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Saule Biluvaite’s Film ‘Toxic’ Wins Golden Peacock Award at 55th IFFI 2024

The  closing ceremony of 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2024, was held on 28 November in Panaji, Goa. Saule Biluvaite’s Toxic won the prestigious Golden Peacock Award, receiving a ₹40 lakh cash prize, a trophy, and a certificate.

Clement Faveau won Best Actor Male, while Vesta Matulyte and Leva Repuikaite shared the Best Actor Female award for their performances in Toxic.

In the Indian section, Navjot Bandiwadekar was honored as Best Debut Director for Gharat Ganpati, and Lampan received the Best Web Series OTT award. Vikrant Massey was celebrated as the Indian Film Personality of the Year.

The ceremony featured cultural performances by Mame Khan and Amaal Malik and was attended by dignitaries like Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant, I&B Secretary Sanjay Jaju, and Bollywood icons such as Madhur Bhandarkar, Rashmika Mandanna, and Jayaprada.

Masato Kanda elected as President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Masato Kanda has been unanimously elected as the 11th President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) by its Board of Governors. Currently serving as Special Advisor to Japan’s Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Kanda will assume office in February 2025, succeeding Masatsugu Asakawa. His term will conclude on 23 November 2026.

ADB, founded in 1966 and headquartered in Manila, Philippines, focuses on social and economic development in Asia. It started with 31 members and now has 68, including members of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific and non-regional developed countries.

India climbs 11 places in the Network Readiness Index 2024 (NRI 2024), securing the 49th rank globally

India has climbed 11 places in the Network Readiness Index 2024 (NRI 2024), securing the 49th rank globally, as announced on 27 November 2024. Published by the Portulans Institute, the index evaluates 133 economies across four pillars—technology, people, governance, and impact—using 54 variables. India’s score improved significantly from 49.93 in 2023 to 53.63 in 2024.

India leads globally in several indicators:

  • 1st place: AI scientific publications, AI talent concentration, and ICT services exports.
  • 2nd place: FTTH/Building Internet subscriptions and mobile broadband internet traffic.
  • 3rd place: Domestic market scale.
  • 4th place: Annual investment in telecommunication services.

Key achievements include:

  • Rising teledensity from 75.2% to 84.69% over the past decade.
  • Increasing internet subscribers from 25.1 crore to 94.4 crore, largely driven by the Digital India initiative.
  • Boosting global mobile broadband speed rankings from 118th to 15th, following the launch of 5G in 2022.

India is now focusing on next-gen technologies with the Bharat 6G Vision, aiming to solidify its leadership in telecom innovation.

JMM Leader Hemant Soren Becomes Chief Minister of Jharkhand for the Fourth Time

Hemant Soren, the leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), is set to take the oath as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand for the fourth time on 28 November 2024. This follows the recent state elections where his JMM-led coalition secured a decisive victory, winning 56 out of the 81 Assembly seats. The swearing-in ceremony will take place at 4 pm at the Morabadi Ground in Ranchi, with Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar administering the oath.

Soren’s victory marks a significant moment in Jharkhand’s political history, as it is the first time an incumbent government has returned to power after completing a full five-year term. The JMM achieved its highest-ever tally, winning 34 of the 43 seats it contested, while its allies, the Congress and RJD, secured 16 and four seats respectively.

The ceremony is expected to be attended by several prominent leaders from the INDIA bloc, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. In his victory speech, Soren expressed gratitude to the people of Jharkhand for their continued trust and emphasized the importance of unity and social justice.

43rd India International Trade Fair (IITF) concluded on 27 November 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

The 43rd India International Trade Fair (IITF) concluded on 27 November 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The theme for this year’s fair was “Viksit Bharat at 2047”. An award ceremony was held on the final day, recognizing achievements in various categories:

  • Partner States: Bihar and Uttar Pradesh won gold.
  • Focus State: Jharkhand secured gold.
  • Ministries and Departments: The Ministry of Mines received gold, while the Ayush Ministry earned silver.
  • States and UTs: Puducherry won gold, Meghalaya got silver, and Karnataka was awarded bronze.

Pradeep Singh Kharola, Managing Director of ITPO, shared that over 10 lakh visitors attended the fair. Executive Director Premjit Lal highlighted the fair’s role as a global platform for traders to exchange ideas and grow their businesses. The event saw a significant response from visitors and exhibitors, showcasing diverse regional products.

National Milk Day (26 November): Honoring Dr. Verghese Kurien, the Father of the White Revolution in India

National Milk Day was celebrated on 26 November 2024 to honor the 103rd birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien, known as the Father of the White Revolution in India. This day highlights the remarkable growth in milk production, especially in Gujarat, the heart of India’s White Revolution.

Over the past 22 years, Gujarat’s milk production has increased by 119.63 lakh metric tons, with an average growth rate of 10.23%—outpacing the national growth rate. The state now contributes 7.49% of India’s total milk production. There has also been an unprecedented rise in the per capita availability of milk in Gujarat during this period.

