01st-15th November, 2024

1. SIMBEX 2024: India-Singapore Naval Exercise Begins Off Visakhapatnam, AP
2. Israel Joins Asian Development Bank as 69th Member Country
3. European Parliament Named María Corina Machado and Edmundo González as Winners for 2024 Sakharov Prize
4. Maria Sharapova, Bob Bryan, and Mike Bryan are set to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame
5. Rashmika Mandanna Appointed as the National Ambassador to Promote Cyber Safety
6. Indian Navy Launches GRSE-Built Anti-Submarine Warfare Vessel, INS Abhay
7. Wrestling, Cricket, Hockey, and Other Major Sports Dropped from Commonwealth Games 2026
8. KKFI unveils Logo and Tagline for first-ever Kho Kho World Cup
9. Philippines and UNDRR hosted 2024 Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction
10. India and WHO Jointly Hosted 19th ICDRA in New Delhi
11. 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan
12. HDFC inaugurates its first branch in Singapore to expand financial services
13. PFRDA Appointed Chitra Jayasimha as Chairperson of NPS Trust Board
14. Union Minister Rajeev Ranjan Singh launched 21st Livestock Census to boost animal health sector
15. Government launched ‘Gram Panchayat-level Weather Forecasting’
16. Canada HSBC Life Insurance unveils ‘Promise4Future’ initiative
17. Chhattisgarh launches ‘Sugam App’ for Employment Opportunities
18. IndiaAI and Meta Launch “Srijan” GenAI CoE at IIT Jodhpur.
19. India ranks 176 out of 180 Countries, Transparency International says.
20. EAC-PM Chairman & Padma Shri Awardee Bibek Debroy Passes Away.
21. India is ‘Among the Mahalanobis of the World’ by M.K. Ranjitsinh Lunia in 2024.
22. Telangana Govt Declares ‘Sadar Sammelan’ as State Festival.
23. 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held in Apia, Samoa.
24. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Awarded Fiji’s Highest Civilian Honour.
25. 68th Ballon d’Or: Pathik & Aitana Bonmatí won the men’s & women’s Ballon d’Or Award.
26. Himanshu Prakash Appointed as Director-General Designate of ICRISAT.
27. “Right to Privacy” Penitentiary Justice KS Puttaswamy Case Verdict.
28. Assam launched Mission Basundhara 3.0 to Provide Land Rights to Indigenous People.
29. 17th Urban Mobility India Conference & EXPO held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat
30. MoD Minister Rajnath Singh launches ADITI 3.0 challenge and DISC 13 during Swavlamban 3.0

National News

1. 19th International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities in India
   • What:
     • The 19th International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities (ICDRA) will be held from 14 to 18 October 2024.
     • The event is organized by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) in New Delhi, India along with WHO.
   • Why:
     • The conference aims to strengthen collaboration among global regulatory authorities and develop international consensus on regulatory priorities.
   • Tell me more:
     • The theme of the conference is “Smart Regulation: Delivering Quality Assured Medical Products for All.”
     • ICDRA has been held since 1980, providing a platform for WHO Member States to discuss drug regulation.
       Source: icdra
2. IndiaAI and Meta Launch Center for Generative AI at IIT Jodhpur
   • What:
     • IndiaAI and Meta have established the Center for Generative AI, named Srijan (सृजन), at IIT Jodhpur.
     • The “YuvAi Initiative for Skilling and Capacity Building” has been launched in collaboration with AICTE.
   • Tell me more:
     • The Center for Generative AI will focus on responsible AI development and open science innovation.
     • The YuvAi program plans to train 100,000 individuals aged 18-30 in generative AI skills over three years.
     • Key components of YuvAi include a GenAI Resource Hub, a course for young developers by Meta, hackathons for real-world solutions, and an AI Innovation Accelerator for student-led startups.
       Source: PIB
3. International Solar Alliance’s Seventh Assembly Held in New Delhi
   • What:
     • The International Solar Alliance (ISA) held its seventh Assembly in New Delhi.
     • Ministers from 29 countries participated in the event.
   • Why:
     • It highlighted ISA’s achievements, including the completion of 21 out of 27 demonstration projects in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
   • Tell me more:
     • France pledged €1.5 billion to finance solar projects and emphasized capacity building and financing access.
     • Shri Pralhad Joshi, India’s Minister for New and Renewable Energy, inaugurated 11 new demonstration projects and 7 STAR-Centres during the Assembly.
       • STAR-Centres are established in seven countries to train professionals in solar energy.
     • Key ISA initiatives include:
       • Solar Data Portal: Provides real-time data on solar resources and projects.
       • Global Solar Facility: Unlocks commercial funding for underserved regions, with a pilot project in the Democratic Republic of Congo supported by USD 39 million.
       • SolarX Startup Challenge: Recognized 30 innovators in 2024, with the next edition focusing on Latin America and the Caribbean.
       • Knowledge Series and Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre: Drive research, knowledge-sharing, and advocacy for solar energy.

