RS- 14/-

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 Current Affairs Weekly PDF – November 2024 – 3rd Week
(17 – 23)
NATIONAL AFFAIRS

PM Modi’s visit to Bihar on 13th November implementation of this policy. The mission is a
2024 dedicated institution aimed at advancing
Gujarat’s leadership in semiconductor self-
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited Bihar on
reliance.
13th November 2024 and laid foundation stones of
✓ CM Bhupendra Patel laid the foundation stone
various projects for the development in the region.
for Micron’s advanced semiconductor ATMP
✓ PM Modi laid foundation stone and dedicate to
plant in Sanand(Gujarat), marking an
the nation multiple development projects
investment of over Rs 22,500 crore.
around Rs 12,100 crore in Bihar. The
development projects comprised of health,
rail, road, petroleum and natural gas sectors. CEEW Report: India’s Climate Policies
✓ PM laid the foundation stone of All India Expected to Reduce CO2 Emissions by
Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), around 4 Billion Tonnes by 2030
Darbhanga,Bihar at a cost of Rs. 1264 Crore.
According to the New Delhi (Delhi)-based independent
✓ M Modi inaugurated multiple initiatives in the
climate think tank, Council on Energy, Environment and
petroleum and natural gas sector worth
Water (CEEW)’s latest report, India’s current climate
over Rs 4,020 crore.
policies are expected to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2)
emissions by around 4 billion tonnes between 2020
India Launches Tri-Services Military and 2030.
Exercise 'Poorvi Prahar' in eastern sector ✓ The report showed that policies designed for
The Indian Army is conducting a high-intensity tri- India’s power, residential and transport
services exercise Poorvi Prahar from 10th to sectors have already saved 440 million tonnes
18th November 2024 in the forward areas of Arunachal of carbon dioxide (MtCO2) between 2015 and
Pradesh. 2020.
✓ This joint exercise aims to sharpen the combat ✓ As per the report, the policies promoting
effectiveness of the Indian Army, Navy, and renewable energy only in the power sector are
Air Force in implementing Integrated Joint projected to drive a 24% decline in coal-based
Operations in the difficult mountainous terrain power generation by 2030, relative to no-policy
of the region, thus increasing the inter-service scenario.
coordination and operational readiness. ✓ India, the fast-developing South Asian country,
now the world’s 5th largest economy, had
pledged to reducing emissions by 1 billion
Gujarat becomes India's 1st State to
tonnes by 2030 at the 26th Conference of
Implement a Dedicated Semiconductor Parties (COP26) United Nations Framework
Policy Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
Bhupendra Patel, the Chief Minister(CM) of Gujarat, held in Glasgow, Scotland in 2021.
has launched 'Gujarat Semiconductor Policy 2022-
2027', and became the first Indian state to implement
AUSTRAHIND-2024: India-Australia Joint
a dedicated semiconductor policy.
Military Exercise Held in Pune, Maharashtra
✓ Gujarat has established the 'Gujarat State
The 3rd edition of the India-Australia joint military
Electronics Mission,' to ensure the effective
exercise “AUSTRAHIND-24” is being conducted at

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Foreign Training Node in Pune(Maharashtra) from Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of
November 8 to November 21, 2024. The exercise aims Finance, Government of India, and Small Industries
to strengthen military cooperation between India and Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
Australia by improving the ability of both forces to work ✓ SIDBI signed a Memorandum of Understanding
together in joint unconventional operations. (MoU) with the Peenya Industries
Association with an aim to support MSMEs
Jitendra Singh Inaugurates India's First through capacity building, credit facilities, and
knowledge-sharing.
Biomanufacturing Institute "BRIC-National
Agri-Food Bio-Manufacturing Institute" at
Union Minister JP Nadda launches “Scheme
Mohali
for Strengthening the Medical Device
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Jitendra
Singh, Ministry of Science and Technology Industry"
(MoST) inaugurated the new complex of India's first Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, Minister of
Biomanufacturing Institute, "BRIC-National Agri-Food Chemicals & Fertilizers(MoC&F), launched the
Bio-Manufacturing Institute" (BRIC-NABI) aimed at Scheme for Strengthening the Medical Device
enhancing India’s agri-food sector through advanced Industry with an allocated budget of Rs.500 crores.
biotechnology at Mohali, Punjab. ✓ Scheme for Strengthening the Medical Device
✓ BRIC-NABI created through the strategic Industry is a comprehensive scheme which
merger of the NABI and the Center of targets critical areas of the medical device
Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing (CIAB), industry, covering manufacturing of key
is set to revolutionize India’s agricultural sector components and accessories, skill
by combining expertise in biotechnology and development, support for clinical studies,
bioprocessing. development of common infrastructure and
✓ As part of its mission to advance industry promotion.
biomanufacturing, the Biomanufacturing
Workshop 1.0 is scheduled to take place in Defence Space Agency Conducts maiden
December 2024. 'Exercise Antariksha Abhyas 2024'
Defence Space Agency(DSA) of Headquarters
India's First “Writer's village” Inaugurated in Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) successfully conducted
Dehradun the Space Table Top Exercise Antariksha Abhyas-
India’s first “Writer’s Village” (Lekhak Gaon) was 2024 from 11th to 13th November 2024 in New Delhi,
jointly inaugurated by former President Ram Delhi.
Nath Kovind, Uttarakhand Governor Lieutenant (Lt) ✓ This first of its kind exercise helped in
General Gurmit Singh (retired) and Chief Minister (CM) strengthening India's space based operational
Pushkar Singh Dhami in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. It is capabilities, enhancing Indian Navy, Army and
conceived by former CM Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, a Air force services integration for space
renowned writer in his own right. During the event, security.
Nishank unveiled his book “Ram in the Himalayas”
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia
Finance Minister Launches MSME Cluster Inaugurated SATRC-25; Highlights India’s
Outreach; Inaugurates SIDBI branches Role in Digital Transformation
Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs The 25th Meeting of the South Asian
Nirmala Sitharaman has launched the National Micro, Telecommunication Regulators’ Council (SATRC-25)
Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Cluster was held from 11th to 13th November 2024 in New
Outreach Program which was jointly organized by the Delhi, Delhi. The meeting was inaugurated by Union

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Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Ministry of ✓ PM Modi launched a Rs.150
Communications. commemorative coin and postal stamp of
✓ The meeting was organized by the Asia-Pacific Denomination Rs.5 to honour Birsa Munda’s
Telecommunity (APT) and hosted by Telecom legacy. The stamp was designed by Shri
Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Sankha Samanta, features a powerful portrayal
✓ It also reviewed the activities and the budget of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, set against a
implementation of SATRC Action Plan Phase backdrop depicting him addressing his
IX for the year 2025. followers.
✓ PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation
India Gifts Two Water Jet Propelled FICs to stone of multiple development projects worth
over Rs 6,640 crore in Jamui, Bihar with an aim
Mozambique
to boost tribal communities and improve
Indian Navy (IN),under the Government of
infrastructure in rural and remote areas of the
India(GoI),handed over two water-jet-propelled Fast
region.
Interceptor Crafts (FICs) to the Government of
✓ Union Minister Amit Shah unveiled a Grand
Mozambique as part of its capacity-building
Statue of Bhagwan Birsa Munda in New Delhi.
engagements with friendly foreign nations of the Indian
Ocean Region (IOR).
Govt reconstituted ISC with PM Modi as
India Signs Agreement to Host BIMSTEC chairman; state CMs & 9 Union ministers as
Centre in Bengaluru members
The Government of India(GoI) has reconstituted the
India signed the Host Country Agreement (HCA) for
Inter-State Council (ISC), an important body for
establishing the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for
enhancing Centre-State and interstate coordination,
Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation)
with Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi as its
Energy Centre in Bengaluru,Karnataka. This initiative
chairman. The ISC is a key constitutional body (non-
aimed at enhanced energy cooperation in the Bay of
permanent) established under Article 263 of the
Bengal and littoral region, including through inter-grid
Constitution of India.
connectivity.
✓ The Energy Centre is to be housed in the ✓ The GoI also restructured the Standing
Committee of the ISC and appointed Union
premises of the Central Power Research
Minister Amit Shah as its chairman.
Institute (CPRI) Bengaluru and also function as
the Secretariat of the BIMSTEC Grid
Interconnection Coordination Committee Union Home Ministry Approves First All-
(GICC). Women Battalion in CISF
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved
PM Modi commenced 150th Birth establishment of the 1st all-women battalion of
Anniversary Year of Birsa Munda on Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to enhance
women's role in CISF. The addition of a 'Mahila
Janjatiya Gaurav Divas
Battalion' would encourage more aspiring young
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited Jamui,
women across the country to join the force and serve
Bihar on 15th November 2024 on the occasion of
India.
‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’ and paid tribute to tribal
✓ Women constitute over 7% of the CISF and
leader Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Janjatiya
has been the preferred choice for them from
Gaurav Divas 2024 marks the commencement of
among the central armed police forces (CAPF).
150th Birth Anniversary Year celebration of
Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

