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1. A private NBFC secured USD 425 million and EURO 40 million through a three-year syndicated loan, structured as a social loan to support small entrepreneurs and vulnerable groups in India. Syndicated loans involve multiple lenders collaborating to provide funds, spreading risk. External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) enable Indian firms to access foreign funds for various purposes like business expansion or debt repayment. This financing showcases the role of syndicated loans in facilitating inclusive growth and leveraging foreign capital for socioeconomic empowerment in India.
2. The Ministry of Tourism initiated the Hunar se Rozgar Scheme in 2006 to skill and employ youth in the tourism sector. Targeting non-literate, semi-literate, and educated unemployed individuals aged 18-28, it provides short-term vocational training to enhance their employability. By enabling less-educated youth to enter formal employment after brief training, the scheme not only bolsters the tourism industry but also preserves cultural heritage. However, bureaucratic norms hinder widespread participation, particularly from regions outside the northern states. Relaxing these norms could amplify the scheme's impact by attracting a broader demographic and fostering economic growth through tourism nationwide.
3. Recently, Southern Cryonics in Australia made headlines by successfully freezing its first client, an 80-year-old man who passed away in May 2024. Cryonics, a process involving preserving the body at ultra-low temperatures (-196°C), aims to revive patients in the future by repairing molecular damage caused by aging and disease. The procedure begins by cooling the body to 6°C with ice and using a heart-lung bypass machine to circulate a preserving solution. Subsequently, the body is wrapped, packed in dry ice, and gradually cooled to -200°C before storage in a specialized tank. Despite the scientific and ethical complexities surrounding whole-body revival, including the extended timeframe for advancements, this breakthrough raises intriguing possibilities for the future of medical science and human longevity.
4. Recently, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) unanimously adopted a resolution to appoint the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the 18th Lok Sabha. The LoP, typically from the largest opposition party with at least one-tenth of Lok Sabha seats, holds significant roles. They chair crucial committees like Public Accounts, serve on bodies selecting heads of statutory bodies, and offer constructive criticism of government policies. Although not constitutionally mandated, statutory recognition ensures the LoP receives salaries, allowances, and facilities equivalent to a cabinet minister. This position underscores the importance of a robust opposition in parliamentary democracy, ensuring accountability and providing an alternative government perspective.
5. The Kenyan government recently announced an action plan to eradicate a million Indian House Crows (Corvus splendens) by the end of 2024 due to their adverse impact on local ecosystems and public nuisance, particularly along the Kenyan coast. This invasive species, introduced via shipping from India and Asia, preys on endangered local birds, disrupts nesting habitats, and contributes to ecological imbalance by allowing pest proliferation. Previous efforts over two decades ago saw temporary reductions in their numbers. The action plan entails mechanical and targeted culling methods, including licensed poison use for population control. The Indian House Crow, belonging to the Corvidae family, is categorized as Least Concerned by the IUCN and is listed under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act. Kenya, situated in East Africa, boasts diverse terrain ranging from coastal plains to mountains and plateaus.