National news
ISRO Successfully Launches GSAT-20 Satellite on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Rocket
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched its most advanced communications satellite GSAT-20 on board SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, USA. The satellite was launched on the night of the event, marking a significant achievement for ISRO’s commercial arm, New Space India Limited (NSIL).
- ISRO Chairman S. Somanath confirmed that the launch was successful, with the satellite’s solar panels deployed and it being in healthy condition. The GSAT-20 will provide broadband services in remote areas and in-flight Internet for passenger aircraft, and it is expected to operate for 14 years. This launch marks the first time ISRO has used a SpaceX rocket for such a mission.
- Weighing 4,700 kg, the GSAT-20 is one of India’s heaviest communication satellites, which made it too heavy for ISRO’s own LVM-3 rocket, known as ‘Bahubali’, to carry. Hence, SpaceX was chosen for the launch. Until now, India had relied on Arianespace, a French provider, for heavy satellite launches. However, due to Arianespace’s lack of operational rockets, SpaceX was the only reliable option, with its Falcon-9 capable of launching payloads up to 8,300 kg to geostationary transfer orbit.
About ISRO : Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
- Established: August 15, 1969
- Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
- Chairman: Dr. S. Somanath (as of 2023)
About NSIL : NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)
- Established: March 2019
- Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
- Chairman & Managing Director: Radhakrishnan Durairaj
Amit Shah to Inaugurate Golden Jubilee Edition of All India Police Science Congress in Gujarat
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate the Golden Jubilee edition of the All India Police Science Congress at Rashtriya Raksha University in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 19 th november. This significant event, marking the 50th edition of the Congress, will be attended by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other key dignitaries.
- The two-day conference aims to discuss the future of Indian policing, the adoption of global best practices, and technology-led reforms. Key topics include the use of forensics and AI in criminal justice, the role of police in disaster management, and the potential of blockchain technology in policing. Other important issues such as tackling cyber fraud and radicalization in prisons will also be discussed.
- Approximately 250 participants from central and state police forces, forensic experts, and academicians are expected to attend. The event will also feature a Police Science Exhibition showcasing the latest in policing technology and practices.
- In addition to the Police Science Congress, Amit Shah will also inaugurate the Gandhinagar Postal Stamp Exhibition (Phila Vista) and an Animal feed plant at Sabar Dairy in Himmatnagar during his visit.
About Gujarat:
- Chief Minister (CM): Bhupendra Patel
- Capital: Gandhinagar
- National Parks:
- Gir National Park (famous for Asiatic lions)
- Velavadar Blackbuck National Park
- Marine National Park (in the Gulf of Kutch)
India Targets 10,000 MMT Port Handling Capacity by 2047: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced that India is aiming for a port handling capacity of 10,000 million metric tons (MMT) per annum by 2047. Speaking at the inaugural Sagarmanthan – The Great Oceans Dialogue, Sonowal highlighted India’s ambitious plan to transform its maritime sector with an investment of ₹80 lakh crores. This investment will focus on enhancing port capacity, shipping, shipbuilding, and inland waterways.
- The Amrit Kaal Maritime Vision 2047 aims to create future ships powered by clean fuels as part of India’s commitment to sustainable development. Sonowal emphasized the importance of the blue economy and noted that delegates from over 60 countries participated in the event, sharing valuable expertise.
- India’s ultimate goal is to become the leading maritime nation worldwide, excelling in areas such as port operations, cargo handling, shipbuilding, and legislative reforms. He also pointed out that turnaround times at Indian ports have significantly improved, now reduced from 45 hours to just 22 hours, outperforming many advanced maritime nations.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
India’s High Commission in Sri Lanka Celebrates 555th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev
The High Commission of India in Sri Lanka commemorated the 555th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center in Colombo. The occasion featured a Kirtan performance by Bhai Pardhan Singh and Bhai Princepal Singh. In his address, High Commissioner Santosh Jha highlighted that the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev, particularly his emphasis on kindness, compassion, and a caste-less society, remain highly relevant in today’s world.
