National news
PM Modi to Attend G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 18 th November . The summit, which will continue for two days, will see world leaders, including US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, coming together to discuss global issues.
- During the summit, PM Modi is expected to hold separate talks with world leaders on the sidelines. As part of the G20 Troika, which also includes Brazil and South Africa, India has played an active role in shaping the ongoing discussions at the summit.
- This year’s summit theme is “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,” with Brazil prioritizing social inclusion, poverty, sustainable development, and the reform of global governance institutions. The summit will also build on the outcomes of the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration and India’s Voice of the Global South Summits hosted in recent years.
- India’s success in the 2023 G20 Summit included convincing world leaders to include the Russia-Ukraine war in the New Delhi Declaration and bringing the African Union into the G20, amplifying the voice of the Global South on the global stage.
About Group of Twenty (G20) :
- Established: 1999
- Members: 19 countries and the European Union (EU)
PM Modi Addresses Indian Community in Abuja: India’s Journey Towards ‘Viksit Bharat’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian diaspora in Abuja, Nigeria, emphasizing that India has embarked on a new journey with the goal of building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). He highlighted the nation’s transformation, which is defined by innovation, progress, and new pathways that have become the hallmark of India’s identity.
Key Points:
- India’s New Journey: PM Modi stated that India has moved beyond its comfort zone, with a focus on innovation and creating pathways for progress.
- Startup Ecosystem: India now has over 1.5 lakh registered startups, with 100+ Unicorns in the past decade, showcasing the success of its startup culture.
- Economic Growth: India has added 2 trillion US Dollars to its GDP in the last decade.
- Space Achievements: India is advancing in space, with plans to send Indians to space through its own Gaganyaan mission and build a space station.
- Defense Exports: India’s defense exports have increased nearly 30 times in recent years.
Parliamentary Standing Committee Reviews Indian Coast Guard’s Role in Coastal Security
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence held a meeting in Chennai 18 th November to review the role of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in ensuring coastal security along India’s extensive maritime boundaries. The meeting was led by Radha Mohan Singh, with senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and ICG in attendance.
Key Points:
- Director General’s Briefing: S Paramesh, Director General of the Indian Coast Guard, provided a comprehensive overview of the ICG’s operational capabilities, strategic initiatives, and readiness to tackle coastal security challenges.
- Coastal Security Efforts: The discussion focused on the ICG’s efforts to safeguard India’s maritime interests, improve coordination with stakeholders, and enhance response mechanisms for maritime safety and security.
- Advanced Capabilities: The ICG’s use of advanced surveillance systems, state-of-the-art vessel fleets, and specialized response units was highlighted. The Coast Guard also plays a vital role in combating illegal fishing, smuggling, and human trafficking.
- infrastructure, and inter-agency coordination efforts.
- Safeguarding the Coastline: The ICG’s proactive role in securing India’s 11,098 km coastline and protecting vital maritime trade routes was commended.
Indian Coast Guard (ICG) :
Coast Guard Headquarters: New Delhi
Chairman : S. Paramesh
Established : 1977
India Successfully Conducts Flight Test of Long-Range Hypersonic Missile
India has successfully conducted the flight test of its first long-range hypersonic missile from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) carried out the flight trial yesterday, marking a significant milestone in India’s defence capabilities.
Key Points:
- Hypersonic Missile Features: This advanced missile is designed to carry various payloads and is capable of striking targets over a range greater than 1,500 km. It is a critical asset for India’s Armed Forces, enhancing the country’s strategic military capabilities.
- Defence Minister’s Statement: Rajnath Singh, the Defence Minister, hailed the successful test as a historic achievement. He praised the efforts of DRDO, the Armed Forces, and the defence industry, stating that India is now part of a select group of nations possessing such advanced military technologies.
About Odisha :
- Capital: Bhubaneswar
- Chief minister: Mohan Charan Majhi
- Governor: Raghubar Das
About Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO):
- Chairman: Dr. Samir V. Kamat
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India.
