NATONAL NEWS

India to host 27th WAIPA World Investment Conference

· Invest India, the National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency of the Government of India, and the current President of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), under the aegis of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), is set to host the 27th World Investment Conference (WIC).

· It will be held at the India International Convention and Expo Centre, Yashobhoomi, New Delhi.

· The theme for the conference is "Empowering Investors: IPAs Pioneering Future Growth".

· Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal will deliver the keynote address on the Role of Trade and Investment in the Decade of Action.

· The Minister will also chair a closed-room roundtable of Private Equity.

· Shri Goyal will also launch the Experience India Centre (EIC), showcasing the best of India’s offerings across services, technology, and products through a variety of technologies, including virtual reality, augmented reality, interactive touch screens, and projection mapping.

Scheme and Web-portal for National Awards for e-Governance 2024

· The Web portal (http://www.nceg.gov.in) for National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 2024 was launched.

· The formal launching was organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG).

· The Central Ministries / Departments as well as the Principal Secretaries (AR) and (IT) and the DCs/DMs of all the 28 States and 8 UTs of India as well as Award Winners of NAeG 2023 were invited for the launch ceremony in hybrid mode.

· The web portal for National Awards for e-Governance 2024 has been made live on 08 December 2023.

· The advertisement in this regard has also appeared in newspapers on 02 December 2023 and the last date for submission of nominations is 29 December 2023.

· The National Awards for e-Governance Scheme is recognized amongst the most competitive and prestigious digital governance awards schemes in the country and objective of the Scheme is to recognize and promote excellence in implementation of e-Governance initiatives.

Lakadong Turmeric from Meghalaya Receives GI tag

· Meghalaya's Lakadong turmeric has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

· It is considered to be one of the world's best varieties of turmeric, with a curcumin content of around 6.8 to 7.5%.

· It is darker in colour and is grown organically without the use of fertilisers.

· It is found in the Lakadong area of Jaintia Hills, and has high curcumin content.

 

INTERNATIOANL NEWS

India Pledges $1 Million in Immediate Relief Aid to Papua New Guinea

· India announces a $1 million relief assistance package for Papua New Guinea for Mount Ulawun volcanic eruption.

· The financial aid is designated for immediate relief and will support rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in Papua New Guinea.

· Ulawun is the highest mountain in New Britain and the second in the Bismarck Archipelago at 2,334 metres, and is one of the most active volcanoes in Papua New Guinea.

· India in solidarity with the people of Papua New Guinea, will provide immediate relief assistance to aid rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.

World's Largest Concentrated Solar Power Project during COP28

· The fourth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai has been inaugurated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

· This marks the launch of the world's largest Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) project.

· Built at an investment of 15.78 billion, the 950 MW project utilises three hybrid technologies.

· The three hybrid technologies used are 600 MW from a parabolic basin complex, 100 MW from a CSP tower, and 250 MW from photovoltaic solar panels.

· According to Guinness World Records, the project includes the world's tallest solar tower at 263.126 metres and the largest thermal energy storage capacity with a capacity of 5,907 megawatt hours.

· The project covers 44 square kilometres and consists of 70,000 heliostats that track the movement of the Sun.

· The Molten Salt Receiver (MSR) on top of a solar power tower is an important element that converts solar radiation into thermal energy.

Indonesia Offers Free Entry Visa to India

· The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism has decided to issue free entry visas to travellers from 20 countries to promote tourism.

· He also included India in the second week of December 2023.

· According to the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism, free entry visas to these 20 countries will increase foreign tourist visits.

· This will have many positive impacts on Indonesia's economy.

· For example, domestic consumption will be boosted, investment will be attracted, and the development of the digital economy will be supported.

 

BANKING

Aditya Birla Health Launches 'Activ One' Product

· Aditya Birla Health Insurance Company Limited (ABHICL), the health insurance division of Aditya Birla Capital, a prominent and diversified financial services provider in India, has introduced ‘Activ One.’

· This streamlined and all-encompassing health insurance plan is designed to offer policyholders personalised solutions, addressing not only their health insurance requirements but also fostering their journey towards optimal well-being.

· Packed with cutting-edge features like complete health returns, claim protection, no sub-limits, super reload, and super credit, Activ One stands as ABHICL’s most extensive offering to date.

· This all-inclusive product provides customers with a singular solution for both their health assurance and health insurance requirements.

· It empowers policyholders to reclaim their entire premium by adopting an active and healthy lifestyle.

· This feature ensures that policyholders receive coverage for all specified non-medical expenses associated with hospitalization.

AIIB Signed MoU with United Nations Development Programme

· The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in promoting sustainable infrastructure development and address development challenges in Asia.

· AIIB is a multilateral development bank whose mission is financing the “Infrastructure for Tomorrow,” infrastructure that is inclusive and sustainable socially, environmentally and economically.

· UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crises, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone.

· The AIIB-UNDP agreement recognizes the two parties’ shared objectives in supporting national climate goals and the 2030 Agenda through financing sustainable development initiatives in common members of operations.

 

AWARDS & PRIZES

Brandon Hall Group’s Excellence in Technology Awards

· NTPC, India’s largest integrated power company, has been declared as the winner at the Brandon Hall Group’s Excellence in Technology Awards 2023 in an online broadcast held.

· NTPC stands out as the only PSU in India to secure dual accolades in the Technology Awards category.

· The company received the coveted silver awards in two distinct categories: "Best Advance in Corporate Wellbeing Technology" and "Best Advance in Augmented and Virtual Reality."

· This recognition underscores NTPC's commitment to innovation and technological excellence, placing it at the forefront of advancements in corporate wellbeing and immersive technologies.

· The Silver Award in the “Best Advance in Corporate Wellbeing Technology” Category was won by NTPC for its efforts in leveraging Technology to design an Individual-Centric Health Care Ecosystem.

· The Silver Award in the “Best Advance in Augmented and Virtual Reality “Category was won by NTPC for being a leader in adapting innovative technologies.

 

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Chief Minister of Mizoram

· Lalduhoma will take oath as the 6th Chief Minister (CM) of Mizoram.

· Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati will administer the oath to Mr Lalduhoma.

· During the ceremony, several other ZPM leaders also took oath as ministers.

· Lalrinpuii is the lone woman minister in the 12-member council of ministry.

· 7 of the 12 ministers are first time winners.

· Lalduhoma is the leader of the Zoram Nationalist Party, a regional political party in Mizoram.

· His party secured a significant victory, winning 27 out of 40 seats in the Assembly.

Chairman of the BBC

· Dr Samir Shah, an India-born media executive with over 40 years of experience in TV production and journalism, has been named as the United Kingdom (UK) government's preferred candidate to take over as the new BBC chairman.

· Dr Shah will replace Richard Sharp, who was forced to resign after his communication with former prime minister Boris Johnson came under scrutiny.

· With a career spanning more than 40 years in TV production and journalism, Dr Shah has a wealth of experience to bring to the position of BBC Chair.

· He was previously the head of current affairs and political programmes at the BBC.

· Dr Samir Shah has served as a non-executive director of the BBC between 2007 and 2010.

 

IMPORTANT DAYS

International Mountain Day

· International Mountain Day 2023 is observed every year on 11 December.

· The United Nations General Assembly declared the International Year of Mountains in 2002.

· The U.N. establishes December 11 as International Mountain Day each year for the protection and sustainability of mountains.

· Mountain Day is established and celebrated in Japan as a national holiday for people.