23rd-25th November, 2024

1. AM Green Kakinada Cluster Joins WEF’s Transitioning Industrial Clusters Initiative
2. Rio Partnered with Yes Bank & NPIC to launch Co-branded Credit Card; Rio launched UPI app
3. GenWise Launches UPI Payments for Senior Citizens with secure Interface
4. Profectus Capital Raised USD 25 million via NCDs to IFC
5. Northern Arc Secures USD 65 Million for Climate Impact Fund
6. Cashfree launched Pilot for Cross-Border Payments & Global Transactions
7. Jane Figueiredo and Vitaliy Petrov Honored with IOC Coaches Lifetime Achievement Awards 2024
8. 24 Coastal villages in Odisha were recognised as “Tsunami-Ready” by IOC-UNESCO
9. Women’s Entrepreneurship Day 2024 – November 19
10. Africa Industrialization Day 2024 – November 20
11. MP and Rajasthan Form Joint Panel Committee for Chechat Project
12. Karnataka Celebrates “Bali Padyami” Festival
13. PM Narendra Modi addresses Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2024 in New Delhi
14. Indian Army Conducts ‘Sanyukt Vimochan 2024’ Exercise in Gujarat
15. Deutsche Bank Invests ₹5,113 Crore into India Operations for Expansion
16. SBI launches Innovation Hub in partnership with APIX at Singapore Fintech Festival
17. RBI adds 10-year Sovereign Green Bonds to Non-Resident FAR Investment
18. Victoria Kjaer Theilvig from Denmark Crowned Miss Universe 2024
19. Harini Amarasuriya appointed as 17th Prime Minister of Sri Lanka
20. K Sanjay Murthy appointed as the 15th Comptroller Auditor General of India
21. SpaceX Launches India’s GSAT-20 Satellite into Space
22. DRDO carries out successful flight-trial of India’s 1st Long-Range Hypersonic Missile
23. Pixxel unveils hyperspectral satellite constellation ‘Fireflies’
24. Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2024: Magnus Carlsen won the both Rapid & Blitz title
25. World Toilet Day 2024 – November 19
26. National Integration Day 2024 – November 19
27. International Men’s Day 2024 – November 19
28. Meghalaya is Set to Celebrate ‘Year of Legends’ as Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival
29. International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2024
30. COP29 Tourism Sector Gains Global Support for Climate Action
31. Zomato to Replace JSW Steel on BSE Sensex from December 23
32. World Bank Launches ‘Jobs at Your Doorstep’ Report in Delhi
33. Sony Sports Secures Rights for All ACC Tournaments (2024-2031)
34. RBI Doubles UPI 123Pay Limit to ₹10,000 for Feature Phones
35. ISRO and ASA Join Hands for Gaganyaan Mission
36. Cyclone Fengal: Heavy Rains Predicted for Tamil Nadu
37. PM Modi Receives Global Peace Award in Washington
38. International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2024
39. IISc Introduces STRONG for Nanopore Research
40. Gwalior Unveils India’s First Self-Sufficient Gaushala with a State-of-the-Art CBG Plant
41. Mali’s Junta Replaces Prime Minister Choguel Maiga with Abdoulaye Maiga
42. Sea Vigil 24 Culminates A Step Towards Coastal Resilience
43. Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar For 2022 and 2023
44. List of Outcomes : State Visit of Prime Minister to Guyana (November 19-21, 2024)

National News

1. Modi Outlines Vision for Developed India by 2047
   • What:
     • Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented his vision for India to become a developed nation by 2047 at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit.
     • He released a commemorative postage stamp to mark the centenary of Hindustan Times.
   • Tell me more:
     • The Union Budget has grown from ₹16 lakh crore in 2014 to ₹48 lakh crore in 2024, with capital expenditure increasing from ₹2.25 lakh crore to ₹11 lakh crore.
     • The Hindustan Times was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1924.
       Source: HT

State News

1. AM Green Kakinada Cluster Joins WEF’s Decarbonization Initiative
   • What:
     • AM Green Kakinada Cluster has joined the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Transitioning Industrial Clusters Initiative.
   • Why:
     • This initiative aims to enhance collaboration for economic growth, job creation, and reduction of CO2 emissions.
   • Tell me more:
     • AM Green plans to establish a 1 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) green ammonia plant in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, by the second half of 2026.
     • The cluster will also include a 2 GW electrolyser manufacturing plant and other facilities for producing green molecules.
     • The project is backed by an investment of over $3 billion and is expected to create more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs.

