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Indian educationist Arun Kapur conferred Bhutan’s royal honour.

Renowned Indian educationist Arun Kapur, who set up schools in India, Bhutan and Oman, has been conferred the ‘Bura Marp’ (red scarf) and ‘Patang’ (ceremonial sword) by Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel at the 117th Bhutanese National Day celebrations in Thimphu’s Changlimathang stadium.

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Indian educationist Arun Kapur conferred Bhutan’s royal honour.

The honour is rarely given to non-Bhutanese residents and comes with the honorific ‘Dasho’ title, otherwise used for senior officials.

In 2019, Mr. Kapur was awarded the ‘Druk Thuksey’ for his work in setting up The Royal Academy school, and in developing the Bhutan Baccalaureate educational system.

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Indian educationist Arun Kapur conferred Bhutan’s royal honour.

Mr. Kapur is one of only a few Indians to have been given Bhutan’s highest royal commendations. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to Bhutan to be conferred the ‘Order of Druk Gyalpo’ for India’s assistance to Bhutan during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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SBI appoints Rama Mohan Rao Amara as MD

State Bank of India announced that Rama Mohan Rao Amara has been appointed as managing director (MD) of the bank for a period of three years with effect from 18 December 2024.

Rama Mohan Rao Amara was holding the position of deputy managing director & chief risk officer of SBI until his appointment as MD.

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SBI appoints Rama Mohan Rao Amara as MD

Further, Kshitij Mohan, deputy managing director (SARG), has been given the additional charge of deputy MD & group chief risk officer, effective from 18 December 2024 as well.

State Bank of India (SBI) is an Indian multinational, public sector banking, and financial services statutory body. As of 30 September 2024, the Government of India held a 57.51% stake in the bank.

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Japan, India startups to study laser-equipped satellite to tackle space debris.

Space startups in Japan and India said that they had agreed to jointly study using laser-equipped satellites to remove debris from orbit, an experimental approach to the increasingly imminent problem of orbital congestion.

Tokyo-based Orbital Lasers and Indian robotics company InspeCity said they would study business opportunities for in-space services,

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Japan, India startups to study laser-equipped satellite to tackle space debris.

such as de-orbiting a defunct satellite and extending a spacecraft’s life.

Carved out from Japanese satellite giant SKY Perfect JSAT this year, Orbital Lasers is building a system that will use laser energy to stop the rotation of space junk by vaporising small parts of its surface, making it easier for a servicing spacecraft to rendezvous.

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Japan, India startups to study laser-equipped satellite to tackle space debris.

The project is the latest example of collaboration between Japan and India, whose governments are working together on the joint Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission, which could launch as early as 2026.

Indian rocket maker Skyroot and satellite builder HEX20 are also working with Japanese moon exploration firm ispace on a future lunar orbiter mission.

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Magma HDI General Insurance Partners with IndoStar Capital Finance to Expand Insurance Accessibility

Magma HDI General Insurance, a leading player in India’s general insurance sector, has announced a strategic partnership with IndoStar Capital Finance Limited (ICFL), a prominent non-banking financial company (NBFC). This collaboration aims to enhance the availability of motor, health, and commercial insurance solutions for customers.

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Magma HDI General Insurance Partners with IndoStar Capital Finance to Expand Insurance Accessibility

The corporate agent agreement was formalized in Mumbai at a ceremony attended by Karthikeyan Srinivasan, CEO of IndoStar Capital Finance, and Rajive Kumaraswami, MD and CEO of Magma HDI General Insurance, along with senior officials from both organizations.

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CAC COMMANDERS' CONFERENCE.

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, Indian Air Force visited Headquarters Central Air Command (CAC) from 18 to 19 Dec 24 for the CAC Commanders' Conference 2024. He was received by Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command. A ceremonial Guard of Honour was presented to the CAS on arrival.

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CAC COMMANDERS' CONFERENCE.

During the conference, the CAS interacted with the Commanders of the CAC AoR and highlighted the importance of being conversant with one's role in enhancing the operational capability of the Indian Air Force.

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CBIC chairman launches four new initiatives to enhance taxpayer services

Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairperson, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), in presence of all Board Members, today launched a series of initiatives that aim to improve taxpayer experience and enhance transparency.

