NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Varthana Secures $15 Million Funding to Revolutionise Affordable Education in India: Varthana has successfully secured $15 million (₹120 crores) from the BlueOrchard Microfinance Fund, managed by global impact investor BlueOrchard, through the External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) framework.The funds will support Varthana’s mission to enhance affordable private education in India, particularly for underserved communities.The funding will be used to expand Varthana’s lending portfolio, focusing on affordable private schools and vocational students in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, with a focus on infrastructure upgrades and skill-based learning initiatives.Varthana has already made a significant impact by financing over 11,000 affordable private schools and facilitating more than 16,500 loans for school expansion and renovation.
2. Flipkart, DPIIT sign MoU to accelerate growth of startup ecosystem: Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce platform, has signed an MoU with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to support and empower tech start-ups in India.Aimed at encouraging the growth of innovators and entrepreneurs, the partnership would build on existing efforts under the Flipkart Leap and Ventures initiative with its $100 million fund.Under the Flipkart Ventures initiative, startups would be offered resources, guidance, and support for different milestones, such as prototype development, infrastructural support, network access and insights for international expansions.
3. Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam 2024 concluded in Vijayawada: The three-day Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam 2024 successfully concluded at the Tummalapallivari Kshetrayya Kalakshetram Auditorium in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.The festival was organised to pay rich tribute to Telugu culture and Carnatic music and provide a platform for lesser-known artists to perform.The three-day Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam was organised by the Union Ministry of Tourism in partnership with the Union Ministry of Culture, the Union Ministry of Textile, and the government of Andhra Pradesh.The cultural and musical festival was held at three places in Andhra Pradesh. It was held at Durga Ghat on the banks of the Krishna River, Shree Durga Malleswari Swami Vaarla Temple, and Tummalapallivari Kshetrayya Kalakshetram Auditorium in Vijayawada.About the Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam
4. Sanjay Malhotra appointed as new RBI Governor: Sanjay Malhotra, the Revenue Secretary of the Finance Ministry, has been appointed the 26th Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). He will assume office on 11 December 2024 after the incumbent Governor, Shaktikanta Das, retires on 10 December 2024.Sanjay Malhotra has been appointed for three years, starting 11 December 2024. The central government can dismiss him before the completion of his tenure, or he can resign from his office.Under section 8 of the Reserve Bank of India Act 1934, the Central government appoints the Governor and four Deputy Governors of the RBI.According to the RBI Act 1934, the Governor or the Deputy Governor can be appointed for a maximum term of five years and is eligible for reappointment. It means that one term of the Governor or the Deputy Governor can be up to 5 years.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. John Dramani Mahama wins Ghana presidential election: National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate and former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama who is returning as Ghana’s president eight years after losing power, achieved his political comeback on a promise to mend the West African country’s economy.The eldest son of a wealthy rice trader turned politician, Mahama became Ghana’s interim leader in 2012 after the sudden death of President John Atta Mills, under whom Mahama served as vice president.He was first elected to parliament in 1996 and served as communications minister from 1998 to 2001. Atta Mills appointed him vice president in 2009.
2. 9 December – International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide: International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide is observed annually on 9 December.This day honours the memory of the victims of genocide and raises awareness about the crime, emphasizing the importance of preventing future atrocities.On this day in 1948, the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. This historic treaty defined genocide as an international crime and set the groundwork for the international community’s commitment to prevent and punish acts of genocide.
3. 10 December – World Human Rights Day: World Human Rights Day is observed annually on December 10.Human rights play a vital role as a preventative, protective and transformative force for good. This day also empowers people and communities across the world to build a better future.Theme 2024 – Our Rights, Our FutureWorld Human Rights Day was established in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). It is the first global enunciation of human rights.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Stealth frigate INS Tushil commissioned into the Indian Navy in Russia: The Russian-built multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate INS Tushil was commissioned into the Indian Navy at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia.The flag-raising ceremony was held in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Russian Deputy Minister of Defence Alexander Vasilyevich Fomin, Ambassador of India to Russia Vinay Kumar, and other senior officials from both countries.INS Tushil is the seventh ship of the Project 1135.6 frigate to be built for the Indian Navy by Russia.The first three (Talwar, Trishul, Tabar) frigates of the project were built by the “Baltiysky Zawod” shipyard in St. Petersburg, Russia and delivered to the Indian Navy. The next three (Teg, Tarkash, Trikand) were constructed by “Yantar Shipyard” in Kaliningrad.In 2016, India signed an agreement with Russia to buy four more frigates of the Admiral Grigorovich class (NATO calls them Krivak III).
