Current Affairs One - Liner : 12th November 2024

The Government has approved fire services projects worth Rs 725 crore for Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and West Bengal. This initiative aims to expand and modernize fire services in these states, enhancing disaster management and risk reduction.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched Uttar Pradesh's first double-decker electric bus in Lucknow on November 9, 2024. This bus service aims to reduce traffic congestion and pollution, operating on a heritage route in the morning and as a regular passenger bus in the evening. Women passengers receive a 50% discount on tickets.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the National Workshop on Higher and Technical Education on November 12, 2024, in New Delhi. The event focused on the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It included participation from state and Union Territory education secretaries, senior officials, and academic leaders.
The National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) and the Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority (BIADA) signed agreements on November 12, 2024, to develop an Integrated Manufacturing Cluster (IMC) in Gaya. This project aims to attract various industries, create 109,185 jobs, and boost the local economy.

The Russian Business Centre will open in New Delhi on November 12, 2024. This initiative, led by the Business Council for Cooperation with India and Synergy Corporation, aims to enhance Indo-Russian business relations and promote export cooperation. The center will offer a co-working space for business events, forums, and seminars.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched five Nari Shakti branches of Union Bank of India on November 11, 2024. Located in Bengaluru, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Jaipur, and Mumbai, these branches aim to support women entrepreneurs with financial services, skill-building, mentorship, and advisory.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is expanding climate finance by up to $7.2 billion, following sovereign guarantees from the US and Japan. This expansion will support climate-related projects in developing countries, starting with a sustainable aviation fuel project in Pakistan.
By November 10, 2024, India's net direct tax collection rose by 15.4% to ₹12.1 lakh crore. This growth was driven by strong corporate and individual tax payments, despite a significant increase in tax refunds issued.

In October 2024, India's steel exports grew by 11%, reaching 4.4 million tonnes, up from 4 million tonnes in September. This growth was driven by increased demand and restrictions on low-quality steel imports.
India's Index of Industrial Production (IIP) grew by 3.1% in September 2024, driven by a 3.9% increase in manufacturing activity. Contributions came from the manufacture of coke, refined petroleum products, basic metals, and electrical equipment. The mining and electricity sectors also saw modest growth of 0.2% and 0.5% respectively.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held a meeting with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) delegation on November 11, 2024, in New Delhi. Hosted by the Ministry of Finance and chaired by Sitharaman, the meeting aimed to provide insights into AIIB's investments and engage with various stakeholders.

Hindalco Industries Limited has been ranked the world's most sustainable aluminium company for the fifth consecutive year in the 2024 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA). It scored 87 points, 22 points higher than its closest competitor.

NTPC Mining Limited (NML) celebrated NTPC's 50th foundation day on November 7, 2024, in Ranchi, focusing on the theme "Powering India with Sustainable Energy". The celebration emphasized NTPC's achievements and future goals in sustainable growth and renewable energy.

Sonu Sood was appointed as the Brand Ambassador and Honorary Tourism Advisor for Thailand on November 11, 2024. This role involves promoting Thai tourism in India and providing guidance on marketing and PR strategies.

Phillip Noyce was announced as the recipient of the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award on November 11, 2024. The award was presented at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, held from November 20-28, 2024. Noyce is acclaimed for films like "Salt", "Patriot Games", and "The Bone Collector".

Varadarao Kamalakara Rao, a renowned mridangam scholar, passed away on November 12, 2024, at the age of 88. His passing is a significant loss to the world of Carnatic music. He was a highly respected figure in the field and his contributions to the art form will be remembered for generations to come.

Questions:

1 What is the amount of additional climate finance the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is expanding by, with support from sovereign guarantees?

2 In which cities are the Nari Shakti branches of Union Bank of India located?