Current Affairs 10 & 11 November, 2024

Daily Current Affairs 10 & 11 November 2024

Table of Content

1. Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia Inaugurates the 25th SATRC Meeting; Calls for co-building a Transparent, Secure and Standard driven Future
2. Indigenous Development of Silicon Carbide Wafers and GaN HEMT based MMIC Technology up to X-band Applications
3. Indian & Sri Lankan Coast Guards hold 7th Annual High Level Meeting in Colombo to combat transnational maritime crime & promote regional cooperation
4. Scientists discover a new fire-resilient, dual-blooming species of Dicliptera in the Northern Western Ghats of India
5. Nano material coating developed can increase efficiency of fertilisers by slowing down their release
6. Russia to deliver first of two missile frigates by month-end:
7. 15-20 tigers missing from T’gana since years: Activists
8. Sebi looks to expand scope of info disclosed by listed cos
9. Deposit rates at peak, RBI cut likely in Feb: SBI chief
10. Bank of India reports 63% jump in Q2FY25 net profit at ₹2,374 crore
11. Govt plans to integrate Gati Shakti portal with e-Shram database
12. Sariska tiger that made Jhabua home back safely

Science and Tech

1. Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia Inaugurates the 25th SATRC Meeting; Calls for co-building a Transparent, Secure and Standard driven Future:

India’s Digital Transformation

• 1.2 billion telephones and 970 million internet subscribers.
• Aims for 20% digital economy by 2026-27.
• Promotes Non Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) for unconnected regions.
• Aims to fulfill UN SDGs commitments.
• SATRC countries heads and affiliate members present.

South Asian Telecommunication Regulators’ Council (SATRC-25) Meeting Inaugurated

• Minister for Communications, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, inaugurated the 25th Meeting of SATRC-25 in New Delhi.
• Scindia emphasized the SATRC-25 as a platform for knowledge-sharing and innovative perspectives on policy and regulatory challenges.
• Indicates India’s digital economy now constitutes 10% of the overall economic landscape, expected to reach 20% by 2026-27.
• Urges SATRC member nations to collaborate on digital inclusivity, sustainable network infrastructure, and consumer protection.
• Discusses the potential of NonTerrestrial Networks (NTNs) to extend telecom coverage to remote corners and advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

2. Indigenous Development of Silicon Carbide Wafers and GaN HEMT based MMIC Technology up to X-band Applications:

Indian DRDO Laboratory Develops GaN/SiC Technology

• Solid State Physics Laboratory develops indigenous processes for growing and manufacturing Silicon Carbide wafers.
• Fabricates GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs) up to 150W and Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMICs) up to 40W.
• GaN/SiC technology is crucial for next-generation applications in defence, aerospace, and clean energy sectors.
• GaN/SiC technology is essential for future combat systems, RADARS, electronic warfare systems, and green energy solutions.
• GaN on SiC based MMICs established at GAETEC, Hyderabad.
• Development of commercially viable SiC and GaN-based MMIC technology marks a milestone in India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

Atmanirbhar Bharat: A Vision for Economic Strength and Resilience

• Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to combat COVID-19.
• Goals include increased efficiency, competitiveness, and resilience.
• Promotes domestic production and manufacturing.
• Five pillars: Economy, Infrastructure, System, Vibrant Demography, and Demand.
• Includes “Vocal for Local” campaign promoting indigenous products, services, and industries.

National Affairs

3. Indian & Sri Lankan Coast Guards hold 7th Annual High Level Meeting in Colombo to combat transnational maritime crime & promote regional cooperation:

Indian and Sri Lanka Coast Guards Hold 7th Annual High Level Meeting

• ICG and SLCG held the 7th Annual High Level Meeting in Colombo.
• The meeting marked a significant milestone in their collaborative efforts.
• The focus was on addressing maritime challenges like drug trafficking, marine pollution, and marine safety.
• The meeting emphasized mutual cooperation and strengthening maritime safety and security.
• The 8th edition of the meeting will be hosted by ICG in 2025.

