National news:
- “VP Jagdeep Dhankhar Emphasizes Infrastructural Growth as Essential for Human Rights Empowerment”
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar underscores the importance of massive infrastructural growth for the proliferation and empowerment of human rights.
Speaking at the Human Rights Day in New Delhi, Dhankhar asserts that human rights flourish in a society with equality in the law and universal access to justice.
He emphasizes the principle that no one is above the law, signaling a paradigm shift in the country’s legal landscape.
Dhankhar highlights transparency and accountable governance as a game-changer in promoting human rights, especially benefiting the poor and vulnerable.
NHRC Chairperson Justice (Retd) Arun Kumar Mishra addresses the gathering, condemning terrorism for its grave violation of human rights globally.
Justice Mishra raises concerns about the ethical implications of advancing technologies, citing the dark side of the internet with privacy infringements through hate speech and misinformation.
The event commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
National Human Rights day – 10 December.
Theme : ‘Freedom, Equality and Justice for All.’
2. “YUVAi Program on AI Skills for Youth to Feature at GPAI Summit 2023”
‘YUVAi- Youth for Unnati and Vikas with AI’ program, aimed at equipping youth with essential AI skills, will be featured at the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit in New Delhi.
The initiative is recognized for its innovative approach and dedication to building a future-ready workforce.
YUVAi is a collaborative effort between the National e-Governance Division under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Intel India.
The program targets students from class 8 to 12 nationwide, seeking to deepen their understanding of AI and empower them as human-centric designers and users of AI.
The GPAI Summit, scheduled from December 12th to 14th, will attract a significant number of leaders, policymakers, and AI experts.
YUVAi sees the summit as an ideal platform to showcase its impact and significance in shaping the next generation with AI skills.
3. “Home Minister Amit Shah Chairs Eastern Zonal Council Meeting, Emphasizes Cooperative Federalism”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah chairs the 26th Eastern Zonal Meeting in Patna, involving representatives from Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha.
Shah urges members to work collaboratively with the spirit of cooperative federalism for comprehensive development in the region.
He encourages member states to adopt a liberal and amicable approach to resolving long-standing issues.
Over the past nine years, the Eastern Zonal Council has successfully resolved more than 1,100 disputes through dialogue.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar raises the issue of caste census during the meeting, requesting the Centre to conduct a Caste-based Census to ensure justice for deprived classes.
Kumar highlights Bihar’s efforts in poverty alleviation based on a released socio-economic report.
The meeting serves as a platform for constructive dialogue and cooperation among Eastern Zonal Council members.
4. “International Workshop on Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism to Commence in New Delhi”
A two-day International Workshop on the Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism (ISAA) is set to begin on Monday in New Delhi.
Organized by the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (Divyangjan), Secunderabad, under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The primary goal is to provide training to professionals on the effective use of the ISAA tool, officially approved by the government for autism assessment.
The ISAA is currently utilized by professionals in India and across the Asia Pacific Region.
Participants from India and nine other countries, including the USA, UK, Germany, New Zealand, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Bangladesh, and Bhutan, are expected to attend the workshop.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment highlights the international participation, emphasizing the significance of the ISAA tool in the global context.
The workshop aims to enhance understanding and expertise in the assessment of autism, contributing to improved support and empowerment for individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
Chief Minister – Shri Arvind Kejriwal
Lieutenant Governor – Anil Baijal
5. “Indian Army Marks Kargil Victory with Veteran’s Half Marathon, Honour Run in Delhi”
The Indian Army organized the Army Veteran’s Half Marathon, Honour Run in New Delhi on Sunday to commemorate the historic victory in the Kargil War.
Chief of the Army Staff, General Manoj Pande, flagged off the event that aimed to honor the Kargil War’s significance.
Conducted under the theme of Honour Run, the event aimed at fostering stronger bonds between the Indian Army, veterans, and the public, especially the youth.
The Defence Ministry stated that the participation included over 14 thousand individuals, comprising serving personnel, veterans, NCC cadets, families of army personnel, and enthusiastic citizens.
The marathon and Honour Run served as a tribute to the valor and sacrifice of the armed forces, reinforcing the connection between the military and the community.
The event symbolizes the enduring spirit and unity among different sections of society in acknowledging and honoring the contributions of the Indian Army.
The initiative highlights the ongoing recognition and remembrance of the sacrifices made by the armed forces during the Kargil War.
