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According to the latest ranking released by the Indian Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF), the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad, is the top government college in India for pursuing the Master of Business Administration (MBA) course. IIM Ahmedabad is followed by IIM Bengaluru and IIM Kolkata at second and third spots, respectively. The top three have remained unchanged since 2022. The IIM Lucknow ranked fourth in 2022. The ranking was based on seven parameters: research, teaching-learning resources pedagogy, industry income and integration, placement performance, future orientation, external perception and international outlook, and placement strategies and support. Among private colleges, the Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI), Jamshedpur, topped the rankings, followed by the Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon and Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune. XLRI also topped the "Top 10 B-schools for Research in India 2023" ranking. In the "School of Eminence of Employability" list, the Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad, topped the rankings. Also, in "Top 10 B-schools under University Programs in India 2023", Symbiosis, Pune, topped the list. It was followed by Symbiosis Centre For Management and Human Resource Development (SCMHRD), Pune and TAPMI. The top 5 MBA colleges in the world are London Business School (UK), Wharton- University of Pennsylvania (USA), Harvard Business School (USA), Stanford University (USA), and INSEAD (France).
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As per statistics by the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has emerged as the 3rd largest exchange in the world in the equity segment by the number of trades in 2022.
As per statistics by the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has emerged as the 3rd largest exchange in the world in the equity segment by the number of trades in 2022. NSE has also maintained its position as the world’s largest derivatives exchange in 2022 by the number of contracts traded based on statistics maintained by Futures Industry Association (FIA), a derivatives trade body. NSE is ranked 4th in the world in cash equities by number of trades as per the statistics maintained by the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE) for the calendar year 2021. The benchmark equity index – the Nifty 50 reached lifetime high of 18,887.60 in the calender year 2022. In the equity segment, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) daily average turnover stood at Rs470 crores in CY22, an increase of 51% YoY. Sovereign Gold Bonds daily average turnover in secondary market stood at Rs7 crores in CY22, an increase of 59% YoY.
HQ- Mumbai
MD&CEO- Ashishkumar Chauhan
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Edelweiss Asset Management Ltd has launched a new fund offer (NFO) for India's first open-ended passive short-duration index fund 'Edelweiss CRISIL IBX 50:50 Gilt Plus SDL Short Duration Index Fund'.
Edelweiss Asset Management Ltd has launched a new fund offer (NFO) for India's first open-ended passive short-duration index fund 'Edelweiss CRISIL IBX 50:50 Gilt Plus SDL Short Duration Index Fund'. The fund will invest in a diversified portfolio of Indian Government Bonds (IGBs) and State Development Loans (SDLs). The NFO for Edelweiss CRISIL IBX 50:50 Gilt Plus SDL Short Duration Index Fund opened from January 27, 2023 to February 10, 2023. The fund will invest 50 percent of its funds in IGBs and the rest in SDLs. The G-Sec portion will be constructed by selecting the most liquid government bonds with a minimum outstanding of Rs10,000 crore falling in duration buckets from one year to five years.
Edelweiss Asset Management Ltd Founded- 2008
HQ- Mumbai
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The United Nations pared down India’s GDP growth forecast by 20 basis points (bps) to 5.8 percent for 2023 calendar year.
The United Nations pared down India’s GDP growth forecast by 20 basis points (bps) to 5.8 percent for 2023 calendar year. Economic growth in India is projected to moderate in 2023, with higher interest rates weighing on investment and slower global growth weakening exports. The report has projected global trade to contract 0.4 percent and the world economy to grow at 1.9 percent in 2023. For fiscal year 2023-24, however, the agency kept its growth forecast unchanged for India at 6 percent. The report projected India’s retail inflation to decelerate to 5.5 percent in 2023 from 7.1 percent in 2022 as global commodity prices moderate and slower currency depreciation eases imported inflation. In India, the additional interest payments would amount to 8.7 percent of total government expenditures. Global economic growth is projected to slow to 1.9 percent in 2023 from 3 percent in 2022, marking it one of the lowest growth forecasts in recent decades.
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Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) has signed a MoU with Rolls Royce Solutions of Germany for manufacturing high-quality marine diesel engines in India.
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) has signed a MoU with Rolls Royce Solutions of Germany for manufacturing high-quality marine diesel engines in India. Under the agreement, GRSE and Rolls Royce Solutions will cooperate to manufacture under licence the technologically advanced MTU S4000 marine engines. These engines, which generate a rated power output of 746-4300 kilowatts (KW), are reputed to be compact, reliable, and easy to maintain. The S4000 engines will power Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), Interceptor Boats (IBs), and Fast Attack Crafts (FACs) built by GRSE and other shipyards around the country. The manufacture of these engines in India would provide a great opportunity to local industry.
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Founded- 1884
HQ- Kolkata
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Veteran Indian Cricketer Murali Vijay announced his retirement from International Cricket at the age of 38.
Veteran Indian Cricketer Murali Vijay announced his retirement from International Cricket at the age of 38. The right-handed batter who featured in 61 Tests, 17 ODIs and 9 T20 Internationals last played for the country in the Perth Test against Australia in December 2018. His Test debut was against Australia in the 2008-09 season at Nagpur as a replacement for Gautam Gambhir. In 61 Tests, Vijay scored 3982 runs at an average of 38.28 with a highest score of 167. He hit 12 hundreds and 15 half-centuries. In 17 ODIs, he made 339 runs and in seven T20Is, he got 169 runs.
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NMDC Ltd has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with World Boxing Champion and gold medal winner of Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, Nikhat Zareen to representing NMDC as its brand ambassador.
NMDC Ltd has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with World Boxing Champion and gold medal winner of Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, Nikhat Zareen to representing NMDC as its brand ambassador. Nikhat Zareen represents the strength, courage, agility and national pride that goes with the brand of the NMDC. She will represent the hopes and aspirations of New India and NMDC become a part of her journey to the 2024 Olympics.
HQ- Hyderabad
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State-run Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has started the export of its first special aviation fuel (SAF) for small aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), AVGAS 100 LL.
State-run Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has started the export of its first special aviation fuel (SAF) for small aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), AVGAS 100 LL. IOC Chairman S M Vaidya flagged off the first export consignment of AVGAS 100 LL to Papua New Guinea from GTI Terminal of JNPT. The consignment consisted of 16 kilo litres (KL) of AVGAS packed in 80 barrels. This is the first ever instance of India exporting AVGAS. The global aviation gasoline market is projected to grow at 5% CAGR. The Aviation traffic in India is also likely to grow by 7%.
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The 17th Data Protection Day or Data Privacy Day was celebrated on 28 January 2023.
The 17th Data Protection Day or Data Privacy Day was celebrated on 28 January 2023. The Data Protection Day or Data Privacy Day is annually observed on 28 January to raising awareness about the right to data protection and various ways in which people can keep their data safe. The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe decided to launch Data Protection Day in 2006. January 28 was chosen for the annual celebrations. Data Protection Day marks the anniversary of the opening of the global data protection Convention, Convention 108.
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Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) launched a massive District Outreach programme 'Nidhi Aapke Nikat 2.0' in all the Districts of the country.
Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) launched a massive District Outreach programme 'Nidhi Aapke Nikat 2.0' in all the Districts of the country. This programme was e-launched by Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Arti Ahuja. The Nidhi Aapke Nikat 2.0 will not only be the grievance redressal platform and information exchange network for employers and employees but also a platform for the exchange of information with the district-level authorities of various State and Central Government departments. In this programme, a help desk will be created where members will get online services like filing online claims. Grievance redressal of the members will be done on the spot and in case any grievance could not be redressed on the spot, it will be registered on the grievance portal of EPFO and will be resolved on priority.
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Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Ayush Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the National Logistics Portal (NLP) (marine) in New Delhi.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Ayush Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the National Logistics Portal (NLP) (marine) in New Delhi. The National Logistic Portal (marine) (NLP) is a project of national importance. It is a one-stop platform aimed at connecting all the stakeholders of the logistics community using IT to improve efficiency and transparency by reducing costs and time delays and achieving easier, faster, and more competitive offerings of services to promote the growth of the logistics sector. NLP will be a single window for all trade processes of the logistics sector spread across the country covering all modes of transport in the waterways, roadways, and airways along with an E-marketplace to provide a seamless end-to-end logistic service coverage.
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India's largest car manufacturer company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) will be using cow dung to power its CNG cars.
India's largest car manufacturer company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) will be using cow dung to power its CNG cars. Suzuki has estimated that cow dung derived from 10 cows in a day can generate enough compressed biomethane gas to power 1 car for 1 day. Suzuki has planned to start production of cow-dung biogas from mid-2024. Their first plant will be coming up in Banaskantha, Gujarat. It will have a production capacity of approx 1,500 kg per day, which is equal to fuel supply for approx 500 units of CNG cars. An MoU has been signed between Maruti Suzuki and Asia’s largest dairy manufacturer National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). The company has invested in Fujisan Asagiri Biomass that generates power from biogas derived from cow dung in Japan, and beginning its study.
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Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi visited India from January 24-27, 2023 to attend India's 74th Republic Day celebration as the chief guest.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi visited India from January 24-27, 2023 to attend India's 74th Republic Day celebration as the chief guest. He was the first Egyptian president to have been invited to the Republic Day parade. During the Republic Day Parade, a military contingent of the Egyptian Army marched towards the saluting dais on the Kartavya Path for the first time. The Egyptian military contingent, led by Colonel Mahmoud Mohamed Abdel Fattah El Kharasawy and consisting of 144 soldiers, represented the main regiments of the Egyptian armed forces. Egyptian President held discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the two countries decided to work together during India's Presidency and reiterated that the interests and priorities of the Global South be given due attention and focus in key global forums, including the G20. Both leaders also agreed on the need to hold the JWG on Counter-Terrorism on regular basis to exchange information and best practices.
Currency- Egyptian Pound
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SAMEER, India's premier R&D Institute of Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) signed a MoU with Siemens Healthineers that will contribute towards the development of new, improved and innovative technologies for advancing healthcare and diagnostic access
SAMEER (Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research), India's premier R&D Institute of Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) signed a MoU with Siemens Healthineers that will contribute towards the development of new, improved and innovative technologies for advancing healthcare and diagnostic access in India. It will make available low-cost MRIs (Magnetic resonance imaging) as part of the Prime Minister's vision of providing quality and affordable healthcare and diagnostic access for every Indian.
Siemens Healthineers Founded- October 1847
HQ- Erlangen, Germany
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The Indian Railways has introduced the ‘Ideal Train Profile’ to maximise the capacity utilisation and revenue generation in reserved mail express trains by regularly analysing the demand pattern of each individual train.
The Indian Railways has introduced the ‘Ideal Train Profile’ to maximise the capacity utilisation and revenue generation in reserved mail express trains by regularly analysing the demand pattern of each individual train. The Ideal Train Profile is seat capacity optimization decision support, which is done because the number of ticket class combinations on a single train journey can exceed 5,000. The deployment of Ideal Train Profile utility provides the railway administrators in the passenger profile cells in various zonal railways, a decision support tool to shorten the time taken for seat distribution analytics of a train. The pilot project was started on seven zonal railways – Eastern, Central, Northern, Southern, South Central, Western, and West Central Railway. The pilot project has so far been rolled out in over 200 trains in Indian Railways. The AI module has been developed by an in-house team led by R Gopalakrishnan of the Centre of Railways Information System (CRIS). The module is completed after an extensive effort by the team for over two years. The facility will help to enhance confirmed seat availability and increase the occupancy of a train by 5 percent to 6 percent.
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The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) notified that the government appointed three Grievance Appellate Committees (GACs), that will address user complaints against social media and other internet-based platforms.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) notified that the government appointed three Grievance Appellate Committees (GACs), that will address user complaints against social media and other internet-based platforms. These panels will also be empowered to oversee and revoke content moderation-related decisions taken by these platforms. Each of the three grievances appellate committees (GACs) will have a chairperson, two whole-time members from different government entities and retired senior executives from the industry for a term of three years from the date of assumption of office. The first panel will be chaired by the chief executive officer of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Ashutosh Shukla and Punjab National Bank’s (PNB) former chief general manager and chief information officer Sunil Soni have been appointed as the whole-time members of the panel. The second panel will be chaired by the joint secretary in charge of the Policy and Administration Division in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The third panel will be chaired by Kavita Bhatia, a senior scientist at the Ministry of Electronics and IT. The provision for such committees was brought through an amendment to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, in October 2022.
State Minister- Rajeev Chandrasekhar
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The Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Alkesh Kumar Sharma has inaugurated 1Ton/day PCB Recycling facility at the Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (C-MET), in Hyderabad.
The Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Alkesh Kumar Sharma has inaugurated 1Ton/day PCB Recycling facility at the Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (C-MET), in Hyderabad. C-MET, Hyderabad lab is focused on the development of high purity, semiconductors and strategic materials including metals and alloys. C-MET has established Center of Excellence (CoE) on E-waste Management first of its kind in the country under PPP model. CoE on E-waste management has developed all varieties of e-waste recycling technologies viz spent PCB, Li Ion Battery, Permanent magnet and Si-solar cells etc.
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As part of the G20 programme, Meghalaya's Shillong will be hosting the Space-20 program on April 17-18, 2023.
Meghalaya Governor BD Mishra announced that the as part of the G20 programme, Shillong will be hosting the Space-20 program on April 17-18, 2023. The Space-20 program will discuss the contribution of the space partnerships to the economy of the countries. India has decided to host around 200 G20 meetings across the country during its yearlong Presidency of the influential group. India assumed the Presidency of the G20 for one year from December 1, 2022.
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The 3rd edition of the Interpol Young Global Police Leaders Program (YGPLP) began in Delhi with the theme ‘Trust’ which aims at building trust between public-police as well as trust factors between international police forces in the era of technology.
The 3rd edition of the Interpol Young Global Police Leaders Program (YGPLP) began in Delhi with the theme ‘Trust’ which aims at building trust between public-police as well as trust factors between international police forces in the era of technology. The Interpol Young Global Police Leaders Program (YGPLP) began on January 25 and will end on February 2, 2023. As many as 60 participants from 44 countries are taking part in the programme, which is being organized by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Young Global Police Leaders Programme was set up in 2019 to prepare the next generation of global police leaders to effectively combat international crime.
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The 15th BRICS summit will be held in South Africa's Durban in late August 2023.
The 15th BRICS summit will be held in South Africa's Durban in late August 2023. The announcement was apparently made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at a joint news conference with Foreign Minister of the State of Eritrea Osman Saleh in Massawa, Eritrea on January 26, 2023. In April 2011, for the first time, South Africa participated in the 3rd BRICS Summit held in Sanya, China. Since it's inception in 2009, the BRICS leaders have convened 14 formal meetings and 9 informal meetings.
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Star Health and Allied Insurance has renewed its strategic corporate agency bancassurance tie-up with Punjab National Bank (PNB) for a long-term period.
Star Health and Allied Insurance has renewed its strategic corporate agency bancassurance tie-up with Punjab National Bank (PNB) for a long-term period. Punjab National Bank will continue to distribute Star Health’s insurance products across all their branches pan India. This long-term partnership is a testament to Star Health’s customer service, goodwill and track record. Under this strategic agreement, Star Health’s best-in-class health insurance products will be available through the Bank’s extensive distribution network of around 10,000+ branches across the country, providing customers with a one-stop solution for all their health insurance needs.
Punjab National Bank Founded- 1894; MD&CEO- Atul Kumar Goel
HQ- New Delhi
Tagline- The Name You Can Bank Upon
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Nigeria’s central bank launched a national domestic card scheme 'AfriGo' to boost the cashless economy.
Nigeria’s central bank launched a national domestic card scheme 'AfriGo' to boost the cashless economy. Godwin Emefiele, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in partnership with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), unveiled another first of its kind in Africa, a Central Bank-led National Domestic Card Scheme. The new policy is aimed at providing more options for domestic consumers whilst also promoting the delivery of services in a more innovative, cost-effective and competitive manner. The Afrigo card is created by the CBN to perform domestic transactions within Nigeria like existing debit cards.
Currency- Nigerian Naira
President- Muhammadu Buhari
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NPST (Network People Services Technologies Ltd), a leading fintech solution provider, has launched 'Timepay Evok', as a UPI API engine for PAPGs (Payment Aggregators and Payment Gateways).
NPST (Network People Services Technologies Ltd), a leading fintech solution provider, has launched 'Timepay Evok', as a UPI API engine for PAPGs (Payment Aggregators and Payment Gateways). Introducing Timepay Evok as the modern-day payment platform, having one-stop UPI payment solution, which will drive the progress for digital merchants and payment aggregators. With unique API services, UPI as a payment gateway can be integrated for both websites and App driven solutions for large-scale merchants. The QR POS solution with ubiquitous UPI-based payments – to make secure transactions & UPI AutoPay – for making recurring payments through UPI are some of the valuable offerings in Evok.
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RenewBuy has launched its first line of customized health insurance product, 'RenewBuy Health Wellness plan' with a focus on the large uninsured segment beyond the tier 1 markets.
RenewBuy has launched its first line of customized health insurance product, 'RenewBuy Health Wellness plan' with a focus on the large uninsured segment beyond the tier 1 markets. The health insurance product is one of the most flexible and customizable policies offered in the industry today. Available in three variants- Gold Plan, Silver Plan, Wellness Plan– the product offers new-age health insurance benefits, ranging from coverage 2-5 lakhs. Up to 70% lower premium is offered for senior citizens, and up to 50% lower premium is offered for those up to 59 years of age, Maternity cover with significantly shorter waiting period. This plan offers OPD benefits, unlimited doctor on call consultation, free lab tests, heavy discount for offline OPD consultation, modern treatment under very low sum insured, no cap on room rent, along with a range of other benefits (subject to certain T&C).
Co-founder and CEO- Balachander Sekhar
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Veteran film actress and former Lok Sabha MP from Rajahmundry, Jamuna passed away in Hyderabad.
Veteran film actress and former Lok Sabha MP from Rajahmundry, Jamuna passed away in Hyderabad. She was a contemporary to eminent and popular actors N T Ramarao and Nageswar Rao and acted in about 200 films in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi. She Started her career as a stage artist, debuting with Puttillu on Silver Screen. She won the Lok Sabha from Rajahmundry in 1989 from the Congress. She was identified with her role in ‘Satyabhama’.
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Aviva Life Insurance launched 'Aviva Signature Investment Plan', a unit-linked non-participating individual life insurance plan targeting millennial and GenX customers.
Aviva Life Insurance launched 'Aviva Signature Investment Plan', a unit-linked non-participating individual life insurance plan targeting millennial and GenX customers. The plan comes with two options, Signature Millennial and Signature GenX. Signature Millennial has an inbuilt premium waiver and a guaranteed corpus for a dependent parent, spouse, or child after the insured person’s death. Signature GenX enables customers to build generational wealth via disciplined monthly savings for up to 60 years.
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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the 'Aditya-L1' mission, first Indian space mission to observe the Sun and the solar corona, by June or July 2023.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the 'Aditya-L1' mission, first Indian space mission to observe the Sun and the solar corona, by June or July 2023. Aditya L1 is the first space-based Indian mission to study the Sun from a halo orbit around the Lagrangian point 1 (L 1) of the Sun-Earth system. The space solar mission was initially conceived as Aditya-1 with a 400 kg class satellite carrying one payload (VELC), and was planned to be launched in an 800 km low earth orbit.
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Formula E and Ace Nxt Gen, the promoter of the first ABB FIA Formula E World Championship race in India, announced that Greenko will be the title partner of the 2023 Greenko Hyderabad E-Prix.
