NATIONAL NEWS
ADB to grant EESL $13 mn for energy efficiency revolving fund
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) would grant $13 million to the government-owned Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) to set up an energy efficiency revolving fund (EERF).
- The tie-up was announced at the "International Symposium to Promote Innovation and Research in Energy Efficiency 2018" in the presence of Union Power Minister R.K. Singh.
- The fund aims to expand and sustain investments in the energy efficiency market in India, build market diversification, and scale up existing technologies.
China taps India as digital economy partner
In tune with its rise as an internet giant, China is roping in India as a niche digital partner, as part of Beijing’s drive to cyber-connect with Eurasia, its new frontier for trade and investments.
- At a conference on defining common international standards for two-dimensional (2D) barcodes — the gateways for linking genuine buyers and sellers, as well making digital payments by scanning QR codes. India is already on board in this global exercise.
Election Commission sets up ‘Sangwari’ polling booths in various constituencies of Chhattisgarh to encourage women voters
The Election Commission has set up ‘Sangwari’ polling booths in various constituencies of Chhattisgarh to encourage women voters to exercise their franchise in the Assembly elections.
- In Chhattisgarhi dialect, ‘Sangwari’ means friend. These women friendly booths will be manned by all-female staff including presiding officers, supervisors and security personnel.
- Chief Electoral Officer Subrat Sahoo said that five Sangwari Polling Centres have been set up for women in every assembly segments.
Bengaluru India's most-congested city: US study
Bengaluru is the country’s most congested and second slowest city. A research paper, ‘Mobility and congestion in urban India’, published by US-based National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) recently, revealed that Bengaluru is one of the 20 most-congested cities in India. It is followed by Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad.
- When it comes to traffic speed, Kolkata is the slowest city, followed by Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Varanasi.
Separate High Court for Andhra Pradesh gets SC nod, to function from January 1
The Supreme Court has given nod for a separate High Court for Andhra Pradesh and it will start functioning from January 1 next year. The new court, which will be the 25th High Court in the country, will temporarily function from a makeshift building till the permanent structure is built in the Justice City complex in Andhra’s de-facto capital Amaravati.
- Presently, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have a common High Court situated at Hyderabad. The existing court will from next year be known as the Telangana High Court.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
5th World Internet Conference held in China's Wuzhen
China will hold the fifth World Internet Conference (WIC) in its river town of Wuzhen. This year's WIC will be held in China's Zhejiang province under the theme of "Creating a digital world for mutual trust and collective governance - towards a community with a shared future in cyberspace".
- The conference will advocate exchanges, mutual learning, cooperation and sharing in the digital fields and push for peace and development of the global cyberspace.
World's first AI news anchor unveiled in China
China’s Xinhua news agency unveiled the world’s first AI anchor that can read news in English and Chinese. Xinhua in collaboration with search engine operator Sogou unveiled the new technology at the World Internet Conference in Wuzhen, China.
- Xinhua’s first English AI anchor introduces himself as what he is and what his capabilities are. This AI anchor’s face and voice has been designed based on the agency’s news anchor, Zhang Zhao. He can read news as it is typed out in the teleprompter.
Palau becomes the first country in the World to ban Reef-Killing Sunscreen
The Western Pacific nation of Palau has become the first country to ban many kinds of sunscreen, in a move to protect its coral reefs from chemicals that scientists say cause significant damage.
- Under the ban, which will take effect in 2020, “reef-toxic” sunscreen, defined as containing prohibited chemicals, could grow later can be confiscated from tourists when they enter the country, and retailers who sell it can be fined up to $1,000.
- Extra info.:
Palau Capital: Ngerulmud
Currency: US Dollar
OBITUARIES
Veteran Marathi actor Lalan Sarang passes away
Noted Marathi actor and theatre personality Lalan Sarang passed away due to age-related ailments at a private hospital in Pune. She was 79. Sarang is known for her roles in path-breaking plays, including ‘Sakharam Binder’, ‘Gidhade’, ‘Rathchakra’ and ‘Kamla’.
- She received several accolades for these roles. While playing key roles in films such as ‘Samna’, ‘Ha Khel Sawalyancha’ and ‘Mahek’, she also worked in several Hindi serials.
IMPORTANT DAYS
National Education Day
National Education Day is an annual observance in India to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad,the first education minister of independent India. National Education Day of India is celebrated on 11 November every year.
- The ex-minister was a renowned scholar and poet and was well-versed in many languages. His real name was Abul Kalam Ghulam Muhiyuddin and was known as a brilliant orator. He strongly advocated the education of women.
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