Current Affairs - November 5, 2024 Current Affairs

India was re-elected as the President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) during the Assembly held in New Delhi, with France serving as Co-President for the 2024-2026 term. This leadership role underscores India’s commitment to advancing solar energy for global energy security and climate goals. The ISA Assembly prioritizes energy access, security, and the transition to a carbon-neutral future, with a focus on attracting $1 trillion in solar investments by 2030.

Madhya Pradesh, one of India's largest producers of Kodo millet, witnessed the tragic death of 10 elephants in the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. The elephants' demise was linked to the consumption of contaminated Kodo millet containing cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), a toxic mycotoxin produced by fungal infection. The incident highlights concerns about food safety and the potential risks associated with fungal-infected crops, particularly in regions with poor soil quality. The Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is a significant conservation area, and this incident underscores the need for vigilant monitoring of wildlife habitats and food sources.

India has emerged as the leading source market for Sri Lankan tourism, with 36,417 Indian tourists visiting the island nation in October. This represents a 27% share of the total 1.35 lakh tourist arrivals for the month. The year-to-date arrivals from India stand at 3.23 lakhs, surpassing the previous year's figure of 3.03 lakhs. India's proximity, cultural affinity, and ease of travel have contributed to its dominance in Sri Lanka's tourism sector. The strong growth in Indian tourist arrivals is a significant boost to Sri Lanka's tourism industry, which aims to recover from the pandemic-induced slowdown.

The 5th India-Vietnam joint military exercise, 'Vinbax', is taking place in Ambala, Haryana. This significant defence cooperation effort marks the first joint participation of both armies and air forces. Haryana's strategic location, with its proximity to the national capital and presence of key military installations, makes it an ideal host for such exercises. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and bilateral ties between India and Vietnam, reinforcing India's Act East policy and commitment to regional security. The choice of Haryana underscores the state's importance in India's defence landscape.

BEML Limited received the prestigious "Self-Certification" status due to its high supplier rating of over 90% and adherence to ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System standards. This recognition underscores BEML's commitment to quality and reliability in defence equipment manufacturing. As a Schedule 'A' Company under the Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India, BEML plays a vital role in serving India's core sectors, including defence, rail, power, mining, and infrastructure. The company's achievement highlights its contribution to the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, showcasing India's engineering prowess and self-reliance in defence capabilities.

India ranks 84th in the Henley Passport Index 2024, granting its citizens visa-free access to 58 countries. This ranking highlights the challenges Indian passport holders face in terms of global mobility. However, India's growing emphasis on international relations may lead to improved access in the future. The index, which assesses passport power based on visa-free travel, places Singapore at the top, with its citizens enjoying access to 195 countries. India's ranking underscores the need for strengthened diplomatic ties to enhance travel freedom for its citizens.

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has joined forces with NTPC Limited to create a 50:50 joint venture, driving India's green energy future. Through their respective green subsidiaries, ONGC Green Energy Ltd. (OGL) and NTPC Green Energy Ltd. (NGEL), the partnership aims to accelerate renewable energy growth in solar, wind, green hydrogen, and sustainable fuels. This collaboration, approved by DIPAM and NITI Aayog, marks a significant step in achieving India's renewable and new energy goals. The joint venture will explore diverse opportunities, including energy storage, green molecules, e-mobility, and carbon credits, solidifying ONGC's commitment to sustainable energy innovation.

The inaugural U19 World Boxing Championships, organized by World Boxing, took place in Colorado, USA, at the Pueblo Convention Center from October 25 to November 5, 2024. This international event brought together talented young boxers from around the world, with India delivering an impressive performance, securing 17 medals, including three gold medals won by Parthavi Grewal, Vanshika Goswami, and Hemant Sangwan. The championships provided a platform for emerging boxers to showcase their skills and demonstrate their potential for future success in the sport.

The Uttar Pradesh government has taken a significant step to enhance rural veterinary care by approving a policy to introduce diploma and certificate courses in animal husbandry and para-veterinary medicine. This initiative aims to address the shortage of veterinary professionals in rural areas by allowing both private and government institutions to offer these courses. The policy is expected to improve the availability of trained para-vets, leading to better animal healthcare and increased productivity in the state's rural areas. This move aligns with the government's efforts to promote rural development and agricultural growth in Uttar Pradesh.

Harmeet Desai made history by securing dual titles at the WTT Feeder Caracas in Venezuela. He demonstrated exceptional skill, winning the Men's Singles title with a convincing 3-0 victory over France's Joe Seyfried. Additionally, Desai partnered with Krittwika Roy to clinch the Mixed Doubles title, edging out Cuba's Jorge Campos and Daniela Fonseca Carrazana 3-2 in a thrilling final. Desai's impressive performance underscores India's rising prominence in international table tennis, showcasing the country's growing talent and competitive edge in the sport. This achievement is a testament to India's thriving table tennis ecosystem.

Ashish Khanna, from India, has been appointed as the third Director General of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), succeeding Dr. Ajay Mathur. This significant appointment was announced at the 7th ISA Assembly in New Delhi. As Director General, Khanna will lead the ISA's efforts to scale solar deployment, enhance global energy access, and unlock $1 trillion in investments by 2030. With 120 member countries, the ISA plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable energy solutions. Khanna's leadership will be instrumental in driving the ISA's mission and achieving its ambitious goals.

Algeria and India have fortified their defence collaboration through a new MoU, fostering mutual understanding and strategic interests. The agreement, signed by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Chief of Staff of the People’s National Army Saíd Chanegriha, encompasses capacity building, technology exchange, and initiatives related to Make In India. This development underscores the growing bilateral relations between India and Algeria, with President Droupadi Murmu's recent visit to Algeria marking a significant milestone in their cooperation. The partnership is expected to enhance India's diplomatic and economic footprint in Africa while promoting peace and stability in the region.

Cairn Oil & Gas has made a significant commitment to reducing methane emissions by partnering with UNEP's OGMP 2.0, becoming India's first oil and gas company to join this initiative. OGMP 2.0 provides a comprehensive framework for emissions management, supporting Cairn's ambitious goal of achieving Net Zero by 2030. Cairn's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy focuses on innovative solutions such as carbon capture, waste-to-energy, and low-carbon technologies to promote sustainable practices in the energy sector. This partnership underscores Cairn's leadership in environmental stewardship and its contribution to India's climate change mitigation efforts.