Current affairs 18 September 2024

Niti Aayog proposed "EduCities" for higher education in Mumbai.

• Niti Aayog plans to establish 'EduCities' in Mumbai's Metropolitan Region (MMR), focusing on areas like Navi Mumbai and MTHL.
• These hubs will integrate multiple colleges, universities, student housing, and recreational spaces, aiming to boost MMR as a higher education center.
• The initiative is expected to enhance job creation and attract significant investments in education infrastructure.

HCLTech topped India's list in TIME’s world’s best companies 2024.

• HCLTech was ranked top India-headquartered company in TIME magazine's World's Best Companies 2024 list, also securing a place in the global top 10 for Professional Services.
• The company’s strong focus on innovation, sustainability and employee value proposition has contributed to its recognition.
• HCLTech reported a 20.45% profit growth and continues to drive growth through GenAI initiatives.

MeitY launched 2nd cohort of Samridh scheme for startups.

• The Ministry of Electronics and IT has unveiled the second cohort of the Samridh scheme, aiming to support 125 startups with funding up to Rs 40 lakh.
• This initiative focuses on nurturing India's software product industry, with a goal to reach 300 startups by providing mentorship and improving product development.
• The program encourages participation from existing and new accelerators.

Gautam Adani Set to Become India's First Trillionaire.

• Gautam Adani is projected to become India's first trillionaire by 2028.
• The report also noted that Ambani, currently ranked as Asia’s richest man with a net worth of USD 111 billion, may achieve trillionaire status by 2033.
• Adani had already overtaken Ambani to claim the title of the richest person in India.
• Elon Musk is anticipated to be the world's first trillionaire by 2027.

HSBC India Launches Global Education Payments.

• HSBC India has introduced a global education payments service to facilitate direct tuition fee payments to over 600 international universities and colleges.
• The service, available via HSBC India’s mobile banking app, offers a completely digital payment process.
• This initiative aims to reduce remittance costs compared to other international education payment options.