__________________________________________
The 3rd ETWG Meeting was chaired by Alok Kumar, who serves as the ETWG Chair and Secretary of the Ministry of Power, Government of India.
There are six priority areas outlined under India’s G20 Presidency.
__________________________________________
The Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence (MoD), has announced that 164 Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) items with an import substitution value of US$99 million (Rs814 crore), have achieved the target within the timelines.
The Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence (MoD), has announced that 164 Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) items with an import substitution value of US$99 million (Rs814 crore), have achieved the target within the timelines. The Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) have successfully indigenized these products either internally or through industry partners, including medium, small, and micro enterprises (MSMEs). The list of these locally produced goods, broken down by DPSU, may be seen on the Srijan Portal. Line Replacement Units (LRUs), sub-systems, spare parts and Components for DPSUs are among the 4,666 items that the DDP has announced in four PILs.
The Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence (MoD), has announced that 164 Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) items with an import substitution value of US$99 million (Rs814 crore), have achieved the target within the timelines.
The Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) have successfully indigenized these products either internally or through industry partners, including medium, small, and micro enterprises (MSMEs).
The list of these locally produced goods, broken down by DPSU, may be seen on the Srijan Portal.
__________________________________________
India and the European Union (EU) have agreed to coordinate their policies in the strategic semiconductor sector with an aim to conclude an agreement by September 2023 in the first ministerial meeting of the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) in Brussels.
India and the European Union (EU) have agreed to coordinate their policies in the strategic semiconductor sector with an aim to conclude an agreement by September 2023 in the first ministerial meeting of the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) in Brussels. In another significant decision, India and the EU also agreed to enhance cooperation on IT and telecoms standardisation, with a particular focus on promoting interoperable standards. Both sides had in-depth discussions on a range of issues including semiconductors, high-performance computing, digital public infrastructures, clean energy technologies and supply chain resilience. The meeting was co-chaired on the Indian side by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Communications and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. It was co-chaired on the European side by executive vice presidents Valdis Dombrovskis and Margrethe Vestager.
India and the European Union (EU) have agreed to coordinate their policies in the strategic semiconductor sector with an aim to conclude an agreement by September 2023 in the first ministerial meeting of the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) in Brussels.
The meeting was co-chaired on the Indian side by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Communications and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
It was co-chaired on the European side by executive vice presidents Valdis Dombrovskis and Margrethe Vestager.
__________________________________________
On the occasion of the Choose France Summit 2023, Tata Sons Chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, was conferred with the top French civilian honour of Légion d’Honneur by the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, Ms Catherine Colonna, in Paris.
On the occasion of the Choose France Summit 2023, Tata Sons Chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, was conferred with the top French civilian honour of Légion d’Honneur by the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, Ms Catherine Colonna, in Paris. Mr Chandrasekaran was in France to represent the Tata Group at the prestigious Choose France Summit hosted by President Macron at the Versailles castle with more than 180 CEOs from across the world. Minister Colonna conferred this honour on Mr Chandrasekaran on behalf of President Macron as a recognition of his outstanding business successes and decisive contribution to strengthening Indo-French economic ties.
Minister Colonna conferred this honour on Mr Chandrasekaran on behalf of President Macron as a recognition of his outstanding business successes and decisive contribution to strengthening Indo-French economic ties.
__________________________________________
Manoj Soni, a former Vice-Chancellor of two universities in Gujarat, was sworn in as the Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
Manoj Soni, a former Vice-Chancellor of two universities in Gujarat, was sworn in as the Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). He was already serving as the Chairman in charge since April 2022. He had joined the UPSC as a member in June 2017. He is a monk of the Anoopam mission, a branch of the Swaminarayan movement.
He was already serving as the Chairman in charge since April 2022.
__________________________________________
Srichand Parmanand Hinduja (SP Hinduja), chairman of Hinduja Group, passed away in London at the age of 87.
Srichand Parmanand Hinduja (SP Hinduja), chairman of Hinduja Group, passed away in London at the age of 87. He was the founder of the Mumbai-based Hinduja Group and the eldest among his siblings. Born on November 28, 1935, in British India's Sindh province (now part of Pakistan), Hinduja entered the family business as a teenager.
Born on November 28, 1935, in British India's Sindh province (now part of Pakistan), Hinduja entered the family business as a teenager.
__________________________________________
The Reserve Bank has given its approval to SBI Funds Management (SBIFML) to acquire up to 9.99 percent stake in HDFC Bank.
The Reserve Bank has given its approval to SBI Funds Management (SBIFML) to acquire up to 9.99 percent stake in HDFC Bank. The approval has been granted with reference to the application made by SBIFML to RBI. SBIFML has been advised by RBI to acquire the major shareholding in the bank within a period of 6 months (by November 15, 2023). SBIFML has to ensure that the aggregate holding in the bank remains below 10 percent of the paid-up share capital or voting rights of the HDFC Bank at all times.
The Reserve Bank has given its approval to SBI Funds Management (SBIFML) to acquire up to 9.99 percent stake in HDFC Bank.
SBIFML has been advised by RBI to acquire the major shareholding in the bank within a period of 6 months (by November 15, 2023).
SBIFML has to ensure that the aggregate holding in the bank remains below 10 percent of the paid-up share capital or voting rights of the HDFC Bank at all times.
__________________________________________
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has launched a new portal named UTSAH to monitor the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in Higher Education Institutes (HEIs).
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has launched a new portal named UTSAH to monitor the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in Higher Education Institutes (HEIs). This portal will effectively track the qualitative reforms and initiatives taken by educational institutions across the country in line with the NEP. The UTSAH portal, short for “Undertaking Transformative Strategies and Actions in Higher Education,” has been designed in consultation with esteemed institutes such as National Institute of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), and Institute of National Importance (INIs). Universities and colleges will be required to register on the UTSAH portal and provide information about the progress made in executing the new education policy. The data collected through the UTSAH portal will focus on ten key areas outlined in the NEP. These areas include digitalisation, international education, industry-academia collaboration, research, and the promotion of Indian languages and knowledge systems.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has launched a new portal named UTSAH to monitor the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in Higher Education Institutes (HEIs).
This portal will effectively track the qualitative reforms and initiatives taken by educational institutions across the country in line with the NEP.
The UTSAH portal, short for “Undertaking Transformative Strategies and Actions in Higher Education,” has been designed in consultation with esteemed institutes such as National Institute of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), and In
__________________________________________
International Museum Day is celebrated on May 18 every year to creating awareness among people about the great contribution that museums make to society.
International Museum Day is celebrated on May 18 every year to creating awareness among people about the great contribution that museums make to society. This day also celebrates the roles of museums in promoting cultural exchange, diversity, and inclusivity. The theme for International Museum Day 2023 is “Museums, Sustainability and Well-being”. International Museum Day was first celebrated four decades ago in 1977 by the International Council of Museums (ICOM).
International Museum Day is celebrated on May 18 every year to creating awareness among people about the great contribution that museums make to society.
The theme for International Museum Day 2023 is “Museums, Sustainability and Well-being”.
International Museum Day was first celebrated four decades ago in 1977 by the International Council of Museums (ICOM).
__________________________________________
World AIDS Vaccine Day, also known as HIV Vaccine Awareness Day (HVAD), is annually observed on 18 May to provides an opportunity to educate communities about the importance of preventive HIV vaccine research.
World AIDS Vaccine Day, also known as HIV Vaccine Awareness Day (HVAD), is annually observed on 18 May to provides an opportunity to educate communities about the importance of preventive HIV vaccine research. The first World AIDS Vaccine Day was observed on May 18, 1998. This day aims to raise awareness about the need for HIV/AIDS vaccine.
The first World AIDS Vaccine Day was observed on May 18, 1998.
__________________________________________
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and The Chartered Accountants of the Maldives (CA Maldives).
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and The Chartered Accountants of the Maldives (CA Maldives). ICAI and CA Maldives aim to establish mutual co-operation for the advancement of Accounting Knowledge, Professional and Intellectual Development, Advancing the interests of their respective members and positively contributing to the development of the Accountancy Profession in the Maldives and India. The MoU will provide an opportunity to ICAI members to expand their professional horizon and provide impetus to ICAI to aid in the strengthening the capacity building of local nationals.
