National News

Revolutionizing Geospatial Mapping: Survey Of India And Genesys International’s Strategic Partnership

• The Survey of India (SoI), the nation's premier National Survey and Mapping Organization, has embarked on a transformative journey through a strategic partnership with Genesys International, a leading Indian mapping company specializing in Geospatial solutions.
• In a pioneering move, Genesys has become the first company to establish a public-private agreement with SoI for the creation of a cutting-edge three-dimensional (3D) digital twin-mapping program in India.
• The core objective of this collaboration is to develop digital twins of major cities and towns across India.
• Leveraging SoI’s CORS network, the partnership aims to provide real-time high precision positioning data, contributing to the creation of an accurate and dynamic 3D digital twin of urban landscapes.

International News

UAE Inaugurates World’s Largest Single-Site Solar Power Plant

• The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has marked a historic moment with the inauguration of the world’s largest single-site solar power plant, the 2-gigawatt (GW) Al Dhafra Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Independent Power Project (IPP).
• Situated 35 kilometers from Abu Dhabi city, this monumental project is poised to generate enough electricity to power almost 200,000 homes and is expected to displace 2.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
• Breaking records in terms of cost for utility-scale solar projects, the initial tariff for solar power was set at AED 4.97 fils/kWh (USD 1.35 cents/kWh).
• Following financial close, this was further improved to AED 4.85 fils/kWh (US$ 1.32 cents/kWh), solidifying its status as a trailblazer in sustainable energy initiatives.

Mysterious Pneumonia Outbreak In China: Here Is What We Know So Far

• Health officials in China are currently investigating a surge in cases of an unidentified illness, particularly affecting children who are being hospitalized with pneumonia.
• While the situation remains unclear, initial assessments suggest that these outbreaks may be linked to a resurgence of common respiratory pathogens following strict coronavirus lockdowns, rather than the emergence of a new infection.
• Pneumonia, a broad term referring to lung inflammation typically caused by infections, manifests with symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, fever, and chest pain.

State News

Telangana Unveils The World’s First 3D-Printed Temple

• Telangana has unveiled a groundbreaking marvel, the world’s first 3D-printed temple, located in Burugupally, Siddipet
• This revolutionary construction, achieved through a three-month 3D printing process, stands as a testament to technological advancement.
• The temple, spanning 4,000 square feet and standing at a height of 35.5 feet, comprises three distinct parts, each dedicated to a different deity.
• Constructed by Hyderabad-based Apsuja Infratech in collaboration with Simpliforge Creations, a 3D printing company, this temple represents a fusion of tradition and cutting-edge technology.

Important Days News

Shaheedi Diwas Or Martyrdom Day Of ‘Guru Tegh Bahadur’

• On November 24, the martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh, the 9th Guru of the Sikhs, is commemorated.
• Born on 21st April 1621, in Amritsar to Mata Nanaki and Guru Hargobind, Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh demonstrated extraordinary bravery in a face-off with a Mughal army in Palahi village near Phagwara.
• November 24 is annually observed as a day of remembrance and reflection on the invaluable contribution of Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh to the Sikh faith and the broader tapestry of Indian history.

Schemes News

RBI Includes PM Vishwakarma Under PIDF Scheme

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has extended the Payments Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) scheme for an additional two years, now effective until December 31, 2025.
• This initiative aims to stimulate the deployment of payment acceptance infrastructure in various regions, anticipated to bolster the RBI’s efforts in fostering digital transactions at the grassroots level.
• Based on industry feedback, the PIDF scheme is set to encourage the adoption of emerging modes of payment acceptance, including the deployment of technologies such as soundbox devices and Aadhaar-enabled biometric devices.

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Awards News

Four Indian Women Shine In BBC 100 Women 2023 List

• The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) recently unveiled its 11th edition of the BBC 100 Women list for 2023, featuring inspiring and influential women from various fields around the world.
• The BBC 100 Women 2023 list not only recognizes the achievements of these four Indian women but also highlights their significant contributions in diverse fields, inspiring others around the globe.
• BBC 100 Women 2023 includes four Indian women viz. Actress Dia Mirza, Cricketer Harmanpreet Kaur, Photographer Arati Kumar­Rao, and Tibetan Buddhist nun Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo.

Awards News

Ishwak Singh Won Best Actor Award At Stars Asian International Film Festival

• Ishwak Singh won the Best Actor award at the Stars Asian International Film Festival (SAIFF) for his performance in the film ‘Berlin’.
• Produced by Zee Studios and Yippie Ki Yay Motion Pictures, the movie showcases a remarkable ensemble cast that includes Aparshakti Khurana, Rahul Bose, Kabir Bedi, and Anupriya Goenka in significant roles.
• The film “Berlin” has not only gained acclaim for Ishwak Singh’s outstanding portrayal but has also enjoyed successful screenings at several film festivals, such as the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles and Jio MAMI 2023.

