The 69th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2024 with Gujarat Tourism was held in GIFT City, Gujarat.

The 69th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2024 with Gujarat Tourism was held in GIFT City, Gujarat. Hosted by Karan Johar, Ayushmann Khurrana and Maneish Paul, the star-studded night saw dazzling red-carpet appearances, breathtaking performances and inspiring winning moments. Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor won the Best Actor award in a lead role for the film Animal, while Alia Bhatt won the Best Actress award in a lead role for Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani. Vidhu Vinod Chopra received the Best Director award for the film 12th Fail. Along with this, 12th Fail won the Best Screenplay and Best Film (Popular) awards. The film is based on Anurag Pathak's 2019 non-fiction book about the real-life story of the 12th failed IPS Manoj Kumar Sharma.

President Droupadi Murmu presented National Voters’ Day (NVD) awards on the occasion of 14th National Voters’ Day (NVD) on 25 January 2024 in New Delhi.

President Droupadi Murmu presented National Voters’ Day (NVD) awards on the occasion of 14th National Voters’ Day (NVD) on 25 January 2024 in New Delhi. The President presented the Best Electoral Practices Awards for the year 2023. The awards was presented to State and District level officers for their outstanding performance in the conduct of elections during 2023 in different spheres such as IT initiatives, Security Management, Election Management, Accessible Election, Electoral Roll and contribution in the field of voter awareness and outreach. Furthermore, the awards was also given to important stakeholders including government departments, and media organizations for their valuable contribution towards voters’ awareness. In addition to this, the first copy of the ECI Publication ‘ECI initiatives for General Elections 2024’ was presented to the President by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, and a short voter awareness film - ‘My Vote My Duty’ screened.

Comoros President Azali Assoumani has been re-elected for a fourth term in a poll disputed by the opposition as "fraudulent".

Comoros President Azali Assoumani has been re-elected for a fourth term in a poll disputed by the opposition as "fraudulent". He secured the win with 63% of the vote. However, turnout was low amid an opposition boycott - just 16% of people voted in the presidential election.

Iran launched three satellites simultaneously amid regional conflicts that involve what Western governments say are Iranian-backed militia groups.

Iran launched three satellites simultaneously amid regional conflicts that involve what Western governments say are Iranian-backed militia groups. The satellites were carried by the two-stage Simorgh (Phoenix) satellite carrier and were launched into a minimum orbit of 450 kilometres (280 miles). The trio of satellites consisted of two communications and navigation cubesats known as Keihan 2 and Hatef 1, and a third satellite known as Mehda. The Mahda satellite, which weighs around 32 kilogrammes and was developed by Iran's Space Agency, is designed to test advanced satellite subsystems.

The Indian Navy's indigenously designed and built survey ship, INS Nirupak, was decommissioned after 38 years of illustrious service to the nation in a ceremony at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam on January 29, 2024.

The Indian Navy's indigenously designed and built survey ship, INS Nirupak, was decommissioned after 38 years of illustrious service to the nation in a ceremony at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam on January 29, 2024. The ship, third of its class was launched on June 4, 1981, at GRSE and commissioned into service on August 14, 1985 by Vice Admiral Jayant Ganpat Nadkarni, then Chief of Naval Staff. The ship is based at Visakhapatnam under the administrative and operational control of Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Eastern Naval Command. The ceremony was presided by Vice Admiral Adhir Arora, AVSM, NM, Chief Hydrographer to the Govt of India at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam.

The Australian Open 2024 concluded on January 28, with Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka winning the men’s and women’s singles titles, respectively.

The Australian Open 2024 concluded on January 28, with Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka winning the men’s and women’s singles titles, respectively. It was the first-ever Grand Slam title for Sinner and second for Sabalenka, who has now won two back-to-back Australian Open titles. Sinner became the second Italian in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam. At the age of 22, he also became the third youngest since 1988 after Djokovic and Jim Courrier to win the prestigious hard court major. Sinner also became the first champion at Melbourne Park outside the Big 3 since 2014.

Sharat Chauhan, a 1994 batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, has been appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Puducherry.

Sharat Chauhan, a 1994 batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, has been appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Puducherry. Chauhan, who previously served in Arunachal Pradesh. His appointment comes as part of a series of transfers within the AGMUT cadre. The outgoing Chief Secretary, Rajeev Verma, a 1992 batch IAS officer, will assume the position of advisor to the Chandigarh administrator following his tenure in Puducherry. Verma took charge as Chief Secretary on April 29, 2022, and now transitions to a new role in Chandigarh.

World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day (WNTDD) was celebrated on 30 January.

World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day (WNTDD) was celebrated on 30 January. To mark the first global health day of the year, WHO is organizing or participating in a series of events. World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day (World NTD Day) is a global healthcare event celebrated on 30th January every year since 2021 with the goal of celebrating achievements made toward control of the World Neglected Tropical Diseases. The Theme of World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2024 is “Unite. Act. Eliminate”.

East Bengal beat Odisha FC 3-2 in the final of the Kalinga Super Cup 2024.

East Bengal beat Odisha FC 3-2 in the final of the Kalinga Super Cup 2024. The 12-year-long wait for trophy ends in Bhubaneswar as they have beaten Odisha FC 3-2 to win the Kalinga Super Cup. The 2024 Super Cup was the fourth edition of the Super Cup and the 42nd season of the national knockout football competition in India.

The first-ever International Day of Clean Energy is observed on 26th January 2024.

The first-ever International Day of Clean Energy is observed on 26th January 2024. International Day of Clean Energy 2024 was declared by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to raise awareness and mobilize action for a just and inclusive transition to clean energy for the benefit of the people and the planet. United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/77/327 on 25 August 2023 and declared that the International Day of Clean Energy will be observed every year on 26th January.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Supreme Court of India in Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Supreme Court of India in Delhi. During the event, he launched several citizen-centric information and technology initiatives, including Digital Supreme Court Reports (Digi SCR), Digital Courts 2.0, and a new bilingual website for the Supreme Court. In his address, the Prime Minister congratulated everyone on the occasion, marking the beginning of the Supreme Court's 75th year. He highlighted the significant role the Supreme Court plays in upholding the principles of freedom, equality, and justice outlined in the Indian constitution. PM Modi highlighted the government's commitment to improving the physical infrastructure of courts and informed about the approval of Rs 800 crore for expanding the Supreme Court Building Complex. He praised the Chief Justice of India for monitoring the digitization of all courts in the country.

Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh (MP) and Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS), Govt of India signed an MoU at New Delhi for implementation of the “Modified PKC-ERCP” (integration of original PKC with Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project of Rajasthan).

Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh (MP) and Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS), Govt of India signed an MoU at New Delhi for implementation of the “Modified PKC-ERCP” (integration of original PKC with Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project of Rajasthan), which is the second project under the national perspective plan of interlinking of rivers (ILR) program of Government of India. The MoU was signed by Dr Rajesh Kumar Rajora, ACS, WRD, Govt of MP, Abhay Kumar, ACS, WRD, Govt of Rajasthan and Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, DoWR,RD&GR, MoJS, GoI on broad planning of the Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC) link duly integrated with Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) and preparation of its DPR.

The inaugural edition of India-Saudi Arabia Joint Military Exercise ‘SADA TANSEEQ’ commenced at Mahajan, Rajasthan.

The inaugural edition of India-Saudi Arabia Joint Military Exercise ‘SADA TANSEEQ’ commenced at Mahajan, Rajasthan. The Exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 29th January to 10th February 2024. The Saudi Arabian contingent comprising 45 personnel is being represented by Royal Saudi Land Forces. The Indian Army contingent also comprising 45 personnel is being represented by a Battalion from the Brigade of the Guards (Mechanised Infantry).

IIM Bangalore’s NSRCEL and SIDBI have collaborated to establish a pre-seed fund, specifically for start-ups in the deep tech and emerging businesses area.

IIM Bangalore’s NSRCEL and SIDBI have collaborated to establish a pre-seed fund, specifically for start-ups in the deep tech and emerging businesses area. The MoU signed between the two organizations laid the foundation for a multi-year relationship to nurture startups and lead them towards scaling up their business activities. The centre's singular focus has been on supporting founders who are building disruptive solutions in their early stages.

Titagarh Rail Systems (TRSL) of Kolkata and Amber group of Delhi have collaborated to enter the railway component and subsystem business by forming a joint special purpose vehicle (SPV).

Titagarh Rail Systems (TRSL) of Kolkata and Amber group of Delhi have collaborated to enter the railway component and subsystem business by forming a joint special purpose vehicle (SPV). Both TRSL and Amber group, via its wholly owned subsidiary Sidwal Refrigeration Industries Pvt Limited, will invest approx Rs 120 crores each to obtain around 50% each in the SPV. These investments will be used to set up the new railway component business as well as a fresh equity investment in Italy’s Firema, to expand their business into the European markets.

Bank of Baroda’s wholly-owned subsidiary for cards, ‘BOB Financial Solutions Limited’, has been rebranded as ‘BOBCARD Limited’ with the tagline “Credit Reimagined”.

Bank of Baroda’s wholly-owned subsidiary for cards, ‘BOB Financial Solutions Limited’, has been rebranded as ‘BOBCARD Limited’ with the tagline “Credit Reimagined”. The rebranding embodies “revitalised commitment to reimagine the country’s credit landscape with excellent credit solutions and customer-centric offerings”. It aims to offer customer-centric, solution-driven assistance that assures service through innovation.

Bhutanese voters have elected Tshering Tobgay to become prime minister for a second time after his party won nearly two-thirds of seats.

Bhutanese voters have elected Tshering Tobgay to become prime minister for a second time after his party won nearly two-thirds of seats. Tobgay, 58, will become Bhutan's PM for the second time. He was leader of the opposition in Bhutan's first parliament when it was established in 2008 after the start of the reign of the present king. He served as prime minister from 2013 to 2018 and shares a strong chemistry with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Janata Dal (United) president Nitish Kumar took oath as the chief minister of Bihar for a record ninth time.

Janata Dal (United) president Nitish Kumar took oath as the chief minister of Bihar for a record ninth time. He was administered the oath of office by Governor Rajendra Arlekar at Raj Bhavan. Along with Kumar, eight new ministers took oath in the new NDA government. The last time Nitish Kumar took oath as chief minister was in 2022 when he severed his ties with the NDA and joined the RJD, Congress and the Left alliance in Bihar. Between 2022 and 2024, Nitish Kumar took the lead in forging the alliance of the opposition parties to unitedly fight the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In June 2023, he hosted the first meeting of the opposition parties before it even adopted the INDIA name. Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha were appointed as the two Deputy Chief Ministers in new Bihar government. The oath ceremony of the new government took place at the Raj Bhavan in Patna, Bihar. BJP chief JP Nadda and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan were also present at the event.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed the Life Insurance Corp. of India (LIC) to acquire up to 9.99% stake in HDFC Bank.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed the Life Insurance Corp. of India (LIC) to acquire up to 9.99% stake in HDFC Bank. RBI has advised LIC to acquire the additional HDFC Bank shares within a year. Further, LIC must ensure that its aggregate holding in the bank does not exceed 9.99% of the paid-up share capital or voting rights of the bank at all times. The central bank approved LIC's application, subject to its compliance with the provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, the RBI’s Master Direction and Guidelines on Acquisition and Holding of Shares or Voting Rights in Banking Companies, the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999.

Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Shailesh Kumar Singh launched DAY-NRLM’s “SARATHI” app at Krishi Bhawan, which is to be used as the national tech solution for the strategy for working with most vulnerable.

Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Shailesh Kumar Singh launched DAY-NRLM’s “SARATHI” app at Krishi Bhawan, which is to be used as the national tech solution for the strategy for working with most vulnerable. He explained how this is a step in the right direction considering saturation and inclusion as key priorities for the Ministry of Rural Development. The SARATHI app has been developed in partnership with The/Nudge Institute and will be immediately deployed in six states where DAY-NRLM’s Innovation funding is driving special projects for 24,000 most vulnerable households. Voices from the community and states added to this narrative with their stories of first-hand usage of the SARATHI app.

ISRO has successfully deployed the magnetometer boom on board the Aditya-L1 satellite to measure the low intensity interplanetary magnetic field in space.

ISRO has successfully deployed the magnetometer boom on board the Aditya-L1 satellite to measure the low intensity interplanetary magnetic field in space. The six metre-long magnetometer boom is deployed in the Halo orbit at the Lagrange point L-1, on January 11, 2024. The boom had been in stowed condition for 132 days since the Aditya-L1 launch. The boom carries two state-of-the-art, high-accuracy fluxgate magnetometer sensors that measure the low intensity interplanetary magnetic field in space.

Rana Talwar, the first person from Asia to head a global bank (Standard Chartered) passed away at the age of 76 after being unwell for some time.

Rana Talwar, the first person from Asia to head a global bank (Standard Chartered) passed away at the age of 76 after being unwell for some time. Talwar was a board member at DLF, having joined the realty major in 2006. He began his career with Citibank India in 1969, swiftly ascending through the ranks to lead its retail businesses in Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Europe, and North America. Then, in the summer of 1997, the St Stephens alumnus joined Standard Chartered, assuming the position of CEO after some months, becoming the first Asian to head an international bank.

Chandigarh’s first hockey Olympian Sukhbir Singh Gill passed away at the age of 48 after a 17-year long battle with brain tumour.

Chandigarh’s first hockey Olympian Sukhbir Singh Gill passed away at the age of 48 after a 17-year long battle with brain tumour. Sukhbir Singh Gill had represented India at the Sydney Olympics (2000), the Hockey World Cup in Kuala Lumpur (2002), and the FIH Champions Trophy in Cologne (Germany) in 2002, bringing Chandigarh on the international map. He began playing hockey at Shivalik Public School, Sector 41, and also trained at the Hockey Stadium, Sector 42. Later, he went to DAV College, Sector 10.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma released the first edition of 'Political History of Assam (1947-1971)'- Volume 1.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma released the first edition of 'Political History of Assam (1947-1971)'- Volume 1. This volume delves into the political history of Assam during the post-independence era, spanning from 1947 to 1971. This book will encompass the political events of Assam from 1947 to 2020 in three volumes and will be completed by 2025. Previously, the state government had initiated a project for the Compilation & Publication of ‘Political History of Assam’ in three volumes, with Dr. Rajen Saikia serving as the editor for the project.

World Leprosy Day 2024 was celebrated on 28th January.

Every year, World Leprosy Day is celebrated on the last Sunday of the month of January. This year 2024, World Leprosy Day falls on January 28, which is being celebrated on a Sunday. In 1954, French Journalist Raoul Follereau established World Leprosy Day to be celebrated to campaign to create awareness about this disease and explore the treatment options available that can provide the patients with a better life. The day was chosen by the Journalist as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi who had compassion and empathy for people affected with this disease. The theme of World Leprosy Day 2024 is "Beat Leprosy". This theme is chosen to beat the stigma associated with the disease, as well as create awareness about it.

REC Limited has signed a MoU with the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Limited (NIIFL) to collaborate on a suite of funding solutions for Renewable Energy Projects as well as large-scale infrastructure projects in India.

REC Limited has signed a MoU with the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Limited (NIIFL) to collaborate on a suite of funding solutions for Renewable Energy Projects as well as large-scale infrastructure projects in India. Commitment to financing key infrastructure projects echoes shared vision for a robust and interconnected future. The MoU was signed by Executive Director (Finance), REC, Daljeet Singh Khatri and Executive Director & Chief Strategy Officer, NIIFL, Prasad Gadkari, in the presence of CMD, REC, Vivek Kumar Dewangan and CEO and MD, NIIFL, Rajiv Dhar.