ICAI and CA Maldives aim to establish mutual co-operation for the advancement of Accounting Knowledge, Professional and Intellectual Development, Advancing the interests of their respective members and positively contributing to the development of the Acc
__________________________________________
Zomato has partnered with ICICI Bank to launch its unified payments interface (UPI) offering called Zomato UPI, for some of its users.
Zomato has partnered with ICICI Bank to launch its unified payments interface (UPI) offering called Zomato UPI, for some of its users. Using the new service, customers can pay for their orders directly through the Zomato app – by creating their own UPI ID – without being redirected to other payment gateways like Phonepe, Google Pay, or any other third-party app. Users will be able to make both, peer-to-peer, as well as merchant payments using the service.
Using the new service, customers can pay for their orders directly through the Zomato app – by creating their own UPI ID – without being redirected to other payment gateways like Phonepe, Google Pay, or any other third-party app.
__________________________________________
Slovak President Zuzana Caputova appointed Ludovit Odor as interim Prime Minister of Slovakia.
Slovak President Zuzana Caputova appointed Ludovit Odor as interim Prime Minister of Slovakia. Following the resignation of former caretaker Prime Minister Eduard Heger on May 7, Slovak President Zuzana Caputova entrusted Odor with the responsibility of leading the country until the snap elections scheduled for September. He is a respected, politically independent economist coming from the euro zone country’s central bank board. His appointment follows the collapse of a centre-right coalition that ruled since the last election in 2020. Michal Horvath, the Slovak central bank’s chief economist, was appointed as finance minister.
Slovak President Zuzana Caputova appointed Ludovit Odor as interim Prime Minister of Slovakia.
Following the resignation of former caretaker Prime Minister Eduard Heger on May 7, Slovak President Zuzana Caputova entrusted Odor with the responsibility of leading the country until the snap elections scheduled for September.
Michal Horvath, the Slovak central bank’s chief economist, was appointed as finance minister.
__________________________________________
Raheja QBE General Insurance Company Limited has appointed Rajeev Dogra as its new Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer following regulatory approval from Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India.
Raheja QBE General Insurance Company Limited has appointed Rajeev Dogra as its new Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer following regulatory approval from Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India. Dogra is an MBA from the Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) Delhi, a Bachelor of Law (Delhi University), a Fellow member of The Insurance Institute of India (FIII), and a distinction holder of INSEAD’s Leadership Program.
Dogra is an MBA from the Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) Delhi, a Bachelor of Law (Delhi University), a Fellow member of The Insurance Institute of India (FIII), and a distinction holder of INSEAD’s Leadership Program.
__________________________________________
One 97 Communications Ltd, which owns Paytm, has appointed Bhavesh Gupta, Senior Vice President as President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the fintech major.
One 97 Communications Ltd, which owns Paytm, has appointed Bhavesh Gupta, Senior Vice President as President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the fintech major. Gupta will be responsible to lead verticals of lending, insurance, payments – online and offline, consumer payments and drive key initiatives including user growth, operations risk, fraud risk and compliance. Gupta will be reporting to Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Paytm. In 2020, he was appointed as the CEO of Paytm’s lending business.
Gupta will be responsible to lead verticals of lending, insurance, payments – online and offline, consumer payments and drive key initiatives including user growth, operations risk, fraud risk and compliance.
__________________________________________
A team of researchers from the Mizoram University and the Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tubingen, Germany, found a new species of gecko named 'Gekko Mizoramensis' in Mizoram along the Indo-Myanmar border.
A team of researchers from the Mizoram University and the Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tubingen, Germany, found a new species of gecko named 'Gekko Mizoramensis' in Mizoram along the Indo-Myanmar border. Geckos are small, mostly carnivorous lizards found in warm climates throughout the world. The new species has been named Gekko Mizoramensis after the state of Mizoram. The species found inhabiting Mizoram, has previously been discovered in parts of South Asia including Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia.
Geckos are small, mostly carnivorous lizards found in warm climates throughout the world.
__________________________________________
Former Arunachal Pradesh minister Chow Tewa Mein passed away at the age of 80.
Former Arunachal Pradesh minister Chow Tewa Mein passed away at the age of 80. He served the people of the northeastern state in various capacities and contributed to its development during his long political career spanning 47 years. He was elected as a member of Pradesh Council in 1972. When the Pradesh Council was converted into the Provisional Legislative Assembly on August 1975, he became its member.
He served the people of the northeastern state in various capacities and contributed to its development during his long political career spanning 47 years.
__________________________________________
Madhya Pradesh government has announced an interest waiver of Rs2,123 crore for farmers. The waiver covers over 11.19 lakh farmers of the state.
Madhya Pradesh government has announced an interest waiver of Rs2,123 crore for farmers. The waiver covers over 11.19 lakh farmers of the state. The waived interest will be reimbursed by the state. Under the CM Farm Loan Waiver Scheme 2023, the BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh will accept applications from defaulter farmers and pay the due amount. The interest waiver will enable these farmers to avail loans from cooperative societies without any interest, empowering them to procure fertilizers and seeds for their Kharif crops.
The waived interest will be reimbursed by the state.
__________________________________________
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is celebrated on 17 May annually to marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the establishment of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is celebrated on 17 May annually to marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the establishment of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The theme of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2023 is "Empowering the least developed countries through information and communication technologies". The Day commemorates the founding of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on 17 May 1865. On 17 May 1969 first time, World Telecommunication Day was celebrated annually, marking the founding of ITU and the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865. It was instituted by the Plenipotentiary Conference in Malaga-Torremolinos in 1973.
The theme of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2023 is "Empowering the least developed countries through information and communication technologies".
__________________________________________
World Hypertension Day is celebrated by World Hypertension League (WHL) annually on 17 May to spread awareness about hypertension disease, its prevention, detection, and control.
World Hypertension Day is celebrated by World Hypertension League (WHL) annually on 17 May to spread awareness about hypertension disease, its prevention, detection, and control. WHD was first celebrated in May 2005. The theme of World Hypertension Day 2023 is "Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer". The history of World Hypertension Day can be traced back to 1987 when WHL was established under the guidance of the International Society of Hypertension (ISH).
World Hypertension Day is celebrated by World Hypertension League (WHL) annually on 17 May to spread awareness about hypertension disease, its prevention, detection, and control.
WHD was first celebrated in May 2005.
The theme of World Hypertension Day 2023 is "Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer".
__________________________________________
Australian tennis player Owen Davidson, who won 13 Grand Slam doubles titles, has passed away at the age of 79 in Conroe, Texas.
Australian tennis player Owen Davidson, who won 13 Grand Slam doubles titles, has passed away at the age of 79 in Conroe, Texas. He won 11 major titles in mixed doubles and two in men’s doubles. Davidson teamed with Billie Jean King to win eight of his Grand Slam trophies in a career that spanned from the early 1960s to the mid-1970s. In 1967, Davidson became only the third player in tennis history to earn all four major mixed doubles titles in the same year, including three with King.
He won 11 major titles in mixed doubles and two in men’s doubles. Davidson teamed with Billie Jean King to win eight of his Grand Slam trophies in a career that spanned from the early 1960s to the mid-1970s.
__________________________________________
The Union Government has appointed IDBI Capital, BOB Capital and SBI Capital to manage the initial public offer (IPO) of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA).
The Union Government has appointed IDBI Capital, BOB Capital and SBI Capital to manage the initial public offer (IPO) of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA). Separately, Saraf and Partners has been appointed as the legal adviser for the IPO. The IPO, which is expected in FY24, will likely consist of a 10% stake sale by the government and 15% fresh equity issuance by the renewable energy project financier to fund its business growth.
Separately, Saraf and Partners has been appointed as the legal adviser for the IPO.
__________________________________________
India & Bangladesh launched '50 Start-ups Exchange Programme'.
India & Bangladesh launched '50 Start-ups Exchange Programme'. These Start-ups belong to sectors such as e-commerce, health, transport and logistics, energy, education and skill development. Under this programme, 50 Start-ups from Bangladesh and 50 Start-ups from India will exchange visits to each other’s countries for exploring partnerships, expanding business relations, sharing experience and knowledge and expanding youth and entrepreneurial cooperation. The High Commission of India in Bangladesh organised an interactive session in Dhaka with the group of 10-startups who visited India.