Formula E and Ace Nxt Gen, the promoter of the first ABB FIA Formula E World Championship race in India, announced that Greenko Group will be the title partner of the 2023 Greenko Hyderabad E-Prix. Greenko will fully power the event with renewable energy, in line with Formula E’s net zero carbon strategy and RE100 commitment to achieve 100% renewable energy for the championship. Greenko Hyderabad E-Prix, a Formula-E event, which will be held in Hyderabad on 11 February 2023.
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Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare unveiled the 'iNNCOVACC', the world’s first intranasal COVID-19 vaccine to receive approval for the primary 2-dose schedule, and as a heterologous booster dose.
Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare unveiled the 'iNNCOVACC', the world’s first intranasal COVID-19 vaccine to receive approval for the primary 2-dose schedule, and as a heterologous booster dose. It is developed by Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL) in collaboration with Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance (BIRAC), a PSU under the Dept of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology. Dr Mandaviya stated that over 65% of vaccines supplied in the world are from India.
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‘Veer Guardian-2023’, a joint air exercise between India and Japan involving the Indian Air Force and Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) was held at Hyakuri Air Base, Japan from 12 to 26 January 2023, to promote air defence cooperation.
‘Veer Guardian-2023’, a joint air exercise between India and Japan involving the Indian Air Force and Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) was held at Hyakuri Air Base, Japan from 12 to 26 January 2023, to promote air defence cooperation. The Indian contingent participated in the air exercise included four Su-30 MKI, two C-17s & one IL-78 aircraft. Meanwhile, the JASDF was participated with four F-2 & four F-15 aircraft. The inaugural exercise included the conduct of various aerial combat drills between the two Air Forces.
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NITI Aayog's Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Intel India have collaborated to bring a change in the education sector by embedding future skills, such as artificial intelligence (AI), in the formal curriculum.
NITI Aayog's Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Intel India have collaborated to bring a change in the education sector by embedding future skills, such as artificial intelligence (AI), in the formal curriculum. The aim is to align the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020's guidance to increase the pace of tech integration for youth, the need to bridge the future skills gap in the country, and optimise the current infrastructure (ATLs, etc). Together, they launched the AIoT (Artificial intelligence of things) Integration in the school curriculum in September 2022 and initiated a pilot. The new methodology will enable the shift in teaching pedagogies from traditional to digital with several additional benefits and increased efficiency.
NITI Aayog Formed- January 2015
HQ- New Delhi
Chairperson- Narendra Modi
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The Central Government approved a proposal to sell 30 lakh metric tonnes of wheat in the Open Market Sale Scheme- Domestic (OMSS-D) to control prices of wheat and wheat flour.
The Central Government approved a proposal to sell 30 lakh metric tonnes of wheat in the Open Market Sale Scheme- Domestic (OMSS-D) to control prices of wheat and wheat flour. Offloading of 30 LMT wheat in the market through OMSS scheme within a span of two months through multiple channels will have wider reach as well as immediate impact on the soaring Wheat and Atta prices and will help containing the rising prices and relief to the common man. Wheat will be offered to the Flour millers, Bulk Buyers etc through e-auction for a maximum quantity of 3000 MT per buyer, per auction, from a FCI Region under e-auction. Wheat will also be offered to State Governments/UTs for their schemes without e-auction. Apart from the above channels, wheat will be offered at a concessional rates of Rs2350/ Qtl to Govt PSUs/cooperatives/Federations, Kendriya Bhandar/NCCF/NAFED etc without e-auction. The sale under this special scheme will be subject to the stipulation that the buyer will convert wheat to atta and offer it to public at an Maximum Retail Price of Rs29.50 per Kg.
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Godrej Agrovet Ltd has launched a ground-breaking initiative called 'Samadhan', a one stop solution centre for oil palm farmers, under its Oil Palm business.
Godrej Agrovet Ltd has launched a ground-breaking initiative called 'Samadhan', a one stop solution centre for oil palm farmers, under its Oil Palm business. It will provide a comprehensive package of knowledge, tools, services and solutions to farmers. It's aims to be a critical enabler in Palm Oil industry and assist oil palm farmers in optimising their yields by adopting latest agricultural techniques and boosting their productivity. As a part of the Samadhan initiative, Godrej Agrovet will establish 50 Samadhan centers across the India by 2027. Each center intends to support the planting of ~2,000 hectares of oil palm and help farmers achieve a sustained productivity in mature gardens through the use of modern agricultural technologies and expert advice.
HQ- Mumbai
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UNESCO and Solvay announced the launch of a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education program for students in India, Indonesia and South Korea to help preserve the environment.
UNESCO and Solvay announced the launch of a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education program for students in India, Indonesia and South Korea to help preserve the environment. The program was developed by two leading science-based organizations, this three-year partnership aims at engaging high schoolers and graduate students from India, Indonesia and South Korea to find solutions to national and regional environmental issues through science. The program will explore the mutual impact on the environment by focusing on the theme “Sustainable living for one planet”. Students will develop capabilities and strengthen their understanding of science through STEM and EBA (evidence-based approach) to nurture their interest in science and scientific careers, for the benefit of society.
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HDFC Life Insurance Company Ltd has partnered with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to offer the UPI 123PAY, a unique voice-based premium payment service that further simplifies the premium payment process for HDFC Life policyholders.
HDFC Life Insurance Company Ltd has partnered with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to offer the UPI 123PAY, a unique voice-based premium payment service that further simplifies the premium payment process for HDFC Life policyholders. UPI 123PAY is a payment facility through a pre-defined IVR (Interactive Voice Response). This platform will enable customers to make financial transactions with or without an internet connection. Customers can avail of this service in various regional languages such as Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Kannada, Tamil, etc. The process is very simple, a customer has to initiate a secure call from their phone using the UPI number 080 4516 3571 and complete the UPI onboarding formalities.
HDFC Life Insurance Company Ltd Founded- 2000
HQ- Mumbai
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India sold its first sovereign green bonds worth a total of 80 billion rupees ($979.61 million) at yields below comparable government bonds.
India sold its first sovereign green bonds worth a total of 80 billion rupees ($979.61 million) at yields below comparable government bonds. The RBI auctioned 40 billion rupees of 5-year bonds at a coupon rate of 7.10%, 5 basis points below the 5-year sovereign yield. Another 40 billion rupees in 10-year bonds were sold at a 7.29%, 6 basis points below comparable government securities. The proceeds would be used for 'green' projects such as solar power, wind and small hydro projects and other public sector projects that help reduce the economy's carbon footprint.
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Global Entrepreneur Sunil Krishnan awarded coveted Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar National Contribution Awards 2022 for his Contribution to India.
Global Entrepreneur Sunil Krishnan awarded coveted Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar National Contribution Awards 2022 for his Contribution to India. Global Entrepreneur Sunil Krishnan was awarded at the hands of Governor of Maharashtra Bhagat Singh Koshiyari. Sunil Krishnan is one of the most revered entrepreneurs and restauranteurs in South Africa, known for his tantalising cuisine that appeals to global taste buds.
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The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced the Padma Awards 2023 on the eve of India's 74th Republic Day.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced the Padma Awards 2023 on the eve of India's 74th Republic Day. Of the 106 Padma awards announced, 6 are Padma Vibhushan, 9 are Padma Bhushan and 91 are Padma Shri. 19 of the awardees are women. Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) pioneer Dilip Mahalanobis will be awarded the Padma Vibhushan posthumously in the field of Medicine (Pediatrics). Former Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav will be awarded Padma Vibhushan posthumously in the field of public affairs. Tabla Mestro Zakir Hussain will also be awarded Padma Vibhushan. Those who will be honoured with Padma Bhushan inlcude Kannada novelist and screenwriter S L Bhyrappa,Industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla and Author and Philanthropist Sudha Murthy. These Awards are conferred by the President at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March and April every year. Ratan Chandra Kar, a Retired Government Doctor from Andamans working with the Jarawa tribe who inhabit an island 48 km from North Sentinel, will receive Padma Shri in the field of Medicine (Physician). Hirabai Lobi, a Siddi Tribal social worker and leader, who has dedicated her life to the betterment of the Siddi community in Gujarat, will receive Padma Shri in the field of Social Work (Tribal).
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India has been elected as Vice-Chair in the 12th Session of the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group (ITWG) on Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, was held at FAO headquarters in Rome from 18-20 January 2023.
India has been elected as Vice-Chair in the 12th Session of the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group (ITWG) on Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, was held at FAO headquarters in Rome from 18-20 January 2023. Dr B N Tripathi, Deputy Director General (Animal Science), ICAR, the National Coordinator from India was elected as Vice-Chair and also as Rapporteur of the 12th Session of ITWG and represented Asia & Pacific region. ITWG of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has been established by the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA) at its 7th Session in May 1997. In the 12th Session of ITWG, implementation of the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources, monitoring of AnGR diversity, and preparing the 3rd Country Report were reviewed.
FAO Founded- 16 October 1945
HQ- Rome, Italy
Director-General- QU Dongyu
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The Trustees of Tata Trusts appointed former government official Siddharth Sharma as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and also appointed Aparna Uppaluri as its first-ever Chief Operating Officer (COO) with effect from 1st April 2023.
The Trustees of Tata Trusts appointed former government official Siddharth Sharma as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and also appointed Aparna Uppaluri as its first-ever Chief Operating Officer (COO) with effect from 1st April 2023. Sharma has been in government service for two decades, where he handled important assignments in key ministries of the government, and as the financial advisor to the 13th and 14th Presidents of India. Aparna Uppaluri was earlier working with the Ford Foundation for 20 years. She served as programme director to oversee different verticals at the Ford Foundation.
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France national football team captain Hugo Lloris announced his retirement from international football at the age of 36.
France national football team captain Hugo Lloris announced his retirement from international football at the age of 36. Lloris represented France in four World Cups and three Euros and captained Les Blues to the World Cup trophy in 2018. The Tottenham Hotspur shotstopper led his team to the World Cup final in Qatar, where they were beaten by Argentina on penalties. The 36-year-old holds many records and is France's most capped player with 145 appearances to his name.
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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the winners of the ICC Awards 2022.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the winners of the ICC Awards 2022. India batter Suryakumar Yadav was named as ICC T20I men's cricketer of the year 2022. Renuka Singh has won the ICC Emerging Women's cricketer of the year 2022 award. The prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year and the coveted Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year were among the categories revealed on the ICC's digital channels. Pakistan legend Babar Azam has won the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy as well as the Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year award, while England's all-round sensation Nat Sciver has won the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and the Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year. Tahila McGrath Named ICC Women's T20I Cricketer Of The Year 2022. Nat Sciver Named ICC Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year 2022. Aasif Sheikh won ICC Spirit of Cricket Award 2022.
HQ- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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International Customs Day is annually celebrated on January 26 to acknowledge the role of customs officials in managing efficient flow and exchange of goods and services across countries.
International Customs Day is annually celebrated on January 26 to acknowledge the role of customs officials in managing efficient flow and exchange of goods and services across countries. The theme of International Customs Day 2023 is ‘Nurturing the next generation: promoting a culture of knowledge-sharing and professional pride in Customs’. The day was first initiated in the year 1953 and was first confirmed by the Customs Cooperation Council (CCC). The session was inaugurated in Brussels, Belgium. The event was attended by renowned representatives from 17 European countries. International Customs Day was first celebrated in 1983 by the Customs Council to observe 30 years of its first session. In 1994, the CCC has been renamed as World Customs Organisation (WCO).
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Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, Bhupesh Baghel announced that the unemployed youth of Chhattisgarh will be given a monthly allowance from next financial year (FY23-24).
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, Bhupesh Baghel announced that the unemployed youth of Chhattisgarh will be given a monthly allowance from next financial year (FY23-24). The announcement was by the CM while addressing the public on 74th Republic Day at the Lalbag Parade grounds in Jagdalpur. In addition to the unemployment allowance to youth, Bhupesh Baghel also announced the formulation of a rural industry policy in the state to boost the cottage industry-based rural economy. Along with this, he also made some other important announcement on the occasion. He also assured people that factories lying in the industrial areas will be exempted from property tax. He also announced housing assistance scheme for labourers, scheme for women entrepreneurs, etc. The construction workers registered with the Chhattisgarh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board for a period of three years will get a grant of Rs50,000 for building their houses. To satisfy the dominant tribal public of the state, CM announced to provide an annual aid of Rs10,000 to each gram panchayat to organise tribal festival in areas like Bastar and Surguja divisions and scheduled areas of the state from the next financial year.
Chhattisgarh Capital- Raipur
Governor- Anusuiya Uikey
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India Celebrated its 74th Republic day on 26th January 2023.
India Celebrated its 74th Republic day on 26th January 2023. President Droupadi Murmu led the nation in celebrating the 74th Republic Day from Kartavya Path with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi as the chief guest at the parade. A total of 23 tableaux, 17 from states and Union territories and 6 from various ministries and departments, depicting India's vibrant cultural heritage, and economic and social progress were part of the parade on the Kartavya Path. The parade began with a combined band and marching contingent of the Egyptian Armed Forces. Three Param Vir Chakra awardees and three Ashok Chakara awardees took part in the parade, and a “veterans’ tableau” was put forth with its theme as “Towards India’s Amrit Kaal with a Resolve of Veterans’ Commitment”.
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The International Holocaust Remembrance Day, or the International Day in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust, is an international memorial day annually observed on 27 January that commemorates the victims of the Holocaust.
The International Holocaust Remembrance Day, or the International Day in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust, is an international memorial day annually observed on 27 January that commemorates the victims of the Holocaust. The theme of International Day in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust 2023 is “Home and Belonging”. The United Nations General Assembly’s resolution 60/7 designated International Holocaust Remembrance Day on November 1, 2005, during the 42nd plenary session and proclaimed January 27 for International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
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American Express Banking Corporation (AEBC) announced the appointment of Anurag Gupta as the Vice President (VP) and Head of Global Merchant & Network Services in India.
American Express Banking Corporation (AEBC) announced the appointment of Anurag Gupta as the Vice President (VP) and Head of Global Merchant & Network Services in India. In his new role, Anurag will be responsible for expanding the Amex merchant coverage and the network that issues American Express Cards via bank partnerships in India. Anurag has been a part of American Express for over 18 years working across different businesses, functions, and roles in India and in other global markets.
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The 3rd edition of the annual Orange festival 2023 was held at Rusoma village, under Kohima district in Nagaland.
The 3rd edition of the annual Orange festival 2023 was held at Rusoma village, under Kohima district in Nagaland. Department of Horticulture, Agriculture, Rural Development, Land Resources and Kohima Smart City organised the two-day festival. At present, there are about 35,000 standing trees of orange plantation in Rusoma village and is generating an income of more than Rs40 Lakh to the village. The two day orange festival also featured several stalls like sale of handicraft, organic vegetables and fruits, food items, sale of orange saplings, workshop on orange and coffee plantation and signature campaign on “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao".
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The Union Cabinet approval the revamped Competition (amendment) Bill 2022.
The Union Cabinet approval the revamped Competition (amendment) Bill 2022. This Bill, which proposes many substantive, procedural and institutional changes, was introduced in Parliament on August 5, 2022 and referred to the Standing Committee of Finance headed by Jayant Sinha. The Parliamentary Panel had made a slew of recommendations to the Bill, including periodic revision of basic deal value threshold of Rs2,000 crore and its indexation to inflation; retention of existing overall time limit of 210 days for CCI to assess M&A deals;
HQ- New Delhi
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Mr Banwarilal Purohit, Punjab’s governor and Chandigarh’s administrator inaugurated North India’s largest floating solar plant of 2000 kWp at Water Works, Chandigarh.
Mr Banwarilal Purohit, Punjab’s governor and Chandigarh’s administrator inaugurated North India’s largest floating solar plant of 2000 kWp at Water Works, Chandigarh. The project, installed at Sector 39 Waterworks, was commissioned at an investment of Rs11.70 crore. He also inaugurated another 500 kWp floating solar plant installed along the fountains at Dhanas Lake, built at a cost of Rs3.34 crore. The both projects were designed and executed by CREST (Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science and Technology Promotion Society). Both the plants, which run at a module efficiency of 20%, will generate a minimum of 35 lakh units in one year.
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The Indian Navy is conducting 2023 edition of major maritime exercise TROPEX, in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The Indian Navy is conducting 2023 edition of major maritime exercise TROPEX, in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This operational level exercise is conducted biennially and witnesses participation not only by all Indian Navy units but also of Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Coast Guard assets. TROPEX 23 is being conducted over a duration of three months from January to March 2023. The exercise is being conducted in different phases, both in harbour and at sea, encompassing various facets of combat operations, including live weapon firings.
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India will officially overtake China as the most populous country in the world in 2023.
India will officially overtake China as the most populous country in the world in 2023. China still had slightly more people than India at the end of 2022, 1.4485 billion, compared to India's 1.4066 billion. As per the country's statistics office, China's population in 2022 was 1.4118 billion, and it fell by 850,000 from 2021. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) announcement comes at a time when China's economic growth fell to its second-lowest in five decades, registering a paltry 3 percent increase in 2022. India is projected to have a population of 1.668 billion in 2050, more than China's 1.317 billion by the middle of this century. China’s birth rate stood at 6.77 births per 1,000 people in 2022, down from 7.52 in 2021.
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Canada to commercialise world's first photonic-based quantum computer.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced a new federal investment of 40 million Canadian dollars ($32 million) will enable Xanadu Quantum Technologies Inc, a Toronto-based Canadian quantum computing company, to build and commercialise the world's first photonic-based, fault-tolerant quantum computer. Supported through the government's Strategic Innovation Fund, this project of 177.8 million Canadian dollars ($142 million) is expected to create 530 new highly skilled positions in the high-tech and quantum computing fields. Founded in 2016, Xanadu, with the mission to build quantum computers that are useful and available to people everywhere, leads the development of PennyLane, an open-source software library for quantum computing and application development.
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Punjab National Bank & Aadhar Housing Finance Ltd (AHFL) have entered into a co-lending agreement to offer Home Loans at competitive interest rates.
Punjab National Bank & Aadhar Housing Finance Ltd (AHFL) have entered into a co-lending agreement to offer Home Loans at competitive interest rates. The aim of this partnership to reach out to a large section of society viz economically weaker, lower, and middle-Income groups for providing easy, convenient, and efficient home finance solutions to customers.
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Chris Hipkins was sworn as New Zealand’s 41st Prime Minister.
Chris Hipkins was sworn as New Zealand’s 41st Prime Minister. He succeeding Jacinda Ardern. Hipkins, who led New Zealand’s response against the COVID-19 pandemic, entered Parliament in 2008 and became the Spokesperson for Education at the beginning of 2013. He is presently the MP for Remutaka, the Minister for National Security and Intelligence, and the Minister Responsible for Ministerial Services.
New Zealand Capital- Wellington
Continent- Oceania
Currency- New Zealand Dollar
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BOB Financial Solutions Limited (BFSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of Baroda, launched 'Vikram- the contactless Rupay Credit Card' dedicated to the Indian defence, paramilitary, and police personnel.
BOB Financial Solutions Limited (BFSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of Baroda, launched 'Vikram- the contactless Rupay Credit Card' dedicated to the Indian defence, paramilitary, and police personnel. BFSL already has exclusive cobranded credit cards with the Indian Army (Yoddha), Indian Navy (Varunah), Indian Coast Guard (Rakshamah) and Assam Rifles (The Sentinel). The new credit card was launched by Vikramaditya Singh Khichi, former Executive Director of Bank of Baroda. Vikram Credit Card Features and Benefits: Lifetime Free (LTF) credit card; Attractive reward points and activation gift of a complimentary OTT subscription; Accidental Death cover of Rs20 lakhs; 1% Fuel Surcharge Waiver; LTF Add-Ons; EMI offers; Periodic merchant offers.
