The 2024 edition of the Network Readiness Index (NRI) has officially launched.

• The theme of this year is “Building a Digital Tomorrow: Public-Private Investments and Global Collaboration for Digital Readiness."
• India climbed 11 ranks, securing the 49th position in NRI 2024.
• The report maps the network-based readiness landscape of 133 economies based on their performances in four different pillars: Technology, People, Governance, and Impact.
• It is co-published by Portulans Institute and Saïd Business School,University of Oxford.

The Department of Consumer Affairs announces the nationwide implementation of the E-Daakhil portal.

About E-Daakhil portal

• It was first launched by the National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission(NCDRC) in 2020.
  • NCDRC is a quasi judicial commission set up under the Consumer Protection Act of 1986.
• It  is an online platform that simplifies the consumer grievance process, allowing consumers to file complaints and track cases without the need to be physically present. 
• The portal has been a key tool in promoting consumer rights and delivering timely justice.

Researchers from the CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI ) are expanding the horizons of nanozymes to use them as catalysts for transforming biomaterials.

About Nanozymes

• They are nanoparticles  with enzyme-like features, which may be metallic, metal oxide- based, carbon-based or of other types.
• Advantages over conventional enzymes: high stability, low cost, durability, ease of mass production, controllability and better recovery rates.
• Applications: Biomedical (Biosensing, Drug delivery, diagnosis and therapy, etc.), Environmental Remediation (Water Purification, Air Purification, etc.).

A Project Implementation Agreement has been signed between the Ministry of External Affairs, India  and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for Solar Projects in the Indo-Pacific.

• Projects will be implemented in Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar, and Seychelles with the financial support of $2 million from India.
• It aligns with the Wilmington Declaration from the Quad Leaders’ Summit ( 2024).
• ISA will be the Project Implementing Agency.

About International Solar Alliance (ISA)

• Joint initiative of India and France to combat climate change through solar energy solutions.
• Conceptualized during COP21 in Paris (2015).

EndureAir Systems, a private drone manufacturer, has delivered its innovative Sabal 20 Logistics Drone to Indian Army for deployment in the Eastern sectors.

About Sabal 20 Drones

• It  is an advanced electric unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for aerial logistics, capable of carrying up to 20 kg of supplies over long distances.
• Its tandem rotor and variable pitch technology, like the Chinook helicopter, offer stability, high-altitude performance, and minimal turbulence, making it perfect for rugged terrains.
• Key features: Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) technology, a low RPM design for stealth during sensitive military operations, etc.

Oil prices continued to rise for both Brent Crude and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Crude in anticipation that OPEC+ may delay a planned increase in oil production in its upcoming meeting.

About OPEC+

• Genesis: In 2016, Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) partnered with 10 additional oil-producing countries, forming OPEC+. 
  • OPEC, a permanent intergovernmental organization of 12 oil-exporting developing nations, was formed in 1960 by Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela.
    • Other members include: Algeria, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Libya, Nigeria, and United Arab Emirates.
• Members: Other than OPEC countries it has Russia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Malaysia, Oman, South Sudan, and Sudan.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has established a permanent National Security Guard (NSG) hub in Jammu City to counter major terror attacks.

About NSG

• It was created under the National Security Guard Act, 1986.
• It is a Federal Contingency World Class Zero Error Force to deal with anti-terrorist activities in all its manifestation.
• It is equipped to deal with specific situations and is used only in exceptional cases to prevent major terrorist acts.
• It was modelled on the pattern of the SAS of the UK and GSG-9 of Germany.
• Administrative and operational control: Union Ministry of Home Affairs

Recently, UNAIDS World AIDS Day Report 2024 titled: “Take the right path to end AIDS” was launched.

Key Findings of the report

• Of the 39.9 million people living with HIV, 9.3 million people are still not accessing life-saving treatment. 
• Last year, 630000 people died of AIDS-related illnesses, and 1.3 million people around the world newly acquired HIV.

About UNAIDS

• It is the joint UN Programme of 11 UN Organizations on HIV/AIDS.
  • These organizations include: UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO, and World Bank.
• Vision: Zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths.