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Current Affairs 04 November 2024
1. Ashish Khanna appointed as DG of ISA
Ashish Khanna from India was appointed as the third Director
General of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) at the 7th ISA Assembly in New Delhi, succeeding Dr. Ajay Mathur. The ISA, which includes 120 member countries, aims to accelerate solar energy deployment and mobilize $1 trillion in investments by 2030, promoting global energy access and sustainability.
General of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) at the 7th ISA Assembly in New Delhi, succeeding Dr. Ajay Mathur. The ISA, which includes 120 member countries, aims to accelerate solar energy deployment and mobilize $1 trillion in investments by 2030, promoting global energy access and sustainability.Foot notes:
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The ISA, with 120 Member and Signatory countries, collaborates with governments to enhance energy access and security globally, focusing on solar power for a carbon-neutral future.
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Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, emphasized ISA’s role in mobilizing resources and supporting solar projects, especially in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
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The Director General of ISA plays a key role in assisting the Assembly by helping Member Countries overcome shared challenges and coordinating solar energy deployment efforts globally.
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Ashish Khanna was chosen as Director General from a candidate pool including Ghana’s Wisdom Ahiataku-Togobo and Ethiopia’s Gosaye Mengistie Abayneh.
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Outgoing Director General Ajay Mathur congratulated Khanna and highlighted his own tenure’s achievements, including increasing ISA’s Member and Signatory countries to 103 and 17, respectively.
About ISA:
Established - 2015
Founded – Paris
Headquarters - Gurugram, Haryana, India
2. Jaishankar inaugurates Indian consulate in Brisbane
On November 4, 2024, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar
inaugurated India’s new consulate in Brisbane, marking a significant milestone in enhancing India-Australia relations. He emphasized the recent transformation in bilateral ties, driven by initiatives such as a trade agreement that has created substantial opportunities for both nations.
inaugurated India’s new consulate in Brisbane, marking a significant milestone in enhancing India-Australia relations. He emphasized the recent transformation in bilateral ties, driven by initiatives such as a trade agreement that has created substantial opportunities for both nations.Foot notes:
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New Consulate: EAM S. Jaishankar inaugurated India’s first consulate in Queensland, adding to existing consulates in Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney, and highlighting India’s growing diplomatic presence in Australia.
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Queensland's Role: Jaishankar emphasized Queensland's importance in India-Australia ties, noting that it drives much of the bilateral trade and houses nearly 100,000 Indian-origin residents.
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HLC Visit: Jaishankar visited Australia's Humanitarian Logistics Capability (HLC) warehouse, a Pacific region hub for humanitarian aid, commending Australia’s relief support to Papua New Guinea.
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QUAD Collaboration: He stressed the significance of disaster relief as a key area of Indo-Pacific cooperation within the QUAD framework.
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Trade Growth: India, Australia’s sixth-largest trading partner, saw bilateral trade grow by 41% from $22.2 billion in 2021 to $31.4 billion in 2022, with Indian exports rising 38% to $8.7 billion.
3. Cairn becomes India's 1st oil & gas company to join UNEP's OGMP 2.0
Cairn Oil & Gas has partnered with UNEP’s OGMP 2.0, becoming
the first Indian oil and gas company to commit to reducing methane emissions. OGMP 2.0 offers a thorough framework for emissions management, aligning with Cairn’s objective to achieve Net Zero by 2030. Cairn’s ESG strategy emphasizes sustainable practices in the energy sector through initiatives like carbon capture, waste-to-energy, and low-carbon technologies.
the first Indian oil and gas company to commit to reducing methane emissions. OGMP 2.0 offers a thorough framework for emissions management, aligning with Cairn’s objective to achieve Net Zero by 2030. Cairn’s ESG strategy emphasizes sustainable practices in the energy sector through initiatives like carbon capture, waste-to-energy, and low-carbon technologies.Foot notes:
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OGMP 2.0 Framework: Provides best practices and a strong reporting system for managing methane emissions with an emphasis on Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV).
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Global Reach: Covers over 40% of global oil and gas production, helping companies improve emissions data quality for effective methane reduction.
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Cairn Joins OGMP 2.0: Giulia Ferrini, OGMP 2.0 Programme Manager, hopes Cairn’s participation will encourage other Indian companies to join.
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Support for Global Goals: Aligns with the Paris Agreement and Global Methane Pledge to cut global methane emissions by 30% by 2030.
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Cairn’s ESG Strategy: Hitesh Vaid, CFO of Cairn Oil & Gas, highlighted the company’s ESG initiatives, including renewable energy, carbon capture, waste-to-energy, low-carbon tech, and nature-based carbon solutions, aimed at environmental responsibility and India’s energy security.
4. India-Vietnam 5th Joint Exercise 'Vinbax' Begins in Ambala
The 5th India-Vietnam military exercise, Vinbax, commenced in
Ambala, Haryana, and, for the first time, includes joint participation from both armies and air forces. Last year’s exercise was held in Vietnam. The Indian Army contingent features 47 personnel, including a regiment from the Corps of Engineers and members from other branches and services.
