World Schizophrenia Awareness Day commemorated by DEPwD

Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) commemorated Schizophrenia to raise awareness and to reduce stigma around mental illness. It lifts the lid on the challenges that thousands of people with Schizophrenia from all over the world have to encounter on a day-to-day basis. The DEPwD under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India is the nodal body to look after all the development agenda of Persons with Disabilities in the country. With the vision to create awareness about Schizophrenia among the masses, the Department observed World Schizophrenia Day, through the institutions associated with it conducted various events at more than 30 places across India.

The 2023 theme, “Celebrating the Power of Community Kindness,” underscores the invaluable role of supportive communities in fostering positive change

Tipu Sultan’s Sword Created New Auction Record in UK with GBP 14 million

Tipu Sultan’s fabled sword was found in the private bedchamber as it has now broken all auction records for an Indian object for Bonhams in London by fetching over GBP 14 million at its Islamic and Indian Art sale this week. The sword from Tipu Sultan’s reign between 1782 and 1799, is described as a fine gold koftgari hilted steel sword referred to as sukhela, which is an emblem of authority. The sword was found in the private apartments of Tipu Sultan and the Army of the East India Company presented it to Major General David Baird as a “token of their high esteem of his courage and conduct in the assault” which resulted in the killing of Tipu Sultan. The spectacular sword of Tipu Sultan is the greatest of all the weapons linked to him still in private hands, according to the statement of Oliver White, Bonhams’ Head of Islamic and Indian Art and auctioneer.

Jayakumar S. Pillai Appointed as Deputy Managing Director of IDBI Bank

IDBI Bank announced via an official filing that Jayakumar S. Pillai has been appointed as Deputy Managing Director on the bank’s Board. The appointment has been approved by the bank’s board of directors and is valid for a period of three years starting from the date he assumes office, as authorized by the RBI.

First Urban Climate Film Festival to Begin in New Town, Kolkata

The first-ever Urban Climate Film Festival, which aspires to employ the powerful medium of film to enlighten audiences about the environmental, social, and economic impacts of climate change on urban settlements, is going to take place in New Town, Kolkata from 3rd to 5th June 2023. 16 films from 12 countries are scheduled to be screened, along with Q&A sessions with filmmakers in order to spark conversations about building climate-resilient cities and invite inputs from the public; further encouraging the citizens to undertake ‘environmentally responsible behavior’ in line with the U20 priority areas and the Prime Minister’s clarion call through the LiFE Mission.

Ministry of Civil Aviation Launched UDAN 5.1 for Helicopter Routes

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched UDAN 5.1 after four successful rounds of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) and with version 5.0 of the fifth round underway, to further enhance the connectivity to remote areas of the country and achieve last mile connectivity through helicopters. The current version of the scheme “UDAN 5.1” has been designed after consultations with all stakeholders including helicopter operators. While the intended target is to provide last-mile connectivity, it is also projected to give the helicopter segment of the Indian civil aviation industry a much-needed boost.

Dream11 Founder Harsh Jain Elected Chairperson of IAMAI, Indian Entrepreneurs Lead the Way

In a significant development, the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has elected Harsh Jain, the founder of Dream11, as its new chairperson. With this appointment, Indian entrepreneurs are seeking to assert their influence over policy-making in the rapidly evolving technology and startup sector. Rajesh Magow of MakeMyTrip has been appointed as the vice chairperson, and Satyan Gajwani of Times Internet will serve as the Treasurer.

SEBI approves HDFC Bank as new owner of HDFC AMC

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has granted approval for a change in control of HDFC Asset Management Company (HDFC AMC) due to the amalgamation of HDFC Ltd and HDFC Bank Ltd. This move paves the way for HDFC Bank to become the new owner of HDFC AMC, subject to compliance with applicable regulations. HDFC AMC announced in April that the merger between HDFC Ltd and HDFC Bank Ltd would be completed by July of this year. Upon completion, the combined entity is expected to have a total asset value of approximately Rs 18 trillion, solidifying its position as a major player in the Indian financial market.

Georgi Gospodinov Wins International Booker Prize

Georgi Gospodinov, a prominent Bulgarian writer, has gained international acclaim for his thought-provoking works that delve into the complexities of human existence. He recently became the first Bulgarian to receive the International Booker Prize. His literary achievements have transcended language barriers, with his books being translated into several languages. Alongside Gospodinov’s success, the skilled translator Angela Rodel has played a pivotal role in bringing his works to an English-speaking audience.

Kerala to be the first fully e-governed state

Kerala is set to declare itself India’s first “total e-governed state”. The achievement has been realized through a set of policy initiatives of the government seeking to transform the state into a digitally-empowered society.

The delivery of all vital services has already been digitized, covering all key domains including health, education, land revenue, documentation of properties, public distribution system and social security payouts.

About Kerala

Capital – Thiruvananthapuram

Chief Minister – Pinarayi Vijayan Governor – Arif Mohammad Khan

PM Modi flagged off Uttarakhand’s first Vande Bharat Express

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has virtually inaugurated the Delhi (Anand Vihar)-Dehradun Vande Bharat Express. This is the first Vande Bharat to be introduced in Uttarakhand The train will cover a distance of 302 km in 4 hours and 45 minutes. The train will run all days of the week except Wednesday. Earlier, PM Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Express between Puri and Howrah.

Mukundan appoints as MD & CEO of Tata Chemical Board

Tata Chemicals’ board has re-appointed R Mukundan as MD & CEO for a further term of five years, with effect from 26 November 2023. The re-appointment of Mr. R. Mukundan was based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. It is one of the largest chemical companies in India with operations in India.