National News

President Of India Launches ‘New Education For New India’ Campaign In Odisha

• In a momentous event, President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the 'New Education for New India' campaign by Brahma Kumaris in Sambalpur, Odisha on November 22, 2023.
• The President underscored the pivotal role of moral education in shaping responsible citizens and fostering a positive societal outlook.
• This campaign seeks to instill moral values in students, aiming to contribute to the creation of a better society.
• Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya's initiatives in character-building and self-realization are acknowledged as valuable contributions to the pursuit of happiness and peace.

International News

Diplomatic Breakthrough in Israel-Hamas Conflict

• A significant diplomatic breakthrough has been achieved in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. As part of the truce deal, Palestinian militants are set to release 50 women and children who were kidnapped during a raid into southern Israel on October 7.
• The agreement also includes a four-day truce for besieged Gaza residents after weeks of intense warfare.
• The Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed happiness about the pending partial release, highlighting the lack of clarity regarding specific individuals.
• Hamas welcomed the "humanitarian truce," indicating that 150 Palestinians would be released from Israeli

ASEAN-India Millet Festival 2023 Takes Center Stage

• The collaborative effort between the Indian Mission to ASEAN and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, the ASEAN-India Millet Festival 2023, is underway in South Jakarta, Indonesia, from November 22 to 26.
• The festival features the participation of five Indian Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and two start-ups, showcasing innovative millet-added products like cookies, namkeen, khakhra, cakes, and more.
• This five-day event aims to raise awareness about millets and signifies a step towards implementing the ASEAN-India Joint Leaders’ Statement on Strengthening Food Security and Nutrition in Response to Crises.

State News

Global Recognition for Kerala's Responsible Tourism Mission

• Kerala's trailblazing Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission has gained global recognition by earning a spot on the prestigious list of Case Studies curated by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
• Launched on October 20, 2017, by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the RT Mission, designated as the nodal agency by the Government of Kerala, is responsible for disseminating and implementing the principles and initiatives of Responsible Tourism throughout the state.

Meghalaya's Initiative for Water Conservation Awareness

• Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma launched the 'Meghalaya Water Smart Kid Campaign' to instill a sense of responsibility and awareness among the younger generation regarding water conservation.
• Operating under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), this initiative aims to educate children about the vital importance of water conservation.
• To address the pressing need for water conservation and sustainability, the Meghalaya State Government is constructing 1000 water reservoirs to harness water effectively.

Defence News

AUSTRAHIND-23: Strengthening Military Bonds

• An Indian Armed Forces contingent, representing all three services, has embarked on a journey to Perth for the second edition of AustraHind-23 – a collaborative military exercise with Australia.
• Spanning from Nov 22 to Dec 6, this joint exercise aims to enhance inter-operability and conduct multi-domain operations in urban and semi-urban terrains, adhering to the United Nations peacekeeping operations protocol.
• The diverse Indian contingent includes 60 personnel from a battalion of the esteemed Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army, an officer from the Indian Navy, and 20 personnel from the Indian Air Force.
• The exercise emphasizes collaborative efforts for global peace and security.

Indian Navy's Strategic Deployment in Mozambique

• Indian Naval Ship Sumedha arrived at Maputo, Mozambique, on November 21, 2023, as part of the ongoing Extended Operational Deployment to Africa.
• This strategic port call aims to strengthen long-standing diplomatic relations, enhance maritime cooperation, and promote interoperability between the Indian and Mozambican navies.
• The regular deployment of Indian Naval ships overseas aligns with the Indian Navy’s mission of building ‘bridges of friendship’ and fostering international cooperation with friendly nations.

Business News

Nippon Life India AIF Ventures Into Private Credit

• In response to regulatory changes and the withdrawal of banks and mutual funds from promoter funding, Nippon Life India Asset Management has entered the private credit realm.
• The Nippon Life India Alternative Investment Fund aims to mobilize a substantial ₹1,000 crore, targeting investors such as high-net-worth individuals and family offices.
• Already investing ₹100 crore in two strategic deals, the fund is poised for further growth with a green shoe option to secure an additional ₹1,000 crore.
• Nippon focuses on investments ranging between ₹50 crore and ₹100 crore per deal, emphasizing an average maturity of 2.5 to 3 years.

