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NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a government company under the Department of Space and the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has entered into a landmark Dedicated Launch Service Agreement with Space Machines Company, an Australian-Indian in-space servicing firm. This agreement paves the way for the launch of Space Machines Company’s second Optimus spacecraft, weighing 450kg. This spacecraft is notable as the largest Australian-designed and built spacecraft to date. Scheduled for a dedicated launch aboard NSIL/ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) in 2026, this mission represents a significant milestone in space collaboration between India and Australia, marking a new era of partnership in space exploration and technology development.
At the India Space Congress 2024 held in Delhi, Rajat Kulshrestha, CEO and Co-Founder of Space Machines Company, and Mr. Radhakrishnan Durairaj, Chairman and Managing Director of NSIL, formally announced the signing of the Launch Service Agreement.
Through this agreement, NSIL and Space Machines Company emphasized their commitment to playing a significant role in space exploration.
About NSIL
MD - Mr. Radhakrishnan Durairaj
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CCI approves acquisition of certain equity shares of Sneha Farms Private Limited by Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
Mitsui is a general trading company with a highly diversified business and investment portfolio. It has offices and overseas trading affiliates in 61 countries and regions. It is listed with the Tokyo Stock Exchange and is engaged in various business areas including, mineral and metal resources, energy, infrastructure projects, mobility, chemicals, iron & steel products, food, food & retail management, wellness, IT & communication, and corporate development. Sneha Farms is a private limited company, incorporated in 1994. It has two subsidiaries, namely Sneha Gold Proteins Private Limited and Singh Poultry Private Limited. Sneha Farms primarily operates within the poultry industry in India, covering a wide range of activities from poultry breeding to product distribution, including the maintenance of hatcheries, manufacturing of poultry feed and pre-mixes, processing of frozen and chilled chicken, production of ready-to-cook/ ready to eat/ marinated poultry products, etc. It is also engaged in the production of fish feed, pet food, etc.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved acquisition of certain equity shares of Sneha Farms Private Limited (Sneha Farms /Target) by Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (Mitsui/Acquirer).
The proposed transaction relates to Mitsui’s proposed acquisition of certain equity shares of Sneha Farms by way of a combination of primary subscription and secondary purchase (Proposed Combination).
About CCI
CEO - Ravneet Kaur
HQ - New Delhi
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IBJA reconstitutes board for 2024-29 with Prithviraj Kothari as national chief.
Prithviraj Kothari has been appointed as National President of India's oldest and apex association i.e. India Bullion And Jewellers Association in place of outgoing President Mohit Bharatiya for the next five years, 2019 to 2024. CA Surendra Mehta has been appointed as National Secretary and Ketan Kothari as Joint Secretary. Sanjay Jain becomes Treasurer and Nimesh Choksi as Joint Treasurer.
Aspect Global Ventures’ Aksha Mohit Kamboj appointed the national vice-president.
Currently, Prithviraj Kothari is Managing Director of RiddiSiddhi Bullions Limited.
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Bank of Baroda onboards Rising Indian Tennis Sensation Sumit Nagal as its Brand Endorser.
Bank of Baroda has signed tennis player, Sumit Nagal, as its brand endorser. The bank stated that this move was in alignment with its philosophy to support emerging talented and ambitious Indian sportspersons who compete with the best on the world stage.
Bank of Baroda has appointed Indian tennis player Sumit Nagal as its brand endorser, reflecting the bank’s commitment to supporting emerging Indian athletes on the global stage.
In January 2024, he made history as the first Indian in 35 years to defeat a seeded player in a Grand Slam men’s singles match at the Australian Open.
About BOB
CEO- Debadatta Chand
HQ - Vadodara, Gujarat
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National Insurance Awareness Day is observed every year on June 28.
National Insurance Awareness Day 2024: The low insurance penetration in India is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of millions of Indians to financial burden and crisis in case of untoward incidents like terminal illness, accident, etc. National Insurance Awareness Day, observed every year on June 28, is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of taking insurance.
A right insurance help people secure their future and protect their family from unprecedented events.
From early adulthood to retirement, the right insurance helps a person secure the future of himself and his family.
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Govt monetises ₹1.56 lakh crore assets in FY24, falls short of ₹1.8 lakh crore target.
Under the NMP, the aggregate monetisation potential of the central government's brownfield infrastructure assets has been estimated at ₹6 lakh crore over a four-year period, from FY22 to FY25. According to the statement, the total target for the first two years -- 2021-22, and 2022-23 -- under the NMP was around ₹2.5 lakh crore, against which about ₹2.30 lakh crore was achieved.
The government monetised assets worth ₹1.56 lakh crore under the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) in 2023-24, lower than the target of ₹1.8 lakh crore, an official statement said on Wednesday.
Asset monetisation is aimed at tapping private sector investment to create new infrastructure.
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Om Birla elected Speaker of 18th Lok Sabha for 2nd consecutive term via voice vote.
NDA nominee Om Birla was elected Speaker of the Lok Sabha for a second consecutive term by a voice vote even as the Opposition, in a rare move, fielded its own candidate. Prime Minister Narendra Modi moved the motion for Birla's election as Speaker.Protem Speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab made the announcement of Birla's election after the Opposition, which had forwarded the name of eight-time Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh as its candidate, did not press for division of votes.
Modi lauded the balance Birla had showed in maintaining the decorum of the House during his previous term, which involved taking several tough decisions.
They hoped that he would allow them to raise the voice of the people and not apply his restraint orders only to the Opposition benches.
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NATO Allies select Mark Rutte as next Secretary General.
On Wednesday (26 June 2024), the North Atlantic Council decided to appoint Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the next Secretary General of NATO, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg. Mr Rutte will assume his functions as Secretary General from 1 October 2024, when Mr Stoltenberg’s term expires after ten years at the helm of the Alliance.
Mr. Rutte’s appointment was sealed by NATO ambassadors during a meeting at the 32-nation alliance’s headquarters in Brussels. U.S. President Joe Biden and his counterparts will formally welcome him to their table at a summit in Washington on July 9-11.
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Indian economy likely to grow at 7.5% in FY25.
Underpinned by the buoyancy in economic activity witnessed in the first quarter, a keen policy focus on investment and the expectations of a normal monsoon, India’s economy may grow by close to 7.5% in 2024-25, the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) said on Wednesday.
Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) raised its projections for India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth to 7.2% from 7% in FY25.
. Growth projections have been upgraded by various other agencies as well with the median projection at 6.9%.
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Celebrated author Arundhati Roy has been named the recipient of the 2024 PEN Pinter Prize.
Celebrated author Arundhati Roy has been named the recipient of the 2024 PEN Pinter Prize, an award presented by English PEN in memory of Nobel Laureate Harold Pinter. The prize recognises writers of outstanding literary merit who embody Pinter’s spirit of examining the world with an “unflinching, unswerving” gaze. The award ceremony is scheduled for October 10, 2024, at the British Library, where Roy will deliver a keynote address.
The selection of Roy as this year’s laureate was announced in April by a panel comprising Ruth Borthwick, Chair of English PEN, actor and activist Khalid Abdalla, and writer and musician Roger Robinson.
Roy will share this year’s award with a yet-to-be-announced Writer of Courage, a distinction given to a writer who, despite personal risk, has been an active defender of freedom of expression.
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Sebi forms 15-member working group to review derivative trading norms.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has formed a working group to review derivatives trading norms with an aim of enhancing investor protection and risk management, said people aware of the development. The 15-member panel will be headed by G Padmanabhan, former executive director of Reserve Bank of India (RBI). It will be tasked with market development and regulation to enhance risk architecture of exchange-traded derivatives and investor protection.
The working group has representatives from the market ecosystem, such as the exchanges, brokers, and academicians.
The market regulator will also be taking up another proposal in its upcoming board meeting this week on eligibility criteria for single stocks for entry into the derivatives segment.
About SEBI
Chairperson - Smt. Madhabi Puri Buch
HQ - Mumbai
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India's largest leopard safari opens near Bengaluru.
South India’s first and the country’s largest leopard safari was inaugurated by Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre on Wednesday at the Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP). As per Central Zoo Authority guidelines for safaris, an area of 20 hectares has been demarcated and fenced for the safari. Currently eight leopards have been released for the safari in the open forest area.
Currently eight leopards have been released for the safari in the open forest area.
According to BBP officials, Bannerghatta is home to a good population of free ranging leopards (Panthera pardus), and highlighting these top predators is vital.
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Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders receives ‘Navratna’ Status.
Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India has elevated Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), India’s premier warship and submarine builders to Navratna category on Tuesday. MDL is now the 21st Navratna CPSE in the country, 3rd in Defence PSUs and the first Shipyard to receive this status. The company posted a consolidated annual turnover of Rs. 9,467 crore and net profit of Rs. 1845 crore for the FY 2023-24. MDL earned the status of Miniratna- I in 2006. MDL also holds 47.21% of equity share capital of Goa Shipyard Limited, a PSU under Ministry of Defence. Now being elevated to Navratna status, signifies its consistent performance in the recent past and MDL is further committed to play a more significant role in the country's defence landscape and contribute to the growth and development of the sector in the years to come.
"The elevation to Navratna status is a testament to MDL's rich heritage and unwavering commitment to excellence," said Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of MDL.
MDL has achieved this feat owing to its strong legacy of technical proficiency in warship and submarine building and a workforce with professional diligence, innovation and performance that has elevated the growth of the company to new heights.
About MDL
CEO - SHEKHAR PATIL
HQ - Mumbai
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PM Narendra Modi meets US NSA Jake Sullivan in Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in the national capital. After the meeting, he wrote on X that India is committed to further its strategic partnership with the United States for global good. The meeting between PM Modi and Jake Sullivan came days after the former met US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy.
After the meeting, PM Modi wrote on X that India is committed to further its global strategic partnership with the United States.
Jake Sullivan is touring India along with a high-level delegation comprising senior US government officials and industry leaders.
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HDFC Bank launches digital investment platform SmartWealth.
Incorporating cutting-edge technology, the HDFC Bank SmartWealth comes loaded with first-ever features that allow investors to make the right investment decisions and plan their financial journey. It has been developed with first-time investors in mind, built with smart intelligence and has pioneering tools that allow users to make the right investment decisions to plan their finances, said the bank.
SmartWealth caters to first-time investors, offering intelligent tools and personalised portfolio plans.
HDFC Bank has launched a new digital investment platform to take wealth services to every Indian and make investments simple and transparent.
About HDFC
Sashidhar Jagdishan (CEO)
HQ - Mumbai
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Ministry of Education rolls out a nationwide campaign on Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI).
Tobacco use is one of the major causes of preventable deaths and diseases in India and accounts for nearly 1.35 million deaths every year in the country. India is also the second largest consumer and producer of tobacco. According to Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) 2019, 8.5 percent of school students in the age group of 13 to 15 consume tobacco in different forms across the country.
Easy access to tobacco products in its different forms around our school buildings and campuses believed to be one of the major contributing factors causing the above situation.
As part of the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, has issued the Tobacco Free Educational Institution (ToFEI) Guidelines for safeguarding minors and youth from tobacco use.
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Punjab & Sind Bank signs pact with Indian Army for salary account.
State-owned Punjab & Sind Bank has signed an initial agreement with the Indian Army on defence salary package which will come with a host of facilities, including free insurance cover. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed to this effect. Besides many features, the MoU provides the serving personnel, veterans and trainees with personal accident insurance (Death/Disability) cover up to Rs 1 crore and an air accidental cover of Rs 1.2 crore.
PSB Gaurav Bachat SB Salary account is exclusively designed to cater to the distinct banking requirement of serving and retired personnels.
The product is also strategically aimed to tap Agniveers enrolled in the Agnipath scheme, ensuring a comprehensive financial solution that aligns with distinctive needs of the segment.
About PSB
Swarup Kumar Saha (MD & CEO)
HQ - New Delhi
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Flipkart launches UPI app Super.money.
Super.Money partners with Utkarsh Small Finance Bank, Axis Bank, and IndusInd Bank to ensure reliability and credibility. Flipkart group's new Unified Payments Interface (UPI) app, super.money, has officially launched, marking a significant milestone more than a year after its separation from Walmart-backed fintech, PhonePe. Currently in beta mode, the app is available to only 100,000 users initially.
Flipkart launches super.money UPI app with real cashback rewards and seamless bank integration.
The app integrates with existing bank accounts, providing a smooth, secure payment experience and aims to democratize financial services.
About Flipkart
CEO - Kalyan Krishnamurthi
HQ- BENGALURU
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K-pop group SEVENTEEN was appointed as UNESCO's inaugural Goodwill Ambassador for Youth at a ceremony in Paris.
K-pop group SEVENTEEN took center stage at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris as they were appointed as the organisation's inaugural Goodwill Ambassador for Youth. The members delivered a moving speech that emphasised the significance of solidarity and encouraged young people to pursue their aspirations. The heartfelt message deeply resonated with the audience. The event was livestream via UNESCO's official YouTube channel.
They pledged a $1 million donation and launched a global campaign to support youth-led projects.
SEVENTEEN will be next performing at the Lollapalooza.
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India's External Debt Rises to $663 Billion.
As of the end of March 2024, India's external debt stood at $663.8 billion, marking an increase of $39.7 billion from March 2023. The Reserve Bank of India has provided a detailed breakdown of these figures, highlighting several key developments. India's external debt to GDP ratio saw a slight decline, dropping to 18.7% in March 2024 from 19.0% a year earlier. This decrease reflects a relative improvement in managing the country's debt levels against its economic output
A significant portion of the debt increase can be attributed to the appreciation of the US dollar against the Indian rupee and other major currencies like the yen, euro, and Special Drawing Rights (SDR).
This currency valuation effect amounted to $8.7 billion. Excluding this factor, the actual increase in external debt would have been $48.4 billion instead of $39.7 billion.
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GST rate rationalisation panel reconstituted with Bihar Deputy CM Chaudhary as convenor.
The GST Council on Friday made public that Group of Ministers to give recommendation on rate rationalisation has been reconstituted with Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Samrat Chaudhary as new convenor. Chaudhary will replace Finance Minister of Uttar Pradesh Suresh Khanna. The office memorandum, dated February 27 but posted the Council website now, says other members of the reconstituted panel are Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna, Goa Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho, Rajasthan Medical, and Health Services Minister Gajendra Singh. It also includes West Bengal Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya, Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, and Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal.
Chaudhary will replace Finance Minister of Uttar Pradesh Suresh Khanna.
Out of seven members GoM, four are from NDA and three from opposition-ruled States.
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SBI General Insurance names Naveen Chandra Jha as new MD & CEO.
SBI General Insurance Company Ltd. has named Shri Naveen Chandra Jha as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. His parent business, State Bank of India, nominated him for the role. He succeeds Shri Kishore Kumar Poludasu. Shri Naveen Chandra Jha has been with the State Bank of India since 1994, holding numerous critical roles during his tenure. Shri Naveen Chandra Jha, Deputy Managing Director, State Bank of India, previously served as Chief General Manager of Amaravati Circle, Andhra Pradesh, before joining SBI General Insurance.
Shri Naveen Chandra Jha has almost three decades of expertise in the financial industry.
His concentration on entire business strategy, operations, budgeting, and strategic growth is ideally aligned with the company’s aim to be the market leader.
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An aerial stem-parasitic flowering plant species discovered in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
An aerial stem-parasitic flowering plant species Dendrophthoe longensis was from Long Islands of middle Andamans, whereas a small herb Petrocosmea arunachalense was discovered from a cave from West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. Indian botanists and researchers have discovered two new species of plants from two bio-geographic hotspots of the country the Andaman and Nicobar islands and Arunachal Pradesh.
A team led by scientist Lal Ji Singh, discovered aerial stem-parasitic flowering plant species Dendrophthoe longensis from the Long Islands of middle Andamans.
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The United Nations General Assembly designated 27 June 2024 as "Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises Day" .
The 2024 MSME Day offers an opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas on how key stakeholders, including policy makers, large companies, financial institutions, and the international community can support micro-, small and medium-sized businesses to advance the 2030 Agenda and contribute to achieving the SDGs, including poverty eradication and decent work for all.
A human-centered approach is central to the evolving 'circular economy,' emphasizing the importance of individuals and communities in driving sustainable transformation.
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Amit Shah Inaugurates ‘Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Programme’ At Delhi IGI Airport.
In a first-of-its-kind initiative to provide more amenities for Indian nationals and OCI passengers, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the ‘Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP)’ at Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport on Saturday.
The FTI-TTP aims to simplify and secure international travel by developing world-class immigration facilities through an expedited pathway for international travellers screened via automated e-Gates.
The launch of this programme is a key part of the ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ agenda, reflecting the Modi government’s commitment to enhancing travel efficiency and convenience.
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The 50th G7 summit was held from 13 to 15 June 2024 at Borgo Egnazia in the city of Fasano in Apulia, Italy.
All G7 member states participated in the summit, including the representatives of the European Union. The President of the European Commission has been a permanently welcome participant at all meetings since 1981. On 17 February, the G7 Foreign Ministers met informally at the Munich Security Conference. As Chair of the meeting, Italy's Minister for Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani released a statement. The ministers expressed "unwavering support" to Ukraine's sovereignty and demanded clarification on the death of Alexei Navalny. They also addressed regional conflicts in the Middle East and the Red Sea, condemning terrorist attacks and reporting concerns about Iran's nuclear program.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced in November 2023 that Fasano would be the headquarters of the G7.
Italy, coinciding with its G7 presidency in 2024, emphasized strategic partnerships with Africa.
This was the first time that a Pope has attended a G7 summit.
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Muthoot Microfin secures IRDAI licence to offer insurance products.
The licence allows Muthoot Microfin to offer insurance products to its customers while augmenting its sources of revenue and earnings, the stock exchange filing said. Sadaf Sayeed, CEO, Muthoot Microfin, said, “This development with IRDAI empowers us to bridge the protection gap for our microfinance customers.”
Muthoot Microfin stock rose 2.17 per cent to trade at ₹248.16 as of 2.18 pm on NSE.
Muthoot Microfin has secured a corporate agent licence from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
About Muthoot Microfin
CEO - Sadaf Sayeed
HQ- Kochi, Kerala, India.
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India's FY24 CAD narrows to 0.7% of GDP from 2% in FY23, records surplus of 0.6% in Q4.
India’s current account registered a surplus in the final quarter of the previous fiscal boosted by higher services. Its current account deficit (CAD) decreased in FY24 due to lower merchandise trade deficit, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said on June 24.
The country’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) decreased to 0.7 percent of GDP, or $23.2 billion in FY24, down from 2 percent of GDP, or $67 billion, in FY23.
Foreign portfolio investment experienced a net inflow of $44.1 billion in FY24 compared to a net outflow of $5.2 billion in FY23.
Meanwhile, net FDI inflow dropped to $9.8 billion in FY24 compared to $28 billion in FY23.
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The Centre on Monday announced a one-year extension for Intelligence Bureau director Tapan Kumar Deka until June 30, 2025.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet headed by PM Narendra Modi has approved the extension in service of Deka -- a 1988 batch IPS officer of Himachal Pradesh cadre -- as the Director, Intelligence Bureau, for a period of one year beyond June 30, 2024, a government order said.
In June 2022, Deka was appointed as the chief of the domestic spy agency IB for two years after the tenure of incumbent Intelligence Bureau Director Arvind Kumar ended on June 30, 2022.
Deka has spent most of his career in the Intelligence Bureau.
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Frank Duckworth, co-inventor of DLS method, dies at the age of 84.
The Duckworth-Lewis method, devised by Duckworth and fellow statistician Tony Lewis, was introduced to determine results in rain-affected cricket matches. The method was first used in international cricket in 1997 and was formally adopted by the ICC as the standard method for setting revised targets in truncated games in 2001.
Duckworth and Lewis were both awarded MBEs (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in June 2010.
The DLS method is based on a complex statistical analysis that considers many factors like wickets remaining and overs lost, among others, to set a revised target for the team batting second.
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MoD to collaborate with SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd for design & development of miniaturised satellite capable of carrying multiple payloads up to 150 kgs for Indian Air Force.
Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the flagship initiative of the Ministry of Defence, signed the landmark 350th contract in New Delhi on June 25, 2024. The contract was inked with SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd for the design and development of a ‘Miniaturised satellite capable of carrying Electro-Optical, Infrared, Synthetic Aperture Radar, and Hyperspectral payloads up to 150 kgs’. This challenge is being led by the Indian Air Force. The 150th iDEX contract was signed in December 2022, and within a span of 18 months, the 350th contract has been signed.