The World Bank, through its International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), has introduced a groundbreaking seven-year USD 100 million Plastic Waste Reduction-Linked Bond.

The World Bank, through its International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), has introduced a groundbreaking seven-year USD 100 million Plastic Waste Reduction-Linked Bond. This innovative financial instrument links investor returns to Plastic Waste Collection Credits, Plastic Waste Recycling Credits, and Voluntary Carbon Units generated by projects in Ghana and Indonesia. The selected projects aim to address global plastic pollution challenges by reducing and recycling plastic waste in vulnerable communities. The bond structure offers potential financial benefits if projects and credit monetization perform as expected, providing a win-win scenario for investors, local communities, and ecosystems.

Padma Awards 2024 announced

Padma Awards, one of the highest civilian Awards of the country, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The Awards are given in various disciplines / fields of activities, viz- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc. The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year. These Awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March / April every year. For the year 2024, the President has approved conferment of 132 Padma Awards including 2 duo cases (in a duo case, the Award is counted as one) as per list below. The list comprises 5 Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan and 110 Padma Shri Awards. 30 of the awardees are women and the list also includes 8 persons from the category of Foreigners / NRI / PIO / OCI and 9 Posthumous awardees.

India was celebrated its 75th Republic Day on 26th January 2024.

India was celebrated its 75th Republic Day on 26th January 2024. This year French President Emmanuel Macron was the chief guest. This year's Republic Day theme is 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Loktatantra ki Matruka'. The Republic Day 2024 parade commenced at 10:30 am (IST) from New Delhi's Vijay Chowk. The venue accommodate approximately 77,000 people, with 42,000 reserved for the general public. This year's top attractions include a women's tri-service group parade, a French contingent to join the R-Day parade, six Indians to join the French military team in the Republic Day parade, AI to take space in the parade, ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 to be highlighted.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the winners of the ICC Awards 2023.

India's Virat Kohli has won the ICC Men's One Day International (ODI) Cricketer of the Year 2023 and Suryakumar Yadav has won the ICC Men's Twenty20 International (T20I) Cricketer of the Year 2023. The India batter Suryakumar Yadav has won the award for the second time in a row. Suryakuamr scored 733 runs in 17 innings at an average of 48.86 while striking at 155.95 in 2023. This is the fourth such award for Kohli, who was the second most prolific run-scorer in ODIs last year behind compatriot Shubman Gill.

Brisbane Heat defeated Sydney Sixers by 54 runs in the final to win Australia's Big Bash League 2023-24.

Brisbane Heat defeated Sydney Sixers by 54 runs in the final to win Australia's Big Bash League 2023-24. Sixers were bowled out for 112 runs while chasing 167. Spencer Johnson (4 wickets), Xavier Bartlett (2 wickets) and Mitchell Swepson (2 wickets) bowled exceptionally well. Spencer claimed a career-best 4-26 against Sydney Sixers as The Heats registered a 34-run win in the title clash.

Luigi "Gigi" Riva, Italy's leading all-time national team goalscorer died aged 79.

Luigi "Gigi" Riva, Italy's leading all-time national team goalscorer died aged 79. Riva, whose physical presence and powerful shooting earned him the nickname Rombo di Tuono (thunder-clap), scored 35 goals in 42 appearances for the national team. He was part of the Italy team that won the European Championship in 1968 and also played in the 1970 World Cup when they were runners-up to the great Brazil team featuring Pele.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah launched a book titled 'A Promised Nation Hon'ble Shri Narendra Modi- the Maker of New India'.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah launched a book titled 'A Promised Nation Hon'ble Shri Narendra Modi- the Maker of New India', written on the life and works of PM Modi in Braille script in New Delhi. The book is written on the life and works of Modi Ji in Braille script. The book will help people with visual impairment to know about the life journey of Modi Ji and the transformation he has ushered in.

The International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust is annually observed on 27 January to remember and honour the six million Jewish victims and millions of other victims of Nazism during World War II.

The International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust is annually observed on 27 January to remember and honour the six million Jewish victims and millions of other victims of Nazism during World War II. The United Nations General Assembly designated January 27 as the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust in November 2005, with resolution 60/7. This date was chosen to mark the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp, in 1945.

Asia's largest civil aviation event, Wings India 2024, was held at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad, India from January 18–21, 2024.

Asia's largest civil aviation event, Wings India 2024, was held at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad, India from January 18–21, 2024. The event includes exhibitions, static displays, demonstration flights, media conferences, and business meetings. The event's theme is "Connecting India to the World in Amrit Kaal: Setting the Stage for India Civil Aviation @2047". It featured aircraft of various sizes, and was around 1500 delegates from over 100 countries, 5,000 business representatives, and more than 100,000 visitors. Wings India 2024 was the comprehensive event on the civil aviation industry calendar including the inaugural ceremony, global ministerial conference, global CEOs' forum, B2B / B2G meetings, awards ceremony, cultural evening, and business networking dinner. Also, the event includes an exhibition, chalets, demonstration flights, static displays, media conferences, one-to-one business meetings, and many more.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched development projects worth more than Rs 19,100 crore in Bulandshahr district in western Uttar Pradesh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched development projects worth more than Rs 19,100 crore in Bulandshahr district in western Uttar Pradesh. He inaugurated a 173-km-long double-line electrified section between New Khurja and New Rewari on the dedicated freight corridor (DFC) by flagging off goods trains from the two stations through video conference. The prime minister also inaugurated a rail line connecting the Mathura-Palwal section and the Chipiyana Buzurg-Dadri section. These new lines will improve rail connectivity of the national capital to southern-western and eastern India. Modi unveiled multiple road development projects. He also inaugurated Indian Oil's Tundla-Gawaria pipeline. Built at a cost of about Rs 700 crore, this 255-km-long pipeline project has been completed well ahead of its scheduled time.

Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM), Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), and Lady Irwin College, University of Delhi, have renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM), Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), and Lady Irwin College, University of Delhi, have renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). During the five-year term of MoU, MoRD will work with ROSHNI – Centre of Women Collectives led Social Action (CWCSA), to strengthen interventions for better results of Food, Nutrition, Health and WASH (FNHW) for rural communities. This partnership will strengthen nutrition, gender equity and livelihoods for women.

54th Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum (WEF) held in Davos - Klosters, Switzerland, from January 15-19, 2024, on the theme ‘Rebuilding Trust’.

54th Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum (WEF) held in Davos - Klosters, Switzerland, from January 15-19, 2024, on the theme ‘Rebuilding Trust’. The 54th annual meeting, according to the forum's official website, was focused on the core principles of trust, emphasizing transparency, consistency, and accountability. This served as the center for Government-to-Business (G2B) and Business-to-Business (B2B) networking, hosting roundtables, sessions, and panels on leading topics.

Canara HSBC Life Insurance introduced iSelect Guaranteed Future Plus, a comprehensive plan designed to deliver life insurance and assured benefits, ensuring the safeguarding of goals and providing peace of mind.

Canara HSBC Life Insurance introduced iSelect Guaranteed Future Plus, a comprehensive plan designed to deliver life insurance and assured benefits, ensuring the safeguarding of goals and providing peace of mind. This plan offers financial security and stability, catering to individuals and their families at various life stages and significant milestones. The product encompasses a range of crucial features, including a life cover serving as a safety net for the policyholder and their loved ones, ensuring financial security during uncertain periods.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) announced an extension to the timeline for the verification of market rumours by listed entities.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) announced an extension to the timeline for the verification of market rumours by listed entities. The new effective date for implementation for the top 100 listed entities has been extended to June 1, 2024, and for the top 250 listed entities, the deadline is now December 1, 2024. The regulation mandates the top 100 listed entities by market capitalisation, and subsequently, the top 250 listed entities, to verify and confirm, deny, or clarify market rumours.

Zomato Payments Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zomato, has been granted a certificate of authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as an 'Online Payments Aggregator'.

Zomato Payments Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zomato, has been granted a certificate of authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as an 'Online Payments Aggregator'. The authorisation came into effect from January 24, 2024. Payment aggregators facilitate e-commerce websites, mobile apps, and merchants to accept payment instruments from customers for their transactions, without the need for merchants to create their own payment interface.

An India born prolific lawyer, Ajit Mishra, has been conferred with "Freedom of the City of London Award" at Guildhall for his outstanding contribution in legal and public life.

An India born prolific lawyer, Ajit Mishra, has been conferred with "Freedom of the City of London Award" at Guildhall for his outstanding contribution in legal and public life. Mishra is Founder and Chair of UK India Legal Partnership (UKILP). He is a dual qualified lawyer and corporate partner at Knights.

After making a huge name in mobile accessories products, VARNI has appointed cricketer Ravindra Jadeja as their brand ambassador.

After making a huge name in mobile accessories products, VARNI has appointed cricketer Ravindra Jadeja as their brand ambassador. Kishan Mali, Founder & Managing Director of VARNI, made an official announcement last year on the 10th year anniversary of VARNI.

The Indian Navy and the BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) test- fired an extended-range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile (BrahMos-ER).

The Indian Navy and the BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) test- fired an extended-range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile (BrahMos-ER). The test was likely for the 800 km extended range version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. The test revalidated 'Aatmanirbharta' for "extended range precision strike capability from combat and misson ready ships". The test took place in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as part of the induction trials for the extended-range variant. The extended-range variant, known as BrahMos-ER, is capable of striking land and sea targets at a maximum range of 400 to 500 kilometres.

Every year, International Customs Day is observed on January 26.

Every year, International Customs Day is observed on January 26. In the year 1953, the Customs Cooperation Council (CCC) confirmed this date to be observed as International Customs Day. The session was inaugurated in Brussels, Belgium. Members from 17 European countries attended that session. In 1994, CCC was renamed as World Customs Organisation,, and currently consists of 182 member states across the world. Since then, International Customs Day has been observed. The theme of International Customs Day 2024 is 'Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose'.

Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted 'Exercise Desert Knight' along with French Air and Space Force (FASF) and United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force.

Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted 'Exercise Desert Knight' along with French Air and Space Force (FASF) and United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force. While the French participation included the Rafale fighter aircraft and a Multi Role Tanker Transport, the UAE Air Force fielded the F-16. These aircraft operated from the Al Dhafra air base in the UAE. The IAF contingent comprised of Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Jaguar, AWACS, C-130-J and Air to Air Refueller aircraft. The exercise in Indian FIR was conducted over the Arabian Sea, with IAF aircraft operating from bases within India.

The Ministry of defence has signed a contract worth Rs1,070 crore with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) for the acquisition of 14 fast patrol vessels.

The Ministry of defence has signed a contract worth Rs1,070 crore with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) for the acquisition of 14 fast patrol vessels. The deal aims to strengthen the capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and enhance the country’s maritime security. Fast patrol vessels (FPVs) are small, agile and versatile ships that can perform a variety of tasks in coastal and offshore waters. They are used for patrolling, surveillance, search and rescue, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, fisheries protection and pollution control operations.

Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi inaugurated the second State Mining Ministers’ Conference in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi inaugurated the second State Mining Ministers’ Conference in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The Conference is yet another step in the direction of making India’s mineral sector ‘Aatma Nirbhar’ and promoting Sustainable Mining in the country. Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Dr Mohan Yadav was the Chief Guest of the event and several Mines Ministers of other States also graced the conference. More than 80 Secretary level officers, Principal Secretaries/ Special Secretaries (Mines), and DGMs/DMGs from 28 States participated, along with the officials of the Ministries of Mines and Coal. Union Minister and the Chief Minister also visited the exhibition “Beyond Mining” organized on the sidelines of the Conference.

The third South Summit was held at Kampala in Uganda from 20 to 23 January 2024 With the theme “Leaving No One Behind”.

The Third South Summit is a platform to bring energy to the cooperation among its 134 member States of the Group of 77 (G-77) in a more competitive world. India, at the Third South Summit in Kampala, Uganda, underscored the pivotal role of the Global South as the world’s “future growth engine,” and emphasised the need for South-South Cooperation to address contemporary challenges and achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the statement delivered by the Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, India highlighted the diversity and unity of the Group of 77 (G77), bringing together nations from diverse geographies, economies, and political systems.

Max Life Insurance Company Ltd has launched Smart Wealth Annuity Guaranteed Pension Plan - SWAG Pension Plan, A Non-Linked, Non-Participating Individual/Group General Annuity Savings Plan.

Max Life Insurance Company Ltd has launched Smart Wealth Annuity Guaranteed Pension Plan - SWAG Pension Plan, A Non-Linked, Non-Participating Individual/Group General Annuity Savings Plan. Key features of SWAG Pension Plan: Wide range of annuity variants to suit the customers’ retirement needs; Immediate annuity with flexibility to decide the return of a chosen proportion of premiums paid to the surviving annuitant or nominee; Increasing annuity up to 6% per annum ensuring readiness for the rising inflation; Early Return of Premium on attaining milestone age which varies from 70 years to 85 years (in blocks of 5 years); Provides the option to the surviving annuitant to withdraw the chosen proportion of annuity in advance on the death of the first annuitant; Customers can plan early and get a higher annuity on retirement by deferring the first annuity from the first month itself up to 12 years.

According to a RBI report on ‘Finances of Panchayati Raj Institutions’, Panchayats need to intensify their efforts to augment their own tax and non-tax revenue resources and improve their governance for sustainable growth.

According to a RBI report on ‘Finances of Panchayati Raj Institutions’, Panchayats need to intensify their efforts to augment their own tax and non-tax revenue resources and improve their governance for sustainable growth. The report noted that with 68.8 percent of India’s population residing in rural areas (as per the 2011 Census), local governments at the panchayat level assume a significant role in translating the vision and developmental policies of both the Central and State governments into action. The report underscored that the prompt establishment of State Finance Commissions (SFCs), eschewing the sizeable delays that occur currently, assumes importance.

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has released a circular encapsulating the framework for offer for sale (OFS) of shares to employees through stock exchanges such as BSE and NSE.

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has released a circular encapsulating the framework for offer for sale (OFS) of shares to employees through stock exchanges such as BSE and NSE. The promoters of eligible companies will be permitted to sell shares within two weeks from the offer for sale (OFS) transaction to the employees of such companies. The promoters are meant to make necessary disclosures in the OFS notice to the stock exchange including number of shares offered to employees and discount offered. Key provisions of this circular include the following: 1. Bidding will be allowed during trading hours on T+1 day only. 2. Employees will place bids only at cut-off price of T+1 day. 3. The maximum bid amount will be ₹5 lakh. 4. Each employee is eligible for allotment of equity shares up to ₹2 lakh. 5. In case there is under-subscription in the employee portion, the unsubscribed portion may be allotted to such employees whose bid amount is over ₹2 lakh on a proportionate basis for a value in excess of ₹2 lakh subject to the total allotment to an employee not exceeding ₹5 lakh. 6. The employees are supposed to pay upfront the margin to the extent of 100 percent of the order value in cash or cash equivalents.

General Insurance Council, in consultation with all general and health insurance companies, has launched the ‘Cashless Everywhere’ initiative.