Agreements News

Commerce Ministry Partners With E-Commerce Firms To Boost District-Based Exports

• The Commerce Ministry, in a strategic move to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), has collaborated with various e-commerce players to boost district-based exports across India.
• The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, has taken the first significant step by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Amazon India.
• This groundbreaking initiative aims to link local producers, including those in rural and remote districts, with global supply chains.
• DGFT's proactive engagementgoes beyond Amazon India, encompassing discussions with other major e-commerce platforms like Flipkart/Walmart, E-bay, Rivexa, Shopclues, Shiprocket, and DHL Express. This collaborative effort is poised to catalyze the growth of 'Made in India' products on the global stage.

Books & Authors News

A Book Thread By Thread On The Life Of Shambhu Kumar Kasliwal

• A remarkable addition to the literary landscape is the unveiling of 'Thread by Thread,' a book chronicling the life of Shambhu Kumar Kasliwal, released by cricket legend Kapil Dev at The Palace Halls, NSCI, Mumbai.
• Authored by renowned journalist Sathya Saran and published by Penguin Random House, 'Thread By Thread' offers a personal perspective on the journey of Shambhu Kumar.
• Starting from humble beginnings, he built one of India's most successful textile empires.This insightful narrative traces his evolution from a trader to an industrialist, unveiling the business mantra behind his phenomenal success
• The book not only provides a glimpse into the life of a visionary but also serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Sports News

Anahat Singh Becomes Second Youngest To Win National Squash Championship Title

• In the realm of sports, Anahat Singh, a 15-year-old squash prodigy, has etched her name in history by becoming the second youngest winner in the Senior National Squash Championships.
• In a historic final, Anahat faced off against Tanvi Khanna, who unfortunately had to retire midway due to a knee injury.
• Anahat's victory against an opponent 12 years her senior marks a historic moment, securing her place as the second youngest Senior National Squash Champion in 23 years.
• This achievement not only showcases Anahat's exceptional talent but also signals the emergence of a new generation of sports stars in India.

Marlon Samuels, Former West Indies Player, Receives 6-Year Ban

• On a contrasting note, former West Indies player Marlon Samuels faced a significant setback as the International Cricket Council (ICC) handed him a six-year ban from all forms of cricket.
• The ban stems from charges related to his participation in the Abu Dhabi T10 league in 2019, where he violated the Emirates Cricket Board’s anti-corruption code on four counts.
• This incident underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of the sport and upholding ethical standards within the cricketing community.

Science & Technology News

OneWeb India Becomes First Firm To Get IN-SPACe Approval For Satellite Broadband

• In a groundbreaking development in the realm of technology, OneWeb India, a subsidiary of the Bharti Group and part of the Eutelsat Group, has received approval from India’s space regulator, IN-SPACe, to initiate Eutelsat OneWeb’s commercial satellite broadband services in the country.
• This milestone positions OneWeb India as the first organization to receive such authorization, making it the exclusive satellite broadband services provider to secure all necessary regulatory approvals ahead of its commercial launch.
• With additional in-principle approval to establish and operate two gateways in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, OneWeb India is set to play a pivotal role in advancing satellite broadband technology across the Indian subcontinent.

Obituaries News

India’s First Woman Supreme Court Judge Justice Fathima Beevi Passes Away

• The legal fraternity mourns the passing of Justice Fathima Beevi, India’s first female Supreme Court judge, at the age of 96.
• Born in 1927, Justice Beevi embarked on her legal journey by earning her Bachelor of Law Degree from the prestigious Government Law College.
• Enrolling as an advocate on November 14, 1950, marked her entry into a trailblazing career. Justice Beevi’s contributions were not only recognized nationally but also globally.
• She received the Bharat Jyoti Award and the US-India Business Council (USIBC) Lifetime Achievement Award, acknowledging her exceptional service to the legal fraternity. Her legacy stands as an inspiration for future generations of legal professionals.

Miscellaneous News

Bengaluru Set To Host Namma Kambala On November 25 And 26

• Bengaluru is set to host 'Namma Kambala' on November 25 and 26, bringing the traditional buffalo racing contest from the coastal Karnataka region to the urban landscape.
• Organized by Tulukoota Bengaluru, this marks the first time Kambala has found a venue in the heart of Bengaluru, specifically at the iconic Palace Grounds.
• Kambala, a captivating folk sport, involves driving buffaloes through a slushy paddy field with a whip-wielding farmer. This event promises to be a unique blend of tradition and modernity, bringing a cultural spectacle to the bustling city life.