This 350th iDEX contract enables innovation in space electronics, wherein many payloads earlier deployed on dedicated large satellites are now being miniaturised.
The modular small satellite will integrate multiple miniaturised payloads as per requirement, providing advantages like faster and economical deployment, ease of manufacturing, scalability, adaptability, and less environmental impact.
about SpacePixxel
CEO - Awais Ahmed
HQ - California , USA
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ISRO successfully conducts 3rd and final landing experiment of Reusable Launch Vehicle ‘Pushpak’.
ISRO chairman S Somanath congratulated the team for their dedication in sustaining the streak of success in the landing experiment of ‘Pushpak’. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) accomplished the third landing experiment of the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV LEX-03) named ‘Pushpak’ on Sunday. According to a statement by the space agency, the test was carried out at 07:30 IST at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) located in Karnataka's Chitradurga.
The winged vehicle, 'Pushpak', was released from an Indian Air Force Chinook Helicopter at an altitude of 4.5 km on Sunday.
As a result of this mission, the sophisticated guidance algorithm addressing longitudinal and lateral plane error corrections, vital for future Orbital Re-entry Missions, has been authenticated.
About ISRO
chairman - S Somanath
HQ - Bangalore
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The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, or World Drug Day, is marked on 26 June every year .
By resolution 42/112 of 7 December 1987, the General Assembly decided to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse. Supported each year by individuals, communities, and various organizations all over the world, this global observance aims to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society.
Central to addressing this challenge is the imperative to adopt a scientific evidence-based approach that prioritizes prevention and treatment.
This year’s World Drug Day campaign recognizes that effective drug policies must be rooted in science, research, full respect for human rights, compassion, and a deep understanding of the social, economic, and health implications of drug use.
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The UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is observed on 26 June.
On 12 December 1997, by resolution 52/149, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 26 June the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, with a view to the total eradication of torture and the effective functioning of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
The United Nations has always condemned torture as one of the most heinous acts perpetrated by man against man.
The observance serves as a call to action for all stakeholders including UN Member States, civil society, and individuals everywhere to unite in support of the hundreds of thousands of people around the world who have been victims of torture and those who are still tortured today.
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Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) commemorated the 12th Passport Seva Divas on 24 June 2024.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) commemorated the 12th Passport Seva Divas on 24 June 2024 to mark the enactment of the Passports Act on 24 June 1967. Coinciding with this, a 3-day Regional Passport Officers (RPO) Conference was organized on 22-24 June in Delhi. In his message on the Passport Seva Divas, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar highlighted the commendable annual growth of nearly 15% in passport and related services wherein the Ministry rendered 1.65 crore passport related services to citizens in 2023. He also underlined the leveraging of the power of latest technologies to further improve the citizen experience. MEA has so far operationalised an expansive network of 440 Post office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs), which, along with the existing 93 Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs), take the total to 533 Passport application processing centres under 37 Regional Passport Offices (RPOs) in the country.
He also presented the Passport Seva Puraskars for the best performing Passport Offices and Passport Officers, the officials of the Central Passport Organisation, State Police organizations along with personnel of the Service Provider.
MEA has so far operationalised an expansive network of 440 Post office Passport Seva Kendras.
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PM Hasina’s Delhi Visit Energizes Bangladesh-India Relations.
Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was in India just a fortnight ago to attend the swearing-in of the Narendra Modi government, was back in New Delhi on June 21-22 on a bilateral state visit, which was the first by a foreign leader after the inauguration of Modi’s third term as prime minister. The most notable outcome of the visit was a rail connectivity agreement between the two countries that will allow India to use Bangladesh’s rail network to transport goods to its northeast. India has also agreed to extend transit facilities to Nepal and Bhutan for Bangladeshi goods through its railway networks.
Bangladesh also has given its approval for India to send its experts to evaluate the Teesta River Project.
Bangladesh’s import payments data shows a jump in petroleum product imports.
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Union Health Minister, Shri JP Nadda launches National STOP Diarrhoea Campaign 2024 .
Union Health Minister, Shri JP Nadda launches National STOP Diarrhoea Campaign 2024 in the presence of Union Ministers of State, Smt. Anupriya Patel and Shri Jadhav Patraprao Ganpatrao. STOP Diarrhoea Campaign aims to attain zero child deaths due to childhood diarrhoea; involves a 2-month long drive with pre-positioning of 2 ORS packets and zinc as a co-packaging to under-5 children. Various initiatives of the Union Government like the National Jal Jeevan Mission, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and expansion of the Ayushman Arogya Mandir network has cumulatively helped in reducing childhood mortality due to diarrhoea: Shri J P Nadda.
Emphasized on the importance of sensitizing health workers along with enhancing capacity building efforts to strengthen diarrhoea management effort in India.
Shri Jadhav Prataprao urged officials to focus on cleanliness and setting diarrhoea prevention targets.
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INSILLION Insurtech Platform enables Royal Sundaram General Insurance to integrate with India's largest ticketing site, IRCTC to issue 500k policies per day.
INSILLION, a leading Insurtech SaaS platform, has announced a significant partnership that will transform the way travel insurance is delivered. Royal Sundaram General Insurance (RSGI), a prominent Property & Casualty insurer based in India, has integrated with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to enable embedded Group Personal Accident (GPA) policies to be offered alongside e-ticket purchases through INSILLION's API platform.
To meet the stringent requirements of a highly scalable solution, RSGI partnered with INSILLION to rapidly launch an embedded insurance offering leveraging their API platform and cloud architecture.
INSILLION is a market-leading provider of insurance sales and underwriting technology solutions across India.
About INSILLION
CEO - Raja Raman
Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
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World Refrigeration Day is celebrated every year on June 26.
World Refrigeration Day is an international day established by the World Refrigeration Day Secretariat in Derbyshire, England. Held annually on 26 June, it was created to raise awareness about the importance of refrigeration technologies in everyday life and to raise the profile of the refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat-pump sector. The day was chosen to celebrate the birth date of Lord Kelvin on 26 June 1824.
World Refrigeration Day was the idea of refrigeration consultant Stephen Gill, former president of the Institute of Refrigeration in the UK.
In February 2019, the United Nations Environment Programme pledged support at the UNEP national ozone officers meeting in Paris. The inaugural World Refrigeration Day was held on 26 June 2019.
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The capital city Srinagar has been officially recognised as a “World Craft City” by the World Crafts Council (WCC).
The capital city Srinagar has been officially recognised as a “World Craft City” by the World Crafts Council (WCC), underscoring its rich heritage and the exceptional skills of its artisans leading to global acclaim. “Srinagar is one of the ancient cities of South Asia with a continuously recorded history of about 1,500 years. Located on the historic Shahra-e-Abresham (the Silk Route) the city generated wealth of ideas related to arts and crafts and facilitated exchange of activities in trade, cultural practices and scientific knowledge,” the WCC said on its website.
UNESCO-affiliated World Crafts Council takes note of Srinagar’s varied crafts like papier-mache, hand knotted carpets, pashmina.
Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTAC) convener in Jammu and Kashmir, Saleem Beg, said the international jury of the WCC were surprised by the art and crafts of the region.
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The International Maritime Organization designated June 25th as the Day of the Seafarer .
This observance was officially established on June 25th by the IMO in 2010 during the Diplomatic Conference in Manila that adopted the revised STCW Convention. The Day of the Seafarer aims to acknowledge the significant efforts of seafarers worldwide who facilitate international seaborne trade, contributing indispensably to the world economy and civil society.
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The UN General Assembly held in 2022 decided to celebrate 24 June every year as women in diplomacy day.
During the 76th session of the UN General Assembly held in 2022, the members collectively decided to celebrate 24 June every year as women in diplomacy day to recognise their efforts in reaffirming Agenda 2030. However, diplomacy has been historically and still remains a preserve of men.
A powerful synergy between the two is critical to ensure a reality marked by an equitable, inclusive, and prosperous future.
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Ministry of Coal initiates India’s first ever pilot project for underground coal gasification in Jharkhand.
Eastern Coalfields Limited, under direction of the Ministry of Coal, has embarked on an innovative pilot project for underground coal gasification at the Kasta coal block in Jamtara, Jharkhand. This first ever initiative aims to revolutionise the coal industry by using in-situ coal gasification to convert it into valuable gases such as methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.
These gases can be utilised to produce synthetic natural gas, chemical feedstocks for fuels, fertilisers, explosives, and other industrial applications.
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Ministry of Women and Child Development Launches 100-Days Special Awareness Campaign on Women Empowerment.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) organized the "National Workshop on SANKALP: Hub for Empowerment of Women - Launch of the 100-Days Special Awareness Campaign" at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi today. The event was chaired by the Union Minister of State for Women & Child Development, Smt. Savitri Thakur, alongside Secretary Shri. Anil Malik.
The workshop marks the commencement of a nationwide 100-days awareness campaign focused on women-centric issues, scheduled from 21st June to 4th October 2024.
This campaign aims to amplify awareness and outreach on women empowerment, encompassing enrolment drives and educational sessions nationwide.
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ICICI Bank launches ‘SmartLock’ for enhanced account security.
ICICI Bank has introduced ‘SmartLock,’ a new safety feature on its iMobile Pay app, allowing customers to instantly lock or unlock various banking services without needing assistance from customer care. This first-of-its-kind feature in the Indian banking sector enables users to secure internet banking, UPI payments, and credit and debit cards with just a click.
Customers can easily access ‘SmartLock’ by logging into iMobile Pay, selecting the feature, choosing the services to lock or unlock, and swiping to confirm.
iMobile Pay is available for download on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, and it allows users from any bank to link their accounts, generate a UPI ID, and start transacting.
About ICICI
CEO - Sandeep Bakhshi
HQ - Mumbai
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Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Minister of State for Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh launches "One Week One Theme" (OWOT) campaign showcasing recent success stories of India in different streams of science and technology.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh says, ‘One Week One Theme’ initiative under Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) aims to make innovation inclusive for all. Around 24 technology transfers, product launches, MoU Signed in presence of the Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision is to empower farmers and common citizens by not limiting Science to labs: Dr. Singh.
“Our aim is to integrate the efforts of all CSIR labs working on similar projects to reduce overlap and optimize resources,” says Dr. Jitendra Singh
Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, DG, CSIR; R. Pradeep Kumar, Director CSIR-CBRI, Roorkee were also present on the occasion.
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Kozhikode is India's first UNESCO 'City of Literature'.
Kozhikode in north Kerala, known for its rich cultural heritage, was on Sunday officially declared as India's first UNESCO 'City of Literature'. In October 2023, Kozhikode had earned a place in the 'Literature' category of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). State Local Self Government Department (LSGD) Minister M B Rajesh described Kozhikode as a city with a soul, characterised by humanity, harmony, a strong sense of justice and freedom of expression. "These core values have given birth to the vibrant art of Kozhikode," Rajesh said.
Kozhikode is a place known for literary greats like late S K Pottakkad and Vaikom Muhammed Basheer.
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APIX and RBI Join Forces to Drive Financial Innovation Through HaRBInger 2024 Hackathon.
APIX, the leading global collaborative innovation platform for financial institutions and fintechs across over 90 countries, today announced its partnership with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to host the prestigious HaRBInger 2024 hackathon. This landmark collaboration aims to bring together the brightest minds from around the world to develop cutting-edge solutions that enhance the security and inclusivity of the financial ecosystem.
As a trusted platform utilised by major banks and regulators worldwide, APIX is uniquely positioned to empower innovators and accelerate their journey toward bringing innovative ideas to life.
About RBI
GOVERNOR -Shaktikanta Das
HQ - New Delhi
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The World Vitiligo Day is observed on June 25 every year.
The World Vitiligo Day, observed on June 25, is an initiative aimed to build global awareness about vitiligo. Vitiligo occurs in 1–2% of the population worldwide; a change of color in the skin creating a variety of patterns on the skin from the loss of pigment. Vitiligo is often called a disease instead of a disorder and that can have a significant negative social and/or psychological impact on patients, in part because of numerous misconceptions still present in large parts of the world.
. A goal of the World Vitiligo Day 2012 was to raise 500,000 signatures to address the United Nations .
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Max Verstappen won the Spanish Grand Prix for the third year in succession.
Max Verstappen won the Spanish Grand Prix for the third year in succession, the Oracle Red Bull Racing driver emerging triumphant from a tense strategy battle against McLaren's Lando Norris. The reigning world champion was victorious by 2.219s to extend his series lead to 69 points. Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton took his first podium of the year with third place, while Verstappen's team-mate Sergio Pérez finished in eighth after starting from 11th following a grid penalty.
Having started on the front row behind McLaren’s Lando Norris, Max Verstappen found himself behind the Mercedes of George Russell by the end of the first lap.
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Maharashtra Governor releases book titled ‘Gateways to the Sea.
The Governor of Maharashtra Shri Ramesh Bais released a book titled 'Gateways to the Sea: Historic Ports and Docks of Mumbai Region' at Raj Bhavan Mumbai on June 22, 2024 (Saturday). The book has been published by the Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. It comprises of 18 articles by renowned authors, compiled by the Maritime Mumbai Museum Society (MMMS).
The publication of this book is an important milestone in creating awareness about the ancient ports stated above and it also covers the development of modern ports and docks of Mumbai including Mazagon Dock, Mumbai Port, Bombay Dock, Sassoon Dock and Ferry Wharf also known as Bhaucha Dhakka.
The President of the Maritime Mumbai Museum Society Captain KD Bahl, Vice Admiral (Retd) Indrasheel Rao, Editor Dr Shefali Shah, Vice President Anita Yewale, Deputy Director of Publications Division Sangeeta Godbole and the contributing writers were present in the function.
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Anuj Tyagi to succeed Ritesh Kumar as MD & CEO of HDFC Ergo from July 1.
Private sector general insurer HDFC Ergo General Insurance on Monday announced the appointment of Anuj Tyagi as its new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) from July 1, 2024. Tyagi will succeed Ritesh Kumar, who has been the MD & CEO of HDFC Ergo General Insurance since 2008.
According to a company statement, this is in line with the leadership change approved by the board. According to a company statement, this is in line with the leadership change approved by the board.
The company has received all the necessary regulatory approvals for the succession.
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India ranks 6th amongst the top 9 DeepTech ecosystems globally.
With the acceleration of frontier technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), India’s DeepTech sector has witnessed a steady growth over the last few years. DeepTech start-ups such as Agnikul, GalaxyEye, HealthPlix, Sarvam AI, Peptris among others are emerging in areas of healthtech, sustainability, AI, space tech etc, tackling problems of strategic importance for India. In line with this, nasscom and Zinnov have unveiled the 2nd edition of their DeepTech start-up landscape report series, titled ‘India’s DeepTech Dawn: Forging Ahead’. The report deep dives into the key trends across various dimensions, including ecosystem expansion, technology focus, funding, M&As, IP, and sectoral focus, in addition to challenges that the DeepTech ecosystem faces and the imperative for action.
India now has 3600 DeepTech Startups including 500 Inventive Startups and received $850 million funding in 2023.
Positioning India amongst the top 3 DeepTech ecosystems globally will require focussed approach across Policy, Patient Capital, IP, Procurement and R&D infrastructure.
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Atul Kumar Chaudhary appointed by the Government as TRAI Secretary.
Chaudhary is a graduate of IIT Roorkee and also has a Master’s degree from IIPA Delhi in Public Policy and Administration. Having worked for BSNL and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), he has a wealth of experience in personnel, HR, administration, licensing, and vigilance responsibilities. He is currently the Deputy Director General (DDG) at the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), having previously held the position at the Department of Transportation. Chaudhary is an Indian Telecom Service (ITS) officer deputed to the foreign service for two years. He is an officer of the 1989 batch.
Chaudhary is an Indian Telecom Service (ITS) officer deputed to the foreign service for two years.
With V Raghunandan’s departure on May 31, the government appointed Atul Kumar Chaudhary as the next Secretary of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
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U.P. readies world’s 1st conservation centre for Asian King vultures.
Uttar Pradesh will soon have the world’s first conservation and breeding centre for Asian king vulture in Maharajganj. The facility aims to improve the population of the species, which has been listed as critically endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s red list since 2007.
Uttar Pradesh to open world's first Asian king vulture conservation and breeding centre in Maharajganj to save critically endangered species.
The centre is named Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre, where 24x7 monitoring of the vultures is being done. Among its staff include a scientific officer and a biologist.
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The United Nations observes 23 June as International Widows Day.
Now more than ever, this day is an opportunity for action towards achieving full rights and recognition for widows. This includes providing them with information on access to a fair share of their inheritance, land and productive resources; pensions and social protection that are not based on marital status alone; decent work and equal pay; and education and training opportunities. Empowering widows to support themselves and their families also means addressing social stigmas that create exclusion, and discriminatory or harmful practices.
The United Nations observes 23 June as International Widows Day (resolution A/RES/65/189) since 2011, to draw attention to the voices and experiences of widows and to galvanize the unique support that they need.
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China-France launches SVOM Satellite for Gamma-Ray Burst Study.
A French-Chinese satellite blasted off Saturday on a hunt for the mightiest explosions in the universe, in a notable example of cooperation between a Western power and the Asian giant. Developed by engineers from both countries, the Space Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM) will seek out gamma-ray bursts, the light from which has travelled billions of light years to reach Earth.
The 930-kilogram satellite carrying four instruments -- two French, two Chinese -- took off around 3:00 pm (0700 GMT) aboard a Chinese Long March 2-C rocket from a space base in Xichang, in the southwestern province of Sichuan.
Gamma-ray bursts generally occur after the explosion of huge stars -- those more than 20 times as big as the sun -- or the fusion of compact stars.
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23 June is observed as Olympic Day worldwide.
It was in 1947 during the 41st Session of the International Olympic Committee in Stockholm, that Doctor Gruss, IOC member in Czechoslovakia, presented a report on a World Olympic Day celebration which would primarily be a day of promoting the Olympic idea. The project was adopted some months later on the occasion of the 42nd IOC Session in St Moritz in January 1948. The National Olympic Committees (NOCs) were put in charge of organising this event and were requested to choose a date between 17 and 24 June, thereby celebrating the founding of the International Olympic Committee at the Sorbonne, Paris, on 23 June 1894, where Pierre de Coubertin revived the Olympic Games.
The first Olympic Day was celebrated on 23 June 1948. On this occasion, Sigfrid Edström, IOC President at that time, conveyed a message to the young people of the world. Portugal, Greece, Austria, Canada, Switzerland, Great Britain, Uruguay, Venezuela and Belgium organised an Olympic Day in their respective countries.
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The UN General Assembly designated 23 June as Public Service Day.
The UN Public Service Day intends to celebrate the value and virtue of public service to the community; highlight the contribution of public service in the development process; recognize the work of public servants, and encourage young people to pursue careers in the public sector. Since the first Awards Ceremony in 2003, the United Nations has received an increasing number of submissions from all around the world.
On 20 December 2002, the General Assembly designated 23 June as Public Service Day by adopting resolution 57/277.
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SAMEER, MeitY and MCTE, Indian Army forge strategic partnership for technological advancement.
In a landmark event today, Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), Indian Army and Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering & Research (SAMEER), an autonomous R&D laboratory under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance collaboration in ‘Next Generation Wireless Technologies for Indian Army’. The MoU was signed by Lt Gen K H Gawas, Commandant MCTE and Colonel Commandant Corps of Signals and Dr P H Rao, Director General SAMEER. The event was conducted in the esteemed presence of Shri S K Marwaha, Group Coordinator MeitY, and Maj Gen C S Mann, AVSM, VSM, Additional Director General of Army Design Bureau, Indian Army, reflecting the importance of this strategic initiative for the nation's defence and technological landscape.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in strengthening the Indian Army's technological capabilities which is aligned towards declared vision for 2024 as ‘Year of Technological Absorption for Indian Army’ by Chief of Army Staff.
Today's MoU signing is expected to reinvigorate this collaboration, with plans to establish an ‘Advanced Military Research and Incubation Centre’ at MCTE. This centre aims to focus on Advanced Wireless Technologies for the Indian Army.
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Ministry of Education notifies seven-member panel to reform process of competitive exams.
The Ministry of Education said on June 22 it has constituted a high-level committee of experts led by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan to ensure transparent, smooth and fair conduct of examinations through the National Testing Agency (NTA). The seven-member committee will make recommendations on reforms in the mechanism of the examination process, improvement in data security protocols and the structure and functioning of the NTA, the Department of Higher Education in the Ministry said.
