First-ever World Youth Conference for Kindness held

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In an eco-friendly initiative, the Ministry of Railways has directed all railway units to strictly enforce a ban on single-use plastic, with less than 50-micron thickness, from October 2, 2019, in its premises and trains with the aim to achieve “Plastic Free Railway”.

Indian Railways directs all units to ban single-use plastic from October 2, 2019. Source:dailyhunt.in

WCD Minister Smriti Zubin Irani confers POSHAN Abhiyaan Awards

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Smriti Irani, Women, and Child Development (WCD)Minister stated that the government has set a target to connect 44 crore people through Poshan Abhiyaan to tackle malnutrition, at a function in New Delhi. She also gave away the Poshan Abhiyaan Awards for 2018-19 in different categories to the States, Districts, blocks and Anganwadi Workers for their valuable contributions in promoting the mission and ensuring that it reaches every household in the country.

WCD Ministry aims to connect 44 cr people through Poshan Abhiyaan. Source:icds-wcd.nic.in

A total of 363 awards were given and 22 crore rupees were disbursed to the awardees with the aim to motivate the primary stakeholders and encourage large scale citizen participation in creating widespread awareness to tackle malnutrition in the country.

Gujarat retains top position in water management, says NITI Aayog

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” Composite Water Management Index 2019” (CWMI 2.0) for the year 2017-2018 by Government’s think tank NITI Aayog(National Institution for Transforming India) in association with Ministry of Jal Shakti and Ministry of Rural Development ,in which Gujarat has again performed better in water management practices to get top spot with a score of 75.

Gujarat tops in NITI Aayog Report on ‘Composite Water Management Index2019 (CWMI 2.0)’. Source:niti.gov.in

In the given index, states have been ranked across 9 themes &it covers 25 states and 2 union territories(Puducherry and Delhi). The Index does not include data from West Bengal, Mizoram, Manipur and Jammu & Kashmir.

Water pollution is causing economic growth decline, says World Bank

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According to the World Bank report- “Quality Unknown: The Invisible Water Crisis”,one-third of the potential economic growth will be affected in heavily water polluted areas leading to invisible crisis of water quality.

World bank reports economic growth to be affected by water pollution. Source:worldwaterweek.org

Culture Minister Prahlad Patel launches book titled- the Diary of Manu Gandhi’

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Culture and Tourism Minister Prahlad Singh Patel launched the book titled- the Diary of Manu Gandhi’ at a function in New Delhi yesterday. The book has been brought out by National Archives of India, on the occasion of 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in collaboration with Oxford University Press.

World bank reports economic growth to be affected by water pollution. Source:originindia.oup.com

The Diary of Manu Gandhi originally written in Gujarati language has been edited and translated by a well known scholar Dr. Tridip Suhrud. The first volume of the book covers the period of 1943-1944. Manu Gandhi was a grand niece of Mahatma Gandhi.

FATF Asia-Pacific Group blacklists Pakistan over non-compliance in terror financing

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The Asia Pacific Group (APG) of the Financial Action Task Force(FATF) has blacklisted Pakistan for non-compliance and non-enforcement of safeguards against terror financing and money laundering. The action was taken in the FATF APG meeting held in Canberra, Australia.

FATF blacklisted Pakistan against terror financing and money laundering. Source:thebalochistanpost.net

Digit Insurance and Karur Vysya Bank sign bancassurance pact

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Karur Vysya Bank(KVB), one of the oldest banks in India has signed a bancassurance agreement with General insurance company, Digit Insurance to provide Digit Insurance’s suite of products to its SMEs(Small and medium-sized enterprises) customers.

Digit Insurance signs Bancassurance agreement with Karur Vysya Bank. Source:indianweb2.com

Moody’s cuts India GDP growth forecast to 6.2% for 2019

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Moody’s Investors Service reduced India’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth forecast for 2019 calendar year to 6.2% from the previous estimation of 6.8% as the weaker global economy has stunted Asian exports and the uncertain operating environment has weighed on investment.The also reduced the estimate by a similar measure to 6.7% for 2020 calendar year.

