Bisleri Partners with Goa for Improved Waste Management
Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. partnered with the Government of Goa to improve waste management in Mormugao, Vasco. This collaboration was solidified during the Green Goa Summit 2024, where a Letter of Intent (LOI) was exchanged between Bisleri and the Goa State Pollution Control Board, with the presence of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. The partnership aims to enhance plastic waste management under Bisleri's CSR initiative, 'Bottles for Change,' focusing on sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
The initiative involves the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC), Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC), and SampurnEURarth Environment Solution Pvt. Ltd., Bisleri's local waste management partner.
The collaboration focuses on educating residents, businesses, and institutions about effective waste management, improving dry and plastic waste collection, segregation, and recycling processes, and training staff at Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs). The partnership also supports SHG-run recovery facilities at Harvalem and aims to establish mechanisms for monitoring and reporting the initiative's effectiveness.
Europe, Asia Dominate List of Top 10 Nations in 2024 by GDP per Capita
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts a stable yet cautious trajectory for the global economy in 2024, with growth expected to maintain a pace of 3.2 per cent throughout 2024 and 2025, consistent with 2023 levels.
As 2024 draws to a close, the IMF also released updated projections, highlighting the world's wealthiest nations ranked by purchasing power parity (PPP) per capita.
Luxembourg stands as the world's wealthiest nation, boasting a GDP per capita of $143,742, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Next on the list is Macau, a special administrative region of China, with a GDP per capita of approximately $134,140.
the third country in the list of top 10 countries ranked by GDP per capita based on purchasing power parity (PPP) is Ireland, followed by Singapore, Qatar, the UAE, Switzerland, San Marino, the US, and Norway.
AU Small Finance Bank Applies for Transition to Universal Bank
AU Small Finance Bank submitted its application to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to transition from a small finance bank (SFB) to a universal bank.
This application came as AU SFB is in the process of merging with Fincare SFB, as announced earlier in 2024.
Conversion to a universal bank is seen as a significant step for many SFBs, which feel constrained by geographical limitations and lending caps. Currently, SFBs must allocate at least 75 percent of their loans to amounts below Rs 25 lakh, and maintain at least 25 percent of their branches in underserved rural areas. In contrast, universal banks face no such restrictions, though they must still ensure that 40 percent of their loans are directed towards priority sectors like agriculture and MSMEs.
SEBI Sets Up New Expert Group of 22 Members on Listing Obligations
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has set up a 22-member advisory committee to streamline the rules for listing obligations and disclosures. The expert group will be chaired by R. Gandhi, former deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The committee will advise SEBI on corporate governance, harmonisation of listing and post-listing obligations, and disclosure requirements.
Other members include N. K. Dua (joint director in ministry of corporate affairs), Keki Mistry (HDFC Bank's non-executive director), stock exchange heads, proxy advisory firm managing directors, and representatives from industry bodies, corporates, and legal experts.
Anuya Prasad Wins Gold at World Deaf Shooting Championship
In a gripping final at the second World Deaf Shooting Championship in Hannover, Germany, teenage shooter Anuya Prasad from Jaipur secured the gold medal in the women's air pistol event.
The 17-year-old, a first-year Visual Arts student at Rajasthan University, clinched victory with a nail-biting last shot scoring 10.3, narrowly beating Sofia Olenych of Ukraine by just 0.1 point. Anuya finished with a total of 232.2 points (552), while Olenych scored 232.1 points (551). Ukrainian shooter Halyna Mosina took the bronze with 208.5 points (554).
India's Pranjali Dhumal, who had set a world record with a qualification score of 568, ended up fourth in the final. Despite her impressive performance, she was edged out by another Ukrainian competitor, Halyna Mosina.
Harvinder Singh Wins a Historic Archery Gold for India
Harvinder Singh went where no Indian archer had gone before in the history of the Paralympics or Olympics. In a sport that has been synonymous with heartbreaks and missed opportunities over the years, Harvinder clinched gold in Para Archery – Men's Individual Recurve Open event at the Paris Paralympics 2024.
