NATIONAL NEWS

National PM Vishwakarma Scheme

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the National PM Vishwakarma Program held in Wardha, Maharashtra, on 20 September 2024 to celebrate the first anniversary of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme.

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Central Sector Scheme “PM Vishwakarma” on 17 September 2023 in New Delhi.

The Prime Minister also distributed Vishwakarma certificates and loans to the scheme's beneficiaries.

Prime Minister Modi also launched the Maharashtra Government’s Acharya Chanakya Skill Development Scheme and the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Women Startup Scheme on this occasion.

Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone of PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Park at Amravati, Maharashtra.

The PM Vishwakarma scheme is a five-year central sector scheme that aims to support 18 traditional crafts done traditionally by families using hands and tools.

The central government has allocated Rs.13,000 crore for the scheme from 2023-24 to 2027-28.

India to Host Second Edition of Global Food Regulators Summit

India is set to host the second edition of the Global Food Regulators Summit from September 19-21, 2024, in New Delhi.

Organized by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the event aims to bring together international experts and regulators to discuss critical food safety regulations.

The event will promote global collaboration and knowledge-sharing on key issues such as food safety, risk assessment, and capacity building.

The summit will focus on fostering international cooperation on food safety regulations.

A new portal will be launched to enhance transparency and communication regarding food imports.

Uttar Pradesh's First Semiconductor Park to be Established in Greater Noida

The first semiconductor park in Uttar Pradesh will be established in Greater Noida, near the upcoming Noida International Airport.

The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated 225 acres of land in Sector 10 and Sector 28 for semiconductor manufacturing projects by three companies.

Arun Vir Singh, chief executive officer, Yamuna Development Authority (YEIDA), stated that 50 acres of land in Sector-10 have been allocated to Kaynes Semicon Private Limited and Vama Sundari Investments for setting up semiconductor units.

Vama Sundari Investments plans to develop a semiconductor unit expected to create 13,780 jobs, produce 2.40 lakh chips per month, and require 19 MW of electricity and 2,000 million liters of water per day.

Kaynes Semicon will also establish a unit on 50 acres, with specific electricity requirements.

The three companies are expected to invest between Rs 40,000 crore and Rs 80,000 crore in their respective projects.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Donald Trump Unveils Cryptocurrency Venture 'World Liberty Financial'

Former President Donald Trump launched a new cryptocurrency venture called World Liberty Financial just 50 days before Election Day.

World Liberty Financial is designed to be a crypto banking service that allows users to borrow, lend, and invest in digital currencies.

World Liberty Financial is Donald Trump's new cryptocurrency venture, aiming to offer decentralized finance (DeFi) services.

Decentralized finance (DeFi) eliminates the need for intermediaries like banks, using blockchain technology to keep tamper-proof records of transactions.

World Liberty Financial allows users to lend or borrow cryptocurrencies directly, bypassing traditional financial systems.

DeFi platforms use blockchain technology to conduct peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries.

These platforms may involve fees for converting digital assets into fiat currencies, like the US dollar, through online exchanges.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Metro Bank Partners with Infosys

Metro Bank, the UKs community-focused bank, has announced a long-term collaboration with Infosys, a global leader in digital services and consulting, to significantly improve its IT and support functions.

This partnership aligns with Metro Banks ongoing efforts to boost efficiency and cut costs while undergoing a digital transformation to optimize business operations.

Infosys will play a crucial role in enhancing Metro Banks digital capabilities, focusing on improving automation, refining data management, and embedding AI technologies to streamline processes and enhance customer experience.

The collaboration will also leverage Infosys Topaz, an AI-first platform built on generative AI technologies, to further simplify and enhance the consistency of services for Metro Banks customers, known as FANS.

The partnership aims to deliver a more seamless and consistent customer experience, utilizing advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and data analytics.

Infosys expertise in automation and AI will enable Metro Bank to provide faster, more personalized services, improving overall customer satisfaction.

BANKING

World Bank Commits Additional USD 2 Billion to Bangladesh

The World Bank pledged an additional $2 billion in financing to Bangladesh during this fiscal year to support critical reforms, flood response, air quality improvement, and healthcare.

The World Bank is committed to increasing lending to Bangladesh to support the reform agenda of the Interim Government.

USAID-Bangladesh recently announced $202.25 million in aid to Bangladesh to advance development, empower youth, strengthen democracy, improve health, and expand trade and economic opportunities.

The World Bank plans to repurpose an additional $1 billion from existing programmes in consultation with the government, bringing the total financial assistance to around $3 billion.

Muhammad Yunus requested the World Bank to provide technical support to recover stolen assets siphoned off by corrupt individuals during the previous governments rule.

AWARDS & PRIZES

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) Receives Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has been honored with the prestigious Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar by the Department of Official Language, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Government of India.

This award is presented for excellence in implementing the Official Language policy.

Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar is the highest national award for excellence in Official Language implementation.

BHEL's commendable efforts in promoting and utilizing Hindi in its operations have been acknowledged, reflecting the company's commitment to enhancing the use of the Official Language.

SPORTS

FIH Hockey Stars Awards

India's hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh and veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh have been shortlisted for the prestigious FIH Hockey Stars Awards following their outstanding performances at the Paris Olympics.

The nominations were announced by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

Harmanpreet Singh is in the running for the FIH Player of the Year award after leading India to a bronze-medal finish in the Olympics.

He netted 10 goals, the highest by any player in the tournament.

PR Sreejesh has been nominated for the Goalkeeper of the Year award, following his stellar defensive display, particularly during the quarterfinal against Great Britain, where India advanced to the semifinals after a 4-2 penalty shootout win.