Mastercard Replacing BharatPe as ICC’s Global Sponsor
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly replaced BharatPe with Mastercard as its global sponsor. BharatPe served as the global sponsor from June 2021 until the end of 2023, but it is facing challenges and may end its partnership with the ICC.
In contrast, Mastercard has signed a multi-year deal that includes on-screen and in-venue branding placements, as well as exclusive experiences for their customers during the upcoming ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 in India. Mastercard had already secured the title sponsorship rights for both international and domestic home fixtures of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) from Paytm. Read the complete article here
“Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi” Campaign – Improving Early Childhood Education in India
The ‘Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi’ initiative aims to convert 14 lakh Anganwadi centers in India into pre-schools that offer early childhood care and education. The primary target age group for this initiative is children up to six years old, with special attention given to those under three years old.
The initiative is in line with the emphasis of the National Education Policy on developing a robust foundation in literacy and numeracy skills and utilizing the child’s native language. Early childhood care and education (ECCE) is crucial for optimal outcomes in various domains, but it faces several challenges, including a shortage of trained educators and a lack of infrastructure and educational resources in rural childcare facilities. Read the complete article here
Khadi Gramodyog Vikas Yojana – Empowering Rural India through Khadi
The Khadi Gramodyog Vikas Yojana is a government initiative aimed at improving India’s Khadi industry and assisting small rural enterprises. The program is an amalgamation of the Khadi Vikas Yojana and the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana and includes a new component called Rozgar Yukt Gaon to foster entrepreneurship in the Khadi industry, provide new job possibilities in rural regions, and empower women.
The scheme’s major objective is to overhaul the current business model adopted by rural industries and decrease their dependence on subsidies while providing financial aid to encourage the establishment of well-structured business verticals and better resource management. The program includes various schemes such as Market Promotion and Development Assistance, Interest Subsidy Eligibility Certificate, and Boosting Agarbatti Udyog. Read the complete article here
Google’s Bard chatbot AI to be rolled out in over 180 countries, including India
Google has announced the global rollout of its generative AI chatbot, Bard, in over 180 countries, including India. Bard can perform various tasks such as generating text, answering questions informatively, and translating languages. Google aims to improve Bard’s capabilities continuously, making it more accessible to people worldwide.
The rollout of Bard in India is significant as it is one of the largest markets for smartphones and internet users. Google plans to expand Bard to other English-speaking countries before moving to other regions, including Asia. However, some countries may not be included in the initial rollout due to potential technical or regulatory hurdles. Read the complete article here
National Technology Day 2023
National Technology Day is celebrated in India on May 11 each year to commemorate the successful nuclear test conducted in 1998 at Pokhran in Rajasthan. The day is dedicated to celebrating advancements and achievements in science and technology, as well as honoring scientists and engineers for their contributions to the country’s technological development.
The theme of National Technology Day 2023 is School to Startups- Igniting Young Minds to Innovate’. This theme highlights the importance of nurturing young minds and encouraging them to innovate and create new technologies. Read the complete article here
India among 7 countries to benefit from Saudi Arabia’s new e-visa system
Saudi Arabia has announced a new e-visa system, which will benefit tourists from seven countries including India. The new system will allow visitors to apply for visas online and aims to increase tourism in Saudi Arabia.
India is among the top source countries for tourism to Saudi Arabia, with over 2 million Indian pilgrims visiting the country annually for Hajj and Umrah. The new e-visa system is expected to simplify the visa process for Indian tourists and encourage more people to visit the country for leisure and business purposes. Read the complete article here
CM Yogi Adityanath honored Bharat Ratna Dr. Ambedkar Award
On May 5th, the former President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, awarded Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath with the Bharat Ratna Dr. Ambedkar Award for his efforts in creating a fear-free Uttar Pradesh. The award honors his significant contributions to society in the spirit of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
The award was presented at the Shri Shanmukhananda Auditorium in Mumbai by the Buddhanjali Research Foundation. The award was received by Dr. Lalji Prasad Nirmal, a member of the Uttar Pradesh legislative council, on behalf of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Read the complete article here
Santiniketan in the tentative list for the UNESCO World Heritage list
The UNESCO World Heritage Centre has recommended Santiniketan, a cultural site in West Bengal, for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The recommendation was made by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), an advisory body to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre comprising experts, heritage organizations, and companies.
The university, known as Visva-Bharati, was founded by Nobel Laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore in 1921. He, one of the most prominent figures of the Indian Renaissance, established Santiniketan as a place of learning and a center of art, culture, and literature. Read the complete article here
