Daily Current Affairs - 22nd Nov 2024 PDF

Summary

This document is a daily current affairs report for November 22, 2024, focusing on Indian business news, including competition for a large loan, updates on insolvency, and SEBI's new equity index measures. It also details trade talks between India and the UK.

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Daily Current Affairs 22nd Nov 2024 Top Banks Compete for ₹27,000 Crore Loan from PSU Refinery India’s top lenders are vying to finance a ₹39,000 crore refinery project being developed by Chennai Petroleum Co...

Daily Current Affairs 22nd Nov 2024 Top Banks Compete for ₹27,000 Crore Loan from PSU Refinery India’s top lenders are vying to finance a ₹39,000 crore refinery project being developed by Chennai Petroleum Corporation (CPCL) and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) in Tamil Nadu. The loan constitutes about 70% of the project cost (₹27,000 crore), with the remaining 30% (₹12,000 crore) being financed through equity. Project Details:The refinery project is being set up by Cauvery Basin Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (CBRPL), a joint venture established in January 2023 between Indian Oil Corp. (IOC) and Chennai Petroleum Corp. (CPCL), with a 75:25 shareholding ratio. The proposed refinery will have a capacity of 9 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) and will be located at Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu. Interest Rate and Loan Terms:The interest rate for the loan is likely to be linked to the SBI's three-month Marginal Cost of Funds-based Lending Rate (MCLR). Significance of the Loan:This loan deal is considered one of the largest corporate loan deals in recent times, highlighting the importance and scale of the refinery project. Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India Suggests Mandatory Monitoring Committees for Resolution Plans The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has proposed the introduction of monitoring committees for implementing resolution plans under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). Purpose: The move aims to address challenges in the implementation of resolution plans and increase transparency and confidence in the insolvency resolution process. Key Highlights : Supreme Court Judgment: This proposal follows a Supreme Court ruling on November 7, 2024, which emphasized the need for statutory recognition of monitoring committees for smooth plan implementation. Constitution of Monitoring Committees:These committees are currently formed based on directions from adjudicating authorities. The court recommended empowering the committee of creditors (CoC) to constitute these committees. Role and Composition:The monitoring committees will consist Follow us: Telegram , Instagram, Download Our Mobile App For CA Shorts (Swipe-up News) visit: Guidely Optimum CA , Smart Quiz GA, Daily CA & CA Quiz, e-Magazine Daily Current Affairs 22nd Nov 2024 of representatives from the CoC, resolution applicants, and an insolvency professional serving as the chairperson. Committee expenses will be borne by the resolution applicant, with a cap on the chairperson's fees. Functions:The committees will oversee the implementation of the resolution plan, ensure compliance with statutory requirements, and monitor the distribution of resolution proceeds. They will submit quarterly reports to adjudicating authorities and the IBBI. Stakeholder Feedback: IBBI has called for comments on the draft proposal by December 9. Governance and Accountability: The proposed monitoring committees aim to ensure greater accountability in the insolvency resolution process by overseeing asset transfers and ensuring statutory compliance. About IBBI : Formed : 1 October 2016 Headquarters : New Delhi, India Chairman : Shri Ravi Mital Parent Department : Ministry of Corporate Affairs SEBI Unveils Six Measures to Strengthen Equity Index Derivatives (F&O) Framework Markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) released a set of six measures to strengthen the equity index derivatives, also known as equity futures & options (F&O), framework. Key Highlights : Immediate Measures: Three measures will take effect from November 20, 2024: Recalibration of Contract Size: SEBI will recalibrate the minimum contract size for index futures to ₹15 lakh. Rationalisation of Weekly Index Derivatives Products: Adjustments to weekly index derivatives will be made. Increase in Tail Risk Coverage on Options Expiry: This measure will enhance risk coverage on the expiry day of options. Future Measures: Three additional measures will come into effect next year. Contract Size Changes: On October 1, SEBI announced the recalibration of the contract size for index futures to ₹15 lakh (from the previous ₹5-10 lakh range). The contract value should range between ₹15 lakh and ₹20 lakh on review days. Follow us: Telegram , Instagram, Download Our Mobile App For CA Shorts (Swipe-up News) visit: Guidely Optimum CA , Smart Quiz GA, Daily CA & CA Quiz, e-Magazine Daily Current Affairs 22nd Nov 2024 Revised Lot Sizes: The lot sizes for NSE Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex will increase (Nifty 50 from 25 to 75, Sensex from 10 to 20). The Nifty Bank and BSE Bankex lot sizes will double to 30. Position Limit Rules: Under the new F&O rules:Client Position Limit: Clients can hold a maximum of 5% of the total number of contracts for any particular underlying. Broker Position Limit: Brokers can hold up to 15% of the total contracts for a particular underlying. About SEBI : Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January 1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992 Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra Chairman : Madhabi Puri Buch (first woman to lead the SEBI) SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI. NATIONAL NEWS India and UK Resume Free Trade Agreement Talks, Set Ambitious Goals India and the United Kingdom (UK) have renewed their focus on establishing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with India designating the UK as a "priority country" for trade negotiations. The decision was finalised following a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Key Highlights of the FTA Negotiations Trade Growth Potential: o The FTA is expected to boost Indian exports to the UK by threefold by 2030, aiding India's target of achieving $1 trillion in merchandise exports by FY30. o India's exports to the UK rose by 12.38% to $7.32 billion in the first half of 2024-25, with key sectors including petroleum, machinery, pharmaceuticals, and precious stones. o UK exports to India also increased by over 30.5% to $4.22 billion during the same period. Historical Progress and Setbacks: o FTA talks began in January 2022 under the leadership of PM Modi and then UK PM Boris Johnson, with rapid progress initially. o Political instability in the UK, including changes in leadership, delayed negotiations. Issues such as import duties on automobiles and scotch whisky, as well as business visa policies, remain unresolved. Follow us: Telegram , Instagram, Download Our Mobile App For CA Shorts (Swipe-up News) visit: Guidely Optimum CA , Smart Quiz GA, Daily CA & CA Quiz, e-Magazine Daily Current Affairs 22nd Nov 2024 Labour Government's Role: o The new Labour-led UK government under Keir Starmer may revisit some already settled terms, potentially complicating the negotiations further. Strategic Importance for the UK: o Amid global geopolitical uncertainties, the UK views India as a critical trade partner for securing food supplies and maintaining economic stability. Next Steps: o Negotiations are set to resume in early 2025, with discussions building on prior progress. Both sides aim for a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement. Economic and Strategic Implications Strengthening Bilateral Ties: The FTA reinforces India's and the UK's commitment to deepening their economic relationship, with the UK ranking among India’s top 10 trade partners. Boosting Exports and Investments: The agreement could unlock new opportunities for Indian exports, especially in sectors like pharmaceuticals, automobiles, steel, and apparel. Resolving Challenges: Addressing sensitive issues like mobility, duty reductions on luxury goods, and trade balance adjustments will be crucial for finalizing the deal. BUSINESS NEWS Nokia Secures Multi-Billion Dollar Deal with Bharti Airtel for 4G and 5G Expansion in India Finnish telecom giant Nokia has announced a multi-year, multi- billion-dollar agreement with India’s Bharti Airtel to supply 4G and 5G equipment, marking a significant expansion of its presence in one of the world’s largest telecom markets. Deal Highlights Scope and Value: o The agreement involves deploying advanced 4G and 5G equipment across key regions in India, leveraging Nokia's AirScale portfolio with ReefShark-powered Massive MIMO radios for better network capacity and coverage. o The contract includes modernization of Airtel’s existing 4G infrastructure to facilitate seamless 5G integration. Technology Integration: o Nokia will also implement its AI-driven MantaRay Network Management for intelligent monitoring, optimization, and support. o The focus will be on providing high-quality service, enhanced energy efficiency, and eco-friendly operations. Market Implications Follow us: Telegram , Instagram, Download Our Mobile App For CA Shorts (Swipe-up News) visit: Guidely Optimum CA , Smart Quiz GA, Daily CA & CA Quiz, e-Magazine Daily Current Affairs 22nd Nov 2024 Strengthening Position in India: o India continues to play a vital role in offsetting declining demand from Nokia's U.S. markets. o Nokia’s competitor, Ericsson, had secured a similar deal with Airtel earlier in October, showcasing intense competition for dominance in the Indian telecom space. Stock Performance: o Following the announcement, Nokia’s shares rose by 3.37% to $4.29 in premarket trading. Broader Strategy: o This deal aligns with Nokia’s broader push to monetize 4G and 5G network capabilities. o Last week, Nokia acquired Rapid’s technology assets, including an extensive API hub, to enhance its network API product roadmap. Impact on Indian Telecom This agreement will enable Airtel to: o Enhance 5G capacity across India’s diverse regions. o Provide subscribers with better connectivity and quality of service. o Lead eco-friendly network operations to align with global sustainability goals. INTERNATIONAL NEWS External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar Launches Symbiosis International University's First Global Campus in Dubai