RBI to issue new Rs 20 denomination banknote with greenish-yellow color; check features

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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced that it will issue new Rs 20 denomination banknotes soon. The new banknote will have a base colour of greenish -yellow and will be 63 X 129 mm in size. The apex bank had first introduced the Rs 20 note in the Mahatma Gandhi Series in August 2001.

In contrast to the old red-orange colored Rs 20 note of size 143 X 63 mm, which has a motif of Mount Harriet, the new note will have a motif of Ellora caves on the back side, depicting India's cultural heritage, said RBI in a statement.

RBI is going to issue new Rs 20 denomination banknote with greenish-yellow colour Source:dnaindia.com

PETA India Honors Mizoram Boy Who Rushed Injured Chick To Hospital With An Award

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A six-year-old boy from Mizoram Derek C Lalchhanhima, who saved the life of a chicken he accidentally ran over, has been awarded the ‘Compassionate Kid’ award 2019 by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals(PETA) India.

In contrast to the old red-orange colored Rs 20 note of size 143 X 63 mm, which has a motif of Mount Harriet, the new note will have a motif of Ellora caves on the back side, depicting India's cultural heritage, said RBI in a statement.

Australia's Claire Polosak set to become first woman umpire to stand in men’s ODI

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The 31-year-old, who is breaking new ground for women cricket officials has previously stood in 15 women’s ODIs, the first one in November 2016 between Australia and South Africa.

Australia’s Claire Polosak tp become first female umpire to stand in men’s ODI Source:circleofcricket.com

Canara Bank, Canara HSBC OBC Life launch ‘Webassurance’

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Public sector lender Canara Bank and its life insurance partner Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance on Saturday announced the launch of ’Webassurance’ Four life insurance products of Canara HSBC OBC Life would be made available to customers of Canara Bank, covering the key needs of child future, savings and investments, retirement planning and protection, a release issued here said.

M S Yadav elected GS of newly formed AIFPTIEU

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The All India Federation of PTI Employees' Unions (AIFPTIEU) was formed here Saturday by delegates coming from different centres of PTI.

Bhuwan Choubey and M S Yadav were elected president and general secretary respectively of the Federation by the 45 elected council members from different regions.P C Maity was elected as treasurer. Md. Sallimuddin and O J Tomy were elected vice-presidents while M S Hasan and B T Mohan Rao were elected assistant general secretaries.

A 16-member executive body was also constituted.

Indian Council of Medical Research launches 'MERA India' to eliminate malaria from India by 2030

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The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has launched the 'Malaria Elimination Research Alliance (MERA) India' - a conglomeration of partners working on malaria control - in order to prioritise, plan and scale up research to eliminate the disease from India by 2030.

The National Vector Borne Diseases Control Program (NVBDCP) of India has developed a comprehensive framework to achieve the overarching vision of "Malaria free India by 2030".

The Indian Council of Medical Research has launched the 'Malaria Elimination Research Alliance (MERA) India' to eliminate malaria from India by 2030. Source:News Nation

EIU set to lower India's growth outlook for 2019-20

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Indian economy will grow below its potential in 2019-20, said a report from the Hong Kong-based The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) while warning it is set to lower its own current estimate of 7.2 per cent for the country's GDP growth rate in its next forecast round.

Recently, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and RBI have downgraded India’s growth forecast for 2019-20 to 7.2 percent from 7.4 percent.

Prasanna Kumar Rao wins Corporate Excellence award from Enterprise Asia

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Prasanna Kumar Rao, Managing Director, Heidelberg Prominent Fluid Controls India Pvt. Ltd., received the Corporate Excellence award in the Manufacturing Industry, from Enterprise Asia of Malaysia for the year 2019, in a grand event which was conducted at Andaz, Hyatt Hotel, New Delhi.

The prestigious Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Award (APEA) from Enterprise Asia is a regional award recognition programme that recognizes entrepreneurial excellence.

Finance Ministry ratifies 8.65% interest on EPF for 2018-19

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The Finance Ministry has approved 8.65 per cent rate of interest on Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) for 2018-19 as decided by retirement fund body EPFO, benefitting more than 6 crore formal sector workers.

Qatar to abolish exit visa system by year's end: UN

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UN’s International Labour Organization (ILO) announced that Qatar is set to abolish its exit visa system for all foreign workers by the end of 2019.

