percent in March 2023 versus 3.28 percent in February. The index is divided into three groups namely primary articles (22.6 percent of total weight), fuel and power (13.2 percent) and manufactured products (64.2 percent).
India's annual Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation declined to a 30-month low of 1.34 percent in March 2023.
The WPI inflation data was 3.85 percent in February, 4.73 percent in January 2023, and 14.63 percent in March 2022.
The food index inflation eased to 2.32 percent in March from 2.76 percent in February.
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah conferred the Maharashtra Bhushan Award 2022 to spiritual leader and social activist Dattatreya Narayan alias Appasaheb Dharmadhikari at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah conferred the Maharashtra Bhushan Award 2022 to spiritual leader and social activist Dattatreya Narayan alias Appasaheb Dharmadhikari at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai. Shah felicitated the Appasaheb with a shawl, a citation, a memento and a cheque of Rs25 lakh, which the social worker donated to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. Appasaheb Dharmadhikari also known as Dattatreya Narayan Dharmadhikari, he was born in the village of Revdanda in Raigad district on May 14, 1946 to Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari. Nanasaheb was a social reformer who worked towards eliminating regressive and orthodox customs among the people.
Shah felicitated the Appasaheb with a shawl, a citation, a memento and a cheque of Rs25 lakh, which the social worker donated to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
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Rajasthan's Nandini Gupta has been crowned Femina Miss India World 2023. Along with her, Delhi's Shreya Poonja became the first runner-up, while Manipur's Thounaojam Strela Luwang was crowned the 2nd runner-up.
Rajasthan's Nandini Gupta has been crowned Femina Miss India World 2023. Along with her, Delhi's Shreya Poonja became the first runner-up, while Manipur's Thounaojam Strela Luwang was crowned the 2nd runner-up. 19-year-old Nandini hails from Kota, one of biggest coaching hubs in the country for engineering and medical aspirants. The 59th edition of India’s most prestigious pageant pulled off season’s grand finale in a ceremony at the Indoor Stadium, Khuman Lampak, Imphal, Manipur.
The 59th edition of India’s most prestigious pageant pulled off season’s grand finale in a ceremony at the Indoor Stadium, Khuman Lampak, Imphal, Manipur.
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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States of America has communicated to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) that India’s International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) category will continue to be published as Category
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States of America has communicated to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) that India’s International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) category will continue to be published as Category 1. FAA, under its IASA program, conducted an audit of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India from 25th to 29th October 2021 in the areas covering aircraft operations, airworthiness, and personnel licensing. India in the ICAO audit in November 2022 has scored an Effective Implementation (EI) of 85.65% from the previous EI of 69.95% thereby enhancing its global ranking significantly.
India in the ICAO audit in November 2022 has scored an Effective Implementation (EI) of 85.65% from the previous EI of 69.95% thereby enhancing its global ranking significantly.
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China has launched the Fengyun-3G (FY-3G), a satellite dedicated to measuring precipitation on Earth.
China has launched the Fengyun-3G (FY-3G), a satellite dedicated to measuring precipitation on Earth. With a lifespan of six years, FY-3G is the China's first satellite allowing scientists to monitor the Earth's precipitation from space, one of only three such satellites in the world. It was developed by an institute of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, and its ground system will be built and operated by the China Meteorological Administration. The 20th member of the Fengyun series, the FY-3G will highlight the strength of China's low-orbit meteorological satellite constellation and significantly improve the early warning capability for global rainstorms.
It was developed by an institute of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, and its ground system will be built and operated by the China Meteorological Administration.
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The European Space Agency (ESA) launched the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE), mission from its spaceport in French Guiana on an Ariane 5 launcher.
The European Space Agency (ESA) launched the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE), mission from its spaceport in French Guiana on an Ariane 5 launcher. Planned to reach Jupiter in 2031, the mission aims to carry out a detailed exploration of the Solar System’s largest planet and its icy moons. The spacecraft lifted off from Europe's spaceport in French Guiana on an eight-year-long journey to the three biggest moons on Jupiter. The spacecraft will observe Jupiter and its three largest moons: Callisto, Europa, and, in particular, Ganymede.
The European Space Agency (ESA) launched the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE), mission from its spaceport in French Guiana on an Ariane 5 launcher.
Planned to reach Jupiter in 2031, the mission aims to carry out a detailed exploration of the Solar System’s largest planet and its icy moons.
The spacecraft will observe Jupiter and its three largest moons: Callisto, Europa, and, in particular, Ganymede.
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In another show of strength against the USA and South Korea's giant military exercise, North Korea tested its second underwater nuclear attack drone “Haeil-2" test.
In another show of strength against the USA and South Korea's giant military exercise, North Korea tested its second underwater nuclear attack drone “Haeil-2" test. The underwater nuclear attack drone “Haeil-2" entered into the test in Kajin Port, Kumya Country. The attack was able to unleash a “radioactive tsunami", claimed the nation. The current test missile attack cruised 1000 km of simulated underwater distance in elliptical and “8" patterns set in the East Sea of Korea for 71 hours and 6 minutes.
In another show of strength against the USA and South Korea's giant military exercise, North Korea tested its second underwater nuclear attack drone “Haeil-2" test.
The underwater nuclear attack drone “Haeil-2" entered into the test in Kajin Port, Kumya Country.
The attack was able to unleash a “radioactive tsunami", claimed the nation.
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Researchers from Central University of Odisha (CUO) and Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have found a rare freshwater cyprinid fish species named ‘Garra Laishrami’ in the Koraput district, Odisha.
Researchers from Central University of Odisha (CUO) and Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have found a rare freshwater cyprinid fish species named ‘Garra Laishrami’ in the Koraput district, Odisha. The cyprinid fish species which can be consumed have been seen so far in Kolab river, one of the major tributaries of Godavari. The species was named after Dr Laishram Kosygin of the ZSI to honour his remarkable contributions to understanding the taxonomy of Indian freshwater fishes. However, the Garra Laishrami has been found so far in Kolab river only. The maximum length of the fish is 76 mm to 95.5 mm. The species is edible and local people consume it. Besides, the fish is usually found under rocks, stones and boulders of torrential streams and rivers.
Researchers from Central University of Odisha (CUO) and Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have found a rare freshwater cyprinid fish species named ‘Garra Laishrami’ in the Koraput district, Odisha.
