5th November, 2024 Current Affairs

NATIONAL
CDS Gen Chauhan Signs Key Defense Pact with Algeria

• India and Algeria have formalized their commitment to strengthening bilateral defense ties with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defense cooperation. The agreement was signed by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan and Said Chanegriha, the Chief of Staff of the Algerian People’s National Army. This significant development occurred during Gen. Chauhan’s official visit to Algeria from October 31 to November 3.
• Signed between General Anil Chauhan and General Said Chanegriha, Chief of Staff of the Algerian People’s National Army.
• Represents a significant advancement in bilateral military cooperation and sets the stage for long-term collaboration across multiple sectors.

INTERNATIONAL
India-Vietnam Joint Military Exercise Begins in Ambala

• The 5th edition of the Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise, “VINBAX 2024,” began on Monday at Ambala. Scheduled from November 4 to 23, the exercise will take place at both Ambala and Chandimandir, aiming to strengthen military cooperation and interoperability between the two nations.
• VINBAX 2024 will be conducted as a field training exercise, expanding on the scope of previous editions.
• The exercise follows the last bilateral exercise held in Vietnam in 2023, enhancing India-Vietnam defense ties.
• For the first time, VINBAX includes participation at a bi-service level, with personnel from both the Army and Air Force of each country.

India Secures ISA Presidency Again, Ashish Khanna New Director General

• India and France have been re-elected as the president and co-president of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), respectively, at the seventh ISA assembly held in New Delhi. During the inaugural day of the assembly, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi announced that India would continue to hold the presidency until 2026.
• The ISA comprises 120 member and signatory countries.
• It has mobilized resources and facilitated solar project deployments, particularly in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
• The alliance has completed 21 out of 27 demonstration projects.
• The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an intergovernmental organization that was launched in 2015, by the Prime Minister of India and the President of France, at the United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Paris.
• ISA is an action-oriented, member-driven, collaborative platform for increased deployment of solar energy technologies.

ECONOMY
IREUK Titanium Limited for production of Ti Slag in India

• IREL (India) Limited, (IREL) CPSU under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Govt. of India and Ust-Kamenogorsk Titanium and Magnesium Plant JSC, (UKTMP JSC) Kazakhstan have signed an agreement to establish Indo-Kazakh joint venture company (JVC): IREUK Titanium Limited for production of Ti Slag in India.
• The JVC will act as a catalyst in developing Titanium value chain within India as it shall beneficiate low grade Ilmenite into high grade Titanium Feedstock and also result in employment generation opportunity in the State of Odisha.
• The offtake arrangement by UKTMP JSC shall be instrumental in bringing valuable forex for the country and aid UKTMP JSC in raw material security.  Thus, JVC between IREL & UKTMP JSC shall enhance the brand equity of both the companies as well as act as growth engine for India and Kazakhstan in the titanium value chain.

SPORTS
Indian Boxers Shine at U-19 World Boxing Championships with 17 Medals

• Parthavi Grewal, Vanshika Goswami, and Hemant Sangwan showcased their exceptional talent by securing gold medals as Indian boxers made a remarkable impact at the inaugural U19 World Championships organized by World Boxing in Colorado, USA. The Indian contingent delivered an impressive performance, culminating in a total of 17 medals.
• Silver Medal Winners
• Nisha (51kg)
• Supriya Devi Thokchom (54kg)
• Kritika Wasan (80kg)
• Chanchal Chaudhary (48kg)
• Anjali Singh (57kg)
• Vini (60kg)
• Akansha Phalaswal (70kg)
• Rahul Kundu (75kg)
• Bronze Medal Winners
• Rishi Singh (50kg)
• Krrish Pal (55kg)
• Sumit (70kg)
• Aryan (85kg)
• Lakshay Rathi (90+kg)