WEEKLY CURRENT AFFAIRS NOVEMBER (8th-15th) CUET/CLAT
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PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme: Collateral-Free Education Loans for Middle and Lower-Income Families
- The PM Vidyalaxmi scheme was introduced toprovide collateral-free education loans up to ₹10 lakh for students from middle- and lower- income families.
- Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, this scheme aims to increase access to higher education by covering tuition and other course-related expenses for students admitted to top-ranking institutions.
PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme: New Central Initiative for Accessible Higher Education Loans
- The Union Cabinet approved the PM Vidyalaxmi scheme, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to financially support meritorious students for pursuing higher education.
- Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, this scheme aims to remove financial barriers for students admitted to Quality Higher Education Institutions (QHEIs).
Launch of Digital Life Certificate (DLC) Campaign 3.0 for Pensioners’ Digital Empowerment
- Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Personnel, launched the Nationwide Digital Life Certificate (DLC) Campaign 3.0 to empower pensioners digitally.
- This campaign aligns with Prime Minister Modi's vision for a "Nation First, Citizen First" approach to pensioners’ welfare.
- The campaign will operate from November 1-30, 2024, covering 800 cities and towns across India. Pensioners of Central and State Governments, EPFO, and Autonomous Bodies can submit their DLCs at designated locations.
- Key Features and Services:
- Doorstep Services for Super Seniors: Pensioners over 80 years old can submit their certificates from home, with services provided by Gramin Dak Sewaks (GDS) and IPPB.
- Collaborative Implementation: Major banks like SBI, PNB, CGDA, IPPB, and UIDAI will coordinate for smooth, accessible service delivery.
- Large-Scale DLC Camps: Over 1900 DLC camps will be organized in 800 cities with 1.8 lakh GDS supporting IPPB in 785 cities and DLC camps run by
Shilp Samagam Mela 2024’ – Empowering Marginalized Artisans and Celebrating India's Cultural Heritage
- ‘Shilp Samagam Mela 2024’ was inaugurated at Dilli Haat, New Delhi, aiming to empower marginalized artisans by offering them a platform to sell their crafts and products.
- The event focuses on economic inclusion and the promotion of cultural heritage. Inauguration Ceremony:
- The Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar (Social Justice and Empowerment) officially opened the fair.
- Shri B.L. Verma, Union Minister of State for SJE, along with other senior ministry officials, attended the inauguration.
- Launch of ‘TULIP’ – Traditional Artisans’ Upliftment Livelihood Programme:
- TULIP aims to support artisans from marginalized communities such as Scheduled Castes (SC), Other Backward Classes (OBC), sanitation workers, and persons with disabilities.
- This program offers an e-platform for artisans to sell their products globally, leveraging e- marketing to increase their exposure.
- Digital Initiatives:
- PM-SURAKSHA Portal: Provides subsidized loan schemes for target groups.
- PM-DAKSH Portal: Focuses on skill development training for marginalized communities.
Fair Details:
- Dates: The mela runs from 5th to 15th November.
12th Edition of North East Festival to be Held in Delhi
- The 12th edition of the North East Festival will take place from November 15-17, 2024 at the MDC National Stadium, India Gate, New Delhi.
Key Highlights :
- Cultural Participation:Over 200 communities from eight North-Eastern States of India will showcase their unique cultural traits, traditions, and crafts.
About Delhi :
- Governor : Vinai Kumar Saxena
- Chief Minister : Atishi Marlena Singh
Supreme Court Sets New Guidelines to End Child Marriages in Rajasthan by 2030
- The Supreme Court has issued guidelines aimed at the complete elimination of child marriages in India.
- The Court emphasized the need for a prevention, protection, and prosecution model in enforcing the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.
Key Highlights :
- National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) Data:4% of women aged between 20-24 years in Rajasthan were married before the age of 18, highlighting the prevalence of child marriage in the state.
- Just Rights for Children Alliance (JRCA) Efforts:JRCA, a civil society group, has pledged to intensify efforts on the ground to eliminate child marriages by 2030.
- The organization is working closely with village authorities to spread awareness and prevent child marriages.
- Rajasthan High Court's Observations:The Rajasthan High Court in May 2024, under the Rajasthan Panchayati Raj Rules, 1996, held that sarpanches (village heads) are responsible for preventing child marriages in their villages.
About Rajasthan :
- Governor: Haribhau Kisanrao Bagade
- Chief Minister : Bhajan Lal Sharma
- Capital: Jaipur
- National Park: Keoladeo National Park, Ranthambore National Park Wildlife Sanctuary: Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary, Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Receives YouTube’s 'Golden Button' Award
- Union Minister Nitin Gadkari received YouTube’s Golden Button Award, which acknowledges the popularity of his content on the platform.