2. Karnataka Celebrates Bali Padyami Festival
   • What:
     • Karnataka celebrates the Bali Padyami festival on the fourth day of Deepavali.
     • The festival commemorates the Asura king Bali Chakravarty’s visit to Earth, as granted by Lord Vishnu during his Vamana Avatar.
   • Tell me more:
     • The festival is rooted in Hindu mythology, where King Bali was known for his generosity but was ultimately sent to the netherworld by Lord Vishnu.
       Source: NOA
3. Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2024 Celebrated
   • What:
     • Meghalaya is celebrating the “Year of Legends” with the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2024 on November 15-16.
     • The festival will take place at the RDSA Sports Complex in Shillong.
   • Tell me more:
     • Day 1 features performances by BONEY M during their Farewell Tour, along with Jasleen Royal and Lucas.
     • Day 2 will be headlined by Akon, followed by DJ R3HAB and Kanika Kapoor, with local artists performing as well.
     • The festival includes a dedicated stall to explore Japanese culture and heritage.

4. Gwalior Inaugurates India’s First Cattle Dung-Based CBG Plant
   • What:
     • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a 100 TPD (tons per day) cattle dung-based Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) plant in Gwalior.
     • This plant is located at the Adarsh Gaushala, which is the largest cowshed in Gwalior, housing over 10,000 cattle.
   • Why:
     • The initiative aims to promote a “Waste to Wealth” approach by converting cattle dung and organic waste into renewable energy and organic manure.
   • Tell me more:
     • The CBG plant is the first of its kind in Madhya Pradesh, developed with an investment of ₹31 crores in collaboration with the Indian Oil Corporation.
     • The plant will produce two tons of compressed biogas daily from 100 tons of cattle dung and generate 10-15 tons of dry bio-manure each day.
     • It incorporates windrow composting for further processing of organic waste and aims to serve as a model for sustainable development.
       Source: PIB

International News

1. COP29 Features First Tourism Day to Address Climate Goals
   • What:
     • COP29 held its first-ever Tourism Day, featuring a Ministerial Meeting focused on aligning tourism policies with national climate goals.
   • Why:
     • The event aimed to highlight the potential of the tourism sector to foster climate adaptation and regeneration strategies.
   • Tell me more:
     • The First Ministerial was chaired by Fuad Naghiyev, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan, and included representatives from various countries and global organizations.
     • The global tourism sector committed to positive transformation for a better future for the planet, with 52 governments signing the COP29 Declaration for Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism.

Source: UN

Banking and Economy

1. Rio Launches UPI App and Co-Branded Credit Card
   • What:
     • Rio, a fintech platform, has launched its UPI app and introduced a co-branded credit card in partnership with Yes Bank and NPCI.
   • Why:
     • The initiative aims to combine the benefits of credit with the convenience of UPI, catering to the growing demand for accessible financial solutions, especially in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
   • Tell me more:
     • The Yes Bank Rio RuPay Credit Card offers a credit limit of up to ₹5 lakh, no annual fees, and exclusive rewards.
     • Within a month of its beta launch, Rio received applications from over 244 cities, with 60% coming from tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
     • The app is designed to simplify daily transactions while providing personalized rewards and exclusive deals.

2. GenWise Launches UPI Payments for Senior Citizens
   • What:
     • GenWise has launched a UPI payment solution specifically designed for senior citizens.
     • This is the first UPI app tailored for elders, featuring a simple user interface and enhanced security.
   • Why:
     • The initiative aims to make digital payments more accessible to over 250 million Indian elders who have been hesitant to adopt existing payment apps due to their complexity.
   • Tell me more:
     • GenWise UPI was developed in collaboration with Axis Bank, which acts as the sponsor bank for transactions.
     • The app allows seniors to scan and make payments while shopping, transfer money to family and friends, and pay utility bills.
     • The platform includes features like audio-based navigation and biometric authentication to enhance usability and security.
       Source: BS
3. Profectus Capital Raises $25 Million for Energy Efficiency
   • What:
     • Profectus Capital has raised $25 million (approximately Rs. 205 crore) from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) by issuing non-convertible debentures (NCDs).
   • Why:
     • The funding aims to bridge the significant credit gap faced by MSMEs in India, which is estimated at Rs. 25.8 trillion (about $311 billion).
     • This investment marks IFC’s first initiative in India to finance energy-efficient machinery for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
   • Tell me more:
     • The NCDs are categorized as green bonds since the proceeds will be used to fund green assets.
     • Profectus Capital has developed a Green Bond Framework aligned with the International Capital Market Association’s Green Bond Principles.
     • The investment is expected to enhance Profectus Capital’s capacity to finance energy-efficient equipment for MSMEs, which contribute about 30% to India’s GDP.

