Kazakhstan's President Appoints New Prime Minister
Kazakhstan's President appointed his chief of staff as the new Prime Minister, the day after he dismissed the Central Asian country's government.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev had criticised the ministers last year (2023) and blamed the Cabinet for failing to stem inflation and to improve the country's aging infrastructure.
Tokayev named chief of staff Olzhas Bektenov who replaced Alikhan Smailov as Prime Minister. The ruling Amanat party nominated Bektenov, who previously led the country's anti-corruption agency, and the national parliament quickly gave its approval.
Smailov was named Prime Minister in the wake of violent protests in January 2022 that left 225 people dead.
Judge Julia Sebutinde Elected Vice-President of the International Court of Justice
Judge Julia Sebutinde (Uganda) was elected Vice President of the International Court of Justice, for a term of three years.
Sebutinde has been a Member of the Court since 6 February 2012. Before joining the Court, Sebutinde was a judge at the Special Court for Sierra Leone from 2005 to 2011.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It was established by the United Nations Charter in June 1945 and began its activities in April 1946. The Court is composed of 15 judges elected for a nine-year term by the General Assembly and the Security Council of the United Nations. The seat of the Court is at the Peace Palace in The Hague (Netherlands).
Israeli Researchers Uncover Underwater Canyon Near Cyprus
The Geological Institute of Israel made a groundbreaking discovery near Cyprus, uncovering an underwater canyon of unprecedented proportions. Named Eratosthenes after the nearby underwater mountain, this canyon sheds new light on the geological history of the Mediterranean region.
Eratosthenes Canyon is a relic of the past, dating back approximately 5.5 million years to the Messinian Event. This pivotal period in Earth's history marked a significant geological transformation, known as the Messinian salinity crisis.
Mukesh Ambani Tops Global Brand Guardianship Index 2024
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) Chairman and Managing Director, Mukesh Ambani, secured the top position among Indians and second globally in the Brand Guardianship Index 2024, as unveiled by Brand Finance in its latest survey.
With a Brand Guardianship Index (BGI) score of 80.3, Mukesh Ambani outshone notable global corporate leaders, including Microsoft's Satya Nadella, Sundar Pichai of Google, Apple's Tim Cook, and Tesla's Elon Musk. The survey placed Ambani just below Huateng Ma of China-based Tencent, who clinched the top spot with a BGI score of 81.6.
The Brand Guardianship Index, crafted by Brand Finance, is a prestigious global platform that acknowledges CEOs who effectively and sustainably enhance their business's value. This achievement requires CEOs to skilfully manage the expectations and needs of various stakeholders, including employees, investors, and the wider community, ensuring a harmonious balance.
HDFC Bank Receives RBI Approval for Stake Acquisition in Six Banks
HDFC Bank and its affiliated companies obtained approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to acquire stakes in six prominent banks. This approval grants HDFC Bank and its group entities the authority to acquire an aggregate stake of up to 9.5% in ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, IndusInd Bank, Yes Bank, Bandhan Bank, and Suryoday Small Finance Bank (SFB). The approval, valid until February 2025, follows applications submitted by the bank as a promoter or sponsor of the group in December 2023.
The approval encompasses HDFC Bank and its group entities, including HDFC Mutual Fund, HDFC Life Insurance, and HDFC ERGO General Insurance.
The approval allows acquisitions within the normal course of business for these respective group entities.
HDFC Bank is required to ensure that the aggregate holding in the mentioned banks does not surpass 9.5% of the paid-up share capital or voting rights of the respective banks at any given time.
Tata AIA Life Insurance Appoints Venkatachalam H as New CEO and MD
Tata AIA Life Insurance Company Limited announced the appointment of Venkatachalam H as its new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. This appointment is subject to regulatory approval from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). Venkatachalam H, also called Venky, brings over 27 years of experience in the life insurance, asset management, and custodial services sectors.
Venkatachalam H worked in various domains, including sales & distribution, strategy, business development, and key account management. He joined Tata AIA in 2016 and served as president and chief distribution officer in his previous role.
Google is reportedly planning to rename its artificial intelligence (AI) assistant Bard to Gemini. The software giant would call Bard AI as Gemini, matching the name of the foundation model powering the assistant.
After getting rebranded from Bard to Gemini, Google's AI chatbot will also likely get an Android app.
Mohsin Naqvi Pakistan Cricket Board's New Chairman
The Pakistan Cricket Board announced Mohsin Naqvi as the new Chairman of the board. Mohsin, Punjab province's caretaker Chief Minister, was unanimously elected for the top job for a three-year term.
Mohsin Naqvi is the fourth Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman in the last 4 years as instability in the administration has been a major talking point in the past. Ramiz Raja took charge in September 2021 and he was followed by Najam Sethi and Zaka Ashraf.