External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar presided over the inauguration of Symbiosis International University’s first overseas campus at Dubai Knowledge Park The ceremony was attended by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence. The event marked a significant milestone in India-UAE relations. It aligns with Dubai’s Economic Agenda 33, which aims to transform the emirate’s economy over the next decade by focusing on human capital development and the education sector. Key Highlights : Programs Offered:The Dubai campus will offer programs in management, technology, and media. The emphasis is on developing 21st-century skills to prepare students for the global workforce. Follow us: Telegram , Instagram, Download Our Mobile App For CA Shorts (Swipe-up News) visit: Guidely Optimum CA , Smart Quiz GA, Daily CA & CA Quiz, e-Magazine Daily Current Affairs 22nd Nov 2024 Philosophical Alignment:The initiative reflects the philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam", meaning "The world is one family," promoting international cooperation and harmony. Strategic Focus:The campus will contribute to the development of human capital, which is a key priority of Dubai’s economic agenda STATE NEWS Delhi Chief Minister Atishi Marlena Singh Launches Portal to Enable Solar Power Generation and Sale Delhi Chief Minister (CM) Atishi Marlena Singh launched the “Delhi Solar Portal” to facilitate rooftop solar power panel installations, allowing consumers to become “prosumers” (electricity producers and consumers). The portal provides access to incentives for power generation and enables consumers to apply for subsidies and net metering. Key Highlights : Net Metering System: Consumers can benefit from net metering, which allows them to pay only for the difference between their electricity consumption and the solar energy they generate (e.g., if 400 units are consumed and 300 units are generated via solar panels, the consumer pays for only 100 units). Solar Policy Details: The Delhi Solar Policy 2023 aims to make 25% of Delhi’s power sources solar-powered by 2027, including a target of 750MW from rooftop solar projects. Eligibility for Zero Bills: Consumers with monthly consumption of over 400 units can potentially receive zero bills after installing rooftop solar panels. Empanelled Vendors: The portal allows consumers to access a list of approved vendors for solar panel installation and provides information on subsidies and rate lists. Rooftop Solar Panels for Government Buildings: The government has mandated the installation of rooftop solar panels at government buildings, schools, hospitals, and offices. Community Solar Initiative: Group housing societies and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) can collectively invest in community solar plants, benefiting from the same incentives, even if individual space is not available. BJP Allegation: Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva claimed that the Delhi government’s solar policy was based on the Centre’s PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Portal Accessibility: The portal is available at https://solar.delhi.gov.in for citizens to access information and services related to rooftop solar power. About Delhi : Follow us: Telegram , Instagram, Download Our Mobile App For CA Shorts (Swipe-up News) visit: Guidely Optimum CA , Smart Quiz GA, Daily CA & CA Quiz, e-Magazine Daily Current Affairs 22nd Nov 2024 Lt. Governor : Vinai Kumar Saxena Chief Minister : Atishi Marlena Singh Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announces signing of 21 MoUs worth over ₹46,000 crore Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah highlighted the state's focus on economic growth through the signing of 21 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). These agreements have attracted investments worth Rs 46,375 crore and the potential creation of 27,170 new jobs. 669 investment projects have been approved, with a projected investment of Rs 90,027 crore, leading to approximately 1.74 lakh employment opportunities. Key Highlights : Karnataka as a Hub for Technological and Industrial Progress:Bengaluru is showcased as a symbol of technological and industrial growth, hosting the 78th Annual Technical Meet of the Indian Institute of Metals (IIM). The event brings together over 1,700 experts in metals and materials technology. Theme of the Event:The theme "Transformational Technologies in Materials and Manufacturing" focuses on envisioning and implementing innovative solutions for a rapidly evolving world. The materials and manufacturing sectors are emphasized as key pillars of economic growth and national resilience. Commitment to Sustainability and Green Technologies:Karnataka is prioritizing the adoption of green technologies across industries, especially in metals and materials manufacturing, to drive sustainable practices. The state is aligning with national goals to reduce carbon emissions through carbon capture and utilization programs, contributing to a low-carbon future. Global Leadership in Advanced Manufacturing:Karnataka is working towards becoming a global leader in advanced manufacturing by fostering innovation, sustainability, and inclusive development in its policies. Research and Innovation in Metals and Materials:The state continues to support research and innovation to drive advancements in the metals and materials sectors, fostering a competitive and globally recognized industry. JSW Steel's Contribution:JSW Steel's Vijayanagar plant, which recently celebrated 25 years of operation, is cited as a testament to Karnataka’s industrial strength and capabilities in steelmaking. About Karnataka : Governor : Thawar Chand Gehlot Chief Minister : Siddaramaiah Capital : Bangalore Follow us: Telegram , Instagram, Download Our Mobile App For CA Shorts (Swipe-up News) visit: Guidely Optimum CA , Smart Quiz GA, Daily CA & CA Quiz, e-Magazine Daily Current Affairs 22nd Nov 2024 AWARDS AND HONOURS Prime Minister Modi Honored with Top National Awards by Guyana, Barbados, and Dominica Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to receive the highest national honors from Guyana and Barbados during his historic visit to these countries, following the G20 Summit in Brazil. These recognitions add to his growing list of international accolades, bringing the total to 19 awards. Key Highlights of the Awards: Guyana: PM Modi will be conferred the ‘Order of Excellence,’ Guyana’s highest national honor. Barbados: He will receive the ‘Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados,’ recognizing his contributions to international relations. Dominica: The country recently announced its ‘Dominica Award of Honour’ for PM Modi, their highest distinction. Historic Visit to Guyana: Diplomatic Milestone: This visit marks the first trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Guyana in over 50 years. Warm Welcome: PM Modi was received by President Irfaan Ali and several cabinet ministers upon his arrival in Georgetown. Engagements: o Addressing Guyana’s Parliament. o Participating in the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit, aimed at strengthening ties with Caribbean nations. o Holding delegation-level discussions with President Irfaan Ali. Broader Significance: India-Guyana Relations: o PM Modi highlighted the shared heritage and values between the two nations. o He plans to honor the Indian diaspora, which has been part of Guyana for over 185 years. Caribbean Collaboration: o The visit aims to give strategic direction to India's engagement with CARICOM nations. Recognition of Global Leadership: o These awards reflect PM Modi’s growing stature on the global stage and his contributions to fostering international diplomacy and cooperation. Five-Day Tour Summary: Began in Nigeria, followed by the G20 Summit in Brazil. Follow us: Telegram , Instagram, Download Our Mobile App For CA Shorts (Swipe-up News) visit: Guidely Optimum CA , Smart Quiz GA, Daily CA & CA Quiz, e-Magazine Daily Current Affairs 22nd Nov 2024 Concludes with visits to Guyana and Barbados, focusing on diplomacy, diaspora engagement, and deepening bilateral relations. APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS Justice D. Krishnakumar Appointed as Chief Justice of Manipur High Court The President appointed Justice D. Krishnakumar, a Madras High Court judge, as the Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court, following the retirement of Justice Siddharth Mridul. Justice Siddharth Mridul retired as Chief Justice of Manipur High Court on November 21, 2024. The recommendation for Justice Krishnakumar's appointment was made by the Supreme Court Collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, on November 18, 2024. About Justice Krishnakumar : Krishnakumar was appointed as a judge of the Madras High Court on April 7, 2016. He is due to retire on May 21, 2025. He is the seniormost puisne judge in the Madras High Court and comes from a backward community. As a lawyer, he had extensive practice in civil, constitutional, and service matters, specializing in constitutional law. The Collegium praised Justice Krishnakumar for his competence, legal acumen, integrity, and honesty. The Collegium noted that there was only one Chief Justice from the Madras High Court among the Chief Justices of High Courts at present. SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Google introduces Air View+ to offer detailed hyperlocal air quality data to users Google launched Air View+, an ecosystem-based solution aimed at providing hyperlocal air quality information to users and government authorities in collaboration with local climate tech firms. Purpose: The initiative is designed to help government agencies and urban planners with real-time air quality data, particularly in cities with insufficient infrastructure for monitoring air quality. Google collaborated with climate tech firms Aurassure and Respirer Living Sciences to set up an air quality sensor network in cities lacking the infrastructure to monitor air quality. Follow us: Telegram , Instagram, Download Our Mobile App For CA Shorts (Swipe-up News) visit: Guidely Optimum CA , Smart Quiz GA, Daily CA & CA Quiz, e-Magazine Daily Current Affairs 22nd Nov 2024 Key Highlights : Data Monitoring: The sensors measure various air quality parameters like PM2.5, PM10, CO2, NO2, ozone, VOCs, along with temperature and humidity, taking measurements every minute. AI-Powered Insights: Air View+ uses Google AI to combine data from various sources such as sensor networks, government data, satellite imagery, weather conditions, and traffic