Philippines Becomes First Asian Country to Ratify ILO Convention to End Workplace Violence and Harassment
The Philippines achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Asian country to ratify the Violence and Harassment Convention 2019 (No. 190) as announced by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The convention addresses workplace violence and harassment comprehensively, marking a crucial step towards ensuring safe and respectful work environments globally.
The Philippines deposited the instrument of ratification with ILO Deputy Director-General Celeste Drake, signifying its commitment to combating workplace violence and harassment.
By ratifying Convention No. 190, the Philippines joined 37 other nations in the world that have taken a stance against workplace violence and harassment.
Uttar Pradesh to Set up First Turtle Conservation Reserve
The Forest Department in Uttar Pradesh's Gonda district, in collaboration with the Turtle Survival Alliance Foundation India, is initiating a conservation effort. This endeavour aims to establish a turtle conservation reserve along the Sarju River, a tributary of the Ghaghra river. Gonda district is known for its turtle diversity, making it an ideal location for such a conservation effort.
Shailendra Singh, the Director of the Turtle Survival Alliance Foundation India, highlighted the biodiversity of the Sarju River. Notably, Sarju is home to nine turtle species, with eight of them listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.
Grasim Industries, the flagship firm of Aditya Birla Group, announced its entry into the decorative paint business in India with the launch of the new brand 'Birla Opus'. The company is aiming for revenue of Rs. 10,000 crore in three years of full-scale operations. The company has also inaugurated three Birla Opus plants at Panipat (Haryana), Ludhiana (Punjab), and Cheyyar (Tamil Nadu).
India Surpasses China as HSBC's Third-Largest Profit Hub
In 2023, India surpassed China and became HSBC's third-largest profit hub, showcasing a remarkable surge in profitability. The fiscal year ending December 2023 saw India's profits soar by 25% to reach an impressive $1.5 billion. HSBC's annual report for the fiscal year ending December 2023 unveiled key insights into India's exceptional performance.
Factors Driving India's Profit Surge:
Reduction in Credit Loss Provisions: Anticipated credit loss provisions decreased significantly from $90 million in 2022 to $51 million in 2023, contributing to improved profitability.
Robust Performance in Global Banking and Markets: The segment witnessed a notable 24% increase in profit, reaching $774 million in 2023, up from $622 million the previous year.
Remarkable Growth in Commercial Banking: Catering to SMEs, the commercial banking sector experienced a remarkable 31% surge in pre-tax profit, reaching $398 million.
India Women's Chief Hockey Coach Janneke Schopman Resigns from Post
Janneke Schopman, chief coach of the Indian women's hockey team, resigned from her post. The Dutch coach submitted her resignation to Hockey India President Padma Dilip Tirkey after the conclusion of the Indian women's hockey team's outing in the home leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League in Odisha.
She had taken charge from former chief coach Sjoerd Marine under whose leadership India finished in a historic fourth position at the Tokyo Olympics.
Indian Golfer Tvesa Malik Clinches Maiden International Title in South Africa
Indian golfer Tvesa Malik, clinched her first international title, with a three-shot win in the SuperSport Ladies Challenge, the opening event of the Sunshine Ladies Golf Tour in South Africa.
Tvesa became the second Indian after Diksha Dagar to win in South Africa. Diksha Dagar won the Women's South African Open in 2019.
Japan Commits Rs. 12,800 Crore for Diverse Projects in India
The Japanese government committed a loan of 232.209 billion yen (about Rs. 12,800 crore) for nine projects related to various sectors in India.
The projects included North East Road Network Connectivity, Project for Promoting Start-up and Innovation in Telangana, Project for the Construction of Chennai Peripheral Ring Road, Project for Promoting Sustainable Horticulture in Haryana and Project for Climate Change Response and ecosystem Services Enhancement in Rajasthan.
The road network connectivity projects aim to improve infrastructure development in India's north-east region, while the Chennai peripheral ring road project aims to alleviate traffic congestion and strengthen connections to the southern part of the state.
The agreement to this effect was signed between Vikas Sheel, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, and Suzuki Hiroshi, Ambassador of Japan to India.
The project in Nagaland will help develop tertiary level medical service delivery by developing a medical college hospital contributing towards universal health coverage. A unique project in Telangana will help discover entrepreneurial skills with focus on women and rural population and support business expansion of MSMEs.
Election Commission of India Assigns New Symbol to Sharad Pawar's NCP Faction
The Election Commission allotted a new symbol for Sharad Pawar's faction of the Nationalist Congress Party.
Sharad Pawar's faction of the NCP was allotted the symbol of 'Man Blowing Turha'.
ADB Funds $23 Million for Fintech Advancement in Gujarat
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) sanctioned a USD 23 million loan aimed at bolstering fintech education, research, and innovation within the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT) in India.
GIFT, a state-owned enterprise, serves as a hub for nurturing fintech ecosystems and financial services in India, being the nation's premier international financial services centre.
The Army is converting its Headquarters Uttar Bharat (HQ UB) area into a full-fledged operational corps — a move that will shift its focus towards operations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) from its current responsibility of peacetime duties.
Based in Bareilly, the HQ UB area is currently a static formation looking after peacetime locations and training establishments of Uttarakhand and western Uttar Pradesh, in addition to the LAC running along Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand — also referred to as the central theatre.