HQ- Mumbai
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Visakhapatnam railway station of East Coast Railway has been awarded the ‘Green Railway Station Certification with highest rating of Platinum' by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for adopting green concepts thereby reducing the adverse environment
Visakhapatnam railway station of East Coast Railway has been awarded the ‘Green Railway Station Certification with highest rating of Platinum' by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for adopting green concepts thereby reducing the adverse environmental impact. DRM/ Waltair, Anup Satpathy received the certification from Dr S Vijayakumar, Chairman, IGBC Visakhapatnam Chapter at a function organised at Visakhapatnam. Visakhapatnam is one of the few railway stations to get this prestigious certificate. Visakhapatnam secured 82 out of 100 points in six environmental categories. The Environment Directorate of Indian Railways, with the support of the IGBC, has developed the Green Railway Station rating system. It addresses national priorities such as water conservation, handling of waste, energy efficiency, reduced use of fossil fuel, lesser dependence on usage of virgin materials and health and well-being of occupants. Visakhapatnam railway station performed well in categories such as sustainable facilities, health, hygiene, energy and water efficiency, smart green initiatives, innovation and development.
HQ- Hyderabad
Chairman- Gurmit Singh Arora
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Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) has re-elected of Shamalbhai B Patel as its chairman and Valamjibhai Humbal as vice chairman.
Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) has re-elected of Shamalbhai B Patel as its chairman and Valamjibhai Humbal as vice chairman. The election was held in Anand, Gujarat in presence of the heads of all the district cooperative milk unions. The elections were being held after a gap of 2.5 years, in the presence of 17 of the 18 members who represent their district milk unions in the state. Patel is also the chairman of Sabar Dairy Union. He is associated with dairy cooperatives of Gujarat for the last 33 years. He was first elected as the chairman of GCMMF in July 2020. Valamji Humbal was elected as the GCMMF vice-chairman for the second time in the election.
GCMMF Establishment- 1946
HQ- Anand, Gujarat
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The Government of India has extended the tenure of Sangeeta Verma as the acting Chairperson of the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
The Government of India has extended the tenure of Sangeeta Verma as the acting Chairperson of the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is without a full-time Chairperson since the retirement of Ashok Kumar Gupta from the post on October 25, 2022. Sangeeta Verma has been the acting Chairperson since October 2022. She will act as the acting Chairperson "until the date on which new Chairperson is appointed or till any further orders in this regard". Dr Sangeeta Verma, a 1981 batch of the Indian Economic Service (IES), is currently a member of the regulator (CCI). She joined the CCI as a member on 24th December 2018.
HQ- New Delhi
Chairperson- Sangeeta Verma
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JPMorgan Chase & Co has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to name Prabdev Singh as it's chief executive officer (CEO) of JPMorgan Chase Bank India for a period of 3 years.
JPMorgan Chase & Co has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to name Prabdev Singh as it's chief executive officer (CEO) of JPMorgan Chase Bank India for a period of 3 years. Singh had been JPMorgan’s interim CEO since November, replacing Madhav Kalyan. Singh, a trained engineer, had worked for a decade at HSBC Holdings Plc before joining JPMorgan in 2010.
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Renowned Indian architect Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi passed away at the age of 95 in Gujarat.
Renowned Indian architect Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi passed away at the age of 95 in Gujarat. He was the only Indian, and among a few globally, to have been conferred with both the Royal Gold Medal and the Pritzker Architecture Prize (often referred to as the Nobel Prize for architecture) in their lifetime. Dr. BV Doshi Ji was a brilliant architect and a remarkable institution builder. Doshi was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian honour in India, in 2020, and was a protégé of field legends Le Corbusier and Louis Kahn.
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JandK Operations Pvt Ltd (JandKops), an IIT Madras-incubated company, has developed an indigenous mobile operating system called 'BharOS'.
JandK Operations Pvt Ltd (JandKops), an IIT Madras-incubated company, has developed an indigenous mobile operating system called 'BharOS'. The mobile operating system (MOS) will benefit users requiring confidential communications. It provides a secure environment for users and is a significant contribution towards ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. BharOS Services are currently being provided to companies where users are sensitive information that requires confidential communications on restricted apps on mobiles. It enables the use of trusted apps to access private cloud services via private 5G networks. BharOS comes with no default apps. This means that users are not forced to use apps that they may not be familiar with or that they may not trust. BharOS provides access to trusted apps from organisation-specific private app store services (PASS).
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Former Indian Decathlete and Arjuna Awardee Sabir Ali, known as the ‘Ironman of India’, passed away in New Delhi, at the age of 67.
Former Indian Decathlete and Arjuna Awardee Sabir Ali, known as the ‘Ironman of India’, passed away in New Delhi, at the age of 67. He was retired from Railways. He also won two silver medals at the South Asian Federation Games held in Kathmandu and Dhaka. Ali won 8 consecutive Open National titles in the gruelling event between 1979 and 1985. Ali won a bronze and silver at the World Railway meets in 1981 and ’85 and was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 1981.
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13th National Voters’ Day (NVD) was celebrated across the country on 25 January 2023.
13th National Voters’ Day (NVD) was celebrated across the country on 25 January 2023. The theme for NVD 2023 is ‘Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure’. The main purpose of the NVD celebration is to create electoral awareness amongst citizens and encourage them to participate in the electoral process. This day is celebrated on 25 January to mark the foundation day of the Election Commission of India (ECI). Since 2011, National Voters’ Day has been celebrated on January 25 every year, all across the country to mark the foundation day of the Election Commission of India, i.e. 25th January 1950.
ECI Formed- 25 January 1950
HQ- New Delhi
Chief Election Commissioner- Rajiv Kumar
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National Tourism Day is annually celebrated across the country on January 25 to promote tourism and to explain its importance to the country's growth.
National Tourism Day is annually celebrated across the country on January 25 to promote tourism and to explain its importance to the country's growth. National Tourism Day was first celebrated by the Indian government in 1948. In India, the tourism ministry is responsible for forming national policies to promote and develop tourism. It also coordinates with central, state agencies and the public sector.
Minister of State- Shripad Yesso Naik, Ajay Bhatt
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The 8th India International Science Festival-2022 (IISF) was held from January 21 to 24, 2023 at the Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT) in Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh.
The 8th India International Science Festival-2022 (IISF) was held from January 21 to 24, 2023 at the Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT) in Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh. It was inaugurated by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in the presence of Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh and the state’s science and technology minister Om Prakash Saklecha. The theme of the IISF 2022 is ‘Marching towards Amrit Kaal with Science, Technology and Innovation’. The event was organised by the Union Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space and MP government in association with Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA).
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Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) and Lunglei Fire Station (LFS), Mizoram, both in the Institutional category, have been selected for the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2023 for their excellent work in Disaster Management.
Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) and Lunglei Fire Station (LFS), Mizoram, both in the Institutional category, have been selected for the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2023 for their excellent work in Disaster Management. The Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has instituted an annual award known as Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar to recognize and honour the invaluable contribution and selfless service rendered by individuals and organizations in India in the field of disaster management. The award is announced every year on 23rd January, the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. The award carries a cash prize of Rs51 lakh and a certificate in case of an institution and Rs5 lakh and a certificate in case of an individual. Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), was established in 1999 in the aftermath of the Super Cyclone.
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The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has partnered with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), under the Ministry of Defense for creating a apprenticeship training framework to address the need for skilled and future-ready workforce in th
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has partnered with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), under the Ministry of Defense for creating a apprenticeship training framework to address the need for skilled and future-ready workforce in the Central Public Sector Undertaking and Industries. More than 250 apprentices have been employed under the collaboration at the BDL facility in Hyderabad where ‘Astra’ missile is manufactured. At this facility, three out of five components of these missiles are being produced. The apprentices will be provided on-the-job training in different sections in the facility along with receiving exposure with other industries.
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As per Appellate Authority for Advance Rulings (AAAR), the cultivation of mangroves is different from agriculture and hence would not be exempted from the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
As per Appellate Authority for Advance Rulings (AAAR), the cultivation of mangroves is different from agriculture and hence would not be exempted from the Goods and Services Tax (GST). With this, AAAR upheld the order of the West Bengal Authority of Advance Ruling (AAR) and mangrove cultivation would attract 18 percent GST. The applicant, who is engaged in developing mangrove seeds into seedlings in nurseries with a stated objective of environmental protection against cyclones and tidal waves, had sought a ruling from the West Bengal AAR that his activities be exempted from GST. However, the GST on various products and services are based on their classification in the harmonised system of nomenclature (HSN) codes.
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The Government of India has launched U-WIN, the programme to digitise India's Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) in a pilot mode in two districts of each state and Union Territory.
The Government of India has launched U-WIN, the programme to digitise India's Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) in a pilot mode in two districts of each state and Union Territory. The platform will be used to register and vaccinate every pregnant woman, record her delivery outcome, register every newborn delivery, administer birth doses and all vaccination events thereafter. The platform that replicates Co-WIN, which has served as the "digital backbone" for India's COVID-19 vaccination programme, was launched in 65 districts.
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Ministry of Ayush has signed a MoU with India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), Ministry of Tourism, Government of India to work together for the promotion of Medical Value Travel in Ayurveda and other traditional systems of medicine.
Ministry of Ayush has signed a MoU with India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), Ministry of Tourism, Government of India to work together for the promotion of Medical Value Travel in Ayurveda and other traditional systems of medicine. According to the MoU, Ministry of Ayush will provide training to the officials of ITDC to sensitize them about the Medical value travel in Ayurveda and other traditional systems of medicine. ITDC on suggestion of Ministry of Ayush will include historical heritage sites of Indian systems of medicine in tourist destinations under "Knowledge Tourism and may develop films/literature useful to tourists. It will explore establishing Ayurveda and Yoga centre in the Hotels run by ITDC and will organize sensitization workshops in collaboration. The implementation and progress of the MoU will be monitored by a Joint Working Group (JWG) co-chaired by representatives from MoA and ITDC.
State Minister- Dr. Munjapara Mahendrabhai Kalubhai
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Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry has formed an Oversight Committee to enquire into the allegations of sexual misconduct, harassment and financial irregularities in the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), which will be headed by M C Mary Kom.
Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry has formed an Oversight Committee to enquire into the allegations of sexual misconduct, harassment and financial irregularities in the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), levelled by prominent sportspersons. The Oversight Committee will be headed by Khel Ratna Awardee and Chairperson, Athletes Commission M C Mary Kom. The others members include Khel Ratna Awardee Yogeshwar Dutt and Dhyanchand awardee Trupti Murgunde. The oversight committee will complete the enquiry within four weeks. The Sports Ministry has further instructed the executive committee of the Wrestling Federation of India to abstain from managing the day-to-day activities of the federation, with immediate effect.
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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) extended the deadline for banks to complete the process of renewal of agreements for the existing safe deposit locker holders by 31st December 2023 from 1st January 2023.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) extended the deadline for banks to complete the process of renewal of agreements for the existing safe deposit locker holders by 31st December 2023 from 1st January 2023. The banks have been advised to make necessary arrangements to facilitate the execution of the revised agreements by ensuring the availability of stamp papers, etc. Further, in cases where operations in lockers have been frozen for non-execution of the agreement by January 1, 2023, the same shall be unfrozen with immediate effect. The banks have been advised to facilitate execution of the fresh/supplementary stamped agreements with their customers by taking measures such as arranging stamp papers, franking, electronic execution of agreement, e-stamping, etc and provide a copy of the executed agreement to the customer.
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Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) has mobilised more than Rs30,000 crore for projects in the agriculture infrastructure sector with a sanctioned amount of Rs15,000 crore.
Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) has mobilised more than Rs30,000 crore for projects in the agriculture infrastructure sector with a sanctioned amount of Rs15,000 crore. AIF was launched on 8 July 2020 for creation of post-harvest management infrastructure and community farm assets. Under this scheme, Rs1 trillion is to be disbursed by financial year 2025-26 and the interest subvention and credit guarantee assistance will be given till 2032-33. The AIF is providing financial support to the farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, farmer groups like Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Joint Liability Groups, among others to create post-harvest management infrastructure.
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India's Housing Development Finance Corp (HDFC) plans to raise at least 30 billion rupees ($370.5 million) through the sale of bonds maturing in 10 years.
India's Housing Development Finance Corp (HDFC) plans to raise at least 30 billion rupees ($370.5 million) through the sale of bonds maturing in 10 years. The issue will also have a greenshoe option to retain an additional 20 billion rupees and will close for subscription later this week. The housing finance company has invited coupon and commitment bids from bankers and investors. The bonds are rated AAA by CRISIL and will have a put option at the end of the third year.
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Tata Motors has partnered with ICICI Bank to offer financing solutions to its authorised passenger electric vehicle dealers.
Tata Motors has partnered with ICICI Bank to offer financing solutions to its authorised passenger electric vehicle dealers. Under the partnership, ICICI Bank will provide inventory funding to the authorised passenger EV dealers in addition to the bank's funding to dealers for diesel and petrol models. The EV dealers can avail flexible repayment tenures through the partnership.
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AU Small Finance Bank has launched the first-of-its-kind 'SwipeUp platform' that will provide an opportunity to other bank credit cardholders to upgrade their card to one of AU credit cards.
AU Small Finance Bank has launched the first-of-its-kind 'SwipeUp platform' that will provide an opportunity to other bank credit cardholders to upgrade their card to one of AU credit cards. The bank has provided a platform to compare existing credit cards of customers within seconds. Thereafter, they can upgrade credit limit, cashback, reward points with a quick end-to-end digital process. The Credit Cards issued in SwipeUp platform are different from current Credit Cards offered by AU Small Finance Bank.
MD&CEO- Sanjay Agarwal
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National Girl Child Day is annually observed on 24 January to spread awareness about the inequalities faced by girls in Indian society, and also to promote awareness about the rights of the girl child and the importance of female education, health, and nu
National Girl Child Day is annually observed on 24 January to spread awareness about the inequalities faced by girls in Indian society, and also to promote awareness about the rights of the girl child and the importance of female education, health, and nutrition. National Girl Child Day was first initiated in 2008 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. In year 2023, as part of celebration of the Day, the Ministry decided to make this event a janbhagidari, States/UTs and districts.
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International Day of Education (IDE) is annually celebrated on January 24 to raise awareness of the importance of education for all and to encourage the development of inclusive and equitable education systems.
International Day of Education (IDE) is annually celebrated on January 24 to raise awareness of the importance of education for all and to encourage the development of inclusive and equitable education systems. The International Day of Education 2023 theme is "to invest in people, prioritize education”. The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on December 3, 2018, which proclaimed January 24 as the International Day of Education.
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An agreement was signed between DRDO’s Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL) and Naval Group France in Mumbai to extend cooperation to enter into the detailed design phase for integration of indigenous AIP in the Kalvari class submarines.
An agreement was signed between DRDO’s Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL) and Naval Group France in Mumbai to extend cooperation to enter into the detailed design phase for integration of indigenous AIP in the Kalvari class submarines. In a major boost to ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, Fuel Cell-based Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system of DRDO’s Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL) will soon be fitted onboard INS Kalvari. As part of the agreement, Naval Group France will certify the AIP design for integration in the submarines. The AIP has a force multiplier effect on lethality of a diesel electric submarine as it enhances the submerged endurance by several folds.
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Justice Sabina, the senior-most judge of the Himachal Pradesh high court, was appointed as Acting Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh.
Justice Sabina, the senior-most judge of the Himachal Pradesh high court, was appointed as Acting Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh. She assumed charge on January 21, 2023 following the retirement of Justice Amjad Ahtesham Sayed, chief justice of the Himachal Pradesh high court. She has previously served as the acting chief justice from May 25 to June 22, 2022. Justice Sabina was unanimously elected as joint secretary of the Bar Association of the Punjab and Haryana HC in 1986.
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OPPO India and the Common service Centre (CSC) Academy have partnered to train 10,000 women in cybersecurity and cyber wellness in the country.
OPPO India and the Common service Centre (CSC) Academy have partnered to train 10,000 women in cybersecurity and cyber wellness in the country. The initiative to empower rural and semi-urban women through the 'Cyber Sangini' programme, which is supported by the Ministry of Electronics and IT, aims to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to become certified 'Cyber Sanginis'. The 'Cyber Sanginis' will be trained about the existing laws and frameworks available to every citizen to protect them from such cyber incidents.
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President of India Droupadi Murmu conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2023 to 11 children for their exceptional achievements.
President of India Droupadi Murmu conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) 2023 to 11 children for their exceptional achievements. Of them, 6 are boys and 5 are girls from 11 states and union territories. The award ceremony was held in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Children in the age group 5–18 years are awarded Bal Puraska, for their excellence in 6 categories – Art & Culture, Bravery, Innovation, Scholastic, Social Service and Sports. Each awardee of PMRBP is given a medal, a cash prize of Rs1 Lakh and a certificate.
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India has emerged as one of the top three countries in the world where the area under organic agriculture expanded the maximum in 2020.
India has emerged as one of the top three countries in the world where the area under organic agriculture expanded the maximum in 2020. Argentina topped the list with 7,81,000 hectares (an increase of 21%), followed by Uruguay for 5,89,000 hectares (an increase of 28%), and India for 3,59,000 hectares (16%). Australia has the biggest amount of organic farming in the world (74.9 mh overall), at 35.7 mh. Whereas India has 2.8 mh. In contrast, out of total 34 lakh organic producers in the world, 16 lakh farmers in India are into certified organic farming. The Union Cabinet has yet given its approval to the Agriculture Ministry’s Rs2,481 crore plan to establish the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF).
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The Indian Navy conducted a six-day-long mega military exercise 'AMPHEX 2023' along with the Indian Army and the IAF near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh.
The Indian Navy conducted a six-day-long mega military exercise 'AMPHEX 2023' along with the Indian Army and the IAF near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh. The "largest" biennial tri-services amphibious exercise AMPHEX 2023 was conducted from 17 to 22 January 2023. The joint operations conducted during the exercise saw participation by a large number of troops from Indian Army, amphibious warships from Indian Navy and aircraft from the Indian Air Force.
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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar paid an three-day visit to the Maldives and Sri Lanka to further expand bilateral engagement with the two key maritime neighbours of India.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar paid an three-day visit to the Maldives and Sri Lanka to further expand bilateral engagement with the two key maritime neighbours of India. Both the Maldives and Sri Lanka occupy a special place in the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and ‘Neighbourhood First’. Jaishankar signing of agreements related to the bilateral development cooperation, ground-breaking/ inauguration/ handing-over and launch of a number of key India-supported projects that will contribute to the socio-economic development of the Maldives.
Currency- Maldivian Rufiyaa
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The World Economic Forum (WEF) held its 53rd edition annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) held its 53rd edition annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. The five-day long conclave featuring business leaders, political figureheads, investors and academics is being held physically for the first time in three years. The theme of the meet 2023 is ‘Cooperation in a fragmented world’. The WEF aims to tackle the imponderable and interlinked challenges the world is facing and find solutions through public-private cooperation.
WEF HQ- Cologny, Switzerland
Founded- January 1971
Founder and Executive Chairman- Klaus Schwab
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Elon Musk-led SpaceX launched 51 internet satellites to orbit in its first Starlink mission of 2023.
Elon Musk-led SpaceX launched 51 internet satellites to orbit in its first Starlink mission of 2023. The Falcon 9 rocket launched 51 Starlink satellites and Spaceflight's Sherpa-LTC to orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, the US. SpaceX has already broken its own record for the most annual launches (31) and is now aiming to double the number.
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Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has launched an Information Database including a repository of information pertaining to Municipal Bonds.