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India Signs MOU with Russia for Advanced India-IEA MoU for Cooperation in Critical
Pantsir Air Defence Systems Minerals
India's Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), top state- Ministry of Mines (MoM) signed a Memorandum of
owned defence manufacturer and Russia’s Understanding (MoU) with International Energy Agency
Rosoboronexport (ROB), Russia’s main weapons (IEA) at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi (Delhi) to enhance
export agency signed the Memorandum of collaboration in the field of critical minerals. These
Understanding (MOU) to boost India's air defence minerals are vital for economic development and
capabilities, particularly with the acquisition of national security.
advanced variants of the Pantsir air defence system ✓ This partnership is expected to provide India
from Russia. with access to reliable data, in-depth analysis,
✓ The MoU was signed at the 5th India-Russia and policy guidance, strengthening its ability to
Inter-Governmental Commission (IRIGC) manage critical resources strategically.
Subgroup meeting which held in Goa. The CEA: India’s Renewable Energy Hits New
Pantsir is a Russian self-propelled anti-aircraft Milestone as Installed Capacity Surpasses
gun/missile system (SPAAGM), designed for
200 GW
point-defence.
According to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA)’s
data, India’s total renewable energy-based electricity
NITI Aayog Organised Symposium on generation capacity has increased by 24.2 GigaWatt
"Green Transition in States" in New Delhi (GW) (13.5%) reached to 203.18 GW in October 2024
The National Institution for Transforming India compared to 178.98 GW in October 2023.
(NITI Aayog) has organized a symposium on the ✓ At present, India’s total electricity generation
“Green Transition in States” in collaboration with the capacity has reached 452.69 GW, with RE
New Delhi (Delhi) based Institute for Sustainability, contributing a major portion of the overall
Employment and Growth Foundation (ISEG power mix.
Foundation), as a knowledge partner at ✓ Solar Power saw an increase of 27.9%, from
Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. 72.02 GW (in October 2023) to 92.12 GW (in
✓ NITI Aayog launched the Accelerating October 2024) and has emerged as the largest
Sustainable Solutions for Energy contributor to RE-based power generation in
Transition(ASSET) platform in partnership with 2024, followed by Wind power (47.72 GW)
the Ministry of Power (MoP) and the Ministry of with Y-o-Y increase of 7.7%.
New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). ✓ Also, when including nuclear energy, India’s
total non-fossil fuel capacity has increased
IREL and UKTMP to set up Joint Venture from 186.46 GW (in 2023) to 211.36 GW (in
2024).
Titanium Slag in Odisha
✓ This remarkable growth in Renewable Energy
Mumbai(Maharashtra) based IREL (India) Limited
(RE) is in line with the country’s ambitious RE
(previously known as Indian Rare Earths Limited), and
target of achieving 500 GW from non-fossil
Kazakhstan based Ust–Kamenogorsk Titanium and
sources by 2030.
Magnesium Plant JSC(UKTMP) signed a Joint
27th Energy Technology Summit held from
Venture(JV) to establish IREUK Titanium Limited for
production of titanium slag(Ti Slag) in Odisha. 12th – 14th November 2024
✓ This partnership aims to strengthen India's Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Ministry of
titanium value chain by converting low-grade Petroleum and Natural Gas(MoPNG) launched the
ilmenite (Titanium oxide) into high-grade 27th Energy Technology Meet (ETM 2024) which was
feedstock, also generating local employment held from 12th to 14th November 2024 in Bengaluru,
opportunities. Karnataka.

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 ✓ The three-day Energy Technology Meet has It was Jointly organized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi,
been organized by the Centre for High the Kalakshetra Foundation and the Centre for Cultural
Technology (CHT) and Indian Oil Corporation Resources and Training.
Limited (IOCL).
✓ Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals FTII’s short film “Sunflowers Were the First
Limited (MRPL) was awarded with the special
Ones to Know” Qualified for Oscar 2025
award for Innovation by the Centre for High
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting(MoI&B)
Technology, MoPNG.
announced that Pune (Maharashtra) based Film and
Television Institute of India(FTII) student film
White Category Industries Exempted from “Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know” has
SPCB Approval Requirements qualified for the 2025 Oscars in the Live Action Short
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Film Category.
Change of India (MoEFCC) issued a directive that ✓ The Kannada short film was produced by FTII
'White Category' industries are no longer required to and directed by Chidananda S Naik.
obtain approval from the State Pollution Control
Boards (SPCBs) for their operations. MoS&T Launched Operation Dronagiri along
✓ Industries categorized under the White
with GDI marking a milestone in the
Category, which are considered to have
minimal or negligible pollution potential, will no National Geospatial Policy
longer need to secure permissions known as The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T) has
'Consent To Establish' (CTE) and 'Consent To launched Operation Dronagiri, a pilot project under
Operate' (CTO) from SPCBs. This change aims National Geospatial Policy (NGP) 2022 to illustrate
to streamline the process for businesses and the possible applications of geospatial technologies
reduce bureaucratic hurdles. and innovations in improving the quality of life of
citizens and ease of doing business.
✓ In the first phase, Operation Dronagiri will be
MoHUA and UN-Habitat signs MoU for
implemented in the states of Uttar Pradesh,
Sustainable development in Urban areas Haryana, Assam, Andhra
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and Pradesh and Maharashtra, wherein pilot
the United Nations Human Settlements Programme projects will be implemented and use cases
(UN-Habitat) signed a Memorandum of Understanding will be displayed to show the potential
(MoU), to promote and strengthen the sustainable applications of integration of geospatial data
development in urban areas in India. and technology in 3 sectors –Agriculture,
✓ As part of this collaboration, the two Livelihoods, Logistics and Transport.
organizations launched the ‘Urban RAASTA
(Resilient and Accelerated Advancement with
MoHUA organised National Workshop on
Sustainable and Transformative Actions)’
framework. PMAY-U 2.0 - ISS vertical in New Delhi;
MoUs signed between NHB & PLIs for ISS
MoC launches “Amrit Parampara” to showcase implementation
India’s cultural heritage Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in
The Ministry of Culture(MoC) has launched partnership with National Housing Bank (NHB)
“Amrit Parampara” a festival series to celebrate and organised a national workshop on Pradhan Mantri
preserve India's traditional arts, focusing on fading art Awas Yojana – Urban 2.0(PMAY-U 2.0) - Interest
forms, with innovative programs that blended tradition Subsidy Scheme (ISS) vertical in New Delhi(Delhi).
with modern technology.

