National news
Jaipur to Host 25th Edition of IIFA Awards
The 25th edition of the prestigious IIFA Awards will take place from March 7 to 9, 2025, at the JECC Sitapura in Jaipur, Rajasthan. This marks a significant return of the awards to India.
Financial Commitment: The Rajasthan government has allocated a total budget of ₹100 crore for the event. This includes contributions from:
- ₹50 crore from the state government
- ₹20 crore from the Rajasthan Industrial and Investment Corporation (RIICO)
- ₹30 crore from the tourism department
Significance for Rajasthan: Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari emphasized that the event will attract global attention, promoting Rajasthan’s cultural heritage and encouraging film shoots in the state. It is expected to boost tourism and open new avenues for employment and investment.
- New Addition: IIFA Digital Awards For the first time, the IIFA Digital Awards will be introduced, recognizing achievements in digital entertainment, including films and OTT content, reflecting the growing influence of digital media.
- IIFA’s Global Impact: Since 2000, IIFA has hosted events in 14 countries and 18 cities, making the 2025 Jaipur edition a major milestone, celebrating 25 years of Indian cinema on the global stage
Rajasthan:
- Capital: Jaipur (Executive Branch)
- Chief minister: Bhajan Lal Sharma
- Governor: Haribhau Bagade
ADB Funds Rs 530 Crore Water Supply Schemes for 12 Cities in Tripura
Tirupura Chief Minister Manik Saha launched the ‘Mukhyamantri Nagar Unnayan Prakalp,’ a ₹530 crore water supply project funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). It aims to upgrade drinking water infrastructure in 12 cities, benefiting over 75,000 families. The project is expected to be completed in three years.
Cities Covered: The project will improve water infrastructure in the following cities:
- Udaipur
- Amarpur
- Belonia
- Melaghar
- Bishramganj
- Khowai
- Ranir Bazar
- Mohanpur
- Dharmanagar
- Kailashhar
- Kumarghat
- Ambassa
Seven of these are district headquarters.
Infrastructure Development: The project includes:
- Laying 305 km of water pipelines
- Construction of 25 deep tubewells
- 18 Iron Removal Plants
- 4 water treatment plants
- 19 water reservoirs
Second Phase: In the second phase, the project will extend to other areas, including Agartala Municipal Corporation.
Government Focus and Acknowledgements: Chief Minister Saha stressed the government’s commitment to providing clean drinking water, thanking Prime Minister Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for securing ADB funding. Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy criticized past governments for neglecting water infrastructure, while Urban Development Secretary Abhishek Singh acknowledged the efforts behind finalizing the project.
ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK:
- Headquarters: Mandaluyong, Philippines
- Founded: 19 December 1966
- President: Masatsugu Asakawa (from 17 January 2020)
Tirupura:
- Capital: Agartala
- Chief minister: Manik Saha
- Governor: N. Indrasena Reddy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Visit to Jharkhand, Gujarat, and Odisha (September , 2024)
During his visit to Jharkhand, Gujarat, and Odisha from September , 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook several significant initiatives aimed at enhancing transportation infrastructure and promoting renewable energy. Key highlights of the visit include:
- Vande Bharat Train Launch in Jharkhand: PM Modi flagged off the Tatanagar-Patna Vande Bharat train at Tatanagar Junction Railway Station.
- Railway Projects in Jharkhand: He laid the foundation stone and dedicated various railway projects worth over Rs 660 crore in Tatanagar.
- Expansion of Vande Bharat Services: The Prime Minister flagged off six new state-of-the-art Vande Bharat Express trains.
- Ahmedabad Metro Rail Phase II Inauguration: In Gujarat, PM Modi inaugurated Phase II of the Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project and the 4th Global Renewable Energy Investor’s Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST).
- Namo Bharat Rapid Rail Launch: He virtually flagged off India’s first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail service between Ahmedabad and Bhuj from the Bhuj railway station.
- Railway and Highway Projects in Gujarat: PM Modi laid the foundation stone for railway projects worth more than Rs 2800 crore and for National Highway projects exceeding Rs 1000 crore.
- Launch of ‘SUBHADRA’ in Odisha: The visit concluded with the launch of ‘SUBHADRA’, the flagship scheme of the Government of Odisha.
Gujarat:
- Capital: Gandhinagar
- Chief minister: Bhupendrabhai Patel
- Governor: Acharya Devvrat
Jarakhand:
- Chief minister: Hemant Soren
- Capital: Ranchi
- Governor: Santosh Gangwar
International news
India and Bhutan Deepen Cooperation on Food Safety and Regulatory Standards
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) met with the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA) during the Global Food Regulators Summit at Bharat Mandapam to advance the “Agreement” signed on March 21, 2024. This agreement, initiated during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bhutan, focuses on improving food safety, aligning regulatory frameworks, and simplifying food import procedures.
