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Current Affairs Daily Digest – March 13 2024
1. World’s First 3D-Printed Mosque in Saudi Arabia
The first mosque ever constructed utilizing 3D printing technology was inaugurated in Jeddah not long ago, marking a significant milestone in the city’s history.
Abdulaziz Abdullah Sharbatly’s wife, the Saudi businesswoman Wajnat Abdulwahed, commissioned the construction of the mosque in his honor in the Al-Jawhara neighborhood of Jeddah.
Portfolio of Fursan Real Estate and National Housing Co.
The National Housing Co. revealed the unique mosque, which is part of their portfolio, in front of prominent government officials and business executives.
Built with cutting-edge 3D printers from Guanli, a famous Chinese manufacturer of 3D printing technology, the 5,600-square-meter mosque was spearheaded by Abdulwahed, a prominent figure in Fursan Real Estate.
2. NAMASTE Scheme
A combined effort by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme seeks to do away with the risky practice of manually cleaning septic tanks and sewers.
From Fiscal Years 2023–24 through 2025–26, the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC) will administer a program that aims to provide various benefits to individuals employed by the sewer and septic tank industry. The program’s budget is 349.73 crores.
3. Indian Navy at Exercise Cutlass Express 2024
A large-scale naval drill known as drill Cutlass Express – 24 (CE-24) was recently participated in by the Indian Navy. From February 26th through March 8th, 2024, this exercise took place in Port Victoria, Seychelles.
The Role of India
Ship INS Tir, commanding the First Training Squadron, represented the Indian Navy. INS Tir was commanded by Capt. Anshul Kishore, a senior officer of the First Training Squadron.
In the presence of leaders from African countries, India, and the United States, the exercise was opened by the President of the Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan.
The international maritime exercise known as Exercise Cutlass Express is spearheaded by the United States Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet and sponsored by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM).
Strategic waters off the coast of East Africa and the Western Indian Ocean are the primary targets of this exercise, which aims to strengthen maritime cooperation and security.
Friendly navies from East African, West Indian Ocean, European, and North American nations as well as several international organizations are participating in the exercise. Its stated goal is to improve member states’ interoperability, or capacity to cooperate.
4. Sidbi gets $24.5 million from GCF for ‘Avaana’ fund
The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has secured $24.5 million from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for its inaugural anchored project, the Avaana Sustainability Fund (ASF), valued at $120 million. This funding marks a significant milestone in climate finance and sustainability initiatives within India.
GCF, a pivotal component of the Paris Agreement, approved SIDBI’s ASF project and committed the investment during its 38th board meeting in Rwanda on March 5.
The ASF project’s primary objective is to invest in early-stage companies leveraging technology-led innovation to drive climate solutions and sustainability in India.
5. Mr. Srinivasan Swamy Receives 2024 IAA Golden Compass Award
While in Penang, Malaysia, for the 45th IAA World Congress, Mr. Srinivasan Swamy—who is presently RK Swamy Ltd.’s chairman and managing director—was honored. He was honored with the prestigious IAA Golden Compass Award by Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak for his outstanding achievements in the fields of advertising, media, and marketing on a global scale. This honor is a major step forward in his remarkable career.
Awarded by the IAA-Golden Compass
As a mark of distinction and pioneering spirit, the IAA Golden Compass Award stands tall.
Swamy becomes the first prominent Indian businessman to earn this esteemed award.
Renowned personalities including Shelly Lazarus, Paul Polman, and Andrew Robertson are among the previous honorees.
6. SBI partners with Aurionpro for its transaction banking platform
The State Bank of India (SBI) has signed a substantial agreement with Aurionpro Solutions to license, deploy, and support iCashpro+, an innovative platform for transaction banking and cash management.
This esteemed contract boasts a value of almost Rs 100 crore and comprises a 12-month staggered delivery of licensing and implementation followed by a 6-year maintenance and support period.
Approximately Rs 100 crore is the estimated value of the license and implementation.
- The project will be carried out in stages over twelve months.
- Integration with SBI’s Payments Hub and other internal and external platforms, as well as their core banking systems, would be a priority during implementation.
- Support and Maintenance: Six years of support and maintenance after implementation.
- Make sure the iCashpro+ platform will always work and is reliable.
- Quick handling of any problems that crop up throughout the operation.
7. ISMA Appoints Deepak Ballani as New Director General
In his new role as Director General, Mr. Deepak Ballani joins the Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA). This critical position benefits greatly from Mr. Ballani’s knowledge and expertise, which he has accumulated over 25 years in the fields of public policy, government affairs, and organizational management.
Experience in Leadership
Mr. Ballani headed policy advocacy, government affairs management, and international partner management at The All India Plastics Manufacturers Association before joining ISMA. Significant strides were made in the areas of policymaking, stakeholder involvement, and operational efficiency during his time in office.
Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Ballani has held prominent positions with esteemed organizations including PwC India, UNIDO, NSIC, and others. In these roles, he oversaw initiatives about energy efficiency, technology transfer, and international company development.
