IMPORTANT DAYS
National Legal Services Day is observed on November 9.
• National Legal Services Day is observed every year on November 9th.
• The day aims to promote legal awareness among citizens.
• It focuses on ensuring access to justice for marginalized communities.
• The observance empowers individuals with knowledge about their legal rights.
• The day encourages conflict resolution mechanisms for a fairer society.
• National Legal Services Day was initiated in 1995 by the Supreme Court of India.
• The date, 9th November, is celebrated annually by Legal Services Authorities.
• The initiative was part of a call made by Chief Justice A.S. Anand at the First Annual Meet.
• The First Annual Meeting of State Legal Services Authorities (NALSA) was held on September 12, 1998 in New Delhi.
• The day serves as a platform to highlight the importance of free legal services for all citizens.
AWARDS
Third Rohini Nayyar Prize awarded to 28-year-old Odisha engineer Anil Pradhan.
• Anil Pradhan, a 28-year-old engineer from Odisha, was awarded the Third Rohini Nayyar Prize.
• He received the honor for his outstanding contributions to rural development, specifically in promoting STEM education.
• Pradhan is the co-founder of the Young Tinker Foundation.
• He introduced the innovative "Tinker-on-Wheels" concept, a mobile learning laboratory for students in rural areas.
• The mobile lab offers hands-on experiences in robotics and 3D printing to students in Odisha, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.
• His work has impacted over 2.5 lakh students, enhancing their STEM education.
• Recognizing the lack of infrastructure in many rural schools, Pradhan's team sets up the mobile labs in school playgrounds.
• The Rohini Nayyar Award is given annually to individuals under 40 for exceptional contributions to rural development.
• The award, established in memory of economist Rohini Nayar, includes a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, a citation, and a trophy.
• The Nayyar Foundation for Social and Economic Purposes administers the award each year.
RANKING AND INDEX
Shiv Nadar topped the Hurun India Philanthropy List 2024.
• Shiv Nadar tops the list with a philanthropic contribution of ₹2,153 crore.
• Mukesh Ambani and family rank second, donating ₹407 crore.
• The Bajaj family holds the third position with a donation of ₹352 crore.
• Krishna Chivukula is the most generous new entrant, contributing ₹228 crore.
• Adani Group is in fifth place with ₹330 crore in donations.
• Rohini Nilekani is the leading female philanthropist, donating ₹154 crore.
• Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, is the youngest philanthropist on the list with ₹120 crore.
• The total donations from these top philanthropists highlight a growing culture of giving in India.
STATE NEWS
Gujarat has become India’s 1st state to implement a dedicated semiconductor policy.
• Gujarat becomes the first state in India to launch a dedicated semiconductor policy.
• The Gujarat Semiconductor Policy 2022-2027 aims to boost the state's leadership in semiconductor self-reliance.
• Micron Technology's advanced semiconductor plant is being set up in Sanand, with a foundation stone laid by CM Bhupendra Patel.
• Tata Electronics and Powerchip Semiconductor are establishing India’s first AI-enabled semiconductor fabrication unit in Dholera's Semicon City.
• The policy offers a 100% refund on stamp duty and registration fees for semiconductor units.
• It provides an electricity subsidy of ₹2 per unit for semiconductor manufacturers.
• Water usage is subsidized at a rate of ₹12 per cubic meter under the new policy.
• Dholera, being developed as India’s first Greenfield Smart City, offers up to 75% land acquisition subsidy for semiconductor units.
SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE
83rd Indian Road Congress annual session started in Raipur.
• The 83rd Indian Road Congress annual session began in Raipur.
• Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, inaugurated the event.
• The conference will feature several technical sessions over its four-day duration.
• New road construction technologies will be a major focus during the convention.
• Over 2,000 experts from across India and abroad are participating in the event.
• The Indian Roads Congress (IRC) is the premier body for highway engineers in India.
• Established in 1934, the IRC was formed following the Jayakar Committee’s recommendations to promote road development.
MISCELLANEOUS
World’s first CO₂-to-methanol conversion plant has been inaugurated by NTPC at its Vindhyachal facility
• NTPC inaugurated the world’s first CO₂-to-methanol conversion plant at its Vindhyachal facility, marking a milestone in green technology.
• The inauguration coincided with NTPC's 50th Raising Day celebrations.
• Chairman Gurdeep Singh emphasized NTPC’s ongoing commitment to green innovations.
• The company is actively working on Gen-4 ethanol, green urea, and sustainable aviation fuel.
• NTPC has developed and successfully tested India’s first indigenous catalyst for methanol synthesis.
• During the event, NTPC also launched hydrogen-powered buses in Leh as part of its sustainability drive.