India & Bangladesh launched '50 Start-ups Exchange Programme'. These Start-ups belong to sectors such as e-commerce, health, transport and logistics, energy, education and skill development.
__________________________________________
HDFC Asset Management Company (AMC) has launched HDFC Defence Fund.
HDFC Asset Management Company (AMC) has launched HDFC Defence Fund. The first-of-its-kind Defence Fund in India plans to invest in defence and allied sector companies. The Fund will follow a bottom-up approach of portfolio construction within the defence ecosystem. The New Fund Offer (NFO) for HDFC Defence Fund opens on May 19, 2023, and closes on June 02, 2023. HDFC Defence Fund is an open-ended equity scheme investing in Defence and allied sector companies. The scheme will invest at least 80% of its Net Assets in Defence & allied sector Companies.
HDFC Asset Management Company (AMC) has launched HDFC Defence Fund.
The first-of-its-kind Defence Fund in India plans to invest in defence and allied sector companies.
The New Fund Offer (NFO) for HDFC Defence Fund opens on May 19, 2023, and closes on June 02, 2023.
__________________________________________
Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Communications, Railways and Electronics & IT, launched the Sanchar Saathi portal to help millions of people track their lost or stolen mobile phones.
Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Communications, Railways and Electronics & IT, launched the Sanchar Saathi portal to help millions of people track their lost or stolen mobile phones. With the help of this portal, users can also access their SIM card number and block it if anybody is found using the SIM through the owner`s ID. The three reforms -- CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register), know your mobile connections and ASTR (Artificial Intelligence and Facial Recognition powered Solution for Telecom SIM Subscriber Verification) have been introduced. By using the Sanchar Saathi portal, more than 40 lakh fraudulent connections have been identified and more than 36 lakh such connections have been disconnected so far.
Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Communications, Railways and Electronics & IT, launched the Sanchar Saathi portal to help millions of people track their lost or stolen mobile phones.
With the help of this portal, users can also access their SIM card number and block it if anybody is found using the SIM through the owner`s ID.
The three reforms -- CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register), know your mobile connections and ASTR (Artificial Intelligence and Facial Recognition powered Solution for Telecom SIM Subscriber Verification) have been introduced.
__________________________________________
Madhya Pradesh capital Bhopal has become the first city in India to accept the localization of the United Nations (UN)-mandated Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Madhya Pradesh capital Bhopal has become the first city in India to accept the localization of the United Nations (UN)-mandated Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, often known as Agenda 2030, is being translated into local actions and impacts as part of the SDGs localization process, which helps promote the goals’ achievement on a global scale. In addition to the qualitative mapping of 56 developmental initiatives, the Bhopal Municipal Corporation used quantitative and qualitative methodologies to examine the SDGs. The Agenda 2030, which includes 17 SDGs and 169 goals, was endorsed by all 193 UN members earlier in 2015 as a strategy for prosperity of the planet. According to the UN, as at least 60 per cent of the 169 targets could not possibly be met, the cities and regions are vital to accomplishing the Agenda 2030.
__________________________________________
The ministry of corporate affairs (MCA) has set up the Centre for Processing Accelerated Corporate Exit (C-PACE).
The ministry of corporate affairs (MCA) has set up the Centre for Processing Accelerated Corporate Exit (C-PACE) that is expected to provide timely and process-bound striking-off of companies from the MCA register. The setting up of the C-PACE is part of the several measures taken by the MCA in the recent past towards ease of doing business and ease of exit for the companies. R.K. Dalmia, director, inspection and investigation, MCA, inaugurated the Office of C-PACE on May 1, 2023. The C-PACE will help keep the registry clean and provide stakeholders with more meaningful data.
R.K. Dalmia, director, inspection and investigation, MCA, inaugurated the Office of C-PACE on May 1, 2023.
__________________________________________
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin inaugurated a 570-meter long and 4.2-meter wide skywalk bridge connecting the Mambalam railway station and T Nagar bus terminus.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin inaugurated a 570-meter long and 4.2-meter wide skywalk bridge connecting the Mambalam railway station and T Nagar bus terminus. The skywalk, constructed at a cost of Rs28.45 crore, is the longest in the State, covering a distance of 570 metres. As many as 20,000 pedestrians are expected to use the skywalk daily. During festival seasons, the number may go up to one lakh a day.
The skywalk, constructed at a cost of Rs28.45 crore, is the longest in the State, covering a distance of 570 metres.
__________________________________________
According to the World Economic Situation and Prospects report, India is expected to grow by 5.8 percent in 2023 and 6.7 percent in 2024.
According to the World Economic Situation and Prospects report, India is expected to grow by 5.8 percent in 2023 and 6.7 percent in 2024. India is expected to decelerate to 5.5 percent in 2023 with the moderation of global commodity prices and slower currency depreciation. The economic growth in India is expected to remain strong while the prospects for other South Asian nations are more challenging. Since India's inflation is about 5.5 percent, India will have significant room for both fiscal expansion and monetary accommodation to support the domestic demand. World economy is projected to grow by 2.3 percent in 2023 and 2.5 percent in 2024.
World economy is projected to grow by 2.3 percent in 2023 and 2.5 percent in 2024.
__________________________________________
North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Ltd (NEHHDC) and Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) have signed a MoU to collaborate on the development of sustainable packaging for Northeastern handloom and handicraft products.
North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Ltd (NEHHDC) and Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) have signed a MoU to collaborate on the development of sustainable packaging for Northeastern handloom and handicraft products. The aim of this partnership is to enhance the packaging and branding of handloom and handicraft products from the North Eastern region, promote the use of eco-friendly and sustainable packaging, and to increase their visibility and marketability. This MoU will also facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise between NEHHDC and IIP, as well as collaborations in research and development projects related to packaging and branding in the handloom and handicrafts industry.
North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Ltd (NEHHDC) and Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) have signed a MoU to collaborate on the development of sustainable packaging for Northeastern handloom and handicraft products.
The aim of this partnership is to enhance the packaging and branding of handloom and handicraft products from the North Eastern region, promote the use of eco-friendly and sustainable packaging, and to increase their visibility and marketability.
This MoU will also facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise between NEHHDC and IIP, as well as collaborations in research and development projects related to packaging and branding in the handloom and handicrafts industry.
__________________________________________
BSE Ltd (previously Bombay Stock Exchange), launched its Sensex and Bankex derivatives contract in its bid to boost derivative trading.
BSE Ltd (previously Bombay Stock Exchange), launched its Sensex and Bankex derivatives contract in its bid to boost derivative trading. The stock exchange has reduced the lot size for futures and options contracts of the Sensex to 10 from 15 earlier and for the Bankex, it has been reduced to 15 from 20. The new expiry cycle for BSE’s newly launched options products is Monday to Friday.
BSE Ltd (previously Bombay Stock Exchange), launched its Sensex and Bankex derivatives contract in its bid to boost derivative trading.
The stock exchange has reduced the lot size for futures and options contracts of the Sensex to 10 from 15 earlier and for the Bankex, it has been reduced to 15 from 20.
The new expiry cycle for BSE’s newly launched options products is Monday to Friday.
__________________________________________
Kerala become first Indian state to launched a welfare fund for Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) workers in the State.
Kerala become first Indian state to launched a welfare fund for Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) workers in the State. Launching the initiative, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the workers who have completed the age of 60 will be entitled for pension under the fund which will also provide financial assistance for medical treatment, education, marriage, among other benefits. 27 lakh people in the State depend on the MGNREGS. The government will contribute an amount equal to the monthly Rs50 paid by the worker to the Employment Guarantee Workers Welfare Fund. Eligibility for membership includes being between 18 to 55 years of age and having engaged in unskilled work for at least 20 days in the year of application or any year in the two years immediately preceding it.
The government will contribute an amount equal to the monthly Rs50 paid by the worker to the Employment Guarantee Workers Welfare Fund.
