International Affairs
Microsoft surpasses Apple to become the world’s most valuable company
Microsoft Corp. has surpassed Apple Inc. to become the world’s most valuable publicly-traded company by market capitalization.
Microsoft reached nearly USD 2.49 trillion market cap surpassing Apple’s market cap of USD 2.46 trillion as of October 29th, 2021.
Apple had held the top position for more than a year.
Quick Facts: Microsoft is headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA.
Economy
Kotak Mahindra Bank partners with NPCI to launch Rupay credit cards ‘Veer’
Kotak Mahindra Bank has partnered with NPCI to launch Kotak credit cards on the RuPay network named ‘Veer’ for the Indian armed forces.
‘Veer’ is Kotak’s first credit card under the Rupay network launched exclusively for the Indian Army.
The credit card is available in two variants as Kotak RuPay Veer Platinum and Kotak RuPay Veer Select.
Quick Facts: The tagline of Kotak Mahindra Bank is “Let’s make money simple”.
Science and Technology
Union Minister Jitendra Singh launches ‘Samudrayan Project’
The Union Minister of State for Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh has officially launched India’s first manned Ocean Mission called “Samudrayan Project” at Chennai.
The unique ocean mission aims to have deep underwater manned vehicles for carrying out subsea activities.
The deepwater manned submersible codenamed ‘MATSYA 6000’ has been developed by the Chennai-based National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT).
State Affairs
Kerala tops the Public Affairs Index 2021 in governance performance
According to the 6th edition of the Public Affairs Index 20221 report, the top three positions in governance performance have been taken by Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.
The index has been prepared by a Bengaluru-based non-profit think tank, Public Affairs Center (PAC).
PAI 2021 highlights the state government’s quality governance and the state’s involvement over the curb of COVID-19.
Quick Facts: Pinarayi Vijayan is the Chief Minister of Kerala.
Environment
India endorses Emission list ahead of COP26
India has officially endorsed a website made by Indian climate experts listing the historical CO2 emission of the developed countries ahead of the commencement of the 26th UN COP in Glasgow, Scotland.
The emission list highlights the disparity between the emission of the developed and the developing countries.
The website is called “Climate Equity Monitor” and seeks to debunk the narrative provided by several developed countries which focuses on what the developing countries must do.
Art and Culture
Ministry of Culture launches 3 nation-wide competitions
The Ministry of Culture has launched three nationwide competitions for Deshbhakti Geet writing, Lori writing, and Rangoli Making on the occasion of National Unity Day.
The initiative was launched with the aim of encouraging participation to ensure substantive ‘Jan bhagidaari’.
The competitions announced by PM Narendra Modi in Mann Ki Baat recently will be held from tehsil to the national level.
Miscellaneous
IRCTC and Truecaller partner to reduce fraud in the railways
IRCTC has partnered with Trucecaller India to provide passengers with greater trust in communication and to reduce fraud in the railways.
Under the partnership, the integrated National Railway Helpline 139 has been verified by the Truecaller Business Identity solutions.
The partnership will ensure those critical communications such as booking details and PNR status are delivered only by IRCTC.
Quick Facts: IRCTC is headquartered in New Delhi, India.
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