1.China signs deal to lease ‘Tulagi’ island
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A Chinese company signed an agreement to lease an entire island in the Solomon Islands.Tulagi, an island about two square kilometres (0.8 square miles) with a population of 1,200.
It is the site of a former Japanese naval base and was the scene of fierce fighting in World War II.
The agreement with China Sam mentions developing a refinery on the island, but its potential for dual use as a Chinese military base is certain to raise concerns with the United States and Australia.
2.NITI Aayog launches India Innovation Index 2019
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NITI Aayog with Institute for Competitiveness as the knowledge partner released the India Innovation Index (III) 2019.Karnataka is the most innovative major state in India.
Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Telangana, Haryana, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh form the remaining top ten major states respectively.
The top ten major states are majorly concentrated in southern and western India.
Sikkim and Delhi take the top spots among the northeastern & hill states, and union territories/city-states/small states respectively.
Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh are the most efficient states in translating inputs into output.
3.The second edition of US-India IP dialogue, concludes in New Delhi
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The US Chamber of Commerce’s Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC) and Industry body Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in partnership with US-India Business Council (USIBC) on hosted the second edition of the India-US Dialogue on Intellectual Property (IP) in New Delhi.It was organised to discuss ways to deepen bilateral strategic cooperation between the two countries on Intellectual Property policy.
The event saw the participation of leaders from the US and Indian government as well as the Indo-U.S. business community.
4.India ranked third in 2019 ‘Hurun Global Unicorn List’
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The Hurun Research Institute has released the inaugural Hurun Global Unicorn List 2019.It is a ranking of the world’s billion-dollar tech ‘start-ups’ founded in the 2000s and not yet listed on a public exchange.
This is the first year of the list and follows from the sixth quarterly Hurun China Unicorn Index.
China ranked at the top spot by 206 companies followed by the US with 203.
India was placed third with 21 unicorns, led by payments solutions platform One97 Communications ($10 billion) and followed by cab aggregator Ola Cabs ($6 billion); online educator Byju’s ($6 billion) and travel-stay finder OYO Rooms ($5 billion).
5.National Institute of Nutrition centenary stamp released
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A special commemorative postal stamp of the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad was released by Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Harsh Vardhan.The stamp has been brought out under the “Corporate My stamp” scheme of India Posts.
These stamps are of limited edition and are made to order.
Alongside these customised themed stamps, the NIN also opted for printing its centenary logo.
The National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) is Indian Public health, Nutrition and Translational research centre located in Hyderabad.
6.Andhra Pradesh CM launches a scheme for MSMEs
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The Andhra Pradesh Government has launched a scheme called ‘YSR Navodayam’.The scheme aims to bail out micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the State and provide them financial relief by restructuring their bank loans before March 31, 2020.
Under the scheme, about 80,0000 MSMEs in the State would be benefited as their bank loans, that are subject to a ceiling of Rs 25 crores, would be restructured.
They would get more financial support and more time to pay back the loan.
7.Kerala extends maternity leave benefits to teachers, other staff of private educational institutions
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Kerala is extending maternity leave benefits to teachers and other staff of private educational institutions.The Central Government has approved the Kerala Government’s decision to bring these teachers and employees under the Maternity Benefit Act.
When the amendment to the Act comes into force, Kerala would become the first state in the country to provide maternity benefits in the private educational sector.
Employees covered under the law can avail 26 weeks’ maternity leave with salary.
8.‘Gully Boy,’ ‘Delhi Crime’ win big at Asian Academy Creative Awards
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Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt starrer ‘Gully Boy’, walked home with the best film from India award in the regional finals at the Asian Academy Creative Awards ceremony.The film draws inspiration from the lives of Mumbai street rappers Vivian Fernandes aka Divine and Naved Shaikh aka Naezy and revolves around the underground rap movement in India.
Apart from the Zoya Akhtar-directorial film, Netflix’s ‘Delhi Crime,’ also bagged several awards in various categories.
Actor Shefali Shah won Best Actor in a leading role award followed by Richie Mehta for Best Direction and Best Original Screenplay, Beverley Mills for Best Editing and Best Original Programme by a streaming service.
The Karavan Production for Netflix series is based on the 2012 Delhi gang-rape case that took place in the neighbourhood of Munirka, in South Delhi.
9.Khasi director Pradip Kurbah wins big at Busan International Film Festival 2019
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Two-time National Film Award (India) winner Pradip Kurbah won the prestigious Kim Ji-seok award at the Busan International Film Festival 2019 for his Khasi film ‘Market’.Kurbah’s film ‘Iewduh’, or ‘Market’ in English, is a feature film set in a local market of Shillong and delves into the everyday lives of the people who work and live there, their hopes, joys and sorrows.
At the 61st and 63rd National Film Awards, Kurbah received the award for the best Khasi film award for his films ‘Ri – Homeland of Uncertainty’ and ‘Onaatah – Daughter of the Earth’ respectively.
10.RCB becomes the first IPL team to hire a woman in support staff
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Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) appointed Navnita Gautam as their Sports Massage Therapist and became the first Indian Premier League team to have a woman in the support staff.Navnita will work with Evan Speechly, the Head Physiotherapist and Basu Shanker, Strength and Conditioning Coach.
She will be responsible for performing specialized techniques pertaining to the preparation, motivation, overall supervision and all individual physical ailments relating to the team.