The country was committed to labour reform following an Amnesty international report that the 2022 World Cup host was failing to stop widespread labour abuse.

HDFC Bank and Max Bupa launch AnyTimeHealth machines to distribute health insurance products

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Max Bupa, one of India's leading standalone health insurance players, and HDFC Bank, one of India's leading private sector banks, today announced the launch of 'digital first' propositions for the bank's 40+ million customers, spread across its 5,000+ branches.

The machine is an automated, web-based model that permits customers to avail health assessment, namely, Body Mass Index’, ‘Blood Pressure’, ‘Body Type & Fat percentage’, ‘Muscle percentage’, ‘Bone Mass’, ‘Body Temperature’ and buy health policy dynamically without incorporation of any kind of conventional manual efforts.

HDFC Bank and Max Bupa launch AnyTimeHealth machines to distribute health insurance products Source:siasat.com

World’s first malaria vaccine to go to 360,000 African children

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Over 360,000 children a year in three African countries will receive the world’s first malaria vaccine as part of a large-scale pilot project, the World Health Organization said Tuesday.

The world’s first malaria vaccine RTS, S is also known as Mosquirix has launched in Malawi,Malawi has started vaccinating children under 2 years of age, and Kenya and Ghana will begin using the vaccine in the coming weeks, with health ministries in these countries deciding where it will be used, WHO said.

Pakistan Navy test-fired a new shipborne cruise missile in the Arabian Sea

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The cruise missile was a shipborne variant, fired from an Azmat-class patrol vessel, the PNS Himmat (1027), in the North Arabian Sea.

The cruise missile has capability of anti-ship missile and land attack. The media arm of the Pakistan Armed Forces, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) has not revealed the missile type which Pakistan Navy has tested.

PNS Himmat patrol vessel test-firing a shipborne cruise missile in January 2018. (Picture Source: Pakistan Navy) Source:Navy Recognition

Japan creates first artificial crater on asteroid

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Japanese scientists have succeeded in creating the first-ever artificial crater on an asteroid,said the Japanese space agency (JAXA).

The announcement comes after the Hayabusa2 probe fired an explosive device at the Ryugu asteroid early this month to blast a crater in the surface and scoop up material, aiming to reveal more about the origins of life on Earth.

Japan creates world’s 1st artificial crater on asteroid Source:Economic Times

The crater could be as large as 10 metres in diameter if the surface was sandy, or three metres if rocky.

Nasa records first likely marsquake, tremors came come from inside Red Planet

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National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (Nasa) robotic Mars InSight lander has recorded a likely "marsquake" for the first time ever.

The faint seismic signal, detected by the lander's Seismic Experiment for Interior Structure (SEIS) instrument, was recorded on April 6, the lander's 128th Martian day.

The scientists believe that the tremble comes from the Martian interior, rather than from surface forces.It has been observed that Mars is still seismically active.

Army joins hands with NHPC to store ammo in caves under Himalayas

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The Army in collaboration with the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) will construct underground caverns(tunnels) to store ammunition at four locations in the Himalayas which are the China, Pakistan borders.

Three tunnels will be built along Chinese border and one tunnel will be build along the Pakistan border.

The tunnel can store 175-200 metric tonnes of ammunition and the cost of this pilot project is around Rs 15 crore.

CPWD constitutes committee to formulate design policy for building construction

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The Central Works Public Department (CPWD) has constituted an expert committee to formulate a design policy for building construction and infrastructure development.

The prime objective of this policy is to revive all levels of building construction and infrastructure development in CPWD, under the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry.

The tunnel can store 175-200 metric tonnes of ammunition and the cost of this pilot project is around Rs 15 crore.

ICMR launches 'MERA India' to eliminate malaria by 2030

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The Indian Council of Medical Research has launched the ‘Malaria Elimination Research Alliance (MERA) India which is a conglomeration of partners working on malaria control in order to eliminate the disease from India by 2030.

A BMC worker carries out fumigation works at a Ganpati pandal as part of preventive measures against Malaria. Source:Deccan Herald

The National Vector Borne Diseases Control Program (NVBDCP) of India has developed a comprehensive framework to achieve the target of “Malaria free India by 2030” and for this reason the Malaria Elimination Research Alliance (MERA) India established.

NPCI gets RBI nod for recurring payments through net banking and debit cards

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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given a green signal for full-fledged implementation electronic mandate to National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). The central bank, in a letter, has asked to implement both the e-mandate measures by June 30.