Indian and Sri Lankan Coast Guards Strengthen Maritime Security

• 33rd annual meeting on INS Sumitra in November 2023 focused on maritime security, fishermen safety, and contraband trafficking.
• Joint exercise, Exercise Dosti, aimed at strengthening cooperation and operational capability between the two countries.
• Tri-lateral exercise with Maldives National Defence Force- Coast Guard in 2018 involved SLCG ship Suraksha.
• Indian Coast Guard’s mission includes ocean and offshore wealth protection, mariner assistance, and maritime law enforcement.

7th Annual High Level Meeting between Indian and Sri Lankan Coast Guards

• Promoted regional cooperation and combat transnational maritime crime.
• Indian Coast Guard (ICG): maritime law enforcement and search and rescue agency.
• Roles: Protecting ocean and offshore wealth, aiding mariners, enforcing maritime laws, and preserving marine environment and ecology.

Science and Tech

4. Scientists discover a new fire-resilient, dual-blooming species of Dicliptera in the Northern Western Ghats of India:

New Fire-Resilient Dual Blooming Species Discovered in Western Ghats

• A new fire-resilient, dual-blooming species, Dicliptera polymorpha, has been discovered in the Western Ghats, India.
• The species, a fire-resilient, pyrophytic habit, exhibits a second, vigorous burst of flowering triggered by grassland fires.
• It is the only known Indian species with this spicate inflorescence structure, with its closest ally found in Africa.
• The species thrives on slopes in open grasslands of the northern Western Ghats, exposed to extreme climatic conditions.
• The species blooms twice a year, with the first flowering phase from post-monsoon to March or April, and the second phase in May and June triggered by fires.

5. Nano material coating developed can increase efficiency of fertilisers by slowing down their release:

Nanocoating for Chemical Fertilizers: A New Approach

• Researchers from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) Mohali have developed a hydrophobic nanocoating material to enhance the nutrient use efficiency of chemical fertilizers.
• The coating, made of nanoclay-reinforced binary carbohydrates, can reduce the recommended fertiliser dose and maintain enhanced crop production.
• The coating was applied to muriate of potash (KCl), which serves 80% of potassium fertilizer needs, using binary carbohydrates like chitosan and lignin.
• The researchers used a drum rotor method to coat the fertilizer uniformly, improving its use efficiency.
• The coating’s biodegradability and life cycle assessment ensured its sustainability over conventional chemical fertilizers.
• The 3D nanostructure of nature-inspired polymers offers a potential platform for various applications due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability.
• The slow-release fertilizer can be a potential alternative to conventional fertilizers, enhancing nutrient use efficiency and improving the socio-economic condition of farmers and the economy.

Defence

6. Russia to deliver first of two missile frigates by month-end:

• India is set to receive the first guided-missile warship from Russia by the end of this month.
• The multi-role frigate will be handed over to the Indian crew of over 200 officers and sailors at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad.
• The warship will be commissioned as INS Tushil by defence minister Rajnath Singh.
• The second frigate, Tamal, will be handed over early next year.
• The first three S-400 squadrons have been deployed in northwest and east India to cater for both China and Pakistan.
• India has previously operated two nuclear-powered attack submarines armed with conventional weapons (SSNs) after leasing them from Russia.
• India has also inked an over $3 billion deal with Russia to lease a more advanced SSN for 10 years, but its delivery has been delayed beyond 2027.
• India plans to induct the third nuclear-powered submarine with nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles (SSBNs) as INS Arighaat in Aug and plans to induct the third as INS Aridhaman early next year.

Russian Imported Weapons for India

• S-400 Triumf missile systems: India to receive final two regiments in the coming year.
• Sukhoi and MiG family of jets: Russia exports various aircraft.
• T-90 and T-72 main battle tanks: Used by Indian Army.
• Su30 MKI fighter: Used by Indian Air Force.

Agriculture

7. 15-20 tigers missing from T’gana since years: Activists

Tiger Conservation in Telangana

• 15 to 20 tigers have been missing from Telangana’s northern tiger corridors since 2013, including Chaitra, Vaishaka, and Phalguna.

Tiger Population in India 2022

• Madhya Pradesh has the largest tiger population with 785 in 2022.
• Karnataka has the second highest with 563 tigers.
• Uttarakhand has the third highest with 560 tigers.

