CURRENT AFFAIRS 09-11-2024

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.

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