RBI (Reserve Bank of India) gives approval for e-mandates to facilitate Internet Banking, Debit Cards to NPCI Source:Entrackr

NPCI, already gave licence to 7 banks, they are : Yes Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Axis Bank and IndusInd Bank, Central Bank of India, Bank of Baroda and Punjab National Bank. Where as Kotak Mahindra Bank has gone live for both net banking and debit card-based mandates, as per NPCI.

The limit for each mandate is set at Rs 1 Lakh, and depending on the usage, the organisation will review the limit from time to time.

The circular notified that the NACH (National Automated Clearing House) mandates can be used for business to business (B2B) collections, investments, insurance products, utility payments, government payments, trades receivables, loan repayments, asset rentals and collection of education/society charges.

Both e-NACH and e-mandates are 2 different services. The e-NACH services are controlled by NPCI and is available at over 40 banks, while the e-mandates are provided by individual banks.

Ex-South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis receives Ikhamanga Award

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Ex-South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis has been honoured with the Order of Ikhamanga in the Silver Division.

The national honour is bestowed by the President of South Africa on citizens who have made significant contributions to arts, literature, music, journalism, culture and sports.

Ex-South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis receives Ikhamanga Award 2019 Source:India Today

World Health Organization Issues First-Ever Screen Time Guidelines for Young Kids. Here's What to Know

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The U.N. health agency said Wednesday that kids under 5 should not spend more than one hour watching screens every day — and that less is better while it also said that one-year-old(or lesser) should not be exposed to electronic screens at.

The guideline underlines the significance of Healthy physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep habits in early life that moulds them into an active adult.

It also said that Kids between the age of 1 and 3 should spend 3 hours a day doing physical activity.

BuyUcoin Introduces First Indian Platform For Wholesale Cryptocurrency Trading

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BuyUcoin, second oldest Cryptocurrency Exchange in India, has introduced a new and unique platform for wholesale cryptocurrency trading. This platform works on ‘free trading model’ which means it charges zero fee on any trade. This wholesale platform also known as OTC (Over-the-counter) Desk allows users to trade on a large scale with low price fluctuations.

First Indian Platform for Wholesale Cryptocurrency Trading has introduced by BuyUcoin Source:BuyUnion,Twitter Handle

Sebi reduces minimum subscription size for REITs, InvITs

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SEBI in it's guidelines titled “Guidelines for Determination of Allotment and Trading Lot Size for Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs)” has reduced the minimum subscription requirement as well as defined trading lots for REITs and InvITs.

Currently, the minimum subscription from any investor in an initial offer and public offer is not less than Rs 2 lakh in case of REITs and in case of InvITs the same is Rs 10 lakh.

For determining the allotment in an initial offer and follow on public offers, REITs have to offer their units in lots worth at least Rs 50,000 and in case of InvITs, the minimum value of a single lot should be Rs 1 lakh. The allotment to any investor shall be made in the multiples of a lot.

For initial listing in case of REITs and InvITs, a trading lot should be of 100 units and for follow on public offers, each lot shall consists of such number of units in its trading lot as it had at the time of initial offer. Moreover, SEBI has also increased leverage limit for InvITs from 49 percent to 70 percent.

With RBI exit, government now owns 100% stake in NHB, Nabard

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The Reserve Bank of India has exited the National Housing Bank (NHB) and the National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (Nabard), by selling its entire stakes to government for Rs 1,450 crore and Rs 20 crore, respectively, making them fully government-owned now.

This step has taken based on the recommendations of the second Narasimham Committee report and the discussion paper prepared by RBI titled “Harmonizing the Role and Operations of Development Financial Institutions and Banks.”

Wirecard partners RBL Bank to drive financial inclusion

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Germany-based global provider of digital payments and commerce solutions Wirecard entered into a partnership with RBL Bank to promote financial inclusion in India.

Also, SoftBank invested EUR 900 million in Wirecard. Under this agreement, Wirecard will issue convertible bonds to SoftBank with terms of five years and it is convertible for about 5.6 percent of Wirecard stock at EUR 130 per Wirecard share.

Aegon Life and MobiKwik launch a smart digital insurance product

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Mobikwik, digital financial services company collaborated with pioneer of digital insurance in India, Aegon Life Insurance to launch a Rs 20 smart digital insurance product in order to protect its wallet users from death and accident related disability cover for up to Rs 2 lakh.

