NATIONAL NEWS
Gun battle in Gadchiroli
In what the Maharashtra Home Minister termed historic, at least 26 Maoists were killed in Gadchiroli district in the early hours of Saturday. The encounter between the C-60 commandoes and the Maoists reportedly took place at the Mardintola forest near Korchi. Three officers were injured during the operation and admitted to hospital. The identity of the Maoists is yet to be ascertained though there are unconfirmed reports that Milind Teltumbde, a member of the Maoists’ central committee, was among the dead. This incident is yet another victory for the state against the Maoists, who were once called India’s biggest internal security threat. The influence of the Maoists has been waning over the years, though the militants continue to hold sway in some parts. In September this year, the Home Ministry stated that the geographical influence of the Maoists had dropped to just 41 districts in the country from 96 in 2010. Only 25 of these districts now account for 85% of Left-Wing Extremism. The Maoist movement, which had strong ideological moorings, became more brutal over the years forcing the state to deal with the problem with an iron hand. The strategy of containing the Maoists as well as improving welfare measures in the poorest districts to reduce dissatisfaction has been effective in some parts, but not in others. The Maoists continue to hold sway in South Bastar in Chhattisgarh, the Andhra-Odisha border and some districts in Jharkhand. Home Minister Amit Shah said in September that security was being increased, especially in Maharashtra, Odisha and Chhattisgarh. But as this editorial from September pointed out, a purely security-driven approach fraught with human rights violations has only added to the alienation among the poor.
Maharashtra signed an MoU with RMI for technical support in EV Policy
Maharashtra government has signed an MoU with the United States-based Non-Profit Organisation, Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), to provide technical support for Maharashtra’s Electric Vehicle (EV) policy. The MoU was signed at Glasgow, United Kingdom, at the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP26). Maharashtra state EV policy aims to have a 10 per cent share of EV vehicles of total registrations in India by 2025.
BharatPe launched World’s 1st Merchant Shareholding Programme
BharatPe launched the World’s 1st Merchant Shareholding Program (MSP) for its merchant partners. It is a $100 million worth program, under which the company offers its merchant customers an opportunity to buy BharatPe’s equity shares and become a partner. The company plans a public listing by 2024 and targets a public listing value of $1 billion.
TVS Motor became 1st Indian 2-wheeler maker to join UN Global Compact
TVS Motor Company, the flagship company of TVS Group, has joined the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the world’s largest voluntary corporate sustainability initiative. TVS Motor has become the 1st Indian two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturer to join the UNGC. TVS Motor will also engage in collaborative projects which will advance the development goals of the UN, particularly the Sustainable development goals (SDG).
44th Wangala festival begins in Meghalaya
Meghalaya state observed the 44th edition of ‘Wangala’, the festival of 100 Drums Festival begins. It is a post-harvest festival of the Garos tribe which is being held every year to honour ‘Saljong’, the Sun God of Garos, which also marks the end of the harvest season. Celebrated since 1976, it’s the most important festival of the Garo tribe and attracts a lot of tourists. During the Wangala, tribals offer sacrifices to please their deity Saljong, the Sun God.
Dr Ajay Kumar releases a book titled ‘FORCE IN STATECRAFT’
India’s Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar has released a book titled ‘FORCE IN STATECRAFT’ in New Delhi. The book is a compilation of essays on topics such as counter-insurgency operations, conflict in the North East, airpower, nuclear posture etc. contributed by all stalwarts of the Armed Forces, who have vast operational experience and understanding of several important cornerstones of forces and its application.
Bhopal’s Habibganj Railway Station renamed as Rani Kamlapati Station
The Habibganj railway station in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh has been renamed after 18th-century Gond Queen of Bhopal, Rani Kamlapati. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the revamped Rani Kamlapati railway station on November 15, during his visit to Bhopal. The railway station has been redeveloped with modern airport-like amenities at a cost of Rs 450 crore under Public Private Partnership mode in three years. Rani Kamlapati was the last Hindu queen of Bhopal and pride of the Gond community.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
6th India-France bilateral Army exercise EX SHAKTI 2021 begins
The Navies of India and France will carry out the 6th edition of the biennial training exercise EX SHAKTI 2021 from November 15 to 26, 2021 in Frejus, France. The Indian Army will be represented by the Gorkha Rifles Infantry Battalion and France Army will be represented by troops of the 21st Marine Infantry Regiment of the 6th Light Armoured Brigade.
World Diabetes Day observed on 14 November
World Diabetes Day is observed on 14th November every year. The campaign aims to raise awareness around the crucial role that nurses play in supporting people living with diabetes. The Theme for World Diabetes Day 2021-23: Access to Diabetes Care.
Australia wins their maiden T20 World Cup title
Australia won their maiden T20 World Cup title as they defeated New Zealand in the final by 8 wickets. A target of 173 in a global final is never easy but Marsh with his power and reach made it look like a walk in the park in the company of David Warner (53 off 38 balls), who also turned the wheels of fortune for himself and his team during a victory, achieved in 18.5 overs. Mitchell Marsh was named as the player of the match.
SPORTS NEWS
Rahul Dravid named as brand ambassador of kids footwear brand Plaeto
Children’s footwear brand Plaeto has announced the appointment of celebrated Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid as its brand ambassador and mentor. Plaeto is India’s first D2C foot-health focused footwear brand designed specifically for Indian children. Plaeto was founded in March 2020 by Ravi Kallayil, Sara Kilgore and Pavan Kareti.
Children’s Day observed on 14th November
On 14th November, Children’s Day is celebrated every year to mark the birth anniversary of India’s first Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. Children’s Day is popularly known as ‘Baal Diwas’ in India. The day aims at increasing the awareness of the rights, care and education of children. On this day, many educational and motivational programs are organised across the country, by and for children.
VVS Laxman to take charge as Head of National Cricket Academy
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Sourav Ganguly on November 14, 2021, confirmed that former India batsman VVS Laxman will take charge as the Head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Laxman is expected to take up the role by December 2021. The announcement comes after the post got vacant after the former Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid became Team India’s Head Coach on November 3, 2021.