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has launched an Information Database including a repository of information pertaining to Municipal Bonds. The information database contains a wide range of information in the form of statistics/regulations/circulars/guidance notes and FAQs issued by SEBI in relation to Municipal Debt Securities. Further, the repository contains various checklists for pre-listing requirements and sample letters and certificates from various intermediaries to be obtained by an Issuer.
HQ- Mumbai
Chairperson- Madhabi Puri Buch
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The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of IAS officer Vikram Dev Dutt as Director General (DG) of aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) with effect from 28th February 2023.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of IAS officer Vikram Dev Dutt as Director General (DG) of aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) with effect from 28th February 2023. Dutt, a 1993 batch IAS officer, is currently serving as the CMD of Air India Assets Holding Ltd (AIAHL). He will take over as the head of the aviation regulator on February 28, upon the superannuation of incumbent DGCA chief Arun Kumar. Kumar, a 1989-batch IAS officer, was leading the DGCA as its DG since July 2019.
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Citibank and Paytm have ended their partnership for a co-branded credit card 'Paytm CITI Card', ahead of the merger of Citibank’s consumer banking business with Axis Bank.
Citibank and Paytm have ended their partnership for a co-branded credit card 'Paytm CITI Card', ahead of the merger of Citibank’s consumer banking business with Axis Bank. Both Citibank and Paytm have written to cardholders informing them that the co-branded credit card will be shut down, and offering them other cards they could opt for. The cardholders will be offered uninterrupted benefits with the Paytm HDFC Bank credit card. For existing Citi Rewards Credit Card customers, the bank has offered to replace the Paytm Citi cards with Citi Cash Back Credit Card. The consent to swap to another Citi-branded credit Card will also serve as consent for transfer of the cardholder’s banking relationship with Citibank to Axis Bank. Failure to consent, will lead to closure of the Citi Paytm credit card effective January 30, as Citi India will no longer be able to provide services on the Citi Paytm Credit Card.
HQ- Mumbai
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Bihar government in association with Forest Survey of India (FSI) has decided to conduct 'Trees Outside Forest' (TOF) field survey to identify the dominant tree species that are growing outside the recorded forest areas (RFA) in Bihar.
Bihar government in association with Forest Survey of India (FSI) has decided to conduct 'Trees Outside Forest' (TOF) field survey to identify the dominant tree species that are growing outside the recorded forest areas (RFA) in Bihar. As per the Forest Survey of India (FSI) India state of Forest Report, 2021, Bihar has registered an increase of 3.79 percent in growing stock in RFA and 0.58 percent in TOF respectively. The overall tree cover has also increased in the state from 2,003 sq km in 2019 to 2,341 sq km in 2021.
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Thailand shuttler Kunlavut Vitidsarn won the India Open Badminton Championship 2023 by defeating World No.1 Denmark's Viktor Axelsen in the men's singles final by 22-20, 10-21 and 21-12.
Thailand shuttler Kunlavut Vitidsarn won the India Open Badminton Championship 2023 by defeating World No.1 Denmark's Viktor Axelsen in the men's singles final by 22-20, 10-21 and 21-12. Earlier, Korean sensation An Seyoung won the Women's singles final. She beat World No.1 Japanese Akane Yamaguchi 15-21, 21-16, 21-12. Watanabe Yuta and Higashino Arisa took the mixed doubles title defeating Wang Yi Lyu and Huang Dongping. Nami Matsuyama and Shida Chiharu won the Women's doubles title defeating Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan. China's Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang won the men's doubles title defeating Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik.
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Former Vice chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Harjeet Singh Arora passed away in Delhi at the age of 61.
Former Vice chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Harjeet Singh Arora passed away in Delhi at the age of 61. Air Marshal Harjit Singh Arora PVSM, AVSM, ADC was an officer of the Indian Air Force and served as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff from 1 October 2019 to 30 June 2021. He was awarded the AVSM in 2011 and the PVSM in 2020.
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Parakram Diwas is annually observed on 23 January to commemorate the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
Parakram Diwas is annually observed on 23 January to commemorate the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. 23rd January 2023 marked the 126th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. The purpose of Parakram Diwas is to develop a sense of patriotism in the hearts of Indian citizens, most importantly the younger generation to encourage them to act with courage when faced with challenges. Born on January 23, 1897 in Cuttack, Odisha, Bose had founded the Azad Hind Fauj, also called the Indian National Army (INA). For the first time, Netaji Jayanti was celebrated as Parakram Divas in 2021 on the occasion of his 124th birthday.
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Jharkhand Agriculture Minister Badal Patralekh launched a water conservation scheme with an outlay of Rs467.32 crore to provide benefits to farmers in the state that experienced drought in 2022.
Jharkhand Agriculture Minister Badal Patralekh launched a water conservation scheme with an outlay of Rs467.32 crore to provide benefits to farmers in the state that experienced drought in 2022. Under the programme, 2,133 ponds will be renovated and 2,795 percolation tanks will be constructed in all the blocks of 24 districts of the state. The minister also laid the foundation for the renovation work of 71 ponds and 184 percolation tanks. A percolation tank is an artificially created surface water body to recharge groundwater storage. The state government received 31.33 lakh applications from drought-hit farmers and 8.5 lakhs of them have so far been given financial aid. The government's effort is to provide Rs1,200 crore as relief to 30 lakh drought-affected farmers soon.
Jharkhand Capital- Ranchi
CM- Hemant Soren
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Odisha cabinet headed by state Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has cleared the inclusion of 22 castes in the list of Socially and Economically Backward Classes (SEBC).
Odisha cabinet headed by state Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has cleared the inclusion of 22 castes in the list of Socially and Economically Backward Classes (SEBC). The Cabinet has been pleased to approve the proposed Amendment of the Odisha State Commission for Backward Classes (OSCBC) Act, 1993 by inserting subsection 3 under Section-9. Article 15(4) of the Constitution of India enables the State to make any special provisions for the advancement of any Socially and Educationally Backward Classes of citizens. The Odisha cabinet approved nine piped water supply projects worth over Rs1,287 crore in three districts, including tribal-dominated Malkangiri, in a bid to provide safe drinking water to people. The state government gave its nod to two such projects worth Rs254.66 crore in Jajpur and three with an outlay of Rs393.93 crore in Nayagarh district. The cabinet also green-lighted a proposal to allot two acres of land in favour of Bagchi-Sri Shankara Cancer Care Centre and Research Institute for the construction of a facility for the accommodation of cancer patients.
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Delhi's Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena launched the '100 days to beat plastic' campaign at Baansera in New Delhi's Sarai Kala Khan.
Delhi's Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena launched the '100 days to beat plastic' campaign at Baansera in New Delhi's Sarai Kala Khan. The campaign has been initiated by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to make the areas falling under the municipal limits 'plastic free' with people's participation. The campaign will culminate on 22nd April 2023, which also marks International Earth Day. LG Saxena also unveiled the mascot of the campaign 'Nivaran Dadi'. Delhi is moving towards the goal of a zero-waste city. Delhi generates 11,000 tonnes of waste daily, out of which about 10% is plastic waste. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has planned various activities to make markets, parks, hotel/banquets plastic-free in a strategic manner within 100 days. Plogging drives will be held in identified locations and reverse plastic vending machines will be installed at locations having high footfall.
Lieutenant Governor- Vinai Kumar Saxena
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The Jammu and Kashmir administration has launched an ambitious Rs879 crore project 'UT-level food processing programme for development of clusters for specific products of J&K' targeted to revolutionise the food-processing sector and transform the lives o
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has launched an ambitious Rs879 crore project 'UT-level food processing programme for development of clusters for specific products of J&K' targeted to revolutionise the food-processing sector and transform the lives of farmers in the Union Territory. The UT-level food processing programme for development of clusters for specific products of J&K is an initiative that aims to maximize farmer income and minimize post-harvest losses. The project will focus on developing 17 districts in J&K with establishment of processing and marketing infrastructure, providing growth and development opportunities to stakeholders and facilitating suitable economies of scale in production and post-harvest activities.
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In Ladakh, the annual Ethnic Mamani Festival was organised at Historical Styangkung Village and Chiktan Shagaran by the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation (HCHF) and Ladakh Tourism Department.
In Ladakh, the annual Ethnic Mamani Festival was organised at Historical Styangkung Village and Chiktan Shagaran by the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation (HCHF) and Ladakh Tourism Department. The Steyangkung village is around 500 years old and still well-preserved and is being developed as one of the well-maintained heritage villages in Ladakh. The history of the celebration of the Mamani Festival in Ladakh goes back to the ancient tradition of giving food to departed family members. During Mamani, people would exchange food with their relatives and neighbours and worship a variety of spirits (Lha). These festivals have helped in the revival of more than 35 cuisines of Kargil Ladakh.
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HDFC Bank donated Rs5 crore to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for the Kedarnath Utthan Charitable Trust.
HDFC Bank donated Rs5 crore to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for the Kedarnath Utthan Charitable Trust. Circle Head of HDFC Bank Bakul Sikka and Gaurav Jain, Government Relations Head were also present on the occasion. As many as 270 families have been shifted to different locations so far. More than Rs3.27 crores have been distributed to 218 affected families in Joshimath as an advance relief.
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The American India Foundation (AIF) in the presence of Thiru Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, Minister for School Education, Government of Tamil Nadu, inaugurated India’s first STEM Innovation and Learning Center (SILC) under the scheme of Vanavil Mandram at the
The American India Foundation (AIF) in the presence of Thiru Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, Minister for School Education, Government of Tamil Nadu, inaugurated India’s first STEM Innovation and Learning Center (SILC) under the scheme of Vanavil Mandram at the Government Higher Secondary School, MMDA Colony, Chennai. SILC is designed by AIF’s award-winning flagship education Program, Digital Equalizer (DE). It is designed the Center to be a one-stop solution for STEM among students and teachers. Consisting of Innovation Corner for students, the Center will introduce students to a transdisciplinary learning approach through robotics, AI, Space technology, and the STEM Incubation workstation.
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The Department of Consumer Affairs under Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution released a guidelines ‘Endorsements Know-hows!’ for celebrities, influencers and virtual influencers on social media platforms.
The Department of Consumer Affairs under Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution released a guidelines ‘Endorsements Know-hows!’ for celebrities, influencers and virtual influencers on social media platforms. The guide aims to ensure that individuals do not mislead their audiences when endorsing products or services and that they are in compliance with the Consumer Protection Act and any associated rules or guidelines. The guidelines were briefed by the Rohit Kumar Singh, Secretary Department of Consumer Affairs. The guide is released in alignment with the guidelines set by the Consumer Protection Act of 2019. The Act established guidelines for protecting consumers from unfair trade practices and misleading advertisements. Non-disclosure of brand affiliations by influencers may invite a penalty of up to Rs50 lakh.
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India’s Civil 20 Engagement Group (C20), the official engagement group of India's G20 leadership representing the voices of non-profit, voluntary citizens’ groups in service to society, has been inaugurated at Amritapuri in Kerala’s Kollam district.
India’s Civil 20 Engagement Group (C20), the official engagement group of India's G20 leadership representing the voices of non-profit, voluntary citizens’ groups in service to society, has been inaugurated at Amritapuri in Kerala’s Kollam district. Dozens of G20 and C20 representatives and other distinguished guests participated virtually in the high-powered gathering, including names like Sri Mata Amritanandamayi (Amma), the Chair of C20; Amitabh Kant, former CEO of NITI Aayog; Shashi Tharoor, MP (Congress); Union Ministers Anurag Thakur and V Muraleedharan; Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, and Kerala’s State Public Education Minister, V Sivankutty. On the occasion, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi (Amma) initiated a Rs50 crore project by the Mata Amritanandamayi Math to support the welfare of pregnant women who are malnourished and people with disabilities in underdeveloped districts across India and other developing nations.
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The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the internal reorganisation of Kalyani Group's companies.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the internal reorganisation of Kalyani Group's companies. The deal has been cleared under the green channel route. Under this framework, a transaction which does not raise any risk of an appreciable adverse effect on competition is deemed to be approved on being intimated to the fair trade regulator. The present transaction involves an internal re-organisation of nine entities of Kalyani Group pursuant to a scheme of amalgamation and arrangement entered between these entities. The proposed combination is being undertaken with the aim to simplify the corporate holding structure of the company.
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According to January 2023 edition of monthly bulletin, Reserve Bank of India's 2023 monetary policy objective is to keep inflation within the mandated tolerance band and guide it towards the medium-term target of 4% by 2024.
According to January 2023 edition of monthly bulletin, Reserve Bank of India's 2023 monetary policy objective is to keep inflation within the mandated tolerance band and guide it towards the medium-term target of 4% by 2024. Annual retail inflation rose 5.7% in December 2022 from 5.9% in November 2022, fallen below 6% for the second consecutive month after remaining above central bank’s tolerance range of 2%-6% for 10 months.
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Union Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the book titled 'India’s Knowledge Supremacy: The New Dawn', authored by Dr Ashwin Fernandes.
Union Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the book titled 'India’s Knowledge Supremacy: The New Dawn', authored by Dr Ashwin Fernandes. The book covers a lot of aspects about Indian Knowledge Systems and the evolution of education in India. This New book launched focuses on India’s knowledge supremacy, journey showcasing changing trends in newly emerging India. Dr Ashwin Fernandes is international Indian expat.
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More than 30 million children in the 15 worst-affected countries suffer from Wasting/acute malnutrition: WHO
United Nations agencies have called for urgent action to protect the most vulnerable children in 15 countries hit the hardest by an unprecedented food and nutrition crisis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), conflict, climate shocks, the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 and rising living costs are rendering increasing numbers of children acutely malnourished. More than 30 million children in the 15 worst-affected countries suffer from Wasting/acute malnutrition. Wasting/acute malnutrition is the deadliest form of undernutrition, is a major threat to children’s lives and their long-term health and development. Five UN agencies including WHO is calling for accelerated progress on the Global Action Plan on Child Wasting. These agencies are Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Food Programme (WFP) and WHO.
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Indian Coast Guard Ships (ICGS) Shaurya and ICGS Rajveer were on a six-day visit to Chattogram, Bangladesh from 13 to 19 January, 2023 as a part of the close cooperation between Indian and Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG).
Indian Coast Guard Ships (ICGS) Shaurya and ICGS Rajveer were on a six-day visit to Chattogram, Bangladesh from 13 to 19 January, 2023 as a part of the close cooperation between Indian and Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG). The visit aim to enhance the cooperative engagements and interoperability under the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Indian and Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG). A joint exercise was held at sea with BCG ships to validate the established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in area of environmental protection and Search and Rescue at the end of the visit.
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Geotail spacecraft, the first joint mission between NASA and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), has retired after the failure of the spacecraft's remaining data recorder.
Geotail spacecraft, the first joint mission between NASA and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), has retired after the failure of the spacecraft's remaining data recorder. Launched in 1992, the spacecraft spent 30 years in orbit studying the dynamics of the Earth's magnetotail over a wide range of distances. Geotail has been a very productive satellite, and it was the first joint NASA-JAXA mission.
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Indians remitted nearly $2 billion in November 2022 under the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) liberalised remittance scheme (LRS).
Indians remitted nearly $2 billion in November 2022 under the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) liberalised remittance scheme (LRS). Outward remittances under the scheme jumped 29 percent to $1.99 billion compared to $1.54 billion in the year-ago month. Sequentially, outward remittances under the scheme were up about 3.5 percent. In November 2022, outward remittances for international travel touched $1.03 billion, up 2.25 times from the year-ago period. Outward remittance for maintenance of close relatives was $305.35 million in November, followed by $220.90 million on gifts, and $211.65 million for overseas education. In FY23 so far (till November), Indians have remitted around $17.28 billion in outward remittances under the scheme. In FY22, outflows at $19.61 billion hit an all-time high, aided by overseas education and international travel.
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As per the paper titled 'What Drives Startup Fundraising in India' in the Reserve Bank of India’s January 2023 bulletin, the start-up fundraising in India is expected to rapidly rebound from the macroeconomic disturbances seen over the last 2-3 years.
As per the paper titled 'What Drives Startup Fundraising in India' in the Reserve Bank of India’s January 2023 bulletin, the start-up fundraising in India is expected to rapidly rebound from the macroeconomic disturbances seen over the last 2-3 years. The paper is written by Rajas Saroy, Ashish Khobragade, Rekha Misra, Sakshi Awasthy and Sarat Dhal. According to data from the National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency, there were 107 unicorns as of September 2022, with an aggregate valuation of $341 billion. Bengaluru, Gurgaon, and Mumbai are the top three cities with the highest number of unicorns in India. There is a need to keep track of foreign financial flows and the changes in management control arising from that, the paper warned. Establishment of International Financial Services Centres may help in the onshoring of such investments.
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Canara Bank is set to sell its entire 40% stake in Russian joint venture Commercial Indo Bank LLC (CIBL) to the other venture partner State Bank of India (SBI) for about Rs114 crore.
Canara Bank is set to sell its entire 40% stake in Russian joint venture Commercial Indo Bank LLC (CIBL) to the other venture partner State Bank of India (SBI) for about Rs114 crore. CIBL, incorporated in 2003, is a joint venture in Russia between SBI (60 percent) and Canara Bank (40 percent). Canara Bank has entered into a share sale agreement in relation to sale of equity shares held by it in Moscow-based CIBL with SBI. Based on share sale agreement and with the consent of Central Bank of Russia, entire shares held by Canara Bank have been transferred to SBI on November 30, 2022.
Canara Bank Founded- 1906; Non-Executive Chairman- Vijay Srirangam
HQ- Bengaluru
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Startup firm IG Drones has developed India's first 5G-enabled drone 'Skyhawk' that is capable of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL).
Startup firm IG Drones has developed India's first 5G-enabled drone 'Skyhawk' that is capable of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL). The drone can be used in defence and medical applications, among other sectors. The drone can carry a 10 kg payload and has an endurance of around five hours. With the addition of Artificial intelligence and thermal imaging capabilities, drones can be used in monitoring border intrusion and also during regular patrolling by the defence forces. It is IP67 rated and can be controlled via a combination of NavIC + GPS navigational satellites which remain connected in the upper range of 50 to 60 in case of failsafe activation.
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The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has signed a partnership with JSP Foundation for its development programs.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has signed a partnership with JSP Foundation for its development programs. FIH will be working closely with JSP Foundation for some of its key initiatives for hockey development. This partnership will also see the JSP Foundation coming onboard the ongoing FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar-Rourkela as a Global Partner. The 15th edition of FIH’s flagship event for men is being played from 13 to 29 January 2023 in Odisha, India.
JSP Foundation Establishment- 2014
HQ- New Delhi
Chairperson- Shallu Jindal
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Ladakh Lieutenant Governor R K Mathur launched the 14-digit Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) in the Union Territory.
Ladakh Lieutenant Governor R K Mathur launched the 14-digit Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) in the Union Territory. The initiative was welcomed by both hill councils of Kargil and Leh. The 14-digit ULPIN would help in the digitisation of land records and also reaching a conclusive land titling. The UPLIN scheme will prove beneficial in numerous ways, including settling and expediting land-related disputes in court and addressing legacy issues such as putting a check on any unwanted change in land revenue records.
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Himachal Pradesh to become the 'first Green Energy State' by the end of 2025 by harnessing hydro, hydrogen and solar energy and switching to green products.
The Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that, the state to become the 'first Green Energy State' by the end of 2025 by harnessing hydro, hydrogen and solar energy and switching to green products. CM directed all the concerned departments including HPSEBL, HIMURJA, Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) and the Department of Energy to initiate action in this direction and make policy changes, wherever required. To ease the norms, the Chief Minister directed the officers to make necessary amendments to the existing power policy and open all the solar projects up to 5 MW capacity for allotment. The state government would also invest in solar plants and will install 500 MW solar projects during the year 2023-24, out of this, 200 MW would be installed by HPPCL for which land has been identified for 70 MW capacity and the rest of the sites will be finalized soon. CM also directed HIMURJA to ensure 5 percent premium for the state in each solar power project up to 5 MW and 10 percent share in the solar power projects of more than 5 MW capacity.
Governor- Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
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The Jaipur Literature Festival 2023, 16th edition of the festival, is being held at Hotel Clarks Amer in Jaipur from 19th to 23rd January 2023.
The Jaipur Literature Festival 2023, 16th edition of the festival, is being held at Hotel Clarks Amer in Jaipur from 19th to 23rd January 2023. 20 Indian and 14 international languages are being represented in the 5 day festival. More than 250 speakers from the field of Art, literature, and culture across the world are participating in the festival. This year’s themes of the festival include the climate crisis, G20, economics, geopolitics, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Indo-China relations, agriculture, health, and energy.
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Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL), the Kerala Department of Fisheries and five fishermen Self Help Group (SHGs) societies from Kerala have signed a tripartite agreement for construction of 10 deep-sea tuna long liner-cum-gill netter fishing vessels.
Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL), the Kerala Department of Fisheries and five fishermen Self Help Group (SHGs) societies from Kerala have signed a tripartite agreement for construction of 10 deep-sea tuna long liner-cum-gill netter fishing vessels. The outlay for these advanced fishing vessels will be Rs14 crore. UCSL at Malpe in Udupi is a fully owned subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Limited. The vessels are designed as per the standard design for deep sea fishing vessel for Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The vessels will be equipped with advanced navigation and communication systems including GPS, Automatic Identification System, distress alert transmitter, fish finder and magnetic compass. The vessel is of 22.7 m length and 6.4 m of breadth and can achieve a maximum speed of eight knots while it has a capacity of 12 persons.
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Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has signed a MoU with Assam Electronics Development Corporation Ltd (AMTRON), and RC Hobbytech Solutions Pvt Ltd (RCH) to improve and advance drone based technology in Northeast India.
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has signed a MoU with Assam Electronics Development Corporation Ltd (AMTRON), and RC Hobbytech Solutions Pvt Ltd (RCH) to improve and advance drone based technology in Northeast India. Both institutes to work together on strengthening and expanding drone based training, research and development, manufacturing for varied sectors such as agriculture, disaster management, wildlife conservation and health care, among others.
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Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) led by Dr Mandar Datar, discovered a rare low-altitude basalt plateau housing 76 species of plants and shrubs from 24 different families in Manjare village of Maharashtra's Thane district in the Northern Western Ghats.
Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) led by Dr Mandar Datar, discovered a rare low-altitude basalt plateau housing 76 species of plants and shrubs from 24 different families in Manjare village of Maharashtra's Thane district in the Northern Western Ghats. It is one of the four global biodiversity hotspots in India. The plateau can help study the effects of climate change on species survival.
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Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) approved an “Apple Cluster” for Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir under Cluster Development Programme.
Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) approved an “Apple Cluster” for Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir under Cluster Development Programme. This was announced during a daylong conference on ‘India Cold Chain Conclave’, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in conjunction with the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry in New Delhi. The Shopian Apple Cluster envisages development of Shopian Apple on three verticals including pre-production-production, post-harvest management and value addition and logistics, marketing and branding to make it globally competitive. The project is estimated to cost Rs135.23 crore, of which, about Rs37.05 crore would be provided by the MoAFW as grant-in-aid. The project is expected to be implemented in four years.
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India’s Billionaire Mukesh Ambani is ranked No.1 among Indians and second globally on the Brand Guardianship Index 2023.
India’s Billionaire Mukesh Ambani is ranked No.1 among Indians and second globally on the Brand Guardianship Index 2023. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Reliance Industries Ltd's Mukesh Ambani are ranked first and second respectively in the Index. Microsoft's Satya Nadella, who topped last year, is at number 3. Most of the top 10 in the index are from Indian-origin CEOs. Adobe’s Shantanu Narayen and Sundar Pichai of Google are ranked 4th and 5th. Deloitte's Punit Rejen is at 6th and Tata group chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran at the 8th spot. Piyush Gupta of DBS is at No 9. Mukesh Ambani, Managing Director and Chairman of Reliance, is the longest serving CEO in the ranking at 40 years. The Brand Guardianship Index and the Brand Guardianship Ranking are based on a survey of 1,000 market analysts and journalists.
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The Nepali ophthalmologist, Dr Sanduk Ruit won the Isa Award for service to humanity 2023, a top civilian honour of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The Nepali ophthalmologist, Dr Sanduk Ruit won the Isa Award for service to humanity 2023, a top civilian honour of the Kingdom of Bahrain. He was recognised for his service to the community and professional achievements with this award for 2021-2022. Dr Ruit is the 5th recipient of the prestigious ISA Award for his work on blindness prevention. The Isa Award for Service to Humanity carries US $1 million, a gold medal and a certificate. The Award has previously been granted to Dr. Jemilah Mahmood, the founder of the Malaysian Medical Relief Society (MERCY Malaysia) for the first time in 2013. The second laurate was Dr. Achyuta Samanta in year 2015. Dr Ruit has developed a simple method to treat patients with cataracts. He also invented intraocular lenses and made them available at affordable rates.
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Jnanpith awardee and eminent Assamese litterateur Nilmani Phookan passed away in Guwahati at the age of 89.
Jnanpith awardee and eminent Assamese litterateur Nilmani Phookan passed away in Guwahati at the age of 89. Phookan received the Jnanpith award for the year 2021 for his overall contribution to the field of literature. He is the third recipient of the Jnanpith award in Assam after Birendranath Bhattacharya and Mamoni (Indira) Raisom Goswami. He received the Sahitya Akademi award in 1981 for his book of poems 'Kobita', the Padma Shri in 1990 and the Sahitya Akademi fellowship in 2002. A retired college professor, he was also awarded the D.Litt by Dibrugarh University in 2019.
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ESAF Small Finance Bank has won the prestigious Inclusive Finance India Awards 2022 for its contributions in advancing the goal of financial inclusion and supporting inclusive growth.
ESAF Small Finance Bank has won the prestigious Inclusive Finance India Awards 2022 for its contributions in advancing the goal of financial inclusion and supporting inclusive growth. Mr K. Paul Thomas, MD & CEO of ESAF Bank, received the award from Mr Anantha Nageshwaran, Chief Economic Advisor, Government of India, at the 19th Inclusive Finance India Summit held in New Delhi. The Inclusive Finance India Awards is an initiative of ACCESS Development Services constituted in 2009 in partnership with HSBC India.
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The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of EESL, Vishal Kapoor has assumed the additional charge as the CEO of Convergence Energy Services (CESL), a wholly owned subsidiary of EESL.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of EESL, Vishal Kapoor has assumed the additional charge as the CEO of Convergence Energy Services (CESL), a wholly owned subsidiary of EESL. He was serving as a joint secretary in the Ministry of Power. Mahua Acharya, outgoing CEO, CESL had resigned from her post on 1st December 2022, while her last day as the CEO of CESL was January 13, 2023.
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Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited delivered the first AH-64 Apache combat helicopter fuselage ahead of schedule.
Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited delivered the first AH-64 Apache combat helicopter fuselage ahead of schedule. The fuselage was produced at TBAL's production facility in Hyderabad. The Apache will provide the Indian Army with a significant boost in capability just as the AH-64 has for the Indian Air Force. Boeing had completed the deliveries of all 22 AH-64E Apache helicopters to the Indian Air Force in 2020. TBAL's 14,000 sq metre facility produces complex aero-structures for Boeing 737 and 777 models in addition to being a global sole source supplier for Apache fuselages. TBAL has produced and supplied Boeing's Apache final assembly plant in Mesa, Arizona with over 190 fuselages.
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The first edition of a joint exercise between the special forces of the Indian Army and the Egyptian Army named “Exercise Cyclone-I” is being conducted at Jaisalmer in Rajasthan.
The first edition of a joint exercise between the special forces of the Indian Army and the Egyptian Army named “Exercise Cyclone-I” is being conducted at Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. The exercise aims to bolster defence co-operation between the two nations and focus on sharing professional skills and interoperability of Special Forces in desert terrain while undertaking counter terrorism, reconnaissance, raids and other special operations. Exercise is the first exercise of its kind bringing the special forces of both the nations on a common platform. The 14 days long exercise is being conducted since 14 January 2023.
Currency- Egyptian Pound
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The Indian Ports Association (IPA) and Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement for setting up a Centre for Maritime Economy and Connectivity.
The Indian Ports Association (IPA) and Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement for setting up a Centre for Maritime Economy and Connectivity. The agreement was signed in the presence of the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal. The proposed project of Transhipment Port at Galathea bay at Greater Nicobar in Andaman and Nicobar Islands will be the advantageous for the BIMSTEC Nations.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Karnataka and Maharashtra.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Karnataka and Maharashtra. PM Modi laid foundation stone and inaugurate projects worth more than Rs10,800 crore in Karnataka and Rs38,800 crore in Maharashtra. In Karnataka, PM visited Yadgiri and Kalaburagi districts. In Yadgiri district, the prime minister laid the foundation stone and inaugurated various development projects related to irrigation and drinking water, and a national highway development project. He also distributed title deeds in Malkhed, Kalaburagi district to eligible beneficiaries of newly-declared revenue villages and laid the foundation stone for a national highway project. He inaugurated, dedicated and laid the foundation stone of multiple development initiatives in Mumbai. Apart from this, he also inaugurated two lines of Mumbai Metro. The foundation stone of Yadgir multi-village drinking water supply scheme under Jal Jeevan Mission would be laid at Kodekal, Yadgiri district, Karnataka. A water treatment plant of 117 MLD will be built under the scheme. The project, which costs more than Rs2,050 crore, will provide potable water to about 2.3 lakh households of more than 700 rural habitations and three towns of Yadgiri district. Modi also inaugurated Narayanpur Left Bank Canal--Extension Renovation and Modernisation Project (NLBC–ERM). The prime minister also laid the foundation stone of the 65.5 km section of NH-150C. He also launched MUMBAI 1 Mobile App and National Common Mobility Card (Mumbai 1). The app will facilitate ease of travel, can be shown on the entry gates of metro stations, and supports digital payment to buy tickets through UPI. Further, the prime minister started the transfer of approved loans of over one lakh beneficiaries under PM SVANidhi Yojana.
Maharashtra Capital- Mumbai
Governor- Bhagat Singh Koshyari
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Goa Manohar International Airport (MIA) has won the 'Best Sustainable Greenfield Airport' award under aviation sustainability and environment at ASSOCHAM's 14th International Conference-cum-Awards for Civil Aviation 2023.
Goa Manohar International Airport (MIA) has won the 'Best Sustainable Greenfield Airport' award under aviation sustainability and environment at ASSOCHAM's 14th International Conference-cum-Awards for Civil Aviation 2023. The award was presented for "outstanding initiatives" taken by Goa International Airport Limited (GGIAL) in implementing sustainability. The awards were presented to senior officials of GGIAL by Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.
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The Government of India bought back bonds maturing in 2024 from the Reserve Bank of India, while also issuing bonds maturing in 2032 worth a similar quantum.
The Government of India bought back bonds maturing in 2024 from the Reserve Bank of India, while also issuing bonds maturing in 2032 worth a similar quantum. The transaction involved buying back a security maturing in FY2024/25 from the Reserve Bank and issuing fresh security for equivalent market value, to make the transaction cash neutral. The government bought back 6.18% bonds maturing in 2024 worth 226.10 billion rupees ($2.78 billion) at a price of 98.62 rupees while it issued 8.28% 2032 bonds worth 210.26 billion rupees to the RBI at 106.05 rupees. Before this switch, New Delhi had switched bonds worth over 820 billion rupees this financial year, below its target of 1 trillion rupees. ($1 = 81.2680 Indian rupees)
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Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA) signed a MoU with Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), setting annual performance target for the year 2022-23.
Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA) signed a MoU with Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), setting annual performance target for the year 2022-23. The Government of India has set a target Rs3,361 crores for Revenue from Operation, up by approx 18% from the previous year achievement. The Government of India has also set various performance-related key parameters such as Return on Net Worth, Return on Capital Employed, NPA to Total Loans, Asset Turnover Ratio and Earning per share, etc. The company has posted 67% jump in Profit After Tax (PAT) in 2nd Quarter of FY 2022-23, as compared to corresponding period during FY 2021-22. Net NPAs have been reduced from 4.87% to 2.72% in Quarter 2, as compared to corresponding period during FY 2021-22. The company as on date, has financed more than 3,068 Renewable Energy projects loan accounts with cumulative loan sanction and disbursement to the tune of Rs1,41,622 crores & Rs90,037 crores respectively and has supported Renewable Energy capacity addition of 19,502 MW in the country.
CMD- Pradip Kumar Das
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The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has launched Jeevan Azad Plan (plan no. 868), a non-linked non-participating premium endowment plan.
The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has launched Jeevan Azad Plan (plan no. 868), a non-linked non-participating premium endowment plan. It is a limited period premium payment plan that offers financial support for the family in case of unfortunate death of the life assured during the policy term. If the LIC policyholder survives the maturity term, then the plan offers a guaranteed base sum-assured amount. The minimum basic sum assured under LIC Jeevan Azad Plan is Rs2 lakh and the maximum basic sum assured is Rs5 lakh. The policy can be taken for term of 15 to 20 years. The premium paying term is calculated as the policy term minus 8 years. So if customer opt for a 20-year policy term, then the premium paying term would be 12 years (20-8).
LIC Founded- September 1956
HQ- Mumbai
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Paytail has partnered with HDB Financial Services Ltd to offer loans on lifestyle products such as bicycles, EVs, mobile devices, consumer durables and kitchen appliances.
Paytail has partnered with HDB Financial Services Ltd to offer loans on lifestyle products such as bicycles, EVs, mobile devices, consumer durables and kitchen appliances. The partnership will empower customers with instant digital finance for in-store purchases with an option to pay for the product in easy instalments. Additionally, it will benefit retailers in over 85,000 stores across India, helping them create opportunities for cross selling and up-selling their products. The loan amount ranges from Rs5,000 to Rs3 lakh. It offers a hassle-free EMI tenure of 24 months, depending on the borrowed amount and the product segment.
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The Punjab National Bank (PNB) has become India’s first public sector bank to introduce credit cards for its fixed deposit (FDs) digitally.
The Punjab National Bank (PNB) has become India’s first public sector bank to introduce credit cards for its fixed deposit (FDs) digitally. This facility will be available for salary account customers, and they shall be able to apply through the mobile banking app PNB One, website or Internet Banking Service (IBS). Customers of the bank can get the RuPay or VISA credit card digitally against single or multiple FDs with 80% credit limit. PNB has introduced two types of customers credit card 'PNB Global Gold' and 'PNB Global Classic'. The new rates of FDs are effective from January 1, 2023.
Punjab National Bank Founded- 1894; MD&CEO- Atul Kumar Goel
HQ- New Delhi
Tagline- The Name You Can Bank Upon
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The UN General Assembly (UNGA) elected Inger Andersen of Denmark to a second four-year term as executive director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).
The UN General Assembly (UNGA) elected Inger Andersen of Denmark to a second four-year term as executive director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). She served as Director General of the International Union for Conservation of Nature from 2015 to 2019. Before becoming UNEP executive director in 2019, Andersen had served in the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the World Bank, the Consultative Group of International Agricultural Research Fund Council, the United Nations and NGOs.
HQ- Nairobi, Kenya
Executive Director- Inger Andersen
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Odisha won the 'Bronze Award' in the UN-Habitat's World Habitat Awards 2023 for Jaga Mission, a 5T initiative of the state.
Odisha won the 'Bronze Award' in the UN-Habitat's World Habitat Awards 2023 for Jaga Mission, a 5T initiative of the state. The Jaga mission is the land titling and slum upgrading program that aims at empowering the lives of slum dwellers. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the Government of Odisha has set itself the ambitious target of becoming the first slum-free state in India and is leading the Jaga Mission programme to upgrade all of the state's 2,919 slums.
Odisha Capital- Bhubaneswar
Governor- Ganeshi Lal
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According to the estimates released by Consulting firm EY in its report "India@100: Realizing the Potential of a US$26 Trillion Economy", India’s GDP will reach $26 trillion (in market exchange terms) and its per capita income will touch $15,000 by 2047.
According to the estimates released by Consulting firm EY in its report "India@100: Realizing the Potential of a US$26 Trillion Economy", India’s GDP will reach $26 trillion (in market exchange terms) and its per capita income will touch $15,000 by 2047. The report was launched by Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Railway and IT Minister, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. India is likely to cross the critical thresholds of US$5 trillion, US$10 trillion, and US$20 trillion in market exchange rate terms in FY2028, FY2036 and FY2045, respectively.
HQ- London, UK
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The winners of the National Startup Awards 2022 felicitated by Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution & Textiles in the presence of Shri Som Parkash, Minister of State for Commerce and Indust
The winners of the National Startup Awards 2022 felicitated by Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution & Textiles in the presence of Shri Som Parkash, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry in New Delhi. He also launched the MAARG platform (Mentorship, Advisory, Assistance, Resilience, and Growth), which will facilitate mentorship between startups and entrepreneurs across sectors, stages, and functions. The 3rd edition of National Startup Awards 2022 rewarded outstanding startups and enablers which have demonstrated exceptional capabilities not just in terms of financial gains, but also for the measurable impact for the society. The National Startup Awards 2022 invited applications across 17 sectors which were further divided into 50 sub sectors, and 7 special categories. The National Startup Awards 2020 and 2021 have recognized 367 startups as winners and finalists.
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The Vice President of the Republic of Gambia (West African Country), Badara Alieu Joof passed away in India at the age of 65.
The Vice President of the Republic of Gambia (West African Country), Badara Alieu Joof passed away in India at the age of 65. Badara Alieu Joof was a Gambian politician and civil servant, who served as Vice President of The Gambia from 2022 until his death. He previously served as Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology from 2017 to 2022.
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Sujeet Sharma has joined Vodafone Idea as vice president of active network, commercial, where he will be in charge of the procurement for the company.
Sujeet Sharma has joined Vodafone Idea as vice president of active network, commercial, where he will be in charge of the procurement for the company. He joins the telco after a 15-year stint at Bharti Airtel where he last held the position of VP & head of infrastructure procurement and operations. He joined Airtel in 2007 as senior manager in the supply chain department. Prior to joining Airtel, Sharma spent 6 years at the erstwhile Idea Cellular from 2001 to 2007.
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Archaeologists in Norway have found the oldest runestone in the world.
Archaeologists in Norway have found the oldest runestone in the world. The inscriptions are up to 2,000 years old and date back to the earliest days of the enigmatic history of runic writing. Measuring 31 by 32 centimeters (12.2 inches by 12.6 inches), the stone has several types of inscriptions and not all make linguistic sense.
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Welsh footballer Gareth Bale has announced his retirement from international and club football with immediate effect.
Welsh footballer Gareth Bale has announced his retirement from international and club football with immediate effect. He holds the record for being named as Welsh player of the year for a record six times. Bale started his career in 2006 from Southampton and moved to Tottenham Hotspurs in 2007. Bale made a record 111 appearances for Wales, leading his country from the international football wilderness to two European Championships reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2016 and the first World Cup since 1958.
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The Raising Day of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is annually celebrated on January 19 to commemorate the establishment of the NDRF.