4. Northern Arc Secures $65 Million for Climate Fund
   • What:
     • Northern Arc has secured $65 million in debt commitments for its maiden climate fund.
     • The funding includes $50 million from the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and $15 million from OeEB, the official Development Bank of Austria.
   • Why:
     • The climate fund aims to provide debt financing to growth-stage companies in sectors such as solar energy, energy efficiency, green buildings, e-mobility, and sustainable agriculture.
   • Tell me more:
     • The fund will also support businesses innovating in the circular economy, water management, and adaptation technologies to reduce environmental impact.
     • Northern Arc is based in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) and aims to create a cascading effect that promotes sustainable development across various sectors.
     • This marks Northern Arc’s entry into dedicated climate financing.
       Source: ET
5. Cashfree Payments Partners with Indian Firms for International Transactions
   • What:
     • Cashfree Payments has partnered with Indian companies like Swiggy and Nykaa to enable international customers to make payments in India.
   • Why:
     • This partnership aims to facilitate seamless transactions for both import and export businesses, as well as individual users, by leveraging Cashfree’s cross-border payments license.
   • Tell me more:
     • The pilot program will involve select merchants and is expected to conclude by the end of this year.
     • Users will benefit from the ability to scan and make payments while shopping, transfer money to friends and family, and pay utility bills using UPI.
     • The payment gateway allows for wallet-based payments and provides proxy identifiers such as QR codes for receiving payments without sharing bank account details.

6. Deutsche Bank Infuses ₹5,113 Crore into India Operations
   • What:
     • Deutsche Bank has invested an additional ₹5,113 crore (approximately $625 million) into its operations in India.
     • This is the largest capital allocation to India by the bank in recent years.
   • Tell me more:
     • Deutsche Bank has been operating in India for 45 years, with a balance sheet size of ₹1.45 lakh crore as of March 31, 2024.
     • The new capital infusion represents a 33% increase over the previous year’s levels and raises the regulatory capital of its Indian branches to nearly ₹30,000 crore.
     • The bank has 17 branches across India and has seen its capital grow threefold in the last decade.

7. SBI Launches Innovation Hub at Singapore Fintech Festival
   • What:
     • The State Bank of India (SBI) has launched an innovation hub in Singapore during the Singapore Fintech Festival.
     • This hub is established in partnership with APIX, a global collaborative innovation platform.
   • Why:
     • The initiative aims to provide a dedicated space for fintech startups and innovators to design financial solutions tailored to SBI’s diverse customer needs.
     • It seeks to drive financial innovation, digital transformation, and financial inclusion.
   • Tell me more:
     • The SBI Innovation Hub allows participants to use over 250 financial service APIs from SBI to develop customized solutions in a secure environment.
     • The hub will host structured challenges, hackathons, and partnership opportunities for fintechs and startups.
     • Vidya Krishnan, Deputy Managing Director of IT at SBI, emphasized that this hub is crucial for the bank’s digital transformation mission.
       Source: TOI
8. RBI Makes 10-Year Sovereign Green Bonds Fully Accessible
   • What:
     • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has made 10-year sovereign green bonds eligible for the fully accessible route.
     • These bonds will now be available to non-resident investors without restrictions, in addition to domestic investors.
   • Why:
     • This inclusion is expected to increase investor interest in green bonds.
     • The initiative aims to help the government raise funds for public sector projects focused on sustainability.
   • Tell me more:
     • Since 2022-23, the RBI has issued a total of ₹36,000 crore in green bonds.
     • The government plans to issue ₹20,000 crore in green bonds in four tranches during the second half of 2025.
     • The next auction for the 10-year green bond is scheduled for the last week of November.

