International News

Kiren Rijiju's Representation at Maldives President’s Swearing-In

• Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has recently landed in the Maldives to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected President, Mohamed Muizzu.
• Scheduled for November 17 in Male, this event marks a significant diplomatic engagement for India. Mohamed Muizzu's victory in the presidential runoff holds strategic importance for India, given the Maldives' crucial role as a maritime neighbor in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• This aligns with India’s ‘SAGAR’ vision and the ‘Neighbourhood First Policy.’This event not only reinforces bilateral ties but also underscores the political dynamics in the Maldives.
• Mohamed Muizzu, a close associate of former President Abdulla Yameen, brings with him a unique perspective that demands attention from India.

Pedro Sanchez's Re-Election as Spanish Prime Minister

• Pedro Sanchez, born on February 29, 1972, has successfully secured a second term as the Prime Minister of Spain.
• His razor-thin majority of 179 votes out of 350 lawmakers averted the possibility of a national election. Sanchez, a member of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party, has been a prominent figure in Spanish politics since assuming office in June 2018.
• His political acumen is evident in steering through challenging situations to maintain public confidence.Spain's political landscape has been marked by diverse challenges, including economic uncertainties and regional tensions.
• Sanchez's ability to navigate these complexities and secure re-election speaks to his leadership skills.

State News

Assam’s Merger of SEBA and AHSEC

• The Assam Cabinet has greenlit the merger of the Secondary Education Board of Assam (SEBA) and the Assam Higher Secondary Education Council (AHSEC).
• This unified entity, now named the ‘Assam State School Education Board‘ (ASSEB), aims to elevate the quality of school education in the state.
• The integration of SEBA and AHSEC into ASSEB consolidates the administration of Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations, streamlining the education system.
• This move by the Assam government reflects a broader commitment to revamping the education sector.
• The amalgamation of SEBA and AHSEC not only simplifies administrative processes but also promotes a more cohesive approach to curriculum development and examination standards.

Defence News

Joint Military Exercise “Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2023”

• The ninth edition of the Joint Military exercise, “Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2023,” has commenced in Aundh (Pune) and will run until November 29, 2023.
• Facilitating collaboration between the Indian and Sri Lankan military forces, the exercise focuses on refining joint responses during counter-terrorist operations.
• Tactical activities, including raid missions, search and destroy operations, and heliborne activities, will be rehearsed to enhance operational coordination.
• This joint military exercise is not merely a routine event but a testament to the growing strategic partnership between India and Sri Lanka.
• As both nations face shared security challenges in the region, the importance of synchronized military capabilities cannot be overstated.

Indian Navy’s Launch of ‘Amini’ Anti-Submarine Warfare Craft

• On November 16, 2023, the Indian Navy successfully launched ‘Amini,’ the fourth Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) under the ASW SWC Project.
• These vessels, part of the Arnala class, aim to replace the existing Abhay class ASW Corvettes. With advanced specifications such as a length of 77 meters, a displacement of 900 tons, and a maximum speed of 25 knots, the ASW SWC ships significantly contribute to India's naval capabilities.
• The launch of 'Amini' represents a milestone in India's maritime defense capabilities. The Arnala class of ASW SWC ships, with their cutting-edge technology, enhances India's ability to secure its maritime interests.

Banking News

IndusInd Bank’s Breakthrough with ‘IndusInd Bank Platinum RuPay Credit Card’ on UPI

• IndusInd Bank has marked a significant stride in digital payments with the launch of the ‘IndusInd Bank Platinum RuPay Credit Card’ on the UPI platform.
• In collaboration with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), this initiative enhances the payment experience for RuPay credit cardholders.Enabling seamless UPI transactions for both online and offline scenarios, this integration reflects the bank's commitment to providing versatile and convenient payment options.
• The introduction of the 'IndusInd Bank Platinum RuPay Credit Card' on the UPI platform signals a transformative moment in the digital payment landscape.
• As India transitions towards a cashless economy, innovations like these contribute to the financial inclusion agenda.

RBI’s Imposition of ₹90.92 Lakh Monetary Penalty on Axis Bank

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a substantial monetary penalty of ₹90.92 lakh on Axis Bank Ltd for non-compliance with key directives.
• The penalties relate to various areas, including compliance with the ‘Reserve Bank of India (Know Your Customer (KYC)) Directions, 2016,’ ‘Loans and Advances – Statutory and Other Restrictions,’ and ‘Code of Conduct for Opening and Operating Current Accounts.’
• Axis Bank's lapse in preserving customer identification records was a significant concern addressed by the RBI.
• The RBI's imposition of a monetary penalty underscores the critical importance of regulatory compliance in the banking sector. As financial institutions play a pivotal role in the economic ecosystem, adherence to established guidelines is imperative.

