Table of Contents
National News
ALT EFF 2024 Film Festival Returns to Mumbai to Ignite Climate Conversations
The All Living Things Environmental Film Festival (ALT EFF) returns to Mumbai for its 2024 edition, running from November 22 to December 8 at Liberty Cinema. Since its inception in 2020, ALT EFF has become a significant platform for environmental storytelling, bringing global issues of sustainability and climate change to the forefront through cinema. The festival is expanding its reach, with screenings in over 70 cities across India, including villages, fostering a wider conversation on environmental challenges.
UN Lists Chhattisgarh’s Bastar Village as Tourism Destination
The small village of Dhudmaras, located in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district, has been selected by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for its Best Tourism Village Upgrade programme. This programme highlights villages with potential for sustainable tourism development and aims to enhance local tourism infrastructure, promote cultural heritage, and improve residents’ quality of life.
International News
Brazil Officially Hands Over G20 Presidency to South Africa
Brazil officially transferred the Group of 20 (G20) Presidency to South Africa during the closing ceremony of the annual G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This marks a historic milestone as South Africa becomes the first African nation to lead the G20, with a robust agenda planned for its presidency.
State News
Karnataka to Set Up 3 Global Innovation Districts to Boost GCC Growth
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the establishment of three Global Innovation Districts (GIDs) in Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Belagavi to attract and support Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in the state. The announcement was made at the 27th Bengaluru Tech Summit, where the CM also highlighted the launch of India’s first dedicated GCC policy, aiming to empower innovation. These innovation districts will be key pillars in Karnataka’s strategy to foster research, development, and emerging industries, alongside strengthening its position as a global tech hub.
Defence News
Indian Army Completes ‘Sanyukt Vimochan 2024’ A Key Disaster Relief Exercise
The Indian Army successfully conducted the “Sanyukt Vimochan 2024,” a Multilateral Annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise, in Ahmedabad and Porbandar, Gujarat, on November 18-19, 2024. The exercise showcased India’s readiness and collaborative capabilities for disaster response and was attended by various national and international agencies, including the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi.
Economy News
India’s Unemployment Rate Drops to 6.4% in Q2
In the July-September 2024 quarter, India’s urban unemployment rate decreased to 6.4%, marking the lowest level observed in recent years. The rate has dropped from 6.6% in the previous quarter and remains consistent with the rate recorded in the same period last year. This improvement reflects positive trends in employment, particularly in urban areas, indicating progress in job creation and labor force participation.
Morgan Stanley Cuts India’s FY25 Growth Forecast to 6.7%
Morgan Stanley has revised India’s FY25 growth forecast from 7% to 6.7% due to weaker-than-expected economic data from Q2, with the economy now projected to grow at a slower 6.3%. Despite this downgrade, the firm remains optimistic about a recovery in the latter half of FY25, anticipating growth to rebound to around 6.7-6.8%, driven by agricultural output and government spending.
Summits and Conferences News
Detailed Outcomes of the 2024 G20 Summit: Rio de Janeiro Declaration
The Rio de Janeiro Declaration, released at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro on November 18, 2024, emphasizes several core commitments, including the taxation of billionaires, energy transition, and support for global climate initiatives like COP30 in Brasil. This historic declaration marks the culmination of Brazil’s presidency, led by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who outlined the achievements and progressive themes championed during the summit.
Global Hunger and Poverty Alliance Launched By Brazil’s President Lula
On November 18, 2024, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva officially launched the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty during the opening of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro. This landmark initiative, involving 148 founding members, including 82 countries and a variety of international organizations, financial institutions, and NGOs, aims to accelerate efforts to eradicate hunger and poverty globally by 2030.
Sagarmanthan 2024 Charting India’s Maritime Future
India’s maritime sector stands as a beacon of its economic ambitions and global aspirations. With a 7,500-kilometer coastline, 12 major ports, and over 200 minor ports, the nation handles the lion’s share of its trade via the seas, contributing significantly to its GDP. The Sagarmanthan Dialogue 2024 has reinforced India’s commitment to becoming a global maritime leader by fostering discussions on sustainability, innovation, and connectivity.