Sri Lanka is one of the countries that Guru Nanak is believed to have visited during his four Udaasis (spiritual tours), including a visit to Batticaloa.
About srilanka
Capital: Colombo
High-Level Meeting on Nepal-India Border Security Coordination Discusses Illegal Entry of Third-Country Nationals
A high-level meeting on Nepal-India border security coordination began in Kathmandu . The key focus of the discussions is on tackling cross-border crime and addressing the illegal entry of third-country nationals. Proposals have been presented by the Nepali side on enhancing crime control in border areas, improving information exchange, curbing revenue leakage, and combating issues like illegal drug trafficking, human trafficking, and the illegal entry of foreign nationals.
- The meeting is being led by Director General Amrit Mohan Prasad of India’s SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal), heading a six-member Indian delegation. The Nepali delegation includes senior security officials, such as APF Chief Aryal, along with representatives from the Home Ministry, National Investigation Department, Survey Department, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- the Indian delegation met with Nepal’s Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak at Singh Durbar, where Lekhak emphasized the importance of ensuring that individuals crossing the border are treated with respect and dignity.
- This meeting is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the long-standing ties between Nepal and India, focusing on enhancing border security and cooperation.
About Nepal:
- Capital: Kathmandu
- Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
- Prime Minister (PM): KP Sharma Oli
Dubai Hosts 3rd Global Freight Summit, Drawing Over 5,000 Industry Leaders
A high-level meeting on Nepal-India border security coordination began in Kathmandu . The key focus of the discussions is on tackling cross-border crime and addressing the illegal entry of third-country nationals. Proposals have been presented by the Nepali side on enhancing crime control in border areas, improving information exchange, curbing revenue leakage, and combating issues like illegal drug trafficking, human trafficking, and the illegal entry of foreign nationals.
- The meeting is being led by Director General Amrit Mohan Prasad of India’s SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal), heading a six-member Indian delegation. The Nepali delegation includes senior security officials, such as APF Chief Aryal, along with representatives from the Home Ministry, National Investigation Department, Survey Department, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- the Indian delegation met with Nepal’s Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak at Singh Durbar, where Lekhak emphasized the importance of ensuring that individuals crossing the border are treated with respect and dignity.
- This meeting is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the long-standing ties between Nepal and India, focusing on enhancing border security and cooperation.
About Nepal:
- Capital: Kathmandu
- Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
- Prime Minister (PM): KP Sharma Oli
Dubai Hosts 3rd Global Freight Summit, Drawing Over 5,000 Industry Leaders
A high-level meeting on Nepal-India border security coordination began in Kathmandu . The key focus of the discussions is on tackling cross-border crime and addressing the illegal entry of third-country nationals. Proposals have been presented by the Nepali side on enhancing crime control in border areas, improving information exchange, curbing revenue leakage, and combating issues like illegal drug trafficking, human trafficking, and the illegal entry of foreign nationals.
- The meeting is being led by Director General Amrit Mohan Prasad of India’s SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal), heading a six-member Indian delegation. The Nepali delegation includes senior security officials, such as APF Chief Aryal, along with representatives from the Home Ministry, National Investigation Department, Survey Department, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- the Indian delegation met with Nepal’s Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak at Singh Durbar, where Lekhak emphasized the importance of ensuring that individuals crossing the border are treated with respect and dignity.
- This meeting is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the long-standing ties between Nepal and India, focusing on enhancing border security and cooperation.
About Nepal:
- Capital: Kathmandu
- Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
- Prime Minister (PM): KP Sharma Oli
Dubai Hosts 3rd Global Freight Summit, Drawing Over 5,000 Industry Leaders
The Global Freight Summit 2024 kicked off 19 th November in Dubai, marking its third edition since its inception in 2022. Hosted by DP World, the three-day event has attracted over 5,000 industry leaders from 155 countries, representing various sectors of the global supply chain industry. The summit, running until November 20, focuses on the theme “Acting today to reach the opportunities of tomorrow”.