The species was named after Dr Laishram Kosygin of the ZSI to honour his remarkable contributions to understanding the taxonomy of Indian freshwater fishes.
The maximum length of the fish is 76 mm to 95.5 mm. The species is edible and local people consume it. Besides, the fish is usually found under rocks, stones and boulders of torrential streams and rivers.
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World Voice Day (WVD) is annually celebrated on April 16th to raise awareness about the importance of voice in our daily lives.
World Voice Day (WVD) is annually celebrated on April 16th to raise awareness about the importance of voice in our daily lives. The theme/motto of World Voice Day 2023 is “Your Voice Matters”. The WVD brings worldwide awareness of the necessity of preventing voice issues, training the artistic voice, rehabilitating the sick or deviant voice as well as researching the application and function of the voice. The concept of dedicating a special day to the voice was first introduced in 1999 by the Society of Laryngology & Voice in Brazil, which selected April 16 as the annual date of WVD.
World Voice Day (WVD) is annually celebrated on April 16th to raise awareness about the importance of voice in our daily lives.
The theme/motto of World Voice Day 2023 is “Your Voice Matters”.
The concept of dedicating a special day to the voice was first introduced in 1999 by the Society of Laryngology & Voice in Brazil, which selected April 16 as the annual date of WVD.
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Andhra Pradesh government has renamed Bhavanapadu Port in Srikakulam District as Mulapeta Port on a request from the farmers.
Andhra Pradesh government has renamed Bhavanapadu Port in Srikakulam District as Mulapeta Port on a request from the farmers. The Department of Infrastructure & Investment (Ports) issued a memo naming the Bhavanapadu Port as Mulapeta Port, in Srikakulam District. Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy will lay the foundation stone for the greenfield port on April 19, 2023.
Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy will lay the foundation stone for the greenfield port on April 19, 2023.
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Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) is to set up a joint venture (JV) with US-based clean energy technology company LanzaJet Inc, and domestic airlines for production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) is to set up a joint venture (JV) with US-based clean energy technology company LanzaJet Inc, and domestic airlines for production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This will be India's first green aviation fuel firm. Through the proposed venture, a plant will be set up to make SAF with alcohol-to-jet technology at IOCL's Panipat refinery in Haryana at a cost of Rs3,000 crore. IOCL will hold 50 percent stake while LanzaJet Inc will hold 25 percent, while the remaining 25 percent stake is reserved for airline companies, wherein multiple airline companies could be offered between two to five percent stake.
Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) is to set up a joint venture (JV) with US-based clean energy technology company LanzaJet Inc, and domestic airlines for production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
This will be India's first green aviation fuel firm.
Through the proposed venture, a plant will be set up to make SAF with alcohol-to-jet technology at IOCL's Panipat refinery in Haryana at a cost of Rs3,000 crore.
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Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of Aditya Birla Group, received the ‘Business Leader of the Decade Award’ at All India Management Association's (AIMA) 13th Managing India Awards ceremony.
Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of Aditya Birla Group, received the ‘Business Leader of the Decade Award’ at All India Management Association's (AIMA) 13th Managing India Awards ceremony. Birla, who is credited for taking control of the diversified group and successfully consolidating its operations since his early days, won the award for his contributions to the Indian industry over the last decade. Tata Steel Chairman T V Narendran was facilitated with 'AIMA-JRD Tata Corporate Leadership' award. Leading engineering services company ABB India bagged the 'MNC in India of the Year' award.
Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of Aditya Birla Group, received the ‘Business Leader of the Decade Award’ at All India Management Association's (AIMA) 13th Managing India Awards ceremony.
Tata Steel Chairman T V Narendran was facilitated with 'AIMA-JRD Tata Corporate Leadership' award.
Leading engineering services company ABB India bagged the 'MNC in India of the Year' award.
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Freestyle wrestler Aman Sehrawat won India’s first gold medal at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2023 in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Freestyle wrestler Aman Sehrawat won India’s first gold medal at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2023 in Astana, Kazakhstan. Sehrawat topped the podium in men’s 57 kg freestyle category on the penultimate day of the competition. He defeated Kyrgyzstan's Almaz Smanbekov 9-4 to win the gold medal. With two freestyle medals India’s tally rose to 13 in the competition. The Greco-Roman wrestlers won four medals while the women’s wrestlers bagged seven. Among the other Indian wrestlers, Deepak Mirka (79kg) won bronze.
Freestyle wrestler Aman Sehrawat won India’s first gold medal at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2023 in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Sehrawat topped the podium in men’s 57 kg freestyle category on the penultimate day of the competition.
He defeated Kyrgyzstan's Almaz Smanbekov 9-4 to win the gold medal.
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World Chagas Disease Day is annually observed on April 14 to raise awareness around Chagas disease.
World Chagas Disease Day is annually observed on April 14 to raise awareness around Chagas disease. It was first celebrated on April 14, 2020, and was named after Carlos Ribeiro Justiniano Chagas, the Brazilian doctor who diagnosed the first case on April 14, 1909. The theme for World Chagas Disease Day 2023 is 'Time to integrate Chagas disease into primary health care'.
The theme for World Chagas Disease Day 2023 is 'Time to integrate Chagas disease into primary health care'.
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National Fire Service Day also known as "MARTYR'S DAY" is annually observed on 14th April in India to tribute those brave firefighters who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty during the fire and massive explosion at Mumbai dockyard on April 14, 194
National Fire Service Day also known as "MARTYR'S DAY" is annually observed on 14th April in India to tribute those brave firefighters who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty during the fire and massive explosion at Mumbai dockyard on April 14, 1944. The theme of the National Fire Service Day 2023 is “Awareness in Fire Safety for Growth of National Infrastructure” (AGNI)”.
The theme of the National Fire Service Day 2023 is “Awareness in Fire Safety for Growth of National Infrastructure” (AGNI)”.
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Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL) a company incorporated by NHAI to carry out Electronic Tolling, inked a MoU with the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, which spans the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL) a company incorporated by NHAI to carry out Electronic Tolling, inked a MoU with the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, which spans the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The initiative aims to provide FASTag based payment system at Forest entry points and will extend the benefit of collection of Ecosystem Management Coordination (EMC) fee via FASTag at various entrance points of the Tiger reserve. The FASTag system employs Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to enable automatic toll payments at toll plazas and affixation of FASTag on all 4-wheelers & above vehicles have been mandated across India. This partnership between IHMCL and the Forest Department is a significant step towards promoting sustainable tourism and preserving natural resources by curbing vehicular emissions at the forest entry points.
