Current Affairs - November 28, 2024 Current Affairs

Paisabazaar launched an advanced fraud detection and prevention system leveraging machine learning and real-time monitoring. The system employs an internal risk-scoring mechanism to categorize users into low, medium, or high-risk groups. High-risk consumers are restricted from accessing offers, while medium-risk users are monitored for fraudulent behaviour. This initiative demonstrates Paisabazaar's commitment to enhancing security and trust in financial transactions, ensuring safer user experiences.

IIT Kanpur developed the "Anālakṣhya" Meta-Material Surface Cloaking System (MSCS), a cutting-edge stealth technology that renders combat systems like tanks and aircraft nearly invisible to radar detection. Tested extensively from 2019 to 2024 under various conditions, the system demonstrated high efficacy and is 90% indigenously sourced. The technology has been licensed to Meta Tattva Systems for industrial production, marking a significant step towards self-reliance and innovation in defence technologies.

Aviation Safety Awareness Week 2024 is observed from November 25 to 29, emphasizing the Airports Authority of India's (AAI) commitment to safety across all aspects of aviation. Under AAI Chairman Vipin Kumar's leadership, the initiative promotes a strong culture of safety at airports and in Air Navigation Services (ANS), aligning with global standards. Aviation safety ensures the well-being of passengers and personnel, with practices like stringent quality control, advanced technologies, and coordinated efforts among industry stakeholders.

Ghanavenothan Retnam, a renowned classical musician, received Singapore's prestigious Cultural Medallion for his contributions to Indian music. He is the first Indian classical musician to be honoured with this accolade, acknowledging his 40-year dedication to promoting Indian classical music. As a bansuri maestro, Retnam also established Singapore's first Carnatic flute ensemble in 2019, showcasing his efforts to preserve and innovate within the Indian musical tradition.

Eight-year-old Divith Reddy from Hyderabad, India, triumphed in the Under-8 World Cadets Chess Championship, securing the gold medal with 9/11 points. Despite setbacks during the tournament, Divith showcased resilience, winning his last five matches against highly rated-players. His victory on tie-break scores over compatriot Sattwik Swain highlights India’s emerging talent and growing dominance in junior chess globally.

The Ministry of Mines won the Gold award for excellence in display at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2024, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Competing against 49 ministries, its pavilion attracted over 80,000 visitors by showcasing innovation, heritage, and sustainability. The IITF 2024 theme, "Vocal for Local, Local to Global," emphasized promoting Indian craftsmanship and global outreach. This recognition underscores the ministry’s commitment to presenting its initiatives effectively to the public.

US Awasthi, MD of IFFCO, received the 2024 Rochdale Pioneers Award from the International Cooperative Alliance. This significant accolade highlights his contributions to the cooperative sector, where his leadership propelled IFFCO's production capacity by 292% and net worth by 688%. Awasthi is only the second Indian to receive this award, the first being Verghese Kurien, recognized in 2001. This award cements Awasthi's role in advancing cooperative growth globally.

The Kerala government approved a supplementary agreement with Adani Ports to accelerate the Vizhinjam Port project, advancing its final phase completion to 2028 from the earlier target of 2045. With a pledged investment of ₹10,000 crore, the project aims to achieve a capacity of 3 million TEUs. A penalty of ₹219 crore was imposed for delays, and any extension beyond 2028 is conditional on meeting the revised deadline. This agreement underscores Kerala's commitment to infrastructure growth and efficient project management.

GAIL received the "Initiatives in Promoting Hydrogen Company of the Year" award at the FIPI Oil & Gas Awards 2023 in New Delhi. The recognition highlights GAIL's commitment to advancing hydrogen technology through substantial investments and R&D. A key achievement is its 4.3 TPD Green Hydrogen pilot project in Vijaipur, Madhya Pradesh, featuring a state-of-the-art 10 MW Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzer that produces ultra-pure hydrogen (99.999%). This underscores GAIL's role in driving the hydrogen economy forward.

The Bilateral Exercise AgniWarrior 2024 is a joint initiative between India and Singapore, conducted at the Devlali Field Firing Ranges, Maharashtra. Scheduled from November 28 to November 30, the exercise aims to enhance professional interactions and exchange artillery best practices between the Indian Army and Singapore Armed Forces. It also includes cultural exchanges, reflecting strengthened bilateral ties and deeper defence cooperation established during the 6th India-Singapore Defence Ministers' Dialogue.

The Indian Chemical Council (ICC) was awarded the prestigious OPCW-The Hague Prize 2024 at the 29th Conference of States Parties in The Hague, Netherlands, on November 25, 2024. This is the first time a chemical industry body has received the honour, recognizing its significant contributions to the chemical sector. The award was presented by OPCW Director-General Fernando Arias and The Hague Mayor Jan van Zanen, further cementing ICC's role in promoting chemical safety and innovation globally.

Gujarat introduced the Cottage and Rural Industries Policy 2024-29 to support artisans, promote handicrafts, and enhance the cottage industry’s domestic and global presence. Key features include increased credit support under schemes like the Shri Vajpayee Bankable Scheme and Dattopant Thengadi Artisan Interest Subsidy Scheme, skill development for 60,000 entrepreneurs, and the creation of 12 lakh jobs by 2029. The policy also highlights the promotion of unique products through the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative and the construction of the PM Ekta Mall in Surat to showcase local crafts.

Japan and India initiated the first round of the India-Japan Dialogue on Economic Security, Strategic Trade, and Technology in Tokyo. This significant meeting aimed to enhance collaboration between the two nations in areas like economic security, supply chain resilience, and the application of emerging technologies. The dialogue marked a substantial step in strengthening the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.