- The award was presented by Ajay Vidyasagar, Regional Director of YouTube at Google Asia Pacific.
Minister’s Response:
- Gadkari expressed gratitude, calling the award a “symbol of people’s trust and support” and thanked YouTube for recognizing the public’s appreciation.
Indian Navy Conducts MAHASAGAR Exercise on Maritime Security Training
- The Indian Navy organised the third edition of MAHASAGAR, a virtual high-level interaction that brought together prominent maritime leaders from the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi led the discussions, engaging with representatives from countries including Bangladesh, the Maldives, and Kenya.
- Launch and Frequency:MAHASAGAR was launched in 2023.
- Theme of the Third Edition (2024):The theme for this edition was "Training Cooperation to Mitigate Common Maritime Security Challenges in IOR."
- Participating Nations:The interaction involved representatives from IOR littoral states such as:Bangladesh, Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.
ICC Test Rankings: Rishabh Pant, Daryl Mitchell, and Will Young Make Significant Gains
- India wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant and New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell are back in the top 10 of the ICC Men’s Test batting rankings after fine performances in the third match of their ICC World Test Championship series played in Mumbai.
Highlights:
Rishabh Pant:
- Scored 60 and 64 in the two innings, moving him up five spots to sixth place in the ICC Test batting rankings.
- Now just one position away from his career-best fifth position, which he achieved in July 2022.
Daryl Mitchell:
- Advanced eight places to seventh following scores of 82 and 21.
- Recently ranked as high as third in September but experienced a drop before his current rise.
Will Young:
- Named Player of the Series; his scores of 71 and 51 helped him jump 29 places to 44th with a career- best 550 rating points.
Shubman Gill:
- With a solid score of 90 in the first innings, Gill climbed from 20th to 16th in the batting rankings.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: Dropped to fourth position in the batting rankings.
- Virat Kohli: Has fallen out of the top 20 Test batters for the first time since December 2014, marking an end to nearly a decade in the top ranks.
World Radiography Day: 8th November
- World Radiography Day 2024 is observed on the 8th of November 2024.
- X-Ray was discovered in 1895 by Wilhelm Roentgen.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi May Skip COP29 Due to Scheduling Conflicts
- Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi may skip the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Azerbaijan next month due to scheduling issues.
- The absence will also rule out the potential for a meeting between Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which had been a point of interest after Jaishankar's recent visit to Islamabad.
- India's Delegation at COP29:
- Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav will lead India’s delegation to COP29 in Modi’s absence.
- Other notable heads of state like Chinese President Xi Jinping, US President Joe Biden, and French President Emmanuel Macron are also expected to miss the summit.
India’s Growing Role in Global Climate Action:
- Modi’s previous speeches at COP21 (Paris), COP26 (Glasgow), and COP28 (Dubai) emphasized India’s climate goals, including carbon neutrality by 2070 and increased renewable energy commitments.
- In 2023, Modi proposed that India host COP28 to position the nation as a leader in climate action and green finance.
Amit Shah Addresses Anti-Terrorism Conference, Unveils Strategic Measures to Combat Terrorism
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Anti-Terrorism Conference-2024 in New Delhi, organized by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
- The conference includes senior police officers, experts, and officials from Central agencies discussing counter-terrorism strategies.
Reduction in Terrorism Incidents:
- Over the past 10 years, terrorist incidents have decreased by 70% in India, with no major attacks reported since 2014.
- The terrorist ecosystem has been dismantled through technological tools, databases, and efforts such as NATGRID and MANAS.
The Hindu Shines at WAN-IFRA Asian Media Awards 2024, Recognizing Excellence in Journalism
- The Hindu's Accomplishments:
- Gold in Best Breaking News Article: Awarded to “Making Sense of the Electoral Bonds Data”, highlighting The Hindu's impactful journalism.
- Silver in Best Feature Article: Awarded to “Kota’s Crash Course”, a Ground Zero report capturing the lives of students in Kota's coaching centres.
Ireland to participate in South Africa's ICJ 'genocide' case against Israel
- Ireland has expressed its intention to join South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), set to occur before the end of the year.
- The Irish parliament passed a non-binding motion accusing Israel of perpetrating genocide in Gaza, as part of the broader international debate surrounding the ongoing conflict.
Key Highlights :
- South Africa's Role: South Africa initiated the case at the ICJ in December, accusing Israel of breaching the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention.
- Israel has strongly denied the accusations.