The initiative aims to provide FASTag based payment system at Forest entry points and will extend the benefit of collection of Ecosystem Management Coordination (EMC) fee via FASTag at various entrance points of the Tiger reserve.
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Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (FAHD), Parshottam Rupala launched projects 'Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative (APPI)' and World Bank-funded 'Animal Health System Support for One Health (AHSSOH)', under the aegis of Nation
Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (FAHD), Parshottam Rupala launched projects 'Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative (APPI)' and World Bank-funded 'Animal Health System Support for One Health (AHSSOH)', under the aegis of National One Health Mission in New Delhi. Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has inked a collaborative project on the Animal Health System Support for One Health with the World Bank aiming to create an ecosystem for a better animal health management system using the One Health approach. The project aims to cover 151 districts in five participating states, wherein it will target the upgradation of 75 district and regional laboratories and the upgradation and strengthening of three hundred veterinary hospitals and dispensaries.
Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (FAHD), Parshottam Rupala launched projects 'Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative (APPI)' and World Bank-funded 'Animal Health System Support for One Health (AHSSOH)', under the aegis of Nation
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has inked a collaborative project on the Animal Health System Support for One Health with the World Bank aiming to create an ecosystem for a better animal health management system using the One Health approach.
The project aims to cover 151 districts in five participating states, wherein it will target the upgradation of 75 district and regional laboratories and the upgradation and strengthening of three hundred veterinary hospitals and dispensaries.
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According to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), country's employment rate increased to 36.9% in March 2023 from 36.6% in December 2022.
According to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), country's employment rate increased to 36.9% in March 2023 from 36.6% in December 2022. India's labor market has witnessed an improvement with over 15 million people entering the workforce in the last three quarters. The labor participation rate (LPR) declined from 40.5% in December to 39.8% in March 2023. While the unemployment rate saw a small decrease from 8.3% to 7.8% during this period.
According to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), country's employment rate increased to 36.9% in March 2023 from 36.6% in December 2022.
The labor participation rate (LPR) declined from 40.5% in December to 39.8% in March 2023.
While the unemployment rate saw a small decrease from 8.3% to 7.8% during this period.
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India signed a MoU with the World Food Programme (WFP) paving the way for sending 10,000 metric tonnes of wheat for the people of Afghanistan.
India signed a MoU with the World Food Programme (WFP) paving the way for sending 10,000 metric tonnes of wheat for the people of Afghanistan. The signing ceremony between officials of the Ministry of External Affairs and the United Nations WFP was held in Mumbai. The fifth tranche (to be shipped through the Chahbahar port of Iran), builds upon assistance already delivered to those who need it most by the WFP in Afghanistan.
The fifth tranche (to be shipped through the Chahbahar port of Iran), builds upon assistance already delivered to those who need it most by the WFP in Afghanistan.
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Ghana has become the first country in the world to approve the malaria vaccine 'R21/Matrix-M' developed at University of Oxford, which is licensed and made by the Serum Institute of India (SII).
Ghana has become the first country in the world to approve the malaria vaccine 'R21/Matrix-M' developed at University of Oxford, which is licensed and made by the Serum Institute of India (SII). Regulatory officials in Ghana approved the vaccine for use in children ages 5 to 36 months, the group at highest risk of death from malaria. The vaccine, which contains the Novavax Matrix-M adjuvant (immune-booster), is given in three doses. Oxford’s R21/Matrix-M vaccine, meanwhile, was found to be 77 percent effective at preventing malaria in research published last year – the first time the WHO’s goal of 75 percent had been met.
Regulatory officials in Ghana approved the vaccine for use in children ages 5 to 36 months, the group at highest risk of death from malaria. The vaccine, which contains the Novavax Matrix-M adjuvant (immune-booster), is given in three doses.
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Chennai Metro Rail Ltd launched the Singara Chennai Card (NCMC – National Common Mobility Card) in association with State Bank of India (SBI)(banking partner).
Chennai Metro Rail Ltd launched the Singara Chennai Card (NCMC – National Common Mobility Card) in association with State Bank of India (SBI)(banking partner). With this, people can access Chennai Metro, suburban rail and metropolitan transport corporation buses (MTC) using a single mobility card known as Singara Chennai card. The commuters can get the prepaid card at the metro stations for free and use it to travel in the metro across India including Bengaluru, Mumbai etc. A charge of 1.18% will be levied by SBI on every recharge. The card will be issued by SBI at Chennai metro stations and has a unique feature of a ‘stored value area’ which can be used to store a maximum amount of Rs2000 for ticket purchases in offline mode.
Chennai Metro Rail Ltd launched the Singara Chennai Card (NCMC – National Common Mobility Card) in association with State Bank of India (SBI)(banking partner).
With this, people can access Chennai Metro, suburban rail and metropolitan transport corporation buses (MTC) using a single mobility card known as Singara Chennai card.
The commuters can get the prepaid card at the metro stations for free and use it to travel in the metro across India including Bengaluru, Mumbai etc. A charge of 1.18% will be levied by SBI on every recharge.
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Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has announced the launch of a pilot scheme 'Mission 50K-EV4ECO' for better financing terms in electric vehicle space and strengthening the whole ecosystem.
Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has announced the launch of a pilot scheme 'Mission 50K-EV4ECO' for better financing terms in electric vehicle space and strengthening the whole ecosystem. The pilot phase of scheme aims at strengthening the EV ecosystem, including uptake for two, three and four-wheelers through direct and indirect lending. The pilot scheme, which is the precursor to EVOLVE scheme by SIDBI-World Bank, has two components- direct lending and indirect lending. In line with the national mission of EV30@30 SIDBI has adopted EV as a priority. Electric two- and three-wheelers offer the greatest potential for EV adoption in India, accounting for 79 percent of passenger road activity, and are already cost-competitive relative to conventional vehicles.
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The market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has cleared a proposal for change in control of HDFC Capital Advisors Limited (HCAL).
