International Widows’ Day 2023

International Widows Day, observed on June 23, aims to raise awareness about the challenging circumstances faced by countless widows who often find themselves in poverty. In addition to financial difficulties, widows worldwide encounter discrimination and are often denied their rightful inheritance after the death of their husbands. This path to self-sufficiency becomes even more daunting when they are responsible for supporting their children. As we approach International Widows Day 2023, it is crucial to understand the historical background, significance, and importance of this day.

International Widows Day 2023: Theme

Each year, the United Nations introduces fresh themes to draw attention to the challenges faced by widows in today’s global society. For the year 2023, the reported theme for International Widows Day is “Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality.” All official events arranged by the United Nations will revolve around this theme, aiming to highlight the role of innovative solutions and technological advancements in promoting gender equality.

Apple to launch its credit card in India

Apple Inc is planning to launch its credit card in India, also known as Apple Card. The iPhone maker is planning to tie up with HDFC bank to bring its credit card to its Indian customers. About the Apple Card is in its primitive stage and there has been no concrete decision taken till now. Other than holding discussions with the HDFC Bank CEO, Apple Inc executives have also held discussions with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) related to the legalities of the card, found Monecontrol. Apple was asked by the RBI to follow the regular procedure laid out for other co-branded credit cards. India’s central bank made it clear that there will be no special concessions made for the iPhone maker to bring its credit card to India.

SheAtWork founder Ruby Sinha appointed president of BRICS CCI women vertical

Ruby Sinha has been appointed as the president of BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry Women’s Vertical (BRICS CCI WE) for a three-year term. Sinha, the founder of SheAtWork and Kommune Brand Communications, will assume the role. BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry is dedicated to fostering trade, commerce, and entrepreneurship among the BRICS nations and other friendly countries. Sinha succeeds Shabana Nasim, who has transitioned to the position of Executive Director of BRICS CCI and Chief Patron of BRICS CCI WE.

Alibaba named Eddie Wu as new CEO

Alibaba Group Holding, a Chinese e-commerce company that has been facing challenges in market share and growth recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic, is undergoing leadership changes. Daniel Zhang, the chief executive who has been with the company for eight years, will be replaced by Joseph Tsai, the executive vice chairman, who will assume the role of chairman of the board. Eddie Wu, the chairman of Alibaba’s core Taobao and Tmall online commerce divisions, will take over as the chief executive of the company, which has a market value of $240 billion.

India-United States Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS X) launched

The India-United States Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS X) was launched at an 2-day event in Washington DC which was co-organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), Ministry of Defence and US Department of Defence (DoD). The event aimed to foster collaboration between Indian and US start-ups in deeptech innovations especially in the domains of Space and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Hasmukh Adhia appointed Chairman, GIFT City

Hasmukh Adhia, a senior retired bureaucrat and former Union Finance Secretary & Revenue Secretary, has been named as the Chairman of GIFT City Ltd. This organization is responsible for the development of Gujarat International Finance-Tec City, India’s first smart city located in Gandhinagar. Hasmukh Adhia takes over the role of Chairman from Sudhir Mankad, the former chief secretary of Gujarat. In addition to his role as Chairman of GIFT City, Hasmukh Adhia has been appointed as Director and Chairman of the boards of Gujarat Alkalies & Chemicals Ltd (GACL) and Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Ltd (GMDC), both state public sector undertakings.

India Joins NASA’s Artemis Accords for Collaborative Lunar Exploration

Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed the Artemis Accords during his state visit to the United States, marking India’s commitment to global space cooperation and lunar exploration. The accords, initiated by NASA and the US Department of State, provide a framework for collaboration in civil space exploration and use, with a focus on returning humans to the Moon and expanding space exploration to Mars and beyond.

Pakistan bans Holi to save Islamic identity

Pakistan has recently implemented a ban on the celebration of Holi and other Hindu festivals across educational institutions in the country. The decision was made to protect what the government considers to be the eroding Islamic identity of the nation. The ban was issued by the Higher Education Commission in Islamabad following the emergence of a video on social media showing students at a university in Islamabad celebrating Holi.

China inks deal with Pakistan to set up nuclear power plant

China and Pakistan have signed a significant agreement worth USD 4.8 billion to establish a 1,200-megawatt nuclear power plant. This deal reflects the deepening strategic cooperation between the two nations and comes as a welcome development for Pakistan. Pakistan is determined to enhance its energy sector and overcome its economic difficulties by assuring the prompt initiation of the nuclear power plant project.

Surat sets Guinness World Record for largest gathering on Yoga Day

Surat, a city in Gujarat, India, witnessed a historic event on International Yoga Day as it broke the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people participating in a yoga session at a single location. With over 1.25 lakh attendees, the event showcased the city’s commitment to promoting health and well-being through yoga.

World’s largest Ramayan temple in Bihar to be completed by 2025

The construction of the world’s largest temple, the Virat Ramayan temple, commenced on June 20 in Bihar’s east Champaran district. Led by Acharya Kishor Kunal, the Chairman of Shree Mahavir Asthan Nyas Samiti, the temple is set to surpass the size of the under-construction Ram Lala temple in Ayodhya.