1 Aditya-L1 shares first high-energy X-ray glimpse of solar flares
ISRO has achieved an important success in its solar mission . Aditya-L1 mission ‘s payload HEL1OS has captured the first high-energy X-ray glimpse of solar flares . The High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS) on board Aditya-L1 has recorded the impulsive phase of solar flares. The recorded data are consistent with X-ray light curves provided by NOAA’s GOES. HEL1OS data enables researchers to study explosive energy release and electron acceleration during the impulsive phases of solar flares. HEL1OS was launched in the UK. R. Rao Satellite Center was developed by the Space Astronomy Group, Bengaluru.
2 Prime Minister celebrated Diwali with brave soldiers in Lepcha, Himachal Pradesh
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the brave soldiers in Lepcha , Himachal Pradesh on the occasion of Diwali . Lepcha check post located in Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh is situated at a height of about 2 kilometers from the Chinese border. Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Army personnel are deployed on the frontline in this post. The Prime Minister celebrated Diwali with soldiers in the world’s highest battlefield Siachen in 2014, in Amritsar in Punjab in 2015 and in Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh in 2016. Diwali was celebrated with army personnel in Gurez in Jammu and Kashmir in 2017, Kedarnath in Uttarakhand in 2018 and Rajori in Jammu division in 2019. The Prime Minister celebrated Diwali in the year 2020 in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, in the year 2021 in Nowshahra of Rajori district of Jammu division and in the year 2022 in Kargil in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
3 Four-day event of the 33rd conference of the Asia and Pacific Regional Commission of the World Animal Health Organization begins in New Delhi
The 33rd Conference of the Asia and Pacific Regional Commission of the World Organization for Animal Health – WOAH is being organized in New Delhi . Representatives from 36 countries including India , representatives of regional and international organizations and private sector veterinary organizations will participate in the conference . Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Parshottam Rupala will inaugurate this four-day conference. The decision to host this important event was taken during the 90th General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates of WOAH in Paris in May 2023.
4 Government announced 1% interest rate rebate for disabled people taking loans from National Disabled Finance and Development Corporation
The government has announced to give one percent rebate in the interest rate to the disabled people taking loans from the National Disabled Finance and Development Corporation – NDFDC . This decision has been taken to promote financial inclusion and economic empowerment of the disabled. Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, said that the objective of this initiative is to reduce the financial burden on persons with disabilities seeking financial help and to encourage a sense of responsibility towards loan repayment.
5 New island emerges in Japan after volcanic eruption
Japan , known for its stunning landscapes and geological activities, recently witnessed the birth of another island in its archipelago. The event was caused by a series of volcanic eruptions near Iwoto Island in the Ogasawara island chain , reflecting the dynamic nature of the country’s geography. The emergence of a new island resulted from an undersea volcanic eruption that began in October. Iwoto Island, part of the Ogasawara island chain, is about 1,200 km (745 mi) south of Tokyo. Phreatomagmatic eruptions , which occur when magma interacts with water, created a landmass about 100 meters in diameter. Iwotoko Island, formerly known as Iwo Jima , was the site of a significant battle during the Pacific War. It is one of Japan’s 111 active volcanoes and has had previous eruptions. The island was officially renamed Iwoto by Japanese authorities in 2007.
6 Israel sells air defense system to Finland amid conflict in Gaza
Israel continues heavy airstrikes in Gaza , meanwhile it has announced the sale of a major air defense system worth more than 300 million euros to new NATO member Finland . Hundreds of people, including Hamas militants and civilians, have been killed in the Israeli military offensive in Gaza that began 38 days ago. The latest violence follows long-running tensions. Despite the Gaza conflict, Israel finalized a deal to sell Finland a jointly developed Israeli-American system that can intercept missiles, aircraft and drones.
7 World Bank approves $150 million to strengthen Sri Lanka’s financial sector
The World Bank has recently approved a substantial financial assistance package of US$150 million to boost Sri Lanka ‘s financial and institutional sectors. This support has come at a crucial time when the country is facing a serious economic crisis. Sri Lanka is facing an unprecedented economic crisis, including public protests over dwindling foreign exchange reserves and shortages of essential commodities such as fuel and fertiliser. The World Bank recognizes the urgency of the situation and has come forward to provide assistance. A stable and reliable banking sector is essential for any economy. It not only supports businesses and individuals but also helps small businesses and poor families. Faris Haddad-Zervos, World Bank Country Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, emphasizes the importance of a strong financial sector in Sri Lanka’s recovery.