__________________________________________
The government plans to develop the Indian Carbon Market (ICM) where a national framework will be established with an objective to decarbonise the Indian economy by pricing the Green House Gas (GHG) emission through trading of the Carbon Credit Certificat
The government plans to develop the Indian Carbon Market (ICM) where a national framework will be established with an objective to decarbonise the Indian economy by pricing the Green House Gas (GHG) emission through trading of the Carbon Credit Certificates. Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power, along with Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change are developing the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme for this purpose. A one-day ‘Stakeholder Consultation on Accredited Carbon Verifiers under ICM’ was organized in New Delhi with participants drawn from key stakeholders including Accredited Energy Auditors, Carbon/Energy Verifiers, Sector Experts etc. India has been at the forefront of climate action to meet the climate goals through its ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). By accelerating the transition to a low carbon economy, the ICM will facilitate achieve the NDC goal of reducing Emissions Intensity of the GDP by 45 percent by 2030 against 2005 levels.
The government plans to develop the Indian Carbon Market (ICM) where a national framework will be established with an objective to decarbonise the Indian economy by pricing the Green House Gas (GHG) emission through trading of the Carbon Credit Certificat
Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power, along with Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change are developing the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme for this purpose.
India has been at the forefront of climate action to meet the climate goals through its ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).
__________________________________________
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the Himcare scheme for jail inmates by providing Himcare cards to the prisoners at the Model Central Jail, Kanda.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the Himcare scheme for jail inmates by providing Himcare cards to the prisoners at the Model Central Jail, Kanda. He also presided over the launch of the Integrated STI, HIV, TB, Hepatitis (ISHTH) campaign in prisons and other closed settings at the Kanda jail. The registration of inmates under the scheme has been initiated and the state government will cover the cost of premium for jail inmates. The government is making all-out efforts to eradicate these diseases and was moving forward to achieve the target of eliminating AIDS by 2030.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the Himcare scheme for jail inmates by providing Himcare cards to the prisoners at the Model Central Jail, Kanda.
He also presided over the launch of the Integrated STI, HIV, TB, Hepatitis (ISHTH) campaign in prisons and other closed settings at the Kanda jail.
The government is making all-out efforts to eradicate these diseases and was moving forward to achieve the target of eliminating AIDS by 2030.
__________________________________________
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has prepared the ‘Model Prisons Act 2023’ that will replace a British-era law to overhaul the prison administration that will focus on the reformation and rehabilitation of inmates.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has prepared the ‘Model Prisons Act 2023’ that will replace a British-era law to overhaul the prison administration that will focus on the reformation and rehabilitation of inmates. Among the salient features of the model Act are provisions of punishment for prisoners and jail staf for use of prohibited items such as mobile phones in jails, establishment and management of high security jails, open jail. It also contains provisions for providing legal aid to prisoners, parole, furlough and premature release to incentivise good conduct. Prisons in the country and ‘persons detained therein’ are a State subject and the existing law in this context, the Prisons Act of 1894 is a pre-independence era Act and is almost 130 years old.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has prepared the ‘Model Prisons Act 2023’ that will replace a British-era law to overhaul the prison administration that will focus on the reformation and rehabilitation of inmates.
Among the salient features of the model Act are provisions of punishment for prisoners and jail staff for use of prohibited items such as mobile phones in jails, establishment and management of high security jails, open jail.
Prisons in the country and ‘persons detained therein’ are a State subject and the existing law in this context, the Prisons Act of 1894 is a pre-independence era Act and is almost 130 years old.
__________________________________________
International Day of Living Together in Peace is observed on May 16 every year to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding, and solidarity among individuals and communities worldwide.
International Day of Living Together in Peace is observed on May 16 every year to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding, and solidarity among individuals and communities worldwide. To achieve global peace and address inequality, the UN embarked on initiatives such as the International Year for the Culture of Peace in 2000 and the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for Children of the World from 2001 to 2010. The adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace in 1999 further emphasised the need for sustained peace and non-violence.
__________________________________________
International Day Of Light is celebrated by UNESCO every year on May 16 to honour the invention of science and technology.
International Day Of Light is celebrated by UNESCO every year on May 16 to honour the invention of science and technology. In 2015, the International Year of Light was followed by the International Day of Light. The day was proposed by the Russian Federation, Ghana, Mexico, New Zealand, and the Executive Board of UNESCO. In November 2017, the proposal received approval from the UNESCO General Conference. The International Day of Light was declared by the Executive Board of UNESCO during its 200th session (200 EX/Decision 27).
In 2015, the International Year of Light was followed by the International Day of Light.
__________________________________________
The National Stock Exchange (NSE) launched the rupee denominated NYMEX WTI Crude Oil and Natural Gas futures contracts, expanded its product offering in the energy basket and overall commodity segment.
The National Stock Exchange (NSE) launched the rupee denominated NYMEX WTI Crude Oil and Natural Gas futures contracts, expanded its product offering in the energy basket and overall commodity segment. The stock exchange had received Securities & Exchange Board of India’s (SEBI) approval to introduce these futures contracts in March 2023. NSE had earlier signed a data licensing agreement with CME Group allowing NSE to list, trade and settle rupee denominated NYMEX WTI Crude Oil and Natural Gas derivatives contracts on its platform. The launch of these contracts will provide effective trading and hedging opportunities to the market participants, with the availability of key energy products on a single trading platform.
The National Stock Exchange (NSE) launched the rupee denominated NYMEX WTI Crude Oil and Natural Gas futures contracts, expanded its product offering in the energy basket and overall commodity segment.
NSE had earlier signed a data licensing agreement with CME Group allowing NSE to list, trade and settle rupee denominated NYMEX WTI Crude Oil and Natural Gas derivatives contracts on its platform.
The launch of these contracts will provide effective trading and hedging opportunities to the market participants, with the availability of key energy products on a single trading platform.
__________________________________________
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has directed all insurers to comply with the provisions outlined in the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, and the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Act, 2021.
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has directed all insurers to comply with the provisions outlined in the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, and the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Act, 2021. Surrogacy is a legal and regulated arrangement in which a woman (the surrogate mother) carries a pregnancy and gives birth to a child on behalf of another individual or couple (the intended parents). By incorporating surrogacy into health insurance policies, the IRDAI aims to enhance affordability and accessibility for prospective parents seeking to build their families through this method.
By incorporating surrogacy into health insurance policies, the IRDAI aims to enhance affordability and accessibility for prospective parents seeking to build their families through this method.
__________________________________________
The World Bank has approved a grant of Rs51 crore to set up an integrated road safety enforcement system in Shimla and Nurpur police districts and develop the Palampur-Sheela chowk in Kangra as a "safe corridor".
The World Bank has approved a grant of Rs51 crore to set up an integrated road safety enforcement system in Shimla and Nurpur police districts and develop the Palampur-Sheela chowk in Kangra as a "safe corridor". The project envisages the establishment of a traffic enforcement control room in Shimla and the allocation of funds for interceptors and patrol vehicles, an intelligent traffic management system, artificial intelligence (AI) cameras and rescue equipment. For the first phase of the project, Shimla and Nurpur have been selected and a sum of Rs42 crore will be spent on the twin police districts to strengthen their emergency response systems. Further, the Palampur-Sheela chowk stretch of road in Kangra district has been chosen to be developed as a safe corridor under the Safe Corridor Demonstration Programme (SCDP) by making safety interventions and design improvement at a cost of Rs9 crore.
The World Bank has approved a grant of Rs51 crore to set up an integrated road safety enforcement system in Shimla and Nurpur police districts and develop the Palampur-Sheela chowk in Kangra as a "safe corridor".
For the first phase of the project, Shimla and Nurpur have been selected and a sum of Rs42 crore will be spent on the twin police districts to strengthen their emergency response systems.
Further, the Palampur-Sheela chowk stretch of road in Kangra district has been chosen to be developed as a safe corridor under the Safe Corridor Demonstration Programme (SCDP) by making safety interventions and design improvement at a cost of Rs9 crore.
__________________________________________
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Ravneet Kaur, a 1988 batch Punjab cadre IAS officer, as the Chairperson of Competition Commission of India (CCI).
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Ravneet Kaur, a 1988 batch Punjab cadre IAS officer, as the Chairperson of Competition Commission of India (CCI). She has been appointed for a period of 5 years from the date of assumption of charge of the post or till the date of attaining the age of 65 years or until further orders, whichever is the earliest. She is currently serving as additional chief secretary in the Punjab government. She is the first woman in India to be appointed to this position. Since the retirement of Ashok Kumar Gupta in October,2022 the position of CCI Chairperson has remained vacant. Sangeeta Verma had been fulfilling the role of acting Chairperson in the interim.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Ravneet Kaur, a 1988 batch Punjab cadre IAS officer, as the Chairperson of Competition Commission of India (CCI).
