The 3rd edition of the World Solar Report series was launched at the 7th Assembly of the International Solar Alliance, spotlighting key areas in the global transition to sustainable energy. This year's (2024) release included four reports: the World Solar Market Report, World Investment Report, World Technology Report, and Green Hydrogen Readiness Assessment for African Countries.
The 3rd edition of the World Solar Report series was launched by Pralhad Joshi, India's Minister for New and Renewable Energy and President of the ISA Assembly.
Deutsche Bank Infuses Rs. 5,113 Crore to Boost India Operations
Deutsche Bank injected Rs. 5,113 crore into its Indian operations, marking its largest capital infusion into the country in recent years. This move, aimed at funding growth and expanding services across corporate, investment, and private banking, demonstrates the bank's long-term commitment to India. With this fresh capital, Deutsche Bank's regulatory capital for its India branches increased by 33% to nearly Rs. 30,000 crore, tripling in the last decade. The bank plans to leverage India's strategic position in global trends like digital transformation and infrastructure development to drive future growth.
The bank is focusing on sectors like digital transformation, sustainable finance, and infrastructure development as part of its growth strategy in India. As India is considered one of the most important markets for Deutsche Bank globally, its expanded capital will help enhance services and support India's economic growth trajectory.
SBI Unveils Innovation Hub at Singapore Fintech Festival
State Bank of India (SBI), in partnership with APIX—a global collaborative platform for financial institutions and FinTechs launched the 'SBI Innovation Hub' at the Singapore Fintech Festival from November 6-8, 2024. The hub provided a dedicated space for global FinTechs, start-ups, and innovators to create next-generation financial solutions that meet the digital needs of SBI's diverse customer base. This initiative underlined SBI's commitment to driving financial innovation, accelerating digital transformation, and promoting financial inclusion.
Zimbabwe Launches ZIMSAT-2 to Advance Space Programme
Zimbabwe launched its second satellite, ZIMSAT-2, from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia, a major milestone in the country's growing space programme. This satellite, equipped with a high-resolution multispectral camera, will aid in agriculture, resource exploration, environmental monitoring, and disaster management. It follows the successful launch of Zimbabwe's first satellite, ZIMSAT-1, in November 2022, marking continued progress in space technology and innovation.
The satellite is designed to deliver high-resolution data that will benefit sectors such as agriculture by monitoring crop health, predicting yields, and addressing nutrient deficiencies. Additionally, it will enhance resource mapping, environmental surveillance, and disaster management efforts across the nation.
C-DOT and IIT Roorkee Signs Agreement for "Development of Polymer Based Low-Cost Millimeter Wave Transceiver
Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the premier Telecom R&D centre of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India signed an agreement with the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) for the development of "Millimeter Wave Transceiver for 5G Rural Connectivity ".
The agreement was signed under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme of the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India. This scheme, designed to fund Indian start-ups, academia, and R&D institutions, is a crucial enabler for designing, developing, and commercialising telecommunication products and solutions. It aims to enable affordable broadband and mobile services, playing a significant role in bridging the digital divide across India.
4th LG Cup Horse Polo-2024 Tournament Inaugurated in Ladakh
Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd), the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, inaugurated the much-awaited 4th LG Cup Horse Polo-2024 Tournament at the newly constructed Polo Stadium at Goshan, Drass, Ladakh. This event, organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, UT Ladakh, marked a significant milestone for the region as it showcased not only the traditional sport of horse polo but also the growing emphasis on youth development and sports infrastructure in Ladakh.
World Pickleball Championships
Top players from the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) have set their sights on the upcoming World Pickleball Championships (WPC), which will take place in Mumbai from November 12-17 to give a boost to the popularity of pickleball in India.
Mumbai hosting the WPC underscores India's growing interest in the sport. Some of India's top players like Vanshik Kapadia, Tejas Mahajan, Vrushali Thakare, and Isha Lakhanai were optimistic that this high-profile event will further propel the sport's popularity within the country.
MEA Confirms India as Headquarters for Biofuel Alliance
In a significant development for the renewable energy sector, India officially signed the Host Country Agreement (HCA) with the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA), paving the way for the establishment of the Alliance's Secretariat in India. The agreement was signed by Dammu Ravi, Secretary (Economic Relations) from the Ministry of External Affairs, and Pankaj Jain, Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, who is also the Interim Director General of the GBA.
The agreement enables the GBA to set up its Secretariat in India, staffed by a mix of Indian and international personnel.
This establishment will facilitate the GBA in achieving its goals related to biofuel promotion and development.
The GBA was launched on September 9, 2023, during India's G20 Presidency, initiated by the Indian Prime Minister and leaders from eight other countries.
Founding members include Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Italy, Mauritius, Singapore, the UAE, and the USA.
