Daily News

Image

Gujarat CM launches 'SWAR' platform to overcome language barriers.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has launched a new citizen-centric initiative called the SWAR (Speech and Written Analysis Resource) platform.

The SWAR (Speech and Written Analysis Resource) platform was launched on the occasion of Good Governance Day on December 25.

Did you Know

Image

Gujarat CM launches 'SWAR' platform to overcome language barriers.

The Chief Minister's Office (CMO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology's Bhashini Team (National Language Translation Mission), has developed the SWAR platform.

This innovative platform leverages technology to overcome language barriers. The Speech-to-Text feature has also been integrated into the Gujarat CMO website.

Did you Know

Image

Gujarat CM launches 'SWAR' platform to overcome language barriers.

With the Speech-to-Text functionality, citizens can dictate their messages instead of typing them manually. The SWAR platform uses the indigenous artificial intelligence system, Bhashini, to facilitate this.

This technological advancement will enable the state government to reach a larger audience and significantly improve grievance redressal and feedback mechanisms.

Did you Know

Image

Gujarat CM launches 'SWAR' platform to overcome language barriers.

In the future, the SWAR platform will support the Chief Minister's Office by incorporating advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities. Resources such as Natural Language Processing (NLP), Open Source Generative AI (GenAI), Machine Learning (ML), and Computer Vision will be integrated into the resource library as per CMO requirements.

Did you Know

Image

Gujarat CM launches 'SWAR' platform to overcome language barriers.

Through the SWAR platform, even citizens unfamiliar with English keyboards can easily submit their applications or grievances by voice.

Gujarat CM- Bhupendra Patel.

Did you Know

Image

India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement marks two years of success.

The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA) completes two years of remarkable success, driving mutual growth and showcasing the complementarity of both economies. The Ind-Aus ECTA has significantly advanced trade ties, creating new opportunities for MSMEs, businesses and employment in both nations,

Did you Know

Image

India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement marks two years of success.

while reinforcing the foundation of their economic partnership. Entering its third year, the Government of India is dedicated to sustaining this momentum through strengthened collaboration and innovative initiatives to drive mutual prosperity to realize the vision 2047 of Hon’ble Prime Minister to make India a developed country.

Did you Know

Image

India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement marks two years of success.

Since its signing, bilateral merchandise trade has more than doubled, surging from USD 12.2 billion in 2020-21 to USD 26 billion in 2022-23. Total trade, however, moderated in the year 2023-24 to USD 24 billion in 2023-24, with India’s exports to Australia growing by 14%. The current fiscal year continues to reflect strong momentum.

Did you Know

Image

India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement marks two years of success.

Building upon this success, the India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) is now in progress with 10 formal rounds and inter-sessional discussions held so far. CECA builds on the foundation laid by the ECTA, advancing the bilateral trade agenda with even greater ambition.

Did you Know

Image

Indian economy to grow at 6.5-6.8% in FY25 on high consumption: Deloitte.

Indian economy is likely to grow at 6.5-6.8 percent this fiscal and slightly higher between 6.7-7.3 percent in FY2026, boosted by domestic consumption, Deloitte said.

Deloitte India Economist Rumki Majumdar said the growth in the first half of the fiscal year 2025 turned out to be slower than estimated as election uncertainties followed by disruptions in activity,

Did you Know

Image

Indian economy to grow at 6.5-6.8% in FY25 on high consumption: Deloitte.

due to heavy rainfall and geopolitical events weighed on domestic demand and exports.

However, India continues to show resilience in certain pockets that are worth noting -- be it in consumption trends, services growth, the rising share of high-value manufacturing in exports, or the capital market.

Did you Know

Image

Haryana cabinet approves 25% raise in Death-cum-Retirement gratuity limit.

The Haryana government has decided to increase the maximum limit of Death-cum-Retirement Gratuity for state government employees by 25 percent, an official statement said.

This enhancement will take effect from January 1, 2025, raising the gratuity from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 25 lakh.

Did you Know

Image

Haryana cabinet approves 25% raise in Death-cum-Retirement gratuity limit.

The proposal in this regard was approved by the state cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.

chairmanship of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.

According to an official statement, the Cabinet also approved a 25 percent increase in the maximum limit of Death-cum-Retirement Gratuity for Judicial officers of the state government.

Did you Know

Image

Haryana cabinet approves 25% raise in Death-cum-Retirement gratuity limit.

In another decision, the Cabinet approved the revision of the Indexation Policy for calculating External Development Charges.

The Indexation Policy was based on EDC rates for the year 2015 and these had not been increased for the last eight years till date.

