NTPC to Set up India's Largest Green Hydrogen Production Facility in Andhra Pradesh
Power sector PSU and India's largest integrated power company NTPC Limited signed a land lease agreement with Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) for setting up 'Integrated Green Hydrogen Hub', India's largest green hydrogen production facility near Visakhapatnam.
The hub will come up on 1,200 acres of land near Pudimadaka village of Atchutapuram mandal in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
The Pudimadaka Green Hydrogen Hub aims to create a world-class ecosystem for technologies in the new energy paradigm, such as electrolyser and fuel cell manufacturing, related ancillary industries, and start-up, incubation, testing facilities, production and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives such as green ammonia and green methanol.
Bandhan Bank appointed Citi India executive Rajeev Mantri as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Mantri, a veteran banker with over 25 years of experience across India, Singapore and UAE, will be the key managerial personnel at the Kolkata-based private lender.
Mantri replaced Abhijit Ghosh who was acting as the Interim CFO.
Myntra Names Venu Nair as Chief of Strategic Partnerships and Omnichannel
Myntra appointed Venu Nair as its chief of strategic partnerships and omnichannel. Nair brings with him more than 30 years of experience in retail, sourcing, business analysis and strategy. He joined Myntra's senior leadership team where he is responsible for strengthening Myntra's existing international brands portfolio. He would also help build strategic partnerships with leading global brands and will be managing the omnichannel strategy for brands.
He will work closely with a team of professionals, towards forging stronger partnerships. This will further elevate Myntra's position as the strategic partner of choice for fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands, as they look at tapping into the burgeoning potential of the Indian market.
SJVN Inaugurates 50 MW Gujrai Solar Power Plant In Uttar Pradesh
SJVN Limited, a Mini Ratna, Category-I and Schedule 'A' Central public sector enterprise under the administrative control of Ministry of Power, Government of India, marked a significant milestone in its journey towards sustainable energy solutions. In February, SJVN announced the commencement of successful commercial operations of its 50 MW Gujrai Solar Power Station in Kanpur Dehat, Uttar Pradesh.
With the inauguration of the Gujrai Solar Power Station, SJVN's total installed power capacity now stands at 2,277 MW.
This latest addition underscores the company's commitment to expanding its renewable energy portfolio and contributing to India's energy transition.
Pramod Bhagat, Sukant Kadam Reach Para Worlds Semi-finals
Pramod Bhagat and Sukant Kadam reached the semi-finals of the Para Badminton World Championships in Thailand assuring of at least a medal each.
Bhagat defeated France's Mathieu Thomas 21-15, 21-17 and Kadam got the better of Nigeria's Chigozie Jeremiah Nnanna 21-13, 21-11.
Jacintha Kalyan Makes History as India's First Female Pitch Curator
In a groundbreaking move for Indian cricket, Jacintha Kalyan etched her name in the annals of sports history as the country's first female pitch curator.
Jacintha Kalyan's journey to becoming India's first female curator is nothing short of inspiring.
Previously serving in the administrative sector, Kalyan made a bold transition to curatorship driven by her unwavering passion for the game. Undeterred by the challenges and comments about being the sole woman in her role, she remains focused on her task, poised to leave her mark on the cricketing landscape.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Launches Annual Capacity Building Plan
To strengthen capacity building and holistic development, Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched an annual capacity-building plan to provide citizen-centric behavioural training to Indian Railways officials and frontline workers of the ministries under him.
The Annual Capacity Building Plan for the Ministry of Railways is intended to enhance the skills and knowledge of railway employees to increase efficiency and improve service delivery.
It focuses on the development of organisational capabilities, including the implementation of new technologies, improving customer service, and promoting a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
Govt Appoints A. S. Rajeev as Vigilance Commissioner
The government appointed Bank of Maharashtra MD and CEO A. S. Rajeev as Vigilance Commissioner.
In view of the above, Rajeev was relieved from the bank. The bank's board and management committee entrusted two Executive Directors to look after financial and administrative powers and functions of the bank till such time regular MD & CEO is appointed by the government.
Under the CVC Act, the Central Vigilance Commission was expanded to three members: the Central Vigilance Commissioner and two Vigilance Commissioners.
Indian and Sri Lankan coast guard ships joined the Dosti 16 exercise held in the Maldives from February 22-25. This year (2024) marked a significant development with Bangladesh participating as an observer, indicating a widening scope for the exercise and underlining the growing importance of maritime collaboration in tackling evolving challenges.
Dosti exercise, which began in 1991 between India and Maldives, aims to enhance mutual operational capabilities and promote cooperation in maritime emergencies.
Sri Lanka's inclusion in 2012 broadened the exercise's focus, emphasising collaborative efforts in sea accident management, pollution control, and coast guard protocols.
In a step closer to implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), a controversial legal framework aimed at standardising laws across all communities in India, Assam scraped off Muslim Marriage Act.
Providing information of the removal of the Assam Muslim Marriage & Divorce Registration Act 1935, the state Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the Assam cabinet made a significant decision to repeal the age-old Assam Muslim Marriages & Divorces Registration Act.
This act contained provisions allowing marriage registration even if the bride and groom had not reached the legal ages of 18 and 21, as required by law.
CBSE Plans Open-Book Exams in Selected Schools for Classes 9 to 12
According to reports, the CBSE will be rolling out a pilot programme that could reshape the Indian examination system—open book exams. Under this system, while taking exams, students will be allowed to refer to material like their class notes and text books, as well as other educational resources.
The pilot programme will conduct open book exams in English and Mathematics at selected schools for students in Classes 9-12, as well as in Science for students in Class 9 and 10 and in Biology for students in Class 11 and 12. Reports say that the CBSE is looking to finalise the development of this programme by June 2025, with the pilot exam being conducted in November 2024.
However, officials have also reportedly also clarified the limited scope—for now, the CBSE has no plans to adopt the open-book system for major exams like the 10th and 12th Boards.
Nokia and IISc Partner for 6G Research and Development in Bengaluru
In a partnership, Nokia and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) united to pioneer 6G technology research and its real-world applications, with a particular focus on India.
This collaboration, headquartered at Nokia's newly inaugurated 6G Lab in Bengaluru, will delve into various facets of 6G technology, from radio technologies to architecture, while integrating machine learning into the 6G air interface.
India's First Gati Shakti Research Chair Established at IIM Shillong
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Shillong to set up India's first 'Gati Shakti Research Chair'.
This initiative aims to enhance academic research in multimodal logistics, particularly focusing on the north-eastern region.
The Chair will contribute towards high-quality academic research on multimodal logistics with a North-East focus: building knowledge on multimodal logistics development strategies and practice in the north-eastern region, facilitate knowledge and innovation for logistical capacity building in the region.
Logo for 7th North East Youth Festival 2024 Unveiled
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports officially unveiled the logo for the highly anticipated 7th North East Youth Festival 2024. The emblem beautifully encapsulates the vibrant essence of the north-eastern states, marking a tribute to the rich cultural tapestry of the region. Moreover, the festival chose the Phayre's leaf monkey as its mascot, further symbolising the unique biodiversity and heritage of the north east.
Scheduled to take place in Tripura from February 26 to 29, this four-day cultural gala promises to be a spectacular convergence of youth, art, and tradition. The festival is set to bring together youth representatives from across the eight states in the north-eastern region, including participants from the National Service Scheme (NSS) and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS).