National news
India May to Welcome Indonesia’s President on Republic Day 2025
New Delhi is reportedly considering Prabowo Subianto, the newly elected President of Indonesia, as the chief guest for India’s Republic Day 2025 celebrations. This potential invitation underscores the strengthening ties between India and Indonesia, highlighting shared strategic interests and a commitment to fostering deeper diplomatic and defense cooperation.
Significance of the Potential Invitation
- Chief Guest Selection:
- If confirmed, Prabowo Subianto’s presence would symbolize the growing Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
- His selection aligns with India’s emphasis on prioritizing Indo-Pacific partnerships.
- High-Level Engagements:
- Discussions are expected at the G-20 summit in Brazil, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Subianto are scheduled to meet.
- The Republic Day invitation builds on Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita’s visit to Jakarta for Subianto’s inauguration.
India-Indonesia: A Growing Partnership
- Defense Cooperation:
- Recent joint military exercises like GARUD SHAKTI and collaborative naval operations demonstrate robust defense ties.
- Economic & Cultural Links:
- India is among Indonesia’s major trading partners, with strong cultural and historical connections dating back to ancient times.
about Indonesia
- Capital: Jakarta
- President: Prabowo Subianto
- Currency: Rupiah (IDR)
India Commits to 30% Protected Areas in Updated Biodiversity Plan
India has unveiled its updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) during the 16th UN Biodiversity Conference in Cali, Colombia, committing to protect at least 30% of its terrestrial, inland water, and coastal marine areas by 2030. This ambitious target aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF), adopted at the previous conference in 2022, which aims for global protection of 30% of land and ocean areas while restoring degraded ecosystems crucial for providing clean water and air.
Commitment to 30×30 Target: India aims to protect 30% of its terrestrial, inland water, and coastal marine areas by 2030, in line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF).
Global Context:
- The NBSAP aligns with the 23 global goals adopted under the KM-GBF in 2022.
- India, home to 7-8% of the world’s species on just 2.4% of global land area, highlights its responsibility as a biodiversity hotspot.
Financial Investments:
- ₹32,200 crore spent on biodiversity protection and restoration (2017-18 to 2021-22).
- Projected annual biodiversity conservation expenditure through 2029-30: ₹81,664.88 crore.
Three Key Themes:
a. Reducing Threats to Biodiversity:
- Targets include combating land use changes, pollution, climate change, and invasive species.
- Focus on restoring ecosystems and managing species diversity.
b. Sustainable Use for People’s Needs:
- Five targets highlight sustainable management of agriculture, fisheries, and forests.
- Emphasis on benefits for rural and tribal communities.
c. Tools and Solutions for Implementation:
- Ten targets focus on integrating biodiversity into development goals and promoting sustainable production.
- Encourages community involvement and public engagement.
Restoration and Community Involvement:
- Aims to restore 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030.
- Launch of Mission Life, promoting eco-friendly lifestyles to tackle overconsumption and waste generation.
Celebrating 50 Years Coal India’s Foundation Day
Coal India Limited (CIL) celebrated its 50th Foundation Day on 1st November, marking a significant milestone as it entered its golden jubilee year. The day began with a respectful tribute at the Coal Martyrs’ Memorial, where CIL’s Chairman PM Prasad, along with Functional Directors and the Chief Vigilance Officer, honored the contributions and sacrifices of coal industry workers throughout the decades.
Key Moments of the Day
- Tribute at Coal Martyrs’ Memorial
- Led by: CIL Chairman PM Prasad, Functional Directors, and the Chief Vigilance Officer.
- Purpose: Honoring coal industry workers for their sacrifices and contributions.
- Flag Unfurling
- The Coal India flag was unfurled by the Chairman, symbolizing the company’s legacy and commitment.
- Acknowledgment of Employees
- PM Prasad expressed gratitude to past and present employees, highlighting their efforts as the foundation of CIL’s success.
Chairman’s Key Statements
- Coal’s Importance:
- Coal will remain a key energy resource for India for at least the next 20 years.
- CIL’s role is critical in ensuring the country’s energy security.
