National news

Olaf Scholz’s Official Visit to India and 7th IGC

From 24th to 26th October 2024, Olaf Scholz, the Chancellor of Germany, paid an official visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit included the 7th Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC), which was co-chaired by PM Modi and Chancellor Scholz on 25th October 2024. Chancellor Scholz was accompanied by senior Ministers from his cabinet for the consultations.

During the visit, both leaders addressed the 18th Asia Pacific Conference of German Business (APK 2024) in New Delhi. Additionally, India and Germany signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral relations.

About Germany :

Germany‘s President : Frank-Walter Steinmeier,

capital city is Berlin.

Currency: Euro

India Leads the International Solar Alliance for 2024-2026

India has been re-elected as the President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for a new term (2024-2026), with France elected as Co-President. The Seventh ISA Assembly, held in New Delhi, also selected regional Vice Presidents:

• Africa: Ghana and Seychelles
• Asia-Pacific: Australia and Sri Lanka
• Europe & Others: Germany and Italy
• Latin America & Caribbean: Grenada and Suriname

Ashish Khanna of India was appointed as the ISA’s third Director General, marking a continued commitment to solar energy development.

International Solar Alliance (ISA)

• Founded: 2017 (Initiated by India and France in 2015)
• Objective: Promote solar energy to reduce fossil fuel dependence
• First Conference: March 11, 2018, in New Delhi
• Headquarters: Gurugram, Haryana, India
• Members: 103 countries (Syria is the 103rd member)

NSE Launches Multilingual Mobile App and Website

  Key Features of the NSE App:

• Market overview
• Personalized watchlists
• Real-time updates
• Access to derivatives market data

  Objective: To create an inclusive financial ecosystem by enabling investors to access market information in their regional languages.

Launch of Pandemic Fund Project and 21st Livestock Census by Union Minister Rajeev Ranjan Singh

On October 25, 2024, Union Minister Rajeev Ranjan Singh, alias Lalan Singh, of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying (MoFAH&D), launched a USD 25 million Pandemic Fund Project in New Delhi. Funded by the G20 Pandemic Fund, this initiative aims to bolster animal health security in India to improve pandemic preparedness and response. The Minister also inaugurated the 21st Livestock Census, which will be conducted until February 2025 at an estimated cost of Rs 200 crore. Additionally, two critical documents were unveiled— the Standard Veterinary Treatment Guidelines (SVTG) and the Crisis Management Plan (CMP) for Animal Diseases, both designed to enhance the management of animal health in India.

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Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying (MoFAH&D) : Rajeev -Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh)

Constituency: Munger, Bihar

International news

India’s Education Expenditure and Global Trends According to UNESCO Institute for Statistics

According to the latest 2024 report by the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), India has allocated approximately 4.1-4.6% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to education between 2015 and 2024. During this period, the government’s expenditure on education has fluctuated between 13.5% and 17.2%. The report also highlights a global decline in public spending on education, from 13.2% of public expenditure in 2010 to 12.5% in 2020, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

About UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS):

• Director: Dr. Silvia Montoya
• Headquarters: Montreal, Quebec
• Function: UIS serves as the statistical office of UNESCO and provides internationally-comparable data on education, science, culture, and communication.

2024 US Presidential Election: Kamala Harris vs. Donald Trump

The 2024 United States presidential election is set for November 5, 2024, marking a high-stakes contest between two prominent figures: Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. This election is expected to have significant implications for the nation’s future.

Key Highlights:

• Candidates:

• Kamala Harris (Vice President, Democratic Party)
  • Focused on climate change, healthcare access, and social justice reforms.
  • First woman and person of color to serve as Vice President.
• Donald Trump (Republican Party)
  • Former President (2017-2021), emphasizing economic reform, immigration control, and national security.
  • Strong support among conservative voters.
• Election Date: November 5, 2024
• Electoral Votes (Trump): 267
• Popular Votes (Trump): 69,661,328 (51.2% of the total votes).