Moody’s reduced India’s GDP growth forecast to 6.2% for 2019. Source:indianweb2.com

CITES CoP 2019: Conservationist Vivek Menon wins Clark Bavin Award

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Biologist, author and wildlife conservationist, Vivek Menon, head of Delhi-based Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), a leading Indian nature conservation organisation committed to the service of nature, was awarded the prestigious Clark R Bavin Wildlife Law Enforcement Award for the year 2019 at 18th meeting of Conference of Parties to CITES held in Geneva, Switzerland.

WTO Reforms Must Be Taken Up By All Member Countries: Piyush Goyal

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The Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Railways, Shri PiyushGoyal addressed the International dialogue on South-South and Triangular Cooperation that was held in New Delhi. Reforms to be taken on World Trade Organisation(WTO) by all the member countries was the key topic addressed.

International dialogue on South-South and Triangular Cooperation addressed by Commerce & Industry Minister. Source:unsouthsouth.org

The South-South and Triangular Cooperation organised by Research and Information System (RIS) and the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation(UNOSSC).

New facility on debit cards, credit cards to make payments easier: 10 points

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Reserve Bank of India(RBI) has permitted processing of e-mandate on credit and debit cards along with Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs), including wallets for recurring merchant payments with AFA (Additional Factor Authentication, a security measure put in place for card payments that requires OTP – one-time password verification) during registration and 1st transaction. It will come into effect from 1 September 2019.

RBI permits processing of e-mandate on credit and debit cards for recurring merchant payments. Source:zeebiz.com

Cards shall be only for recurring payment transactions and not for a ‘once-only’ payment.

The maximum permissible limit under this payment system shall be Rs 2,000 per transaction.

RBI changes operating hours of RTGS fund transfer; check new timings

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Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has extended the timings of Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) transactions by an hour from 7 AM instead of 8 AM with effect from August 26, 2019, with the aim to increase the availability of the RTGS system.

At present, the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) System is available for customer transactions from 8 AM to 6 PM and for inter-bank transactions from 8 AM to 7.45 PM.

RTGS is used for large-value instantaneous fund transfers with the minimum limit of Rs 2 lakh &there is no maximum limit.

Indian Army, Tata Realty pact for quality housing

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A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Indian Army’s Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO) and the Tata Realty housing to provide quality housing to army personnel. By this MoU, the Indian army can now take over dwelling units in 13 ‘Ready to Move in’ projects of Tata Realty pan India.

Indian Army and Tata Realty signs MoU for quality housing. Source:pib.gov.in

The project of Tata Realty is spread across 10 cities including Gurugram, Chennai, Bengaluru, Pune among others. The discount rate is kept between 11-27%.

CSC signs MoU with ministry to digitise panchayats

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Common Service Centre e-Governance Services India Limited, a Special Purpose Vehicle (CSC SPV),which provides government services to people in rural areas has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR ) to turn all 2.5 lakh gram panchayats into ‘digital panchayats’.

CSC signs MoU with Panchayati raj ministry to digitalize all gram panchayats. Source:expresscomputer.in

India-US 2+2 meeting being held in California

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India and the United States (US) held a round of bilateral 2+2 Intersessional meeting in Monterey, California, US. The Indian delegation was led jointly by Shri Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs and Shri V. Anandarajan, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Defence while the U.S. delegation was led jointly by Ambassador Alice Wells, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs and Mr. Randall Schriver, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs.

India and the United States held a bilateral 2+2 Intersessional meeting in Monterey, California. Source:economictimes.indiatimes.com

Employees' Pension Scheme amendment: Commuted value of pension restored; to impact 6 lakh pensioners

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Central Board of Trustees (CBT) approved a proposal to recommend the restoration of the commuted value of pension after 15 years. The amendment in the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) 1995 will benefit around 6.3 lakh pensioners. The decision that was taken at the 225th meeting of CBT held in Hyderabad on August 21 was a long-pending demand of pensioners.

The minister launched the revamped EPFIGMS 2.0 version which will benefit more than 5 crores subscribers and lakhs of employers by speedy and smooth resolution of grievances.

Sudan transition: Abdalla Hamdok appointed new prime minister

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Sudan has appointed a new prime minister as the country embarks on a three-year transition to civilian rule.

