National News
Dharmendra Pradhan Bolsters Apprenticeship Ecosystem with DBT in NAPS
In a significant move aimed at strengthening apprenticeship training and fostering engagement between industries and young individuals, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, the Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, launched the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) within the framework of the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS). The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme, since its inception in 2016 until July 31, 2023, has facilitated apprenticeship opportunities for an impressive 25 lakh youths. The scheme has achieved remarkable progress, with about 2.6 lakh apprentices successfully completing their training in the fiscal year 2023-24. The Government of India introduced the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) in August 2016 with the strategic intent of fostering apprenticeship nationwide. This well-structured program offers financial incentives, technological assistance, and advocacy support to drive the adoption of apprenticeship.
Nationwide Rollout of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras
Embarking on a significant initiative, the Railways Ministry is set to establish Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) at railway stations across the country. With a core objective of ensuring affordable access to high-quality medicines, this endeavor marks a significant step towards public health. The Ministry has meticulously curated a list of fifty railway stations to serve as the pilot project's launchpads. This strategic selection aims to enhance accessibility to Janaushadhi products for both passengers and station visitors, enriching their travel experience. Positioned strategically at easily accessible locations, these PMBJK outlets ensure convenience for both incoming and outgoing passengers. The locations for PMBJKs are identified by Railway Divisions, and the allocation process is facilitated through an E-auctioning process using the Indian Railways E-Procurement System (IREPS). The prestigious National Institute of Design (NID) Ahmedabad is entrusted with the design of these stalls.
NCERT's Comprehensive Approach to Textbook Revision
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has taken a significant step by establishing a 19-member committee responsible for realigning school syllabi, textbooks, teaching materials, and learning resources with the National Curriculum Framework (NCF). This committee's comprehensive mandate encompasses Classes 3 to 12 and focuses on ensuring a seamless transition from Classes 1 and 2 to subsequent grades. Comprising experts spanning mathematics, arts, economics, sports, policy, and administration, the committee is committed to creating an educational framework that not only aligns with contemporary needs but also embraces cultural and regional diversity. Each member brings invaluable insights, driving the transformation of India's school education system to better serve its students.
Defence News
India Augments Surveillance with Heron Mark-2 Drones
Signifying a substantial enhancement of the Indian Air Force's surveillance capabilities, the latest induction of Heron Mark-2 drones marks a significant milestone. These drones, equipped with strike capability, offer the unique ability to conduct surveillance along the borders with China and Pakistan within a single sortie. The Heron Mark-2 drone, categorized as a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) aircraft, boasts an impressive maximum range of 3,000 kilometers and an endurance of 24 hours. Outfitted with a diverse array of sensors including synthetic aperture radar (SAR), electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) cameras, and a laser designator, the Heron Mark-2 holds immense potential for diverse missions such as intelligence gathering, border patrol, and counter-insurgency operations.
Business News
Empowering Employees and Driving Growth Through ESOPs
Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOPs) have emerged as a powerful compensation scheme that not only rewards employees but also aligns their interests with the company's success. This scheme grants employees the option to purchase company shares at a predetermined price within a specified timeframe, fostering motivation and engagement. ESOPs find application across a wide spectrum, from startups and established firms to publicly traded companies, all aiming to incentivize employees and cultivate a culture of shared success, ultimately driving the growth of these enterprises.
NPCI's UPI Chalega 3.0 Campaign Promotes Adoption and Safety
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has unveiled the third edition of its UPI Safety Awareness Campaign titled "UPI Chalega." By collaborating with key stakeholders in the payments ecosystem, the campaign shines a spotlight on the ease, safety, and speed of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for transactions. With the launch of UPI Chalega 3.0, the campaign reiterates its mission to encourage UPI adoption while prioritizing user safety. Through engaging initiatives, the campaign aims to fulfill its objectives, including enhancing brand awareness, facilitating a better understanding of UPI's unique features, and driving increased adoption among new users. Employing relatable scenarios, the campaign serves as an interactive platform to enlighten the audience about the innovative aspects of UPI and its pivotal role in reshaping digital transactions.
Banking News
RBI Reforms Enhance Transparency in Home Loan EMIs
In a significant stride toward enhancing transparency and safeguarding consumer interests in the home loan sector, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a comprehensive set of reforms pertaining to floating rate home loans. These reforms are meticulously designed to introduce more clarity in the process of resetting interest rates, provide borrowers with the flexibility to switch to fixed interest rates, and prevent unilateral changes to loan tenures by banks without proper consent. The RBI's reforms emphasize the importance of establishing a transparent framework for resetting interest rates on floating rate home loans, ensuring greater clarity and consumer confidence in the process.