Business News
Meta Fined ₹213.14 Crore Over WhatsApp Privacy Policy: Challenges Loom
Meta has announced its intention to appeal a ₹213.14 crore fine imposed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) regarding its 2021 WhatsApp privacy policy update. CCI accuses the company of anti-competitive practices, including forcing users to accept new data-sharing terms, which Meta denies. The ruling could have significant implications for digital platforms balancing user privacy, competition, and business growth in India.
Banking News
SBI Horniman Circle Marks 100 Years of Legacy
The State Bank of India (SBI) celebrated the centenary of its iconic Horniman Circle Branch with the unveiling of a specially minted ₹100 commemorative coin by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The event also featured the release of the 5th edition of The Evolution of the State Bank of India, detailing the bank’s transformation between 1981 and 1996. From its humble beginnings with just 100 branches in 1920, SBI today boasts over 22,640 branches, with plans to expand further in FY25. The bank’s impressive digital presence, financial inclusion efforts, and significant role in India’s banking revolution were highlighted during the event.
Agreements News
Tata Power & Druk Green Power Collaborate on 5,000 MW Green Energy Project in Bhutan
Tata Power has entered into a strategic partnership with Druk Green Power Corporation Ltd (DGPC) to develop at least 5,000 MW of clean energy generation capacity in Bhutan. This collaboration aims to harness Bhutan’s vast hydropower potential and contribute to the region’s energy security and sustainability. The initiative aligns with Bhutan’s vision to diversify its energy portfolio and improve regional energy integration.
Awards News
Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2023: Honouring Daniel Barenboim and Ali Abu Awwad for Peace Efforts
The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development for 2023 was awarded to Daniel Barenboim, a world-famous pianist and conductor, and Ali Abu Awwad, a Palestinian peace activist, on November 19, 2024. This prestigious award recognizes their remarkable efforts to promote peace and non-violence.
Sports News
Mahimkar & Prisha Shah Clinch Double Titles at Maharashtra State Open Badminton
Harshit Mahimkar and Prisha Shah dominated the Maharashtra State Open Badminton Tournament 2024, clinching both the men’s and women’s singles titles along with the U-17 boys’ and girls’ singles crowns. Held at the Willingdon Sports Club, the tournament saw these two shuttlers showcase exceptional skills, bringing back memories of previous triumphs in the Maharashtra badminton circuit while setting a high bar for future competitors.
India to Host Inaugural Kho Kho World Cup in 2025
India is all set to host the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup from January 13 to 19, 2025, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor (IGI) Stadium in New Delhi. This historic event marks a significant step towards elevating Kho Kho, one of India’s most cherished indigenous games, onto the global stage. With the support of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), the tournament promises to be a milestone in the promotion of traditional sports.
Schemes News
‘One Day One Genome’ Initiative Unveiled to Unlock India’s Microbial Potential
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) have launched the ‘One Day One Genome’ initiative to map and highlight India’s microbial wealth. Announced by India’s G-20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant, on BRIC’s 1st foundation day at the National Institute of Immunology (NII) on November 9, 2024, the initiative aims to showcase the critical role of unique bacterial species in India’s environment, agriculture, and human health. This project will leverage genome sequencing to explore and unlock the microbial world’s immense potential for various advancements.
Important Days News
World Children’s Day 2024: Date, History, Significance & Theme
World Children’s Day, celebrated annually on November 20, is a significant global event dedicated to promoting children’s welfare, safeguarding their rights, and fostering a brighter future for them. Observed worldwide, the day serves as a reminder of the need to empower children, address challenges they face, and build a more equitable and nurturing environment for the next generation.
The theme for World Children’s Day 2024 is “Listen to the Future,” highlighting the importance of hearing children’s voices and integrating their perspectives into decision-making processes that affect their lives.
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