16th-18th November, 2024

1. PM Modi to Visit Bihar on November 13, 2024
2. India Begins Tri-Services Military Exercise ‘Poorvi Prahar’ in Eastern Sector
3. Gujarat Implements India’s First Semiconductor Policy
4. CEEW Report: India’s Climate Policies May Cut CO2 Emissions by 4 Billion Tonnes by 2030
5. India-Australia Military Exercise AUSTRAHIND-2024 Held in Pune
6. Jitendra Singh Opens India’s First Biomanufacturing Institute in Mohali
7. JSFL Introduces “Smart Gold” for Digital Gold Investment
8. Mahindra Finance and RBL Bank Launch Co-Branded Credit Cards
9. M Karunakar Reddy Receives First Jadav Payeng International Award
10. Zimbabwe Launches ‘ZIMSAT-2’ Satellite for Space Program Advancement
11. Australian Cricketer Matthew Wade Retires from International Cricket
12. BPL Group Founder TP Gopalan Nambiar Passes Away at 94
13. Children’s Day 2024 Observed on November 14
14. World Usability Day 2024 Marked on November 14
15. NASA and Microsoft Partner to Simplify Earth Science Data Access
16. World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims Observed on November 17, 2024
17. EAM Jaishankar Launches Book ‘Why Bharat Matters’ in Dubai
18. External Affairs Minister Opens Symbiosis Dubai Campus
19. Princess Mikasa of Japan’s Imperial Family Passes Away at 101
20. Uttarakhand CM Inaugurates Jauljibi Mela 2024 in Pithoragarh
21. Sarai Kale Khan Chowk Renamed as Bhagwan Birsa Munda Chowk
22. Indian Tennis Player Prajnesh Gunneswaran Announces Retirement
23. Shanghai, Tokyo, New York, and Houston Identified as Top Greenhouse Gas Emitters
24. PM Modi Opens First Bodoland Mohotsav to Celebrate Peace and Progress
25. Hyderabad Airport Wins Award for Digital Innovations
26. Tulsi Gabbard Appointed to National Intelligence Role
27. Manoj Bajpayee’s ‘The Fable’ Wins Award at Leeds International Film Festival
28. International Day for Tolerance 2024
29. National Press Day Observed on November 16
30. Nvidia and SoftBank Launch First AI and 5G Telecom Network
31. Clean Ganga Mission Launches Dolphin Ambulance Service
32. Odisha Villages Recognized as ‘Tsunami Ready’ by UNESCO
33. First International Day Against Transnational Organized Crime Observed
34. BSNL Introduces India’s First Direct-to-Device Satellite Connectivity
35. Operation Sagar Manthan Launched

National News

1. Prime Minister Modi Inaugurates 1st Bodoland Mohotsav
   • What:
     • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first Bodoland Mohotsav, a two-day event focused on language, literature, and culture.
     • The event aims to sustain peace and build a vibrant Bodo society.
   • Tell me more:
     • The Central Government has allocated a special package of Rs 1,500 crore for Bodoland’s development, with over Rs 700 crore spent on infrastructure related to education, health, and culture.
     • The SEED Mission has been initiated to promote skilling, entrepreneurship, employment, and development for youth.
     • The Bodoland Literary Festival has been held continuously for three years, promoting Bodo literature and culture.

2. NMCG Approves Key Projects for Ganga Conservation
   • What:
     • The 58th Executive Committee meeting of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) approved several projects aimed at conserving the Ganga River and its aquatic life.
     • The meeting was chaired by Shri Rajeev Kumar Mital, Director-General of NMCG in Delhi.
   • Tell me more:
     • Key projects approved include assessing the environmental flow of rivers such as Chambal, Son, Damodar, and Tons with a budget of Rs. 11 crore.
     • Another project focuses on the conservation of Ganga River Dolphins, including a ‘Dolphin Ambulance’ for rescue operations with a budget of Rs. 1 crore.
     • A project for rehabilitating endangered turtles in the Ganga basin was also approved with an estimated cost of Rs. 78.09 lakh.

