National News

1. IIT Madras Revolutionizes Incubator Information Sharing

• IIT Madras, through its Institute of Eminence Research Centre, the Centre for Research on Startups and Risk Financing (CREST), has introduced a groundbreaking information platform for incubators and accelerators.
• Developed in collaboration with YNOS, a startup incubated at IIT Madras, this platform seeks to centralize comprehensive information on incubators and accelerators throughout India.
• This initiative addresses the challenge of scattered information, offering a single, easily accessible location for relevant data.
• Given the crucial role incubators and accelerators play in supporting startups within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, this development marks a significant step towards fostering innovation.

2. Shillong Set to Host 11th International Tourism Mart

• The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, is organizing the 11th edition of the International Tourism Mart in Shillong, Meghalaya, from November 21st to 23rd, 2023.
• This annual event serves as a vital platform for stakeholders in the North Eastern States to engage with counterparts from across the country and international markets.
• With a focus on promoting the unique tourism potential, biodiversity, and rich cultural heritage of the North East Region (NER), the event is anticipated to host approximately 100 delegates, both domestic and international.
• The Union Minister of Tourism, Culture, and DoNER, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, will inaugurate the event, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in advancing the tourism sector.

International News

3. Argentina's Political Landscape Altered by Milei's Victory

• Argentina recently experienced a seismic shift in its political landscape with Javier Milei, a self-described anarcho-capitalist and right-wing populist, securing a decisive victory in the presidential runoff.
• This outcome, with 6% of votes tallied, marks the most significant mandate since Argentina's return to democracy in 1983.
• Milei's win, with 55.8% of the votes, signifies a clear mandate for change and a rejection of the status quo.
• The victory promises a radical overhaul of the state in response to the nation's deep-seated discontent with issues like soaring inflation and increasing poverty.
• This election outcome not only reflects the will of the people but also sets the stage for transformative changes in Argentina's political and economic landscape.

4. Indo-Australian Defense Talks Focus on Maritime Security

• In a recent bilateral meeting, defense ministers Rajnath Singh of India and Richard Marles of Australia explored avenues to enhance their defense partnership.
• Discussions centered around strategic collaborations in hydrography and the potential for joint air-to-air refueling, aiming to bolster maritime security and surveillance capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• This collaboration underscores the growing importance of cooperative efforts in addressing regional security challenges.
• The commitment to joint initiatives reflects a shared vision for maintaining stability and security in the strategically significant Indian Ocean.

State News

5. Uttar Pradesh Government Takes Stand on Halal Certified Products

• The Uttar Pradesh government has taken a bold step by imposing an immediate ban on the production, storage, distribution, and sale of halal certified products within the state.
• This decision, affecting a wide range of items from dairy products to cosmetic products, is driven by concerns related to labeling and potential violations of government rules.
• The ban aims to address confusion about food quality arising from the certification of products like oil, sugar, toothpaste, and spices.
• The Uttar Pradesh government emphasizes the need for certification to be exclusively done by authorized bodies such as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
• This move aligns with efforts to ensure transparency and adherence to regulatory standards in the food industry.

6. Gyanodaya Express: Revolutionizing Education in J&K

• Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, flagged off the Gyanodaya Express from the Katra railway station, marking a revolutionary initiative in education.
• Also known as the "College on Wheels," this project aims to empower around 700 girl students from universities in the Union Territory.
• The Gyanodaya Express seeks to revolutionize education by fostering immersive, collaborative, and project-based learning experiences, aligning with Gandhi's principles of Satya and Ahimsa.
• This unique initiative sets a precedent for innovative educational endeavors in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the importance of universal and eternal values in shaping the future of society.

Banking News

7. RBI Contemplates Overhaul of Penalty Framework for Banks

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is contemplating a comprehensive review of its penalty system with potential changes that include increased penalty amounts and additional capital charges on regulated entities.
• This initiative aligns with the RBI's broader goal of enhancing corporate governance standards within regulated entities.
• By emphasizing the importance of robust governance structures, the central bank aims to maintain the stability and integrity of the financial system.
• The proposed changes reflect a proactive approach to address evolving challenges in the banking sector, highlighting the RBI's commitment to ensuring the soundness and reliability of the financial system.

