India-Bangladesh joint exercise 'SAMPRITI-IX' to be conducted in Meghalaya from Feb 3

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9th edition of the joint Indo-Bangladesh military exercise named SAMPRITI-IX will be conducted at Umroi, Meghalaya from February 03-16, 2020. Both nations will work together in a counter terrorism environment under the United Nations (UN) charter.

9th India-Bangladesh joint military exercise SAMPRITI-IX to be conducted in Umrong, Meghalaya. Source:ytimg.com

A Command Post Exercise (CPX) and a Field Training Exercise (FTX) will be conducted during SAMPRITI-IX.

Govt aims to achieve objective of Housing for All by 2022 under PMAY-G

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The Central Government has aimed to achieve objective of Housing for all by 2022 (which coincides with 75 years of Indian independence) under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Grameen (PMAY-G) scheme.

Under PMAY-G, centre aims to achieve objective of housing for all by 2022. Source:ytimg.com

Andhra Pradesh flags off country's first 'fruit train'

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India’s first of its kind fruit train was launched from Tadipatri Railway Station in Anantapur district & from Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh. This is the first time an entire train carrying a load of 980 metric tonnes of locally grown bananas has been sent to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNP)in Mumbai, Maharashtra from where it will be exported to Iran.

Under PMAY-G, centre aims to achieve objective of housing for all by 2022. Source:thehindu.com

The bananas will be exported under the brand name ‘Happy Bananas’. Farmers from Putlur region in Anantapur and Pulivendula in Kadapa district of AP will be exporting ‘Green Cavendish’ bananas to international markets.

Visakhapatnam gearing up to host 'MILAN' in March 2020

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The Vishakapatnam city of Andhra Pradesh will host International naval exercise ‘MILAN’ in March 2020. The theme of the exercise for the year 2020 is ‘Synergy Across the Seas’.

Visakhapatnam to host naval exercise ‘MILAN’ in March 2020. Source:aniportalimages

Milan exercise which will be hosted by Eastern Naval Command (ENC) aims to enhance professional interaction between foreign navies and also make use of the best practices in the maritime domain.

41 navies of different countries were invited so far, of which 30 navies have confirmed their participation in MILAN 2020.

Photos: Ahmedabad hosts International Kite Festival 2020

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The 31st International Kite Festival has been launched at Sabarmati riverfront in Ahmedabad. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has inaugurated the colourful kite festival in the presence of Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat on this occasion.

31st International Kite Festival launched in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Source:holidify.com

Around 140 kite flying experts from 40 countries had participated in this event.

Crime in India increased by 1.3% in 2018: NCRB

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National Crime Record Bureau’s (NCRB) report on Crime in India for the year 2018 was released. The report finds that over 50 lakh crimes have been registered in 2018 which is 1.3% more than that of 2017.

India Pulses And Grains Association Announces 'The Pulses Conclave 2020'

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India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA) will host the 5th edition of its biennial conference, ‘The Pulses Conclave 2020’ from February 12 – 14, 2020 at the Aamby Valley City in Lonavala, Maharashtra.

India is the largest producer & consumer of pulses in the world accounting for around 25 % of global production, 27 % of global consumption.

UP to build Rs 234-crore zoo named after Ashfaqullah Khan

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The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved a proposal to set aside Rs.234 crore for a zoological garden spread across 121 acres in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh to be named after the freedom fighter and revolutionary Shaheed Ashfaqullah Khan.

Uttar Pradesh government announced to build a 121-acre zoo named after Ashfaqullah Khan. Source:ytimg.com

Fouaad Mirza becomes 1st Indian equestrian to qualify for Tokyo Olympics

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Double Asian Games medallist equestrian, Fouaad Mirza (27 years) became the 1st Indian rider to compete at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan after 2 decades. His qualification to the Olympics was confirmed by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI). Prior to Fouaad, Imtiaz Anees participated in the Sydney Olympics in the year 2000 and Late Wing Commander IJ Lamba participated in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

Fouaad Mirza became 1st Indian equestrian to qualify for Tokyo Olympics in over 2 decades. Source:tosshub.com

Indian Bank signs MoU with WEWA

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Indian Bank has signed an MoU with Women Entrepreneurs Welfare Association (WEWA) to provide financial assistance to establish their enterprise, said a press release.

