09th-10th November, 2023

1. Union Finance minister has inaugurated first global conference on Cooperation in Enforcement Matters (GCCEM) in New Delhi.
2. Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has launched the Bharat Organics brand of newly created National Cooperative Organics Ltd (NCOL).
3. Ministry Of Tourism has participated in World Travel Market 2023 held in London from 6th to 8th November, 2023 to showcase its diverse tourism offerings.
4. President Droupadi Murmu has visited Uttarakhand on the occasion of Uttarakhand Foundation Day on 9th November.
5. Chile has become 95th country to ratify the International Solar Alliance
6. Canara HSBC has launched ‘Guaranteed Assured Income’ (GAIN)life insurance for Karnataka Vikas Grameen Bank
7. IndusInd Bank has launched ‘IndusInd Bank Platinum RuPay Credit Card’ with Unified Payments Interface (UPI) integration.
8. Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) has launched Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) portal for enhancing transparency in its CSR initiatives.
9. Maharashtra has highest Mutual Fund penetration in July-September quarter of FY24 as per Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) data.
10. Sephora has partnered with Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL) to redefine India’s beauty retail segment.
11. US has announced USD 553 Million investment in Adani’s Sri Lanka Port Terminal Project.
12. PayGlocal has received in-principle approval from RBI for Payment Aggregator license.
13. India has highest number of universities QS Asia University Ranking 2024.
14. Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) has launched LEAP Ahead initiative for startup to get access to investment, mentorship and global connect.
15. UBS has revised India’s GDP growth forecast by 10 basis points to 6.3% and increased the FY25 GDP growth forecast by 20 basis points to 6.2%.
16. Indian solar powered tech venture Science for Society Techno Services Private Limited (S4S Technologies) is among the winners of Earthshot prize 2023.
17. Union Forest Minister has presented ‘Eco Warrior Awards 2023’ in India’s First Ever Dedicated Awards Show for Indian Forest Service Officers.
18. International Day of Radiology
19. World Urbanism Day (World Town Planning Day)
20. National Legal Services Day
21. World Quality Week
22. World Science Day for Peace and Development
23. International Week of Science and Peace

National News

1. Union Finance minister has inaugurated first global conference on Cooperation in Enforcement Matters (GCCEM) in New Delhi.
   • Host–
     • The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has hosted the conference in collaboration with the World Customs Organisation (WCO).

   • Theme–
     • It takes a Network to fight a Network

   • Objective–
     • To facilitate sharing of insights and best practices
     • To serve as a catalyst for enhancing collaboration with Indian Customs’ partner administrations and building new partnerships

   • Participants–
     • More than 75 delegates from over 40 Custom Administrations and organizations participated

   • Launch of Operation Sesha:
     • Union Finance Minister launched phase IV of ‘Operation Sesha’ by Indian Customs, in collaboration with RILO Asia-Pacific and RILO Middle-East, targeting illegal timber trade, including Red Sanders.

2. Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has launched the Bharat Organics brand of newly created National Cooperative Organics Ltd (NCOL).
   • Union Minister has also launched NCOL’s logo, website, brochure and membership certificate to 5 cooperative societies.
   • Website of National Diary Development Board has been launched.
   • Other initiatives–
     • Six organic products under Bharat Organics brand have been launched (arhar dal, chana dal, sugar, rajma, basmati rice and sona masoori rice)
     • Total of 20 organic products will be launched by December 2023
     • A retail outlet network of all organic products has been initiated under ‘Organic Under One Roof Concept’.

     
     

3. Ministry Of Tourism has participated in World Travel Market 2023 held in London from 6th to 8th November, 2023 to showcase its diverse tourism offerings.
   • Theme– Incredible India! Visit India Year 2023
   • The inauguration of the Indian Pavilion has been done with the objective of promoting India as a global tourist destination
   • Under the Incredible India Pavilion, a total of 47 participants have represented India at WTM 2023
     Source: PIB

   
   
   
   

State News

1. President Droupadi Murmu has visited Uttarakhand on the occasion of Uttarakhand Foundation Day on 9th November.
   • Formation- Uttarakhand was formed 27th state of India on 9th November,2000.
     Source: PIB