SPORTS
1. Bangladesh defends its ACC U19 Men’s Asia Cup Title at Dubai: Bangladesh defeated India by 59 runs in the 11th ACC U19 Men’s Asia Cup Final in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to successfully defend its title.Bangladesh, which won the previous edition in 2023, clinched its second consecutive U19 Men’s Asia Cup title. The ACC U19 Men’s Asia Cup is for male cricketers below 19.Player of the Final match: Iqbal Hossain Emon (Bangladesh)Player of the Tournament: Iqbal Hossain Emon (Bangladesh)The 11th ACC U19 Men’s Asia Cup was organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and hosted by the Emirates Cricket Board of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Sharjah and Dubai.Eight teams from Asia participated in the Tournament and were divided into two groups.
2. Sathish Karunakaran win Guwahati Masters 2024 badminton Singles title: Indian badminton player Sathish KarunakaranIn the doubles, the defending champion Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto successfully defended their title by beating the Chinese pair in the final.The $100,000 lakh prize money BWF Super 100 Guwahati Masters 2024 was held in Guwahati, Assam. It was the second BWF Super 100 Guwahati Masters after the inaugural edition of 2023.The BWF Super 100 Guwahati Masters 2024 was organised jointly by the Badminton Association of India and the Assam Badminton Association.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Canara Bank launched Nationwide Credit Outreach Program to Empower MSMEs: Canara Bank has launched a two-day nationwide Credit Outreach program to support the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across 238 MSME clusters in key industrial and business regions.The initiative provided entrepreneurs with tailored financial solutions, advisory services, and access to government-sponsored schemes to enhance their business growth.The program was led by Canara Bank’s top management, including MD and CEO Shri. K. Satyanarayana Raju, and Executive Directors Shri. Debashish Mukherjee, Shri. Ashok Chandra, Shri. Hardeep Singh Ahluwalia, and Shri. Bhavendra Kumar.In addition to showcasing tailored MSME products, the event featured interactive sessions where the management addressed challenges faced by entrepreneurs and explored innovative solutions. The outreach initiative garnered an overwhelming response, resulting in on-the-spot loan approvals and leads amounting to more than Rs. 6,200 crore.
2. Deutsche Bank AG, India, provides € 91 million sustainability-linked-loan to SMFG India Credit: Deutsche Bank AG, India, has provided a €91 million (about ₹814 crore) sustainability-linked loan to SMFG India Credit (SMICC). The loan was facilitated via the Bank’s Gift City Branch.SMICC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG). It has over 1,000 branches and had Assets Under Management (AUM) of ₹49,800 crore as of September 2024.The senior secured loan, which carries a tenor of three years, is compliant with Deutsche Bank’s Sustainable Finance framework criteria.The loan will not only help expand SMICC’s portfolio and enable channelling funds toward MSMEs but also empower women entrepreneurs in underserved segments across India.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. HSL shines at 3rd PSU Transformation Awards 2024: Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) has been honoured with two prestigious awards at the ‘3rd PSU Transformation Awards 2024’ ceremony, held at Shangri-La, New Delhi.The awards spotlight HSL’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the shipbuilding industry. HSL received recognition in two key categories:Innovative Product Development Award for its pioneering fender arrangement in Tugs for Submarines. This accolade was accepted by Sarath Chandra, Senior Manager (Design).Technology Adoption Award for implementing an innovative method of installing Retractable Thrusters in Diving Support Vessels. Tirupat Naik, Senior Manager (Engineering), received the award on behalf of HSL
2. Abathsahayeswarar Temple & BJPCI Project bag UNESCO Heritage Award: The 1,300-year-old Abathsahayeshwarar Temple in Thukkatchi, Thanjavur district, has been awarded the UNESCO Award of Distinction 2023 for its heritage conservation.The temple, built by Kings Vikrama Chola and Kulothunga Chola, was originally designed with five prakarams (enclosures).The temple houses numerous shrines, including Soundaryanayaki Ambal, Ashtabhuja Durga Parameshwari, Aadhi Sarabeshwarar, Pillayar, Murugan, and more.The village was historically known as Vikrama Chozheeswaram and Kulothunga Chola Nallur, and it was Kulothunga who established the idol for Sarabeshwarar.UNESCO’s Award of Distinction was part of the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.
3. Payal Kapadia makes history with Golden Globes 2025 Nomination for Best Director and Best Non-English Motion Picture: Payal Kapadia’s film All We Imagine As Light made history as the first Indian film nominated for Best Director (Motion Picture) at the 82nd Golden Globes 2025.The film also received a nomination for Best Motion Picture in a Non-English Language, earning acclaim worldwide.Actors Morris Chestnut and Mindy Kaling announced the Golden Globe nominations, with Kapadia joining notable directors like Jacques Audiard and Sean Baker in the Best Director category.Kapadia gained international fame with her 2021 documentary A Night of Knowing Nothing, which won the Best Documentary Award at the Cannes Film Festival.
As a student at FTII, Kapadia led protests against administrative controversies and later excelled as a filmmaker, with her short film Afternoon Clouds featured at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival.
No comments:
Post a Comment