NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Historic inauguration of 1st trilateral power transaction from Nepal to Bangladesh via Indian Grid: The first trilateral power transaction – from Nepal to Bangladesh through the Indian Grid, was inaugurated. Power Minister Manohar Lal jointly inaugurated the power flow from Nepal to Bangladesh, along with the Adviser of Bangladesh Ministry of Power, Fouzul Kabir Khan, and Nepal’s Minister of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Dipak Khadka, through a virtual event.This historic occasion marks the first trilateral power transaction which has been carried out through the Indian grid.The government announced its decision to facilitate the first trilateral power transaction from Nepal to Bangladesh, through the Indian grid with an export of up to 40 MW of power during the visit of the former Nepal Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ to India last year.
2. Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya launches India’s ‘Know Your Medicine’ App: Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, has launched a nationwide appeal to strengthen the fight against doping in sports, urging athletes, coaches, and the entire sporting community to embrace the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) India’s ‘Know Your Medicine (KYM)’ app.This innovative tool aims to empower athletes with critical information, helping them avoid inadvertent doping and maintain fair play.The KYM app is part of NADA India’s broader mission to raise anti-doping awareness and education, equipping athletes with essential information to stay clean.The app allows users to easily verify whether a specific medicine or its ingredients contain any substances listed as prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). By offering this quick and seamless verification, the KYM app helps athletes to stay informed and uphold integrity of sport, fostering a culture of fair and ethical sportsmanship.
3. Himachal Government launched Come and Install Solar Power Projects initiative: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has launched the ‘Come and Install Solar Power Projects’ initiative to encourage investment in the state’s solar and solar energy projects.This is part of the state government initiative to turn Himachal Pradesh into a clean and green energy state by 31st March 2026.Under the State government’s Come and Install Solar Power Projects initiative, the private sector will be encouraged to invest in the solar power sector in the state.According to the government,300 MW of ground-mounted solar power projects have been awarded to the private sector, of which 62 MW are operational. The public sector is setting up 32 MW solar projects.
4. AAP’s Mahesh Khinchi Elected Delhi’s New Mayor: The recent mayoral elections in Delhi have sparked political activity with Mahesh Khichi from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) being elected as the new Mayor. This election followed an extended delay of nearly eight months. It marks an important victory for the AAP ahead of upcoming Assembly polls. Mahesh Khichi is a first-time councillor from Dev Nagar. He is 45 years old and a financial advisor by profession. He completed his BCom from Motilal Nehru College in 1999. After his victory, Khichi expressed gratitude to his supporters and party leadership.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. EAM S. Jaishankar launches his book ‘Why Bharat Matters’ in Dubai: External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar launched his book, Why Bharat Matters, at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Dubai, UAE.During the event, Dr. Jaishankar provided insight into the themes and key messages of his book, reflecting on the complex interplay of global and domestic factors shaping India’s position in the world.
2. Nepal Begins Electricity Export to Bangladesh: Nepal has recently initiated the export of electricity to Bangladesh via India’s electricity grid and development took place on November 15, 2024. The ceremony was attended by key officials from Nepal, Bangladesh, and India. The power flow is anticipated to enhance sub-regional connectivity in the power sector. The tripartite power sales agreement was signed on October 3, 2024. This agreement involved NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam, Nepal Electricity Authority, and Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB). The agreement aims to facilitate electricity trade among the three nations.
3. UAE Launches Global Energy Efficiency Alliance: The Global Energy Efficiency Alliance has several key objectives, which aim to enhance energy efficiency worldwide and also focus on cutting carbon emissions. It will also strive to minimize the consumption of natural resources. Public-private partnerships will play an important role in achieving these goals. An important aspect of the alliance is its focus on supporting African nations. The UAE plans to share financing solutions and technological advancements. This support aims to empower African countries in their energy efficiency efforts. By encouraging collaboration, the alliance hopes to create a sustainable energy future.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. DRDO successfully completes Flight Tests of Guided Pinaka Weapon System: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed the Flight Tests of Guided Pinaka Weapon System as part of Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) Validation Trials.The flight tests have been conducted in three phases at different field firing ranges.During these tests, the PSQR parameters viz., ranging, accuracy, consistency and rate of fire for multiple target engagement in a salvo mode have been assessed by extensive testing of rockets.Twelve (12) rockets from each production agency from two in-service Pinaka launchers upgraded by the launcher production agencies have been tested.
SPORTS
1. India won 24 medals at FISU World University Championship Shooting 2024: The Indian shooters finished their campaign at the 2024 FISU World University Championship Shooting with a rich haul of 24 medals, including 9 gold, 9 silver, and 6 bronze.The FISU World University Championship Shooting 2024 was held at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range in Tughlakabad, New Delhi. It was organised by the International University Sports Federation, known by its French acronym FISU and hosted by India.The mascot of the game was Trunky, an elephant.
2. India’s Sports Industry is Expected to Grow to $130 Billion by 2030: The sports sector has the potential to create 10.5 million jobs by 2030. It could also generate $21 billion in indirect tax revenue. This economic boost will benefit various industries linked to sports. The growing interest in sports will stimulate demand for sports goods and services. As a result, a thriving ecosystem will emerge, enhancing overall economic growth. Digital consumption of sports content is on the rise. Gen Z consumers constitute 43 per cent of the sports fan base. Fans are spending 20 per cent more time on non-live content. This trend marks a preference for on-demand viewing. Shorter, personalised content experiences are increasingly popular. Digital platforms are crucial in enhancing fan engagement and accessibility.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Chang’e-6: Historic Lunar Sample Retrieval: In June 2024, China’s Chang’e-6 spacecraft achieved an important milestone and successfully retrieved the first surface samples from the moon’s far side. This region has remained unexplored until now. The samples are shedding light on the moon’s geological history and provide evidence of ancient volcanic activity. The samples include volcanic rock fragments, specifically basalt. These fragments date back to 4.2 billion and 2.8 billion years ago. The older basalt indicates prolonged volcanic activity. This activity lasted at least 1.4 billion years during the moon’s early history. The findings suggest diverse sources of magma contributed to the volcanic rocks.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. India’s economy to grow to 7.2% in 2024: Moody’s: Moody’s Ratings forecast a 7.2 percent GDP growth for India in 2024, saying the Indian economy is in a sweet spot, but inflation risks may prompt the RBI to retain a relatively tight monetary policy this year.Moody’s said that despite the near-term uptick, retail inflation should moderate toward the Reserve Bank’s target in the coming months as food prices ease amid higher sowing and adequate food grain buffer stocks.The retail inflation scaled to a 14-month high of 6.21, breaching the RBI’s upper tolerance limit, on a sharp jump in vegetable prices.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Dominica to Confer Highest National Honour to PM Modi: Dominica has announced to confer its highest national honour to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.The Dominica Award of Honour will be bestowed to the Prime Minister in recognition of his contributions to Dominica during the COVID-19 pandemic and his dedication to strengthening the partnership between India and Dominica.President of Dominica Sylvanie Burton will confer the award during the upcoming India-CARICOM Summit, scheduled to take place in Georgetown, Guyana from 19th to 21st of this month.India supplied Dominica with 70 thousand doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine during the Covid pandemic in February 2021. The award also recognizes India’s support for Dominica in healthcare, education and information technology under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, as well as his role in promoting climate resilience-building initiatives and sustainable development on a global level.
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