Professor "Rehman Rahi", renowned poet and Kashmir's first Jnanpith awardee took his last breath in the early hours on Monday (9th January 2023) at his residence in the Nowshera area of Kashmir. At the time of his death, the globally acclaimed poet was 98 years old.

 

Rahi wrote several beautiful poems and also translated the works of many renowned poets of other languages into Kashmiri.

In 2007, he received the highest literary award in the country, the Jnanpith award for his collection 'Siyah Rood Jaeren Manz' (In Black Drizzle).

 

Earlier, in the year 2000, the poet was also honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award.

 

Many noted personalities mourned the death of the poet with the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir , Manoj Sinha terming it the “end of an era".

 

Rahi received Sahitya Akademi Award in 1961 for his collection of poems called 'Nawroz-i-Saba'. Dina Nath Naadim's influence was evident in his initial works and the poet also worked towards translating the works of Baba Farid into Kashmiri..

Source : Mint

The first 'Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion' meeting of the G20 began in Kolkata on Monday (9th January 2023) in the auguste presence of guests and distinguished persons from around the Globe.

The meeting began with a round of discussions aimed at better opening of doors of digital transactions to marginal people for financial progress and productivity growth.

 

The Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee welcomed the guests and delegates and said that she is happy to host this G-20 meeting in the state.

 

Supporting the theme of this year's G-20 conference, 'Vasudhaiva Kutambakkam', the Chief Minister said she does not believe in political borders. Development of the world is not possible without the development of people as a whole. Her government is working with a human face for the development of people.

 

Special importance is being given to the development of women and also for the backward section of the society. She highlighted various steps taken by the government to increase e-governance and digital transactions. The Chief Minister also referred to the industrial potential of the state.

 

Two panel discussions were held as part of this discussion. 12 experts from International Financial Organisations participated in the discussion. Besides, an exhibition on innovative financial products has been put up as a part of the meet. A  dinner party has been arranged for the guests and delegates on a cruise on the River Hooghly in the evening...

Source : AIR

The Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela (PMNAM) is being conducted in 242 districts of the country on Monday (9th January 2023).

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in a statement said that several local businesses, companies, and organisations have been invited to be part of the mela and provide apprenticeship opportunities to India’s youth.

The candidates who are Class five to Class 12th pass outs and have skill training certificates, or ITI Diploma holders or graduates can apply in this apprenticeship mela.

Individuals can register for the mela on the website www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in and find the nearest location of the mela.

 

The Ministry has advised the candidates to carry three copies of their resume, mark sheets and certificates, photo ID, and three passport-size photographs to the respective venues.

 

Apprenticeship Melas are hosted in the country on the 2nd Monday of every month, wherein selected individuals receive a monthly stipend in accordance with government criteria for gaining new skills.

 

The Government is striving to train one million youth per annum through apprenticeship training and to fulfill this mission, PMNAM is being used as a platform to increase the participation of establishments and students..

Source : AIR

Indian-origin Manpreet Monica Singh has been sworn in as a Harris county judge, becoming the first female Sikh judge in the USA.

 

She was sworn in as a judge of the Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 4 in Texas on Friday (6th January 2023).

 

Ms Singh's father immigrated to the US in the early 1970s.

 

Ms Singh was born and raised in Houston and now lives in Bellaire with her husband and two children.

 

A trial lawyer for 20 years, she has been involved in numerous civil rights organizations at the local, state, and national levels.

 

"It means a lot to me because I represent H-town (a nickname of Houston) the most, so for it to be us, I'm happy for it," she said at the oath ceremony.

 

Indian-American Judge Ravi Sandill, the state's first South Asian judge, presided over the ceremony, which took place in a packed courtroom.

 

"It's a really big moment for the Sikh community," Mr Sandill said.

 

There are an estimated 500,000 Sikhs in the US, with 20,000 Sikhs living in the Houston area.

 

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said : "It was a proud day for the Sikh Community, but also a proud day for all people of Colour who see the Diversity of the City of Houston in the Diversity of the Court.".

Source : NDTV

Kerala has became the first state in the country to go fully digital in its banking service, declared Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday (7th Jan 2023), adding that this recognition would boost the state economy.

 

In an event held here, Vijayan said this achievement was possible due to social interventions through local self-government institutions along with infrastructure development and technological advances in the banking sector.

