- National:
- The Me·Gong Festival 2024 is being held in Meghalaya from November 29 to 30, 2024 at Baljek Airport in Jenjal, West Garo Hills. The festival features international and national artists and showcases Garo culture through performances, traditional games, handloom and handicraft exhibitions, and culinary delights. The theme for this year's festival is "Echoes of Traditions."
- As of November 25, 2024, the government has issued 1.4 million Ayushman Vay Vandana cards to citizens aged 70+ under the AB-PMJAY scheme. This initiative provides free healthcare services and insurance to economically disadvantaged elderly citizens, covering a range of medical treatments.
- The Indian government has implemented a 13-pronged strategy to combat rising cybercrime in top states. This includes enhancing cybersecurity infrastructure, improving law enforcement capabilities, promoting digital literacy, and fostering international cooperation.
- Gujarat's Gharchola handicraft received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag on November 29, 2024. This highlights the cultural heritage and craftsmanship of Gujarat's artisans. The Gharchola, traditionally worn at weddings, is now globally protected and promoted.
- The 75th Hindi Diwas celebration was held on November 22, 2024, at the UN Headquarters in New York. Organized by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN, it commemorated Hindi's 75th anniversary as an official language of India.
- On November 19, 2024, REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL) transferred the Khavda V-A HVDC Transmission Project SPV to Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL). This project is India's first HVDC transmission awarded through the Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) process, developed on a Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) basis.
- On November 21, 2024, the Assam Cabinet approved renaming Karimganj district to Sribhumi. This change honors Rabindranath Tagore's vision of the region as "the land of Maa Lakshmi" and reflects the community's aspirations, giving the district a distinct identity.
- On November 25, 2024, Vir Das became the first Indian to host the 52nd International Emmy Awards in New York City. The comedian brought his unique humor and style to the prestigious event, earning widespread praise for his hosting.
- On November 26, 2024, the World Bank approved USD 225.5 million for the ELEMENT Project in Tripura and Nagaland. This project aims to manage forest landscapes, enhance forest value chains, and support over 700,000 people in 400+ villages, focusing on conservation, job creation, and entrepreneurship.
- On November 14, 2024, NASA partnered with Microsoft to launch Earth Copilot, an AI tool simplifying access to NASA's Earth science data. Leveraging Microsoft's Azure, it enables plain language queries over 100 petabytes of satellite imagery and geospatial data, democratizing complex data access.
- Banking:
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) infused Rs 25,000 crore via a Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction on November 22, 2024, to boost system liquidity. This move aimed to manage short-term borrowing costs and counteract recent overseas outflows from local debt and equity.
- The RBI approved the Central Bank of India to enter the insurance sector through a joint venture with the Generali Group on November 21, 2024. This venture aims to diversify the bank's revenue streams and expand its market presence, pending regulatory conditions and IRDAI approvals.
- ICICI Prudential Life Insurance launched the 'Increasing Income' feature with its ICICI Pru Guaranteed Pension Plan Flexi on November 13, 2024. This feature offers a 5% annual increase in annuity payouts, helping retirees manage inflation and maintain their standard of living.
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) made a net purchase of USD 8.52 billion in foreign currency assets during the first half of FY25 (April-September 2024). This information was reported in the RBI Bulletin – November 2024.
- On November 19, 2024, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled a Rs 100 commemorative coin celebrating 100 years of SBI's Horniman Circle Branch in Mumbai. The event also included the launch of the fifth edition of The Evolution of the State Bank of India book.
- On November 25, 2024, Canara HSBC Life Insurance launched OmniGen AI, a Generative AI solution built on AWS. It acts as a co-pilot for underwriters, optimizing risk evaluation and ensuring swift, accurate decisions, enhancing the overall customer experience.
- Muthoot Microfin launched a loan disbursement program in partnership with State Bank of India (SBI) on November 25, 2024. This initiative aims to provide affordable credit to rural entrepreneurs, focusing on empowering women and supporting small businesses.
