Current Affairs - November 22, 2024 Current Affairs

The Australian Space Agency (ASA) has entered into an agreement with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to collaborate on crew and module recovery for India's ambitious Gaganyaan mission. This pact strengthens the ties between the two space agencies in human spaceflight activities, marking a significant milestone in their cooperation.

The Hinduja Group's firm, IndusInd International Holdings Ltd (IIHL), has received approval from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to acquire Reliance Capital for ₹10,000 crore. This approval marks a significant milestone in the resolution of Reliance Capital's financial troubles, which had led to the RBI's intervention in 2021. The acquisition is expected to be completed by January 31, 2025.

Armenia has joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as its 104th full member as of November 15, 2024. The exchange of the instrument of ratification was conducted between Armenia’s Ambassador to India, Vahagn Afyan, and Abhishek Singh from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. The ISA, headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana, focuses on promoting solar energy globally. Dr. Ajay Mathur serves as its Director General. This marks a significant step for Armenia in strengthening its commitment to renewable energy initiatives.

National Philosophy Day, also recognized globally as World Philosophy Day, is celebrated every year on the third Thursday of November. This day highlights the profound influence of philosophy in shaping human thought, fostering critical discourse, and addressing contemporary global challenges. Established by UNESCO in 2002, the occasion underscores the importance of philosophy in promoting intercultural dialogue and questioning assumptions that underpin human understanding.

Kenya, under President William Ruto, cancelled multimillion-dollar deals with Indian tycoon Gautam Adani on November 21, 2024. These included the Nairobi Airport Modernisation Project and a contract for power transmission lines. The decision followed U.S. indictments accusing Adani of securities fraud and a bribery scheme linked to a solar energy project in India. Public protests and worker strikes in Kenya further fueled the decision, citing potential job losses and poor labour conditions. This move underscores Kenya’s commitment to transparency and public accountability in international agreements.

India has been ranked 23rd globally in the Sustainable Trade Index 2024, as reported by the Hinrich Foundation and IMD. The index evaluates countries based on three pillars: economic growth, societal advancement, and environmental resilience. New Zealand topped the index with a perfect score of 100, followed by the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, and Japan. India's position highlights its ongoing efforts to balance trade sustainability, though challenges remain in achieving higher rankings.

Bangladesh recently established a new 5-member Election Commission led by AMM Nasir Uddin as the Chief Election Commissioner. The commission includes members from diverse professional backgrounds and was appointed by President Shahabuddin. The other members are Md Anwarul Islam Sarker, Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Begum Tahmida Ahmed, and Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah. This move is significant in strengthening Bangladesh’s electoral processes and governance.

Bima Sugam is a unified digital insurance platform designed as an e-commerce-like marketplace for life and non-life insurance products. It onboards all insurance companies and provides a seamless digital experience for policy purchase, claim settlement, renewals, and grievance redressal. Eliminating paperwork through electronic policies and integrating it with government databases offers a one-stop solution for customers, agents, and insurers, enhancing efficiency and accessibility in the insurance sector.

World Television Day is observed every year on November 21 to emphasize the role of television as a powerful communication medium. Officially proclaimed by the United Nations in 1996, the day acknowledges television's ability to connect people worldwide and influence global awareness, decision-making, and education. It also serves as a reminder of television’s evolving role in fostering peace, addressing critical social issues, and promoting quality content in an era of misinformation. Through this observance, the global community highlights the importance of leveraging television for positive societal change.

Bihar has been chosen to host the Khelo India Youth Games and Khelo India Para Games in April 2025, highlighting the state's commitment to sports development. This marks the first time Bihar will host these prestigious multi-sport events, featuring young and para-athletes from across the country. The state has been improving its sports infrastructure, with initiatives like Khelo India Centres, a State Centre of Excellence, and Sports Authority of India Training Centres. Bihar's successful hosting of the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy further demonstrates its readiness for major sporting events.

The Prime Minister will launch the 'United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 2025' at the International Cooperative Alliance's global conference in New Delhi. This marks the first time in the 130-year history of the ICA General Assembly and Global Cooperative Conference that India will host the event. Scheduled from November 25-30, the conference highlights India's significant role in the global cooperative movement.

Advocate G. Krishnaraja has been appointed as the Director of Prosecution by the Tamil Nadu government, following the recommendation of a selection committee led by a retired Madras High Court judge. Krishnaraja has extensive experience in the field, having served as Additional Public Prosecutor and Government Pleader in Chennai. His appointment is expected to strengthen the prosecution department in the state.