Abdalla Hamdok becomes the new prime minister of Sudan. Source:nnimgt-a.akamaihd.net

On August 20,2019 economist Abdalla Hamdok took charge as the new prime minister(15th) of Sudan embarking three year transition to civilian rule after military authoritarian Omar al-Bashir was forced to step down from president post by rage protests. The chief justice of Sudan Abbas Ali Babiker administered the swearing-in ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in Khartoum. He succeeded Mohamed Tahir Ayala.

Ajay Kumar Bhalla is new home secretary

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As per the Appointments Committee of the cabinet, Government of India(GoI), Ajay Kumar Bhalla(1984-batch Assam-Meghalaya cadre IAS officer)has been appointed as the new Union home secretary with fixed two-year tenure till August 2021. He succeeds Rajiv Gauba, who was appointed as the new cabinet secretary.

Ajay Kumar Bhalla appointed as the new home secretary. Source:indianexpress.com

On August 20,2019 economist Abdalla Hamdok took charge as the new prime minister(15th) of Sudan embarking three year transition to civilian rule after military authoritarian Omar al-Bashir was forced to step down from president post by rage protests. The chief justice of Sudan Abbas Ali Babiker administered the swearing-in ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in Khartoum. He succeeded Mohamed Tahir Ayala.

Iran officially unveils Bavar-373 air defense system

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The Iranian Defense Ministry has unveiled its new home-grown air defence system called “Bavar-373” at a time of increasing tensions between Iran & United States(US) since US President Donald Trump in 2018 withdrew the US from the Iran nuclear deal -2015 and reimposed sanctions on Iran.

Amid increasing tensions with US, Iran unveils its new home-grown missile defence system, “ Bavar-373”. Source:southfront.org

Russia sends its first humanoid robot Fedor into space

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Russia launched its first unmanned rocket carrying a life-size humanoid robot named ‘Fedor’ (Final Experimental Demonstration Object Research) in Soyuz MS-14 spacecraft from Russia’s Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. It will spend 10 days learning to assist astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS).

Russia successfully sent its First Humanoid Robot ‘Fedor’ into space. Source:syfy.com

National Conference Of Tourism Ministers Concludes Successfully

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The one-day National Conference of Tourism Ministers organised by the Union Ministry of Tourism was held in New Delhi. It was inaugurated by Shri Prahlad Singh Patel,Union Minister of State for Tourism & Culture (Independent Charge).State Tourism Ministers of 19 States, Secretaries of Tourism and other senior officials attended the conference.

National Conference of Tourism Ministers organised by the tourism ministry in New Delhi. Source:5dariyanews.com

Three new Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) and five new Letters of Intent (LoIs) to the prospective ‘Monument Mitras’(private sector companies, public sector companies and individuals that adopt tourist sites become monument mitras) were handed over.

President Ram Nath Kovind urges students to encourage people to plant more trees

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President of India, Shri Ram NathKovind planted Maulsari sapling in the Rashtrapati Bhavan Estate(New Delhi) and launched a plantation drive. It was done as part of the ‘Van Mahotsav’ celebrations.

President launches plantation drive in New Delhi as part of Van Mahotsav celebrations. Source:thehindu.com

The President’s Secretariat will be planting 3,252 trees and 2,962 shrubs for the next few weeks in the President’s Estate which is spread over 330 acres, as part of this Van Mahotsav drive. Many Ornamental and fruit trees will be planted in the upcoming weeks.

High-level meeting held between Indian, Sri Lankan Coast Guards over security concerns

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A High-Level Meeting (HLM) was held between India and Srilanka at the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) headquarters in New Delhi. The Indian delegation was led by Director General, Indian Coast Guard K Natarajan, and the Srilankan delegation was held by Rear Admiral Samantha Wimalathunge.

High-Level Meeting (HLM) between Indian and Srilankan coast guard held. Source:newindianexpress.com

Indian para swimmers successfully swim the Catalina Channel, set Asia record

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Indian para-swimming team of 6 members comprising Para swimmer Satendra Singh Lohia from Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) has created history by becoming the 1st from Asia to cross the Catalina Channel (42 km )of US(United States) in just 11 hours 34 minutes. Rohan More was the coach of the team.

Indian para-swimming team crossed Catalina Channel of US in 11 hours 34 min. Source:newzhook.com

Power Minister launches SARAL - 'State Rooftop Solar Attractiveness Index'

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On 21 August 2019, RK Singh, the Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy (IC) and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship has launched the State Rooftop Solar Attractiveness Index 2019 (SARAL) at the Review Planning and Monitoring (RPM) Meeting with States and State Power Utilities in New Delhi.Karnataka gets first rank with SARAL score of 78.8 in the Index, Telangana second.

