1. USISPF set up to deepen Indo-US ties
A new representative body -- US- India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) -- is being set up to further enhance business relations between the India and US.
The non-profit corporation aims to promote bilateral trade and work on creating “meaningful opportunities that have the power to change the lives of citizens”.
USISPF's board of directors will include Chairman John Chambers (Executive Chairman, Cisco), Vice-Chairs Punit Renjen (Global CEO, Deloitte LLP) and Edward Monser (President, Emerson Electric), and board members Indra Nooyi (Chairman and CEO, PepsiCo), and Ajay Banga (President and CEO, MasterCard).
2. Army launches 'Humraaz' app for soldiers
The Indian Army has developed a mobile application 'Humraaz' through which serving soldiers can track details like postings and promotions.
Through the 'Humraaz' app, soldiers can also view their monthly salary slips and the Form 16 and also download them.
3. Desi Global Positioning System: NavIC
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has deployed an indigenous regional positioning system named as “Navigation with Indian Constellation” (NavIC).
It consists of seven satellites in a constellation to provide Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) services in Indian mainland and surrounding region up to 1500 Km.
A budget of Rs.1420 Crore has been approved by the Government for the realisation of the system including 7 in-orbit satellites, 2 satellites as ground spare and associated ground segment.
4. Microsoft ties up with Telangana to use AI
Microsoft is tying up with the state of Telangana to use its artificial intelligence-based MINE platform to screen children for eye problems and prevent avoidable blindness.
MINE -Microsoft Intelligent Network for Eyecare -is a global consortium of eyecare providers, research and academic institutions that will apply artificial intelligence to help in eyecare delivery.
5. SBI to raise Rs. 2,000 cr. via Basel-III bonds
State Bank of India plans to raise Rs 2,000 crore by allotting Basel-III compliant bonds to various investors.
The committee of directors for capital raising accorded its approval to allot 20,000 AT1 Basel-III compliant non-convertible, perpetual, subordinated bonds in the nature of debentures.
The bonds will carry a coupon rate of 8.15% per annum with a call option after 5 years or the anniversary date thereafter.
6. Iran’s Hassan Rouhani sworn in for second term
Iran's President Hassan Rouhani was officially sworn in for a second term at a ceremony overseen by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamanei.
Rouhani won the re-election in May 2017, after securing 57% of the votes. He defeated his main contender Ebrahim Raeisi.
Iran
Capital: Tehran
Currency: Rial
President: Hassan Rouhani
7. InCred ropes in Rahul Dravid as brand ambassador
Fintech startup InCred has signed up former Captain of Indian Cricket Team, Rahul Dravid, as its brand ambassador.
The Mumbai-based start-up has raised $85 million, one of the largest rounds of funding of a start-up in the Indian financial services industry recently.
The company gives loans in four categories – affordable housing loans, consumer loans, education loans and SME loans.
8. Harry Potter actor Robert Hardy dies
Robert Hardy, screen actor who played Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge in the Harry Potter movies, has died.
Between 1978 and 1990 he played eccentric veterinarian Siegfried Farnon in All Creatures Great and Small, a popular show based on James Herriot’s books.
