National news:
“1. Parliament Passes Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2023, Clearing Path for Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University in Telangana”
- The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2023 has been approved by both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, paving the way for the establishment of the ‘Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University’ in Telangana.
- The Bill seeks to amend the Central Universities Act, 2009, with a focus on providing higher education and research facilities primarily for the tribal population of India.
- Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan assured that the university will be a research center for tribal community-related matters, dismissing opposition claims of historical rewriting.
- Minister Arjun Munda from the Tribal Affairs Ministry emphasized government efforts to enhance educational opportunities for tribal communities.
- Statistics on dropouts in Higher Education Institutions were shared, revealing percentages for different categories, with reasons including alternative options, family, and health issues.
- Education Minister highlighted the inclusion of primers in tribal languages and asserted that all languages are considered national languages.
- Various parliament members from AIADMK, TMC, BJD, BJP, TDP, BRS, and YSRCP participated in the debate on the Bill.
- Capital of Telangana- Hyderabad.
Chief Minister of Telangana- Revanth Reddy.
Governor of Telangana- Dr. Tamilisai Soundarajan.
2. “Lok Sabha Reviews Post Office Bill, 2023, Proposing Repeal of Indian Post Office Act, 1898”
- Lok Sabha deliberates on the Post Office Bill, 2023, which aims to annul the Indian Post Office Act, 1898, and bring amendments to the Post Office law in India.
- The Bill grants exclusive privileges to the Post Office for issuing postage stamps, with the Director General empowered to regulate the supply and sale of postage stamps and postal stationery.
- Provisions in the Bill empower the Central Government to implement arrangements with foreign countries or territories regarding postal services.
- Minister for Communications, Electronics, and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, introduced the Bill, highlighting the government’s efforts in transforming post offices into service delivery centers over the past nine years.
- Vaishnaw emphasized the integration of post offices with the banking system, facilitating easy access to banking services for the public.
- Shashi Tharoor of Congress and Tapir Gao of BJP participated in the debate on the Bill, but the discussion remained inconclusive.
- The proposed changes reflect a shift from traditional mail delivery to a broader spectrum of services provided by post offices.
3. “India Rejects OIC’s Statement on Article 370 Revocation, Labels it Ill-Informed and Ill-Intended”
- India dismisses the statement issued by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) regarding the Supreme Court’s decision upholding the revocation of Article 370 in 2019.
- Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi addresses media queries, criticizing the OIC statement as lacking in accurate information and having malicious intent.
- Bagchi highlights concerns about the OIC’s credibility, especially considering the organization’s endorsement allegedly at the request of a nation with a history of human rights violations and supporting cross-border terrorism.
- India’s stance underscores its rejection of external interference in matters related to its sovereign decisions and internal affairs.
- The response emphasizes India’s discontent with the OIC’s stance, characterizing it as detrimental to the credibility of the organization.
4. “Centre to Issue Revised Sustainable Sand Mining Guidelines, Emphasizing Gram Sabha Consent”
- The Centre announces plans to release updated Sustainable Sand Mining Guidelines, aiming to prevent sand mining without the explicit consent of Gram Sabha in villages.
- Union Coal and Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi addresses the Lok Sabha during the Question Hour, highlighting the importance of Gram Sabha approval for sand mining along river courses.
- Joshi emphasizes that while the general guidelines require Gram Sabha approval for sand mining near rivers, the Centre will reissue guidelines if this approval process is not adhered to.
- The decision is a response to concerns raised by Congress member Manish Tewari, who brought attention to the environmental impact of illegal sand mining in areas adjacent to river courses.
- The revised guidelines aim to strengthen regulatory measures and ensure community participation in decisions related to sand mining, addressing environmental and social considerations.
5. “Pentagon Press Secretary Acknowledges Significant Progress in US-India Defence Relationship”
- Pentagon Press Secretary, General Pat Ryder, highlights substantial advancements in the US-India defence relationship during a press conference in Washington.
- General Ryder underscores achievements such as the INDUS-X initiative and collaborative efforts in defense cooperation, including the development of jet engines and armored vehicles in India.
- The emphasis is placed on expanding industrial cooperation, with specific mentions of repairing US ships in India, showcasing a deepening strategic partnership.
- The Pentagon expresses optimism about the continued development of military-to-military ties between the two nations in 2024.
