Global Pension Index 2023: Countries with the Best Pension System
The 15th annual Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index (MCGPI) was published, and it showed that the Netherlands' retirement income system once again secured the first position. Iceland and Denmark claimed the second and third positions in the ranking, respectively.
The Netherlands had the highest overall index value (85.0), closely followed by Iceland (83.5) and Denmark (81.3). Argentina had the lowest index value (42.3).
India with an overall index value of 45.9 from 44.5 in 2022, ranked 45 out of the 47 retirement income systems analysed primarily due to improvements in adequacy and sustainability sub-indices.
Arunachal Cabinet Approves Formation of Special Tiger Protection Force
The Arunachal Pradesh State Cabinet approved the formation of a Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF). This specialised force will be responsible for safeguarding the three tiger reserves in the state, namely Namdapha, Pakke, and Kamlang. The decision is a significant step towards the preservation of tigers and their habitats in the region.
The establishment of the STPF involves the creation of 336 regular posts, which will be dedicated to ensuring the protection of these magnificent creatures and their environments. This initiative aims to reduce poaching and illegal activities in the tiger reserves, ultimately securing the future of these critically endangered big cats.
Sberbank Becomes First Russian Bank to Register with SEBI as FPI: NSDL
Sberbank of Russia became the first Russian bank to register with the Indian markets regulator as a foreign portfolio investor (FPI), according to data available on the website of National Stock Depository Ltd (NSDL).
Sberbank of Russia, a state-owned bank which already has a presence in India, registered with the Indian markets regulator for a Category I FPI licence earlier this month (October 2023).
Sberbank's registration took the total number of Russia-based FPIs in India to five, with all others being non-banks. Till now (as in October 2023), Alfa Capital Management, First Asset Management, Igor Noskov, and Vesvolod Rozanov were granted FPI registrations.
Sberbank received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in May 2010 to set up a branch in India and commenced its banking business from January 2011.
Solara Active Appoints P. V. Raghavendra Rao as Chief Financial Officer
Drugmaker Solara Active Pharma Sciences appointed P. V. Raghavendra Rao as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the company and was given the designation of key managerial personnel.
Rao is a chartered accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and has about two and half decades of post-qualification experience. Rao has a strong track record of handling multiple industries, including pharmaceuticals.
Previously, he was at Macleods Pharmaceuticals Ltd and Dr Reddy's Laboratories Limited, for over 14 years where he handled various roles in finance. Rao also has experience in handling manufacturing plants spread across India and overseas, along with experience in strategy, identifying moves and handling strategy deployment processes.
Arunachal Cabinet Approves Amendment of State Industrial & Investment Policy
The Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet approved amendment of the state industrial and investment policy 2020, to make the north-eastern state an investment destination.
The amendment is aimed at imparting latest technology skills and providing a conducive ecosystem for generating employment and balanced regional development.
The policy includes special incentives in the form of amended power subsidy to large-scale industries to attract investors to boost the state's economy.
The policy also includes tax incentives with single window clearance for all mandatory licenses.
President Murmu Launches Agri Roadmap for Bihar
Launching an agricultural roadmap for Bihar, President Droupadi Murmu called for climate-friendly agricultural practices and suggested that the state's farmers take up organic cultivation.
Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav were present at the launch of the fourth agricultural roadmap that will run till 2028.
The President said that it was heartening to learn that the agriculture roadmap provides for mega food parks and export infrastructure. She also praised increased productivity in wheat and maize farming in Bihar and spoke of how the state had become one of the top producers of honey, makhana and fish.
Indian Army Wins Gold Medal in Cambrian Patrol 2023 Military Exercise in UK
The Indian Army won a gold medal at the Cambrian Patrol Exercise held in the UK while competing against 96 teams representing special forces and regiments from around the world.
The 4/5 Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force) represented the Indian Army at the drill held at Brecon, Wales.
The event is considered the ultimate test of human endurance and team spirit and is considered the 'Olympics of military patrolling'. The Indian Army team performed well in harsh terrain and inclement weather.
The Indian Army team was lauded on its navigation skills, delivery of patrol orders and overall endurance for completing the patrol.
This year (2023), only three international patrols out of the 96 participating teams were awarded a gold medal.
World Osteoporosis Day is a global healthcare event observed every year on October 20, followed by various awareness campaigns and activities to promote the early diagnosis of osteoporosis, its treatment and preventive tips for strong bones. The campaigns are mainly focused on encouraging people to take preventative measures for their bone health to avoid any risk of osteoporosis and associated complications in the future.
This year (2023) the World Osteoporosis Day theme is 'Build Better Bones', intending the significance of leading a bone-healthy lifestyle as the foundation for strong bones and fracture-free future.