- Other Supporting Nations: Other countries, including Spain, Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, Turkey, Chile, and Libya, have joined or supported the case in solidarity with South Africa.
Israel Unveils 'New Era of Warfare' with Iron Beam Laser Defence System
- Iron Beam is a high-energy laser weapon system developed by Israel to counter aerial threats such as missiles, drones, rockets, and mortars.
- It is expected to be operational within a year and will significantly enhance Israel's defence capabilities.
- It was unveiled in 2014 and is a 100kW class High Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS).
- The operational range of Iron Beam extends up to 7 km (4.3 miles).
- It is developed by Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, in partnership with Elbit Systems.
About Israel :
- President : Isaac Herzog
- Prime Minister : Benjamin Netanyahu
- Capital : Jerusalem
Bengaluru to Launch Its First Digital Population Clock to Monitor Real-Time Demographic Changes
- Bengaluru City’s first digital population clock, which will display real-time estimates of the population of Karnataka and the country, will be inaugurated at the Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC) in the city.
- It is a joint project of ISEC and the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
- Purpose and Functionality:The population clock will display real-time estimates of:
- Karnataka's population, updating every 1 minute 10 seconds.
- India's population, updating every 2 seconds.
- It aims to raise awareness about population growth and provide authentic data for researchers and scholars.
Himachal Pradesh’s Bankhandi set to become India's first zoo with IGBC certification: CM Sukhu
- The upcoming Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park at Bankhandi in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, will be India's first zoo to receive IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) certification for sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives.
- This was announced by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
- The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) is part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and was established in 2001.
- Its headquarters are in Hyderabad.
About Himachal Pradesh :
- Governor : Shiv Pratap Shukla
- Chief Minister : Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
- Capital : Shimla, Dharamshala
Donald Trump defeats Kamala Harris, poised to become the 47th President of the United States
- Donald Trump won a non-consecutive second term as the 47th President of the United States, defeating Vice-President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee.
- Republicans gained control of the Senate with at least 52 seats out of 100.
- Significance:Trump becomes only the second U.S. President to serve non- consecutive terms and, at 78 years old, is now the oldest U.S. President to enter office.
- Electoral College and Popular Vote:Trump had secured 292 Electoral College votes to Harris's 224 (270 votes are needed to win).
- He was projected to win the popular vote, marking the first Republican to do so since George W. Bush in 2004.
- Electoral Highlights:Trump won Pennsylvania by 2.3 points, a crucial battleground state.
- He also captured traditionally Democratic "Blue Wall" states like Wisconsin and Michigan and won Ohio, Iowa, and West Virginia in the Rust Belt.
Shiv Nadar Tops India’s Philanthropy List with Record-Breaking Donations
- Shiv Nadar, founder of HCL Technologies Ltd., retained his title as India’s top philanthropist for the third time in five years.
- He donated ₹2,153 crore (equivalent to ₹5.9 crore per day) in 2023-24, topping the Edelgive-Hurun India
Philanthropy List 2024.
Top Philanthropists in India:
- Mukesh Ambani and his family ranked second, contributing ₹407 crore through Reliance Foundation.
- Other prominent names among the top 10 philanthropists include:
- Bajaj family - ₹352 crore
- Kumar Mangalam Birla and family - ₹334 crore
- Gautam Adani and family - ₹330 crore
- Nandan Nilekani - ₹307 crore
- Krishna Chivukula (donation to IIT Madras) - ₹228 crore
- Anil Agarwal and family - ₹181 crore
- Susmita and Subroto Bagchi - ₹179 crore
- Rohini Nilekani - ₹154 crore
Arjun Erigaisi Jumps to World No. 2 in Chess Rankings
- Arjun Erigaisi, the 21-year-old Indian Grandmaster from Warangal, Andhra Pradesh, has surged to world No. 2 in the live chess rankings, following an impressive win over Russian Grandmaster Alexey Sarana at the ongoing Chennai Grand Masters.
- Elo Rating and Milestone:
- Erigaisi now has an Elo rating of 2805.8, making him only the second Indian player to cross the 2800 Elo barrier, a feat previously achieved by Viswanathan Anand.
Other Indian Players in Top 10:
- D Gukesh is currently fifth in the live rankings with an Elo rating of 2783.
- The legendary Viswanathan Anand holds the 10th spot with an Elo rating of 2750, marking his continued presence in the world’s elite chess players.
National Legal Services Day: 9th November
- National Legal Services Day 2024 is observed on the 9th of November 2024.
- Every year on November 9th, National Legal Services Day is marked to mark the beginning of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, which went into effect on that date in 1995.