The market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has cleared a proposal for change in control of HDFC Capital Advisors Limited (HCAL). The proposed amalgamation is subject to receipt of final approvals from Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in respect of change in control of certain subsidiaries of HDFC Limited. This approval will help pave the way for the merger of HDFC into HDFC Bank expected to be finalised by the third quarter of next financial year. The proposed entity will have a combined asset base of around Rs18 lakh crore. Once the deal is effective, HDFC Bank will be 100 percent owned by public shareholders, and existing shareholders of HDFC will own 41 percent of the bank.
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Russia has conducted successful test launch of an “advanced” intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
Russia has conducted successful test launch of an “advanced” intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The missile’s training warhead hit a mock target at the Sary-Shagan training ground (Republic of Kazakhstan) with given precision. This launch made it possible to confirm the correctness of the circuit design and technical solutions used in the development of new strategic missile systems.
The missile’s training warhead hit a mock target at the Sary-Shagan training ground (Republic of Kazakhstan) with given precision.
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State Bank of India (SBI) has reintroduced retail term deposit scheme ‘Amrit Kalash’ of 400 days tenure at 7.1 percent interest rate.
State Bank of India (SBI) has reintroduced retail term deposit scheme ‘Amrit Kalash’ of 400 days tenure at 7.1 percent interest rate. The scheme is available from April 12, 2023 till June 30, 2023. Senior citizens will get additional interest of 50 basis points on the scheme. Bank had first floated this scheme on February 15, 2023. It was valid up to March-end 2023.
State Bank of India (SBI) has reintroduced retail term deposit scheme ‘Amrit Kalash’ of 400 days tenure at 7.1 percent interest rate.
The scheme is available from April 12, 2023 till June 30, 2023. Senior citizens will get additional interest of 50 basis points on the scheme.
Bank had first floated this scheme on February 15, 2023. It was valid up to March-end 2023.
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World Art Day is annually celebrated on April 15 to promote the development, diffusion, and enjoyment of art.
World Art Day is annually celebrated on April 15 to promote the development, diffusion, and enjoyment of art. The International Association of Art, a partner of UNESCO, created the day to promote creative activity around the world. A declaration of World Art Day was made at the 17th General Assembly of the International Association of Art in Guadalajara, Mexico. UNESCO too proclaimed this day at the 40th session of it’s General Conference in 2019.
UNESCO too proclaimed this day at the 40th session of it’s General Conference in 2019.
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The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami launched ‘A-HELP’ (Accredited Agent for Health and Extension of Livestock Production) programme in Uttarakhand.
The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami launched ‘A-HELP’ (Accredited Agent for Health and Extension of Livestock Production) programme in Uttarakhand. Under this program trained A-HELPs will give their vital contribution in preventing various infectious diseases of animals, artificial insemination under Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), tagging of animals and animal insurance. These A-HELP workers will also be instrumental in the implementation of the Livestock Insurance Scheme as well as other interventions for which they will be provided remuneration as per the provisions of the scheme which will help in providing them some income and financial security. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) has launched the novel initiative through an MoU signed between DAHD and the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) under the Department of Rural Development (DoRD), Government of India.
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) has launched the novel initiative through an MoU signed between DAHD and the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) under the Department of Rural Development (DoRD), Government of India.
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Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) has been accorded the status of Miniratna Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE).
Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) has been accorded the status of Miniratna Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE). A communication to this effect has been issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Incorporated in the year 2011, SECI is the primary implementing agency of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India for Renewable Energy schemes/projects towards fulfillment of India's international commitments. Till date, SECI has awarded Renewable Energy (RE) project capacities of over 56 GW. SECI is also active in setting up of projects through its own investments as well as for other public sector entities as Project Management Consultant (PMC). SECI enjoys highest credit rating of AAA by ICRA.
Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) has been accorded the status of Miniratna Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE).
Incorporated in the year 2011, SECI is the primary implementing agency of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India for Renewable Energy schemes/projects towards fulfillment of India's international commitments.
Till date, SECI has awarded Renewable Energy (RE) project capacities of over 56 GW.
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India’s first underwater Metro has conducted it's trial run under the Hooghly river, Kolkata.
India’s first underwater Metro has conducted it's trial run under the Hooghly river, Kolkata. This is also, Kolkata’s first underwater Metro trial run below bed of Hooghly. Two tunnels have been constructed between the East-West Metro Corridor, which connects Sector V in Salt Lake to Howrah Maidan, beneath the Hooghly. The Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC) had scheduled a trial run on one part of this route. In the trial run, a metro train having two to six coaches will travel the 4.8 km-long stretches between Esplanade and Howrah Maidan. The metro train will run at a speed of 80km/h in the tunnels carved out from the Hooghly riverbed. It will take less than a minute to cover the passage beneath the river.
India’s first underwater Metro has conducted it's trial run under the Hooghly river, Kolkata.
Two tunnels have been constructed between the East-West Metro Corridor, which connects Sector V in Salt Lake to Howrah Maidan, beneath the Hooghly.
In the trial run, a metro train having two to six coaches will travel the 4.8 km-long stretches between Esplanade and Howrah Maidan.
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The Chennai-based drone start-up Garuda Aerospace has become India's first drone company to receive Agri Drone Subsidy for their agricultural drones.
The Chennai-based drone start-up Garuda Aerospace has become India's first drone company to receive Agri Drone Subsidy for their agricultural drones. This subsidy is part of the Indian government’s efforts to promote the use of agricultural drones. Garuda Kisan Drones were given to eight farmers under the Agri-drone subsidy at an event held in Pune. This subsidy is just one of many initiatives launched by the Union government to support the development of India’s drone industry.
This subsidy is part of the Indian government’s efforts to promote the use of agricultural drones. Garuda Kisan Drones were given to eight farmers under the Agri-drone subsidy at an event held in Pune.
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According to the annual AI Index report 2023 by Stanford University, India ranked 5th place in terms of investments received by startups producing artificial intelligence-based goods and services.
According to the annual AI Index report 2023 by Stanford University, India ranked 5th place in terms of investments received by startups producing artificial intelligence-based goods and services. Total investments in AI startups in India stood at $3.24 billion in 2022, placing it ahead of South Korea, Germany, Canada and Australia, among others. Those ahead of India in the list are the US, China, the UK and Israel. The report also showed that AI startups in India received total funding of $7.73 billion during 2013-2022, making it the sixth leading country with the most AI investments during the period.
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On 12th April 2023, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) unveiled its new logo on the occasion of SEBI 35th Foundation Day.