International News

1. Chile has become 95thcountry to ratify the International Solar Alliance
   • About International Solar Alliance–
     • ISA was conceived as a joint effort by India and France to mobilize efforts against climate change through deployment of solar energy solutions
     • It is an action-oriented, member-driven, collaborative platform for increased deployment of solar energy technologies as a means for bringing energy access, ensuring energy security, and driving energy transition in its member countries.
     • It strives to develop and deploy cost-effective and transformational energy solutions powered by the sun to help member countries develop low-carbon growth trajectories.
     • Signatories– 116 countries (94 countries have ratified)
       Source: ET, ISA

Banking and Economy

1. Canara HSBC has launched ‘Guaranteed Assured Income’ (GAIN)life insurance for Karnataka Vikas Grameen Bank
   • Objective–
     • To provide guaranteed benefits and income for life.
       Source: Hindu Businessline
     
     

2. IndusInd Bank has launched ‘IndusInd Bank Platinum RuPay Credit Card’ with Unified Payments Interface (UPI) integration.
   • The credit card is launched in collaboration with National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI).
   • It will enable customers to make payments through RuPay network using Point of Sale (POS) devices and e-commerce websites.
   • Card will provide facility to convert reward points into statement credit, and air miles, or choose from multiple voucher options through IndusMoments.

3. Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) has launched Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) portal for enhancing transparency in its CSR initiatives.
   • Objective–
     • To facilitate transparency in receipt and disposal of CSR requests from various organizations and institutions

     
     
   • About portal–
     • Portal will be accessible to all 24×7, with a CSR policy and proposal checklist for examination of CSR requests.
     • It was launched during Vigilance Awareness Week observed from 31st October to 5th November

4. Maharashtra has highest Mutual Fund penetration in July-September quarter of FY24 as per Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) data.
   • Maharashtra is followed by Gujarat and Karnataka.

5. Sephora has partnered with Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL) to redefine India’s beauty retail segment.
   • As part of the partnership Reliance Beauty & Personal Care Limited will take over Sephora’s 26 stores across 13 Indian cities from Arvind Fashions Limited.
   • The new partnership gives RRVL exclusive rights to build up Sephora’s presence in India across channels and add to the retailer’s existing beauty portfolio under its Tira retail brand
   • Valuation of Indian beauty and personal care market- USD 17 billion
     Source: livemint

   
   
6. US has announced USD 553 Million investment in Adani’s Sri Lanka Port Terminal Project.
   • Objective–
     • To boost private-sector investments that support economic development and strategic partnerships in the region.
   • The financing has been done through International Development Finance Corp (DFC).
   • It is US government agency’s largest infrastructure investment in Asia.

7. PayGlocal has received in-principle approval from RBI for Payment Aggregator license.
   • Benefit of licence–
     • This license will allow PayGlocal to onboard merchants onto its platform for online payment processing.

8. India has highest number of universities QS Asia University Ranking 2024.
   • Key highlights–
     • 148 universities of India found their place in QS Asia University Ranking 2024.
     • Seven Indian universities were amongst the top 100 Asian universities.
     • 37 new entrants are from India
     • Total of 857 institutions from 25 Asian countries are ranked

   • Top 3 Universities-
     • Highest Indian Institution rank– IIT Bombay (40th rank)
     • Best Private University– Chandigarh University
       Source: livemint

9. Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) has launched LEAP Ahead initiative for startup to get access to investment, mentorship and global connect.
   • About LEAP Ahead–
     • Objective–
       • To provide a holistic support system for startups, addressing both financial and knowledge-based needs
     • LEAP Ahead is a joint collaboration of Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Delhi-NCR.
     • Funding Support:
       • Startups can receive funding support of up to ₹1 Crore
       • The objective of financial assistance is to aid startups in various stages such as scaling, growth, product diversification, and expansion into new geographical locations.
     • Mentorship Program:
       • A comprehensive three-month mentorship program will be provided
       • The program integrates virtual and in-person sessions to offer a well-rounded learning experience for the participating startups.
       • With this initiative, technology startups will gain entry into the market, experience rapid growth and diversify into new horizons.
     • Learning Experience:
       • The mentorship program is designed to cover various aspects crucial for startup success.
       • It provides practical insights and knowledge to navigate challenges commonly faced during scaling, growth, and expansion phases.