- The statement reflects the ongoing efforts to strengthen the defense and security collaboration between the United States and India, signaling a positive trajectory in the bilateral relationship.
- Capital of US – Washington DC
Currency – Dollar .
Language – English .
President – Joe Biden.
6. “Central Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2023 Presented in Lok Sabha
- Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduces the Central Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2023 in the Lok Sabha.
- The bill aims to amend the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, signaling potential updates or modifications to the existing GST framework.
- Alongside the GST amendment, the Finance Minister also introduces the Provisional Collection of Taxes Bill, 2023 in the Lok Sabha.
- The introduction of these bills reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to refine and adapt the taxation framework to current economic needs.
- The proposed amendments will likely undergo parliamentary debates and discussions before any potential enactment.
7. “Ministers Release Strategic Framework for Drowning Prevention in India”
- Ministers of State for Health and Family Welfare, Professor S.P. Singh Bhagel and Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, unveil the Strategic Framework of Drowning Prevention in India in New Delhi.
- The initiative is part of the ministry’s efforts to mitigate preventable drowning incidents across the country, emphasizing concrete actions and attention to drowning prevention.
- Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar underscores the significance of drowning prevention, highlighting its potential to substantially impact the issue’s overall burden. She emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders from multiple sectors.
- Professor S.P. Singh Bhagel emphasizes the practical strategies and evidence-based interventions outlined in the strategic framework to address drowning at various levels in the nation. He calls for special awareness programs and safety measures for children.
- Director General Health Services, Dr. Atul Goel, explains that the framework aims to establish a mechanism to identify the causes of death due to drowning and develop a strategic prevention plan.
- The release of the strategic framework reflects the government’s commitment to implementing targeted measures to reduce drowning incidents and enhance overall water safety.
International news:
8. “COP28 Achieves ‘UAE Consensus’ for Global Net Zero by 2050, Marks Historic Climate Agreement”
- Nations at the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai reach a historic agreement, the ‘UAE Consensus,’ calling for a transition away from fossil fuels and a commitment to achieve net zero by 2050.
- The consensus involves 198 participating Parties outlining an ambitious climate agenda, aiming to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
- COP28 President, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, declares the landmark achievement, emphasizing the inclusivity of the COP and the collaborative efforts across diverse sectors, including private and public, civil society, faith leaders, youth, and indigenous peoples.
- The ‘UAE Consensus’ encourages nations to submit economy-wide Nationally Determined Contributions with specific targets, including tripling renewables and doubling energy efficiency by 2030.
- Under the ‘Action Agenda’ of COP28, significant steps were taken in areas such as a just energy transition, climate finance, focus on people and nature, and inclusivity in climate action.
- Key achievements include the launch of ALTÉRRA, a $30 billion catalytic private finance vehicle, and endorsements of declarations on agriculture, food, climate, and health.
- COP28 delivers historic negotiated outcomes, including the operationalization of Loss and Damage, securing early pledges of $792 million, advancing the Global Goal on Adaptation, and institutionalizing the role of the Youth Climate Champion.
- Dr. Al Jaber reaffirms the balanced nature of COP28 achievements, addressing emissions, adaptation, global finance, and loss and damage.
- The unprecedented consensus reflects a commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and a determination to accelerate global climate action.
- The focus shifts to implementing and following through on the agreements at COP29 and COP30, with collaboration agreements signed with Brazil (COP30 host) and Azerbaijan (COP29 host) to ensure ambitious climate plans in the critical decade.
- COP28 sets a precedent for future conferences, providing a blueprint for ambitious and inclusive global climate action.
Sports:
9. “India Wins Second Match in Women’s Bilateral T20 Series for the Blind, Leads 2-0 Against Nepal”
- In the inaugural Women’s Bilateral T20 Series for the Blind, India secures victory against Nepal by four runs at the Police Gymkhana Cricket Ground in Mumbai.
- With this win, India takes a 2-0 lead in the five-match series against Nepal.
- Defending a target of 150 runs, the Indian team restricts Nepal to 145 for 6, showcasing a strong bowling performance.
- Binita Pun, who previously scored 92 runs in the first game, once again emerges as the highest scorer for Nepal with 56 runs.
- India, batting first after winning the toss, posts a total of 149 for 6 in the allotted 20 overs, with notable contributions from Magupallu Satyavathi, Ravanni, and Sushma Patel.