9. Zomato Joins BSE Sensex
   • What:
     • Zomato’s shares rose 7% to ₹282.85 after being announced as a replacement for JSW Steel in the BSE Sensex index.
     • This change will take effect on December 23, 2024.
   • Why:
     • Zomato’s inclusion in the Sensex marks a significant milestone for the company and reflects its impressive growth over the past year.
     • The move is part of the stock exchange’s regular rebalancing of index constituents.
   • Tell me more:
     • The company reported a net profit of ₹176 crore for Q2 FY25, a significant increase from ₹36 crore in the same quarter last year.
     • Revenue surged by 68.5% year-on-year to ₹4,799 crore, driven by strong performance in key segments.
     • Zomato will also start trading in the futures and options (F&O) segment from November 29.
       Source: BS

10. RBI Doubles UPI 123Pay Transaction Limit
    • What:
      • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased the transaction limit for UPI 123Pay from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000.
    • Why:
      • This service allows users without internet access on their mobile phones to make digital payments.
    • Tell me more:
      • UPI 123Pay utilizes various methods such as Interactive Voice Response (IVR), missed calls, OEM apps, and sound technology for transactions.
      • The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has instructed banks and service providers to implement this change immediately, with full compliance required by January 1, 2025.
      • Additional security measures include Aadhaar OTP authentication for transactions and standardized transaction tagging.

Source: BS

Reports and Indices

1. World Bank Launches ‘Jobs at Your Doorstep’ Report
   • What:
     • Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, launched the report titled “Jobs at Your Doorstep: A Jobs Diagnostics for Young People in Six States” in New Delhi on November 22, 2024.
   • Why:
     • The purpose of the report is to analyze skills gaps and enhance skill education to prepare young people for diverse career paths.
     • It aims to reimagine skill education offerings through detailed research and align them with local economic opportunities.
   • Tell me more:
     • The report is part of the World Bank’s program called Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States (STARS), covering Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Rajasthan.
     • It emphasizes embedding skill-based education from grades 9-12 to better prepare students for the workforce.
     • The study was initiated to provide a bottom-up approach to skill education in the six STARS states.
       Source: HT

Defence News

1. DRDO Successfully Tests India’s First Long-Range Hypersonic Missile
   • What:
     • The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight trial of India’s first long-range hypersonic missile on November 16, 2024.
     • The missile was launched from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
   • Why:
     • This missile is designed to enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces by carrying various payloads over distances greater than 1,500 kilometers.
   • Tell me more:
     • The missile was tracked by various range systems, confirming successful terminal maneuvers and impact accuracy.
     • It was developed by the laboratories at the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad, along with other DRDO laboratories and industry partners.
     • Senior scientists from DRDO and officers from the Armed Forces were present during the flight trial.

2. India Conducts Sea Vigil 24 Coastal Defence Exercise
   • What:
     • The fourth edition of the Pan-India Coastal Defence Exercise, Sea Vigil 24, concluded successfully on November 21, 2024.
   • Why:
     • The purpose of Sea Vigil 24 was to evaluate and strengthen the country’s coastal defence against evolving maritime threats.
     • It aimed to improve inter-agency coordination among various maritime security agencies.
   • Tell me more:
     • Sea Vigil has been conducted since its inception in 2018 and plays a vital role in India’s coastal defence preparedness.
     • This year’s exercise included participation from officials of the National Security Council Secretariat for the first time.
     • The focus areas included securing vital maritime assets such as oil rigs and cable landing stations while promoting community awareness of maritime security.
       Source: PIB

Science and Technology

1. SpaceX Launches ISRO’s GSAT-N2 Communication Satellite
   • What:
     • SpaceX successfully launched ISRO’s GSAT-N2 communication satellite on November 19.
     • The satellite was launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
   • Why:
     • The launch is part of an agreement between ISRO’s commercial arm, New Space India Limited (NSIL), and SpaceX.
     • It aims to enhance communication services in India, particularly for areas with limited connectivity.
   • Tell me more:
     • The GSAT-N2 satellite weighs 4,700 kg and is designed for broadband and In-flight and Maritime Connectivity (IFMC) services.
     • It features 32 user beams, including 8 spot beams over Northeast India and 24 wide spot beams for the rest of the country.
     • Approximately 30 minutes after the launch, NSIL confirmed that the satellite successfully entered a Geo-synchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