The Raising Day of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is annually celebrated on January 19 to commemorate the establishment of the NDRF. On 19 January 2023, 18th Raising Day of NDRF has been celebrated. NDRF was established in the year 2006 under the 'Disaster Management Act, 2005' with 6 battalions.
HQ- New Delhi
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Prabhaben Shah, a case manager from Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman, and Diu, passed away in Daman at the age of 92.
Prabhaben Shah, a case manager from Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman, and Diu, passed away in Daman at the age of 92. She awardee the Padma Shri honour. Prabhaben was awarded the Padma Shri in the field of social work in January 2022, which is India's fourth-highest civilian honour. She has fought for environmental issues and women's emancipation for the past 60 years. She also started the Women's Cooperation Society and the Women's Credit Society.
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State Bank of India (SBI) has raised 9,718 crore through its second infrastructure bond issuance at a coupon rate of 7.70% per annum for the 15-year bond.
State Bank of India (SBI) has raised 9,718 crore through its second infrastructure bond issuance at a coupon rate of 7.70% per annum for the 15-year bond. The pricing of 7.70% represents a spread of 17 bps over the corresponding FBIL G-Sec par curve. The issue attracted bids of Rs14,805 crore and was oversubscribed by about 2.96 times against the base issue. The total number of bids received was 118 indicating wider participation.
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As per Dealroom and London & Partners report, India ranked 4th globally with USD 24.1 Billion worth of Venture Capital (VC) investments in 2022.
As per Dealroom and London & Partners report, India ranked 4th globally with USD 24.1 Billion worth of Venture Capital (VC) investments in 2022. The leading sectors that contributed to India’s strong VC funding performance were education, food, media, fin-tech and transportation. Bengaluru accounted for five of the top 10 deals for Indian tech companies in 2022. United States, London emerged as the fourth largest tech hub for VC funding and with the UK capital's tech firms receiving a total of USD 19.8 Billion. At a national level, the top three countries for tech investment in 2022 followed by China (USD 48B) and the UK (USD 29.9B).
HQ- London, UK
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The Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) has discontinued the scheme 'Padho Pardesh' of interest subsidy on education loans for overseas studies for students belonging to minority communities.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) has discontinued the scheme 'Padho Pardesh' of interest subsidy on education loans for overseas studies for students belonging to minority communities. All banks were notified by the Indian Banks’ Association in December 2022 about the discontinuation of the Padho Pardesh Interest Subsidy Scheme from 2022-23. The scheme so far was being implemented through Canara Bank, the designated nodal bank. The objective of the scheme, which was part of the then Prime Minister’s June 2006 fifteen-point programme for the welfare of minorities, is to award interest subsidy to meritorious students belonging to economically weaker sections of notified minority communities to provide them better opportunities for higher education. The move comes after the Centre withdrew the Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF) in December 2022, which was awarded to students from minority communities.
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The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution titled ‘Education for Democracy’ that reaffirms the right of education for all.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution titled ‘Education for Democracy’ that reaffirms the right of education for all. The resolution, which was co-sponsored by India, recognises that “education for all” contributes to the strengthening of democracy. Earlier in March 2015, the UN General Assembly adopted a similar resolution encouraging all UN entities to use education to promote peace, human rights, and democracy. The resolution encourages member states to integrate education for democracy into their education standards.
HQ- New York, United States
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Bengaluru topped the startup funding chart in India with $10.8 billion in 2022, followed by Mumbai at $3.9 billion, and Gurugram at a distant $2.6 billion.
According to data provided by Tracxn, a leading global market intelligence platform, Bengaluru topped the startup funding chart in India with $10.8 billion in 2022, followed by Mumbai at $3.9 billion, and Gurugram at a distant $2.6 billion. Startups based in Delhi and Chennai registered $1.2 billion each in funding, followed by Pune at $1 billion. There were 22 unicorns in 2022, compared to 46 in 2021, and average funding before the unicorn round was around $160 million. Despite the impact on funding in edtech, Byju's has topped the list of highest funding raised in 2022. It raised over $1.2 billion in 2022 from existing investors. LetsVenture, AngelList, and Y Combinator have topped the list of most active investors in 2022 to date.
HQ- Bengaluru
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The Indian Army under the aegis of HQ Army Training Command (ARTRAC) organised the 2nd edition of Hackathon named “SAINYA RANAKSHETRAM 2.0” from October 2022 to January 2023.
The Indian Army under the aegis of HQ Army Training Command (ARTRAC) organised the 2nd edition of Hackathon named “SAINYA RANAKSHETRAM 2.0” from October 2022 to January 2023. It's aim to seek solutions to operational cyber challenges and to jump start and telescope the development time for innovative solutions in the field of Cyber Security. The prize winners of the event was felicitated by Gen Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff during a virtual function on 17 January 2023. The event was aimed at providing a platform to identify indigenous talent in niche domains and enhance the standard of training in domains of Cyber Deterrence, Security Software Coding, Electro Magnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML). The participation was open to all Indian citizens and participation permitted in an individual/team manner. The Cyber Threat Seminar cum Workshop was held under four sub-events which included following activities:- Secure Software Coding; ESMO: Customised Indian Army Specific Stack for Wi-Fi 6; Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning: NLP Processing and Decoding of Radio Intercepts; Cyber Deterrence: Capture the Flag (CTF).
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Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL) signed an agreement to launch a pilot project to develop a hydrogen fuel cell electric truck (FCET) for mining logistics and transportation with Ashok Leyland of India, and Ballard Power of Canada
Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL) signed an agreement to launch a pilot project to develop a hydrogen fuel cell electric truck (FCET) for mining logistics and transportation with Ashok Leyland of India, and Ballard Power of Canada. This collaboration marked Asia's first planned hydrogen powered mining truck. The FCET is scheduled to be launched in India in 2023. The Adani Group had plans to invest more than USD 50 billion over the next 10 years in green hydrogen and associated ecosystems corresponding to a capacity of up to 3 million tons of green hydrogen annually. The hydrogen powered mining truck will weigh 55 tons, have three hydrogen tanks, a 200-km working range, and powered by Ballard's 120 kW PEM fuel cell technology.
Adani Enterprises Ltd Establishment- 1993
HQ- Ahmedabad, Gujarat
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The Government of India will host the Country's 1st 'Global Tourism Investors Summit 2023' from 10th to 12th April 2023 in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi to bring together global businesses, thought leaders, and policymakers to understand and explore Tourism B
The Government of India will host the Country's 1st 'Global Tourism Investors Summit 2023' from 10th to 12th April 2023 in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi to bring together global businesses, thought leaders, and policymakers to understand and explore Tourism Business opportunities in India. The Centre will organise the country's first Global Tourism Summit in April as part of India's G-20 presidency, wherein all the member countries will participate. Pre-pandemic, foreign tourist arrivals in India touched 11 million and the forex generated was Rs2 lakh crore, providing over 13 percent direct and indirect jobs in the country. By 2030, Government target a forex contribution to GDP of $56 billion that will generate 140 million jobs.
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Mastercard announced the expansion of its flagship Girls4Tech, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education program in India.
Mastercard announced the expansion of its flagship Girls4Tech, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education program in India. The programme is supported by the Mastercard Impact Fund, and in partnership with the American India Foundation (AIF), the expansion of the program aims to reach an additional 1 lakh female students across the country by 2024 to encourage them to take up STEM education. This includes 14,400 students in Delhi as well as onboard 40 additional government schools where STEM courses will be offered to girls aged 8 to 14.
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India's fiscal deficit for FY 2023-24 (FY24) is estimated at around Rs17.95 lakh crore or 6% of GDP.
The State Bank of India (SBI) in its Ecowrap report has estimated India's fiscal deficit for FY 2023-24 (FY24) is estimated at around Rs17.95 lakh crore or 6% of GDP, thereby resulting in fiscal consolidation of 40 bps from the current fiscal. The net market borrowing of the Centre in FY24 is believed to be around Rs11.7 lakh crore, and with repayments of Rs4.4 lakh crore, gross borrowing is expected at Rs16.1 lakh crore. In FY24, the overall gross borrowing by the Centre and states is likely to be Rs24.3 lakh crore (up from Rs22.2 lakh crore in FY23) and net borrowings Rs17 lakh crore (Rs16.7 lakh crore in FY23). The fiscal deficit of the government in FY 2022-23 is expected to be at Rs17.5 lakh crore. However, the higher nominal GDP growth (15.4%) estimates can help in keeping the fiscal deficit at 6.4% of the GDP.
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Captain Surbhi Jakhmola, an Indian Army officer from 117 Engineer Regiment, will be the first woman officer to be posted on a foreign assignment at the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
Captain Surbhi Jakhmola, an Indian Army officer from 117 Engineer Regiment, will be the first woman officer to be posted on a foreign assignment at the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Avani Chaturvedi, a Su-30MKI pilot and one of India's first three women fighter pilots will depart for Japan shortly to take part in the exercise. The Indian Armed Forces also deployed a woman officer, Captain Shiva Chauhan of the Corps of Engineers, to a frontline post in Siachen Glacier. This is the world’s highest battlefield’s first such deployment. The Indian Air Force has the highest proportion of women officers, accounting for 13.69%, followed by the Indian Navy at six per cent and the Indian Army at 3.97%.
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1171 Indian peacekeepers serving with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have been honoured with the prestigious UN medals at an award ceremony.
1171 Indian peacekeepers serving with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have been honoured with the prestigious UN medals at an award ceremony. At a special award ceremony in Upper Nile, peacekeepers from India deployed with the UN mission in South Sudan were honoured with UN medals for their exemplary service. For the first time, the parade of the large contingent, engineers and medical staff, was led by a woman, Major Jasmine Chattha, at the award ceremony in Upper Nile.
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Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB) has bagged ‘Best Small Bank Award’ in the Best Banks Survey for the year 2022 done by Business Today-KPMG (BT-KPMG Best banks survey).
Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB) has bagged ‘Best Small Bank Award’ in the Best Banks Survey for the year 2022 done by Business Today-KPMG (BT-KPMG Best banks survey). The bank has won this award under the category of banks with the book size of less than Rs1 lakh crore. TMB, having registered its stellar performance in 2022, has come up as topper in the respective category. On behalf of TMB, MD and CEO Shri S Krishnan has received the awards from Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
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India has assumed the presidency of the 13th assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the first international organisation to focus exclusively on renewable energy, which was held in Abu Dhabi.
India has assumed the presidency of the 13th assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the first international organisation to focus exclusively on renewable energy, which was held in Abu Dhabi. Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy R. K. Singh delivered the opening remarks at the agency's 13th assembly. The theme of the 13th IRENA assembly is “World Energy Transitions – The Global Stocktake”. It was held in 2023 as the first annual milestone on the global energy agenda.
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Ronald Eaton Asher (R E Asher), a British linguist and educator specialised in Dravidian languages, has passed away in UK.
Ronald Eaton Asher (R E Asher), a British linguist and educator specialised in Dravidian languages, has passed away in UK. A fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society, London, Asher won a gold medal from Kerala Sahitya Akademi, Trichur, in 1983 and was honoured by the Royal Society, Edinburgh in 1991. He was also a recipient of a medal from College de France, Paris in 1970.
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Pankaj Kumar Singh, the former director general of the Border Security Force (BSF), was appointed as the deputy national security advisor (Deputy NSA) of India.
Pankaj Kumar Singh, the former director general of the Border Security Force (BSF), was appointed as the deputy national security advisor (Deputy NSA) of India. The 1988-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of Rajasthan cadre, who headed the BSF till 31 December 2022 before he retired, has been appointed as Dy NSA on a re-employment contract of two years. Singh had earlier served with the Union government as Inspector General of the CRPF in Chhattisgarh and IG (Operations) at CRPF headquarters in Delhi.
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President of Vietnam, Nguyen Xuan Phuc has announced his resignation amid the ongoing anti-corruption drive.
President of Vietnam, Nguyen Xuan Phuc has announced his resignation amid the ongoing anti-corruption drive. The anti-corruption drive has led to several ministers being fired in Vietnam. Earlier, two deputy prime ministers who served under President Phuc had quit. Phuc, a former prime minister, held the post of president since 2021. He had served as prime minister of Vietnam from 2016 until April 2021, when he was elected president. The president's resignation requires approval from the National Assembly, which will hold an extraordinary vote, but it is expected to be a mere formality.
Currency- Vietnamese dong
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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, King of Sweden Carl XVI Gustaf and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson inaugurated the European Union's first mainland orbital launch complex 'Spaceport Esrange'.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, King of Sweden Carl XVI Gustaf and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson inaugurated the European Union's first mainland orbital launch complex 'Spaceport Esrange'. The European Union wants to bolster its capacity to launch small satellites into space with a new launchpad in Arctic Sweden. The total number of satellites could reach 100,000 by 2040 compared to the current 5,000 operational satellites. The new facility inaugurated at the Esrange Space Center near the city of Kiruna will complement the EU's current launching capabilities in French Guiana.
HQ- Brussels, Belgium
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South Indian Bank and Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) has signed MoU to provide financial assistance to the dealers of SAIL across India.
South Indian Bank and Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) has signed MoU to provide financial assistance to the dealers of SAIL across India. The MoU allows to offer SAIL’s dealers with financial assistance for working capital, especially steel procurement. The bank will serve the MSME and corporate customers of SAIL located at different geographies.
HQ- New Delhi
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The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has listed Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) under Schedule III of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, including it on the list of protected plants.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has listed Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) under Schedule III of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, including it on the list of protected plants. Those who uproot or destroy the plant will invite a fine of Rs25,000 and three years’ imprisonment. The cultivation of Neelakurinji and its possession is not allowed. Neelakurinji plants display distinct characteristics and a unique lifecycle. They bloom only once in 12 years and the flowers don’t last for more than 30 days. After the flowers wilt, the plant itself dries up and soon no trace of the plant would exist at the spot. Neelakurinji is a unique species, which blooms in the altitudes between 1,600 and 2,695 meters in the Western Ghats.
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Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL), Ranchi has invented a “System and Method for Controlling Generation and Movement of Fugitive Dust” to minimize and control the fugitive dust in mining areas.
Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL), Ranchi has invented a “System and Method for Controlling Generation and Movement of Fugitive Dust” to minimize and control the fugitive dust in mining areas. CMPDIL received a patent (Patent No. 416055) for its invention in December 2022. This system can be used in mines, thermal power plants, railway sidings, ports, construction sites wherein coal or other minerals/fugitive materials are stored under open sky. Apart from reducing the dust generation from open sources, it will also provide noise attenuation. The present invention relates to the synchronized application of windbreak (WB) and vertical greenery system (VGS) for reducing generation and dispersion of fugitive dust.
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India's Tennis Players Yuki Bhambri and Saketh Myneni beat Christopher Rungkat and Akira Santillan in the finals of the Bangkok Open 2023 and won the Men's Doubles title.
India's Tennis Players Yuki Bhambri and Saketh Myneni beat Christopher Rungkat and Akira Santillan in the finals of the Bangkok Open 2023 and won the Men's Doubles title. This is Indians sixth title together on the ATP Challenger Tour. The match between the two pairs lasted for one hour and 50 minutes. Arthur Cazaux of France won the Men's Singles title defeating Lloyd Harris of South Africa.
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Home Minister Amit Shah released a book titled 'Revolutionaries- The Other Story of How India Won Its Freedom' at a function in New Delhi.
Home Minister Amit Shah released a book titled 'Revolutionaries- The Other Story of How India Won Its Freedom' at a function in New Delhi. The Author of the book is Economist Sanjeev Sanyal who is also a member of Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister. This book contains the discussion of India's freedom struggle.
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The Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the “Soul of Steel" Alpine Challenge to promote tourism in border areas.
The Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the “Soul of Steel" Alpine Challenge to promote tourism in border areas. The Defence Minister launched a website for volunteers to sign up for various adventure activities under this joint initiative of the Indian Army and CLAW Global, a veterans‘ organisation. Road to the End’, a 460-km long car rally was also flagged off by Rajnath Singh as part of a joint expedition by Indian Army and CLAW.
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Mir Barkat Ali Khan, popularly known as Prince Mukarram Jah Bahadur, the Nizam VIII of Hyderabad, passed away in Istanbul, the capital of Turkey.
Mir Barkat Ali Khan, popularly known as Prince Mukarram Jah Bahadur, the Nizam VIII of Hyderabad, passed away in Istanbul, the capital of Turkey. He was 89. Jah, the successor and grandson of the last Nizam of Hyderabad Mir Osman Ali Khan Bahadur, was living in Turkey. He was the titular Nizam of Hyderabad between 1967 and 1971. He was the head of the House of Asaf Jah until his death in 2023.
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NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd (NTPC REL) signed a MoU with Government of Tripura in New Delhi for Development of Floating and Ground Mounted based Renewable Energy Projects in the State of Tripura.
NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd (NTPC REL) signed a MoU with Government of Tripura in New Delhi for Development of Floating and Ground Mounted based Renewable Energy Projects in the State of Tripura. This MoU embarks upon the journey towards development of large sized Renewable Energy Projects in the State of Tripura and shall help Govt of Tripura in meeting its Clean Energy Commitments and obligations.
CEO- Mohit Bhargava
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Jammu and Kashmir Government has declared the Whole Union Territory as a "Free Area" for purposes of the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009.
Jammu and Kashmir Government has declared the Whole Union Territory as a "Free Area" for purposes of the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009. The declaration has been made in the exercise of powers conferred by sub-section (5) of section 6 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals (PCICDA) Act, 2009, and in supersession of notification S.0 424 dated 05.09.2022 after the Government on being satisfied that no cases of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) have been reported from any district of Union Territory of J&K.
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RailTel Corporation of India Ltd has received a work order worth Rs170.11 crore from the Puducherry government to design, develop, supply, install, test, commission and operations and maintenance of integrated command control centre (ICCC) and other assoc
RailTel Corporation of India Ltd has received a work order worth Rs170.11 crore from the Puducherry government to design, develop, supply, install, test, commission and operations and maintenance of integrated command control centre (ICCC) and other associated activities for smart city. The contract is for five years and will be completed in 10 months‘ time. RailTel has been selected through competitive bidding and it is the first smart city project awarded by Puducherry government. The project’s other components include data center disaster recovery, on street parking management, intelligent traffic management system, development of an online/mobile platform to assist tourists and visitors, city level application and smart dashboard, smart kiosks, smart poles with CCTV, Wi-Fi, air quality monitoring, and digital billboard.
HQ- New Delhi
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The Doppler weather radar network will cover in India by 2025 for more accurate forecasts related to extreme weather events.
On the occassion of 148th foundation day of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Union minister Jitendra Singh stated that, Doppler weather radar network will covered in India by 2025 for more accurate forecasts related to extreme weather events. He inaugurated four Doppler weather radar systems in Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh as well as 200 agro-automated weather stations. The government plans to establish 660 district agro-meteorological units by 2025. The IMD has taken proactive steps to increase the number of radars from 15 in 2013 to 37 in 2023 and will add 25 more in next 2-3 years.
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The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has released social audit standards for sustainability information, is the first of its kind in the world.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has released social audit standards for sustainability information, is the first of its kind in the world. Sustainability reporting by India Inc firms is set to see a huge boost with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) making it mandatory for top 1,000 listed companies to report on Business Responsibility and Sustainability. The institute is working to prepare professionals for such non-financial reporting. Mandatory reporting on Business Responsibility and Sustainability by top 1,000 listed companies will be a part of the annual reports for the fiscal 2022-23. ICAI, which is the national accounting rule making and standard setting body, has also started a course on Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BSRS) and nine batches have already completed the training. Social audit standard relates to the thematic area of ‘eradicating hunger, poverty, malnutrition and inequality. In all, the institute has also developed 16 social audit standards that will apply to social enterprises listed on social stock exchanges. ICAI has also formed a Section 8 company by the name of Institute of Social Auditors of India to regulate the profession of social audit.