- Future Focus:
- Commitment to stable and reliable coal supply to meet India’s growing energy needs.
- Workforce Dedication:
- Praised the resilience and dedication of the workforce in driving India’s energy aspirations.
Coal India Limited (CIL): Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Foundation Day | November 1, 1975 |
| CMD | Pramod Mohan Prasad |
| Headquarters | Kolkata, West Bengal |
Launch of International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System
On 22nd October 2024, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia inaugurated the “International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System” at BSNL Bhawan, New Delhi. This initiative is a significant step by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to combat fraudulent calls and ensure a safer digital environment for Indian telecom users.
Key Highlights of the System
- Objective:
- To detect and block fraudulent international calls falsely appearing with an Indian (+91) prefix.
- Operational Milestones:
- The system went live on 17th October 2024.
- Within the first 24 hours, it successfully identified and blocked 1.35 crore spoofed calls, accounting for 90% of such incoming calls.
- Collaboration:
- Developed by DoT under the Ministry of Communications (MoC) in partnership with Telecom Service Providers (TSPs).
- Impact:
- Protects citizens from cybercrimes involving spoofed calls.
- Enhances trust in India’s digital and telecom infrastructure.
Event Details
- Key Dignitaries:
- Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (Constituency: Guna, Madhya Pradesh)
- Union Minister of State (MoS) Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani (Constituency: Guntur, Andhra Pradesh)
- Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary, Department of Telecommunications
- Other senior officials of DoT and telecom stakeholders
International news
ILO’s 352nd Governing Body Meeting Kicks Off in Geneva
The 352nd Governing Body meeting of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) is currently taking place in Geneva. This important gathering began on October 28 and will run until November 7, bringing together representatives from member countries to discuss key labor issues and strategies for improving working conditions globally.
India’s Key Contributions Highlighted at the Meeting
- Multidimensional Poverty Reduction
- Achievement: India lifted 248 million people out of multidimensional poverty over the past nine years, reflecting a holistic approach to poverty alleviation.
- Source: Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI).
- Employment Growth
- Addition to Workforce: Approximately 170 million individuals joined economic activities between 2016-17 and 2022-23 (provisional estimates).
- Significance: Indicative of rising employment opportunities and increased economic participation.
- Major Government Initiatives
- PM Jan Dhan Yojana: Promotes financial inclusion by providing banking access to previously unbanked populations.
- PM Jeevan Jyoti Yojana: Offers affordable life insurance for vulnerable groups.
- PM Suraksha Bima Yojana: Ensures affordable accident insurance.
- Transformation in Financial Inclusion
- Dawra highlighted India’s decade-long focus on providing universal access to financial services, particularly for vulnerable populations, marking a significant shift in inclusion efforts.
About the International Labour Organisation (ILO)
| Feature | Details |
| Founded | 1919 |
| Headquarters | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Membership | 187 Member States |
| Notable Recognition | Nobel Peace Prize, 1969 |
The ILO remains dedicated to improving working conditions, enhancing living standards, and promoting global labor rights.
ADB Approves USD 241.3 Million Loan for Power Distribution in West Bengal
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sanctioned a USD 241.3 million loan to bolster the power distribution infrastructure in West Bengal. This initiative aims to ensure a reliable, quality, and sustainable power supply, thereby enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Key Highlights
- Programme Objectives:
- Strengthen the power distribution system in alignment with West Bengal’s Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).
- Improve the operational efficiency of power distribution companies (DISCOMs).
- RDSS Program Details:
- Approved in 2022 by the Government of India (GOI) and the Government of West Bengal.
- Budget Outlay: USD 197.39 million.
- Implementation Period: 2022–2026.
- RDSS Program Goals by 2026:
- Eliminate the ACS-ARR gap (on subsidy receipt basis).
- Reduce System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI) to 130 interruptions per customer.
- Lower Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) loss to 12.11%.