Indian Bank signed MoU with TN’s WEWA to provide credit for business establishments. Source:wewatamilnadu.com

The Indian bank will provide loans to the WEWA members at discounted rates. Training will be given to the WEWA members in the INDSETIs (Indian Bank Self Employment Training Institutes)

Mizoram govt to organise Zo fest in 10 states, US, Bangladesh

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The Mizoram government will be organising Zo Kutpui (festival) in at least 10 states across India and countries such as US, Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Mizoram set to organize 1st edition of Zo kutpui festival 2020 in 10 states & US, Myanmar, Bangladesh. Source:ytimg.com

The first edition of the festival will start on January 9 in Vanghmun in Tripura and will be held over three days, an official of the state tourism department said according to the significant Mizo population that each state is having.

'Buxa Bird Festival' begins in West Bengal

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A 3-day long 4th edition of the Buxa Bird Festival 2020 has begun in Buxa National Park in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal(WB).

107th Indian Science Congress: V Prez asks scientists to find sustainable solution to problems plaguing agriculture sector

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Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the 107th edition of the Indian Science Congress (ISC) also known as ISC 2020 at the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The theme of ISC for the year 2020 was “Science and Technology: Rural Development”.

107th Indian Science Congress held in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Source:bookmyshow.com

The main objective of the summit was to bridge the gap between farmers and tech-developers.The key highlights of the event are:

Gujarat to set up Vikram Sarabhai Children Innovation Center in state

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Gujarat will set its Vikram Sarabhai Children Innovation Center (VSCIC) soon. The objective of the center is to identify, nurture and promote innovation of children up to 18 years in the state.The innovation centre will come up in Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Extension Research and Innovation at Gujarat University.

The centre provides a platform for children to identify their potential with a joint partnership between the Gujarat University and United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

NASA Discovers Potentially Habitable Earth-Sized World in Star's 'Goldilocks' Zone

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Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has discovered an Earth-sized world ‘Goldilocks’ zone within the habitable range of the star. Scientists confirmed the find as TOI 700 d by using NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope (SST).

NASA Discovers Potentially Habitable Earth-Sized World “TOI 700 d” in Star’s ‘Goldilocks’ Zone. Source:sciencealert.com

The Goldilocks Zone refers to the habitable zone around a star where the temperature is not too hot and not too cold for liquid water to exist on that planet.

Navigation facilities for visually impaired inaugurated at Chandigarh railway station

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Navigation facilities for visually impaired was inaugurated in Chandigarh railway station in Mohali, Punjab by Shri Gurinder Mohan Singh, Divisional Railway Manager- Ambala Division. It is fifth in the country and first in North India to have this facility for visually impaired.

Chandigarh railway station is fifth in the country and first in North India to inaugurate Navigation facilities for visually impaired. Source:erail.in

It was developed by Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation (IRSDC) and Makemytrip Foundation through NGO (Non-government organization) ‘Anuprayaas’.

Red Brittle Stars See with Light-Sensitive Skin Cells, Study Shows

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For the 1st time, Scientists from the University of Oxford in England, United Kingdom(UK), have shown that a starfish-like species called “red brittle star (Ophiocoma wendtii)” lives in the coral reefs of the Caribbean Sea, can see even though it does not have eyes/ the ability to exhibit extraocular vision. It has become only the 2nd creature, after a sea urchin species, known to have this ability.

Red brittle star “Ophiocoma wendtii” becomes the 2nd creature to exhibit extraocular vision : UK scientists. Source:sci-news.com

Challakere to be ISRO’s astronaut training hub

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The new World- Class facility center for training astronauts will come up in India in the next three years at Challakere in Chitradurga district of Karnataka.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has proposed Rs 2700 crore, to set its young House Space Flight Centre (HSFC) in Bengaluru, Karnataka, which will be the single-top for all space related activities for space travelers.

Four pilots of India will train at the “Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre” in Russia for Gaganyaan mission 2022.