The Kargil War took place between India and Pakistan in 1999 in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir. The conflict arose when Pakistani forces, disguised as militants, infiltrated into Indian territory and occupied strategic positions in the Kargil region. The intrusion was in violation of the Line of Control (LoC), which serves as the de facto border in the disputed region of Kashmir. The Indian armed forces launched Operation Vijay in response to evict the intruders and regain control of the territory. The conflict lasted for about two months, from May to July 1999, and involved intense fighting at high altitudes in challenging terrain.
6. “Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Unveils Mahatma Gandhi Statue Near Rajghat in New Delhi”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveils the statue of Mahatma Gandhi near Rajghat in New Delhi.
Speaking at the ceremony, Singh commends the installation of the grand statue, emphasizing the continued relevance of Gandhi’s thoughts.
Singh highlights Gandhi’s enduring impact, stating that by embracing non-violence, he won the hearts of people in India and worldwide.
The Defence Minister acknowledges Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s incorporation of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideologies into his life while serving the nation.
The statue unveiling near Rajghat pays tribute to the iconic leader, symbolizing a commitment to Gandhi’s principles and ideals.
The event underscores the ongoing significance of Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings and values in contemporary India.
The ceremony serves as a gesture of respect and remembrance for the Father of the Nation, emphasizing his role in shaping India’s history.
Chief Minister – Shri Arvind Kejriwal
Lieutenant Governor – Anil Baijal
7. “PM Modi Extends Warm Greetings to South Korean President on 50 Years of Diplomatic Ties”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi sends warm greetings to President of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, on the occasion of completing 50 years of diplomatic ties between India and South Korea.
Modi describes the journey as one marked by mutual respect, shared values, and growing partnerships between the two nations.
The Prime Minister expresses anticipation for working closely with President Yoon Suk Yeol to deepen and expand the Special Strategic Partnership.
The social media post underscores the significance of the milestone in diplomatic relations and the commitment to further strengthen ties between India and South Korea.
The message reflects the positive trajectory of the bilateral relationship, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration for mutual benefit.
The celebration of 50 years of diplomatic ties marks a significant achievement in the history of India-South Korea relations.
The commitment to a Special Strategic Partnership signals the intent to enhance cooperation across various sectors for the benefit of both nations.
Capital of South Korea – Seoul
Currency – Won
Language – Korean
Prime Minister – Han Duck-soo.
8. “Union Minister Bhupender Yadav Emphasizes Decarbonization of Transport for Net-Zero Emissions by 2070”
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav asserts that decarbonizing the transport sector is crucial to achieving a net-zero greenhouse gases emission target by 2070.
Speaking at an event on the India-US Payment Security Mechanism for e-buses, Yadav highlights the significant role of electric vehicles in meeting India’s net-zero emissions goal.
The India-US Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) for e-buses is seen as instrumental in establishing an e-bus manufacturing and export hub in India.
The transition to e-buses presents challenges to Public Transport Authorities due to high upfront costs and lower revenue realization from operations.
The PSM agreement, made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the USA, aims to facilitate the deployment of 10,000 made-in-India electric buses.
The initiative aligns with India’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector, as emphasized during India’s G20 Presidency.
With approximately 90 Public Transport Authorities operating around 150,000 buses in India, cumulative losses attributed to low tariffs and high operational costs present financial challenges.
9. “India to Host 27th WAIPA World Investment Conference in New Delhi”
India is set to host the four-day 27th WAIPA World Investment Conference in New Delhi starting from December 11, 2023.
The conference is organized by the National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency of the Government of India, and the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies.
The event will take place at the India International Convention & Expo Centre – Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade.
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, will deliver the keynote address on the Role of Trade and Investment in the Decade of Action on December 13.
Shri Goyal will also launch the Experience India Centre (EIC), showcasing the best of India’s offerings across services, technology, and products through various technologies, including virtual reality, augmented reality, interactive touch screens, and projection mapping.
This will be the largest World Investment Conference ever, with over 1000 attendees, 50 Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs), and participation from various multilateral agencies.
It marks the first time that the World Investment Conference is being held in India, signifying the country’s growing importance in the global investment landscape.
Chief Minister – Shri Arvind Kejriwal
Lieutenant Governor – Anil Baijal
10. “EAM Jaishankar Urges Big Businesses to Support Local Vendors and Build Indian Supply Chains”
External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar emphasizes that the world views India as an exceptionally strong area of growth.
Speaking at the 96th Annual General Meeting of FICCI in New Delhi, Jaishankar underscores the government’s commitment to a level playing field for the industry, ensuring that opening up to the world does not come at the cost of Indian businesses.
