National news
NHRC Hosts Capacity Building Programme to Strengthen Human Rights Across Nations
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, has launched a six-day Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Executive Capacity Building Programme from November 11 to 16, 2024, in New Delhi. This programme will involve senior officials from national human rights institutions of eight countries, including Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
The main goal of the programme is to enhance the promotion, protection, and strengthening of human rights in different regions. By offering a platform for knowledge sharing, participants will be able to exchange best practices, experiences, and ideas related to human rights issues. The NHRC emphasized that this initiative is designed to improve the participants’ capacity to better address human rights challenges and contribute to the global promotion of human rights.
About National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) :
- Established : 1993
- headquartered : New Delhi.
- Chairperson: Vijaya Bharathi Sayani
Static: Ministry of External Affairs: Dr. S. Jaishankar.
Indian Road Congress Concludes, Focuses on Enhancing Road Safety and Quality
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, inaugurated the 83rd session of the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) in Raipur, Chhattisgarh on 8 November 2024.
The annual session of the Indian Road Congress (IRC), which began on November 8, 2024, in Raipur, concludes on 11 th November after a four-day discussion. The session covered a wide range of topics relevant to the road sector, with a particular emphasis on improving road quality and reducing road accidents.
A key highlight was a presentation by Dharmanand Sarangi, Director General of Road Development and Special Secretary at the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), who shared the government’s approach to tackling road safety issues. He explained that the Central Government is identifying ‘black corridors’ and ‘white corridors’ based on data from road accidents over the past three years.
- ‘White corridors’ refer to roads where no accidents have been reported, and preventive measures are being put in place to maintain their safety.
- ‘Black spots’ are accident-prone areas, and these are being identified for targeted interventions. Both short-term and long-term safety measures are being implemented to reduce risks and prevent further accidents in these high-risk zones.
About IRC: Indian Road Congress
- Establishment: 1934
- Headquarters: new delhi,
- Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways: Nitin Gadkari
Chhattisgarh:
- Chief Minister: Bhupesh Baghel
- Capital: Raipur
Scindia Inaugurates South Asian Telecommunication Regulators Council, Highlights India’s Mobile Manufacturing Progress
Union Minister for Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia, announced that the Indian government is committed to the growth of electronics manufacturing in the country. He highlighted that 99.3% of India’s mobile requirements are now manufactured domestically. Scindia made these statements during the 25th meeting of the South Asian Telecommunication Regulators Council in New Delhi.
The meeting aims to facilitate collaboration among regulators from South Asian countries, encouraging the exchange of ideas and experiences. The three-day agenda will focus on key issues such as digital inclusion and the digital divide, according to Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), and Masanori Kondo, Secretary-General of the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity. These discussions are critical for advancing connectivity and policy development in the region.
Union Minister for Communications: Jyotiraditya Scindia
About SATRC : South Asian Telecommunication Regulators Council
- Establishment: 1998
- Headquarters: Bangkok, Thailand.
- Member Countries: India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Maldives.
International news
Dubai Tops West Asia and Africa in 2024 Global City Index, Ranks Fifth Globally
Dubai has been ranked as the highest city in West Asia and Africa in the 2024 Global City Index by Brand Finance, maintaining its regional lead for the second consecutive year. Globally, the city has made impressive progress, rising to fifth place, surpassing major global cities like Singapore, Los Angeles, Sydney, San Francisco, and Amsterdam.
- Key highlights from the Brand Finance report include Dubai’s strong global reputation, ranking it first worldwide in terms of reputation, ahead of cities like Sydney and London. The city has also excelled in local and remote work opportunities, climbing from 24th to 4th place in this category, reflecting its adaptability and growth as a business hub.
- Dubai’s strategic location as a global trade center, coupled with its robust economy, has positioned it as the second most significant city globally. With a score of 86 out of 100, Dubai’s performance in key indicators such as economic strength, infrastructure, and innovation underscores its position as a global leader.
- Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, attributed the city’s success to the vision and foresight of his father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
First Human Case of Bird Flu (H5) Confirmed in Canada
A teenager in British Columbia has tested positive for H5 avian flu, marking Canada’s first confirmed human case of the virus. The individual is currently receiving treatment in a children’s hospital, and health specialists are closely monitoring their condition.
Key Points:
- Investigation Underway: The provincial health department has launched an investigation to determine the source of infection, likely originating from an animal.
- Transmission: Bird flu primarily affects wild birds and poultry, but has increasingly been found in mammals, including a recent outbreak in cattle in the United States.
