National news
Smriti Irani Highlights Strong India-UAE Ties at Roundtable Discussion
Smriti Irani, former Union Minister and BJP leader, emphasized that India and UAE share a unique relationship rooted in history and shared values.
- During the India-UAE Roundtable, titled “India-UAE Synergies: Exploring Strategic Market Opportunities in India”, Irani highlighted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India is emerging as a rising economic power and a beacon of innovation and progress.
- The roundtable was hosted by Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Ajman Government Executive Council, at his residence in Ajman.
- Sheikh Rashid emphasized that the roundtable serves as a platform to explore the potential of India-UAE relations, especially in technology, renewable energy, and education sectors.
ABOUT UAE:
- Capital: Abu Dhabi
- Prime Minister: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
- Currency: Dirham
Health and Education Ministries Sign MoU to Support IMS, BHU
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare signed an MoU with Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and the Ministry of Education to support the Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS) at BHU.
- The MoU provides for a grant-in-aid to IMS, BHU, in alignment with the establishment of new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana.
- The MoU was signed in New Delhi, with Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, J.P. Nadda, and Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan in attendance.
- J.P. Nadda described the MoU as historic, emphasizing the “whole of government” approach, promoting collaboration among different ministries for public welfare.
- Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted that the MoU will help establish IMS, BHU as a world-class institute, enhancing affordable health care and clinical services in the region, reducing the need for referrals.
About All India Institute of Medical Sciences :
· Established: 1956
· Chairman : Dr. M . Srinivas
· Headquarters: New Delhi, India
PM Modi to Address Nation in 116th Episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will share his thoughts in the 116th episode of the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio programme on November 24.
- The programme will be aired on Akashvani, Doordarshan, the AIR News website, and the Newsonair mobile app.
- It will also be live-streamed on YouTube channels of AIR News, DD News, PMO, and the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.
- The regional language broadcasts will follow the Hindi version on Akashvani.
- This episode of Mann Ki Baat is part of the Prime Minister’s regular engagement with the public, where he discusses national and global issues, shares important government initiatives, and interacts with the citizens.
About All India Radio :
· Established: 1936
· Headquarters: New Delhi, India
· Chairman : Navneet Kumar Sehga
Dharmendra Pradhan and Mansukh Mandaviya Launch World Bank’s ‘Jobs at Your Doorstep’ Report
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya launched the ‘Jobs at Your Doorstep’ report by the World Bank in New Delhi.
- Dharmendra Pradhan praised the World Bank team for the comprehensive analysis on six states and suggested adopting a pan-India framework for the report.
- Pradhan emphasized that the report’s in-depth diagnostics on skilling and jobs will help create progressive policies and new architectures to empower the population.
- He stressed the need to broaden the definition of jobs and employment, especially considering the impact of technological disruptions on the nature of jobs and economic activities.
- Pradhan highlighted the importance of upskilling and reskilling the workforce to adapt to future challenges.
- Mansukh Mandaviya referred to the last budget proposal for developing a curriculum to utilize region-specific skills and employment opportunities. He also stressed the need to incorporate informal education into formal academic systems.
About world Bank :
- Established: 1944
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States
- Chairman: Ajay Banga
International news
India Sends Second Consignment of Haemo-Dialysis Machines to Pacific Islands
India has dispatched the second consignment of Haemo-Dialysis machines with portable RO units to the Pacific Islands, fulfilling its commitment made at the FIPIC Summit.
- The consignment includes:
- Three units sent to the Marshall Islands.
- One unit each to Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Nauru.
- This initiative aims to support the healthcare infrastructure of the Pacific Islands, particularly in providing dialysis treatment.
India-Russia Strengthen Defence Ties at 22nd Working Group Meeting
The 22nd meeting of the India-Russia Working Group on Military Technical Cooperation was held in New Delhi.
- The meeting was part of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC).
- The meeting was co-chaired by Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary of Defence Production from India, and A. Boytsov, First Deputy Director of the Federal Service for Military Technical Cooperation from Russia.
- The meeting aimed at strengthening defence ties and enhancing cooperation in military technical areas between India and Russia.