The insurance product launched is termed as the Aegon Life Group Term Plus Plan. It is available on MobiKwik App.

Aegon Life Insurance has collaborated with MobiKwik to launch a smart digital insurance product to enhance financial inclusion Source:indiantelevision.com

Startup India Vision 2024: DPIIT Proposes INR 1,000 Cr Startup Fund, Eyes 50K New Startups

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The Commerce and Industry Ministry has proposed measures such as tax incentives to promote entrepreneurs as part of the ‘Startup India Vision 2024’. The aim of the vision document is to facilitate setting up of 50,000 new start-ups in the country by 2024 and creating 20 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities.

World's only floating nuclear power station dubbed 'Chernobyl on ice' launched by Russia

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The 70 MW ‘Akademik Lomonosov’, world’s first floating nuclear power plant successfully tested by Rosenergoatom, operator subsidiary of Rosatom, state owned atomic energy cooperation of Russia.

Russia successfully tests World’s First Floating Nuclear Power Plant named ‘Akademik Lomonosov’ Source:The Independent

The ship was named after famous academician Mikhail Lomonosov. It will replace the four-unit Bilibino plant, with an aggregate 48 MW capacity.

The floating nuclear power plant is 144 metres in length, 30 metres wide and has a displacement capability of 21,000 tonnes.

9 years after 'Solo' release, Rana Dasgupta bags Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize

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The 2nd edition of Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize(contains an amount of $10,000, a Tagore statue and a certificate for contribution to literature) was awarded to author Rana Dasgupta for his 2010 novel 'Solo', a tale of estrangement and the ultimate failure of material existence.

The insurance product launched is termed as the Aegon Life Group Term Plus Plan. It is available on MobiKwik App.

Quikr acquires Zefo for $30 m

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Quikr has acquired Bengaluru-based secondhand goods marketplace Zefo, for INR 200 Crore to strengthen the sales of its pre-owned goods business.

Quikr acquired secondhand Goods Marketplace Zefo Source:wp.com/inc42.com

This is Quikr’s 15th acquisition since its inception in 2008 and its first in the pre-owned goods vertical QuikrBazaar, where users can buy and sell used goods. The start-up has invested around $250 million in acquiring these 15 companies. Of these, seven companies were acquired to grow its QuikrHomes/Real Estate vertical, three in beauty services plus a fourth to grow its QuikrEasy vertical, two for its QuikrJobs vertical, one for its QuikrCars vertical and now Zefo for its QuikrBazaar vertical.

'Money Loji' launches its App that offers loans to salaried professionals within 5 Minutes

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Money Loji(A Money lending platform) has launched an application which offers loan to salaried professionals within 5 minutes with flexible repayment options starting from 7 days to a maximum of 90 days.

They follow a unique three-step process - application, approval, disbursement which is carried out within 3-4 minutes. The eligibility criterion is a minimum in-hand salary of Rs 20,000/month and a minimum age of 23 years. The application requires the users to upload an identity proof, an address proof, last 3 months bank statement alongside the salary slips.

‘Money Loji’ launches App that offers loans for salaried professionals Source:Moneyloji,Twitter

Indonesia releases Ramayana stamp

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Indonesia on released a special commemorative stamp on the theme of Ramayana to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties with India.

The stamp, designed by renowned Indonesian sculptor Padmashri Bapak Nyoman Nuart, features a scene from Hindu epic Ramayana in which Jatayu valiantly fought to save Sita.

29th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair: India nominated as Guest of Honour

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India has been nominated as the “Guest of Honour” country at the 29th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF).

Books on the life and struggle of Mahatma Gandhi will be on display as part of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations.

It end o 30th April.

RBI first APAC central bank to begin interest rate easing cycle: Fitch

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The Fitch ratings notified that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) becomes the first central bank in the Asia-Pacific region (APAC) to begin an interest rate easing cycle floated by benign food inflation and easier global financial condition.

Uber's Amit Jain to leave next month, Pierre-Dimitri Gore-Coty named as new Asia-Pacific unit chief

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Uber Asia Pacific head Amit Jain has resigned from the company after a four-year stint at the US-based ride hailing company.