- Human Risk: While cases in humans are rare, health officials are concerned about the potential for the virus to mutate and become transmissible between humans.
This case raises concerns among scientists, who are closely monitoring the growing number of mammal infections as a possible precursor to a more transmissible strain of the virus.
Business news
Sensex and Nifty Trade Flat, Broader Market Shows Losses
Domestic equity indices, Sensex and Nifty, were trading in a narrow range, with Sensex showing a marginal gain of 12 points (0.01%) at 79,498, while Nifty50 slipped by 7 points (0.03%) to 24,141. This suggests stability in the large-cap stocks, but overall market sentiment remained cautious.
- Meanwhile, the broader market at the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) was in negative territory, with both the Mid-Cap and Small-Cap indices witnessing a downward trend. The Mid-Cap index fell by over 0.6%, and the Small-Cap index dropped by over 0.8%, indicating greater selling pressure on mid and small-cap stocks compared to the blue-chip stocks.
- This market movement reflects a mixed sentiment among investors, with larger stocks holding steady, while mid and small-cap stocks faced more significant declines.
Government Procures Over 120 LMT of Paddy in KMS 2024-25, Benefiting 6.58 Lakh Farmers
The Indian government has procured over 120 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of paddy in the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2024-25 as of November 8, benefiting 6.58 lakh farmers in Punjab. This procurement is valued at ₹27,995 crore, with paddy being purchased Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹2320 per quintal for Grade A paddy.
Key Highlights:
- Paddy Procurement: The government has set a target of 185 LMT for paddy procurement for the current KMS, which will continue until the end of November 2024.
- Farmer Support: This initiative aims to support 6.58 lakh farmers in Punjab, a major rice-producing state, by ensuring that they receive a fair price for their produce.
- Millers’ Participation: A total of 4839 millers have applied for the shelling of paddy, and 4743 millers have been assigned the task by the Punjab State Government to process the grain.
The government’s procurement efforts are critical in ensuring the financial stability of farmers and securing food supplies for the country. It also reflects ongoing agricultural policy efforts to guarantee a minimum income for farmers and maintain food security.
About Punjab :
- Chief minister: Bhagwant Mann
- Capital: Chandigarh
- Governor: Shri Gulab Chand Kataria
Dr. S. Jaishankar Emphasizes Strengthening India-Russia Trade Ties at Business Forum
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar highlighted the importance of deepening trade relations between India and Russia during his keynote address at the India-Russia Business Forum held in Mumbai. The event was attended by Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister, Denis Manturov, along with other prominent dignitaries.
- Dr. Jaishankar noted that the current trade between the two nations stands at $66 billion, with both countries aiming to surpass the $100 billion mark by 2030. He expressed confidence in this goal, citing ongoing efforts to address challenges in sectors such as transport, banking, and financial exchanges. The Minister assured that solutions to these issues would soon be found through collaboration and mutual agreement.
- This discussion is part of India’s broader effort to strengthen its strategic partnership with Russia, especially in the context of global geopolitical shifts and the need for diversifying trade avenues. The focus on resolving barriers to financial transactions and improving infrastructure connectivity aims to facilitate smoother business interactions between the two countries.
External Affairs Minister: Dr. S. Jaishankar
About Russia :
- Capital: Moscow
- Currency: Russian Ruble (RUB)
Sports news
Women’s Hockey Championship Kicks Off in Rajgir, Bihar with Exciting 2-2 Draw Between Japan and South Korea
The Women’s Hockey Championship in Rajgir, Bihar began with an exciting 2-2 draw between Japan and South Korea. Maho Ueno and Saki Tanaka scored for Japan, while Mihyang Park and Yujin Lee netted for South Korea. This international event features six teams: India, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, and China, with India being the host country.
Key Highlights:
- Event Inauguration: The tournament will be officially inaugurated by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at 4:45 PM today.
- Venue: The matches are being held at Rajgir’s newly built state-of-the-art sports complex, marking the town’s first-ever international sports event.
- Tournament Format: The event spans 10 days and will feature 20 matches, including the finals.
- India’s First Match: India, the two-time Asian champion, will play against Malaysia at 4:45 PM today.
- Security Arrangements: Given the significance of the event, especially with the Champions Trophy taking place, elaborate security arrangements have been made in Rajgir.