Harvinder did so by saving his best for the last in the final against Poland's Lukasz Ciszek. He shot 9, 9, 10 in Set 1. He shot 9, 9, 10 in Set 2. Then, with the finish line in sight, he shot 10, 10, 9. In recurve archery over 70m, to not shoot a single arrow outside the gold zone on the target was a stunning display of high-pressure match play.
Nigerian Makes Badminton History for Africa
Eighteen-year-old Mariam Eniola Bolaji is the first African to win a medal in badminton at the Paralympics - a feat yet to be achieved at the Olympics by an African competitor.
The Nigerian won bronze in the women's SL3 Para-badminton.
Bolaji has reduced mobility in her left leg after it was damaged in a car crash when she was a child.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Launches AgriSURE Fund
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the AgriSURE Fund and Krishi Nivesh Portal in New Delhi.
The AgriSURE Fund aims to support those start-ups that works towards the development in agriculture-boosting ideas and plans. Through this, the government wants to bring a boost to the agriculture sector.
"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, we have helped launch many start-ups to help bring about a positive change in the agriculture sector," Chouhan noted in his speech during the inauguration of the fund.
With the introduction of the AgriSURE fund, the government aims to further drive investments in the agriculture sector that will empower farmers and boost the rural economy through accelerating accessible and affordable innovative solutions.
Modi's Historic Brunei Visit Marks 40 Years of Bilateral Relations Between Two Nations
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic trip to Brunei. He became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the Southeast Asia nation for bilateral talks.
This visit marked 40 years of diplomatic relations between India and Brunei.
The Indian Prime Minister received a warm welcome from Brunei's Crown Prince Haji AlMuhtadee Billah. He met with Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. The leaders engage in high-level bilateral discussions to enhance relations and explore new opportunities for collaboration between the two nations.
India-Singapore Ties Get a Boost
In a bid to boost bilateral ties, India and Singapore signed MoUs for cooperation in semiconductors, digital technologies, skill development, and healthcare during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit.
This came as PM Modi held a productive meeting with his Singapore counterpart Lawrence Wong, during which the two leaders agreed to elevate the ties to a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.'
Rajasthan Cabinet Approves 33% Quota for Women in Police
The Rajasthan Cabinet approved 33 per cent reservation to women in the police force and five per cent additional allowance to pensioners. The meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, also approved a proposal to allot land for a 3,150 MW solar power project.
As per Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa, an amendment to the Rajasthan Police Subordinate Services Rules, 1989, was approved in the cabinet meeting, paving the way for the one-third quota for women in police.
India, South Africa Ink Pact on Submarine Rescue Operations
The navies of India and South Africa signed an implementation agreement to enhance submarine rescue support cooperation that ensures the safety of the South African Navy's submarine crew in times of distress or accident.
Under this agreement, the Indian Navy will provide assistance by deploying its Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) when required, further strengthening the collaborative ties between the two navies. The agreement was signed by Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi and Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, Chief of the South African Navy.
The Implementing Agreement underscores a shared commitment to maritime safety and mutual support. This partnership reinforces the longstanding maritime relationship between India and South Africa.
India's Table Tennis Icon Sharath Kamal Named ITTF Foundation Ambassador
During the 11th day of the Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) season five at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, a significant announcement was made through the table tennis community. Sharath Kamal, India's ace paddler, was named the first Indian ambassador of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Foundation.
The announcement was made in the presence of two notable figures:
Her Highness Zeina Shaban: Princess of Jordan and a two-time Olympian and Vita Dani: Chairperson of the UTT
Both Shaban and Dani serve as board members of the ITTF Foundation, lending additional weight to the ceremony.
International Day of Charity is celebrated globally on September 5 of each year. This unique day serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of kindness, generosity and charitable efforts to raise awareness and provide a platform for charities worldwide to decrease poverty, assist vulnerable communities, and encourage social solidarity.
The International Day of Charity was founded with an objective of encouraging NGOs, stakeholders, policymakers, and other charitable organisations to help all the poor people across the world through charitable acts.
September 5 was chosen as the date for International Day of Charity to commemorate the death anniversary of Nobel Prize laureate Mother Teresa of Kolkata, India.