Source: PIB

State News

1. Gujarat Launches Semiconductor Policy 2022-2027
   • What:
     • The Gujarat government has launched the ‘Gujarat Semiconductor Policy 2022-2027’.
   • Why:
     • This initiative aims to establish Gujarat as a leader in semiconductor self-reliance and includes the formation of the ‘Gujarat State Electronics Mission’ for effective implementation.
   • Tell me more:
     • Major investments include Micron’s semiconductor ATMP plant in Sanand, with over Rs 22,500 crore, and Tata Electronics and Taiwan’s PSMC establishing an AI-enabled fabrication facility in Dholera, exceeding Rs 91,000 crore.
     • Additional projects include CG Power and Renesas setting up an OSAT facility in Sanand with over Rs 7,500 crore investment, and Kaynes Semicon’s facility projected to produce around 6 million chips daily with Rs 3,300 crore investment.

2. Jauljibi Mela-2024 Inaugurated in Uttarakhand
   • What:
     • Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the Jauljibi Mela-2024 in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.
     • He laid the foundation stone for 18 schemes worth Rs 64.47 crore during the event.
   • Why:
     • The mela aims to promote mutual harmony between India, Tibet, and Nepal while preserving rich traditions.
     • It serves as a platform for small traders, farmers, and artisans to showcase their products and strengthen economic relations between India and Nepal.
   • Tell me more:
     • The Jauljibi Mela has cultural ties with Nepal and Tibet and has been celebrated for centuries.
     • The state government is also promoting traditional farming through initiatives like the State Millet Mission.

Source: ANI

3. Sarai Kale Khan Chowk Renamed Birsa Munda Chowk
   • What:
     • The Sarai Kale Khan Chowk in Delhi has been renamed Birsa Munda Chowk.
     • This change was announced by Union Minister of Urban Development, Manohar Lal Khattar, to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of freedom fighter Birsa Munda (November 15).
   • Tell me more:
     • November 15, his birth anniversary, was declared ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’ by the Central Government in 2021.

4. Odisha’s Coastal Villages Recognized as ‘Tsunami Ready’
   • What:
     • Twenty-four coastal villages in Odisha have been recognized as ‘Tsunami Ready’ by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO.
     • This recognition was announced during the 2nd Global Tsunami Symposium held in Indonesia on November 11.
   • Why:
     • The recognition aims to enhance preparedness and resilience against tsunamis in coastal communities.
   • Tell me more:
     • The recognized villages are located in Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, and Ganjam districts.
     • The Tsunami Ready Recognition Certificates were also renewed for Noliasahi and Venkatraipur villages, which were first recognized in 2020.

Source: BS

International News

1. Zimbabwe Launches Second Satellite ZIMSAT-2
   • What:
     • Zimbabwe has successfully launched its second satellite, ZIMSAT-2.
     • The launch took place following the deployment of ZIMSAT-1 in November 2022 and was conducted by the Zimbabwe National Geo-Spatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA) in collaboration with Southwest State University (SWSU) in Russia.
   • Why:
     • The mission aims to strengthen Zimbabwe’s space program and support national interests through advanced satellite technology.
   • Tell me more:
     • The launch was part of a commercial rideshare mission managed by GK Launch Services from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia.
     • The Soyuz 2.1b/Fregat-M rocket carried multiple satellites, including ZIMSAT-2, which is confirmed to be functioning optimally based on initial telemetry data.
     • The satellite was designed and built by ZINGSA engineers and Zimbabwean students at SWSU, emphasizing local expertise.
       Source: SA
2. NASA and Microsoft Develop Earth Copilot AI Chatbot
   • What:
     • NASA has partnered with Microsoft to create the Earth Copilot, an AI chatbot designed to provide easy access to Earth-related data.
     • The chatbot uses natural language processing to simplify interactions with NASA’s geospatial data.
   • Why:
     • By simplifying data access, the initiative seeks to enhance user engagement with Earth Science information.
   • Tell me more:
     • The Earth Copilot is currently in its prototype phase and is being tested by NASA scientists and researchers.
     • Users can ask plain language questions, such as “What was the impact of Hurricane Ian on Sanibel Island?” and receive relevant datasets in an understandable format.
     • After testing, the chatbot will be integrated into NASA’s Visualization, Exploration, and Data Analysis (VEDA) platform.