The committee will be headed by former ISRO chief K. Radhakrishnan. The panel will be ensuring transparent, smooth and fair conduct of examinations.
It added that the committee will submit its report to the ministry within two months.
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IRM India Affiliate Licenses Sri Sri University (SSU) to Setup India’s First and East India’s Only Global Centre for Enterprise Risk Management.
In a significant step towards creating a risk-intelligent India, the India Affiliate of the Institute of Risk Management (IRM) has partnered with Sri Sri University (SSU) to establish India's first and East India's only Global Centre for Enterprise Risk Management (ERM). The signing ceremony was conducted at the Art of Living International Centre in Bangalore with the participation of global humanitarian, spiritual leader, and peace envoy Gurudev Sri Sri Ravishankar, founder of SSU; Prof. Rajita Kulkarni, President of SSU; Hersh Shah, CEO of IRM India Affiliate; Kosha Parekh, COO of IRM India Affiliate; and other dignitaries.
About SSU
Director Operations- Swami Satyachaitanya
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External Affairs Minister (EAM), Dr. S. Jaishankar paid an official visit to Sri Lanka on 20 June 2024.
External Affairs Minister (EAM), Dr. S. Jaishankar paid an official visit to Sri Lanka on 20 June 2024. It is the first bilateral visit undertaken by EAM after his re-appointment. It follows immediately after the visit of President H.E. Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe to India on 09-10 June to attend the swearing in ceremony of the new government following the General Elections in India. In the recent past, EAM visited Sri Lanka four times in January 2021, March 2022, January 2023 and October 2023.
In a testament to the comprehensive and people-centric nature of India-Sri Lanka development cooperation, President Wickremesinghe and EAM jointly handed over 48 houses under Model Village Housing Project in Colombo and Trincomalee districts.
Interaction of EAM with the leadership of the Government of Sri Lanka provided an opportunity to review and accelerate progress in the multifaceted India-Sri Lanka partnership.
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Israel and Hamas placed on UN list for violating children's rights.
The United Nations has added Israel's military, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad's armed wing for the first time to its list of offenders for violating children’s rights. The three entities, along with Sudan's warring parties, have been singled out for the killing and maiming of children. “Children were killed and maimed in unprecedented numbers", the Children in Armed Conflict report said. The annual report - seen by the BBC and due to be released on Thursday - is meant to shame parties so that they commit to measures outlined by the UN to protect children.
The UN verified more than 8,000 grave violations against 4,247 Palestinian children and 113 Israeli children in 2023, the report said.
But verification is ongoing with thousands of reports about children dead and injured still needing to be checked.
About UNO
secretary-general : António Guterres
HQ - New York
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Prime Minister's Visit to Jammu and Kashmir on 20th - 21st June 2024.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir on June 20 and 21, where he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for multiple development projects, as well as lead the celebrations for the 10th International Day of Yoga. On the evening of June 20, the Prime Minister will attend the ‘Empowering Youth, Transforming J&K’ event at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. During the event, he will inspect stalls and interact with young achievers from the region.
PM Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for 84 major developmental projects valued at over Rs. 1,500 crore. These projects encompass road infrastructure, water supply schemes, infrastructure in higher education, and more.
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India Becomes Third-Largest Domestic Aviation Market.
India is now the third-largest domestic aviation market, after the U.S. and China, according to data by aviation analytics firm OAG. In April 2024, India’s domestic airline capacity was about 15.6 million, up from 8 million in April 2014. Over the past decade, the Indian domestic market grew at an annual rate of 6.9%. The firm studied India, China, U.S., Indonesia, and Brazil, and India is the fastest-growing market, it said.
Low-cost carriers accounted for 78.4% of the domestic airline capacity in India in the month of April, the highest of the five markets that OAG studied.
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IUCN Changes Iberian Lynx's Status to 'Vulnerable' from 'Endangered' on its Red List of Threatened Species.
The Iberian lynx has moved from "endangered" to "vulnerable" status on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)'s Red List of Threatened Species – a historic achievement for conservation and the result of the work of 21 organisations. While the Spanish Environment Ministry only counted 62 adult Iberian lynx in 2001, a new count in 2023 recorded 2,021 – representing a 21% growth compared to the year before. As a result, the IUCN Red List has moved the species to the "vulnerable" category. On the other hand, the lynx also faces a range of threats caused by human factors, so measures have also been taken to reduce illegal hunting and poaching, as well as to prevent mortality from road accidents (collisions with vehicles are the main cause of unnatural mortality of these lynx).
Conservation efforts for the iconic feline have mainly focused on increasing its prey presence: primarily the European rabbit, which currently faces a 70% decline in its population.
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BharatPe, Invest India Collaborated to Promote Financial Inclusion among ODOP Producers.
BharatPe, a leading name in the fintech industry in India, today announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with Invest India to promote digital financial inclusion and digital financial literacy across One District One Product (ODOP) producers and sellers across ODOP districts in the country. This partnership between BharatPe and Invest India aims to contribute to the government’s efforts towards increasing digital financial inclusion and literacy. This will enhance access to digital payment mediums amongst ODOP merchants in tier 3-4 cities and rural areas of India. It is also in line with BharatPe’s mission of being the one-stop fintech destination that empowers millions of merchants with easy-to-use, safe, and secure financial products.
ODOP is seen as a transformational step towards realizing the true potential of a district, fueling economic growth, generating employment and rural entrepreneurship, in turn taking us closer to the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
About BharatPe
Chairman - Rajnish Kumar
HQ - New Delhi
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New Freshwater Diatom Genus Discovered From The Eastern & Western Ghats.
Researchers have discovered a new genus of the Gomphonemoid diatom found in the clean water river of the Eastern Ghats. The genus which has an interesting suite of features, distinguishing it from the other members in the group Gomphonemoid in terms of valve symmetry and other certain valve features, has been named Indiconema to value its restricted distribution in the country. The research underlines the importance of diatoms in shaping the biodiversity of India's diverse landscapes.
Diatoms are microscopic algae that play a crucial role in our everyday lives by producing 25 per cent of global oxygen, approximately every fourth breath of oxygen we inhale. They serve as a base of the aquatic food chain. Due to their sensitivity towards any water chemistry changes, they are excellent indicators of aquatic health.
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New Plant Species Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh.
A team of researchers from the Arunachal Pradesh Regional Centre (APRC), Botanical Survey of India (BSI) has discovered a new plant species in the Mandala region of West Kameng district in Arunachal Pradesh. The team has described the new herbaceous plant species, namely Petrocosmea arunachalense. Belonging to the family Gesneriaceae, Petrocosmea arunachalense is notable for being only the second known species of the genus Petrocosmea found in India. This significant discovery adds to the botanical diversity and underscores the rich flora of Arunachal Pradesh. The detailed research findings have been published in the latest issue of the Nordic Journal of Botany. The discovery was led by Dr Krishna Chowlu, Scientist-D, along with researchers Akshath Shenoy and Ajit Ray from APRC, Itanagar. Their work highlights the ongoing efforts to explore and document the unique plant biodiversity of the region.
This new species, Petrocosmea arunachalense, is expected to attract significant attention from botanists and researchers globally, further establishing Arunachal Pradesh as a critical area for botanical research and conservation.
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Bharat 6G Alliance Signed MoU with 6G-IA of Europe & 6G Flagship of Oulu University, Finland to Drive 6G Innovations.
Leveraging its telecom diplomacy, Department of Telecommunications [DoT], Ministry of Communications, has been establishing strategic international partnerships and collaborations to build a world-class telecom ecosystem to enhance global connectivity and position India as a global leader in digital innovation and infrastructure. In another step towards redefining the future of global communication, the Bharat 6G Alliance has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association (6G IA) and 6G Flagship- Oulu University. This is in continuation of already concluded MoU with NextG Alliance of USA. These MoUs with 6G IA and Oulu University will further enable development of secure and trusted telecommunication technology including resilient supply chains. Under the Bharat 6G Vision, DoT is already evaluating 470 proposals on “Accelerated research on 6G”.
These strategic partnerships are important steps on this journey towards achieving India's vision of empowering society through sustainable and advanced telecommunications while contributing to the global 6G ecosystem.
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Government to Partially Implement New Telecommunications Act from 26th June 2024.
The Telecommunications Act will establish Digital Bharat Nidhi for funding research and development instead of just supporting rural telecom services. It supersedes existing telecom rules under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and the Wireless Telegraphy Act (1933). The central government will be able to take control of any telecommunications services or networks in times of emergency after the implementation of the Telecommunications Act 2023, which will be effective on June 26. As per the act, any telecom player who wants to establish or operate telecommunication networks, provide services or possess ratio equipment will have to be authorised by the government. However, some other sections of the act such as the administrative allocation of spectrum, including for the satellite services, and adjudication mechanism etc will be notified later.
According to the notification, the government may take control of the telecom services on the grounds of security, public order, or prevention of offences.
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DoPT Announced New Criminal Law Effective from 1st July, 2024.
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) announced on Friday that three new criminal laws will take effect on July 1, 2024. In preparation, the DoPT has advised all ministries and departments to include the content of these new laws in their training programs. In light of this, the DoPT has urged all ministries and departments to incorporate the content of these new laws into their training programs.
This move is to ensure that all relevant personnel are adequately prepared and knowledgeable about the new legal changes before they are enforced.
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Odisha Government Extends Hockey India Sponsorship till 2026.
The Odisha government has announced an extension of its support to Hockey India (HI) till 2036 on Friday (June 21). The decision was taken after a high-level meeting which involved HI President Dilip Tirkey and HI Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh along with the newly-sworn-in Chief Minister of Odisha Mohan Charan Majhi, Minister of State for Sports & Youth Services Suryabanshi Suraj, Chief Secretary & Chief Development Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Jena and Commissioner-Cum-Secretary R. Vineel Krishna.
While the outgoing Naveen Patnaik-led Government had extended the sponsorship of the men's and the women's national hockey team- both senior and junior-till 2033, the new extension decision will now see the state sponsor the teams till 2036, implying a further three-year extension.
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KVGB Received National Award from PFRDA for Implementation of APY.
Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB) sponsored by Canara Bank Bank has bagged National Award for significant enrollment under Atal Pension Yojana (APY) from Pension Fund regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) New Delhi. Mr. Shreekant M Bhandiwad, Chairman, KVGB received the Award from Dr. Vivek Joshi, Secretary, DFS, Government of India and Dr. Deepak Mohanty Chairman, PFRDA in a Summit held at New Delhi on Wednesday.
At present the Bank has 629 branches in the nine district jurisdiction from Vijayapura to Mangalore. It may be recalled here that the Bank made a national record by enrolling more than 44000 accounts on a single day in the last fiscal.
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Manoj Jain Appointed as CMD of Bharat Electronics Limited.
Mr Manoj Jain took charge as the Chairman & Managing Director of Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) today. He was Director (R&D) and Director (Bangalore Complex), Additional Charge, prior to his elevation as CMD. Mr Manoj Jain joined BEL in August 1991 as Probationary Engineer after completing his BE (Electronics) from REC Jaipur (MNIT) with Gold medal. In an illustrious career spanning over three decades, he has made significant contributions to the field of Research & Development.
Mr Manoj Jain took over as the General Manager and Head of the Electronic Warfare & Avionics SBU at BEL-Bangalore in June 2021. Apart from overseeing all the business operations of the SBU, he provided the much-needed vision for this business vertical.
About Bharat Electronics Limited
Chairman - Manoj Jain
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Bilan Media, Somalia's Only All-Women Media Team, Won 2024 One World Media Press Freedom Award.
Somalia’s only all-women news team, Bilan, has won the 2024 One World Media Press Freedom Award, becoming the first Somali media team to receive this honour. The award honours their courageous reporting over the past two years, which has smashed taboos and blazed a trail for women journalists in one of the most dangerous countries to report the news.
Inside Somalia, Bilan’s reports reach millions via the radio, TV and social media channels of Dalsan Media Group, which hosts Bilan at offices in Mogadishu.
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According to Hurun Research Institute's ASK Private Wealth Hurun India Future Unicorn Index 2024, 25 Future Unicorn Dropped Out.
As many as 25 prospective unicorns have been shunted out of a coveted list of start-ups — afflicted by a funds squeeze, regulatory actions and insistence on profitability by funders. The ASK Private Wealth Hurun Indian Future Unicorn Index for 2024 listed 67 unicorns, 46 gazelles — who could turn unicorns in three years — and 106 cheetahs (unicorns in five years). In the 2023 index, there were 68 unicorns, 51 gazelles and 96 cheetahs. Unicorns are start-ups with valuation of $1 billion. Saluja observed that venture capital funds are holding on to cash on account of lack of sufficient opportunities, and that only 35-40 per cent of committed amounts are being utilised for investments by funds.
Among the start-ups that dropped out included CogoPort, NeoGrowth, Simple Energy, Gaana, Koo, Rapido, Dunzo, Paper Boat and Practo.
About Hurun
Chairman - Rupert Hoogewerf
HQ - Shanghai
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Neeraj Chopra Secures Gold in the Javelin Throw in Paavo Nurmi Games 2024.
As India's golden boy prepares himself for the upcoming Olympics 2024, world champion Neeraj Chopra won gold medal with his best throw at 85.97m in the men's javelin throw competition at the Paavo Nurmi Games 2024 athletics meet in Turku, Finland on Tuesday. With a powerful throw in his first attempt, Neeraj Chopra was leading at 83.62m. However, the champion faced a small setback as he trailed behind Oliver Helander who took the lead with an effort of 83.95m. While Chopra won a gold medal in Odisha, his first domestic tournament after a long break, the world champion remains unsatisfied. Leading to the Olympics 2024, Neeraj started his season at the Doha Diamond League on May 11 and ended in second place with a throw of 88.36m.
However, the disappointment was not for long as the world champion returned with 85.97m throw in his third attempt and was leading the fray again.
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GM Arjun Erigaisi Wins Stepen Avagyan Memorial RR Tournament 2024, Achieves His Career-Best Rank.
India’s highest-rated chess player GM Arjun Erigaisi continued his top run as he dominated the 10-player field to win the Stepan Avagyan Memorial 2024 on Monday in Jermuk, Armenia, with a round to spare. India’s highest-rated chess player GM Arjun Erigaisi continued his top run as he dominated the 10-player field to win the Stepan Avagyan Memorial 2024 on Monday in Jermuk, Armenia, with a round to spare. Arjun beat Russia’s Volodar Murzin with white pieces in 63 moves to end the penultimate round (eight) with six points, a full 1.5 points ahead of the three-player deadlock on second position with 4.5 points.
With four wins and as many draws in eight rounds, Arjun accounted for 9 Elo rating points; his live rating of 2779.9 took him to world no. four behind Magnus Carlsen of Norway, USA’s Hikaru Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana.
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Overview of PM Modi's Visit to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar from 18th to 19th 2024.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Uttar Pradesh and Bihar on June 18-19. In Varanasi, he will participate in the PM Kisan Samman Sammelan, issuing certificates to over 30,000 women from self-help groups and releasing the 17th installment of PM Kisan Nidhi, totaling over Rs 20,000 crore to 9.26 crore farmers. He will also attend the Ganga Aarti and visit Kashi Vishwanath temple. In Bihar, Modi will visit the Nalanda ruins and inaugurate Nalanda University's new campus, a "Net Zero" Green Campus, reflecting a collaboration between India and East Asia Summit countries.
During the event, the Prime Minister will grant certificates to more than 30,000 women from self-help groups (SHGs) Krishi Sakhis.
So far, more than 11 crore eligible farmer families have received benefits of more than Rs. 3.04 lakh crore under PM-KISAN.
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DGCA Extended Licence of Maharishi Valmiki International Airport of Ayodhya.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) extended the licence of Maharishi Valmiki International Airport at Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday. The total duration of the licence of the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport is five years now. Meanwhile, he also spoke on the issue of the declining number of tourists in the city and referred to it as a misleading fact. Speaking on the issue of decreased passengers, he asserted, "There has been a misleading advertisement about decreased numbers of passengers. Before the elections, we were operating almost 14-15 flights and the number is the same after the results too. The number of passengers hasn't decreased. Although there is little decrease due to the scorching heat we hope that number will get revived after the elections."
Airport Director Vinod Kumar has expressed gratitude to the DCGA authorities for extending the licence of the airport.
Director General - Vikram Dev Dutt
HQ - New Delhi
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India Ranked 63rd & Sweden Tops in WEF's Energy Transition Index 2024.
India has been ranked 63rd on a global Energy Transition Index released on Wednesday by the World Economic Forum, which said the country has shown significant improvement across energy equity, security and sustainability.
European nations dominated the top ranks with Sweden topping the index, followed by Denmark, Finland, Switzerland and France in the top five. The improvement shown by India and some other developing countries such as China and Brazil assumes significance as 83 per cent of countries have moved backwards from last year in at least one of the three energy system performance dimensions - security, equity and sustainability.
Taking note of various initiatives taken in India, the World Economic Forum (WEF) said the country is leading the way in creating outcomes that can be replicated elsewhere.
It said the governments can also consider creating awareness and policy interventions, such as guidelines for energy-efficient built infrastructure and incentives for retrofitting, to shape an enabling environment for accelerated adoption.
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NSE Launches Nifty India Tourism Index to Track Travel & Tourism Stocks.
NSE’s index services subsidiary, NSE Indices has launched a new thematic index called Nifty India Tourism which will track the performance of stocks in Nifty 500 index representing the travel and tourism theme. The base date for the index is April 1, 2005 and the base value is 1,000. The index will be reconstituted semi-annually and rebalanced on a quarterly basis.
The index comprises 17 stocks including the likes of InterGlobe Aviation (Indigo), Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), Easy Trip Planners, GMR Airports Infrastructure, Devyani International, Jubilant.
CEO - Ashishkumar Chauhan
HQ - Mumbai
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International Day of Yoga is Celebrated on June 21.
This year marks the 10th International Day of Yoga with the theme “Yoga for Self and Society.” Yoga, a transformative practice, represents the harmony of mind and body, the balance between thought and action, and the unity of restraint and fulfillment. It integrates the body, mind, spirit, and soul, offering a holistic approach to health and well-being that brings peace to our hectic lives. Its power to transform is what we celebrate on this special day.
The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga.
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RBI Cancels City Co-operative Bank's Licence Over Inadequate Capital.
The Reserve Bank on Wednesday cancelled the licence of The City Co-operative Bank, Maharashtra for lacking adequate capital and earning prospects. The Commissioner for Cooperation and Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Maharashtra has also been asked to issue an order for winding up the bank and appoint a liquidator, RBI said. According to RBI, the cooperative bank ceases to carry on banking operations with effect from the close of business hours on June 19, 2024. On liquidation, every depositor would be entitled to receive deposit insurance claim amount of his/her deposits up to a monetary ceiling of Rs 5 lakh only from Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).
Giving details, RBI said the Mumbai-based cooperative bank does not have adequate capital and earning prospects.
Consequent to the cancellation of its licence, The City Co-operative Bank has been prohibited from conducting the business of 'banking' which includes, among other things, acceptance of deposits and repayment of deposits.
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WestBridge Capital Sells 1.75% Stake in AU Small Finance Bank for Rs 845 Crore.
Private equity firm WestBridge Capital divested on Wednesday a 1.7 per cent stake in the AU Small Finance Bank for Rs 845 crore through an open market transaction. WestBridge Capital, through its affiliate Westbridge AIF I, sold shares of the Jaipur-based AU Small Finance Bank through a bulk deal on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). As per data available, Westbridge AIF I offloaded 1.30 crore shares, amounting to a 1.75 per cent stake in AU Small Finance Bank. The shares were disposed of at an average price of Rs 650.08 apiece, taking the transaction value to Rs 845.10 crore.
After the stake sale, the shareholding of WestBridge Capital in the AU Small Finance Bank has declined to 2.07 per cent from 3.82 per cent.
About WestBridge
Co-Founder - Sumir Chadha
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Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Assumes charge as Chairman of IIPA for 3rd Consecutive Term.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh assumes the charge as Chairman of the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) for the third consecutive term today at IIPA campus, New Delhi. Highlighting India’s efforts in capitalising the unexplored ocean and marine resources below sea through ‘Deep Ocean Mission’, Dr. Jitendra Singh said optimal utilisation of underutilised resources will be key to a vibrant Amrit Kaal in 2047. DoPT Minister, guided and motivated the young bras of the Indian Statistical service to contribute positively in the development and progress of India. He also gave his best wishes to them for their service in the Government of India.