2. Pixxel Unveils Fireflies Satellite Constellation
   • What:
     • Bengaluru-based company Pixxel has launched its flagship satellite constellation named Fireflies.
     • The constellation consists of six next-generation hyperspectral satellites that are set to launch early next year.
   • Why:
     • The goal is to make hyperspectral data widely accessible for various applications, including environmental monitoring and agricultural health.
     • This initiative aims to enhance precision in Earth observation and support sustainable resource management.
   • Tell me more:
     • The Fireflies satellites will provide five-meter resolution imagery with 150 spectral bands and a 40-kilometre wide swath.
     • They will be able to access any part of the globe daily, delivering critical data for applications like crop disease detection and real-time deforestation monitoring.
     • Pixxel plans to expand the constellation to a total of 24 satellites in the future.
     • Hyperspectral imaging allows for detailed analysis of Earth’s surface by capturing data across many wavelengths.
       Source: ET
3. ISRO Signs Agreement with Australian Space Agency
   • What:
     • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) signed an Implementation Agreement (IA) with the Australian Space Agency (ASA).
   • Why:
     • The purpose of the agreement is to strengthen collaboration between India and Australia in space activities.
     • It aims to enhance support for search and rescue operations and recovery of crew modules during Gaganyaan missions.
   • Tell me more:
     • The Gaganyaan program aims to demonstrate human spaceflight capability with an Indian crew module carrying up to three crew members for three days.
     • The agreement allows Australian authorities to assist Indian authorities in contingency planning for ascent phase aborts near Australian waters.
       Source: ISRO
4. IISc Develops STRONG System for Nanoporous Materials
   • What:
     • Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) developed a new language system called STRONG (STring Representation Of Nanopore Geometry).
     • This system translates complex nanopore structures into simple character sequences, aiding in the design and understanding of nanoporous materials.
   • Why:
     • The purpose of the STRONG system is to address challenges in 2D materials research, particularly the unpredictable formation of nanopores in materials like graphene.
     • It aims to enhance the efficiency of carbon capture and gas separation technologies by identifying promising nanoporous structures.
   • Tell me more:
     • The STRONG system assigns specific letters to different atomic configurations, allowing machine learning models to analyze nanopore structures effectively.
     • A study published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society demonstrated its practical applications in environmental technology, specifically for separating CO2 from flue gas.
     • The research opens possibilities for creating “digital twins” of 2D materials, predicting material performance without extensive physical testing.

Source: TOI

Awards

1. Jane Figueiredo and Vitaliy Petrov Win IOC Coaches Awards
   • What:
     • Jane Figueiredo, a diving coach from Zimbabwe/Portugal, and Vitaliy Petrov, a pole vault coach from Ukraine, have been awarded the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Coaches Lifetime Achievement Awards.
     • They received their awards at a ceremony in Lausanne, attended by IOC President Thomas Bach.
   • Why:
     • The IOC aims to highlight the vital role coaches play in supporting athletes both on and off the field.
   • Tell me more:
     • Jane Figueiredo has coached seven Olympic medallists, including British divers Tom Daley and Matty Lee.
     • Vitaliy Petrov’s athletes have achieved remarkable success, setting 36 world records and winning six Olympic medals along with 21 World Championship titles.
     • The awards ceremony is part of the IOC’s initiative to celebrate coaches who have made significant contributions to their athletes’ journeys.

2. Victoria Kjaer Theilvig Crowned Miss Universe 2024
   • What:
     • Victoria Kjaer Theilvig from Denmark won the title of Miss Universe 2024 on November 16.
     • The event took place in Mexico City, where she celebrated her victory among other participants.
   • Tell me more:
     • Theilvig, who is 21 years old, is an aspiring lawyer and works in the diamond industry while advocating for animal welfare.
     • She is the first Miss Universe from Denmark, defeating 120 competitors to claim the title.
       Source: HT
3. AIAM Launched to Support Indian American Minorities
   • What:
     • The Association of Indian American Minorities (AIAM) was launched on November 22, 2024, at the Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Maryland.
     • During the launch event, PM Modi was honored in absentia with the ‘Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Global Peace Award for Minority Upliftment.’
   • Why:
     • The organization aims to unite and promote the welfare of minority communities within the Indian American diaspora.
   • Tell me more:
     • It recognizes the contributions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards inclusive development and minority welfare.
     • Jasdip Singh, a Sikh philanthropist, was appointed as the Founder and Chairman of AIAM, supported by a diverse seven-member Board of Directors.
     • The organization aligns with PM Modi’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047 and emphasizes communal harmony and equal opportunities.
       Source: IE
4. Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar Ceremony Held
   • What:
     • The Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar ceremony honored 82 young artists for the years 2022 and 2023.
     • The event was inaugurated by key officials from the Ministry of Culture and Sangeet Natak Akademi.
   • Why:
     • The purpose of the awards is to recognize and encourage exceptional contributions by young artists in various performing arts.
   • Tell me more:
     • The ceremony took place at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.
     • Following the ceremony, a festival of performing arts featuring the award recipients will be held from November 22 to 26, 2024, at three venues in New Delhi.