8. World AMR Awareness Week 2023 (November 18-24): Combating Antimicrobial Resistance Together

• The World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week, spanning from November 18 to 24, 2023, aims to address the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
• The theme for WAAW 2023, "Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together," echoes the previous year's focus.
• AMR poses a significant threat to humanity, animals, plants, and the environment, impacting our interconnected world.
• The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) warns that if unaddressed, AMR could push 24 million people into extreme poverty and lead to trillions of dollars in lost GDP over the next decade.

9. World Children’s Day 2023: Advocating for Every Child’s Right

• World Children’s Day, celebrated annually on November 20, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 by the UN General Assembly.
• The theme for 2023, "For every child, every right," underscores the commitment to uphold the rights outlined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
• This day serves as a platform to raise awareness about child rights and welfare, encouraging individuals from various professions to reflect on the small choices they can make to positively contribute to the younger generation.

10. World Television Day 2023: Recognizing the Power of Visual Media

• World Television Day, observed globally on November 21, goes beyond considering TV as a mere electronic device.
• In 1996, the United Nations organized the first World Television Forum on November 21.
• According to the United Nations, World Television Day serves as a reminder of the power of visual media, its role in global communication, and the responsibility to deliver truthful information in a world where trust in media is crucial.

Schemes News

11. Government’s ‘Skills On Wheels’ Initiative: Empowering Rural Communities

• In a significant move to empower rural communities, the Government is set to launch the ‘Skills On Wheels’
• This initiative aims to deliver skill training directly to the doorsteps of rural individuals, with a particular focus on equipping rural youth, especially women, with foundational digital skills.
• The training covers essential digital skills, emphasizing the use of digital public infrastructure, including Aadhaar, Digilocker, and UPI. Additionally, the program aims to educate participants on obtaining a driving license.
• The digital skills component encompasses various aspects, such as using mobile phones for sharing multimedia content, engaging in instant messaging, downloading apps, and creating videos.

Appointments News

12. Vinay Tonse Appointed as MD of SBI: Leadership in Banking

• The Government of India has appointed Vinay M. Tonse as the Managing Director of the State Bank of India (SBI) until November 30, 2025.
• This appointment fills the vacancy left in June after the appointment of Swaminathan Janakiraman as Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank.
• The decision was taken after the recommendation of the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB). The final decision was made by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Awards News

13. Uttar Pradesh Bags First Prize For Best State In Inland Fisheries: Recognizing Excellence

• Uttar Pradesh, under the leadership of the Yogi Adityanath government, has secured the prestigious ‘Best State’ award for inland fisheries (plain areas).
• The state will receive this accolade at the two-day Global Fisheries Conference-2023 in Delhi on November 21 and 22.
• The success in fisheries is highlighted by the remarkable increase in fish production, reaching 9.15 lakh metric tonnes compared to last year’s 8.09 lakh metric tonnes.
• This achievement is further underscored by the implementation of 31 projects under the Pradhan Mantri Sampada Yojna in Uttar Pradesh.

Books & Authors News

14. Prasoon Joshi Launches Dr. Hema Joshi’s Book ‘Do Palkon Ki Chhavn Main’: Literary Exploration

• Prasoon Joshi, celebrated poet, lyricist, and Chief of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), recently unveiled ‘Do Palkon Ki Chhavn Main,’ a book authored by the esteemed academician Dr. Hema Joshi.
• The book, a fictionalized account, intricately weaves together the author’s literary prowess with her deep affection for two Indian cities – Almora, her birthplace, and Prayagraj, where she spent her later years.
• Capturing the essence of these cities, the book beautifully represents Almora’s romantic charm and Prayagraj’s challenges, contributing to Dr. Hema Joshi’s resilience and character development.

Sports News

15. Novak Djokovic Wins Record Seventh ATP Finals Title: Tennis Triumph

• Novak Djokovic made history on November 19 by securing his seventh ATP Finals title in Turin, Italy. The world number one defeated local favorite Jannik Sinner with a commanding 6-3, 6-3 victory.
• This triumph places Djokovic ahead of the retired Roger Federer in ATP Finals victories, capping off a remarkable season with three Grand Slam wins, bringing his total to a record-breaking 24, and claiming his 40th Masters 1000
• Djokovic’s success in 2023 adds another chapter to his illustrious tennis career.