1. Union Cabinet approves MoU between India and Denmark on water resource development and management
Tags: International News
The Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Denmark on cooperation in the field of Water Resources Development and Management on 2 November 2022.
According to the Cabinet the MoU will strengthen cooperation in the field of water resources development and management; rural water supply; and sewage/wastewater treatment through direct collaboration between officials, academics, water sectors and industry in the areas under scope of cooperation.
India Denmark Cooperation on Water resource management
In September 2020, the Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched a Joint Statement on establishment of Green Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
The joint statement, envisions co-operation in the field of environment/water, circular economy and sustainable urban development including smart cities.
As a follow up of the joint statement on Green Strategic Partnership, the Prime Minister made the declaration for the establishment of centre of excellence for smart water resources management and establishment of a lab for clean rivers in Varanasi on the lines of smart city lab in Panaji.
A letter of intent was signed between the Ministry of Jal Shakti, and Ministry of Environment, Govt. of Denmark on 3 May 2022 during visit of Prime Minister Modi to Denmark.
Basic purpose of the proposed cooperation is to ensure safe and secure water to meet present & future demands through holistic and sustainable approach.
Kingdom of Denmark
It is a country of Europe. Denmark, Norway and Sweden constitute the Scandinavian countries in Europe.
The world’s largest island Greenland is part of Denmark.
Capital: Copenhagen
Currency: Danish Krone
Prime Minister: Ms. Mette Frederiksen.
2. Union Cabinet approves naming Hollongi Airport as Donyi Polo Airport
Tags: Economy/Finance National News
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on 2 November approved naming of greenfield airport at Hollongi, Itanagar, as ‘Donyi Polo Airport.
Important facts
A resolution was passed by the state government of Arunachal Pradesh to name this airport 'Donny Polo Airport, Itanagar'.
The 'Doni Polo' reflects the people's respect for the Sun (Doni) and the Moon (Polo), symbols of the state's traditions and rich cultural heritage.
The Government of India had given 'in-principle' approval for the development of Hollongi Greenfield Airport in January 2019.
The project is being developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) in collaboration with the Central Government and the State Government of Arunachal Pradesh at a cost of Rs 646 crore.
Hollongi Airport is the third airport in the state and the only airport in the capital city after Pasighat and Tezu airports.
Doni Polo Airport in Itanagar is the 16th airport in Northeast India.
Operational airports in the north-eastern region
Guwahati, Silchar, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Tezpur, Lilabari, and Rupsi (Assam); Pasighat and Tezu (Arunachal Pradesh); Agartala (Tripura); Imphal (Manipur); Shillong (Meghalaya); Dimapur (Nagaland); Lengpui (Mizoram) and Pakyong (Sikkim).
3. First successful flight test of phase -II ballistic missile defence interceptor
Tags: Defence Science and Technology National News
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the first successful flight test of Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Interceptor AD-1 missile with Large Kill Altitude Bracket from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on November 2, 2022.
Interceptor AD-1 Missile
It is a long-range interceptor missile designed for both low exo-atmospheric and endo-atmospheric interception of long-range ballistic missiles as well as aircraft.
It is driven by a two-phase solid motor.
It is equipped with indigenously developed advanced control system, navigation and guidance algorithms to accurately guide the missile to the target.
It has the ability to hit many different types of targets.
During this flight-test, all sub-systems performed as expected.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
It is a premier defence research and development agency under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
It aims to make India self-reliant in critical defence technology and systems.
It was set up in 1958.
Headquarters - New Delhi
Chairman - Samir V Kamat
4. Zojila Day commemorated at Zojila War Memorial, Drass
Tags: National Defence National News
Zojila Day was observed on 1 November 2022 at the Zojila War Memorial near Dras to celebrate the gallant action taken by the Indian soldiers in 'Operation Bison'. 'Operation Bison' was launched on the icy heights of Zojila Pass, the gateway to Ladakh in 1948.
Important facts
The Commander of Drass Warriors of Leh's Fire and Fury Corps paid floral tributes to the soldiers who were martyred in liberating the Zojila Pass from Pakistani infiltrators.
Zojila Day is an indomitable symbol of the bravery of the Indian Army.
This battle is considered historic as tanks were used for the first time at such a height.
