NATIONAL NEWS

TULIP Brand Launched To Promote Products of Disadvantaged Artisans

The government of India has launched the TULIP (Traditional Artisans' Upliftment Livelihood Programme) brand to provide a platform for the marginalised artisan communities to sell their products.

The TULIP brand was launched by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment at the opening of the ‘Shilp Samagam Mela 2024’,

The ministry organises the Shilp Samagam to provide a marketing opportunity for marginalised artisans to display and sell their products.

The TULIP (Traditional Artisans' Upliftment Livelihood Programme) is an e-marketplace where artisans from Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, sanitation workers, and persons with disabilities can sell their products in India and abroad.

It is expected to improve the socio-economic conditions of these marginalised communities and empower them.

Nationwide Digital Life Certificate (DLC) Campaign 3.0

Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Personnel, launched the Nationwide Digital Life Certificate (DLC) Campaign 3.0 to empower pensioners digitally.

This campaign aligns with Prime Minister Modi's vision for a "Nation First, Citizen First" approach to pensioners’ welfare.

The campaign will operate from November 1-30, 2024, covering 800 cities and towns across India. Pensioners of Central and State Governments, EPFO, and Autonomous Bodies can submit their DLCs at designated locations.

Pensioners over 80 years old can submit their certificates from home, with services provided by Gramin Dak Sewaks (GDS) and IPPB.

Collaborative Implementation: Major banks like SBI, PNB, CGDA, IPPB, and UIDAI will coordinate for smooth, accessible service delivery.

First Phase of Barda Wildlife Sanctuary and Jungle Safari Inaugurated in Gujarat

The first phase of the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary and Barda Jungle Safari will be inaugurated at the Kapurdi check post in Devbhoomi Dwarka, Gujarat.

This initiative aims to reduce the pressure on the nearby Sasan Gir National Park.

The development of the sanctuary is intended to boost wildlife tourism in Gujarat, creating a new attraction for nature enthusiasts and tourists.

The sanctuary spans approximately 192 square kilometres of the Barda region, covering both high and low hills. This area has been designated as a wildlife sanctuary for protection and tourism.

The Barda Jungle Safari includes some of the most scenic areas within the Bhanvad-Ranavav and Barda Wildlife Sanctuary regions.

The sanctuary is home to 368 species of plants, with the majority (54%) being shrubs.

BANKING

ADB Approves $200 million for Uttrakhand Livability Improvement Project

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sanctioned a $200 million loan to finance the Uttarakhand government’s Livability Improvement Project, which aims to upgrade and strengthen its urban infrastructure and make it climate resilient.

An agreement was recently signed between the Government of India and the Asian Development Bank representative in New Delhi.

The Uttarakhand Livebality Improvement Project is implemented by the Government of Uttarakhand and co-financed by the Asian Development Bank and the European Investment Bank.

The total cost of the Uttarakhand Livability Improvement Project is $465.9 million, of which the State government will provide $74.9 million, the European Investment Bank $191 million, and the ADB $200 million.

The Livability Improvement Project seeks to enhance the quality of life and climate resilience by upgrading the state's water supply, sanitation, drainage, flood management, urban mobility, and other urban services.

IFC Partners with Bajaj Finance

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a part of the World Bank Group, will provide a $400 million loan to Bajaj Finance Limited (BFL).

This investment is part of BFL's $1 billion fundraising initiative aimed at climate finance expansion in India.

The funding is aimed at expanding access to financing for electric vehicles (EVs) across two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and four-wheelers.

It also supports energy-efficient consumer goods (EECG) financing, which helps reduce energy consumption.

The loan will help BFL increase its outstanding climate loans from $150 million in 2024 to $600 million by 2027, aiding India's low carbon future and national climate targets.

The partnership also aims to empower women-owned micro-enterprises and support women micro-borrowers, contributing to gender equality and financial inclusion.

DEFENCE

Indian Military Heritage Festival

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, inaugurated the 2nd Indian Military Heritage Festival 2024 in New Delhi.

The Indian Military Heritage Festival is organised by the United Service Institution of India (USI).

The Festival focuses on Indian Military Heritage and traditions, Security and Self-Reliance, and Atmanirbhar Bharat in the defence and military domains.

The festival brings together Indian and foreign defence companies, think tanks, associations, and high-net-worth individuals committed to national security.

The general public, including students, academicians, and research scholars, also participates in the festival.

The festival highlights the dynamics of Indian national security, especially its strategic culture, military heritage, education, modernisation of security forces and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

3rd AUSTRAHIND Military Exercise Commences In Maharastra

The 3rd India-Australia joint military exercise, code-named AUSTRAHIND, commenced at the Foreign Training Node, Pune, Maharashtra, on 8 November 2024.

The 3rd AUSTRAHIND, hosted by the Indian Army, will be held from 8-21 November 2024.

A nation conducts military exercises with other countries as part of its diplomacy to strengthen its defence ties with them.

The AUSTRAHIND exercise also seeks to build positive military relations, imbibe each other’s best practices, and promote the ability to operate together while undertaking multi-domain operations.

At the 3rd AUSTRAHIND exercise, both countries' contingents will undertake joint sub-conventional operations in semi-urban environments in semi-desert terrain under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter and conduct joint counter-terrorism operations.

The joint exercise will also strengthen ties between India and Australia at the tactical and operational levels.

AWARDS & PRIZES

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Receives YouTube’s 'Golden Button' Award

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari received YouTube’s Golden Button Award, which acknowledges the popularity of his content on the platform.

The award was presented by Ajay Vidyasagar, Regional Director of YouTube at Google Asia Pacific.

Gadkari’s channel features videos of inaugural ceremonies, updates on new roadways and expressways, and speeches delivered at various organizations.

In 2021, he shared a personal video titled "Things to know about Nitin Gadkari," describing himself as a “visionary leader with an impressive track record.” This video remains pinned on his channel.

Rohini Nayyar Award

Anil Pradhan, an engineer and educationist from Odisha, has been honoured with the third Rohini Nayyar Prize for his outstanding contributions to rural development through STEM education.

Pradhan co-founded the Young Tinker Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education in underserved areas, winning a cash prize of ₹10 lakh along with a citation and trophy.

Rohini Nayyar Prize was established in 2022 by the Nayyar Foundation for Social and Economic Purpose, in memory of Dr. Rohini Nayyar, an esteemed economist and IAS officer.

The prize is awarded to individuals under 40 years of age who have significantly contributed to rural development.

Pradhan's organization runs ‘Tinker Spaces’, interactive learning labs for students to engage in STEM innovation through access to tools and materials that foster creativity.

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Radiography Day

World Radiography Day 2024 is observed on the 8th of November 2024.

X-Ray was discovered in 1895 by Wilhelm Roentgen.

In his laboratory, he accidentally discovered a new Electromagnetic wave that is transparent through flesh but won't transfer through metals and bones. It is a great invention that is used in the medical field.

He named it X-Ray which is capable of passing through flesh and creating shadows of solid objects like bones.

Since the discovery of X-rays happened on November 8th, this day is celebrated as World Radiography Day every year.