patterns to create real-time, granular air quality insights. Integration with Google Maps: Real-time hyperlocal air quality data is integrated into Google Maps, enabling users across India to access air quality information. Hyperlocal AQI: The system generates a dynamic Air Quality Index (AQI) at a granular level, reflecting the methodology and categorization defined in the National Air Quality Index (NAQI). Target Audience: The platform aims to empower local municipal corporations, urban planners, and citizens with valuable air quality insights for better environmental monitoring and decision-making. Impact: The solution helps identify air quality hotspots, make necessary interventions, and improve the overall urban planning and sustainability of cities in India. About Google : Founded : September 4, 1998 Headquarters : California, United States CEO : Sundar Pichai MOUS AND AGREEMENT India and Australia Strengthen Ties with Renewable Energy Partnership and Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement India and Australia have taken significant steps to enhance their bilateral relationship, including establishing the Renewable Energy Partnership (REP) and committing to a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA). These initiatives, discussed during the second annual conclave at the G20 summit, are designed to bolster cooperation across multiple sectors, including defence, security, critical minerals, renewable energy, and more. Key Points of the Agreement Renewable Energy Partnership (REP): o Focus Areas: The REP is aimed at advancing solar energy, green hydrogen, energy storage, and fostering investments in these sectors. o Joint Goals: Both nations are committed to tackling climate change through collaborative efforts in clean energy, positioning themselves as leaders in sustainable energy technologies. Follow us: Telegram , Instagram, Download Our Mobile App For CA Shorts (Swipe-up News) visit: Guidely Optimum CA , Smart Quiz GA, Daily CA & CA Quiz, e-Magazine Daily Current Affairs 22nd Nov 2024 Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA): o Expanding on ECTA: The CECA will build upon the successful Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), which has led to a 40% increase in bilateral trade over two years. o Enhancing Trade: The agreement is expected to deepen economic cooperation, focusing on mutual trade, investment, and job creation, aligning with both countries' economic strategies. Focus on Regional Stability and Growth Indo-Pacific Vision: o Both Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Anthony Albanese emphasized their shared commitment to promoting peace and prosperity in the Indo- Pacific. o Acknowledging China’s increasing assertiveness, both countries stressed the importance of sovereignty, international maritime law, and ensuring regional stability. Mutual Economic Growth: o The "Make in India" and "Future Made in Australia" initiatives were highlighted for their complementarity in driving job creation and economic growth. o Both countries are aligned in fostering mutual prosperity through strategic partnerships in critical sectors like technology, education, and innovation. Global Cooperation and Future Collaborations Reforming Global Institutions: o The leaders agreed on the importance of reforming global institutions to ensure fairness, security, and stability in the current international system. o A commitment to dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution was reaffirmed as central to their global strategy. The Quad and Upcoming Summit: o Both nations reiterated their commitment to the Quad (the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue), a partnership aimed at promoting a free and open Indo- Pacific. o India will host the upcoming Quad summit, marking a crucial opportunity for India, Australia, and other Quad members to further strengthen regional and global security. RANKING AND INDEX India Ranked 10th in Global Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI 2025) India has retained its position in the top 10 in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI 2025), a global assessment of countries’ efforts to combat climate change. Despite slipping two spots from 2023, India continues to stand out for its low per- capita emissions and impressive progress in renewable energy deployment. Key Findings of the Report India's Performance: Follow us: Telegram , Instagram, Download Our Mobile App For CA Shorts (Swipe-up News) visit: Guidely Optimum CA , Smart Quiz GA, Daily CA & CA Quiz, e-Magazine Daily Current Affairs 22nd Nov 2024 o Rank: India ranks 10th in the 2025 CCPI, remaining among the highest performers globally. o Strengths: The country's low per capita emissions (2.9 tons of CO2 equivalent, well below the global average of 6.6 tCO2e) and rapid renewable energy adoption are highlighted as key strengths. India has also made significant strides in large-scale solar energy and the Rooftop Solar Scheme. Global Context: o Top Rankings Empty: No country earned a “very high” rating, leaving the first three places empty. o Leaders: Denmark, Netherlands, and the UK lead the rankings, driven by strong coal phase-out policies and renewable energy investments. o Poor Performers: The US (57th) and China (55th) remain among the worst performers due to their continued reliance on coal and insufficient climate action. o Lowest-Ranked Countries: Iran (67th), Saudi Arabia (66th), UAE (65th), and Russia (64th) rank at the bottom due to their heavy dependence on fossil fuels. India’s Key Strengths Low Emissions: India’s 2.9 tons of CO2 equivalent per capita is far below the global average, showcasing the country’s relatively low energy consumption and carbon footprint. Renewable Energy Progress: India has made significant advances in renewable energy, with ambitious plans to reach 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030. Solar Power: India has deployed large-scale solar projects, contributing significantly to its renewable energy growth. Climate Policy Challenges Coal Dependence: Despite strides in renewables, India remains heavily reliant on coal for energy production. It ranks among the top 10 countries with the largest coal reserves and plans to increase coal production to meet growing energy demands. Policy Outlook: The report suggests that India’s growth-driven approach to climate action, balancing industrial needs with a growing population, is unlikely to undergo significant changes in the near future. Global Comparison G20 Performers: Among the G20 countries, only India and the UK are rated as high performers in the CCPI. Argentina: Ranked 59th, it is noted for its denial of human-made climate change under its new president. Other Major Emitters: China and the US are struggling with coal dependency and insufficient climate targets, contributing to their low rankings. Follow us: Telegram , Instagram, Download Our Mobile App For CA Shorts (Swipe-up News) visit: Guidely Optimum CA , Smart Quiz GA, Daily CA & CA Quiz, e-Magazine Daily Current Affairs 22nd Nov 2024 Sustainable Trade Index 2024: Global Rankings and Insights The Sustainable Trade Index 2024 highlights the growing focus on resilience in global economies, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic and in response to health crises, climate change, and geopolitical tensions. As nations strive to build more resilient economies, there is a noticeable shift towards sustainable trade practices, which aim to balance economic growth, societal advancement, and environmental resilience. What is Sustainable Trade? Sustainable trade is defined as trade that benefits all partners by addressing three key areas: Economic: Fostering growth and prosperity. Societal: Ensuring equitable social outcomes. Environmental: Minimizing negative impacts on the planet. Sustainable Trade Index 2024: Top 10 Most Sustainable Trade Economies The Hinrich Foundation and IMD’s Sustainable Trade Index 2024 ranks global economies based on economic growth, societal advancement, and environmental resilience. Here are the top 10 most sustainable trade economies globally in 2024: Rank Economy Overall Economic Societal Environment al 1 New Zealand 100 86 100 100 2 United 97.7 87.8 93.7 99.4 Kingdom 3 Australia 87.4 75.4 99.6 83.2 4 Singapore 85.7 92.4 87 75.2 5 Japan 81.5 72.2 81.9 91.2 6 South 81.4 92.2 85.4 67.4 Korea 7 Hong 81.4 100 65.8 79.2 Kong 8 Canada 80 81.1 99.8 61 9 Taiwan 72.3 76.7 87.1 61.2 10 United 72.2 90 69.4 65.3 States Key Highlights: New Zealand remains the top sustainable trade economy, scoring 100 in all three pillars: economic, societal, and environmental. Follow us: Telegram , Instagram, Download Our Mobile App For CA Shorts (Swipe-up News) visit: Guidely Optimum CA , Smart Quiz GA, Daily CA & CA Quiz, e-Magazine Daily Current Affairs 22nd Nov 2024 The United Kingdom has strong environmental credentials, ranking second in the environmental pillar, but has seen a slight decline in its economic pillar. Australia maintains a strong position, especially in the societal pillar, where it ranks third. South Korea and Hong Kong are also notable for their strong economic performance. India’s Position and Challenges India, ranked 23rd globally in the Sustainable Trade Index 2024, has shown strong economic growth but faces significant challenges in societal and environmental areas: Overall Score: India scored 24 overall, with: o 62.3 for economic factors, reflecting its growing economic strength. o 13.3 for societal factors, indicating challenges such as poverty, inequality, and gender disparity. o 43.1 for environmental factors, highlighting issues such as air pollution and deforestation. India's rank reflects both its economic potential and the sustainability challenges it faces, especially in terms of societal equity and environmental resilience. SPORTS NEWS India Defends Women's Asian Champions Trophy Title with a 1-0 Victory Over China The Indian women’s hockey team showcased resilience and brilliance to claim the Asian Champions Trophy 2024, defeating China 1-0 in a thrilling final at the Rajgir Sports Complex, Bihar. This victory marked India’s successful defense of their title, solidifying their dominance in Asian hockey. Match Highlights: Winning Goal: o Deepika, the tournament’s top scorer with 11 goals, netted the decisive goal. Her remarkable consistency earned her the Player of the Tournament title. Tactical Brilliance: o India endured a cautious start, weathering an aggressive Chinese attack in the first half. o They shifted gears in the third quarter, taking control of the game. Crucial Saves: o Lalremsiami, named Player of