The minister urges big businesses in India to contribute to building Indian supply chains and supporting local vendors, emphasizing the importance of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India).
Jaishankar highlights the need for India to have its own supply chain, especially given the global trend towards increased insecurity and protectionism.
He acknowledges that trading rules implemented over the last few decades have raised questions about their effectiveness and credibility.
The government expresses ambitious goals, aiming to make India a developed country in the next 25 years.
Jaishankar sees ‘Bharat’ as a belief, an attitude, and an economic dimension, laden with symbolism that encapsulates centuries of Indian identity and values.
11. “Indian Minister and European Commissioner Discuss Agriculture Policies and Trade Agreement”
Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shobha Karandlaje, and European Commissioner for Agriculture, Janusz Wojciechowski, held a meeting in New Delhi.
Discussions included agricultural policies, initiatives for sustainable food systems, market access issues, and ongoing negotiations for the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement.
Ms. Karandlaje highlighted recent government initiatives, such as the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture and National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture, aimed at making agriculture more sustainable and resilient to climate changes.
The European Commissioner congratulated India on its successful Presidency of the G20.
The importance of the Joint Working Group mechanism to address mutual concerns was emphasized by the European Commissioner.
The meeting signifies ongoing dialogue between India and the European Union on critical agricultural and trade-related matters, showcasing collaboration and
cooperation between the two entities.
International news:
12. “IRCON International to Commence Railway Upgradation on Sri Lanka’s Northern Line”
IRCON International Limited is set to begin railway upgradation work on the northern line of Sri Lanka Railways from January 7, 2024.
The railways department has announced the temporary suspension of train services between Colombo and Jaffna due to the track upgrade work.
IRCON completed the first phase of the upgrade on the 48 km Anuradhapura-Omanthai section of the northern line earlier this year.
The 2nd phase of the scheduled maintenance work will cover the 65 km Maho-Anuradhapura section, with a total project cost of $91.27 million.
The maintenance work is expected to be completed within six months, starting on January 7.
IRCON will rebuild the railway line from the bottom up, including new ballast and welded tracks, enabling faster and smoother travel without jerks.
The upgraded track will allow trains to run at speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour and eliminate several speed restrictions.
The upgrade aims to enhance connectivity from Colombo to Jaffna, providing seamless and comfortable travel for residents of the northern province to the capital.
About IRCON International limited:
IRCON International Limited, commonly known as Ircon, was indeed established in 1976. It was set up by the Indian Railways under the Companies Act of 1956. IRCON specializes in the construction of transport infrastructure, with a primary focus on railways and other transportation projects. The company is involved in various aspects of infrastructure development, including construction, design, and consultancy.
Capital of Srilanka- Colombo, Sri Jayawardenapura.
Currency – Rupee.
Language – Singhala.
Prime Minister – Dinesh Gunawardena.
13. “ICGS Sajag Enhances Maritime Cooperation with UAE in Goodwill Visit”
Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sajag makes a goodwill call at the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of a three-day initiative in the Gulf region.
The visit aims to strengthen ties and cooperation between the Indian Coast Guard and UAE maritime agencies, enhancing professional relationships through combined exercises and interactions.
The vessel departed from King Abdul Aziz Port, Ad Dammam (Saudi Arabia) on December 8, 2023, and arrived at Port Mina Rashid, Dubai on December 10, 2023.
The goodwill call emphasizes collaborative efforts in the maritime domain, aligning with India’s strategic vision of “SAGAR – Security and Growth for all in the Region.”
Colonel Marwan Mohamed Hasan Almazrooqi of the UAE Coast Guard received ICGS Sajag, highlighting the importance of fostering understanding and interoperability between the maritime forces of both nations.
ICGS Sajag, commanded by Deputy Inspector General SR Patil, is part of the Indian Coast Guard fleet based on the West Coast of India in Porbandar, Gujarat.
The ship showcases India’s shipbuilding capabilities under the “Make in India” initiative, equipped with advanced weapon systems, sensors, navigation, communication systems, and an integral helicopter.
During the goodwill call, interactions with the UAE Coast Guard, UAE Navy, and the Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority (CICPA) are planned to promote maritime exchanges.
About ICGS:
The Indian Coast Guard was formally established on February 1, 1977, with the enactment of the Coast Guard Act, 1978, by the Parliament of India. The primary purpose of the Coast Guard is to ensure the safety and protection of India’s maritime interests, including maritime law enforcement, search and rescue operations, and environmental protection in its territorial waters, contiguous zone, and exclusive economic zone.