General Insurance Council, in consultation with all general and health insurance companies, has launched the ‘Cashless Everywhere’ initiative, wherein policyholders can get treated in any hospital they choose, and a cashless facility will be available even if such a hospital is not in the network of the insurance company. This cashless facility is currently available only at hospitals where the respective insurance company has an agreement or tie-ups. If the policyholder chooses a hospital without such an agreement, the cashless facility is not offered, and the customer has to go for a reimbursement claim, further delaying the claim process. This Cashless Everywhere is subject to: For elective procedures, the customer should intimate the Insurance Company at least 48 hours prior to the admission. For emergency treatment, the customer should intimate the Insurance Company within 48 hours of admission. The claim should be admissible as per the terms of the policy and the cashless facility should be admissible as per the operating guidelines of the Insurance Company.

Former Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, which is India’s highest civilian honour, by the president.

Former Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, which is India’s highest civilian honour, by the president. The socialist icon is well-known for his efforts to uplift the backward classes in Bihar. Karpoori Thakur was the pioneer in providing the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) with the benefit of reservation as he implemented the recommendations of the Mungeri Lal Commission during his tenure as Bihar CM from 1977 to 1979. As chief minister of Bihar, he announced reservations for socially and economically backward groups, the extremely backward classes, educated women and poor women in 1978.

Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel unveiled the book "Smritivan: An Unparalleled Apotheosis of Commemoration to 2001 Victims of Gujarat Earthquake" in Gandhinagar.

Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel unveiled the book "Smritivan: An Unparalleled Apotheosis of Commemoration to 2001 Victims of Gujarat Earthquake" in Gandhinagar. The coffee table book, published by the Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA), just before the 23rd anniversary of the Kutch earthquake, narrates the tale of the transformation of Bhujia Dungar following the 2001 earthquake. It also captures the developmental journey of Gujarat under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The book showcases the achievements of Smritivan on Bhujia Dungar, evolving from barren land into the world's largest Miyawaki Forest with a plantation of five and a half lakh trees.

National Voters’ Day is celebrated annually on January 25 to commemorate the foundation day of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in 1950.

National Voters’ Day is celebrated annually on January 25 to commemorate the foundation day of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in 1950. It’s a day dedicated to strengthening the democratic process by encouraging voter participation and emphasizing the importance of every vote in shaping the nation’s future. The ECI is an autonomous constitutional body responsible for conducting free and fair elections in the world’s largest democracy. ‘Nothing Like Voting, I Vote For Sure’ is the theme of National Voters’ Day 2024.

NITI Aayog, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW), Government of India, and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations jointly launched the ‘Investment Forum for Advancing Climate Resilient Agrifood Systems in India’ in New Delhi.

NITI Aayog, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW), Government of India, and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations jointly launched the ‘Investment Forum for Advancing Climate Resilient Agrifood Systems in India’ in New Delhi. It was launched during a two-day Multi-stakeholder Meeting held on January 18-19, 2024, at the India International Centre, New Delhi. The Forum facilitated discussions and deliberations on six key areas namely, (i) Climate resilient agriculture (experiences and pathways) (ii) Digital infrastructure and solutions (iii) Financing climate resilient agrifood systems (domestic and global) (iv) Climate resilient value chains(v) Production practices and inputs for climate resilience and (vi) Gender mainstreaming and social inclusion for climate resilience.

National Tourism Day is celebrated in India on January 25 to educate people about the importance of tourism.

National Tourism Day is celebrated in India on January 25 to educate people about the importance of tourism. It was established by the Indian government to raise awareness regarding the importance of tourism for India's economy. National Tourism Day was established to promote the tourism industry and recognise its contribution to the growth and sustainability of tourist destinations and local communities.

The Indian Army threw open the 'India Selfie Point' near the Line of Control in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Indian Army threw open the 'India Selfie Point' near the Line of Control in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir. The 'India Selfie Point' has been gifted by acclaimed artist Rouble Nagi, who has set up several such points elsewhere in Jammu and Kashmir. The 'India Selfie Point' was conceptualised with an aim to provide a unique engaging environment for the individuals and groups alike.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the merger of Fincare Small Finance Bank with AU Small Finance Bank.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the merger of Fincare Small Finance Bank with AU Small Finance Bank. As per the terms of scheme of amalgamation, Fincare Business Services, promoter of Fincare SFB, shall infuse Rs700 crore into Fincare SFB prior to the completion of the merger.

The Indian Navy successfully launched LSAM 19 (Yard 129), a versatile barge equipped with ammunition, torpedoes, and missiles.

The Indian Navy successfully launched LSAM 19 (Yard 129), a versatile barge equipped with ammunition, torpedoes, and missiles. It marks the completion of the fifth barge under the 11 x ACTCM Barge Project. The LSAM 19 was manufactured by MSME Shipyard, Suryadipta Projects Private Limited, Thane, at the SPPL launch site dedicated to the Indian Navy. The launching Ceremony was presided over by Commodore V Pravin, AWPS(Mumbai, Maharashtra).

International Day of Education celebrated on January 24!

Education is a human right, a public good and a public responsibility. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 24 January as International Day of Education, in celebration of the role of education for peace and development.The event will be celebrated on January 25 at the UNESCO headquarters in New York. “International Day of Education 2024 will be a global platform to sustain political mobilisation, take forward national commitments and global initiatives, and step up public engagement in favour of education as the path to peace, sustainable development and individual and collective well-being.

National Girl Child Day 2024 – January 24!

The Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, celebrated National Girl Child Day on 24th January 2024 at the National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD).National Girl Child Day observed annually on January 24th in India, plays a pivotal role in highlighting the importance of empowering girls and addressing the challenges they face in society. Initiated in 2008 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, this day marks a commitment to promote gender equality, empower girls, and protect their rights.

Cameroon became the First Country to Roll Out Malaria Vaccine in Child Immunization Program!

Cameroon is the first country in the vaccine campaign. Plans are to introduce the vaccine in 20 additional countries by 2025. The rollout of malaria vaccines in Africa – the world's first routine immunization program against this mosquito-borne disease – has raised excitement for a surprising reason.Cameroon will be the first country to routinely give children a new malaria vaccine as the shots are rolled out in Africa.

India Won Eight Medals in Asian Shotgun Championships 2024!

The Asian Shotgun Championships were held from January 14 to 21. The event also doubled as the qualifying event for the Paris 2024 Olympics for Indian shooters in trap and skeet events. Indian shooters won a total of eight medals in Kuwait and obtained two Olympic quotas for the country.In a spectacular display of skill and determination, the Indian shooting duo Raiza Dhillon and Gurjoat Singh Khangura clinched the bronze medal in the mixed skeet team event at the Asian Shotgun Championships 2024 in Kuwait City. The event marked a triumphant conclusion for India, securing a total of one gold, three silvers, and four bronze medals on the closing day.

Canadian Filmmaker & Producer Norman Jewison Passed Away!

Four years later, he was given a similar award in Canada for his contributions to the country's film industry, which included the setting up of the Canadian Film Centre."I have tended to show humanity as fallible, sensitive, befuddled, misled but redeemable, rather than mindless, relentlessly violent," he wrote in his autobiography in 2004.In 1999, he received a lifetime achievement award from America's Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.

Sony Terminates Merger Agreement with Zee Entertainment!

As per the merger agreement, inked on December 22, 2021, Zee and Sony Pictures Networks India (now known as Culver Max), along with Bangla Entertainment Pvt Ltd, were to be merged into a single entity within 24 months, The collapse of a planned $10-billion merger with Sony’s unit has heaped pressure on Zee Entertainment, one of India’s most popular TV networks, to pursue deals with new partners or focus on areas such as digital entertainment to revive its fortunes.A Zee-Sony India merger would have created a media powerhouse in the world’s most populous nation with 90-plus channels across sports, entertainment and news segments, which, India’s antitrust body at one time said could have “un-paralleled bargaining power” when backed by Sony’s global reach.

Japan’s Softbank Sold Another 1.95% Stake in Paytm!

Japanese investor SoftBank has offloaded two per cent of its stake in One 97 Communications, the parent company of fintech major Paytm, over the past one month. SVF India Holdings (Cayman) Ltd, a SoftBank entity, has been reducing its stake in the company by selling its shares in open markets over the past few months. After selling a 2 per cent stake in the fintech company, SoftBank's total shareholding has come down to 5.06 per cent. The company held a 13.24 per cent stake in February 2023.

19th NAM Summit held in Kampala, Uganda, EAM S Jaishankar led Indian Delegation!

19th NAM Summit set to begin in Uganda's Kampala; EAM Jaishankar to lead Indian delegation. The 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit is set to kick off on Friday in Uganda's capital, Kampala, with the Indian delegation led by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.External Affairs Minister (EAM), Dr. S. Jaishankar will lead the Indian delegation at the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to be held in Kampala, Uganda on 19-20 January 2024. The Summit will be preceded by deliberations at the Ministerial and Senior Officials levels. Minister of State for External Affairs, Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh is representing India at the NAM Foreign Ministers’ meeting which will precede the NAM Summit. Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri V. Muraleedharan will represent India at the G-77 Third South Summit which will be held in Kampala on 21-22 January 2024.

BCCI Awards 2024, Shubman Gill and Deepti Sharma Win Best International Cricketers of 2022-23!

Shubman Gill won the best men's international cricketer (Polly Umrigar Award) of 2022-23 in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Awards(Naman Awards) 2024 held in Hyderabad, Telangana. Deepti Sharma won the best women's international cricketer of 2022-23.Shubman Gill won the best men’s international cricketer (Polly Umrigar Award) of 2022-23 in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Awards(Naman Awards) 2024 held in Hyderabad,Telangana.

SBI Life has Launched ‘Saral Swadhan Supreme’ and ‘Smart Swadhan Supreme’!

SBI Life - Saral Swadhan Supreme' and 'SBI Life - Smart Swadhan Supreme' have been meticulously crafted to empower individuals to safeguard their loved ones from life uncertainties while simultaneously building a robust financial safety net.SBI Life Insurance, a private life insurer , has recently launched two products– ‘SBI Life - Saral Swadhan Supreme’ and ‘SBI Life - Smart Swadhan Supreme’. These two new products not only provides a life cover but also benefit of return of premiums at maturity, to fulfil customer’s financial objectives.

Ex Cyclone II: 2nd edition of the India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise commenced in Egypt!

Exercise Cyclone II”, the 2nd edition of the India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise, commenced on 22nd January 2024 in Anshas, Egypt. The exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 22nd January to 1st February 2024.The Exercise will involve planning and execution of special operations in sub conventional domain and conducted in three phases. While the first phase will include Military Exhibitions and Tactical Interactions, second phase will focus on training on Improvised Explosive Device (IED), counter IED and Combat First Aid. The third and final phase will encompass Joint Tactical Exercise based on Fighting in Built-up Area and Hostage Rescue Scenarios.

5th International and 44th All India Criminology Conference of NFSU held in Gandhinagar,Gujarat!

Shri Amit Shah said that this conference is being inaugurated at a time when India's criminal justice system is entering into a new era. He said that India has abolished the 150-year-old original laws of criminal justice and introduced new laws. He said that two of the major issues in these three laws are related to this conference. First, to deliver timely justice and second, to curb crimes by increasing conviction rate. He said that in all three laws, efforts are being made to take both these issues forward with the help of technology. Home Minister added that we have taken a bold decision and it has been made mandatory for a Forensic Science Officer to visit the crime scene of offences which have punishment of 7 years or more. He said that this will simplify the investigation, it will be easier for the judges and it will also make the prosecution simple. This will also help us in increasing the conviction rate. Along with this, efforts are also being made to modernize the entire process. Shri Shah said that after 5 years, India's criminal justice system will be the most modern system in the world.

ONGC Gets MoPNG’s Approval to Form Green Energy Subsidiary.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry has approved the formation of a subsidiary company of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) for green energy and gas business.The company will engage in businesses related to green hydrogen, hydrogen blending, renewable energy solar, wind and hybrid etc., biofuels, biogas business and LNG.Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) has received the approval from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) to establish a wholly-owned subsidiary company for green energy and gas business.

9th India International Science Festival held in Faridabad, Haryana!

The 9th edition of India International Science Festival (IISF 2023) was held from 17th to 20th January 2024 at Faridabad, Haryana. The festival aims to celebrate the achievements of India in the frontier areas of science and technology.The 9th edition of the Indian International Science Festival (IISF) is set to be held at the Campus of Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) and the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) in Faridabad, Haryana from 17th January to 20th January 2024. The mega science fair promises a unique blend of scientific exploration, innovation and public engagement.

India’s ACME and Japan’s IHI Corporation Signs pact to supply Green Ammonia from India to Japan!

The agreement, signed by Manoj Upadhyay, Founder and Chairman of Acme Group, and Hiroshi Ide, President and CEO of IHI Corporation, paves the way for the supply of 0.4 million metric tons per annum (MMTPA) of green ammonia from Odisha, India, to Japan.Gurgaon-based ACME Group signed an offtake term sheet for the supply of green ammonia from its project in Odisha to IHI Corporation, a Japanese integrated heavy industry company. The term sheet covers the supply of 0.4 million metric tons per annum (MMTPA) of green ammonia from Phase-1 of ACME’s Gopalpur on a long-term basis.

HDFC Bank Disposes 2.01% stake in CAMS for Rs.252.34 Cr!

HDFC Bank has divested a 2.01 percent stake in Computer Age Management Services Limited (CAMS) for all cash consideration of ₹252.34 crore. The Bank sold 9,86,315 shares of CAMS (a 2.01 per cent equity stake) through the secondary market route on BSE & NSE between August 25, 2023, and January 23, 2024. The sale price (average) was ₹2,558.43 per share. CAMS is a technology-driven financial infrastructure and services provider to mutual funds and other financial institutions.

MoE issues new rules for coaching centres; No enrollment of students under 16 years of age.

Coaching centres in India have been prohibited from enrolling students below the age of 16, according to new guidelines issued by the Ministry of Education on Thursday (Jan 18). The regulatory framework has been introduced to manage the unregulated growth of private coaching centres across the country.Coaching centres cannot enrol students below 16 years of age, make misleading promises and guarantee rank or good marks, according to new guidelines announced by the Ministry of Education.

PM Modi unveiled Ramlalla idol at Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya, UP.

The "Pran Pratishtha" ceremony began at 12.20 pm, after which Mr Modi took to the venue to address the gathering of over 7,000 people. "Today our Ram has come. After centuries of waiting, our Ram has arrived,” PM Modi said, adding, “Our Ramlala will no longer live in a tent. Our Ramlala will live in a grand temple.'' The consecration ceremony was held after the first phase of temple construction, which was the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid. The title was made possible by a Supreme Court decision in 2019.

Ex Khanjar 2024: 11th edition of India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise commenced at HP!

The Indian Army contingent, consisting of 20 personnel, is proudly represented by troops from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces). On the other side, the Kyrgyzstan contingent, also comprising 20 personnel, is represented by the Scorpion Brigade. This diverse participation showcases the commitment of both nations to joint efforts in combating terrorism and enhancing their special forces capabilities.

Highlights of PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu on 19 January 2024.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the southern state of Karnataka on Friday, January 19, i.e., today, to inaugurate a Boeing facility. He will also be visiting neighbouring states Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu on the same day, according to an official release from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).PM Modi will first set foot in Maharashtra in the morning to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for various development projects in Solapur.

MeitY Signs MoU with Cuba for Cooperation on Digital Public Infrastructure!