She has been appointed for a period of 5 years from the date of assumption of charge of the post or till the date of attaining the age of 65 years or until further orders, whichever is the earliest.
She is the first woman in India to be appointed to this position.
__________________________________________
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment of Anil Kumar Jain, as the new chairman of the Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB).
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment of Anil Kumar Jain, as the new chairman of the Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB). He has been appointed as the Chairperson PNGRB "for a period of five years from the date assumption of charge of the post or till attaining the age of 65 years, or until further orders, whichever is the earliest. The last chairman of the oil and gas sector regulator was former chairman of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) D K Saraf, who retired as the PNGRB chief on December 3, 2020. Jain, a 1986 batch Indian Administrative Service officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, retired as Coal Secretary on October 31, 2022. He has extensive experience in the energy and environment sectors.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment of Anil Kumar Jain, as the new chairman of the Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB).
He has been appointed as the Chairperson PNGRB "for a period of five years from the date assumption of charge of the post or till attaining the age of 65 years, or until further orders, whichever is the earliest.
The last chairman of the oil and gas sector regulator was former chairman of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) D K Saraf, who retired as the PNGRB chief on December 3, 2020.
__________________________________________
Amy Pope of the United States has been elected as its first woman director general of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Amy Pope of the United States has been elected as its first woman director general of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). She currently serves as the deputy of Director General Antonio Vitorino, a former Portuguese government minister. She will start her five-year term on 1st October 2023.
Amy Pope of the United States has been elected as its first woman director general of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
She currently serves as the deputy of Director General Antonio Vitorino, a former Portuguese government minister.
She will start her five-year term on 1st October 2023.
__________________________________________
Vast is partnering with SpaceX to launch world's first commercial space station, Haven-1 station as soon as August 2025.
Vast is partnering with SpaceX to launch world's first commercial space station, Haven-1 station as soon as August 2025. A Falcon 9 rocket will carry the platform to low Earth orbit, with a follow-up Vast-1 mission using Crew Dragon to bring four people to Haven-1 for up to 30 days. Vast is taking bookings for crew aiming to participate in scientific or philanthropic work. Haven-1 is relatively small.
Vast is partnering with SpaceX to launch world's first commercial space station, Haven-1 station as soon as August 2025.
A Falcon 9 rocket will carry the platform to low Earth orbit, with a follow-up Vast-1 mission using Crew Dragon to bring four people to Haven-1 for up to 30 days.
Vast is taking bookings for crew aiming to participate in scientific or philanthropic work.
__________________________________________
Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the flagship initiative of Ministry of Defence, has signed its 250th contract (first under Mission DefSpace) and 100th SPRINT (Navy) contract in New Delhi.
Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the flagship initiative of Ministry of Defence, has signed its 250th contract (first under Mission DefSpace) and 100th SPRINT (Navy) contract in New Delhi. The contracts were signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane and other senior civil & military officials. This challenge is being led by the Defence Space Agency. The iDEX achieved the milestone of signing its 1st and 50th iDEX SPRINT contracts under DISC-7 in October 2022 and January 2023 respectively and within a few months the 100th SPRINT (Navy) contract was exchanged. The iDEX framework was launched by the Prime Minister in 2018 with the objective to provide the platform of co-creation & co-development in the defence sector.
Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the flagship initiative of Ministry of Defence, has signed its 250th contract (first under Mission DefSpace) and 100th SPRINT (Navy) contract in New Delhi.
The contracts were signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane and other senior civil & military officials.
The iDEX achieved the milestone of signing its 1st and 50th iDEX SPRINT contracts under DISC-7 in October 2022 and January 2023 respectively and within a few months the 100th SPRINT (Navy) contract was exchanged.
__________________________________________
Robert Lucas Jr, a pioneer in modern macroeconomics and economic growth, passed away at the age of 85 in USA.
Robert Lucas Jr, a pioneer in modern macroeconomics and economic growth, passed away at the age of 85 in USA. He was an American economist who has made significant contributions to the field of macroeconomics. He was widely recognised for his work on rational expectations theory and the Lucas critique.
He was an American economist who has made significant contributions to the field of macroeconomics.
__________________________________________
Andhra Pradesh Revenue Minister Dharmana Prasada Rao launched ‘E-chits’ application of the Registration and Stamps Department.
Andhra Pradesh Revenue Minister Dharmana Prasada Rao launched ‘E-chits’ application of the Registration and Stamps Department. The application is aimed at ensuring better regulation of the chit fund businesses in the State. All chit fund transactions will be done through that application which was developed by the Registration and Stamps Department, keeping in view the increasing number of cases of cheating of customers by chit fund companies. This policy helps prevent fraud by chit fund companies and avoid loss to subscribers.
Andhra Pradesh Revenue Minister Dharmana Prasada Rao launched ‘E-chits’ application of the Registration and Stamps Department.
The application is aimed at ensuring better regulation of the chit fund businesses in the State.
This policy helps prevent fraud by chit fund companies and avoid loss to subscribers.
__________________________________________
National Dengue Day is observed on May 16 every year to raise awareness about vector-borne disease and its prevention.
National Dengue Day is observed on May 16 every year to raise awareness about vector-borne disease and its prevention. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare organizes different events to observe National Dengue Day. Dengue outbreaks are common in India thus the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare officially announced the annual observance of National Dengue Day on 16 May.
Dengue outbreaks are common in India thus the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare officially announced the annual observance of National Dengue Day on 16 May.
__________________________________________
ICICI Prudential Life Insurance launched a new debt fund called 'ICICI Pru Constant Maturity Fund', it is available with the insurer’s Unit-linked insurance plans (Ulips).
ICICI Prudential Life Insurance launched a new debt fund called 'ICICI Pru Constant Maturity Fund', it is available with the insurer’s Unit-linked insurance plans (Ulips). The fund carries a lock-in of five years. The product will provide customers with the flexibility to switch asset classes without any cost and tax implications. This fund is available for investments with the company's flagship Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIP). ULIPs provide customers with a proposition of life cover, financial security to the family and facilitate building wealth over the long-term. Investments in ULIPs provide tax benefits. If annual investments made are up to Rs2.5 lakh and with a life cover of 10 times the annual premium, maturity proceeds are tax-free for customers.
ICICI Prudential Life Insurance launched a new debt fund called 'ICICI Pru Constant Maturity Fund', it is available with the insurer’s Unit-linked insurance plans (Ulips).
The fund carries a lock-in of five years.
Investments in ULIPs provide tax benefits. If annual investments made are up to Rs2.5 lakh and with a life cover of 10 times the annual premium, maturity proceeds are tax-free for customers.
__________________________________________
Insurance regulator IRDAI has constituted a five-member expert committee comprising medical experts and insurers for advice on matters related to mental health and insurance.
Insurance regulator IRDAI has constituted a five-member expert committee comprising medical experts and insurers for advice on matters related to mental health and insurance. With the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) Director Pratima Murthy as chairperson, the committee will be providing advice and inputs on existing coverage and those to be offered for mental illnesses. It will also guide on the terminology and concept from a medical domain perspective, and aspects pertaining to mental illnesses from an insurance perspective. The two-year tenure of the panel coincides with the recognition of mental health as an important area for insurance coverage consideration.
With the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) Director Pratima Murthy as chairperson, the committee will be providing advice and inputs on existing coverage and those to be offered for mental illnesses.
__________________________________________
The Netherlands is India’s third largest export destination in FY23 after the US and UAE.
The Netherlands is India’s third largest export destination in FY23 after the US and UAE. According to the Commerce Ministry data, they are shipping various goods, such as petroleum products, electronic items, chemicals, and aluminium goods. With all these, India’s trade surplus raised from $8 billion in 2021-22 to $13 billion in 2022-23 with the Netherlands. The export rate of India with the Netherlands increase 48 percent to $18.52 billion during 2022-23 as against $12.5 billion in 2021-22. In the last two years, the outbound shipments to the European country raised $12.55 billion and $6.5 billion.