On 12th April 2023, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) unveiled its new logo on the occasion of SEBI 35th Foundation Day. The new logo was unveiled at a function held at SEBI Head Office, Mumbai, in the presence of former chairmen, and former and present members of SEBI. The new logo of SEBI reflects the continuing commitment of SEBI to being a facilitator in the growth of the economy through capital formation and retaining its rich tradition of a consultative approach in policy making while adopting the power of data and technology. The new SEBI logo retains its traditional blue colour palette while also reflecting the aspiration of a new and modern nation that works for the prosperity of every Indian
The new logo of SEBI reflects the continuing commitment of SEBI to being a facilitator in the growth of the economy through capital formation and retaining its rich tradition of a consultative approach in policy making while adopting the power of data and
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HDFC Bank has signed a "Master Inter Bank Credit Agreement" with Export Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) for a $300 million line of credit.
HDFC Bank has signed a "Master Inter Bank Credit Agreement" with Export Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) for a $300 million line of credit. The pact was signed by the two entities at GIFT City in Gujarat's capital Gandhinagar. This agreement will help HDFC Bank raise foreign currency funds which it would extend to Korea-related businesses. This line of credit would be utilised by HDFC Bank towards funding requirements of companies having equity participation by Korean companies as well as companies having business relationship with Korean companies.
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According to the UN Trade and Development Conference (UNCTAD), India's economic growth is projected to decelerate to 6 percent in 2023 from 6.6 percent in 2022.
According to the UN Trade and Development Conference (UNCTAD), India's economic growth is projected to decelerate to 6 percent in 2023 from 6.6 percent in 2022. India grew 6.6 percent in 2022, ceding the pole position among G20 countries in 2022 to oil-rich Saudi Arabia, which grew at 8.6 percent. India's GDP growth is projected to decelerate to 6.0 percent in 2023. The report projected that the US, which grew at 2.1 percent in 2022, will see growth slow down to 0.9 percent in 2023. China, which grew at 3 percent last year will see its growth accelerate to 4.8 percent in 2023.
India's GDP growth is projected to decelerate to 6.0 percent in 2023.
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Canara Bank and NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd (NBBL) in co-ordination with Musandam Exchange, have launched cross-border inward bill payment services for Indians based in Oman.
Canara Bank and NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd (NBBL) in co-ordination with Musandam Exchange, have launched cross-border inward bill payment services for Indians based in Oman. NRIs can now leverage the robust platform offered by the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) to make bill payments on behalf of their families through the Musandam Exchange. Musandam Exchange, managed by Canara Bank, is also the first exchange house in Oman to go live on cross-border inbound bill payments. The cross-border bill payment service is already live in Kuwait, facilitating inbound remittances across utilities like electricity, water, mobile phone, gas, credit card bills, and more.
Canara Bank and NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd (NBBL) in co-ordination with Musandam Exchange, have launched cross-border inward bill payment services for Indians based in Oman.
NRIs can now leverage the robust platform offered by the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) to make bill payments on behalf of their families through the Musandam Exchange.
Musandam Exchange, managed by Canara Bank, is also the first exchange house in Oman to go live on cross-border inbound bill payments.
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City Union Bank (CUB) based in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu launched India's first voice biometric authentication for logging into its mobile banking app.
City Union Bank (CUB) based in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu launched India's first voice biometric authentication for logging into its mobile banking app. The voice biometric service was developed by Chennai-based deeptech start-up, Kaizen Secure Voiz Pvt Ltd, under the guidance of the 5G use case lab of the Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT). Customers have to register their voice once, which will be validated on various parameters. The service will prevent fraud based on PIN/OTP and the technology is fool-proof against recorded or mimicked voices.
The voice biometric service was developed by Chennai-based deeptech start-up, Kaizen Secure Voiz Pvt Ltd, under the guidance of the 5G use case lab of the Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT).
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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the re-appointment of Sanjay Agarwal as managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of the bank for 3 years with effect from 19th April 2023.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the re-appointment of Sanjay Agarwal as managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of the bank for 3 years with effect from 19th April 2023. The RBI also approved re-appointment of Uttam Tibrewal as whole-time director of AU Small Finance Bank for a period of 3 years with effect from 19th April 2023 till 18th April 2026.
The RBI also approved re-appointment of Uttam Tibrewal as whole-time director of AU Small Finance Bank for a period of 3 years with effect from 19th April 2023 till 18th April 2026.
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Noted actress and theatre artist Uttara Baokar passed away at the age of 79 in Pune city of Maharashtra.
Noted actress and theatre artist Uttara Baokar passed away at the age of 79 in Pune city of Maharashtra. Baokar, who studied acting at the National School of Drama (NSD), played various roles in different plays. Baokar won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for Mrinal Sen's 'Ek Din Achanak'. Additionally, she won the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1984.
Baokar won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for Mrinal Sen's 'Ek Din Achanak'. Additionally, she won the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1984.
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A new book in Hindi titled 'Gandhi: Siyasat aur Sampradaiykta' (Gandhi: Politics and Communalism), have authored by journalist and author Piyush Babele.
A new book in Hindi titled 'Gandhi: Siyasat aur Sampradaiykta' (Gandhi: Politics and Communalism), have authored by journalist and author Piyush Babele. The book aims to break the myth spread by the Hindu right wing that Mahatma Gandhi was responsible for the partition. The book is published by New Delhi based Genuine Publications & Media Private Limited. Piyush Babele currently heads the media department of the Madhya Pradesh Congress.
A new book in Hindi titled 'Gandhi: Siyasat aur Sampradaiykta' (Gandhi: Politics and Communalism), have authored by journalist and author Piyush Babele.
The book aims to break the myth spread by the Hindu right wing that Mahatma Gandhi was responsible for the partition.
The book is published by New Delhi based Genuine Publications & Media Private Limited.
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Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Department of Health Research (DHR) and Director General, Indian Council of Medical research (ICMR) release Health Special issues of CSIR popular science magazines called ‘Vigyan Pragati’ & ‘Science Reporter’.
Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Department of Health Research (DHR) and Director General, Indian Council of Medical research (ICMR) release Health Special issues of CSIR popular science magazines called ‘Vigyan Pragati’ & ‘Science Reporter’. These two magazines of CSIR carry a legacy of seven decades and serve the great responsibility to inculcate scientific temper in the society through the dissemination of authentic S&T knowledge. The authors of the issues are the working scientists of ICMR labs.
