National news
Union Ministers to Launch National Campaign “Ab Koi Bahana Nahi ’’ to Combat Gender-Based Violence
On 25th November 2024, Smt. Annpurna Devi, Union Minister for Women and Child Development, will launch the Ab Koi Bahana Nahi campaign at Rang Bhawan, All India Radio, New Delhi. The event will also be attended by Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister for Rural Development, and Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications.
- The Ab Koi Bahana Nahi campaign aims to encourage the public, government, and key stakeholders to take actionable steps to eliminate gender-based violence. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ministries of Women and Child Development and Rural Development, with support from UN Women. It is launched alongside the ‘Nayi Chetna 3.0 campaign’ led by the Ministry of Rural Development to spread awareness about ending gender-based violence.
- This campaign coincides with the 16 Days of Activism globally observed from 25th November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to 10th December (Human Rights Day), aimed at raising awareness on gender-based violence.
National Consumer Helpline Partners with Over 1,000 Companies to Expedite Grievance Resolution
The National Consumer Helpline has successfully partnered with over 1,000 companies as part of its Convergence Programme to speed up the resolution of consumer grievances. These companies cover a wide range of sectors, including e-commerce, private education, FMCG, consumer durables, electronics, retail, automobiles, and banking.
- According to the Consumer Affairs Ministry, complaints related to these convergence companies will now be directly transferred to them for online resolution. The Ministry also highlighted that the number of convergence partners has significantly increased from 263 companies in 2017 to 1,009 companies. This growth is seen as a key factor in improving the efficiency of the helpline, enabling quick and effective grievance redressal, and fostering transparency and accountability.
Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and Minister of New and Renewable Energy : Shri Pralhad Joshi
National Consumer Helpline (NCH):
Established : 2005
Headquarters : New Delhi, India.
EAM S. Jaishankar Highlights Italy as Key Partner and Ally in Europe
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar emphasized that India views Italy as a key partner, a crucial ally in Europe, and a very influential player in the Mediterranean region.
- In his address at the inauguration of the new Chancery of the Indian Embassy in Rome, Dr. Jaishankar highlighted the frequent interactions between the two countries, underscoring the depth and breadth of their bilateral ties. He noted a convergence in worldviews and a synergy in addressing global and regional issues, alongside a renewed enthusiasm to further strengthen their relationship.
- Dr. Jaishankar also spoke about the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), calling it a game changer for connectivity between Europe and Asia.
- During his visit to Italy, Dr. Jaishankar will participate in the Outreach session of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Fiuggi, where India has been invited as a guest country. He will also engage in discussions at the 10th edition of the MED Mediterranean Dialogue in Rome.
NSO Releases 24th Periodic Labour Force Survey: Unemployment Rate Declines in Urban Areas
The National Statistical Office (NSO), under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), released the 24th Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Quarterly Bulletin for July to September 2024. Key findings include:
- The Unemployment Rate (UR) in urban areas for persons aged 15 years and above decreased by 20 basis points (bps), from 6.6% in Q1 FY25 to 6.4% in Q2 FY25. This marks the lowest unemployment rate since the inception of the PLFS in April-June 2018.
- The unemployment rate among females in urban areas saw a slight decline, from 8.6% in Q2 FY24 to 8.4% in Q2 FY25, although it remains above 8% for the 5th consecutive quarter. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate among males decreased from 6% in Q2 FY24 to 5.7% in Q2 FY25.
- The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) in CWS (Current Weekly Status) in urban areas reached a record-high of 50.4% in Q2 FY25, compared to 49.3% in Q2 FY24, indicating a positive trend in workforce participation.
National Statistical Office (NSO):
- Established : 2019
- Headquarters : New delhi, india.
- Chairman : Rajeeva laxman karandikar
International news
AM Green Kakinada Cluster Joins WEF’s Transitioning Industrial Clusters Initiative
The AM Green Kakinada Cluster, based in Andhra Pradesh (AP), has become part of the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Transitioning Industrial Clusters Initiative. This initiative aims to drive economic growth, create jobs, and reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions through collaboration between industries and public institutions.