Renewal of the Kartarpur Corridor Agreement between India and Pakistan

India and Pakistan have renewed the Kartarpur Corridor agreement, extending its operation for an additional 5 years until 2029. This corridor enables visa-free access for Indian Sikh pilgrims to visit the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan, a revered site as the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism.

Key Highlights:

• Agreement Extension:

• The renewal was announced on October 22, 2024.
• Original agreement signed on October 24, 2019.
• Service Charge Issue:
• India has requested Pakistan to waive the USD 20 service fee per pilgrim, but Pakistan maintains the charge for maintenance costs.
• Corridor Details:

• Length: Approximately 4 km.
• Connects: Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Narowal, Pakistan, with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur, India.
• Location: East bank of the Ravi River, 1 km from the Indo-Pakistan border.
• Inauguration:
• Opened in November 2019 for Guru Nanak Dev’s 550th birth anniversary celebrations.
• Significance:
• Regarded as a Confidence Building Measure (CBM) between India and Pakistan, fostering religious and cultural diplomacy.

About Pakistan:

Prime Minister– Shehbaz Sharif ,

Capital– Islamabad,

Currency– Pakistani Rupee

                                   Banking news

ADB Loan Boosts Assam’s Renewable Energy Sector

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a significant loan of USD 434.25 million (approximately Rs 3600 crore) to support renewable energy in Assam, with a focus on developing a 500 Megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in Karbi Anglong district. This project advances Assam’s renewable energy goals, aiming for 3,000 MW capacity by 2030.

Key Highlights:

·         Battery Energy Storage System (BESS): Ensures a reliable energy supply by managing peak demand and stabilizing the grid.

• Joint Venture (JV): The BESS will be developed as a JV between Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Tripura Power Company Limited (OTPC).

About the Asian Development Bank (ADB)

• President: Masatsugu Asakawa (Japan)
• Headquarters: Manila, Philippines
• Members: 69
• Established: 1966

About Assam

• Capital: Dispur
• Chief Minister (CM): Himanta Biswa Sarma
• Governor: Lakshman Prasad Acharya
• National Parks: Kaziranga NP, Manas NP

Canara HSBC Life Insurance Launches ‘Promise4Future’ Plan

Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company has launched a new plan called ‘Promise4Future’, a non-linked, participating life insurance product that combines life protection and wealth creation. This plan provides policyholders with the dual benefits of long-term protection and the potential for wealth accumulation through the returns generated by the participating fund.

Key Highlights:

·         Two Variants Offered:

• Savings4Future: Helps grow savings while providing life protection. In the event of death, the nominee receives the higher of the sum assured on death or 105% of premiums paid, along with any bonuses.
• Income4Future: Provides a steady income stream with the option of a lump-sum benefit. In case of the policyholder’s death, the nominee receives the sum assured on maturity along with any bonuses.
• Flexible Premium Payments: The plan offers flexibility in premium payments, along with high-premium boosters and the option for partial or full withdrawals under deferred survival benefits.

         This launch aims to offer a comprehensive solution for long-term financial security, protection and savings.

                                             Economy and Business

NTPC Partners with Indian Army for Solar Hydrogen-based Microgrid in Ladakh

The National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) has partnered with the Indian Army (IA) to set up a Solar Hydrogen-based Microgrid in Chushul, located in the Leh district of Ladakh. The project aims to provide a round-the-clock, stable power supply using green hydrogen technology for off-grid Army locations.

Key Highlights:

:

• Capacity: The microgrid will supply 200 kW of power year-round, replacing existing diesel generators in off-grid locations.

• Extreme Conditions: Designed to function in extreme winter conditions, with temperatures as low as -30°C and at an altitude of 4,400 meters.
• Maintenance: NTPC will maintain the project for 25 years to ensure reliable power supply in strategic locations.