Ambala, Haryana, and, for the first time, includes joint participation from both armies and air forces. Last year’s exercise was held in Vietnam. The Indian Army contingent features 47 personnel, including a regiment from the Corps of Engineers and members from other branches and services.Foot notes:
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VINBAX-2024 sees expanded scope with Bi-Service participation for the first time, involving both Army and Air Force personnel from India and Vietnam.
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The Indian Army contingent includes 47 personnel, primarily from a Regiment of the Corps of Engineers, along with members from other arms and services.
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As a field training exercise, VINBAX-2024 aims to enhance mutual confidence, interoperability, and the sharing of best practices between the Indian and Vietnamese armies.
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The joint exercise also offers troops an opportunity to learn about each other’s social and cultural heritage.
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VINBAX-2024 will conclude on the 23rd of this month.
5. Harmeet Desai Clinches Dual Title at WTT Feeder Caracas
Harmeet Desai achieved victory in both Men’s Singles and Mixed
Doubles at the WTT Feeder Caracas in Venezuela. In Mixed Doubles, Desai, alongside Krittwika Roy, narrowly defeated Cuba’s Jorge Campos and Daniela Fonseca Carrazana with a close 3-2 win in the final. In Men’s Singles, Desai showcased his dominance by defeating France’s Joe Seyfried 3-0, underscoring India’s rising success in international table tennis.
Doubles at the WTT Feeder Caracas in Venezuela. In Mixed Doubles, Desai, alongside Krittwika Roy, narrowly defeated Cuba’s Jorge Campos and Daniela Fonseca Carrazana with a close 3-2 win in the final. In Men’s Singles, Desai showcased his dominance by defeating France’s Joe Seyfried 3-0, underscoring India’s rising success in international table tennis.Foot notes:
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In Men’s Singles, Harmeet Desai clinched the title by defeating France’s Joe Seyfried with a clear 3-0 victory (7-11, 8-11, 6-11) in the final.
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His journey to the top included a tough semifinal against Portugal’s Joao Monteiro, where he narrowly won 3-2 (11-4, 15-13, 7-11, 10-12, 5-11) after an intense battle.
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Desai also triumphed in a challenging quarterfinal, overcoming China’s Ning Xiankun with another close 3-2 win.
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Displaying strong form throughout, Desai dominated the final to secure the Men’s Singles title.
6. BEML Awarded 'Self-Certification' Status for Defence Equipment
BEML Limited has been awarded the esteemed “Self-Certification”
status by the Department of Defence Production, Government of India. The recognition was presented to Shantanu Roy, Chairman and Managing Director of BEML Ltd., by RA Govardhana. This certification reflects BEML’s excellent supplier rating, exceeding 90%, and its compliance with ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System standards.
status by the Department of Defence Production, Government of India. The recognition was presented to Shantanu Roy, Chairman and Managing Director of BEML Ltd., by RA Govardhana. This certification reflects BEML’s excellent supplier rating, exceeding 90%, and its compliance with ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System standards.Foot notes:
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The Department of Defence Production (DDP) has granted BEML Limited “Self-Certification” status, allowing the company to directly certify the quality of its products, signifying its reliability and commitment to high standards.
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This recognition reflects BEML’s proven ability to produce defect-free defense products that meet stringent quality requirements, with a Supplier Rating consistently above 90% and compliance with ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System standards.
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Shri RA Govardhana, ADGQA (V&EE), HQ DQAV, congratulated BEML and encouraged the company to further support the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative in defense production.
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The certification, valid for three years, covers a broad scope of 842 BEML defense products, enabling delivery without third-party inspections, and reflects the government’s confidence in BEML’s manufacturing quality.
About BEML:
CEO: Shantanu Roy
Headquarter: Bengaluru
Founded: 1964
7. India re-elected as President of International Solar Alliance
At the ISA Assembly in New Delhi, India was elected as President
and France as Co-President for the 2024-2026 term. The Vice Presidents include Ghana, Seychelles, Australia, Sri Lanka, Germany, Italy, Grenada, and Suriname. The Assembly prioritizes energy access, security, and transition, advocating for solar energy to support a carbon-neutral future and aiming to attract $1 trillion in investments by 2030.
and France as Co-President for the 2024-2026 term. The Vice Presidents include Ghana, Seychelles, Australia, Sri Lanka, Germany, Italy, Grenada, and Suriname. The Assembly prioritizes energy access, security, and transition, advocating for solar energy to support a carbon-neutral future and aiming to attract $1 trillion in investments by 2030.Foot notes:
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India and France have been re-elected as President and Co-President, respectively, of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) until 2026.
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Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, announced this during the seventh ISA Assembly in New Delhi, noting that India ran unopposed for the presidency, while France and Grenada contested for the co-presidency.