- Key discussions at the summit revolve around four critical pillars: the integration of AI and blockchain in business operations, strategies for navigating volatile global markets, sustainable shipping practices, and building resilient trade routes in the face of geopolitical challenges and natural disasters.
- Notably, Indian corporations such as Wipro, Tech Mahindra, and SRM Tech are participating, alongside numerous other companies and entrepreneurs. Bollywood and cricket stars will also take part in panel discussions. A key focus this year is the implementation of digital solutions and addressing challenges in technological transitions. Special attention is being given to developing innovative solutions for supply chain diversification and risk mitigation in global trade routes.
About UAE :
- Capital: Abu Dhabi
- Prime Minister (PM): Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
- Currency: UAE Dirham (AED)
Banking news
RBI Governor Urges Bank Boards to Strengthen Governance and Curb Mis-Selling Practices
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das emphasized the need for private sector bank boards to reinforce their internal governance frameworks and take decisive steps to curb unethical practices, particularly mis-selling of products and opening accounts without proper KYC verification. Speaking at the Conference of Directors of Private Sector Banks in Mumbai, the Governor also stressed the importance of carefully structuring staff incentives to avoid encouraging such unethical behavior.
- Das further urged the boards to manage concentration risks by closely monitoring portfolios, identifying over-concentration, and addressing any potential vulnerabilities in their operations.
- This was the second annual conference organized by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) with the boards of private sector banks as part of its ongoing engagement with the banking sector. Over 200 directors, including chairmen, managing directors, and CEOs of private sector banks participated in the conference.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
- Established: April 1, 1935
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Governor: Shaktikanta Das
- Tagline: “Bringing Banking to Life”
Banks Should Target ₹6.12 Lakh Cr MSME Lending for FY 2025-26, ₹7 Lakh Cr for FY 2026-27: FM Sitharaman
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that banks should aim for ₹6.12 lakh crore in MSME lending for FY 2025-26 and ₹7 lakh crore for FY 2026-27. She made this statement during her keynote address at the 11th SBI Banking & Economics Conclave in Mumbai, which focused on the theme ‘Making Aspiration of Viksit Bharat a Reality’.
Sitharaman also highlighted India’s remarkable economic growth, noting that in 2013-14, India became the 10th largest economy, and by 2021-22, it had risen to 5th position. She expressed confidence that India will soon achieve the 3rd position in the global economic rankings.
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME):
· headquarter : New Delhi, India.
· established : 2007
State news
Telangana Govt Establishes Telangana AI Advisory Council
The Telangana government has established the Telangana Artificial Intelligence (AI) Advisory Council to study best practices in AI policies and create a strong policy framework for the state’s AI growth. The announcement was made by IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu at the AI in Healthcare Summit: Road to BioAsia 2025 held in Hyderabad.
- Minister Babu emphasized the transformative potential of AI for industries, the environment, and society, noting that education and innovation can drive economic growth and productivity, particularly in areas of comparative advantage. He highlighted the vast scope of AI in healthcare, including drug discovery, diagnostics, and improving patient care and safety.
- The minister also stressed the role of the AI Advisory Council in promoting inclusive, ethical, and responsible AI growth, aligned with Sustainable Development Goals. He assured support for companies and announced AI training programs. Additionally, partnerships with companies will focus on training skilled AI engineers for MSMEs, and plans for an AI-focused university were also shared.
About MSME : Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in India.
- Chair man : Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi,
- Established : 2007
About Telangana:
- Capital: Hyderabad
- Chief minister: Revanth Reddy
Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla in Chhattisgarh Notified as India’s 56th Tiger Reserve
Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh has been officially notified as the 56th Tiger Reserve of India, as announced by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. The reserve spans 2,829 sq km, with the Chhattisgarh government notifying it based on recommendations from the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
The tiger reserve includes a critical tiger habitat of 2,049.2 sq km, comprising the Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary, with an additional buffer zone of 780.15 sq km. This makes it the third-largest tiger reserve in India, following the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh and Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam
About Chhattisgarh :
- Capital: Raipur
- Chief Minister (CM): Vishnu Dev Sai
National Parks:
- Kanger Valley National Park
- Indravati National Park
- Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary
Appointment news
Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam Appointed Prime Minister of Mauritius for Third Term
Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, leader of the Labour Party, has been appointed as the Prime Minister (PM) of Mauritius for the third time by President Prithvirajsing Roopun. This follows the victory of his coalition, Alliance du Changement, in the parliamentary election. He took the oath of office on November 13, 2024, for a five-year term, succeeding Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, who had served as PM since 2017.
