Daily News

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Indian Cities Slip in Global Smart City Index, Singapore on top

Institute for Management Development, in collaboration with Singapore University for Technology & Design released the 2020 Smart City Index, with key findings on how technology is playing a role in the Covid-19 era. Helsinki & Zurich ranked 2nd & 3rd.

Did you Know

Ranks: Hyderabad-85, New Delhi-86, Mumbai-93, Bengaluru-95.

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Israel, UAE, and Bahrain sign Abraham Accord

Abraham Accord is the first Arab-Israeli peace deal in 26 years. Egypt was the first Arab State to sign a peace deal with Israel in 1979. Jordon signed a peace pact in 1994. The agreement between Bahrain and Israel makes no mention of Palestinian land.

Did you Know

Capitals: Israel-Jerusalem, UAE- Abu Dhabi, Bahrain- Manama.

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10th virtual meeting of BRICS NSAs held

10th Meeting of the BRICS High Representatives on National Security chaired by Russia was held virtually. It is an association of 5 economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China & South Africa. BRICS was formed in 2009. South Africa was added to BRICS in 2010.

Did you Know

Originally, there were four members grouped together as BRIC.

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Bangladesh gives special permission for export of Hilsa fish to India

Bangladesh imposed ban on the export of Hilsa in 2012. However, as a special measure, last year also export of 500 tonnes of Hilsa to India was permitted around the time of Durga Puja. Hilsa or Ilish is considered a delicacy in Bangladesh & West Bengal.

Did you Know

Bangladesh Capital- Dhaka, Currency- Taka.

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Global Initiative to reduce Land Degradation and Coral Reef program launched

It was launched during the Environment Ministerial Meeting (EMM) of the G20 countries took place through video conferencing under the Presidency of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Theme of the meeting was ‘Realizing Opportunities of the 21st Century for All’.

Did you Know

Saudi Arabia assumed G20 2020 Presidency on 1 December 2019.

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Colombian reporter Jineth Bedoya Lima honoured with Golden Pen award

The Golden Pen of Freedom is WAN-IFRA’s highest honour, presented to a journalist who in writing or deed, contributes to the cause of press freedom. Star Media Group Bhd (SMG) currently sits on the board of WEF. It is also a member of WEF’s Asia Chapter.

Did you Know

WEF is a Paris-based editors’ network within the WAN-IFRA.

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Rs 25,000 crore plan to cut dependence on China for key chemicals

With the aim to reduce dependence on China for import of chemicals, the India is planning a production linked incentive scheme to boost local manufacturing of some of the key chemicals used in pharmaceuticals, insecticides & in other industrial usage.

Did you Know

Scheme will have outlay of Rs 25,000 Cr over the next 5 years.

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India's first and exclusive private jet terminal opens at Delhi's IGI airport

This will make movement of business jets & chartered aircraft easier, a long-pending demand of Indian billionaires seeking friendlier skies with a network of airports just for private jets. The new terminal will be able to handle over 50 passengers/ hour.

Did you Know

New terminal will allow movement of 150 jets daily.

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Gujarat & SIDBI sign MoU to help 35 lakh MSMEs amid Covid-19 outbreak

The aim is to accelerate technology transfer and innovation in state MSMEs through training & capacity building programmes. Small Industries Development Bank of India will handhold the MSME units to create digital platforms to keep pace with world trends.

Did you Know

SIDBI Chairman- Mohammad Mustafa, HQ-Lucknow.

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OECD Expects India Economy to see contraction of nearly 10%

OECD expects the Indian economy to contract by 10.2% in FY21 as compared to a drop of 16.7% estimated in its June update. In next fiscal a sharp rebound of 10.7% is expected which is an increase of nearly 3% compared to the previous estimate.

Did you Know

OECD Headquarters: Paris, France.

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Maharashtra approves free treatment scheme for road accident victims

The scheme, named after Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray will provide free treatment up to Rs 30,000 to any person injured in a road accident. Around 74 types of treatment that are needed in case of road accidents have been included in the scheme.

Did you Know

It is created on the lines of Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana.

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CSC partners with WhatsApp for digital literacy service chatbot

Common Services Centers has partnered with WhatsApp for a chatbot for citizens to receive digital literacy services & resources. People can send a ‘Namaste’ at CSC Academy's official WhatsApp account +91 99991 89321, to access details & course modules.

Did you Know

CSC Special Purpose Vehicle CEO- Dinesh Tyagi.