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 ✓ NHB signed Memorandum of Understanding Summit (HTLS 2024) in New Delhi, Delhi. The summit
(MoUs) with 147 different Primary Lending was held from November 14 to 16, 2024.
Institutions (PLIs) for implementation of ISS. ✓ During the event, PM Modi released
a commemorative postage stamp of
PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates First denomination Rs 5 to celebrate 100 years of
Hindustan Times(HT) which was founded by
Bodoland Mohotsav in New Delhi
Mahatma Gandhi in 1924.
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi inaugurated the
first-ever Bodoland Mohotsav at the KD Jadhav
Wrestling Stadium, New Delhi (Delhi). The two-day DoP releases a Commemorative Postage
event was held from 15th to 16th November 2024. The Stamp on Sickle Cell Eradication – 2047
event focuses on promoting the language, literature, Department of Posts(DoP), Ministry of
and culture of the Bodo community. Communications (MoC) launched a Special
✓ PM also highlighted the importance of cultural commemorative Postage Stamp of denomination Rs 5
and sports initiatives in uniting the community. on "Sickle Cell Eradication - 2047" initiative. It was
The Ranachandi dance, Bodoland Literary unveiled by Madhya Pradesh (MP) Governor Mangubhai
Festival, and hosting of the Durand Cup in Patel and MP Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
Kokrajhar, Bodoland (Assam) reflected the ✓ The stamp features artwork symbolizing
region’s vibrancy. awareness and eradication of sickle cell
anemia, emphasizing its impact on tribal
EPFO Celebrates 72nd Foundation Day with communities.
✓ It displays the slogan "Sickle Cell Eradication
Key Releases & Award Ceremony
- 2047", aligning with the mission’s goal to
Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Ministry of
eliminate this hereditary disease by the
Labour & Employment (MoL&E), inaugurated an event
centenary year of India's independence.
to mark the 72nd Foundation Day of the Employees'
✓ The MoHFW also launched a National Sickle
Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) at the Dr.
Cell portal, where details of screening can be
Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, Delhi .
accessed.
✓ During the event, the Bhavishya Nidhi Awards
2024 were also presented by Union Minister
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya to recognize Ayushman Bharat: Vay Vandana Card
exceptional contributions across various Achieves Over 10 Lakh Enrollments
categories. Milestone within 3 Weeks of its Launch
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
SC permits LMV licence holders to drive (MoHFW) official data, as on 17th November 2024,
transport vehicles upto 7500 kg over 10 lakh senior citizens aged 70 and above have
enrolled for the newly launched Ayushman Bharat:
The Supreme Court (SC) of India permits that a driver
Vaya Vandana Card (AB-VVC), which enables them to
holding a licence for Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) class
avail free healthcare benefits under Ayushman Bharat
can drive transport vehicles weighing under 7,500
kilogram(kg) without need for additional authorisation Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
✓ AB-VCC is an expansion of AB PM-JAY, one of
under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
the key components of Ayushman Bharat (AB),
a flagship scheme of Government of India
PM Narendra Modi addresses Hindustan (GoI), which aims to strengthen the idea of
Times Leadership Summit 2024 in New making healthcare accessible to all.
Delhi
Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister (PM) of India,
addressed the 22nd Hindustan Times Leadership

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Indian Army Conducts 'Sanyukt Vimochan 2024, showcasing their advanced combat
2024' Exercise in Gujarat readiness.
The Indian Army (IA) successfully conducted the
Multilateral Annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance DoP released Special Cover to mark 121st
and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise, 'Sanyukt Anniversary of MVC
Vimochan 2024' from 18th to 19th November 2024 at In November 2024, the Department of Posts(DoP)
Ahmedabad and Porbandar, Gujarat. under the Ministry of Communications (MoC), Chennai
✓ Joint Military Exercise: ‘Poorvi Prahar’ - IA, City North Division commemorated the 121st
Indian Navy (IN) and Indian Air Force (IAF) anniversary of Madras Veterinary College (MVC) by
carried out a 9-day joint military exercise, releasing a special cover on India Posts at the MVC
‘Poorvi Prahar’ at Mechuka in Arunachal Vepery campus in Chennai, Tamil Nadu(TN).
Pradesh (AR) from 10th to 18th November

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Climate Change: Public Adaptation Finance growth in patent, trademark, and industrial
Grew by 32% in 2022, but Large Gap design applications across top economies.
✓ India recorded a considerable growth
Remains: UNEP Report
of 15.7% in 2023 in patent applications, the
According to the United Nations Environment
fastest among the top 20 countries and is
Programme (UNEP)’s “Adaptation Gap Report (AGR)
the 5th consecutive year of double-digit
2024: Come Hell and High Water”, International
increases in patent filings.
public adaptation finance flows to developing
✓ India has gained 6th rank globally
countries has increased by 32%, from USD 22 billion
with 64,480 patent applications, domestic
(in 2021) to USD 28 billion (in 2022), which is the
applicants comprising over half (55.2%) of
largest relative Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) increase since the
these applications which is the first time for a
Paris Agreement (2015).
country.
✓ However, when this figure is compared with
adaptation finance needs estimated at USD
215-387 billion annually in AGR2023, shows India & Japan Signed agreement to Stealth
that a very large adaptation finance gap still UNICORN Mast for Navy Warships
exists. Government of India(GoI) and the Government of
Japan signed a Memorandum of Implementation (MoI)
India ranks in top 10 countries in Patents, for the co-development of Unified Complex Radio
Antenna(UNICORN) mast for fitment onboard Ships of
Trademarks, and Industrial Designs: WIPO
the Indian Navy(IN) under India-Japan Defence
2024 Report Technology Cooperation (IJDTC).
According to the World Intellectual Property ✓ The initiative aims to enhance the stealth and
Indicators 2024, the annual report published by the technological capabilities of the Indian Navy
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), India and was India’s first military technology
has made a significant growth in terms of the global transfer pact with Japan.
intellectual property (IP) and has secured a position in
the top 10 countries for all three major IP rights
- patents, trademarks, and industrial designs.
Advanced Air Mobility Can Drive Growth and
✓ The report published by WIPO assesses the Connectivity in India: WEF & MoCA Report
global trends in IP filings and shows significant The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA),Government of
India(GoI), in collaboration with the World Economic

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Forum (WEF) has prepared the report titled 'Skyways ✓ AAM technologies like air taxis or Electric
to the Future: Operational Concepts for Advanced Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) and
Air Mobility in India'. Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) are
✓ As per the report, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) designed to provide on-demand transport
represents a transformative approach to services.
transportation, particularly in densely
populated regions like India.

