14th November 2024 (Daily GK Update)

National News

Website Launched for 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bhubaneswar

The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention will be held from January 8 to January 10, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, in collaboration with the state government. The event will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on 12th November.

SC’s Landmark Guidelines to Curb Illegal Property Demolitions

On November 13, the Supreme Court of India issued guidelines to prevent the demolition of people’s homes and private properties by the government solely based on accusations of a crime. The court emphasized that such demolitions violate the rights of the accused, including the presumption of innocence, and unfairly affect other tenants, while also infringing on the right to shelter under Article 21 of the Constitution.

India International Trade Fair 2024 Returns to Pragati Maidan

The 43rd India International Trade Fair (IITF) is back at Pragati Maidan, Delhi, from November 14 to 27, showcasing India’s commitment to “Vocal for Local, Local to Global” with products from across the country and the world. The fair is expected to attract over 1 lakh visitors daily, with participation from more than 3,500 exhibitors from India and 11 international countries. This year’s theme highlights India’s push to promote local industries and broaden global trade connections.

Govt Invests in 12 Projects Under National Technical Textiles Mission

The government approved 12 research projects worth ₹13.3 crore on 12th November, under the National Technical Textiles Mission. This decision was made by the 10th Mission Steering Group, led by Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh.

International News

Pinfenon (S) (R) – First Patent for Canine Cardiac Disorder Treatment

Scarecrow Incorporated, located in Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward, has successfully acquired the world’s first patent for its animal supplement, Pinfenon (S) (R). This innovative product is designed to treat and prevent cardiac disorders in dogs by lowering the levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). The patent also covers the manufacturing methods for this unique treatment and prophylactic drug.

Dominica to Award Its Highest National Honour to PM Modi

The Commonwealth of Dominica has announced that it will award Prime Minister Narendra Modi its highest national honour, the Dominica Award of Honour, in recognition of his significant contributions to the island nation, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This prestigious award will be presented to the Indian Prime Minister by Sylvanie Burton, the President of the Commonwealth of Dominica, during the upcoming India-CARICOM Summit in Georgetown, Guyana. The summit is set to take place next week, and the award ceremony will be one of the key highlights of the event.

Trump Picks Elise Stefanik as U.N. Ambassador

President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, marking his first Cabinet pick for his second term. Stefanik, a staunch defender of Israel and a key Trump ally, has been a prominent voice in Congress, especially on foreign policy and security issues. At 40, Stefanik’s career has been marked by her vocal support for Trump and her leadership role within the GOP, making her an influential figure in both domestic and international politics.

State News

Amaravati Capital Project Gets ₹13,500 Crore Loan from World Bank and ADB

In a significant step forward for the development of Amaravati, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have agreed to grant a loan of ₹13,500 crore for its development. This financial support is aimed at creating a sustainable and inclusive city with improved infrastructure and governance. The loan agreement was finalized following a series of negotiations between the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA), the World Bank, ADB, and the Union Finance Ministry.

Defence News

‘Gyan Shakti’: South Western Command’s New Think Tank in Jaipur

In a move to strengthen Rajasthan’s defence industrial base, the Army’s Jaipur-based South Western Command has established a think tank named Gyan Shakti. The initiative aims to provide a platform for discussions and collaboration between the armed forces, industry, state government, and academia on matters related to defence and security at both regional and national levels.

Indian Navy Conducts Largest Coastal Defence Exercise, ‘Sea Vigil-24’

The Indian Navy will conduct the fourth edition of its nationwide coastal defence exercise, Sea Vigil-24, on November 20 and 21. This year’s exercise will be the largest to date, covering India’s extensive coastline and involving six government ministries and 21 organizations, showcasing an unprecedented level of participation.

Indian Navy Conducts Largest Coastal Defence Exercise, ‘Sea Vigil-24’

The Indian Navy will conduct the fourth edition of its nationwide coastal defence exercise, Sea Vigil-24, on November 20 and 21. This year’s exercise will be the largest to date, covering India’s extensive coastline and involving six government ministries and 21 organizations, showcasing an unprecedented level of participation.

Swami Vivekananda Vidya Mandir Opens in Silvassa, Inaugurated by President

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Swami Vivekananda Vidya Mandir school at Zanda Chowk in Silvassa on 13th November. During her visit, she enjoyed lighthearted interactions with the students, joining them in games and reciting poems together.

Chief of Defence Staff Chairs 35th Tri-Services Commanders’ Conference in Kochi

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan chaired the 35th Tri-Services Commanders’ Conference (TSTCC) at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi, on 13 November 2024. The annual conference gathered senior commanders and officers from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (IDS), and other formations to discuss advancing joint training strategies and assessing the geostrategic landscape of the region.

Banking News

RBI’s New Framework for Converting FPI Holdings to FDI

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a new framework that allows Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) to convert their investments into Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) if their holdings exceed the 10% equity threshold in Indian companies. This move is designed to streamline the process, making it easier for FPIs to align with FDI guidelines, provided they have the necessary government and company approvals. The new rules, effective from November 11, 2024, offer FPIs the option to reclassify excess shares within five trading days, ensuring compliance with the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and sectoral FDI caps.

RBI Maintains SBI, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank as D-SIBs

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has confirmed that State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank will continue to be classified as Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs), with an increase in additional capital requirements for SBI and HDFC Bank starting April 2025. The D-SIB framework, introduced by RBI in 2014 and updated in 2023, designates these banks as too significant to fail due to their size, complexity, and interconnectedness in the financial system. These banks are subject to higher capital buffers to ensure financial stability.

Appointments News

Professional Golf Tour of India Welcomes Amandeep Johl as CEO

The Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) announced that Amandeep Johl will take over as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) starting January 2025. A well-respected figure in Indian golf, Johl brings a wealth of experience to his leadership role.

Australia Appoints First Anti-Slavery Commissioner to Combat Modern Slavery

In a landmark move, Australia has appointed its first Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Chris Evans, who will serve a five-year term starting in December 2024. The position is designed to strengthen efforts across the government, business, and society to combat modern slavery, which includes human trafficking, forced labour, and deceptive recruiting. The move is in line with the Albanese Government’s commitment to address modern slavery, with a focus on victim support, raising awareness, and improving business accountability in supply chains.

Important Days News

Children’s Day 2024: Date, History, and Significance in India

Every year, on November 14, India celebrates Children’s Day, also known as Bal Diwas, to honor and uplift its young citizens. This significant day also marks the birth anniversary of India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, affectionately called “Chacha Nehru” for his deep admiration and love for children. Nehru’s vision of children as the nation’s future is commemorated on this day as a commitment to nurturing India’s youth.

All India Cooperative Week 2024: A Celebration of Cooperation and Rural Development

Every year, All India Cooperative Week is celebrated from 14th to 20th November to recognize the efforts and contributions of cooperative societies in India. The year 2024 marks the 71st edition of this event, with the theme for the year being “Role of Cooperatives in Building Viksit Bharat”. This week highlights the significance of cooperative societies in the economic and social development of the nation, especially in rural areas.

The National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI), which is the apex body of the cooperative movement in the country, organizes this event. The NCUI plays a pivotal role in promoting cooperative societies and ensuring their growth. As of now, India has become the largest cooperative movement in the world.

14 NOVEMBER CURRENT AFFAIRS 2024 | ALL EXAMS IMP. CURRENT AFFAIRS | ASHISH GAUTAM SIR