World Osteoporosis Day was launched on October 20, 1996, by the United Kingdom's National Osteoporosis Society with the collaboration of the European Commission. Since 1997, this awareness day has been organised by the International Osteoporosis Foundation.
World Statistics Day
World Statistics Day is celebrated is celebrated every five years on the 20th of October. The day is dedicated to create awareness about the significant role of advanced, reliable, and good quality statistics in the development of global nations. The United Nations General Assembly established World Statistics Day on October 20, 2015. The main of observing this day is to highlight the huge achievements of national statistical systems, and to foster the importance of statistics in various aspects of society.
At its 41st Session in February 2010, the United Nations Statistical Commission proposed celebrating 20 October 2010 as World Statistics Day (Decision 41/109).
Acknowledging that the production of reliable, timely statistics and indicators of countries' progress is indispensable for informed policy decisions and monitoring implementation of the Millennium Development Goals, the General Assembly adopted on June 3, 2010 resolution 64/267, which officially designated October 20, 2010 as the first ever World Statistics Day.
In 2015, with resolution 96/282, the General Assembly decided to designate October 20, 2015 as the second World Statistics Day, stated un.org.
National Solidarity Day
India commemorates National Solidarity Day on October 20 to honour the soldiers who fought during the Sino-Indian War of 1962. This significant day marks the national integrity displayed by India in its conflict with China.
The Sino-Indian War, also known as the China–India War, occurred from October to November 1962. On October 20, 1962, China launched a devastating attack, resulting in India's defeat and territorial losses, notably Aksai Chin. In 1966, a committee elected by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi established October 20 as National Solidarity Day to honour soldiers and their families who sacrificed in conflicts.
Mahsa Amini Awarded EU's Sakharov Human Rights Prize
Mahsa Amini, the Kurdish Iranian woman who died in police custody in Iran last year (2022), sparking worldwide protests against the country's conservative Islamic theocracy, was posthumously awarded the EU's top human rights prize' the Sakharov Prize'.
The award, named for the Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, was created in 1988 to honour individuals or groups who defend human rights and fundamental freedoms. Sakharov, a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, died in 1989.
The annual Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought recognises human rights activists and dissidents.
IIT Guwahati Develops 'Point-of-Care' Device for Instant Glycemic Index Detection
Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) developed a reliable and affordable Glycemic Index (GI) sensor, suitable for point-of-care detection. This sensor can determine the GI of different food sources in real-time, which is crucial for diabetes management.
The research was led by Professor Dipankar Bandyopadhyay, Department of Chemical Engineering.
The Glycemic Index or GI is a measure that ranks carbohydrate-containing foods based on how they affect blood sugar levels when consumed.
The research has been funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
Odisha's Centurion University Hosts Cancer Awareness Programme, Screening Camp
India's first skill varsity, Odisha's Centurion University of Technology and Management, organised a 'Cancer & No Tobacco Awareness Program and Screening Camp' in collaboration with the Cuttack-based Awaaken Cancer Care Trust.
The event was attended by Centurion University Vice Chancellor Dr. Supriya Pattanayak and Awaaken Trust chairperson & cancer activist Ms. Swagatika Acharya among other dignitaries.
The awareness programme and screening camp were also attended by Dr Kshitish Mishra, an Oncologist from MD Carcinova Hospital, who made a presentation on Cancer and the ill effects of tobacco on humans.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, (MPTB) and The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) in Bhopal to strengthen, promote and develop cooperation in research, promotion and tourism development in Madhya Pradesh.
MPTB and IATO agreed to assist each other in promoting tourism in the state by organising travel visits to Madhya Pradesh, conducting FAM trips, engaging in marketing and awareness campaigns, exchanging publications and academic materials, co-organising travel and tourism trade events, and promoting tourism destinations through media and public relations.
MPTB and IATO will jointly identify some lesser-known but potential tourism sites for developing and marketing amongst tourists and create new circuits, and itineraries depending upon available approaches to the sites and comfortable accommodations at those locations.
ED Cannot Arrest People on Whims and Fancies: Delhi High Court
The Delhi High Court held that the power of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to arrest a person under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) is not untrammelled and the ED cannot arrest a person on its whims and fancies.
Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani said that there is a three-fold requirement that must be complied with by the agency before arresting a person.
Firstly, the Director must entertain a reasonable belief that the person arrested is guilty of an offence under the PMLA, and not under any other enactment; secondly, the reasons for such belief must be recorded in writing; and thirdly, such belief must be based on material that is in the Director's possession," the Court observed.
Pertinently, the Court also said that ED's powers to issue summons under Section 50 of the PMLA does not include powers to arrest.