- In the election, the opposition coalition won a decisive victory, securing 62.6% of the vote and winning 60 out of 62 contested seats, while the People’s Alliance led by Jugnauth failed to win any seats. This election was the 12th since Mauritius gained independence in 1968.
About Mauritius:
- Capital: Port Louis
- Currency: Mauritian Rupee (MUR)
- prime minister of Mauritius : Navin Ramgoolam
ACA Appoints Mithali Raj as Mentor of Women’s Cricket Operations
The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) has appointed former Indian women’s cricket captain, Mithali Raj, as the Mentor of Women’s Cricket Operations. Raj, widely regarded as one of the greatest female cricketers, has signed a three-year contract with the ACA.
Key Responsibilities:
- Scouting and nurturing young talent across Andhra Pradesh, with a focus on developing the next generation of women cricketers.
- Bringing her vast experience and knowledge to guide and support the growth of women’s cricket in the state.
About Mithali Raj:
- Mithali Raj retired from international cricket in 2022 and has been an advocate for the promotion of women’s sports.
- She will use her extensive expertise to help shape the future of women’s cricket in Andhra Pradesh and beyond.
Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) :
Established: 1953.
Headquarters: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
Chairman: Kesineni Sivanath
Acquisition and Mergers
HDFC Standard Life Buys Rs 90 Crore Worth of PNB Housing Finance Shares
HDFC Standard Life Insurance Company Limited, based in Mumbai, has acquired 0.4% shares of PNB Housing Finance Limited for Rs 90 crore through an open market transaction. This acquisition reflects HDFC Standard Life’s interest in expanding its portfolio in the housing finance sector.
Key Details:
- The shares were purchased at an average price of Rs 900 per share, amounting to a total transaction value of Rs 90 crore.
- Following the transaction, the foreign investor Asia Opportunities V (Mauritius) Ltd reduced its stake in PNB Housing Finance from 1.34% to 0.94%.
- Earlier in August 2024, Asia Opportunities V (Mauritius) sold a 3% stake in PNB Housing Finance for Rs 676 crore.
- In May 2024, Asia Opportunities V and General Atlantic sold a combined 4.46% stake in the company for Rs 843 crore.
About PNB Housing Finance:
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India
- Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer : Mr. Girish Kousgi
- Established: 1988
Important days
Prime Minister Pays Tribute to Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi on Her Birth Anniversary
On 19 th November birth anniversary of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid heartfelt tribute to her, calling her a true embodiment of courage and patriotism. In a post on X, the Prime Minister honored her legacy, highlighting her bravery and leadership during the fight for freedom.
- Rani Lakshmibai is celebrated as a symbol of fearlessness and resilience in India’s struggle for independence.
- The Prime Minister’s tribute underscores Rani Lakshmibai’s role as a leader during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and her lasting impact on the nation’s history.
International Men’s Day:
International Men’s Day (IMD) was first celebrated on November 19, 1999, in Trinidad and Tobago, founded by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh.
- The day aims to celebrate positive male role models, raise awareness about issues that men face, and promote gender equality.
- The day encourages a discussion about men’s health, mental well-being, toxic masculinity, social issues, and the contributions that men make to family, community, and society.
- The 2024 theme focuses specifically on health-related issues impacting men, with an emphasis on both physical and mental health. This theme will encourage conversations about how to improve the overall health and well-being of men globally, address health disparities, and raise awareness about health risks that are more prevalent in men.
