Current affairs 08 November 2024

South Africa launched Fast-Track Visa Scheme for Indian Tourists.

• Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS): Introduced to streamline visa processing for Indian and Chinese tourists, addressing previous challenges like lengthy application times and limited embassy resources.
• Targeted Growth: Aim to increase Indian visitor numbers from 16,000 to 100,000 by year-end, enhancing South Africa’s tourism sector and contributing to economic growth and job creation.

Over 65 Million People Face Food Insecurity in the Horn of Africa.

• The UN and IGAD report states that 65 million people in the Horn of Africa are currently food insecure, a slight improvement from 66 million in August 2024 due to improved rainfall in the region.
• Of the total affected, 36 million are in IGAD countries, including Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda.

UP Cabinet Approves Semiconductor Project at Jewar.

• UP cabinet approves Vamasundari (HCL Group) and Tarq (Hiranandani Group) semiconductor units near Jewar airport, Noida.
• HCL to invest ₹3,706 crore; Tarq, ₹28,440 crore, with the project covering 50 acres and requiring 19,000 KVA power and 2,000 MLD water.
• State offers ₹7,037 crore subsidy and additional incentives, pending final central government approval.

Arunachal Pradesh boosts Medical Education, Cancer Research Initiative.

• Arunachal Pradesh plans to establish three new medical colleges in East Siang, Namsai, and West Kameng districts through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
• Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) in Itanagar has doubled its MBBS seats to 100, with 85 reserved for Arunachal Pradesh ST students.
• A MoU with Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute, Assam, aims to research.

Shiv Nadar topped EdelGive-Hurun Philanthropy List 2024.

• Top Donor: Shiv Nadar donated Rs 2,153 crore in FY 2024, maintaining his position as India’s most generous philanthropist for the 3rd time in 5 years.
• The EdelGive-Hurun India Philanthropy List 2024 reports a 55% increase in total donations, reaching Rs 8,783 crore from 203 philanthropists.
• Nikhil Kamath of Zerodha emerged as the youngest philanthropist at 38.