4. India Launches First Analog Space Mission in Ladakh
   • What:
     • India has launched its first analog space mission in Leh, Ladakh.
   • Why:
     • The mission aims to simulate life in an interplanetary habitat as part of preparations for future human missions to the Moon.
     • The mission is designed to conduct field tests that resemble extreme space environments, helping researchers solve problems related to spaceflight.
   • Tell me more:
     • The analog mission will last for one month and includes a compact inflatable habitat named Hab-1, equipped with essentials like a hydroponics farm and kitchen.
     • Ladakh was chosen for its dry, cold climate and high-altitude terrain, which closely resemble Martian and lunar landscapes.

5. Shilp Samagam Mela 2024 Inaugurated in New Delhi
   • What:
     • The ‘Shilp Samagam Mela 2024’ was inaugurated by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment at Dilli Haat, New Delhi.
     • The event is organized by several corporations under the Ministry, including NSFDC, NBCDFC, and NSKFDC.
   • Why:
     • The Mela aims to promote traditional artisans and provide them with a platform for global exposure and sales through the newly launched ‘TULIP’ program.
     • It seeks to empower marginalized artisans from Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, sanitation workers, and persons with disabilities.
   • Tell me more:
     • The TULIP program will enable artisans to market their products online, enhancing their economic self-reliance.
     • The fair will showcase traditional handicrafts from 16 states across 105 stalls, featuring items like metal crafts, wooden artifacts, pottery, and textiles.
     • The event runs from November 5 to November 15 and includes cultural programs each evening.

6. Dr. Ashwin Fernandes Launches Book on ‘Mann Ki Baat’
   • What:
     • Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, Executive Director of QS World University Rankings, presented his book ‘Modialogue: Conversations for a Viksit Bharat’ to former President Ram Nath Kovind.
     • The book discusses the impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s radio program, ‘Mann Ki Baat’.
   • Why:
     • The book aims to highlight Modi’s communication strategy and its role in fostering national dialogue and engagement among citizens.
   • Tell me more:
     • The title ‘MODIALOGUE’ combines ‘Modi’ and ‘dialogue’, emphasizing the unique communication approach of the Prime Minister.
     • The book includes contributions from various prominent figures, such as Dr. Pramod Sawant and Smriti Zubin Irani.
     • It features a nationwide survey with responses from over 4,200 people, showing the positive impact of ‘Mann Ki Baat’.
       Source: ANI
7. Launch of Bhu-Neer Portal for Groundwater Management
   • What:
     • The “Bhu-Neer” portal was launched digitally by the Hon’ble Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Paatil on 19th September 2024.
   • Why:
     • The portal aims to improve groundwater regulation across India, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and sustainability in groundwater usage.
   • Tell me more:
     • Developed by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC).
     • Provides details on legal frameworks governing groundwater extraction and state and national regulations.
     • Features a user-friendly interface with a PAN-based single ID system and NOC with QR code for streamlined permit applications.

8. AI Leadership Meet Highlights India’s AI Initiatives
   • What:
     • Union Minister Jitendra Singh spoke at the 7th Edition of the ASSOCHAM AI Leadership Meet 2024.
   • Why:
     • The event aimed to showcase India’s strategic roadmap for leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for development, innovation, ethics, and governance.
   • Tell me more:
     • The government has initiated AI-driven programs and launched the QuantumMission.
     • A significant announcement was made regarding India’s first practical AI Data Bank to support researchers and startups.