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ISA collaborates with multilateral banks, financial institutions, public and private sectors, civil society, and international bodies to implement cost-effective solar solutions, particularly in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
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The ISA aims to enhance global energy access and security, driving the transition to carbon neutrality by 2030 through $1 trillion in solar investments. It supports solar energy use across agriculture, health, transport, and power generation sectors.
8. Itaru Otani Appointed as Chairman of India Yamaha Motor
India Yamaha Motor has appointed Itaru Otani as its new Chairman,
a strategic step to strengthen the company’s footprint in India’s competitive two-wheeler market. With more than 30 years of experience at Yamaha Motor Company, Otani has held key leadership roles in various global markets, including Japan, Australia, and Brazil. His appointment marks a strategic move to better align Yamaha’s products with the shifting preferences of Indian consumers, emphasizing innovative, stylish models tailored to local needs.
a strategic step to strengthen the company’s footprint in India’s competitive two-wheeler market. With more than 30 years of experience at Yamaha Motor Company, Otani has held key leadership roles in various global markets, including Japan, Australia, and Brazil. His appointment marks a strategic move to better align Yamaha’s products with the shifting preferences of Indian consumers, emphasizing innovative, stylish models tailored to local needs.Foot notes:
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Itaru Otani, newly appointed Chairman of India Yamaha Motor, previously served as Chief General Manager of the Land Mobility Business Operations in Japan.
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In his prior role, Otani spearheaded strategic initiatives that influenced Yamaha's global motorcycle strategy.
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Otani’s strong background in sales, marketing, and corporate strategy positions him to adeptly navigate the complexities of the Indian market.
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His leadership will emphasize developing stylish, sporty, and innovative two-wheelers that set new standards in design, quality, and technology.
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Yamaha has made significant investments in its manufacturing plants in Chennai and Surajpur, boosting its research and development to tailor models for Indian consumers and road conditions.
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The company plans to advance its “Call of the Blue” campaign, targeting consumers interested in advanced technology and an enriched riding experience.
9. Wriddhiman Saha announces Retirement from Cricket
Indian wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha has officially
announced his retirement from all formats of cricket, bringing an illustrious nearly two-decade-long career to a close. He shared the news in a social media post on Sunday (November), stating that the current Ranji Trophy season would be his final one. Renowned for his outstanding wicketkeeping abilities and reliable batting, Saha has been a significant presence in Indian cricket, particularly in Test matches.
announced his retirement from all formats of cricket, bringing an illustrious nearly two-decade-long career to a close. He shared the news in a social media post on Sunday (November), stating that the current Ranji Trophy season would be his final one. Renowned for his outstanding wicketkeeping abilities and reliable batting, Saha has been a significant presence in Indian cricket, particularly in Test matches.Foot notes:
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Wriddhiman Saha became India's first-choice wicketkeeper-batter after MS Dhoni's retirement, playing 40 Test matches and 9 ODIs.
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He scored 1,353 runs in Tests, including three centuries.
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Regarded as one of the best wicketkeepers, Saha ranks second among Indian keepers for Test centuries, behind MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant.
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Saha, who turned 40 last month, announced his retirement after contemplating it for some time, acknowledging the wear and tear of his career. His last Test match was in 2021 against New Zealand.
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Saha's domestic career began in 2007 with Bengal but ended in 2022 after a disagreement with the Cricket Association of Bengal over his commitment.
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After leaving Bengal, Saha joined Tripura as a player-mentor, significantly contributing to the team's performance and development in domestic tournaments.
10. Fashion Icon Rohit Bal passed away
Rohit Bal, the renowned designer known for his signature lotus motif,
passed away in Delhi at age 63 after a prolonged illness. Affectionately known as Gudda, Bal, born in Kashmir, moved to New Delhi at 17 and studied at St. Stephen's College. After completing his fashion design studies at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Delhi, he began a pioneering fashion career that beautifully fused traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern design, inspiring generations of young designers.
passed away in Delhi at age 63 after a prolonged illness. Affectionately known as Gudda, Bal, born in Kashmir, moved to New Delhi at 17 and studied at St. Stephen's College. After completing his fashion design studies at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Delhi, he began a pioneering fashion career that beautifully fused traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern design, inspiring generations of young designers.Foot notes:
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Rohit Bal, a visionary in Indian fashion, was the first among his peers to copyright and patent his designs, setting a standard for intellectual property in the industry.
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Known for his meticulous attention to detail, versatility, and bold use of color, Bal's collections featured intricate embroidery, luxurious fabrics, and traditional Indian motifs combined with contemporary silhouettes, appealing to both Indian and global markets.
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His signature style, marked by opulence and sophistication, celebrated Indian heritage through modern fashion.
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Bal’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy lives on, inspiring designers to innovate while honoring traditional Indian craftsmanship and artistry.
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