2015 Indira Gandhi Peace Prize to UNHCR
The
office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was
on 19 November chosen for the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace,
Disarmament and Development for 2015. The international jury of the
prize, headed by Vice President of India Mohammad Hamid Ansari on the
occasion of birth annniversary of Indira Gandhi selected the UNHCR for
the prestigious Peace Prize. The UNHCR was chosen for the award in
recognition of its immense contributions in assisting millions of
refugees in their rehabilitation and resettlement.
RBI allows RRBs to launch internet banking
Reserve
Bank of India has allowed strong regional rural banks (RRBs) to launch
online transaction through internet banking. Profitable RRBs with
minimum Rs.100 crore net worth and better asset quality will be allowed
to offer this service. Banks with capital adequacy ratio over 10% will
be allowed to introduce the online transaction services. Weak banks will
be allowed to offer internet services without online transaction
facilities.
World Congress on Disaster Management in Visakhapatnam
The
second World Congress on Disaster Management (WCDM) has started in
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The 4-day conference was inaugurated by
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and was attended by
Union Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu and Union Minister of
State for Home Kiran Rijiju. The first congress was held in Hyderabad
in 2008. It will address and discuss issues such as implementation of
the Sendai Framework for disaster risk reduction. About 1,500 delegates
and policy makers from about 100 countries are likely to participate in
the 4 day global meet. The outcome of the congress will be presented to
the government as recommendations.