National news
“Govt Plans to Increase India’s Nuclear Power Capacity to 22,480 MW by 2031-32”
The government announced plans to increase India’s nuclear power capacity to 22,480 Megawatts by 2031-32, up from the current installed capacity of 8,180 Megawatts.In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for PMO, mentioned that studies on India’s energy transition to Net Zero by 2070 have recommended the need for a national nuclear capacity of around 100 gigawatts by 2047. He added that the recommendations are under review for potential future adoption.
- Currently, India’s nuclear capacity consists of 24 reactors, with one reactor (100 MW) under extended shutdown and three reactors (540 MW) undergoing upgrades. The remaining 20 reactors with a combined capacity of 7,540 Megawatts are actively operating.
“India’s Security Landscape Demands a Self-Reliant and Robust Defence Sector: CDS Gen Anil Chauhan”
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, addressing the Defence Partnership Days in New Delhi, stressed the need for a self-reliant and indigenous defence sector to ensure long-term peace and security for India.
- He highlighted India’s growing status as the 5th largest economy globally and the necessity of a strong, independent defence framework to match this rise. General Chauhan discussed various government reforms that have opened the defence industry to private industry, joint ventures, and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
- He also emphasized the importance of adopting the 4I’s—innovative, inventive, indigenous, and imaginative—to guide future defence advancements. Additionally, he proposed formulating defence policies focused on emerging technologies like space, AI, quantum, and autonomous systems. Over 200 companies and 100 officers from the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces are participating in the two-day event, discussing technology and procurement strategies for India’s defence future.
About Foreign Direct Investment:
Headquarter: Geneva, Switzerland
Foreign investment introduced : 1991
“Iron Ore Production Grows 4.1% to 158.4 MT in FY 2024-25: Mines Ministry”
Iron ore production in India has seen a growth of 4.1% from April to October in the financial year 2024-25, reaching a total of 158.4 million metric tonnes (MT), up from 152.1 MT during the same period last year, as reported by the Ministry of Mines.
In addition to iron ore, the production of manganese ore has also increased by 11.1%, rising to 2.0 million metric tonnes compared to the previous year.
In the non-ferrous metal sector, primary aluminium production saw a growth of 1.2%, reaching 24.46 lakh tonnes in FY 2024-25. Similarly, refined copper production grew by 6.0%, increasing from 2.83 lakh tonnes to 3.00 lakh tonnes during the same period.
“Indian Army Launches ‘Eklavya’ Online Digital Platform for Officers’ Training”
The Indian Army has launched the ‘Eklavya’ online digital platform for officer training, inaugurated by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi in New Delhi.
- This initiative is part of the Army’s efforts to propel itself into the “Decade of Transformation” and aligns with the theme of 2024 as the Year of Technology Absorption. The platform, hosted on the Army Data Network, features a scalable architecture that allows the Headquarters Army Training Command to integrate various training establishments across the Indian Army, each capable of hosting a wide range of courses. Officers can register for multiple courses simultaneously. Currently, 96 courses from 17 Category ‘A’ Training Establishments are available on the platform, enhancing the training opportunities for student officers.
International news
“India-Bosnia and Herzegovina Hold 4th Foreign Office Consultations in Sarajevo”
India and Bosnia and Herzegovina held their 4th Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Sarajevo, where both countries conducted a comprehensive review of bilateral, regional, and international issues.
- The discussions covered key topics such as political relations, trade and investments, cooperation in science and technology, cultural relations, and tourism.Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest, including their neighbourhoods, multilateralism through BRICS, UN, EU, and the Non-Aligned Movement. It was agreed that the next round of FOCs will be held in New Delhi. This meeting also comes ahead of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will be celebrated in 2025.
About Bosnia and Herzegovina:
- Capital: Sarajevo
- Currency : Bosnian Convertible Mark.
“USA Tops Network Readiness Index 2024; India Ranked 49th Globally”
The Network Readiness Index 2024 (NRI), published by Portulans Institute (PI) and Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, ranks the United States as the global leader in network readiness for the 3rd consecutive year, with an overall score of 78.96. Singapore follows in 2nd place with 76.94, while Finland (75.76), Sweden (74.99), and Republic of Korea (74.85) complete the top five. India holds the 49th position globally with a score of 53.63, ranking 2nd among lower-middle-income countries, just behind Vietnam (45th).