Teachers' Day (India)
Teacher's Day in India is celebrated every year on September 5 with respect and enthusiasm. This special day marks the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a respected scholar, philosopher, and India's second President. Dr. Radhakrishnan believed strongly in the importance of education and the vital role teachers play in shaping the future. Teacher's Day 2024 honours the dedication and contribution of educators to society.
The history of Teacher's Day in India is closely tied to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was India's second President and a distinguished educator. When Dr. Radhakrishnan's students wanted to celebrate his birthday on September 5, 1962, he suggested that the day should be dedicated to honouring all teachers instead. Since then, September 5 has been celebrated as Teacher's Day across India, recognising the significant impact teachers have on shaping the future of the nation.
Teacher's Day 2024 is centered around the theme 'Empowering Educators for a Sustainable Future'. This theme highlights the crucial role of teachers in shaping a generation that is environmentally aware, socially responsible, and ready to face future challenges.
Karnataka Rolls Out the Nambike Nakshe Online Building Approval Scheme
The approval process for building construction in the Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) limits has been made seamless with the launch of the 'Nambike Nakshe' scheme. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar launched the scheme. Owners can get a provisional building plan approved by an authorised architect or engineer and upload it online for a final approval by the BBMP. This is applicable for constructions on sites up to 50×80 sqft.
With this online approval in place, owners start off with their construction once they get the provisional certificate and begin construction. The site will be later inspected by the BBMP engineers.
While initially the pilot of the Nambike Nakshe scheme was rolled out in two zones of BBMP, it is now made available in all of BBMP limits.
The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK) in collaboration with Emeritus unveiled the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) programme. This 12-month programme features advanced modules on technology strategy, digital transformation, and is supported by online certificate courses from Kellogg Executive Education.
The programme offers live online sessions led by IIM-K faculty, masterclasses from industry experts, and a three-day campus immersion at IIM Kozhikode. It includes business simulations, a capstone project, and real-world insights into topics such as disruptive technology strategies, AI, automation, and the distinctions between CTO, CIO, and CDO roles.
IIIT Hyderabad Launches AI/ML Weekend Training Programme for BTech Students
IHub-Data, the Technology Innovation Hub of IIIT Hyderabad, established by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India is offering six-month long weekend training classes on AI/ML for second year students, pursuing BTech programme from engineering colleges in and around Hyderabad. The classes, scheduled to be on all Sundays, require physical attendance from students at IIIT Campus in Gachibowli.
The six-month programme contains a judicious mix of concepts related to theory, tutorials and projects, all pertaining to modern AI/ML.
The Uttar Pradesh government announced the construction of a Vedic-3D museum at Sampurnanand Sanskrit University in Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's parliamentary constituency. This state-of-the-art museum will focus on Indian astrology, astronomy, and Vedic literature. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath made the announcement during his visit to the university, highlighting its role in showcasing the evolution of Vedic literature, including the 16 Sanskars, 64 arts, and 18 Vidya Sthans, as well as the contributions of Indian sages.
The museum will exhibit rare manuscripts preserved in the historic Saraswati Bhawan, such as the "Raas Panchadhyayi," Shrimad Bhagwat Gita, and Durgasaptashati, all intricately inscribed and adorned with gold artistry. It aims to revive the tradition of 'Shastrartha' (spiritual discourse) and serve as a platform for deepening knowledge in Vedic literature.
National Law University Tripura Joins Forces with Rural Development Department to Empower Panchayats
In a commendable stride towards strengthening rural governance, National Law University (NLU) Tripura signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Development (Panchayat) Department of the State government of Tripura.
The collaboration was made with the objective to boost legal research, training and resource support for the Panchayati Raj Institutions across the state. The MoU, signed by Prof. Yogesh Pratap Singh, Vice-Chancellor of NLU Tripura, and Sandeep R. Rathod, IAS, Secretary of Rural Development and Panchayats is hopeful of building a cadre of panchayat resource persons across panchayats and blocks of Tripura.
It has been described as a 'turning point' in the academic and research trajectory of NLU Tripura by Ashutosh Pandey, Director of the Tripura Judicial Academy.