- This victory follows India’s earlier win against Nepal by eight runs in the first game of the series on Monday.
- The third T20I match between India and Nepal is scheduled for today, with both teams aiming to make further strides in the bilateral series.
- Capital of Nepal – Kathmandu.
Currency – Nepalese Rupee.
Language – Nepali.
Prime Minister – Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
10. “South Africa Secures 5-Wicket Victory Over India in Second T20 International”
- In Men’s Cricket, South Africa defeats India by 5 wickets in the second T20 International at St. George’s Park in Gqeberha.
- Chasing the revised target of 152 runs, South Africa comfortably scores 154 for 5 wickets in 13.5 overs.
- Reeza Hendricks emerges as the highest scorer for South Africa with 49 runs off 27 balls.
- India, put in to bat, posts 180 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in 19.3 overs before rain interrupts the play.
- Due to rain, the 2nd innings is reduced to 15 overs, and the target is revised to 152 runs for South Africa.
- The first match of the three-match series was abandoned without the toss due to rain in Durban.
- Suryakumar Yadav leads the Men in Blue, while Aiden Markram leads the South African squad.
- The third T20 in the series is scheduled to be played on Thursday, with both teams aiming for a decisive victory.
- Capital of South Africa – Pretoria (administrative); Cape Town (legislative); Bloemfontein (judiciary).
Currency – Rand.
Language – Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi
Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu.
Prime Minister – Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa.
Awards:
11. “Israeli Film ‘Children of Nobody’ Wins Best Film Award at 29th Kolkata International Film Festival”
- The 29th Kolkata International Film Festival concludes with a closing ceremony and prize distribution held at Rabindra Sadan.
- A total of 219 films from 39 countries were screened at 23 locations across Kolkata during the festival.
- The Israeli film ‘Children of Nobody,’ directed by Erez Tadmor, receives the Best Film award under the International Competition in Innovation Moving Images category.
- Carlos Daniel Malave is awarded the Best Director, while Anjan Dutta’s ‘Chalchitro Ekhon’ receives the Special Jury Award.
- The film ‘Mon Potongo’ by directors Sharmistha Maity and Rajdeep Paul wins the Best Film under the Bengali Panorama category.
- The ‘Royal Bengal Tiger Trophy’ is awarded to the best film, with a cash prize of 51 lakh rupees.
- Additional awards, including the Hiralal Memorial Trophy and Netpack Award, are also presented during the ceremony.
- Recognitions are given for the best short film and documentary with the Royal Bengal Tiger Trophy at the Kolkata International Film Festival.
Economy:
12. “India’s Industrial Production Surges to 16-Month High at 11.7% Growth in October”
- India’s industrial production records a significant upturn, reaching a 16-month high with a growth rate of 11.7% in October.
- This marks a substantial improvement compared to the 4.1% contraction witnessed in the same period the previous year.
- The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is the metric used to measure factory output, reflecting a robust expansion in various industrial sectors.
- The data released by the National Statistical Office highlights the manufacturing sector’s outstanding performance, registering a growth of 10.4% in October 2023.
- The mining sector also contributed to the positive trend, experiencing a notable increase of 13.1% in production during the same month.
- The surge in industrial production is indicative of a broader economic recovery, showcasing positive momentum and resilience in India’s industrial landscape.
Appointments:
13. “Donald Tusk Sworn In as Polish Prime Minister, Leading Pro-EU Coalition”
- In Poland, Donald Tusk, the former European Council president, takes the oath as the new Prime Minister, marking a significant shift after eight years of nationalist rule.
- In his inaugural speech to Parliament, Tusk expresses a commitment to mobilize support for Ukraine and pledges to restore Poland’s position within the European Union.
- Tusk, previously Prime Minister from 2007 to 2014, forms a pro-European Union government by leading a coalition that includes his Civic Coalition party, the liberal Poland 2050 party, the conservative agrarian Polish People’s Party, and the Left.
- The new government signals a departure from the nationalist policies of the previous administration, aiming for a more collaborative and pro-European stance.
- Tusk’s leadership is expected to usher in a period of diplomatic and political realignment, emphasizing Poland’s active role in the European Union and international affairs.
- Capital of Poland – Warsaw.
Currency – Zloty.
Language – Polish.
Prime Minister – Donald Tusk