India will collaborate with Cuba by building upon development partnership on digital transformation leading to a smooth adoption of Digital Public Infrastructure in Cuba. The MoU intends to promote digital transformation. The signatories were Shri S Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY from India’s side and Mr Wilfredo Gonzalez Vidal, First Deputy Minister of Communications, from Cuba’s side. The MoU intends to promote digital transformation (viz INDIA STACK) through Capacity Building programs, exchange of best practices and other collaborative activities to mutually benefit the digital ecosystems of both countries.

India became Fourth-Largest Stock Market, Overtakes Hong Kong!

The total value of shares on Indian exchanges hit $4.33 trillion at Monday's close, compared to Hong Kong's $4.29 trillion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg, making it the fourth largest stock market in the world.India's stock market overtook Hong Kong's to become the fourth largest in the world. The total value of shares in India equaled $4.33 trillion at Monday's close, over Hong Kong's $4.29 trillion.

PM Modi Launches ‘Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana’, a new Rooftop Solar Power Scheme!

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (January 22) announced the 'Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana', a government scheme under which one crore households will get rooftop solar power systems. This isn't the first scheme for promoting the installation of rooftop solar power systems, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (January 22) announced the ‘Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana’, a government scheme under which one crore households will get rooftop solar power systems.

Air India launches India’s first Airbus A350-900 flight from Bengaluru to Mumbai!

Air India operated its first Airbus A350 aircraft from Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport to Mumbai. India’s first Airbus A350-900 and is being operated in Chennai, Hyderabad and Delhi. Air India announced that the flight took off from Bengaluru’s KIA at 7.05 am. The Airbus has a capacity of 316 passengers and the flight saw 294 onboard. In the future, the airbus will be deployed on longer routes, and the domestic routes will be for better compliance and operation purposes.

Govt Expands Scope of Financial Services at IFSC GIFT city; Notified 4 Additional Services!

As per a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Finance, various services, including book-keeping, accounting, taxation, and financial crime compliance, have been included as part of financial services. The government has expanded the scope of activities that can be undertaken at the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) by including services such as book keeping, and accounting. Various services, including book-keeping, accounting, taxation, and financial crime compliance, have been included as part of financial services.

NASA Unveils X-59 Quiet Supersonic Jet Known as ‘Son of Concorde’!

New York to London in just three and a half hours soon! The aeronautic officials debuted a new X-59 supersonic aircraft which is capable of flying faster than the speed of sound. The 100-foot-long and 30-foot-wide plane was rolled out by NASA and Lockheed Martin on Friday in Palmdale, California. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Lockheed Martin, a global aerospace and defence company unveiled the X-59 quiet Supersonic Jet, a one-of-a-kind experimental aircraft known as the ‘Son of Concorde’.

CoRover.ai Launched India’s first Indigenous GenAI ‘BharatGPT‘!

CoRover.ai has introduced BharatGPT, India's first Large Language Model (LLM), with the goal of transforming AI interactions across 22 Indian languages. As a homegrown Generative AI platform, BharatGPT seamlessly integrates with both voice and text, offering a unique solution to language diversity challenges.CoRover.ai has introduced BharatGPT, India’s first Large Language Model (LLM), with the goal of transforming AI interactions across 22 Indian languages. As a homegrown Generative AI platform, BharatGPT seamlessly integrates with both voice and text, offering a unique solution to language diversity challenges.

HP Govt Launches ‘My School-My Pride’ Campaign to Transform Govt Education System!

In a move aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020, Himachal Pradesh has unveiled the ‘My School-My Pride’ campaign under the ‘Apna Vidyalay’ programme, aimed at revolutionising the quality of education in government schools.This initiative will encourage active participation from individuals and organisations to adopt schools and contribute to various aspects of students’ growth.This team will step in during teacher shortages or leaves, ensuring continuous academic support. Non-academic teams will contribute to sports, co-curricular activities, skill training, arts, and more.

Union Minister Parshottam Rupala Launched Project for Artificial Reefs in Kerala!

Union Minister Parshottam Rupala Launched Project for Artificial Reefs in Kerala Union Minister Parshottam Rupala, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAHD) virtually launched the project of depositing artificial reefs in the seabed in Vizhinjam, Thiruvananthapuram, In a significant move to boost fish production and promote sustainable fishing, Union Fisheries Minister Parshottam Rupala inaugurated an artificial reef project in Vizhinjam, Kerala. This initiative aims to double the income of fishermen by enhancing fish stocks and contributing to the economic well-being of the local fishing community.

MoPNG Hardeep Singh Puri launches first pilot project to produce jet fuel from alcohol!

Pramod Choudhari, president of Praj Group, and other officials of Indian Oil and other companies were also present at the launch event. Shri Puri said that there is a huge demand for biofuel in the international market, and hence supply of raw agricultural material has become a challenging factor. He further informed that, in the recent World Economic Forum organised at Davos, it was seen that many countries around the world have high expectations from India for bio turbine fuel.

PM inaugurates 10th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit!

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the 10th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar today. The theme of this year’s summit is ‘Gateway to the Future’ and includes the participation of 34 partner countries and 16 partner organizations. The Summit is also being used as a platform by the Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region to showcase investment opportunities in the North-Eastern regions.

ICAI collaborates with IIM Ahmedabad to develop 'Vision 2049'!

CA Institute, which is the world's largest accounting body, has initiated an exercise to develop a 'Vision 2049' document to position itself as a globally recognised leader in the accounting profession. This vision document will be prepared in collaboration with IIM Ahmedabad, CA Institute, which is the world’s largest accounting body, has initiated an exercise to develop a ‘Vision 2049’ document to position itself as a globally recognised leader in the accounting profession.

SEBI Chairman launches CDSL scheme “Additional Bahubhai”!

SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch launched two multi-lingual initiatives of Central Depository Services Ltd aimed at increasing inclusivity and accessibility in the capital market.In celebration of its silver jubilee year, Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL), Asia's first listed depository, proudly announces the launch of two unique multi-lingual initiatives to signify its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in the capital market landscape.

Government of India raised Rs 2500 by paying 3.5% shareholder in NHPC scheme!

The government will sell 3.5 percent stake in power producer NHPC at a floor price of Rs66 per share, bringing in Rs2,300 crore to the exchequer. The sale in NHPC The offer will open tomorrow for non-retail investors. Retail investors can place bids. The government will disinvest 3.5 percent of the equity, including a greenshoe option of 1 percent.

Raw Kharek fruit of Gujarat gets Geographical Indication tag.

Kachchhi Kharek, the indigenous variety of dates of Kutch, has become the second fruit of Gujarat to get a geographical indication (GI) tag from the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDT) of India. Jubilant farmers of the semi-arid district have hailed the decision.The office of the CGPDT awarded a certificate of GI to Kuchchhi Kharek or Kutchi dates earlier this month on January 2 after granting an application filed by the Unidates Farmer Producer Company Limited (UFPCL), a farmer producer organisation of Kutch.

IPS officer Lijit Singh Chaudhary appointed Director General of Sashastra Seema Bal.

The Sashastra Seema Bal, one of India’s central armed police forces, is primarily responsible for guarding the country’s borders with Nepal and Bhutan. The appointment of Daljit Singh Chaudhary, an experienced officer, is expected to bring in renewed vigour and strategic expertise in managing the crucial border areas, especially in the context of emerging security challenges in the region.Senior IPS officer Daljit Singh Chaudhary has been appointed as the Director General of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). This appointment is a significant development in the administrative reshuffling within India’s internal security apparatus.

Indian government plans to create educational study material in 22 languages ​​using 'Anuvashini' app.

In a decision aimed at providing students with the opportunity to study in their own language, the Government of India has decided that study material for all courses under school and higher education will be made available digitally in Indian languages included in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution. In an order issued by the Ministry of Education, the government has directed all school and higher education regulators like UGC, AICTE, NCERT, NIOS, IGNOU and heads of INIs like IITs, CUs and NITs to make study material in Indian languages available for all courses in the next three years. UGC, AICTE and the Department of School Education have also been asked to take up the issue with regard to state schools and universities.

Highlights of India's Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar's visit to Iran!

As the crisis in the Red Sea spurred by the Israel-Hamas war escalates, India has begun a diplomatic outreach to crucial players to secure the country’s trade and strategic interests. The outreach treads a line of neutrality in the conflict between the Western powers and the Islamic world wherein India has not joined the US-led multinational naval coalition in the Red Sea while it remains critical of the Houthis’ violence.

Amit Shah released the book titled 'Assam's Breathing - Laschat Barfu Kan'!

In his address, Shri Amit Shah highlighted the remarkable story of Lachit Barphukan, who fought against bigotry and power-hungry forces in the Northeast. He likened Lachit Borphukan to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj of Eastern India, emphasizing the significance of his role in India’s freedom struggle. Shri Shah underlined the importance of the Battle of Saraighat, stating that if Lachit had not emerged victorious, Assam might have become a part of Bangladesh. He credited Lachit for halting invasions from Khilji to Aurangzeb, safeguarding Assam and contributing to the region’s integration with India.

LIC launches a new annual plan 'Jeevan Dhara-2 Plan 872'!

This product, which will be available from Monday, is a non-linked, non-participating, individual savings deferred annuity plan. The annuity is guaranteed from inception, and 11 annuity options are available to prospective policyholders. The minimum age at entry is 20 years (last birthday) for annuitant/primary/secondary annuitant. The maximum age is 80, 70, and 65 years minus the deferment period, depending upon the annuity option chosen.

ICRA estimates that GDP growth rate will moderate to below 6% in the third quarter of financial year 2023-24!

The firm's economists also referred to the slump in the Centre's capital expenditure in Q3, with October and November seeing a 8.8% dip year-on-year, and their expectations of “little-to-no” growth in the Gross Value Added (GVA ) by the Agriculture sector, in their rationale for the growth downtick in the last quarter. The sharp fall in Kharif crop output and weak progress of Rabi sowing for some crops will hurt the farm sector GVA.

President Draupadi Murmu to present Prime Minister's National Children's Award 2024 to 19 children!

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu conferred the “Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar” instituted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India to 19 children. Smriti Zubin Irani, Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Dr Munjpara Mahendrabhai, Minister of State for Women and Child Development, dignitaries, Anganwadi workers, and young children from various institutions were also present in a special function held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on 22nd January 2024.

Iran's IRGC NeQM 100 satellite carrier launched by Soraya Satellite!

The Soraya satellite was manufactured by the Iranian Space Research Center, the semiofficial Fars news agency reported. Additionally, the IRGC successfully test-launched the Qaem-100 satellite carrier in November 2022, according to the official Islamic Republic News Agency. Iran has successfully launched its Sorayya satellite into orbit, in a move likely to increase Western concerns about Tehran's nuclear ambitions.

JAXA Successfully Drops Neslim on Lunar Surf S; Japan becomes 5 anish shining on the moon!

Japan became the fifth country in history to reach the moon when its spacecraft landed on the lunar surface. But an issue with the power supply means that the mission could be in jeopardy. Officials also said they needed more time to analyze whether the spacecraft, which wasn’t carrying astronauts, made a pinpoint landing — one of the priorities of the mission.

Yes Bank becomes the first Indian bank to transact export funds on RXIL's ITFS platform

In a groundbreaking move, YES BANK has become the inaugural Indian bank to execute an export finance transaction on RXIL Global IFSC Limited’s International Trade Financing Services Platform (ITFS). The collaboration marks a significant stride in digitization and cross-border business for YES BANK.The platform, registered under the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), offers a digital avenue for arranging credit through Factoring, Forfaiting, and other trade financing services at competitive rates with swift processing. This historic transaction is the first of its kind on the ITFS platform in conjunction with any bank in India.

North Korea touts ‘underwater nuclear weapons system’, blasts US drills.

Pyongyang tested the Haeil-5-23 in waters off the east coast as the US and its allies were “seriously threatening the security” of the country and “destabilising the regional situation”, North Korea’s Ministry of Defence said in a statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Friday.“Our army’s underwater nuke-based countering posture is being further rounded off, and its various maritime and underwater responsive actions will continue to deter the hostile military manoeuvres of the navies of the US and its allies,” the statement said, warning of “catastrophic consequences” for the US and its “followers”.

Unity Bank Partners with Uncia for its Supply Chain Finance Platform Uncia Chain!

Uncia Chain, its flagship Supply Chain Finance (SCF) platform, is designed to provide a hassle-free implementation journey for its customers. It offers a feature-rich product suite that houses all business constructs the physical Supply Chain industry looks up to, for its financing needs. It effortlessly manages to handle all functions of a three-party financing construct by bringing buyer, seller and lender in one platform, by providing templatized variations of all onboarding and transaction journeys that occur between these parties. Uncia’s ability to be cloud-agnostic, database-agnostic, and efficient in ERP integration constructs, has enabled it to elevate Uncia Chain to a highly configurable, rapid deployment framework. Case in point being the implementation of Uncia Chain for Unity Bank, which was accomplished in less than 100 days.

Postage stamps on Ram Temple released by PM Modi!

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released commemorative postage stamps on the Ram temple on Thursday, along with a book of stamps on the Ramayana from around the world. He said the appeal of Lord Ram, Sita, and Laxmana transcends the boundaries of “time, society, caste, religion, and region.”Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday released a series of commemorative postage stamps dedicated to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and a book featuring stamps from around the world honouring the revered deity.

Union Minister Ajay Bhatt Flags Off Astra Missile for IAF delivery!

The Astra missile, a beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile, stands as a testament to India’s technological prowess. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by BDL for the IAF, the Astra Weapon System boasts unparalleled capabilities in its category, with a remarkable range exceeding 100 kilometers.Union Minister of State for Defence, Ajay Bhatt, marked a historic moment on January 14, by flagging off the indigenously developed Astra air-to-air missiles. The ceremony took place at the Kanchangbagh unit of Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in Hyderabad, signifying a crucial step towards the missile’s induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare is leveraging cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies for the benefit of farmers and to increase overall productivity!

On 17th January 2024, a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Farmers’ Welfare Programme Implementation Society, IndiaAI under Digital India Corporation, and Wadhwani Foundation. The MoU was signed in the presence of Shri Manoj Ahuja, Secretary, Dr. P.K. Meherda, Additional Secretary, Ms. Ruchika Gupta, Advisor(Digital), Shri Samuel Praveen Kumar, Joint Secretary(Extn.), Shri Muktanand Agrawal, Director (Digital), other senior officials from Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Ministry of Electronics & IT and Shri Prakash Kumar, CEO, Wadhwani Institute of Technology and Policy.

The first-ever IUCN assessment of the Himalayan Wolf is out.

The Himalayan Wolf Canis lupus ssp. chanco is classified as Vulnerable under C2a(ii) based on population size estimate of 2,275-3,792 mature individuals based on best available data while also acknowledging uncertainty in this estimate,” the assessment on the Red List website read.The Himalayan Wolf (Canis lupus chanco), a prominent lupine predator found across the Himalayas the taxonomic status of which was a puzzle till late, has been assessed for the first time in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List. And the news is bad.

Arunachal Pradesh: 9th edition of Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival (PPHF) concludes.

The 9th edition of the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival (PPHF), a state festival of Arunachal Pradesh, will take place at Seijosa in the Pakke Kessang district from January 18-20, 2024, according to a statement by the organising committee, The festival focuses on wildlife conservation, with a particular emphasis on hornbills. Four species of the birds — Wreathed, Great Indian, Oriental Pied and the endangered Rufous-necked — are found in the Pakke Tiger Reserve (PTR) of Arunachal Pradesh.The area is also home to the Nyishi, the largest tribal group in Arunachal Pradesh. Down To Earth (DTE) had reported in 2019 about the announcement by then Chief Minister Pema Khandu declaring PPHF a state festival.