About Asian Development Bank (ADB)
| Feature | Details |
| President | Masatsugu Asakawa (Japan) |
| Headquarters | Manila, The Philippines |
| Established | 1966 |
| Member Nations | 69 |
About West Bengal
| Feature | Details |
| Chief Minister (CM) | Mamata Banerjee |
| Governor | Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose |
| Capital | Kolkata |
| National Parks (NPs) | Gorumara NP, Neora Valley NP, Sunderban NP |
Banking news
SBI Mutual Fund Surpasses ₹10 Lakh Crore AUM, Leading the Industry
SBI Mutual Fund (SBI MF) has made headlines by becoming the first fund house in India to surpass the ₹10 lakh crore mark in assets under management (AUM), reaching ₹10.99 lakh crore in the September quarter, a notable increase from ₹9.88 lakh crore in June. This achievement places SBI MF ahead of its closest competitors, ICICI Mutual Fund and HDFC Mutual Fund, which have AUMs of ₹8.41 lakh crore and ₹7.47 lakh crore, respectively.
Growth Drivers
- Strong Inflows:
- Boosted by New Fund Offers (NFOs), raising ₹44,955 crore in the September quarter, a 67% increase.
- Market Rally:
- Benchmark indices like the Sensex witnessed significant growth, enhancing investor sentiment.
Industry Trends
- Total Mutual Fund Industry AUM grew by 12%, reaching ₹66.22 lakh crore from ₹58.96 lakh crore in June.
- Dominated by 16 major fund houses, accounting for 90% of AUM.
- Rising participation through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs), especially in smaller cities.
Challenges: Recent stock market downturns could test new investors unfamiliar with market fluctuations.
Ranks and report news
Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 2024: “Poverty Amid Conflict”
The Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 2024 highlights the persistence of acute poverty worldwide, exacerbated by conflicts, fragility, and lack of peacefulness in many regions. The report underscores how these factors hinder or reverse progress in poverty reduction.
Key Findings of the MPI 2024
- Global Statistics:
- 1.1 billion people (18.3%) in 112 countries live in acute multidimensional poverty.
- 455 million (40%) of the world’s poor reside in countries affected by war, fragility, or low peacefulness.
- India’s Position:
- India has the largest number of people living in poverty globally, with 234 million individuals.
- Other countries with significant poverty numbers include:
- Pakistan: 93 million
- Ethiopia: 86 million
- Nigeria: 74 million
- Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): 66 million
- Child Poverty:
- Children bear the brunt of multidimensional poverty, with 584 million children (over half of the 1.1 billion poor) affected.
- 28% of children globally live in poverty, compared to 13.5% of adults.
Report Details
- Title: “Poverty Amid Conflict”
- Release Date: 17th October 2024 (International Day for the Eradication of Poverty)
- Joint Release By:
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI), University of Oxford
About UNDP
| Feature | Details |
| Administrator | Achim Steiner |
| Headquarters | New York, USA |
| Established | 1945 |
Appointment news
Itaru Otani Appointed as Chairman of India Yamaha Motor
- Itaru Otani has been named the Chairman of India Yamaha Motor.
- His appointment reflects Yamaha’s focus on strengthening its position in the highly competitive Indian two-wheeler market.
Strategic Vision for India
- Otani’s leadership aims to align Yamaha’s offerings with the evolving preferences of Indian consumers.
- Emphasis on developing innovative and stylish products tailored to meet local demands.
- Strategic priorities include:
- Strengthening Yamaha’s presence in both urban and rural markets.
- Introducing technology-driven and environmentally friendly two-wheelers.
Science news
ISRO Begins Groundbreaking Analogue Space Mission in Leh
ISRO announced the launch of its analogue space mission in Leh, Ladakh. This innovative mission aims to simulate life in an interplanetary habitat, addressing the challenges associated with establishing a base station beyond Earth. Through this initiative, ISRO seeks to gather insights and prepare for future space exploration endeavors.
Mission Overview
- Launch Date: November 1, 2024
- Location: Leh, Ladakh
- Objective: To simulate interplanetary living conditions and prepare for establishing extraterrestrial habitats.
Mission Objectives
- Simulating Extreme Conditions
- Ladakh’s climate provides a natural setting for testing extraterrestrial conditions.