These two magazines of CSIR carry a legacy of seven decades and serve the great responsibility to inculcate scientific temper in the society through the dissemination of authentic S&T knowledge.
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The Indian Army celebrated the 39th Siachen Day on 13th April 2023 at the highest and coldest battlefield in the world, braving the challenges of nature’s extreme fury.
The Indian Army celebrated the 39th Siachen Day on 13th April 2023 at the highest and coldest battlefield in the world, braving the challenges of nature’s extreme fury. Indian Army marks Siachen Day on April 13 every year. The day is observed to commemorate the courage of the Indian Army under “Operation Meghdoot”. The Siachen Glacier is the highest battleground on earth, where India and Pakistan have fought since 1984.
Indian Army marks Siachen Day on April 13 every year. The day is observed to commemorate the courage of the Indian Army under “Operation Meghdoot”.
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13th April 2023 marks the 104th Anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Jallianwala Bagh massacre or Jallianwala Bagh 'hatyakand' that took place on April 13, 1919, in Amritsar, Punjab. 13th April 2023 marks the 104th Anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The incident continues to be a reminder of the brutalities inflicted upon the Indian people during British colonial rule. To commemorate the spirit of revolutionaries and the ones who lost their lives in the brutal massacre, a memorial has been set up by the government in 1951 at Jallianwala Bagh.
To commemorate the spirit of revolutionaries and the ones who lost their lives in the brutal massacre, a memorial has been set up by the government in 1951 at Jallianwala Bagh.
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The Turkish Navy has unveiled its new and country's largest warship, the 'TCG Anadolu'.
The Turkish Navy has unveiled its new and country's largest warship, the 'TCG Anadolu'. Also classified as an amphibious assault vessel, the ship is the first aircraft carrier incorporated by the country’s navy. The 27,436-tonne, 231-meter-long vessel was commissioned on April 10, in a ceremony attended by the country’s authorities, including Turkish President Recep Erdogan. On the flight deck, in addition to Bell AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters, were Bayraktar and Kizilelma drones, both designed and built by Turkish manufacturer Baykar Technology.
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PhonePe has raised USD 100 million from General Atlantic during its ongoing fundraise round of USD 1 billion at a pre-money valuation of USD 12 billion from its existing shareholder General Atlantic and its Co-investors.
PhonePe? has raised USD 100 million from General Atlantic during its ongoing fundraise round of USD 1 billion at a pre-money valuation of USD 12 billion from its existing shareholder General Atlantic and its Co-investors. With this fresh funding, the Walmart group firm has raised USD 750 million till date. General Atlantic initially invested USD 350 million in PhonePe in January 2023.
PhonePe has raised USD 100 million from General Atlantic during its ongoing fundraise round of USD 1 billion at a pre-money valuation of USD 12 billion from its existing shareholder General Atlantic and its Co-investors.
With this fresh funding, the Walmart group firm has raised USD 750 million till date.
General Atlantic initially invested USD 350 million in PhonePe in January 2023.
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India's exports increased 6 percent to a 'record' USD 447 billion in financial 2022-23 on account of healthy growth in the outbound shipments of sectors.
India's exports increased 6 percent to a 'record' USD 447 billion in financial 2022-23 on account of healthy growth in the outbound shipments of sectors. India's imports also grew by 16.5 percent to USD 714 billion in 2022-23 as against USD 613 billion in 2021-22. India's services exports too have increased by 27.16 percent to USD 323 billion in 2022-23 as compared to USD 254 billion in 2021-22.
India's exports increased 6 percent to a 'record' USD 447 billion in financial 2022-23 on account of healthy growth in the outbound shipments of sectors.
India's imports also grew by 16.5 percent to USD 714 billion in 2022-23 as against USD 613 billion in 2021-22.
India's services exports too have increased by 27.16 percent to USD 323 billion in 2022-23 as compared to USD 254 billion in 2021-22.
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Madhya Pradesh's Sharbati wheat has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
Madhya Pradesh's Sharbati wheat has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The state's Sehore district is the largest producer of this variety, which is considered the highest quality wheat in India. Recently, several handicraft products of the state, including wrought iron crafts of Dindori, batik print of Ujjain, handmade carpet of Gwalior, etc were given GI tags. The well-known Gond painting of Madhya Pradesh has been granted the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which safeguards and acknowledges the work of tribal artists and requires approval from a committee for non-tribal artists to use the art.
The well-known Gond painting of Madhya Pradesh has been granted the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which safeguards and acknowledges the work of tribal artists and requires approval from a committee for non-tribal artists to use the art.
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Ministry of Textiles announced the launch of 2 Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for 31 items consisting of 19 Geo Textiles and 12 Protective Textiles in the Phase-I, following due process of notification of Technical Regulations.
Ministry of Textiles announced the launch of 2 Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for 31 items consisting of 19 Geo Textiles and 12 Protective Textiles in the Phase-I, following due process of notification of Technical Regulations. These QCOs mark the first technical regulation from India for the Technical Textiles industry. These two Geo Textiles and Protective Textiles QCOs shall come into force immediately after 180 days from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. Ministry of Textiles is planning to issue 02 more QCOs for 28 items in Phase-II, including 22 items of Agro Textiles and 06 items of Medical Textiles. In Phase-III, 30+ more Technical Textiles items may be considered for QCO issuance.
Ministry of Textiles announced the launch of 2 Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for 31 items consisting of 19 Geo Textiles and 12 Protective Textiles in the Phase-I, following due process of notification of Technical Regulations.
These two Geo Textiles and Protective Textiles QCOs shall come into force immediately after 180 days from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
Ministry of Textiles is planning to issue 02 more QCOs for 28 items in Phase-II, including 22 items of Agro Textiles and 06 items of Medical Textiles.
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India’s first semi-high-speed regional rail services have been named ‘RAPIDX’ by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC).
India’s first semi-high-speed regional rail services have been named ‘RAPIDX’ by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC). In addition to signifying speed and progress, the X in the name denotes next generation technology and the new-age mobility solution. It also represents youth, optimism, and energy. It is the latest and fastest metro rail in India so far. The trains will run on the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridors, being implemented to connect key urban nodes across the National Capital Region (NCR). The NCRTC is targeting to commission the entire Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor for the public by 2025. Before that, it will operationalise a 17-km long priority section between Sahibabad and Duhai in 2023, before its scheduled time.
