Current affairs 17 November 2024

India's Outward FDI Rises to $3.24 Billion in October 2024: RBI.

• India's outward FDI commitments in October 2024 rose to $3.24 billion, up from $2.55 billion in October 2023, but down from $3.77 billion in September 2024, according to RBI.
• Equity commitments fell to $655.84 million in October 2024, compared with $993.35 million a year earlier.
• Debt commitments surged to $1.24 billion in October 2024, a sharp increase from $248.4 million in October 2023.

Himachal Pradesh Government Promotes Solar Power Projects.

• CM Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the Come and Install Solar Power Projects initiative to boost private sector involvement in solar energy projects in Himachal Pradesh.
• 300 MW of solar power allocated to the private sector, with 62 MW operational and 32 MW already established in the government sector.
• The initiative aims to increase employment and promote economic growth.

Science Ministry Launched Operation Dronagiri for Geospatial Upheaval.

• Operation Dronagiri was launched by the Ministry of Science & Technology to demonstrate geospatial technology applications improving citizens' lives and business ease.
• Pilot projects will be conducted in 5 states focusing on agriculture, livelihoods, logistics & transport.
• The initiative aims to make geospatial data accessible, transforming sectors like finance, similar to the impact of UPI.

The East Coast Railway plans to install "Kavach" system.

• Kavach system, an indigenously developed automatic train protection system, will be installed between Ranital (Bhadrak) and Duvvada (Visakhapatnam) on the Howrah-Chennai main line (595 km) to enhance safety.
• The project, with a ₹280 crore budget, aims to prevent train collisions, improve speed regulation, and reduce human error.
• East Coast Railway Headquarters: Bhubaneswar.

Meghalaya-Based Insurgent Group HNLC Banned for 5 More Years.

• The Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) banned again by the Union Home Ministry for five years due to its activities against India’s sovereignty and integrity.
• HNLC, known for secessionist goals and extortion, withdrew from peace talks with the Centre earlier this year.
• The ban follows a recommendation by the Meghalaya government under the UAPA Act.