9. Prasar Bharati Launches OTT App ‘Waves’
   • What:
     • Prasar Bharati has launched a new over-the-top (OTT) app called ‘Waves’.
   • Why:
     • The app aims to provide family-friendly entertainment and cater to the growing demand for streaming services in India.
   • Tell me more:
     • The app was unveiled during the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.
     • It offers a variety of content, including live TV, video on demand, games, radio streaming, and e-commerce options.
     • Waves provides access to around 65 live channels, including major private broadcasters.
     • The app includes classic Doordarshan programs and original productions like Kakbhushundi Ramayana.
     • The app is free to download and offers most content at no cost, with some premium features available through subscription plans.
       Source: BS
10. Prime Minister Modi Visits Nigeria
    • What:
      • Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Nigeria, marking the first visit by an Indian leader to the West African nation in 17 years.
    • Tell me more:
      • He presented a handcrafted Silofar Panchamrit Kalash to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a gift, symbolizing cultural exchange.
      • PM Modi was conferred with Nigeria’s highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger.

11. India’s First Green Hydrogen Fuelling Station Completed
    • What:
      • Amara Raja Infra has completed the construction of India’s first green hydrogen fuelling station in Leh, Ladakh, for NTPC Ltd.
    • Why:
      • The project aims to enable emission-free transport in and around Leh, promoting green mobility in India.
    • Tell me more:
      • The fuelling station can produce 80 kg of green hydrogen per day and was built at an altitude of 3,400 meters under extreme weather conditions.
      • It serves as a precursor to larger green hydrogen mobility projects under the National Hydrogen Energy Mission.
        Source: ET
12. India Adopts Riyadh Design Law Treaty
    • What:
      • The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) member states adopted the Design Law Treaty (DLT) after nearly two decades of negotiations.
    • Why:
      • The treaty aims to harmonize industrial design protection procedures, making registration processes more efficient and accessible across different jurisdictions.
    • Tell me more:
      • The DLT introduces provisions such as relaxed time limits, reinstatement of lost rights, and simplified procedures for recording assignments and licenses.
      • It encourages the implementation of electronic industrial design systems and facilitates the electronic exchange of priority documents.

13. India Celebrates 75 Years of Hindi as Official Language
    • What:
      • The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations organized the Diamond Jubilee of Hindi Diwas in New York on November 22, 2024.
      • This event marked the 75th anniversary of Hindi being adopted as an official language in India on September 14, 1949.
    • Why:
      • It also recognized the inclusion of Hindi in the UN’s Multilingualism Resolution in September 2024.
    • Tell me more:
      • The Permanent Representative of Mauritius noted that Hindi helps preserve culture and identity.
      • The Permanent Representative of Nepal highlighted the linguistic ties between Nepali and Hindi.
        Source: ANI
14. India-CARICOM Summit in Georgetown, Guyana
    • What:
      • The 2nd India-CARICOM Summit was co-chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell.
      • The summit took place in Georgetown, Guyana, with participation from leaders of 13 CARICOM nations and foreign ministers from Belize, Jamaica, and St. Kitts & Nevis.
    • Why:
      • The summit aimed to reinforce India’s partnership with CARICOM nations, especially in light of Hurricane Beryl’s impact.
    • Tell me more:
      • Modi presented a Seven-Point Plan to enhance cooperation in various sectors, demonstrating India’s commitment as a reliable partner.
      • The Seven-Point Plan includes initiatives in capacity building, agriculture and food security, renewable energy and climate change, innovation and trade, culture and cricket, ocean economy, and healthcare.
      • The 3rd India-CARICOM Summit would be hosted in India.

15. PM Modi Visits to Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana
    • PM Modi presented the following gifts to the foreign leaders during his visit to Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana.

• PM Modi also received highest civilian honors from different countries. The total number of international honours received by PM Modi has now reached 19