8 France to spend $1 billion on polar research
Concerned about the rapid decline of Earth’s ice caps and glaciers, France is spending $1 billion on polar research over the next decade . French President Emmanuel Macron hosted a summit with polar countries and scientists. Experts warn that temperatures in the Arctic are rising 4 times faster and half of all glaciers could disappear by 2100 . France wants climate action at upcoming UN talks. Disappearing ice currently threatens millions of people, but shrinking glaciers that provide water and reflecting capacity will threaten billions more. Scientists warn of catastrophic and irreversible points as dark oceans absorb more heat where ice once reflected sunlight.
9 Destructive floods displace thousands of people in Somalia and neighboring countries
Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia are grappling with a serious humanitarian crisis as they face their worst flooding in decades. At least 29 people lost their lives and more than 3,00,000 were forced to evacuate their homes. Somalia’s National Disaster Management Agency reported at least 29 casualties. More than 3,00,000 people have been displaced from their homes due to the devastating floods. The floods have followed a period of severe drought, adding to the region’s challenges.
10 US Air Force B-21 “Raider” makes its first flight
The US Air Force ‘s much-awaited B-21 “Raider” bomber aircraft , with its distinctive flying wing design , successfully completed its inaugural flight on a historic day at Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California . Developed by Northrop Grumman , the B-21 Raider represents the next generation of long-range nuclear-capable stealth bombers. On this important day, the B-21 Raider took off in the morning, marking an important milestone in the development of this advanced bomber aircraft.
11 Paylocal gets in-principle approval from RBI for payment aggregator licenses.
Paylocal , a payments platform focused on cross-border transactions, has been granted in-principle approval by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for a payment aggregator (PA) license . This license will allow Paylocal to onboard merchants onto its platform for online payment processing. Founded in 2021, the company provides a technology platform that facilitates secure online payments through a variety of devices, including cards and global alternative payment methods.
12 Hitesh Kumar S Makwana becomes Surveyor General of India
Tamil Nadu cadre Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana has been appointed Surveyor General of India . Prior to this appointment, he served as Additional Secretary in the Union Home Ministry. The Surveyor General of India is the head of the Survey of India. The Survey of India is a department under the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Government of India.
13 America will invest $553 million in Adani’s Sri Lanka Port Terminal Project
The United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has unveiled a major investment of $ 553 million in Adani Ports ‘ container terminal project located in Colombo Port, Sri Lanka . This significant financial commitment is intended to spur private sector investment that supports economic growth and strategic partnerships in the region.
14 UBS raised India’s growth forecast for the current financial year to 6.3 percent
Foreign brokerage company UBS has marginally increased India’s real gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast to 6.3 percent for the current financial year 2023-24 . Tanvi Gupta Jain, the brokerage’s chief economist in India , said domestic economic activity is going better than expected, but management of macro risks and next year’s general elections are key factors to keep in mind.
15 Mass displacement crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Fighting between M23 rebels and government-backed militias in North Kivu, DRC ‘s eastern province, has worsened since October. The conflict is causing large-scale displacement, and the United Nations ‘ International Organization for Migration (IOM) is deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation. By October 2023, the number of internally displaced people (IDPs) in the DRC is set to reach a record high of 6.9 million. It is the result of ongoing conflict and increasing violence, leading to one of the largest internal displacement crises globally.
16 Public Service Broadcasting Day, 12 November
Public Service Broadcasting Day was celebrated on 12th November . On November 12, 1947, Mahatma Gandhi appeared on All India Radio for the first and last time . Coincidentally that day was also Diwali festival . Gandhiji addressed the displaced in Kurukshetra, Haryana after partition . He had appealed to the people to stay away from violence.
17 Astronaut Frank Borman passes away
Frank Borman will always be remembered as the commander of Apollo 8 , the mission that orbited the Moon 10 times and laid the foundation for the lunar landings . With his companions, James Lowell and William Anders , Borman set out on the first Apollo missions to the Moon. On Christmas Eve in 1968, he accomplished a remarkable feat by reading the Book of Genesis in a live telecast from the Lunar Orbiter, providing a moment of reflection and unity at a time of global significance. Before Apollo 8, Borman and Lovell flew together during the Gemini 7 mission. The challenges he faced during the Gemini program paved the way for the Apollo missions.