International news
IMF Team Arrives in Sri Lanka for 3rd Review of Economic Reform Programme
A delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has arrived in Sri Lanka to conduct the third review of the island nation’s economic reform programme. The review is part of Sri Lanka’s ongoing financing programme under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) approved by the IMF.
Key Points:
- IMF Mission: The IMF team, led by Peter Breuer, Senior Mission Chief, will assess Sri Lanka’s economic policies, evaluate the progress of ongoing reforms, and review the implementation of prior agreements between Sri Lanka and the IMF.
- IMF Extended Fund Facility: Sri Lanka was approved for a 2.9 billion dollar Extended Fund Facility to be disbursed over 48 months. This loan is intended to help the country recover from its economic crisis and restore stability.
- Sri Lanka’s Economic Crisis: The country has faced a severe Forex shortage since 2022, leading to a shortage of essential imports, which worsened the nation’s economic situation.
International Monetary Fund (IMF):
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States.
- Managing Director: Kristalina Georgieva
About srilanka
Capital: Colombo
India Expresses Concern on Climate Finance and Mitigation Issues at CoP29
India has expressed its dissatisfaction with the lack of engagement by developed countries on critical issues such as climate finance and the Mitigation Work Programme (MWP) during the CoP29 conference held in Baku, Azerbaijan. India delivered a statement at the closing plenary of the Subsidiary Bodies on the Sharm el-Sheikh Mitigation Ambition and Implementation Work Programme (MWP), highlighting key concerns over the progress made at the summit.
Key Points:
- Concerns over Developed Countries’ Position: India criticized the developed countries for requesting the inclusion of mitigation paragraphs from the Global Stocktake at CoP28 into the MWP, which was contrary to previously agreed terms. This move was seen as an attempt to shift the goalposts on climate action.
- India’s Statement at CoP29: India expressed serious concern over the lack of progress at CoP29, noting that critical issues for developing countries remain unresolved. India emphasized that these countries, which contribute the least to climate change, are facing the worst impacts but have limited capacity to address or adapt to these challenges.
- Call for Action: India underscored the need for greater accountability from countries with the highest capacity to take climate action, highlighting their disproportionate consumption of the global carbon budget and delay in taking meaningful steps.
PM Modi Lauds Marathi Community in Nigeria for Cultural Connection
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the Marathi community in Nigeria for staying connected to their culture and roots. During his visit to Abuja, the Indian community in Nigeria gave a warm and vibrant welcome to the Prime Minister.
Key Points:
- Cultural Pride: PM Modi appreciated the Marathi community for their strong ties to their heritage and culture, highlighting their pride in their linguistic and cultural identity.
- Classical Language Status for Marathi: The Marathi community in Nigeria expressed their joy over the Marathi language being granted the prestigious Classical Language status in India. This recognition is seen as a significant achievement for the Marathi-speaking population worldwide.
- Warm Welcome: Upon his arrival in Abuja, the Indian community gave PM Modi a heartfelt reception, showcasing their enthusiasm and support for his leadership.
Gujarat Launches Semiconductor Policy 2022-2027, Becomes First State with Dedicated Policy
Gujarat has taken a significant step towards semiconductor self-reliance by launching the ‘Gujarat Semiconductor Policy 2022-2027’ under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. With this initiative, Gujarat becomes the first Indian state to implement a dedicated semiconductor policy, aiming to boost the state’s leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and electronic innovation.
Key Points:
- Semiconductor Policy: The Gujarat Semiconductor Policy 2022-2027 focuses on advancing Gujarat’s position in the semiconductor industry by creating a conducive environment for semiconductor manufacturing and related technologies.
- Gujarat State Electronics Mission: To oversee the policy’s implementation, the state has established the ‘Gujarat State Electronics Mission’, a dedicated institution for promoting semiconductor self-reliance and enhancing Gujarat’s role in the electronics ecosystem.
- Market Growth: India’s semiconductor market, valued at USD 15 billion in 2020, is projected to grow exponentially, reaching over USD 63 billion by 2026, highlighting the increasing demand and strategic importance of the sector.