Science and technology Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh also mentioned that Geo-spatial technology is becoming the new buzzword. He said “precise image gathering and high accuracy gives a disruptive advantage to the countries which have excelled it.”
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World Hydrography Day is Celebrated on June 21.
On 21 June every year, the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) celebrates the World Hydrography Day to raise awareness about hydrography and how it plays a vital role in improved knowledge of the seas and oceans. The Indian Naval Hydrographic Department (INHD) functions under the Indian Navy as the nodal agency for Hydrographic surveys and nautical charting in India. The department has the mandate to undertake hydrographic surveys and publish navigational charts. Till date, more than 650 electronic and paper navigation charts covering the national and international waters have been published for utilization of merchant mariner and navies of the world.
As a part of the World Hydrography Day, a maritime workshop was conducted at the National Hydrographic Office on - Hydrographic Information - Enhancing Safety, Efficiency and Sustainability in Marine Activities on 20 Jun 24.
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International Day of Celebration of the Solstice is observed on June 21.
A solstice — derived from the Latin sol ("sun") and sistere ("to stand still"), because the seasonal movement of the Sun's daily path (as seen from Earth) appears to "stand still" at a northern or southern limit before reversing direction — is an event that occurrs when the Sun reaches its most northerly or southerly day-arc relative to the equator. Therefore, there are two solstices that occur annually: around June 21 (commonly known as "Summer Solstice" for being the first day of summer and the longest day of the year) and December 21 (commonly known as "Winter Solstice" for being the first day of winter and the shortest day of the year).
Culture is the set of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features of society or a social group, and it encompasses, in addition to art and literature, lifestyles, ways of living together, value systems, traditions and beliefs. Thus, culture is at the heart of contemporary debates about identity, social cohesion, and the development of a knowledge-based economy. Therefore, in our increasingly diverse societies, it is essential to ensure harmonious interaction among people and groups with plural, varied and dynamic cultural identities, as well as their willingness to live together. In this sense, cultural diversity is the common heritage of humanity, and it should be recognized and affirmed for the benefit of present and future generations.
The solstice as the embodiment of the unity of cultural heritage and centuries-long traditions.
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World Music Day is Celebrated on June 21.
World Music Day, affectionately known as ‘Fête de la Musique’, is a global celebration that takes place annually in June to promote music and its universal language. On this special day, musicians from all corners of the world come together to perform in public spaces, sharing their talents and passion for music. The purpose of World Music Day is to provide a platform for both professional and amateur artists to express themselves through their craft, under the inspiring tagline “Faites de la musique,” which translates to “Make music.” This day commemorates the transformative power of music, bringing people together and fostering a sense of community and unity.
The concept of World Music Day originated in France in 1981, when Jack Lang, the French Ministry of Culture, along with music composer Maurice Fleuret, and a radio producer and music journalist, proposed the idea of dedicating a day to music. The first Fête de la Musique took place in Paris in 1982, with over 1,000 musicians performing throughout the city.
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West Bengal Government Launched first-of-its-kind Centralized Admission for Undergraduate College Admission.
The West Bengal government on Wednesday launched a ‘centralized admission portal’ for admission to undergraduate courses in state government colleges and universities. State education minister Bratya Basu unveiled the admission portal at the Bikash Bhavan in Kolkata. The portal has been developed for admission to 7,217 undergraduate courses in government and government-aided general degree colleges/ universities (16 universities, 461 colleges and a few other higher education institutions across West Bengal.
Through this portal, a candidate will be able to search for courses, colleges, and universities across the state and access all relevant details such as course-wise eligibility criteria, number of vacancies, formula for merit-index calculation, elective subjects offered by any college or higher education institution and other information.
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India Post Payments Bank and Ria Partner to Launch Doorstep Remittance Services in Rural India.
The partnership aims to combine IPPB’s reach through India’s postal network with Ria’s global network of international inward money transfer services to provide doorstep financial services. According to a press release, the transactions will be made available at more than 25,000 Post Offices immediately, with an expected reach of over 100,000 locations.
The Ministry of Communications noted in the press release that 65% of India’s population lives in rural areas with limited financial infrastructure, thus necessitating long travels to withdraw their international inward remittance money from relatives working abroad.
About IPPB
CEO - J Venkatramu
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Board of Axis Bank gives nod to hike stake in Max Life for Rs 336 cr.
The board of private sector lender Axis Bank on Wednesday gave approval to increase its stake in Max Life Insurance to 19.99 per cent. The equity stake will be acquired for Rs 336 crore. “The board of directors of the bank, at its meeting held on June 19, 2024, has approved a proposal for the acquisition of additional equity shares of Max Life by the bank for an amount of up to Rs 336 crore, thereby increasing the aggregate shareholding of the Axis entities from 19.02 per cent to 19.99 per cent,” the lender informed the exchanges.
Max Life Insurance is a subsidiary of Max Financial Services.
Post the acquisition, the stake of Axis Bank and its subsidiaries, including Axis Securities and Axis Capital, in the life insurer will increase to 19.99 per cent from the existing 19.02 per cent.
About Axis Bank
CEO- Amitabh Chaudhry
HQ - Mumbai
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Each year on 20 June, the world celebrates World Refugee Day.
World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe. It falls each year on 20 June and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.
World Refugee Day shines a light on the rights, needs and dreams of refugees, helping to mobilize political will and resources so refugees can not only survive but thrive.
Many activities held on World Refugee Day create opportunities to support refugees.
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RBI Monetary Policy Raises FY25 real GDP growth forecast to 7.2% from 7%.
The Reserve Bank of India, in its June monetary policy, has raised its real GDP growth forecast for the current financial year 2024–25 (FY25) to 7.2 percent from 7 percent earlier. This comes after, in FY24, the GDP growth expanded to 8.2 percent, exceeding analysts' expectations.
This was the eighth time that RBI left rates unchanged, and notably for the entire FY24, the repo rate stood at 6.5 percent.
It also decided to remain focussed on 'withdrawal on accommodation'.
About RBI
CEO -Shaktikanta Das
HQ - New Delhi
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Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav Inaugurates PM Shri Tourism Air Service From Bhopal.
In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP government led by Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav has completed 180 days of its tenure. On this occasion, the Chief Minister inaugurated the PM Shri Tourism Air Service from Bhopal today. Akashvani correspondent reports, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav today inaugurated the PM Shri Tourism Air Service at Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal by flagging off the aircraft. On this occasion, the Chief Minister said that the launching of air service will make it easier for any common man to travel.
Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav inaugurated the ticket booking counter of the new service and also provided boarding passes to the passengers.
Under PM Shri Tourism Air Service, eight cities of the state, Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Rewa, Ujjain, Gwalior, Singrauli and Khajuraho are being connected through air service.
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Cabinet approves development of Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi.
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today approved the proposal of Airports Authority of India (AAI) for development of Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi including Construction of New Terminal Building, Apron Extension, Runway Extension, Parallel Taxi Track & Allied works.
The estimated financial outgo will be Rs. 2869.65 Crore for enhancing the passenger handling capacity of the airport to 9.9 million passengers per annum (MPPA) from the existing 3.9 MPPA.
The New Terminal Building, which encompasses an area of 75,000 sqm is designed for a capacity of 6 MPPA and for handling 5000 Peak Hour Passengers (PHP).
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Federal Bank launches UPI-enabled RuPay Wave Credit Card.
Federal Bank has joined hands with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to launch RuPay Wave Credit Card. The new card will help customers with the convenience of UPI-powered transactions on a robust RuPay network. It will seamlessly integrate the benefits and features of RuPay credit cards with the experience of UPI payments, ushering in a new era of simplicity and efficiency in digital transactions.
Simple 2 click journey via the Fed Mobile application (Mobile Banking application).
10% cashback on the first five UPI transactions made using the Wave Credit Card.
About Federal Bank
CEO - Shyam Srinivasan
HQ - Aluva
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New Postal Law ‘Post Office Act 2023’ Comes Into Effect.
The central government has issued a notification giving effect to the provisions of the new postal law, the Post Office Act, 2023, from June 18. According to a Ministry of Communications release, “The Post Office Act, 2023,” vide notification dated June 17, 2024, comes into force with effect from June 18, 2024, and repeals the Indian Post Office Act, 1898.” “The Post Office Bill, 2023” was introduced in Rajya Sabha on August 10, 2023, and passed in Rajya Sabha on December 4, 2023. The bill was then considered and passed by the Lok Sabha on December 12 and 18, 2023.
In order to promote “maximum governance and minimum government,” no penal provisions have been prescribed in the Post Office Act, 2023, which comes into force today.
The newly enacted postal law provides a framework for prescribing standards for the addressing of items, address identifiers, and usage of postcodes.
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Shri Chirag Paswan and Shri Ravneet Singh launch Website and Mobile App for World Food India 2024.
As a precursor to the 3rd edition of World Food India, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Shri Chirag Paswan and Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries and Railways, Shri Ravneet Singh, launched the website and mobile application for World Food India 2024.
During his keynote address, Shri Chirag Paswan highlighted the vital role of the food processing sector in reducing agricultural wastage, promoting value addition, ensuring food security, and strengthening the supply chain from farm to fork.
The Government of India through its whole-of-government approach has placed a great emphasis on the holistic development of the value chain across the food & allied sectors and is working towards the goal of Atma Nirbhar and Viksit Bharat.
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The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship partners with Australian Government to energise Agriculture Sector of India with emerging skills.
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with the Australian Government, hosted a comprehensive and productive roundtable to discuss the learnings from the Australia-India Critical Agriculture Skills Pilot Project. Led by Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE, and Mr. Mathew Johnston, Minister Counsellor, Education and Research, Australian High Commission, the roundtable focussed on the opportunities that lay beyond in taking the initiative forward, bringing it up to scale and replicating the model to other sectors. Representatives from the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR), Ministry of Education (MoE), and Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI) were also part of the roundtable.
Envisaged in March last year, the project came to fruition after an extensive process of consultation with experts, government organisations, research organisations, multilateral organisations, non-profit organisations, and industry associations.
The scoping study involved face-to-face consultations, virtual consultations with 89 experts from 64 organizations and a review of various government reports.
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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $170 million policy-based loan to improve India’s health system.
The programme will strengthen disease surveillance systems to effectively respond to public health threats. It will set up laboratory networks for infectious disease surveillance at the state, union, and metropolitan levels. It will also support the establishment of robust data systems to monitor and coordinate national health programmes for the poor, women, and other vulnerable groups. The programme will improve the governance and coordination of India’s One Health approach, its multisector response to emerging infectious diseases.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $170 million policy-based loan to improve India’s health system preparedness and capacity to respond to future pandemics.
About ADB
PRESIDENT - Masatsugu Asakawa
HQ - Manila, Philippines.
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SabPaisa Gets RBI Nod To Operate As A Payment Aggregator.
Payments solutions startup SabPaisa has received ‘in-principle’ approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a payment aggregator. The licence will enable SabPaisa to fill the ‘innovation gap’ and scale its offerings to onboard more merchants onto its fold. The authorisation will also enable the startup to bring ‘unification, inclusivity, experience and performance’ in the platform’s product suite.
The New Delhi-headquartered bootstrapped startup claims to have grown its revenue 2X in the past two fiscal years
SabPaisa joins a small group of fintech startups including Infibeam Avenues, Razorpay, Mswipe and Pine Labs that have received the licence
About RBI
CEO -Shaktikanta Das
HQ - New Delhi
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Legendary Bharatanatyam dancer C.V. Chandrasekhar passes away.
Academician, dancer, musician, choreographer and mentor — C.V. Chandrasekhar (fondly referred to as CVC or Chandru anna) handled them all in a way uniquely his own. He was an artiste whom the entire dance fraternity looked up to in reverence. When it came to art practice, he brooked no compromise. His was a life rich in artistic values. The 89-year-old dancer passed away this morning.
Professor C.V. Chandrasekhar, an alumnus of Kalakshetra, was known for his uncompromising approach to art.
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Bharti AXA Life Appoints Akhil Gupta As New Chairman.
Akhil Gupta, the vice chairman of Bharti Enterprises, has been appointed as the new chairman of Bharti AXA Life Insurance. Gupta has been instrumental in the expansion of Bharti Airtel since its inception, bringing more than forty years of professional experience to the table. He holds a strong track record of conceptualising and implementing transformative initiatives that have had a significant impact on the Bharti Group.
The move comes at the time when Bharti AXA Life Insurance, now wholly owned by the Bharti Group, plans to shape its strategic direction.
The company is restructuring its efforts and developing comprehensive expansion plans, focusing on key markets and customer segments, introducing customer-centric products, and exploring strategic partnerships with distributors such as bancassurance and digital distribution.
About Bharti AXA Life
HQ - Gurugram
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Army Hospital (R&R) Delhi Launches First-of-its-Kind Skin Bank Facility for Armed Forces.
The Indian Army has launched a first-of-its-kind skin bank facility that aims to revolutionise the treatment of severe burn injuries and other skin-related conditions for service personnel and their families. The defence ministry in a statement on Tuesday said the skin bank will be staffed by a team of highly-trained medical professionals, including plastic surgeons, tissue engineers and specialised technicians.
By establishing this facility, the armed forces are ensuring that personnel and their families have access to the most advanced skin replacement therapies, they said.
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India Possesses 172 Warheads; More Nuclear Weapons than Pakistan.
India's nuclear warheads numbered slightly higher than Pakistan's as of January this year, Swedish think-tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said on Monday. The SIPRI report said that the world's nine nuclear-armed states -- the United States (US), Russia, the United Kingdom (UK), France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel -- continued to modernise their nuclear arsenals in 2023, with several of them deploying new nuclear-armed or nuclear-capable weapon systems that same year.
The report said that India's 'stored' nuclear warheads stood at 172 in January this year, slightly above Pakistan's 170.
The think-tank also said that India, Pakistan and North Korea were pursuing the capability to deploy multiple warheads on ballistic missiles -- known as Multiple Independently-targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology.
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Ophichthus Suryai, A New Species of Snake Eel Discovered Off Odisha Coast.
Scientists of the Zoological Survey of India's (ZSI) regional centre at Gopalpur in Odisha's Ganjam district have discovered a new species of snake eel from different estuarine ecosystems in the state, an official said. At least six specimens have been collected from the Subarnarekha river at Talasara in Balasore district, Paradip in Jagatsinghpur district and Bahuda river near Sunapur in Ganjam district at different times last year.
The detailed characteristics of this new species of Ophichthus Suryai were published in the Bulletin of Marine Science, an international journal on its latest edition of June 13 this year.
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National Reading Day is celebrated on June 19.
Reading is an essential activity that not only helps you unwind but learn, focus and hone your communication skills. Before the internet dominion and way before television, people relied on reading as the medium of communication. National Reading Day is observed on P.N. Panicker’s death anniversary and serves as a tribute to his vision, passion, and unwavering commitment to promoting reading as a means of personal and societal growth. It encourages individuals to celebrate the joys of reading, explore the wealth of knowledge available in books, and recognize the transformative power of reading in shaping individuals and communities.
National Reading Day originated as a tribute to P.N. Panicker’s contributions to the literacy movement in India.
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International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is Observed on June 19.
Conflict-related sexual violence is a devastating form of attack and repression, which has lasting, harmful effects on survivors’ physical, sexual, reproductive, and mental health, and destroys the social fabric of communities. Despite widespread awareness and condemnation, this grotesque crime continues around the world. The past year has seen harrowing reports of sexual violence from Sudan to Haiti and Israel. Far too often, the perpetrators walk free while survivors spend their entire lives in recovery.
On this International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, let us pledge to eliminate this scourge, stand in solidarity with survivors, and reaffirm our commitment to protecting hospitals and healthcare facilities during conflict.
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World Sickle Cell Day is Observed on June 19.
World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, observed annually on June 19th, serves as a crucial platform for raising awareness about sickle cell disease (SCD), a genetic blood disorder affecting millions worldwide. The day aims to highlight the struggles faced by those with SCD, promote understanding of the disease, and streamline efforts towards improving patient care and finding a cure. The international awareness day also seeks to increase public knowledge and understanding of the challenges experienced by patients, their families, and caregivers.
Sickle Cell Disease is a chronic, single-gene disorder that causes a debilitating systemic syndrome characterized by chronic anemia, acute painful episodes, organ infarction, and chronic organ damage, significantly reducing life expectancy. SCD is a genetic blood disorder affecting the entire life of the patient, as it leads to various severe health complications.
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GoI Introduced Rules for Offshore Minerals Ahead of the Auctions.
In a bid to kick-start the nation’s offshore mineral auctions, the Centre has introduced the Offshore Areas (Existence of Mineral Resources) Rules, 2024. This comprehensive regulatory framework mandates rigorous exploration standards to ensure accurate assessment and sustainable development of offshore mineral resources. According to the new rules dated June 6, a minimum of general exploration (G2) is required to grant mining leases, while general exploration (G4) is necessary for obtaining composite licences. These standards are designed to provide a clear and structured approach to evaluating the presence and potential of mineral resources before advancing for extraction.
The new regulations come shortly before the Centre’s scheduled launch of the inaugural round of offshore mineral auctions.
Former Union Minister Pralhad Joshi had told Business Standard in March about plans to auction the first batch of offshore mineral blocks by June-July of this year.
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India & Gambia Signed Extension of MoU on Governance Reforms for 5 Years.
The original MoU, signed on July 8, 2021, laid the foundation for a three-year partnership aimed at improving governance practices in both countries. The extension signifies a continued commitment to this collaboration, underscoring the shared goal of promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public administration. The MoU focuses on the exchange and implementation of best practices in administrative reforms through various initiatives, including good governance webinars, research publications, and capacity-building programs. Key areas of cooperation include improving performance management systems in government, implementing contributory pension schemes, and advancing e-recruitment processes.
This partnership aims to drive significant improvements in public service delivery in both countries, leveraging the strengths and experiences of each other to achieve more effective and efficient governance.
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SDR Report says World Falling Behind on Environment, Health, and Hunger SDGs.
The world is way off track on most of the sustainable development targets agreed in 2015, such as tackling poverty and hunger, says a United Nations report which cites funding shortfalls, geopolitical tensions and the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.N.’s annual Sustainable Development Report ranks the performance of its 193 member states in implementing 17 wide-ranging “sustainable development goals” (SDGs), which also include improving access to education and health care, providing clean energy and protecting biodiversity.
The report identified the tackling of hunger, the creation of sustainable cities and the protection of biodiversity on land and water as particular areas of weakness. Political goals like press freedom have also seen a “reversal of progress”.
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Wartsila Launches World First Large Scale 100% Hydrogen Ready Engine Power Plant.
As per the company, the new engine power plant wcan run on natural gas and 25 vol% hydrogen blends. "The Wartsila 31 engine platform, which the hydrogen-ready power plant is based on, is the most efficient in the world. It synchronises with the grid within 30 seconds from start command, ensures energy security through fuel flexibility and offers unparalleled load following capabilities and high part load efficiency.
The 100% hydrogen-ready engine is expected to be available for orders in 2025, and available for delivery from 2026.
President - Mr Håkan Agnevall
HQ - Houston, TX
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Virat Kohli Tops Kroll's 2023 Celebrity Brand Valuation Report with USD 228 Million.
Virat Kohli topped the list of celebrity brands with a value of $227.9 million, moving up from second place the previous year. Ranveer Singh followed in second place with a brand value of $203.1 million, down from his top spot in 2022. Shah Rukh Khan secured the third position with a brand value of $120.7 million, marking a significant rise from his tenth place ranking in 2022. Akshay Kumar claimed fourth place with a brand value of $111.7 million, slightly lower than his third place in the previous year.
World Cup winning former India captain MS Dhoni held onto seventh place with a brand value of $95.8 million, unchanged from 2022.
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RBI Wins ' Risk Manager of the Year' award in 2024.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has won the "Risk Manager of the Year Award 2024" by Central Banking, a leading publication based in London, UK. This accolade recognizes RBI's exemplary strides in enhancing its risk culture and awareness, affirming its pivotal role in safeguarding the stability of the Indian financial system. "The Reserve Bank of India has been awarded the Risk Manager of the Year Award 2024 by Central Banking, London, UK. RBI was awarded the best risk manager for improving its risk culture and awareness. Executive Director Shri Manoranjan Mishra received the award on behalf of the RBI.
