NATIONAL NEWS

Jharkhand Government Reduces Qualifying Age for Old-Age Pension

Jharkhand Chief Minister Shri Hemant Soren announced that the qualifying age for old-age pension for tribals and Dalits has been reduced from 60 years to 50 years.

The government has taken this decision because the death rate among tribals is high and they do not get jobs after 60 years.

When Jharkhand was formed in 2000, only 16 lakh people were getting pension benefits.

Now, around 36 lakh people above the age of 60 receive the benefit of the pension.

This shift reflects a commitment to address the financial needs of the elderly population and recognize their contributions to society.

In September,2023 the Jharkhand government decided to add the transgender community under its universal pension scheme in a move to provide social security and bring them into the mainstream of society.

First Indian EV Maker To File For An IPO

Ola Electric Mobility, the Bhavish Aggarwal-led electric vehicle company, filed papers with Sebi to go public through an IPO that is estimated to be worth about Rs 10,000 crore.

Ola Electric is the first EV company in India planning to go public.

It would also be the first automobile company to go for IPO in over 20 years.

 

BANKING

IOB Introduces Savings Account Portability Online Scheme

Public sector bank Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has introduced ‘Savings Account Portability Online’, a scheme that is aimed at offering an easier savings account portability process for customers who move to different locations.

For individuals, who have to shift from one location to another due to career shifts, educational pursuits, or various life transitions, the new scheme will help avoid the cumbersome process of relocating bank accounts.

With the new online scheme, customers don’t have to fill out those endless forms and wait for days and weeks for the account transfer to materialise.

To initiate an account transfer, customers need to log in to the IOB website (iob.in) and access the ‘Transfer of Savings Accounts’ section.

Karnataka Bank Facilitates Direct Tax Payments for Customers

Customers of Karnataka Bank can make direct tax payments through two channels by visiting any branch of the bank or utilizing the internet banking services.

Karnataka Bank has enhanced its service portfolio by enabling users to pay various direct taxes, including income taxes and advance taxes.

In addition to direct taxes, Karnataka Bank had already been facilitating online payments for goods and services taxes, as well as customs duties.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) authorized Karnataka Bank to offer this service, following a recommendation from the Ministry of Finance's Controller General of Accounts.

Both the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) have given their approval for Karnataka Bank to collect both direct and indirect taxes.

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund to Acquire 9.95% Stake in Karur Vysya Bank

Karur Vysya Bank (KVB) announces that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given approval to ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company Ltd (ICICI AMC) for acquiring an aggregate holding of up to 9.95% of the paid-up share capital or voting rights of The Karur Vysya Bank Ltd.

The approval is in reference to the application submitted by ICICI AMC to the RBI.

The approval granted by the RBI is subject to compliance with relevant provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

It also adheres to RBI's Master Direction and Guidelines on Acquisition and Holding of Shares or Voting Rights in Banking Companies dated January 16, 2023.

 

SPORTS

Country's First Multi-Sports Games 2024

The country's first 'Beach Games 2024' started on 04 January 2024 at Ghoghla beach in Diu.

This 'Beach Games 2024' will be organized from 4 to 11 January 2024. Meanwhile, a total of eight sports are being organized in the Games.

The closing ceremony of the Beach Games 2024 will be held at INS Khukri Memorial.

This year's edition in Diu will showcase sports disciplines that are less prevalent in our country, such as Beach Volleyball, Beach Boxing, Beach Soccer, Beach Kabaddi, Tug of War, Sea Swimming, Malkhamb, etc.

More than 1,200 participants from more than 20 states and union territories of the country are participating in this event.

The seven-day-long event sees players competing in eight sports across different age groups.

 

AWARDS & PRIZES

‘Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar’ 2023

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar 2023.

Odisha Mining Corporate Limited has been awarded in the category of Encouragement to Sports through Corporate Social Responsibility.

Jain Deemed to be University, Bengaluru has been awarded for identifying and nurturing budding and young talent.

The awardees will receive their awards from President Droupadi Murmu at a specially organised function at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 09 January 2024.

Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar is given to corporate entities, Sports Control Boards, NGOs, including sports bodies at the State and National level, which have played a visible role in the area of sports promotion and development.

 

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

President of the European Investment Bank

Nadia Calvino has become the President of the European Investment Bank in January 2024.

Nadia is the first woman to become President of the European Investment Bank.

Nadia Calvino is an economist from the European country Spain.

Nadia is the 8th President of the European Investment Bank.

She will replace Germany's Werner Hoyer, who held the post since 2012.

Nadia has also been the chairperson of the International Monetary and Financial Committee.

 

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Governor of Kerala has Released The Book

Mohammad Arif has recently released the book 'Ram Mandir Rashtra Mandir A Common Heritage'.

This book has been jointly written by Geeta Singh and Arif Khan Bharti.

The book release program was held from Akashvani Bhawan in New Delhi, Delhi.

This book explores the deep influence of Lord Rama not only in India but throughout the Asian continents.

This book throws light on the historical, cultural, and spiritual aspects related to the construction and significance of Ram Temple.

Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has Released the Book 'Maga Kavithai'

Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M.K. Stalin has released the book 'Maga Kavithai'.

This book has been written by poet Vairamuthu.

The book covers a wide range of topics including the origin of the universe, planet Earth, functions of the five elements, climate change, and its effects.

The book also emphasizes the urgent need to prevent the threats faced by humans due to the ever-increasing global temperature and deteriorating environment.

 

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre Unveils 'FEAST' Analysis Software

The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) of the Indian space agency Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has developed an analysis software 'FEAST' for Indian academia and industries.

FEAST is designed for use in performing Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of various structures, including rockets, aircraft, satellites, buildings, etc.

The software predicts how a component or structure reacts to real-world forces such as structural loads, thermal conditions, and other physical effects.

FEAST will be available for three broad categories of users.

Academic: Aimed at students and educational institutions.

Premium: Designed for small and medium-scale industries.

Professional: Tailored for general large-scale applications.

A free trial of the FEAST software is offered and can be accessed on the ISRO/VSSC website

 

OBITUTARY

Padma Bhushan Awardee Ved Prakash Nanda

Ved Prakash Nanda, an Indian-American academic, was an expert in international law has passed away.

He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in the year 2018.

As a renowned faculty member of International Law at the University of Denver, USA for the past 50 years, he has made immense contributions to the well-being of the Indian - American community.

He also served as Chairman of the Board of the Hindu University of America.