Bihar's Sultanganj Station Gets New Name Ajgaibinath Dham
Sultanganj railway station in Bihar's Bhagalpur district is set to be renamed in honour of the revered Hindu shrine, Ajgaibinath Dham. The announcement was made by Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader, Samrat Choudhary. He revealed that the proposal to rename the station was approved by the municipal council of Bhagalpur.
The renaming of the railway station aims to enhance the importance of the shrine and promote tourism in the region.
$200 Million Deal Signed to Enhance Uttarakhand's Green Mobility and Urban Infrastructure
The Indian government signed a $200 million loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to enhance urban infrastructure and improve essential services in Uttarakhand. The initiative aims to modernise water supply systems, sanitation, urban mobility, and other key public amenities, thereby fostering sustainable development in the state.
During the loan agreement signing, Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs, noted that the project aligns with India's urban development agenda and supports Uttarakhand's efforts to enhance urban services, aiming to improve livability and sustainability in cities.
Zen Technologies Unveils World Lightest Ultralight Remote Controlled Weapon System
Zen Technologies introduced Barbarik, the world's lightest Ultralight Remote Controlled Weapon System (URCWS), a breakthrough in military technology that brings precision targeting to ground vehicles, naval vessels, and even static defensive positions. Designed to operate weapons between calibers of 5.56mm to 7.62mm, Barbarik enhances battlefield effectiveness while keeping personnel safely out of harm's way, signaling a new standard for compact, powerful remote weapon stations.
The Barbarik URCWS is an adaptable weapon platform designed for the rigors of modem combat, capable of integration on various platforms, including wheeled and tracked ground vehicles, naval vessels, and fixed positions such as rooftops. This versatility allows Barbarik to meet the diverse demands of contemporary warfare, serving as a powerful force multiplier across multiple operational theatres.
India Begins 'Poorvi Prahaar' Tri-Services Drill after China Disengagement
India launched a significant tri-services military exercise, 'Poorvi Prahaar,' from November 8, aimed at strengthening military readiness across the eastern front. This 10-day exercise follows the disengagement between Indian and Chinese troops at key friction points in eastern Ladakh, including Depsang and Demchok, and underscores India's commitment to enhanced defence capabilities.
World Radiography Day is celebrated every year on November 8 to mark the discovery of X-rays. This important development in medicine has changed healthcare by making it possible to identify a wide range of health issues. The day also honours the hard work of radiographers and radiologists worldwide for their role in diagnosing and treating medical conditions.
World Radiography Day was first celebrated on November 8, 2007, by the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists which coincided with the anniversary of Roentgen's discovery of X-rays.
The theme for World Radiography Day 2024 is 'Radiographers: Seeing the Unseen.'
National STEM Day
National STEM Day is celebrated every year on November 8 to recognise the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. The purpose of the National STEM Day is to inspire students to pursue fields in STEM foster a passion for problem-solving, and highlight the role STEM in driving innovation and economic growth.
UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) 2024 for the first time included 'Ayurveda Biology' as one of its subjects, marking a significant step toward blending traditional knowledge systems with mainstream academic fields.
This decision, aimed at promoting Ayurveda within the educational framework, was approved during the University Grants Commission's (UGC) 581st meeting, based on proposals from an expert panel.
Indian Military Heritage Festival 2024: A Tribute to India's Military Legacy
The 2nd edition of the Indian Military Heritage Festival (IMHF) began on November 8, 2024, in New Delhi. The two-day event, backed by the Ministry of Defence and several esteemed institutions, aims to bring together global and Indian think tanks, academicians, corporations, and military experts to discuss topics related to India's national security, foreign policy, and military heritage.
This year's festival was inaugurated by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, along with the three Service Chiefs. It follows the success of the inaugural IMHF held in October 2023, which highlighted India's rich military culture through various exhibits and performances.
South Africa Launches Quick Visa Processing for Indian Visitors
South Africa's government launched the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) as part of a new tourism initiative aimed at boosting visitor numbers from India and China. The scheme is designed to make the visa application process easier and faster for tourists from these countries, addressing the relatively low number of Chinese visitors to South Africa compared to other destinations like Australia.
Chhattisgarh HC CJ Ramesh Sinha Inaugurates Court for District and Additional Sessions Judge at Narayanpur
The Chhattisgarh High Court Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha virtually inaugurated the newly established Court for District and Additional Sessions Judge Court at Narayanpur, Civil District Kondagaon.
Stressing the indispensable role of quality judicial infrastructure in delivering fair and efficient justice, Chief Justice Sinha expressed his vision towards establishing adequate judicial infrastructure across the State.
During his address, he said that considering the hardships being faced by litigants, particularly in Sessions Cases who were compelled to travel from Narayanpur to Kondagaon, the establishment of the new District & Additional Sessions Court at Narayanpur, will be significantly more convenient for enlarging access to swift justice, and the dispensation of justice will proceed at an accelerated pace, representing a commendable advancement in justice delivery system for the people of Revenue District Narayanpur.