Amazon Pay, the fintech arm of e-commerce major Amazon India, has received a payment aggregator licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the company said on Monday.

The fintech firm joins a list of companies that the central bank has granted authorisation to operate as payment aggregators (PA) recently.

“We are excited and thankful to receive the final authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to function as a payment aggregator. We remain committed to simplify lives and fulfill the aspirations of merchants and customers,” an Amazon Pay spokesperson said in response to queries sent by Business Standard.

Union Minister of Women & Child Development Smriti Irani unveiled the logo and website for the Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality in a ceremony held on Wednesday. The event witnessed the presence of notable dignitaries including Bill Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

In her address, Smriti Irani highlighted India's pioneering role in advocating for women's emancipation, emphasizing the country's commitment to global welfare. She underscored India's recent success in garnering international support for the alliance during the Davos summit, reflecting the nation's dedication to the principles of collective progress.

A poetry anthology titled “SOLDIER AND WAR POEM: BEST OF NATIONAL POETRY COMPETITION” was released by Commandant, National Defence Academy Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar in Pune today. The poems and paintings featured in this book are a selected collection from the numerous entries received during the National Level Poetry Competition organised as part of the 75 GYC - Glorious Years Celebrations - by the Academy. The competition was aimed at paying tribute to the historical achievements of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and its alumni, reviving nostalgic memories, raising awareness and inspiring the future generations that would pass out from the Academy. The anthology comprising 170 poems and 15 paintings, has been compiled and edited by Dr Pragya Bajpai as a souvenir of the event, to be preserved for posterity. The soft copy version of the book in PDF format shall be shortly available on the official web site of NDA.

Every year on March 1, the world comes together to celebrate World Civil Defence Day. This international event serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of being prepared for emergencies and disasters.

World Civil Defence Day was first established in 1990 by the International Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO) to commemorate the anniversary of the adoption of the ICDO's Constitution. Since then, it has grown into a significant global platform for raising awareness about the vital role civil defence plays in protecting communities.

Zero Discrimination Day is observed on March 1 annually. The specific day is dedicated to promoting equality, inclusion, and diversity worldwide. It is an opportunity to celebrate everyone’s right to live a full and productive life with dignity – regardless of their age, gender, sexuality, nationality, ethnicity, skin colour, height, weight, profession, educational qualifications, belief systems, or any other element that has the potential to violate human rights and perpetuate poverty and inequality. Each year, Zero Discrimination Day has a specific theme to focus attention on particular areas where discrimination is prevalent.

Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, on February 28, suspended the solar policy of the Delhi government announced by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal last month.

Speaking on it, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sandeep Pathak expressed deep disappointment, accusing the BJP of directing their anger not just at Arvind Kejriwal but at Delhi and its residents.

"This is a matter of great sorrow. The solar policy that I encourage everyone in the country to read is a highly progressive and advanced policy, not just for Delhi but the Prime Minister and the BJP should consider implementing it nationwide. Leave aside the country. If it's happening in Delhi, at least let it be implemented there. However, they are creating obstacles as if it's their approach towards everything. Their anger is not just directed at Kejriwal but also against Delhi and the people of Delhi because they want to change how Kejriwal wins, questioning why he wins. They can't stand to see any success or happiness for the people of Delhi. It hurts them to witness such good policies being halted. They want to stop all work and their goal is not to progress the country. They are just involved in dirty politics," Sandeep Pathak said.

It also proposes imprisonment of two to seven years for anyone who undertakes the profession of travel agent without obtaining a registration certificate under the provisions of the proposed Act or contravenes the provisions of the proposed Act

The Haryana assembly on Wednesday passed nine bills, including the Haryana Registration and Regulation of Travel Agents Bill. The bill proposes imprisonment of three to 10 years for anyone who attempts or is found involved in human trafficking or is found involved in preparation of forged documents.

India ranks 42nd in the International IP Index for 2024, out of 55 countries evaluated. India’s overall score also remained unchanged at 38.64 percent according to the 12th edition of the US Chamber of Commerce’s Global Innovation Policy Center’s International IP Index.

The Index evaluates the IP frameworks of the world's top 55 economies, revealing significant improvements in 20 economies. While the United States is once again the world leader, there were notable advancements led by Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Nigeria. However, challenges persist, as 27 economies showed no change and eight, including Ecuador, experienced declines due to weak IP enforcement.

The World Gold Council Tuesday named Sachin Jain its new CEO for India.

Jain, who will take up the new role next month, brings with him a deep understanding of the Indian consumer and jewellery market.

He joins from De Beers where he has held several senior roles over the past 13 years. As managing director of DeBeers India, he has led the De Beers Forevermark business in India and the Middle East.

Bharti Enterprises founder and chairman Sunil Mittal on Wednesday became the first Indian citizen to be awarded Honorary Knighthood, the Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE), by King Charles III for advancing India – UK business relations.

“I am deeply humbled by this gracious recognition from His Majesty, King Charles. UK and India have historical relations, which are now entering a new era of increased cooperation and collaboration. I remain committed to working towards strengthening the economic and bilateral trade relationships between our two great nations,” Mittal said.