Acko signs pact with ZestMoney to offer credit insurance

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Insurtech company Acko General Insurance, has partnered with ZestMoney to offer credit card insurance to its (ZestMoney) customers.

ZestMoney. Source:zestmoney.in

Acko announces partnership with fintech ZestMoney to offer credit insurance. Source:jdmagicbox.com

BookMyForex ties up with YES Bank, Visa to launch forex card

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An online forex marketplace, BookMyForex has partnered with YES Bank and card payment company Visa to launch a co-branded multi-currency forex travel card that will provide a smooth payments solution to Indians traveling abroad. They can load up to 10 currencies on the card.

BookMyForex join hands with YES Bank for foreign exchange travel card. Source:businessworld.in

NASA's Europa Clipper Mission to Jupiter's Icy Moon Clears Big Hurdle on Path to Launch

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National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), United States (US) space agency, has confirmed the next phase of development of the Europa Clipper Mission, an interplanetary mission to Jupiter’s smallest moon Europa, with the target to launch by 2023. It will be conducting an in-depth exploration of Jupiter’s moon Europa and investigate whether the icy moon can have suitable conditions for sustaining life and increase our insights into astrobiology.

NASA confirms Europa Clipper Mission. Source:collectspace.com

Bharti AXA Life ties up with Akshaya Patra to support mid-day meal programme

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A renowned life Insurance company, Bharti AXA Life Insurance on its 13th Foundation Day, has partnered with a non-profit organization in India, Akshaya Patra Foundation to support and contribute to the mid-day meal drive for government-run school children across India.

Bharti AXA Life partners with Akshaya Patra Foundation to support and contribute to the mid-day meal programme. Source:businessfortnight.com

Chrysostom docu turns a Guinness feat

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The biographical documentary “100 years of Chrysostom” on Metropolitan Emeritus of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar, Kerala, Philipose Mar Chrysostom, enters Guinness world book of records as the longest documentary.The documentary of length 48hour and 8minutes has broken the documentary length of Saudi Arabian documentary ‘World of Snakes’ of 21-hour length.

Biopic- Chrysostom, enters Guinness book of records. Source:onlookersmedia.in

The documentary was scripted and directed by filmmaker Blessy. Malayalam actor Mohanlal did the voice-over for the documentary and will also be the guest of honour.

‘Neighbourhood First’: MoU For Training And Capacity Building Of Maldivian Civil Servants In India Operationalised

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The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Maldives on Training and Capacity Building Programme for Maldivian Civil Servants was operationalised after the discussions held between the senior officials of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) and the Maldives Civil Service Commission in a ceremony held at the Civil Services Commission of Maldives at Male, Maldives.

MoU between India & Maldives on training and capacity building programme for Maldivian Civil Servants operationalised. Source:assettype.com

Govt directs all CAPFs to adopt uniform retirement age of 60 years

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According to the order of the Union Home Ministry, all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) personnel will now retire at a uniform age of 60 years. The decision comes in the wake of a January 2019 order of the Delhi High Court where it had called the policy of different age of superannuation as discriminatory and unconstitutional, and said it created two classes in the uniformed forces.

All CAPFs to adopt uniform retirement age of 60 years: Union Home Ministry. Source:dailyexcelsior.com

SMVDU signs MoU with NISE

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An autonomous Institution of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) to work jointly to accelerate, expand and achieve the objective of National Solar Mission through training programmes.

SMVDU signs MoU with NISE to achieve national solar mission. Source:dailyexcelsior.com

Despite differences at UN meet, defence talks between India and China continue

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In order to improve military to military cooperation, India and China reviewed the situation on the border and agreed on more port calls by each side’s Navies at a meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) between the Defence Ministries in Beijing, China.

Defence talks between India and China held in Beijing. Source:moneycontrol.com

Ravinder Takkar replaces Balesh Sharma as CEO of Vodafone Idea

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The Board of Vodafone Idea, has appointed Ravinder Takkar, who is currently Vodafone Group’s representative in India, as the new MD(Managing Director) and CEO (Chief Executive Officer) with immediate effect. Takkar replaces CEO Balesh Sharma, who has stepped down citing personal reasons.