Capital of UAE – Abu Dhabi
Currency – Dirham
Language – Arabic
Prime Minister – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
14. “Indonesia Proposes Free Entry Visas for Tourists from 20 Countries, Including India, to Boost Tourism”
The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism proposes issuing free entry visas to travelers from 20 countries, including India, to stimulate tourism and drive economic benefits.
The proposal targets countries with the highest number of foreign tourists, aiming to increase tourist visits and generate a multiplier effect on the economy, boosting domestic consumption, attracting investment, and supporting the development of the digital economy.
The 20 countries include Australia, China, India, South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, among others.
Indonesia’s move follows similar initiatives by Malaysia and Thailand, which have exempted Chinese and Indian nationals from visa requirements to encourage tourism.
Malaysia grants visa-free entry to Chinese and Indian citizens for up to 30 days, aiming to attract visitors and revive the tourism sector.
Thailand has extended visa-free entry to Indians until May 2024, along with other measures to boost tourism, resulting in 22 million visitors and significant revenue.
These visa-related measures aim to attract quality tourists with longer stays and higher spending, contributing to the recovery and growth of the tourism sector in these countries.
Capital of Indonesia – Jakarta.
Currency – Rupiah.
Language –Indonesian.
President – Joko Widodo.
15. “Biden Administration Approves $106 Million Emergency Sale of Tank Ammunition to Israel Amid Gaza Operations”
The Biden administration greenlights the emergency sale of nearly 14,000 rounds of tank ammunition to Israel, valued at over $106 million.
The approval coincides with intensified military operations by the Israeli Defence Forces in the southern Gaza Strip.
President Joe Biden’s $106 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and national security faces delays in Congress, entangled in a debate over U.S. immigration policy and border security.
Some Democratic lawmakers consider tying the proposed $14.3 billion in American assistance to Israel to concrete measures by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to reduce civilian casualties in Gaza amid the conflict with Hamas.
Capital of Israel – Jerusalem.
Currency – Shekel.
Language – Hebrew.
Prime Minister – Benjamin Netanyahu.
16. “India-Sweden LeadIT 2.0 Unveils Three Pillars at COP28 Dubai Summit”
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav announces three pillars for the second phase of the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT) at COP28 in Dubai.
Global Forum for Dialogue: A platform for international conversations between governments and industry leaders.
Technology Transfer and Co-Development: Facilitating business-to-business technology transfer, shared patents, and building national institutional capacity for innovation.
Industry Transitions Platform: Coordination of multilateral technical and financial support for global industry transition projects.
Yadav emphasizes the crucial role of LeadIT in promoting global partnerships and addressing challenges in industry transition.
Urgent need for international climate funds to support developing economies in their transition towards a sustainable, low-carbon future.
Launch of an Industry Transition Platform (ITP) between India and Sweden with a focus on technology co-development and implementation.
Joint Mission Statement for LeadIT (2024-26) adopted, emphasizing policy frameworks, public-private partnerships, and knowledge-sharing for a just and equitable industry transition by 2030.
LeadIT Summit serves as a platform for governments and industries to discuss policies aligning with Paris Agreement goals.
Capital of Swedon – Stockholm.
Currency – Krona.
Language – Swedish.
Prime Minister – Stefan Lofven.
Economy:
17. “PM Modi Highlights India’s 7.7% GDP Growth, Envisions GIFT City as Global Financial and Tech Hub”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi notes India’s impressive GDP growth of 7.7% in the first six months of the current fiscal, attributing it to the country’s strengthening economy and transformative reforms of the past decade.
Addressing the ‘Infinity Forum 2.0’ conference at the GIFT City in Gandhinagar through video conferencing, PM Modi envisions turning GIFT City into a global nerve center for new-age financial and technology services.
India is recognized as one of the fastest-growing fintech markets globally, with GIFT International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) emerging as a key hub, according to the Prime Minister.
Modi urges fintech experts to collaborate on innovative solutions to address global challenges.
He emphasizes India’s role as a global capacity center, powered by the talent of its youth.
PM Modi highlights the growth in various sectors over the past decade, citing the availability of diverse trade facilities and secure digital connectivity in the finance sector.
India’s talent advantage creates unparalleled opportunities, and the Prime Minister underscores the country’s robust IT talent and data protection laws.