As part of its digital mission, the RBI also encouraged the use of AI and ML in key areas like infrastructure, payments, risk management, audit and analytics.
Governor : Shri Shaktikanta Das
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Globally Acclaimed Filmmaker Vinod Ganatra Becomes 1st Indian to Receive 'Nelson Mandela Lifetime Achievement Award' of South Africa.
Globally-acclaimed film-maker Vinod Ganatra has become the first Indian to be conferred the prestigious ‘Nelson Mandela Lifetime Achievement Award’ of South Africa for his contribution to films, an official said here on Tuesday. Ganatra, a well-known film-maker and editor from Gujarat, now based in Mumbai, was honoured with the coveted award at the ongoing 7th Nelson Mandela Children’s Film Festival, for his immense contributions to the world of cinema for kids.
Ganatra has already bagged 36 national and international awards, including the ‘Janakinath Gaur Award’ from Doordarshan for his children’s programme, ‘Baingan Raja.’
Ganatra has been invited to serve on the jury of over a 100 national, regional and international film festivals world over in the past three decades.
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Ajith Kumar KK Named as MD and CEO of Dhanlaxmi Bank for 3 Years Tenure.
Private sector Dhanlaxmi Bank on Tuesday said it has appointed Ajith Kumar KK as Managing Director (MD) of the bank. He will take charge on June 20, Kerala-based Dhanlaxmi Bank said in a regulatory filing. The board at its meeting held on Tuesday approved the appointment of Ajith Kumar KK as Managing Director & CEO of the bank for a period of three years with effect from June 20, 2024, and on such remuneration as approved by RBI vide letter dated April 18, it said.
The bank will seek approval of the shareholders for the said appointment within the prescribed time period in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI regulations, it said.
HQ - Thrissur, Kerala
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Sankara Eye Foundation India Launches First-of-its-kind Innovation Lab for Eye Care in India.
Sankara Eye Foundation, India has launched the country’s first-of-its-kind Innovation Lab supported by G.D. Naidu Charities, focused on advancing eye care through cutting-edge research, development, and training. This center aims to deliver high-quality eye care solutions to underserved populations in India, reaching the most remote rural villages with innovative approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Key research areas include the development of new diagnostic tools, surgical instruments, intraocular devices, telemedicine solutions, spectacles, and assistive technologies.
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HAL receives RFP from MoD for 156 light combat helicopters worth Rs 45000 crores.
Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) shares hit a new high of Rs 5,484.20 as they surged 5 per cent on the BSE in Tuesday's intraday trade after the company, on Monday, said the Defence Ministry has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH). HAL has notified that a RFP has been issued to the company by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for procurement of 156 LCH Prachand or Light Combat Helicopters (90 for the Indian Army and 66 for the Indian Air Force).
HAL has notified that a RFP has been issued to the company by the MoD for procurement of 156 LCH Prachand or Light Combat Helicopters (90 for Indian Army and 66 for Indian Air Force).
As on March 31, 2024, HAL's order book stood in excess of Rs 94,000 crore with additional major orders expected during FY 2024-25, the company had said on April 1.
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IFC commits $105 million in Brookfield’s 500 MW solar project.
To be located in Bikaner, Rajasthan, the project is currently being developed by Brookfield Asset Management. The funding will involve long-term non-convertible debentures allocated to the special purpose vehicles which will be responsible for executing the project. The project will be integrated to the inter-state transmission system of India’s green energy corridor. Brookfield will supply solar power to commercial and industrial consumers at competitive rates through long-term power purchase agreements and also participate in merchant markets through power exchanges. Through collaboration with Brookfield, IFC seeks to promote the widespread adoption of clean energy by proving the feasibility of large-scale renewable energy generation and its distribution to corporate and industrial clients throughout India via the interstate transmission network.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has committed to invest $105 million to partially finance a 550 MW solar power project.
About Brookfield
CEO - Anuj Ranjan
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RBI Cancels Purvanchal Cooperative Bank’s Licence.
The Reserve Bank of India cancelled the license of Mumbai based City Cooperative Bank on Wednesday, dashing the hopes of depositors about getting its merger with Cosmos Bank. Last week, the RBI had cancelled the banking license for Purvanchal Co-operative Bank Ltd., located in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh.
The RBI has cancelled Purvanchal Co-operative Bank's licence due to insufficient capital and unsustainable financial prospects.
In case of City Cooperative Bank, it bears recalling that one of the largest urban cooperative banks of India-Cosmos Cooperative Bank had submitted revised amalgamation cum merger proposal to RBI on 5th October 2023 but to no avail.
About RBI
CEO -Shaktikanta Das
HQ - New Delhi
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Fitch Ratings raises India's 2024/25 GDP forecast to 7.2%.
India is expected to grow by 7.2% in the current fiscal year, stronger than earlier expected, with its central bank opting for just a one-quarter-point rate cut in that period, Fitch Ratings said in its quarterly Global Economic Outlook (GEO) report published on Tuesday.
The ratings agency has also raised its world growth forecast for 2024 to 2.6% from 2.4% earlier as confidence in European recovery prospects improve.
China's export sector revives and domestic demand in emerging markets excluding China shows stronger momentum.
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Siddhesh Sakore, Farmer From Maharashtra, Named Land Hero By UN Agency.
Siddhesh Sakore, a farmer and the founder of AGRO RANGERS, from Maharashtra, has been named Land Hero by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). On the occasion of World Desertification and Drought Day, the UNCCD announced the names of 10 Land Heroes in a programme in Bonn, Germany, on Sunday. Apart from Siddhesh Sakore, other Land Heroes are from Brazil, Costa Rica, Germany, Mali, Moldova, Morocco, the Philippines, the US, and Zimbabwe.
On the occasion of World Desertification and Drought Day, the UNCCD announced the names of 10 Land Heroes in a programme in Bonn, Germany, on Sunday.
Engaging youth in land restoration can create the estimated 600 million jobs needed in the next 15 years, contributing to both economic growth and environmental sustainability, it added.
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ISRO Partners with Manav Rachna University, Establishing New Milestone with GNSS Receiver Deployment.
In a pioneering collaboration, Manav Rachna University (MRU) has become the first university in Delhi NCR to install a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver, thanks to a partnership with the National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL) of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). This significant development was marked by the setup of a GNSS and Space Weather Laboratory at the MRU campus.
A distinguished team of NARL-ISRO scientists, including Dr. Nirvikar Dashora and Himanshu S. Sethi, oversaw the installation of the GNSS infrastructure.
The GNSS receiver at MRU is integrated into the NARL North-South chain of receivers, contributing to critical studies on weather, climate, space weather, and planetary ionospheres.
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Ukraine Launches World’s 1st Unmanned Systems Forces.
In a move aimed at revolutionizing modern warfare, Ukraine has officially established the world’s first Unmanned Systems Forces (USF), dedicated to advancing the capabilities of unmanned and robotic warfare across air, sea, and ground domains.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s vision, announced in February, became a reality on June 11 with the formal launch of this groundbreaking military branch.
Speaking at the ceremony in Kyiv, Deputy Minister of Defense Ivan Havryliuk hailed the establishment of the USF as a key moment, not just for Ukraine but potentially for international military cooperation.
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Sumit Nagal finishes runner-up at ATP Perguia Challenger.
Sumit Nagal produced a weak effort to go down against Italy’s Luciano Darderi in a lop-sided final of the ATP Perugia Challenger on Sunday. The 26-year-old Nagal was no match for Darderi, losing 1-6, 2-6 in little over one hour in the summit clash as he failed to claim his third title this year. Nagal had advanced to the final with a fighting 7-6 (2), 1-6, 6-2 win over former world No. 37 Bernabe Zapata Miralles of Spain.
But the Indian was no match for his Italian opponent, having his serve broken six times. On the other hand, Darderi was lethal on his serve with 96% first serve points won (22/23) and 36% (5/14) on the second.
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Assam secretariat becomes India's first eco - friendly state government headquarters.
The Assam secretariat on Sunday became the country’s first green state government headquarters with the inauguration of a 2.5 MW solar power project on its campus, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. Installed at a cost of Rs 12.5 crores, the grid-connected rooftop solar power plant will save Rs 30 lakhs in electricity bills every month, he said while addressing the official programme here.
From now onwards, the secretariat complex will run entirely on solar power, resulting in savings of Rs 30 lakhs every month on electricity bills, he added.
The CM said also that the government has decided that all official complexes will be fitted with solar panels, beginning with the medical colleges and universities across the state.
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International Day for Countering Hate Speech is observed on 18 June.
The United Nations has a long history of mobilizing the world against hatred of all kinds to defend human rights and advance the rule of law. The impact of hate speech cuts across numerous UN areas of focus, from protecting human rights and preventing atrocities to sustaining peace, achieving gender equality and supporting children and youth.
Online hate speech might seem like an unstoppable tide, but strategies are being employed by governments, civil society, and individuals, to fight back.
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‘White Lotus’ actor Theo James named UNHCR global goodwill ambassador.
Theo James, who acted in the television series ‘The Gentlemen’ and ‘The White Lotus’, has supported UNHCR since 2016, and has travelled to Greece, France and Jordan to meet asylum seekers and refugees, the agency said. James said his own family’s experience had “given me an understanding of the sacrifices and struggles that refugees face”.
The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) named British actor Theo James as a global goodwill ambassador on Monday.
The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees said last week the number of people forcibly displaced stood at a record 117.3 million at the end of last year, and that this figure could rise without without global political changes.
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Sustainable Gastronomy Day is observed on June 18 every year.
Sustainable Gastronomy Day is observed on June 18 every year. The day is celebrated to promote the idea that sustainable gastronomy can play a significant role in achieving sustainable development. Recognizing gastronomy as a form of cultural expression connected to the world's nature and cultural diversity is another important goal for the day.
Gastronomy is defined as a study of the relationship between food and culture.
The study can include nutritional information, food science, and cooking tips are also included. According to the UN, it can also refer to a style of cooking from a particular region.
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Autistic Pride Day is celebrated on June 18.
Autistic Pride Day is an annual celebration for autistic individuals. This day acknowledges the significance of pride for autistic people and its impact on fostering positive societal changes. Autistic individuals, their families, and allies unite to honour the strengths, talents, and unique perspectives of those on the autism spectrum. It serves as a platform to celebrate the achievements and contributions of autistic individuals in various fields, advocating for inclusivity, equality, and respect for autistic voices.
This is a day to celebrate the gifts people with autism give to the world. It's also a good time to take a look at some common signs of autism.
The day also promotes a sense of pride, empowerment, and solidarity within the autistic community, aiming to create a more inclusive and accepting society for all.
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International Picnic Day is celebrated on 18 June.
From bustling cities to serene countryside, families and friends worldwide gather to celebrate International Picnic Day on June 18, a tradition that brings communities together under the open sky. The concept of a picnic is believed to have originated in France after the Revolution. The term “pique-nique” first appeared in print in 1692, and it referred to a group of people who brought their own wine to a restaurant.
Over time, the term evolved to mean a social gathering where each attendee contributes a dish, and these gatherings began to take place outdoors.
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RBI Imposes Rs 1.45 Cr Penalty on Central Bank of India.
The Reserve Bank on Friday said it has imposed a penalty of Rs 1.45 crore on the Central Bank of India for non-compliance with certain directions related to 'loans and advances' and 'customer protection'. The RBI had conducted a statutory inspection for Supervisory Evaluation (ISE 2022) of the Central Bank of India with reference to its financial position as of March 31, 2022. A notice was issued to the bank, advising it to show cause as to why a penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the directions, the RBI said.
The bank sanctioned a working capital demand loan to a Corporation against amounts receivable from the government by way of subsidies.
After considering the bank's response, the RBI found that charges against the bank were sustained.
Governor : Shri Shaktikanta Das
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World Crocodile Day is Celebrated on June 17.
June 17 marks World Croc Day, an occasion that is dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness about one of the world’s most formidable reptiles: the crocodile. This day isn’t just for herpetologists or wildlife enthusiasts. It’s for everyone. From understanding the unique characteristics of crocodiles to acknowledging the threats they face, World Croc Day offers a chance for us to learn, appreciate, and take action to protect these ancient creatures.
Crocodiles are fascinating reptiles that inhabit diverse regions worldwide. They are native to North and South America, Africa, Australia, and Asia, thriving in various environments from freshwater rivers to coastal saltwater areas. This widespread distribution highlights their incredible adaptability and survival skills.
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India stands at 116th Rank out of 163 countries in Global Peace Index 2024, Iceland Tops the list.
The Institute for Economics and Peace’s annual Global Peace Index provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating the peacefulness of nations. It assesses the level of peacefulness in 163 countries and territories around the world. India, in particular, has shown a slight improvement in its ranking in the GPI. In 2023, India ranked 126 out of 163 countries, with an overall score of 2.31. In previous rankings, it stood at 139 in GPI 2020 and 141 in GPI 2019.
The Global Peace Index (GPI) measures the state of peace across three key domains: social safety and security, ongoing domestic and international conflict, and militarisation, which contribute to a nation’s overall level of peace.
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Alpana Killawala Authored a Memoir titled 'A Fly on the RBI Wall'.
Harshad Mehta scam, liberalisation of the Indian economy — Alpana Killawala’s tenure with the communications department of the Reserve Bank of India coincided with a very vibrant phase of the central bank. ‘A Fly on the RBI Wall’ is a no-holds-barred account of her journey, a peek into the minds of the governors, all eminent scholars, under whom she worked over the course of a career spanning more than two decades.
A Fly on the RBI Wall is a repository of anecdotes from Alpana’s time at the RBI—a no-holds-barred account of her journey at the nation’s central bank.
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India Develops 4% of global antibacterial Agents.
The number of antibacterial agents in the clinical pipeline, including antibiotics, increased globally from 80 in 2021 to 97 in 2023, according to the World Health Organization, India has 4% of the total percentage of antibacterial agents in clinical development by location of research facilities, according to the report on antibacterial agents in clinical and preclinical development worldwide. Among the upper middle-income countries, China, Russia and South Africa comprised 7%, 3%, and 2% of the agents, respectively, and 84% put together from the pipeline was in the high-income countries.
First released in 2017, this WHO annual report evaluates whether the current R&D pipeline properly addresses infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria most threatening to human health.
The aim is to steer antibacterial research and development to better counter the ever-growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Director-General - Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Headquarters - Geneva, Switzerland
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Gautam Adani Meets Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay; Signed MoU to Establish 570 MW Hydroelectric Plant.
AdGroup chairman Gautam Adani has met with Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay in a significant development for bilateral cooperation. Adani and Prime Minister Tobgay signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bhutan's Druk Green Power Corporation for the establishment of a 570 MW hydroelectric plant in Chukha province. Further, he praised Bhutan's efforts to develop infrastructure under the vision of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and expressed eagerness to collaborate on hydro and other projects in Bhutan.
Adani also met with Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and felt inspired by the King's vision for Bhutan and the eco-friendly master plan for Gelephu Mindfulness City.
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MEA & SBI Signed MoU to enhance Digital Payment Services for Users eMigrate Portal.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the State Bank of India (SBI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Saturday to enhance digital payment services for users of the eMigrate portal. The agreement was signed by Joint Secretary OE and PGE (Overseas Employment and Protector General of Emigrants) Bramha Kumar, on behalf of the Ministry, and Neelesh Dwivedi, General Manager (NW-I) from SBI, at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in Delhi. This MoU will become operational following the successful integration of SBI's payment gateway, SBIePay, with the eMigrate portal.
Additionally, the portal includes a mechanism for the voluntary registration of emigrants holding ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) category passports who are seeking employment overseas.
"Signing of this MoU would further facilitate and enhance the ambit of safe and legal migration of Indian migrant workers" said the Ministry.
Chairman - Dinesh Kumar Khara
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Sahitya Akademi Announced Yuva Puraskar, Bal Sahitya Puraskar for 2024.
Sahitya Akademi announced the winners of the prestigious Yuva Puraskar and Children's Literature Award for 2024. A total of 23 writers including English writer K Vaishali and Hindi writer Gaurav Pandey will receive the Youth Award. Vaishali has been honored for her memoir "Homeless: Growing Up Lesbian and Dyslexic in India" and Pandey for her poetry collection "Smriti Ke Beech Ghiri Hai Prithvi". The Yuva Puraskar is given for 10 poetry books, seven short story collections and other works in various genres.
The Yuva Puraskar is given for 10 poetry books, seven short story collections, two article collections and one essay collection, one novel, one ghazal book and one memoir.
Other winners of the youth award include Nayanjyoti Sarma (Assamese), Sutapa Chakraborty (Bengali), Self Made Rani Baro (Bodo) and Heena Choudhary (Dogri).
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Wildlife Filmmaker Shri Subbiah Nallamuthu Won V. Shantaram LIfetime Achievement Award at 18th MIFF.
The 18th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) is honoring the illustrious wildlife filmmaker Shri Subbiah Nallamuthu by conferring upon him the much coveted V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award, announced Dr. L. Murugan, the Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting today. Shri Subbiah Nallamuthu, has made exceptional contributions to wildlife cinematography, earning him global acclaim. An alumnus of the Film and Television Institute of India, he gained prominence with his work on Living on the Edge, India’s longest-running Panda Award-winning environment series. His expertise extends to his tenure with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as a high-speed cameraman.
Shri Subbiah Nallamuthu has won several national and international awards including the five National Film Awards. He is a regular jury member of the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival and has also served as the jury chairman of the Indian Panorama Film Festival (2021).
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Former Odisha Governor Murlidhar Chandrakant Bhandare Passed Away on June 15 at the age of 95.
Born on December 10, 1928 at Mumbai, he had been appointed the Governor of Odisha on August 21, 2007 and succeeded Rameshwar Thakur. He continued in the office until the appointment of SC Jamir on March 9, 2013. Former Governor Murlidhar Chandrakant Bhandare passed away on Saturday. He was 95. As a senior advocate in the Supreme Court, Bhandare was respected as a champion of the causes of the common man. He was the president of the Supreme Court Bar Association for two terms.
A senior Congress leader from Maharashtra, Bhandare was a member of Rajya Sabha having been elected in June 1980 and re-elected in April 1982 and April 1988.
He was chairman of various committees of the Parliament and visited USA, UK, USSR, Germany and several other foreign countries.
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Srinivasa Hegde, Former ISRO Scientist & Mission Director of Chandrayaan-1, passed away.
Former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientist and Mission Director for India’s first deep space mission–Chandrayaan-1, Srinivas Hedge (71) passed away on Friday noon, at a private hospital in the presence of his family and friends. Hegde was reeling with health complications for several years, and on Thursday evening he suffered a cardiac arrest. He was on a ventilator until Friday afternoon in a hospital in Jayanagar, Bengaluru.
With an undergraduate degree in B.Tech from the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal, Hedge pursued his postgraduate from IISc in Bengaluru.
Chandrayaan-1, the space mission headed by Hegde played a crucial role in the discovery of water molecules on the Moon surface.
Chairman - S Somanath
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Alia Bhatt Launches Her Debut Children's Book Titled 'Ed Finds a Home'.
Alia Bhatt celebrated Father's Day in the most unique way possible. She shared the first look of her book on Instagram. "Ed Finds a Home is just the beginning of a new series of books from the universe of Ed-a-mamma.. My childhood was full of storytelling and storytellers .. and one day I had a dream to bring out that child in me and put it into books for children. Fingers crossed for this journey ahead," wrote Alia as she shared a picture of herself grinning with joy as she held her first book in her hand.
The Adventures of Ed-a-Mamma: Ed Finds a Home is a heartwarming tale of a dog meeting a little girl called Alia.
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International Day of Family Remittances is Celebrated on June 16
It is projected that by 2030 more than US$ 5 trillion will have been sent home by migrants to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with much of this money going directly to rural areas where 80 percent of the world’s poor live, facing food shortages and the impacts of climate change. This money is sent by migrant and diaspora communities and directly supports millions of families in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by contributing to their poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, small business development, gender equality, and rural economic growth.
The International Day of Family Remittances (IDFR) highlights the economic impact of this money on households, communities, and nations, and recognises the sacrifice, separation and generosity often involved.
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World day to Combat Desertification and Drought is Observed on June 17.