RBI Collaborates with McKinsey and Accenture to Embrace AI
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is propelling its regulatory oversight over banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) to new heights through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies. This monumental step is facilitated through a strategic partnership with prominent global consultancy firms, McKinsey and Company India LLP, and Accenture Solutions Pvt Ltd India. Aligned with the RBI's vision to leverage advanced analytics for fortified supervisory functions, this collaboration extends the RBI's regulatory reach across a diverse landscape of financial entities. This encompassing approach underscores the pivotal role of cutting-edge supervisory mechanisms in upholding the integrity and efficiency of the financial sector.
Important Days News
India Marks Partition Horrors Remembrance Day
India solemnly observes Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, a poignant occasion dedicated to remembering the victims of the 1947 violence that marred the country's partition. Conceived by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2021, this day serves as a tribute to the millions who endured displacement and loss of loved ones during that tumultuous period. On this day, survivors of the 1947 violence share their harrowing stories, recounting forced evictions, witnessing tragic deaths, and grappling with the arduous task of rebuilding shattered lives. Partition Horrors Remembrance Day serves as a somber reminder of history's darker chapters, while also honoring the resilience and courage of those who emerged from the violence. This day invites reflection on the imperative of peace, harmony, and the collective commitment to shape a brighter future.
Agreements News
MakeMyTrip and Ministry of Tourism Unveil 'Traveller's Map of India'
Leading travel company MakeMyTrip joins forces with the Ministry of Tourism to unveil a captivating initiative known as the 'Traveller's Map of India.' This collaborative endeavor introduces over 600 distinctive and lesser-explored travel destinations, celebrating India's rich cultural, historical, and geographical tapestry. The 'Traveller's Map of India' materializes as a specialized microsite, designed to facilitate the discovery of hidden gems across the nation. With meticulous curation, this microsite shines a spotlight on destinations of cultural significance and exceptional craftsmanship nestled within various districts. Empowering every Indian explorer, the 'Traveller's Map of India' beckons individuals to become ambassadors of the nation's diverse wonders, fostering an enriched travel experience that transcends conventional boundaries.
Awards News
NCRB's NAFIS Team Garners Gold Award
Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauds the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) team of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) for achieving the prestigious Gold Award in the Excellence in Government Process Re-engineering for Digital Transformation Category-1. Bestowed by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), this accolade recognizes NAFIS for its unwavering commitment to fortifying the fingerprint identification system, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a secure India. NAFIS stands as a centralized and searchable database for crime and criminal-related fingerprints. Operating under the purview of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) at the Central Fingerprint Bureau in New Delhi, this web-based application plays a pivotal role in gathering fingerprint data from criminals across all states and Union Territories, bolstering law enforcement efforts.
Summits and Conferences News
Gandhinagar Gears Up for Inaugural WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit
Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, is poised to host the first-ever WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit on August 17 and 18, 2023. This groundbreaking event intertwines with the G20 health ministerial meeting, creating a synergistic platform aimed at catalyzing both political commitment and evidence-based actions in the realm of traditional medicine. A cornerstone of healthcare for millions worldwide, traditional medicine addresses diverse health and well-being needs, making this summit a crucial forum for discourse and collaboration. The Summit converges an array of stakeholders, including traditional medicine practitioners, users, communities, national policymakers, international organizations, academia, private sector representatives, and civil society entities, fostering a holistic and inclusive dialogue.
Miscellaneous News
ODOP and DAY-NRLM Collaborate to Unveil 'ODOP Wall'
The One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, in collaboration with the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), introduces the innovative 'ODOP Wall.' This unique endeavor is a testament to India's rich heritage of craftsmanship and a catalyst for self-reliance. By highlighting the cultural significance and exceptional craftsmanship of products originating from diverse districts, this collaboration resonates with India's commitment to local excellence. Anchored in self-reliance, the ODOP program identifies, promotes, and brands distinctive products from each district, spanning sectors such as handlooms and handicrafts. The 'ODOP Wall' serves as a dynamic tribute to India's cultural diversity and craftsmanship, fostering a renewed sense of pride and empowerment.