National news
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Launches India’s First Indigenous Antibiotic Nafithromycin
Union Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, has launched Nafithromycin, India’s first indigenous antibiotic designed to combat drug-resistant infections. Addressing the launch event in New Delhi, Dr. Singh highlighted that Nafithromycin offers a three-day treatment regimen for drug-resistant pneumonia, which causes over two million deaths annually worldwide. The minister also noted the significant support provided to researchers since 2014, with Prime Minister’s personal intervention playing a crucial role in advancing such innovations.
- Developed with the support of the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), Nafithromycin, marketed under the name Miqnaf, is a major step towards addressing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and is a breakthrough in Made in India pharmaceutical solutions.
BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) :
- Established : 2012
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India
- Chairman: Dr. Rajesh S Gokhale
Prasar Bharati Launches OTT Platform WAVES at IFFI
Prasar Bharati, India’s national public broadcaster, has launched its OTT platform, WAVES, at the opening ceremony of the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. WAVES aims to meet the growing demand for digital streaming services while also reviving nostalgic Indian shows like Ramayan, Mahabharat, Shaktimaan, and Hum Log. The platform emphasizes family-friendly entertainment, offering a mix of timeless classics and modern digital trends.
- In addition to shows, WAVES features news, documentaries, regional content, and live events. The platform boasts content in over 12 languages and covers more than 10 genres, including women-centric content, animation, and regional programming. Notably, it offers live streaming of channels like Doordarshan and Akashvani, along with live events such as Prabhu Shriram Lalla Aarti and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat. WAVES also features live events like the upcoming US Premier League Cricket Tournament.
- WAVES stands out for its clean, family-oriented entertainment and its wide range of services, including video on demand, free-to-play gaming, radio streaming, and live TV streaming, supported by an e-commerce platform.
IFFI : International Film Festival of India.
- Established: 1952.
- Headquarters: Goa, India.
- Chairman: Ashutosh Gowariker
International news
India and Guyana Sign Ten Agreements to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation
India and Guyana have signed ten agreements to enhance cooperation in various sectors such as health, hydrocarbons, agriculture, and more. The Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) cover areas including medical products, the Janaushadhi scheme, a Cultural Exchange Programme, the deployment of a UPI-like system in Guyana, and collaboration in broadcasting between Prasar Bharati and National Communications Network. Another MoU was signed between National Defence Institute, Guyana and Rashtriya Raksha University, Gujarat.
- The agreements followed delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali of Guyana. In a joint statement, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve global issues, and highlighted climate justice as a shared priority. He also praised the defense cooperation between the two nations, citing the supply of Dornier aircraft by India to Guyana. Additionally, India’s role as a major supplier of pharmaceutical products to Guyana was acknowledged, and the establishment of Jan Aushadhi Kendras in Guyana was discussed.
- President Irfaan Ali lauded Prime Minister Modi for his leadership and referred to him as a ‘champion among leaders’. The two leaders also planted a sapling in Georgetown under the ‘Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam’ initiative.
- Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Guyana is a historic one, marking the first time in 56 years that an Indian Prime Minister has visited the country. He was received with great warmth and accorded a Ceremonial Guard of Honour at State House in Georgetown. During his visit, Modi will address the Guyana Parliament, meet cricketers, and engage with the Indian diaspora in the country.
About Guyana:
- Currency: Guyana Dollar (GYD)
- Prime Minister: Mark Anthony Phillips
- Capital: Georgetown
Japan Announced as Official Partner Country for the 25th Hornbill Festival in Nagaland
Japan has been announced as the official partner country for the 25th edition of Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival, alongside Wales. This partnership, solidified through meetings between Nagaland’s Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and representatives from the Japanese Embassy, marks a significant milestone in the festival’s history.
The Hornbill Festival, set to take place from December 1-10 at Kisama near Kohima, will feature Japanese cultural performances, workshops on handicrafts, and sessions on bamboo products, with renowned Japanese artists and experts leading the activities. This collaboration highlights a unique fusion of cultures and enhances the global reach of the festival.