Key objectives of the initiative include:
- Fostering cooperation between industries and governments to adopt sustainable practices.
- Driving economic growth through innovative solutions aligned with global sustainability goals.
- Reducing carbon emissions by producing green molecules, including green hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel.
AM Green Kakinada Cluster:
- The cluster represents an investment of over USD 3 billion and is expected to generate 10,000+ direct and indirect jobs.
- Operations are set to begin in 2026, with zero CO2 emissions projected.
- The initial capacity will include 1 Million Tons Per Annum (MTPA) of green ammonia, with a target to increase production to 5 MTPA by 2030, equating to approximately 1 MTPA of green hydrogen.
- The cluster also features a 2 GW electrolyser manufacturing plant and other green molecule production facilities.
About Andhra Pradesh :
- Capital : Amaravati
- Chief minister : N. Chandrababu Naidu
National Parks:
- Sri Venkateswara National Park (Tirupati)
- Papikonda National Park (East and West Godavari districts)
- Kailashgiri National Park (Visakhapatnam)
- Nallamala Forests (part of the Nallamala Hills)
World Economic Forum’s
- Establishment: 1971
- Headquarters: Cologny, Switzerland
- Chairman: Professor Klaus Schwab
IFFI’s CMOT Highlights India’s Emerging Filmmakers
The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) recently hosted the Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT) program, which has become a key platform for discovering and nurturing young filmmakers in India. Held at Maquinez Palace, the Closing Ceremony of CMOT celebrated the vibrant energy of youth and creativity.
This year’s program marked a significant milestone, expanding to 100 young talents across 13 filmmaking disciplines, up from 75 participants and 10 crafts in previous editions. The program received an overwhelming 1,070 entries showcasing diverse talents from across India.
A highlight of the event was the 48-Hour Filmmaking Challenge, where participants created short films on the theme “Relationships in the Age of Technology“. The challenge, which ran from November 21 to 23, 2024, involved five teams, each comprising 20 members, and took place across 12 locations within a 4-kilometer radius of Panjim.
The winners of the challenge included:
- Best Film: Gullu
- Best Film (Runners-up): We Hear the Same Music
- Best Director: Arshaly Jose (Gullu)
- Best Script: Adhiraj Bose (Lovepix Subscription)
- Best Actress: Vishakha Nair (Lovepix Subscription)
- Best Actor: Pushpendra Kumar (Gullu)
IFFI (International Film Festival of India)
- Established: 1952
- Headquarters: Panaji, Goa, India
- chairperson of International Jury : Ashutosh Gowariker
Banking news
RBI Highlights Rapid Progress in Internationalisation of UPI, India Leading Digital Transformation
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has stated that the internationalisation of UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is progressing rapidly as India emerges as a global leader in using digital technologies for transformative change.
- In October, UPI reached a significant milestone of 16.6 billion transactions in just one month, with 86% successful instant debit reversals. According to RBI Deputy Governor Michael Debabrata Patra, UPI is a seamless, open-ended system that integrates multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application, facilitating both peer-to-peer and person-to-merchant transactions.
- Key innovations in India’s digital credit landscape, including Account Aggregators, OCEN, and financial services on ONDC, have contributed to enhanced productivity. Around 40% of India’s rural population and 78% of those aged 20-30 years are internet users. Additionally, approximately one-third of households make online purchases for consumables, while one-fourth buy consumer durables and nearly one-tenth purchase food items online.
RBI Establishment:
- Established: 1935
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Chairman: Shaktikanta Das
Rio Money Partners with Yes Bank and NPCI to Launch Yes Bank Rio RuPay Credit Card
Bengaluru-based fintech company, Rio Money, has teamed up with Yes Bank Limited and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to introduce the Yes Bank Rio RuPay Credit Card, a co-branded credit card aimed at enhancing UPI payments. Additionally, Rio Money has launched its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) app, providing seamless access to credit for UPI transactions.
Key Features of the Credit Card:
- The card integrates credit benefits with UPI, allowing users to make transactions at over 100 million merchant locations across India.
