National News

Anurag Thakur Launched Inaugural VFX And Tech Pavilion At 54th IFFI

• At the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, unveiled the groundbreaking VFX and Tech Pavilion.
• This inaugural pavilion, a remarkable addition to the Film Bazaar by NFDC at IFFI, serves as a focal point for showcasing cutting-edge film-making technology.
• Encompassing animation, visual effects, virtual reality, and CGI, it promises to reveal the exciting possibilities and advancements in moviemaking.
• The Pavilion aims to bring forth innovations such as virtual worlds, intelligent characters, and personalized experiences, marking a significant stride in the cinematic landscape.

International News

Union Minister Shri Anurag Singh Thakur Launches 17th Film Bazaar At IFFI, Goa

• In Goa, Union Minister Shri Anurag Singh Thakur inaugurated the 17th edition of the Film Bazaar, the largest South Asian film market, held at Marriott Resort.
• Organized by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), this event, now in its 17th year, stands as the fifth-largest and most globalized industry of its kind.
• The Film Bazaar plays a crucial role in connecting local filmmakers with global producers and distributors, fostering collaboration and the exchange of creative ideas on an international scale.
• It serves as a vibrant platform, propelling the South Asian film industry onto the global stage.

State News

“Ghol” Fish Declared State Fish Of Gujarat

• The 'Ghol' fish has achieved official recognition as the state fish of Gujarat, a move aimed at acknowledging and promoting the rich aquatic biodiversity of the region.
• Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel made this announcement during the inaugural ceremony of the first Global Fisheries Conference India 2023 at Gujarat Science City.
• Scientifically known as Protonibea diacanthus, the Ghol fish holds cultural and economic significance in many coastal communities.
• Also referred to as the Black Spotted Croaker fish, its wide distribution in the Indo-Pacific region underlines its importance in the marine ecosystem.

Defence News

Indo-US Joint Special Forces Exercise “VAJRA PRAHAR 2023” Commences In Meghalaya

• The 14th edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise, "VAJRA PRAHAR 2023," has commenced at the Joint Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya.
• Initiated in 2010, this exercise exemplifies the robust partnership between the Indian Army and the US Army Special Forces.
• Focused on the exchange of best practices and experiences, it emphasizes joint mission planning and operational tactics.
• With the ongoing 14th edition from November 21 to December 11, 2023, hosted at Umroi Cantonment, Meghalaya, VAJRA PRAHAR signifies the continued commitment to mutual learning and interoperability.

Banking News

Private Banks Make Largest Single-Day Govt Bond Purchase In 7 Years

• Indian private sector banks have orchestrated a significant shift in the country's financial landscape by collectively making the largest single-session acquisition of government bonds in seven years.
• The net value of government bonds purchased in a single session reached 43 billion rupees ($1 billion), marking the most substantial purchase since November 15, 2016.
• This move reflects a strategic shift in investment patterns, signaling the evolving dynamics of India's banking sector.

Govt Cancels IDBI Bank Asset Valuer Appointing Bid, Fresh RFP To Be Issued

• The government has taken a decisive step in the strategic sale of IDBI Bank Ltd by canceling the bid process for appointing an asset valuer.
• The decision, prompted by limited interest with only a single bid received, aims to attract broader participation.
• The strategic sale process, initiated by DIPAM on September 1, sought bids for appointing an asset valuer, with the original deadline set for October 9, later extended to October 30.
• This cancellation underscores the government's commitment to ensuring a transparent and competitive sale process.

Important Days News

World Fisheries Day 2023

• November 21st annually marks World Fisheries Day, emphasizing the significance of sustainable fisheries management.
• This global event sheds light on the critical role of small-scale fishers in ensuring food security and livelihoods for millions worldwide.
• Originating in 1997, the event has its roots in the "World Forum of Fish Harvesters & Fish Workers," held in New Delhi.
• World Fisheries Day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the challenges facing fisheries, including overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change.

Schemes News

SATHI Program Faces Cancellation Under Department Of Science And Technology

• The cancellation of the SATHI (Sophisticated Analytical and Technical Help Institutes) program under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has raised concerns about its potential impact on research funding.
• Launched in 2020, the program aimed to establish centers equipped with advanced analytical instruments, fostering collaboration and resource-sharing among institutions.
• The cancellation comes amidst the anticipated introduction of the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the potential influence of the private sector in shaping the research landscape.

