27th November, 2024

1. ISRO’s Shukrayaan Set for Venus Voyage After Govt. Approval
2. Government Extends Atal Innovation Mission Till 2028
3. Proba-3: ISRO to Launch ESA’s Precision Formation Flying Solar Mission
4. Jammu and Kashmir Celebrates First Constitution Day Since 1950
5. Jaiteerth Raghavendra Joshi Appointed Chief of BrahMos Aerospace
6. India’s First Space AI Lab: TM2Space’s MOI-TD Revolution
7. President Droupadi Murmu Unveils Sanskrit and Maithili Translations of the Indian Constitution
8. Confederation of Indian Industry Launches New Strategy Cell
9. Delhi Govt Launches Portal for Old-Age Pension Scheme
10. Shivraj Singh Chouhan Launches ‘Nayi Chetna’ Campaign Against Gender Violence
11. India Appoints Dinesh Bhatia as Brazil Ambassador
12. India-EFTA Trade Deal: $100 Billion Investment & Boost to Exports
13. ICAI Signs MoU with CBSE to Enhance Commerce-Based Skill Courses in BFSI Sector
14. Balasubramanian Appointed as High Commissioner to Maldives
15. Cabinet Approves PAN 2.0: Digital Transformation of Taxpayer Services
16. DPIIT Approves Investment of 1,100-Crore Acquisition by IHLL
17. ISRO signs MoU with IIT Kharagpur to Launch Gaganyaan Mission
18. World Fisheries Day 2024 – November 21
19. Operation Tamarisk The Cold War’s Secret Garbage War
20. Breyten Breytenbach, Renowned South African Writer, Dies at 85
21. Alphabet Gets CCI Nod to Invest in Flipkart
22. GST Collection on Health and Life Insurance
23. Coast Guard to Hold ‘SAREX 24’ in Kochi from Nov 27-30

National News

1. India Celebrates 75 Years of Constitution with Commemorative Events
   • What:
     • President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Constitution of India, known as “Samvidhan Diwas,” at the old Parliament building.
     • During the event, she released a commemorative coin and postage stamp to honor this milestone.
   • Why:
     • The celebration marks the adoption of the Indian Constitution on November 26, 1949, and its significance in shaping India’s democracy and governance.
     • It aims to reflect on the achievements and values enshrined in the Constitution over the past 75 years.
   • Tell me more:
     • President Murmu unveiled the first Sanskrit copy of the Constitution and its Maithili version during the ceremony.
     • She also released two books titled “Making of the Constitution of India: A Glimpse” and “Making of the Constitution of India & Its Glorious Journey.”
     • The President emphasized the contributions of women members of the Constituent Assembly and urged citizens to embrace constitutional ideals.
       Source: TOI
2. Nayi Chetna 3.0 Campaign Launched to Combat Gender Violence
   • What:
     • The Union Minister of Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, launched the third edition of Nayi Chetna – Pahal Badlaav Ki, a national campaign against gender-based violence.
     • The campaign was inaugurated at Rang Bhawan Auditorium in New Delhi.
   • Tell me more:
     • Shri Chouhan inaugurated 227 new Gender Resource Centres (GRCs) across 13 states to support survivors of gender-based violence.
     • The campaign will run until December 23, 2024, and is organized by the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
     • Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Annpurna Devi, launched the #abkoibahananahi campaign during the event.
       Source: PIB
3. India-EFTA Trade Pact Expected to Boost Exports
   • What:
     • The Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) has been announced, which aims to boost 99.6% of Indian exports to European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries.
     • The agreement is expected to drive $100 billion in investment.
   • Why:
     • The TEPA is designed to enhance market access for Indian goods and services, supporting economic growth and increasing trade relations with EFTA countries.
   • Tell me more:
     • The agreement was discussed during a delegation visit led by Sunil Barthwal, Secretary of the Department of Commerce, to Norway.
     • EFTA will offer tariff concessions covering 100% of non-agricultural products and processed agricultural products.
     • India is set to offer access covering 95.3% of EFTA exports, including commitments in various sectors.

4. Government Approves PAN 2.0 Project for Taxpayer Services
   • What:
     • The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the PAN 2.0 Project of the Income Tax Department.
     • The project will have a financial implication of ₹1,435 crore.
   • Why:
     • It aims to improve the quality of service and speed up access for taxpayers.
   • Tell me more:
     • The project will enhance the digital experience for taxpayers by re-engineering business processes related to PAN/TAN services.
     • It will provide a single source of truth for data and optimize infrastructure for better security and agility.
     • The initiative aligns with the Digital India vision, allowing PAN to be used as a common identifier across government systems.
       Source: PIB

State News

1. Jammu and Kashmir Celebrates Constitution Day for First Time
   • What:
     • For the first time in 74 years, Jammu and Kashmir officially celebrated Constitution Day on November 26.
   • Why:
     • The celebration follows the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which integrated Jammu and Kashmir fully under the Indian Constitution.
     • Constitution Day, or Samvidhan Divas, commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution on November 26, 1949.
   • Tell me more:
     • The main event took place at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, where officials and citizens read the Preamble of the Constitution together.
     • Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasized the importance of the Constitution as a guiding document for democracy and governance.
       Source: IN
2. Delhi Government Increases Old-Age Pension Beneficiaries
   • What:
     • The Delhi government has increased the number of beneficiaries under its old-age pension scheme by 80,000.
     • This brings the total number of senior citizens receiving pensions to 5.3 lakh.
   • Tell me more:
     • Beneficiaries aged 60 to 69 years will receive a monthly pension of ₹2,000, while those aged 70 and above will receive ₹2,500.
     • Additional pension of ₹500 is available for beneficiaries from scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and minority communities.
     • An online portal has been launched for applications, receiving over 10,000 applications since its activation.
       Source: ET

International News

1. Operation Tamarisk: Intelligence Gathering During Cold War
   • What:
     • Operation Tamarisk involved intelligence agents from the U.S., U.K., and France who searched through garbage left by Soviet troops in East Germany.
     • The operation aimed to gather sensitive information discarded by the Soviet military.
   • Tell me more:
     • The term “Tamarisk” refers to the operation’s name among some operatives.
     • Intelligence gathering during this period often involved creative and unconventional methods due to the high stakes of the Cold War.
     • The operation highlights the lengths to which intelligence agencies would go to obtain crucial information.
       Source: TH

Banking and Economy

1. CII Launches Strategy Cell to Support Industries
   • What:
     • The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in Coimbatore has launched a new strategy cell to assist industries in scaling up their businesses.
     • The six-member cell will work with selected industries for a period of six to twelve months.
   • Why:
     • It focuses on supporting the manufacturing sector and promoting sustainable growth through strategic planning.
   • Tell me more:
     • Currently, seven industries have been selected for mentorship by the strategy cell.
     • The members of the strategy cell collectively have 200 hours of experience and offer their services free of charge.
     • Each industry will be assigned a strategy mentor to help with medium and long-term goals.
     • This initiative was launched in May this year and is part of CII’s efforts to enhance the capabilities of local industries.
       Source: TH
2. DPIIT Approves Hinduja Group’s Acquisition of Reliance Capital
   • What:
     • The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has approved the Hinduja Group firm IndusInd International Holdings Ltd (IIHL) for the acquisition of Reliance Capital Ltd (RCAP).
   • Why:
     • The approval was necessary due to some shareholders of IIHL being residents of Hong Kong, which requires government approval for investments from countries sharing a land border with India.
     • The acquisition aims to resolve the financial issues faced by Reliance Capital, which has significant debt.
   • Tell me more:
     • IIHL submitted a bid of ₹9,861 crore for Reliance Capital and was selected as the successful bidder.
     • The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in Mumbai approved IIHL’s resolution plan on February 27, 2024.
     • The DPIIT approval is part of a resolution plan that received overwhelming support from the Committee of Creditors (CoC), with 99.96% voting in favor.