1. Revised Citizen's Charter: A Commitment to Better Service Standards:

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CBIC chairman launches four new initiatives to enhance taxpayer services

The CBIC has introduced a revised Citizen's Charter, which provides updated timelines and service standards for key taxpayer services. Covering areas such as Drawback, Import & Export of Air Cargo, and innovative platforms like CPGRAMS (Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System), the new Charter ensures transparency and accountability in service delivery.

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CBIC chairman launches four new initiatives to enhance taxpayer services.

2. ‘Ease of Doing Business’ tab for giving suggestions: A new platform has been launched to enable taxpayers to directly contribute to the ease of doing business (EoDB). This initiative, born out of insights from Chintan Shivir 2023, allows individuals and businesses to share suggestions for improving tax procedures and policies.

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CBIC chairman launches four new initiatives to enhance taxpayer services

3. Revamped Citizen's Corner: Knowledge at Your Fingertips: The Citizen's Corner online portal has been significantly enhanced to serve as a one-stop hub for tax-related information. Designed to empower taxpayers with knowledge, the Citizen's Corner simplifies self-compliance and encourages voluntary adherence to tax regulations.

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CBIC chairman launches four new initiatives to enhance taxpayer services

4. CBIC Archives: A Digital Window to India’s Tax History: Highlighting its storied legacy, the CBIC has launched a digital archive showcasing the historical evolution of indirect taxes in India. This user-friendly platform now features six (06) interactive menu tiles with approximately 82 submenus, offering taxpayers access to videos, webinars, and

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CBIC chairman launches four new initiatives to enhance taxpayer services

the latest updates on various tax-related topics. CBIC Archives offer a comprehensive glimpse into the milestones that have shaped the nation’s economic trajectory.

These initiatives underscore the CBIC's commitment to taxpayer-centric governance and digital transformation.

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CBIC chairman launches four new initiatives to enhance taxpayer services

By leveraging technology and streamlining processes, the CBIC aims to create a more efficient and transparent tax administration system.

The initiatives are spearheaded by the Directorate General of Taxpayer Services (DGTS) as part of the Government's ongoing efforts to streamline tax administration and foster a conducive business environment.

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Women hold only 10% key managerial personnel positions in India: Report.

Women constitute less than 20 percent of the overall workforce, and only 10 percent hold key managerial personnel (KMP) positions even as companies are making efforts for diversity, according to a report.

Women constitute less than 20 percent of the overall workforce and hold just over 10 percent of KMP positions,

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Women hold only 10% key managerial personnel positions in India: Report.

while female directors account for less than 20 percent of the total board director positions, according to the 'Mind the Gender Gap' report by CFA Institute and CFA Society India.

The 'Mind the Gender Gap' report is based on insights from 300 Indian companies through their Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) disclosures.

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Women hold only 10% key managerial personnel positions in India: Report.

The report also revealed that women board members and KMPs receive significantly lower compensation compared to their male counterparts, highlighting a gender pay disparity at the top level.

Female directors earn only 44 per cent of the median salary of their male counterparts, while female KMPs receive less than 25 per cent of the remuneration paid to male KMPs, it added.

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BluJ Aero, Blade India sign deal for sustainable regional aviation.

BluJ Aero, which makes long-range vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, and Blade India, an urban air mobility company, have formed a partnership for promoting regional aviation in a sustainable manner.

Blade India will purchase 60 VTOL aircraft, including 50 BluJ REACH cargo and 10 BluJ HOP passenger planes, from BluJ Aero.

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BluJ Aero, Blade India sign deal for sustainable regional aviation.

BluJ REACH, which is meant for mid-mile logistics, is an unmanned aircraft with a target range of up to 300-km, a 100-kg payload capacity and about 12-16 hours of uptime, facilitating same-day deliveries across underserved areas in India. BluJ HOP is a piloted H2eVTOL designed for quiet and economical regional passenger travel.

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BluJ Aero, Blade India sign deal for sustainable regional aviation.

The two companies said the partnership opens up possibilities to "access previously untapped and underserved regions for cargo and passenger mobility". It will create new job opportunities within the aviation sector.

Blade India was launched in 2019 as a joint venture between Blade USA and Hunch Ventures.