The election of Mohsin Naqvi came after the tenure of the interim management committee which has run the Board affairs since December 2022 came to an end on February 4.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India Energy Week 2024 in Goa and also dedicated to the nation the permanent campus of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) apart from laying foundation stones for various projects costing more than Rs. 1,330 crore.
PM Modi also addressed Viksit Bharat, Viksit Goa 2047 programme.
The PM inaugurated the ONGC Sea Survival Centre at Betul village in South Goa.
EC Gives NCP Name, Symbol to Ajit Pawar Group
Ahead of the 2024 General Elections, the Election Commission (EC) ended the long-running dispute between the Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) Ajit Pawar faction and the Sharad Pawar faction.
The election body gave the Ajit Pawar camp the party's name and symbol, a decision that came after more than 10 hearings of distinguished legal teams.
Further, Sharad Pawar was provided special concession to name his new political formation in view of imminent Rajya Sabha elections, which was to be utilised by February 7, 2024.
The EC noted that the 'test of legislative majority' helped Ajit Pawar faction clinch NCP symbol in view of disputed internal organisational elections.
India to Fence Indo-Myanmar Border for Enhanced Security
Effectively putting an end to the free movement regime or FMR with Myanmar, which allows people on both sides to venture 16 km into each other's territory without any document, the Union Government said that the entire 1,643 km long Indo-Myanmar border will be fenced.
The decision to construct a fence along the entire 1643-kilometre-long Indo-Myanmar border would facilitate better surveillance, and a patrol track along the border will also be paved.
Out of the total border length, a 10-km stretch in Moreh, Manipur, has already been fenced.
India Seals Major Artillery Deal with Saudi Arabia
India entered a pivotal chapter in its defense export narrative by securing a lucrative $225 million deal to supply artillery rounds to the Saudi Arabian Ground Forces. The agreement signed between Nadrah Company and Munitions India, marked a significant stride in India's global military outreach and economic prowess. The deal is touted as one of the largest Indian defense export orders, reflecting the South Asian nation's growing influence in the international defense market.
This deal not only showcases India's substantial artillery ammunition production capabilities but also its commitment to producing high-quality, reliable military equipment. India currently ranks third in the world in terms of artillery ammunition production, surpassed only by China and Russia, and stands ahead of the United States and North Korea.
Every year, from February 1 to 7, the world commemorates World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW), a time dedicated to fostering mutual understanding, peace, and harmony among people of different faiths. Instituted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010, this week-long observance highlights the crucial role of interfaith dialogue in building a culture of peace and nonviolence.
The concept of World Interfaith Harmony Week was first proposed by King Abdullah II of Jordan at the United Nations in 2010. Recognizing the urgent need for fostering better relationships between diverse religious groups, the proposal was swiftly adopted by the UN General Assembly through resolution A/RES/65/5. This initiative calls upon governments, institutions, and civil society to promote the objectives of WIHW through various programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation.
The theme for World Interfaith Harmony Week 2024, as organised by the UNGA, is 'Uniting for Peace'.
REC Secures Best Green Bond - Corporate Award at the Asset Triple A Awards 2024
REC Limited, a Maharatna central public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Power and a leading NBFC, was bestowed with the prestigious Best Green Bond - Corporate Award at The Asset Triple A Awards for Sustainable Finance 2024.
REC received the award for issuance of $750 million USD Green Bonds in April 2023 which was also the first USD Green Bond issuance from India post India's assumption of G20 Presidency and the largest ever Senior Green Bond Tranche by a South or South-East Asian issuer.
The award underscores REC Limited's unwavering commitment to sophisticated capital market instruments and customized financing solutions in advancing sustainable finance and fostering environmental stewardship. This recognition represents a milestone in REC Limited's dedication to support initiatives that drive positive environmental impact and foster sustainable development.
Rajya Sabha Passes Bill to Amend Water Act, Decriminalise Minor Pollution-linked Crimes
The Rajya Sabha passed the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill, which seeks to decriminalise minor offences related to water pollution, and exempt certain categories of industrial plants from statutory restrictions.
The Bill, which seeks to amend the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, was approved by the Rajya Sabha by voice vote.
According to the Bill, the central government will be empowered to exempt certain categories of industrial plants from the application of Section 25 relating to restriction on new outlets and new discharges.
According to the proposed law, the central government will prescribe the manner of nomination of chairpersons of State Pollution Control Boards. It also empowers the central government to issue guidelines on the matters relating to the grant, refusal or cancellation of consent by any state board for establishment of any industry, operation or process, or treatment and disposal system or bringing into use of new or altered outlets.
Rajya Sabha Passes Bills Seeking to Modify SC/ST List in Odisha and Andhra
The Rajya Sabha passed two Bills, which seek to modify the list of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
The Upper House cleared the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Constitution (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024, by voice vote.
