Table of Contents
National News
Bengaluru Unveils First Digital Population Clock at ISEC
On Friday, November 8, Bengaluru marked a milestone with the inauguration of its first digital population clock at the Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC). This innovative installation will display real-time population estimates for both Karnataka and the entire country, providing citizens, researchers, and policymakers with up-to-date demographic data.
Centre Doubles Stubble Burning Penalty Post Supreme Court Directive
In response to the Supreme Court’s criticism of the “toothless” penalties under the Environment Protection Act (EPA) of 1986, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has doubled the fines on stubble burning. This move aims to curb stubble burning and address the worsening air quality in Delhi and nearby regions.
ATMOS 2024: A Three-Day Tech Extravaganza at BITS Pilani – Hyderabad Campus
ATMOS 2024, a three-day technical fest at BITS Pilani’s Hyderabad campus, begins November 8, promising an exciting array of intellectual and entertainment-packed activities. Running until November 10, this annual event brings together students to showcase their innovative skills and compete in dynamic contests like Robot Wars, Drone Racing, and Hackathons. Organized by students since 2012, ATMOS has evolved into one of India’s most awaited tech events, offering not only technical competitions but also cultural and recreational activities.
NTPC Celebrates 50th Raising Day: A Legacy of Powering India’s Growth
NTPC Ltd., India’s largest integrated power utility, celebrated its 50th Raising Day, marking five decades of pioneering growth, innovation, and sustainable energy development. Shri Gurdeep Singh, CMD, led the celebrations at the Engineering Office Complex in Noida, with employees across the country joining virtually. This milestone reflects NTPC’s commitment to powering India’s energy needs and its ongoing evolution in clean energy technologies.
Govt. Invites Proposals for Green Hydrogen Excellence Centers
The Government of India, through the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), has issued a call for proposals (CfP) for setting up Centers of Excellence (CoE) under the Research and Development (R&D) Scheme of the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Announced on 4th November 2024.
International News
India Stands Alone in Opposing Pakistan’s UN Arms Control Proposal
India did not support Pakistan and Syria’s resolution on “conventional arms control at the regional and subregional levels” during the First Committee of the UN General Assembly. The resolution, which aimed at promoting arms control in specific regions, was adopted with 179 votes in favor.
Business News
India Becomes Second Largest Smartphone Market by Unit Volume in Q3 2024
India’s smartphone market has become the second largest globally by unit volume and third by value in Q3 2024, according to Counterpoint Research. In this period, India accounted for 15.5% of global smartphone shipments, trailing China’s 22% but surpassing the US, which held a 12% share. By value, India’s market share slightly rose to 12.3%, from 12.1% a year earlier.
Banking News
RBI Updates KYC Rules to Enhance Verification and Security
In a significant move to strengthen the Know Your Customer (KYC) process, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced six amendments to its KYC Master Directions, effective November 6, 2024. These updates aim to streamline procedures, ensuring more efficient customer onboarding and aligning with the latest legal frameworks. The changes are designed to make financial transactions more secure, accessible, and reliable, benefiting both consumers and financial institutions.
Defence News
India, Australia Launch Joint Military Drill Austrahind in Maharashtra
The third edition of the joint military exercise AUSTRAHIND commenced today at the Foreign Training Node in Pune, Maharashtra. The exercise, scheduled from 8th to 21st November 2024, is a key annual event held alternately in India and Australia. The previous edition of AUSTRAHIND took place in Australia in December 2023.
Appointment News
Harsha Vardhan Agarwal to Take Over as FICCI President from Nov 21
The FICCI National Executive Committee Meeting (NECM) has officially announced Harsha Vardhan Agarwal as the President-Elect of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), one of India’s leading industry bodies. Agarwal, who currently serves as the Senior Vice President of FICCI, is set to assume the role of President on November 21, 2024.
Schemes News
Shri JP Nadda Launches Scheme to Strengthen Medical Device Industry
The Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri JP Nadda, launched the “Scheme for Strengthening the Medical Device Industry,” aimed at boosting the sector and making India self-reliant in medical devices. The scheme, with a total outlay of Rs. 500 Crores, covers critical areas such as manufacturing of key components, skill development, clinical studies, infrastructure development, and industry promotion. The event also saw the presence of Union Minister of State Smt. Anupriya Patel, Secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals Shri Arunish Chawla, and industry representatives.
Sports News
PV Sindhu Lays Foundation for World-Class Badminton Centre in Visakhapatnam
India’s celebrated badminton star and Olympic medallist, PV Sindhu, laid the foundation stone for the PV Sindhu Centre for Badminton and Sports Excellence on November 7, in Chinna Gadili village on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam. This academy is a milestone project aimed at nurturing young talent and elevating Indian badminton to global standards.
Mohammad Nabi to Retire from ODI Cricket After ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Afghanistan’s iconic all-rounder, Mohammad Nabi, will bring his illustrious ODI career to a close following the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed this, marking the end of an era for one of Afghanistan’s most influential cricketers. Although Nabi will step away from ODIs, he intends to remain active in T20 internationals, continuing to lend his experience and leadership to Afghanistan’s short-format ambitions.
Important Days
International Week of Science and Peace 2024: 9-15 November
The International Week of Science and Peace (IWOSP) is celebrated annually from November 9 to 15, promoting the role of science and technology in fostering global peace and cooperation. First observed in 1986 during the International Year of Peace, IWOSP has since gained recognition as a significant week, encouraging scientific solutions to global issues and fostering international dialogue.
World Science Day for Peace and Development 2024: Date, Theme, History and Significance
World Science Day for Peace and Development, celebrated annually on November 10, serves as a significant reminder of the vital role that science plays in society and its contribution to global peace and sustainable development. Organized by UNESCO since 2001, this day emphasizes the importance of connecting science with society and ensuring that scientific knowledge is shared widely, making it relevant and accessible to everyone.
World Adoption Day 2024, Date, History, And Understanding
World Adoption Day, observed on November 9, is a significant day dedicated to raising awareness about the life-changing impact of adoption. Since its establishment, this day has highlighted the importance of giving children who have been orphaned, abandoned, or neglected a second chance to experience family life. It’s a day that encourages societies to recognize the profound difference that love, care, and stability in a family environment can make in a child’s life.
Uttarakhand Foundation Day: Celebrating History and Heritage
Uttarakhand Foundation Day, also known as Uttarakhand Diwas, is celebrated to mark the formation of Uttarakhand as a separate state in India. Known as the “Land of the Gods” (Devbhumi), the state is famous for its scenic beauty and numerous Hindu pilgrimage sites. This day honors the cultural and historical significance of Uttarakhand and its journey to becoming a distinct state.