Pierre-Dimitri Gore-Coty will take responsibility for Uber's Asia Pacific Rides business in addition to his current role leading Rides teams across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Interceptor vessel joins Coast Guard service

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Coast Guard Vessel ICGS C-441 was commissioned into the service by Tom Jose, Chief Secretary of Kerala at Vizhinjam Harbour, Thiruvananthapuram.

Chief Secretary Tom Jose with Coast Guard officials on board the new vessel commissioned at Vizhinjam on Wednesday. Source:The Hindu

It is the seventh Interceptor vessel amongst the series which is built by M/s. L&T Ltd (Larsen & Toubro Limited), Surat. Inspector General Vijay D Chafekar, PTM, TM, Commander coast guard Region (West) Mumbai have attended the commissioning ceremony.

Etihad Airways becomes 1st major airline to operate plastic-free flight

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The UAE's flag carrier Etihad Airways has become the first airline in the Gulf region to operate a flight without any single-use plastics on board, in a bid to raise awareness about pollution on Earth Day.

The flight named EY484, first flight without use of plastics landed in Brisbane, Australia on April 22, Earth Day.

High-level revamp: Anti-hijack panel to now include PMO brass

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The government has revamped its high-level anti-hijack panel to include top officials in the Prime Minister’s Office, especially National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, who will be empowered to coordinate any immediate military response.

The Committee of Secretaries on Aircraft Hijack (COSAH) will also have Nripendra Mishra, principal secretary to the prime minister and P K Mishra,additional principal secretary as its members.

Government raises authorised capital of Allahabad Bank to Rs 8,000 crore

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Gvernment has increased authorised capital by Rs5,000 crore to Rs8,000 crore in State-owned Allahabad Bank.

The Authorised capital of Allahabad Bank raised to Rs. 8000 crore by the government Source:newsx

All India Radio, Publication Division & Children's Film Society of India given Swacchta Pakhwada Awards-2019

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All India Radio, Publication Division and Children's Film Society of India were given Swacchta Pakhwada Awards-2019 in New Delhi.

The award was received by Director General of All India Radio F. Sheheryar and Director General (News) Ms. Ira Joshi on behalf of All India Radio.

RBI approves proposal of HDFC for holding 9.9% stake in Bandhan Bank

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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given its nod to HDFC Ltd for acquiring up to 9.9 per cent stake in Bandhan Bank following the Gruh Finance deal.

Gruh Finance, the affordable housing finance arm of HDFC Ltd, was taken over by Bandhan Bank in a share-swap deal in January.

IEPF Authority recovers Rs 1,514 crore of depositors' money from Peerless General Finance

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The Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) Authority has successfully forced the Peerless General Finance and Investment Company Limited to transfer deposits worth about Rs 1,514 crore to IEPF, a statutory body under the ministry of Corporate Affairs.

Gruh Finance, the affordable housing finance arm of HDFC Ltd, was taken over by Bandhan Bank in a share-swap deal in January.

Indian Chef And Filmmaker Vikas Khanna Named Brand Ambassador Of The Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC)

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Vikas Khanna, Michelin-star chef has been named brand ambassador of Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC), a leading cultural organisation which will organise the annual New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) that would showcase the chef’s film ‘The Last Color‘ and Sanya Malhotra-Nawazuddin Siddiqui starrer ‘Photograph’ and 'Sir'.

The New York Indian Film Festival is North America’s longest-running and most prestigious Indian film festival that would be organised from May 7 to 12, 2019. This would be the 19th edition of the fest.

New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) will feature Photograph,The Last Clor and Sir Source:cinestaan.com

RBI has $43 billion in excess reserves, says BofAML

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According to the report by Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BofAML), the excess reserves that RBI holds could be up to Rs.3 lakh crore ($43 billion) or 1.5% of the GDP (Gross Domestic Product). This also includes the excess capital in contingency reserves and revaluation reserves.

Mueller report: 5 things to know about Russian interference in U.S. elections

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Mueller’s 448-page report, released to Congress and the public on April 18 after a nearly two-year investigation, provided the most comprehensive description to date of Russia’s efforts to boost Donald Trump’s campaign during the 2016 presidential election.

The Attorney General William Barr of US has released 448 pages redacted version of Robert Mueller’s “Report on the Investigation Into Russian Interference in the 2016 Election” which claims that the special counsel found no evidence of Russian meddling in US election in 2016. A special counsel Robert Mueller was appointed to investigate the Russian interference in the 2016 US election.