Tiger Reserves with High Populations

• Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand has the highest within its boundaries with 260 tigers.
• Other tigers include Bandipur, Nagarhole, Bandhavgarh, Dudhwa, Mudumalai, Kanha, Kaziranga, Sundarbans, Tadoba, Satyamangalam, and Pench-MP.

Banking and Finance

8. Sebi looks to expand scope of info disclosed by listed cos:

Sebi Expands UPSI List for Listed Companies

• Sebi, a market regulator, is expanding the list of corporate events that qualify as UPSI.
• The aim is to ensure listed companies adhere to rules in letter and spirit.
• The regulator aims to maintain its ‘ease of doing business’ objective without increasing compliance obligations.
• A working group has been established to propose modifications to the list of events qualifying as UPSI.
• The proposed changes include modifications in ratings, fund-raising initiatives, and agreements leading to change in management and control.
• Other proposed changes include fraud or defaults by a listed entity, changes in key managerial personnel, and resignation of a statutory auditor.
• The list should exclude superannuation or completion of terms of top people at a company.
• The working group proposes that only the NCL Tadmitted winding-up petitions constitute UPSI.

9. Deposit rates at peak, RBI cut likely in Feb: SBI chief

SBI’s Chairman, C S Setty, anticipates a moderate 25 basis point cut in RBI interest rates in February 2025.

• SBI aims to increase deposits by offering premium services to those with a total relationship value of over Rs 30 to Rs 50 lakh.
• The first rate cut is expected to occur in February, with depositors continuing with their current interest rate.

10. Bank of India reports 63% jump in Q2FY25 net profit at ₹2,374 crore

• BoI reported a 63% YoY increase in Q2 standalone net profit to ₹2,374 Cr.
• Despite a 111 per cent YoY jump in loan loss provisions, the bank’s profitability remained strong.
• Other income, including fee-based income, treasury income, and recovery in written-off account, rose by about 49% YoY to ₹2,518 Cr

“BoI: Indian Public Sector Bank”

• Founded 1906.
• Nationalized in 1969.
• Headquartered in Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai.
• MD & CEO: Rajneesh Karnatak

National Affairs

11. Govt plans to integrate Gati Shakti portal with e-Shram database:

Government Plans to Integrate e-Shram and Gati Shakti Portals

• The government plans to integrate the e-Shram portal database of over 300 million unorganised workers with the Gati Shakti portal.
• The move aims to improve logistics planning and increase employment opportunities for locals.
• The integration is expected to reduce the skill gap and help nodal agencies plan their workforce requirements better.
• The e-Shram portal, launched in August 2021, is a national database of unorganised workers, including skilled and unskilled workers.
• The Gati Shakti portal contains extensive data related to India’s social and economic infrastructure.
• The integration aims to improve connectivity, enhance Indian businesses’ competitiveness, attract foreign investments, and boost economic growth.

e-Shram Portal Overview

• National database of unorganized workers in India.
• Created by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
• Aims to assist unorganized workers in accessing government benefits and social security schemes.
• Includes information like name, occupation, address, educational qualification, and skill types.
• Covers a wide range of unorganized workers, including migrants, construction workers, street vendors, domestic workers, and agriculture workers.

Gati Shakti Portal Overview

• Centralized portal for Right of Way (RoW) application.
• Collaborative effort between central and state governments, local bodies, and service providers.
• Aims for transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in application process.
• PM Gati Shakti: National master plan for multi-modal connectivity.
• Includes all 36 states and union territories, and relevant central ministries.

Miscellaneous

12. Sariska tiger that made Jhabua home back safely: Eighty-five days after Sariska tiger ST-2303 travelled 125km and settled in a patch of forest in Haryana’s Jhabua, a team of officials managed to tranquilise the big cat and take him back to the Rajasthan reserve on Sunday.

Sariska Tiger Reserve Overview

• Located in Alwar district, Rajasthan, India.
• Covers 881 km2 of land with diverse ecosystems.
• Originally used for hunting, declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1958.
• Part of India’s Project Tiger in 1978.
• Declared a national park in 1982, covering 273.8 km2.
• First world reserve with successfully relocated tigers.