Wicketkeeper-batter Ashiqur Rahman Shibli continued his splendid run with a second century in five matches as Bangladesh crushed UAE by 195 runs to win the Under-19 Asia Cup in Dubai on December 17.

Opening the batting, Ashiqur smashed 12 fours and one six in his knock of 129 (149 balls) as Bangladesh posted 282/8 after hosts UAE opted to field.

In reply, UAE surrendered meekly to fold up for 87 in 24.5 overs as Bangladesh clinched the eight-nation tournament with five wins from as many games.

Glimpses of Bangladesh-U19 vs UAE-U19

As a party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Paris Agreement, India submitted its first Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in the year 2015 comprising, inter-alia, of following two quantifiable targets:

To reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33 to 35 percent by 2030 from 2005 level; and
To achieve about 40 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.
These two targets have been achieved well ahead of the time. As on 31st October, 2023; the cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources is 186.46 MW, which is the 43.81% of the total cumulative electric power installed capacity. As per the third national communication submitted by India to the UNFCCC in December 2023, the emission intensity of its GDP has been reduced by 33 percent between 2005 and 2019.

In August 2022, India updated its NDC according to which target to reduce emissions intensity of its GDP has been enhanced to 45 percent by 2030 from 2005 level, and the target on cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources has been enhanced to 50% by 2030.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

The fourth unit of the Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP-4) in Gujarat, with 700 MWe capacity, started controlled fission chain reaction and thus became critical at 1.17 am on December 17. Kakrapar is situated about 80 km from Surat.

The 700 MWe units are the largest indigenous nuclear power reactors to be built by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), a public sector undertaking of the Department of Atomic Energy.

The 700-MWe unit-3 of KAPP started generating commercial electricity from August 30.

These reactors are pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWRs), which use natural uranium as fuel and heavy water as coolant and moderator.

Reliance Nippon Life Insurance, India's leading private life insurer, has been recognized by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (Government of India, Ministry of Power) at the National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA) 2023. This prestigious award comes in recognition of the company's efforts towards institutionalizing climate-friendly operations and driving sustainable business growth. Ashish Vohra, ED, and CEO received the award from R.K. Singh, Cabinet Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy. This recognition highlights the company's investment in environmentally conscious technologies that aid in optimizing resource utilization and energy efficiency. The company's scale of operations allows it to harness these advantages for benefits at large scale and pass on operating efficiencies to customers through its new line of products

Uttar Pradesh became India's second-largest economy, surpassing key states and surging ahead in a commendable stride toward Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's ambitious goal of achieving the $1 trillion mark by 2027.

According to a report from the prominent online blogging platform soic.in or SOIC Finance, which meticulously tracked investments and the stock market, Uttar Pradesh then claimed the second-largest share in the country's GDP after Maharashtra.

The recently shared report on X disclosed that Uttar Pradesh commanded a substantial 9.2% share of the nation's GDP, elevating it from its previous third-place standing.

One in five girls and about one in six boys in India are married, with the progress made towards eliminating the practice of child marriage entirely stagnating in recent years, according to a study published in 'The Lancet Global Health' journal. Between 2016 and 2021, the practice of child marriage also became more common in some states and Union territories, researchers said in their study.

Girl child marriages increased in six states, including Manipur, Punjab, Tripura, and West Bengal, while eight states, including Chhattisgarh, Goa, Manipur, and Punjab, witnessed a rise in boy child marriages, the researchers found after analysing data from all five waves of India's National Family Health Survey from 1993 to 2021.

Rajya Sabha passed the Post Office Bill on Monday, which repeals and replaces the Post Office Act of 1898. The Bill, according to the government, will ensure the effective functioning of the Postal Department as a messenger service and as a provider of banking facilities.

The Opposition, citing the provisions empowering any officer to intercept, open or detain any item in the interest of the security of the State, expressed concern that such free-hand to officers will harm the right to privacy.

Piloting the Bill, Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said postal services had become irrelevant during the UPA regime and it came to a point where they were almost phased out. “This new legislation is a reflection of the way post offices and postmen have been transformed into a service-delivery institution from being merely a mail-delivery mechanism, and the post offices have been practically converted into banks,” Mr. Vaishnaw said. While 660 post offices were closed earlier, around 5,000 offices were opened between 2014 and 2023, and about 5,746 new ones are in the process of being opened, he added.

Kellton, a global Digital Transformation services leader, proudly announces securing a groundbreaking multi-year project from India's largest insurance provider, the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) recently. Kellton takes the helm in LIC's digital revolution by spearheading the implementation of state-of-the-art HR tech across an extensive network of more than 4,000 locations.

Entrusted with this pivotal role, Kellton is set to transform the HRMS landscape, leveraging the cutting-edge capabilities of PeopleStrong's product. The engagement encompasses seamless data integration, ensuring smooth transition and optimization alongside legacy applications. The engagement will impact over 1,50,000 LIC employees, empowering them with advanced HR solutions that promise heightened efficiency and performance.

Reliance General Insurance Company introduced “Reliance Health Global", a healthcare policy aimed at providing Indians with access to global healthcare. This policy offers comprehensive coverage not only within India but extends its protective reach worldwide. It ensures a seamless experience for individuals accustomed to a global lifestyle, catering to those who seek access to top-notch healthcare services and infrastructure across the globe.

The health insurance scheme boasts a range of unmatched features, reshaping the health insurance landscape. In addition to its extensive coverage for international treatments, encompassing critical conditions such as cancer and bypass surgery, this policy distinguishes itself through outstanding coverage within the country. With an unlimited sum insured domestically, it revolutionizes the concept of health insurance, providing unparalleled security and peace of mind for policyholders.

The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government of Saudi Arabia to protect the rights of skilled labourers from India.

"Skilled labourers in India can register themselves at NSDC... after which we will come to know where they are going, for which work and with whom they will be working," NSDC CEO Ved Mani Tiwari said. The registration process will be free of cost, he said, adding that skilled labourers from all categories, including AC mechanics, and car painters, can register themselves on NSDC.

Skill India Mission was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.