Source: N18 MEA BS

State News

1. Chhattisgarh Launches Online Property Registration App
   • What:
     • The Chhattisgarh government has launched an online property registration app called ‘Sugam.’
   • Why:
     • The initiative aims to make the property registration process user-friendly and reduce cases of property fraud.
   • Tell me more:
     • It addresses issues where properties were sold multiple times or properties that do not exist were registered.
     • Users must take pictures of the property from three angles, which will be uploaded to ensure accurate geographical records.
     • This digital record will help in identifying properties and preventing disputes.
       Source: ET
2. Telangana Declares Sadar Sammelan as State Festival
   • What:
     • The Telangana government has officially declared ‘Sadar Sammelan’ as a State Festival.
   • Tell me more:
     • Sadar Sammelan is celebrated for two days after Diwali and features a grand procession of decorated buffaloes.
     • The festival is organized by the Yadav community, attracting participation from people of various backgrounds.
     • The Youth Advancement Tourism and Culture Department will oversee the celebrations and manage the budget for the event.
       Source: ANI
3. Assam Launches Mission Basundhara 3.0 for Land Rights
   • What:
     • Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched Mission Basundhara 3.0 in Guwahati.
     • The initiative aims to provide land rights to indigenous people and digitize land-related services.
   • Why:
     • The mission seeks to ensure rightful ownership of land for the indigenous communities in Assam.
     • It aims to streamline land services, reduce processing time, and enhance accessibility for the public.
   • Tell me more:
     • The launch took place on October 18, 2024, at ICRISAT headquarters in Hyderabad.
     • The mission will also publish maps to aid the people of Assam.
     • Under previous phases, such as Mission Basundhara 1, the government processed eight lakh applications in nine months.

Source: NOA

4. Gujarat Hosts 17th Urban Mobility India Conference & Expo
   • What:
     • The 17th Urban Mobility India Conference & Expo-2024 was inaugurated by Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar.
   • Why:
     • The conference aims to discuss and promote sustainable urban transport solutions and improve urban mobility in India.
   • Tell me more:
     • This year’s theme is “Standardisation and Optimisation of Urban Transport Solutions.”
     • The conference will focus on integrating various modes of urban mobility, funding strategies, and the use of big data in transport planning.

5. Nagaland Upgrades Meluri to a Full-Fledged District
   • What:
     • The Nagaland government has upgraded Meluri sub-division to a full district.
     • This makes Meluri the 17th district of Nagaland.
     • The announcement was made by Governor La Ganesan.
   • Tell me more:
     • Meluri is primarily inhabited by the Pochury Naga tribe.
     • The new district shares an international border with Myanmar.
     • This is the fifth district created in Nagaland in the last three years.
       Source: HT
6. Himachal Pradesh to Launch India’s First Green Zoo
   • What:
     • Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced the upcoming Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park in Kangra, which will be India’s first zoo certified by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).
     • The park has registered for IGBC certification to recognize its sustainable and eco-friendly infrastructure.
   • Why:
     • The certification aims to affirm the park’s commitment to high environmental standards and sustainability.
   • Tell me more:
     • The first phase of the project covers 25 hectares with an estimated budget of ₹230 crore, expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2025.
     • The entire zoological park will cost ₹619 crore and is designed to boost tourism in Kangra and surrounding areas.
     • The park will house 73 animal species, including Asiatic lions and hog deer, and will feature unique attractions like a nocturnal house and a wetland aviary.
     • Kangra is being positioned as the “Tourism Capital” of Himachal Pradesh through this initiative.
       Source: DD
7. First Integrated Check Post Inaugurated at Darranga
   • What:
     • The first Integrated Check Post (ICP) along the India-Bhutan border was inaugurated at Darranga in Assam.
     • Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and Bhutan’s Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay were present for the inauguration.
   • Why:
     • The ICP aims to facilitate trade and improve border security between India and Bhutan.
   • Tell me more:
     • The establishment of the ICP is part of ongoing improvements to enhance connectivity between Samdrup-Jongkhar in Bhutan and Tashigang.
     • The ICP will help promote economic activities and strengthen bilateral relations between India and Bhutan.
       Source: IE
8. Japan to Partner in Hornbill Festival 2024
   • What:
     • Japan has been announced as the country partner for the upcoming Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, which will take place from December 1 for 10 days.
   • Why:
     • The partnership aims to enhance cultural exchange and strengthen ties between India and Japan through various cultural and musical performances.
   • Tell me more:
     • Toyota, a major Japanese corporation, will also participate in the festival with collaborative strategies alongside the state government’s task force for music and arts.
     • Earlier, the United Kingdom, through Wales, was announced as another partner country for the Hornbill Festival.
       Source: TOI

International News

1. Israel Joins Asian Development Bank as 69th Member
   • What:
     • Israel has officially joined the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as its 69th member and 20th non-regional member, effective September 27, 2024.
     • Israel’s application for ADB membership was submitted in January 2022 and approved by the ADB Board of Governors on April 14, 2022.
   • Tell me more:
     • Israel’s membership became effective after it completed all necessary requirements set by the ADB.
     • Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich will represent Israel in the ADB.
     • The ADB is focused on achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and Pacific while working to eradicate extreme poverty.