Summits & Conferences News

Bengal Global Business Summit 2023 - Mamata Banerjee Announces Rs 3.76 Trillion Investment

• The 7th edition of the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) concluded with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee unveiling investment commitments worth an impressive Rs 3.76 trillion.
• Attended by representatives from approximately 40 countries, the summit received superb encouragement, according to Banerjee.
• Emphasizing Bengal’s strategic position as the gateway to the North East of India, with proximity to Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, she also highlighted its accessibility to international hubs such as Singapore, Bangkok, and Malaysia.
• The Chief Minister expressed confidence in Bengal emerging as a future industrial powerhouse.

CII India Nordic Baltic Business Conclave 2023 - Fostering Innovation and Technology Collaboration

• The 2nd edition of the CII India Nordic Baltic Business Conclave, taking place in New Delhi on 22-23 November 2023, aims to foster collaboration between India and the Nordic Baltic Eight (NB8) countries.
• The NB8, consisting of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden, represents a formidable force in innovation and technology.
• This collaboration holds immense promise, particularly given India’s increasing emphasis on technology as a driver of economic growth.

Ranks & Reports News

PARAKH's State Educational Achievement Survey (SEAS) 2023 - A Milestone in Education

• PARAKH, the national assessment regulator, marked a significant milestone in the education sector with the successful implementation of the State Educational Achievement Survey (SEAS) 2023 on 3rd November 2023.
• Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, PARAKH was established in January 2023 by NCERT.
• The SEAS 2023 aimed to identify areas for improvement in student learning across various grades, focusing on Language and Mathematics at the end of foundational, preparatory, and middle educational stages.

Appoitments News

Girish Chandra Murmu - India’s CAG Elected Vice-Chair Of UN External Auditors’ Panel

• Girish Chandra Murmu, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, has been elected as the vice-chair of the UN Panel of External Auditors.
• This recognition not only highlights India’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of external audit but also showcases its active role in shaping the global audit landscape.
• The independent body is composed of representatives from 12 countries, conducting financial, performance, and compliance audits of UN entities, ensuring transparency and accountability in the organization’s financial activities.

Sports News

Max Verstappen Triumphs in Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023 - Formula One World Champion

• Max Verstappen secured victory at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, outpacing Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc and Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez.
• Max Emilian Verstappen, a Belgian and Dutch racing driver, is the reigning Formula One World Champion.
• The event witnessed a thrilling final lap as Ferrari’s Leclerc overtook Perez to clinch second place, while British star Lando Norris faced a third-lap crash at 180mph, resulting in a hospitalization. Lewis Hamilton finished seventh.

Obituaries News

P. Valsala - Award-winning Malayalam Writer Passes Away at 85

• Malayalam writer P. Valsala, renowned for her critically acclaimed work 'Nellu,' passed away at the age of 85 in Kozhikode.
• Her literary contributions extended beyond novels to include over 20 novels, 300 short stories, biographies, and travelogues.
• Born in August 1938, P. Valsala received the Sahitya Akademi Award and Ezhuthachchan Puraskaram for her outstanding contributions to Malayalam literature.
• 'Nellu,' a masterpiece exploring the lives of tribal communities in Wayanad, stands as a cultural and literary heritage.

Miscellaneous News

Cyclone ‘Michaung’ Alert in Bay of Bengal - Fourth Storm This Year

• The Bay of Bengal is on high alert as meteorological conditions indicate the potential development of Cyclone ‘Michaung,’ marking the fourth storm in the region this year.
• Following the impact of cyclonic storm ‘Midhili’ on northeastern states, the upcoming storm is anticipated to affect regions including India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
• Originating in the Gulf of Thailand, meteorological conditions suggest the potential for cyclonic circulation.

Kishtwar Saffron Receives GI Tag - Cultural Heritage Recognized

• Kishtwar saffron, cultivated in the Kishtwar Region of Jammu and Kashmir, has been bestowed with the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
• The spice, with its Sanskrit name ‘Kum-Kum’ or ‘Lohit,’ stands as a cultural heritage in the region.
• Used not only in cooking but also in medicines and Hindu traditions, saffron holds cultural and religious significance.
• Its recognition as a GI product further emphasizes its unique qualities tied to its geographical origin.