- Temperature Variations:
- Summer: 3°C to 35°C
- Winter: −20°C to −35°C with heavy snowfall
- Focus: Replicating the environmental and geological challenges astronauts might face on Mars or the Moon.
- Testing Astronaut Preparedness
- Addressing potential challenges related to isolation, resource management, and adaptability.
- Preparing astronauts for missions in extreme environments.
ISRO Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Chairman | S. Somnath |
| Head Office | Bengaluru |
| Jurisdiction | Department of Space |
Space Kidz India’s ShakthiSAT Mission: Empowering Girls in STEM Across 108 Nations
Space Kidz India, a Chennai-based aerospace startup, has launched the ambitious ShakthiSAT mission, aiming to inspire and train 12,000 girls across 108 countries in the field of space technology. This initiative seeks to promote STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) among girls, equipping them with critical skills and hands-on experience in space exploration.
Key Highlights
- Mission Overview:
- Focus: Empower girls aged 14-18 through space technology training.
- Coverage: 108 nations; aims to train 12,000 girls worldwide.
- Training Details:
- 120 hours of online training on topics including space technology, payload development, and spacecraft systems.
- Following the online module, 108 students (one from each country) will travel to India for hands-on experience in payload and spacecraft prototype building.
- Hands-on Training Period: June to August 2025.
- Satellite Launch Plans:
- The ShakthiSAT satellite will be launched as part of ISRO’s Chandrayaan-4 mission in 2026.
- Inauguration:
- The project is set to be officially unveiled by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, in November 2024.
Mission Goals
- Foster Interest in STEM: Encourage young girls worldwide to pursue careers in science and technology.
- Promote Diversity: Provide global exposure and opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.
- Hands-on Learning: Bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in space technology.
Impact
The ShakthiSAT mission is poised to inspire millions of young girls worldwide, establishing a global network of future leaders in space technology. By fostering STEM education and creating opportunities for hands-on learning, this initiative will contribute to building an inclusive and innovative future in aerospace.
Sports news
ISSF Athletes of the Year 2024: Yang Ji-in and Liu Yukun
At the ISSF World Cup Final Opening Ceremony on 14th October 2024, held at Dr. Karni Singh Range, Tughlakabad, New Delhi, India, the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) honored Yang Ji-in (South Korea) and Liu Yukun (China) as the Athletes of the Year 2024.
Award Recipients
- Yang Ji-in (South Korea)
- Award: Female ISSF Athlete of the Year 2024.
- Achievements:
- Gold medalist in women’s 25m pistol at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games (France).
- Gold medals in the 2024 Asian Rifle/Pistol Championships (Jakarta) and 2024 ISSF World Cup (Baku).
- Reached the finals in 4 of 5 ISSF World Cup events this season.
- Bronze medalist at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
- Liu Yukun (China)
- Award: Male ISSF Athlete of the Year 2024.
- Achievements:
- Olympic gold medalist in men’s 50m rifle 3 positions at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with a final score of 463.6.
- Set an Olympic record with a qualification score of 594.
- Winner of the 2024 ISSF World Cup (Baku) in men’s 50m rifle 3 positions.
About the ISSF
- President: Luciano Rossi
- Headquarters: Munich, Germany
- Role: Governs international shooting sports competitions and sets global standards for the sport.
Important days
63rd ITBP Raising Day: 24th October 2024
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Raising Day is observed annually on 24th October, commemorating the establishment of the ITBP in 1962.
Key Highlights
- Significance:
- Acknowledges the ITBP’s dedication to securing India’s borders, especially along the Indo-China border, and fostering safety in remote regions.
- Marks 63 years of service and commitment in 2024.
- Role:
- ITBP serves as a Central Armed Police Force under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
- Plays a vital role in border security, disaster response, anti-Naxal operations, and assisting in community development in border areas.
About ITBP
- Director General (DG): Rahul Rasgotra
- Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi
- Established: 1962
- Motto: Shaurya-Dridhata-Karma Nishtha (Valour-Determination-Devotion to Duty)
