21st November, 2024 Current Affairs

NATIONAL
HMJS Launches “Bhu-Neer” Portal for Groundwater Permits

• The Hon’ble Minister of Jal Shakti, digitally launched the “Bhu-Neer” portal during the concluding ceremony of India Water Week 2024.
• The portal, developed by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), aims to improve groundwater regulation in India. The initiative aligns with the Government’s focus on transparency, efficiency, and sustainability in groundwater management.
• The “Bhu-Neer” portal is now live for all project proponents to access.
• It provides a platform for clarifications, payment of statutory charges, and tracking applications related to groundwater withdrawal.

India Launches First AI Data Bank to Boost Security and Innovation

• India has launched its first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Bank, a landmark initiative to foster innovation and enhance national security. Announced by Union Minister Jitendra Singh at the 7th ASSOCHAM AI Leadership Meet 2024, this step is part of India’s broader strategy to leverage AI for economic growth and governance.
•  The initiative aims to provide researchers, startups, and developers with access to high-quality datasets for creating scalable AI solutions, positioning AI as a key enabler for sectors such as healthcare, space exploration, and national security.
• The AI Data Bank is designed to enhance national security by enabling real-time analytics of satellite, drone, and Internet of Things (IoT) data. This initiative aligns with the nation’s goals of using AI for predictive analytics in cybersecurity and disaster management.

INTERNATIONAL
Iraq Conducts First National Census in 40 Years

• Iraq is conducting its first nationwide census since 1987, under Saddam Hussein’s regime, with a significant operation involving 120,000 researchers. This extensive demographic survey, scheduled over two days, will collect data from households across all 18 governorates of the country. To facilitate the process, the Ministry of Interior has imposed a two-day curfew.
• The census aims to modernize Iraq’s data collection system, assist in future development planning, and provide a comprehensive view of Iraq’s demographic, social, and economic landscape.
• The last nationwide census was conducted in 1987, and a subsequent census in 1997 excluded the Kurdish region.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
SECI MoU to Advance Green Hydrogen initiatives

• The Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd (SECI), under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with H2Global Stiftung.
• This partnership aims to promote Green Hydrogen initiatives, enhance knowledge exchange on market mechanisms, and foster cooperation between India and international stakeholders.
• The signing took place in the presence of key officials from SECI, H2Global Stiftung, and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
• The MoU aims to contribute significantly to the advancement of the global green hydrogen economy.
• Provide India with the opportunity to lead in the green hydrogen export sector.
• Strengthen India’s green energy leadership by aligning with global market dynamics and best practices.