RBI gives in-principle nod to Shivalik Mercantile to convert to SFB

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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Monday granted in-principle approval to Uttar Pradesh-based Shivalik Mercantile Co-operative Bank Ltd to convert to a small finance bank (SFB), becoming the first urban cooperative bank (UCB) to make the transition since the guidelines came out nearly two years ago.

With this, Shivalik Mercantile became the 1st urban cooperative bank (UCB) to be converted into an SFB since the release of reformed RBI guidelines which came out 2 years ago. The RBI will grant a licence to Shivalik Mercantile bank for the commencement of banking business under Section 22 (1) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 as an SFB.

Under the guidelines, a promoter should be an Indian resident with 10 years of experience in banking and finance.

Golden Globes 2020: Complete list of winners

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The 77th annual Golden Globes kicked off Sunday with comedian Ricky Gervais hosting for his fifth time.

77th Golden Globe Awards 2019 held in Beverly Hills,California, US. Source:indiantelevision.com

To double exports, 8 states finalise action plan for agri export policy

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As per Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), eight states namely Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Nagaland, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Punjab, and Karnataka finalized an action plan for Agriculture Export Policy (AEP) to enhance exports.

Eight States finalized Agriculture Export Policy by the Government of India. Source:getvectorlogo.com

Amit Shah-led GoM to vet National Tariff Policy

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MANIinister of Home Affairs (MoHA) Amit Shah will head the Group of Ministers (GOM) to discuss and examine the proposed National Tariff Policy 2016. Before being sent to Shri Amit Shah, the draft policy was first sent for approval to the cabinet secretariat. The policy if implemented, will bring a major reform in the stressed power sector but is opposing by the state govts and discoms (Distribution Companies) due to clauses like penalties for load shedding.

PayPal India announces new adoption assistance program for employees

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In order to promote parental support benefits for employees, online digital payments player, PayPal India Private Limited has launched a new Adoption Assistance Program, where it will be offering financial assistance of up to Rs 1 lakh per adoption for the parents. It is being effective from December 2019.

PayPal India launches adoption assistance programme for employees. Source:indiamicrofinance.com

On the other hand, the new policy will also covers reimbursement of adoption expenses such as CARA (Central Adoption Resource Authority) registration, child placement, foster care and establishment of legal guardianship.

The company provides paid adoption leave of 16 weeks for female employees, maternity leave of 26 weeks, paternity leave of 2 weeks,Childcare@PayPal, where children can be enrolled in a nearby daycare centre/reimbursement of monthly daycare expenses of up to Rs. 10,000.

Indian Navy kicks off first Maha-Navy Connect 2020

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The first tri-dimensional expedition ‘Maha-Navy Connect 2020’ was launched by Indian Navy in Mumbai. It aims to promote the heritage of Indian Navy and to spread awareness about Coastal Security amongst the coastal communities in Maharashtra.

1st tri-dimensional expedition ‘Maha-Navy Connect 2020’ launched by Indian Navy in Maharashtra. Source:forevernews.in

The tri-dimensional expedition consists of yachting, running and cycling teams of 50 naval personnel.

Pune to host fifth edition of global Drosophila conference

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The Asia Pacific drosophila research conference (APDRC) is being conducted in India for the 1st time from January 6-10 in Pune, Maharashtra. Overall this is the 5th edition of the biennial conference and is known by the name APDRC5. It is organised by Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER).

The previous 4 editions of the conference took place in Taipei (Taiwan), Seoul (South Korea), Beijing(China) and Osaka (Japan).

India ranks 34th in Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index

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India was ranked at 34th place in World Economic Forum (WEF)’s World Travel, Tourism Competitiveness Index for the year 2019, a great hike from its previous ranks (i.e.65th rank in 2013, 52nd rank in 2015, 40th rank in 2017).The report was released on September 2019.

Spain,France,Germany,Japan and United States ranked 1to 5 respectively.

World Braille Day marks key communication tool for millions

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World Braille Day is being observed on January 4 every year across the world to mark the remembrance of Louis Braille who invented Braille script which helps the visually disable persons to read as well as to write. The day is celebrated by the United Nations (UN) and other organizations.

Gujarat CM,Vijay Ramniklal Rupani unveiled world’s 2nd tallest statue of Vallabhbhai Patel in Ahmedabad. Source:brailleworks.com

ISRO sets up academic centre in Karnataka, to provide ₹2 crore grant

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Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has signed a pact with Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) to establish an Optical telescope under ‘Project NETRA’ (NEtwork for space object TRacking and Analysis) for tracking space objects.

