Current Affairs - November 15, 2024 Current Affairs

Following the merger of Air India and Vistara, Singapore Airlines' stake in the new entity will decrease from its original 49% share in Vistara. The reduced stake reflects the combined ownership structure of the unified airline. As a result, Singapore Airlines will now hold a 25.1% stake in the new Air India group, marking a significant development in the aviation industry. This merger aims to strengthen Air India's position in the market and enhance its operational efficiency. The unified carrier will operate under the Air India brand and airline code 'AI'.

The Dolphin Ambulance initiative launched by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) focuses on rescuing and protecting Ganga Dolphins, the national aquatic animal of India. This species is crucial for the ecological health of the Ganga River. The project, with a budget of Rs 1 crore, aims to create awareness about dolphin conservation and equip communities to handle dolphin-related emergencies. It highlights the efforts to restore the ecological balance of the Ganga, safeguarding its biodiversity while supporting aquatic life conservation through innovative measures.

India and Russia have strengthened their defence cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Russia's Rosoboronexport. The partnership aims to develop advanced Pantsir air defence systems, enhancing India's capabilities against aerial threats. The Pantsir system boasts impressive capabilities, detecting and engaging targets up to 36 kilometres away and at altitudes of up to 15 kilometres. This collaboration underscores the strategic defence relationship between India and Russia, facilitating the transfer of critical technology and expertise. The MoU was signed during the 5th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission Subgroup meeting in Goa.

The 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair is hosting the National Book Trust of India's showcase of a replica of the original handwritten Indian Constitution manuscript. This significant display highlights India's rich constitutional history and promotes cultural exchange. The fair itself is a prominent literary event, featuring over 2,500 publishers, with India being represented by 52 publishers and the UAE leading with 234 publishers. The replica on display is certified by the Lok Sabha Secretariat and is an A3-sized copy of the Constitution of India.

India's Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation surged to a four-month high of 2.36% in October, driven primarily by a sharp increase in food prices. This rise was led by substantial increases in vegetable prices (up 63.04%) and potatoes (78.73%). The WPI inflation rate accelerated from 1.84% in September, aligning with the recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) data that reported a 14-month high in retail inflation at 6.2%. The inflation rate in manufactured products also saw a slight acceleration to 1.5% in October. This significant shift in inflation rates warrants close monitoring of economic trends and policy adjustments.

The inaugural ceremony of the first Bodoland Mohotsov will take place in New Delhi at the SAI Indira Gandhi Sports Complex. Prime Minister will kick-start the two-day festival on November 15 at 6:30 PM, celebrating the rich culture and heritage of the Bodoland region. The event aims to promote peace, integration, and cultural exchange among the indigenous Bodo people from Bodoland, Assam, West Bengal, Nepal, and border areas of North East India. The theme "Peace and Harmony for Prosperous Bharat" underscores the significance of this cultural celebration.

India extended humanitarian aid of 15 tons to flood-hit Nigeria as part of a larger 75-ton relief package. This act underscores India's commitment to supporting its strategic partner in times of crisis. The bilateral relationship between India and Nigeria, established as a strategic partnership in 2007, has been further strengthened through investments exceeding USD 27 billion by over 200 Indian companies in Nigeria. The upcoming visit by the Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria, the first in 17 years, aims to reinforce these ties and address critical bilateral issues.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has significantly enhanced its climate lending capabilities by $7.2 billion, thanks to guarantees from the United States ($1 billion) and Japan ($600 million) on existing loans. This increased financial capacity enables ADB to support critical climate-related projects, such as a $90 million sustainable aviation fuel initiative in Pakistan, which is half-funded by the ADB. The guarantees provide financial flexibility and underscore the vital role of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) in scaling up climate finance, particularly in the lead-up to COP29. This move demonstrates ADB's commitment to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development.

Tropical Storm Sara made landfall in northern Honduras, bringing heavy rain and the risk of life-threatening flooding to Central America and southern Mexico. With winds of 45 mph, Sara is expected to drop up to 30 inches of rain in some areas, affecting Honduras, Belize, and Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. The storm's slow movement at 10 mph increases the risk of severe flooding and landslides. Authorities have issued warnings for heavy rains, prompting concerns for tourist destinations like Roatan and the Yucatan resort areas. Sara's impact underscores the importance of monitoring tropical storms and preparing for potential natural disasters.

Researchers at IIT Indore, under the guidance of Dr. Swaminathan R, are pioneering the development of intelligent receivers to bolster 6G and military communication security. This cutting-edge technology enables the detection and decoding of modulation, coding, and interleaving methods, ensuring seamless communication even in challenging noise and interference conditions. By reducing the need for multiple receivers, this innovation simplifies communication systems and holds significant potential for advancing wireless communication capabilities. IIT Indore's research efforts underscore India's growing presence in the global 6G development landscape.

Shigeru Ishiba, leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, took office as Japan's 103rd Prime Minister at the age of 67, succeeding Fumio Kishida who resigned amid scandals. Ishiba's political career spans over three decades, with notable positions including Minister of Defense and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. He has been a member of the House of Representatives since 1986 and became the President of the Liberal Democratic Party in 2024. Ishiba's leadership marks a significant shift in Japan's political landscape.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a significant milestone with the successful flight trials of the Guided Pinaka Weapon System. This advanced artillery system demonstrated its operational effectiveness, precision, and capabilities during the Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) Validation Trials. Conducted in three phases across multiple field firing ranges, the tests evaluated key parameters such as range, accuracy, consistency, and rate of fire. The Pinaka system's development involved collaboration between multiple DRDO laboratories, including ARDE, RCI, DRDL, HEMRL, and PXE.

Guru Nanak Jayanti, a significant festival for Sikhs, commemorates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh guru. In 2024, this auspicious day falls on Friday, November 15, marking the 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The celebrations begin early in the morning, following specific timings, and hold great significance as they remind people of Guru Nanak's teachings of unity, equality, and selfless service. His messages promote love, kindness, and peace, transcending religious boundaries and emphasizing the importance of treating everyone with respect and dignity.