Source: PIB

GDP Forecasts

1. UBS has revised India’s GDP growth forecast by 10 basis points to 6.3% and increased the FY25 GDP growth forecast by 20 basis points to 6.2%.
   • Factors responsible for near-term growth:
     • UBS expects near-term growth to be supported by higher household spending during the festive season
     • buoyant credit growth
   • Growth Projections for Coming Years:
     • UBS has anticipated India’s growth for long-run average of 6.2% and 6.5% in FY26 and FY27
   • Export Outlook:
     • As per the report, while exports could see marginal improvement, they are expected to remain tepid and dependent on global growth uncertainty
       Source: Hindu Business Line

Awards

1. Indian solar powered tech venture Science for Society Techno Services Private Limited (S4S Technologies) is among the winners of Earthshot prize 2023.
   • About Earthshot prize–
     • The Earthshot Prize is a global environmental award that is rewarded to five winners each year for their contributions towards environmentalism.
     • It is also known as Eco Oscars.
     • Each winner receives a grant of £1 million to continue their environmental work.
     • Award– £1 million per winner
     • Established– 2021
   • Winners for 2023-

2. Union Forest Minister has presented ‘Eco Warrior Awards 2023’ in India’s First Ever Dedicated Awards Show for Indian Forest Service Officers.
   • The award is presented to honour exceptional individuals and initiatives that have made significant contributions to environmental conservation and sustainable practices.
   • Organised by- Indian Masterminds and Indian Forest Service Association
   • Awards–

Source: Business Standard

Important Days

1. November 8– International Day of Radiology
   • Objective–
     • To building greater awareness of the value that radiology contributes to safe patient care and improving public understanding of the vital role radiologists and radiographers play in the healthcare continuum.
       Source: IDR

2. November 8– World Urbanism Day (World Town Planning Day); Theme– Learn Globally, Apply Locally
   Source: APA
3. November 9– National Legal Services Day; Theme– Access to Justice for All: Empowering the Marginalised through Legal Awareness
   • The day marks the anniversary of the enactment of the Legal Services Authorities Act in 1995.
     Source: cnbc

4. November 6-10– World Quality Week; Theme– Quality: realising your competitive potential 
   Source: quality.org
5. November 10– World Science Day for Peace and Development; Theme– Building Trust in Science
   • November 9-14– International Week of Science and Peace
     Source: UN

6. November 9-14– International Week of Science and Peace
   Source: ITD

Sports

1. Tennis player Serena William has become the first player to receive Council of Fashion Designers of America’s (CFDA) Fashion Icon Award in 2023.
   • Presenting partner of CFDA Fashion award- Amazon Fashion
   • About Serena Williams-
     • Serena Jameka Williams is an American former professional tennis player.
     • Grand slam wins- 23
       Source: ET

   
   
2. Punjab has defeated Baroda to win Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2023.
   • About Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy–
     • Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is a domestic Twenty20 cricket championship in India
     • It is played among the teams from the Ranji Trophy
     • It is named after former Test cricketer Syed Mushtaq Ali
     • Organised by– Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)
       Source: sportstar

3. Archer Deepika Kumari has won 2 Gold and 1 Silver Medal in National Games.
   • She is representing Jharkhand state.
     Source: sportstar
   
   
   
   

Memorandum of Understanding

1. Solvent Extractor’s Association of India (SEA) has signed an MoU with Brazilian Association of Vegetable Oil Industries (ABIOVE) for soyabean oil import.
   • Objective–
     • To create a common platform to facilitate the joint interaction of both institutions under the governmental spheres of both countries
     • To promote public-private partnerships of mutual interest towards economic integration between two countries in oilseed sector
   • India is the largest importer of edible oil in the world.
     Source: ET

2. Axis Bank and the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) have signed an MoU.
   • Objective–
     • To accelerate the process of the advancement of financial inclusion (FI) and financial literacyin India.
     • To conduct research, facilitate closer collaboration between industry and academia
     • To promote thought leadership, and advocate for policy development

   • Details of MoU–
     • An Axis Bank Chair for Financial Inclusion will be set at IRMA for the duration of 5 years.
     • The Chair will lead and manage field-based research efforts contributing to the development of national and state-level financial inclusion policies.
     • IRMA and Axis Bank will establish a Joint Advisory Committee responsible for managing the Chair’s selection process, defining operational terms, and regularly evaluating performance.

