Largest ever Contingent of India Inc Participates in GITEX Global 2022
The GITEX Global 2022 saw the largest ever contingent of Indian companies participating in the event held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. GITEX Global provided a platform for start-ups to explore business and investment opportunities by showcasing innovative products, technology skills and sustainable ideas.
These global platforms provide an opportunity to the Indian start-ups to raise funding amid the ongoing severe funding winter reported in recent quarters. VC funding in India crashed to a ten-quarter low in the third quarter of calendar year 2022 at just $2.8 billion.
The highlights of the event included flying car, the first driverless taxi of UAE, metaverse, mind-powered football, moon 'walk', hologram phone calls and robotic technologies.
Among the participating start-ups, there were 40 start-ups from Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) and 32 NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Services Companies) registered start-ups in the event. The start-ups had new emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Fintech, Data Analytics, and deep tech as core of their businesses.
GITEX Global 2022 follows the landmark India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that came into force in May 2022.
The event featured at GITEX Global witnessed incredible new launches and cutting-edge developments in areas of 5G, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud & Edge, Cybersecurity, Fintech, Blockchain, Data Analytics and Smart Cities.
U.K. Chancellor of Exchequer Jeremy Hunt Scraps Nearly All Government Tax Cut Plans
The British government axed almost all of its debt-fuelled tax cuts unveiled last month to avert fresh markets chaos, in a humiliating climbdown for embattled Prime Minister Liz Truss.
The shock move by new finance chief Jeremy Hunt, parachuted into the job to replace sacked Kwasi Kwarteng, leaves Truss' position in a precarious state after a series of embarrassing U-turns.
Hunt estimated the tax changes would raise about £32 billion ($36 billion) per year, after economists estimated the government faced a £60-billion black hole. He also warned of tough spending cuts.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer said that no government could control markets -- but stressed his action would give certainty over public finances and help secure growth.
As per Hunt, the most important objective for our country right now is stability.
CAQM Reiterates to Central/State Govts to Strictly Implement Actions under GRAP in view of Air Quality Index
Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region (NCR) Delhi and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) reiterated to all implementing agencies of the Central and State Governments to strictly implement actions under Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in view of the air quality index. GRAP is a set of emergency measures taken to reduce air pollution.
The Commission also urged citizens to cooperate in adherence to the Citizen Charter of the respective stages and assist in the effective implementation of the GRAP measures to improve the overall Air Quality in the region. As the air quality has reached "poor" category again, actions under Stage I of the GRAP need to be intensified by all concerned.
The Commission is reviewing measures undertaken towards abatement of air pollution and also closely monitoring air quality parameters in NCR.
JPMorgan Names Former Reliance M&A Head as India Investment Banking Chief
JPMorgan Chase & Co named former Reliance Industries executive Navin Wadhwani as the head of its Indian investment banking business, under a slew of management changes for the Asia-Pacific region.
Wadhwani has headed M&A for oil-to-retail conglomerate Reliance for the past 10 years and was previously a senior managing director at Rothschild India.
JPM also appointed Kaustubh Kulkarni as senior country officer for India from Nov. 1. He would continue in his role as vice chair of Asia Pacific. Kulkarni succeeded Madhav Kalyan, who would now head the U.S. banking giant's Asia Pacific Payments.
Vineet Mishra became sole head of Investment Banking for Southeast Asia.
Ex-Infosys President Ravi Kumar to Join as President for Cognizant Americas
Former Infosys president Ravi Kumar is joining Cognizant as President Americas. He would take on the position from January 16, 2023. Kumar would be reporting directly to Brian Humphries, CEO Cognizant.
Infosys last week, had shared that Kumar had resigned. Kumar also has served as Chairman of the Board of Infosys Business Process Management, and brings more than 20 years of experience in consulting and industry sales, incubating new practice lines and driving large transformational programs.
Kumar takes over from Surya Gummadi, who will take over leading the $5 billion Health Sciences Business of Cognizant.
Cognizant also announced the appointment of Prasad Sankaran who will be heading the software and platform engineering (SPE) services. He joins from Bain & Company.
Committed to COP27 Success under Egyptian Presidency: Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held discussions with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and highlighted India's commitment to the success of COP27 under the Egyptian presidency.
Jaishankar underscored that India values the participation of Egypt in the G20 during its chairship. He further underlined that India is fully committed to the success of COP27 under the Egyptian presidency.
The EAM deeply appreciated President Sisi's guidance in further developing various dimensions of the India-Egypt relationship. He briefed the President on his discussions with Finance Minister Sameh Shoukry.
Jaishankar said that he would talk to the Union Minister for Education, Skill and Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan on collaborating with Egypt on premier higher educational institutes, like the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).
