Current affairs 18 November 2024

India Sends Food Grains to Suriname for Welfare Program.

• India dispatched its first 425 metric ton consignment of food grains and edibles to support Suriname’s Social Welfare Programme.
• India and Suriname share strong diplomatic ties, rooted in historical connections with the Indian diaspora.
• Diplomatic relations date back to 1976, with embassies established in Paramaribo (1977) and New Delhi (2000).

UAE Launches Global Energy Efficiency Alliance at COP29.

• The UAE unveiled an ambitious initiative to establish the Global Energy Efficiency Alliance during COP29, in Azerbaijan.
• This move aims to double global energy efficiency rates by 2030 and contribute to significant emission reductions.
• The UAE plans to lead the alliance by sharing its energy efficiency expertise and fostering knowledge transfer with the private sector.

India Successfully Tests Long-Range Hypersonic Missile.

• DRDO conducted a successful flight-trial of India’s first long-range hypersonic missile from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
• This hypersonic missile is designed to carry various payloads for ranges greater than 1,500 km for the Armed Forces.
• According to the Atlantic Council, only the United States, China, and Russia have demonstrated hypersonic capabilities.

SpaceX to Launch India's Heavy GSAT-20 Satellite on Nov 19.

• SpaceX’s Falcon-9 will launch ISRO’s 4,700 kg GSAT-20 satellite from Cape Canaveral, as India's heaviest communication satellite.
• GSAT-20 aims to enhance internet services, especially in remote areas, with a 14-year operational life.
• Chosen over India’s LVM-3 due to payload weight, this marks a shift from reliance on Arianespace to SpaceX for heavy launches.

PM Modi to attend G20 Summit in Brazilian city of Rio De Janeiro.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the G20 Summit in the Brazilian city of Rio De Janeiro on Nov 18.
• India is part of the G20 Troika along with Brazil and South Africa.
• The theme for this year’s G20 Summit is Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet.
• India hosted the successful G20 Summit in New Delhi, held on 9-10 September 2023.