Recently, ISRO has also tied up with NIT-Karnataka (National Institute of Technology) at Surathkal in Dakshina Kannada to set up a regional academic center for space to promote research and development in space.

Saurabh Chaudhary wins gold in National Shooting Championship

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The 63rd National Shooting Championship Competitions (NSCC) 2019 in Small Bore Rifle & Pistol events (including Para events) was held at Shooting Academy Shooting Ranges, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh (MP) from 7th December 2019 – 4th January 2020.

Men's air pistol medallists in the National shooting championship in Bhopal. From left: Sarabjot Singh, champion Saurabh Chaudhary and Abhishek Verma. Source:thgim.com

It was jointly organized and conducted by the National Rifle Association of India(NRAI) &MP State Shooting Academy.

Manu Bhaker of Haryana has bagged 4 gold medals (individual and team events in senior and junior) in the women’s 10 meter air pistol event.

Kolkata Police to launch 3rd edition of Sukanya on Monday

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Kolkata police of West Bengal started the 3rd edition of the ‘Sukanya’ project in the state. The project provides self- defence training to girls studying in school and colleges of Kolkata city. In the 3rd batch of the project, 100 city based schools and colleges lying in the Kolkata police jurisdiction were given training.

Gujarat CM unveils world’s 2nd tallest statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

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On January 3, 2020 the Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Vijay Ramniklal Rupani unveiled the world’s 2nd largest statue of Sardar vallabhbhai Patel at Sardardham campus near Vaishnodevi circle in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This bronze statue which is 50 feet tall weighing 70,000 kilograms was built at a cost of Rs 3.25 crores. Padma Bhushan awardee Ram Vanji Sutar(Sculptor) who designed the world’s tallest statue has built this world’s second tallest statue too.

Gujarat CM,Vijay Ramniklal Rupani unveiled world’s 2nd tallest statue of Vallabhbhai Patel in Ahmedabad. Source:uniindia.com

Centre sanctions 2,636 EV charging stations in 62 cities

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The government has approved setting up 2,636 electric vehicle charging stations across 62 cities in 24 states and union territories of India under the second phase of FAME IndiaFAME India (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India) scheme.

Department of Heavy Industries sanctioned 2636 EV charging stations across the country. Source:entrackr.com

KVIC opens first silk processing plant in Gujarat to boost Patola saree production

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Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) opened its first Silk Processing Plant in Surendranagar district of Gujarat to increase the production of Gujarat Patola Sarees.

Patola, the trademark saree of Gujarat, is considered to be very costly and worn only by the royals or the aristocrat. Source:businesstoday.in

The plant has been set up by a khadi institution at a cost of Rs 75 lakh, in which KVIC has contributed Rs 60 lakh.

First-of-its kind turtle rehab centre comes up in Bihar

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A 1st of its kind rehabilitation centre for freshwater turtles is to be inaugurated in January 2020 in the Bhagalpur forest division of Bihar. This centre spread over half a hectare will be able to shelter 500 turtles at a time. The centre will also treat turtles that are sick, severely injured or smuggled, and then be returned safely into its natural habitat.

India extends $75 mn line of credit via EXIM Bank for solar parks in Cuba

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Export-Import (Exim)Bank, the premier export finance institution of India has given a $75 million (over Rs 500 crore) line of credit (LoC, a soft loan/loan with low-interest rate) to Cuba for financing 75 MW (megawatt) Photovoltaic Solar Parks.

Under the LoC, The terminal utilisation period is 60 months after the scheduled completion date of the project. Source:business-standard.com

Under the LoC, The terminal utilisation period is 60 months after the scheduled completion date of the project.

RevFin, PNB MetLife tie up to offer life cover to customers

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India’s leading Digital lending startup, RevFin Services Private Limited has joined hands with PNB MetLife India Insurance Company to offer protection to the RevFin’s customers by bundling life insurance cover on their loans. This insurance covers loans up to Rs 3 lakh for a period of 3 years.

