Centre To Launch eMaap Portal for Fair Trade and Consumer Protection
The Indian government is introducing the National Legal Metrology Portal (eMaap) to promote fair trade practices and enhance consumer protection. This initiative is aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and compliance with legal metrology standards. As part of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs' effort, the portal will streamline services for businesses and consumers, fostering a balanced marketplace.
Key Features of eMaap Portal
Digital One-Stop Platform: The portal will provide a comprehensive digital interface for businesses and consumers, ensuring easy access to legal metrology services.
Automated Workflow: It will speed up processes through automated systems, offering real-time compliance tracking and updated regulations.
Registration and Certification: Businesses can register, get licensed, and obtain certifications more efficiently, helping them comply with legal requirements.
Consumer Awareness: The platform will educate consumers on their rights and offer grievance redressal mechanisms for issues related to measurement inaccuracies or violations.
Anurag Mehrotra Resigns from Tata Motors, Likely to Join JSW MG Motor as CEO
Anurag Mehrotra, an experienced automotive industry professional with over two decades of expertise, resigned from his role as Vice President of International Business and Strategy at Tata Motors' Commercial Vehicles Business. After a remarkable stint at Tata Motors since October 2021, he is expected to join JSW MG Motor as CEO in February, leading the company's ambitious plans to triple its volumes in the next three to five years. Mehrotra's career includes notable achievements in both domestic and international markets, with significant leadership roles, including his tenure as Managing Director (MD) of Ford India.
NASA Announces Further Delays in Artemis Moon Missions
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson announced new delays in the U.S. space agency's Artemis program to return astronauts to the moon for the first time since 1972, pushing back the next two planned missions amid potential policy changes under President-elect Donald Trump's administration.
According to Nelson, the next Artemis mission, sending astronauts around the moon and back, has slipped to April 2026, with the subsequent astronaut landing mission using SpaceX's Starship planned for the following year.
The newly announced delays came after NASA concluded an examination of the Orion crew capsule, made by Lockheed Martin (LMT.N), opens new tab, and its heat shield, which had cracked and partially eroded during re-entry into Earth's atmosphere on its debut 2022 uncrewed test mission, Artemis I.
Shammi Silva Takes Over ACC Presidency Role from Jay Shah
Sri Lanka's Shammi Silva took over as the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), succeeding India's Jay Shah, who became the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Shah vacated the position after three terms as ACC President. Silva previously functioned as the chairman of the organisation's Finance & Marketing Committee.
Suthra Appointed as FIVB Communications Commission Member
The international Volleyball Federation (FIVB) appointed Varun Suthra as a member of its communications commission. This appointment was approved by the FIVB Board during its first meeting for the 2024-2028 Olympics cycle, following the 39th FIVB World Congress. The FIVB commissions provide guidance in critical areas such as coaching, legal frameworks, medical science and communication strategies.
The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and New & Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, launched 'Anna Chakra' and SCAN (Subsidy Claim Application for NFSA) portal, marking a significant step toward modernizing India's Public Distribution System (PDS) and subsidy claim mechanisms.
It is created in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP) and Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), IIT-Delhi.
It uses advanced algorithms to identify optimal routes for food grain movement.
World Bank Approves $188.28 Million Loan for Maharashtra's Backward Districts
The World Bank approved a $188.28 million loan to Maharashtra aimed at boosting economic growth in the state's underdeveloped districts. This loan, provided by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), comes with a 15-year maturity period, including a five-year grace period. The project focuses on enhancing district-level governance, improving e-governance services, and fostering private sector involvement to accelerate economic development and job creation.
Key Objectives and Strategies
Boosting District-Level Planning: The initiative will empower districts with essential resources, including data, funding, and expertise, enabling them to optimize public spending and promote inclusive growth.
Creating Maha Databank: A significant aspect of the project is the creation of the Maha Databank, a data governance framework aimed at addressing development challenges such as gender disparities and enabling evidence-based planning.
A significant stride in Indo-French defence collaboration, the inaugural FRIND-X event, organised by the Defence Innovation Organisation (D10) and the Agence de ('Innovation de Defense (AID), was held in Paris. This two-day event, aligned with the ambitious Horizon 2047 vision and the India-France Defence Industrial Roadmap, brings together a diverse array of stakeholders from both nations.
FRIND-X serves as a platform for defence start-ups, investors, incubators, accelerators, and universities from India and France to connect, collaborate, and explore opportunities for joint ventures. The event aims to foster innovation, technology transfer, and co-development of cutting-edge defence technologies.
Key highlights of the event include:
Pitching Sessions: Start-ups from both countries will showcase their innovative solutions to a panel of experts and potential investors.