World Freedom Day: November 9
- World Freedom Day is celebrated on November 9 every year to honour the freedom fighters worldwide, democracy, and those who have fought for liberty, freedom, and basic human rights.
- Along with this, it also marks the day of the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.
International Week of Science and Peace (IWOSP): November 9 to 15
- Celebrated annually from November 9 to 15, the International Week of Science and Peace (IWOSP) promotes the role of science in fostering global peace and cooperation.
- Established in 1986 during the International Year of Peace, IWOSP gained official recognition in 1988 under UN Resolution 43/61, encouraging international events focused on the peaceful applications of science.
Uttarakhand Foundation Day (Uttarakhand Diwas): November 9
- Uttarakhand Foundation Day is celebrated on November 9 each year, marking the formation of the state in 2000.
- 2024 commemorates the 24th anniversary of Uttarakhand’s establishment as a distinct state in India.
Commemorative Postage Stamp Released for Vadtal Temple's 200th Anniversary
- To commemorate the 200th anniversary of Vadtal Temple, a special stamp was released to honor its pivotal role in the Shree Swaminarayan Sampradaya.
- The temple serves as the spiritual capital of the Shree Swaminarayan Sampradaya, which has spread across the world.
- This temple was built on the command of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan by Sadguru Shree Brahmanand Swami and Sadguru Shree Aksharanand Swami.
Key Highlights of the Event:
- Event Date and Location:
- Date: November 9, 2024
- Location: Vadtal, District Kheda, Gujarat
Commemorative Stamp:
- The stamp was released to mark the 200th anniversary (Dwishatabdi Mahotsav) of the Vadtal Temple.
- Design of the Stamp: Created by Shri Sh. Jairaj T.G., it features the Vadtal Dham Temple, highlighting its traditional lotus-shaped architecture with nine
Discovery of Al-Natah: Ancient Fortified Town in Saudi Arabia Overview of the Discovery
- Site: Al-Natah, a fortified town hidden within the Khaybar oasis in northwest Saudi Arabia.
- Age: Approximately 4,000 years old, dating back to around 2400–2000 BCE.
- Project Leaders: Led by Dr. Guillaume Charloux (CNRS) and Dr. Munirah AlMushawh (Royal Commission for AlUla).
- Publication: Findings published in the scientific journal PLOS ONE. Significance of the Discovery
- Urban Transition: Al-Natah is a significant indicator of the shift from nomadic to settled lifestyles in ancient Arabia.
Madhya Pradesh Increases Women’s Reservation to 35% in All Government Jobs
Reservation Increase Details
- New Reservation Percentage: 35% for women in all government jobs across Madhya Pradesh.
- Previous Reservation: Previously set at 33%.
- Categories Covered: The reservation applies to SC, ST, OBC, and General categories, with 35% of reserved posts allocated to women candidates within each category.
Hindalco Crowned World's Most Sustainable Aluminium Company for Fifth Year in a Row
- Hindalco Industries Ltd., the flagship metals company of the Aditya Birla Group, has once again been ranked as the World’s Most Sustainable Aluminium Company in the 2024 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA).
- Hindalco secured an overall score of 87 points, marking a 9-point increase from the previous year and placing it 22 points ahead of its nearest competitor.
CDS Gen Anil Chauhan inaugurates the 2nd Edition of the Indian Military Heritage Festival
Inauguration and Objectives
- Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan inaugurated the2nd annual Indian Military Heritage Festival (IMHF) in New Delhi.
- Held on November 08-09, 2024, the festival is designed to engage global and Indian think tanks, corporations, non-profits, and scholars with a focus on:
- National Security
- Foreign Policy
- Military History and Heritage Project ‘Shaurya Gatha’
- Launched by General Chauhan in collaboration with the Department of Military Affairs and the USI of India.
- Aims to preserve and promote India’s military heritage through education and tourism initiatives.
Prominent Military Publications Released
- "Because of This: A History of the Indo-Pak Air War December 1971" by Air Marshal Vikram Singh (Retd).
- "Valour and Honour" – a joint publication by the Indian Army and the USI of India.
- "War-wounded, Disabled Soldiers, and Cadets" – a collaborative effort between
India, Australia launch 3rd edition of joint military exercise
- The 3rd edition of the joint military exercise AUSTRAHIND between India and Australia began at the Foreign Training Node in Pune, Maharashtra.
- The exercise, scheduled from November 8 to 21, alternates between the two nations, with the previous edition held in Australia in December 2023.