About Russia :
- Capital: Moscow
- Prime Minister: Mikhail Mishustin
- Currency: Russian Ruble (RUB)
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY NEWS
Indian Scientists Identify New Pathway for Monkeypox Detection and Diagnostics
- Scientists from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) have identified a new pathway for detecting Monkeypox and developing diagnostic tools.
- They characterized DNA sequences within the Monkeypox virus (MPV) genome, which could be targeted for detection and treatment.
- The Science and Technology Ministry highlighted the significance of identifying unusual nucleic acid structures, including G-quadruplex sequences (GQs), which are not found in other pox viruses or the human genome.
- These unique GQs in the MPV genome make them valuable targets for developing diagnostic tools and potential antiviral treatments.
- The outbreak of Mpox has raised concerns due to its unanticipated spread and unclear transmission methods, making this research important for understanding the virus and its virology.
- The discovery of these GQ sequences may also aid in the development of therapeutic interventions for Monkeypox.
About Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research
- Established: 1989
- Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
- President & Deans · Prof. G.U. Kulkarni
STATE NEWS
South Central Railway Launches First Banana Export Train from Andhra Pradesh
South Central Railway launched the first Banana Export Train from Tadipatri, Andhra Pradesh.
- The train is carrying 680 tonnes of bananas to Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Mumbai for export.
- The bananas will be exported to Middle Eastern countries, including Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.
- CONCOR is providing end-to-end logistics to ensure smooth transportation.
- This initiative aims to strengthen global trade by boosting agricultural exports and highlights the important role of Indian Railways in supporting farmers and the economy.
About Andhra Pradesh :
- Chief Minister (CM): Sri Nara Chandra Babu Naidu
- Capital: Amaravati
National Parks:
- Rajiv Gandhi National Park (also known as Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary)
- Koringa Wildlife Sanctuary
- Sri Venkateswara National Park
CAQM Urges Delhi-NCR States to Launch Special Drive for Impounding End of Life Vehicles
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has urged all Delhi-NCR states to start a special drive for impounding End of Life Vehicles.
- Data from Traffic Police, Transport agencies, and municipal authorities on such vehicles must be compiled and submitted to the CAQM through the nodal agency.
- CAQM held a review meeting to ensure the strict implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the NCR region.
- The Commission has focused on:
- Controlling construction and demolition dust.
- Intensifying prevention of such activities.
- Revising inspection protocols for fire incidents in Punjab and Haryana (from 48 hours to 24 hours).
- Special attention must be given to hotspots in Delhi and checking entry points for non-permitted vehicles.
- The CAQM has directed that pending citizen complaints on apps and social media must be resolved in a time-bound manner.
- Daily reporting of actions under GRAP must be provided to the Commission.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION NEWS
Maria Victoria Kjær Theilvig Crowned Miss Universe 2024
Maria Victoria Kjær Theilvig (21) from Denmark was crowned Miss Universe 2024 at the 73rd edition of the pageant, held at the Arena in Mexico City.
- Denmark celebrates its first-ever victory in the Miss Universe competition.
- The pageant had 125 contestants participating from around the world.
- Victoria Kjær Theilvig was crowned by Sheynnis Palacios (Miss Universe 2023) from Nicaragua.
- Miss Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, secured the 1st Runner-up spot, while Miss Mexico, Maria Fernanda Beltran, finished as 2nd Runner-up.
- India’s representative, Rhea Singha from Gujarat, made it to the top 30 finalists.
- Victoria Kjaer Theilvig becomes the first blonde woman to win Miss Universe since Jennifer Hawkins of Australia in 2004.
About Denmark :
· Capital: Copenhagen
· Currency: Danish Krone (DKK)
· Prime Minister: Mette Frederiksen
82 Young Artists Honored with Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar
82 young artists were conferred with the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for the years 2022 and 2023 at a ceremony in New Delhi.
- The awards were presented by Culture Ministry Secretary Arunish Chawla.
- The Yuva Puraskar recognizes outstanding young talent in music, dance, drama, folk, and tribal art forms.
- Each award carries a purse money of ₹25,000 and is presented to artists under the age of 40.
- Yusuf Khan Mewati, an awardee from Rajasthan, expressed his gratitude and excitement for receiving the award.
- Padma Dolker became the first young artist from Ladakh to receive the honor, sharing her joy at this milestone.