7 Comprehensive Changes In Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS)

• The Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) under the Ministry of Finance has introduced seven comprehensive changes in the Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS).
• This government-sponsored savings instrument, designed for individuals aged 60 years or employees aged 55 years or more but less than 60 years, has undergone substantial modifications.
• Notably, the maximum deposit limit for SCSS has been raised to Rs 30 lakh from Rs 15 lakh, effective from April 1, 2023, aligning with the announcement made in Budget 2023.
• These changes aim to enhance the scheme's attractiveness and better cater to the financial needs of senior citizens.

Appointments News

Microsoft Names Aparna Gupta As Leader Of Global Delivery Center

• Microsoft recently welcomed Aparna Gupta as the leader of the Global Delivery Center (GDC). In her new role, Ms. Gupta is positioned to drive customer innovation and delivery excellence, contributing significantly to Microsoft's commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions globally.
• The Global Delivery Center, serving as the delivery arm of Industry Solutions Delivery, has expanded its footprint to include locations in Bangalore and Noida.
• Aparna Gupta, with over 25 years of industry expertise and extensive Microsoft experience, brings a wealth of knowledge to her role.
• Having joined Microsoft six years ago as the India lead for Commercial Software Engineering, she has consistently made positive contributions to the business.

Mamata Banerjee Names Sourav Ganguly As The ‘Brand Ambassador Of Bengal’

• Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has appointed former cricketer Sourav Ganguly as the 'Brand Ambassador of Bengal.'
• This announcement, made at the Bengal Global Business Summit 2023, reflects the Chief Minister's vision of leveraging Ganguly's popularity for the betterment of the state, especially for the young generation.
• The summit witnessed the unveiling of ambitious policies aimed at transforming the economic landscape of Bengal, showcasing the state's commitment to progress and development.

Sports News

ICC Moves Men’s U-19 World Cup From Sri Lanka To South Africa

• In a significant move, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has relocated the men's Under-19 World Cup from Sri Lanka to South Africa.
• This decision follows the ICC's provisional suspension of Sri Lanka Cricket due to concerns about government interference.
• The shift was formally approved at an ICC Board meeting in Ahmedabad, underlining the organization's commitment to maintaining the integrity of international cricket.

ICC Bans Transgender Players From International Women’s Cricket

• The ICC has implemented a ban on transgender players participating in international women's cricket at the highest level, aligning with the International Olympic Committee's guidelines.
• This decision comes after Canada's Danielle McGahey became the first transgender cricketer to participate in an official international match.
• The move reflects the ICC's dedication to ensuring fair play and adherence to international sporting guidelines.

ICC To Introduce Stop Clock To Regulate Pace Of Play

• Cricket's governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC), is set to introduce shot clocks in men's One Day International (ODIs) and T20 International (T20Is) matches to regulate and enhance the pace of play.
• The trial, scheduled to run from December to April, involves imposing penalty runs on the bowling side if they fail to start a new over within 60 seconds on three occasions during a match.
• This innovative approach is part of the ICC's broader efforts to make the game more dynamic and engaging for fans.

Miscellaneous News

IISR-Kozhikode Develops New High-Yielding Pepper Variety

• The Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) in Kozhikode has achieved a breakthrough in agriculture with the development of a high-yielding black pepper variety named 'IISR Chandra.'
• By crossing the Cholamundi and Thommankodi pepper varieties, the research team has created a variety with a long spike, compact setting, and bold berries.
• 'IISR Chandra' has the potential to yield an impressive 5 kg of pepper per vine, surpassing currently cultivated varieties in spike intensity.
• This development is poised to benefit farmers and contribute to the spice industry's growth.

IIT Ropar Discovers Rare Metal ‘Tantalum’ In Sutlej River, Punjab

• In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Ropar, have identified the presence of tantalum, a rare metal, in the sand of the Sutlej River in Punjab.
• Tantalum, known for its high melting point and ductility, plays a crucial role in the electronic sector.
• Capacitors made from tantalum can store more electricity in smaller sizes with minimal leakage compared to other capacitor types.
• This discovery opens new possibilities for the utilization of tantalum in various technological applications.