Key Focus Areas:
- Agreement Implementation: Steps were reviewed to streamline trade and elevate food safety standards between the two nations.
- Technical Cooperation: The meeting highlighted building technical collaboration and capacity for BFDA to maintain high food safety standards.
- Capacity Building: Training and cooperation initiatives to empower BFDA officials were prioritized.
Leadership Remarks:
- G. Kamala Vardhana Rao (CEO, FSSAI): Emphasized the agreement’s significance in boosting trade and consumer safety standards.
- Gyem Bidha (Director, BFDA): Acknowledged FSSAI’s leadership and addressed challenges in exporting Bhutanese food products to India.
Bhutan:
- Capital: Thimphu
- Currencies: Bhutanese Ngultrum, Indian Rupee
- King: Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
Union Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurates Invest India’s new office in Singapore
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated Invest India’s new office in Singapore, aimed at facilitating investment from the region into India. This office will serve as a dedicated point of contact for companies interested in exploring investment opportunities across various sectors.
About Invest India:
- Purpose: Invest India is the National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency of India, established as a non-profit initiative under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- Role: It plays a key role in the “Make in India” campaign, assisting investors in launching, operating, and expanding their businesses in India.
- Services Offered:
- Comprehensive facilitation services
- Strategic business advisory
- Policy guidance
- Location assessment
- Issue resolution
- Expansion support
Expectations: The establishment of the Singapore office underscores India’s commitment to enhancing investment partnerships and simplifying engagement for global investors. The office will provide tailored support for Singaporean investors, reinforcing economic collaboration between the two nations.
Singapore: prime minister: Lawrence Wong Shyun Tsai
Ministry of commerce: Officeholders: Piyush Goyal (Minister), Jitin Prasada (Minister of State), C.R.Chaudhary (Minister of State)
FSSAI Signs MoU with Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock
On September, 2024, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA). This collaboration, announced during the Global Food Regulators Summit in New Delhi, aims to enhance food safety measures and promote bilateral cooperation in the food sector.
Key Objectives of the MoU:
- Strengthening Food Safety: The MoU focuses on improving food safety standards in both India and Brazil.
- Technical Collaboration: It facilitates joint projects and technical collaboration between FSSAI and MAPA, allowing for the exchange of expertise and best practices.
- Addressing Food Safety Challenges: The partnership aims to undertake joint initiatives to tackle specific food safety issues faced by both nations.
Significance:
- Bilateral Cooperation: The collaboration represents a significant step toward fostering stronger ties between India and Brazil in the food safety domain.
- Global Alignment: This partnership aligns with international efforts to enhance food safety standards and protect public health, reinforcing both countries’ commitments to these goals.
Conclusion: The MoU between FSSAI and MAPA marks an important milestone in promoting food safety cooperation, showcasing a mutual commitment to safeguarding public health through improved food safety practices.
Fssai:
- Founded: 5 September 2008
- Founder: Anbumani Ramadoss
- Headquarters: New Delhi
- CEO: G. Kamala Vardhana Rao
Brazil:
- Capital: Brasília
- Official language: Portuguese
- President: Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
Summit news
India to Host World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit 2025
The Indian government will host the inaugural World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) from February 5 to 9, 2025, to boost the country’s media and entertainment industry and enhance its global influence. This will be the first global summit covering the entire media and entertainment spectrum.
Overview: The Indian government is set to host the inaugural World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), aimed at enhancing the country’s media and entertainment industry and increasing its global influence. This summit will be the first of its kind to cover the entire spectrum of media and entertainment on a global scale.
Objectives
- Fostering Dialogue and Innovation: WAVES seeks to create a platform for key industry players to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities, particularly as new technologies evolve.
- Promoting Investment: The summit will focus on the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) sectors, which are gaining significant global traction.
Government Support and Initiatives
- Backed by Telangana Government: The Telangana government is supporting WAVES, emphasizing its innovative media and entertainment ecosystem.
- Combating Piracy: The government is committed to protecting content creators and stakeholders while addressing piracy issues affecting the industry.
- Growing the Gaming Industry: Initiatives will also be put in place to support the burgeoning gaming sector.
Competitions and Engagement: Leading up to the summit, various challenges will be organized, such as:
- “Battle of the Bands”
- “Symphony of India”
These competitions will engage creators across India, encouraging innovation and the preservation of classical traditions.