It said the cabinet also gave a nod to mandatory Aadhaar authentication for HPSC exams.

Did you Know

Image

World Boxing forms new Asian body; Lovlina in Athletes' Commission, Ajay Singh named board member.

Tokyo Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain has been included in the Athletes' Commission while six Boxing Federation of India (BFI) officials, including president Ajay Singh, will be part of the newly-formed interim Asian body established by the breakaway organization World Boxing.

Did you Know

Image

World Boxing forms new Asian body; Lovlina in Athletes' Commission, Ajay Singh named board member.

India will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Asian boxing within this new structure, with the BFI holding seven key positions, including Singh, who has been appointed as a board member. Borgohain will represent the athletes' voices in Asian and global boxing. Key BFI officials, including secretary general Hemanta Kumar Kalita and treasurer Digvijay Singh,

Did you Know

Image

World Boxing forms new Asian body; Lovlina in Athletes' Commission, Ajay Singh named board member.

will hold positions on the Olympic Commission and Finance and Audit Committee respectively.

Borgohain, one of three members of the Athletes' Commission, emphasised the importance of the platform to advocate for better infrastructure, fair opportunities, and support systems for athletes across Asia.

Did you Know

Image

World Boxing forms new Asian body; Lovlina in Athletes' Commission, Ajay Singh named board member.

BFI officials Narender Kumar Nirwan and D P Bhatt will serve on the Constitution and Sports & Competition Commissions, respectively, while Dr. Karanjeet Singh will join the Medical Commission.

Did you Know

Image

SAIL certified as Great Place to Work for the second time.

Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has earned the prestigious 'Great Place to Work' certification for January 2025 to January 2026, awarded by the Great Place to Work Institute, India. This marks the second consecutive certification for SAIL, having first been certified for December 2023 to December 2024.

Did you Know

Image

SAIL certified as Great Place to Work for the second time.

This consecutive global recognition highlights the company’s innovative HR initiatives including the Work Other than Workplace (WoW) scheme, flexible timings for city-based employees, self-paced learning through LinkedIn Learning Hub and E-Pathshala, high-end IT and digital training with NASSCOM, Leadership Development programs in collaboration with IIMs and ASCI,

Did you Know

Image

SAIL certified as Great Place to Work for the second time.

e-counseling under the Employee Assistance Programs, enhancement of healthcare services and Leadership Coaching for senior executives. These initiatives aim to boost productivity, prepare employees for future technological advancements and fully utilize their potential.

Did you Know

Image

SAIL certified as Great Place to Work for the second time.

The Great Place to Work Institute is a global organization that recognizes employers creating outstanding employee experiences through a rigorous evaluation process. SAIL secured the certification following a comprehensive survey conducted by the Institute, based on direct feedback from employees at SAIL.

Did you Know

Image

Doha Insurance Group Secures Approval to Establish Reinsurance Branch in India.

Doha Insurance Group (DIG), a leading provider of insurance and reinsurance solutions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, has announced plans to expand in India by opening a reinsurance branch.

The insurer has received approval from the Qatar Central Bank to establish the branch within Gujarat International Financial Tec-City (GIFT City).

Did you Know

Image

Doha Insurance Group Secures Approval to Establish Reinsurance Branch in India.

The new branch will operate under the “Gift City” international insurance office category.

This strategic move is part of DIG’s broader growth plan, building on the success of its regional centers, which have significantly contributed to enhancing the group’s revenues and strengthening its insurance portfolio.

Did you Know

Image

Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission gets licence for largest nuclear plant

Pakistan is set to construct its largest nuclear plant for electricity generation after the country's atomic energy regulatory agency issued the licence for it.

The Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) issued the licence to build Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit 5 (C-5, the largest plant producing electricity through nuclear power with a capacity of 1200 MWe.

Did you Know

Image

Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission gets licence for largest nuclear plant

After a thorough review and assessment of and fulfilment of regulatory requirements in compliance with the relevant national and international standards, the licence was issued.

C-5 is an advanced third-generation Pressurised Water Reactor of Chinese Hualong design, having active and passive safety features, including

Did you Know

Image

Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission gets licence for largest nuclear plant

a double-shell containment and reactor-filtered venting system. It has a lifespan of 60 years.

This is the third nuclear power plant in Pakistan with this design.

Two other plants, Karachi Nuclear Power Plants units 2 and 3, are already operating successfully and adding electricity to the national grid.

Did you Know

Image

Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission gets licence for largest nuclear plant

The C-5 has already been approved by the executive committee of the National Economic Council and it will be built at a cost of USD 3.7 billion.

