Current Affairs June 25, 2017

1. Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Costa launch unique Start-up portal

Prime Minister Modi and Portuguese Prime Minister Costa launched a unique startup Portal - the India-Portugal International StartUp Hub (IPISH) - in Lisbon.

This is a platform initiated by Startup India and supported by Commerce & Industry Ministry and Startup Portugal to create a mutually supportive entrepreneurial partnership.

IPISH hosts a range of tools and will provide information on the start-up hotspots of Bangalore, Delhi and Lisbon; and on associated subjects, such as policy, taxation, and visa options. It will develop a Go-To-Market Guide to support start-ups.

2. Naidu inaugurates ‘Homes For All’ property show in Ahmedabad

Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing and Poverty Alleviation Venkaiah Naidu has inaugurated the ‘Homes For All’ property show organized by Ahmedabad Municipal corporation and GIHED CREDAI in Ahmedabad.

The minister urged banks to invest more in the infrastructure sector.

On the occasion, Mr. Naidu launched several smart initiatives such as Janmitra Card -‘One Card Many Services’, AMC Seva Mobile Application, Amdavad Airport Shuttle Service, Intelligent Transit Management System among others.

3. Now mobile banking complaints under ombudsman: RBI

Reserve Bank of India has widened the scope of its banking ombudsman platform for addressing mis-sell of third party products, and customer grievances on and mobile banking and electronic banking issues, recognising customers' plight in dealing with such troubles.

The new rule will be effective from July 1, and the banking ombudsmen will enjoy more power in their pecuniary jurisdiction.

Banking ombudsman is a quasi judicial authority, created to resolve customer complaints against banks relating to certain services provided by them.

The pecuniary jurisdiction of the banking ombudsman to pass an award has been increased from existing Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh.

4. Imran Khawaja appointed as ICC deputy chairman  

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed Chairman of Associates Imran Khawaja as its deputy chairman.

Khawaja, a veteran administrator from Singapore, was unanimously elected for the post created following the constitutional change approved at the ICC Full Council.

Khawaja will deputise in ICC meetings in case the chairman is absent.

5. Bengal's Kanyashree initiative wins United Nations Public Service Award

Kanyashree Prakalpa, the scheme launched by Mamata Banerjee in October 2013, two years after she became West Bengal chief minister, won the United Nations Public Service Award at The Hague. 

India was named first in the Asia-Pacific group for the category: 'Reaching the Poorest and Most Vulnerable through Inclusive Services and Participation'. 

Kanyashree aims to improve status of adolescent girls from disadvantaged families through small cash transfers.

6. Sultan Wins Best Action Movie Award At Shanghai International Film Festival

Salman Khan's Sultan, which released during Eid last year, has won the Best Action Movie award at the Shanghai International Film Festival and is the first Indian film to win this honour.

Sultan is all set to release in China later this year.

Sultan narrates the story of a fictional wrestling champion, Sultan Ali Khan (Salman), whose successful career creates a rift in his personal life.

7. Intellecap CEO Nisha Dutt gets social entrepreneur of year award

Nisha Dutt, Chief Executive Officer of Hyderabad-based Intellecap has been honoured with the “Social Entrepreneur of the Year” award at The 7th Asian Awards in London.

She is the first Indian woman leader to have been conferred with this recognition.

This award has been presented to her for leading Intellecap to become a globally known enterprise that focuses on social capital and impacts the underserved communities.

8. Vijaya Bank bags nine Skoch Awards

Vijaya Bank has bagged nine Skoch Awards.

The bank received awards in the following categories -- Best Bank in Public Sector; Best Bank for NPA Management – Organization Category; Retail Lending; Inclusive Wallet – VPAYQWIK; Digital Inclusion; IT Security; e-Surveillance of ATMs and branches; and 100 Digital Villages – Financial Inclusion.

The bank’s Executive Director B. S. Rama Rao received the NPA Management Award (individual category) from Sameer Kochhar, Chairman, Skoch Group at Mumbai.