Technology Focus: WAVES will delve into advancements in audiovisual technology, including:
- 8K Resolution
- Virtual Reality
- AI’s Impact on Content Creation
The summit will provide ample networking opportunities for both emerging talents and established industry veterans, focusing on sustainable production practices and strategies for entering global markets.
Pre-Summit Event in Goa
Before the main event in 2025, a precursor summit will be held in Goa from November 20 to 25, 2024, under the theme “Create in India Challenge – Season 1.” This event will feature finalists from 25 competitions, offering them a platform for global exposure.
Banking news
Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Announces Key Reforms for EPFO Subscribers
On September, 2024, Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, representing the Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoL&E), made significant announcements regarding the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO):
- Increased Withdrawal Limit: Subscribers of the EPFO can now withdraw up to Rs 1 lakh from their Provident Fund (PF) accounts for personal financial needs, a substantial increase from the previous limit of Rs 50,000.
- Eligibility for Early Withdrawal: Employees who have not completed six months in their current job are now eligible to withdraw amounts from their PF accounts, which was previously prohibited.
- Proposal for Increased Income Ceiling: The Government of India is working on a proposal to increase the income ceiling under the EPFO and the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) from the current limits of Rs 15,000 per month and Rs 21,000 respectively.
About the Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoL&E)
- Union Minister: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya (Constituency: Porbandar, Gujarat)
- Minister of State (MOS): Shobha Karandlaje (Constituency: Bangalore North, Karnataka)
About the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Neelam Shami Rao
- Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi
- Established: 1952
IDFC First Bank Launches Premium Credit Cards ‘Ashva’ and ‘Mayura’
IDFC First Bank, a leader in innovative financial solutions, has introduced two new premium credit cards—‘Ashva’ and ‘Mayura’—to enhance its offerings in the credit card segment.
- IDFC First Ashva Credit Card:
- This is a premier metal credit card powered by the Visa network.
- It is designed for mid-tier customers, aiming to address their financial needs while also elevating their luxury experiences.
- IDFC First Mayura Credit Card:
- This new addition to the premium metal card range is tailored for the affluent segment.
- It combines modern travel benefits with a design inspired by rich Indian heritage, specifically featuring motifs of the Mayura (peacock).
Additional Update
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the re-appointment of V. Vaidyanathan as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IDFC First Bank Limited for a period of three years, effective from December 19, 2024, to December 18, 2027.
About IDFC FIRST Bank Limited
- Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO): V. Vaidyanathan
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Tagline: “Always You First”
- Established: 2018
SBI Sanctions ₹10,050 Crore Thermal Project Loan to DVC for 1600 MW USCTPP in Koderma
The State Bank of India (SBI) has approved a substantial loan facility of ₹10,050 crores to the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) for the development of an Ultra Super Critical Thermal Power Project (USCTPP) with a capacity of 1600 Megawatts (MW), located in Koderma, Jharkhand.
Project Details:
- The USCTPP will involve the construction of two units of 800 MW each.
- This initiative has been identified by the Ministry of Power (MoP) as a key project for capacity addition by 2030, supporting India’s long-term energy goals.
Loan Agreement:
The formal loan agreement was exchanged between key officials, including:
- Ashwini Kumar Tewari, Managing Director (MD) of Corporate Banking & Subsidiaries at SBI
- Gulshan Malik and Amitava Chatterjee, Deputy Managing Directors (DMDs) (Commercial Clients Group), SBI
- Arup Sarkar, Member Finance, DVC
- Joydeep Mukherjee, Executive Director (ED) (Finance), DVC
- Durgesh Maiti, Chief General Manager (CGM) (Finance), DVC
SBI:
- Headquarters: Mumbai
- Founded: 1 July 1955
- Key people: Challa Sreenivasulu Setty (Chairman); Kameshwar Rao Kodavanti (CFO);
Appointment news
Left-leaning leader wins Sri Lanka election in political paradigm shift
Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been elected as Sri Lanka’s president, achieving 42% of the vote in the country’s first election following the 2022 economic collapse. The election marked a significant moment in Sri Lankan politics, with a notable voter turnout of 76% among the 17.1 million electorate.
Key Results:
- Winning Candidate: Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the National People’s Power (NPP) coalition.
- Main Rival: Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa secured 23% of the votes.
- Outgoing President: Ranil Wickremesinghe finished in third place.
Political Transition: Following Dissanayake’s victory, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena resigned from his position. This resignation is part of the power transition leading up to Dissanayake’s swearing-in ceremony. Gunawardena had been serving as Prime Minister since July 2022.