Pakistan's installed nuclear energy capacity is about 3,530 MW, contributing about 27 per cent of the total electricity generation in the national grid.

Did you Know

Image

Kerala clinches Senior National Men’s Handball Championship title.

Kerala defeated Chandigarh 34-31 to clinch their maiden Senior National Men’s Handball Championship title. The tournament final took place yesterday in Changanassery, Kerala. Kerala had reached the final for the first time, edging out Services in the semi-finals, while Chandigarh secured their spot by defeating Indian Railways. Kerala’s Devendar was named Best Player of

Did you Know

Image

Kerala clinches Senior National Men’s Handball Championship title.

the Championship, while Rahul received the award for Best Goalkeeper.

Did you Know

Image

17-year-old from Mumbai becomes the youngest female in world to scale highest peaks on each of 7 continents.

Kaamya Karthikeyan, a 17-year-old student from Navy Children School in Mumbai, has made history by becoming the youngest female in the world to scale the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. Demonstrating an extraordinary feat of mountaineering prowess, the 17-year-old adventurer has conquered Africa’s Mt Kilimanjaro, Europe’s Mt Elbrus, Australia’s Mt Kosciuszko,

Did you Know

Image

17-year-old from Mumbai becomes the youngest female in world to scale highest peaks on each of 7 continents.

Europe’s Mt Elbrus, Australia’s Mt Kosciuszko, South America’s Mt Aconcagua, North America’s Mt Denali, Asia’s Mt Everest and culminating the current climb in Antarctica.The young Everester reached the summit of Mt Vincent in Antarctica along with her father, Commander S. Karthikeyan, on December 24 complete the Seven Summits Challenge.

Did you Know

Image

17-year-old from Mumbai becomes the youngest female in world to scale highest peaks on each of 7 continents.

She said she was 7 when she took her first trek in Uttarakhand. Her outstanding accomplishments have not only earned her the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Shakti Puraskar, India’s highest national honour for young achievers in 2021 but also accolades from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Mann-ki-Baat.

Did you Know

Image

Lakshya Sen Wins Bronze at Inaugural King Cup International Badminton Open 2024.

In Badminton, India’s Lakshya Sen clinched bronze at the inaugural King Cup International Badminton Open 2024 with a commanding victory over French shuttler Alex Lanier. Lakshya defeated Lanier 21-17, 21-11 in their bronze medal match today, marking a strong finish to his campaign.Earlier, Lakshya faced a semifinal loss to China’s Hu Zhe’an.

Did you Know

Image

Lakshya Sen Wins Bronze at Inaugural King Cup International Badminton Open 2024.

Lakshya was the sole Indian representative at the tournament. The King Cup is a prestigious invitational men’s singles tournament featuring eight top players.

Did you Know

Image

BPCL buys Middle East crude oil to replace Russian shortfall.

State-run Indian refiner Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) is buying Middle Eastern crude to make up for less supply of cheaper Russian oil, its head of finance Vetsa Ramakrishna Gupta said.

State refiners, which typically buy Russian oil in the spot market rather than under long-term contract, are unable to procure about 8 million to 10 million barrels of crude,

Did you Know

Image

BPCL buys Middle East crude oil to replace Russian shortfall.

for January, 2025 loading that they have previously seen available in the market.

India became a top buyer of Russian seaborne oil after the European Union shunned purchases and imposed sanctions on Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Russian oil accounts for more than one-third of India's energy imports as the country has sought to take advantage of discounts

Did you Know

Image

BPCL buys Middle East crude oil to replace Russian shortfall.

on the crude.

Additionally, Russian state oil firm Rosneft has signed a deal with Indian private refiner Reliance to supply 500,000 bpd of crude for 10 years starting in 2025. That contract will account for about half of the company's exports, reducing the supply available for other traders.

Did you Know

Image

Govt signs Rs 1,990 crore defence deal with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders.

Ministry of Defence has signed two contracts, worth approx. Rs 2,867 crore, for the construction of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) Plug for DRDO-AIP system & its integration onboard Indian Submarines, and the integration of Electronic Heavy Weight Torpedo (EHWT) onboard the Kalvari-Class submarines.

Did you Know

Image

Govt signs Rs 1,990 crore defence deal with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders.

The contract for construction of AIP Plug and its integration was inked with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai worth around Rs 1,990 crore, while the contract for integration of EHWT, being developed by DRDO, was signed with Naval Group, France at an approx. cost of Rs 877 crore.

The AIP technology is being indigenously developed by DRDO.

Did you Know