1 Prime Minister was awarded the national award – “Grand Commander of the Order of Niger”
At a ceremony held at the State House , His Excellency Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria conferred the National Award – “ Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger ” on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his statesmanship and outstanding contribution in promoting India-Nigeria relations . The award citation states that under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister, India has been established as a global power and his transformative governance has promoted unity, peace and shared prosperity for all. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is the first foreign leader to be honoured with this award since 1969 .
2 Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test fired India’s first long-range hypersonic missile off Odisha coast
The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully test-fired India’s first long-range hypersonic missile from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha late on November 16, 2024. This hypersonic missile is designed to carry various explosive materials for the armed forces over a distance of more than 1,500 km . This missile has been developed indigenously by the laboratories of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad and various laboratories of DRDO and industry partners. India has become the fourth country in the world to have advanced stage of hypersonic missile programs after the US, Russia and China . France, Germany, Japan and Australia are currently engaged in developing such weapon systems. The hypersonic missile, which is five times faster than the speed of sound, is equipped with modern military technology, deterrence and lethality. Since it strikes at a speed of about 6,174 kilometers per hour, it will be difficult for the enemy to detect it.
3 UAE launches global energy efficiency alliance
The UAE has unveiled an ambitious initiative to establish a ‘ Global Energy Efficiency Alliance ‘ during COP29 held in Azerbaijan . The move aims to double global energy efficiency rates and significantly reduce emissions by 2030. The initiative builds on the ‘ UAE Consensus ‘ from COP28 , a commitment that brings together countries, organisations and corporations to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable resource management. The UAE plans to lead the alliance by sharing its expertise in energy efficiency, promoting knowledge transfer and creating effective partnership models with the private sector. The alliance is designed to support carbon emission reduction and sustainable use of natural resources through knowledge sharing, capacity building and standardisation efforts.
4 Tata Power Renewable Energy launches floating solar project in Omkareshwar
Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) has recently launched an important floating solar project in India. The Omkareshwar Floating Solar Installation has a capacity of 126 megawatts (MW) and is strategically located between two hydropower reservoirs in Madhya Pradesh . The project represents a significant advancement in renewable energy technology. The Omkareshwar project is one of India’s largest floating solar installations. It has been developed under an engineering procurement and construction (EPC) contract of ₹596 crore awarded by NHPC. The project aims to supply sustainable power to Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company Limited (MPPTCL).
5 Dolphin ambulance to be launched under Clean Ganga Mission
The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) is actively promoting conservation efforts and targeting the biodiversity of the Ganges River . They particularly focus on endangered species like the Ganges dolphin . Recent developments include the introduction of the Dolphin Ambulance . This vehicle will aid in rescuing injured dolphins, which are vital to the river’s ecosystem. The Dolphin Ambulance project is titled Advancing Rescue Systems for Conservation of Stranded Ganges River Dolphins, which has a budget of Rs 1 crore. The ambulance will provide immediate care to the injured dolphins. The initiative aims to raise awareness among people about dolphin conservation. Training will be provided to local communities. This training focuses on effective management of dolphin-related issues.
6 Denmark’s Victoria Kjer won the title of Miss Universe
Denmark ‘s contestant Victoria Kjer has won the title of Miss Universe 2024. The Miss Universe 2024 beauty pageant was held in Mexico . Riya Singh, who participated in this competition from India , was out of the top-12. 130 contestants from 125 countries participated in this competition. Riya Singh was earlier the winner of the Miss Universe India beauty pageant this year.
7 Climate change responsible for 19 percent of rising dengue cases: Study
Amid a record year of dengue infections globally , a new study has found that climate change is responsible for up to 19 per cent of rising dengue cases . According to a new study presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) in the US, climate change is likely to cause a further 40-60 per cent increase by 2050. Apart from this, it can increase by 150-200 per cent in some areas. The new results from researchers at Stanford and Harvard universities offer the most conclusive evidence to date that climate change is a major cause of the worldwide increase in the mosquito-borne disease. In the countries of the Americas alone, about 12 million cases are reported in 2024, while in 2023 this number will be 4.6 million. In addition, locally acquired infections have been reported in California and Florida. The study warns of even greater increases in the future.