NSE remains world's largest derivative exchange in 2023 for fifth straight year!

Continuing its dominance among peers for five years, the National Stock Exchange of India emerged as the world's largest derivative exchange in 2023 by the number of contracts traded. In addition to this, it ranked 3rd in the world in the equity segment by number of trades (electronic order book). NSE Group (National Stock Exchange of India and NSE International Exchange) has once again emerged as the world’s largest derivatives exchange group in the calendar year 2023 by number of contracts traded based on statistics published by Futures Industry Association (FIA), a derivatives trade body.

Tata Group secures IPL title sponsorship for 2024-28 at record-breaking $300 million!

Indian conglomerate Tata Group has bagged the title sponsorship of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for 2024-28 for a "record-breaking" $300 million. With the IPL franchises offering lucrative multi-league contracts that most cricket boards cannot match, the Indian league's growth may deepen concerns about players prioritising T20 leagues over international cricket. This unprecedented amount not only sets a new benchmark in the history of the league but also reaffirms the IPL's position as a premier sporting event with global impact.

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Invests 58.4 Million in India’s Largest Renewable Energy InvIT!

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has recently injected INR 4.86 billion (approximately USD 58.4 million) into India’s largest renewable energy Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT). Known as Sustainable Energy Infra Trust (SEIT), the InvIT is backed by eight operational solar power generation assets with a total capacity of 1.54 gigawatts-peak, strategically positioned across India.

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance introduces ICICI Pru Guaranteed Pension Plan Flexi with ‘benefit enhancer!

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance recently introduced the ICICI Pru Guaranteed Pension Plan Flexi with “benefit enhancer", the industry's inaugural annuity plan offering customers the flexibility to receive a full premium refund at any point from the date of purchase. This product offers a variety of annuity options.

RBI’s economic activity index nowcasts Q3 growth at 7%!

RBI's economic activity index (EAI) has nowcast GDP growth for Q3 (October-December) FY24 at 7 percent, according to an article in the central bank's latest monthly bulletin. This is higher than the real GDP growth projection of 6.5 percent for Q3FY24 made in the Governor's December 2023 monetary policy statement. The RBI acts as a regulator and supervisor of the overall financial system. This injects public confidence into the national financial system, protects interest rates, and provides positive banking alternatives to the public. Finally, the RBI acts as the issuer of national currency.

Centre forms committee to examine steps to safeguard interests of SCs!

“It will examine the administrative steps that can be taken to safeguard the interests of the scheduled caste communities, like the Madigas and other such groups, who have represented that they are not evenly getting their due share of benefits. The committee will comprise secretaries of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Department of Personnel and Training, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the Department of Legal Affairs and the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment.

WHO certifies Cabo Verde malaria-free; third African country to do so!

The country has recently adopted a blue economy strategy to protect its environment and promote sustainable development. In January 2024, Cabo Verde was declared malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO). City of Mindelo on the island of Sao Vicente, Cabo VerdeThe World Health Organization (WHO) has certified Cabo Verde (also known as Cape Verde) as a malaria-free country, becoming the third country to acquire the status in the global health organisation’s African region. The country has now joined Mauritius and Algeria, who were certified in 1973 and 2019, respectively.

PM Modi commends NDRF on 19th Raising Day, acknowledges unparalleled bravery.

NDRF was raised on January 19, 2006 as a multi-skilled stand-alone Disaster Response Force to respond to all natural and man-made disasters. The Prime Minister expressed admiration for the NDRF personnel, acknowledging their unparalleled bravery and tireless efforts in confronting the most challenging emergencies in a post. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the valiant members of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) on the occasion of their 19th Raising Day on Friday.

Bernardo Arévalo sworn in as Guatemala's President despite months of efforts to derail inauguration.

Bernardo Arévalo sworn as Guatemala’s new president, Argentina’s Javier Milei makes his Davos debut, and why Brazil’s Spotify Wrapped is a regional outlier.Arevalo is the son of reformist Juan Jose Arevalo, who in 1945 became Guatemala's first democratically elected president after decades of dictatorship. The chess-playing, jazz-loving polyglot is facing a tricky task ruling Guatemala.

IAS Veera Rana Appointed Chief Secretary of MP Government, Becomes 2nd Woman in Top Post.

Over a month after Veera Rana, a 1988-batch IAS officer, was handed the additional charge of Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh, she has been appointed as Chief Secretary of the state, an official said on Wednesday. Veera Rana was serving as acting chief secretary after the retirement of incumbent Iqbal S Bains.The Chief Secretary is usually the senior most IAS officer of the senior most batch in the state. The appointee for the office is approved by state Chief Minister, based on appointee's ability and strong confidence with him or her. No fixed tenure is imposed on the office but term can be extended.

Horticulture production estimated at 355.25 million tonnes; an increase of 8.07 million tonnes!

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has released Third advance estimate of area and production of various horticultural crops for the year 2022-23. The estimation of total horticulture production for the year 2022-23 is 355.25 million tonnes, which is about 8.07 million tonnes more (increase of 2.32%) than the year 2021-22 (final). Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shri Arjun Munda said that this achievement of continuously increasing horticulture production in the country is due to the hard work of our farmer brothers & sisters, scientists and agriculture and farmer friendly policies of the central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

ISRO develops second generation Distress Alert Transmitter!

The DAT-SG has the facility to send back acknowledgement to the fishermen who activate the distress alert from sea. “This gives an assurance to him (the fisherman) of rescue coming to him. Apart from transmitting distress signals from the Sea, DAT-SG has the capability to receive messages from control centres, The first version of DAT has been operational since 2010, using which messages were sent through a communication satellite and received at a central control station (INMCC: Indian Mission Control Centre), where the alert signals are decoded for the identity and location of the fishing boat.

Hockey player Ajit Singh Gill, Singapore’s oldest Olympian, dies at 95!

Singapore's oldest Olympian and former national hockey player of Indian-origin, Ajit Singh Gill, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 95 after battling end-stage renal failure. Ajit Singh Gill, who competed in the 1956 Melbourne Games, is survived by his 92-year-old wife Surjit Kaur, five children, 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Indian brands make big strides in Global 500 Rankings: Jio, SBI among top rankers, HDFC rises after merge!

Global 500 Rankings: Indian brands are pushing the bar with Tata, Infosys, LIC, HDFC, Reliance Group, Airtel, HCL Tech, SBI, Wipro, Mahindra Group, Jio, L&T, Indian Oil, Crédit Agricole, and Bajaj Group were the companies among Indian companies making their place in the Brand Finance Global 500 2024 report.Leading the charge are Jio and SBI, claiming the titles of 17th and 24th strongest brands globally, respectively. Reliance Jio's growth marked a testament to the company's disruptive force in the telecom industry, while SBI's continued strength underscores its position as a financial behemoth, the report further added.

BoB launches its new '360 deposit scheme!

The Bank of Baroda special FD scheme --“bob360 Term Deposit” -- is available for a tenor of 360 days. bob360 Term Deposit offers high rate of interest for Domestic Term Deposits to Residents/NRO and Resident Senior Citizen. It is not available for NRE Deposits as per RBI guidelines, said the bank.New Delhi: Public sector lender Bank of Baroda has launched a Special Short Term Deposit Product offering higher Rate Of Interest in Short Term deposits.

Armed Forces Medical Services & AIIMS, New Delhi collaborate to conduct combined research projects?

DGAFMS Lt Gen Daljit Singh & Director, AIIMS Professor M Srinivas signed the MoU to explore possibilities of joint research projects, common educational activities, and a faculty exchange program. The faculties of these two organizations would explore facilities available with both institutions, especially in investigations, research, and patient care services.The faculty exchange program will smoothen faculty movement from one institution to another for research and training purposes. A collaboration board of five members from both institutions has been formed, which will have monthly meetings to explore possible collaborations.

2024 Military Strength Ranking: US Tops, Bhutan At The Bottom!

Global Firepower's 2024 rankings reveal the United States as the world's strongest military, trailed by Russia, China, and India. Assessing 145 nations on 60 factors, the rankings offer nuanced insights into military prowess. South Korea rises to the fifth spot, while Bhutan claims the least powerful position.Global Firepower's Military Strength Rankings for 2024 assess 145 countries, taking into account more than 60 factors such as the number of troops, military equipment, financial stability, geographic location, and available resources. These factors together determine a PowerIndex score, where lower scores indicate stronger military capabilities.

IREDA and Indian Overseas Bank join hands in co-lending for Renewable Energy Projects?

Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), setting the stage for collaborative efforts in co-lending and loan syndication for a diverse spectrum of Renewable Energy projects across the nation. Encompassing a range of services, the MoU includes provisions for co-lending and co-origination support for all Renewable Energy projects. The partnership aims to streamline loan syndication and underwriting processes, management of Trust and Retention Account (TRA) for IREDA borrowers, and work towards fixed interest rates over a 3–4-year period for IREDA borrowings.

DBS Bank India collaborates with StartupTN to foster entrepreneurship in Tamil Nadu!

DBS Bank India has partnered with StartupTN to support over 1,000 early-stage enterprises in Tamil Nadu. DBS Bank India, the subsidiary of financial services group DBS Singapore, on Thursday said it has partnered with the Tamil Nadu government backed StartupTN to foster entrepreneurship in the stateDBS Bank India has announced a partnership with StartupTN, the nodal agency of the Tamil Nadu government in fostering innovation and promoting entrepreneurship throughout the State. The collaboration is aimed at strengthening the ecosystem and driving innovation within the State by providing crucial support to startups, including knowledge sharing through various forums and facilitating connections with potential investors.

India Meteorological Department celebrates 150th Year of its establishment and service to the nation.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) celebrated 150th Year of its establishment and service to the nation today. The Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankar graced the occasion as Chief Guest in the inaugural ceremony celebration of 150th years of its establishment. Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of Earth Sciences graced the occasion as Guest of Honour. Dr. M Ravichandran, Secretary MoES presided over the function. Former Secretaries of Ministry of Earth Sciences, former Director Generals of India Meteorological Department (IMD), Heads of various sister organisations in MoES, Secretaries of various Ministries, Chief Secretaries & Resident Commissioners of various States and Union Territories, Heads of various disaster management agencies, Heads of various Universities and institutions, employees of IMD, researchers & academicians and press & electronic media participated in the ceremony. Around 1,200 delegates countrywide participated in the event organised in New Delhi.

Goa to launch India’s-first regenerative tourism model.

Goa becomes India's first state to launch Regenerative Tourism! Experience a sustainable and transformative journey with eco-friendly activities, One-of-a-kind experiences with local communities & while embracing Regenerative Tourism in Goa. The Goa government to introduce a new model for regenerative tourism, a scheme which will revolve around 11 spiritual sites or Ekadasha Teertha. Also known as the Rome of the East, the state’s tourism strives to utilise the potential of its history and heritage by involving the local communities. Through this initiative, tourists will be able to foster a deeper connection with the places they visit and appreciate their cultural significance.

Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh launches the MPLADS e-SAKSHI Mobile Application for the Revised Fund Flow Procedure under MPLAD Scheme.

The objective of MPLAD Scheme is to enable the Members of Parliament (MPs) to recommend works of developmental nature with emphasis on the creation of durable community assets based on the locally felt needs. The revised set of guidelines aims to broaden the scope of the Scheme so as to enable the MPs to recommend the developmental works as per the changing needs of the community; with an emphasis on improving the functioning, implementation and monitoring of the MPLAD scheme.

CCI approves amalgamation of Shriram LI Holdings Private Limited with Shriram Life Insurance Company Limited!

SLIC is a life insurance company, registered with IRDAI. SLIC is a part of the Shriram Group of Companies and is engaged in the business of effecting contracts of insurance upon human life, develop and market a variety of products in life insurance business, unit linked life insurance products and any other activity within the ambit of provisions of Insurance Act, 1938.

India Signs Agreement for Lithium Exploration & Mining Project in Argentina!

The Agreement was signed in presence of Governor of Catamarca Lic Raul Jalil, Vice Governor of Catamarca, Eng Ruben Dusso and Minister of Mines Catamarca, Marcelo Murua and Ambassador of India to Argentina, Dinesh Bhatia. The signing ceremony was virtually attended by the Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines, Government of India, H. E. Shri Pralhad Joshi & Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Government of India, Shri V. L. Kantha Rao.

NHAI Unveils India's First Steel Slag Highway.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has unveiled India's inaugural Steel Slag Highway on the Mumbai-Goa stretch. This pioneering road technology, introduced last Saturday, utilises steel slag, a byproduct of the steel manufacturing process, as a key component. The innovative approach aligns with the country's commitment to eco-friendly infrastructure solutions.

Frederik X proclaimed king of Denmark after his mother Queen Margrethe II abdicates.

Margrethe, 83, is the first Danish monarch to voluntarily relinquish the throne in nearly 900 years. Many thousands of people gathered outside the palace where the royal succession took place, the mood jubilant as the Nordic nation experienced its first royal succession in more than a half-century, and one not caused by the death of a monarch.

Vice President releases the book ‘Reflections on India’s Public Policies’ co-authored by 1984 batch IAS Officers!

The Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar said that Civil services are the backbone of governance, and have played a fundamental role in the implementation of Government policies in the country. He was addressing senior officers and other dignitaries at the release of the book ‘Reflections on India’s Public Policies’, co-authored by 1984 batch officers of the Indian Administrative Service, at the Upa-Rashtrapati Nivas in New Delhi today.

MoU signed for global hydrogen trading mechanism?

According to GIFT City, such an initiative is set to be the second-of-its-kind globally. Subsequently, a global hydrogen price index shall be launched, a benchmark that will play a role in price discovery and market information on the burgeoning green hydrogen market in India.The Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) and Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC) last Friday signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a global hydrogen trading mechanism in collaboration with GIFT City IFSC, a statement issued by the GIFT City said on Tuesday.

Aitana Bonmatí and Lionel Messi win Fifa best player awards for 2023?

Aitana Bonmatí and Lionel Messi win Fifa best player awards for 2023. Aitana Bonmatí said she was “proud” to be part of a generation of women “changing the game and the world” as the Spain World Cup star claimed the title of the Best Fifa women's player for 2023 at a star-studded award ceremony in London.Lionel Messi won the men’s award for a third time, but in a ceremony styled as a celebration of the women’s game, Bonmatí’s prize was the climactic moment of the night. The Spain and Barcelona forward, who said she was already nostalgic for 2023, was also the only person on stage to even hint at the Luis Rubiales scandal that tarnished the Women’s World Cup final.

DCB Bank names Praveen Achutthan Kutty as MD & CEO?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) officially approved the nomination of Praveen Achuthan Kutty as the MD & CEO of the Bank. Murali M Natrajan, the present MD and CEO, will step down from his position on April 28, 2024, and Praveen will take over the next day.Development Credit Bank (DCB) Limited, a renowned commercial bank in India, has officially named Praveen Achuthan Kutty as Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for a three-year term beginning April 29, 2024.

Google Pay India signs MoU with NPCI International to expand UPI to countries beyond India!

The MoU has three key objectives. To broaden the use of UPI payments for travelers outside of India, enabling them to conveniently make transactions abroad. To assist in establishing UPI-like digital payment systems in other countries, and to focus on easing the process of remittances between countries by utilizing the UPI infrastructure, thereby simplifying cross-border financial exchanges.

Launch of 25T Bollard Pull Tug, Bheeshma at M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited, Kolkata?