Ravinder Takkar appointed as the new CEO of vodafone Idea replacing Balesh Sharma. Source:adageindia.in

India and Kenya review developments in bilateral trade at Joint Trade Committee

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The two day organised 9th session of India-Kenya Joint Trade Committee (JTC) was held on 19th – 20th August 2019 in New Delhi. Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Railways, PiyushGoyal led the Indian delegation, whereas the Kenyan delegation was led by Peter Munya, Minister of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives, Government of the Republic of Kenya.

India holds 9th Session of India-Kenya Joint Trade Committee in New Delhi. Source:devdiscourse.com

'Housing for all' target to be achieved by 2020: Hardeep Puri

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Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri stated that the central government is committed to achieving its target of providing ‘Housing for all’ under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) in two years before the deadline by 2020. He made this announcement during 15th “Housing for all 2022: NAREDCO 15th National Convention: Real Estate Reflection Point: Readying for the future” in New Delhi.

‘Housing for All’ will be achieved 2 years in advance by 2020: Hardeep Singh Puri. Source:mymoneysage.in

Puri also pointed out that the enactment of RERA (Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016) has removed many abnormalities in the real estate sector successfully.

Sheikh Hasina, Sania Mirza to co-chair WEF’s India Economic Summit

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The World Economic Forum (WEF) in collaboration with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) will organize 2-day India Economic Summit 2019 scheduled to be held in New Delhi from October 3 – 4, 2019 with the aim of promoting strong collaboration between South Asia and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations ) nations. The theme of the event will be ‘Innovating for India: Strengthening South Asia, Impacting the World’.

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina & Tennis Legend Sania Mirza will co-chair WEF’s India Economic Summit 2019 to be held in New Delhi. Source:gg2.net

Mahindra Finance to acquire 58.2% stake in Sri Lanka's Ideal Finance for Rs80 cr

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Rural NBFC (Non Banking Financial Company) Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Ltd has signed a joint venture (JV) with Ideal Finance Ltd (IFL), a subsidiary of the leading Sri Lankan conglomerate, Ideal Group, for the acquisition of up to 58.2 % stake in the Ideal Finance for LKR-(Sri Lankan Rupees) 2 billion (nearly Rs 80 crore).

Mahindra Finance to acquire up to 58.2% stake in Sri Lanka’s Ideal Finance for LKR 2 billion. Source:idealfinance.lk

DRDO hands over design of Mobile Metallic Ramp to Indian Army

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chairman, and Secretary of the Department of Defence (Research & Development- R&D) G. Satheesh Reddy handed over the design of the Mobile Metallic Ramp (MMR) to the Indian army in an event held at the DRDO bhawan in New Delhi.

DRDO hands over MMR design to the Indian army. Source:zeenews.com

Cerebras Systems Unveils 1.2 Trillion Transistor Wafer-Scale Processor for AI

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New artificial intelligence (AI) company Cerebras Systems based in United States(US) has unveiled the world’s largest single silicon-based processor, the Cerebras Wafer Scale Engine (WSE) with 1.2 trillion transistors, the basic on-off electronic switches that are the building blocks of silicon chips.The rectangular shape chip measures around 8 inches by 9 inches, comes with 400,000 AI (Artificial Intelligence) cores and 18 gigabytes of on-chip memory.

US startup Cerebras Systems unveils World’s largest processor with 1.2 trillion transistors called Cerebras Wafer Scale Engine. Source:hindustantimes.com

New Delhi emerges world's 10th fastest growing residential market: Knight Frank

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Prime Global Cities Index Q1 2019 of London based consultancy Knight Frank has ranked Delhi as the 10th fastest growing prime market globally. The index is topped by Berlin(Germany) whereas Istanbul(Turkey) and Vancouver(Canada) were the weakest markets with rates minus 9.9% and minus 13.6% respectively.Bengaluru (2.8%) and Mumbai (0.8%) were ranked 15th and 30th on the list, respectively.

Knight Frank ranks Delhi as the 10th fastest growing market globally. Source:yougov.co.uk

World Photography Day

The aim of this day is to encourage people to express their feelings, emotions and social thinking through their photography skills.