3. CCI Approves Alphabet’s Acquisition of Flipkart Stake
   • What:
     • The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved Alphabet’s subsidiary, Shoreline International Holdings LLC, to acquire a stake in Walmart’s Flipkart.
     • The transaction involves an investment through the subscription of shares in Flipkart Pvt Ltd.
   • Tell me more:
     • Shoreline International Holdings LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. and does not operate any Google products or services.
     • Flipkart, a subsidiary of Walmart, primarily operates in wholesale cash-and-carry goods and provides an e-commerce platform in India.
     • In May 2024, Flipkart closed a funding round of approximately $1 billion, which included $350 million from Google.

4. GST Collection on Health and Life Insurance Surges
   • What:
     • The revenue collected by the union government through Goods and Services Tax (GST) on healthcare and life insurance services increased by 680% to ₹16,398 crore in 2023-24 from ₹2,101 crore in 2019-20.
     • However, GST collections in this category slightly decreased from ₹16,770 crore collected in FY23.
   • Why:
     • The increase in GST revenue indicates a growing market for health and life insurance services.
   • Tell me more:
     • Currently, GST on health insurance services is levied at a standard rate of 18%.
     • Specific health insurance schemes for differently abled and economically weaker sections are exempt from GST.
     • Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has been appointed as the convenor of a Group of Ministers (GoM) to address issues related to GST on health insurance.

Source: BS

Defence News

1. National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercises (SAREX-24) Commences
   • What:
     • The Indian Coast Guard is conducting the National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercises & Workshop (SAREX-24) in Kochi from November 27 to 30.
     • This workshop aims to validate the National Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR) construct using a collaborative approach.
   • Tell me more:
     • The exercise will demonstrate new technologies such as satellite-aided distress beacons and drones for deploying life-saving equipment.
     • The Indian Coast Guard plays a crucial role in maritime safety and security in India.
     • This is the 11th edition of SAREX, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve maritime response operations.
       Source: ANI

Science and Technology

1. ISRO’s Shukrayaan Mission Set for 2028 Launch
   • What:
     • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has received government approval for the Shukrayaan mission, which aims to send a satellite to Venus.
     • The launch is scheduled for March 2028.
   • Why:
     • The mission intends to investigate Venus, focusing on its atmosphere, geological structure, and weather patterns.
     • This research will help scientists understand the planet’s dense cloud cover and potential geological activities.
   • Tell me more:
     • Shukrayaan will utilize advanced scientific equipment, including synthetic aperture radar and imaging devices, to gather data about Venus.
     • The mission will provide uniform coverage of the planet, allowing for comprehensive mapping of various phenomena.
     • The project will cost approximately ₹1,236 crore and is expected to enhance India’s capabilities in planetary exploration.

Source: BS

2. ISRO to Launch Europe’s Proba-3 Mission for Solar Study
   • What:
     • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch the European Space Agency’s Proba-3 mission on December 4, 2024.
     • The mission aims to study the solar corona, the outermost part of the Sun’s atmosphere.
   • Why:
     • Proba-3 will conduct the first-ever “precision formation flying” with two satellites flying together to maintain a fixed configuration in space.
     • The mission is important for understanding solar phenomena that influence space weather and can affect satellite communications and power grids on Earth.
   • Tell me more:
     • Proba-3 has an estimated mission cost of 200 million euros and a planned life of two years.
     • The satellites will operate in a highly elliptical orbit and form a solar coronagraph to block sunlight and observe the corona.
     • The mission will provide up to six hours of observation time, equivalent to about 50 natural solar eclipses annually.

3. TM2Space to Launch India’s First AI Laboratory in Space
   • What:
     • Hyderabad-based company TakeMe2Space (TM2Space) has announced plans to launch MOI-TD (My Orbital Infrastructure – Technology Demonstrator).
     • This mission will establish India’s first artificial intelligence (AI) laboratory in space aboard ISRO’s PSLV C60 rocket.
   • Why:
     • The mission aims to revolutionize space research by enabling real-time data processing directly in orbit.
     • It will reduce the need for extensive ground-based data transmission, thereby lowering costs associated with space research.
   • Tell me more:
     • The AI laboratory will provide a platform for scientists, researchers, and businesses to explore the potential of space technology.
     • Ronak Kumar Samantray, CEO and founder of TM2Space, emphasized that the mission is about opening new possibilities for space research.
     • The ability to process data in space will make it more accessible and affordable.

4. ISRO Plans Unmanned Gaganyaan Mission in 2025
   • What:
     • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the unmanned Gaganyaan mission as early as March 2025.
     • This mission is a preparatory step for India’s first manned space mission planned for 2026.
   • Tell me more:
     • Two ships will be deployed in the Pacific and North Atlantic Oceans to monitor the unmanned mission.
     • The mission will involve sending eight ISRO scientists on board each ship to support operations.
     • The unmanned mission will last three days, during which it will orbit at an altitude of 400 km before returning to Earth.
       Source: LM

Important Days

1. World Fisheries Day 2024 – November 21
   • What:
     • Theme: India’s Blue Transformation: Strengthening Small-Scale and Sustainable Fisheries
   • Tell me more:
     • India is the third-largest fish producer in the world and the largest shrimp producer, with the sector supporting around 30 million livelihoods.
     • The fisheries sector has shifted from marine-dominated fisheries to inland and culture-based aquaculture.
     • Initiatives launched on this day include the Marine Fisheries Census, shark conservation plans, and efforts to combat marine plastic pollution.

Source: PIB

Memorandum of Understanding

1. ICAI Signs MoU with CBSE to Promote Skill Development
   • What:
     • The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
   • Why:
     • The partnership is intended to enhance the skills and employability of students, particularly in the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector.
   • Tell me more:
     • ICAI and CBSE will conduct awareness programs for school principals, teachers, and management teams of CBSE-affiliated schools.
     • The programs will focus on promoting commerce-based skill courses and their importance for career development.
     • CBSE will organize capacity-building initiatives for teachers of commerce-related subjects.
       Source: HT

Appointments

1. Dr. Jaiteerth Joshi Appointed Chief of BrahMos Aerospace
   • What:
     • Dr. Jaiteerth Raghavendra Joshi has been appointed as the new Chief of BrahMos Aerospace.
   • Tell me more:
     • BrahMos Aerospace is a joint venture between India and Russia, known for its advanced missile technology.
     • The BrahMos missile is recognized globally for its precision and speed, capable of striking both sea and land targets.
     • Dr. Joshi has also trained over 600 candidates in non-destructive testing techniques as Chairman of the Indian Society for Non-Destructive Testing (ISNT).
       Source: IN
2. Dinesh Bhatia Appointed as India’s Ambassador to Brazil
   • What:
     • Dinesh Bhatia, an Indian Foreign Service officer of the 1992 batch, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Brazil.
     • This announcement was made by the Ministry of External Affairs.
   • Tell me more:
     • Dinesh Bhatia is currently serving as the Ambassador of India to Argentina, a position he has held since August 21, 2019.
     • He has previously served as the Consul General of India in Toronto and held ambassadorial roles in Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, and Liberia.
     • Bhatia has also worked in Indian missions in Madrid, Kathmandu, and Kuwait.
     • He has authored two books: “Devi Purana–A Rendition of Srimad Devi Bhagavatam” and “Physics for Civil Services Prelims.”
       Source: ANI
3. Shri G. Balasubramanian Next High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Maldives
   • Shri G. Balasubramanian has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Maldives.
     Source: MEA

Miscellaneous

1. Breyten Breytenbach Passes Away at 85
   • Breyten Breytenbach, a renowned South African writer and anti-apartheid activist, passed away peacefully in Paris, at the age of 85.
   • He received numerous awards, including the Van der Hoogt Prize for Dutch Literature in 1982 and the Zbigniew Herbert International Literary Award.
   • He was recognized with several prestigious honors, including the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from France.
     Source: TOI

Start Quiz of 27th November 2024 on Mobile

Start Quiz of 27th November 2024 on Desktop