Desertification, land degradation, and drought are among the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, with up to 40% of all land area worldwide already considered degraded. Healthy land not only provides us with almost 95% of our food but so much more: it clothes and shelters us, provides jobs and livelihoods, and protects us from the worsening droughts, floods and wildfires. At the same time, growing populations coupled with unsustainable production and consumption patterns fuel demand for natural resources, putting excessive pressure on land to the point of degradation. Desertification and drought are driving forced migration, putting tens of millions of people each year at risk of displacement.
This year, the theme of the Desertification and Drought Day “United for Land. Our Legacy. Our Future” spotlights the future of land stewardship — our most precious resource to ensure the stability and prosperity of billions of people around the world.
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IMD & ONAMET of Dominican Republic Signed MoU to Enhance Meteorological Capabilities.
India and the Dominican Republic are joining forces to enhance the technical capabilities of the National Meteorological Office (ONAMET). This collaboration is cemented by a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and ONAMET, aimed at improving weather forecasting and monitoring. The MoU includes training personnel, exchanging expertise on early warning systems, and accessing satellite data to develop better meteorological models. This initiative is crucial as climate change increasingly impacts weather patterns, making accurate forecasting more vital than ever.
Ambassador Abbagani highlighted the importance of this partnership for fostering cooperation in early warning systems and enhancing weather prediction capabilities.
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India Ranks 176 out of 180 Countries in Environment Performance Index 2024.
India, the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has found itself among the lowest-ranked countries for air quality, projected emissions, and biodiversity in the 2024 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) released on June 5. In the overall index, India placed 176th out of 180 countries, surpassing only Pakistan, Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar. This is a modest improvement from the previous EPI, where India was at the very bottom. This year's EPI introduced a new category for biodiversity and habitat, revealing alarming encroachments of protected areas by buildings and croplands. The index now evaluates 58 indicators, including air and water quality, waste management, emission growth rates, and projected emissions under three main categories: ecosystem vitality, environmental health, and climate change. These indicators provide a gauge at a national scale of how close countries are to established environmental policy targets.
In areas like solid waste management, forests, and agriculture, India showed relatively better performance.
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Karnataka Bank Launched KBL WISE Senior Citizen Savings Account.
Karnataka Bank at a launch event held in Bengaluru announced the launch of KBL WISE Senior Citizens Savings Bank Account, a unique banking product designed to cater to the Banking, Healthcare & Wellness needs of our esteemed senior citizens. The Product has been aptly named KBL WISE i.e.: Wellness Investments & Savings for Elderly. The Savings product is available in two exclusive variants - KBL Wise Signature, a regular variant and KBL Wise Advantage, a premium variant. This innovative product offers an array of bundled features like 'Free Top-up Health insurance upto Rs.10 Lakhs, Free MediBuddy Healthcare Benefits, Free HospiCash Facility, Discount on Locker Rentals, Doorstep Banking facility, a Lifetime Free Ru pay Platinum Debit card, and other features.
The Bank has partnered with Care Health Insurance Co, a leading Health Insurance player and MediBuddy, one of India's largest Digital Healthcare platform to bring together the proposition on the Health and Wellness front.
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PFRDA Selected NEC Corp India Private Limited as System Integrator.
NEC Corporation has been selected as SI for a period of six years, PFRDA has said. NEC Corporation India is expected to play a crucial and pivotal role in PFRDA’s digital transformation journey. Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) had in February this year sought bids from prospective bidders to be appointed as SI for PFRDA-TRACE as part of Technology Architecture (TARCH) project.
In April this year, PFRDA had shortlisted four bidders for technical evaluation to select a SI.
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Neobanking Startup Jupiter Money Receives Final Approval from RBI for issuance of PPI.
Tiger Global and Peak XV Partners-backed neobanking startup Jupiter has secured a prepaid payments instrument licence from the Reserve Bank of India. This will allow the Bengaluru-based startup to offer digital wallets to its users for making UPI payments, transferring funds, besides paying bills.
Customers can operate a risk-free account and use the app for UPI and similar transactions only, Gupta added.
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Kotak Mahindra Bank Insurance Collaborates with Mahindra Finance to Offer Life Insurance Products.
Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Ltd. (Kotak Life) has partnered with Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Ltd (Mahindra Finance) to offer life insurance solutions to customers. The agreement was signed by Mahesh Balasubramanian, MD, Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company, and Raul Rebello, Managing Director & CEO, Mahindra Finance. Mahesh Balasubramanian of Kotak Life, said, “Through our collaboration with Mahindra Finance, our aim is to extend our outreach to the untapped segments of the population.”
Raul Rebello of Mahindra Finance said, “We are delighted to enter into this strategic collaboration with Kotak Life to offer life insurance solutions to our customers.”
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Cyril Ramaphosa Re-elected as President of South Africa for 2nd Term.
Cyril Ramaphosa has been re-elected as South Africa’s president for a second term after his party struck a last-minute deal with political rivals. Ramaphosa’s African National Congress, which came to power in 1994 after waging a decades-long battle against apartheid, lost its majority for the first time in an election last month and spent two weeks locked in intensive behind-the-scenes talks with other parties.
Ramaphosa called the deal a “new birth, a new era for our country” and said it was time for parties “to overcome their differences and to work together”.
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Reliance JPL JV Orbit Connect India Received Approval from IN-SPACe to Launch Satellite Internet in India.
A joint venture between Reliance Industries’ Jio Platforms and Luxembourg-based SES has received the approval from Indian space regulator, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), to operate satellites in the country. The approvals were issued to Orbit Connect India that will provide satellite-based high-speed internet access.
This development comes amid attempts by Elon Musk’s Starlink and Amazon to receive similar approvals for satellite communication services.
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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is overserved on June 15th.
As the world prepares to observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on 15 June, this year UN DESA programme on ageing, in partnership with the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA), will focus on the theme, "Spotlight on Older Persons in Emergencies," to highlight the critical need to protect and support older persons during crises.
As we come together to observe WEAAD, let us reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of older persons, ensuring that no one is left behind, especially in times of crisis.
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Karnataka becomes 1st State to give RS 1 Cr Accident Insurance Compensation; KSRTC distributes RS 1 Cr to Employees Dependents.
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Wednesday distributed compensation of Rs 1 crore each to the dependents of four Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) employees who died in road accidents while on duty. The amount was awarded under KSRTC’s accident insurance relief compensation (Saarige Suraksha). At a programme held at the KSRTC head office here, the minister also handed over Rs 10 lakh each to the dependents of 23 employees who died due to various ailments, under KSRTC’s employees’ family welfare compensation scheme.
He also distributed Rs 10 lakh each to the dependents of four passengers who died in accidents while travelling in KSRTC buses.
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ASEAN Dengue Day is observed on June 15th.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease that has rapidly spread in most ASEAN countries in recent years. The virus is transmitted by female mosquitoes mainly of the species Aedesaegypti. Dengue is widespread throughout ASEAN, with local variations in risk influenced by climate parameters as well as social and environmental factors. The disease causes a wide spectrum of disease, ranging from subclinical disease to severe flu-like symptoms and some people develop severe dengue associated with severe bleeding, organ impairment and/or plasma leakage. Severe dengue was recognized in the 1950s during dengue epidemics in the Philippines and Thailand. Today, severe dengue affects most Asian countries and has become a leading cause of hospitalization and death among children and adults in these regions.
Dengue affected several ASEAN countries, with report of increasing in the number of cases in Cambodia in 2019, and then in Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand in 2020 while continually affecting other ASEAN countries like Vietnam and Philippines.
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India Becomes the Most Represented Nation in THE University Impact Rankings 2024.
India has brilliantly performed in the Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings 2024. It is being reported that India has made an impressive 105 university mentions in the list, becoming the most represented nation. In total, 2,152 universities from 125 countries and regions were included on the Impact Rankings 2024 list. Closely following India, are the countries of Turkey at second place and Pakistan at third. The first on the list is Western Sydney University, Australia, with a score of 99.7. This is its third consecutive year at the top. The University of Manchester, UK is placed at second, with a score of 98.5. University of Tasmania, Australia, has been placed at third.
IIT Gandhinagar made the list between 301 to 400 rankings, IIT Guwahati was included in 401 to 500 rankings and IIM was in the 601 to 800 ranks. The Jawaharlal Nehru University made the list in the 901 to 1000 category.
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Global Wind Day is celebrated on June 15th.
Global Wind Day or World Wind Day is a worldwide event that is held on June 15. It is organised by WindEurope and GWEC (Global Wind Energy Council). It is a day when wind energy is celebrated, information is exchanged and adults and children find out about wind energy, its power and the possibilities it holds to change the world. In association with EWEA and GWEC, national wind energy associations and companies involved in wind energy production organise events in many countries around the world. In 2011, there were events organised in 30 countries, on 4 continents. Events included visits to onshore and offshore wind farms, information campaigns, demonstration turbines being set up in cities, wind workshops and a wind parade. Many events happened on Global Wind Day (15 June) itself, but there were also events on the days and weeks before and afterwards.
In 2012 there were 250 events around the globe and a popular photo competition.
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Policy Loan Facility mandated in all Life Insurance Savings Products CIS to simplify policy details.
Regulator IRDAI on Wednesday said the facility of policy loan is now mandatory in all life insurance savings products, enabling policyholders to meet liquidity requirements. Issuing a master circular which consolidates all regulations with regards to life insurance policies, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) also said the free look period, which provides time to review the policy terms and conditions, is 30 days as against 15 days earlier.
"This is an important step in the series of reforms taken up by the insurance regulator with interests of the policyholders at the core. A conducive environment is now facilitated to spur innovation, enhance customer experience and satisfaction," IRDAI said.
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ACC Approves Re-appointment of Ajit Doval as National Security Advisor & P K Mishra as Principal Secretary to PM Modi.
Ajit Doval has been reappointed the National Security Advisor (NSA) and PK Mishra the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, the government said on Thursday, in a resounding vote for continuity under Narendra Modi’s third term as the Prime Minister. Doval is a former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the 1968 batch and retired director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) in 2005. He will continue to handle national security, military affairs, and intelligence. He was appointed the NSA after Modi was sworn in as the Prime Minister in May 2014 and then reappointed in 2019.
Mishra is a former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1972 batch and retired as the Union Agriculture Secretary.
According to a personnel ministry order issued on Thursday, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the appointment of Doval as the NSA from June 10.
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USA Conducted Operational Test Launch of Minuteman III ICBMs.
“An operational test launch of an Air Force Global Strike Command unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Tuesday, June 4, at 12:56 a.m. PT. The purpose of the ICBM test launch program is to validate and verify the safety, security, effectiveness, and readiness of the weapon system, according to Air Force Global Strike Command,” the space force base said in a statement. (Agencies)
The United States conducted an operational test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile on Tuesday from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, the space force base has said.
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NITI Aayog launched initiatives under Atal innovation mission to Foster innovation.
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog is Government of India’s flagship initiative to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country and was setup in 2016. Towards this end AIM has taken a holistic approach to ensure creation of a problem-solving innovative mindset in schools and creating an ecosystem of entrepreneurship in universities, research institutions, private and MSME sector. All the initiatives of AIM are currently monitored and managed systematically using real-time MIS systems and dynamic dashboards. AIM is also currently having its programs reviewed by third party agencies for ensuring continuous improvements.
The aim is to stimulate a problem-solving innovative mindset within the children of the ATL and nearby communities. Till date, AIM has established 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs in Schools across the country.
Atal Incubation Centres or AICs are business incubators established by AIM at universities, institutions and corporates to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among young innovators of the country.
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CII estimates India's GDP to grow at 8% in 2024 inflation likely to remain within RBI is 4% target.
According to the CII, the measures implemented by the government aimed at simplifying business processes. These measures have been beneficial for both small and medium-sized enterprises, which are the backbone of the nation. CII's positive outlook is based on several key factors. The organization expects India to grow at a rate of 8 percent. During the event, Puri emphasized that policy interventions, particularly the ones aimed at improving the Ease of Doing Business (EODB), have strengthened the Indian economy.
Puri was at an event organised by the industry body on Thursday. The event was focused on the country's Economic Growth Outlook and the key reform priorities for the country. It also highlighted the industry expectations from the Union Budget.
CII also showed confidence in the government's ability to manage inflation. The trade organisation noted that inflation is expected to remain close to the range of 4 and 4.5 percent in 2024.
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India to maintain 6.5 to 7% Y-o-Y GDP Growth between FY26 and FY30.
India is expected to sustain a potential growth rate of 6.5 per cent -7 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) between 2025-26 and 2029-30, UBS Securities said on Monday. During FY25, India is expected to grow at 7 per cent as post-pandemic recovery in the capital expenditure (capex) cycle, driven by government spending and strong residential real estate demand is likely to continue, said Tanvee Gupta Jain, chief India economist at UBS Securities. In the recent review of the monetary policy, the Reserve Bank of India revised its FY25 gross domestic product (GDP) forecast to 7.2 per cent from 7 per cent projected in April.
Corporate capital expenditure recovery is expected to pick up now that elections are over, with visible data impacts from FY26, it said.
On the other hand, Jain said the monthly inflation forecast suggests that inflation could be lower than the RBI’s forecast of 4.5 per cent for the full year.
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Indian Firms among World's Top 100 most valuable brands in Kantar BrandZ 2024 report.
Four Indian companies have made it to the list of 100 most valuable global brands this year. While Apple has topped the Kantar BrandZ Most Valuable Global Brands Report, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), HDFC Bank, Airtel and Infosys from India also made the cut. In the 2024 list, TCS has been ranked the 46th most valuable global brand, having a valuation of around $44.8 billion. It is followed by HDFC Bank, in the 47th spot, with a brand value of approximately $43.3 billion. At 73 is Airtel, valued at around $25.3 billion. Next, in the 74th spot, is Infosys, with its brand value of around $24.7 billion.
The cumulative brand value of all Indian brands on the Top 100 list is over $130 billion.
In 2023, TCS was in the 42nd spot, followed by HDFC Bank (56), Infosys (66) and Airtel (76).
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SEBI bags 'Best Conduct of Business Regulatory' award in Asia Pacific by the Asian banker.
SEBI has been given 'Best Conduct of Business Regulator' award in Asia Pacific by The Asian Banker for its role in enhancing the regulatory framework for securities markets in India. The award was received by Sebi's Whole Time Member Kamlesh Chandra Varshney in a ceremony held in Hong Kong. The Asian Banker creates platforms to build a greater sense of community amongst players in the financial services industry, from traditional banks and digital disruptors to fintechs and platform players.
SEBI has been actively working towards instantaneous settlement. In 2021, T+1 settlement was introduced in a phased manner, which was fully implemented from January 2023.
This move has provided investors with faster access to their funds following trade execution and settlement, enhancing market efficiency and liquidity," The Asian Banker said in a statement.
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Indian Army gets its 1st Batch of 1st Indigenous LM Nagastra-1 with Reusable Technology.
An important step towards attaining "Aatmanirbharta" (self-reliance) in defence and ammunition systems, the Indian Army has received the first batch Nagastra-1, the country's first indigenous loiter munition made by Solar Industries in Nagpur. The Indian Army has placed an order to supply 480 Loiter Munitions under Emergency Procurement Powers, with Solar Industries subsidiary Economics Explosives Ltd (EEL). "After successful completion of pre-delivery inspections, EEL delivered 120 Loiter Munitions to an Army Ammunition Depot," defence officials were quoted by ANI as saying.
Nagastra-1 can neutralise any hostile threat using a GPS-enabled precision strike when it is in the Kamikaze mode, with achieving an accuracy of 2 metres.
As the first weapon of its kind made entirely of indigenous materials, Nagastra-l can hover in midair and strike its target as soon as it approaches.
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Sagar Defence Engineering Secures Contract from DRDO to Develop Cutting-Edge ULUAVs.
In a significant boost to India’s military capabilities, Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt. Ltd. from Pune has secured a contract from the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Technology Development Fund (TDF) to develop Underwater Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (ULUAVs). The contract was officially signed between Dr Nidhi Bansal, Director of TDF, and Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt. Ltd. in the presence of Dr GA Srinivasa Murthy, Director of the Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad along with the PMMG team, DRDL, and the user, a representative from the Directorate of Submarine Acquisition (DSMAQ) of the Indian Navy. This highlights the collaborative effort to propel India’s defence technology to new heights.
The development of an Underwater Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (ULUAV) by Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt. Ltd., designed to launch autonomously from a moving submarine, featuring high endurance and long range to provide a significant element of surprise.
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Lal, Mursan & Hilsa are Craters on Mars named after Towns of Bihar and UP and Indian Physicist.
Lal, Mursan and Hilsa are three craters on the surface of Mars, discovered by Ahmedabad's Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), that could hold proof that there was water on the red planet at some point in the past. The biggest crater of the three - Lal - has been named after the late Professor Devendra Lal, a legendary cosmic ray physicist from Varanasi and the director of PRL between 1972 and 1983.
Mursan is named after a town in Uttar Pradesh's Hathras district, and Hilsa after a town in Bihar's Nalanda district.
'Lal' - the largest - spans around 65km. It is covered with lava, but there is geophysical evidence of material other than lava in this crater with a 45m thick sedimentary deposit in the subsurface.
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World Blood Donor Day is celebrated on 14th June.
World Blood Donor Day, celebrated annually on 14 June, is a worldwide celebration to honour and thank those people who donate their blood, voluntarily and unpaid, to give others the gift of life. It is celebrated on the day of birthday anniversary of Karl Landsteiner, who discovered the ABO blood group system. We encourage our Member States to provide resources and infrastructure to facilitate voluntary blood donation, and to support the development of nationally coordinated blood transfusion services that provide equitable access to safe and quality assured blood transfusions for the whole population.
This years marks the 20th year of World Blood Donor Day (WBDD) after it was first organised in 2004, by the World Health Organization (WHO) and our partners at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Federation of Blood Donor Organizations and the International Society of Blood Transfusion.
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Assam Launches 'Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina' Scheme to Promote Girl Education.
Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that in a push to increase enrolment of girl students in higher education, the Cabinet has accorded approval to provide financial assistance to girl students under the Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina scheme to be offered as Admission Assistance. Girl students enrolled in Higher Secondary, Degree First Year and PG First Year of Government and Venture Schools, Colleges and Universities irrespective of their economic status is eligible for this scheme. The chief minister added, “From this academic year, both Boys and Girls who score more than 75% marks will receive 10,000 as a one-time financial grant under the Anundoram Borooah Scheme. From next academic year, scooters will be distributed to both boy and girl students who secure more than 75% marks.
The scheme is expected to cover around one million girl students and cost the exchequer Rs.300 crore in the first year and around Rs.1,500 crore over a five-year period.
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In WEF's Global Gender Gap Index 2024, India Ranked 129th and Iceland on top.
India dropped to 129th place in the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Index 2024, while Iceland retained the top spot. India ranks fifth in South Asia, trailing Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan, with Pakistan at the bottom. Despite progress in economic participation and educational enrolment, India's political empowerment and representation of women remain low. Globally, the gender gap will take 134 years to close at the current rate.
With regard to parity in the number of years with female/male heads of state for the last 50 years, India was ranked 10th.
The WEF said the world has closed 68.5 per cent of the gender gap, but at the current pace it will take another 134 years -- equivalent to five generations -- to achieve full gender parity.
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JIMEX 24, 8th Japan-India Maritime Exercise Commenced in Japan.
Japan-India maritime exercise (JIMEX 24) commenced at Yokosuka in Japan. According to the Indian Navy, during the exercise, navies of both the countries will jointly hone their war fighting skills at sea and enhance their interoperability. Indian Navy’s indigenous Stealth Frigate INS Shivalik is participating in the bilateral maritime exercise. While, Japan is being represented by the Guided Missile Destroyer JS Yugiri. Indian Navy said that JIMEX 24 provides an opportunity to learn from each other’s best practices and facilitates operational interactions between India and Japan.
The exercise also reaffirms their shared commitment towards maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.
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Motilal Oswal AMC Introduced Nifty India Defence index. India's Index Fund Investing in Defence Stocks.
Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund is set to introduce the Motilal Oswal Nifty India Defence Index Fund, an open-ended fund designed to mirror the total returns of the Nifty India Defence Index. The new fund offer (NFO) for this scheme will be open for subscription from June 13 until June 24. The fund's investment objective is to provide returns that, before expenses, correspond to the total returns of the securities as represented by the Nifty India Defence Total Return Index, subject to tracking error. Its performance will be measured against the Nifty India Defence Total Return Index and will be overseen by Swapnil Mayekar and Rakesh Shetty.
