India Ranks 176th in the Global Nature Conservation Index (NCI) 2024
With a score of 45.5 out of 100, India ranked 176 out of 180 countries in terms of natural environment protection, according to the Nature Conservation Index.
Released in October 2024, this is the first-ever edition of the index which ranks countries based on their efforts vis-à-vis four pillars: managing protected areas, addressing threats against biodiversity, nature and conservation governance, and future trends in a country's natural resource management.
"Though 7.5 per cent of India's terrestrial area is protected, improvements are needed in marine protected areas, with only 0.2 per cent coverage in national waters and none in the EEZ [Exclusive Economic Zone]," according to the report by Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of Sustainability and Climate Change and BioDB.com.
The top three ranked countries are Luxembourg, Estonia, and Denmark, respectively with others including Zimbabwe and Costa Rica finding their way into the top 10.
Solex Energy Partners with SBI for Solar Project Financing
Solex Energy partnered with the State Bank of India (SBI) to provide financing options for solar projects, targeting commercial, industrial, and institutional customers. Under this collaboration, SBI will offer loans up to Rs. 10 crore through its Surya Shakti Solar Finance Scheme, aiming to make solar energy more accessible and affordable in India.
Solex Energy will support clients with site evaluations, project design, and regulatory approvals, while SBI will facilitate a seamless loan application process through a digital platform. This partnership aligns with a growing trend, as seen in Tata Power Solar's agreement with ICICI Bank to finance solar units for various customers.
Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Receives RBI Approval for Foreign Exchange Services
Ujjivan Small Finance Bank secured approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for foreign exchange services, marking a significant milestone in its operational capabilities. The bank was granted the 'Authorised Dealer Category 1 licence,' allowing it to offer a comprehensive range of foreign exchange products and services. This development aligns with the bank's strategy to enhance its service offerings and cater to the growing demand for forex solutions among its customers.
VVS Laxman Team India's Head Coach for South Africa T20Is
Former batting veteran and NCA boss VVS Laxman was appointed Team India's head coach for the four-match T20I series against South Africa starting November 4. With regular coach Gautam Gambhir flying with the Test squad to Australia for the marquee five-match series beginning in Perth on November 22, Laxman filled in for him the way he did for ex-coach Rahul Dravid several times during his tenure.
Ahead of Jharkhand Poll, PM Announces 150th birth Anniversary Celebrations of Birsa
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the government would celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of the country's first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and freedom fighter Birsa Munda.
Modi urged people to become part of the government campaign. The announcement regarding Birsa Munda will resonate with the people of Jharkhand, where Assembly elections will be held next month in two phases — on November 13 and 20.
The BJP had earlier revealed plans to establish a grand memorial in Sundargarh district of Odisha to honour Munda, a Santhal icon and freedom fighter, on his birth anniversary.
Birsa Munda pronunciation (15 November 1875 – 9 June 1900) was an Indian tribal independence activist, and folk hero who belonged to the Munda tribe. He spearheaded a tribal religious millenarian movement that arose in the Bengal Presidency (now Jharkhand) in the late 19th century, during the British Raj, thereby making him an important figure in the history of the Indian independence movement.
Railway Protection Force Unveils 'Digital Memorial of Valour'
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) launched the 'Digital Memorial of Valour' in New Delhi, a heartfelt initiative dedicated to honouring the sacrifices of its brave personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
The RPF is an armed force under the operational and administrative control of the Union Ministry of Railways.
It is tasked with protecting and securing railway property, the passenger areas, and the passengers themselves.
Constitution
The RPF was set up as a consequence of The Railway Protection Force Act, 1957.
Navy Chief Tripathi Inaugurates 'Swavlamban 2024' Exhibition in Delhi
The third edition of the Indian Navy's Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Seminar, Swavlamban – 2024, was held in New Delhi. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi inaugurated the two-day event at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the Swavalamban.
Swavlamban – 2024 aimed at promoting the innovation and indigenisation endeavours of the Indian Navy. Several companies and start-ups participated in the Swavalamban 2024 showcasing products of niche technologies such as air and surface surveillance, autonomous systems in surface, aerial, and underwater domains, AI, and quantum technologies.
UP Launches Rs 5.86 crore Sanskrit Scholarship, Unveils Plans to Revive Gurukuls
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath introduced a Rs. 5.86 crore scholarship scheme specifically for Sanskrit students across the state, aiming to make this ancient language accessible to all.
Launched at Varanasi's Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, the initiative expands scholarships for 69,195 Sanskrit students, with funds directly transferred to their bank accounts.
The Chief Minister emphasised the need for all students to set up bank accounts to ensure secure and efficient fund distribution.
With a view to reinvigorating traditional education, CM Adityanath announced plans to revive the Gurukul-style residential schools in Uttar Pradesh.