Key Details of Exercise AUSTRAHIND Indian Contingent:
- 140 personnel from the DOGRA Regiment and 14 members of the Indian Air Force are participating in the exercise.
Australian Contingent:
- 120 personnel from the 13th Light Horse Regiment, 10th Brigade, 2nd Division of the Australian Army are joining the exercise, reflecting the strong military collaboration between the two countries.
Pankaj Advani Wins Record 28th World Billiards Title, Triumphs in Thrilling Final
- Ace Indian cueist Pankaj Advani claimed his 28th world title and seventh consecutive IBSF World Billiards Championship crown by defeating England’s Robert Hall 4-2 in Doha.
National Education Day: 11th November
- National Education Day 2024 is observed on the 11th of November 2024.
- National Education Day was first observed by the Ministry of Human Resource Development on November 11, 2008.
- It is observed every year after the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad who was the first Educational Minister of Independent India. He served Educational Minister for over a period of Ten Years.
World Science Day for Peace and Development: 10th November
- World Science Day for Peace and Development 2024 is observed on the 10th of November 2024.
- The first World Conference on Science was held in 1999 and was coordinated by UNESCO and the International Council for Science.
Special Campaign 4.0: Boosting Cleanliness, Efficiency, and Revenue in Government Offices
- The Special Campaign 4.0, a central government initiative aimed at enhancing cleanliness and reducing pendency in government offices, has achieved remarkable results, generating ₹2,364 crore in revenue over the past three years.
- This latest phase, conducted from October 2 to 31, 2024, alone contributed over ₹650 crore through the disposal of scrap.
Taliban to Participate in United Nations Climate Conference for the First Time
- The Taliban will attend a United Nations climate conference (COP29) for the first time since taking control of Afghanistan in 2021.
- COP29 will be held in Azerbaijan starting on November 11, 2024.
- This conference marks one of the most significant multilateral forums involving the Taliban, who lack official recognition as Afghanistan's legitimate government.
India's Increased Fuel Exports to the EU Driven by Discounted Russian Oil:
- India’s export of fuels, such as diesel, to the European Union increased by 58% in the first three quarters of 2024, primarily from refining discounted Russian crude oil.
- The EU and G7 countries imposed a price cap on Russian crude oil in December 2022 to limit Moscow’s revenue; however, refined oil from Russian crude is not restricted, allowing countries like India to process and export to price-cap coalition countries.
- India's Position in Russian Oil Imports:
India has become Russia's second-largest crude oil buyer, with Russian oil now constituting 40% of India’s total imports—up from less than 1% before the Ukraine invasion.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna Takes Oath as 51st Chief Justice of India
- Justice Sanjiv Khanna was sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI) during a special ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, with President Droupadi Murmu administering the oath.
- Justice Khanna will serve a six-month tenure as CJI and is expected to retire on May 13, 2025.
- He succeeds Justice D. Y. Chandrachud, who concluded his term as CJI the day before.
India-Vietnam Joint Military Exercise VINBAX 2024 Begins in Ambala, Haryana
- The 5th Edition of Vietnam Indian Bilateral Army Exercise “VINBAX 2024” commenced at Ambala,Haryana.
- The exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 04 to 23 November 2024 at Ambala and Chandimandir.
- The exercise is a sequel to previously conducted bilateral exercise in Vietnam in 2023 and a major milestone in strengthening the bilateral relations between India and Vietnam.
Russia to Deliver First of Two Missile Frigates by the End of This Month(November 2024)
- India is set to receive its first of two guided-missile warships built in Russia by the end of this month (November 2024).
- The warship is a multi-role frigate with a displacement of almost 4,000 tonnes.
- It will be commissioned as INS Tushil by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during his visit in early December.
- The second frigate, Tamal, will be handed over early next year.
- The frigates are equipped with advanced weapons, including BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and sensors for various missions.
First Major Results from Payload on Aditya-L1's Maiden Solar Mission
- Scientists at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) Bengaluru reported the “first significant” results from the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) payload onboard the ADITYA-L1 Mission.
- ADITYA-L1 — India’s maiden solar mission launched on September 2, 2023 by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to observe the Sun at Lagrangian point L1.
- The spacecraft was inserted into its targeted halo orbit on January 6, 2024.
About Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC):
- VELC is the primary payload on the ADITYA-L1 mission, developed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru.
- It will observe the solar corona, the outermost layer of the Sun, and help study solar phenomena such as Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) and the solar wind.
- Capabilities:VELC can image the solar corona down to 1.05 times the solar radius, the closest any instrument has imaged the corona.