8 Philippines: Typhoon Man-yi makes landfall in Bicol region of Luzon
In the Philippines, Typhoon Man-Yi has made landfall in Catanduanes in the Bicol region of Luzon . It is expected to cause widespread damage. According to the government weather bureau, Man-Yi, known locally as Pepito, hit the coast with a maximum sustained wind speed of 195 km/h.
9 China unveils megaport in Peru
This megaport project being developed by Chinese shipping company Cosco in Chancay , Peru , promises to link South America to Asia and boost regional trade. However, locals in Chancay village, where most residents live without basic amenities, are unhappy with the project. They see it as a threat to their livelihood and the environment, while the government sees it as a vital means of economic development.
10 A new species of freshwater fish discovered in the Western Ghats
Recent research has revealed the species of Koima, a new group of freshwater fish found in the Western Ghats . The discovery reflects the rich biodiversity of the region and the need for further taxonomic studies. The research was conducted by a team from the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies and the Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence . Their findings were published in the journal Zootaxa. The Western Ghats are identified as a biodiversity hotspot, home to many endemic species, especially freshwater fish. The unique ecosystems of the region are important for conservation efforts. The discovery of Koima reinforces the need to further explore and document its aquatic life.
11 RINL wins 3 prestigious ‘Gold Awards’ at the International Convention on Quality Control Circles (ICQCC-2024) held at Colombo, Sri Lanka
The International Convention on Quality Control Circles (ICQCC-2024) was organized by Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Quality and Productivity (SLAAQP) in hybrid mode (in person and online) at Colombo, Sri Lanka from 11th to 14th November 2024. 3 LQC (Lean Quality Circle) teams from RINL, the corporate entity of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant i.e. ‘Armour’ from SBM (Special Bar Mill), ‘Tarangini’ from QA&TD (Quality Assurance & Technology Development) and ‘Sadhana’ from SMS-1 (Steel Melt Shop-1) presented their case studies (O’Line) from the Human Resource Development Centre of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.
12 Squash: India’s Veer Chotarani lost 1-3 to Colombia’s Ronald Palomino in the final of the SACC Costa Rica Open 2024
In squash, India’s Veer Chotarani lost 1-3 to Colombia ‘s Ronald Palomino in Costa Rica in the final of the SACC Costa Rica Open 2024. Earlier in the tournament, Veer Chotarani reached the final after defeating England’s Samuel Osborne-Wild in the semi-finals. Veer Chotarani entered the Costa Rica Open with confidence after recently winning the White Oaks Cup. Despite missing the title, Veer has performed very well in the tournament.
13 Mithali Raj appointed as Andhra Cricket Association’s women’s cricket operations mentor
Former Indian women’s cricket team captain Mithali Raj has been appointed as the mentor of women’s cricket operations by the Andhra Cricket Association-ACA. Mithali and ACA have signed a three-year contract. She will work to promote the next generation of women cricketers by discovering young talent in the state. Mithali retired from international cricket in 2022. She has long been an advocate of women’s participation in sports.
14 Magnus Carlsen wins Blitz title at Tata Steel Chess India tournament in Kolkata
At the Tata Steel Chess India tournament in Kolkata , World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen completed a remarkable double on Sunday by winning the Blitz title with one round to spare . He made a comeback against India’s Arjun Erigaisi in the final round and reached an unassailable 12 points. Carlsen registered three consecutive wins by defeating Vidit Gujrathi in the final round and clinched the Blitz crown with 13 points. This win is Carlsen’s second double win in Kolkata, having earlier achieved the same feat in 2019. The Indian players performed commendably, with Erigaisi finishing third with 10.5 points, R Praggnanandhaa finishing fourth with 9.5 points, and Vidit Gujrathi completing the top five with 9 points.
