NATIONAL
UPDATES
1. NITI Aayog seeks methanol
economy fund: NITI Aayog, the government’s policy-making body, will soon move a Cabinet
note outlining the roadmap for a methanol mission for India through a Rs
5,000-crore methanol economy fund. It will kickstart generation of this
alternative energy source from January 1, 2018. The Aayog will hold a
high-level meeting of its task force on methanol economy following which a
roadmap will be laid out.
2. ‘HAMESHA VIJAYEE’ exercise in
Rajasthan being conducted: In a significant show of strength, formations of Southern
Command are conducting a major exercise called ‘HAMESHA VIJAYEE’ in the deserts
of Rajasthan. The exercise being conducted from 16 to 22 December 2017 is to
evaluate the capability of the armed forces to strike deep into enemy territory
in an integrated air-land battle.
3. LED Lights at all Railway Stations in India: Ministry of Railways
is actively working to provide 100% LED lighting for its most of the
Non-traction Energy needs. Under this 100% LED initiative, Ministry of
Railways has decided to make all railway stations 100% LED lit by the end of
current financial year i.e. by 31 March 2018.
INTERNATIONAL
UPDATES
1. Shree Saini crowned
Miss India USA 2017: Shree Saini, a resident of Washington state, was
crowned Miss India USA 2017. The 21-year-old, who is a student at the
University of Washington, said she wants to lead a life dedicated to service. Shree,
who had a pacemaker implanted at the age of 12 is an inspiration for all. Cancer
surgeon Kavita Malhotra from Florida was declared Mrs India USA 2017.
2. International Human
Solidarity Day: The United Nations’ (UN) International Human
Solidarity Day is annually held on December 20 to celebrate unity in diversity.
It also aims to remind people of
the importance of solidarity in working towards eradicating poverty. It is a
day to encourage debate on the ways to promote solidarity for the achievement
of the Sustainable Development Goals.
OTHER UPDATES
BUSINESS/ECONOMY:
1. Apple appoints Michel Coulomb as India head: Apple has named Michel
Coulomb as the head of sales for its operations in India, a key market for the
iconic iPhone maker. He succeeds Sanjay Kaul, who has stepped down from the
post.
2. Ola acquires foodpanda India: Germany’s Delivery
Hero sold its foodpanda India business to Ola in return for shares in the
Indian ride-hailing firm. Under the agreement, Ola will also commit to
investing $200 million in foodpanda India. The partnership with Ola will allow
Delivery Hero to further consolidate markets where it strategically makes sense
to collaborate with leading local players.
BANKING/FINANCE:
1. AU Bank joins hands with Sahaj
e-Village: AU Small Finance Bank has announced signing a MoU with Sahaj e-Village. MoU
is signed for extending its banking service in remote areas through Business
Correspondent Agent model. With this MoU, AU Bank will be able to further
foster its mission of financial inclusion and greater customer outreach. The
Sahaj Agents will gather information, counsel, and services to these customers.
2. Yes Bank-EIB invest $400
million: Indian private sector lender Yes Bank has jointly invested $400 million
with European Investment Bank (EIB) in new solar and wind projects in the
country. The bank is also exploring investments in the electric vehicle segment.
The new financing programme will streamline financing for a range of renewable
energy projects being built and operated.
No comments:
Post a Comment