National
Military exercise 'Dakshin Shakti'
⇒ Military exercise ‘Dakshin Shakti’ was held in Jaisalmer with the Army and the Air Force. The exercise began on 20 November in the deserts of Jaisalmer and concluded on 26 November 2021.
General Manoj Mukund Naravane, Chief of Army Staff reviewed Exercise Dakshin Shakti which was conducted by the Southern Command of Indian Army with an aim to ensure integrated application of forces in Multi Domain Operations and upholding the Nation’s military aims over the entire spectrum of conflict.
Key Points:
» T-72, T-90 as well as Vijayanta tanks of the Army and the IAF’s Dhruv and Rudha helicopters, and the Jaguar fighter aircraft participated in the joint exercise.
» During the exercise, units and formations of the Indian Army practiced tactical and operational manoeuvres by its Infantry, Mechanized Formations and Airborne troops in a fluid battlefield environment, operationalizing future technologies.
» A formidable display of the same including Special Heliborne Operations, Swarm Drone and ALH Manoeuvres and coordinated action by ground troops were also practiced.
» The drill aims to establish the best coordination among the wings of the armed forces, space technology and artificial intelligence.
Unique anti-bacterial fabric
⇒ Union Minister for MSME Shri Narayana Rane launched the unique anti-bacterial fabric developed by Kumarappa National Handmade Paper Institute, Jaipur, under KVIC on 26 November 2021.
The fabric is treated with anti-bacterial agent extracted from cow dung which prevents bacterial growth in the fabric.
The Minister also lauded the innovative Khadi Prakritik Paint made from cow dung and the unique plastic-mixed handmade paper developed by the Institute.
Books titled “Democracy, Politics and Governance”
⇒ On Constitution Day i.e. on 26 November 2021, the Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu released the English and Hindi versions of books titled “Democracy, Politics and Governance”.
Author:
The book has been authored by Dr. A. Surya Prakash, Vice Chairman, Executive Council of Nehru Memorial Museum and Library. Dr. A. Surya Prakash is a leading commentator on parliamentary and constitutional issues and a veteran journalist.
1st International Conference on Hydrogen Energy - Policies, Infrastructure Development and Challenges
⇒ The 1st International Conference on Hydrogen Energy – Policies, Infrastructure Development and Challenges was held on 24 -25 November 2021.
Organized by:
The International Conference was organized by Central Board of Irrigation and Power (CBIP) with the support of Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Central Electricity Authority and NTPC.
Aim:
This conference was organized with the aim to bring all the key stakeholders on the same platform to discuss all facets of Hydrogen Energy in India.
The aim of the conference was to take a step ahead towards achieving the following five-point agenda presented by the Prime Minister while delivering the ‘National Statement’ at the COP-26 conference in Glasgow, Scotland amidst this global brainstorming on climate change.
- To raise the non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity of the country to 500 GW by 2030
- By 2030, 50% of the country’s energy requirements would be met using renewable energy sources.
- The country will reduce the total projected carbon emission by one billion tonnes between now and the year 2030.
- The carbon intensity of the economy would be reduced to less than 45% by 2030.
- The country would become carbon neutral and achieve net zero emissions by the year 2070.
The conference involved experts from:
MNRE; DST, CEA, SECI; IOCL; NTPC; BARC, TCE; Reliance Industries; Steel Industry; Leading Academic Institutions, State Power Organization; Consultants, experts from Private sector organizations; Speakers from Germany; Japan and Sweden for the conference.
Discussion:
Almost all aspects of the Hydrogen Policy, Road Map for adoption, Technologies, Applications, Issues & Challenges, and Research & Innovations were deliberated during the Conference.
International
13th ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Summit
⇒ The 13th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM 13) was held on 25-26 November 2021 via videoconference. This Summit also marked the 25th anniversary of the ASEM process.
The Indian delegation at the ASEM-13 was led by the Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu.
The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu addressed the first Plenary Session of the 13th ASEM Summit virtually from New Delhi on 25 November 2021.
Theme:
The 13th ASEM Summit was held on the theme of “Strengthening Multilateralism for Shared Growth”.
Host:
The 13th Summit was hosted by Cambodia as ASEM Chair.
The Summit was chaired by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Participants:
It was attended by the Heads of State/Government, high-level representatives and participants of ASEM countries from Asia and Europe, the President of the European Council, the President of the European Commission, and the Secretary-General of ASEAN.
About ASEM:
- ASEM is a platform for the countries in Asia and Europe to exchange views on regional and global issues and strengthen cooperation on a wide range of areas emanating from its three pillars – political and security, economic and financial and socio-cultural.
- The ASEM grouping comprises of 51 member countries and 2 regional organizations – European Union and ASEAN.
Important Day
Constitution Day
⇒ Constitution Day is celebrated all over India on 26 November every year to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of independent India.
- This day is also known as Samvidhan Divas or National Law Day or National Constitution Day.
- This day is also celebrated to raise awareness about the Indian Constitution.
Background:
- On this day in 1949, the Constitution of India was adopted and it came into effect on 26 January, 1950.
- In 2015, PM Narendra Modi declared 26 November as Constitution Day.