The Netherlands is India’s third largest export destination in FY23 after the US and UAE.
With all these, India’s trade surplus raised from $8 billion in 2021-22 to $13 billion in 2022-23 with the Netherlands.
The export rate of India with the Netherlands increase 48 percent to $18.52 billion during 2022-23 as against $12.5 billion in 2021-22.
__________________________________________
Author and translator Musharraf Ali Farooqi, who translated Siddique Alam’s The Kettledrum and Other Stories from Urdu to English, has won the inaugural edition of the Armory Square Prize for South Asian Literature in Translation.
Author and translator Musharraf Ali Farooqi, who translated Siddique Alam’s The Kettledrum and Other Stories from Urdu to English, has won the inaugural edition of the Armory Square Prize for South Asian Literature in Translation. The book will be published by Open Letter Books in 2024, with an excerpt already out on wordswithoutborders.org.
The book will be published by Open Letter Books in 2024, with an excerpt already out on wordswithoutborders.org.
__________________________________________
Indian rifle and pistol shooters finished the ISSF World Cup 2023 in Baku, Azerbaijan, with four medals.
Indian rifle and pistol shooters finished the ISSF World Cup 2023 in Baku, Azerbaijan, with four medals. In the overall medals tally, India finished second behind China with one gold, two silvers and one bronze. The Baku meet was the penultimate stage of the ISSF World Cup for rifle and pistol shooters. The final stage will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, before the ISSF World Championships in November 2023 at Doha.
In the overall medals tally, India finished second behind China with one gold, two silvers and one bronze.
__________________________________________
Karnataka Director General of Police Praveen Sood has been appointed as the next Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director for the 2 years.
Karnataka Director General of Police Praveen Sood has been appointed as the next Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director for the 2 years. The top cop's name was finalised by a high-level committee comprising the prime minister, Chief Justice of India and the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha. A 1986-batch IPS officer from the Karnataka cadre, Praveen Sood will take over from current chief Subodh Kumar Jaiswal after the completion of his tenure. The CBI Director is selected by a committee comprising the Prime Minister, CJI and the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha for a fixed tenure of two years. The tenure can be extended up to five years.
The CBI Director is selected by a committee comprising the Prime Minister, CJI and the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha for a fixed tenure of two years. The tenure can be extended up to five years.
__________________________________________
A BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was successfully test-fired from the Indian Navy's frontline guided missile destroyer INS Mormugao.
A BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was successfully test-fired from the Indian Navy's frontline guided missile destroyer INS Mormugao. INS Mormugao, the latest guided-missile Destroyer, successfully hit 'Bulls Eye' during her maiden #Brahmos Supersonic cruise missile firing. The missile firing demonstrated the Indian Navy's firepower at sea. The ship and her potent weapon, both indigenous, mark another shining symbol of 'AatmaNirbharta' and Indian Navy's firepower at sea. BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd, an India-Russian joint venture, produces the supersonic cruise missiles that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft, or land platforms.
A BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was successfully test-fired from the Indian Navy's frontline guided missile destroyer INS Mormugao.
INS Mormugao, the latest guided-missile Destroyer, successfully hit 'Bulls Eye' during her maiden #Brahmos Supersonic cruise missile firing.
The missile firing demonstrated the Indian Navy's firepower at sea.
__________________________________________
Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav launched a mobile application, called “Meri LiFE” (My life).
Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav launched a mobile application, called “Meri LiFE” (My life). This app is inspired by the concept of LiFE, envisioned by the Prime Minister at COP 26, which emphasizes mindful and deliberate utilization instead of mindless and wasteful consumption. Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) was launched by The Prime Minister on 20 October 2022 at Kevadia, Gujarat and focuses on bringing about behaviour changes in individuals through simple easy to do actions. The Meri LiFE Portal (merilife.org) has been developed for ministries and institutions to upload event reports and capture the progress of the mass mobilisation drive.
The Meri LiFE Portal (merilife.org) has been developed for ministries and institutions to upload event reports and capture the progress of the mass mobilisation drive.
__________________________________________
Ruskin Bond authored a new book titled 'The Golden Years'.
Ruskin Bond authored a new book titled 'The Golden Years'. The book is about the last 20-30 years of his life. This time it isn't a children's book strictly speaking, nor is it novel or a collection of short stories. The book was published by HarperCollins India.
Ruskin Bond authored a new book titled 'The Golden Years'.
The book is about the last 20-30 years of his life.
The book was published by HarperCollins India.
__________________________________________
Promising strict action against cattle smuggling, Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan flagged off 406 veterinary ambulances mainly meant for treatment of cows at an event in Bhopal.
Promising strict action against cattle smuggling, Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan flagged off 406 veterinary ambulances mainly meant for treatment of cows at an event in Bhopal. The ambulances will operate in urban areas and all development blocks of the state. The CM also announced Rs900 per month to farmers for rearing cows, the first instalment of which will be released to 22,000 farmers this month. People from the tribal communities will be provided 90 percent subsidy for buying cows.
Promising strict action against cattle smuggling, Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan flagged off 406 veterinary ambulances mainly meant for treatment of cows at an event in Bhopal.
The ambulances will operate in urban areas and all development blocks of the state.
The CM also announced Rs900 per month to farmers for rearing cows, the first instalment of which will be released to 22,000 farmers this month.
__________________________________________
International Day Of Families is annually observed on 15 May all over the world to promotes unity and growth of family against all kinds of odds.
International Day Of Families is annually observed on 15 May all over the world to promotes unity and growth of family against all kinds of odds. The Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 with resolution A/RES/47/237. The International Day Of Families was established on May 15 in 1994. The theme of International Day Of The Families 2023 is "Demographic Trends & Families".
International Day Of Families is annually observed on 15 May all over the world to promotes unity and growth of family against all kinds of odds.
The theme of International Day Of The Families 2023 is "Demographic Trends & Families".
The International Day Of Families was established on May 15 in 1994.
__________________________________________
V.Prraneeth became Telangana’s 6th and India’s 82nd Grandmaster by defeating GM Hans Niemann of US in the penultimate round of Baku Open 2023.
V.Prraneeth became Telangana’s 6th and India’s 82nd Grandmaster by defeating GM Hans Niemann of US in the penultimate round of Baku Open 2023. Praneeth clinched his first GM-norm and International Master (IM) title at the tournament in March 2022.
__________________________________________
Defence Ministry has approved the 4th Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) of 928 strategically-important Line Replacement Units (LRUs), sub-systems, spares and components, including high-end materials and spares, with import substitution value worth Rs715
Defence Ministry has approved the 4th Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) of 928 strategically-important Line Replacement Units (LRUs), sub-systems, spares and components, including high-end materials and spares, with import substitution value worth Rs715 crore. These will only be procured from the Indian Industry after the timelines indicated on the list. An attempt to rely more on local manufacturing, put in place by the current government, the newest list aims to minimise imports by defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs). These lists contain 2,500 items which are already indigenised and 1,238 (351+107+780) items which will be indigenised within the given timelines. Of the 1,238 set to be indigenised, 310 have already, successfully, been through the process.
These will only be procured from the Indian Industry after the timelines indicated on the list.
__________________________________________
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) adopted India’s proposal to support the development and adoption of the country’s digital public infrastructure (DPI).
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) adopted India’s proposal to support the development and adoption of the country’s digital public infrastructure (DPI). The proposal includes platforms such as Aadhaar, United Payments Interface (UPI), and DigiLocker. The adoption of India’s proposal was made during a meeting of the SCO ministers responsible for the development of information and communication technology (ICT), which India was chairing. During the meeting, the minister for electronics and IT, communications, and railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, urged other member states to assess, evaluate, and adopt India Stack, emphasising the importance of interoperability and higher digital inclusion. India shared its plans to invest $3 billion (around Rs24,000 crore) to provide mobile connectivity to villages in remote areas and $5 billion (around Rs40,000 crore) to bring broadband connectivity to all 250,000 gram panchayats, or village councils.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) adopted India’s proposal to support the development and adoption of the country’s digital public infrastructure (DPI).
The proposal includes platforms such as Aadhaar, United Payments Interface (UPI), and DigiLocker.
India shared its plans to invest $3 billion (around Rs24,000 crore) to provide mobile connectivity to villages in remote areas and $5 billion (around Rs40,000 crore) to bring broadband connectivity to all 250,000 gram panchayats, or village councils.