Aayan Khan, the Youngest Player in Men's T20 World Cup 2022
UAE's Aayan Khan, the 16-year-old all-rounder, is the youngest player to feature in the men's T20 World Cup. He was picked in the UAE XI for the team's first match of the T20 World Cup against the Netherlands at the Simonds Stadium in Geelong. He impressed in the U19 World Cup earlier this year with 93 and one for 13 in UAE's 82-run win over West Indies. Aayan was out for a seven-ball five against the Netherlands. He then bowled three overs for 15 runs and picked a wicket.
Aayan broke Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir's record. The left-arm quick played his first T20 World Cup when he was 17 years and 55 days old.
Notably: Netherlands' Stephan Myburgh, at 38 years and 230 days, is the oldest in the 2022 T20 World Cup. Hong Kong's Ryan Campbell played in the 2016 World Cup when he was 44 years and 33 days old.
Pat Cummins Replaces Aaron Finch as Australia's New ODI Captain
Pace spearhead Pat Cummins was named as Australia's new ODI captain following Aaron Finch's retirement from the format last month.
Cummins beat the likes of Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell March and Alex Carey to be appointed as Australia's 27th ODI skipper.
David Warner was not considered for the job as his lifetime leadership ban still remains with Cricket Australia (CA) contemplating a change in its code of conduct.
CA confirmed that Cummins will lead Australia in next year's ODI World Cup in India.
According to CA, Cummins will become the first fast bowler to lead Australia's men's team in white-ball cricket.
FIFA Women's U-17 World Cup: India Lose 0-5 to Brazil, End Campaign with All-loss Record
India ended their FIFA Women's Under-17 World Cup campaign with an all-loss record and without scoring a goal as they suffered a 0-5 defeat to Brazil in their last group match.
Debutants India had lost to USA (0-8) and Morocco (0-3) in their previous Group A matches. They finished last in the four-team group without any point while conceding 16 goals in the three matches.
USA, who beat Morocco 4-0 in Margao, topped the pool and qualified for the quarterfinals along with Brazil.
Railway Minister Inaugurates India's First Aluminium Freight Rake
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated India's first aluminium freight rake — 61 BOBRNALHSM1 — at Bhubaneshwar Railway Station.
This was a dedicated effort for Make in India programme as it had been fully designed and developed indigenously in collaboration with Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO), HINDALCO and Besco Wagon. Notably, it is the first-time aluminium rake has been manufactured in India with the feature of fully lock-bolted construction with no welding on the superstructure.
Number of Poor People in India Fell by about 415 Million, a 'Historic Change': UN
The number of poor people in India fell by about 415 million between 2005-06 and 2019-21, a "historic change" and a demonstration that the Sustainable Development Goal target of reducing at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty by 2030 is possible to achieve, even at a large scale, according to the UN.
As per the new Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) at the University of Oxford, in India 415 million people exited poverty between 2005-06 and 2019-21.
India is an important case study for the Sustainable Development Goals, the first of which is to end poverty in all its forms and to reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions, according to national definitions by 2030, all while leaving no one behind.
The report said based on 2020 population data for India, it has by far the largest number of poor people worldwide (228.9 million), followed by Nigeria (96.7 million projected in 2020).
Despite progress, India's population remains vulnerable to the mounting effects of the covid pandemic and to rising food and energy prices. Integrated policies tackling the ongoing nutritional and energy crises should be a priority.
Arya.ag and FWWB India Partner with UNDP to Implement Project Excel
UNDP partnered with integrated grain commerce platform Arya.ag and Friends of Women's World Banking India (FWWB India) for agri-value chain intervention, enterprise promotion and skilling in agriculture sector. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is implementing Project Excel in Jamnagar and Dwaraka Devbhumi districts of Gujarat to improve the incomes of 10,000 farmer households through enterprise promotion, agri-value chain interventions, skilling, employment and social protection.
By December 2023, the collaboration for Project Excel hopes to have assembled a team of community resource people who will support, encourage, and coach local business owners.
The project's goal is to develop and generate possibilities for communities in rural and semi-urban areas to improve their lives in industries like agriculture, dairy, poultry, handloom, goat farming, and handicrafts. This promotes stronger market relationships and aids in managerial capacity growth.
The collaboration is to create a conducive business environment with end-to-end solutions consisting of training and technical support, capital and market linkages and skill enhancement support, empowering women and ensuring a sustainable income at the individual and collective level.
Production of AK-203 Rifles to Begin in India by Year-end
An Indo-Russian joint venture would begin manufacturing AK-203 assault rifles at a facility in Uttar Pradesh by the end of this year.
The Indo-Russia Rifles Private Limited was set up in 2019 to produce the Russian-origin Kalashnikov assault rifles in Korwa Ordnance Factory in Amethi district.
