NATIONAL NEWS
GopiThotakura to become 1st Indian space tourist to fly on Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin’s NS-25 mission
• GopiThotakura is making history as the first Indian pilot to venture into space as a tourist, joining Blue Origin’s NS-25 mission.
• His selection underscores a monumental milestone in India’s celestial endeavors, heralding a dawn of a fresh epoch in space tourism.
• GopiThotakura, an accomplished pilot and adventurer, brings a wealth of experience to the NS-25 mission.
• Having navigated a diverse array of aircraft, ranging from bush planes to aerobatic planes, seaplanes, gliders, and even hot air balloons, Thotakura's aviation journey is nothing short of remarkable.
• Thotakura has also served as an international medical jet pilot. His passion for exploration recently led him to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro, showcasing his adventurous spirit and determination.
APPOINTMENTS
UK's cyber security chief Lindy Cameron to be next High Commissioner to India
• Lindy Cameron's appointment as the new British High Commissioner to India marks a historic moment as she becomes the first woman to hold this position.
• This landmark event underscores the UK's unwavering dedication to fostering gender diversity and inclusion within diplomatic leadership roles.
• Lindy Cameron's upcoming tenure follows the esteemed service of Alex Ellis, who is transitioning to a new assignment.
• Her appointment reflects a seamless succession plan aimed at ensuring continuity in diplomatic relations between the UK and India.
BOOKS AND AUTHORS
'Planning for India's Urbanisation'; Book Launch by CEPT Press
• CEPT University Press recently introduced "Planning for India's Urbanisation" by the esteemed Vidyadhar K. Phatak. Drawing from a wealth of experience spanning over 50 years in urban planning, consulting, and academia, this book presents invaluable insights.
• At its core, the book delves into four pivotal themes: grappling with urbanization challenges, understanding the critical role of land in development and financing, addressing urban housing concerns, and navigating the intricacies of metropolis planning.
BANKING, ECONOMY AND FINANCE
ADB raises India's GDP growth forecast to 7% for FY25
• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has revised India's GDP growth forecast for FY25 upwards to 7% from the previous estimate of 6.7%, citing robust investment in both public and private sectors.
• According to the ADB report the Indian economy grew by 7.6% in 2023-24, and in 2025-26 its growth rate is expected to be 7.2%.
• The Reserve Bank of India, in its recent bi-monthly monetary policy, also forecasted a 7% growth rate for the Indian economy in FY25(2024-25).
• According to the ADB, despite global economic problems, India is expected to be the fastest-growing major economy in the world in FY 2025 due to its strong domestic demand and supportive government policies.
• The ADB report expects India to be a major growth engine within Asia, driven by strong investment, recovering consumption, and gains in electronics and services exports.
INDEX AND RANKING
Hurun Global Unicorn Index 2024
• As per the Hurun Global Unicorn Index 2024, the momentum of unicorn startups in India has tapered since 2017. Nevertheless, India maintains its position as the third-largest hub for unicorns worldwide.
• The Hurun Global Unicorn Index, a longstanding publication initiated in 2000, exclusively showcases startups with a valuation surpassing USD 1 billion that remain unlisted on stock exchanges.
• According to Hurun Research, there exist a total of 1,453 unicorns scattered across 291 cities within 53 countries globally. Remarkably, a unicorn emerges every two minutes across the globe, as per the report's findings.
• The San Francisco Bay Area, nestled in California, United States, stands tall as the unrivaledepicenter of unicorn activity globally.
• India boasted 67 unicorns in 2022, witnessing a slight decline by one in 2023.