BANKING & FINANCE

JSFL Launched “Smart Gold” for Easy ✓ Under the existing Foreign Exchange
Digital Gold Investment Management (FEM) (Non-Debt Instruments)
Rules, 2019, an investment made by the FPI
Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based Jio Financial Services
should be not exceeding 10% of the total paid-
Limited (JFSL), registered with Reserve Bank of India
(RBI) as non-deposit taking Non-Banking Financial up capital on a fully diluted basis.
✓ As per new framework, any FPI investing more
Company (NBFC), has launched “Smart Gold”, a
than the prescribed limit should have the
digital gold investment platform which will be
accessible through the Jio-Finance application (app). option of divesting their holdings or
reclassifying such holdings as FDI subject to
✓ This new offering will enable the customers to
the conditions prescribed by the RBI and
purchase 24-Karat (K) physical gold anytime,
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
with a minimum amount of Rs 10.
✓ Jio Payment Solutions Limited (JPSL), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Jio Financial Tata Power Renewable Energy & IndusInd
Services (JFS), has received approval from the Bank Partners for Collateral Free Solar
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as an Financing for MSEs
online Payment Aggregator (PA). The
Mumbai(Maharashtra) based Tata Power Renewable
certificate of authorisation came effective from
Energy Limited (TPREL), a subsidiary of Tata Power,
28th October 2024.
has announced a strategic partnership with Mumbai
based IndusInd Bank Limited to facilitate accessible
Mahindra Finance & RBL Bank launched its and affordable solar financing for Micro and Small
co-branded credit cards Enterprises (MSEs) and promote solar energy adoption
Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited amongst MSEs.
(Mahindra Finance) launched a co-branded credit card ✓ This partnership will provide collateral-free
in partnership with RBL Bank Limited. The credit card solar financing to MSEs by offering loans
is designed to meet its customers' aspirational needs. ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 2 crore.
This will be the first co-branded credit card offering for
Mahindra Finance. Cashfree Payments Received PPI Licence
from RBI
RBI Introduced Operational Framework for Cashfree Payments India Private Limited, Bengaluru
Reclassification of FPI to FDI (Karnataka) based Payment Aggregator(PA) has
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced an operational received a Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI) licence
framework for the reclassification of investments from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). At present, RBI
made by a Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) to Foreign has issued the PPI licences to 46 entities.
Direct Investment (FDI) if the entity breaches the
prescribed limit.

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RBI Expands Forex Monitoring with ✓ KBL Genius savings account is a student-
Mandatory “Spot Deals” Reporting focused product available in two variants: ‘KBL
Genius Signature’ and ‘KBL Genius
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) expanded its foreign
exchange (forex) reporting requirements to include Advantage’.
spot deals to ensure completeness of transaction data
in the trade repository (TR) of the Clearing Corporation Punjab & Sind Bank Launches e-Bank
of India Limited (CCI) of the Indian forex market. Guarantee Facility
✓ With effect from February 10 2025, the New Delhi(Delhi) based Punjab & Sind Bank(PSB), a
authorized dealers must report all inter-bank public sector bank, launched e-Bank Guarantee (e-
foreign exchange spots including cash and tom BG) facility in partnership with Bengaluru(Karnataka)
(tomorrow-next day) transactions, undertaken based National e-Governance Services Limited (NeSL)
by them to the TR of CCIL. to replace the paper-based BG issuance process with
✓ The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a e-stamping and e-signatures.
monetary penalty of Rs 59.20 lakh on South
Indian Bank (SIB) for non-compliance with
SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank named in RBI’s
certain directions on 'interest rate on deposits'
and 'customer service' in banks. 2024 list of D-SIBs
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has designated State
Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank Limited, and ICICI
RBI Extends Implementation of ATM
Bank Limited as Domestic Systemically Important
Cassette Swap Mechanism till March 2025 Banks (D-SIBs) for 2024, marking them as ‘too big to
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted an fail’. They must maintain higher Common Equity Tier 1
extension to the banks and Automated Teller Machine (CET1) capital buffers to ensure financial stability.
(ATM) operators to implement the cassette swap ✓ SBI remains in the top 4 D-SIBs, requiring an
mechanism for money replenishment in ATMs till additional CET1 buffer of 0.80%.
March 31, 2025. ✓ HDFC Bank, the largest private lender, is
✓ The banking regulator has granted an classified in bucket 2, with a CET1 buffer
exemption for Cash Recycler Machines requirement of 0.40%.
(CRMs) from cassette swap requirement for ✓ ICICI Bank is in bucket 1, needing an
money replenishment. additional 0.20% CET1 buffer.
✓ Each ATM will require 3 sets of five cassettes.
One set in the ATM, one in transit, and another
SEBI Directed QSBs to Offer UPI
at the branch/cash-in-transit (CIT) company.
The cost of each cassette is in the range Mechanism, 3-in-1 Trading Facility to
of Rs.15,000 to Rs.20,000. Investors from 1st February, 2025
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has
directed all Qualified Stock Brokers (QSBs) to offer
Karnataka Bank Launches 2 Financial
either the facility of trading in the secondary market
Products for Students: KBL Peak & KBL
using the Unified Payments Interface (UPI)-based
Genius block mechanism to their clients similar to Application
Karnataka Bank Limited(KBL) has launched 2 financial Supported by Blocked Account (ASBA) facility or the 3-
products, “KBL Peak” and “KBL Genius” to empower in-1 trading account facility to their investors. This
the younger generations and contribute to India’s new direction for QSBs will come into effect from 1st
growing knowledge economy. ‘KBL Peak’ is an February, 2025.
education loan with financing of up to Rs 2 crore and
comprehensive coverage, and ‘KBL Genius’ is a
student savings account featuring free cyber insurance.

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Deutsche Bank Invests Rs 5,113 Crore into RBI adds 10 year Sovereign Green Bonds to
India Operations for Expansion Non-Resident FAR Investment
Germany-based Investment Bank and Financial The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has added 10-year
Service Company, Deutsche Bank announced the Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) to the list of specified
investment of an additional Rs 5,113 crores into its securities for non-resident investors under the Fully
India operations to support its expansion efforts. Accessible Route (FAR). It will help to raise capital to
fund sustainable initiatives for public sector projects.
SBI launches Innovation Hub in partnership ✓ This move follows the inclusion of Indian
Government Securities (G-Secs) in JPMorgan
with APIX at Singapore Fintech Festival
Chase’s Emerging Markets Bond Index Global
Mumbai(Maharashtra) based State Bank of India (SBI)
Diversified (GBI-EM GD), Bloomberg's EM
launched the ‘SBI Innovation Hub’ in partnership with
Local Currency Government indices and FTSE
APIX, a platform connecting financial institutions and
Russell’s Emerging Markets Government Bond
fintechs, during the Singapore Fintech Festival(SFF
Index (EMGBI).
2024) which was held from 6th to 8th November 2024
in Singapore.

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

NSE Relaxed Norms for Inactive Trading ✓ Cumulative exports during April-
Accounts October2024 are projected to be USD 468.27
billion showing a growth of 7.28%.
The National Stock Exchange Limited (NSE) has
✓ Cumulative imports during April-October
relaxed the norms regarding the definition of inactive
2024 are estimated at USD 531.51 billion,
trading account. It has changed the timeline for
increasing by 7.05%.
marking an account as inactive from 12 months to 24
✓ Merchandise exports during October
months.
2024 were USD 39.20 billion as compared to
✓ As per revised norms, trades in Initial Public
USD 33.43 billion in October 2023 while
Offering (IPO), Mutual Funds(MF), Sovereign
the Merchandise imports were USD 66.34
Gold Bonds(SGBs), Offer for Sale (OFS) and
billion in October 2024 as compared to USD
buybacks are also now to be considered as
63.86 billion in October 2023. Click here to
active accounts for trading.
read full News

India’s overall exports during April-October

MoF: PSBs Registers 11% Y-o-Y Growth in
2024 at USD 468.27 Billion with an
H1 of FY25 at Rs 236 trillion
estimated growth of 7.28% : MoC&I
According to the Ministry of Finance (MoF) data
According to the data released by the Ministry of
released on 12th November 2024, the cumulative
Commerce and Industry(MoC&I), India’s total exports
business of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) has shown
(Merchandise and Services combined) for October
strong Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) growth of 11% in the 1st
2024 estimated at USD 73.21 billion, showing a
Half of the Financial Year (H1FY25) reached at Rs 236
positive growth of 19.08% from October 2023.
trillion.
✓ Total imports (Merchandise and Services
✓ The global credit and deposit portfolios of
combined) for October 2024 are estimated at
PSBs increased by 12.9% and 9.5% Y-o-Y to
USD 83.33 billion, attaining a growth of 7.77%
Rs 102.29 lakh crore and Rs 133.75 lakh crore
from October 2023.
respectively, during the same period of FY25.

