Indian-origin Media Veteran Samir Shah New BBC Chairman
The UK government named India-born media executive Samir Shah as its preferred candidate to take over as the new BBC chairman.
Shah has over 40 years of experience in TV production and journalism and was previously the head of current affairs and political programmes at the BBC.
He will replace Richard Sharp, who was forced to resign after his communication with former Prime Minister Boris Johnson came under scrutiny.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is a British public service broadcaster headquartered at Broadcasting House in London. Originally established in 1922 as the British Broadcasting Company, it evolved into its current state with its current name on in 1927.
The oldest and largest local and global broadcaster by stature and by number of employees, the BBC employs over 21,000 staff in total, of whom approximately 17,900 are in public-sector broadcasting.
In a significant move towards environmental conservation, South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Ltd, will be implementing the Miyawaki method of plantation in its Gevra Area in Chhattisgarh. This pilot project, aimed at enhancing the green cover in the coal belt region, is backed by an investment of Rs. 4 crore in partnership with Chhattisgarh Rajya Van Vikas Nigam (CGRVVN).
The Miyawaki method, developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, is known for its rapid growth and dense greenery. SECL's initiative involves planting approximately 20,000 saplings over a two-year period, covering a two-hectare area.
Wipro Consumer Acquires 3 Brands from VVF to Expand Personal Care Segment
Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting, part of Wipro Enterprises, announced the acquisition of three soap brands, Jo, Doy, and Bacter Shield, from Mumbai-based VVF India, to expand its personal care segment. This was the company's 15th acquisition so far and the third in the last 12 months.
The acquisition is a strategic expansion for Wipro in the personal wash segment. Jo toilet soap is a key brand with a significant play in the North, East, and West markets. Doy operates in the premium segment with differentiated positioning, and Bacter Shield has an antibacterial range of soap and hand wash. These brands together recorded a revenue of over Rs. 210 crore during FY23.
ACKO and PhonePe Collaborate to Make Insurance Accessible to Millions
ACKO General Insurance and PhonePe joined forces to revolutionise the landscape of insurance accessibility in India. This strategic collaboration aims to provide users with a comprehensive range of car and bike insurance products directly through the PhonePe platform. Beyond just convenience, the partnership reflects the shared commitment of both companies to democratise insurance, making it a readily available financial option for millions of PhonePe users.
The collaboration between ACKO and PhonePe is a strategic alliance that leverages the strengths of both entities. ACKO, known for its customer-centric approach, combined forces with PhonePe's extensive distribution network.
The New Nifty 50 Total Return Index
NSE Indices, a subsidiary of the National Stock Exchange's index services, launched a new variant of the Nifty 50 index. The Nifty 50 Net Total Return measures the performance of the Nifty 50 index, considering that the cash dividends and the gains from bonus issues are reinvested in the Nifty 50 index.
The new index aims to provide a more comprehensive view of the total returns of the Nifty 50 index, considering both the price appreciation of stocks and income from dividends.
The Nifty 50 Net Total Return index will be calculated in two currencies: the Indian Rupee (INR) and the US Dollar (USD).
Meta Platforms, IBM Create Industry Wide AI Alliance to Share Technology
Meta Platforms Inc. and International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) are joining more than 40 companies and organisations to create an industry group dedicated to open source artificial intelligence work, aiming to share technology and reduce risks.
The coalition, called the AI Alliance, will focus on the responsible development of AI technology, including safety and security tools. The group also will look to increase the number of open source AI models, rather than the proprietary systems favoured by some companies, develop new hardware and team up with academic researchers.
Figure Skating: Teenager Ilia Malinin Tops Men's Short Program at ISU Grand Prix Final
American teenager Ilia Malinin came first in the men's short programme at the Grand Prix Final in Beijing, beating reigning Japanese world champion Shoma Uno. Malinin scored 106.9, just 0.88 points above second-place Uno, which put him in the lead for the men's competition.
ICC Launches New Vibrant Logo for Men's and Women's T20 World Cup 2024
The ICC T20 World Cup underwent a dynamic makeover with the launch of its new brand identity. The transformation aims to encapsulate the inherent drama, fast-paced action and high-octane moments that define T20 cricket – a format celebrated for its relentless energy.
At the heart of the new identity lies a logo that ingeniously merges the iconic symbols of cricket – the bat, ball and the fervour that defines international T20 cricket. The 'T20' text seamlessly transforms into a striking batting stance, enclosed within a kinetic sphere, vividly portraying the heart-stopping drama inherent in each delivery.
ZPM leader Lalduhoma Sworn in as New Chief Minister of Mizoram
Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) leader Lalduhoma, took oath as the new Chief Minister of Mizoram, and became the first leader not belonging to either the Mizo National Front (MNF) or the Congress to hold that post. Several other ZPM leaders also took oath as ministers.
Mansukh Mandaviya Inaugurates 59th Fertiliser Association of India Annual Seminar 2023
Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Chemicals & Fertilisers and Health and Family Welfare inaugurated the 59th Fertiliser Association of India Annual Seminar 2023 in New Delhi. The theme of the seminar is 'Innovations in Fertiliser and Agriculture Sectors'.
Mandaviya informed that under the PM PRANAM initiative, a mass movement has started to save the health of Mother Earth by promoting sustainable and balanced use of fertilisers, adopting alternate fertilisers, promoting organic farming and implementing resource conservation technologies.