Under the LoC, The terminal utilisation period is 60 months after the scheduled completion date of the project. Source:indiatvnews.com

CSC, Paytm Payments Bank join hands to sell FASTags

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Common Service Centre (CSC) and Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) signed an MoU for the sale of PPBL FASTags across the country.

CSC started selling FASTags in September 2017, when it partnered with Equitas Bank. Later on, State Bank of India and HDFC Bank came on board. Since March 2019, CSC has also tied up with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for selling FASTags. So far, ₹74-crore worth FASTag top-ups have been done by Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) across the country. Around 2.84 lakh FASTags have been sold by CSCs across the country so far, with Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Haryana and Gujarat topping the list of States with maximum sales,said Dinesh Tyagi, Chief Executive Officer, CSC.

Sucheta Satish: 13-year-old Indian girl wins Global Child Prodigy Award in Dubai

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Dubai-based Indian girl, Sucheta Satish (13), who sings in 120 languages, has won the ‘100 Global Child Prodigy Award 2020′ in the category of singing. The award ceremony was held in Ashok Hotel, Delhi. She was awarded by Puducherry ieutenant (Lt) Governor Kiran Bedi.

Dubai-based Indian singer, Sucheta Satish wins Global child prodigy award 2020. Source:newindianexpress.com

ISRO inks pact with NITK to set up Regional Academic Centre for Space

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Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) sets its fourth Regional Academic Centre for Space (RAC-S) at the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NIT-K) at Surathkal in Mangaluru taluk.

Joint Policy Management committee (JPMC) in RAC-S consists of experts from ISRO and NITK. These members will conduct activities in institutions on advanced space research technology.

ISRO has set its first RAC-S in Jaipur, second at Guwahati and third at Kurukshetra.

Meet Malavath Poorna, World’s 1st & Youngest Tribal Woman to Scale 6 Mountain Peaks

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Making the nation proud, 18-year-old Malavath Poorna from Telangana scaled Mt Vinson Massif, the highest mountain peak in Antarctica, on December 26. With this achievement, Poorna has become the first and youngest tribal woman in the world to set foot on six tallest mountain peaks in six continents.

Telangana’s mountaineer Malavath Poorna: 1st and youngest tribal women in the World to scale 6 mountain peaks in 6 continents. Source:newindianexpress.com

At the age of 13 she was also the youngest Girl to Clim Mt.Everest,he event which was later turned into a Big Screen Motion picture Poorna: Courage Has No Limit directed and Starring Rahul Bose with Aditi Inamdar as Poorna

Regulators approve HDFC's 51% stake buy in Apollo Munich Health Insurance

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Regulators have allowed HDFC to acquire majority stake in Apollo Munich Health Insurance from Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited (AHEL) and other shareholders.

HDFC gets requisite approval to hold a 51.2% stake in Apollo Munich Health Insurance Company.Source:medgatetoday.com

After the acquisition, Apollo Munich will be merged with and into HDFC Ergo, subject to approval from the Mumbai bench of National Company Law Tribunal. IRDAI granted approval under Section 6A of the Insurance Act, 1938.

India women's hockey team defender Sunita Lakra announces retirement due to injury breakdown

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On January 2, 2020, Indian women’s hockey team defender Sunita Lakra from Odisha aged 28, who was part of the 2018 Asian Games silver-winning side, announced her international retirement, citing a knee injury. However, she will continue to represent domestic hockey and NALCO (National Aluminium Company Limited), Odisha.

India women’s hockey player Sunita Lakra announces her retirement due to knee injury breakdown.Source:hindustantimes.com

Odisha launches e-Gazette portal for all gazette notifications

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The State Government of Odisha has launched an online platform called “e-Gazette portal”( egazetteodisha.nic.in), a first-of-its-kind initiative in India designed and developed by the NIC(National Informatics Centre) for all departments. With this, the Gazette notifications are now available as error-free and paperless under one platform.

The portal was launched by Odisha Chief Secretary Asit Kumar Tripathy as a part of state’s 5T initiatives (Transparency, Teamwork, Technology, Time and Transformation).