India’s first semi-high-speed regional rail services have been named ‘RAPIDX’ by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC).
It is the latest and fastest metro rail in India so far.
The NCRTC is targeting to commission the entire Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor for the public by 2025.
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Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) conducted a large-scale Joint Military Exercise ‘Ex KAVACH’ involving the assets of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, which held from February 23, 2023 to April 07, 2023.
Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) conducted a large-scale Joint Military Exercise ‘Ex KAVACH’ involving the assets of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, which held from February 23, 2023 to April 07, 2023. The exercise was aimed at fine-tuning joint warfare capabilities & Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and enhancing interoperability and operational synergy between the forces. ‘Exercise KAVACH’ demonstrated the capabilities and preparedness of the Armed Forces to safeguard India's maritime interests and ensure the security of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) conducted a large-scale Joint Military Exercise ‘Ex KAVACH’ involving the assets of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, which held from February 23, 2023 to April 07, 2023.
The exercise was aimed at fine-tuning joint warfare capabilities & Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and enhancing interoperability and operational synergy between the forces.
‘Exercise KAVACH’ demonstrated the capabilities and preparedness of the Armed Forces to safeguard India's maritime interests and ensure the security of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
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The Union Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan unveiled the digital version of the Employability Skills curriculum for students enrolled in India’s Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) at the Future Skills
The Union Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan unveiled the digital version of the Employability Skills curriculum for students enrolled in India’s Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) at the Future Skills Forum in New Delhi. The Future Skills Forum is an initiative of the Future Right Skills Network (FRSN) a collaborative effort by QUEST Alliance, Accenture, Cisco, and J.P. Morgan. The digital lessons include modules on financial and digital literacy, diversity and inclusion, career development, goal setting and entrepreneurship. These are drawn from the upgraded ES curriculum which was launched by the MSDE in September 2022.
The Union Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan unveiled the digital version of the Employability Skills curriculum for students enrolled in India’s Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) at the Future Skills
The digital lessons include modules on financial and digital literacy, diversity and inclusion, career development, goal setting and entrepreneurship.
These are drawn from the upgraded ES curriculum which was launched by the MSDE in September 2022.
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 234 development projects worth 5,196 crore rupees in Azamgarh and Kaushambi districts of Uttar Pradesh.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 234 development projects worth 5,196 crore rupees in Azamgarh and Kaushambi districts of Uttar Pradesh. Of the total projects, 117 development works worth 4,583 crore rupees are in Azamgarh and 117 development projects worth around 613 crore rupees in Kaushambi. In Azamgarh, the Minister laid the foundation stone of the Hariharpur Sangeet Mahavidyalaya at Namdarpur. In Kaushambi apart from unveiling the projects, Mr. Shah also inaugurated the Kaushambi Mahotsav and felicitated the winners of “Sansad Khel Spardha”.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 234 development projects worth 5,196 crore rupees in Azamgarh and Kaushambi districts of Uttar Pradesh.
Of the total projects, 117 development works worth 4,583 crore rupees are in Azamgarh and 117 development projects worth around 613 crore rupees in Kaushambi.
In Kaushambi apart from unveiling the projects, Mr. Shah also inaugurated the Kaushambi Mahotsav and felicitated the winners of “Sansad Khel Spardha”.
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According to the World of Statistics's ranking of the world's "most criminal countries", India ranked at 77 spot.
World of Statistics has shared the ranking of the world's "most criminal countries". On the list, Venezuela has been ranked top, followed by Papua New Guinea (2), Afghanistan (3), South Africa (4), Honduras (5), Trinidad (6), Guyana (7), Syria (8), Somalia (9) and Jamaica (10), respectively. India stood at 77 spots while the US and UK were ahead of India in the criminal ranking country. The USA was at 55th number and the UK at 65th rank, according to the World of Statistics. Turkey, Germany, and Japan were among the least criminal countries, ranking at 92nd, 100th, and 135th ranks. The crimes have various forms including corruption, drug trafficking, kidnapping, and assassination.
World of Statistics has shared the ranking of the world's "most criminal countries".
On the list, Venezuela has been ranked top, followed by Papua New Guinea (2), Afghanistan (3), South Africa (4), Honduras (5), Trinidad (6), Guyana (7), Syria (8), Somalia (9) and Jamaica (10), respectively.
India stood at 77 spots while the US and UK were ahead of India in the criminal ranking country.
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Reserve Bank of India issued the framework for acceptance of 'green deposits' by banks and NBFCs wherein the funds could be used for financing activities like renewable energy, green transport and green buildings.
Reserve Bank of India issued the framework for acceptance of 'green deposits' by banks and NBFCs wherein the funds could be used for financing activities like renewable energy, green transport and green buildings. The framework will come into effect from June 1, 2023. Some Regulated Entities (REs) are already offering green deposits for financing green activities and projects. The projects must encourage energy efficiency in resource utilisation, reduce carbon emissions and greenhouse gases, promote climate resilience and/or adaptation and value and improve natural ecosystems and biodiversity. RBI has also mentioned about a list of 'exclusions' for REs.
The framework will come into effect from June 1, 2023.
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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) moderated its projection of India’s growth in FY24 to 5.9 percent, a 20 basis-point drop from its January 2023 forecast of 6.1 percent.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) moderated its projection of India’s growth in FY24 to 5.9 percent, a 20 basis-point drop from its January 2023 forecast of 6.1 percent. This is substantially lower than the Reserve Bank of India’s latest projection of 6.5 percent growth in the current financial year. The growth outlook for FY25 has also been cut to 6.3 percent, down 50 basis points from the earlier estimate of 6.8 percent.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) moderated its projection of India’s growth in FY24 to 5.9 percent, a 20 basis-point drop from its January 2023 forecast of 6.1 percent.
This is substantially lower than the Reserve Bank of India’s latest projection of 6.5 percent growth in the current financial year.
The growth outlook for FY25 has also been cut to 6.3 percent, down 50 basis points from the earlier estimate of 6.8 percent.
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A consortium led by state-owned Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has bagged an order worth more than Rs9,600 crore to supply 80 sleeper class Vande Bharat trains to Indian Railways over a period of 6 years.
