Christopher Luxon Sworn in as New Zealand Prime Minister
Christopher Luxon was sworn in as New Zealand's Prime Minister and said that his top priority was to improve the economy.
Luxon leads a conservative coalition after his National Party struck a deal with two smaller parties following a general election last month.
The swearing-in ceremony was presided over by Governor-General Cindy Kiro.
Dave Sharma Wins Australian Senate Seat
Dave Sharma, who became the first Indian-origin lawmaker in Australia's Parliament in 2019, returned to politics after his victory in the New South Wales Liberal Senate race. Sharma replaced ex-Foreign Minister Marise Payne, who retired from the Senate.
Sharma, who represented the Sydney seat of Wentworth until his defeat at the 2022 election, beat former New South Wales (NSW) minister Andrew Constance, a frontrunner backed by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.
Sharma has served as Australia's ambassador to Israel from 2013 to 2017.
India's Largest Tiger Reserve to be Set Up in Damoh
In a landmark development, Damoh district in Madhya Pradesh is poised to become the home of the country's largest tiger reserve, marking a significant stride in wildlife conservation efforts. The central government approved the merger of Noradehi Sanctuary with the Durgavati Sanctuary in Damoh, creating an expansive tiger reserve spanning an impressive 2,300 square kilometres.
The central government's issuance of a notification approving the merger reflects a commitment to preserving and protecting India's rich biodiversity. The amalgamation of these two sanctuaries underscores the nation's dedication to creating substantial habitats for its tiger population.
Situated around the Jabera area of Damoh district, the new tiger reserve is strategically located to enhance conservation efforts. The geographical concentration around Jabera is expected to provide an optimal environment for the flourishing of the tiger population.
DLAI Appoints Hemachandra, Prasad as Independent Directors to Board
The Digital Lenders Association of India (DLAI), appointed Meena Hemachandra, former Executive Director (ED), the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Alok Prasad, former Chief Executive Officer (CEO), MFin, as independent directors to its board.
DLAI is an industry body that represents over 90 digital lending firms in India. It was formed in 2016 by digital lending firms to support responsible and inclusive growth of the digital lending sector and make policies and guidelines around the digital lending business.
Rajat Kumar Jain Appointed As Fino Payments Bank Chairman
Mumbai-based Fino Payments Bank received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for the appointment of Rajat Kumar Jain as Part-time Chairman. This move is expected to bring valuable experience and expertise to Fino Payments Bank as it continues to strengthen its digital ecosystem and pursue growth opportunities.
Rajat Kumar Jain, an alumnus of IIT Delhi and IIM Ahmedabad, boasts an impressive background with over three decades of strategic leadership experience. His expertise spans various sectors, including consumer, telecom, media and technology.
RBI Extends Payments Infrastructure Scheme by 2 Years
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a two-year extension of the Payments Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) scheme until December 31, 2025. This move is aimed at promoting digital transactions at the grassroots level and includes an expansion of beneficiaries under the scheme.
The PIDF scheme, operational since January 2021 for three years, initially focused on incentivising the deployment of payment acceptance infrastructure in tier-3 to tier-6 centers, north-eastern states, and Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. In August 2021, beneficiaries of the PM SVANidhi Scheme in Tier-1 and 2 centers were included.
Shubman Gill Takes the Helm as Gujarat Titans Captain for IPL 2024
Gujarat Titans named Shubman Gill as the captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. This decision followed the departure of all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who was traded to Mumbai Indians.
Shubman Gill, initially made his mark with the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2018, and joined Gujarat Titans in 2021. Known for providing explosive starts, Gill has become a linchpin for the team, showcasing his ability to set the tone of the innings.
Gujarat Titans made history in the 2022 IPL by clinching the title in their debut season.
Asia Pacific Rally Championship 2023: Jahaan Singh Gill Clinches His Maiden Title
India's Jahaan Singh Gill underlined his supremacy and clinched the FIA Junior Asia Pacific Rally Championship title 2023 in his maiden outing in Indonesia.
In a grid comprising 63 competitive drivers across categories, Gill ruled the junior class, while the other JK Tyre Motorsports drivers Suhem Kabeer and Lokesh Gowda stamped their authority in the NVA (National Vehicles Approval) category.
Social Worker Walks Over 17,000 km to Spread Awareness on Blood Donation
A Delhi-based social worker is undertaking a 21,000 km-journey on foot to spread awareness on blood donation.
Kiran Verma started his journey from Kerala capital Thiruvananthapuram on December 28, 2021 and so far, he has covered 17,700 km, and reached the north-eastern state of Nagaland.
Verma, in a statement issued, said that his mission is to spread awareness on the importance of blood donation so that nobody dies for want of blood.
Verma has covered 229 districts across 17 states and Union territories to reach Kohima.
Verma has founded 'Change With One Foundation', under which he runs two programmes 'Simply Blood' and 'Change With One Meal'.
He claimed 'Simply Blood', launched on January 29, 2017, is the world's first virtual blood donation platform, connecting donors and seekers in real time free of any charge.
Under 'Change With One Meal', unlimited meals are served to anyone at Rs. 10.
National Cadet Corps Celebrates 75th Anniversary Day
The National Cadet Corps (NCC), the youth wing of the Indian Armed Forces, celebrated its 75th anniversary on November 27, 2023. Operating from its headquarters in New Delhi, India, the NCC opens its doors voluntarily to school and college students, functioning as a Tri-Services Organisation encompassing the Army, Navy, and Air Force. As a significant milestone approaches, it's crucial to delve into the founding principles, objectives, and the impactful role the NCC plays in shaping the future leaders of India.