ABOUT NAGALAND:
- Nagaland Chief Minister: Neiphiu Rio
- Capital of Nagaland: Kohima
National Park in Nagaland:
- Kohima Nature Park
- Intanki National Park
- Puliebadze Wildlife Sanctuary
India and Japan Sign Memorandum of Implementation for Co-Development of UNICORN Mast for Indian Navy
On November 15, 2024, the Government of India (GoI) and the Government of Japan signed a Memorandum of Implementation (MOI) for the co-development of the Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN) mast, to be fitted onboard Indian Navy ships. This is India’s first military technology transfer pact with Japan under the India-Japan Defence Technology Cooperation (IJDTC).
Key Points:
- UNICORN mast is a stealth-enhancing conical structure housing antennas, developed by NEC Corporation, Sampa Kogyo K.K., and The Yokohama Rubber Company Limited in Japan.
- The mast will be installed on Indian Navy warships, aiming to enhance technological and stealth capabilities.
- The initiative marks the first co-development and co-production of defense equipment between India and Japan.
- Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, will collaborate with Japan for the mast’s development and induction.
About Japan
- Japan Prime Minister: Shigeru Ishiba,
- Capital of Japan: Tokyo
- Currency of Japan: Japanese Yen (JPY)
Banking news
RBI Designates SBI, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank as Domestic Systemically Important Banks for 2024
Key Points:
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has designated State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank as Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs) for 2024.
- These banks are classified as ‘too big to fail’, meaning they must maintain higher Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital buffers to ensure financial stability.
Specific Requirements:
- SBI remains in bucket 1 and requires an additional CET1 buffer of 0.80%.
- HDFC Bank, in bucket 2, has a 0.40% CET1 buffer requirement.
- ICICI Bank is in bucket 1, needing a 0.20% CET1 buffer.
Changes and Timelines:
- The higher D-SIB surcharges for SBI (0.80%) and HDFC Bank (0.40%) will apply starting April 1, 2025.
- Until March 31, 2025, the surcharge for SBI is 0.60% and for HDFC Bank is 0.20%.
Background:
- The RBI’s D-SIB classification is based on a bank’s size, complexity, and interconnectedness within the financial system.
- The classification is updated annually, with the framework being established in 2014 and updated in 2023.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
- Governor: Shaktikanta Das (as of 2024)
- Established: 1st April 1935
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Tagline: ” India’s Central Bank”
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
UNWTO Recognizes 55 Villages as Best Tourism Villages for 2024
On 15th November 2024, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) announced the names of 55 villages that have been recognized as the Best Tourism Villages for 2024. This initiative highlights rural destinations that contribute to sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and community development. Notable villages included in this year’s list are Caviahue-Copahue (Argentina), Sibayo (Peru), Xito (China), and Tra Que Vegetable Village (Vietnam), among others.
The villages were selected from over 260 applications across 60 UN Tourism Member states. Seven villages, including Ruboni (Uganda) and Bo Suak (Thailand), were selected from the BTV Upgrade Programme. Additionally, 20 villages were chosen for the Upgrade Programme for 2024, with Dhudmaras village in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, being the only Indian village featured on the list.
About UNWTO:
- Secretary-General: Zurab Pololikashvili
- Headquarters: Madrid, Spain
- Established: 1970
Important days
UN World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2024
The United Nations (UN) observes the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDOR) every year on the 3rd Sunday of November to honor the lives lost and affected by road traffic accidents. This year, WDOR 2024 will be observed on November 17, 2024.
The theme for WDOR 2024 is “Remember. Support. Act.“, emphasizing the need for remembrance of the victims, support for their families, and action to improve road safety worldwide
KEY POINTS:
On October 26, 2005, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) passed resolution A/RES/60/5, which officially designated the 3rd Sunday in November as the day for this global observance, aimed at improving road safety and preventing road traffic injuries.
This day serves as a call to action for governments, organizations, and individuals to raise awareness and take steps to reduce road traffic accidents and support those affected by them.
International Students’ Day 2024: Celebrating Diversity and Academic Freedom
International Students’ Day is celebrated annually on November 17 to honor multiculturalism, diversity, and teamwork among students, and to advocate for equal educational opportunities for all children worldwide. In 2024, the day marks its 84th observance.
- KEY POINTS :
This day commemorates the events that followed the Nazi invasion of Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic in 1939. When students protested the occupation during World War II, the Nazis responded by closing universities, arresting hundreds of students, and executing nine student leaders. The courage and sacrifice of these students for academic freedom and human rights led to the establishment of this day. - First observed on November 17, 1941, by the International Students’ Council in London, UK.
