Current affairs 09 November 2024

India ranks 83rd on the Henley Passport Index for 2024.

• Singapore has retained its title as the world’s most powerful passport, offering visa-free access to 195 countries, according to the October 2024 Henley Passport Index.
• France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain tied for second place with access to 192 countries.
• The U.S. ranked 8th with 186 countries, while India placed 83rd, allowing access to 58 countries.

Government Allocates Rs 100 Crore for Green Hydrogen Mission Centre.

• The Govt. has allocated Rs 100 crore to set up Centres of Excellence under the National Green Hydrogen Mission Research and Development (R&D) Scheme.
• These centres aim to promote innovation, sustainability, and energy self-reliance in the long term, focusing on green hydrogen production, storage, and utilization.
• NGHM launched on January 4, 2023, with an outlay of Rs 19,744 crore.

Australia Proposes Ban on Social Media for Those Under 16.

• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a government proposal to ban social media for individuals under 16.
• Legislation will be introduced to parliament this year, and, if passed, it will come into effect 12 months after ratification.
• The burden of preventing access will fall on social media platforms, not parents or children.

Kashyap may become one of world's top defence spy agencies' chief.

• Kashyap Kash Patel is likely to be the deputy director of the CIA in the final weeks of Donald Trump's administration.
• New York-born Kash Patel has his roots in Gujarat.
• Kash Patel has also been involved in controversies, including claiming to have witnessed Trump declassify materials related to the Mar-a-Lago records investigation.

Anil Pradhan Wins Third Rohini Nayyar Prize for Rural Development.

• Anil Pradhan, a social worker from Odisha, has been awarded the third Rohini Nayyar Prize.
• The award includes a ₹10 lakh cash prize, a citation, and a trophy.
• Pradhan, an engineer and educationist, is known for his innovative work in education and rural infrastructure, including his role as the chief designer of Asia’s first university rocket team, VSLV.