B2B Meetings: Facilitated networking sessions will enable participants to explore partnerships and collaborations.
Panel Discussions: Industry leaders and policymakers will delve into the future of defense innovation and the role of emerging technologies.
Technology Demonstrations: Live demonstrations of advanced technologies will highlight the potential for future applications in defense.
Eurogrip Tyres Appoints M.S. Dhoni as Brand Ambassador
Eurogrip Tyres, a leading Indian brand known for its 2, 3-wheeler, and off-highway tyres, signed M. S. Dhoni, the legendary cricketer, as its brand ambassador. The partnership aligns well with Eurogrip Tyres' core values of performance, reliability, and safety, and aims to enhance the brand's visibility and trust among consumers. M.S. Dhoni's deep connection with motorcycles and his emphasis on performance, dependability, and passion for riding mirror the brand's mission of empowering riders.
Eurogrip Tyres has over 40 years of experience in tyre design and manufacturing.
The brand offers a wide range of products suitable for various needs and applications.
Eurogrip Tyres' products are designed in Milan, Italy, and globally tested and certified, ensuring world-class standards.
The Armed Forces Flag Day is observed annually on December 7 in India to honour the brave soldiers, veterans, and martyrs of the Indian Armed Forces. It is a day of gratitude, respect, and support for the armed forces personnel who selflessly serve the nation. The day also involves raising funds for the welfare of armed forces personnel and their families.
The decision to commemorate an Armed Forces Flag Day dates back to August 28, 1949, by a committee appointed under the then Defence Minister of India.
International Civil Aviation Day
International Civil Aviation Day (ICAD) is celebrated worldwide on December 7 every year. The day honours the Wright brothers' first powered flight and serves as a reminder of how far humanity has come in fostering cross-cultural understanding, advancing economies, and pushing the envelope of human potential.
The first celebration of International Civil Aviation Day was in the year 1994. It was established in the year 1994 as part of ICAO's 50th-anniversary in Chicago. The day is celebrated to commemorate the signing of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, which established rules for aircraft registration, airspace, safety, sustainability and security. In 1996 the United Nations General Assembly officially recognised December 7 as the International Civil Aviation Day in the UN system.
The theme for International Civil Aviation Day 2024 is 'Safe Skies. Sustainable Future: Together for the next 80 years,' as per the United Nations website.
India Wins ISSA Good Practice Award for Asia and Pacific 2024
India was awarded the prestigious International Social Security Association (ISSA) Good Practice Award for Asia and Pacific 2024 during the Regional Social Security Forum held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The honour was presented by Dr. Mohammed Azman, President of ISSA. The Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO), under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, was lauded for its innovative and inclusive social security initiatives, receiving five Certificates of Merit for various programs and a Special Mention for its Digital Life Certificate (Jeevan Pramaan Patra).
EPFO received five Certificates of Merit for outstanding initiatives in the following areas of service delivery: Communication Channels, E-proceedings, Nidhi Aapke Nikat 2.0 (Massive District Outreach Programme), Multilingual Call Centres and Prayaas Initiative.
The ISSA Good Practice Award celebrates initiatives that align with the association's guidelines for improving social security systems worldwide. India's achievement at the Asia-Pacific level is a testament to the country's commitment to modernizing and making its social security infrastructure more inclusive and effective.
Six Central Universities to Offer Admissions Twice a Year
Six central universities in India decided to offer admissions twice a year, as announced by the Union Ministry of Education. The policy, approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC), aims to provide students with more opportunities to enrol in higher education institutions (HEIs).
The universities implementing this change are: Central University of Kerala, Central University of Punjab, Central University of Rajasthan, University of Hyderabad, Tezpur University and Nagaland University.
UGC made this biannual admissions policy optional for HEIs, emphasising that institutions should adopt it based on their readiness.
PM to inaugurate Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav on 6th December
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, a grand celebration highlighting the cultural, social, and economic vibrancy of India's eight north-eastern states. Named after the eight forms of prosperity, the event celebrates the rich traditions and development of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura, and Sikkim.
IIT Madras Develops Test Track for 1,100 km/h Avishkar Hyperloop
IIT Madras successfully completed a 410-meter test track for Hyperloop, marking an important milestone in India's journey towards advanced transportation systems, following Bullet Train and Hydrogen Train tests. The completion of this track was announced by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Vaishnaw praised the efforts of the Railways, the IIT Madras Avishkar Hyperloop team, and TuTr, an incubated start-up at the institute, for their contributions to the project.
Hyperloop technology is designed to revolutionise transportation by allowing pods to travel at speeds of up to 1,100 km/h. These pods will move through low-pressure tubes, creating a frictionless environment that will not only increase the speed of travel but also improve energy efficiency.