- National:
- The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) unveiled its 4th cohort of Community Innovator Fellows (CIFs) on November 19, 2024. Supported by Capgemini India, the program offers grants of INR 1 lakh each to 15 CIFs to scale their solutions.
- Northern Arc secured USD 65 million for its maiden climate fund on November 7, 2024. The fund received USD 50 million from the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and USD 15 million from OeEB, Austria's Development Bank. It aims to support renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable agriculture sectors.
- On November 11, 2024, IOC-UNESCO recognized 24 coastal villages in Odisha as "Tsunami-Ready" during the 2nd Global Tsunami Symposium in Indonesia. These villages are in the districts of Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, and Ganjam.
- On November 23, 2024, the NDA won the Maharashtra Assembly elections, securing 235 out of 288 seats. Meanwhile, the INDIA bloc, led by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), retained power in Jharkhand, winning 56 out of 81 seats.
- International:
- On November 19, 2024, the Government of India released the second tranche of USD 2.5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), completing its annual contribution of USD 5 million for 2024-25. Over the years, India's total contribution to UNRWA has reached USD 40 million, supporting education, healthcare, and relief services for Palestinian refugees.
- The AM Green Kakinada Cluster joined the World Economic Forum's Transitioning Industrial Clusters Initiative on November 19, 2024. This cluster is the world's first zero-emission cluster, focusing on green ammonia and hydrogen production.
- Banking:
- Zomato will replace JSW Steel in the BSE Sensex starting December 23, 2024. This change is due to Zomato's impressive 130% return over the past 12 months. Inclusion in the Sensex highlights Zomato's growing market significance. The reconstitution aims to reflect current market trends and dynamics.
- On November 8, 2024, Cashfree Payments launched a pilot program for cross-border payments. This initiative, in partnership with companies like Swiggy and Nykaa, allows international customers to use RuPay cards and UPI for global transactions.
- On November 8, 2024, GenWise launched a UPI payment solution for senior citizens, in partnership with Axis Bank. This service offers a simplified interface with advanced security features like geo-fencing, biometric authentication, and audio-based navigation to ensure ease of use and safety for elders.
- On November 7, 2024, Profectus Capital raised USD 25 million through non-convertible debentures (NCDs) to the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The funds, labeled as green bonds, will finance energy-efficient machinery for MSMEs in India.
- Economy:
- On November 17, 2024, Morgan Stanley revised India's GDP growth forecast for FY25 to 6.7%, down from the previous estimate of 7%. This change reflects weaker-than-expected performance in Q2 FY25. However, a rebound is anticipated in the latter half of the fiscal year due to increased government spending and improved agricultural output.
- Science & Technology:
- Indian scientists at JNCASR identified unique DNA structures called G-quadruplexes (GQs) in the Monkeypox virus genome. Using a specialized fluorescent probe, they achieved precise detection, more accurate than traditional PCR tests.
- Committees:
- The UN General Assembly's legal committee adopted a resolution on November 22, 2024. Chaired by Amadou Jaiteh of Gambia, the committee consists of 193 member states. It aims to negotiate the first-ever treaty to prevent and punish crimes against humanity, filling a crucial legal gap.
- Sports:
- Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player in IPL history during the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He was acquired by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for INR 27 crore, surpassing the previous record set by Shreyas Iyer.
- On November 24, 2024, Anders Antonsen triumphed at the China Masters in Shenzhen. He won the men's singles title in badminton, defeating Jonatan Christie with a score of 21-15, 21-13. This marks his fourth title of the year and his first win at the China Masters.
- Reetika Hooda won the gold medal in the women's 76kg category at the World Military Championships held in Yerevan, Armenia, on November 23, 2024. This victory marks a historic achievement for Indian wrestling, making her the second Indian woman to claim gold at the event.
- On November 25, 2024, North-East United FC won the Governor's Gold Cup in Gangtok, Sikkim. They defeated Gangtok Himalayan SC in a penalty shootout, with a final score of 4-3 after a 1-1 draw. This marks the 40th edition of the prestigious football tournament.
- On November 25, 2024, India achieved a historic victory over Australia in the first Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth. They won by 295 runs, breaking a 47-year-old record for their biggest win by runs in Australia.
- Important Days:
- Lachit Diwas is celebrated on November 24 to honor Lachit Borphukan. The theme for 2024 is "Courage and Heritage: Remembering the Unsung Heroes." This day commemorates his bravery in the Battle of Saraighat and celebrates Assam's rich cultural heritage.
- Shaheedi Diwas of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is observed on November 24 each year to honor the martyrdom of the ninth Sikh Guru, who sacrificed his life for religious freedom. The theme for 2024 is "Defending Religious Freedom: The Legacy of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji”.
- Women's Entrepreneurship Day 2024 is celebrated on November 19. The theme for this year is "Empowering Dreams, Inspiring Futures." This day honors women entrepreneurs and their contributions to innovation, economic growth, and community development.
- Appointments:
- On November 22, 2024, actor Pankaj Tripathi was appointed as the Festival Ambassador for the Arunachal Rang Mahotsav 2024. This international theatre festival celebrates the cultural heritage and talent of Arunachal Pradesh and runs from November 22 to December 5, 2024.
- On November 21, 2024, Mali's ruling junta appointed General Abdoulaye Maiga as the new Prime Minister. This followed the dismissal of the previous civilian Prime Minister, Choguel Kokalla Maiga, after his criticism of the military regime.
- On November 19, 2024, Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi was elected as the new president of Somaliland, winning approximately 64% of the vote. He defeated the incumbent president, Muse Bihi Abdi, and will be inaugurated in December 2024.
- Awards & Honours:
- On November 18, 2024, Jane Figueiredo and Vitaliy Petrov received the IOC Coaches Lifetime Achievement Awards. Jane Figueiredo is a renowned diving coach, while Vitaliy Petrov is celebrated for his achievements in pole vault coaching. The ceremony was held at Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Questions:
1 Which industrial cluster joined the World Economic Forum's Transitioning Industrial Clusters Initiative on November 19, 2024?
- A) Dahej Petrochemical Cluster
- B) AM Green Kakinada Cluster
- C) Chennai Industrial Cluster
- D) Jamnagar Refinery Cluster
2 In which category did Reetika Hooda win the gold medal at the World Military Championships 2024?
- A) Women's 57kg
- B) Women's 62kg
- C) Women's 76kg
- D) Women's 81kg