FIEO inks pact with Welingkar Institute of Management to support startups in exports

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Federation of Indian Export Organisations(FIEO) has inked an agreement with Mumbai-based Prin. L N Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research to support startups engaged in the export sector.

Under the memorandum of understanding signed with the institute, the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) has launched a post graduate programme in foreign trade management (PGP-FTM) at Mumbai.

April 22,2019 is being observed as Earth Day with the Theme ‘Protecting Our Species’

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Initiated on April 22, 1970, by US Senator Gaylord Nelson, the Earth day is observed annually to support environmental protection. The theme for 2019 was Protecting Our Species, which are on the verge of extinction.

We're losing the war on climate change Source:CNN

This is just an off topic,a request from OakShow: Climate Change is real, and we could do some small things to reduce it's effects, join our campaign #SaveOurRaceandThePlanet by planting trees atleast once every year on a perticular occation.

Bajaj Allianz launches Total Health Secure Goal plan

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Bajaj Allianz General Insurance and Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance in collaboration launched their first product 'Total Health Secure Goal'.

The product is a combination of 2 existing plans, namely, Health Guard policy by Bajaj Allianz General Insurance and iSecure policy by Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance.This will offer an extra 5% discount on the total premium.

Both of the companies have common promoters Bajaj Finserv and Allianz of Germany.

SBI General Insurance launches product to protect businesses from cyber atatcks

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SBI General Insurance has launched its new product – cyber defence insurance to protect businesses from financial and reputational losses due to cyber attacks.

In the initial phase, the focus will be on SMEs and mid-market businesses, but later the product can cater to larger business conglomerates as well, the insurer said in a statement.

SBI General Insurance’s (SBIG) Cyber Defense comes with CyRUSS (Cyber Risk Underwriting & Solution Suite) which is a cloud-based tool for Commercial Cyber polices including risk assessment, ongoing risk management, and claim management.

MOU signed between Ministry of AYUSH and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research

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A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Ministry of AYUSH and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi today for cooperation in research and education in areas of traditional systems of medicine and its integration with modern science. The MoU was signed by Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH and Dr. Shekhar C. Mande, Director General, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR in the presence of senior officials from both the organizations.

The MoU was signed by Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH and Dr. Shekhar C. Mande, Director General, CSIR and Secretary Source:csir.res.in

Vinod Zutshi appointed as special observer for Tripura

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Former deputy Election Commissioner Vinod Zutshi has been appointed as special observer for Tripura where the Lok Sabha polls to one of the seats were postponed in view of the law and order situation.

BEML and Syndicate Bank sign MoU

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Syndicate Bank and BEML Limited, a 'Miniratna' Public Sector Undertaking, have signed an MOU for financing Earth Moving and Construction Equipment manufactured by BEML.

BEML joined hands with Syndicate Bank for financing Earth Moving and Construction Equipment Source:wikimedia

The MOU was signed in the presence of Ajay Vipin Nanavati, Chairman, Syndicate Bank and Deepak Kumar Hota, CMD, BEML Limited and Mrutyunjay Mahapatra, MD & CEO, Syndicate Bank.

BEML joined hands with Syndicate Bank for financing Earth Moving and Construction Equipment Source:wikimedia

TCS signs a deal with India Post to transform country's mail delivery system

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India's largest IT services company, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), has partnered with the Department of Posts in a bid to transform it into a multi-service digital hub.

At the heart of this transformation is the Core System Integration (CSI) program designed and implemented by TCS. This involved deploying an integrated ERP (enterprise resource planning) solution that caters to mail operations, finance and accounting, and HR functions, and connects its vast network of more than 150,000 post offices, making this the largest distributed ePostal network in the world.

This is also one of the largest SAP implementations in the world.

NASA FINDS MERCURY'S INNER SOLID CORE TO BE NEARLY THE SAME SIZE AS EARTH’S CORE

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NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) said that Mercury, has a massive solid inner core,by obtaining the data from NASA’s ‘MESSENGER’ which orbited Mercury from 2011 till crash landing in 2015.

Just like Earth Mercury has a massive solid inner core Source:newscientist.com

According to NASA’s information, both Mercury and the Earth have metallic cores and like Earth, Mercury’s outer core is of liquid metal. But there are indications that Mercury’s innermost core which is nearly 85% of Mercury’s volume is solid and it is nearly of the same size as Earth’s inner core.

NOTE:MESSENGER was NASA's 2nd mission to Mercury.