3. Major Cities Contribute Most to Climate Change
   • What:
     • As per United Nations climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan, cities in Asia and the United States emit the most greenhouse gases, with Shanghai being the highest polluter.
   • Tell me more:
     • The data was compiled by Climate Trace, an organization co-founded by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, using satellite observations and artificial intelligence.
     • It found that seven regions, all in China except Texas, emit over 1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases.
     • The total carbon dioxide and methane pollution increased by 0.7% to 61.2 billion metric tons globally.

4. SoftBank Partners with Nvidia for AI Supercomputing
   • What:
     • SoftBank’s Japanese telecom unit will receive the first chips from Nvidia’s latest Blackwell design for its supercomputer.
   • Why:
     • The collaboration is part of SoftBank’s strategy to expand its involvement in the AI sector and enhance its technological capabilities.
   • Tell me more:
     • The announcement was made during an AI event in Tokyo, featuring SoftBank Group CEO Masayoshi Son and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.
     • Son has been actively investing in AI, including a stake in OpenAI and acquiring chip startup Graphcore.
     • Nvidia has transitioned from being known primarily for gaming graphics chips to becoming a leader in AI technology.

Source: RT

Banking and Economy

1. Mahindra Finance Launches Co-Branded Credit Card with RBL Bank
   • What:
     • Mahindra Finance has announced the launch of a co-branded credit card in partnership with RBL Bank.
   • Why:
     • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved this initiative, which aims to cater to the aspirational needs of customers.
     • The initiative also aims to reduce RBL Bank’s reliance on Bajaj Finance for credit card distribution.
   • Tell me more:
     • Mahindra Group holds a 3.53% strategic stake in RBL Bank, acquired for Rs 417 crore.
       Source: ET
2. BSNL Launches India’s First Direct-to-Device Satellite Internet
   • What:
     • BSNL has launched India’s first direct-to-device satellite internet service.
   • Why:
     • This initiative aims to provide high-speed internet access to remote and underserved regions.
   • Tell me more:
     • The launch was announced by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) India during an event.
     • The new service allows users to make emergency calls and send SOS messages when cellular networks are unavailable.
     • Users can also make UPI payments under such circumstances, although it is unclear if the service supports regular calls or SMS.
       Source: TOI

Report and Indices

1. CEEW Report Projects Significant Emission Reductions
   • What:
     • A report by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) projects that India’s climate policies will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around four billion tonnes from 2020 to 2030.
     • The report also indicates a 24% reduction in coal-based power generation during the same period.
   • Why:
     • This effort aligns with India’s commitment made at COP26 to reduce emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030.
   • Tell me more:
     • The report highlights that policies in the power, residential, and transport sectors have already saved 440 million tonnes of CO2 between 2015 and 2020.
     • In the power sector, renewable energy initiatives are expected to lead to a significant decline in coal-based electricity generation by 2030.