Source: PIB

Important Days

1. Women’s Entrepreneurship Day 2024 – November 19
2. World Toilet Day 2024 – November 19
   • Theme: Toilets – A Place for Peace
     Source: PIB
3. International Men’s Day 2024 – November 19
   • Theme: Men’s health champions / Positive Male Role Models
     Source: TOI HT
4. Africa Industrialization Day 2024 – November 20
   • Theme: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Green Industrialization to Accelerate Africa’s Structural Transformation
     Source: UN
5. International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2024 – November 25
   Source: UN

Sports

1. Magnus Carlsen Triumphs at Tata Steel Chess India 2024
   • Magnus Carlsen won both the rapid and blitz titles at the Tata Steel Chess India 2024 tournament.
   • Magnus Carlsen has five Classical World Championships, four Rapid titles, and six Blitz Championships.
     Source: TH
2. Asian Cricket Council Partners with Sony for Broadcasting Rights
   • What:
     • The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) announced that Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has acquired the media rights for all ACC tournaments from 2024 to 2031.
     • This deal includes broadcasting and digital rights for men’s and women’s Asia Cups, Under-19 Asia Cups, and Emerging Teams Asia Cups.
   • Why:
     • The purpose of this partnership is to enhance the coverage and viewing experience of ACC tournaments, reflecting the growing popularity of cricket in Asia.
   • Tell me more:
     • The agreement marks over a 70% increase from the previous media rights cycle held by Star India.
     • The announcement was made during a joint statement by ACC and SPNI officials, including Jay Shah, president of the ACC.
     • Sony Pictures Networks India is part of Japan’s Sony Group Corporation.
       Source: BS

Memorandum of Understanding

1. MOUs Signed during State Visit of Prime Minister to Guyana (November 19-21, 2024)
   • Cooperation in Hydrocarbons Sector: Focus on crude sourcing, natural gas collaboration, infrastructure development, and capacity building across the hydrocarbon value chain.
   • Bilateral Cooperation in Agriculture: Joint activities and exchange of scientific materials, information, and personnel in agriculture and allied sectors.
   • Cultural Exchange Programme (2024–27): Strengthening cultural ties through exchanges in theatre, music, fine arts, literature, libraries, and museums.
   • Recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia Regulation: Enhancing cooperation and information exchange in medicine regulation between India and Guyana’s health ministries.
   • Janaushadhi Scheme Implementation: Affordable medicine supply to CARICOM countries through HLL Lifecare Ltd under PMBJP.
   • Medical Products Cooperation: Establishing a framework for regulating pharmaceuticals, biological products, medical devices, and cosmetics.
   • India Stack Digital Cooperation: Sharing digital solutions for capacity building, training, and developing pilot projects to advance digital transformation.
   • UPI-like System Deployment: Exploring real-time payment systems in Guyana through NPCI International Payments Ltd.
   • Broadcasting Collaboration: Programme exchange in culture, education, sports, news, and other fields of mutual interest between Prasar Bharati and Guyana’s National Communications Network.
   • National Security Research Collaboration: Partnership between Guyana’s National Defence Institute and Rashtriya Raksha University for research, education, and training in security and defence studies.
     Source: PIB

Appointments

1. Sri Lankan President Reappoints Harini Amarasuriya as Prime Minister
   • What:
     • Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has reappointed Harini Amarasuriya as Prime Minister following the coalition’s victory in the recent general election.
   • Tell me more:
     • Sri Lanka faced a severe economic crisis in 2022, leading to a sovereign default and a contraction of its economy by 7.3% that year.
     • The country has a population of approximately 22 million people.
     • Concerns remain regarding Dissanayake’s intentions to renegotiate terms of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout program.
       Source: IE
2. Mali Junta Appoints New Prime Minister Amid Tensions
   • Mali’s ruling junta appointed Abdoulaye Maiga as the new Prime Minister on November 21, 2024, following the dismissal of Choguel Maiga.
     Source: TH

Miscellaneous

1. Cyclone Fengal Develops in Bay of Bengal
   • The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced the formation of an upper air cyclonic circulation over the Equatorial Indian Ocean, which is expected to intensify into a low-pressure area in the southeast Bay of Bengal by November 23.
   • Cyclone Fengal would be the second cyclone of the season after Cyclone Dana.
   • This system could develop into a depression and potentially a cyclone named “Fengal,” proposed by Saudi Arabia.
     Source: IT

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