25T Bollard Pull (BP) Tug, Bhishm was launched by Cmde S Sreekumar, Warship Production Superintendent (Kolkata) on 14 Jan 24 at M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd (M/s TRSL), Kolkata. This Tug is a proud flag bearer of “Make in India” initiative of Govt of IndiaContract for construction and delivery of six 25T BP Tugs was concluded with M/s TRSL, Kolkata in consonance with “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative of the Government of India. These Tugs are being built under the classification rules of Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). The availability of Tugs will provide impetus to Operational commitments of IN by facilitating assistance to Naval ships and submarines during berthing and un-berthing, turning and manoeuvring in confined waters. The Tugs will also provide afloat firefighting assistance to ships alongside, at anchorage and will also have capability to conduct limited Search and Rescue Operations.

‘Ex-Ayutthaya’: First India-Thailand naval exercise has significance with Ayodhya.

The maiden bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and Royal Thai Navy has been named ‘Ex-Ayutthaya’, which symbolises the significance of two of the oldest cities -- Ayodhya in India and Ayutthaya in Thailand. Both these cities have rich cultural ties and shared historical narratives dating back to several centuries.‘Ex-Ayutthaya’, which translates to ‘the invincible one’ or ‘undefeatable’, was conducted from December 20-23, 2023. Indigenously built Indian naval ships Kulish and IN-LCU 56 participated in the inaugural edition of the exercise. The Royal Thai Navy was represented by His Thai Majesty's Ship (HTMS) Prachuap Khiri Khan.

NHAI’s ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ Initiative To Streamline Toll Collection.

The ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ initiative is a proactive step taken by NHAI to address concerns related to the misuse of FASTags. Reports have surfaced indicating instances where multiple FASTags were issued for a single vehicle, leading to misuse and evasion of toll charges. This initiative seeks to promote a one-to-one correspondence between vehicles and FASTags, ensuring transparency and accountability in toll collection.

Max Life Diversifies ULIP range with an all-new Midcap Momentum Index Fund.

Max Life Insurance CompanyLtd. (“Max Life”/ “Company”) has introduced the ‘Midcap Momentum Index Fund’ (SFIN: ULIF02801/01/24MIDMOMENTM104) in the ULIP segment. The new fund offering is structured around the Nifty Midcap 150 Momentum 50 Index, which has displayed a noteworthy 28.7 per cent* 5-year and 26.7 per cent* 10 year CAGR returns (returns as on 31st Dec’23). Investors can participate in the new fund until January 29, 2024, at a unit price of Rs 10, applicable exclusively during this limited NFO period.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Maharashtra and Goa on 26th October, 2023.

At around 1 PM, Prime Minister will reach Shirdi, Ahmednagar District, where he will perform pooja and darshan at Shri Saibaba Samadhi Temple. He will also inaugurate the new Darshan Queue Complex at the temple. At around 2 PM, Prime Minister will perform the Jal Pujan of Nilwande Dam and dedicate a canal network of the dam to the nation. At around 3:15 PM, Prime Minister will attend a public programme in Shirdi, where he will inaugurate, dedicate to nation and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth about Rs 7500 crore in sectors like health, rail, road and oil and gas.

IndusInd Bank ties up with EazyDiner to launch credit card!

IndusInd Bank has launched the ‘EazyDiner IndusInd Bank Platinum Credit Card’ in association with EazyDiner. The credit card offers an additional discount of ₹500 while paying through the EazyDiner App via PayEazy for both dining and take-away at select restaurants.Sumant Kathpalia is the Managing Director and CEO at IndusInd Bank. Sunil Mehta is the current chairman of the board. The other members on the board are Shanker Annaswamy, T. T. Ram Mohan, Akila Krishnakumar, Rajiv Agarwal, Sanjay Asher, Bhavna Doshi, Jayant Deshmukh and Pradeep Udhas.

INS Cheetah, Guldar and Kumbhir decommissioned after 40 Years of Glorious Service.

Cheetah, Guldar and Kumbhir were built at Gdynia Shipyard, Poland as Polnocny class Landing Ships and were commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1984, 1985 and 1986 respectively, in presence of Shri S K Arora (Cheetah and Guldar) and Shri A K Das (Kumbhir) then Ambassadors of India to Poland. The Commanding Officers of the three ships were Cdr V B Mishra, Lt Cdr SK Singh and Lt Cdr J Banerjee respectively. During her initial years, Cheetah was based at Kochi and Chennai for brief periods, and Kumbhir and Guldar were based at Visakhapatnam. The ships were subsequently re-based at Andaman and Nicobar Command, where they served till their decommissioning. These ships were in active Naval service for nearly 40 years, and collectively traversed about 17 lakh nautical miles whilst being at sea for over 12,300 days. As the amphibian platforms of the Andaman and Nicobar Command, these ships have conducted over 1300 beaching operations for landing of army troops ashore.

Empowering Inclusivity: DEPWD and NHRDN Join Forces to Boost Employment for Divyangjans.

In a landmark move, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPWD) and the National Human Resources Development Network (NHRDN) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding on the closing day of the International Purple Fest in Goa. This strategic collaboration aims to aggregate employment opportunities for Divyangjans through the innovative PM-DAKSH-DEPWD digital portal.This MoU marks a pivotal step in expanding the Department's outreach, fostering connections with HR professionals nationwide. The objective is to amplify efforts in facilitating meaningful employment opportunities for Divyangjans, fostering a more inclusive and diverse workforce.

Former VP Lai Ching-te won Taiwan’s presidential election amid warnings from China which sees Lai as a ‘separatist’.

William Lai Ching-te from the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), who is seen as a “dangerous separatist” by China, has won Taiwan’s presidential election.Lai, the current vice president, who has asserted the self-ruled island’s sovereignty, beat his nearest rival Hou Yu-ih of the conservative Kuomintang (KMT) by more than 900,000 votes in Saturday’s elections.Former VP Lai Ching-te won Taiwan’s presidential election amid warnings from China which sees Lai as a ‘separatist’.

REC Limited issues inaugural Yen Denominated Green Bonds aggregating to 61.1 Billion Japanese Yen!

Commenting on the occasion, Chairman & Managing Director, REC Limited, Mr. Vivek Kumar Dewangan said: “The journey towards India's energy transition demands a visionary approach to financing that aligns with our commitment to sustainable development towards a cleaner and greener energy landscape. REC stands resolute in its pledge to promote green and clean energy through this green issuance. As a frequent issuer in the international debt capital markets, we are always on the lookout to tap new markets and further diversify our funding sources. We are delighted to successfully price our inaugural Euro-Yen Green bonds, which reaffirms REC’s position as an established issuer with deep access to global funding, while maintaining the overall cost of funding lower than the industry standards.”

Voluntary freezing of trading accounts: How will SEBI’s new norms safeguard investors?

Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has asked stock brokers' Industry Standards Forum (ISF) to lay out a framework to provide a facility for voluntary freezing or blocking the online access of the trading account to their clients due to suspicious activities. SEBI has decided that a framework for trading members to provide the facility of voluntary freezing/blocking the online access of the trading account to their clients on account of suspicious activities will be laid down on or before April 1, 2024. The guidelines will be formulated by the Brokers’ Industry Standards Forum (ISF) under the aegis of stock exchanges, and in consultation with the capital markets regulator.

Over 24.8 cr people moved out of multidimensional poverty in India in 9 years!

As many as 24.82 crore people moved out of multidimensional poverty in nine years to 2022-23, with Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh registering the largest decline, Niti Aayog said in a report on Monday.The national multidimensional poverty measures simultaneous deprivations across three equally weighted dimensions of health, education, and standard of living that are represented by 12 sustainable development goals-aligned indicators, according to NITI Aayog.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh approves proposal to launch Group (Term) Insurance Scheme for Casual Paid Labourers engaged by BRO!

Keeping in view the severe risk posed to the lives of CPLs posted in hazardous work-sites, inclement weather, inhospitable terrain and occupational health hazards, and considering the deaths occurred/reported during their engagement, the provision of insurance coverage on humanitarian grounds will prove to be a great morale booster to the CPLs. This scheme will serve as a social security and welfare measure to the CPLs working in remote and far-flung areas of the nation. It will go a long way in securing the livelihoods of their families

Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka best performing States in developing startup ecosystem.

Gujarat, Kerala and Karnataka have emerged as the best-performing States in developing startup ecosystems for budding entrepreneurs, according to the ranking of States and Union Territories (UTs) by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat have been ranked as the best performers in the fourth edition of the States' Startup Ranking (2022). The ranking is based on their initiatives taken to develop the startup ecosystem for promoting budding entrepreneurs

Urdu poet Munawwar Rana passes away at 71 due to cardiac arrest in Lucknow.

Urdu poet Munawwar Rana died on Sunday, January 14. He was 71. Rana, who had been suffering from throat cancer, breathed his last at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences in Lucknow. The poet is survived by his wife, four daughters and a son, PTI has reported.Munawwar Rana was 71 years old at the time of his death. The Urdu poet had been suffering from lung and throat infections from the last few years. He was receiving treatment regularly due to kidney problems, so he had to undergo dialysis.

NITI Aayog & WFP launch Compendium of Inspiring Stories on Millets Mainstreaming in India, Asian and African countries!

The compendium is expected to act as a reference for integrating millets into mainstream food systems, offering insights for making informed decisions and exchange through South-South Cooperation and policy dialogues. Some of the areas that came across as common strands in the open discussion during launch included the promotion of millets as a staple food, dietary diversification through millets and focused increase in investments and productivity.Also present at the launch and discussion were Ms. Pradnya Paithankar, Head of Unit- Climate Change, Resilient Food Systems and DRR, WFP, Dr. Rajeshwar Chandel, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Himachal Pradesh, Shri Sanjay Aggarwal, Assistant Director General, ICRISAT and Chef Manjit Gill, President, Indian Federation of Culinary Associations.

Three times Padma awardee, veteran classical singer Prabha Atre passes away due to heart attack!

Three times Padma awardee and renowned classical singer Prabha Atre passed away due to a heart attack on Saturday. The 92-year-old veteran singer was going to participate in a program in Mumbai on the same day."Her leaving the world is very painful, Indian music will always be indebted to her, I pay my heartfelt tribute to her, and may God give strength to her family to bear this loss," said Devendra Fadnavis while expressing grief over her demise.

RBI cancels licence of Hiriyur Urban Co-op bank with immediate effect!

“The (RBI), vide order dated January 12, 2024, has cancelled the licence of “The Hiriyur Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd., Hiriyur”. Consequently, the bank ceases to carry on banking business, with effect from the close of business on January 12, 2024,’‘ said a bank statement.The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), vide order dated January 12, 2024, has cancelled the licence of “The Hiriyur Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd., Hiriyur”. Consequently, the bank ceases to carry on banking business, with effect from the close of business on January 12, 2024.

Karnataka Bank and NBFC Clix Capital enter co-lending partnership ?

Karnataka Bank (KBL), a leading private sector bank, and Clix Capital, one of India’s fastest-growing new-age NBFCs, have entered into a digital co-lending partnership through the Yubi Co.lend Platform.Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. Srikrishnan H, Managing Director & CEO, Karnataka Bank said, “Our Co-lending partnership with Clix Capital will focus on digital credit to MSMEs with superior product and service offerings through our wide network of branches. By this arrangement the much needed liquidity at affordable rates for the MSME sector will be a reality. Clix Capital and Karnataka Bank will jointly address the MSME's requirements adding impetus to the micro-credit facilities segment keeping in mind the sustainable economic growth for the country".

Eighth Tri-services Armed Forces Veterans Day celebrated by Eastern Command Headquarters on Jan 15?

Shri Rajnath Singh reasserted the unwavering commitment of Ministry of Defence towards the welfare of ex-servicemen, stating that from implementing the One Rank One Pension scheme to providing health care and re-employment, the Government led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been leaving no stone unturned to ensure the well-being of the veterans. He added that while the Government is making more efforts as the nation is progressing, it is also a collective responsibility of the people to treat the soldiers & their dependents as their own family and ensure that they stand with them always. He appealed to the people to further strengthen their will to honour the retired as well as the serving soldiers.

Indian, Japanese Coast Guards engage in joint exercise off the coast of Chennai!

The camaraderie between the Indian and Japanese Coast Guards was on display in the Bay of Bengal off the Chennai coast on Friday, January 12, 2024, as their vessels and aircraft were involved in a joint exercise, practising various procedures.Besides ICGS Shaurya, ICGS Shaunak, ICGS Sujay, ICGS Samudra Paheredar, ICGS Rani Abbakka and ICGS Annie Besant,ICGS C-440 and ICGS C-449 represented the Indian side, while visiting JCGS Yashima represented the Japanese during the exercise.

Govt announces INR 515-crore solar power scheme for electrification of tribal areas!

Under the Scheme, off-grid solar systems will be provided for the electrification of 100,000 un-electrified households in PVTG areas where electricity supply through the grid is not techno-economically feasible. These areas will be identified by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in 18 States, namely, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal, and union territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

RBI approves re-appointment of Vasudevan P. N. as MD and CEO of Equitas SFB!

The Reserve Bank of India gave its nod for the re-appointment of P N Vasudevan as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of private sector Equitas Small Finance Bank The tenure of his appointment would be for a period of three years with effect from July 23.

Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023: Indore and Surat Share Cleanest City Title?

In a prestigious ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023 witnessed President Droupadi Murmu conferring accolades to 13 distinguished awardees across various cleanliness categories.Indore, for the remarkable seventh consecutive time, secured the cleanest city title. However, this year, it shared the honors with Surat, marking a unique joint victory. The President, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, presented the awards at the Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

RBI imposes Rs 2.49 crore penalty on 3 banks including Punjab & Sind!

The Reserve Bank has imposed penalties totalling Rs 2.49 crore on three banks, including Dhanlaxmi Bank and Punjab and Sind Bank, for contravention of regulatory norms. A penalty of Rs 1.20 crore has been slapped on Dhanlaxmi Bank for non-compliance with certain directions on 'Loans and Advances Statutory and Other Restrictions', KYC and certain norms related to interest rate on deposits.

Indian economy outperforming peers; projected to grow at 6.2% in 2024!

India is projected to grow at 6.2% in 2024, supported by robust domestic demand and strong growth in the manufacturing and services sectors. The UN World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2024 report launched on January 4, gross domestic product in South Asia is projected to increase by 5.2% in 2024, driven by a robust expansion in India, which remains the fastest-growing large economy in the world.

China Deploys ‘Einstein Probe,’ A Lotus-Shaped Satellite, To Monitor Cosmic Turbulence?

China has recently sent a groundbreaking astronomical satellite named Einstein Probe (EP) into space on a mission to observe mysterious transient phenomena in the universe. The satellite, shaped like a lotus in full bloom, employs innovative X-ray detection technology inspired by the functioning of a lobster eye. Launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in southwest China’s Sichuan Province, this mission marks a significant step in unraveling the secrets of the cosmos.

World added 50% more renewable energy but more needed.

The world added 50 percent more renewable energy capacity in 2023 over the previous year but more is needed in the battle against climate change, the International Energy Agency said Thursday.The increase was the fastest growth rate in the past two decades and the 22nd year in a row that renewable capacity additions set a new record, the Paris-based IEA said.

ICICI Bank Canada Introduces Mobile Banking App, ‘Money2India’!