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 ✓ As per the MoF, the operating profit increased municipal corporations (MCs) to improve their own
by 14.4% Y-o-Y to Rs 1.5 trillion while the net revenue generation.
profit saw a growth of 25.6% at Rs 85,520 ✓ MCs’ revenue receipts rose by 20.1% YoY
crore in H1FY25. (Year-on-Year) to Rs 1.7 trillion in FY24, up
✓ The gross and net Non-Performing Assets from Rs 1.42 trillion in FY23 and Rs 1.37 trillion
(NPAs) stood at 3.12% and 0.63%, in FY22.
respectively in September 2024, decreased by ✓ The consolidated budget of MCs shows a
108 basis points (bps) and 34 bps Y-o-Y, surplus, but it decreased from Rs 4,914 crore
reflecting better asset quality. in FY19-20 to Rs 1,034 crore in FY20-21. The
✓ The Capital to Risk Weighted Average Assets FY23-24 budgeted surplus is Rs 20,819 crore.
Ratio (CRAR) or Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) ✓ Odisha and Telangana MCs reported the
reached 15.43% in September 2024, against highest borrowings relative to their revenue,
the regulatory requirement of 11.5%. with figures of 14.4 per cent and 15.1 per cent,
respectively.
AP Signs MoU with RIL to invest Rs 65,000
cr for 500 CBG Plants Moody’s: Indian Economy is in Sweet Spot,
The Government of Andhra Pradesh (AP) has signed a Projects India’s GDP at 7.2% in 2024
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mumbai According to the Global Rating Agency, Moody’s
(Maharashtra)-based Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) Ratings, the Indian economy is in a “sweet spot”, with
to establish 500 compressed biogas (CBG) plants in a mix of solid growth and moderating growth. It has
the state over the next three years. projected India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
✓ This initiative involves an investment of growth rate at 7.2% for Calendar Year 2024 (CY24).
approximately Rs 65,000 crore, with each ✓ It has also estimated India’s GDP growth for
plant costing Rs 130 crore. the CY25 and CY26 at 6.6% and 6.5%,
respectively.
NTPC & ONGC Partnered to Form a Joint ✓ These projections were made by Moody’s in its
latest “Global Macro Outlook for 2025-26”.
Venture Company
New Delhi(Delhi) based NTPC Limited (formerly
National Thermal Power Corporation) and New Delhi Nepal Powers Up Bangladesh: First Energy
based Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited(ONGC) Export via Indian Grid
has partnered to form a 50: 50 Joint Venture Company Nepal initiated its first-ever electricity with an export
(JVC) through their Green Energy Subsidiaries - NTPC of up to 40 MW hydropower to Bangladesh, utilizing
Green Energy Limited (NGEL) and ONGC Green Energy India's electricity grid. This initiative aims to boost up
Limited (OGL). sub-regional connectivity in the power sector among
three countries.
MCs need Major Reforms to Enhance ✓ The agreement was signed between NTPC
(National Thermal Power Corporation)
Revenue Sources: RBI Report
Vidyut Vyapar Nigam, the Nepal Electricity
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) report titled ‘Own
Authority (NEA) and the Bangladesh Power
Sources of Revenue Generation in Municipal
Development Board (BPDP) on October 2024
Corporations: Opportunities and Challenges’
in Kathmandu, Nepal.
emphasizes the need for comprehensive reforms in

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 AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

M Karunakar Reddy receives first Jadav ✓ Thae Su Nyein, Miss Grand Myanmar 2023,
Payeng International Award was crowned as the second runner-up at MGI
2024.
Telangana-based environmentalist M Karunakar
Reddy has been selected to be awarded with the
first Jadav Payeng International Award, launched by Elon Musk Topped Fortune’s Inaugural 100
the Jyoti-Protap Education Trust in Jorhat district, Most Powerful People in Business List;
Assam. Reliance’s Mukesh Ambani Ranked at 12th
✓ M Karunakar Reddy is known as the Water
Spot
Man and Green Man of India will be awarded
Fortune, an American global business magazine
for his extraordinary efforts towards
released the inaugural list of the “Fortune 100 Most
conserving environment and climate action. He
Powerful People (MPP) in Business”. Elon
is also known as the Crisis Man of India for his
Musk, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of
efforts to provide disaster relief and
Tesla and Space Exploration Technologies Corporation
management in some of the disaster-prone
commonly referred to as SpaceX, has secured the top
areas affected by climate change.
position in the list.
✓ The award will be presented to Reddy in
✓ He is followed by Jensen Huang, CEO of
January 2025, at the ceremony that will be
Nvidia Corporation and Satya Nadella, CEO of
held at Jyoti Protap Bidyalay in Teok, Jorhat.
Microsoft Corporation ranked at 2nd and
The Jadav Payeng International Award consists
3rd positions, respectively, showcasing their
of a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh, a citation, and
transformative influence in technology and
various other mementos.
Artificial Intelligence (AI).
✓ Satya Nadella has topped among the Indian-
British Author Samantha Harvey wins the origin individuals featured on the list, followed
2024 Booker Prize for fiction by Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet Inc. is
British author Samantha Harvey won the 2024 Booker ranked at 10th position.
Prize award for her fiction novel “Orbital” which has ✓ Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing
become the first book set in space to win the prize. Director (CMD) of Reliance Industries Limited
Harvey becomes the 1st woman to win the award (RIL) who ranked at 12th spot is the only
since 2019. Margaret Atwood and Bernardine Evaristo Indian to be featured on the list. Click here to
shared the award in 2019. read full News
✓ Samantha Harvey was awarded with 50,000
pound ( USD 64,000) and a trophy, which was UN Tourism Recognised 55 Villages as Best
presented to her by Paul Lynch, winner of the
Tourism Villages for 2024
Booker Prize 2023.
United Nations (UN) World Tourism Organisation
(UNWTO) announced the names of 55 villages
India’s Rachel Gupta Won Miss Grand including Caviahue-Copahue (Argentina), Sibayo
International 2024 (Peru), Xito (China), Tra Que Vegetable Village
Rachel Gupta from Jalandhar(Punjab) won the 12th (Vietnam), among others were recognised as Best
edition of “Miss Grand International (MGI) Tourism Villages for 2024.
2024” standing out among contestants from more than ✓ This marks the 4th edition of the Best Tourism
70 countries held at MGI hall in Bangkok (Thailand). Villages initiative which highlights the role of
She became the 1st Indian and 3rd Asian to be rural destinations in promoting sustainable
crowned MGI.