About Portulans Institute (PI):
- Founders: Soumitra Dutta and Bruno Lanvin
- Headquarters: Washington DC, United States of America (USA)
“55th IFFI Concludes with Vibrant Ceremony in Goa
The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) concluded with a grand ceremony at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Panaji, Goa. The Golden Peacock Award was awarded to the film ‘Toxic’, directed by Saule Biluvaite, with a ₹40 lakh cash prize, a Golden Peacock Trophy, and a certificate. The film’s lead actors, Clement Faveau and Vesta Matulyte, along with Leva Repuikaite, won the Best Actor Male and Best Actor Female awards for their outstanding performances in the film.
- In the Indian section, Navjot Bandiwadekar was recognized as the Best Debut Director for the film ‘Gharat Ganpati’, while the Best Web Series OTT award went to ‘Lampan’. The festival also honored Vikrant Massey as the Indian Film Personality of the Year for his versatile acting and diverse roles in Indian cinema.
- The closing ceremony featured vibrant cultural performances, including a folk performance by Mame Khan and a musical rendition by Amaal Malik. Dignitaries such as Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju, and renowned film industry icons like Madhur Bhandarkar, Ramesh Sippy, Ashutosh Gowariker, Rashmika Mandanna, Shriya Saran, Rupali Ganguly, and Jayaprada attended the event.
About Goa :
- Chief minister: Pramod Sawant
- Capital :Panaji
National park :
- Mollem National Park
- Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
State news
“Maharashtra Govt Introduces Online, Faceless Facility for Light Goods Vehicle Registration”
The Maharashtra government has launched an online, faceless facility for registering light goods vehicles at the vehicle distributor level. This new service, available at all transport offices across the state, allows vehicle distributors to apply for vehicle registration on behalf of the vehicle owners via the website www.parivahan.gov.in. The process includes payment of registration fees and taxes, and is entirely faceless, meaning no in-person interaction is required, streamlining the registration process.
About Maharashtra:
Capital : Mumbai
National park :
- Sanjay Gandhi National Park
- Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve
- Pench National Park
- Gugamal National Park
- Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary
- Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary
Appointment news
“Masato Kanda Elected as the 11th President of ADB”
Masato Kanda has been unanimously elected as the 11th President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) by its Board of Governors. Currently serving as Special Advisor to Japan’s Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Kanda will assume office in February 2025, succeeding Masatsugu Asakawa. He will complete the remainder of Asakawa’s term, which concludes on November 23, 2026.
Established in 1966, the ADB is headquartered in Manila, Philippines, and has 68 members globally, including both regional and non-regional countries. The bank promotes social and economic development in Asia and operates 31 field offices worldwide.
Asian Development Bank.:
- President: Masato Kanda
- Headquarters : Manila, Philippines
- Established: 1966.
Sports news
“India’s Rinchen Youdol Wins Historic Bronze at 1st World Para Poomsae Taekwondo Championships”
Rinchen Youdol, a para-athlete from Bodhkharboo, Kargil in Ladakh, made history by winning the Bronze Medal at the 1st World Para Poomsae Taekwondo Championships held in Manama, Bahrain. Competing in the Senior Female (No Age Bar) category, Rinchen stood out among 140 athletes from 23 countries. Her achievement is particularly significant as she is the first athlete from Ladakh to earn a medal in Taekwondo, marking a milestone in the region’s sporting history.
- The event brought together para-athletes from five continents, showcasing global talent. Rinchen’s journey was supported by the Cerebral Palsy Association of Ladakh, the Ladakh Taekwondo Association, and local authorities, including Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier Dr. BD Mishra (Retd.). Rinchen dedicated her win to the people of Ladakh, hoping to inspire others to pursue their passions and overcome obstacles.
Book and authors
“A Book Titled ‘My Beloved Life’ By Amitava Kumar”
Amitava Kumar’s My Beloved Life narrates the journey of Jadunath “Jadu” Kunwar, a man from a small village in Bihar, and his daughter Jugnu, as they navigate life in a rapidly changing India. The novel delves into themes of love, loss, and growth, while also reflecting on the country’s significant historical events. Kumar intertwines a personal narrative with broader insights into India’s political and social transformation over time. The story highlights the resilience of ordinary people and their ability to overcome adversity and create meaningful lives, offering a poignant look at the evolution of the nation.
Minister S. Jaishankar Launches Book “Why Bharat Matters” in Dubai
In November 2024, Union Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar launched his book “Why Bharat Matters” at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Dubai, UAE. Originally published in Hindi in December 2023, the English version was released by Rupa Publications India Private Limited. The book discusses global transformations, India’s internal progress, and the importance of self-reliance in addressing global challenges.
During the event, Jaishankar also inaugurated the first overseas campus of Symbiosis International University (SIU) at Dubai Knowledge Park. The campus will offer programs in management, technology, and media, promoting the values of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family) and strengthening India-UAE relations.
