Which IT company joins XR Startup Programme with MeitY, Meta?

Daily Current Affairs

Infosys

HCL Tech

Wipro

Cognizant

Correct Answer : HCL Tech

HCLTech, on Thursday (20th July 2023), announced that it has joined the XR Startup Programme, a collaboration between Meta and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Startup Hub.

Aim : The program aims to support and boost extended reality (XR) technology start-ups in India.

As a knowledge partner in this initiative, HCLTech will play a vital role in cultivating a dynamic ecosystem for Indian start-ups, the company said. This ecosystem will foster the creation of innovative services, hardware, and software solutions, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and agri-tech.

The XR Startup Program, launched in September 2022, is a joint effort between MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) and Meta. This initiative focuses on skilling and developing technological capabilities for the metaverse, with a specific emphasis on emerging technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) within the country.

"The XR Startup Program is playing a crucial role in supporting startups to embrace extended reality technologies. We are delighted to collaborate with HCLTech for this program," said Shivnath Thukral, Director and Head Public Policy, India, Meta.

“The next wave of innovation, transformation, and investments is in XR technologies and the metaverse and the ‘XR Accelerator’ program will ensure that Indian startups are at the forefront of developing, launching, and scaling immersive technology solutions for the global markets,” said Jeet Vijay, CEO, MeitY Startup Hub.

During the event in Jan, Jeet Vijay also expressed the importance of emerging technologies like XR (Extended Reality) in shaping the digital landscape. He emphasized that Indian startups and innovators, particularly from non-metro areas, will have a crucial role in developing technologies like the metaverse and shaping the future of the internet.

The XR (Extended Reality) market is growing due to technological progress and growing interest from consumers across different industries. A report by Research and Markets predicts that the XR market will continue to soar, with an estimated growth rate of 35.27%. By 2028, it is projected to reach $95 billion globally, up from $11 billion in 2021...

Source : Tech Circle

Published On : July 22, 2023

Recently Updated Current Affairs

Q .

International Day of Argania 2024 Observed on?

7th May

8th May

9th May

10th May

Correct Answer : Option (D) - 10th May

On May 10 every year, people around the world celebrate the International Day of Argania. This special day honours the Argan tree (Argania spinosa), an ancient species that has grown in Morocco for about 80 million years. These trees are not just old; they play a crucial role in the local economy and environment. The celebration aims to increase awareness about these unique trees, their benefits, and the challenges they face.

The Argan tree is a native species of the sub-Saharan region of Morocco, growing in arid and semi-arid areas. It’s the defining species of a woodland ecosystem, also known as Arganeraie, which is rich in endemic flora. It is resilient to harsh environments with water scarcity, erosion risk, and poor soils.

The Arganeraie ecosystem is not only important for conservation but also for research and socio-economic development due to its forestry, agricultural, and livestock use. The argan tree woodlands provide forest products, fruits, and fodder. The leaves and fruits are edible and highly appreciated, as is the undergrowth, and constitute a vital fodder reserve for all herds, even in periods of drought. The trees are also used as fuelwood for cooking and heating.

The World-Renowned Argan Oil :

The world-famous argan oil is extracted from the seeds and has multiple applications, especially in traditional and complementary medicine, and in the culinary and cosmetic industries.

The Argan Tree: A Fundamental Pillar for Sustainable Development :

The argan tree is typically a multipurpose tree that supports income generation, increases resilience, and improves climate adaptation, playing a crucial role in achieving the three dimensions of sustainable development – economic, social, and environmental – at the local level.

Published On : May 10, 2024

Q .

Who has been appointed (7th May 2024) as the Chairman of HDFC Life?

Keki Mistry

Vijay Kamath

Ashok Sinha

Rahul Shetty

Correct Answer : Option (A) - Keki Mistry

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI) on 7th May 2024 approved the appointment of Keki Mistry as Chairman of HDFC Life. “We now wish to inform that IRDAI on May 7, 2024 has accorded its approval for the appointment of Keki Mistry as Chairman of the Board of the Company,” HDFC Life said in an exchange filing on May 8.

Earlier, the insurer had appointed Mistry as the Chairman of the Board as Deepak Parekh stepped down from the post. “The board has unanimously approved the appointment of Keki M Mistry as the Chairman of the Board with immediate effect subject to approval of Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority,” the company said on April 18.

Published On : May 10, 2024

Q .

Which country has recently extended the deadline for visa-free entry for Indians till November 11, 2024?

France

Sri Lanka

Malaysia

Vietnam

Correct Answer : Option (B) - Sri Lanka

Thailand and Sri Lanka have extended the visa-free entry facilities for visitors from India. Thailand has announced the extension of visa-free entry till November 11, 2024. The facility, implemented on November 10, 2023, was initially till May 10, 2024.

The Sri Lanka government has announced the extension of the facility till May 31, 2024. The country started visa-free entry as a pilot project in October last year. In both countries, the facility is valid for 30 days for visitors from India.

Tourism Authority of Thailand officials said there had been a sharp increase in the number of tourists from India since the facility was implemented.

The number of visitors to Thailand from India between November 2022 and April 2023 was 7,55,066, the official said. This number went up to 9,68,000 between November 2023 and April 2024.

“There has been a 28.2 per cent increase in the number of visitors from India between November 2023 and April 2024 compared with the previous year. This helped the Thailand government decide to extend the visa-free facility,” said Sirges-a-nong Trirattanasongpol, director, Tourism Authority of Thailand, New Delhi Office. “India is a very important market for us.”

Published On : May 10, 2024