India's second spaceport to be in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi: ISRO

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On January 1, 2020, during the press conference in Bengaluru, Karnataka with ISRO Chairman K. Sivan, it has been announced that the second launch port of ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) will be established in Thoothukodi district of Tamil Nadu to launch small satellite vehicles. This will come up in 2300 acres.

ISRO to set its 2nd launch port in Thoothukodi district of Tamil Nadu.Source:s.w-x.co

The 1st one's Thumba Launchpad in Kerala's capital Thiruvanathapuram a.k.a Trivandrum.

Kerala CM launches K-RERA to bring transparency in real estate sector

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Chief Minister of Kerala Shri Pinarayi Vijayan launched K-RERA (Kerala Real Estate Regulatory Authority) to bring confidence and transparency in real estate sectors among the customers.

‘K-RERA’ launched in Kerala to bring transparency in real estate sector.Source:realtynxt.com

K-RERA will reduce real estate mafia and helps in creating valid relationships among promoter and buyer.As per the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act 2016, State governments needs to establish RERA for the effective regulations in real estate sectors.

The buildings with more than eight apartments and real estate projects with 500 sq meters land or more will not be registered under RERA.

MEA sets up emerging technologies division

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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has set up a New, Emerging and Strategic Technologies (NEST) division which helps to deal with new and emerging technologies. NEST helps to partner with 5G and artificial intelligence areas of other countries.

HAL and Wipro 3D sign MoU for metal 3D printing adoption in aerospace

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State-run defence company Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and Wipro 3D, the metal additive manufacturing business of Wipro Infrastructure Engineering, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to design, develop, test, manufacture, and repair of aerospace components using metal additive technology.

“The initiative will focus on development, prove out and production of aerospace applications including MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) using metal additive manufacturing. Prove-outs and certification of components developed using metal 3D printing is also a key element of this cooperation," Wipro and HAL said in a joint statement.

Swachh Survekshan League 2020: Indore Tops The Chart, Again, Adjudged Cleanest City Of India For The Fourth Time In A Row

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The union minister of State (MoS- Independent Charge) Housing and Urban Affairs(MoHUA) Shri Hardeep Singh Puri,has announced the results of Swachh Survekshan (SS) League 2020 (Quarter 1 and Quarter 2) at an event in New Delhi. During the event, the 5th edition of the Swachh Survekshan (urban cleanliness survey), which is to commence from 4 January 2020 by MoHUA was also rolled out.

Swachh Survekshan League 2020: Indore tops ranking among cities having 10lac+ population. Source:SwachhBharatGov,Twitter

The SS League 2020 is conducted in 3 quarters i.e., April-June, July-September and October-December 2019 with 2000 marks for each quarter.

The SS League 2020 is conducted in 3 quarters i.e., April-June, July-September and October-December 2019 with 2000 marks for each quarter.

10lakh+ population: Among the cities with more than 10 lakh population category, Indore ranked 1st in both quarter 1 and quarter 2.

1-10 lakh population:Among cities with 1-10 lakh population, Jamshedpur (Jharkhand) ranked 1st in both quarter 1 and quarter 2.

Aim of Swachh Survekshan League: The scheme aims to evaluate the performance of the cities based on cleanliness.

Delhi: Pragati Maidan metro station renamed after Supreme Court

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The Delhi government decided to rename Pragati Maidan metro station as Supreme Court metro station.

The administration also decided to change the name of Mukarba Chowk in Jahangirpuri locality and its flyover after Kargil martyr Captain Vikram Batra and Mehrauli Badarpur Road in South Delhi as Acharya Shri Mahapragya Marg.

Aim of Swachh Survekshan League: The scheme aims to evaluate the performance of the cities based on cleanliness.

RBI launches mobile app MANI for visually challenged to identify currency notes

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RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das launched a mobile application MANI (Mobile Aided Note Identifier) to aid visually impaired persons in identifying denomination of currency notes. The app can be freely downloaded from Android Play Store and iOS App Store.

Palau is first country to ban 'reef toxic' sun cream

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Palau has become the first nation to ban sun cream which damages the coral reefs, sea life and are toxic to juvenile wildlife species. It is the Pacific Island country in the Western Pacific Ocean near Philippines.

Pacific Island Nation Palau becomes first nation in the world to ban ‘reef-toxic’ sun cream.Source:thenational.ae