Current Affairs One - Liner : 17th & 18th November 2024

The first overseas campus of Symbiosis International University was inaugurated in Dubai by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on November 14, 2024. UAE's Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, also attended. The campus will offer programs in management, technology, and media.

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the Jauljibi Mela 2024 in Pithoragarh on November 14, 2024. He also laid the foundation stone for 18 development projects worth ₹64.47 crore. The fair strengthens cultural ties between India, Nepal, and Tibet, and supports the local economy.
Sarai Kale Khan Chowk was renamed Bhagwan Birsa Munda Chowk on November 15, 2024, to honor the tribal leader on his 150th birth anniversary. The renaming ceremony was held in Delhi, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other officials in attendance.
On November 16, 2024, US authorities returned 1,440 smuggled antiquities worth $10 million to India. The ceremony in New York included Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., and Consul General Manish Kulhary. The artifacts included sacred temple sculptures from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
On November 15, 2024, the first trilateral power transaction from Nepal to Bangladesh via the Indian grid was inaugurated. This significant event was celebrated by officials from Nepal, Bangladesh, and India. Nepal will export up to 40 MW of hydropower to Bangladesh through the Indian grid.

On November 15, 2024, a Memorandum of Implementation (MOI) was signed between the Governments of India and Japan. The MOI focuses on the co-development of Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN) masts for the Indian Navy. This initiative involves Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Japanese partners.

Between 2017 and 2022, the own-source revenue (OSR) for panchayats averaged ₹59 per person. This low revenue, generated through local taxes and user charges, underscores the financial challenges these rural local bodies face.
On November 18, 2024, the Telangana government announced a 100% exemption on road tax and registration fees for electric vehicles (EVs) until December 31, 2026. This initiative covers electric two-wheelers, cars, auto-rickshaws, goods carriers, tractors, and buses, promoting EV adoption and reducing pollution.

The Andhra Pradesh government presented its budget for 2024-25 on November 11, 2024, with an outlay of ₹2.94 lakh crore. Key allocations include ₹29,909 crore for school education and ₹18,421 crore for healthcare and family welfare.

The Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) released a report on November 7, 2024, stating that India's current climate policies are projected to reduce CO2 emissions by around 4 billion tonnes between 2020 and 2030. This reduction is equivalent to nearly 1.6 times the European Union's CO2 emissions in 2023.

FIFA unveiled the NASA-inspired trophy for the expanded 2025 Club World Cup on November 14, 2024. Crafted with Tiffany & Co., the 24-carat gold-plated trophy can transform from a shield to a multifaceted structure. The design symbolizes football's global reach and rich history.

November 17 is observed as National Epilepsy Day in India. The 2024 theme is "Milestones on My Epilepsy Journey". This day aims to raise awareness about epilepsy, reduce stigma, and promote support for those affected. It highlights personal growth and success despite challenges.
November 17 is observed as the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. The 2024 theme is "Remember. Support. Act." This day honors those affected by road traffic crashes and highlights the importance of road safety measures to prevent future tragedies.

Tulsi Gabbard was appointed as the US Director of National Intelligence by President-elect Donald Trump on November 13, 2024. This marks the first time a Hindu-American will hold this position. Gabbard, a former Democratic Congresswoman, switched to the Republican Party in 2022.
Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh and tennis star Sania Mirza were appointed as Dubai Sports Council Ambassadors on November 14, 2024. The announcement was made in the presence of Dubai's Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed.
Alka Tiwari, a 1988-batch IAS officer, was appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Jharkhand on November 1, 2024. She is the third woman to hold this position in the state's 24-year history.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honored with the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON) by Nigeria on November 17, 2024. This prestigious award, last given to Queen Elizabeth in 1969, celebrates strong India-Nigeria ties. PM Modi dedicated the honor to the people of India.
Victoria Kjaer Theilvig was crowned Miss Universe 2024 on November 16, 2024. She is the first Danish contestant to win the title, triumphing over 120 participants in Mexico City. This historic victory marks a significant achievement for Denmark.
Environmental activist M Karunakar Reddy will receive the first Jadav Payeng International Award, announced on November 7, 2024, by the Jyoti-Protap Education Trust. The award recognizes his exceptional contributions to environmental stewardship and climate action.
At the 38th Leeds International Film Festival, Manoj Bajpayee's film "The Fable" won the Best Film award. Directed by Raam Reddy, the film is a US-Indian co-production set in the Indian Himalayas.

Questions:

1 Which country awarded PM Modi the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON)?

2 What is the theme for National Epilepsy Day in 2024?