“IMPORTANT DAY”

The National Cadet Corps (NCC), the youth wing of the Indian Armed Forces, is set to celebrate its 75th anniversary on November 27, 2023. Operating from its headquarters in New Delhi, India, the NCC opens its doors voluntarily to school and college students, functioning as a Tri-Services Organisation encompassing the Army, Navy, and Air Force. As a significant milestone approaches, it’s crucial to delve into the founding principles, objectives, and the impactful role the NCC plays in shaping the future leaders of India.

The United Nations General Assembly, in a decisive move towards fostering sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation, has designated November 26 as World Sustainable Transport Day. This resolution underscores the critical role of transport in connectivity, trade, economic growth, and employment, while acknowledging its significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. The pursuit of sustainable transport is not only an environmental imperative but a key strategy for achieving broader sustainable development goals.

Sustainable transport, as articulated by the Secretary-General’s High-level Advisory Group in 2016, encompasses the provision of services and infrastructure for the mobility of people and goods. It aims to advance economic and social development in a manner that is safe, affordable, accessible, efficient, and resilient. Crucially, sustainable transport seeks to minimize carbon and other emissions, as well as environmental impacts. It is not an end in itself but a means to achieve sustainable development.

World Sustainable Transport Day 2023 Theme

World Sustainable Transport Day 2023 focuses on the theme “Sustainable transport, sustainable development”.

On November 26, Indian observes Constitution Day, also known as ‘Samvidhan Divas,’ a special occasion dedicated to raising awareness about the Indian Constitution and honoring the legacy of B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the constitution. This day marks the historic adoption of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly in 1949, with its official implementation taking place on January 26, 1950. Constitution Day plays a vital role in fostering an understanding of constitutional principles among citizens and highlighting the significance of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in shaping this foundational document.

“SPORTS”

In a strategic move, Gujarat Titans have named Shubman Gill as the captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. This decision follows the departure of all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who was traded to Mumbai Indians. Shubman Gill, initially making his mark with the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2018, joined Gujarat Titans in 2021 for a substantial sum of Rs 7 crore. Known for providing explosive starts, Gill has become a linchpin for the team, showcasing his ability to set the tone of the innings.

Anish Bhanwala etched his name in history by becoming the first Indian shooter to clinch a medal in the men’s 25m Rapid Fire event at the ISSF World Cup Final. This accomplishment surpassed the efforts of past Indian shooters like Vijay Kumar in 2009 and Gurpreet Singh in 2015, who had reached the final but fell short of claiming a medal.

“DEFENCE”

In a significant stride towards enhancing self-reliance in the defence sector, the Indian Coast Guard and Navy are set to acquire 15 C-295 transport aircraft. The proposals for the acquisition are currently in advanced stages within the defence ministry, with the Navy eyeing nine planes and the Indian Coast Guard planning to procure six. The C-295 transport aircraft are being manufactured in India through a collaborative effort between Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus.

“APPOINTMENT”

In a significant diplomatic move, Robert Shetkintong, the current Ambassador of India to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, has been designated as the next High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Mozambique. This strategic appointment marks a key transition for Shetkintong, a seasoned diplomat and a 2001 batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer.

iddaramaiah, Chief Minister(CM) of Karnataka, has appointed Rajneesh Goel as the 40^th Chief Secretary of Karnataka. He will hold the post till his retirement in July 2024 or until further orders. He is currently serving as the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) in the Home Department of the Government of Karnataka. He will succeed Vandita Sharma, the incumbent Chief Secretary (since May 2022) who is set to retire on 30th November 2023.

 “NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

In a landmark development, Damoh district in Madhya Pradesh is poised to become the home of the country’s largest tiger reserve, marking a significant stride in wildlife conservation efforts. The central government has greenlit the merger of Noradehi Sanctuary with the Durgavati Sanctuary in Damoh, creating an expansive tiger reserve spanning an impressive 2,300 square kilometers.

Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj University (CSMUJ) in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has achieved a significant milestone by securing the highest grading, A++, from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). This accomplishment places CSMUJ among select state universities in Uttar Pradesh with a similar prestigious status. The university’s remarkable journey from a ‘B’ grade in 2006 and 2015 to the top-tier ‘A++’ rating reflects its dedication to academic excellence and overall institutional development.

In a landmark move towards a pollution-free Varanasi, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, inaugurated the city’s second floating Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mobile Refueling Unit (MRU) station at Ravidas Ghat. Developed by GAIL (India) Limited, this initiative signifies a significant stride in adopting sustainable energy solutions.

Uttar Pradesh government recently made a significant announcement, declaring November 25 as “no non-veg day” in commemoration of the birth anniversary of Sadhu TL Vaswani, a prominent advocate for a vegetarian lifestyle. This decision involves the closure of all slaughterhouses and meat shops in the state on that day. The move aligns with the tradition of celebrating the birth anniversaries of great figures who promoted the doctrine of non-violence, such as Mahavir Jayanti, Buddha Jayanti, Gandhi Jayanti, and now, Sadhu TL Vaswani Jayanti.

On November 26, the Maharashtra Government announced a heartfelt tribute to the late National Award-winning actor-director Vikram Chandrakant Gokhale. As the first death anniversary of the legendary figure approaches, a street in Andheri West, Mumbai, is set to be named in his honor. This initiative serves as a testament to Gokhale’s significant contributions to the world of cinema and his enduring impact on the entertainment industry.

On the auspicious occasion of Constitution Day, President Droupadi Murmu revealed a statue of Dr B R Ambedkar within the Supreme Court premises. This symbolic gesture aimed to honor the renowned architect of the Indian Constitution. The event drew the attendance of numerous judges from the Supreme Court, emphasizing the significance of commemorating Constitution Day. Chief Justice of India, D Y Chandrachud, and Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal paid their respects to Dr B R Ambedkar by folding their hands and presenting flowers to the impressive over 7-feet tall sculpture.

In a significant move, Malaysia has joined Thailand and Sri Lanka to offer 30 days of visa-free travel to visitors from India, starting from December 1. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also announced a similar provision for Chinese citizens. While celebrating the diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that the visa exemption for Indian and Chinese citizens is contingent upon security clearance. Individuals with a criminal record or deemed a risk for violence will not be eligible for the visa-free travel.