NCC Day is observed annually to commemorate the core values encapsulated in the NCC motto, "Unity and Discipline." These principles, emphasising duty, loyalty, dedication, and self-sacrifice, reflect the ethos of the organisation. Beyond instilling discipline, the NCC serves as a platform for international engagement. Over four decades, NCC cadets have been ambassadors of peace and unity, participating in Youth Exchange Programmes with over 25 nations.
Commemorating the day one of the most significant space missions to Mars was launched, November 28 is observed as Red Planet Day. On this day in 1964, the United States launched the space probe Mariner 4 on a course towards Mars, which it flew past in July 1965, sending back pictures of the red planet.
This was the first time that a spacecraft undertook the first flyby of the red planet, becoming the first-ever spacecraft to take close-up photographs of another planet.
NHPC Won Second Prize in the 'Annual Report' Category at The 'PRSI National Awards 2023
NHPC Limited, the leading hydropower company in India, secured the second prize in the 'Annual Report' category at the 'PRSI National Awards 2023.' This accolade was bestowed upon NHPC during the International Public Relations Festival hosted by the Public Relations Society of India (PRSI) in New Delhi. The award specifically acknowledges the exceptional quality, layout, and design of NHPC's Annual Report for the fiscal year 2022-23.
NHPC Limited, headquartered in Faridabad, India, is a prominent public sector hydropower company with a rich history dating back to its incorporation in 1975.
Initially established with the primary goal of planning, promoting, and organising the integrated development of hydroelectric power, NHPC has evolved over the years to embrace a diverse range of energy sources.
Under the leadership of Rajeev Kumar Vishnoi, the current Chairman & Managing Director, NHPC has become a key player in the Indian energy sector.
Filmfare OTT Awards 2023
Filmfare OTT Awards 2023 honoured actors, actresses, directors and technicians for their OTT series and web original films. The awards ceremony saw everyone from Alia Bhatt to Sonam Kapoor in attendance. Alia bagged the best actor award in web original film (female) for Darlings, while Rajkummar Rao won best actor (male) award in the critics category for his Netflix film Monica O My Darling.
Karishma Tanna and Sonakshi Sinha were awarded the best actor, series (female) in critics category for Scoop and Dahaad, respectively. Meanwhile, Vijay Varma bagged the same award in the male category for Dahaad.
Scoop was awarded best series at Filmfare OTT Awards 2023, while Trial by Fire won the trophy for best series in critics category. Sharmila Tagore (Gulmohar) and Sanya Malhotra (Kathal) shared the best actor (female) award in the critics category.
Free College Education to Girl Students in Haryana with Family Income below Rs. 1.8 lakh
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar made a significant announcement, declaring free education for girls in both government and private colleges within the state.
This initiative extends to families with an annual income not exceeding Rs. 1.80 lakh.
Furthermore, the state government committed to subsidising half of college fees for girls belonging to families with an income falling between Rs. 1.80 lakh and Rs. 3 lakh.
Union Education Minister Calls for Multi-disciplinary Shift in IITs, IIMs
In a significant move aligning with the National Education Policy of 2020, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has urged the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) to embrace a multi-disciplinary approach.
Emphasising the need to broaden their scope beyond traditional specialisations, Pradhan's directive aims to enhance educational diversity and innovation within these prestigious institutions.
During the inauguration of the Odisha Research Centre (ORC) in collaboration with prominent institutions, Pradhan highlighted the centre's pivotal role in exploring diverse research areas encompassing Odisha's rich history, culture, economy, and societal aspects.
Delhi Schools Asked to Have Minimum 220 Working Days in an Academic Year
A circular issued from the Directorate of Education (DoE) mandates Delhi schools to ensure a minimum of 220 working days in an academic year.
As per section 19 of RTE Act-2009 and National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023, it is mandatory for all the schools running under the Directorate of Education to observe the minimum 220 working days in an academic year giving consideration to the notified lists of gazetted/restricted/local holidays for the calendar year (January to December).
The directive specifies that before the commencement of the academic year and proceeding with the holiday periods, the heads of government schools are required to confirm the completion of 220 working days.
IIT Madras Sets up New Centre for Career Guidance Services
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras set up a new career guidance service centre at its institute to integrate all placement, internship and student career development activities. The student-run Entrepreneurship Cell (E-Cell) of IIT Madras has also been integrated into this.
With the establishment of the Career Pathway Centre, the institute seeks to set up a unified platform to provide assistance to students in diverse career trajectories. This initiative, an IIT Madras statement said, is a pivotal step towards providing students with the opportunities, tools and skill set they need to succeed in the ever-evolving professional landscape.
The objective of Career Pathway Centre is to empower students to independently navigate and decide their career paths. It has been designed to provide students with knowledge, essential skills, and exposure to an entrepreneurial environment, all located in one facility. The Placement and Internship office facilitates students in establishing connections with companies to explore potential career prospects.
Plea in Kerala HC Seeks Equitable Representation of Backward Community in Appointment of High Court Judges
A plea was moved in the Kerala High Court by a Scientist retired from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), seeking equitable representation of backward classes such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Latin Catholics, etc. in the appointment of High Court Judges in the State.
Dr. M.K. Mukundan, who himself belongs to a backward community alleged that the principles of Social Justice as envisaged in Articles 38, 46, and 335 of the Constitution were not being adhered to in the appointment of Judges to the High Court of Kerala.
Senior Advocate Shyam Divan is President of LAWASIA
Senior advocate Shyam Divan took over as the President of LAWASIA from Melissa K. Pang in a ceremony held as part of the 36th LAWASIA conference.
Shyam Divan practices as a senior advocate at the Supreme Court of India. His areas of practice cover constitutional law, and most branches of civil litigation including banking, securities law, arbitration, administrative law, and environmental law.