World photography day celebrated on August 19, 2019. Source:gsmarenaspecs.com

World Humanitarian Day

The world humanitarian day (WHD) 2019 was observed on August 19, 2019. The day was observed to pay tribute to aid workers who risk their lives for humanitarian services.

World Humanitarian Day observed on 19, August 2019. Source:un.int

The Campaign for the 2019 World Humanitarian Day is ‘Women Humanitarians’. It aims to draw attention towards the work of women in crises throughout the world.

Gujarat to get country's first chemical engineering & technology institute

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Gujarat is to get the country’s first Central Institute of Chemical Engineering & Technology (CICET). The CICET would be built either at Vatva, Ahmedabad or Surat.

Gujarat to get country’s first Institute for chemical engineering and technology. Source:business-standard.com

Apart from CICET, a plastic Waste Management Centre in Ahmedabad is to be set up to find out solutions to systematic segregation and recycling of plastic waste.

Guinness Book of World Records holder Chinmay creates another world record

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A 20-year-old Chinmay Prabhu from Mumbai has created a world record for the 2nd time under his name of solving 176 pyraminx (pyramid-shaped Rubik’s cube) puzzles while riding a bicycle in 1 hour and 7 minutes. He broke the record of solving 111 pyraminx puzzles.

Mumbai Man Chinmay Prabhu creates 2nd world record for solving pyraminx puzzles. Source:zeebiz.com

CCMB Scientist K Thangaraj Bags JC Bose Fellowship

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K Thangaraj, chief scientist at the CSIR (Council of Scientific & Industrial Research) – Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, Telangana, bagged this year’s J C Bose Fellowship for his outstanding contribution in the field of population and medical genomics.

Chief scientist K Thangaraj of CCMB wins JC Bose Fellowship for the year 2019. Source:thehansindia.com

The duration of the fellowship is 5 years. Each fellow will receive a contingency of Rs 10 Lakh per annum for conferences and other expenses.

Paytm promotes CFO Madhur Deora as President

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India''s largest Digital Payments Company, Paytm has promoted its CFO (Chief Financial Officer) Madhu Deora to be the President of the company.

Paytm promoted CFO Madhur Deora as its President. Source:ciol.com

India emits the most sulphur dioxide in the world

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According to a data released by a non-governmental environmental organization, Greenpeace, India is the world’s top emitter of anthropogenic sulphur dioxide(SO2) in the world with more than 15% of all the SO2 hotspots, tracked by NASA’s (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) OMI (Ozone Monitoring Instrument) satellite.

India is the top emitter of sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the world: Greenpeace. Source:indiatoday.in

Concussion sub Marnus Labuschagne earns praise for helping Australia secure draw

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Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne born in South Africa became the first person to replace as a concussion substitute in Test cricket. He replaced Steve Smith who suffered a delayed concussion caused by a blow on the back of the neck by England’s Jofra Archer’s bowling during the second match of 2019 Ashes Series in Lord’s, London.

Australian cricketer Marnus Labuschagne becomes first concussion substitute. Source:apnarm.net.au

Concussion substitutes came into effect from the Ashes series between England and Australia scheduled in England from August 1, 2019.

Concussion sub Marnus Labuschagne earns praise for helping Australia secure draw

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Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne born in South Africa became the first person to replace as a concussion substitute in Test cricket. He replaced Steve Smith who suffered a delayed concussion caused by a blow on the back of the neck by England’s Jofra Archer’s bowling during the second match of 2019 Ashes Series in Lord’s, London.

Australian cricketer Marnus Labuschagne becomes first concussion substitute. Source:apnarm.net.au

Concussion substitutes came into effect from the Ashes series between England and Australia scheduled in England from August 1, 2019.

Indian Railways’ 2nd double-decker UDAY Express for business travellers to run on this route; 5 key facts

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In order to cater to the busy route in the East Coast Railway zone, The Indian Railways’ second luxury double-decker Uday(Utkrisht Double-decker Air-conditioned Yatri) Express is to be run between Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada.

The second Uday Express between Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada to be launched. Source:economictimes.indiatimes.com

Currently an Uday express is serving between between Bengaluru City and Chennai Central.