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 tourism, preserving cultural heritage and
contributing to community development. GHIAL Receives Global Recognition for
✓ Among 55 Best Tourism Villages for 2024, 7
Aviation Innovations at Saudi Airport
villages were selected from the BTV Upgrade
Programme including: Ruboni (Uganda), Bo Excellence Awards 2024
Suak (Thailand), among others. GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL)
✓ Also, 20 villages were selected to participate in in Hyderabad, Telangana achieved international
the Upgrade Programme for year 2024 recognition for its innovative advancements in aviation
including Dhudmaras village located in Bastar at the Airport Excellence Awards during the Saudi
district of Chhattisgarh, the only Indian village Airport Exhibition 2024.
featured on the list. ✓ GHIAL’s Digital Twin secured top honors in the
Innovation & Technology and Facility
Management categories, while its Smart
HCL, MECL & JNARDDC Under Ministry of
Shopping Trolley was recognized as the
Mines bags award for performance during runner-up in the Airport Revenue Management
National Learning Week category.
Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), Mineral Exploration
and Consultancy Limited (MECL), and Jawaharlal Victoria Kjaer Theilvig from Denmark
Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design
Crowned Miss Universe 2024
Centre (JNARDDC) under the Ministry of Mines(MoM)
Maria Victoria Kjær Theilvig (21) from Denmark has
were honoured for their exceptional performance
been crowned Miss Universe 2024 at the 73rd edition
during the National Learning Week (NLW), a 9 day
of Miss Universe 2024 pageant held at the Arena in
nationwide initiative promoting learning and
Mexico City, Mexico. This marks Denmark’s first-ever
development, held from 19th to 27th October 2024.
victory in the global beauty pageant. The edition
✓ The awards were presented by Union Minister
witnessed the participation of 125 contestants.
of State(MoS) Dr. Jitendra Singh, Ministry of
✓ She was crowned by Nicaragua’s Sheynnis
Personnel, Public Grievances and
Palacios, Miss Universe 2023.
Pensions(MoPP&P).
✓ Miss Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, secured
Details of Awards:
the 2nd spot as 1st Runner-up, while Miss
Organisation’s
Rank Organisation Mexico, Maria Fernanda Beltran, finished in 3rd
Category
place as 2nd Runner-up.
MECL,
1st S ✓ India was represented by Rhea Singha from
Nagpur(Maharashtra)
Gujarat, who made it to the top 30 finalists.
2nd JNARDDC, Nagpur XS
HCL, Kolkata(West
3rd M
Bengal, WB)

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Navinchandra Ramgoolam appointed as the oath of office on November

Mauritius' New Prime Minister 13, 2024 for a 5 year term and
replaced Pravind Kumar
Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam (77), the leader of the
Jugnauth, who has served as
Labour Party, was appointed as the Prime Minister(PM)
PM since 2017.
of Mauritius for the third time by the President
Prithvirajsing Roopun , after his coalition Alliance du
Changement won the parliamentary election. He took

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Alix Didier Fils-Aime Sworn in as interim Limited (IOCL) for a 5-year tenure
Prime Minister of Haiti with effect from the date of
assuming office or until
Alix Didier Fils-Aime (52), former
president of Haiti’s Chamber of superannuation.
✓ He replaced Satish Kumar
Commerce and Industry (CCI)
Vaduguri, IOC’s Director of
was sworn in as the interim Prime
Marketing (DOM), who was handling the
Minister (PM) of Caribbean
additional charge of Chairman from September
country Haiti at the National
2024 after Shrikant Madhav Vaidya’s tenure
Palace in Port-au-Prince, capital of Haiti.
✓ He replaced Garry Conille who was appointed ended on August 31, 2024.
as the PM in May 2024 and was dismissed by
the Transitional Presidential Council(TPC) due Harini Amarasuriya appointed as 17th Prime
to the continued political instability of the Minister of Sri Lanka
country. Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara
Dissanayake appointed
Praveena Rai Takes Over Leadership of MCX Harini Amarasuriya as 17th Prime
as CEO and MD Minister (PM) of Sri Lanka following
the victory of the National People’s
On October 31,2024, Praveena Rai was taken charge
Power (NPP) coalition in the general election. She was
as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing
Director (MD) of the Multi Commodity Exchange of the 3rd woman PM after Sirimavo Bandaranaike and
Chandrika Kumaratunga.
India (MCX) for a five-year term. She replaced PS
✓ The NPP secured 159 seats in Sri Lanka's 225-
Reddy who retired in May 2024.
member parliament, granting the legislative
power.
Mohammad Tayyab Ikram Elected as New ✓ The swearing-in ceremony was held at the
FIH President Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, capital of
Mohammad Tayyab Ikram was Sri Lanka.
elected as new 13th president of
International Hockey Federation’s
K Sanjay Murthy appointed as the 15th
(FIH) at the 49th FIH Statutory
Comptroller Auditor General of India
Congress held in Muscat, Oman.
K Sanjay Murthy, a 1989-batch
The current tenure will be
Himachal Pradesh(HP) cadre
continued until 2032. Ikram assumed the FIH
Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
presidency on an interim basis in 2022 for a two-year
officer, was sworn in as the 15th
term of 2022-2024, following Indian Narinder Batra’s
Comptroller and Auditor General
(India) mid-term resignation.
(CAG) of India by President
Droupadi Murmu at a function in the Rashtrapati
Arvindar Singh Sahney Appointed as New Bhavan in New Delhi(Delhi).
Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation ✓ He succeeded Girish Chandra Murmu (1st
The Appointments Committee of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir,
Cabinet (ACC) has approved the proposal of Ministry J&K), who retired on November 20 2024. The
of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), for the tenure of Sanjay Murthy till 2029.
appointment of Arvindar Singh Sahney as the ✓ Prior to the appointment, Sanjay Murthy served
new Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation as the Secretary of the Department of Higher
Education(DHE), Ministry of Education (MoE).

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 ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

HDFC Standard Life Buys Rs 90 Crore Worth (18,87,06,367 shares) to 3.881% (12,39,91,097
of PNB Housing Finance Shares shares) of the company's paid-up capital.
Mumbai(Maharashtra) based HDFC Standard Life
Insurance Company Limited acquired 0.4% shares of L&T to Acquire 21% Stake in E2E Networks
New Delhi(Delhi) based PNB Housing Finance Limited Through Two-Part Rs 1,407 Crore Deal
for Rs 90 crore through an open market transaction. It Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
highlights HDFC Standard Life's interest in expanding has proposed to acquire 21% stake in E2E Networks
its portfolio within the housing finance sector. Limited, an Indian Cloud and AI Cloud provider, at a
cost of Rs 1,407.02 crore through a two part deal.
LIC sold 2.02% stake in Tata Power for Rs ✓ The two part deal involves a preferential
2,888 crore allotment of 15% equity, valued at Rs 1,079.27
crore at Rs 3,622.25 per share, and the
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) sold more
remaining 6% stake to be acquired from the
than 2.02% stake in Tata Power Company Limited for
founder for Rs 327.75 crore at Rs 2,750 per
approximately Rs 2,888 crore. This strategic move
share.
reduces LIC's shareholding in Tata Power from 5.906%

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Zimbabwe Launches ‘ZIMSAT-2’ Satellite to ✓ The planet was identified using the advanced
Enhance Space Program PARAS-2 (PRL Advanced Radial velocity Abu
Sky Search-2) spectrograph. This is the 4th
Republic of Zimbabwe successfully launched its
exoplanet discovery by PRL scientists.
second satellite, ZIMSAT-2 on the Soyuz-2.1b
spacecraft from Vostochny Cosmodrome, in Amur
Oblast, Russia. DRDO Successfully Completed Flight Test
✓ The launch was a joint effort between the of Guided Pinaka Weapon System
Zimbabwe National Geo-Spatial and Space Defence Research and Development Organisation
Agency (ZINGSA) and Southwest State (DRDO) successfully completed the flight test of
University in Kursk, Russia, with help from Guided Pinaka, a Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher
Zimbabwean engineers and Doctor of (MBRL) Weapon System as part of Provisional Staff
Philosophy(PhD) students based in Russia. Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) Validation Trials.
✓ This launch follows the success of
Zimbabwe’s first satellite, ZIMSAT-1, which
IAEA Launched PAAT Mobile App to
was launched in 2022, highlighting the
country’s ongoing advancements in space Streamline Radiation Alarm Assessments at
technology and innovation. Airports & Borders
Vienna(Austria) based the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA) launched a mobile application
Scientists of PRL Discover “TOI-6651b”,
“Personnel Alarm Assessment Tool (PAAT)” to support
new planet five times larger than Earth
the frontline officers, like customs or law enforcement
An international team of scientists from the Physical personnel, to assess radiation alarms triggered by
Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad(Gujarat),
people at airports, border crossings and other points of
has discovered a new Saturn-sized exoplanet named
entry, and ease delays. This app is available in Arabic,
“TOI-6651b” orbiting a Sun-like star TOI-6651.
English, French and Spanish.