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BluJ Aero, Blade India sign deal for sustainable regional aviation.

Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Hyderabad, BluJ Aero specialises in aircraft technology.

BluJ Aero and Blade India are part of Confederation of Indian Industry’s 'Advanced Air Mobility' task force and are committed to working closely with regulatory authorities to ensure compliance and certification towards commercialisation.

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World Arabic Language Day | 18 December

World Arabic Language Day is celebrated every year on 18 December since 2012. The date coincides with the day in 1973 that the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted Arabic as the sixth official language of the Organization.

2024 Theme — Arabic Language and AI: Advancing Innovation while Preserving Cultural Heritage.

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World Arabic Language Day | 18 December

Arabic plays a major role in promoting social cohesion, knowledge production and spreading the values of peace and mutual understanding. Its contribution to humanity cannot be reduced to one people, as it is a civilization’s legacy for the entire world.

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Kiran Ankush Jadhav clinches Men’s 50m Rifle 3P title at 67th National Shooting Championship.

Indian Navy’s Kiran Ankush Jadhav beat Paris Olympic bronze medallist Swapnil Kusale and another Olympian Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar to clinch the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions (3P) title at the 67th National Shooting Championship Competitions in Bhopal.

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Kiran Ankush Jadhav clinches Men’s 50m Rifle 3P title at 67th National Shooting Championship.

Jadhav shot 465.8 in the final to leave Aishwary Pratap (463.1) of the home state in second place at the M.P. State Academy Shooting range. Swapnil of Railways led the 45-shot final till the 40th shot but bowed out in third ahead of the final gold-deciding shot, with a tally of 451.8. Jadhav was in third place till the 40-shot stage, before finishing to strike gold.

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ICICI Bank and Times Internet launch super-premium credit card.

ICICI Bank and Times Internet have launched a super-premium co-branded credit card targeting high-net-worth individuals. The ‘Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card’, powered by Visa, offers an array of exclusive benefits designed to appeal to affluent customers.

The metallic card features a unique design incorporating historic printing plates from The Times of India,

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ICICI Bank and Times Internet launch super-premium credit card.

symbolising a blend of tradition and innovation. Cardholders will receive significant perks including unlimited lounge access at over 1,300 global airports, visa services at home, and entry to ‘The Quorum Club’.

Key benefits include 2.5 percent reward points on international spending and 2 percent on domestic transactions.

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ICICI Bank and Times Internet launch super-premium credit card.

Milestone rewards feature helicopter rides, airport transfers, complimentary luxury resort stays, and a Rs. 10,000 e-commerce gift card.

The card is available for application through the website and ICICI Bank branches, targeting professionals and high-income individuals seeking premium financial services.

Rakesh Jha- Executive Director of ICICI Bank.

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National Institute of Siddha Sets Guinness World Record for Mass Varmam Therapy.

The National Institute of Siddha (NIS) has set a Guinness World Record for providing Varmam therapy to 567 individuals simultaneously. The event held, at the NIS campus in Tambaram, Chennai, highlights the growing recognition of Siddha medicine and its non-invasive, drug-free therapeutic methods, particularly through the practice of Varmam therapy.

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National Institute of Siddha Sets Guinness World Record for Mass Varmam Therapy.

The event saw 567 trained Varmanis (Varmam healers) simultaneously providing therapy to 567 individuals, underscoring the therapeutic reach and effectiveness of this traditional practice. The Guinness World Record not only demonstrated the therapeutic potential of Siddha medicine but also showcased the growing interest in traditional healing systems.

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National Institute of Siddha Sets Guinness World Record for Mass Varmam Therapy.

Varmam therapy, a unique and traditional healing modality within the Siddha system of medicine, has long been revered for its effectiveness in treating various health conditions. It is particularly renowned for its ability to provide rapid relief for musculoskeletal pain, injuries, and neurological disorders.

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National Institute of Siddha Sets Guinness World Record for Mass Varmam Therapy.

While Varmakalai (the martial art form associated with Varmam) is often misunderstood as a combat technique, in Siddha medicine, it is a scientifically grounded therapeutic practice used to treat acute and chronic diseases, including stroke, arthritis, and trauma-related injuries.

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