World Immunization Day: November 10
- Observed on November 10, World Immunization Day promotes awareness about the critical role vaccines play in protecting public health.
- This day underscores the importance of vaccines in preventing infectious diseases and safeguarding communities through herd immunity.
World Public Transport Day: November 10
- World Public Transport Day, observed annually on November 10, encourages people to embrace public transit options and raise awareness of the significant environmental and social benefits of sustainable transportation.
World Pneumonia Day : 12th November
- World Pneumonia Day 2024 is observed on 12th November.
- The theme for World Pneumonia Day in 2024 is "Every Breath
Star India to Produce Web Series on the Reserve Bank of India
- Star India will produce a web series on the Reserve Bank of India's 90-year journey, aimed at enhancing public understanding of the RBI's role in India’s economy and contributing to financial literacy.
- The Reserve Bank of India was established in 1935 and completed 90 years in April 2023.
Key Highlights :
- Selection Process:The RBI issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) in July 2023 for the web series.
- Star India Pvt Ltd won the tender for Rs 6.5 crore.
National Payments Corporation of India Launches Auto Top-Up Feature and Raises Transaction Limits for UPI Lite from November 1, 2024
- The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has launched an auto top-up feature and increased transaction limits for UPI Lite, effective from November 1, 2024.
Key Highlights :
- Transaction Limit Update:The transaction limit for UPI Lite has been raised to Rs 1,000 without entering a PIN, up from the previous limit of Rs 500.
- Wallet Balance Limit:The maximum wallet balance for UPI Lite has been increased from Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000.
- However, the daily transaction cap remains at Rs 4,000.
- Auto Top-Up Feature:The auto top-up feature automatically replenishes a user's UPI Lite account when the balance falls below a set threshold.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu inaugurates seaplane demo flight from Vijayawada's Prakasam Barrage to Srisailam in Nandyal district
- Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu launched a seaplane demo flight operation from Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada to Srisailam in Nandyal district.
- The initiative is called "Sky Meets Sea," aimed at connecting Vijayawada and Srisailam.
- The service will be managed by the Andhra Pradesh Airports Development Corporation Limited (APADCL).
- The seaplane is a 10-seater aircraft designed for the service.
- The flight route starts from Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada and ends near Pathalaganga in Srisailam, flying over the Krishna River.
- Passengers on this route will experience scenic views while flying over the Krishna River.
Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy to Launch Command-Level Tri- Service Exercise 'Poorvi Prahar' Near India-China Border
- The Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy will jointly conduct a command-level tri-service theatre exercise named 'Poorvi Prahar' along the India-China border.
- The exercise will take place from 10-18 November 2024 and holds significance for India’s efforts to establish an integrated theatre command.
India’s Rise in Intellectual Property Rights: 2023 WIPO
- India’s commitment to innovation and intellectual property (IP) has paid off, with patent and industrial design filings doubling between 2018 and 2023, securing the country the 6th position globally, according to the World Intellectual Property Organisation’s (WIPO) latest report.
Key Highlights
- India’s Growth in IP Rankings:
- Top 10 Placement: For the first time, India is ranked among the top 10 countries for patents, industrial design applications, and trademark applications.
Top Countries: China led with 1.64 million patent filings, followed by the USA (518,364), Japan (414,413), South Korea (287,954), Germany (133,053), and India (64,480).
Public Service Broadcasting Day: 12th November
- Public Service Broadcasting Day is celebrated annually on 12th November to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi's only visit to the Akashvani (All India Radio) studio in Delhi in 1947.
- This day remembers Gandhiji’s broadcast to displaced people settled in Kurukshetra, Haryana, following the Partition.
World Kindness Day: 13th November
- World Kindness Day 2024 is observed on the 13th of November 2024.
- nearly 27 countries around the world celebrate World Kindness Day.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Visit to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana: November
16-21, 2024
- Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is set to embark on a significant international trip from November 16 to 21, 2024, visiting Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana.
- This tour will focus on strengthening bilateral ties, participating in key summits, and engaging with the Indian diaspora.
Key Details of the Visit
Nigeria: Strengthening Strategic Partnership
- Dates: November 16-17, 2024
- Invitation: From Nigerian President H.E. Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu
- Significance: First Indian Prime Minister visit to Nigeria in 17 years.
Brazil: Participation in the G20 Summit
- Dates: November 18-19, 2024
- Location: Rio De Janeiro
- Invitation: From Brazilian President H.E. Mr. Luis Inacio Lula Da Silva
- Role: India is part of the G20 Troika alongside Brazil and South Africa.