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SpaceX Launches India's GSAT-20 Satellite Indian Army Introduces 550 Asmi Machine
into Space Pistol into Northern Command
SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket launched India’s Indian Army (IA) has introduced 550 units of the
Geosynchronous Satellite(GSAT)-N2 (or GSAT 20) indigenously developed “Asmi” machine pistol in the
from the Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Northern Command. This is a part of the efforts toward
Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, The United fulfilling the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliance).
States of America (USA). ✓ The 100% Made-in-India weapon was
✓ The satellite was developed by NewSpace developed by Colonel Prasad Bansod of the
India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of IA in collaboration with the Defence Research
the Indian Space Research Organisation and Development Organisation (DRDO). It was
(ISRO). This is the 1st collaboration between manufactured by Lokesh Machines in
NSIL and SpaceX for satellite launch. Hyderabad, Telangana.
✓ This satellite launch costs between USD 60-
70 million, of this NSIL have paid nearly Rs
500 crore for this launch. GSAT-N2 or GSAT-
20 is a 4,700 kilograms (kg) satellite that is
heavier than any other indigenous rockets of
India.

DRDO carries out successful flight-trial of

India’s 1st Long-Range Hypersonic Missile
The Defence Research and Development
Organization (DRDO) of India successfully conducted
the flight-trial of India's first long-range hypersonic
missile off the coast of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island,
Odisha. This missile can carry various payloads over
1,500 km, enhancing India's military range. It is also
developed by DRDO. Pixxel unveils hyperspectral satellite
constellation ‘Fireflies’
Bengaluru(Karnataka) based space start-up Pixxel,
which specialises in hyperspectral imaging and Earth
observation, has introduced “Fireflies”, a
constellation of six next-gen hyperspectral satellites.
The Fireflies are set to be launched in 2025.

ENVIRONMENT

Scientists discover a new fire-resilient, ✓ A team of scientists from MIT World Peace
dual-blooming species of Dicliptera in the University (MIT-WPU) and Christ College has
discovered a new species of damselfly in the
Northern Western Ghats of India
Western Ghats of Kerala, named Melanoneura
Scientists have discovered a new fire resilient dual
agasthyamalaica, or the "Agasthyamalai
blooming species of Dicliptera in the Northern Western
Bambootail."
Ghats of India. The new species genus Dicliptera, has
✓ Botanists have discovered a new species of
been named Dicliptera polymorpha to reflect its
flowering plant named ‘Crinum andhricum’ in
diverse morphological traits.

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 the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh(AP). The The new species was named after Lohit
species was named after Andhra Pradesh in district.
recognition of the State where it was first ✓ Atharva Kulkarni, a post-graduate student from
found. Maharashtra has discovered a new jumping
✓ A team of Indian botanists has discovered a spider species named “Okinawicius tekdi”
new leafless orchid species named Gastrodia from a hill located in Pune city, Maharashtra.
lohitensis, in Lohit in Arunachal Pradesh(AP).

SPORTS

Australian cricketer Matthew Wade retires second-most Test centuries among Indian
from international cricket keepers.
Australian cricketer Matthew Wade (36-year-old)
announced his retirement from international cricket India Tour of South Africa T20 Series 2024:
and will become an wicketkeeping and fielding coach India won the 4-match series 3-1
with Australia national team for the Twenty20 (T20) The Indian men's cricket team captained by
series against Pakistan in November 2024. Suryakumar Yadav won the Twenty 20 Internationals
✓ Matthew Wade has played 36 Tests and (T20Is) series 3-1 by defeating South African Men’s
scored 1,613 runs with four centuries, cricket team captained by Aiden Markram.
including a top score of 117 in the 2019 Ashes. ✓ Sanju Samson made the 3rd century of his
career (109 not out off 56 balls) in the fourth
India won Bronze at “Sultan of Johor Cup T20I between India and South Africa.
✓ Arshdeep Singh became India’s second-
Junior Hockey U21 Tournament”
highest wicket-taker in men’s T20Is after
The Indian men's junior team under the captain Amir
India’s win against South Africa.
Ali beat New Zealand 3-2 to win the bronze medal at
the12th edition of “Sultan of Johor Cup junior under
21 men's hockey tournament 2024” at the Taman Indian Boxer Mandeep Jangra Wins WBF's
Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Super Featherweight World Title
✓ Great Britain's(GB) U21 Men's squad Indian professional boxer Mandeep Jangra (31) won
defeated Australia to win Gold medal the the World Boxing Federation(WBF)'s super
12th Sultan of Johor Cup. This was GB’s fourth featherweight world title after defeating Britain's
title of Sultan of Johor Cup Conor McIntosh in the Cayman Islands. He has also
won a Commonwealth Games silver medal in 2014 in
Glasgow, Scotland.
Wriddhiman Saha Announces Retirement
from All Forms of Cricket
Indian Wicket-keeper and India to host 2036 Olympics, submits
Batter, Wriddhiman Saha(40) has announced his “Letter of Intent” to IOC
retirement from all forms of cricket, marking the end of The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has submitted a
a successful career that lasted nearly 20 years. The 'Letter of Intent' to the IOC's (International Olympic
ongoing Ranji Trophy season would be his last. Committee) Future Host Commission to express the
✓ Wriddhiman Saha represented India in 40 country’s desire to host the 2036 Olympic and
Tests(1,353 runs) and 9 ODI’s (One Day Paralympic Games.
International). He holds the record for the

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Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2024: Magnus (Georgi
Carlsen won the both Rapid & Blitz title a)
Five-time world champion Grandmaster (GM) Vantika
Magnus Carlsen (Norway) won both the rapid and blitz 3 Wesley So (USA) 5.5 3 Agrawa 5
titles at the 6th edition of the Tata Steel Chess India l (India)
Rapid and Blitz 2024 tournament, held from 13th to Blitz – Final Standings
17th November 2024, at the Dhono Dhanyo Open Category Women’s Category
Auditorium in Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal. Ran Point Ran Point
Name Name
Rapid – Final Standings: k s k s
Women’s Magnus
Open Category Kateryna
Category Carlsen
1 13 1 Lagno (Russ 11.5
Ra Poi Ra Poi (Norwa
Name Name ia)
nk nts nk nts y)
Aleksa Wesley Valentina
ndra 2 So 11.5 2 Gunina 11
Magnus Carlsen Goryac (USA) (Russia)
1 7.5 1 7.5
(Norway) hkina Vantika
(Russia Agrawal
Arjun
) (India) and
3 Erigaisi 10.5 3 9.5
Praggnanandhaa Nana Aleksandra
(India)
2 Rameshbabu 5.5 2 Dzagni Goryachkin
5.5
(India) dze a (Russia)

OBITUARY

BPL Group founder TP Gopalan Nambiar Award (2000) and Lifetime Achievement
passed away at 94 Award (2007). He was also recognized by the
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
TP Gopalan Nambiar(also known as TPG), the founder
(2008) for his leadership in building a strong
of British Physical Laboratories(BPL) group, passed
Indian brand in the global electronics market.
away at the age of 94 in Bengaluru, Karnataka. He was
born on 25 November, 1929 in Kannur, Kerala.
✓ He was honored with the Electronics Man of
the Year Award (1992), National Citizen’s

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Thomas Mathew released his new book posthumously. The book was published by
“Ratan Tata: A Life”, a biography of Ratan HarperCollins India.
✓ The book explores Ratan Tata’s journey from
Tata
his isolated childhood, his 1st position within
A retired bureaucrat Thomas Mathew has authored a
the Tata Group, to his transformative tenure as
new book titled “Ratan Tata : A Life”, a biography of
chairman of Tata Sons.
Late Mr. Ratan Tata has been published

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President of India released Three Key The Publications of the Book were titled as:
Publications of the Supreme Court ✓ Justice for Nation: Reflections on 75 years of
the Supreme Court of India.
In November 2024, the President of India,
Droupadi Murmu released three publications of the ✓ Prisons in India: Mapping Prison Manuals and
Measures for Reformation and Decongestion
Supreme Court (SC) of India in the presence of Sanjiv
✓ Legal Aid Through Law Schools: A Report on
Khanna, Chief Justice of India (CJI) , DY Chandrachud,
Working of Legal Aid Cells in India.
former CJI and the Union Law Minister Arjun Ram
Meghwal at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi(Delhi).