Revanth Reddy Takes Oath as Telangana CM, Approves Congress' 6 Poll Guarantees
After taking oath ad Telangana CM, Revanth Reddy began the process of implementing the Congress' six poll guarantees, and his second plan is to provide jobs to disabled women.
In Telangana, the Congress' six guarantees include financial assistance of Rs. 2,500 for women heads of households, an LPG cylinder at Rs. 500, 200 units of free electricity for all households, Rs. 15,000 per acre annually for farmers, Rs. 12,000 per year to agricultural labourers, a bonus of Rs. 500 per year for paddy crops, and Rs. 4,000 monthly pension for senior citizens.
Indian Army's Captain Geetika Koul Becomes First Woman medical Officer to be Deployed at Siachen
Captain Geetika Koul became the first woman medical officer in the Indian Army to be deployed at Siachen, the world's highest battlefield, the Fire and Fury Corps said.
This achievement follows her successful completion of rigorous induction training at the esteemed Siachen Battle School, which includes high-altitude acclimatisation, survival techniques, and specialised medical procedures.
Siachen, located in the northern Himalayas, poses challenges due to its strategic importance, harsh climate, and demanding terrain.
Indian-Origin Novelist Meira Chand Receives Singapore's Highest Arts Award
Indian-origin writer Meira Chand was among the three Singaporeans conferred the Cultural Medallion, the city-state's most prestigious arts accolade, in recognition of their artistic excellence and contribution to enriching the country's arts and culture.
Meira Chand, fellow novelist Suchen Christine Lim and Malay dance veteran Osman Abdul Hamid received the award from President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at a ceremony held at the Istana.
Meira Chand is an award-winning novelist known for her depiction of multicultural societies. Her 'The Painted Cage' (1986) was longlisted for the prestigious Booker Prize.
Transgender Students to Get free Education in Maharashtra Universities
Public universities across Maharashtra agreed to offer free education to students from the transgender community, in response to a directive from the state government.
Accordingly, students falling under this category will receive free education in these universities and affiliated colleges.
During a meeting with vice-chancellors of state universities, the Higher and Technical Education Minister, Chandrakant Patil, urged the universities to cover the complete fees of transgender students using their respective funds.
Defence Ministry Partners with ISB to Offer Scholarships for Ex-servicemen
In a groundbreaking move aimed at empowering and enhancing the skill set of ex-servicemen, the Defence Ministry announced a strategic collaboration with the prestigious Indian School of Business (ISB). The initiative, disclosed on the occasion of Armed Forces Flag Day, focuses on providing scholarships to military personnel transitioning to civilian life after retirement.
As part of this collaboration, ISB will extend a 50 percent tuition fee waiver across its postgraduate and advanced management programmes. This generous scholarship initiative is expected to benefit 22 ex-servicemen each academic year, fostering their academic pursuits and aiding their transition to civilian roles.
UGC Releases Draft Guidelines on Short-term Skill Courses
The University Grants Commission (UGC) approved the guidelines for the introduction of short-term skill development courses in higher educational institutes. The guidelines were prepared in line with the New Education Policy (NEP), 2020.
The objective of the guidelines is to formulate the premise for integrating skilling into higher education at all levels and for introducing short-term industry-relevant courses (certificate courses) in the Higher Educational Institutes (HEIs) to bridge the skill gap, and to provide holistic and specialised education with a focus on practical training, enabling individuals to acquire hands-on experience.
As per the draft guidelines, HEIs will offer credit-linked short-term skill development certificate courses of 3-6 months. A credit mechanism will be used by HEIs to design the course structure. A short-term skill development course in any stream will have to be at least 12 credits and a maximum of 30 credits. The short-term skill development course must have a greater focus on practical learning.
Wax Statue of Baba Ambedkar Installed in Jaipur Wax Museum
In a significant tribute to the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, B. R. Ambedkar, a wax statue was unveiled at the Jaipur Wax Museum, Nahargarh Fort. The wax statue was inaugurated on December 6, coinciding with Mahaparinirvan Day, commemorating the passing of Baba Saheb Ambedkar.
With the inclusion of the wax statue of Baba Saheb Ambedkar, the Jaipur Wax Museum now boasts a collection 43 wax figures of prominent personalities. Notably, it holds the distinction of being the wax museum in the world situated within a "heritage site" – the historic Nahargarh Fort.
Government Decides to Implement Component of 'Nari Adalat' in Phased Manner
Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani informed the Rajya Sabha that the Government decided to implement the component of 'Nari Adalat' in a phased manner under Mission Shakti.
In the first phase, Assam and the Union Jammu and Kashmir were selected by her Ministry to implement the component of 'Nari Adalat'. She said, in Jammu and Kashmir, it is being implemented in two aspirational districts -Kupwara and Baramulla and in Assam, seven districts namely Barpeta, Goalpara, South Salmara Mankachar, Udalguri, Darrang, Morigaon and Kamrup were covered under it.
The Central government is implementing 'Mission Shakti' as an umbrella scheme for the safety, security and empowerment of women.
Madras High Court Dismisses Plea for Reservation in Appointment of Law Officers
The Madras High Court held that while appointing Law Officers to the High Court and its Madurai Bench, merit should be the sole consideration, without any scope for reservation, vertical or horizontal.
In dismissing the pleas, a bench of Chief Justice S. V. Gangapurwala and Justice Bharatha Chakravarthy observed that the appointment of Law Officers by the government was not a civil post and the officers were not employees of the Government. Thus, while selecting Law Officers, the Government had to select the most competent, capable, and meritorious lawyers to represent them as Law Officers.
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