2. Asia-Pacific Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction 2024
   • What:
     • The Government of the Philippines is hosting the 2024 Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR).
     • The event will take place from 14 to 18 October 2024 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila.
   • Why:
     • The conference aims to monitor and enhance cooperation for implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030) at a regional level.
   • Tell me more:
     • The theme for APMCDRR 2024 is “Surge to 2030: Enhancing ambition in Asia-Pacific to accelerate disaster risk reduction.”
     • APMCDRR is the main platform in the Asia-Pacific region for disaster risk reduction efforts.
     • The conference will focus on innovative solutions and actionable commitments to achieve disaster risk reduction by 2030.
     • This is the first regional platform since the adoption of the Political Declaration of the Sendai Framework Midterm Review.

3. 16th BRICS Summit Held in Kazan, Russia
   • What:
     • The 16th BRICS Summit took place in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24, 2024.
     • The theme of the summit was “Strengthening multilateralism for just global development and security.”
   • Tell me more:
     • This summit was significant as it was the first to occur after the expansion of BRICS on January 1, 2024.
     • Türkiye attended the summit for the first time as a NATO member and applied for BRICS membership.
     • The final declaration included discussions on establishing an alternative payment system called ‘BRICS Bridge,’ though details were vague.

4. 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM)
   • What:
     • Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) from October 24 to 26 in Apia, Samoa.
   • Why:
     • The meeting celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth and aimed to address global challenges, particularly climate change and ocean management.
     • It provided a platform for Commonwealth leaders to discuss cooperation among member nations.
   • Tell me more:
     • This CHOGM was significant as it was King Charles III’s first as Head of the Commonwealth.
     • The event marked the first CHOGM held in a Pacific island nation.
     • The theme for this year’s meeting focused on addressing climate change and promoting sustainable ocean management.
       Source: CGM
5. Key Achievements from CBD COP16 in Colombia
   • What:
     • The 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16) took place in Cali, Colombia, from October 21 to November 1.
   • Why:
     • The purpose of COP16 was to advance nature-positive actions globally and address the ongoing loss of biodiversity.
   • Tell me more:
     • A total of 119 countries submitted national biodiversity targets, representing 61% of Parties.
     • Forty-four countries submitted National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAPs).
     • A new Program of Work was adopted to enhance the role of indigenous peoples in biodiversity conservation.
     • A new financial mechanism called the “Cali Fund” was established to share benefits from Digital Sequence Information (DSI).
     • The COP16 agreed on a process to identify ecologically or biologically significant marine areas (EBSAs).
     • An additional $163 million was pledged to the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF), increasing total funding to around $396 million.
     • A champions group was launched by eighteen governments to embed biodiversity targets across all sectors.
     • The Debt for Nature Coalition was formed by six global organizations to enhance climate and conservation outcomes.
     • A collaboration with France aims to help Gabon conserve 30% of its ecosystems by 2030.

Source: CBD CBD

6. COP29 of UNFCCC
   • What:
     • H.E. Mukhtar Babayev has been appointed as the President of COP29, leading the global climate discussions.
   • Why:
     • His leadership aims to advance climate action and fulfill commitments from the Paris Climate Agreement during the conference.
   • Tell me more:
     • COP29 took place in Baku, Azerbaijan, where delegates agreed on a new climate finance goal of $300 billion annually by 2035.
     • A broader target of $1.3 trillion by 2035 was proposed, focusing on public and private funding.
     • Discussions on transitioning from fossil fuels were postponed for future meetings, with many developing nations criticizing wealthier countries for insufficient financial commitments.

7. 11th ASEAN Defence Meeting-Plus in Vientiane, Laos
   • What:
     • The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, addressed the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus forum in Vientiane, Laos, on November 21, 2024.
   • Why:
     • The purpose of the address was to emphasize India’s commitment to freedom of navigation, lawful commerce, and adherence to international law for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
   • Tell me more:
     • The ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus involves ten ASEAN countries and eight Plus countries, including India.
     • ASEAN Members Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) and eight Dialogue Partners (India, US, China, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand).
     • The discussions focused on establishing a Code of Conduct that respects the rights of non-participating nations and aligns with international law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982.
       Source: PIB

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