The Motilal Oswal Nifty India Defence Index Fund requires a minimum application amount of Rs 500, with subsequent investments allowed in multiples of Re 1.
This scheme caters to investors aiming for returns aligned with the performance of the Nifty India Defence Total Return Index, with consideration for tracking error, and those pursuing long-term capital growth.\
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Chandrababu Naidu Sworn-in as 18th CM of Andhra Pradesh and Pawan Kalyan as Deputy CM.
Two days after taking oath as part of the new Andhra Pradesh government, Janasena Party head and superstar Pawan Kalyan has been appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, with Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu naming his son and Mangalagiri MLA Nara Lokesh the Information and Technology Minister. In addition to the Deputy Chief Minister post, Kalyan has also been tasked with the Panchayati Raj, Rural Development & Rural Water Supply portfolio, as well as the Environment, Forest, Science & Technology one.
Pawan Kalyan, the Pithapuram MLA, is widely credited with stitching the NDA alliance of TDP, BJP and Janasena together, which swept up 164 of the 175 Assembly seats in the state and 21 of the 25 Lok Sabha seats, in the process routing the incumbent YSRCP government which was led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.
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Harsh Pati Singhania Elected as First Vice Chair of International Chamber of Commerce.
Harsh Pati Singhania, Chairman and Managing Director of JK Paper Ltd and Director of JK Organisation, has been elected as First Vice-Chair of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Paris. The election took place during the World Council meeting on Tuesday (June 11) in Paris, France. ICC, known as the voice of world business, represents over 45 million businesses globally. Upon his election, Singhania, known for his contributions to various industry and government bodies, said, “I am very happy and honoured to have this opportunity to serve the business community through this prestigious institution and will do my best to represent the voice of South, as we navigate a complex and fragile world economy."
Singhania's past roles include President of ICC-India, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), and the All India Management Association (AIMA), among others.
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FICCI Announced the Appointment of Jyoti Vij as its DG.
The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) on Tuesday announced the appointment of Jyoti Vij as its director general. Vij is currently the additional director general at FICCI. She will take charge of the FICCI secretariat with immediate effect. She graduated from Shri Ram College of Commerce in 1988 and later received her master's in business economics from the University of Delhi in 1990. In 1993, she joined the industry body and has served it in various capacities.
On Vij's appointment, FICCI president Anish Shah said, "We are delighted to welcome Jyoti Vij in her new role. Her thought leadership, strengths in policy formulation, people skills and long experience in the organisation will add immense value to FICCI."
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International Albinism Awareness Day is observed on June 13.
Albinos are extremely sensitive to the sun, because their body synthesizes vitamin D 5 times faster. Albinism occurs due to a cellular malfunction, and a person is not to blame for the existence of such a defect, so the main goal of today's event is to draw humanity's attention to the problem of discrimination against people with albinism, to raise public awareness of albinism and its causes.
International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) is organized annually on June 13th to raise awareness of albinism.
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Ravichandran Ashwin releases his autobiography 'I Have the Streets: A Kutti Cricket Story' .
Penguin Random House India (PRHI) revealed on Monday that Ravichandran Ashwin, India's spirited off-spinner renowned for his clever and savvy performances on the cricket field, will release his autobiography on June 10."I Have the Streets: A Kutti Cricket Story," written by veteran cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin and author Sidharth Monga, pledges to present a nuanced and forthright depiction of the Indian spinner's life prior to his ascent as a cricket luminary. "I am pleased to share my story on the making of a cricketer. Through this book, I hope to inspire many aspiring cricketers," said Ashwin in a statement.
The autobiography delves into Ravichandran Ashwin's early challenges with health, the unwavering backing from his middle-class family, and the delight of maturing in a cricket-centric community in Chennai.
Regarded as one of India's premier match-winners in Test cricket, Ashwin is acclaimed for his extraordinary feats, notably becoming the quickest bowler to achieve 300 Test wickets.
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Mohan Charan Majhi sworn in as Odisha's 1st BJP CM, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo & Pravati Parida took oath as Deputy CMs.
Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday took oath as the 15th Chief Minister of Odisha in the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior BJP leaders at the Janta Maidan in Bhubaneswar. Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, a veteran party MLA from Patnagarh, and Pravati Parida, a first-time MLA from Nimapara, were also sworn in as the deputy CMs at the event. Majhi, BJP's tribal face is a sitting MLA from the Keonjhar assembly constituency in Western Odisha. He had a long political career, beginning as a Sarpanch in 1997 and becoming an MLA for the first time in 2000 from Keonjhar. He won the seat back in 2004, but lost it again in 2009 and 2014. In 2019, he won again, and in 2024, he held his seat.
The new Chief Minister who shares Santhal roots with India's first Adivasi President Droupadi Murmu, has worn many hats - farmer, teacher in an RSS-run school, sarpanch, Adivasi rights advocate, and a crusader against the mining mafia.
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Indian Navy Launches 5th MCA Barge, LSAM 13 (Yard 81)' at Maharashtra.
The 'Missile Cum Ammunition Barge, LSAM 13, Yard 81, the fifth Barge of the Missile Cum Ammunition Barge project, built by MSME Shipyard, SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd (SEPPL), Visakhapatnam for Indian Navy, was undertaken on June 10. The availability of these Barges would provide impetus to the operational commitments of IN by facilitating Transportation, Embarkation and Disembarkation of articles, and ammunition to IN Ships both alongside jetties and at outer harbours. These Barges are indigenously designed and built under relevant Naval Rules and Regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
According to an official statement from the Ministry of Defence, the launching ceremony was presided over by Commodore Manish Vig, General Manager (QA), ND(MBI).
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CCI approves Acquisition of Global Infrastructure Management, LLC by Blackrock Funding, Inc.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved BlackRock Funding, Inc.'s acquisition of Global Infrastructure Management, LLC, marking a significant milestone in the global investment landscape. According to a press release by the CCI, BlackRock Funding, Inc., a subsidiary of BlackRock Inc., will significantly expand its infrastructure management capabilities through this acquisition. This move highlights the increasing importance of infrastructure investments in global portfolios. The approved deal involves BlackRock Funding, Inc. acquiring 100% of the limited liability company interests in Global Infrastructure Management, LLC (GIM), enhancing BlackRock's strategic influence in the global infrastructure sector.
BlackRock Funding, Inc. (BFI), a newly formed subsidiary of BlackRock Inc., will purchase the entirety of GIM's interests.
BFI, a wholly owned subsidiary of BlackRock Inc., was established specifically for this strategic acquisition and does not have independent operational activities.
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India to Host FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup in 2025.
India will host the men's Junior Hockey World Cup in December, 2025. A total of 24 teams will participate in the event for the first time ever. The move aims to empower more National Associations and enhance diversity in the sport. The previous tournament was held in Kuala Lumpur in 2023, with Germany winning. The event emphasises the country's growing importance in international hockey and commitment to developing the sport. This was announced by FIH President Tayyab Ikram who said, "Giving more opportunities to play to a larger and more diverse number of National Associations is one of the key pillars of our empowerment and engagement strategy."
The last edition of the tournament was held in Kuala Lumpur in 2023 with Germany emerging winners with a 2-1 win over France. Spain and India took the third and fourth places respectively.
India have, in the past, hosted the tournament three times in 2013 (New Delhi), 2016 (Lucknow) and 2021 (Bhubaneswar). India were the winners of the 2016 edition as well.
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Padma Shri Awardee & Renowned Sarod Maestro Rajeev Taranath Passed Away on 11th June.
Pandit Rajeev Taranath, the renowned sarod maestro, passed away due to age-related illness at the age of 92 here on Tuesday. Taranath, a luminary in the realm of Hindustani classical music, breathed his last at a private hospital where he had been receiving treatment for the past several days. Born on October 17, 1932, Rajeev Taranath's contributions to music are celebrated globally. A prodigious talent, he gave his first public singing performance at the age of nine and sang for Akashvani Radio before he turned twenty. He later taught English literature at Aden University in the 1980s and served as the head of the Indian music program at the California Institute of the Arts from 1995 to 2005.
Taranath's contributions were not limited to performances. He was recognized for his pioneering influence in South India and honored with the Chowdiah Memorial Award (1998), the Sangeet Vidhwan Award (2018), and the Nadoja Award (2019) in Karnataka.
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Malawi Vice President Saulos Chilima Dies in Plane Crash.
The wreck of a plane carrying Malawi's vice-president has been found with no survivors, President Lazarus Chakwera has said. Saulos Chilima and nine others were flying within the country on Monday morning when their aircraft disappeared from airport radars. The plane, a military aircraft, was flying in bad weather. Soldiers had been searching Chikangawa Forest overnight and into the morning in an effort to find the plane. In a news briefing on Tuesday, President Chakwera said the Malawi Defence Force commander informed him that the search and rescue operation had been completed and the plane was found.
Mr Chakwera said he was "deeply saddened and sorry" to inform Malawians of the terrible tragedy.
He said the rescue team found the aircraft completely destroyed.
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Indian Army gets indigenous Man Portable Counter Drone System.
AXISCADES Technologies Ltd, has started delivering the first-of-its-kind Man Portable Counter Drone System (MPCDS) in India to the armed forces under a Landmark Order of Rs 100 Crores from the Indian Army. On Monday the company said that this contract marks a major milestone for AXISCADES, as the company begins the delivery of these systems, which are the first of their kind to be inducted into the Indian Defence Forces.
The Man Portable Counter Drone System (MPCDS), developed by AXISCADES, stands out as a game-changer in India’s defence capabilities.
The Man Portable Counter Drone System (MPCDS), developed by AXISCADES, stands out as a game-changer in India’s defence capabilities.
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World Bank Raises GDP Projection to 6.6% for FY25.
The World Bank has upwardly revised India’s GDP growth forecast for the current financial year 2024-25 by 20 basis points to 6.6 per cent from its earlier projection of 6.4 per cent made in January. The World Bank said that India will continue to be the fastest-growing among the world’s largest economies, though its pace of expansion is expected to moderate. In its latest Global Economic Prospects report, the international financial institution attributed the revision in India’s growth projections to strong public investment accompanied by private capex and rise in private consumption.
Growth of domestic demand remained robust, with a surge in investment, including in infrastructure, offsetting a moderation of consumption growth as post-pandemic pent-up demand eased.
For 2025-26, World Bank similarly raised the growth projections from 6.5 per cent to 6.7 per cent.
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Adani Defence & Aerospace, UAE's EDGE sign defence cooperation agreement.
Adani Defence and Aerospace has signed a cooperation agreement with EDGE Group, a global technology and defence organisation based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), said the Indian company in a press statement. The agreement will create a global platform that utilises the defence and aerospace strengths of both companies by combining product portfolios.
The agreement aims to combine the two companies' product portfolios to meet the needs of both global and local customers.
The agreement will explore the establishment of research and development (R&D) facilities in India and the UAE.
about EDGE
CEO - Hamad Al Marar
HQ - Abu Dhabi, UAE
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IIT-H, Japan’s Renesas ink MoU for research on VLSI, embedded semiconductor systems .
The Indian Institute of Technology - Hyderabad (IIT-H) and Japanese advanced semiconductor solutions provider Renesas Electronics Corporation have entered into a three-year memorandum of understanding to undertake research and collaborate in the field of very-large-scale-integration (VLSI) and embedded semiconductor systems.
Their partnership was facilitated by IIT-H Japan Desk that was established with Japan International Cooperation Agency’s support and seeks to drive innovation and talent development in India’s semiconductor industry, JICA said on Thursday.
About Renesas
CEO - Mr. Shibata
HQ - Tokyo, Japan
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Smt Vijayabharathi Sayani joins as a Member of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India.
Smt Vijayabharathi Sayani today joined as a Member of the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India. Prior to this, she was practicing as an Advocate in the Telangana High Court. Besides handling civil and criminal matters, she is widely known for dealing with cases of women harassment and dowry, and providing pro bono legal aid to those belonging to the economically weaker sections of society.
She has served several professional and social organizations in various capacities including, among others, Anjani Matha Seva Trust, Samvardhinee Nyas, and Pragna Bharati, NGOs focusing on holistic and multi-dimensional empowerment of women.
She has conducted more than 100 workshops for female students in various colleges to build awareness about various issues and rights and has won several awards from different organizations for her work in the field of women's welfare.
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Distinguished Indian wildlife biologist Johnsingh passed away.
Biologist and conservation activist A J T Johnsingh, who passed away on June 7, has been a source of inspiration for wildlife conservationists across India and the legacy he left behind will guide generations. Describing him as a luminary in wildlife conservation, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin said John Singh’s dedication to “science-based conservation will continue to guide us.”
The distinguished Indian wildlife biologist Asir Jawahar Thomas Johnsingh (October 14, 1945) died in Bengaluru due to ailment, his family said.
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The All India Tennis Association has announced the Dilip Bose Award for lifetime achievement to coach Nar Singh and Rohini Lokhande.
The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has announced the Dilip Bose award for lifetime achievement to coach Nar Singh. The award along with a cash prize of Rs.50,000 will be presented during the 11th National coaches workshop to be held at the PYC Hindu Gymkhana in Pune on June 7 and 8.
The secretary general of AITA, Anil Dhupar, announced a new lifetime achievement award for women coaches.
Rohini was the first woman tennis coach to qualify from the National Institute of Sports.
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India’s Sarabjot Singh wins gold in 10m air pistol.
Indian shooter Sarabjot Singh won the gold medal in the men’s 10m air pistol event at the ISSF World Cup 2024 in Munich, Germany on Thursday. Sarabjot Singh scored 242.7 to win the gold medal in the final. Shuaihang Bu of the People’s Republic of China shot 242.5 for the silver medal while Germany’s Robin Walter settled for the bronze medal in the final with a score of 220.0.
The Asian Games gold medallist scored 242.7 in the final to win India’s first medal in Munich.
He also topped the qualification round with 588 points.
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UN declares 2025 to be International Year of Quantum Science and Tech.
The United Nations has said 2025 will be designated the ‘International Year of Quantum Science and Technology’. In a statement, the body said the initiative will be “year-long”, “worldwide”, and that it will “be observed through activities at all levels aimed at increasing public awareness of the importance of quantum science and applications.”
Next year will be a century since Werner Heisenberg published a paper in which he laid the foundation of modern quantum mechanics.
The proclamation is the result of a resolution led by Mexico in May 2023 and which was soon joined by other countries.
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World Day Against Child Labour is observed on 12 June.
This year's World Day will focus on celebrating the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (1999, No. 182). It also presents an opportunity to remind all stakeholders to improve their implementation of the two fundamental Conventions on child labour - Convention No. 182 and Convention No. 138 concerning the Minimum Age for Admission to Employment or Work (1973).
Child labour comprises work that children are too young to perform and/or work that, by its nature or circumstances, is likely to harm children’s health, safety or morals.
With the adoption of Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.7, the international community made a commitment to the elimination of child labour in all its forms by 2025.
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Every year from 2024, June 11 will be observed as the International day of play.
The first-ever International Day of Play, to be observed on 11 June 2024, marks a significant milestone in efforts to preserve, promote, and prioritize playing so that all people, especially children, can reap the rewards and thrive to their full potential. Beyond mere recreation, it is a universal language spoken by people of all ages, transcending national, cultural, and socio-economic boundaries. This shared passion fosters a sense of community and national pride.
International Day of Play will serve as an annual reminder of the urgency to ensure and promote play across all ages.
Restricting opportunities for play directly impedes a child's well-being and development.
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SBI launches 'SME Digital Business Loans', to sanction loans in 45 minutes.
“This innovative product marks a significant leap forward in digitalisation by offering SMEs a digital loan journey with an end-to-end sanction turnaround time of up to 45 minutes,” SBI said in a statement. The proposition eliminates the need for traditional credit underwriting and lengthy appraisal processes, ushering in a new era of simplicity, speed, and accessibility in MSME lending.
Waives of financial statement requirement for SME loans below Rs 50 lakh.
The country’s largest lender, State Bank of India (SBI), has floated ‘SME Digital Business Loans’ with the aim of sanctioning loans in 45 minutes.
About SBI
Chairman -Dinesh Kumar Khara
HQ - Mumbai
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RBI relaxes overseas investment rules for offshore funds.
The Reserve Bank of India has allowed listed Indian companies and resident individuals to invest in offshore funds that are regulated through their fund managers. These investments can be in any instrument, regardless of its form, and in funds set up as limited partnerships, LLC, VCCs, companies or trusts.
Investment can be in any instrument, regardless of its form, and in funds set up as limited partnerships, LLCs, VCCs, companies or trusts.
Until now, overseas portfolio investment (OPI) was permitted only if the ‘funds’ were regulated in their home jurisdiction and the investments were in ‘units’ of the funds.
About RBI
CEO -Shaktikanta Das
HQ - New Delhi
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Sub Lieutenant Anamika Rajeev becomes Indian navy's first Woman helicopter pilot.
A total of 21 officers were awarded the prestigious ‘Golden Wings’ by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command. A passing out parade was held on June 7 to mark the graduation of the 102nd Helicopter Conversion Course.The ceremony also marked the completion of Stage I training of the 4th Basic Helicopter Conversion Course in which three officers successfully completed their Stage – (I) training. Lieutenant Jamyang Tsewang became the first commissioned naval officer from the Union Territory of Ladakh, according to a Defence press release.
The trainees completed an intensive 22-week training programme encompassing rigorous flying and ground training at the Indian Naval Air Squadron 561, the alma mater of all helicopter pilots of the Indian Navy.
Lieutenant Gurkirat Rajput received the FOC-in-C, Eastern Naval Command Rolling Trophy for the trainee pilot standing First in Order of Merit in flying.
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India participated in BRICS foreign ministers meeting in Russia.
The meeting on Monday was the first ministerial meeting following BRICS expansion in 2023 when Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE joined Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa as full-fledged BRICS members. A joint statement issued after the meeting said the BRICS foreign ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the framework of BRICS Strategic Partnership under the three pillars of cooperation - politics and security, economy and finance, cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
Usually, the External Affairs Minister attends such meetings. Since S Jaishankar was reappointed as External Affairs Minister only on Monday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony on Sunday, he could not make it to Russia to attend the meeting.
Ravi, Secretary (Economic Relations) in MEA, led the Indian delegation at the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Nizhny Novgorod, it said.
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Global investment in clean energy to reach USD 2 Trillion is twice that of fossil fuel in 2024.
Total energy investment worldwide is expected to exceed $3 trillion in 2024 for the first time, with some $2 trillion set to go toward clean technologies – including renewables, electric vehicles, nuclear power, grids, storage, low-emissions fuels, efficiency improvements and heat pumps – according to the latest edition of the IEA’s annual World Energy Investment report. The remainder, slightly over $1 trillion, is going to coal, gas and oil. In 2023, combined investment in renewable power and grids overtook the amount spent on fossil fuels for the first time.
The new report warns, however, that there are still major imbalances and shortfalls in energy investment flows in many parts of the world.
It highlights the low level of clean energy spending in emerging and developing economies (outside China), which is set to exceed $300 billion for the first time – led by India and Brazil.
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Vellayan Subbiah named EY World Entrepreneur of the year 2024.
The EY organization hosts the annual World Entrepreneur of the Year event to celebrate the accomplishments of visionary leaders who are transforming industries, growing the economy and answering the call to address global challenges. The annual gathering brings together founders, CEOs and business leaders for a series of networking opportunities and workshops, culminating with the winning announcement. Vellayan Subbiah, Executive Vice-Chairman of Tube Investments of India (TII) and Chairman of Cholamandalam (Chola) Investment and Finance Co. Ltd., was named the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2024 at an award ceremony held in Monaco's Salle des Etoiles. Vellayan was selected from among nearly 5,000 program participants that included 51 winners across 47 countries and jurisdictions competing for the global title. He is the fourth winner from India in the award's 24-year history.
Starting in 2018, he took on leadership of TII, a 70-year-old manufacturing company, and began to transform the entire business through investment reallocation and acquisitions.
Since taking over he’s helped TII’s share price grow 13x.
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Bank Of India acquires over 6 % stake in CCIL IFSC.
The announcement was made by Bank of India's Executive Director (International Operations) Subrat Kumar in GIFT City while speaking at an event to mark the first anniversary of the bank's IFSC Banking Unit in GIFT City. "The acquisition of 6.125 per cent stake in CCIL IFSC for Rs 6.125 crore showcases our strategic commitment towards the growth of GIFT City IFSC and its emergence as a global financial services provider," Kumar said.