- Economy:
- India's real GDP is projected to grow by 5.4% in the second quarter of FY 2024-25, down from 8.1% growth in the same quarter last year. The slowdown is due to high interest rates and weaker domestic consumption.
- India's organic food product exports reached $448 million as of November 25, 2024. This marks a significant increase from previous years and highlights the growing demand for organic products globally.
- MoUs:
- On November 30, 2024, at the NFRA Headquarters in New Delhi, the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) signed MoUs with six executive search firms: Korn Ferry, ABC Consultants, EMA Partners Limited, DHR Global, Sheffield Haworth, and Vahura. The aim is to enhance the selection and appointment processes for Independent Directors in Indian boardrooms.
- Science & Technology:
- The King Cobra found in the Western Ghats was officially named Ophiophagus Kaalinga on November 23, 2024. The name "Kaalinga" is derived from a Kannada mythological story involving Lord Krishna and the serpent Kaalinga.
- In November 2024, researchers discovered Koima, a new genus of freshwater fish, in the Western Ghats. This genus includes two species previously misclassified under Nemacheilus.
- On November 25, 2024, China launched the world's first self-driving satellites, Siwei Gaojing-2 03 and Gaojing-2 04. Developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST), these satellites can autonomously maintain or change their flight paths, revolutionizing Earth observation and various industries.
- Reports:
- The NITI Aayog report titled "Enhancing Domestic Coking Coal Availability to Reduce the Import of Coking Coal" was released on November 22, 2024. It recommends adding coking coal to the critical minerals list to enhance domestic production and reduce reliance on imports.
- Sports:
- Indian cricketer Siddarth Kaul announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on November 28, 2024. Known for his contributions to domestic and international matches, Kaul had a notable career, especially in limited-overs cricket.
- Pavan Kampelli won the bronze medal in eFootball at the 2024 Asian Esports Games on November 30, 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. This historic win marks India's first-ever podium finish in a football sports simulation esports title.
- Italy won the Davis Cup 2024, defeating the Netherlands 2-0 in the final on November 24, 2024. Matteo Berrettini and Jannik Sinner led Italy to victory, marking their second consecutive Davis Cup title, a feat last achieved by Czechia in 2012-13.
- India received the hosting rights for the 2026 Asian Rifle and Pistol Cup on November 27, 2024. The announcement was made by the Asian Shooting Confederation (ASC), marking another significant achievement for Indian shooting sports.
- Military Exercises:
- Exercise AgniWarrior 2024 is a bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and the Singapore Armed Forces, held from November 28 to 30, 2024, at the Devlali Field Firing Ranges in Maharashtra. The exercise aims to enhance cooperation, share best practices, and strengthen interoperability between their artillery units.
- The Bharat National Cyber Exercise (NCX) 2024 was held from November 18th to 29th November 2024, at the Convention Centre, CGO, New Delhi. Organized by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) in collaboration with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), it featured over 600 participants, including cybersecurity professionals, policymakers, defense personnel, academia, and industry leaders.
- Committees:
- The 11th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) was held from November 20 to 22, 2024, in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Chaired by General Chansamone Chanyalath, it included 10 ASEAN countries and 8 dialogue partners. The aim was to strengthen security and defense cooperation in the region.
- Defence:
- India and the UK signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) on November 28, 2024, to cooperate on the design and development of Electric Propulsion Systems for the Indian Navy. The SoI was signed by Rajeev Prakash (Joint Secretary, Naval Systems, India) and Rear Admiral Steve McCarthy (UK Ministry of Defence).
- The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a ₹1207.5 crore contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) on November 30, 2024, for the Short Refit and Dry Docking (SRDD) of INS Vikramaditya. This project aims to enhance the aircraft carrier's combat capabilities.
- Govt.Schemes:
- The automatic exclusion criteria for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) scheme were announced on November 30, 2024. Exclusions include households with a Kisan Credit Card with a credit limit of Rs. 50,000 or above, government employees, or non-agricultural enterprises. Additional criteria: monthly income over Rs. 15,000, paying income tax, or owning 2.5 acres or more of irrigated land.