__________________________________________
REMC Ltd, a subsidiary of RITES Ltd, has set up the National Energy Management Centre (NEMC) at its office in New Delhi.
REMC Ltd, a subsidiary of RITES Ltd, has set up the National Energy Management Centre (NEMC) at its office in New Delhi. The centre’s objective is to oversee and handle the procurement of energy for the Railways on a national scale. The state-of-the-art NEMC was inaugurated by Naveen Gulati, member (traction and rolling stock), Railway Board, in the presence of Rahul Mithal, CMD RITES and chairman REMC Ltd, and additional member, traction, Railway Board. The NEMC has assumed the role of gathering energy data from the 17 State Energy Management Centres (SEMCs) that are operational throughout the Railways.
REMC Ltd, a subsidiary of RITES Ltd, has set up the National Energy Management Centre (NEMC) at its office in New Delhi.
The centre’s objective is to oversee and handle the procurement of energy for the Railways on a national scale.
The NEMC has assumed the role of gathering energy data from the 17 State Energy Management Centres (SEMCs) that are operational throughout the Railways.
__________________________________________
INS Kavaratti, indigenously designed & built ASW Corvette, arrived at Batam, Indonesia to participated in the 4th edition of India-Indonesia Bilateral exercise Samudra Shakti-23 from 14-19 May 23.
INS Kavaratti, indigenously designed & built ASW Corvette, arrived at Batam, Indonesia to participated in the 4th edition of India-Indonesia Bilateral exercise Samudra Shakti-23 from 14-19 May 23. An Indian Navy Dornier Maritime Patrol aircraft and Chetak helicopter is also participating. The Indonesian Navy will be represented by KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda, CN 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft and AS565 Panther Helicopter. Exercise is aimed at enhancing interoperability, jointness and mutual cooperation between both the navies.
Exercise is aimed at enhancing interoperability, jointness and mutual cooperation between both the navies.
__________________________________________
The Reserve Bank of India issued an advisory to banks and other RBI-regulated entities, emphasising the need to take steps to ensure a complete transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) from July 1, 2023.
The Reserve Bank of India issued an advisory to banks and other RBI-regulated entities, emphasising the need to take steps to ensure a complete transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) from July 1, 2023. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), UK, in March 5, 2021, had announced that all LIBOR settings will either cease to be provided by any administrator or no longer be representative. Historiclly, LIBOR has been a globally accepted key benchmark interest rate that indicates borrowing costs between banks.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), UK, in March 5, 2021, had announced that all LIBOR settings will either cease to be provided by any administrator or no longer be representative.
__________________________________________
International Day of Plant Health is celebrated on May 12 to raise awareness about the food we eat and the importance of plant health to communities as well as to the ecosystem.
International Day of Plant Health is celebrated on May 12 to raise awareness about the food we eat and the importance of plant health to communities as well as to the ecosystem. International Day of Plant Health was established in 2022 by the United Nations. The idea was promoted by Zambia and then adopted unanimously by the UN General Assembly. The theme for International Day of Plant Health 2023 is "Plant Health for Environmental Protection".
The theme for International Day of Plant Health 2023 is "Plant Health for Environmental Protection".
__________________________________________
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the 'Him data portal', a common digital platform to improve the delivery of welfare schemes by integrating real-time and accurate data of all government bodies.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the 'Him data portal', a common digital platform to improve the delivery of welfare schemes by integrating real-time and accurate data of all government bodies. The Him Data Portal will bring valuable data from multiple domains together of various departments thereby helping in visualizing patterns, gaps, opportunities and connections cohesively, which would result in strengthening efficiencies in governance. Besides, it will assist in giving operators insights into critical parts of a transaction, smart recovery process and connected system outages to benefit both the government and the public. From July 2023, the Himachal Pradesh government would start the Him Parivar project which will give a special digital identity to the people of the State. This will strengthen the state’s benefit delivery systems through Him Pulse which will support and enhance the capacity of Him Parivar in linking digital identity to the delivery of benefits to the targeted population.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the 'Him data portal', a common digital platform to improve the delivery of welfare schemes by integrating real-time and accurate data of all government bodies.
The Him Data Portal will bring valuable data from multiple domains together of various departments thereby helping in visualizing patterns, gaps, opportunities and connections cohesively, which would result in strengthening efficiencies in governance.
From July 2023, the Himachal Pradesh government would start the Him Parivar project which will give a special digital identity to the people of the State.
__________________________________________
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has been ranked 2nd among 66 ministries in the Data Governance Quality Index (DGQI) assessment for the December quarter (Q3) of FY23.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has been ranked 2nd among 66 ministries in the Data Governance Quality Index (DGQI) assessment for the December quarter (Q3) of FY23. The ministry secured a score of 4.7 out of 5, highlighting its commitment to excellence in data governance. The DGQI assessment encompasses six pivotal themes, including Data Generation, Data Quality, Use of Technology, Data Analysis, Use and Dissemination, Data Security and HR Capacity, and Case Studies.
The ministry secured a score of 4.7 out of 5, highlighting its commitment to excellence in data governance.
__________________________________________
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi (AIIMS) has partnered with World Health Organization (WHO-SEARO) and Duke-NUS to ensure patient safety and quality control.
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi (AIIMS) has partnered with World Health Organization (WHO-SEARO) and Duke-NUS to ensure patient safety and quality control. AIIMS will follow the learning curriculum proposed by WHO in collaboration with the Duke-NUS (Institute of Patient Safety &Quality-IPSQ). The WHO will organize onsite visits of experts or study tour of AIIMS staff as and when required.
AIIMS will follow the learning curriculum proposed by WHO in collaboration with the Duke-NUS (Institute of Patient Safety &Quality-IPSQ).
__________________________________________
Former Twitter CEO, Elon Musk, has appointed Linda Yaccarino as the new CEO of Twitter.
Former Twitter CEO, Elon Musk, has appointed Linda Yaccarino as the new CEO of Twitter. Musk named her the new CEO just six months after taking over Twitter. Linda Yaccarino is the former head of advertising at NBCUniversal and headed the business operations at the company. Musk will remain involved as the executive chairman and chief technology officer for Twitter.
Musk named her the new CEO just six months after taking over Twitter.
__________________________________________
Quant Mutual Fund has launched Quant Business Cycle Fund, an open-ended equity scheme following business cycles-based investing theme.
Quant Mutual Fund has launched Quant Business Cycle Fund, an open-ended equity scheme following business cycles-based investing theme. The New Fund Offer is open and will close for subscription on May 25, 2023. The investment objective of the scheme is to generate long-term capital appreciation by investing with a focus on riding business cycles through allocation between sectors and stocks at different stages of business cycles. The performance of the scheme will be benchmarked against NSE 500 TRI. The scheme will be managed by Sandeep Tandon, Anikt Pande, Sanjeev Sharma, and Vasav Sahgal. The minimum subscription amount for investment in this scheme is Rs5,000 and in multiples of Re 1 thereafter. The minimum additional purchase/switch in this scheme is Rs1,000 and in multiples of Re 1 thereafter. The minimum SIP amount for weekly, fortnightly, and monthly SIP is Rs1,000 and in multiples of Re 1 thereafter. The minimum SIP amount for Quarterly SIP is Rs3,000 and in multiples of Re 1 thereafter.
Quant Mutual Fund has launched Quant Business Cycle Fund, an open-ended equity scheme following business cycles-based investing theme.
The New Fund Offer is open and will close for subscription on May 25, 2023.
The investment objective of the scheme is to generate long-term capital appreciation by investing with a focus on riding business cycles through allocation between sectors and stocks at different stages of business cycles.