- Available to individuals aged 21 to 60 years, with eligibility for both salaried employees (earning a minimum of Rs 25,000 monthly) and self-employed individuals (with an annual ITR of Rs 5 lakh).
- The card is lifetime free, with no joining fee. Annual charges are waivable based on usage.
- Offers a credit limit of up to Rs 5 lakh, with personalized rewards and exclusive deals, available through the Rio app’s “Know Your Offers” feature.
About Yes Bank:
- MD & CEO: Prashant Kumar
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Established: 2004
About NPCI:
- MD & CEO: Dilip Asbe
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Founded: 2008
RBI Doubles UPI 123Pay Limit to ₹10,000 for Feature Phones to Boost Financial Inclusion
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has raised the transaction limit for UPI 123Pay from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000, a move aimed at enhancing the accessibility of digital payments for India’s 400 million feature phone users. Launched in March 2022, UPI 123Pay allows internet-free transactions through IVR, missed calls, and sound-based payments, enabling secure digital payments on basic feature phones.
- Additionally, the UPI Lite wallet limit has been increased from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000, facilitating small-value transactions. These initiatives aim to deepen financial inclusion and increase the adoption of digital payments, especially among underserved populations.
RBI Establishment:
- Established: 1935
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Chairman: Shaktikanta Das
Appointment news
Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Wins Somaliland Presidential Election
Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, leader of the Waddani Party, has won the Somaliland Presidential Election and has been elected as the 6th President of Somaliland. Abdullahi, also known as Irro, secured nearly 64% of the vote, defeating the incumbent President Muse Bihi Abdi of the Kulmiye Party. The results were announced by the Somaliland National Electoral Commission (SLNEC).
Key Points:
- Abdullahi previously served as Somaliland’s Parliament Speaker in 2005.
- He is a prominent leader in Somaliland’s political landscape and founded the Waddani Party.
- Somaliland is a former British protectorate that declared its independence from Somalia in 1991.
About Somaliland :
- capital : Hargeisa,
- currency Somaliland Shilling
Sports news
Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer Fetch Record Bids on Day 1 of IPL Auction 2025
In the Mega Auction for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 edition, Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer secured record bids, becoming the most expensive players in IPL history. The auction took place at the Abadi Al-Johar Arena in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Key Points:
- Rishabh Pant was acquired by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹27 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history.
- Shreyas Iyer was bought by Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 crore.
- Yuzvendra Chahal and Arshdeep Singh were also bought by Punjab Kings, for ₹18 crore each.
- Venkatesh Iyer was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹23.75 crore.
- Some notable unsold players included David Warner and Jonny Bairstow.
As of Day 1, RCB had the highest remaining purse with ₹30.65 crore, followed by Mumbai Indians with ₹26.10 crore and Punjab Kings with ₹22.50 crore.
IPL (Indian Premier League):
- Established: 2008
- Chairman: Arun Dhumal
Important days
Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (WED) Celebrated Globally on 19th November
Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (WED) is observed annually on 19th November to honor and celebrate the achievements of female entrepreneurs. This day highlights the critical role of women in business and their significant contributions to the entrepreneurial landscape.
Key Points:
- 19th November 2024 marks the 11th anniversary of WED.
- The observance of WED is organized by the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization (WEDO), a non-governmental organization (NGO) founded by Wendy Diamond in 2013.
- The first WED was celebrated on 19th November 2014 at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York.
- WED is celebrated globally in 144 countries to empower women in business and contribute to economic growth and poverty alleviation.
World Children’s Day 2024 Celebrated on 20th November
World Children’s Day is observed annually on 20th November to promote international unity, raise awareness about children’s welfare, and improve their lives worldwide. The day is an annual action led by children for children, organized by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Key Points:
- The theme for World Children’s Day 2024 is “Listen to the Future!”.
- The day was originally established as Universal Children’s Day by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 1954 under resolution A/RES/836(IX).
- The resolution recommended all countries to observe Universal Children’s Day starting from 1956.
About UNICEF:
established in 1946 as the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund and became a permanent part of the UN in 1953, after which its name was shortened to United Nations Children’s Fund.
- Executive Director of UNICEF: Catherine M. Russell
- Headquarters: New York, USA
