Current Affairs - November 26, 2024 Current Affairs

The Proba-3 mission, set to launch on December 4, 2024, aboard a PSLV-XL rocket, is led by the European Space Agency (ESA) in collaboration with ISRO. This mission involves two precisely aligned small satellites to create an artificial eclipse, enabling a detailed study of the Sun's corona and solar phenomena. It highlights ESA's role in advancing solar observation and international partnerships in space exploration.

The Indian Coast Guard is conducting SAREX-24 in Kochi from November 27-30, 2024. This event aims to enhance maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) capabilities through regional cooperation and advanced technology, including drones and satellite distress beacons. It features workshops, a Table Top session, and a Sea exercise to address large-scale contingencies, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in maritime safety.

Canara HSBC Life Insurance introduced OmniGen AI, a generative AI-powered solution designed to revolutionize underwriting processes. This advanced system, hosted on AWS, enhances risk evaluation, accelerates decision-making, and minimizes manual errors. The launch underscores Canara HSBC Life's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for operational efficiency, scalability, and improved customer experience in the insurance sector.

The Delhi government has launched an Old Age Pension Program to provide financial assistance to eligible senior citizens in the form of periodic pensions. The scheme is only available to Delhi residents who meet the eligibility criteria established by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) for annual income and residency within the city.

South Africa has declared a 'National Disaster' in response to a significant outbreak of food poisoning, which has resulted in over 890 reported cases and 23 child fatalities since September 2024. The declaration provides the government with greater regulatory powers to implement emergency measures to control the crisis.

The TeacherApp, launched by Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, was developed by Bharti Airtel Foundation to empower teachers with skills for 21st-century classrooms. Offering over 260 hours of digital content, including courses, videos, and live sessions, the app aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 to enhance teaching practices. This initiative underscores Bharti Airtel Foundation's commitment to transforming education and fostering innovation among educators, impacting millions of lives across India.

Constitution Day, or Samvidhan Diwas, is celebrated annually in India on November 26, commemorating the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1949. This day honours the values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, which are foundational to India's democracy. In 2024, India marks the 75th Constitution Day, reflecting on its transformative journey as a republic. Instituted formally in 2015 to coincide with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s 125th birth anniversary, the day recognizes the efforts of the Constituent Assembly and reinforces citizens' commitment to upholding constitutional ideals.

India signed the Final Act of the Riyadh Design Law Treaty, demonstrating its commitment to promoting intellectual property protection and supporting inclusive growth. The treaty aims to harmonize industrial design protection frameworks, simplify registration processes and provide significant benefits to SMEs, startups, and independent designers. This move aligns with India's impressive 120% increase in design registration filings over the past two years.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has partnered with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance commerce-based skill courses, specifically targeting the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector. This collaboration aims to equip students with industry-relevant skills, improving their employability in the accountancy and finance sectors. ICAI will contribute to the development of course content, syllabus, and career guidance, while also supporting teacher training and awareness programs.

G. Balasubramanian, an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer from the 1998 batch, has been appointed as the High Commissioner of India to the Maldives. His extensive diplomatic experience in global postings, including Moscow, Washington DC, and Dushanbe, highlights his readiness for this important role. His appointment signifies India's strategic focus on strengthening ties with the Maldives, a key partner in the Indian Ocean Region. Balasubramanian previously served as High Commissioner to Nigeria before this new appointment.

National Milk Day is celebrated annually on November 26 in India to honour Dr. Verghese Kurien, the Father of the White Revolution, on his birth anniversary. This day recognizes his pivotal role in transforming India into the largest milk producer in the world through initiatives like Operation Flood. It also celebrates the contributions of the dairy industry and its role in improving rural livelihoods, nutritional standards, and economic development across the country.

Operation Tamarisk was a clandestine operation where agents from the U.S., U.K., and France rummaged through Soviet waste to uncover valuable secrets. The operation involved sifting through discarded materials, including food scraps, letters, and even used toilet paper, which was sometimes used by Soviet troops as a substitute for official documents.

Shri Dinesh Bhatia, a 1992-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Brazil in November 2024. With a distinguished career, Bhatia has served in various significant roles, including as India's Ambassador to Argentina and Consul General in Toronto. His experience spans several countries and key diplomatic assignments, and his educational background includes training at prestigious institutes like the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) and the Foreign Service Institute in New Delhi.