29th November 2024 Current Affairs (Daily GK Update)

National News

Sanraksha App launched for Enhancing Rail Passenger Safety

The launch of the ‘Sanraksha’ mobile application by Indian Railways aims to enhance the safety and security of passengers. It integrates advanced technology, including data analytics and potential AI applications, to train and build the capacity of railway staff while ensuring passenger safety. The app was launched after a successful pilot project in the Nagpur division, and it is being rolled out across various railway zones to create a more secure environment for travelers.

Centre Receives 28 Proposals from 23 States for New City Development

The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has received 28 proposals from 23 states for the development of new cities, as part of the central government’s initiative to meet the growing demand for urban expansion. This marks a significant step in fulfilling the commitment made in February 2021 to develop eight new cities. The proposals are under scrutiny, with a focus on ensuring quality and adherence to eligibility criteria set by the 15th Finance Commission.

40 Tourism Projects to Revitalize Lesser-Known Destinations Across India

In a bid to promote sustainable tourism and balance tourist traffic, the Ministry of Tourism has approved 40 projects worth over Rs 3,295 crore, aimed at transforming lesser-known destinations into iconic sites. Spanning 23 states, these projects are expected to stimulate local economies and enhance tourism infrastructure. This initiative is in line with the past efforts to reduce overcrowding at popular tourist spots by focusing on underdeveloped regions.

IIT Guwahati to Host Nation’s Largest Science Festival

The India International Science Festival (IISF) 2024, India’s largest science celebration, will take place at IIT Guwahati, Assam, from November 30 to December 3, 2024. Organized under the aegis of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), with the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) as the coordinating body, IISF promotes science-society engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration.

International News

India and Bosnia & Herzegovina Strengthen Ties at 4th Foreign Office Consultations

India and Bosnia & Herzegovina held the 4th Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Sarajevo, led by Arun Kumar Sahu, Additional Secretary (Central Europe) from India, and Tarik Bukvic, Head of the Department for Asia and Africa from Bosnia. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral political ties, trade and investment, scientific collaboration, cultural relations, and enhancing people-to-people connections through student and youth exchanges.

State News

Cybercrime Surge in Top States: Govt’s 13-Pronged Strategy

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has revealed that Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra have emerged as the top states registering the highest number of cybercrime cases in the last three years, with Telangana leading the pack. The Central Government has implemented a 13-pronged strategy to curb cybercrimes, aiming to strengthen the detection, investigation, and prosecution of these crimes. Between 2020 and 2022, Telangana recorded 30,596 cybercrime cases, Karnataka registered 31,433, and Maharashtra saw 19,307 incidents.

Cyclone Fengal to Cross TN-Puducherry Coast: IMD and ISRO on High Alert

The deep depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal, likely to intensify into Cyclone Fengal, is set to make landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram on November 30, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. ISRO and IMD are actively monitoring the system, with ISRO satellites EOS-06 and INSAT-3DR providing real-time updates. IMD issued an orange alert for Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, and Cuddalore, and a yellow alert for Chennai, Tiruvallur, and other districts. Heavy rains in the Cauvery delta region have already caused significant crop damage.

Odisha Approves Rs 1.36 Lakh Crore Investment Projects

The Odisha government approved 20 major investment projects worth Rs 1.36 lakh crore across nine sectors, signaling a strong commitment to economic growth. These projects are expected to generate over 74,350 jobs, contributing to the state’s industrial and infrastructural development.

The High-Level Clearance Authority (HLCA), led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has endorsed the proposals, which will be set up in 10 districts, spanning steel, chemicals, aluminium, green energy, aviation fuel, apparel, power, and cement. This approval follows Odisha’s ongoing success in attracting large investments, positioning it as a key hub for industrial growth.

Defence News

India Tests K-4 Missile from INS Arighaat

India has achieved a significant milestone by successfully testing the K-4 nuclear-capable ballistic missile with a range of 3,500 km from the nuclear-powered submarine INS Arighaat in the Bay of Bengal. This test strengthens India’s nuclear deterrence and places the nation among the select few capable of launching nuclear missiles from land, air, and sea.

Indian Army Unveils ‘Eklavya’ Digital Training Platform

The Indian Army has launched “Eklavya,” an online learning platform aimed at revolutionizing officers’ training. Unveiled by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), the initiative aligns with the Army’s 2024 theme, “Year of Technology Absorption,” and its broader vision for a “Decade of Transformation.” Developed at zero cost in collaboration with the Bhaskaracharya National Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N), the platform integrates seamlessly with the Army Data Network. 

Summits and Conferences News

Kaziranga Hosts 12th International Tourism Mart, Spotlighting Northeast India’s Riches

The 12th Edition of the International Tourism Mart (ITM) kicked off on November 27, 2024, in Kaziranga, Assam, with the aim of showcasing the immense tourism potential of Northeast India. Organized annually by the Ministry of Tourism, the event serves as a key platform for both domestic and international audiences to explore the diverse cultural, natural, and biodiversity-rich offerings of the region.

13th National Seed Congress Opens in Varanasi

The 13th National Seed Congress (NSC) 2024, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, was inaugurated on November 28, 2024, by Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan via virtual address. The three-day event is hosted at the International Rice Research Institute South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC), Varanasi, bringing together over 700 delegates from various sectors. The Congress focuses on innovation, collaboration, and actionable strategies to enhance the Indian and global seed sectors.

PM Modi to Inaugurate Rising Rajasthan Global Summit in Jaipur on Dec 9

On December 9, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Rising Rajasthan Global Summit at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Center (JECC) in Sitapura. The three-day event, from December 9-11, marks a significant milestone for Rajasthan, as the state aims to boost its industrial growth and attract investments. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma emphasized that the event will play a crucial role in accelerating Rajasthan’s economic trajectory under Modi’s leadership.

Business News

Piyush Goyal Launches Ease of Doing Business Portal

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal inaugurated the (Confederation of Indian Industry) CII Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and Regulatory Affairs Portal at the 2nd DPIIT–CII National Conference on Ease of Doing Business in New Delhi. The portal aims to provide real-time updates on government and CII initiatives to enhance business efficiency, ensure transparency, and foster accountability. It features a dedicated member dashboard for tracking suggestions and progress, reflecting a commitment to transforming India’s business ecosystem.

Awards News

55th International Film Festival of India 2024, Check Complete List of Winners

The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) came to a magnificent conclusion on 28th November 2024 at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Goa, marking the end of a nine-day celebration of global and Indian cinema. The closing ceremony honored cinematic excellence, promoted creative dialogue, and celebrated young and seasoned filmmakers from across the globe.

This year’s festival was unique, with a theme centred on “Young Filmmakers: The Future is Now.” It showcased over 195 films, creating a platform for budding talent while paying homage to cinematic legends.

Obituaries News

Amiya Kumar Bagchi, Renowned Economic Historian, Dies

Professor Amiya Kumar Bagchi, a prominent economic historian and macroeconomist, passed away on November 28, 2024. Renowned for his revolutionary contributions to economic history and his commitment to Left politics, Bagchi’s scholarship bridged economic theory and historical data, influencing both economists and historians alike. His work continues to shed light on India’s colonial economic history, development, and underdevelopment, providing profound insights into the impact of imperialism.