Rosoboronexport is Russia's state-run defence entity that oversees various key military projects, including those in foreign countries.
Rosoboronexport said that the AK-203 rifles are fitted with integral Picatinny rails for a convenient and easy mounting of sights and tactical accessories, enabling the effective use of weapons in various conditions.
Shehan Karunatilaka Wins Booker Prize for Afterlife Thriller
Sri Lankan author Shehan Karunatilaka was named the winner of the 2022 Booker Prize for his second novel 'The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida', described by judges as a whodunit and a race against time, full of ghosts, gags and deep humanity.
Karunatilaka became only the second Sri Lankan born to win the prestigious GBP 50,000 literary prize at a ceremony in London, after Michael Ondaatje who won for 'The English Patient' in 1992.
The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida' tells the story of the photographer of its title, who in 1990 wakes up dead in what seems like a celestial visa office. With no idea who killed him, Maali has seven moons to contact the people he loves most and leads them to a hidden cache of photos of civil war atrocities that will rock Sri Lanka.
'One Nation, One Fertiliser' Plan Launched under 'Bharat' Brand
The "one nation, one fertiliser" scheme would make quality fertiliser available to farmers at a reduced price, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said after launching the scheme at the inaugural function of the two-day "Kisan Samman Sammelan" at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI).
Now, urea will be available under the same name, same brand and same quality, and that brand is "Bharat."
The Prime Minister also accused previous governments of not taking an initiative to reopen public sector factories that manufactured urea.
The Prime Minister noted that selling urea on the black market was stopped by introducing measures such as neem-coated urea.
Outlining another new measure rolled out to reform the fertiliser sector, the Prime Minister said a drive had been launched to develop more than 3.25 lakh fertiliser shops across the country.
These will be called the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samruddhi Kendras, where fertilisers and seeds will be sold. Farmers can also get soil tested and avail information about farming techniques at the kendras.
Dharmendra Pradhan Launches NEP in Higher Education Institutes in Uttarakhand
Union Education and Skill Development Minister Dharmendra Pradhan along with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Higher Education Minister Dhan Singh Rawat launched the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in higher education for the session 2022-23 in the state.
National Education Policy 2020 was framed keeping in mind all the aspects. Along with education, special attention has been paid to the skill development of children, their personality development, linguistic development and moral values.
The Union Education Minister said that under the National Education Policy, children are being linked to formal education for three years initially.
Under this (policy) Bal Vatika has been started. After learning for three years under the Bal Vatika scheme the child will enter the first class.
Textbooks for Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy Planned for All Major Indian Languages within Three Years
Within the next three years, India will offer textbooks for medicine, nursing, and pharmacy in all major Indian languages, confirmed Chamu Krishna Shastry, Chairperson of the high-powered Committee for Promotion of Indian Languages under the Ministry of Education. The committee is already in talks with the National Medical Commission and other specific boards for this new initiative.
"We are working at being able to offer education (courses in medicine/nursing/pharmacy, etc.) in regional languages across India. The central idea being that in 10 years time, all the students will have the option, infrastructural and staff support to study these subjects in their mother tongue. This is not to say that English will be done away with. That option will also be kept available,'' he said.
The confirmation came days after Madhya Pradesh released textbooks in Hindi for three subjects in the MBBS course as part of a project to impart medical education in Hindi.
Three-day Kuchipudi Dance Festival Concludes in Vijayawada
A three-day Kuchipudi Dance performance organised by Save Kuchipudi Artists, Jayaho Bharatiyam and the Department of Language and Cultural concluded on a grand note at Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao Government Music and Dance College.
The Kuchipudi dance festival was organised in commemoration of the 93rd birth anniversary of world-renowned Kuchipudi dance artist Vempati China Satyam.
More than 3,000 Kuchipudi dancers from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will take part in the Kuchipudi Dance Festival.
D.Y. Chandrachud Appointed 50th Chief Justice of India
The President of India appointed Justice Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud as the Chief Justice of India (CJI) with effect from November 9, 2022. He will take over as the 50th CJI after incumbent CJI U. U. Lalit retires.
The outgoing CJI had recommended Justice Chadrachud's name to take the reins of the judiciary on October 11. Justice Chandrachud would have a term of over two years until November 10, 2024.
Lauded as a feminist judge for his reasoning, Justice Chandrachud spoke to young law graduates recently and told them to incorporate a feminist way of thinking while dealing with the law.
He practiced law before the SC and the Bombay High Court (HC) and was designated a senior advocate by the Bombay HC in June 1998.
He served as the Additional Solicitor General of India from 1998 until he was appointed a judge of the Bombay HC in March 2000. He was later appointed as Chief Justice of the Allahabad HC on October 31, 2013.
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