Indian-American Teen Wins Spelling Bee Contest, Gets $3,000 Grand Prize

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Navneeth Murali, an Indian-American teenager from New Jersey, America, has won the 2019 South Asian Spelling Bee contest and earned a grand cash prize of USD 3,000.

Indian-American teen Navneeth Murali wins 2019 South Asian Spelling Bee competition. Source:townnews.com

Nicotine is now a class A poison in Karnataka

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The Government of Karnataka amended the Karnataka Poisons (Possession and Sale) Rules 2015 and notified Nicotine as “Class A poison” in order to strengthen the enforcement of the ban on production and sale of electronic cigarettes. The new rules are called the Karnataka Poisons (Possession and Sale) Rules, 2019.

Nepal plans SAARC Foreign Ministers' informal meet on UN General Assembly sidelines

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Nepal’s foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali announced for the SAARC(South Asian Association for Regional Corporation) foreign ministers informal meeting which is to be held in Nepal in September 2019. This meet is based on the sidelines of the 74th UN General Assembly (UNGA) session.

SAARC Foreign Ministers’ informal meeting to be hosted by Nepal. Source:dnaindia.com

HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' inaugurates two-day international conference on teacher education by NCTE

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Special NOTE:On August 22, 2019, the Ministry of HRD is going to launch the world's biggest program for teacher training to train 42 lakh teachers across India.

Two-day International Conference on Teacher Education by NCTE held in New Delhi. Source:indiatoday.in

A 2 day International Conference titled “Journey of Teacher Education: Local to Global” was inaugurated by the Union Minister of Human Resource Development Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ in New Delhi. It was organized by the National Council of Teacher Education (NCTE) as a part of the silver jubilee celebration of its establishment in 1995 (August 17).

Ministry of Human Resource Development will launch the world’s biggest project for teacher training named NISHTHA (National Initiative on School Teachers Head Holistic Advancement) on August 22, 2019.

School Fagadaba scheme to improve infrastructure, education quality of government schools: Manipur CM N Biren

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Chief Minister (CM) of Manipur, N Biren Singh has launched “School Fagadaba” (Make education better) scheme with the aim to improve the infrastructure, quality education and overall improvement of government schools.

Manipur Govt launches “School Fagadaba” scheme to improve infrastructure of government schools. Source:devdiscourse.com

In order to ensure regular attendance of teachers, biometric devices would be installed in every Government schools in the state.

President Kovind inaugurates bunker museum at Mumbai Raj Bhavan

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The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Govind inaugurated the 15,000 square feet underground bunker museum at Maharashtra Raj Bhavan (Governor’s government house) in Mumbai.

President Ram Nath Govind inaugurates Bunker Museum at Raj Bhavan. Source:hindustantimes.com

Hima Das, Mohammad Anas clinch gold in Athleticky Mitink Reiter event in Czech Republic

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Indian sprinters Hima Das and Mohammad Anas won gold in the women’s and men’s category respectively in the 300m races held at the Athleticky Mitink Reiter Event 2019 in the Czech Republic.

Hima Das and Mohammad Anas clinched gold in 300m races at the Athleticky Mitink Reiter Event 2019 in Czech Republic. Source:newindianexpress.com

It was the sixth gold in European races by Hima Das since July 2, 2019.

Iceland commemorates first glacier lost to climate change

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Iceland has marked its first-ever loss of a glacier to climate change. The glacier lost was, Iceland’s Okjokull glacier. People commemorated this loss with a plaque (An ornamental tablet, typically of metal, porcelain, or wood, fixed to a wall or other surface in commemoration of a person or event).

Iceland commemorates first glacier lost due to climate change. Source:ctvnews.ca

The plaque bears the inscription “A letter to the future”.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu kick-starts the three-nation tour of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia

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Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu went on a visit to 3 Baltic nations Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia from August 17-21, 2019 to enhance India’s bilateral ties with each of the three countries.He was the first high-level dignitary from India to visit the three countries.

Vice President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu’s three nation tour to Lithuania, Latvia & Estonia. Source:rstv.nic.in

Jaishankar to visit Dhaka to discuss bilateral ties

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External Affairs Minister(EAM) of India Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has made a two-day visit to Bangladesh (August 19-20, 2019) to review bilateral relations. This is Jaishankar’s first visit to Bangladesh since he assumed office in June 2019.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visit to Bangladesh. Source:thehindu.com