(DAILY NEWS INDIA)
1.
NITI AAYOG PARTNERS WITH 6 STATES TO TRANSFORM HEALTH & EDUCATION SECTORS
i.
NITI Aayog announced partnership with 6 states (with three states for health
sector reforms and three states for education sector reforms) under its Sustainable Action for Transforming Human
capital launched by NITI Aayog initiative.
ii.
NITI Aayog has selected Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Karnataka to improve
healthcare delivery and key outcomes in these States.
iii.
For Education sector, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Jharkhand have been selected
for support to better learning outcomes.
2.
MAHARASHTRA GOVERNMENT TO RAISE $270 MN FROM GREEN CLIMATE FUND
i.
The 2030 Water Resources Group (2030WRG) will help the Maharashtra Government
to raise $270 million from the Green Climate Fund, which will be invested in
integrated watershed programmes in the state.
ii.
For raising money from the Green Climate Fund, Maharashtra State Level Climate
Change Committee will endorse the proposal next week, after which it would be
referred to the Central Government.
iii.
The approvals will be in place in early 2018 and it could take a year to get
the funding. Fund will also be used in crop diversification and adding market
linkages.
3.
MEETING OF REGIONAL TECHNICAL GROUP ON TRADE, COMMERCE AND INVESTMENT CBM OF
THE HEART OF ASIA – ISTANBUL PROCESS HELD IN NEW DELHI
i.
The 8th meeting of the Regional Technical Group of Confidence Building Measure
on Trade, Commerce & Investment Opportunities under the Heart of Asia –
Istanbul Process was hosted by India.
ii.
The India would be the Lead Country. The meeting was held in New Delhi. The
meeting was attended by representatives of 17 participating countries and
supporting international organisations.
iii.
The participants shared the view that Afghanistan acted as a natural bridge in
promoting regional connectivity and economic integration. There was an
agreement that economic development was an important factor in ensuring peace
and stability in Afghanistan and the Heart of Asia Region.
iv.
The participants had also discussed on various measures and plan to promote
transit and trade and realizing reliable and robust connectivity, with
Afghanistan as the hub.
v.
The initiative by India to develop a web portal, with participation of FICCI,
for exchanging information on regional markets, trade and investment
opportunities; and facilitating networking between businesses for the
participating countries was also appreciated.
vi.
The meeting was co-chaired by the Acting Director General, Economic Cooperation
Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan,
Joint Secretary and Ministry of External Affairs.
4.
ONGC PLANS TO INVEST $150 MILLION IN COLOMBIA, KAZAKHSTAN & BANGLADESH
i.
ONGC Videsh, the overseas arm of the state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corp has
planned to invest $150 million in exploration to drill more wells in Kazakhstan,
Colombia and Bangladesh.
ii.
ONGC Videsh, which operates the CPO-5 block of Colombia, has made a commercial
discovery in its exploration well Mariposa-1. The company is also making up
plans for the development of the Mariposa-1 well that has begun a test
production of 4,500 barrels per day.
iii.
ONGC has 70% participating interest in CPO-5 block in which the remaining 30%
stake in held by Amerisur Resources of UK. ONGC to Set Up New Basin in
Agartala.
iv.
ONGC has participating interest in a total of six blocks in Colombia. It
includes a producing block whose current output is 35,000 barrels per day.
v.
The company has also entered Namibia’s oil and gas sector with a purchase of
30% interest from Tullow Oil in the African country’s three oil blocks.
5.
INDIAN-AMERICAN APPOINTED DEPUTY COMPTROLLER FOR MINORITY AFFAIRS OF NASSAU
COUNTY
i.
Indian-American Dilip Chauhan has been appointed Deputy Comptroller to the
minority affairs in Nassau County.
ii.
Chauhan had joined the Comptroller’s office in 2015 as Director for Community
Affairs, South and East Asia. He has served as senior advisor to the
Comptroller since early 2017.
iii.
Chauhan has been recognised with numerous awards for his community service. He
would continue to support the Comptroller’s efforts to provide equal
opportunity for minority and women owned enterprises to do business with Nassau
County.
iv.
Chauhan is an active member of the Indian community in the New York area. The
Nassau County and the Comptroller’s Office has been a driving force in
advocating for increased business opportunities for Minority and Women Owned
Enterprises.
6.
ICICI BANK LAUNCHES INSTANT CREDIT CARD WITH THE LIMIT UPTO 4 LAKHS
i.
ICICI Bank has announced the launch of Instant Credit Card Service that will
enable its savings account customers to get a credit card instantly, in a
completely digital and paperless manner.
ii.
Using the Instant Credit Card Service, pre-qualified customers can apply and
get credit card number and other important details online.
iii.
Under which, he/she can immediately start shopping online, without having to
wait for the physical card to arrive. There is a credit limit of up to Rs 4
lakh based on pre-checked bureau scores.
iv.
The application procedure also incorporates an additional level of
authentication in order to make the security of the offering robust.
v.
Currently, this facility to apply for a credit card is available through the
Bank’s internet banking platform. It
will also be available shortly on iMobile, the Bank’s mobile banking
application soon.
vi.
To apply for an instant credit card, customers can log in through their
internet banking account, where they will be shown an option of availing a
credit card with their individual credit limits. They can choose from a range
of cards. They can then confirm their details on a pre-populated personal
information page and submit the application by following the simple steps.
vii.
Click on the prequalified offers tab and select the desired ICICI Bank Credit
Card. After selecting provide a few required details and accept the terms and
conditions. Enter the OTP sent on the registered mobile number and click on
the’Generate Card’ button.