Source: ET

Defence News

1. Tri-Service Exercise Poorvi Prahar Conducted
   • What
     • The armed forces are conducting the tri-service exercise Poorvi Prahar in the Eastern Theatre from November 10 to 18.
   • Why
     • This initiative aims to enhance joint operational readiness and foster inter-service synergy among the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
   • Tell me more
     • It will showcase advanced platforms such as fighter and reconnaissance aircraft, strategic helicopters (Chinook and Rudra), and M777 Ultra-Light Howitzer artillery systems.
     • Additionally, it will utilize cutting-edge technologies like Swarm Drones, FPV Drones, and Loiter Munitions to improve situational awareness and operational precision.
     • Joint control structures will be established to create a Common Operating Picture (COP) using satellite communications and AI-driven analytics.
       Source: IT
2. India-Australia Joint Military Exercise AustraHind 2024
   • What:
     • The third edition of the India-Australia joint military exercise, AustraHind, is taking place at the Foreign Training Node in Aundh, Pune from November 8 to 21.
   • Why:
     • This two-week training program aims to enhance cooperation and interoperability between the armed forces of India and Australia.
   • Tell me more:
     • The first phase has already involved troops engaging in combat scenarios, such as raiding hostile targets and providing combat first aid.
     • Social and cultural activities included excursions to Sinhagad Fort and a visit to the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune.
     • The second phase will focus on joint combat drills, culminating in a 48-hour validation exercise from November 19-20.
       Source: BS
3. Indian Government Launches Operation Sagar Manthan
   • The Indian government has launched ‘Operation Sagar Manthan’ to dismantle the international drug empire of Haji Salim, a notorious smuggler, also known as ‘Lord of Drugs’.
   • The operation is led by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and aims to target Salim’s extensive trafficking syndicate.
     Source: TOI

Awards

1. M Karunakar Reddy Receives Jadav Payeng International Award
   • What:
     • Telangana-based environmentalist M Karunakar Reddy has been selected for the inaugural Jadav Payeng International Award.
     • The award, established by the Jyoti-Protap Education Trust in Assam, includes a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh and a citation, to be presented in January 2025.
   • Why:
     • The award aims to recognize significant contributions to climate action and conservation efforts.
   • Tell me more:
     • M Karunakar Reddy is known as the “water man of India” and has received this honor for his notable environmental work.
     • The award ceremony will take place at Jyoti Protap Bidyalay in Teok, Assam, during the last week of January 2025.
     • The Jyoti-Protap Education Trust, founded by Protap Saikia, also provides free education to economically disadvantaged students.

2. Hyderabad Airport Wins Awards for Innovation
   • What:
     • GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL) received global recognition at the ‘Airport Excellence Awards’ during the Saudi Airport Exhibition 2024.
     • The awards were given for its innovative technologies, including the ‘Digital Twin’ technology and ‘Smart Shopping Trolley’.
   • Tell me more:
     • GHIAL’s ‘Digital Twin’ technology won accolades in two categories: Innovation and Technology, and Facility Management.
     • This technology creates a virtual replica of the airport, integrating real-time data for improved resource management and passenger flow.
     • The ‘Smart Shopping Trolley’ was recognized as the runner-up in the Airport Revenue Management category, designed to enhance the shopping experience for passengers.

3. ‘The Fable’ Wins Best Film at Leeds International Film Festival
   • What:
     • The film The Fable, directed and written by Raam Reddy, won the Best Film award at the Leeds International Film Festival 2024.
     • This achievement marks the first time an Indian film has received this honor.
   • Tell me more:
     • The Fable had its world premiere at the Berlinale Film Festival 2024 and also received the Special Jury Prize at the 2024 MAMI Mumbai Film Festival.
     • The film features notable actors including Manoj Bajpayee, Priyanka Bose, and Deepak Dobriyal.
       Source: TW