Mentioning the growth in the Civil Aviation sector, PM Modi notes that daily flights have increased to four lakh passengers, and the number of airports has doubled in the last 10 years.
The Prime Minister also congratulates the people of Gujarat on the inclusion of the state’s traditional Garba dance in UNESCO’s ‘Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.’
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is a key indicator used to measure the economic performance of a country. It represents the total monetary value of all goods and services produced within a country’s borders over a specific time period.
Rankings:
18. “India Ranks 7th in Climate Change Performance Index”
India secures the 7th position in this year’s Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), improving by one rank and maintaining its status among the highest performers.
The CCPI evaluates climate mitigation efforts of 63 countries and the European Union, representing over 90% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
China, the largest polluter, is ranked 51, while the United States, the second-largest emitter, is positioned at 57.
The report, released during the global climate conference (COP-28) in Dubai, highlights India’s consistent presence in the top 10 for the fifth consecutive year.
India’s performance in the CCPI has notably improved over the years, moving from the 31st rank in 2014 to the current 7th position in 2023.
The ranking reflects India’s ongoing efforts and commitment to climate mitigation and sustainability, contributing to global initiatives to address climate change.
Schemes:
19. “DARPG Launches Scheme and Web-Portal for National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG)”
The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) launches the scheme and web portal for the National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG).
The objective of the scheme is to recognize and promote excellence in the implementation of e-Governance initiatives, as well as encourage innovations in successful e-Governance solutions.
Nominations for the National Awards for e-Governance 2024 can be registered and submitted online at www.nceg.gov.in, with the last date for submission being the 29th of the month.
The NAeG Scheme is recognized as one of the most competitive and prestigious digital governance award schemes in the country.
Sixteen awards will be conferred under NAeG-2024, with a gold medal recipient receiving 10 lakh and a silver medal recipient receiving 5 lakh for the implementation of projects or bridging resource gaps in any area of public welfare.
The National Awards for e-Governance 2024 will be conferred in five categories: Government Process Re-engineering, Application of Emerging Technologies for Providing Citizen-Centric Services, District Level Initiatives in e-Governance, Research on Citizen-Centric Services by Academic and Research Institutions, and Replication of Top Technological Initiatives.
The awards aim to highlight and reward outstanding contributions to the field of e-Governance, promoting digital initiatives for the benefit of citizens.
About DARPG:
The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances serves as the primary agency within the Government of India responsible for administrative reforms and addressing public grievances, both at the state level and concerning Central Government agencies. Its mission includes the documentation and dissemination of effective governance practices through various mediums such as audio-visual media and publications. Additionally, the department engages in international exchange and cooperation initiatives to advance public service reforms.
Sports:
20. “India Women Defeat England by 5 Wickets in Third T20 International”
India Women secure a five-wicket victory against England in the third and final T20 International at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
Chasing a target of 127 runs, India Women achieved the score for the loss of five wickets in 19 overs.
Smriti Mandhana (48 runs) and Jemimah Rodrigues (29 runs) were the top scorers for India.
Freya Kemp and Sophie Ecclestone from England took two wickets each, while Charlotte Dean bagged one wicket.
England, batting first, posted 126 runs in 20 overs, with Heather Knight (52 runs) being the top scorer.
Shreyanka Patil and Saika Ishaque from India clinched three wickets each, and Amanjot Kaur and Renuka Singh took two wickets each.
Shreyanka Patil was declared Player of the Match, and Nat Sciver-Brunt was declared Player of the Series.
Despite India’s victory in the final T20, England clinched the series 2-1, winning the first match by 38 runs and the second by 4 wickets.
21. “First-Ever Khelo India Para Games Commence in New Delhi”
The inaugural Khelo India Para Games begin in New Delhi with over 1,400 participants from 32 states, Union Territories, and the Services Sports Control Board.
The 8-day event features Para athletes competing in seven disciplines: para-athletics, para shooting, para archery, para football, para-badminton, para table tennis, and para weightlifting.
The Khelo India Para Games aim to provide opportunities for aspiring para-athletes to showcase their skills and develop careers in para-sports.
Athletes participating in the event will receive comprehensive medical coverage, including emergency medical services, on-site medical teams, and access to necessary healthcare facilities.
The Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry emphasizes the importance of creating a platform for para-athletes to excel and contribute to the growth of para-sports in India.
Venue – Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi.
Date: 10 – 17 November.
Chief Minister – Shri Arvind Kejriwal
Lieutenant Governor – Anil Baijal