 

"I would like to congratulate everyone who worked behind this and declare Kerala as the first fully digital banking state in the country," Vijayan said.

 

"In order to make the digital services universally accessible, we need to ensure that the digital divide is completely eliminated," he added.

 

The Chief Minister also said the ambitious Kerala Fibre Optic Network (K-FON) project of the state government, which was almost 90 per cent completed, will reduce the digital divide.

 

"The K-FON will ensure internet facility to everyone in the state and 17,155 km-long optic fibre cable network has been laid. Once the project gets completed, internet will be available to everyone in the state either for a cheaper price or for free-of-cost," Vijayan said.

 

On the occasion, the Chief Minister also pointed out that Kerala received three 'Digital India' awards today for the advancement in the digital sector.

 

"We received silver medal for Ksheerashree portal, platinum award for Digital Workforce Management System and gold medal for District Administration of Kottayam," Vijayan said.

 

He also warned the people to remain vigilant about the rise in cyber crimes that may increase in the banking sector with its advancement.

 

"The government has created an Economic Offences Wing in the state police to tackle such cyber crimes," he added.

 

State Level Bankers' Committee (SLBC) convenor S Premkumar, RBI Regional Director Thomas Mathew, NABARD Chief General Manager Gopakumaran Nair G, among others also attended the event..

Source : Zeebiz

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas or NRI Day is formally observed on 9 January to celebrate the day when Mahatma Gandhi returned from South Africa to Mumbai, India.

The day is celebrated to acknowledge the contribution of the non-resident Indian community in helping in the development of the country. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2023 has conducted in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, from 8–10 January, 2023.

 

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2023 Theme : According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the official theme of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2023 is “Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India’s Progress in Amrit Kaal.”

The theme focuses on the importance of the Indian diaspora in the development of the country. It is important to note that every year a new theme is chosen to celebrate the day.

 

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2023 Significance : The purpose of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is to give NRIs a forum to discuss their attitudes toward India and to build bridges of goodwill with their fellow citizens. It also entails informing the natives of their brothers’ accomplishments abroad and informing the foreigners of what their fellow citizens expect of them.

 

Another goal of the organisation is to establish a network of Indians living abroad in 110 different nations. educating the general public on the contribution that immigrants have made to India’s positive international relations. establishing a link between the rising Indian generation and the immigrant brethren. to talk about the challenges that Indian workers encounter when working abroad.

 

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas History : The decision to celebrate Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was taken in accordance with recommendations of the High Level Committee (HLC) on the Indian Diaspora set up by government of India under the chairmanship of L. M. Singhvi. The then Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, received the report of the Committee at a public function at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi on 8 January 2002, and announced the “Pravasi Bharatiya Divas” (PBD) on 9 January 2002. The day was chosen to mark the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India in 1915.

 

After this day was administered in 2000, it was first celebrated in 2003. Here are more insights concerning the historical backdrop of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas – The Pravasi Bhartiya Divas date is the 9th of January. Most people celebrated this as NRI Day in India. NRI Day and pravasi Bhartiya divas is the same thing.

After a hiatus of two years, International Kite Festival 2023 began in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on January 8. 

 

The Kite Festival was inaugurated by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. 

Kite fliers from 65 countries will take part in the Kite Festival, which will be held in four Gujarat cities. 

 

International Kite Festival with the theme of G20 will be held from the January 8 to 14..

Source : Deccan Herald

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a Maharatna and a Fortune Global 500 Company, 7th Jan 2023 announced the launch of Low Smoke Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO) for the Indian Army in Jammu.

 

BPCL has emerged as the first OMC to commence the supply of the new LSLA grade SKO supplies to the Army, which will go a long way in improving the serving environment and alleviate the issues related to smoke and smell in use of SKO.

 

Normal Kerosene emits substantial smoke, which poses health hazards to the Army personnel who use it at higher altitudes, where oxygen level is very low. Hence, the low smoke kerosene is a big step towards providing a cleaner fuel to our soldiers operating in very tough terrains.

 

Shri Vetsa Ramakrishna Gupta, Director (Finance) with additional charge of C&MD and Director (HR), BPCL, reflected on BPCLs proud association with the Army which has strengthened over the years and expressed confidence that the same will grow over the years with the strong partnership and value adding initiatives.