   
   

3. India and Netherlands have signed a Memorandum of Intent (MoI) to cooperate on medical product regulation and enhance the quality of medical products and healthcare services for both countries.
   • The MoI has been signed during a meeting of Bhagwant Khuba, Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers with Ernst Kuipers Minister of Health, Welfare and Sports of the Kingdom of Netherlands.
   • An Indian delegation led by the Minister has participated in the second World Local Production Forum (WLPF) meeting being held in The Hague from 6 to 8 November 2023.
   • What is World Local Production Forum (WLPF)?
     • It is a platform created at the initiative of WHO with the aim of increasing access to medicines and other health technologies.
       Source: PIB
     
     
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) and the FSR Globalat IICA Campus in Manesar, Gurugram.
   • Objective–
     • To promote collaboration in academia and research on regulatory issues of the energy sector.
     • To enhance operational capabilities within the regulatory landscape of the energy sector, both in India and worldwide.

5. IBM and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have joined hands to launch Generative AI Innovation Lab in Bengaluru.
   • Kay features–
     • Customers will be able to test prototypes of joint IBM-AWS solution
     • Under the partnership 10,000 IBM consultants will be skilled and trained.
     • Both companies will provide joint solution with generative AI capabilities for critical use cases.

   
   

Source: Businesstoday

Appointments

1. Goverdhan S. Rawat and Ajay Kumar Sood have been appointed as the Deputy Managing Directors of National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

2. Government has appointed Sanjay Kallapur and Narayanaswamy as part-time members of National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA).
   • Tenure of Appointment– 3 Years

3. National Payment Corporation of India has appointed Bollywood actor Pankaj Tripathi as ‘UPI Safety Ambassador’.
   • Objective–
     • To strengthen safety awareness on digital payment platform
     • He will tell users about the several initiatives taken by NPCI’s such as UPI, RuPay, and IMPS to make digital payments easy and secure.

4. Hitesh Kumar S Makwana has been appointed as Surveyor General of India.
   Source: PTI
5. Santosh Kumar Jha has been appointed as the next CMD of Konkan Railway.
   • The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) panel has recommended the name of Santosh Kumar Jha for the post of CMD of Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL).

Source: psuwatch

Miscellaneous

1. UN and International Atomic Energy Agency have collaborated to launch a new collection of stamps on Marie Curie on her 120th birth anniversary on 7th
   • Objective–
     • To honour the anniversary of her birth and recognize her significant contributions to nuclear science.
   • About Marie Sklodowska-Curie–
     • Marie Sklodowska-Curie is renowned for her pioneering breakthroughs in radioactive research and the discovery of radium and polonium.
     • She coined the term ‘radioactivity,’ fundamentally transforming our understanding of the atomic and subatomic worlds.
     • She is also the only person ever to receive two Nobel Prizes in different fields of science, one in physics in 1903 and one in chemistry in 1911.

2. Former SBI Chairman Dhruba Narayan Ghosh has passed away.
   • He was the Chairman of SBI from 1985 to 1989.
   • He has been credited for many financial reforms in the country.
   • Books authored–
     • Governance and Accountability: Essays on Indian Financial and Corporate Sectors (2007)
     • Business and Polity: Dynamics of a Changing Relationship (2011)
     • No Regrets (2015)
       Source: TOI

   
   
3. WHO has released Global TB report 2023.
   • Key findings of the reports–
     • TB Incidence in India:
       • India continues to have the highest incidence of tuberculosis globally, accounting for 27% of the total TB cases worldwide.
     • Positive Trends for India:
       • The report has highlighted two positive trends for India-
         • an increase in reporting of TB cases, reaching 24.2 lakh cases in 2022
         • an improvement in treatment coverage, reaching 80%

     • Mortality Drop:
       • Mortality has decreased from 4.94 lakhs in 2021 to 3.31 lakhs in 2022 based on India’s Sample Registration System dataset for calculations

     • Global Contribution:
       • India’s contribution to global TB mortality dropped from 36% in previous years to 26% in 2022
     • National TB Prevalence Survey:
       • India was the only country to complete a National TB prevalence survey since 2019, and the results have contributed to estimates of TB incidence in the WHO report.

     • Treatment Coverage:
       • India has witnessed a 19% increase in TB treatment coverage over the previous year, with over 80% treatment coverage achieved.
       • Only four out of 30 high-burden countries globally achieved this level of treatment coverage
     • TB Elimination Target:
       • India’s target for TB elimination is set for 2025, aiming for no more than 44 new TB cases per lakh population by that year.
       • current incidence of cases- 199 cases per lakh in 2023.

Source: Indian Express

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