HAL, DRDO to Begin Rs. 60,000 Crore Sukhoi Fighter Jet Fleet Upgrade
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) supported by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), secured approval from the defence ministry for a major upgrade of the Su-30MKI fighter jet fleet.
This Rs. 60,000 crore project aims to bolster the aircraft's capabilities through the integration of new radars, mission control systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and weapon systems.
Germany's Andreas Brehme, 1990 World Cup Winning Goal Scorer, Passes Away
The world of football mourned the loss of one of its most celebrated figures, Andreas Brehme, who passed away at the age of 63. He is fondly remembered as Germany's World Cup hero of 1990.
Brehme etched his name into football history during the 1990 World Cup final, where his late penalty secured a 1-0 victory for West Germany over Argentina, led by the legendary Diego Maradona. It was a moment of triumph that united a nation, amidst the backdrop of Germany's reunification following the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Throughout his career, Brehme exemplified the values of teamwork, loyalty, and dedication. His infectious love for the game endeared him to fans and earned the respect of teammates and opponents alike. His contributions to German football, both as a player and a coach, will be remembered for generations to come.
Central Excise Day is celebrated in India on February 24 every year. This day is dedicated to the establishment of the Central Excise and Salt Act of 1944.
The day was first observed in 1944, and it is celebrated to commemorate the contributions of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) to the country.
Yana Mir, a social activist and journalist from Jammu and Kashmir, speaking at an event hosted by the Jammu and Kashmir Study Centre in the UK, she asserted that she was not Malala Yusufzai and was safe in India.
At the event in the UK Parliament, Mir received the Diversity Ambassador Award from UK MP Theresa Villiers in the presence of MPs Bob Blackman and Virendra Sharma. Yana Mir is an activist, journalist, and TedX speaker from Srinagar.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from IEC University and an MBA from the University of Mumbai.
She is also the Vice President of All JK Youth Society (AJKYS), a social welfare wing of the Zaberwan Group, which is committed to working for the welfare, safety, and empowerment of the youth across the Kashmir Valley.
Inauguration of Rashtriya Udyamita Vikas Pariyojana: Empowering PM SVANidhi Beneficiaries
Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the Rashtriya Udyamita Vikas Pariyojana in Sambalpur, Odisha. The initiative, launched virtually across 9 cities, aims to empower beneficiaries of the PM SVANidhi scheme nationwide.
Objectives of Rashtriya Udyamita Vikas Pariyojana: Entrepreneurship Training: Provide comprehensive entrepreneurship training to create job providers instead of job seekers.
Reskilling and Upskilling: Adapt individuals to the evolving job market by enhancing competitiveness and adaptability.
Duration and Methodology: Offer a 22-week training program combining theoretical knowledge with practical exposure through offline, online, and hybrid modes.
Certification: Award certificates upon completion to enhance the course's credibility and value.
IIT Jodhpur Develops First Make in India Sensor for Alcohol Detection
Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur researchers developed the first "Make in India" human breath sensor based on metal oxides and nano silicon operating at room temperature. The device's primary function is to measure alcohol content in the breath in drunk and driving cases. However, with some changes in sensing layers and the use of an array of sensors (for Electronic Nose or Artificial Nose), and data analytics, it can also be very useful for characterisation of diseases, such as asthma, diabetic ketoacidosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep apnea, and cardiac arrest, where the person's breath volatile organic compounds are monitored.
The existing sensors are based on fuel cell-based technology or metal oxide technology. Hence, it motivated the researchers to take up the work and develop a breath VOC sensor whose cost will be less than the existing fuel cell technology-based device.
Tribal Festival 'Sammakka Saralamma Jatara' Kicks Off In Telangana
The Medaram Jatara, known as Sammakka Saralamma Jatara', was held in Medaram, Mulugu district, showcasing Telangana's rich tribal heritage. This four-day event, considered the world's largest tribal gathering, attracts pilgrims to the remote village of Medaram once every two years.
The Medaram Jatara holds historical significance as it commemorates the struggle of a mother and daughter duo, Sammakka and Saralamma, against unjust rulers. Their courage and resilience have been immortalised through this festival, symbolising the spirit of tribal communities.
The scale of the Medaram Jatara is staggering, with around one crore pilgrims visit Medaram during the four-day festival. People from various tribal communities, not only from Telangana but also from states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and parts of Jharkhand, make the journey to participate in this celebration of faith and culture.
The significance of the Medaram Jatara is such that it was declared a state festival in 1998, highlighting its cultural and religious importance. This recognition underscores the festival's role in preserving and promoting tribal heritage and traditions.
Dubai Rolls Out 5-Year Multiple Entry Visa for Indian Tourists
According to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Dubai introduced a five-year multiple-entry visa to boost travel between India and the Gulf nation.
In 2023, Dubai welcomed 2.46 million overnight visitors from India, which is a 25 per cent increase from the pre-pandemic era. This made the country the number one source market, according to the latest data from DET.
This step ensures that the visa, issued within 2-5 working days upon receiving and accepting the service request, allows its holder to stay in the country for 90 days, extendable once for a similar period, with a total stay not exceeding 180 days in one year.