IIT Ropar makes surprise entry as No. 1 Indian varsity, ranked higher than IIT Bombay, Delhi: World University Rankings 2020

NATIONAL NEWS

IIT Ropar makes surprise entry as No. 1 Indian varsity, ranked higher than IIT Bombay, Delhi: World University Rankings 2020

• The Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2020 was released and IIT Ropar made a surprising entry on the list as the Number 1 among the 56 Indian institutes on the list of the best universities of the world compiled by UK-based Times Higher Education (THE).
• The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar, and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru are the best institutes of India and stand at among the top 301-350 universities of the world.
• No Indian institute among top 300 in World University Rankings 2020
• Last year, there were five Indian universities featured in the top 500 of the World University Rankings. But this year, there are six Indian universities.
• While IISc Bangalore retained its top spot in India, it slipped from the 251-300 ranking section to the 301-350 bracket. However, it did improve in its research environment, teaching environment and industry income.

Sri Lanka flags off Pulathisi Express, a 'Make in India' train

• The strong ties between India and its southern neighbour Sri Lanka received a boost when a newly 'Make in India' train rake was flagged of from Colombo Fort Railway station.
• The rake of the train was manufactured in the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai.
• The train which has been inducted under an Indian Line of Credit has an on-board entertainment system, modular interiors and fully-rotating seats in Air-Conditioned Chair cars for passenger comfort.

Foundation Stone for Indian Institute of Skills Laid in Mumbai

• Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey laid the foundation stone for Indian Institute of Skills in Mumbai.
• The Union Cabinet has approved setting up of Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Kanpur. These institutes would be constructed and operated on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and in not-for-profit basis.
• IIS will be set up on the lines of Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) with first-hand learning facilities from internationally renowned existing skill institutions.

MoS for Home Affairs, Shri G Kishan Reddy to inaugurate Conference on “Criminal Activities and Radicalization in Jails- Vulnerability of Inmates and Jail Staff and their Protection”

• The two-day Conference is being organised by the Bureau of Police research and development (BPR&D).
• The Criminal activities and Radicalization in jails is a burning issue now-a days and protection of jail staff and vulnerability of inmates is the need of the hour. The conference will focus on the following issues:
• To understand various criminal activities at individual and gang level and considers safety measures for vulnerable inmates and jail staff.
• To understand various facets of radicalization in prison and suggest measures for counter radicalization.
• To analyse and formulate the security and protection standards for prison staff and
• To provide an interdisciplinary platform for correctional personnel to exchange and share their experience on prison reforms.

STATE NEWS

Khattar launches two insurance schemes for traders

• Haryana, the State government launched two insurance schemes for registered small and medium traders in an apparent bid to woo voters.
• Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar launched “Mukhyamantri Vyapari Samuhik Niji Durghatna Beema Yojana” and “Mukhyamantri Vyapari Kshatipurti Beema Yojana”.
• The premium of 38 crore people of both the schemes would be paid by the State government.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

IFC collaborates with FIDC for training NBFCs

• The International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Finance Industry Development Council (FIDC), a representative body of asset and loan Financing NBFCs, to collaborate on training of NBFCs in the country.
• As per the agreed terms, training programs for NBFCs would be conducted on “Commercial Credit Reporting” aimed at building capacity of NBFCs to enhanced reporting and enquiring on Commercial Credit Information Data from the Credit Bureaus.

Thailand 1st in Asia to roll out plain cigarette packaging

• Thailand rolled out plain cigarette packaging, the first country in Asia to introduce what activists say is an effective way to reduce the appeal of smoking.
• In 2012, Australia became the first country to require tobacco products to be sold without colourful brand logos.

FACTS

Capital-Bangkok

Currency-Thai Baht

BANKING

India, ADB sign $200-million loan agreement for upgrading rural roads in Maharashtra

• India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed 200-million-dollar loan agreement for upgrading rural roads in 34 districts of Maharashtra with the objective of improving road safety and better connecting rural areas with markets and services.
• The agreement was signed between Sameer Kumar Khare, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) in Union Ministry of Finance and Sabyasachi Mitra, Deputy Country Director of ADB’s India Resident Mission.
• Under the project the roads in rural areas will improve the condition of about 2100 kilometres of rural roads to all-weather standards. This will boost links between local residents and economic centres across the state.

FACTS

ADB Headquarters-Manila, Philippines

DEFENCE

DRDO hands over second 'Netra' early warning system to IAF

• The Defence Research Development Organization (DRDO) handed over the second airborne warning plane, Netra, to the Indian Air Force.
• The indigenously-built aircraft was handed over to Western Air Command chief, Air Marshal Raghunath Nambiar, at the Bathinda Air Base in Punjab.
• The Netra, an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEWC) aircraft, had played a stellar role during the Balakot air strikes that had been carried out by the IAF in February this year.
• It provided surveillance and radar coverage to the five Mirage jets that bombed terror launch pads in Balakot in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan.

APPOINTMENT

Karnataka Bank chief becomes Indian Banks’ Association committee member

• Mahabaleshwara MS, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Karnataka Bank, has been inducted to the managing committee of Indian Banks’ Association (IBA).
• This was announced during the annual general meeting of IBA in Mumbai.
• Mahabaleshwara has been elected unopposed from the private sector member banks’ category.