ICAI President- Debashis Mitra
HQ- New Delhi
Vice-President- Aniket Sunil Talati
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Asteria Aerospace, a full stack drone technology company, has received type certification for its indigenously designed and manufactured A200-XT drone from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Asteria Aerospace, a full stack drone technology company, has received type certification for its indigenously designed and manufactured A200-XT drone from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). With this achievement, Asteria has become the first company to have two DGCA-certified drones that it can offer to its customers for a variety of applications including law enforcement, industrial security, infrastructure inspections, and agriculture and land surveys. The A200-XT drone is a versatile drone with payloads that can be quickly swapped between a high-resolution high-zoom day camera, and a night-time thermal camera. With a compact and portable form factor and a flight time of up to 40 minutes, it can be used for defense and homeland security intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations as well as industrial security and inspection applications.
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Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports and Information and Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur joined the Bhoomi Pujan of of SAI-Railways NCOE in Coochbehar, West Bengal.
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports and Information and Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur joined the Bhoomi Pujan of the first National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) being set up with the joint partnership of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Indian Railways. The construction of National Centre of Excellence (NCOE), to be set up in Cooch Behar, West Bengal, formally commenced. The National Centre of Excellence will be the first-of-its-kind sports infrastructure in north Bengal with state-of-the-art facilities. The centre will be developed in phases. The railways have given 9.5 acres of land in which the world-class centre will be set up with several facilities, including, a 400 meters synthetic track of international standard, a multi-purpose hall for indoor games and a 100 bedded hostel.
West Bengal Capital- Kolkata
CM- Mamata Banerjee
Governor- C.V. Ananda Bose
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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the report titled “State Finances: A Study of Budgets of 2022-23”, an annual publication that provides information, analysis and an assessment of the finances of State governments for 2022-23 (FY23).
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the report titled “State Finances: A Study of Budgets of 2022-23”, an annual publication that provides information, analysis and an assessment of the finances of State governments for 2022-23 (FY23). The theme of the report is “Capital Formation in India - The Role of States”. The States’ gross fiscal deficit (GFD) is budgeted to decline from 4.1 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020-21 to 3.4 percent in 2022-23. While States’ debt is budgeted to ease to 29.5 percent of GDP in 2022-23 as against 31.1 percent in 2020-21, it is still higher than 20 percent recommended by FRBM Review Committee, 2018, warranting prioritisation of debt consolidation. In 2022-23, States have budgeted higher capital outlay than in 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22. This publication has been prepared in the Division of State Finances of the Department of Economic and Policy Research.
Reserve Bank of India Founded- 1 April 1935, Kolkata
HQ- Mumbai
Governor- Shaktikanta Das
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The Reserve Bank of India issued “Acquisition and Holding of Shares or Voting Rights in Banking Companies Directions, 2023” which allowed promoters to hold 26 percent of the paid-up share capital or voting rights of a bank after the completion of 15 years
The Reserve Bank of India issued “Acquisition and Holding of Shares or Voting Rights in Banking Companies Directions, 2023” which allowed promoters to hold 26 percent of the paid-up share capital or voting rights of a bank after the completion of 15 years from commencement of its business. RBI had in 2021 accepted the recommendation of the internal working group (IWG) to review extant ownership guidelines and corporate structure for Indian private sector banks. The cap on promoters’ stake in long run of 15 years can be raised from the current levels of 15 percent to 26 percent of the paid-up voting equity share capital of the bank.
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Warehousing Development Regulatory Authority (WDRA) has signed a memorandum of understanding with State Bank of India (SBI) to help farmers in getting low interest rate loans.
Warehousing Development Regulatory Authority (WDRA) has signed a memorandum of understanding with State Bank of India (SBI) to help farmers in getting low interest rate loans. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the intent of promoting awareness about the new loan product called 'Produce Marketing Loan' to fund against e-NWRs (electronic Negotiable Warehouse Receipt) with features such as nil processing fee, no additional collateral and attractive interest rates. Combined with the inherent security and negotiability of the e-NWR system, the 'Produce Marketing Loan' will go long way in improving rural liquidity and increasing farmers income. Loaning against e-NWRs has shown a steady growth over the years. During FY 2022-23, the loan figure has already crossed Rs1,500 crore.
HQ- New Delhi
Chairman- T K Manoj Kumar
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The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has partnered with VFS Capital to extend loans to the MSME sector.
The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has partnered with VFS Capital to extend loans to the MSME sector. VFS Capital will extend MSME loans upto Rs5 lakh at 13 percent interest rate per annum. The loan book of the MFI during 2022-23 is expected to be around Rs1,100-1,200 crore from Rs805 crore in the last financial year. VFS Capital expects to disburse Rs30-40 crore under the scheme this fiscal. The company is planning to expand its footprint in the north-western part by launching operations in Rajasthan by the end of January. At present, it operates in 13 states including West Bengal, Assam and Tripura.
HQ- Lucknow
Chairman and MD- Sivasubramanian Ramann
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India beat Sri Lanka by 91 runs in 3rd, final T-20 International to clinch three-match series 2-1.
India defeated Sri Lanka by 91 runs in the third and final T20 International. With this victory, India clinched the three match series 2-1. Chasing a target of 229 runs, Sri Lanka were all out for 137 in 16.4 overs. Suryakumar Yadav was declared Man of the Match and Axar Patel player of the series.The 1st ODI of the three-match series between the two countries will be played in Guwahati.
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Siemens Mobility has received an order of around Rs26,000 crores from Indian Railways for 1,200 electric locomotives of 9000 horsepower (HP).
Siemens Mobility has received an order of around Rs26,000 crores from Indian Railways for 1,200 electric locomotives of 9000 horsepower (HP). This is the single-largest locomotive order in the history of Siemens Mobility and the single-largest order in the history of Siemens in India. The company will deliver 1,200 electric locomotives and provide 35 years of full service maintenance. Siemens will design, manufacture, commission and test the locomotives. Deliveries are planned over an eleven-year period. The locomotives will be used for freight transport throughout the Indian Railways network and are specified to haul loads of 4,500 tons at a maximum speed of 120 km per hour. The locomotives will be assembled in the Indian Railways factory in Dahod, Gujarat. Maintenance will be performed in four Indian Railways depots located in Vishakhapatnam, Raipur, Kharagpur and Pune. Locomotive assembly and maintenance will be implemented together with the staff of Indian Railways.
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Russia has become India's fourth-largest trading partner with imports from Russia spiking five-fold to $32.9 billion during the April-December 2022.
Russia has become India's fourth-largest trading partner with imports from Russia spiking five-fold to $32.9 billion during the April-December 2022. There are two main contributors to India's higher imports from Russia -- crude oil and fertilisers. Russia became India's 20th largest source of imports in the last financial year. Russia had become the biggest fertiliser supplier to India in the first half of the FY23 for the first time by offering discounts over prevailing global prices.
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Olympic champion and World No. 1 seed Viktor Axelsen won the men's singles title at PETRONAS Malaysia Open 2023.
Olympic champion and World No. 1 seed Viktor Axelsen won the men's singles title at PETRONAS Malaysia Open 2023. It was Axelsen's 9th consecutive final in BWF Super 1000 level tournaments, a new record, and his 8th title in the top tier level series. Japan's Yamaguchi Akane beat An Se-Young of Korea to win women's singles title in the opening World Tour event of 2023. The world number one pair Zheng Si Wei and Huang Ya Qiong won the mixed doubles. The 2023 Malaysia Open was a badminton tournament held at the Axiata Arena, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 10 to 15 January 2023 and had a total prize of US$1,250,000.
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7th Armed Forces Veterans’ Day was celebrated across the country on January 14, 2023.
7th Armed Forces Veterans’ Day was celebrated across the country on January 14, 2023. The day is dedicated to the esteemed veterans of the country. The 14th of January is commemorated as Armed Forces Veterans Day as a mark of respect and recognition for the services rendered by Field Marshall KM Cariappa. He was the First Indian Commander in Chief (C-in-C) of Indian Army. He retired from service on 14th January 1953.
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75th Indian Army Day was celebrated on 15th January 2023.
75th Indian Army Day was celebrated on 15th January 2023. The Indian Army was officially established on 1 April 1895. India got its first Army Chief in 1949. On 15 January 1949, Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa took over the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India. The Indian army was established on 1st of April, but Army Day in India is celebrated on the 15th of January.
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The 21st Edition of the Bilateral Naval Exercise 'Varuna-2023' between India and France commenced on the Western Seaboard from 16 January 2023.
The 21st Edition of the Bilateral Naval Exercise 'Varuna-2023' between India and France commenced on the Western Seaboard from 16 January 2023. While the bilateral exercise between the two navies were initiated in 1993, it was christened as ‘VARUNA’ in 2001 and has become a hallmark of India – France strategic bilateral relationship. This edition will witness participation of indigenous guided missile stealth destroyer INS Chennai, guided missile frigate INS Teg, maritime patrol aircraft P-8I and Dornier, integral helicopters and MiG29K fighter aircraft. The French Navy will be represented by the aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle, frigates FS Forbin and Provence, support vessel FS Marne and maritime patrol aircraft Atlantique. The exercise will be conducted over five days from 16 to 20 January 2023.
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India is committed to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) by 2027 three years ahead of the global target through mission mode through the five-pronged roadmap.
India is committed to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) by 2027 three years ahead of the global target through mission mode through the five-pronged roadmap. Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, and Bihar account for about 60% Lymphedema cases in India. The elimination of the disease will be achieved via multi-drug administration (MDA) campaign twice a year synchronized with national deworming day. Lymphatic Filariasis is not a neglected disease for India which may be the case in some other countries, but it’s a priority disease to be eliminated in a time bound manner.
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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi flagged off the World’s Longest River Cruise 'MV Ganga Vilas' and inaugurated the Tent City at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi flagged off the World’s Longest River Cruise 'MV Ganga Vilas' and inaugurated the Tent City at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several other inland waterways projects worth more than Rs1000 crores during the event. In line with the Prime Minister’s endeavour to boost river cruise tourism, the huge untapped potential of river cruises will get unlocked with the launch of this service and it will herald a new age of river cruise tourism for India. MV Ganga Vilas will begin its journey from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh and travel around 3,200 km in 51 days to reach Dibrugarh in Assam via Bangladesh. MV Ganga Vilas has three decks, 18 suites on board with a capacity of 36 tourists, with all the luxury amenities. The 51 days cruise is planned with visits to 50 tourist spots.
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In year 2023, Harvest Festival 'Lohri' was celebrated on 13 January.
Lohri is celebrated in parts of Northern India a night before Makar Sankranti. It is a popular Indian festival that is celebrated to mark the beginning of the harvest season for winter crops. Every year, during the month of Paush, a day before Makar Sankranti - usually on January 13, with much fanfare especially by the people of Punjab, Lohri is celebrated. The festival is also popular in other parts of the country such as Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Jammu. In 2023, Lohri was celebrated on January 13. Lohri festival is traditionally associated with the harvest of rabi crops.
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India’s first Centre of Excellence (CoE) of online gaming will be set up in Shillong, Meghalaya by March 2023.
The Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Rajeev Chandrasekhar announced that India’s first Centre of Excellence (CoE) of online gaming will be set up in Shillong, Meghalaya by March 2023. The CoE will be set up under Digital India Startup Hub through the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI). The STPI was set up in 1991 as an autonomous society in the field of Science and Technology under the MeitY. The MeitY has set a target to skill around 60,000 youth in Tripura and 35,000 in Nagaland under PMKVY 4.0.
State Minister- Rajeev Chandrasekhar
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India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed an agreement on cooperation in the area of Green Hydrogen Development and Investment.
India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed an agreement on cooperation in the area of Green Hydrogen Development and Investment. The Union Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy RK Singh and UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Al Mazrouei signed the agreement during a meeting to discuss opportunities for cooperation in the field of power and renewable energy. In accordance with the mission announced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on the “ONE SUN, ONE WORLD, ONE GRID INITIATIVE,” the Ministers also discussed the beginning of a feasibility study on a subsea cable between India and the United Arab Emirates. The priority of the two countries in the energy sector was covered in the discussion. RK Singh presided over the 13th Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). A 168-nation international organization devoted to renewable energy is called IRENA.
United Arab Emirates Capital- Abu Dhabi
Currency- United Arab Emirates Dirham
President- Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
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The United States and Japan signed a space agreement at the NASA headquarters in Washington DC, US.
The United States and Japan signed a space agreement at the NASA headquarters in Washington DC, US. The pact builds on a long history of collaboration in space exploration between the two nations. The agreement was signed by US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken and Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa. The pact recognises a mutual interest in peaceful exploration. The framework covers a broad swath of joint activities between the countries, including space science, Earth science, space operations and exploration, aeronautical science and technology, space technology, space transportation, safety and mission assurance, and much more.
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The launch of the world’s first agri-focused satellite, called AgriSAT-1 /ZA 008, is expected to generate over USD 100 million in revenue for South Africa.
The launch of the world’s first agri-focused satellite, called AgriSAT-1 /ZA 008, is expected to generate over USD 100 million in revenue for South Africa. Since it is the first ever-commercial satellite licensed in South Africa following seven government-sponsored satellites. Dragonfly Aerospace launched the satellite on a Space X Falcon 9 rocket. This successful launch by Dragonfly shows yet again South Africa’s international capability in the space industry and will boost its credibility for investment in the space area. The satellite is the first of a seven-satellite constellation in low Earth orbit for customer EOSDA (EOS Data Analytics).
President- Cyril Ramaphosa
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Aditya Birla Health Insurance Company Ltd (ABHICL) have signed a bancassurance partnership with Punjab & Sind Bank for distribution of health insurance products through the bank’s network of branches across India.
Aditya Birla Health Insurance Company Ltd (ABHICL) have signed a bancassurance partnership with Punjab & Sind Bank for distribution of health insurance products through the bank’s network of branches across India. This partnership will enable ABHICL to expand its national footprint and reach Punjab & Sind Bank’s widely distributed network of 1,528 branches and its customers. Punjab & Sind Bank’s customers and employees will have access to ABHICL’s comprehensive suite of health-first insurance plans. It offers unique products such as, incentivized wellness benefits of up to 100% Health ReturnsTM and chronic management programme, Day 1 cover for asthma, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes; wellness coaching on nutrition and fitness; counselling on mental health, among others. With this, ABHICL now has 18 bancassurance partners with over 70,000 direct selling agents, all over India.
Punjab & Sind Bank Founded- 1908; HQ- New Delhi
MD&CEO- Swarup Kumar Saha
Tagline- Where service is a way of life
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Russian VTB bank, Russia’s second largest bank, launched direct payments in rupees, which would boost bilateral trade and investments.
Russian VTB bank, Russia’s second largest bank, launched direct payments in rupees, which would boost bilateral trade and investments. Russian SME clients can now make transfers without double conversion, which simplifies the work on foreign trade contracts with India. It also eliminates preliminary coordination of the transactions. 9 Russian banks, including VTB, opened special vostro accounts in India to facilitate Russian-Indian trade in November 2022.
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Scientist A. D. Damodaran, a former Director of the CSIR National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), passed away in Thiruvananthapuram.
Scientist A. D. Damodaran, a former Director of the CSIR National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), passed away in Thiruvananthapuram. A materials scientist, Dr. Damodaran was working with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) at its Nuclear Fuels Complex when he was chosen to head the NIIST, then known as the Regional Research Laboratory (RRL). Dr. Damodaran took over as Director in May 1985 and held the position for 12 years, two full terms. He was also a former Chairman of Keltron.
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The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) approved the transfer of ownership of bankrupt Jet Airways to the Jalan-Kalrock consortium (JKC).
The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) approved the transfer of ownership of bankrupt Jet Airways to the Jalan-Kalrock consortium (JKC). One plea pertained to approval of transfer of ownership and the second one related to extension of time for the payment of dues to the creditors. With this, the consortium will have time till mid-May 2023 to make payments to all the creditors and employees. According to the resolution plan approved in June 2021, the Jalan-Kalrock consortium has so far deposited bank guarantees worth Rs150 crore with the lenders. The consortium has to make cash payments of Rs185 crore to financial creditors. A total cash infusion of Rs1,375 crore, including Rs475 crore for payment to stakeholders, has been proposed by the consortium. The remaining Rs900 crore was to be infused for capital expenditure and working capital requirements.
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Government of India conferred National Awards to 82 Best Agripreneurs who were trained under the Central sector scheme – Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business (AC&ABC) on the occasion of National Youth Day, also known as Vivekananda Jayanti.
Government of India conferred National Awards to 82 Best Agripreneurs who were trained under the Central sector scheme – Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business (AC&ABC) on the occasion of National Youth Day, also known as Vivekananda Jayanti. Besides, 8 Nodal Training Institutes (NTIs) that impart AC&ABC training efficiently also received awards for their best training, handholding and facilitation activities. Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business (AC&ABC), a mega flagship scheme of Government of India implemented in the country in collaboration with NABARD since 2002. It's aims to transform unemployed youth into self-employed agripreneurs through a 45 days free residential training at different parts of the country with a provision for availing loan and subsidy from the banks. Shubha Thakur, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, inaugurated the award ceremony and distributed awards to the best agripreneurs and best nodal training institutes.
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The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the proposal of the Department of Financial Services for extending the term of managing director (MD) and CEO of Bank of Baroda (BoB) Sanjiv Chadha for about five months till 30 June, 2023.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the proposal of the Department of Financial Services for extending the term of managing director (MD) and CEO of Bank of Baroda (BoB) Sanjiv Chadha for about five months till 30 June, 2023. The order comes ahead of his three-year tenure was going to end on 19 January 2023. The Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB), the headhunter for directors of state-owned banks and financial institutions, recommended elevation of Executive Director (ED) Debadatta Chand as managing director of Bank of Baroda. Besides, the Bureau recommended Union Bank of India ED Rajneesh Karnatak for the position of MD & CEO in Bank of India.
Bank of Baroda HQ- Vadodara, Gujarat
Founder- Sayajirao Gaekwad III
Tagline- India's International Bank
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Congress MP Santokh Singh Chaudhary died of a heart attack during Bharat Jodo Yatra in Punjab.
Congress MP from Jalandhar, Santokh Singh Chaudhary died of a heart attack during Bharat Jodo Yatra in Punjab. Mr Chaudhary had won the Lok Sabha elections twice - first in 2014 and later in 2019. His son Vikramjit Singh Chaudhary is a Congress MLA from Phillaur assembly constituency in Punjab.
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The English version of the book titled 'Come! Let’s Run' by Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ma. Subramanian was released by Krishnamachari Srikkanth, former Captain of Indian Cricket team, at the Chennai Book Fair.
The English version of the book titled 'Come! Let’s Run' by Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ma. Subramanian was released by Krishnamachari Srikkanth, former Captain of Indian Cricket team, at the Chennai Book Fair. The Tamil version of the same book titled Odalam Vanga was released on March 8, 2021. The book was published by Emerald Publishers and the English translation was done by Geeta Padmanaban (a teacher) along with J. Joicy and Sharon.
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Vidisha, a district of Madhya Pradesh, becomes India's first district ever for on-ground implementation of groundbreaking 5G use cases proposed by startups.
