Fintech firm One97 Communications, which owns Paytm, approved the sale of stake in Softbank group's fintech firm PayPay Corporation, the company said. Paytm holds 7.2 per cent stake in PayPay Corporation.
RBI Enables Small Finance Banks to Offer Pre-Sanctioned Credit via UPI
In a move aimed at improving financial inclusion, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), after its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, announced that Small Finance Banks (SFBs) now permitted to offer pre-sanctioned credit lines through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). This decision is expected to provide financial services to underserved groups, such as small businesses, micro-entrepreneurs, and individuals in rural and semi-urban regions.
Google to Launch Safety Engineering Centre in Hyderabad
Google and the Telangana government signed an agreement to establish the Google Safety Engineering Centre (GSEC) in Hyderabad. This specialised international cybersecurity hub will be Google's second such centre in the Asia Pacific, after Tokyo, and fifth globally, joining Dublin, Munich, and Malaga. The GSEC will focus on advancing cybersecurity capabilities, fostering skill development, and creating employment opportunities.
Government of India and ADB sign $50 Million Loan for Climate-adaptative Water Harvesting Project in Meghalaya
The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $50 million loan aimed at enhancing water security by constructing water-harvesting systems to improve access to water and reducing community vulnerability against climate change impacts in Meghalaya. The project aligns with the Meghalaya State Water Policy (MSWP) 2019, which seeks to achieve sustainable development, management, and utilisation of the state's water resources through a participatory approach, reduce vulnerability, and promote integrated water resource management. The project will help develop a state-wide WHS master plan considering micro catchment areas and disaster risk management. This will guide the creation of water security plans at the village level to be managed by the village employment councils, watershed management committees and water users associations.
The Third India-Viet Nam Security Dialogue
India and Vietnam held the third India-Vietnam Security Dialogue in Ha Noi, Vietnam.
The dialogue facilitated an exchange of views on global and regional security issues, as well as the discussions on strengthening cooperation in areas like countering terrorism; combating organised crime; and sharing of information between law enforcement agencies.
The Third India-Viet Nam Security Dialogue was co-chaired by Pavan Kapoor, Deputy National Security Adviser and Lt. Gen. Pham the Tung, Deputy Minister of Public Security in Ha Noi, Viet Nam.
The two sides exchanged views on global and regional security and the implementation of aspects of the Action Plan for the India - Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The UN General Assembly (UNGA) unanimously adopted a resolution declaring December 21 as World Meditation Day, co-sponsored by India and supported by countries like Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mexico, and Andorra. This resolution emphasises meditation's role in achieving comprehensive well-being, inner peace, and coping with modern challenges such as stress and anxiety.
December 21, marking the Winter Solstice, is considered an auspicious time in Indian tradition for reflection and spiritual growth. It complements the International Day of Yoga observed on June 21 (Summer Solstice), highlighting India's decade-long leadership in promoting wellness practices globally.
Twenty-seven Indian Students Win Diana Award 2024 for Social Service
This year (2024), Twenty-seven Indian students found a place in the 'Roll of Honour' of Diana Awards. These exceptional young people have demonstrated their ability to inspire and mobilise new generations to serve their communities and create long-lasting change on a global scale,
Instituted in memory of the late Princess Diana, the award is the highest recognition a young person can achieve for social action or humanitarian efforts. It is supported by both her sons, HRH the Prince of Wales and Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, and presented by a charity bearing the same name.
Tripura Bags 7 National Panchayat Awards
Tripura achieved a remarkable milestone in the Panchayar Raj System by winning seven National Panchayat Awards, with a total cash of Rs. 10 crore.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Shah celebrated the achievement, stating that it underscores the state government's commitment to good governance and transformative development in the lives of citizens.
The awards will be given out at the National Panchayat Award Ceremony slated to be held on December 11 in New Delhi. A delegation led by Sandeep R. Rathode, Secretary, Rural Development (Panchayat) department, will represent the state government at the event.
Central School Push: 85 New Kendriya Vidyalayas, 13 in J&K; 28 Navodayas, N-E focus
The Union Cabinet approved Rs. 8,231 crore for what may be the largest expansion of central schools in a decade, sanctioning 85 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and 28 Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs). The Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir will receive the highest number of new KVs (13), while Arunachal Pradesh will get the most JNVs (8).
KVs are intended for children of central government and defence employees. JNVs, on the other hand, are residential schools (from Class VI to XII) established in rural districts to nurture talented students from rural areas.
Currently, apart from those newly approved by the Union Cabinet, there are 1,256 functional KVs and 653 functional JNVs.
The 85 new central schools will be established over a period of eight years starting from 2025-26, while the 28 JNVs will be set up over five years from 2024-25 to 2028-29.
Three Books Based on Yechury's Writings on Culture, Media, and Secularism Released
Three books based on late CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury's writings on culture, media, science, and secularism were released by former CPI (M) general secretary Prakash Karat.
Published by the Safdar Hashmi Memorial Trust (SAHMAT) and Tulika Books, the three books include Hindu Rashtra Hai Kya, a Hindi translation of Yechury's 1993 English book. The other two are: The Fight for the Republic, which has three essays, two devoted to Hindutva and one to India @75; and Reflections on Culture, Media and Science.
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