A consortium led by state-owned Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has bagged an order worth more than Rs9,600 crore to supply 80 sleeper class Vande Bharat trains to Indian Railways over a period of 6 years. There is a demand for running sleeper class Vande Bharat or Train18 trainsets as these can ply on long routes like Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah. Presently, all Vande Bharat trains in operation only have chair car and executive chair car classes. The BHEL-led consortium has been awarded an order for 80 Vande Bharat trains in the mega tender of the Indian Railways. The order is for supply of 80 trains each at a cost of Rs120 crore, excluding taxes and duties. The order for AMC (Annual Maintenance Contract) has also been placed for 35 years.
A consortium led by state-owned Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has bagged an order worth more than Rs9,600 crore to supply 80 sleeper class Vande Bharat trains to Indian Railways over a period of 6 years.
The BHEL-led consortium has been awarded an order for 80 Vande Bharat trains in the mega tender of the Indian Railways.
The order for AMC (Annual Maintenance Contract) has also been placed for 35 years.
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The Unified Portal of the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) was launched by the Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra.
The Unified Portal of the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) was launched by the Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra. The unified portal of Central Bureau of Narcotics will instill the efficiency, transparency and accountability in department users. This portal is calibrated to have database integration & ingestion with other government services including Bharat Kosh, GST, PAN- NSDL validation, e-Sanchit, and UIDAI facilitating single point services for obtaining the licenses from CBN.
This portal is calibrated to have database integration & ingestion with other government services including Bharat Kosh, GST, PAN- NSDL validation, e-Sanchit, and UIDAI facilitating single point services for obtaining the licenses from CBN.
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A New Book Titled ‘The Great Bank Robbery’ is co-authored by V Pattabhi Ram and Sabyasachee Dash.
A New Book Titled ‘The Great Bank Robbery’ is co-authored by V Pattabhi Ram and Sabyasachee Dash. The book was Published by Rupa Publications India. The book explore how a bank works, the scandals that have rocked the banking world and focus on the role played by auditors, bankers, credit raters and directors.
The book was Published by Rupa Publications India.
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Former Mahindra Group chairman and industrialist Keshub Mahindra passed away in Mumbai, at the age of 99.
Former Mahindra Group chairman and industrialist Keshub Mahindra passed away in Mumbai, at the age of 99. In 1947, Keshub Mahindra had joined his father’s company which started by manufacturing and selling utility vehicles. He was the chairman of the conglomerate from 1963 to 2012. With a net worth of $1.2 billion, he was India's oldest billionaire. Mahindra was awarded Chevalier de l'Ordre National de la Legion d'honneur by the French Government in 1987.
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The International Day for Street Children is observed every 12 April over the globe to spread awareness about the struggles of children and demand equal rights for them.
The International Day for Street Children is observed every 12 April over the globe to spread awareness about the struggles of children and demand equal rights for them. The United Nations organised a Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989. This day also honours street children's humanity, dignity, and tenacity in the face of unfathomable suffering.
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The International Day of Human Space Flight is observed annually on April 12th to commemorate the beginning of human space exploration.
The International Day of Human Space Flight is observed annually on April 12th to commemorate the beginning of human space exploration. The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution on April 7, 2011, designating April 12th as the International Day of Human Space Flight. This day is dedicated to honoring the first human to orbit the Earth, a Russian cosmonaut, on April 12th, 1961.
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The Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi approved a long-pending Bill 'Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Bill' to ban online gambling.
The Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi approved a long-pending Bill 'Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Bill' to ban online gambling. In Tamil Nadu, any person indulging in online gambling/online games of chance with money or other stakes shall be punished with imprisonment for a term that may extend to three months or with a fine up to Rs5,000 or both. Those inducing people to play online gambling/games of chance face punishment with imprisonment of up to one year or with a fine, which may extend to Rs5 lakh or both. Any person who provides online gambling services or games of poker and rummy with money or other stakes shall face punishment with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with a fine which may extend to Rs10 lakh or both.
The Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi approved a long-pending Bill 'Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Bill' to ban online gambling.
In Tamil Nadu, any person indulging in online gambling/online games of chance with money or other stakes shall be punished with imprisonment for a term that may extend to three months or with a fine up to Rs5,000 or both.
Those inducing people to play online gambling/games of chance face punishment with imprisonment of up to one year or with a fine, which may extend to Rs5 lakh or both.
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Kotak Mahindra General Insurance has partnered with actyv.ai to offer bite-sized insurance products to new-age micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME).
Kotak Mahindra General Insurance has partnered with actyv.ai to offer bite-sized insurance products to new-age micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME). Kotak General Insurance will leverage actyv.ai’s AI-powered platform to provide insurance solutions to support the business sustainability of small businesses. Through actyv.ai’s technology stack and Kotak General Insurance’s customized insurance products, this partnership will offer innovative insurance products to the enterprise.
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Exercise Cope India 23, a bilateral Air Exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) is being carried out at Air Force Stations Arjan Singh (Panagarh), Kalaikunda (West Bengal) and Agra in UP.
Exercise Cope India 23, a bilateral Air Exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) is being carried out at Air Force Stations Arjan Singh (Panagarh), Kalaikunda (West Bengal) and Agra in UP. The exercise aims to enhance mutual understanding between the two Air Forces and share their best practices. The first phase of exercise has commenced from 10th April 2023. This phase of the exercise will focus on air mobility and will involve transport aircraft and Special Forces assets from both the Air Forces. Both sides will field the C-130J and C-17 aircraft, with the USAF operating an MC-130J, as well.
Exercise Cope India 23, a bilateral Air Exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) is being carried out at Air Force Stations Arjan Singh (Panagarh), Kalaikunda (West Bengal) and Agra in UP.
The first phase of exercise has commenced from 10th April 2023. This phase of the exercise will focus on air mobility and will involve transport aircraft and Special Forces assets from both the Air Forces.
Both sides will field the C-130J and C-17 aircraft, with the USAF operating an MC-130J, as well.
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Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan and Telangana are the front-runners in the State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2021-22.
Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri R. K. Singh released the report of State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2021-22. Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan and Telangana are the front-runners in the State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2021-22. These states are leading with a score above 60. Meanwhile, four states Assam, Haryana, Maharashtra and Punjab are in the Achiever category with a score between 50 and 60. Further, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Assam and Chandigarh are the top-performing states in their respective state groups. According to the report, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh showed the most improvement since the last index.
Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri R. K. Singh released the report of State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2021-22.
Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan and Telangana are the front-runners in the State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2021-22.