The seventh edition of the Smart India Hackathon, a national initiative aimed at promoting innovation and tackling real-world challenges, will take place from December 11 to 15. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will preside over the event, where 1,300 teams selected from 54,000 entries will compete to find solutions to 254 problem statements submitted by various government ministries, departments, and industries. This year's edition is the largest yet, with a significant increase in participation and a strong representation of women-led teams, showcasing the progress of women empowerment. The solutions found in this Hackathon will have real-world applications and may even evolve into startups, as seen in previous editions.
South superstar Varun Tej brings his bold charisma to the big screen in the Hindi teaser of 'MATKA'; a thrilling film set against the infamous 'Matka' gambling empire that shook India. Alongside Tej, the film stars Meenakshi Chaudhary and Nora Fatehi in her Telugu debut, delivering a powerful glimpse into the story of Vasu's rise to power and ultimate confrontation with the Indian government. Directed by Karuna Kumar and produced by Vijender Reddy Teegala and Rajani Talluri, 'MATKA' is set to hit theaters in November 2024.
The World Biogas Association INDIA Congress 2024, set to take place in New Delhi on October 23-24, will bring together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for accelerating the growth of India's biogas industry. With India's commitment to decarbonizing energy and reducing pollution, the Congress will feature discussions on policies, technological innovations, and investment opportunities in the biogas sector. Prominent speakers and dignitaries, including government officials and industry leaders, will attend to showcase India's role in promoting sustainable development through biogas production. This event will play a crucial role in unlocking the full potential of biogas in India's energy future.
As India gears up for the 2024 elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah stands out for addressing the most political rallies after Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Meanwhile, with the focus on Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0, the government has ramped up efforts for better solid waste management and behavior change campaigns. The 'Swachhata Hi seva Abhiyan 2024' serves as a reminder for the importance of cleanliness in urban areas, with local residents urged to visit the swachhatahiseva.com website for a list of designated spots. The state's efforts for regular campaigns and public participation highlight the commitment towards sustainable cleanliness.
The government has declared a significant increase in minimum wage rates for workers in India, to help mitigate the rising cost of living. From October 2024, workers in construction, cleaning, and other industries will see their wages rise to Rs 1,035 a day. The revised rates are based on skill levels and geographical areas, and the last revision was done in April 2024.
The Indian government is taking steps to improve tourist experiences by introducing feedback mechanisms at airports and railway stations. Tourists will be able to easily rate their experiences and provide feedback through QR codes placed at relevant points, helping the Ministry of Tourism address issues in a proactive manner. This collaboration between multiple ministries shows the commitment to utilizing data and insights for tourism development and growth in India. Stay informed about these developments by joining a Whatsapp group for news updates from 2024.
The government agency CERT-In has issued a warning for Android smartphone users about various vulnerabilities found in devices running on operating systems Android 12 to 14. These vulnerabilities pose a high risk of unauthorised access to users' smartphones, affecting approximately 70% of Android devices in use in India. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has also announced an extended deadline for its free Aadhaar update scheme until December 2024.
In a major development for the aviation industry, the Government of India has granted approval for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the merger between Vistara and Air India. The deal, which aims to create a dominant full-service airline in both domestic and international markets, has been cleared by both Indian and Singaporean antitrust regulators. Following the consolidation, Singapore Airlines will hold a 25.1 percent stake in the combined group, with Vistara set to merge into Air India in November 2024. Customers will gradually no longer be able to make bookings with Vistara starting September 3, as they will be redirected to the combined group.
On August 29th, 2024, India will be celebrating National Sports Day to honour the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, one of the greatest field hockey players in the history of the game. Despite India not being an independent nation during most of his playing years, he managed to win three Olympic gold medals in the 1928, 1932, and 1936 games. While he lived most of his life in obscurity, his legacy lives on as the government of India uses this day to promote sports and fitness, with various schemes and programs being launched. This day also serves as a reminder to celebrate the achievements of Indian athletes and to strive for excellence in the sporting sphere.
Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited, a subsidiary of IFCI Limited, announces the appointment of Mr. Atul Saxena as its new Managing Director and CEO. Mr. Saxena will take over the role on August 5, 2024. This move is expected to further strengthen SHCIL's position in the financial market as it partners with IFCI Limited, a key financial institution of the Indian government.