The first Bill seeks to modify the SC/ST list in Andhra Pradesh, while the second seeks to modify the SC/ST list in Odisha. Both bills were piloted by Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda.
Munda said that both Bills were brought with long-term planning. In Andhra Pradesh, three more ethnic groups — Bondo Porja, Khond Porja, Parangiperja — were added to the list of STs. While in Odisha, four groups were in the list. All these are Primitive Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and they have been added to the scheduled list after 75 years of Independence.
There are 75 PVTGs which are spread from Andaman Island to the mainland. The government has started a scheme and worked in mission mode with a target to reach them in the far-flung areas in which they reside.
Former Chief Justice of India U.U. Lalit Joins K.R. Mangalam University
K.R. Mangalam University proudly announced the appointment of the distinguished former Chief Justice of India, Justice U.U. Lalit, as the eminent jurist and distinguished professor at the School of Legal Studies. This significant development followed closely on the heels of the university securing the 2nd position in Haryana, according to the BW Legal World Law School Rankings 2022, affirming its commitment to delivering unparalleled legal education.
Justice U.U. Lalit's appointment is not merely an addition to the faculty but a monumental step in enhancing the quality and depth of legal education at K.R. Mangalam University. With an illustrious career that spans several decades at the highest echelons of India's legal system, Justice Lalit brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a profound understanding of the law that will benefit the students immensely.
IIT-Delhi, Oil India Limited Launch 'DriftTECH'
The Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi collaborated with Oil India Limited and launched 'DriftTECH'. DriftTECH, according to IIT Delhi, is a strategically designed programme to address the dynamic challenges in the deep-tech and energy sectors. It aims to catalyse the development and implementation of cutting-edge solutions.
The programme seeks to provide support through a 24-month-long incubation course in a physical interaction mode to support prototype and above-level start-ups' bringing innovative and impactful solutions to solve real-world sustainability challenges.
AICTE Urged to Exempt BBA, BCA Colleges from Seeking Its Approval
The Federation of Self-Financing Technical Institutions and the All India and Punjab Unaided Colleges Association have urged the All India Council of Technical Education to exempt BBA and BCA colleges from seeking its approval.
The Federation of Self-Financing Technical Institutions President Dr Anshu Kataria and Amit Sharma, the senior vice-president of the Punjab Unaided Colleges Association, met All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) Member Secretary Rajive Kumar and highlighted that BBA, BCA and BMS courses have never been part of it since the passing of the AICTE Act in 1987.
CDS Anil Chauhan Reveals AI, National Security Book in Pune
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan made a significant announcement at the Defence Literature Festival, 'Kalam and Kavach', in Pune. He unveiled a groundbreaking book titled 'Artificial Intelligence and National Security' by Col Amit Sinha and Vijay Khare, marking a pivotal moment in blending India's rich cultural heritage with contemporary national security strategies.
The festival, hosted by Army Southern Command at the prestigious RSAMI Institute, Pune, showcased a remarkable fusion of tradition and innovation in the realm of national security. General Anil Chauhan, the Chief Guest, emphasised the importance of integrating age-old wisdom with modern military tactics.
Now Indian Tourists can Visit Iran without Visa for up to 15 Days
The Iranian government announced a visa-free travel regime for Indian tourists entering the country by air and staying for a maximum of 15 days.
The government of Iran abolished visas for Indian citizens from February 4 subject to four conditions, the Iranian embassy in India said.
According to the new rules, Indians with ordinary passports will be allowed to enter Iran without a visa once every six months, with a maximum stay of 15 days.
The visa abolition specifically applies to Indian nationals who enter Iran by air, and applies only to those going there for tourism. As per the rules, Indian nationals who wish to stay for a longer period, or want to make multiple entries within six months, or require other types of permissions, must obtain necessary visas from the Iranian missions in India.
Rajendra Prasad Gupta Rajasthan's New Advocate General
Rajasthan welcomed Senior Advocate Rajendra Prasad Gupta as its new Advocate General, following the approval of his appointment by Governor Kalraj Mishra. This appointment marked a significant transition in the state's legal leadership, filling the vacancy left after the change of government in December 2023. Rajendra Prasad Gupta stepped into the role previously held by M. S. Singhvi, on a new chapter as the 19th Advocate General of Rajasthan.
The Office of the Advocate General of Rajasthan was established with the formation of the State of Rajasthan under the States Reorganisation Act 1956, coinciding with the establishment of the Rajasthan High Court. Since its inception, the office has played a crucial role in representing the Government of Rajasthan in legal matters. Late G. C. Kasliwal was the first Advocate General of the state. The principal seat of the Rajasthan High Court is located in Jodhpur, with a division bench in Jaipur.