'BepiColombo' a joint mission by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to explore Mercury from 2 unique vantage points is on it's way to the dwarf planet,Europe’s 1st mission to Mercury launched in 2018 is expected to reach Mercury by 2025,on reaching Mercury BepiColombo is expected to experience temperatures more than 350°C.

The mission(BepiColombo) comprises two spacecrafts: the Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO) and the Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (MMO).

Iran, Pakistan to set up border 'reaction force' after militant attacks

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Iran and Pakistan have agreed to set up a joint border "reaction force" following a number of deadly attacks by militant groups on their frontier, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announced after talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. Source:rferl.org

The Iran-Pakistan border encompasses the south-eastern Iranian province of Sistan-Baluchestan (the second largest province of Iran with its capital Zahedan) where frequent attacks on Iran’s security forces have taken place.

Kotak Bank launches debit card-based e-mandate on NPCI’s API platform

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Kotak Mahindra Bank has announced the launch of an industry-first debit card-based authentication solution on (National Payments Corporation of India) e-Mandate (electronic mandate) API (Application Program Interface) platform.

Kotak Mahindra Bank becomes the first Destination Bank to go live with Net Banking and Debit Card-based e-mandate authentication, the bank said in a statement adding that the capability will enable its customers to create electronic mandates (similar to the erstwhile eNACH with Aadhaar + OTP) via both the Debit Card and Net Banking channels.

'The Conjuring' Inspiration Lorraine Warren Has Died At Age 92

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One of the most well known paranormal investigator, Lorraine Warren who investigated haunted houses and other manifestation of paranormal activities throughout her life with her late husband Ed. Warren, died in her home at Monroe, Connecticut at the age of 92.

Lorraine Warren,the Paranormal Investigator who Inspired James Wan's Conjuring Universe died at the age of 92 Source:Hindustan Times

Famous horror movie frnachise The Conjuring Universe by James Wan including ‘Amityville Horror’ and ‘Conjuring’ were inspired by her work in which Vera Farmiga played Lorraine Warren and Patrick Wilson portraying her partner Ed Warren.

Indian Football: Services clinch Santosh Trophy for sixth time with 1-0 win over hosts Punjab

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Services won their sixth Santosh Trophy title with a 1-0 victory over home side Punjab,a second-half strike by Bikash Thapa at the Guru Nanak Stadium in Ludhiana became the crutial goal.

Services bags the 6th Santosh Trophy Football Tournament title against Punjab at Guru Nanak Stadium Source:Scroll

NOTE:The Services football team is an Indian football team representing the Indian defence services in the Santosh Trophy.

India Rises To 17th Spot From 37th in StartupBlink’s Startup Ecosystem Ranking

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The Indian startup ecosystem has grown tremendously over the past year, if you look at indicators such as new startups, funding and the number of investors in the country. According to data released by StartupBlink, India moved up to 17th position out of 100 countries from 37th spot last year in the Startup Ecosystem Ranking for 2019.

The top three spots remained unchanged with the United States, United Kingdom and Canada taking the 1st,2nd and 3rd rank respectively.

3800 new startups were launched in India during the last year. Overall, Indian startups received $11 Bn of funding through 743 deals in 2018.

The sectors which received the most funding were: ecommerce; consumer services (hyperlocal) and fintech. The biggest round of funding in 2018 was of Swiggy’s Series H in which the food delivery service received a staggering $1 Bn in funding.

Malayalam film "Bhayanakam" wins best cinematography award at Beijing International Film Festival

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Malayalam film "Bhayanakam" (Fear) directed by Jayaraj won the best cinematography award at the Beijing International Film Festival on Saturday.The cinematography was done by Nikihil S Praveen.

The film had also won the best cinematography award at the 65th National Film Awards.

Malayalam film “Bhayanakam” won the best cinematography award at Beijing International Film Festival Source:manoramaonline

Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan-starrer "Zero" was screened at the end of the festival.

The festival also screened five Indian films which included Satyajit Ray’s Pather Panchali, Apur Sansar, Aparajito, Love per Square Foot, and Ittefaq.

Amartya Chair in LSE

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London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has created the Amartya Sen Chair in Inequality Studies to honor the Indian Nobel laureate Amartya Sen who was a Professor of Economics at LSE from 1971-82.

He won the Nobel Prize in Economic sciences in 1998 and honoured with Bharat Ratna in 1999.