the Match, played a pivotal role in thwarting China’s penalty corner attempts. o Goalkeeper Bichu Devi made a stunning save during a crucial rebound in the 18th minute. Penalty Corner Struggles: Follow us: Telegram , Instagram, Download Our Mobile App For CA Shorts (Swipe-up News) visit: Guidely Optimum CA , Smart Quiz GA, Daily CA & CA Quiz, e-Magazine Daily Current Affairs 22nd Nov 2024 o Despite earning multiple penalty corners, India struggled to capitalize due to a mix of off-target shots and impressive saves by the Chinese goalkeeper. Key Players: Deepika: Tournament’s top scorer and Player of the Tournament. Lalremsiami: Delivered a stellar defensive performance in the final. Bichu Devi: Her crucial saves kept India in the game. MRF Tyres Clinches Fourth Consecutive Italian Gravel Championship Title MRF Tyres celebrated its fourth straight Italian Gravel Championship title at the 17th Rally delle Marche in Cingoli. After three consecutive wins by Paolo Andreucci from 2021 to 2023, Alberto Battistolli and Simone Scattolin secured their maiden Italian championship crown for Team MRF Tyres. Rally Highlights Victory at Rally delle Marche: o Battistolli and Scattolin, driving the Skoda Fabia RS Rally2, dominated the rally from the opening stage, finishing with their second win of the season. o Their remarkable performance resulted in a final score of 71.5 points, clinching the championship. Season Turnaround: o After victories at Rally Vermentino and Rally delle Marche, the duo overtook strong competitors to claim the national title. o The final stages were described as the toughest in Battistolli's career, requiring both aggression and precision. Team MRF Tyres’ Overall Success: o Emanuele Dati and Daiana Darderi, competing in a Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 for the first time, secured an impressive seventh place in the overall standings. o In the Italian 2WD Championship, Nicolò Marchioro and Marco Marchetti, driving a Peugeot 208 Rally4, secured the title with a round to spare under the MRF Rally Trophy Italia program. o Angelo Pucci Grossi and Francesco Cardinali claimed a landmark victory in the Pucci Grossi Trophy - ACI Sport Under 25 Cup, driving a Skoda Fabia Rally2 Evo. Final Standings – Italian Gravel Championship 2024 Alberto Battistolli – 71.5 points Tommaso Ciuffi – 51 points Umberto Scandola – 50 points Follow us: Telegram , Instagram, Download Our Mobile App For CA Shorts (Swipe-up News) visit: Guidely Optimum CA , Smart Quiz GA, Daily CA & CA Quiz, e-Magazine Daily Current Affairs 22nd Nov 2024 Enrico Oldrati – 46 points Jaakko Lavio – 38 points Bihar to Host Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025 at Rajgir Sports Complex Buoyed by the success of hosting the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy, Bihar is gearing up for its next major sporting milestone: the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025. The event, scheduled for August 27–September 7, will serve as a qualifier for the 2026 World Cup, making it a highly prestigious and competitive tournament. Key Highlights First Men’s International Event in Bihar: o Following the success of the women’s six- nation event, Bihar aims to elevate its standing by hosting a men’s competition of greater scale and significance. o This is the first men’s international hockey event for the state, showcasing its growing capabilities in hosting global sports. Infrastructure Upgrades: o A second turf is under construction to meet mandatory requirements for hosting the Asia Cup. o Plans include temporary stands to accommodate larger crowds, inspired by international standards. Enhanced Accommodation Facilities: o Players and officials will stay in newly constructed hostels in Rajgir, while visitors will have access to additional hotels, many of which are currently under construction. Teams and Stakes: o The eight-team tournament will feature powerhouses like India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, China, and Pakistan, along with two qualifiers from the AHF Cup. o The winner secures a direct entry to the 2026 World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands. Security and Rivalries: o The potential participation of Pakistan heightens both excitement and security concerns. Officials have assured robust preparations to manage the challenges. Rafael Nadal Bids Emotional Farewell to Tennis at Davis Cup Follow us: Telegram , Instagram, Download Our Mobile App For CA Shorts (Swipe-up News) visit: Guidely Optimum CA , Smart Quiz GA, Daily CA & CA Quiz, e-Magazine This annual observance is led by the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, and Homoeopathy). The theme of the 7th National Naturopathy Day is “Naturopathy for Healthy Aging and Longevity”. The Ministry of AYUSH declared the 18th November of every year as National Naturopathy Day in 2018. The first ever National Naturopathy Day was observed on 18th November 2018. Naturopathy, also known as naturopathic medicine, is a holistic system of health care that uses natural agents and physical means to treat disease. This is a drug-free medical system that uses natural remedies to help the body heal itself. This avoids the use of surgery and conventional medicines. The 7th Naturopathy Day was celebrated at the Central Research Institute of Yoga and Naturopathy (CRIYN), Nagamangala(Karnataka), under the aegis of the Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN), Ministry of Ayush. Click here to read more. STATIC 21. In which state UNESCO World Heritage Site, Konark Sun Temple is located? 1) Odisha 2) Tamil Nadu 3) Punjab 4) Gujarat 5) Uttarakhand Answer- 1) Odisha Explanation: Four replicas of the Konark wheels, made of sandstone, have been installed at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre and Amrit Udyan. Installation of Konark wheels aims to showcase and promote the rich heritage of the country among visitors. This initiative is part of the several steps being taken to introduce traditional cultural and historical elements in Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the culmination of Odishan temple architecture. It was built in the shape of a colossal chariot carrying the Sun God. The Konark wheels are symbols of India’s cultural legacy. 22. Which group has recently (in October ‘24) honoured with the Generational Legacy Award for its significant contributions to the Indian economy? 1) Tata Tea Group 2) Finlays Tea Group 3) Wagh Bakri Tea Group 4) Gopaldhara Tea Group 5) Jay Shree Tea Group Answer- 3) Wagh Bakri Tea Group Explanation: The Wagh Bakri Tea Group has been honoured with the ‘Generational Legacy Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Indian Economy’ by Hurun India in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 14 This accolade presented at the inaugural Hurun India Family Business Awards, recognizes Wagh Bakri Tea Group’s significant contributions to the Indian economy and their enduring legacy in the tea industry. The group is expanding its influence both nationally and internationally, with products now available in over 60 countries. 23. Who has recently (in November ‘24) claimed dual titles at the WTT Feeder Caracas table tennis tournament in Venezuela? 1) Krittwika Roy 2) Harmeet Desai 3) Mudit Dani 4) Jorge Campos 5) Snehit Suravajjula Answer- 2) Harmeet Desai Explanation: India’s Harmeet Desai won the men’s singles title at the WTT Feeder Caracas 2024 table tennis tournament in Venezuela. He also bagged the mixed doubles crown at the competition with Krittwika Roy as partner. Earlier, they defeated China’s Wang Kaibo and Liu Xinran in straight sets to reach the final. Desai also excelled in Men’s Singles, defeating France’s Joe Seyfried 3-0 in the final, following a close semifinal win over Portugal’s Joao Monteiro. His success underscores India’s rising prominence in international table tennis. 24. Which organisation has recently (in November ‘24) launched a new initiative ‘First in the World Challenge’ to promote the development of health technologies? 1) Narcotics Control Bureau 2) National Medical Commission 3) National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences 4) Council of Scientific and Industrial Research 5) Indian Council of Medical Research Answer- 5) Indian Council of Medical Research Explanation: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) launched the new initiative, First in the World Challenge. This initiative encourages Indian scientists to propose innovative solutions for pressing health issues. It aims to encourage breakthrough ideas in biomedical research that have never been attempted globally. This initiative was inspired by Chandrayan 3 landing on the south pole of the moon, making India the first country to do so, the ICMR launched a new initiative. Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 15 25.Which Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) has recently (in November ‘24) signed an agreement with the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) for the development of "Millimeter Wave Transceiver for 5G Rural Connectivity "? 1) IIT Delhi 2) IIT Patna 3) IIT Roorkee 4) IIT Kanpur 5) IIT Guwahati Answer- 3) IIT Roorkee Explanation: Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the premier Telecom R&D centre of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India has signed an agreement with the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) for the development of "Millimeter Wave Transceiver for 5G Rural Connectivity ". The agreement is signed under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme of the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India. It aims to enable affordable broadband and mobile services, playing a significant role in bridging the digital divide across India. 26. Which legendary music producer and composer, known for collaborations with Michael Jackson’s Thriller who passed away in November 2024? 1) George Martin 2) Klee Benally 3) Tom Smothers 4) Quincy Jones 5) Phil Spector Answer- 4) Quincy Jones Explanation: Quincy Jones, the multi-talented music titan whose vast legacy ranged from producing Michael Jackson’s historic Thriller album to writing prize-winning film and television scores and collaborating with Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and hundreds of other recording artists, has passed away at 91 in November 2024. His scores for film and television became instantly recognizable classics. In 1967, Jones was the first Black composer to be nominated in the original song category of the Oscars, for the film "Banning”. Jones won virtually every major entertainment award, including 28 Grammys, 2 Academy Awards and an Emmy for Roots. 