Guyana: Fostering Historic Ties and Regional Cooperation
- Dates: November 19-21, 2024
- Invitation: From Guyanese President H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali
Union government approves first-ever all-women battalion in CISF
- The Union government has approved the first all-women battalion within the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), comprising 1,025 personnel.
- This decision aims to bolster the force's capabilities in VIP security, airport security, and other essential installations.
Key Details:
- Composition:
- The battalion, termed a "reserve battalion," will be led by a senior commandant and includes over 1,000 women personnel.
About CISF:
Established in 1969, CISF is known for its counter-terrorist security roles at high-risk facilities, including nuclear and aerospace
installations and private sector sites like Infosys in Bangalore and Reliance’s Jamnagar refinery.
NITI Aayog Launches ASSET Platform for Accelerating Green Energy Transition
- NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, has introduced the ASSET platform to support India’s green energy transition and assist states in developing energy transition blueprints.
- The platform aims to accelerate renewable energy adoption and sustainable growth in alignment with national goals.
Key Features of the ASSET Platform:
- Platform Objective: ASSET stands for Accelerating Sustainable Solutions for Energy Transition. It helps states create energy transition plans, implement projects, and showcase best practices in various energy sectors.
National Aspirations:
- India aims to become a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047, and the transition to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2070 is a critical aspect of this vision.
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Launches C-295 Full Motion Simulator at Agra Air Force Station
- Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, AOC-in-C Central Air Command, inaugurated the IAF C-295 Full Motion Simulator (FMS) on 11th November 2024 at Air Force Station Agra.
- The FMS will allow significant portions of pilot training to be conducted in a simulator, conserving flying hours on the actual aircraft.
- Training Capabilities:The state-of-the-art simulator provides a realistic training environment for pilots, simulating various missions such as:
- Tactical airlift
- Para-dropping and para-trooping\
- Medical evacuation
- Disaster relief
ICC Players of the Month for October 2024: Amelia Kerr and Noman Ali
- The International Cricket Council (ICC) awarded New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr and Pakistan’s Noman Ali as the ICC Players of the Month for October 2024.
- Both athletes were vital in their teams' recent successes, showcasing exceptional skill and determination.
World Usability Day: 14th November
- World Usability Day 2024 is observed on the 14th of November 2024.
- The User Experience Professional Association established World Usability Day in the year November 2005.
World Diabetes Day: 14th November
- World Diabetes Day 2024 is observed on the 14th of November 2024.
- The theme for World Diabetes Day 2024 is "Bridging Barriers and Bridging Gaps".
Children’s Day in India: 14th November
- Children’s Day in India is observed on the 14th of November 2024.
- Jawaharlal Nehru was born to a Kashmiri Brahmans Royal family
State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank Included in RBI's 2024 List of Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs)
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank will continue to be identified as Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs).
- In order to be listed as a D-SIB, a bank needs to have assets that exceed 2% of the national GDP.
Prasar Bharti OTT to be launched on November 20
- Prasar Bharti, the public broadcaster, will officially launch its OTT platform on November 20 during the inaugural ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in
- This announcement was made by the secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MI&B) Sanjay Jaju.
- The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MI&B) will set up a Prasar Bharati OTT booth at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) offering a sneak preview of the digital distribution service.
Key Features:
- Channels and Content:
- The platform will feature nearly 60 channels currently available on Doordarshan (DD) Free Dish.
- A large collection of archival material, including content from Doordarshan and All India Radio (AIR), will also be accessible.
- Fresh content, live streaming, and integrated services from DD and AIR will be offered.
Inaugural U.S.-India Indian Ocean Dialogue to be held on November 14
- US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell will be in New Delhi on November 13-14 to participate in the first India-US Indian Ocean Dialogue.
- This is the inaugural structured dialogue between the two countries focusing on promoting security and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region.
Dialogue Goals and Participants:
- Focus: The dialogue will center on security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Participants:
- Kurt Campbell (US Deputy Secretary of State)
- Jon Finer (US Principal Deputy National Security Advisor)
- Senior Indian officials
Background:
- This marks the first time India and the US are holding a structured dialogue specifically on issues related to the Indian Ocean.
- Previous 2+2 meetings between Indian and US defense and foreign officials have discussed enhancing interoperability and logistics cooperation, including maritime engagements in the Indian Ocean.
Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund to unveil Digital Archive in 2025, featuring PM's iconic letters and books
- On November 14, 2024, the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund (JNMF) revealed plans to launch The Nehru Archive, a comprehensive digital platform dedicated to preserving and sharing materials that chronicle the life and legacy of Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister.
