Current Affairs One - Liner : 16th November 2024

India and BIMSTEC signed a host country agreement to establish the BIMSTEC Energy Centre in Bengaluru on November 8, 2024. This centre, housed at the Central Power Research Institute, aims to enhance regional energy cooperation and inter-grid connectivity.

The world's first high-altitude para sports centre will be established in Leh, Ladakh. Announced on November 12, 2024, this initiative is a collaboration between the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) and the Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF). It aims to train para-athletes for international competitions, including the 2028 Paralympics.
The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) announced the launch of a special Dolphin Ambulance on November 14, 2024. This initiative, titled "Advancing Rescue System for the Protection of Stranded Ganges River Dolphins," aims to assist dolphins in distress and raise awareness about their conservation.
The Union Government launched the Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) programme on November 10, 2024. This initiative, managed by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), aims to enhance research quality in Indian universities through collaborative efforts and mentorship-driven models.
Bali Jatra, Asia's largest open-air trade fair, began in Cuttack, Odisha on November 15, 2024. The fair celebrates Odisha's maritime history with Southeast Asia. It features over 2,500 stalls showcasing handicrafts, traditional goods, and cultural performances. The event runs until November 22, 2024.

The National People's Power (NPP) party, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, won the parliamentary election in Sri Lanka on November 14, 2024. The NPP secured a two-thirds majority, winning 159 out of 225 seats.

According to S&P Global Ratings, India's GDP is projected to grow at an annual rate of 6.5% to 7% until the fiscal year 2026-2027. This optimistic forecast is driven by robust infrastructure investments and strong consumer spending.

SpaceX successfully launched the Koreasat-6A satellite for KT SAT Corporation Ltd. on November 11, 2024, from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The satellite was placed into geosynchronous transfer orbit about 35 minutes after liftoff.

Indian tennis player Prajnesh Gunneswaran announced his retirement from professional tennis on November 15, 2024. He reached a career-high ATP ranking of No. 75 in 2019 and won a bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Games.

The DRDO successfully tested the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) off the Odisha coast on November 12, 2024. The missile, with a 1,000 km range, demonstrated advanced navigation and complex manoeuvres. Launched from a mobile articulated launcher, it signifies a significant enhancement in India's defense capabilities.
On November 14, 2024, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) completed flight tests of the 75 km guided Pinaka rocket system. This was part of the Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) validation trials, advancing its induction into the Indian Army.

The International Day for Tolerance is observed on November 16 annually. The 2024 theme is "Promoting Respect and Understanding Worldwide". This day, established by the UN in 1995, emphasizes fostering mutual respect among different cultures and religions to build peaceful and inclusive societies.

Valdecy Urquiza, a Federal Police Commissioner from Brazil, was elected as INTERPOL’s new Secretary General on November 5, 2024. This historic election marks the first time a leader from outside Europe or the USA will head the organization. He assumes office on November 7, 2024.

External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar launched his book, "Why Bharat Matters", at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Dubai on November 15, 2024. The book explores India's evolving global role, foreign policy, and international relations dynamics.

Princess Mikasa, Japan's oldest royal family member, passed away at 101 on November 15, 2024. Born Yuriko Takagi in 1923, she was the wife of Prince Mikasa and was renowned for her charitable work and resilience through World War II.

Questions:

1 Who is the author of the book "Why Bharat Matters"?

2 When is the International Day for Tolerance observed annually?