India Expanding its Solar STAR-C Initiative

• India is contemplating the expansion of its solar initiative, known as STAR-C, which is administered by the International Solar Alliance (ISA), to several Pacific Island nations.
• The primary goal of the Solar Technology and Application Resource Centre (STAR-C), a part of the ISA, is to establish a robust network of institutional capabilities among ISA member countries.
• This network aims to improve the quality of infrastructure for promoting the adoption of solar energy products and services, with a particular focus on supporting least developed countries and small island developing states.

Rajasthan Government Introduces India's First Gig Workers Bill 2023

• Rajasthan introduces the Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, 2023, aiming to register gig workers and aggregators, provide social security, and address worker grievances.
• The Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers Welfare Board, comprising two members each from gig workers and aggregators appointed by the state government, along with two civil servants, will oversee the registration of gig workers and aggregators operating within the state.

HCLTech joins XR Startup Programme with MeitY, Meta

• HCL Technology (HCLTech), based in Noida, announced its participation in the XR Startup Programme.
• This collaborative initiative, formed by Meta and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Startup Hub, aims to foster and expedite the growth of extended reality (XR) technology start-ups in India.

Delhi’s First RO ‘water ATM’

• Delhi's Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, introduced the city's inaugural 'water ATM,' with the goal of providing water access to areas lacking piped supply and reducing dependence on water tankers.
• The water ATM machines will ensure that underprivileged communities in the city have access to the same quality of RO (Reverse Osmosis) water that has been traditionally available to more affluent sections of society.

PFC Joins Asia Transition Finance Study Group

• Power Finance Corporation Ltd (PFC) has reached a significant milestone by joining the Asia Transition Finance Study Group (ATFSG), led by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI).
• This initiative aims to advance sustainable transition finance in Asian nations. PFC's participation in the group will not only represent India's perspective but also involve collaboration in formulating policy considerations to facilitate effective energy transition financing.

'WhatsApp Se Wyapaar' program

• CAIT and Meta (parent company of Facebook) have revealed the extension of their 'WhatsApp Se Wyapaar' program.
• This joint initiative aims to digitally train and upskill 10 million local traders in India using the WhatsApp Business App.
• The primary objective is to empower small businesses and enterprises across the country.