Diverse News Highlights: Achievements, Recognitions, and Developments
Jyoti Ratre Creates History as Oldest Indian Woman to Conquer Mount Everest
In a remarkable achievement, Jyoti Ratre, an entrepreneur and fitness enthusiast from Madhya Pradesh, has etched her name in the history books by becoming the oldest Indian woman to conquer Mount Everest. Ratre’s thrilling feat comes six years after Sangeeta Bahl, at the age of 53, achieved the title of ‘India’s oldest woman to climb Mount Everest’ on May 19, 2018.
The World Bank’s recent report, ‘Water For Shared Prosperity,’ unveiled at the 10th World Water Forum, has emphasized the pivotal role of water in constructing equitable societies amidst the global disparities in water access intensified by factors like population growth, urbanization, and climate change. The report has stressed the pressing need for comprehensive strategies to ensure inclusive water security worldwide.
Furthermore, NHPC, India’s premier hydropower company, has been honored with ‘The Economic Times HR World Future Ready Organization Award 2024-25,’ showcasing NHPC’s commitment to nurturing a future-ready workforce and its strategic approach to human resource management.
In the cinematic world, Payal Kapadia’s film ‘All We Imagine as Light’ has clinched the Grand Prix award at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, making her the first Indian filmmaker to receive this prestigious accolade. Additionally, the Maldives has announced plans to introduce India’s RuPay service to bolster bilateral economic and financial cooperation between the two nations.
On the economic front, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a penalty of Rs 3.1 lakh on Hero FinCorp Limited for non-compliance with certain provisions of the fair practices code. Despite this penalty, the company’s transactions and agreements with customers remain unaffected.
Moreover, smartphones have emerged as India’s fourth-largest export item, witnessing a remarkable 42% growth and reaching $15.6 billion in FY24, underscoring the rapid growth and success of India’s smartphone export industry. Additionally, Microsoft has unveiled AI-enhanced ‘Copilot+ PCs’ with unique ‘Recall’ functionality designed to perform AI tasks locally without relying on cloud data centers, in collaboration with Acer and ASUSTeK Computer.
In state news, Uttar Pradesh has taken the lead in adding transmission lines by state transmission companies in 2023-24, solidifying its position as a frontrunner in this aspect for the second consecutive year. On the conservation front, the annual waterhole census in Jaisalmer’s National Desert Park Sanctuary has reported a significant boost in the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard population, with 64 bustards counted, marking a substantial increase from the previous year.
In sports, Kolkata Knight Riders emerged victorious in the IPL 2024, with Sunrisers Hyderabad finishing as the runners-up. Shahid Afridi has been appointed as the brand ambassador for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup scheduled to take place in June.
This array of diverse news highlights encapsulates a mix of achievements, recognitions, developments, and conservation efforts across various sectors, both nationally and internationally.