IMPORTANT DAYS

Children’s Day/Bal Diwas 2024- November First-Ever UN International Day for the
14 Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of
Children’s Day or Bal Diwas is annually observed Transnational Organized Crime 2024 -
across India on November 14 to honor the birth November 15
anniversary of India’s 1st Prime Minister(PM), Pandit
The first-ever United Nations (UN)’s International Day
Jawaharlal Nehru, who is remembered for his for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of
affection for children. 14th November 2024 marks
Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) was observed
the 135th birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
across the globe on 15th November to raise
awareness about the dangers of various types of
World Usability Day 2024 - November 14 transnational organized crime and to strengthen global
World Usability Day (WUD), or Make Things Easier collaboration to address them.
Day is annually observed across the globe on ✓ The theme of International Day for the
the 2nd Thursday of November to promote the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of
principles of usability, accessibility, and user TOC 2024 is “Organized crime steals,
experience in design. WUD 2024 falls on 14 November corrupts and kills. It’s time we pull together
2024. to push back”.
✓ The 2024 theme of WUD is, “Designing for a
Better World”.

World Quality Week 2024 – November 11 to

15
World Quality Week (WQW) is celebrated annually
during the second week of November to highlight the
importance of quality management. It serves as a
platform to raise awareness about the profession and
its role in navigating complexity in today’s dynamic
business landscape.
✓ WQW 2024 is observed from 11 to 15
November 2024.
✓ The theme of WQW 2024 is ‘Quality: From
Compliance to Performance’

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International Day for Tolerance 2024 - epilepsy’s impact on individuals, families and
November 16 communities.
The United Nations (UN)’s International Day for
Tolerance is celebrated annually across the globe on International Students’ Day 2024 –
16 November to raise awareness about the value of November 17
tolerance and promote understanding, respect, and International Students’ Day is annually observed
appreciation across different cultures and across the globe on November 17 to celebrate
communities. multiculturalism, diversity, and teamwork among
✓ The day also emphasizes the harmful impact of students. The day aims to ensure that every child
intolerance and promotes policies that worldwide has access equal educational
promote equality and opportunity for all. opportunities.
✓ The first International Day for Tolerance was ✓ 17th November 2024 marks the
observed on 16 November 1996. observance 84th International Students’
Day.
National Press Day 2024 – November 16
National Press Day (NPD) is annually observed across
India on 16th November to commemorate the day on
which the Press Council of India (PCI) started its
function as the moral watchdog to ensure that the
press maintains high standards and is not fettered by
any form of influence or threats.
✓ The theme for National Press Day 2024
is “Changing Nature of the Press”. Following
this, the Press Council of India(PCI) was
established on 4th July 1966 under the Press
Council Act of 1965 and started its functions
on 16th November 1966.

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic

Victims 2024 - November 17
The United Nations (UN) World Day of Remembrance
World Day for the Prevention of and Healing
(WDoR) for Road Traffic Victims is annually observed
across the globe on the 3rd Sunday in November to from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and
pay tribute to victims of road traffic injuries and their Violence 2024 – November 18
families. WDoR for Road Traffic Victims 2024 falls on World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child
November 17, 2024. Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence is annually
✓ The slogan for WDoR for Road Traffic Victims observed across the globe on 18th November to raise
2024 is “Remember. Support. Act.” awareness about child abuse and violence.
✓ 18th November 2024 marks the 3rd
National Epilepsy Day 2024 - November 17 observance of the World Day for the
Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual
National Epilepsy Day(NED) is annually observed
Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence.
across India on 17th November to spread awareness
about Epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized
by recurrent seizures. The NED also highlights

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National Naturopathy Day - November 18 ✓ The Government of India(GoI) also launched
2024 the campaign “Hamara Shauchalay: Hamara
Samman”, which will run from 19th
National Naturopathy Day is annually observed
across India on 18th November to promote mental November 2024 to 10th December
2024(Human Rights Day).
and physical health through “Naturopathy”, a form of
healthcare that combines modern treatment with
traditional methods. National Integration Day 2024 – November
✓ 18th November 2024 marks the observance of 19
the 7th National Naturopathy Day. National Integration Day (or) Quami Ekta Diwas is
✓ The theme of the 7th National Naturopathy observed annually across India on November 19 to
Day is "Naturopathy for Healthy Aging and commemorate the birth anniversary of Indira Gandhi,
Longevity". India's First Female Prime Minister (PM).
✓ This annual observance is led by the Ministry ✓ The day aims to promote unity, peace, and love
of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, across India's diverse communities.
Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, and ✓ November 19 2024 marks the 107th birth
Homoeopathy). anniversary of Indira Gandhi.
✓ The day marks the beginning of National
World Toilet Day 2024 – November 19 Integration Week (Qaumi Ekta Week), which is
The United Nations (UN’s) World Toilet Day(WTD) is observed annually from November 19 to 25.
annually observed across the globe on 19 November
to draw attention to the public health, environmental, International Men’s Day 2024 – November
and dignity challenges posed by inadequate sanitation. 19
The day also highlights the need to provide safe and
The International Men’s Day (IMD) is annually
secure toilets for all.
observed across the globe on November 19 to
✓ The theme of WTD 2024 is “Toilets - A Place
honour and celebrate the vital role of men in society,
for Peace”.
family, and communities. 19th November 2024 marks
✓ Globally, around 3.5 billion people are still
the 26th IMD. The theme for IMD 2024 is “Positive
lacking access to safely managed sanitation. Male Role Models”.
This includes 419 million people who are still
practising open defecation.’

STATE NEWS

Andhra Pradesh Govt Presents Budget with ✓ The revenue deficit and fiscal deficit are at Rs
an outlay Rs 2.94 lakh crore 34,743 crore and Rs 68,742 crore respectively.
✓ The fiscal deficit will be around 4.19% of the
The Government of Andhra Pradesh (AP) led by Chief
Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), and
Minister (CM) N Chandrababu Naidu presented the
Budget for the Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25) at Rs the revenue deficit will be around 2.12% of the
GSDP.
2.94 lakh crore. Payyavula Kesav, AP's Finance
Minister, presented his 1st budget in the Assembly in
Amaravati, AP. Alka Tiwari appointed as New Chief
✓ The revenue expenditure has been pegged at Secretary of Jharkhand
Rs 2,35,916 crore and the capital expenditure The Election Commission of India (ECI) has approved
was Rs 32,712 crore. Jharkhand's proposal to appoint Alka Tiwari as the
new Chief Secretary of the state. She replaced

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Lalbiaktluanga Khiangte, who retired on October 31, conducted from 15th to 16th November 2024, at the
2024. Her tenure will end on September 30, 2025. RDSA Sports Complex in Bhoirymbong, Shillong,
Meghalaya.
Meghalaya is Set to Celebrate "Year of With the “Year of Legends” theme, the Cherry Blossom
Festival 2024 hosted Akon.
Legends” as Shillong Cherry Blossom
✓ The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2024 is
Festival special as Japan has been announced as the
Meghalaya celebrated the “Year of Legends” as partner
Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2024 which was

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