Vidisha, a district of Madhya Pradesh, becomes India's first district ever for on-ground implementation of groundbreaking 5G use cases proposed by startups. This is a joint initiative by the Vidisha District Administration and the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), Department of Telecommunications (DoT), under the direction of Additional Secretary (Telecom) & Administrator USOF. On 12th January 2023 during the Additional Secretary(T) visit Vidisha district, the following 5G/IoT use cases were demonstrated by startups in collaboration with C-DOT: Superceuticals- 5G/4G Enabled smart health kiosk for measuring vitals & performing tests almost instantaneously with. Ambupod: 5G/4G Enabled Auto Ambulance with basic life safety support & measurement of vitals with remote doctor support. LogyAI: Cataract Eye Screening application using smart phone for quick & effective screening of cataract disease. Easiofy: AR/VR-3D visualization application for Lung & Brain scans (CT/XRAY etc) for effective diagnosis. TechXR- AR/VR- 3D immersive experience kit for students for enhanced learning & teaching tool for innovative teaching mehods. BKC Aggregators: Fasal Salah App- personalized crop advisory for farmers to take informed decisions and connecting with Mandis/Traders, state subsidies/insurance for crops. Dvara-Surabhi: Unique Biometric muzzle identity of cattle to be used by state department and insurance companies, and predicting health status of cattle to be used by dairy farmers. C-DOT (R&D Arm of DoT): One stop platform integrating all the health suits enabling Tele consultation and e-learning solution suit.
Madhya Pradesh Founded- 1 November 1956
Capital- Bhopal
CM- Shivraj Singh Chouhan
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For the first time in India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has specified identity standards for basmati rice (including brown basmati, milled basmati, parboiled brown basmati, and milled parboiled basmati).
For the first time in India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has specified identity standards for basmati rice (including brown basmati, milled basmati, parboiled brown basmati, and milled parboiled basmati). The standards, vide Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) First Amendment Regulations, 2023 and notified in the Gazette of India, are aimed at establishing fair practices in the trade of basmati rice and protect consumer interest, both domestically and globally. These standards will be enforced from August 1, 2023. These standards also specify various identity and quality parameters for basmati rice such as average size of grains and their elongation ratio after cooking, maximum limits of moisture, amylose content, uric acid, defective or damaged grains and incidental presence of other non-basmati rice etc.
FSSAI Chairperson- Rita Teaotia
HQ- New Delhi
Parent agency- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India
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India and the United States have established a new working group to build sustainable supply chains and boost bilateral trade.
India and the United States have established a new working group to build sustainable supply chains and boost bilateral trade. The working group will initially focus on trade facilitation, digitization of customs procedures, issues related to sustainable finance and the scaling up of innovative clean technologies, according to the statement issued after a Trade Policy Forum meeting in Washington DC. The countries also agreed to continue close monitoring of visa issues and increase dialogue on food and agricultural trade issues in 2023.
President- Joe Biden
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The Union Bank of India (UBI) sanctions 150 agri drone loans for Garuda Kisan drones.
India's leading drone startup Garuda Aerospace has partnered with the Union Bank of India (UBI). Under the partnership, about 150 Garuda Agri Kisan drones have received sanction for drone loans under the Kisan Pushpak Scheme. The drone loan will help farmers to digitise land record operations for crop production, spraying of fertilisers, chemicals, growth promotors, pesticides, etc, with the help of drones. The partnership will be useful for lead generation, customer acquisition, sourcing of applications, and due diligence of customers for credit deployment. Garuda Kisan drone is the first to receive the Agri drone loan in July 2022. Garuda Aerospace has started training 1 lakh youth free of cost and is targeting to sell 5,000 drones before March 31, 2023.
Union Bank of India Founded- November 1919
HQ- Mumbai
Tagline- Good People to Bank With
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The United Nations in its World Social Report 2023 projected that the number of people aged 65 years or older worldwide is to more than double from 761 million in 2021 to 1.6 billion in 2050.
The United Nations in its World Social Report 2023 projected that the number of people aged 65 years or older worldwide is to more than double from 761 million in 2021 to 1.6 billion in 2050. The World Social Report 2023 calls for concrete measures to support the greying global population, amidst escalating pension and healthcare costs. The number of people aged 80 years or older is growing even faster. The report was published by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). Northern Africa, Western Asia and sub-Saharan Africa are expected to experience the fastest growth in the number of older people over the next 30 years. Currently, Europe and Northern America combined, have the highest share of this population.
United Nations Founded- 24 October 1945
HQ- New York, United States
Secretary general- António Guterres
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The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) allowed alternative investment funds (AIFs) to participate in the Credit Default Swaps (CDS) market as protection buyers and sellers.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) allowed alternative investment funds (AIFs) to participate in the Credit Default Swaps (CDS) market as protection buyers and sellers. The new norms, which will come into force with immediate effect, allow business entities to hedge risks associated with the bonds market. CDS is a specific kind of counter-party agreement which allows the transfer of third party credit risk from one party to another. Under the new norm, Category-I and Category-II AIFs can buy CDS on underlying investment in debt securities only for the purpose of hedging, while Category-III AIFs can purchase CDS for hedging or otherwise, within permissible leverage. SEBI has allowed mutual funds (MFs) with actively-managed tax-saving Equity Linked Saving Scheme (ELSS) to launch the same scheme in passive mode. In order to develop the low-cost passive funds, SEBI allowed MFs to launch passively managed open-ended ELSS scheme.
SEBI Founded- 12 April 1992
HQ- Mumbai
1st Chairman- G.V. Ramakrishna
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State Bank of India (SBI) has launched e-Bank Guarantee (e-BG) facility in association with National e-Governance Services Limited (NeSL) to enhance transparency and reduce turnaround time from days to minutes.
State Bank of India (SBI) has launched e-Bank Guarantee (e-BG) facility in association with National e-Governance Services Limited (NeSL) to enhance transparency and reduce turnaround time from days to minutes. Currently, the bank issues these guarantees with physical stamping and wet signatures. The introduction of e-BG will replace this function with e-stamping and e-signature. NeSL’s Digital Document Execution (DDE) platform, which provides e-Stamp and e-Sign functions, will facilitate the e-Bank Guarantee process.
State Bank of India Founded- 1 July 1955
HQ- Mumbai
Chairperson- Dinesh Kumar Khara
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China's Alibaba Group sold a 3.1% stake in Indian digital payments firm Paytm for a total of $125 million through a block deal.
China's Alibaba Group sold a 3.1% stake in Indian digital payments firm Paytm for a total of $125 million through a block deal. Alibaba, which held a 6.26% stake in Paytm as of end-September, sold the stake at 536.95 rupees apiece. Paytm listed in 2021 after a mega $2.5 billion initial public offer (IPO).
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As per the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation data released, Retail inflation, based on the consumer price index (CPI), eased to a one-year low of 5.72 percent in December 2022 from 5.88 percent in November 2022.
As per the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation data released, Retail inflation, based on the consumer price index (CPI), eased to a one-year low of 5.72 percent in December 2022 from 5.88 percent in November 2022. Food Price Index dipped to 4.19 percent in December from 4.67 percent in November. The CPI has come below the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) upper margin of 6 percent for the first time in the calendar year 2022.
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Private equity major Apax Partners is likely to sell its entire stake, up to 17.3 million shares or 4.63% stake, in non-bank lender Shriram Finance in a block deal.
Private equity major Apax Partners is likely to sell its entire stake, up to 17.3 million shares or 4.63% stake, in non-bank lender Shriram Finance in a block deal. The deal is valued at approximately Rs2,250 crore. Apax Partners, through unit Dynasty Acquisition, will sell up to 17.3 million shares in the publicly traded firm through the secondary market transaction. Apax Partners owns about 4.63% of Shriram Finance after the merger of Shriram City and Shriram Transport.
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Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has signed an agreement with the Norway-based H2Carrier to develop floating green ammonia projects for industrial-scale applications.
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has signed an agreement with the Norway-based H2Carrier to develop floating green ammonia projects for industrial-scale applications. The companies will now become partners for engineering, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning for H2C's plants. H2C plans to build P2X floater hull at yards in Asia and it will design and fabricate the topside process and utility modules to produce green hydrogen and green ammonia, including electrolysers, nitrogen generation plant, and ammonia synthesis unit. The P2X floater is an industrial-scale floating green hydrogen and green ammonia facility.
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Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) ‘Kamla Devi’, the fifth and last vessel of the series of Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV), was commissioned in Kolkata.
Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) ‘Kamla Devi’, the fifth and last vessel of the series of Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV), was commissioned in Kolkata. It was designed, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd. ICGS Kamla Devi is 48.9 meters long and 7.5 meters wide with a displacement of 308 Tons. With three engines and water jets, she is capable of a top speed of 34 knots and an endurance of over 1,500 nautical miles. It has an Integrated Bridge System and is fitted with a 40/60 gun as the main armament.
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IT Company Cognizant has announced the appointment of Ravi Kumar S as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), replacing the outgoing Brian Humphries, effective immediately.
IT Company Cognizant has announced the appointment of Ravi Kumar S as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), replacing the outgoing Brian Humphries, effective immediately. To facilitate a smooth transition, Humphries will remain with the Company as a special advisor until March 15, 2023. Kumar joins Cognizant after a 20-year career at Infosys, where he held various leadership roles, most serving as President from January 2016 through October 2022. Stephen J. Rohleder, a member of Cognizant's Board since March 2022, has been elected Chair of the Board. Former Chair Michael Patsalos-Fox will remain on the Board as an independent director. Rohleder joined the Board in March 2022 as part of the Board's ongoing Board refreshment process; during the last three years, the Board has added three new independent directors.
HQ- Teaneck, New Jersey, United States
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The United Arab Emirates has named Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber, chief executive of the UAE's Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), as president of the COP28 climate summit.
The United Arab Emirates has named Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber, chief executive of the UAE's Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), as president of the COP28 climate summit. Sultan al-Jaber, chief executive and group managing director of the UAE's Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), will be the first CEO to take the role at the UN summit. COP28 will be held at Dubai's Expo City from November 30 through December 12, 2023.
Currency- United Arab Emirates Dirham
President- Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
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Former Union Minister and one of the country's most prominent socialist leaders, Sharad Yadav passed away in Gurugram, Haryana.
Former Union Minister and one of the country's most prominent socialist leaders, Sharad Yadav passed away in Gurugram, Haryana. He reconciled both with the Congress and great political rival Lalu Yadav and was instrumental in crafting the Grand Alliance after the 2015 assembly elections in Bihar. Sharad Yadav served as a minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government in the late '90s and the VP Singh government in 1989. A three-time member of Rajya Sabha, he was elected to the Lok Sabha seven times.
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The Uttar Pradesh government has received investments proposals worth Rs76,867 crore from across India and signed 79 memorandums of understandings (MoUs) ahead of UP Global Investors Summit (UPGIS) 2023 which will be held in Lucknow in February 2023.
The Uttar Pradesh government has received investments proposals worth Rs76,867 crore from across India and signed 79 memorandums of understandings (MoUs) ahead of UP Global Investors Summit (UPGIS) 2023 which will be held in Lucknow in February 2023. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh, which is poised to become the growth engine of the country and a state with $1 trillion economy, has become the first investment destination of entrepreneurs and investors. A grand road show was organized in Lucknow on the initiative of Uttar Pradesh Government's Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi. Investors from Delhi, Bengaluru, Noida, Meerut, Ghaziabad, Odisha, Kanpur, Shamli, Lucknow, Chhatarpur and Mumbai signed MoUs online and offline in the road show. City Gold Corporation signed MoUs worth Rs26,000 crore to set up cement and ethanol projects in the state. Rs15,000 crore MoU was signed to set up green energy plant in the state. Sanjay Singhania of Haldiram Group signed MoU worth Rs1,300 crore, Kamlesh Jain of Varun Beverages signed MoU worth Rs3,400 crore, ML Jaiswal of DS Group signed MoU worth Rs3,000 crore and Nidan Diagnostic Center signed MoU worth Rs750 crore.
Uttar Pradesh Capital- Lucknow
Governor- Anandiben Patel
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R’Bonney Gabriel of the United States was crowned Miss Universe 2022 at a 71st edition of Miss Universe ceremony in New Orleans.
R’Bonney Gabriel of the United States was crowned Miss Universe 2022 at a 71st edition of Miss Universe ceremony in New Orleans. She was crowned by Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu at the grand finale Miss Universe. R’Bonney is a fashion designer, model, and sewing instructor. She is currently CEO of her own sustainable clothing line, R’Bonney Nola. Miss USA has been crowned Miss Universe for the first time in 11 years. The Dominican Republic came in third place, while Venezuela came in second. Over 80 contestants competed for the Miss Universe 2022 title.
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The Indian High Commission signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a Hindi Chair at the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.
The Indian High Commission signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a Hindi Chair at the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. High Commissioner Gopal Baglay and Vice Chancellor of Sabaragamuwa University Professor Udaya Rathnayake signed the MoU to establish the Hindi Chair as part of India’s cultural connect through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. The Hindi chair will help in familiarizing students with India, its history, and culture as well as pave way for popularising Hindi by deputing Indian faculties.
Sri Lanka Capitals- Colombo, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Currency- Sri Lankan Rupee
Official languages- Sinhala, Tamil
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According to the new study of UNU-INWEH (United Nations University Institute on Water, Environment and Health), India’s 3,700 large dams will have lost on average 26 percent of their initial total storage by 2050.
According to the new study of UNU-INWEH (United Nations University Institute on Water, Environment and Health), India’s 3,700 large dams will have lost on average 26 percent of their initial total storage by 2050. About 50,000 large dams across the world will lose 24-28 percent water storage capacity by 2050. These water reservoirs have already lost about 13-19 percent capacity to sedimentation. The estimated actual capacity loss of around 1,650 billion cubic metres is equal to the annual water use of India, China, Canada, Indonesia and France combined. The researchers also evaluated the various solutions available to the problem and highlighted the most efficient ones.
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The Union Cabinet approved a Rs2,600-crore incentive scheme to promote Rupay debit card and low-value BHIM-UPI transactions (person-to-merchant) in FY23.
The Union Cabinet approved a Rs2,600-crore incentive scheme to promote Rupay debit card and low-value BHIM-UPI transactions (person-to-merchant) in FY23. A decision in this regard was taken in the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Under the scheme, banks would be provided financial incentives for promoting Point of Sale (PoS) and e-commerce transactions using RuPay and UPI in the current financial year. It would help in building a robust digital payment ecosystem. The scheme would also promote UPI Lite and UPI123PAY as economical and user-friendly digital payments. UPI has achieved a record of 782.9 crore digital payment transactions with a value of Rs12.82 lakh crore in the month of December 2022.
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According to the Official Airline Guide (OAG)'s Punctuality League 2023 report, India's largest airline IndiGo and state-owned Coimbatore airport are among the 20 most punctual airlines and airports globally.
According to the Official Airline Guide (OAG)'s Punctuality League 2023 report, India's largest airline IndiGo and state-owned Coimbatore airport are among the 20 most punctual airlines and airports globally. On-Time Performance (OTP) in 2022, IndiGo is ranked 15th while Coimbatore airport is at the 13th position. Among the 20 most punctual airlines globally, IndiGo is at 15th place with an OTP of 83.51 percent in 2022. The list is topped by Garuda Indonesia with an OTP of 95.63 percent, followed by Safair (95.30 percent) and Eurowings (95.26 percent) at the second and third spots, respectively. Thai AirAsia (92.33 percent) is at fourth place and Jeju Airlines (91.84 percent) is in fifth position. In the top 20 list, IndiGo is ahead of Thai Smile Airways (16th rank), Delta Air Lines (17), Viva Air Columbia (18), Etihad Airways (19) and Emirates (20). Among the top 20 mega airlines by OTP, IndiGo is at fifth place in the list, topped by All Nippon Airways (88.79 percent). Japan Airlines (88.07 percent) is at second place, followed by LATAM Airlines Group (85.03 percent) and Azul Airlines (84.87 percent). Mega airlines are the world's top 20 operators in terms of scheduled flights in 2022. Among the top 20 airports in terms of OTP globally in 2022, Coimbatore airport is at 13th place with a score of 88.01 percent and the cancellation rate was only 0.54 percent.
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Funding for Indian startups dropped by 33 percent to USD 24 billion in 2022 as compared to 2021 though it was nearly double the amount recorded in 2019 or 2020.
As per the report titled 'Startup Tracker-CY22', Funding for Indian startups dropped by 33 percent to USD 24 billion in 2022 (CY22) as compared to 2021 (CY21) though it was nearly double the amount recorded in 2019 (CY19) or 2020 (CY20). The startups received total funding of USD 13.2 billion in 2019, USD 10.9 billion in 2020 and USD 35.2 billion in 2021. In value terms, early-stage deals contributed to approximately 12 percent of the total funding in 2022 compared to nearly 7 percent in 2021. Growth and late-stage funding deals accounted for 88 percent of the funding activity in 2022 in value terms, representing 38 percent of the total count of deals. According to the report, average ticket size in growth-stage deals was $43 million and late-stage deal was $94 million during 2022. As regards the city-wise startup funding, Bengaluru, NCR and Mumbai accounted for nearly 82 percent of total Indian startups as of December 2022. As many as 28 percent of startups in the top three cities have raised in excess of USD 20 million.
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The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has allowed UPI transactions for non-resident bank accounts linked to mobile numbers of 10 countries.
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has allowed UPI transactions for non-resident bank accounts linked to mobile numbers of 10 countries. Non-resident account types like NRE/NRO accounts having international mobile numbers shall be allowed to get on-boarded/transact in UPI, the step was taken after NPCI received several requests from the payments ecosystem and customers for the same. It had allowed UPI transactions to and from NRO/NRE accounts linked to Indian numbers in October 2018. NRIs couldn’t access the UPI network since SIM binding, which is an important security feature of UPI, was available only to Indian SIM cards (phones). The 10 countries allowed under the facility are Singapore, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Oman, Qatar, USA, Saudi Arabia, UAE and United Kingdom.
HQ- Mumbai
Founders- Reserve Bank of India, Indian Banks' Association
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Export-Import Bank of India (India Exim Bank) has raised $1 billion via a 10-year Sustainability Bond issue in the 144A/Reg-S format under its Environmental Social Governance (ESG) Framework.
Export-Import Bank of India (India Exim Bank) has raised $1 billion via a 10-year Sustainability Bond issue in the 144A/Reg-S format under its Environmental Social Governance (ESG) Framework. This issuance at a coupon rate of CT10 (US 10-year Treasury Bond) +190 basis points makes India Exim Bank the first Indian issuer to open the markets for dollar and sustainability bond issuances in 2023. This issuance makes India Exim Bank the largest ever single tranche IG ESG issuer out of India.
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Punjab & Sind Bank (PSB), based in Delhi, and Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance have enter into Corporate Agency Partnership.
Punjab & Sind Bank (PSB), based in Delhi, and Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance have enter into Corporate Agency Partnership. The agreement was signed in New Delhi by Swarup Kumar Saha, MD & CEO of Punjab & Sind Bank, and Tarun Chugh, MD & CEO of Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance. Punjab & Sind Bank is the 25th Schedule Commercial Bank to collaborate with Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance in order to distribute its life goals-based product suite. The collaboration would allow new and existing clients of Punjab & Sind Bank to access a range of retail life insurance products from Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, including term, savings, retirement, and investment choices.
Punjab & Sind Bank Founder- Vir Singh; MD&CEO- Swarup Kumar Saha
HQ- New Delhi
Tagline- Where service is a way of life
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Fintech startup EnKash has got in-principle approval from RBI for payment aggregator's licence.
Fintech startup EnKash has got in-principle approval from RBI for payment aggregator's licence. The licence will enable EnKash to broaden its product offerings to millions of businesses for digital transactions. Founded in 2018, EnKash claims to have assisted 1 lakh businesses to digitise and decentralise their corporate payments.