National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC)

• Established: 1975
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India
• Sector: Power Generation
• Owned by: Government of India

   Indian Army

• Established: 1895
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India
• Commanding Officer: Chief of Army Staff (COAS)

    Ladakh

• Capital: Leh
• Union Territory: Since August 2019, Ladakh is a Union Territory,
• Headquarters- New Delhi, Delhi
• Established –1975

                                    SCIENCE AND TECHNOLGY

China Launches Tianping-3 Satellites into Orbit

On October 22, 2024, China successfully launched three Tianping-3 satellites into orbit from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi Province. The satellites were launched using the Long March-6 carrier rocket.

Key Points:

• The three launched satellites: Tianping-3A (01), Tianping-3B (01), and Tianping-3B (02).
• Significance:
  • This launch was the 13th of the Long March-6 model and China’s 50th space launch in 2024.
  • It also marked the 541st flight of the Long March carrier rocket series.
• Primary Purpose of Satellites:
  • Radar Calibration: Used for calibrating ground radar equipment.
  • Radar Cross Section Measurement: Helps measure radar cross sections.
  • Space and Atmospheric Research: Includes low-orbit space environment detection

                                           SPORTS

Rani Rampal Announces Retirement from Hockey

Rani Rampal, former captain of the Indian women’s hockey team and Padma Shri awardee, announced her retirement from international hockey at the age of 29. Hockey India honored her legacy by retiring her iconic No. 28 jersey.

Key Highlights:

• International Debut: Rani made her debut in 2008 and scored 205 goals in 254 matches for India.
• Historic Achievements:
  • Part of the Indian team that qualified for back-to-back Olympic Games for the first time in history.
  • Silver at the 2009 Asia Cup, Gold at the 2017 Asia Cup.
  • Captained India to a silver medal at the 2018 Asian Games and led the team to a fourth-place finish at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
• Awards & Recognition:
  • Padma Shri (2020), Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (2020), Arjuna Award (2016), World Games Athlete of the Year (2019).
  • Rani’s Girls Hockey Turf in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh was renamed in her honor.

                                                     IMPORTANT DAY

     International Day for Biosphere Reserves: Celebrating Conservation and Sustainable Use

UNESCO celebrates the International Day for Biosphere Reserves (BR) annually on 3rd November to raise awareness about the importance of Biosphere Reserves and promote their conservation and sustainable use.

Key Highlights:

• Purpose: The day highlights the delicate balance between human activities and the environment, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices.
• Observance: The 3rd International Day for Biosphere Reserves was observed on 3rd November 2024.
• UNESCO Resolution: The 41st UNESCO General Conference adopted a resolution (41 C/37) in 2021 to designate 3rd November as the official International Day for Biosphere Reserves.
• First Celebration: The first observance took place on 3rd November 2022.

About UNESCO:

• Director-General: Audrey Azoulay
• Headquarters: Paris, France
• Founded: 1945

                                     

                                              STATE NEWS

Chhattisgarh CM Launches ‘Sugam App’ for Streamlined Property Registration

Bhupesh Baghel, the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, launched the ‘Sugam (Convenient) App to simplify the online property registration process, particularly benefiting citizens in rural areas.

Key Highlights:

• Objective: The app aims to minimize fraud, reduce human intervention, and eliminate malpractices in property transactions by digitizing the process.
• User-Friendly Interface: Allows users to register properties online without needing intermediaries, making the process accessible from home.
• Photo & Document Upload: Users can upload photos from three angles, along with latitude-longitude details and necessary documents.
• Verification & Payment: A registration officer will verify the property within 15 days, and payments can be made via net banking or Point-of-Sale (POS) systems.
• Integration: The app integrates with land records and revenue databases, ensuring easy access to information for both citizens and officials.
• Real-Time Updates: Users will receive notifications about their application’s status, promoting transparency and reducing the need for physical visits to government offices.

The Sugam App aims to enhance convenience and transparency in property registration in Chhattisgarh.

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State Name: Chhattisgarh

Chief minister  ; vishnudeo sai

Governor: Ramen deka