- Apps & Portals:
- The Indian Army launched the Eklavya Digital Platform for Officers' Training on November 28, 2024. Developed by BISAG-N at no cost, it features 96 courses from 17 premier training establishments. The platform offers Pre-Course Preparatory Capsules, Appointment/Assignment-Specific Courses, and a Professional Development Suite.
- The Sanraksha Mobile App was launched by the Indian Railways on November 27, 2024. It enhances passenger safety and provides training for frontline staff through smart learning and real-time feedback mechanisms. Initially rolled out in 16 divisions, the app integrates technology and data analytics for improved safety measures.
- Summits & Conferences:
- The Conference of Chairpersons of State and UT Haj Committees was held on November 23, 2024, at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. It was inaugurated by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and chaired by George Kurian. The event, organized by the Haj Committee of India, focused on enhancing the Haj pilgrimage experience, highlighted by the launch of the Haj Suvidha App 2.0.
- The RBI organized the High-Level Policy Conference of Central Banks from the Global South in Mumbai from November 21-22, 2024, at the RBI headquarters. Chaired by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, the conference focused on "Building Synergies" to foster mutually beneficial partnerships for a sustainable future, with delegates from 18 countries discussing stability, growth, and financial challenges.
- The 9th International Conference on Waste to Worth took place on 30 November 2024 at Le Meridien, New Delhi. Organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), it was chaired by Masood Mallick and Prof. Ajay Sood. The theme was "Enabling & Building Global Tech-Partnerships for Future Ready & Sustainable Growth Environs along with Circular Economies". The aim was to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange on sustainable waste management practices.
- Important Days:
- The 76th NCC Raising Day was celebrated on November 24, 2024, with the theme "Yuva Shakti – Viksit Bharat" (Youth Power – Developed India). The event featured a march past, cultural programs, and wreath-laying at the National War Memorial.
- World Sustainable Transport Day 2024 was observed on November 26, 2024. The theme, "Connecting Communities, Reducing Emissions," highlighted the role of public transport in fostering social connections while reducing environmental impact.
- The Day of Remembrance for All Victims of Chemical Warfare is observed every year on 30th November. In 2024, the theme is "Renewed Commitment to a World Free of Chemical Weapons". This day honors victims and promotes global efforts to eliminate chemical weapons.
- Appointments:
- On November 16, 2024, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved a one-year extension for Mallika Srinivasan as the Chairperson of the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB). This extension is effective from November 19, 2024, to November 18, 2025.
- Yamandú Orsi was elected as the 43rd President of Uruguay on November 24, 2024. His victory marks the return of a center-left government after five years of conservative rule. Orsi, a former history teacher and two-time mayor.
- On November 24, 2024, legendary boxer MC Mary Kom was appointed as the brand ambassador for the Assam Rifles Half-Marathon held in Shillong. Her involvement aims to promote wellness, fitness, and unity in the Northeast region.
- India has been re-elected to the UN Peacebuilding Commission for the term 2025-2026, as announced on November 28, 2024. This re-election underscores India's commitment to global peace and stability, reflecting its significant contributions to UN Peacekeeping efforts.
- Awards & Honours:
- Upamanyu Chatterjee won the 2024 JCB Prize for Literature for his novel "Lorenzo Searches for the Meaning of Life" on November 23, 2024. The prize includes a cash award of INR 25 lakh and a trophy.
- Ashok Gopal won the Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay NIF Book Prize 2024 for his biography "A Part Apart: The Life and Thought of B.R. Ambedkar" on November 14, 2024. The book, published by Navayana, explores Ambedkar's multifaceted life. The prize includes a cash award of INR 15 lakhs, a trophy, and a citation.
Questions:
1 Which two countries participated in Exercise AgniWarrior 2024?
- A) India and USA
- B) India and Russia
- C) India and Singapore
- D) India and France
2 India has been re-elected to the UN Peacebuilding Commission for which term?
- A) 2024-2025
- B) 2025-2026
- C) 2023-2024
- D) 2026-2027