27. When was the Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) established? 1) 1936 2) 1945 3) 1952 4) 1963 5) 1982 Answer- 3) 1952 Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 16 Explanation: About Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO): Central Provident Fund Commissioner (CPFC) – Neelam Shami Rao Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi Established – 1952 28. Bangladeshi _______ is the currency of Bangladesh. 1) Taka 2) Baht 3) Rupee 4) Kyat 5) Ngultrum Answer- 1) Taka Explanation: About Bangladesh: Prime Minister (PM)– Sheikh Hasina Wazed Capital- Dhaka Currency- Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) 29. In which state Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary is located? 1) Kerala 2) Karnataka 3) Tamil Nadu 4) Haryana 5) Telangana Answer- 5) Telangana Explanation: About Telangana: Chief Minister (CM)– Anumula Revanth Reddy Governor-Jishnu Dev Varma Capital– Hyderabad Wildlife Sanctuaries– Jannaram Wildlife Sanctuary, Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary 30. Who is the current (as of November ‘24) Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL)? 1) Arun Misra 2) G Krishnakumar 3) Ghanshyam Sharma 4) Hemant Khatri 5) Pushp Kumar Joshi Answer- 3) Ghanshyam Sharma Explanation: About Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL): It is a Schedule-A, Miniratna category -1 Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the administrative control of the Ministry of Mines. Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 17 Daily Content PDF NATIONAL AFFAIRS MoST Launched Operation Dronagiri along with GDI marking a milestone in the National Geospatial Policy On 13th November 2024, The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) has launched Operation Dronagiri, a pilot project under National Geospatial Policy (NGP) 2022 to illustrate the possible applications of geospatial technologies and innovations in improving the quality of life of citizens and ease of doing business. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST), launched the project at Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), Indian Institute of Technology(IIT) Delhi. About Operation Dronagiri: i.Operation Dronagiri is an effort of DST in advancing geospatial data, developing geospatial infrastructure, geospatial skill and knowledge as well as standards in executing the policy. ii.In the first phase, Operation Dronagiri will be implemented in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Assam, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, wherein pilot projects will be implemented and use cases will be displayed to show the potential applications of integration of geospatial data and technology in 3 sectors –Agriculture, Livelihoods, Logistics and Transport. Several Government departments, Industry, Corporate and Startups will be collaborated with in the first phase to implement it on a national level. iii.The activities under Operation Dronagiri will be overseen by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation (IITTNiF). The Geospatial Innovation Accelerators (GIAs) at IIT Kanpur, IIT Bombay, Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta (Kolkata, West Bengal) and IIT Ropar will work as the operational arms of Operation Dronagiri. The entire implementation process will be monitored by Geospatial Innovation Cell (GIC), Department of Science and Technology. About Geospatial Data Sharing Interface (GDI): i.Operation Dronagiri gets a significant support from Integrated Geospatial Data Sharing Interface (GDI), which was also launched along with Operation Dronagiri. ii.The GDI enables smooth data sharing, access, and analysis for urban planning, environmental monitoring, disaster management, and more. iii.It has been developed with advanced data exchange protocols and privacy-preserving features, and promotes organisations to make data-driven decisions for the public good, boosting innovation and responsible use of geospatial data. iv.It offers tools to discover actionable insights and foster collaboration, efficient data processing, analysis, Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 14 Daily Content PDF and sharing among stakeholders. v.This collaboration will help in quicker and coordinated response in areas like infrastructure monitoring, disaster relief, and environmental protection. About National Geospatial Policy 2022: i.The government of India launched the NGP on 22nd December 2022 with an aim to make India a world leader in global geospatial space. ii.It is a citizen-centric policy with an objective to boost the geospatial sector to support national development, economic prosperity and a thriving information economy. iii.The Policy is built based on the Guidelines for acquiring and producing Geospatial Data and Geospatial Data Services including Maps in February 2021, issued byDST. iv.The aim of the policy is to set up high resolution topographical survey and mapping, with a high- accuracy Digital Elevation Model (DEM) by 2030. About Ministry of Science and Technology Minister of State (Independent Charge) – Dr. Jitendra Singh Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi MoHUA organised National Workshop on PMAY-U 2.0 – ISS vertical in New Delhi; MoUs signed between NHB & PLIs for ISS implementation On 14th November 2024, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in partnership with National Housing Bank (NHB) organised a national workshop on Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban 2.0(PMAY-U 2.0) – Interest Subsidy Scheme (ISS) vertical in New Delhi(Delhi). During the workshop, NHB signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with 147 different Primary Lending Institutions (PLIs) for implementation of ISS. Key People: i.Union Minister Manohar Lal, MoHUA; Sanjay Shukla, Managing Director (MD) of NHB, along with senior officials from MoHUA attended the workshop. ii.More than 250 participants from various Banks, Housing Finance Companies (HFCs), PLIs and other financial institutions attended the workshop. Highlights: i.Union Minister highlighted the key features of PMAY-U 2.0 and the ISS vertical. He called upon all the financial institutions to become active partners of providing ‘housing to all’, a milestone of DEVELOPED INDIA by the year 2047. ii.During the workshop, Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary of MoHUA, delivered the inaugural address and shared about the progress of PMAY-U scheme, one of the world’s largest affordable housing programmes. Launch of a Web Portal: i.A unified web portal designed and developed by MoHUA to effectively execute the scheme was introduced to the participants of PMAY-U 2.0 workshop. Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 15 Daily Content PDF ii.This portal simplifies the process for application, and allows beneficiaries to know the status of application, modalities of data exchange among stakeholders, ensures faster due-diligence, approval and release of subsidy. iii.This portal is accessible to all stakeholders and will help in monitoring and evaluating of PMAY-U 2.0 scheme. About PMAY-U-2.0: i.Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi launched the ‘PMAY-U 2.0 – Housing for All’ Scheme in September 2024. PMAY-U 2.0 is currently in the implementation phase with more than 25 States/Union Territories (UTs) having signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with MoHUA. ii.The scheme offers financial assistance to poor and middle-class families to build or buy a pucca house in urban areas. iii.PMAY-U 2.0 will be implemented through 4 verticals: Beneficiary-Led Construction (BLC), Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP), Affordable Rental Housing (ARH) and Interest Subsidy Scheme (ISS)) with beneficiaries having the flexibility to choose one vertical as per their eligibility criteria. iv.Under ISS, interest subsidy will be provided to Economically Weaker Section(EWS)/Lower Income Group(LIG)/Middle Income Group(MIG) beneficiaries on home loans. ISS vertical of PMAY-U 2.0 is being implemented by designated Central Nodal Agencies (CNAs) such as- NHB, Housing And Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO) and State Bank of India (SBI) to channelize the subsidy to the beneficiary accounts through identified PLIs. PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates First Bodoland Mohotsav in New Delhi Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi inaugurated the first-ever Bodoland Mohotsav at the KD Jadhav Wrestling Stadium, New Delhi (Delhi). The two-day event was held from 15th to 16th November 2024. The event focuses on promoting the language, literature, and culture of the Bodo community Theme: The theme of Bodoland Mohotsav is ‘Peace and Harmony for Prosperous Bharat’, emphasizing the cultural, linguistic, and educational legacy of the Bodo community and other communities within the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), Assam. It highlights the community’s journey of peace and progress since the 2020 Bodo Peace Accord. Attendees: The event saw the presence of notable leaders, including Governor of Assam Lakshman Prasad Acharya, President of the All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) Dipen Boro, and Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the BTR Pramod Boro. Chief Minister (CM) of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma virtually attended the event. Key Address: i.Addressing the gathering, PM Modi extended his greetings on Kartik Purnima, Dev Deepavali, and the 555th Prakash Parva of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (first Sikh Guru). Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 16 Daily Content PDF He also commemorated Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, which honors the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. ii.PM Modi referred to the North Eastern Region (NER), including Assam, as India’s Ashtalakshmi (eight forms of prosperity) and emphasized the government’s commitment to resolving border disputes and promoting peace in the region. iii.PM highlighted key development efforts: The Central Government (CG)‘s special package of Rs 1,500 crore and the Assam Government’s special package to boost Bodoland’s growth. Over Rs 700 crore allocated for improving education, health, and cultural infrastructure. Rehabilitation of 4,000 former cadres of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) and job opportunities for many in the Assam Police. Assam Government’s assistance of Rs 5 lakh per family affected by past conflicts, and an annual expenditure of Rs 800 crore for Bodoland’s progress. iv.PM Modi emphasized the SEED Mission, which focuses on Skilling, Entrepreneurship, Employment, and Development, as a pivotal initiative aimed at empowering the youth and women of the Bodo community. v.PM also highlighted the importance of cultural and sports initiatives in uniting the community. The Ranachandi dance, Bodoland Literary Festival, and hosting of the Durand Cup in Kokrajhar, Bodoland (Assam) reflected the region’s vibrancy. He also praised efforts to preserve Bodo art and craft, including Geographical Indication (GI) tagged items like Dokhona, Gamsa, and Karai-Dakhini. vi.PM Modi noted that Bodoland is vital to Assam’s tourism potential, with national parks such as Manas, Raimona, and Sikhna Jhalao transforming from conflict zones to tourism hubs. Tribute to Bodo Leaders: The PM paid homage to Bodo leaders such as Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma and Kalicharan Brahma for their democratic and non-violent efforts towards securing Bodo rights. About Bodo Peace Accord: The Memorandum of Settlement (MoS), signed on January 27, 2020, with factions of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) and the All Bodo Students Union, aimed to strengthen the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) and enhance its efficiency. About Assam: Chief Minister (CM)- Himanta Biswa Sarma Governor– Lakshman Prasad Acharya Capital– Dispur National Parks (NP)- Kaziranga NP, Manas NP EPFO Celebrates 72nd Foundation Day with Key Releases & Award Ceremony On November 15 2024, Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoL&E), inaugurated an event to mark the 72nd Foundation Day of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, Delhi. The event was attended by key officials, including Ms. Sumita Dawra, Secretary, MoL&E; Ramesh Krishnamurthi, Central Provident Fund Commissioner (CPFC); and Ashok Kumar Singh, Director General (DG) of Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), among others. During the event, the Bhavishya Nidhi Awards 2024 were also presented by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya to recognize exceptional contributions across various categories. Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 17 Daily Content PDF Participants: The event was attended by over 700 guests, including EPFO employees, Ministry officials, representatives from banks and multilateral institutions. An additional 8,000 EPFO staff joined virtually from across India. Key Points: i.EPFO’s transformative role in managing savings and enhancing social security was highlighted during the event. ii.Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted EPFO’s transformative journey as a cornerstone of social security in India. He emphasized the need to enhance service delivery, strengthen IT (Information Technology) system, grievance management, and a member-centric service model. iii.The number of contributing establishments exceeded 7.8 lakh, with over 7.6 crore members. iv.Technological reforms, including IT database centralization and an updated electronic challan, aim to enhance EPFO’s services. Key Releases: i.Ek Tukda Muskaan : A booklet sharing impactful stories from EPFO member. ii.State Profile Booklet 2024: Offering insights into EPFO’s regional operations. iii.Pension and Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance(EDLI) Manual: A guide for pension and insurance schemes under EPFO. iv.Adyatan: It is an annual Newsletter Compilation and Legal Bulletin, highlighting milestones and legal advancements. Winners of Bhavishya Nidhi Awards 2024 : Award Category Recipient Radhika Gupta, Senior Social Security Assistant Sportsperson of the Year – Female (SSSA), RO Kandivali East, Maharashtra Clement Augustine, SSSA, RO Kottayam, Kerala Sportsperson of the Year – Male P. Shiva Kumar, SSSA, RO Chennai North, Tamil Nadu (TN) Outstanding Sports Achievements Zonal Office (ZO) for Chennai & Puducherry Best Regional Office/RO (Large) Regional Office(RO) Raipur, Chattisgarh Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 18 Daily Content PDF Best Regional Office (Small) RO Rohtak, Haryana Best District Office/DO District Office(DO) Palakkad, Kerala Best Remote Office/RO RO Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Best Zonal Office/ZO ZO Telangana Best Office in Grievance Management RO Hyderabad (Barkatpura), Telangana Best Office in Pro-Active Settlement RO Ahmedabad, Gujarat Best Performance in Jeevan Pramaan RO Tirunelveli, TN Best NAN 2.0 Campaign RO Delhi (East), Delhi Bhavishya Nidhi Swachhata Award RO Rajamahendravaram, Andhra Pradesh (AP) 2024 Best Innovation RO Hubli, Karnataka Best Tech Intervention Satyabhama, JD(IS) Gaurav Srivastava, Altamash Ali, Naveen Juneja, Smt. Best Achievement in Capacity Archana Janu, Nadeem Ahmed, Nikunj Meena, Saurabh Building Kumar Best Exempted Trust Reliance Industries Limited, Mumbai, Maharashtra Recent Related News: On 17th September 2024, the Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoL&E) announced that now subscribers of the Employees ‘Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) can withdraw up to Rs 1 lakh from their Provident Fund (PF) accounts for personal financial needs, an increase from the current limit of Rs 50,000. About Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO): Central Provident Fund Commissioner (CPFC) – Neelam Shami Rao Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi Established – 1952 SC permits LMV licence holders to drive transport vehicles upto 7500 kg The Supreme Court (SC) of India permits that a driver holding a licence for Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) class can drive transport vehicles weighing under 7,500 kilogram(kg) without need for additional authorisation under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. i.A five-judge bench, led by former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud, examined the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. ii.The bench clarified that additional requirements under the Motor Vehicles Act apply only to vehicles exceeding the 7,500 kg threshold, such as medium or heavy goods and passenger vehicles. Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 19 Daily Content PDF Note: Road safety is a critical public health concern worldwide, over 1.7 lakh people lost their lives in road accidents in India in 2023. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS Advanced Air Mobility Can Drive Growth and Connectivity in India: WEF & MoCA Report The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA),Government of India(GoI), in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF) has prepared the report titled ‘Skyways to the Future: Operational Concepts for Advanced Air Mobility in India‘. As per the report, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) represents a transformative approach to transportation, particularly in densely populated regions like India. AAM solutions can significantly enhance accessibility, alleviate road congestion, and create new economic opportunities. Highlights of the report: i.According to the report, the sector shows strong growth, with 1,000+ aircraft and 100,000+ daily flights projected in 15 years. ii.AAM technologies like air taxis or Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) and Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) are designed to provide on-demand transport services. These innovations can help decongest urban areas by offering alternative modes of travel that bypass traditional road networks. AAM can provide solutions to densely populated and rapidly urbanising areas such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Delhi, where traffic congestion is causing severe economic losses. Bengaluru alone lost almost Rs 200 billion in 2023 due to congestion, hampering productivity and worsening pollution. iii.The report highlights that integrating AAM into India’s transport infrastructure could drive significant economic benefits, including job creation and improved access to services like healthcare. iv.The report calls for a strong infrastructure framework with noise control, energy solutions, and community engagement to ensure AAM’s success. v.The WEF report presents a 3-stage plan for the growth of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) in India over the next 15 years. The first stage focuses on a 5-year pre-operational setup, which includes creating a sandbox environment and conducting low-density commercial operations using existing helipads. In the intermediate stage, advanced, automated airspace management will be introduced. This will be followed by the mature stage where completely automated and autonomous, air and ground connectivity solutions would be in place. Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 20 Daily Content PDF vi.AAM could boost rural connectivity by adopting strategies like the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, subsidizing travel to underserved areas, improving access to jobs and services while ensuring operator profitability. Subsidies can promote the adoption of ASHA (Advanced and Short-haul Air Mobility for All) vehicles. Points to Note: i.India is one of the world’s fastest-growing civil aviation markets and the third largest domestic aerial market globally. ii.India currently operates over 800 aircraft, with IndiGo holding the largest fleet. iii.The global market size of AAM was estimated to be USD8.93 billion in 2022 and expected to reach USD 45.12 billion by 2030. Recent Related News: Noida, Uttar Pradesh (UP)-based Jubilant Ingrevia Limited, science products and innovative solutions provider, has become the latest Indian firm to join as a member of the Global Lighthouse Network (GLN) of the World Economic Forum (WEF). Jubilant Ingrevia is the only Indian firm among the cohort of 2024 welcomed by the WEF. In 2024, A total of 22 innovative manufacturers have joined GLN as members. About World Economic Forum (WEF): Founder and Executive Chairman– Prof. Klaus Schwab Headquarters – Cologny, Switzerland Founded – 1971 BANKING & FINANCE SEBI Directed QSBs to Offer UPI Mechanism, 3-in-1 Trading Facility to Investors from 1st February, 2025 On 11th November 2024, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has directed all Qualified Stock Brokers (QSBs) to offer either the facility of trading in the secondary market using the Unified Payments Interface (UPI)-based block mechanism to their clients similar to Application Supported by Blocked Account (ASBA) facility or the 3-in-1 trading account facility to their investors. This new direction for QSBs will come into effect from 1st February, 2025. Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 21 Daily Content PDF Note: SEBI defines QSBs as entities which, by virtue of their size and scale of operations, can impact investors and the securities market. Key Points: As per SEBI’s directions, these QSBs are now required to offer one of these facilities, in addition to the current mode of trading. Trading Members (TMs) are classified as QSBs based on various parameters such as: the size and scale of their operations, including the number of active clients, the total assets held by clients with the TM, the end-of-day margin of all clients, and the trading volume of the TM. UPI block mechanism: i.A UPI block mechanism will enable the clients to trade in the secondary market based on blocked funds in their bank accounts instead of transferring the funds upfront to the trading member. ii.These funds will remain in the investor’s bank account, but they will be unavailable for other use until the trade is completed. iii.It aims to reduce risks related to defaults by TMs and Clearing Members (CMs). 3-in-1 trading account: i.The 3-in-1 trading account facility combines a savings account, a demat account, and a trading account into a unified integrated solution. ii.In this case, the clients would have their funds in their bank account, earning interest on the cash balances. Points to Note: i.SEBI introduced the UPI block mechanism in January 2019, which initially served as a payment method for retail investors participating in public share issues in the primary markets. ii.Later, this mechanism was extended to the secondary market in January 2024. A beta version of this mechanism was rolled out for individual investors and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) which is applicable only to the cash trading system. Click here to more Information Recent Related News: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has established a dedicated Foreign Portfolio Investor(FPI) Outreach Cell to focus on direct engagement with FPIs and to support FPIs in accessing the Indian Securities Market seamlessly. This was as part of SEBI’s Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) and FPIs Department (AFD). About Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI): SEBI is the apex regulatory body for securities and commodity market in India. It was initially established as a non-statutory body in April 1988. Later, SEBI was accorded the status of statutory body through SEBI Act, 1992 on 30th January, 1992. Chairman- Madhabi Puri Buch Headquarters- Mumbai, Maharashtra Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 22 Daily Content PDF reported the highest borrowings relative to their revenue, with figures of 14.4 per cent and 15.1 per cent, respectively. ii.The report suggests that measures like Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and digital payments could improve property tax collection. iii.Timely and direct transfers from state governments are vital for MCs’ financial stability. iv.Regular formation and timely implementation of State Finance Commissions (SFCs) recommendations are crucial for proper state funding. Moody’s: Indian Economy is in Sweet Spot, Projects India’s GDP at 7.2% in 2024 According to the Global Rating Agency, Moody’s Ratings, the Indian economy is in a “sweet spot”, with a mix of solid growth and moderating growth. It has projected India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate at 7.2% for Calendar Year 2024 (CY24). It has also estimated India’s GDP growth for the CY25 and CY26 at 6.6% and 6.5%, respectively. These projections were made by Moody’s in its latest “Global Macro Outlook for 2025-26”. India-Specific: i.As per the report, the household consumption is expected to grow, driven by increased spending during the ongoing festive season and a sustained pickup in rural demand on the back of an improved agriculture outlook. Additionally, the government’s infrastructure investment and increasing business sentiment should promote private investment. ii.The report highlighted that India’s real GDP grew by 6.7% Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) in 2nd Quarter (Q2: July to September) of CY24, which was mainly attributed by strong household consumption, robust investment, and strong manufacturing activity. Also, the high-frequency indicators including expanding manufacturing and services Purchasing Managers’ Indexes (PMIs), robust credit growth and consumer optimism, indicate steady economic momentum in Q2 of CY24. iii.The report observed that despite the near-term uptick, retail inflation should moderate toward the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s target in the upcoming months as food prices stabilize amid higher sowing and adequate food grain buffer stocks. iv.As per the report, India’s retail inflation surged to a 14-month high of 6.21%, breaching the RBI’s inflation tolerance range of 2% to 6%, amid a sharp increase in vegetable prices. It also mentioned that sporadic food price pressures continue to inject volatility in India’s disinflation trajectory. v.The report cautioned that increased geopolitical tensions and extreme weather events could pose additional inflation risks, which would probably keep the RBI cautious about easing its policy. Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 24 Daily Content PDF Global Scenario: i.The report noted that the global economy has shown remarkable resilience in bouncing back from supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, an energy and food crisis after the Russia-Ukraine war began, among others. ii.The report has estimated that the most of the Group-20 (G20) countries (which account for 78% of global GDP) will grow at 2.8% in 2024, from 3% in 2023, which will further reduce to 2.6% and 2.5%, over 2025 and 2026, respectively. While, G-20 emerging economies are expected to grow at 4.3% in 2024, down from 4.8% in 2023 and then decline to 3.9% and 3.8% in 2025 and 2026, respectively. This decrease is mainly due to continuing slowdown in the Chinese economy amid considerable external headwinds. iii.The report cautioned that the geopolitical tensions, especially between the USA and China, remain significant risks to the global economic outlook. The report noted that increasing trade protectionism and efforts to bolster domestic industries in large economies may make external demands less reliable. Recent Related News: On 10th October 2024, the World Bank released a report titled “South Asia Development October 2024 Update: Women, Jobs and Growth”. It has retained India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast for Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25) to 7% Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y). It has also retained India’s GDP growth forecast at 6.7% for FY26 (2025-26). About Moody’s Ratings: President- Michael West Headquarters- New York, the United States of America (USA) Founded – 1909 Nepal Powers Up Bangladesh: First Energy Export via Indian Grid On November 15, 2024, Nepal initiated its first-ever electricity with an export of up to 40 MW hydropower to Bangladesh, utilizing India’s electricity grid. This initiative aims to boost up sub- regional connectivity in the power sector among three countries. The inauguration ceremony was hosted virtually by the GoN (Government of Nepal) and was attended by Manohar Lal, Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs (MoPHU) India, Fouzul Kabir Khan, Adviser, Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, Bangladesh and Dipak Khadka, Minister of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Nepal. Signatories: The agreement was signed between NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation) Vidyut Vyapar Nigam, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDP) on October 2024 in Kathmandu, Nepal. Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 25 Daily Content PDF Points to Note: i.The GoI formalized this initiative during the visit of former Prime Minister (PM) of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, to India from 31 May to 3 June 2023. ii.During the visit, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to enhanced sub-regional cooperation, particularly in the energy sector, with the goal of fostering greater economic integration and benefiting all stakeholders. iii. India assured it will import 10,000 MW from Nepal in the next 10 years. India currently imports about 450 MW from Nepal and there is a proposal to increase this by 1,200 MW. About Nepal: Prime Minister – Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli Capital – Kathmandu Currency – Nepalese Rupee About Bangladesh: Prime Minister – Sheikh Hasina Wazed Capital – Dhaka Currency – Bangladeshi Taka AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS HCL, MECL & JNARDDC Under Ministry of Mines bags award for performance during National Learning Week Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL), and Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre (JNARDDC) under the Ministry of Mines(MoM) were honoured for their exceptional performance during the National Learning Week (NLW), a 9 day nationwide initiative promoting learning and development, held from 19th to 27th October 2024. The awards were presented by Union Minister of State(MoS) Dr. Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions(MoPP&P) The award ceremony was held by Capacity Building Commission (CBC) at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi. Details of Awards: Rank Organisation Organisation’s Category 1st MECL, Nagpur(Maharashtra) S 2nd JNARDDC, Nagpur XS Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 26 Daily Content PDF 3rd HCL, Kolkata(West Bengal, WB) M Points to note: i.The MoM has been assessed among top performing ministries by CBC consistently for its exceptional implementation of Mission Karmayogi. ii.HCL, MECL and JNARDDC each one award competing all the central government organizations throughout India in achieving “Minimum 4-hour Learning Goal”, a goal set by CBC wherein each employee of any individual organization had to complete at least of 4 hours of Integrated Government Online training (iGOT) courses during NLW. iii.This recognition highlights the Ministry’s commitment towards Mission Karmayogi, a flagship programme of Government of India(GoI) for training of civil servants. About Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL): It is a Schedule-A, Miniratna category -1 Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the administrative control of the Ministry of Mines. Chairman and Managing Director(CMD) – Ghanshyam Sharma Headquarters – Kolkata, West Bengal(WB) Incorporated – 1967 GHIAL Receives Global Recognition for Aviation Innovations at Saudi Airport Excellence Awards 2024 GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL) in Hyderabad, Telangana achieved international recognition for its innovative advancements in aviation at the Airport Excellence Awards during the Saudi Airport Exhibition 2024. The awards ceremony, held on 12th November 2024, at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, honored GHIAL for its exceptional digital solutions and passenger-centric technologies. Key Points: i.GHIAL’s Digital Twin secured top honors in the Innovation & Technology and Facility Management categories, while its Smart Shopping Trolley was recognized as the runner-up in the Airport Revenue Management category. These awards highlight GHIAL’s success in integrating technology to improve efficiency and passenger convenience. ii.The Digital Twin, India’s first virtual replica of an airport, creates a synchronized real-time digital representation of Hyderabad based Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA). By collecting data from sources like Internet of Things (IoT) devices, sensors, and Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems, it provides a comprehensive overview of operations, including passenger flow and resource management. This system facilitates smarter decision-making and improves overall airport efficiency. Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 27 Daily Content PDF iii.The Smart Shopping Trolley is designed to make airport navigation easier for travelers. Featuring interactive maps, real-time flight updates, and digital advertising displays, it provides a seamless wayfinding experience while promoting targeted advertisements. This innovative approach improves customer satisfaction and generates additional revenue for airport retailers. About GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL): GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL) was established in 2002 under the name Hyderabad International Airport Limited, the company was later rebranded as GHIAL. This airport is operated as a joint venture(JV) involving the GMR Group, Airports Authority of India (AAI), the Government of Telangana, and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB). It is responsible for the design, financing, construction, operation, maintenance, and management of the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad, Telangana. About Telangana: Chief Minister (CM)– Anumula Revanth Reddy Governor-Jishnu Dev Varma Capital– Hyderabad Wildlife Sanctuaries– Jannaram Wildlife Sanctuary, Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS L&T to Acquire 21% Stake in E2E Networks Through Two-Part Rs 1,407 Crore Deal Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has proposed to acquire 21% stake in E2E Networks Limited, an Indian Cloud and AI Cloud provider, at a cost of Rs 1,407.02 crore through a two part deal. i.The two part deal involves a preferential allotment of 15% equity, valued at Rs 1,079.27 crore at Rs 3,622.25 per share, and the remaining 6% stake to be acquired from the founder for Rs 327.75 crore at Rs 2,750 per share. ii.The strategic collaboration between E2E Networks and L&T marks a significant milestone for the future of adopting domestically built HyperScaler Cloud Platforms in India. iii.This partnership also aims at advancing ‘Make in India’ initiatives, enabling the production of traditional CPU (Central processing unit) workloads and GPU (Graphic processing unit) -driven GenAI innovation within the country. Note: New Delhi(Delhi) based E2E Networks Ltd is an Indian cloud company. SPORTS India Tour of South Africa T20 Series 2024: India won the 4-match series 3-1 The Indian men’s cricket team captained by Suryakumar Yadav won the Twenty 20 Internationals (T20Is) series 3-1 by defeating South African Men’s cricket team captained by Aiden Markram. The Indian team toured the 8th to 15th November 2024 and played 4 T20I matches. Result: T20I series/date Venue Result Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 28 Daily Content PDF He scored 120 not out from 47 balls, hitting 10 sixes and nine fours in the finals. iii. On the other hand, Tilak smashed centuries in the third and fourth matches of the South Africa T20I series where he won Player of the Match awards in both games. iv.India’s Tilak became the fifth player to score back-to-back centuries in T20 international cricket. The other four are – Gustav Mckeon (France), Rilee Rossouw (South Africa), Phil Salt (England) and Sanju Samson (India). Note India’s Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson became the first ever pair from full member nations in T20 internationals to score centuries in one team innings during 4th T20I against South Africa in Johannesburg. India registers Most 200+ scores in T20s Indian team made history after winning their match in Centurion as they secured their eighth 200-plus total in T20s in 2024, the most by a team in a single calendar year. Thus, they have surpassed the record seven wins each by Birmingham Bears in 2022 and Japan in 2024 and their own record in 2023. India registers their third-highest T20I total i.India Team recorded the third-highest T20I score ever in the history of cricket scored 297-6 in 20 overs against Bangladesh in the 3rd match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad in October 2024. India’s total is the third highest in the format after Zimbabwe’s score of 344/4 in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Africa Qualifier against Gambia in October 2024 and Nepal’s score of 314/3 against Mongolia at 2023 Asian Games in China. They have also secured the highest T20I score ever achieved by a Test-playing nation. ii.Before this, the highest score was 278/3 made by Afghanistan in T20 cricket against Ireland, achieved in 2019 in Dehradun. iii.India’s second-highest score is 283/1 against South Africa in Johannesburg in November 2024. Arshdeep Singh Becomes India’s 2nd-Highest T20I Wicket-Taker i.Arshdeep Singh became India’s second-highest wicket-taker in men’s T20Is after India’s win against South Africa. ii.In T20Is, Arshdeep had taken 92 wickets from 59 innings at an economy rate of 8.34 and an average of 18.47. iii.He is now four wickets short of surpassing Yuzvendra Chahal and becoming India’s top wicketer in the shortest format. iv.In the third T20I match of the series, Arshdeep Singh broke the record of Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar to achieve the milestone. Bumrah has 89 wickets in T20Is from 69 innings at an economy rate of 6.27. While Bhuvneshwar has 90 wickets from 86 innings at an economy rate of 6.96. Indian Boxer Mandeep Jangra Wins WBF’s Super Featherweight World Title Indian professional boxer Mandeep Jangra (31) won the World Boxing Federation(WBF)’s super featherweight world title after defeating Britain’s Conor McIntosh in the Cayman Islands. Mandeep Jangra, hailing from Haryana, made his professional boxing debut in 2021. Jangra has won 11 out of his 12 fights in his pro career. This includes 7 knockout victories. He has also won a Commonwealth Games silver medal in 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland. India to host 2036 Olympics, submits “Letter of Intent” to IOC The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has submitted a ‘Letter of Intent’ to the IOC’s (International Olympic Committee) Future Host Commission to express the country’s desire to host the 2036 Olympic and Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 30 Daily Content PDF Paralympic Games. i.India bidding for the 2036 Olympics was first discussed in December 2023, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi announced the country’s intention to host the Games during a meeting of the Sports Authority of India’s Mission Olympic Cell (MOC). ii.Ahmedabad will be seen as a front-runner to be the host city with Narendra Modi Stadium (largest stadium in the world) with a capacity of 132,000. iii.9 other countries that have interest in hosting the 2036 Games include Mexico (Mexico City, Guadalajara- Monterrey-Tijuana), Indonesia (Nusantara), Turkey (Istanbul), India (Ahmedabad), Poland (Warsaw, Krakow), Egypt (New Administrative Capital), and South Korea (Seoul-Incheon). BOOKS & AUTHORS Thomas Mathew released his new book “Ratan Tata: A Life”, a biography of Ratan Tata A retired bureaucrat Thomas Mathew has authored a new book titled “Ratan Tata : A Life”, a biography of Late Mr. Ratan Tata has been published posthumously. The book was published by HarperCollins India. The book explores Ratan Tata’s journey from his isolated childhood, his 1st position within the Tata Group, to his transformative tenure as chairman of Tata Sons. The book by Thomas Mathew has been prepared with insights from over 130 interviews, capturing stories from people touched by Tata’s influence. President of India released Three Key Publications of the Supreme Court In November 2024, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu released three publications of the Supreme Court (SC) of India in the presence of Sanjiv Khanna, Chief Justice of India (CJI) , DY Chandrachud, former CJI and the Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi(Delhi). The Publications of the Book were titled as: Justice for Nation: Reflections on 75 years of the Supreme Court of India. Prisons in India: Mapping Prison Manuals and Measures for Reformation and Decongestion Legal Aid Through Law Schools: A Report on Working of Legal Aid Cells in India. President Murmu stated that the Supreme Court (SC) has developed a jurisprudence which is rooted in the Indian ethos and realities while the ideal of equality & justice must be the guiding principle for the judiciary. She also expressed happiness that the Apex Court was organizing purposeful activities for the 75th year of its founding. IMPORTANT DAYS World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence 2024 – November 18 World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence is annually observed across the globe on 18th November to raise awareness about child abuse and violence. It aims to prevent abuse, protect children, and support the recovery and healing of survivors. 18th November 2024 marks the 3rd observance of the World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence. Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 31

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