About Gujarat:
- Chief Minister: Bhupendra Patel
- Governor: Acharya Devvrat
- Capital: Gandhinagar
- National Parks: Gir National Park, Vansda National Park
DEFENCE NEWS
3rd Edition of India-Australia Joint Military Exercise “AUSTRAHIND-24” Held in Pune
The 3rd edition of the India-Australia joint military exercise, AUSTRAHIND-24, is currently being conducted at the Foreign Training Node in Pune, Maharashtra, from November 8 to November 21, 2024. The exercise aims to further strengthen the military cooperation between India and Australia, enhancing their joint operational capabilities, particularly in unconventional operations.
Key Points:
- Purpose of the Exercise: AUSTRAHIND-24 focuses on improving interoperability between the Indian and Australian forces, with an emphasis on joint unconventional operations.
- Background of AUSTRAHIND:
- Inception: The exercise began in 2022 at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. It is held alternately in India and Australia each year.
- The previous edition was conducted in Perth, Australia, in December 2023.
- About AUSTRAHIND-2024:
- Environment: This year’s exercise takes place in a semi-urban, semi-desert environment, simulating conditions for UN peacekeeping operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate.
- Focus Areas: The exercise will emphasize joint physical fitness, planning, and tactical coordination between the two forces.
Participants:
- Indian Contingent:
- 140 personnel, mainly from the DOGRA Regiment of the Indian Army (IA), along with 14 members from the Indian Air Force (IAF).
- Australian Contingent:
- 120 personnel, primarily from the 13th Light Horse Regiment of the 10th Brigade, 2nd Division of the Australian Army.
About Australia:
- Prime Minister: Anthony Albanese
- Capital: Canberra
- Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)
Banking news
Jio Financial Services Launches “Smart Gold” Digital Investment Platform
Mumbai-based Jio Financial Services Limited (JFSL), a non-deposit taking Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has launched its new digital gold investment platform, “Smart Gold”. This platform, accessible through the JioFinance application, allows customers to invest in 24-Karat physical gold with a minimum investment of Rs 10.
- RBI Approval: JFSL has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India to operate as an Online Payment Aggregator (PA).
Key Features of Smart Gold:
- Gold Investment Flexibility:
- Customers can buy, sell, or redeem gold holdings for either cash or physical gold (coins and jewelry), providing a seamless investment experience.
- Investments can be made in rupee denominations or in grams (gms), offering flexibility.
- Security & Transparency:
- The physical gold purchased by customers will be procured and stored in insured vaults, ensuring security.
- Customers can track the live market price of gold on the JioFinance app, ensuring transparency in their investments.
- Physical Gold Delivery:
- Physical gold delivery is available for holdings as small as 0.5 grams. The available denominations include 0.5 gm, 1 gm, 2 gm, 5 gm, and 10 gm.
About Jio Financial Services Limited (JFSL):
- Established : July 22, 1999
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Hitesh Kumar Sethia.
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Mahindra Finance and RBL Bank Launch Co-branded Credit Card
Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited (Mahindra Finance) has partnered with RBL Bank Limited to launch their first-ever co-branded credit card. This initiative is designed to meet the aspirational needs of Mahindra Finance’s customers, providing them with a range of benefits tailored to their financial needs.
Key Highlights:
- First Co-branded Credit Card: This is the first co-branded credit card offering by Mahindra Finance in collaboration with RBL Bank.
- Wide Range of Benefits: The new credit card aims to provide unmatched benefits across various categories, ensuring value for customers.
- Focus on E-Commerce & Technology: With the rising adoption of e-commerce and technological advancements, especially in non-metro locations, Mahindra Finance plans to tap into the growth potential by offering this solution to a broader customer base.
Ratnakar Bank Limited (RBL Bank):
- Chairman: Harish M. V.
