Current Affairs One - Liner : 26th November 2024

The Indian Air Force (IAF) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Foundation for Science Innovation and Development (FSID) on November 18, 2024, in Bengaluru. This collaboration aims to jointly identify problem areas in the maintenance and servicing of IAF equipment, such as radar, aircraft, IT, and communication platforms.

DRDO’s Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL) has developed Silicon Carbide (SiC) wafers and GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs), announced on November 11, 2024. These technologies are for applications up to X-band frequencies, benefiting defence, aerospace, and clean energy sectors.
Bihar's Sultanganj Railway Station will be renamed Ajgaibinath Dham, as announced on November 4, 2024 by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. The renaming aims to highlight the cultural significance of the Ajgaibinath Dham shrine and promote tourism.
The Union Cabinet approved the launch of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) on November 25, 2024. This initiative promotes sustainable and chemical-free farming practices, leveraging traditional agricultural knowledge to enhance soil health and productivity.
The Supreme Court of India upheld the inclusion of the words "secular" and "socialist" in the Preamble of the Constitution on November 25, 2024. This decision reinforces the 42nd Amendment of 1976, which added these terms and establishes them as integral to the Constitution's basic structure.
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) launched a Strategy Cell in Coimbatore on November 25, 2024. This initiative aims to support selected industries by providing mentorship and strategic guidance to help them scale up and become global players.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) warned on November 21, 2024, about a significant rise in global hunger, with 152 million more people affected since 2019. The increase is due to conflict, climate change, and economic instability.

Over the past five years, GST collection on insurance premia has exceeded ₹52,000 crore. This includes ₹29,000 crore from life insurance, ₹23,000 crore from health insurance, and ₹4,700 crore from re-insurance.
IndusInd Bank partnered with UNICEF on November 21, 2024, to enhance climate resilience in five districts: Dharashiv (Maharashtra), Begusarai (Bihar), Virudhunagar (Tamil Nadu), Baran (Rajasthan), and Bahraich (Uttar Pradesh). This collaboration aims to develop disaster-resilient communities and improve climate risk management.

In October 2024, India's exports of engineering goods surged 38.5% to $11.19 billion. This marks the first time the exports crossed the $10 billion mark in the fiscal year, driven by strong demand for aircraft, spacecraft, ships, and industrial machinery.
The HSBC Flash India Composite Output Index rose to 59.5 in November 2024, up from 59.1 in October 2024. This increase was announced on November 22, 2024.

India ranks 10th in the AI Preparedness Index (AIPI) 2024 released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This index evaluates countries on digital infrastructure, human capital, technological innovation, and legal frameworks. Singapore tops the rankings, with India making significant strides in AI readiness.
KIIT-DU ranked 4th in India in the inaugural Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2025. The rankings were released on November 21, 2024, by THE in association with Schmidt Science Fellows. India is the most represented country with 65 universities, while the United States holds the top spot with MIT at 1st place.

The Delhi government announced a new pension scheme for senior citizens on November 25, 2024. The scheme offers Rs 2,000 per month for those aged 60-69 and Rs 2,500 per month for those aged 70 and above. It aims to provide financial assistance to elderly residents with limited family support.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved three multitracking projects worth Rs 7,927 crore on November 25, 2024. These projects will add 639 km of new tracks in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh to enhance rail connectivity and reduce congestion.

Australia's most decorated Olympian, Emma McKeon, announced her retirement on November 25, 2024. With 14 Olympic medals including six golds, she shared her decision on social media, reflecting on her journey and expressing gratitude.
On November 26, 2024, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 13-year-old from Bihar, became the youngest player ever signed in the IPL. He was picked by the Rajasthan Royals for ₹1.1 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched The Teacher App on November 25, 2024. Developed by the Bharti Airtel Foundation, it offers over 260 hours of high-quality content for educators' professional development, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The Bhu-Neer portal was launched on November 20, 2024, by Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil during the concluding ceremony of India Water Week 2024. Developed by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), the portal aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in managing groundwater withdrawal permits.

The 1st Sagarmanthan – The Great Oceans Dialogue was held in New Delhi on November 18-19, 2024. Organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), it was chaired by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. The theme was "Advancing Sustainable Maritime Practices", aiming to foster global maritime cooperation.

Constitution Day 2024 is observed on November 26 to commemorate the adoption of the Indian Constitution. This year's theme is "Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Swabhimaan" (Our Constitution, Our Pride), celebrating the 75th anniversary and emphasizing the core values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
National Newborn Week 2024 was observed from November 15 to 21. This year's theme was "Safety, Quality, and Nurturing Care: Birth Right of Every Newborn", focusing on improving awareness and care for newborns.

G. Balasubramanian was appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the Maldives on November 25, 2024. He is currently serving as the High Commissioner to Nigeria and will take up his new assignment shortly.
Dinesh Bhatia was appointed as India's Ambassador to Brazil on November 25, 2024. He is an Indian Foreign Service officer from the 1992 batch and is currently serving as India's Ambassador to Argentina.
The Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) recommended Binod Kumar for the position of Managing Director and CEO of Indian Bank on November 24, 2024. Binod Kumar, currently Executive Director at Punjab National Bank, is set to replace SL Jain upon his retirement next month.
Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov was appointed as Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister for the third consecutive term on November 20, 2024, by the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Questions:

1 Who became the youngest player ever signed in the IPL on November 26, 2024?

2 The Bhu-Neer portal was developed by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) in collaboration with which organization?