- Launch Date: The archive will officially be unveiled on November 14, 2025, marking Nehru’s 136th birth anniversary.
Content and Features of The Nehru Archive
- Extensive Collection: The platform will feature a rich selection of Nehru's writings, including:
- A compilation of letters to India’s chief ministers (1947–1964)
- Renowned books by Nehru such as:
- Letters from a Father to His Daughter
- Glimpses of World History
- An Autobiography
- The Unity of India
- The Discovery of India
Meluri Declared as Nagaland's 17th District
- Meluri has been officially declared the 17th district of Nagaland, following its elevation from a sub-division of Phek District.
- Meluri is primarily inhabited by the Pochury Naga tribe, adding cultural significance to its district status.
- The elevation to district status was announced by the Nagaland state government with immediate effect.
Sonu Sood Named Brand Ambassador and Honorary Tourism Advisor for Thailand
- Sonu Sood, the renowned actor, philanthropist, and humanitarian, has been appointed as the Brand Ambassador and Honorary Tourism Advisor for Thailand.
About Thailand :
- Prime Minister : Paetongtarn Shinawatra
- Capital : Bangkok
- Currency : Thai baht
President-elect Donald Trump Names Elon Musk Co-Leader of Newly Established Department of Government Efficiency
- United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump appointed Elon Musk as co-leader of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) on November 12, 2024.
- Vivek Ramaswami, former Republican presidential candidate, will co- lead with Musk.
- Objective of the Department:The Department of Government Efficiency aims to create a more efficient government by reducing government expenditure and developing profit-driven policies.
Arvindar Singh Sahney Appointed as New Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation
- Arvindar Singh Sahney, currently Executive Director at Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), has been appointed as the new Chairman of IOC.
About IOCL :
- Founded : 30 June 1959
- Headquarters : New Delhi, India
- IOC is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
Maia Sandu Re-elected as President of Moldova for a Second Term
- Moldova’s Pro-Western President, Maia Sandu, has been re-elected for a second term.
About Moldova :
- Prime Minister : Dorin Recean
- Capital : Chisinau
- Currency : Moldovan leu
Samantha Harvey’s ‘beautiful and ambitious’ Orbital wins Booker prize
Book Summary
- Orbital by Samantha Harvey is the winner of the 2024 Booker Prize, praised for its "beauty and ambition" by the judging panel.
Indian Navy to host fourth edition of coastal defence exercise 'Sea Vigil-24'
- The Indian Navy is set to conduct the 4th edition of the ‘Pan-India’
Coastal Defence Exercise ‘Sea Vigil-24’ on 20 & 21 Nov 2024.
- Participation : This year, National Security Council Secretariat officials will also be part of Indian Navy led CDSRE teams for the first time, along with personnel from State Marine Police, Coast Guard, Customs, Fisheries, etc.
- Background and Purpose : Originally conceptualised in 2018, Sea Vigil was designed to validate and enhance measures adopted to bolster Coastal Defence, post the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
Defence Space Agency Conducts First ‘Exercise Antariksha Abhyas – 2024’ to Boost Space Warfare Strategic Readiness
- The Defence Space Agency (DSA), under the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (IDS), conducted the Space Table Top Exercise titled Antariksha Abhyas-2024 from November 11-13, 2024.
- The exercise aimed to strengthen India's space-based operational capabilities and enhance the tri-services integration for space security.
Objectives:
- To improve strategic readiness of the Indian Armed Forces in the space warfare domain.
- To develop and refine interoperability and cohesion between the tri- services (Army, Navy, Air Force) and the Defence Space Agency.
Japan Just Launched Lingosat, the World's First Wooden Satellite
- The world's first wooden satellite, LignoSat, has been launched, aiming to revolutionize sustainable space exploration by tackling space debris and minimizing environmental impact. Here are the key details:
Overview
- Name: LignoSat
- Developed by: Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry
- Launch: Aboard a SpaceX rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center
Jharkhand Foundation Day 2024: November 15
- Date: Celebrated on November 15 each year.
- Historical Background:
- Formation: Jharkhand was officially carved out of Bihar in 2000 following the Bihar Reorganization Act, 2000 passed by the Indian Parliament.
World Quality Week 2024: November 11 to November 15, 2024
- The Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) World Quality Week serves as a platform to highlight and promote best practices in quality management across industries, fostering a culture that values continuous improvement and superior performance.
Celebration Details
- Date: 11 to 15 November 2024
- Initiative: Since 2021, the CQI shifted from observing World Quality Day on the second Thursday of November to celebrating World Quality Week.
- 2024 Theme: "Quality: From Compliance to Performance"
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