Important Days

1. Children’s Day – November 14 and November 20
   • What:
     • Children’s Day is celebrated annually on November 14 in India.
   • Tell me more:
     • World Children’s Day is celebrated on November 20 to commemorate the adoption of the ‘Declaration of the Rights of the Child’ in 1959 and the ‘Convention on the Rights of the Child’ in 1989.
     • The theme for World Children’s Day this year is ‘For every child, every right’.
       Source: TOI
2. World Usability Day – November 14
   • Theme 2024: Designing for a Better World
     • World Usability Day (WUD) aims to promote the value of usability, accessibility, and user-centered design in technology and everyday products.
       Source: WUD
   • World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims – November 17
     • Theme: Remember. Support. Act.
       Source: WHO
   • International Day for Tolerance – November 16
     • In 1996, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 51/95 proclaiming 16 November as International Day for Tolerance.
       Source: UN
   • National Press Day – November 16
     • What:
       • November 16 marks the day the Press Council of India (PCI) began its operations in 1966.
       • The idea for the Press Council was proposed by the First Press Commission in 1956, which highlighted the need for ethical reporting.
       • Theme: Changing Nature of Press
     • Tell me more:
       • National Awards for Excellence in Journalism 2024 were given by Press Council of India.
       • The awards were presented by veteran journalists Ashok Tandon and Ram Bahadur Rai, in the presence of Press Council chairperson Justice Ranjana Prakash Joshi.
       • ‘Raja Ram Mohan Roy National Award for Excellence in Journalism’ is the highest award with a cash award of Rs 1 Lakh, a plaque and a citation, the remaining awards in the fields decided every year carry Rupees 50,000 each, a plaque and a citation.
         Source: PIB HT PCI

6. International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime – November 15
   • This is the first edition.
     Source: UN

Sports

1. Matthew Wade Begins Coaching Career After Retirement
   • Matthew Wade, a prominent Australian cricketer, is transitioning into a coaching role following his retirement from international cricket.
   • He played 36 Test matches, 97 One-Day Internationals, and 92 T20 Internationals, with his last appearance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024, hosted by West Indies and the US.
     Source: TOI
2. Indian Tennis Player Prajnesh Gunneswaran Retires
   • Gunneswaran participated in five Grand Slam tournaments and won two ATP Challenger titles, along with a bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Games.
   • Gunneswaran is recognized as the eighth highest-ranked Indian player in the Open Era.
     Source: TOI

Appointments

1. Tulsi Gabbard Appointed as Director of National Intelligence
   • What:
     • Tulsi Gabbard has been appointed as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) by President-elect Donald Trump.
   • Tell me more:
     • Tulsi Gabbard is a former Democratic Congresswoman from Hawaii and the first Hindu elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
     • She has served in the U.S. Army Reserve and has a background in both military and political spheres.
     • The DNI oversees 18 spy agencies and prepares the President’s Daily Brief, which summarizes intelligence information.

Source: IE

Miscellaneous

1. BPL Group Founder TP Gopalan Nambiar Passes Away
   • TP Gopalan Nambiar, the founder of BPL Group (an Indian electronics company), has passed away at the age of 94.
     Source: BS
2. External Affairs Minister Launches Book in Dubai
   • What:
     • External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar launched his book titled Why Bharat Matters in Dubai.
     • He emphasized the use of the term ‘Bharat’ to better represent the country and its diverse society.
   • Tell me more:
     • During the launch at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, Jaishankar noted that his first book was called The India Way, while this second book uses ‘Bharat’ to capture a deeper essence of India.
     • External Affairs Minister also inaugurated the first International Campus of Symbiosis International University in Dubai Knowledge Park to offer courses in Management, Technology and Media & Communications.
     • This campus is the first international branch in the UAE to receive full accreditation from the Commission for Academic Accreditation of the Ministry of Education.
     • The motto of the university, ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, translates to “The World is One Family,” reflecting its inclusive philosophy.Source: ANI MEA
3. Princess Mikasa of Japan Passes Away at 101
   • Princess Mikasa, the oldest member of the Japanese royal family, passed away at the age of 101.
   • The current emperor of Japan is Naruhito, who became emperor on May 1, 2019 after his father, Emperor Akihito, abdicated. Naruhito is the 126th monarch of Japan and the only remaining emperor in the world.
     Source: LM

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