NATIONAL NEWS
Over ₹54,000 Crore Allocated for Implementation of PMAY-G in 2023-24
On the 8th anniversary of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), the Ministry of Rural Development announced that over ₹54,000 crore has been allocated this financial year to implement the scheme. PMAY-G aims to provide pucca houses with essential amenities to houseless households and those living in kutcha or dilapidated houses by March 2029. The scheme has been expanded to include an additional 2 crore houses, with a total outlay of over ₹3 lakh crore for the next five years.
- Originally targeting 2.95 crore houses by 2023-24, the scheme now aims to construct 2 crore more houses. To ensure broader inclusion, eligibility criteria have been relaxed, with the income threshold raised to ₹15,000 per month and exclusions reduced from 13 to 10.
- The scheme is being implemented in convergence with other programs like MGNREGA, SBM-G, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Surya Ghar to ensure access to basic services such as water, toilets, electricity, and solar energy. Special focus is being given to landless beneficiaries, with over 2.88 lakh houses and land provided over the past decade.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G):
- Launched : November 20, 2016
- scheme aims : 2.95 crore houses by 2024.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Holds Bilateral Meetings with Chinese, Malaysian, and Lao Counterparts in Laos
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held crucial bilateral meetings with his counterparts from China, Malaysia, and Laos in Vientiane, on the sidelines of the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus). Singh is on a three-day visit to Laos to attend the meeting and address regional and international security issues.
- During his meeting with Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun, Rajnath Singh emphasized the need for greater trust and confidence-building between the two sides, focusing on de-escalation along the India-China border. Both leaders agreed to work together on a roadmap to rebuild mutual trust and prevent any recurrence of border clashes like those in 2020.
- In his discussions with Malaysian Defence Minister Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Bin Nordin, both sides committed to supporting each other’s efforts to promote regional security and stability, and looked forward to holding the Malaysia-India Defence Committee Meeting in early 2025. They also co-chair the ADMM Plus Expert Working Group on Counter Terrorism.
- During his meeting with Lao Defence Minister General Chansamone Chanyalath, Singh expressed India’s strong support for ASEAN’s unity and centrality in the Indo-Pacific region and reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthen ties with Lao PDR and ASEAN. The revised MoU between India and Laos was also appreciated during the meeting.
- The ADMM-Plus platform includes ASEAN member states and eight dialogue partners, including India, the US, China, Russia, Japan, and South Korea, focusing on bolstering defence cooperation.
Educational Institutions Celebrate Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada to Honor Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s Legacy
Educational institutions across India are observing Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada to celebrate the legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a prominent tribal freedom fighter and social reformer. This initiative is part of the central government’s commitment to transforming the lives of tribal people, with a focus on economic empowerment.
- As part of this movement, India’s tribal products are gaining international recognition. For example, Araku Coffee made its global debut by opening an organic coffee shop in Paris in 2017, while dehydrated Mohua flowers from Chhattisgarh are being sold internationally, including in France. Other tribal products, such as shawls, paintings, wooden items, jewelry, and baskets, are also becoming increasingly popular, particularly in markets like the United States.
- The government is supporting these efforts through TRIFED outlets and collaborations with both national and international e-commerce platforms, helping tribal communities to gain access to global markets and improve their livelihoods.
President Droupadi Murmu to Inaugurate 125th Birth Anniversary Celebration of Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab
President Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate the 125th Birth Anniversary celebration of Utkal Keshari, Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab in New Delhi on 19 th November. During the event, a special commemorative stamp and coin will be released in honor of Dr. Mahtab, recognizing his significant contributions.
- Dr. Mahtab, born on 21st November 1899 in Agarpara, Odisha, was a freedom fighter, politician, historian, writer, social reformer, and journalist. Known for his strong will and determination, Dr. Mahtab is celebrated as one of Odisha’s foremost leaders and made lasting contributions to the state’s development and India’s freedom struggle.
About Odiasa :
- Chief Minister of Odisha: Naveen Patnaik
- Capital : Bhubaneswar
National Park in Odisha:
- Simlipal National Park
International news
APEDA Showcases India’s Best at the Organic and Natural Expo in Dubai
To strengthen India’s presence in the West Asian organic market, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce of India, showcased a significant Indian presence at the 22nd Middle East Organic & Natural Products Expo in Dubai. APEDA coordinated the participation of 18 Indian companies, including 12 under its banner and 6 independently, who exhibited a range of value-added organic and natural products at the Indian Pavilion.
- The event, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, saw impressive growth, with over 550 exhibitors—an 83% increase from the previous year. APEDA organized a buyer-seller meet to foster business connections, attracting around 40 participants, including Indian exporters and international buyers. Special emphasis was placed on millets, organic tea, spices, and other value-added organic products. Additionally, wet sampling of Indian organic cuisines was offered during the event.
- In collaboration with the Lulu Retail Chain in Al Barsha, Dubai, APEDA launched a dedicated section for Indian organic produce, featuring processed products and fresh fruits and vegetables. This marked a key step in expanding the reach of premium Indian organic goods in the region.
- West Asia is one of the fastest-growing markets for sustainable products, with manufacturers and distributors actively seeking opportunities in organic tea, food, beverages, beauty products, health supplements, and more.
About Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority :
- Established: 1986
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India.
- Chairman: Shri Abhishek Dev
APPOINTMENT NEWS
Cambodia’s National Assembly Approves Prak Sokhonn as Deputy PM and Foreign Minister
Cambodia’s National Assembly has approved the appointment of Prak Sokhonn as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. The decision was made with unanimous support from 112 lawmakers, including Prime Minister Hun Manet, who expressed confidence in Sokhonn’s new role.
Prime Minister Hun Manet explained that the minor reshuffle was aimed at promoting more efficient implementation of Cambodia’s foreign policy. He emphasized the importance of maintaining and enhancing traditional relations, solidarity, and multi-sectoral cooperation with regional and global partners for mutual benefits. He also reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to more actively participating in international efforts for peace and stability.
Key Facts about Cambodia:
- Prime Minister: Hun Manet
- Currency: Cambodian Riel (KHR)
- Capital: Phnom Penh
BANKING NEWS
Moody’s Downgrades Six Bangladeshi Banks After Sovereign Rating Cut
Key Points:
- Moody’s has downgraded six Bangladeshi banks following a sovereign rating downgrade of Bangladesh.
- The affected banks include BRAC Bank, City Bank, Dutch-Bangla Bank, Eastern Bank, Mercantile Bank, and Premier Bank.
- Moody’s revised the outlooks on the long-term (LT) deposit ratings of these banks from stable to negative.
- Earlier this week, Moody’s downgraded Bangladesh’s sovereign long-term rating to B2 from B1, marking the second consecutive downgrade in under two years.
- Moody’s also reduced Bangladesh’s GDP growth forecast, projecting a slowdown to 4.5% from an earlier estimate of 6.3% for the current fiscal year.
- This marks the first time in 14 years that Bangladesh’s outlook was revised to negative by Moody’s, a significant shift since the country began receiving ratings from the agency in 2010.
- The downgrade is expected to increase borrowing costs for both the government and private sector, making it harder to access international funds amidst high inflation.
SBI Horniman Circle Marks 100 Years of Legacy
The State Bank of India (SBI) celebrated the centenary of its Horniman Circle Branch with a special event, during which Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled a commemorative ₹100 coin. This event highlighted SBI’s remarkable growth from just 100 branches in 1920 to over 22,640 branches today, with plans to open 500 more branches in FY25. The occasion also featured the release of the 5th edition of “The Evolution of the State Bank of India”, focusing on the bank’s transformation between 1981-1996. SBI’s significant role in India’s banking revolution, digital presence, and financial inclusion efforts were underscored during the celebration.
About SBI
- Established: 1955.
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Chairman: Dinesh Kumar Khara
- Tagline: “The Banker to Every Indian”
STATE NEWS
Haryana Govt Launches ‘Haryana Good Governance Award Scheme’ to Encourage Excellence
The Haryana Government has launched the ‘Haryana Good Governance Award Scheme 2024’ to recognize and promote excellence in governance. The scheme aims to honor employees who contribute to improved governance through innovative work and extraordinary efforts.
Key points:
- The awards are categorized into flagship scheme awards, state-level awards, and district-level awards.
- Flagship awards will reward teams involved in flagship projects that have significantly improved governance, with a cash prize of ₹51,000.
- State-level awards will have cash prizes of ₹51,000 for the first prize, ₹31,000 for the second, and ₹21,000 for the third, distributed equally among the team members.
- District-level awards will include cash prizes of ₹31,000, ₹21,000, and ₹11,000, along with a trophy and certificate of appreciation.
- The District-level awards will be presented by the Deputy Commissioner of each district, and the certificate of appreciation for flagship awards will be signed by the Chief Secretary.
ABOUT HARYANA :
- Haryana Chief Minister: Nayab Singh Sain
- Capital of Haryana: Chandigarh
- Haryana’s National Park: Sultanpur National Park
SPORTS NEWS
India Wins Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024, Defeats China 1-0
India’s women’s hockey team won the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy for the second consecutive time by defeating China 1-0 in the final at Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar. This victory marks India’s third title in the tournament, equaling South Korea’s record.
Key Highlights:
- The match was goalless in the first half, but India came out more aggressive in the second half.
- Deepika scored the decisive goal from a penalty corner in the 31st minute, securing the win for India.
- Deepika also emerged as the tournament’s top scorer with 11 goals and was named the player of the tournament.
- In the bronze medal match, Japan defeated Malaysia 4-1 to secure third place.
IMPORTANT DAYS
International Day for Tolerance 2024: Celebrating Tolerance and Promoting Understanding
The United Nations (UN) celebrates the International Day for Tolerance on 16 November each year to raise awareness about the importance of tolerance and encourage understanding, respect, and appreciation for cultural diversity. The day highlights the damaging effects of intolerance and advocates for policies that promote equality and opportunity for all.
Key Points:
- The UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/48/126 in 1993, declaring 1995 as the United Nations Year for Tolerance.
- In 1996, UNGA further proclaimed November 16 as the International Day for Tolerance through Resolution A/RES/51/95.
- The first International Day for Tolerance was observed on 16 November 1996.