ICICI Bank Canada, a completely owned subsidiary of ICICI Bank Limited, has introduced its mobile banking app, ‘Money2India (Canada).’ This app enables customers from any Canadian bank to seamlessly transfer funds, 24/7, to any bank in India without the necessity of opening an account with ICICI Bank Canada. Users can send up to CAD 30,000 in a single transaction using this service, as per a report carried by news agency PTI

Union Minister of State for Ayush Dr. Munjpara Mahendrabhai launches the Module.

The Ministry of AYUSH in collaboration with World Health Organization has prepared a classification of diseases used in Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani systems under TM-2 module of ICD-11 series. A Donor Agreement between the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Ayush was also signed earlier for this classification. This effort will further strengthen and expand India’s healthcare delivery system, research, Ayush insurance coverage, research & development, policy making system. Apart from this, these codes can also be used to formulate future strategies to control various diseases in the society.

The Indian Army has developed SAMBHAV, an end-to-end secure mobile ecosystem, aiming to offer secure communication with instant connectivity.

The Indian Army has developed SAMBHAV, an end-to-end secure mobile ecosystem, aiming to offer secure communication with instant connectivity. SAMBHAV operates on 5G technology and aligns with the Indian government's vision of dual-use infrastructure and civil-military fusion,The ecosystem. Aiming to fall in line with the mantra of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', the Indian Army has indigenously developed an "end-to-end secure mobile ecosystem" aiming to provide secure communication with instant connectivity on the move, according to officials. The ecosystem – SAMBHAV (Secure Army Mobile Bharat Version) – operates on the contemporary 5G technology and will represent a "significant leap forward in India's defence capability", a senior official said.

Centre appoints Maheshwar Rao as Bangalore Metro’s full-time managing director.

Since former MD Anjum Parvez was given the charge of the additional chief secretary of rural development and panchayat raj last year, the appointment of a full-time MD for BMRCL has been a long-standing demand of mobility activists, especially given that major metro works are to be completed on a war footing in order to decongest Bengaluru traffic, reduce vehicle pollution and boost public transport.

Researchers from Mizoram University discover new coral snake species.

A new species of coral snake has been discovered in Mizoram. The discovery has been made by the Mizoram University's zoology department researchers and their peers from outside the state. The researchers have named the new coral snake species as Sinomicrurus Gorei, after a medical officer Dr Gore from the British regime era. Locally, it is known as Rul Thi Hna due to its resemblance to a local Mizo necklace known as Thi Hna. The discovery has been made during the study of skeletons and DNA of coral snakes in the state. Following the discovery, the the foundings were published in the British Science Journal, Systematics & Biodiversity on January 10.

Chhattisgarh Launches “Ramlala Darshan” Scheme: Free Pilgrimage to Ayodhya Dham.

Chhattisgarh Government will launch the Ramlala Darshan Scheme, a pilgrimage to the newly built Ram Temple at Ayodhya. The decision was made during a state cabinet meeting held in Raipur.Chhattisgarh's "Ramlala Darshan" scheme offers free Ayodhya pilgrimage for 20,000 residents per year, fulfilling PM Modi's promise.To fulfill Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guarantee, the state will send around 20,000 residents to Ayodhya for darshan of Shri Ramlala every year.

Land Ports Authority Releases Report on Gender-Inclusive Framework for Cross-Border Trade in India.

Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) today released a report on 'Engendering Land Ports in India' in New Delhi. The main objective of the report is to develop a framework for gender inclusive cross border trade and tourism through land Ports in the country.Talking to Akashvani News, chairman of LPAI Aditya Mishra said that the report released today is a step towards making a gender positive environment. He added the Land Ports Authority of India will implement the recommendation of the reports to make land Ports more gender neutral.

Maharashtra’s Pench Tiger Reserve Achieves Milestone as India’s First Dark Sky Park.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature, recognizing the intrinsic value of the night sky as a natural, cultural, and historical resource, played a pivotal role in conferring this distinction. Prabhu Nath Shukla, the deputy director of the reserve, highlighted the significance of preserving natural darkness for nature conservation, maintaining ecological integrity, and contributing to the well-being of communities in urban centers.

Rural development Min signs pact with SBI to facilitate loans for SHGs.

The Rural Development Ministry and State Bank of India on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to facilitate enterprise financing for rural self-help groups (SHG), an official statement said.The MoU was signed by Additional Secretary Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission, Charanjit Singh and Chief General Manager, State Bank of India, Corporate office Mumbai, Shantanu Pendsey.

Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd. becomes BSI Certified 1st ISO 27001:2022 Petrochemical Company in India!

Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd (HPL), a leading petrochemicals company in India, is proud to announce its achievement of becoming the first ISO 27001:2022 certified petrochemical organisation in the industry by BSI (British Standards Institution), a renowned certification body. This milestone showcases HPL's commitment to maintaining a robust and secure information security governance structure throughout its digital transformation journey.

Narayana Health gets Irdai nod to launch health insurance business.

In a press release, IRDAI said, “Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority of India (IRDAI) in its 124th meeting held on December 28, 2023, has granted a Certificate of Registration to a new health insurer namely, Narayana Health Insurance Limited to carry health insurance business in India after a hiatus of 5 years.”Post the approval, the number of Standalone Health Insurance Companies (SAHI) will rise to 6 from the existing 5.

New species of butterfly discovered in Western Ghats after 33 years.

A team of scientists and lepidopterists from the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) has announced the discovery of a butterfly species — the Conjoined Silverline (Cigaritis conjucta) — in the forests of Kodagu district, part of the biodiverse Western Ghats.Bengaluru: A team of scientists and lepidopterists from the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) has announced the discovery of a butterfly species — the Conjoined Silverline (Cigaritis conjucta) — in the forests of Kodagu district, part of the biodiverse Western Ghats.

Assam CM announces scheme to help women become entrepreneurs in state.

In the first phase, each applicant will be provided with a grant of ₹10,000 for the first year to start any business from a list of 145 business plans prepared by the government, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday announced the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Asoni scheme aimed to help 3.9 million women associated with self-help groups (SHGs).It would be named as the Chief Minister's Women Entrepreneurs Scheme. Here, CM Sarma said that through this scheme they want to transform women from rural areas into entrepreneurs with the target of creating 'Lakhpatis' out of them. He also said that through this scheme women would be helped in three phases

More than 92,000 entities recognized as startups since launch of Startup India.

The regular businesses are often measured by success or failure in a specific number of years of operation, whereas, the startups and scale-ups (established startups) are more accurately measured by failure or success in a particular phase making it difficult to put together a statistic covering all types of new businesses and their failure rate with any level of accuracy. Therefore, the information with respect to the success or failure of startups is not centrally maintained by the Government.Startup India initiative was launched on 16th January 2016 with an objective to build a strong eco-system for nurturing innovation and startups in the country that would drive sustainable economic growth and generate large scale employment opportunities. The details of various programs undertaken by the Government to promote startups across the country under Startup India initiative are given below.

ILO pegs global unemployment rate at 5.2 per cent in 2024.

The International Labour Organisations has projected the global unemployment rate a tad higher at 5.2% in 2024 compared to 5.1% in 2023 and said that working poverty will persist while the income inequality will widen, suggesting a need for greater social justice for a sustainable recovery.In its World Employment and Social Outlook Trends: 2024 report, released on Wednesday, the ILO said labour markets have shown surprising resilience despite deteriorating economic conditions.

DRDO performs successful flight test of India's next generation Akash missile?

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Friday conducted a successful flight test of the New Generation AKASH (AKASH-NG) missile. The test was done at 10:30 AM from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha, against a high-speed unmanned aerial target at very low altitude. The AKASH-NG missile system is state-of-the-art and possesses capability of intercepting high-speed, agile aerial threats. It has a range of around 80 km.

Mitsubishi Heavy Launches H-IIA Rocket Carrying Japan’s Spy Satellite?

Challenges and Developments: The transition to the H-3 rocket has faced challenges, including a failed test launch in March of the previous year. However, a new experimental launch is planned for February 15, indicating continued progress and commitment to advancing Japan’s space exploration capabilities​.The Optical-8 satellite is designed primarily for intelligence gathering. It is equipped with advanced optical devices to collect security information. This development is crucial for Japan’s strategic surveillance and defence capabilities, especially considering regional geopolitical dynamics.

Indian Army to Observe 2024 as the Year of Technology Absorption?

Leveraging Technology for Transformation: The primary objective of this initiative is to use technology as a driving force for transformative change, focusing on operational and logistic requirements and collaborating with the domestic defence industry for project development​.Cyberspace Capabilities Enhancement: The Indian Army has embarked on a mission to boost its cyber capabilities. Personnel are being trained to effectively use technology and exploit the cyber domain through institutionalized, procedural, and technological measures​​​.Project SAMBHAV: A notable aspect of this initiative is Project SAMBHAV, an end-to-end secure, network-agnostic mobile ecosystem that operates on state-of-the-art 5G technology. It is designed to provide secure communication with instant connectivity on the move​​​.

India to grow into a $7 trillion economy by 2030, says PHDCCI report!

“With a consistent GDP growth rate exceeding 7 per cent over the past two years and a projected continuation of this trend in the current year too, the economy is expected to surpass USD 4 trillion in 2024 and thereafter move to the next orbit in 2025,” said Sanjeev Agrawal, President, PHDCCI in a press statement.India is expected to grow into a $7 trillion economy by the year 2030, establishing itself as the second-largest economy in the Asia-Pacific region and the third-largest globally, industry body PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) said in a latest report on Wednesday.

SBI launches Green Rupee Term Deposit?

The bank offers three tenures of 1111 Days, 1777 Days and 2222 Days and interest rate varies if the investment is made under retail scheme or bulk deposit scheme. UnAccording to the ICICI Bank website, “These aren't just your typical financial instruments; they're a commitment towards safeguarding the environment, offering investors a unique blend of fiscal security and ethical investing.”der the scheme, the bank offers 6.65% on tenure of 1111 Days, 1777 Days.

PFC gets RBI nod to set up wholly-owned finance company in GIFT City?

PFC is in receipt of the no objection letter dated January 9, 2024, from the RBI for setting up a finance company (as a wholly-owned subsidiary) at IFSC in GIFT City, Gujarat."PFC's entry into the IFSC is expected to open up new business opportunities and establish PFC's global presence," PFC said in a BSE filing.Power Finance Corporation (PFC) on Tuesday received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to set up a wholly-owned finance company.The company is planning to set up a subsidiary at the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in GIFT City, Gujarat.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino Receives Award for International Sports Personality for 2023 in Dubai?

Fifa President Gianni Infantino has received the award for International Sports Personality of the Year at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Awards ceremony in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.Fifa President Gianni Infantino has received the award for International Sports Personality of the Year at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Awards ceremony in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.Inspired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s love of sport, the awards were established in 2009, and recognise individual achievement in a broad range of sport-related fields.

Indian Navy Received the 1st Indigenous Drishti 10 Starliner Drone from Adani Defence and Aerospace?

The Indian Navy received the first indigenously made unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) ‘Drishti 10 Starliner’ from the Adani Defence and Aerospace on Wednesday, with Admiral R Hari Kumar hoping that the drone “may turn out to be a third eye in the sky” for securing maritime domain witnessing increasing challenges of conflict.

NSPAAD Launches ‘Report Fish Disease’ Mobile App to Monitor Disease Outbreaks?

Aimed at boosting India’s aquaculture sector, the National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD) project has introduced a mobile app ‘Report Fish Disease’ to track and monitor fish diseases across the country.The mobile application intends to empower fish farmers with a convenient and efficient platform to report diseases on their farms. Its intuitive and user-friendly interface enables easy accessibility to fish farmers.

India Ranks 2nd in MSCI EM Index; China Tops?

The controversy around Adani Group and the subsequent meltdown in the stock market have dragged down India’s weightage in MSCI’s emerging-market benchmark.Taiwan’s weighting in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index rose to 14.2 per cent, behind leader China’s at 31.2 per cent, while India’s fell to the third spot with 13 per cent, according to Bloomberg-compiled data. India had overtaken Taiwan in August to claim the second spot.India has secured a 2nd rank in the MSCI Emerging Markets (EM) index by surpassing Taiwan.The first spot is grabbed by China

Dun & Bradstreet and Jupiter Wagons Unveiled Indian Railway Freight Activity Index?

Florida(United State of America)- based Dun & Bradstreet (D&B), in collaboration with Jupiter Wagons Ltd., unveiled the Indian Railway Freight Activity (IRFA) Index during the 15th International Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE 2023) in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, Delhi from 12th to 14th October 2023. It is a quarterly report providing a comprehensive and data-driven assessment of the dynamics of Indian Railway freight activity.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh Releases “Panchayats Free From GBV – A Handbook for Elected Representatives”!

Shri Giriraj Singh also released “Panchayats Free From Gender-Based Violence - A Handbook for Elected Representatives” on the occasion. The workshop was organized by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj in collaboration with UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) India.Union Minister Giriraj Singh, Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) released a handbook titled“ Panchayats Free From Gender-Based Violence (GBV) – A Handbook for Elected Representatives” during the virtual inauguration of the one-day National Workshop on Role ofPanchayati Raj Institutions in Addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in New Delhi, Delhi.

IIT Madras to Establish New Campus in Kandy, Sri Lanka?

The proposal for the new campus was announced as part of the Budget 2024 by Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremasinghe, who also serves as the Finance Minister. Location: The campus will be situated in Kandy, Sri Lanka, a city known for its rich cultural and historical significance, The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), a leading engineering institute in India, is set to expand its horizons by establishing a new campus in Kandy, Sri Lanka. This move is a significant development in educational collaboration between India and Sri Lanka.

SBI raising USD 300mn through medium Term bonds; S&P and Fitch assigned BBB Rating?

State Bank of India (SBI) is in the market to raise about $ 300 million through medium-term notes to garner resources for lending international customers.The fundraising round by India’s largest bank comes after it mopped up $1 billion last week. The new issue is likely to be concluded on Thursday and it has a green shoe option to raise extra amounts based on market conditions and pricing trends, said market sources. SBI is raising the money to meet the requirements of customers of its global business, said a bank executive

IPPB & Hindustan Zinc Partners to Offer Financial Inclusion Services in Rajasthan?

In a ground breaking alliance set to transform the financial landscape of rural Rajasthan, India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) & Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL – a subsidiary of Vedanta Group) join forces to pioneer inclusive financial solutions. The collaboration will ensure in creating a lasting impact on the lives of community beneficiaries around Hindustan Zinc’s operational areas. The MoU between IPPB & HZL was signed by Shri Gursharan Rai Bansal – Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, IPPB and Shri Arun Misra – CEO, Hindustan Zinc.“Joining hands with Hindustan Zinc Ltd. To provide financial inclusion services to its beneficiaries will help IPPB foray into the domain of serving population benefitted by the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities by prominent corporates in India. This alliance with HZL marks a very important milestone for us to expand our ambit of doorstep banking service delivery to the unserved and underserved people in this country,” said Shri Gursharan Rai Bansal, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, IPPB.

Bloomberg Index Services Ltd to Include India’s FAR Bonds into its EM Index from September 2024?

The proposal calls for India FAR bonds to be incorporated into the Bloomberg EM Local Currency Indices in a phased manner during a five-month period beginning in September 2024. After complete inclusion, the Bloomberg Emerging Market ten percent Country Capped Index will have 10% of India's FAR bonds as a cap. Bloomberg Index Services Ltd (BISL) proposed the incorporation of India’s Fully Accessible Route (FAR) bonds into its Emerging Market (EM) Local Currency Index. As per the proposal, the inclusion of Indian government bonds will be a phased implementation plan spanning over 5 months starting in September 2024.