Lt Gen M K S Yadav, echoed the sentiments and fondly remembered BPCLs special efforts in commencing HSD (Winter Grade) supplies in Eastern Command.

He complimented BPCL for launching the LSLA grade which will surely go a long way in improving the conditions for our forces at forward locations..

Source : Industrial Automation India

In a first in the country, the Kerala government has created a welfare board to give pensions to MGNREGS workers after they turn 60.

* The board will also cover workers who have registered for the state’s Ayyankali Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme.

 

* The chairman of the board, which came into being on Thursday (5th Jan 2023), is the ruling CPM’s state committee member S Rajendran, who is also the state general secretary of the NREGS Workers Union, affiliated to the party-backed CITU.

 

* Rajendran said the formation of the board was a promise of the ruling Left Democratic Front. “This is the first time that a state government has formed a welfare fund board for MGNREGS workers. In 2021, the Assembly passed a bill pertaining to the formation of the board. We will introduce various relief measures for the workers. The scheme enhances the financial security of MGNREGS workers,’’ he said. “We have not fixed the pension amount as details are being worked out.’’

 

* Any worker between the age of 18 and 55 can take the board's membership. They have to pay an amount (tentatively Rs 50) as a monthly premium until the age of 55.

* A member who has paid the contribution for at least 10 years will be eligible for the pension. The fund would be utilised for meeting various welfare and relief requirements of the workers such as educational and marriage expenses.

 

* The fund will comprise the government's grant, the premium collected from registered workers, local bodies' contributions and loans taken by the board. Apart from the workers’ monthly contributions, the government will also make an equivalent contribution towards the fund. The government can revise the contribution every three years.

 

* As per the NREGS Mission, Kerala has 21 lakh active rural employment guarantee scheme cards in 14 lakh households.

* As of December 31, 2022, the average days of employment provided to the households are 45.9. Only 4.14 per cent of the registered households have so far got 100 days of work..

Source : MSN

Taiwanese lawmakers have passed new rules that let local chip firms turn 25% of their annual research and development expenses into tax credits, part of efforts to keep cutting-edge semiconductor technologies at home and maintain the island’s technology leadership. 

 

Officials there have repeatedly said they will ensure the latest chip technologies remain in Taiwan, a point that has been reaffirmed by executives at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and other local chip giants. While Taiwan’s assisted local chipmakers in the past with infrastructure construction and other measures, the island is now stepping up its efforts.

 

The new incentives should take effect sometime from 2023. Chip companies in Taiwan can also claims tax credits on 5% of the annual costs of buying new equipment for advanced process technologies, the ministry said in what’s been dubbed the local version of America’s Chips Act. Any credits earned, however, cannot exceed 50% of the total annual income taxes a firm owes.

 

Procurement of equipment is the largest cost in setting up a new chip plant. For instance, ASML Holding NV’s essential extreme ultraviolet lithography machines now cost close to $200 million apiece.

 

The USA used to dominate over 50% of the semiconductor market thanks to the advantages of the first-mover. Yet, Taiwan and Korea soon took the lead, reducing the USA’s market share to 12%. Through the Science and Chips Act, the US also officially competed with China.

The country offers diverse incentives, along with laying the restrictions on countries that cooperate with China, while calling for setting up manufacturing plants in the US.

 

* Taiwan is leading the world with 92% when it comes to producing advanced semiconductors. At the same time, its local semiconductor manufacturer – TSMC has contributed to 54% of the global market share, dominating the market. This country also ranked second in the world for its investment budget in semiconductors.

 

* Just behind Taiwan, Korea is the homeland of the largest world manufacturers, Samsung and SK Hynix Inc., to name a few.

* In Quarter II, 2021, Korea invested $USD 6,62 billion, up 48% over the same period in 2020 and ranking second globally.

* Besides, the Korean government planned to finance 950 billion won (approximately USD$ 700 thousand) to research and develop electrical and automotive chips from 2024 to 2030.

 

* A report by the global industry association SEMI shows that in the second quarter of 2021, China invested USD$ 8.22 billion in chip-making equipment, up 79% year-on-year and up 38% over the first quarter of 2021.

 

* The heavy investment in semiconductor manufacturing is part of China’s strategy to become a technology powerhouse.

* The country has been trying to find a way out of dependence on foreign manufacturers in the semiconductor sector for decades...

Source : Bloomberglaw