The entity will act as a clearing house and system operator at GIFT City.
The foreign currency settlement system is expected to help develop the GIFT City ecosystem further by enabling and promoting a greater number of use cases within the IFSC.
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International Archives Day is celebrated on 09th June.
International Archives day is being observed across the country today to raise awareness among public about the importance of records and archives. This day aims to make the general public, private and public sectors fully conscious of the need for long-term archival preservation and access.
During the 2004 International Congress in Vienna, 2000 attending participants adopted a resolution requesting that the United Nations to designate a specific day to mark the importance and value of archives.
Later in 2007, at the Annual General Meeting of International Council on Archives, it was decided that 9th of June 9th would be celebrated as International Archives Day.
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SpaceX starship completes 1st full flight with successful soft splashdown.
Starship blasted off from the company’s Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, at 7.50am (12:50 GMT), before soaring to space and coasting halfway across the globe. It reached an altitude of nearly 211 kilometers (130 miles), travelling at more than 26,000km/h (16,000mph) before beginning its descent. A live broadcast showed parts of the spacecraft breaking off during the intense heat of reentry, and a chunk of flying debris even cracked the camera lens. The spacecraft remained sufficiently intact to transmit data to its targeted splashdown site in the Indian Ocean.
SpaceX’s Starship rocket has completed its first-ever full flight, after surviving re-entry in a breakthrough for the prototype system that may one day send people to Mars.
CEO - Elon Musk
HQ - Hawthorne, California
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Indian Army launches Integrated Generator Monitoring, Control System 'Vidyut Rakshak'.
Vidyut Rakshak is an Internet of Things-enabled integrated generator monitoring, protection and control system. The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of interrelated devices that connect and exchange data with other IoT devices and the cloud. The Indian Army has launched 'Vidyut Rakshak', an integrated generator monitoring, protection, and control system developed by the Army Design Bureau (ADB). This tech-based innovation, part of the Army's 'Year of Tech Absorption', utilizes Internet of Things (IoT) technology to monitor, predict faults, and automate manual operations of all existing generators, regardless of type or make. The system aims to save manpower and signifies the Army's commitment to leveraging technology for transformative change. Vidyut Rakshak was showcased during Aero India 2023 and has already been inducted into the Indian Army.
Vidyut Rakshak has been developed by Major Rajprasad R S and was displayed recently during the 'Exercise Bharat Shakti' and was witnessed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Army said.
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International Level Crossing Awareness day is celebrated on 06 June.
International Level Crossing Awareness day aims to raise awareness about the dangers associated with the road/rail interfaces known as level crossings or grade crossings. International Level Crossing Awareness Day is a joint global commitment to raise public awareness on the dangers of misbehavior at level crossings.
The first European Level Crossing Awareness Day was held on June 25th, 2009 with participation in 28 countries, and has since expanded with participation in over 40 countries worldwide.
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Pixxel, Sarvam AI, Nirmai Health Analytix among 10 indian startups in WEF's technology pioneer 2024 list.
The list has total 100 leading tech startups which are focused on applying new breakthroughs in AI to develop clean energy solutions, healthcare innovation and progress in biotech, space and neurotechnology. Those having been named on the list in the past include tech giants like Airbnb, Google, Kickstarter and Spotify. Niramai is developing a novel AI-based test for detecting early-stage breast cancer, which is affordable, portable and non-invasive. Pixxel is developing hyperspectral satellite imagery to capture geospatial data, while Sarvam AI is building foundation AI models and platforms for their use with a focus on Indian languages and use cases.
The 100 Technology Pioneers include startups from 23 countries, with a third led by a woman chief executive.
There are nine space companies, including Pixxel from India, four neurotechnology startups, and four working in the area of clean technology, including Amperehour and International Battery Company from India.
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Narendra Modi takes oath as PM for the third term along with 71 ministers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the oath of office for a third successive term on Sunday, along with 71 other members of his Council of Ministers, at a ceremony held in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. Of the 81 slots allowed in the Union Council of Ministers, a relatively large cohort of 72 members was sworn in, reflecting a coalition government emphasising both continuity and change, with a sizeable representation of 11 portfolios given to the BJP’s allies in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Jayant Chaudhary of the Rashtriya Lok Dal and Pratap Rao Jadhav of the Shiv Sena were accorded the status of Ministers of State with independent charge.
Anupriya Patel of the Apna Dal, Ram Nath Thakur of the JD(U), Chandrashekhar Pemmasani of the TDP and Ram Das Athawale of the Republican Party of India, were made Ministers of State.
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Prem Singh Tamang sworn in as CM of Sikkim for 2nd term.
The ceremony, which started at 4.30pm, was attended by special invitees and more than 30,000 people from all over the Himalayan state. The state government ordered the closure of all educational institutions in and around Gangtok as a security measure. A half-day holiday was also declared at all government offices and PSUs in the area following an order issued by chief secretary V B Pathak. SKM secured a landslide victory in the assembly elections, winning 31 of the state’s 32 seats that went to polls on April 19 along with general election in the sole Lok Sabha constituency of the state. The opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), headed by former chief minister Pawan Chamling, won only one. The results were declared on June 4.
Governor Lakshman Acharya administered the oath of office and secrecy to Tamang and his council of ministers at a ceremony at Gangtok’s Paljor stadium.
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Neerabh Kumar Prasad takes over as Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh.
The General Administration Department (GAD), through G.O. RT No. 1034 issued on June 7 (Friday), appointed Neerabh Kumar Prasad as Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh in place of K.S. Jawahar Reddy, who had since been transferred. S. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary, Political Wing of the GAD, issued the G.O. to this effect.
General Administration Department issues G.O. to this effect; the senior most IAS officer in the State cadre, he will be overseeing the swear-in ceremony of Chandrababu Naidu as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh on June 12.
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SpaceX accomplishes first soft splashdown of Starship, Super Heavy Booster on Flight 4 mission.
For a fourth time in a little more than a year, SpaceX launched a test mission of its massive Starship rocket from its development facility in southern Texas called Starbase. The launch, dubbed Flight 4, push the launch vehicle towards its goal of being a mostly reusable rocket. Similarly to the previous three launches, Flight 4 did not include a payload and flew a suborbital trajectory. Unlike the preceding missions, Flight 4 saw a soft splashdown of the Super Heavy Booster (Booster 11) and of the Starship upper stage (Ship 29). Liftoff took place at 7:50 a.m. CDT (8:50 a.m. EDT, 1250 UTC), near the opening of a 120-minute window.
For a fourth time in program history, SpaceX launches its Starship rocket from its Starbase facility in southern Texas.
During Flight 3, the upper stage began to roll uncontrollably, preventing the vehicle from performing a relight of one of its six Raptor engines.
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SBI and Muthoot Microfin join forces to support women entrepreneurs.
Muthoot Microfin partners with State Bank of India to provide financial services to women in rural and semi-urban areas. The co-lending initiative targets joint liability groups involved in agriculture and other income-generating activities, offering loans ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 3 lakh. Muthoot Microfin on Thursday announced a strategic co-lending partnership with the State Bank of India to extend its financial services to women in the economically weaker segment in rural and semi-urban regions across India.
Muthoot Microfin and SBI will co-lend to members of joint liability groups who are engaged in agricultural and allied activities as well as other income-generating enterprises.
The loan amounts will range from Rs 10,000 to Rs 3 lakh, Muthoot said.
About RBI
Chairman - Dinesh Kumar Khara
HQ - Mumbai
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June 8 is celebrated as World Brain Tumour Day each year.
The “Deutsche Hirntumorhilfe e.V.” (German Brain Tumor Association) started this international commemoration day in the year 2000 as a tribute to all brain tumour patients and their families. It is celebrated annually on 8 June.
It is our pleasure to be a part of this global activity and help raise awareness around the world.
In 2019 our activity was supported by a message from the Minister of Health.
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Sebi mandates KRAs to update KYC info on Central KYC Records Registry.
In a move aimed at streamlining the Know Your Customer (KYC) process, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has directed KYC Registration Agencies (KRAs) to integrate their systems with the Central KYC Records Registry (CKYCRR) and begin uploading verified KYC information of clients starting August 1, 2024.
Sebi has asked KYC registration agencies to upload KYC details of all capital market investors from August 1.
According to the new guidelines, KRAs will have to upload verified or validated KYC information onto CKYCRR within seven days of receiving it from intermediaries.
About SEBI
Chairperson - Smt. Madhabi Puri Buch
HQ - Mumbai
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World Oceans Day is celebrated on 8 June.
“Awaken New Depths” is the theme for World Oceans Day 2024. The UN is joining forces with decision-makers, indigenous leaders, scientists, private sector executives, civil society, celebrities, and youth activists to showcase how our relationship with the ocean needs to urgently change since our efforts to date have only skimmed the surface. To motivate widespread momentum for the ocean, we need to awaken new depths.
World Oceans Day reminds every one of the major role the oceans have in everyday life.
They are the lungs of our Planet and a major source of food and medicine and a critical part of the biosphere.
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Max Verstappen wins third straight Canadian Grand Prix for his 60th Formula 1 victory and sixth in nine races this year.
Max Verstappen won the Canadian Grand Prix for the third straight year for the Red Bull star's 60th Formula 1 victory and sixth in nine races this season. Verstappen started second in the rain alongside pole-sitter George Russell and dominated late again at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Ile Notre-Dame on Sunday. The 26-year-old Dutchman has a staggering 50 victories in the last 75 F1 races.
Verstappen finished 3.879 seconds ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris in the 70-lap race on the 2.71-mile (4.36-kilometer) road course.
Last year, Verstappen started from the pole and led every lap.
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MSME lender Ashv Finance partners with HDFC Bank for co-lending MSME loans.
MSME-focused non-banking financial company Ashv Finance, part of the impact investor Aavishkaar Group, has signed a co-lending agreement with the private sector lender HDFC Bank to provide unsecured business loans to micro and small enterprises (MSEs). The co-lending deal is part of Ashv Finance’s focus on growing co-lending partnerships for lending to MSMEs.
The co-lending deal is part of Ashv Finance’s focus on growing co-lending partnerships for lending to MSMEs.
The unsecured business loans by Ashv Finance are offered between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 50 lakh for a minimum of 12 months and a maximum of 36 months.
About HDFC
Chairman- Atanu Chakraborty
HQ - Mumbai
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Former Cameroonian prime minister Phileman Yang elected president of 79th session of UN General Assembly.
The UN General Assembly (UNGA) on Thursday elected former Cameroonian Prime Minister Philemon Yang as president of the 79th UNGA session. Yang will succeed Denis Francis of Trinidad and Tobago, president of the 78th UNGA session, when the 79th UNGA session opens on Sept. 10 at the UN headquarters in New York."Beyond our differences and our diversity, we should act together to promote peace, ensure that there's no war, preventing disasters in a spirit of unity," Yang said after being elected
Yang, born in June 1947, served as Cameroonian prime minister from 2009 to 2019, and since 2020, he has been serving as the Grand Chancellor of National Orders at the Presidency of the Republic.
He served as Cameroon's high commissioner to Canada between 1984 and 2004, and has held the position of Chairperson of the Panel of Eminent Africans of the African Union since February 2020.
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The Andhra Chamber of Commerce has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Atal Incubation Centre at the Anna University Incubation Foundation.
The Andhra Chamber of Commerce has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Atal Incubation Centre at the Anna University Incubation Foundation here aimed at boosting the start-up ecosystem and aspiring entrepreneurs. As per the joint initiative, the strategic tie-up would help both the partners to leverage their strengths and reach out to a wider audience with the Atal Incubation Centre, Anna University Incubation Foundation.
Based on the MoU, AIC Anna Incubator shall co-incubate startups with ACC, and promote ACC in their events and outreach programs.
Also, refer startups and co-working spaces for interested startups to ACC.
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Garden Reach Shipbuilders surges 6% on lowest bid of Rs 500 cr for DRDO contract.
Shares of Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) soared up to 6 percent on June 7 after the company emerged as the lowest bidder for a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) contract. The contract, worth around Rs 500 crore encompasses building research vessel for the DRDO. It is also worth noting that GRSE is yet to bag the order as the contract is currently under negotiation and has not yet been signed.
GRSE, which rebounded strongly post the election result meltdown, has recovered most of its losses, backed by optimism around government policies and its focus on defence indigenisation.
At 10.55 am, shares of GRSE were trading at Rs 1,348.15, up 3.85 percent on the NSE.
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Shri Kamal Kishore Soan takes over the charge of Director General of ESIC.
Shri Kamal Kishore Soan, a senior IAS officer from Jharkhand Cadre (Batch : 1998) currently serving as an Additional Secretary and Director General, Labour Welfare in the Ministry of Labour & Employment, took over the additional charge of Director General of Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) under Ministry of Labour & Employment, on 31.05.2024.
He has got vast experience of governance and management of various departments in the state of Jharkhand viz. Land Revenue Management and District Administration, Agriculture & Cooperation, Health, Building Construction, Transport, Finance, Energy, Water Resources, Social Justice & Empowerment, etc.
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Norway Chess 2024: Magnus Carlsen, Ju Wenjun emerge as winners, Praggnanandhaa finishes third.
Magnus Carslen and Ju Wenjun emerged as the champions at the Norway Chess tournament at Stavanger on Friday. Carlsen, with 17.5 points, was the clear winner in the open section, as was Ju, with 19, in the women’s. In the final round, the local hero defeated Fabiano Caruana of the United States in Armageddon. His closest rival, Hikaru Nakamura (USA) was beaten by R. Praggnanandhaa, also in Armageddon.
Magnus Carslen, with 17.5 points, and Ju Wenjun, with 19 points, emerged as the champions after the final round of the Norway Chess tournament.
The Chinese player finished last, scoring just seven points, 4.5 behind the fifth-placed Caruana.
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Eenadu founder chairman , Padma Vibhushan awardee and media baron Ramoji Rao passes away at 87.
Prominent media baron Cherukuri Ramoji Rao, chairman of Ramoji Group and Padma Vibhushan awardee, passed away after prolonged illness in the early hours of Saturday, his family members said. He was 87. He is survived by his wife Rama Devi and son Ch Kiran, who is heading the Eenadu group of publications and ETV channels. His younger son, Cherukuri Suman, died of leukemia on September 7, 2012.
Ramoji Rao had been suffering from chronic illness and age-related health complications for a long time.
He was admitted to Star Hospitals of Nanakramguda in Hyderabad on June 5 afternoon due to respiratory issues and high blood pressure.
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World Accreditation Day on June 9 ,2024 serves to show Accreditation.
On 9 June each year, World Accreditation Day highlights the work that accreditation and conformity assessment does to improve so many aspects of life, whether for consumers, society as a whole, business or government. Solutions to huge challenges facing the world are vital, challenges from sustainability to climate change and energy transformation, from AI to cyber security. The quality infrastructure, which includes standards developers, assurance and accreditation bodies, is striving to address these issues that will define the future.
As the 2024 World Accreditation Day video states, ‘Accreditation has been a key pillar of societal trust for decades and now underpins virtually every aspect of everyday life.’
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Mines Ministry Signs MoU with Central TB Division, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for Collaborative Action Towards Elimination of Tuberculosis in the Country by 2025.
y of Health & Family Welfare today signed a Memorandum of Understanding in New Delhi for collaborative and convergent action towards elimination of Tuberculosis. The MoU was signed by Smt. Farida M. Naik, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Dr. K. K. Tripathy, Economic Advisor, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India in the presence of officials from both the ministries. All the field formations, CPSEs and Attached/Subordinate offices of the Mines Ministry joined the program virtually. The MoU will forge inter-ministerial collaboration and strategic partnerships to achieve the target of Eliminating Tuberculosis (TB) in India by 2025.
This partnership aims for collaborative field actions like webinars and other awareness-building initiatives under National TB Elimination Programme by engaging the CPSEs, attached offices, subordinate offices and autonomous bodies of Ministry of Mines.
This initiative will also help in capacity building of health functionaries of PSUs’ hospitals & health centres for specialized campaigns for eradication of TB at grass-root level.
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India participates in the inaugural Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Clean Economy Investor Forum.
Indian delegation, led by Secretary, Department of Commerce, Shri Sunil Barthwal participated in the inaugural Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Clean Economy Investor Forum, which brought together the region’s top investors, clean economy companies, and start-ups to mobilise investments into sustainable infrastructure, climate technology, and renewable energy projects.
10 Indian companies among the top 100 climate tech start-ups/ companies selected by IPEF.
More than 25 Indian companies got opportunity to pitch Indian projects to more than 100 global Investors.
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UNICEF reported 1 in 4 children globally live in severe child food poverty due to inequity, conflict, and climate crises.
Around 181 million children worldwide under 5 years of age – or 1 in 4 – are experiencing severe child food poverty, making them up to 50 per cent more likely to experience wasting, a life-threatening form of malnutrition, a new UNICEF report reveals today. For the first time, Child Food Poverty: Nutrition Deprivation in Early Childhood analyses the impacts and causes of dietary deprivation among the world’s youngest people in nearly 100 countries, and across income groups. It warns that millions of children under the age of five are unable to access and consume a nutritious and diverse diet to sustain optimal growth and development in early childhood and beyond.
Children experiencing this level of food poverty are up to 50 per cent more likely to suffer from life-threatening malnutrition.
Children who consume, at most, two of eight defined food groups are considered to be in severe child food poverty.
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Global temperature is likely to exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial level temporarily in next 5 years.
There is an 80 percent likelihood that the annual average global temperature will temporarily exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for at least one of the next five years, according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This is a stark warning that we are getting ever closer to the goals set in the Paris Agreement on climate change, which refers to long-term temperature increases over decades, not over one to five years.
Short-term (annual) warming does not equate to a permanent breach of the lower 1.5°C Paris Agreement goal.
Likely that at least one of next five years will be the warmest on record, beating 2023.
about WMO
President - Abdulla Al Mandous
HQ - Washington, United States.
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India, S. Korea, US, Japan, EU launch Biopharmaceutical Alliance.
South Korea, India, the United States, Japan, and the European Union (EU) have come together to launch an alliance to put joint efforts into building a resilient supply chain in the biopharmaceutical sector, the South Korean presidential office said in Seoul on June 6.
The Biopharmaceutical Alliance was launched in response to the drug supply shortages experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The inaugural meeting of the Biopharmaceutical Alliance, held in San Diego during the Bio International Convention 2024, had representatives from government officials and bio and pharmaceutical companies from the participating countries, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported.
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Star footballer Sunil Chhetri announced his decision to retire from international football .
Star footballer Sunil Chhetri announced his decision to retire from international football after the FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Kuwait on June 6, bringing the curtains down on a career that is unparalleled in Indian football for its longevity and consistency. The long-serving national team captain announced his decision on May 16 via a video he posted on his social media accounts. “It was not that I was feeling tired,” Chhetri said in the video. “When the instinct came this should be my last game, I thought about it a lot and eventually I came to this decision.”
Chhetri, who debuted in 2005 against Pakistan, has been the face of Indian football for nearly a decade and a half.
He has scored 94 international goals for India, making him the third-highest active international goalscorer after Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi and the fourth all-time international goalscorer.
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World Food Safety Day is observed on 7th of June every year.
World Food Safety Day on 7 June 2024 will draw attention to food safety incidents. This year’s theme underlines the importance of being prepared for food safety incidents, no matter how mild or severe they can be. Food safety incidents are situations where there is a potential or confirmed health risk associated with food consumption. A food incident can happen, for example, due to accidents, inadequate controls, food fraud or natural events. While being ready to manage food safety incidents requires dedicated efforts from policymakers, food safety authorities, farmers and food business operators, consumers also can play an active role.
One in ten people worldwide fall ill from contaminated food each year.
Over 200 diseases are caused by eating contaminated food .
40 percent of the foodborne disease burden is carried by children under 5.
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Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko becomes first person to spend 1,000 days in space.
Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko became the first person to spend 1,000 days in space. He achieved the milestone on Tuesday during his fifth journey to the International Space Station since 2008. he surpassed the previous record of 878 days, 11 hours, 29 minutes, and 48 seconds set by Russian Gennady Padalka in 2015. Kononenko's mission is scheduled to end on September 23.
Oleg Kononenko achieved the milestone on Tuesday, having made five journeys to the International Space Station dating back to 2008.
His current trip to the ISS began Sept. 15, 2023, when he launched alongside NASA astronaut Loral O'Hara and compatriot Nikolai Chub.