Sri lanka:
- Capitals: Colombo, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
- President: Anura Kumara Dissanayake
- Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee
Award news
Chiranjeevi Sets Guinness World Record as Most Prolific Indian Film Star
On September, 2024, Indian cinema legend Chiranjeevi was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the most prolific actor/dancer in Indian film history. Over a 45-year career, he has performed 24,000 dance moves in 537 songs across 156 films, marking a historic achievement in the entertainment industry.
- Chiranjeevi’s Reflections: Chiranjeevi expressed his gratitude, noting that while he never sought such recognition, he was honored by the accolade. He emphasized how dance has been a central element of his career, recalling early experiences performing in front of iconic figures like Savitri.
- Celebrations and Praise: The recognition was met with widespread admiration. Aamir Khan praised Chiranjeevi’s passion for dance, while Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy and Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu highlighted the pride this brings to Telugu culture and Indian cinema.
- Legacy and Career Impact: With over 150 films in multiple languages, including Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, and Kannada, Chiranjeevi has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. His celebrated works, such as “Rudra Veena,” “Indra,” “Tagore,” and “Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy,” and his honors, including the Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan, further solidify his legacy as a cinematic icon.
Sports news
Indian Wrestling Champion Sangram Singh Makes Historic MMA Debut
Indian wrestler and Commonwealth Heavyweight champion Sangram Singh made a remarkable debut in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) at the Gama International Fighting Championship in Tbilisi, Georgia. His victory set a new benchmark for Indian fighters in international MMA.
- Fastest Win by an Indian in the 93 kg Division: Competing in the 93 kg weight class, Singh secured victory in just 1 minute and 30 seconds, marking the fastest win by an Indian in this division, solidifying his legacy from his very first MMA bout.
- David vs. Goliath: Age Defeated: Despite being 17 years older than his opponent, Pakistani fighter Ali Raza Nasir, Singh’s skill and experience dominated the match, proving that age is no barrier in combat sports.
- Significance of India vs. Pakistan Match: Singh’s win in the India-Pakistan bout resonates nationally, elevating India’s profile in international combat sports and showcasing the potential of Indian athletes on the global stage.
- Wrestling to MMA Transition: Singh’s traditional Indian wrestling background contributed to his seamless transition into MMA. His grappling expertise proved highly adaptable to the demands of modern combat sports.
Preparation and Coaching: Singh credited his success to his rigorous preparation and the guidance of his coaches:
- Bhupesh Kumar: His Indian coach who refined his wrestling foundation.
- David: His international coach who helped him develop MMA-specific skills.
Lando Norris Triumphs in Thrilling Singapore Grand Prix 2024
On September 22, 2024, British and Belgian racing driver McLaren’s Lando Norris secured his third Formula 1 win at the Singapore Grand Prix, displaying exceptional skill and determination. His victory added fresh excitement to the ongoing championship battle.
Pole to Victory: Starting from pole position on the challenging Marina Bay Street Circuit, Norris capitalized on his strong position, steadily pulling ahead of his rivals. His dominant performance highlighted his rising status in Formula 1.
Anmol Kharb bags her second title by winning the Polish International
Continuing her impressive performance, Indian badminton prodigy Anmol Kharb won the women’s singles title at the Polish International Badminton Championships. 17-year-old Anmol Kharb won her first senior international title last week by winning the Belgian International Badminton Championships singles title.
Prize Money: USD 3000
Highlights
- Title Win: 17-year-old Anmol Kharb clinched the women’s singles title, marking her second senior international title in just a week. She previously won her first senior title at the Belgian International Badminton Championships.
- Final Match: Kharb faced Milena Schnider from Switzerland, ranked 141 in the world, and won in straight sets, 21-12, 21-8, in just 33 minutes.
- Semi-Finals: Kharb defeated Frederikke Lund of Denmark (ranked 146) in straight sets, 21-15, 21-12.
- Impressive Performance: Throughout the tournament, Kharb did not lose a single set, showcasing her dominance on the court.
Rankings
- Anmol Kharb is currently ranked 165 in the world, demonstrating her rapid ascent in international badminton.
Other Indian Performances
- Men’s Singles: 19-year-old Lakshya Sharma reached the semi-finals but lost to Gustav Bjorkler of Sweden. The men’s singles title was won by Ditlev Jaeger Holm from Denmark.
- Men’s Doubles:
- The Indian duo of Ishaan Bhatnagar and Sankar Prasad Udayakumar reached the semi-finals but were defeated by Polish players Robert Cybul Bulski and Szymon Slepecki.
- The pair of PS Ravikrishna and Akshan Shetty also reached the semi-finals, losing to the eventual winners, Eng Keat Wesley Koh and Junsuke Kubo from Singapore.
- Women’s Doubles: The Indian pair of Anagha Aravinda Pai and Ridhi Kaur Toor reached the quarter-finals before exiting the tournament.