Zojila Day is a symbol of the indomitable spirit of bravery and 'Never Say Die' of the Indian Army.
About Zojila Pass
It is a high mountain pass in Jammu and Kashmir, located on National Highway 1.
It connects Srinagar in Kashmir Valley to Leh in Ladakh region.
It has an elevation of about 3,528 metres (11,575 ft), and is the second highest pass on the Srinagar–Leh National Highway after Photu La.
This is known as the 'Icy Storm Pass'.
The Zojila Tunnel project was started in the year 2018. It is the longest and strategic bi-directional tunnel in Asia.
About The battle of Zojila
During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947, Zojila was seized by Pakistani-backed invaders in 1948 in their campaign to capture Ladakh.
On November 1, 1948, the Zojila Pass was recaptured by the Indian Army in an attack called Operation Bison.
The Battle of Zojila was one of the first battles of the Indian Army in the high altitude region.
5. Zojila Day commemorated at Zojila War Memorial, Drass
Tags: National Defence National News
Zojila Day was observed on 1 November 2022 at the Zojila War Memorial near Dras to celebrate the gallant action taken by the Indian soldiers in 'Operation Bison'. 'Operation Bison' was launched on the icy heights of Zojila Pass, the gateway to Ladakh in 1948.
Important facts
The Commander of Drass Warriors of Leh's Fire and Fury Corps paid floral tributes to the soldiers who were martyred in liberating the Zojila Pass from Pakistani infiltrators.
Zojila Day is an indomitable symbol of the bravery of the Indian Army.
This battle is considered historic as tanks were used for the first time at such a height.
Zojila Day is a symbol of the indomitable spirit of bravery and 'Never Say Die' of the Indian Army.
About Zojila Pass
It is a high mountain pass in Jammu and Kashmir, located on National Highway 1.
It connects Srinagar in Kashmir Valley to Leh in Ladakh region.
It has an elevation of about 3,528 metres (11,575 ft), and is the second highest pass on the Srinagar–Leh National Highway after Photu La.
This is known as the 'Icy Storm Pass'.
The Zojila Tunnel project was started in the year 2018. It is the longest and strategic bi-directional tunnel in Asia.
About The battle of Zojila
During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947, Zojila was seized by Pakistani-backed invaders in 1948 in their campaign to capture Ladakh.
On November 1, 1948, the Zojila Pass was recaptured by the Indian Army in an attack called Operation Bison.
The Battle of Zojila was one of the first battles of the Indian Army in the high altitude region.
6. In-Situ Slum Rehabilitation’ Project
Tags: National Government Schemes National News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 3,024 newly constructed EWS flats at Kalkaji in Delhi under the ‘In-Situ Slum Rehabilitation’ Project on November 2.
Important facts
He will also hand over the keys of the flats to the eligible beneficiaries at the Bhoomiheen camp at Vigyan Bhawan, Delhi.
In line with the Prime Minister's vision of providing housing for all, Delhi Development Authority is undertaking in-situ slum rehabilitation work in 376 slum clusters.
The DDA has taken up three such projects in Kalkaji Extension, Jailorwala Bagh and Kathputli Colony.
About In-Situ Slum Rehabilitation’ Project
The objective of the project is to provide a better and livable healthy environment with proper facilities to the people residing in slum clusters.
Under Phase I, 3024 EWS flats have been constructed at the vacant commercial centre site nearby.
The first phase of the project has been completed and 3024 flats are ready.
Under the Kalkaji Extension Project, in-situ slum rehabilitation of three slums—Bhumiheen Camp, Navjeevan Camp and Jawahar Camp at Kalkaji—is being carried out in a phased manner.
The slum site in the Bhumiheen camp will be vacated by rehabilitating the eligible families of this camp in newly constructed flats.
These flats have been constructed at a cost of about Rs 345 crore and are equipped with all civic amenities.
7. In-Situ Slum Rehabilitation’ Project
Tags: National Government Schemes National News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 3,024 newly constructed EWS flats at Kalkaji in Delhi under the ‘In-Situ Slum Rehabilitation’ Project on November 2.
Important facts
He will also hand over the keys of the flats to the eligible beneficiaries at the Bhoomiheen camp at Vigyan Bhawan, Delhi.
In line with the Prime Minister's vision of providing housing for all, Delhi Development Authority is undertaking in-situ slum rehabilitation work in 376 slum clusters.
The DDA has taken up three such projects in Kalkaji Extension, Jailorwala Bagh and Kathputli Colony.
About In-Situ Slum Rehabilitation’ Project
The objective of the project is to provide a better and livable healthy environment with proper facilities to the people residing in slum clusters.
Under Phase I, 3024 EWS flats have been constructed at the vacant commercial centre site nearby.
The first phase of the project has been completed and 3024 flats are ready.
Under the Kalkaji Extension Project, in-situ slum rehabilitation of three slums—Bhumiheen Camp, Navjeevan Camp and Jawahar Camp at Kalkaji—is being carried out in a phased manner.
The slum site in the Bhumiheen camp will be vacated by rehabilitating the eligible families of this camp in newly constructed flats.
These flats have been constructed at a cost of about Rs 345 crore and are equipped with all civic amenities.
8. Arunachal Pradesh to get Northeast’s first fish museum
Tags: Government Schemes National News
A fish museum, the first of its kind in the Northeast, would soon be built in Arunachal Pradesh, Fisheries Minister Tage Taki said.
Important facts
The museum will be a part of the Integrated Aqua Park (IAP) sanctioned by the Union Ministry of Fisheries.
It will have all the fish species of the state and will act as a training center for the fishermen.
Three years ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced one IAP for each state and union territory under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMSY) to bring about a blue revolution.
The proposed cost of the project is Rs 100 crore.
Rs 43.59 crore was sanctioned for the project in the current financial year as first instalment.
The existing Tarin Fish Farm (TFF) located in the high altitude Bulla village will be upgraded as an IAP where this museum will be built.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMSSY)
It is a sustainable development scheme focused on the fisheries sector, to be implemented in all States/UTs from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25 (during a period of 5 years) under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Under this scheme, an investment of Rs 20,050 crore will be made in the fisheries sector.
Insurance cover, financial assistance and Kisan Credit Card facility are also provided to the fishermen under the scheme.
Its objective is to rapidly promote rural development and rural economy by utilising rural resources.
An impressive growth of 14.3 percent has been registered in the fisheries sector till the year 2021-22 as compared to the year 2019-20.
9. Invest Karnataka - 2022 Summit
Tags: Economy/Finance Summits National News
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, addressed the inaugural function of the Global Investors Meet Invest Karnataka 2022 through video conferencing on November 2, 2022.
Important facts
More than 80 speakers will present their views in the three-day event to be held in Bengaluru from November 2-4.
The key themes to be addressed during the event will be related to innovation, sustainability, equity and resilience.
Speakers include some top industry leaders including Kumar Mangalam Birla, Sajjan Jindal, Vikram Kirloskar among others.
The aim of the Summit is to attract potential investors and establish a growth agenda for the next decade.
The sessions of the conference will be hosted separately by Germany, Netherlands, South Korea, Japan and Australia who are in India along with high level ministerial and industrial delegations from their respective countries.
The global scale of the event will give Karnataka an opportunity to showcase its culture to the world as well.
10. International book fair at Expo Centre UAE
Tags: International News
The 41st international book fair, being organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), will be held from November 2-13, 2022 at Expo Centre Sharjah.
Important facts
The book fair will host several award winning authors, intellectuals and other literary figures from across the world.
This year's theme of the fair is 'Spread the Word'.
The Publications Division of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India is participating in the Sharjah International Book Fair.
The Publications Division will offer readers and book lovers a wide variety of books on the history of the Indian freedom struggle and freedom fighters.
Readers will get a chance to read more than 100 books and magazines in various Indian languages on various subjects.
About Publications Division
Established in the year 1941, the Publications Division is a premier publishing house of the Government of India.
The Directorate of Publications Division is a repository of various types of books and magazines.
These books highlight topics of national importance and the rich cultural heritage of India.
It offers books and magazines in various languages on diverse subjects like Indian history, culture, literature, biography, science, technology, environment and employment.
Its textual content is renowned for its authenticity as well as for the reasonable price of the publications.
Its major publications include popular monthly magazines such as Yojna, Kurukshetra, Bal Bharati and Aajkal as well as the weekly employment newspaper Employment News.
Apart from this, it also publishes the prestigious reference annuity 'India Year Book' of the government.