__________________________________________
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched a campaign dubbed as ‘100 Days 100 Pays’ with an aim to return the amounts in unclaimed deposits to their rightful owners or claimants. According to the RBI, banks will start the campaign from June 01, 2023.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched a campaign dubbed as ‘100 Days 100 Pays’ with an aim to return the amounts in unclaimed deposits to their rightful owners or claimants. According to the RBI, banks will start the campaign from June 01, 2023. Through its public awareness campaigns, the Reserve Bank encourages members of the public to locate and contact the relevant bank for claiming such deposits. Also recently, the Reserve Bank announced the establishment of a Centralised Web platform for the general public to use in order to look up unclaimed deposits across various institutions. The term "Unclaimed Deposits" refers to funds in savings or current accounts that have not been used for 10 years or in term deposits that have not been repaid within 10 years of the maturity date.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched a campaign dubbed as ‘100 Days 100 Pays’ with an aim to return the amounts in unclaimed deposits to their rightful owners or claimants. According to the RBI, banks will start the campaign from June 01, 2023.
Through its public awareness campaigns, the Reserve Bank encourages members of the public to locate and contact the relevant bank for claiming such deposits.
The term "Unclaimed Deposits" refers to funds in savings or current accounts that have not been used for 10 years or in term deposits that have not been repaid within 10 years of the maturity date.
__________________________________________
PayNearby, a branchless banking and digital network in India, launched PayNearby Mall, a meta-commerce platform to enable easy availability of goods and services, in an assisted mode at the last mile.
PayNearby, a branchless banking and digital network in India, launched PayNearby Mall, a meta-commerce platform to enable easy availability of goods and services, in an assisted mode at the last mile. This will soon be integrated with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform. With this initiative, the company aims to upgrade every retailer, in its active network, to benefit from the ongoing e-commerce acceleration.
PayNearby, a branchless banking and digital network in India, launched PayNearby Mall, a meta-commerce platform to enable easy availability of goods and services, in an assisted mode at the last mile.
This will soon be integrated with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform.
With this initiative, the company aims to upgrade every retailer, in its active network, to benefit from the ongoing e-commerce acceleration.
__________________________________________
Professor Jayant Vishnu Narlikar was awarded first Astronomical Society of India (ASI) Govind Swarup Lifetime Achievement Award in Pune.
Professor Jayant Vishnu Narlikar was awarded first Astronomical Society of India (ASI) Govind Swarup Lifetime Achievement Award in Pune. Jayant Narlikar is an eminent astrophysicist and founding director of Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics Pune. The award was announced at the 41st ASI meeting held at IIT Indore. The award was named after Professor Govind Swarup (1929-2020), who is widely recognized as the pioneer of Indian radio astronomy.
Professor Jayant Vishnu Narlikar was awarded first Astronomical Society of India (ASI) Govind Swarup Lifetime Achievement Award in Pune.
Jayant Narlikar is an eminent astrophysicist and founding director of Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics Pune.
The award was named after Professor Govind Swarup (1929-2020), who is widely recognized as the pioneer of Indian radio astronomy.
__________________________________________
The 28-year-old Nigerian writer Arinze Ifeakandu has won the £20,000 Swansea University Dylan Thomas prize for his debut book 'God’s Children Are Little Broken Things (Hachette)'.
The 28-year-old Nigerian writer Arinze Ifeakandu has won the £20,000 Swansea University Dylan Thomas prize for his debut book 'God’s Children Are Little Broken Things (Hachette)'. Started in 2006, the Dylan Thomas Prize is "awarded for the best published literary work in the English language, written by an author aged 39 or under".
Started in 2006, the Dylan Thomas Prize is "awarded for the best published literary work in the English language, written by an author aged 39 or under".
__________________________________________
The embassy of Lithuania released a comic titled 'First Lithuanian Travelers in India', to mark the strong relations between the two countries.
The embassy of Lithuania released a comic titled 'First Lithuanian Travelers in India', to mark the strong relations between the two countries. The comic depicts some of the historical characters who came to India years ago and it also reflects India-Lithuania relations. The comic book, which has been translated to Hindi, has been released as a sign of friendship between the two nations.
The comic depicts some of the historical characters who came to India years ago and it also reflects India-Lithuania relations.
__________________________________________
Actress Alia Bhatt has been appointed as the global ambassador for luxury fashion brand Gucci.
Actress Alia Bhatt has been appointed as the global ambassador for luxury fashion brand Gucci. She has become the first Indian to represent the esteemed Italian brand worldwide. She will debut as the brand’s newest global ambassador at the Gucci Cruise 2024 show.
She has become the first Indian to represent the esteemed Italian brand worldwide. She will debut as the brand’s newest global ambassador at the Gucci Cruise 2024 show.
__________________________________________
Eminent singer and the youngest daughter-in-law of poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, Kalyani Kazi passed away in Kolkata.
Eminent singer and the youngest daughter-in-law of poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, Kalyani Kazi passed away in Kolkata. West Bengal government had conferred on her the Sangeet Mahasamman award in 2015. She was a member of the advisory council of Poschimbongo Kazi Nazrul Islam Akademi.
Eminent singer and the youngest daughter-in-law of poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, Kalyani Kazi passed away in Kolkata.
West Bengal government had conferred on her the Sangeet Mahasamman award in 2015.
She was a member of the advisory council of Poschimbongo Kazi Nazrul Islam Akademi.
__________________________________________
Nasa has launched another stadium-sized super pressure balloon from Wānaka Airport, New Zealand the second of two planned launches for the year.
Nasa has launched another stadium-sized super pressure balloon from Wanaka Airport, New Zealand the second of two planned launches for the year. The first scientific balloon was launched on April 16, 2023, following five failed attempts last year. The wind-propelled balloons are filled with helium and will circumnavigate the earth above the Southern Hemisphere for as long as possible, which could be up to 100 days. The Princeton University space telescope aboard the first balloon is designed to image large galaxy clusters to map dark matter.
Nasa has launched another stadium-sized super pressure balloon from Wānaka Airport, New Zealand the second of two planned launches for the year.
The first scientific balloon was launched on April 16, 2023, following five failed attempts last year.
The wind-propelled balloons are filled with helium and will circumnavigate the earth above the Southern Hemisphere for as long as possible, which could be up to 100 days.
__________________________________________
World Migratory Bird Day 2023, was observed on 13th May and 14th October 2023.
World Migratory Bird Day is now celebrated twice a year, on the second Saturday in May and October. The day is observing to raises awareness and emphasizes the importance of protecting migratory birds and their habitats. World Migratory Bird Day 2023, was observed on 13th May and 14th October 2023. World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is a worldwide initiative launched in 2006 by the AEWA and CMS Secretariats. It originated from the International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) in the United States and the Migratory Waterbird Days (MWD) in Africa, Europe, and parts of Asia. The theme of World Migratory Bird Day 2023 is “Water: Sustaining Bird Life”.
World Migratory Bird Day is now celebrated twice a year, on the second Saturday in May and October.
World Migratory Bird Day 2023, was observed on 13th May and 14th October 2023.
The theme of World Migratory Bird Day 2023 is “Water: Sustaining Bird Life”.
__________________________________________
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Ayush and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to promote and collaborate on integrative health research.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Ayush and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to promote and collaborate on integrative health research. This cooperation will focus on identified areas of national importance in healthcare for promoting high impact research to generate evidence utilizing modern scientific methods. This MoU will also strengthen research capacity through training of Ayush researchers. This MoU will prove to be very important in enriching Ayush system of medicines.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Ayush and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to promote and collaborate on integrative health research.
This cooperation will focus on identified areas of national importance in healthcare for promoting high impact research to generate evidence utilizing modern scientific methods.
This MoU will also strengthen research capacity through training of Ayush researchers.
__________________________________________
The Indian Semiconductor Mission signed an MoU with Purdue University for capacity building, research and development, and industry participation.
The Indian Semiconductor Mission signed an MoU with Purdue University for capacity building, research and development, and industry participation. MoU was between India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) and Purdue University, US, for cooperation in capacity building, R & D and industry participation.
__________________________________________
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has granted its final approval for the proposed change in control of HDFC AMC.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has granted its final approval for the proposed change in control of HDFC AMC. SEBI through its letter dated May 10, 2023 to HDFC Asset Management Company Limited, a subsidiary of HDFC Ltd and the investment manager of HDFC AMC AIF II, has granted its final approval for the proposed change in control of HDFC AMC. Once the deal is effective, HDFC Bank will be 100 percent owned by public shareholders, and existing shareholders of HDFC will own 41 percent of the bank.
Once the deal is effective, HDFC Bank will be 100 percent owned by public shareholders, and existing shareholders of HDFC will own 41 percent of the bank.