India and UK sign LOA and principles for defense cooperation in R&D and result in!

India and U.K. on January 9 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for bilateral international cadet exchange programme and also a Letter of Arrangement (LoA) on defence collaboration in Research and Development. These were signed after the bilateral talks between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his British counterpart Grant Shapps in London.This is the first visit by an Indian Defence Minister to U.K. after over two decades, the last visit was by George Fernandes in 2002. Multiple attempts in the last few years for Mr. Singh’s official visit to the U.K. did not materialise due to scheduling and other issues.

National Youth Day 2024- January 12?

India celebrates the National Youth Day, on 12th January every year on the occasion of Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary. Since 1984, the nation has marked the day by urging the youth to live up to the values, principles and beliefs that Vivekananda embraced.India celebrates the National Youth Day, on 12th January every year on the occasion of Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary. Since 1984, the nation has marked the day by urging the youth to live up to the values, principles and beliefs that Vivekananda embraced.

President Droupadi Murmu Honoured Winners of Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award 2022!

President Draupadi Murmu posthumously conferred the prestigious Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award upon Savita Kanswal. The award, presented to her father Radheshyam Kanswal, is a testament to Savita’s exceptional achievements in the field of mountaineering.Savita Kanswal made history by becoming the first Indian woman mountaineer to conquer both Mount Everest (8848 m) and Mount Makalu (8485 m) within an astonishing span of 16 days. This remarkable feat showcased not only her physical prowess but also her unwavering determination to achieve greatness at the young age of 25.

Henley Passport Index 2024: Indian Passport Ranks 80th; Gives visa free Entry to 62 countries.

Indians can get visa on arrival in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Maldives, Myanmar, Timor-Leste, Iran, Bolivia, Burundi, Cape Verde Islands, Comoro Islands, Djibouti, Gabon, Madagascar, Seychelles, Mauritania, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Samoa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. With this, the Indian passport has risen by 3 ranks compared to 2023. India is followed by countries like Bhutan, Chad, Egypt, Jordan, Vietnam, Myanmar, Angola, Mongolia, Mozambique, Tajikistan, Madagascar, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Equitorial Guinea, Senegal, Algeria, Cambodia and Mali on the list.

China’s OrienSpace Launches its Maiden Rocket Gravity-1?

Orienspace’s Gravity-1 rocket lifted off from Defu-15002 mobile sea platform in the Yellow Sea at 12:30 a.m. Eastern (0530 UTC) Jan. 11. Ignition of the solid rocket motors produced large plumes of exhaust, with debris visibly falling into the sea as the rocket climbed into the sky. The firm confirmed launch success shortly after. The three satellites, Yunyao-1 (18-20), were later tracked by 478 by 499-kilometer orbits with inclinations of 49.99 degrees by U.S. Space Force space domain awareness.

Zerodha Fund House Launches India’s 1st Growth Liquid ETF Scheme Named ‘Zerodha Nifty 1D Rate Liquid ETF’!

Zerodha Fund House on Wednesday announced a new scheme and India’s first growth liquid exchange-traded fund (ETF)—Zerodha Nifty 1D Rate Liquid ETF. The fund is expected to be listed on the NSE and BSE exchanges by January 24. The Zerodha Nifty 1D Rate Liquid ETF replicates the Nifty 1D Rate Index, which measures the returns generated by market participants lending in the overnight market. The ETF primarily invests in TREPS (Treasury Bills Repurchase) traded on the CCIL (Clearing Corporation of India Ltd) platform.

Zerodha Fund House Launches India’s 1st Growth Liquid ETF Scheme Named ‘Zerodha Nifty 1D Rate Liquid ETF’?

Zerodha Fund House on Wednesday announced a new scheme and India’s first growth liquid exchange-traded fund (ETF)—Zerodha Nifty 1D Rate Liquid ETF. The fund is expected to be listed on the NSE and BSE exchanges by January 24. The Zerodha Nifty 1D Rate Liquid ETF replicates the Nifty 1D Rate Index, which measures the returns generated by market participants lending in the overnight market. The ETF primarily invests in TREPS (Treasury Bills Repurchase) traded on the CCIL (Clearing Corporation of India Ltd) platform.

Karnataka Bank & Digivriddhi Partners to offer Financial Service to Dairy Farmers?

This partnership with DGV will provide seamless and innovative end-to-end digital product offerings to the dairy farmers and provide access to institutional credit, while easing and digitizing payments across the dairy value chain.”The services will be made available at village dairy co-operative societies, associated with milk unions of Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF). To begin with, the services are now made available to milk societies associated with the Chamarajanagar Milk Union and will be rolled out to farmers of other unions in rapid succession, a release from the bank here said.

WB forecasts 2024 Global Growth to slow for 3rd Consecutive Year to 2.4%; India to Grow at 6.4% in FY25?

The WB has kept India's GDP growth forecast unchanged at 6.3% for FY 2023-24 and 6.4% for FY 2024-25 driven by robust investment and services. It will edge up to 6.5% in FY26. India is expected to maintain the fastest growth rate among the world's largest economies, but its post-pandemic recovery is expected to slow.The World Bank on Tuesday kept its FY25 economic growth projection for India unchanged at 6.4 per cent, mainly on account of strong domestic demand, rising public infrastructure spending and strong private-sector credit growth. However, it projected that the private consumption growth might taper off due to high food inflation and diminishing pent-up demand.

Indra Mani Pandey appointed as 4th SG of BIMSTEC; becomes 1st Indian to hold the post?

In a significant development, Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, a seasoned diplomat from India, officially assumed the role of Secretary General (SG) of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). This appointment marks a crucial chapter in the organization’s leadership, with Ambassador Pandey succeeding Tenzin Lekphell of Bhutan.Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey becomes the fourth Secretary General of BIMSTEC, succeeding Tenzin Lekphell. The official announcement was made through a foreign ministry press release, confirming that Ambassador Pandey will hold the position for a tenure of three years.

LIC to pick up to 10% equity stake in NHB promoted ‘RMBS’ entity?

Insurance behemoth Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is planning to acquire up to 10 percent equity stake in a company promoted by the National Housing Bank (NHB).The Board of Directors of LIC on Monday gave their approval to the proposal to invest in the NHB promoted entity that would focus on residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS), according to a regulatory filing by LIC with the stock exchanges.

Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav launches book titled ‘Modi: Energising a Green Future’?

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, heading the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), has recently unveiled an insightful book titled "Modi: Energising A Green Future".Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, heading the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), has recently unveiled an insightful book titled “Modi: Energising A Green Future”. This book, a significant addition to environmental literature, is published by Pentagon Press in collaboration with the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation.

National Road Safety Week – January 11 to 17 2024

National Road Safety Week, a crucial initiative in India, is observed annually from January 11 to 17. The 2024 observance marks the 35th year of this vital campaign. Aimed at raising awareness about road safety, this week-long event plays a significant role in educating citizens about responsible driving, pedestrian safety, and the need for improved road infrastructure.

ICG & SAIL Signs MoU to Increase Indigenous Content Ship?

2023 was a landmark year for Ministry of Defence (MoD) as giant strides were made towards realising the vision of the Government, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to create a strong, secure, self-reliant, and inclusive India. Efforts to achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence and Armed Forces modernisation surged ahead with renewed thrust, with the country witnessing record defence exports and all-time high defence production. Strengthening border Infrastructure, utilising Nari Shakti and ensuring Ex-Servicemen Welfare have been at the core of the functioning of MoD under the guidance of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and these have moved forward with unprecedented pace and vigour.

Indian Navy’s P-8I Participates in 4th Edition of ASW Exercise Sea Dragon 24 at Guam, USA?

The Indian Navy marked its presence in the Pacific, on January 9th, 2024, with the arrival of a P-8I aircraft at Guam, USA. This deployment signals the navy’s participation in the fourth edition of Ex Sea Dragon 24, an Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) exercise spearheaded by the US Navy.Ex Sea Dragon 24 fosters collaboration and interoperability among the navies of the US, Australia, South Korea, Japan, and India. The exercise aims to refine coordination and communication through professional interactions both on the ground and in the air, as per the Indian Navy’s official statement.

MoHFW Notifies Revised Pharma Manufacturing Rules under Schedule M to Ensure Quality Control.

The revised Schedule M includes the introduction of a pharma quality system (PQS), quality risk management (QRM), product quality review (PQR), and specific guidelines for the qualification and validation of equipment. It also mandates a computerised storage system for all drug productsWith an aim to bring better compliance with quality standards, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) notified the revised rules under Schedule M of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, in the Gazette of India on Saturday. Schedule M prescribes the good manufacturing practices (GMP) for pharmaceutical products.

DGCA Revises New Flight Duty Time Rules for Flight Crew to Reduce Pilot Fatigue & Enhance Flight Safety.

With a view to address and mitigate concerns on pilot fatigue through a data driven approach, DGCA collected and analyzed extensive numbers of pilot rosters along with pilot fatigue reports submitted by airline operators. Based on the study and analysis, some of the key areas inducing fatigue such as maximum Flight Duty Period, Night Duty, Weekly Rest Period, Flight Duty Period Extension etc. were identified.The revised FDTL regulations have been formulated after extensive data analysis and feedback from various stakeholders which includes airline operators, pilot associations and individuals.The world-wide best practices (FAA – USA and EASA – EU) have also been taken into consideration in amending the regulations while keeping in mind the specific operating environment in India.

Punjab Becomes 1st State to Map All Accident-Prone Sites in Mappls.

Punjab, known for its vibrant culture and rich heritage, has achieved a significant milestone in road safety. The state has become the first in India to meticulously map all 784 accident black spots using the Mappls App, a cutting-edge navigation system developed by MapMyIndia. The announcement, made by Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav marks a groundbreaking initiative for enhancing road safety in the region.

Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change launched the 5th training under the Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme on 6th January 2024.

Ministry of Tourism (MoT) in collaboration with Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) launched the 5th training under the Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme on 6th January 2024 for local community members, boat owners, and Forest department officials of Chilika Lake. Under this initiative, two training programmes of 15 days each namely Alternative Livelihood program (ALP), and Paryatan Navik Certificate (PNC) will be conducted.

Indore, Bhopal, Udaipur nominated for International Wetland City Accreditation.

India has nominated three cities for Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, according to a statement by the environment ministry on Thursday. The cities are Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), and Udaipur (Rajasthan).India has nominated Indore, Bhopal and Udaipur for the Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) scheme under the Ramsar Convention, which helps cities gain international recognition for their efforts to protect their natural or human-made wetlands.

Gabriel Attal Appointed as Youngest-ever PM of France; PM Élisabeth Borne Resigns.

At 34, he is the youngest PM in modern French history, outranking even Socialist Laurent Fabius who was 37 when he was appointed by François Mitterrand in 1984.Mr Attal replaces Élisabeth Borne, who resigned after 20 months in office.Throughout that time she struggled with a lack of a majority in parliament.Gabriel Attal, who is currently education minister, certainly makes an eye-catching appointment.He will now have the task of leading the French government into important European Parliament elections in June.His rise has been rapid. Ten years ago he was an obscure adviser in the health ministry, and a card-carrying member of the Socialists.He will also be the first openly gay occupant of Hôtel Matignon. He was previously in a civil partnership with another Macron whizz-kid, the MEP Stéphane Sejourné.

India to Chair & Host UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee in July 2024.

The decision to hold the 46th session in India was confirmed during the 19th extraordinary session of the World Heritage Committee in 2023. This decision, stemming from a proposal by Indian authorities in consultation with the UNESCO Director-General, reflects the collaborative efforts between India and UNESCO in fostering global cooperation in education, arts, science, and culture to promote world peace.

Music Maestro & Padma Awardee Ustad Rashid Khan Passed Away.

Taking to official handle on X, the Karnataka CM posted, "Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Ustad Rashid Khan at 55. A legend in the world of music, his voice and artistry will forever echo in the hearts of his fans worldwide. His departure is not just a loss to Indian classical music but to all who appreciated his extraordinary talent."

Renowned Hindi Poet Hariram Dwivedi Passed Away.

Noted Hindi and Bhojpuri poet, lyricist and litterateur Pandit Hariram 'Hari Bhaiya' Dwivedi passed away after a prolonged illness, his family said on Tuesday. He was 87.According to his family members, Dwivedi -- who had been ailing for a long time, died on Monday afternoon at his residence in the Mahmoorganj area of this Uttar Pradesh district. His last rites will be performed at Manikarnika Ghat on Tuesday.

WB CM Mamata Banerjee Launches ‘Yogyasree‘ for SC/ST students in West Bengal.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has recently introduced a comprehensive social welfare scheme named “Yogyasree.” The initiative aims to provide free training modules for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in West Bengal, specifically targeting entrance and competitive examinations. This move comes ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, reflecting the government’s commitment to educational empowerment.

Overview of EAM S Jaishankar’s visit to Nepal on 4 & 5 January 2024

Overview of EAM S Jaishankar's visit to Nepal on 4 & 5 January 2024. The Union External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar visited Nepal on 4 & 5 January 2024. He was invited by the Foreign Minister of Nepal, Narayan Prakash Saud to co-chair the 7th India-Nepal Commission meeting in Kathmandu." External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar will visit Kathmandu from 04-05 January 2024 on the invitation of the Foreign Minister of Nepal, Mr. N.P. Saud for co-chairing the 7th meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Commission.

ACC Acquires Remaining 55% Stake in ACCPL at an Enterprise Value of Rs 775 Cr!

As per the company, the enterprise value includes cash and cash equivalent of Rs 35 crore. The entire acquisition is funded through internal accruals. The company stated that the complete acquisition will bolster the market leadership of ACC as well as Ambuja Cements in the North India market.ACC shares were last seen trading 1.30 per cent lower at Rs 2,346.40. At this price, the stock has slipped 4.71 per cent in a year.This move will enhance ACC’s cement capacity and progress on the overall target of 140 MTPA capacity of Adani’s cement business by 2028 from the current 77.40 MTPA.

IndusInd Bank introduces Samman RuPay Credit Card for Government Employees?

IndusInd Bank on Tuesday launched its UPI-enabled IndusInd Bank Samman RuPay Credit Card, in association with with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) especially for government sector employees. The cards have been launched for government sector employees to provide them with a range of exclusive benefits and enhance their overall banking experience.

IOB Introduced Savings Account Portability Online Scheme to Transfer Savings Account Online?

To initiate an account transfer, customers need to log in to the IOB website (www.iob.in) and access the ‘Transfer of Savings Accounts’ section. Enter the account number and registered mobile number. A one-time password (OTP) will be sent to the registered mobile number. Once the OTP is entered, one may specify the desired branch for transfer and submit. A new page opens, revealing the account number and the name and code of the destination branch, confirming the successful transfer, according to a statement.

World Hindi Day 2024- January 10!

January 10 is celebrated annually as World Hindi Day to spread awareness about the significance of Hindi as an international language across the world and the day is especially observed by Indian embassies abroad

DRDO launches Assault Rifle ‘Ugram‘ for Indian Army?

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India, in a significant advancement, introduced ‘Ugram,’ an advanced 7.62 x 51 mm calibre assault rifle. This rifle, embodying a blend of indigenous design, development, and production, was unveiled in Pune by Dr. Shailendra V. Gade, Director General of Armament and Combat Engineering Systems at the DRDO. This development marks a key achievement in collaboration with the private sector, specifically with Hyderabad-based Dvipa Armour India Private Limited.