Important Days News

International Students Day 2023

• Celebrated globally on November 17, International Students’ Day 2023 recognizes the resilience and contributions of students worldwide.
• Particularly poignant for those studying abroad, this day acknowledges the challenges of adapting to new cultures, languages, financial hurdles, and
• Its historical significance lies in commemorating the Nazi invasion of a university in Prague in 1939.
• International Students Day goes beyond celebrating academic achievements; it highlights the cultural diversity and global interconnectedness fostered by international education.

National Epilepsy Day 2023

• Observed on November 17 in India, National Epilepsy Day aims to raise awareness about epilepsy and its impact on individuals, families, and society.
• With approximately 50 million people grappling with epilepsy globally, India contributes significantly to this burden.
• The day emphasizes that 70 percent of epilepsy cases can be successfully managed with medication and certain surgeries, shedding light on the importance of understanding and addressing this neurological condition.
• National Epilepsy Day is a crucial initiative in dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding epilepsy. By promoting awareness and education, the day seeks to reduce the stigma associated with the condition

Appointments News

RBI Approves New Directors Of Jio Financial Services

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has greenlit the appointment of key individuals as directors of Jio Financial Services, signifying a strategic move within the financial sector.
• Isha Ambani, a prominent figure in the business world and a key player in the success of Reliance Retail, has been appointed as one of the directors, bringing her expertise to this crucial role.
• Anshuman Thakur, a graduate in Economics and an MBA from IIM-Ahmedabad, adds valuable perspectives to the board.
• Furthermore, Hitesh Kumar Sethia's appointment as Managing Director and CEO of RSIL (Reliance Strategic Investments Limited) reinforces the leadership team's strength and aligns with Reliance's strategic vision.

Biden Appoints Indian American Shakuntla Bhaya To The Administrative Conference Of US

• US President Joe Biden's recent appointments include the noteworthy selection of Indian American Shakuntla L Bhaya as a member of the Council of the Administrative Conference of the United States, showcasing a commitment to diversity and legal expertise.
• Shakuntla L Bhaya, co-owner of the Law Offices of Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz & Bhaya, brings a wealth of legal experience to her new role.
• The Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS), founded in 1964, operates as a self-governing agency within the U.S. government, focusing on advancing the effectiveness, sufficiency, and equity of federal agency procedures in regulatory programs and governmental duties.

Awards News

JSW Bags Award To Develop Greenfield Port In Karnataka For Rs 4,119 Crore

• JSW Infrastructure, a key player in the Indian port sector and part of the JSW Group, has secured an award for developing a state-of-the-art, all-weather, deep-water greenfield port at Keni in Karnataka.
• Valued at Rs.4,119 crore, this port project is a significant step towards enhancing maritime infrastructure and boosting trade in North Karnataka.
• The planned rail connectivity for Keni Port, connected to the existing Konkan line north of the Ankola station, spanning approximately 8 km, adds an additional layer of efficiency to transportation, aligning with India's vision for robust infrastructure.

96th Oscars: Jimmy Kimmel To Host Academy Awards For The Fourth Time

• The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has announced Jimmy Kimmel as the host for the 96th Academy Awards in 2024, marking his second consecutive year and fourth overall.
• Known for his wit and humor, Kimmel's return places him in the esteemed company of those who have hosted the Oscars four times.
• This decision not only reflects Kimmel's popularity but also adds anticipation and a touch of humor to one of the most prestigious events in the film industry.

Sports News

Shami Becomes First Indian Bowler To Claim Seven Wickets In A Single ODI Cricket Match

• Mohammed Shami has etched his name in cricketing history by becoming the first Indian bowler to claim seven wickets in a One Day International (ODI) during India’s World Cup semifinal clash against New Zealand in Mumbai.
• Shami’s stellar performance, concluding with figures of 7/57, played a pivotal role in India’s triumph over New Zealand, surpassing the previous record held by Stuart Binny.
• This achievement not only celebrates Shami's prowess but also contributes to India's cricketing legacy.

Miscellaneous News

Indian Skydiver Shital Mahajan Makes History Near Mt Everest

• Indian skydiver Shital Mahajan has made history by performing a daring skydive from a helicopter at a staggering height of 21,500 ft near Mt Everest.
• Her remarkable feat makes her the first woman to accomplish such a daring skydive, showcasing skill and courage.
• Mahajan skillfully landed at Kalapatthar peak, adding another achievement to her illustrious career, which includes several skydiving records and being honored with the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, in 2001.

Hello Naariyal’ Call Centre Launched By CDB

• The Coconut Development Board (CDB) has launched the “Hello Naariyal” Friends of Coconut Trees (FoCT) call centre facility to support coconut farmers and enhance coconut cultivation practices.
• This initiative serves as a dedicated platform to address the needs of coconut growers, offering expert guidance and services related to coconut cultivation.
• The "Hello Naariyal" initiative aims to foster better coconut harvesting and plant management operations, contributing to the overall growth of the coconut industry.