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
- Established: 1943
Sports news
India to Host WADA GLDF Results Management Training in New Delhi (Nov 19-22, 2024)
India, in collaboration with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), is set to host the Global Learning and Development Framework (GLDF) Results Management Training in New Delhi from November 19-22, 2024. The event is organized by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) India with support from the Japan Sports Agency (JSA) and the Japan Anti-Doping Agency (JADA).
Key Highlights:
- Training Focus: The GLDF Results Management Training will focus on enhancing the technical expertise of anti-doping professionals, particularly in results management, case management, adjudication processes, and the application of the World Anti-Doping Code.
- International Participation: The training will see the participation of anti-doping professionals from over 10 countries including Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Malaysia, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Philippines, Brunei, Kyrgyzstan, and Laos. Representatives from WADA, Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), and the Badminton World Federation (BWF) will also be involved.
- Objective: The goal is to standardize anti-doping procedures, foster international collaboration, and strengthen the global sport integrity framework. The training will focus on building capacity and sharing knowledge among participants, helping to promote clean sport worldwide.
About National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA).
- Director general : Shri Ashish Bhargava,
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India.
- Established: 2005.
Australian Cricketer Matthew Wade Announces Retirement from International Cricket
Matthew Wade, the 36-year-old Australian cricketer, has announced his retirement from international cricket. Following his retirement, Wade will transition to a coaching role as the wicketkeeping and fielding coach for the Australia national team during the upcoming T20 series against Pakistan in November 2024.
Key Highlights:
- Career Stats:
- 36 Tests: Scored 1,613 runs with four centuries, including a top score of 117 in the 2019 Ashes.
- 97 ODIs: Amassed 1,867 runs.
- 92 T20Is: Scored 1,202 runs.
- Wade has played 225 international matches for Australia across all formats.
- Leadership Role: Wade served as the T20 captain for Australia between December 2020 and February 2024, leading the team for a significant period in the shortest format.
Jyothi Surekha Wins Gold in Women’s Compound Event at GT Open
Jyothi Surekha Vennam, the reigning Asian Games champion, clinched the gold medal in the women’s compound event at the GT Open held in Luxembourg.
Key Highlights:
- Jyothi Surekha dominated the competition, securing the title with a 147-145 victory over Sarah Prieels of Belgium.
- This was Jyothi’s debut at the GT Open, and she showcased her exceptional skills throughout the tournament.
- In the men’s compound event, Abhishek won the silver medal, narrowly missing out on gold. Despite scoring a perfect 150, he was defeated by Mike Schlosser of the Netherlands, who also scored a perfect shot in the final.
Appointment news
Amandeep Johl Appointed as CEO of Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI)
Amandeep Johl has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI). He will officially take over the role starting January 2025.
Key Highlights:
- Amandeep Johl is a well-respected figure in Indian golf, known for his significant contributions to the sport.
- He brings a wealth of experience to his new leadership role, which will involve overseeing the operations and growth of the PGTI.
- Johl’s appointment marks an important step as the PGTI continues to strengthen its position in the Indian golfing landscape.
Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI):
- Chairman: Kapil Dev
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India.
- Established: 2006.
OBITUARY
Nation Remembers Lala Lajpat Rai on 96th Death Anniversary
November 17 th , the nation is paying tribute to Lala Lajpat Rai, also known as Punjab Kesari, on the occasion of his 96th death anniversary. Lala Lajpat Rai, a prominent freedom fighter, passed away after sustaining severe head injuries from a baton charge by the British police while leading a peaceful protest against the Simon Commission.
Key Points:
- Lala Lajpat Rai’s Legacy: Lajpat Rai was a key member of the Lal Bal Pal trio, which also included Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal. These three leaders were central figures in the Indian freedom struggle and played a crucial role in advocating for nationalism and self-rule.
- Tribute Ceremony: A tribute ceremony was held at Lala Lajpat Rai’s native village, Dhudikey, in the Moga district of Punjab, where several leaders and citizens gathered to honor his sacrifice.
- Harpal Singh Cheema’s Tribute: Punjab Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema was among those who paid their respects to the martyr.