Anahat Singh Wins Seventh PSA Challenger Title at 2024 NSW Open Squash Tournament
Anahat Singh, the rising Indian Squash star, clinched her seventh PSA Challenger Title by winning the singles title at the 2024 NSW Open Squash Tournament in Sydney, Australia. In the final, she defeated Helen Tang of Hong Kong China with a dominant 3-1 scoreline (8-11, 11-6, 11-3, 11-4).
Key Highlights:
- Seventh PSA Title: This victory marks Anahat’s seventh PSA Challenger Title, further cementing her place in the global squash scene.
- Recent Success: Just a week before, Anahat had also triumphed at the 2024 Costa North Coast Open Squash Tournament, showcasing her consistent form.
- Tournament Details: The 2024 NSW Open Squash Tournament was held from 6-10 November 2024 in Sydney, Australia.
Appointments news
Justice Sanjiv Khanna Sworn in as 51st Chief Justice of India
Justice Sanjiv Khanna was sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India on 11 th November , in a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office. Justice Khanna succeeds Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, who demitted office yesterday after completing his term.
- The oath-taking ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, including Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and several Union ministers and Supreme Court judges.
- In a social media post, Prime Minister Modi extended his best wishes to Justice Khanna, congratulating him on his new role. Modi also expressed his confidence in Justice Khanna’s leadership, hoping for a successful tenure as the head of India’s highest judicial body.
- Justice Khanna’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the Indian judiciary, with significant legal and constitutional matters pending before the Supreme Court. His tenure is expected to influence key judicial reforms and decisions in the country.
Tayyab Ikram Re-elected as President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH)
- Tayyab Ikram has been re-elected as the President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for a second consecutive term. He secured 79 votes out of 126 at the 49th FIH Congress in Muscat, Oman, defeating Marc Coudron of Belgium, who garnered 47 votes. Ikram’s victory marks a significant achievement for Pakistan’s hockey, reinforcing the country’s growing influence in the global sports arena.
- Ikram’s re-election comes as he completes the mandate of the previous president, Dr. Narinder Dhruv Batra. His continued leadership of the FIH reflects the confidence placed in him by member nations to steer the future of international hockey.
About FIH : International Hockey Federation
- Founded: 1924
- Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland
- Chairman: Dr. Narinder Dhruv Batra
Important days
World Immunization Day 2024: A Call for Health Equity and Universal Access to Vaccines
World Immunization Day, observed every year on November 10th, emphasizes the critical role of vaccines in safeguarding public health globally. The day serves as a reminder of how immunization is a powerful tool in preventing diseases, saving lives, and enhancing global well-being.
Key Highlights:
- Theme 2024: “Vaccines for All: Protecting Communities and Building Health Equity”. This theme stresses the need for universal access to vaccines, particularly in underserved and remote regions.
- Goal: The focus is on making vaccines accessible, acceptable, and available to everyone, ensuring no one is left behind in the fight against preventable diseases.
Ranking and reports
Hindalco Industries Ranked World’s Most Sustainable Aluminium Company for 5th Consecutive Year
Hindalco Industries, the metals arm of the Aditya Birla Group, has been ranked as the world’s most sustainable aluminium company for the fifth consecutive year in the 2024 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA). Hindalco earned an impressive 87 points, improving by 9 points from 2023, and leading its closest competitor by 22 points.
Key Highlights:
- Top Position for Five Years: Hindalco has maintained its leadership in sustainability in the aluminium sector.
- Strong Performance in ESG: The company excels in climate action, emissions reduction, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.
- Improvement in Scores: Hindalco’s score of 87 represents a 9-point increase from the previous year, underscoring its commitment to sustainable practices.
Hindalco Industries Limited:
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Chairman: Kumar Mangalam Birla
OBITUARY
Madan Mohan Somtiya, Freedom Fighter and Mewar Praja Mandal Leader, Passes Away at 102
Madan Mohan Somtiya, a respected freedom fighter and key member of the Mewar Praja Mandal, passed away at the age of 102 in Rajsamand district, Rajasthan. Somtiya was a steadfast participant in India’s freedom struggle, enduring multiple arrests and significant hardships under British rule. He dedicated his life to the nation’s independence and later engaged in social work.
Key Highlights:
- Awards and Recognition:
- October 2, 1987: Honored for his contributions to the freedom movement and social service.
- September 14, 2000: Recognized on his birthday.
- May 14, 2009: Felicitated by Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.
- 2013: Honored by President Pranab Mukherjee.
- 2023: Felicitation by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.