The Amul Federation, which started with 6 member unions and a turnover of Rs. 49 crore, now includes 18 member unions. It collects over 3 crore liters of milk daily, producing and distributing dairy products not only across India but also in about 50 countries. The Amul model has become a globally recognized example of a self-reliant dairy development model, benefiting livestock farmers’ socio-economic growth.

Ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah

The Israeli government has approved a US- and France-brokered ceasefire deal with Hezbollah in Lebanon, as announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on 26 November 2024.

The ceasefire aims to end the year-long conflict that has killed 3,800 people and injured 16,000 in Lebanon. Under the agreement, both Israeli forces and Hezbollah will withdraw from south Lebanon within 60 days, with Hezbollah repositioning north of the Litani River. The Lebanese national army and UN peacekeeping forces will secure the vacated areas.

While Lebanon’s foreign minister supports the agreement, Netanyahu highlighted Israel’s “full freedom of military action” and warned of immediate responses to violations. He also cited three strategic reasons for the ceasefire:

  1. Countering Iranian threats,
  2. Resupplying Israeli forces amid delays in advanced weaponry deliveries, and
  3. Isolating Hamas by preventing a multi-front conflict.

The deal has received international backing, with French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Joe Biden committing to its enforcement.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, 13, Becomes Youngest Cricket Player to Secure IPL Contract

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, at just 13 years old, made history as the youngest cricket player to secure an IPL contract during the IPL 2025 Auction. He was signed by the Rajasthan Royals, led by Rahul Dravid, for ₹1.10 crore. Bihar Cricket Association President Rakesh Tiwari praised Vaibhav’s achievement and expressed confidence in his potential.

Vaibhav gained attention by becoming the youngest batter to score an international century, hitting a 104 off 62 balls in a Youth Test for India Under-19 against Australia Under-19 in Chennai. His 58-ball century was the fastest by an Indian in Youth Tests and the second-fastest globally. Earlier this year, Vaibhav debuted in the Ranji Trophy for Bihar at the age of 12, becoming the youngest player in India’s premier First-Class tournament.

Divith Reddy won the gold medal at the Under-8 World Cadets Chess Championship

Eight-year-old Divith Reddy from Telangana won the gold medal at the Under-8 World Cadets Chess Championship in Montesilvano, Italy, on 26 November 2024.

Divith scored 9 points out of 11, tying with fellow Indian Sattwik Swain but securing gold due to a superior tiebreak score. Sattwik earned the silver medal, while Ziming Guo of China claimed bronze.

With a FIDE rating of 1784, Divith started strong with four consecutive wins, faced setbacks with two losses, but made a remarkable comeback by winning the final five rounds to clinch the title.

Shukrayaan Mission: ISRO’s Venus Orbiting Satellite Scheduled for Launch in 2028

ISRO has received approval from the Indian government for the Shukrayaan mission, a Venus Orbiting Satellite set to launch in 2028. Announced by ISRO Director Nilesh Desai, the mission will enhance India’s planetary exploration capabilities.

Desai also revealed plans for Chandrayaan 4, a collaborative mission with Japan, aiming for a precise landing at the Moon’s south pole by 2030, pending approval. This mission will feature a heavier rover weighing 350 kg, significantly larger than Chandrayaan 3’s.

ISRO is advancing its INSAT 4 series for improved weather forecasting and communication, incorporating advanced sensors and satellites to match global technological standards in meteorology and oceanography.

Future plans include a Mars mission with both orbital and surface exploration goals, and the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program, with an unmanned flight expected in two years, followed by a manned mission.

The Indian government has also approved the construction of a space station, with the first module set for 2028 and full completion by 2035. The space station will serve as a transit hub for future lunar missions, aligning with India’s goal to land on the Moon by 2040.

Yamandú Orsi wins Presidential Election in Uruguay

Yamandú Orsi of the Broad Front alliance has emerged victorious as Uruguay’s next president. Orsi, a former history teacher and mayor, secured 49.8% of the votes in a closely contested run-off election held on November 24, 2024. He defeated Álvaro Delgado of the center-right National Party, who garnered 45.9% support.

Orsi’s victory marks the return of a center-left government to Uruguay after five years of conservative administration. He is considered the political heir of former President José Mujica, who supported him throughout his campaign. Orsi has pledged to promote a “modern left” approach, focusing on tackling homelessness, poverty, and crime.

IPL 2025 Mega Auction : Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player in IPL history

The IPL 2025 Mega Auction, held at the Abadi Al-Johar Arena in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, witnessed record-breaking bids and intense team strategies over two days.

Day 1 Highlights (24th November 2024):

  • Record Bids:
    • Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player in IPL history, sold to Lucknow Super Giants for ₹27 crore.
    • Punjab Kings secured Shreyas Iyer for ₹26.75 crore and Yuzvendra Chahal for ₹18 crore, setting a record for an Indian spinner.
    • Venkatesh Iyer went to Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹23.75 crore.
    • Punjab also acquired Arshdeep Singh for ₹18 crore.

Day 2 Highlights (25th November 2024):

  • The day began with 33 capped players going under the hammer, followed by an accelerated auction for capped and uncapped players.
  • Notable Buys:
    • Mumbai Indians: Secured Will Jacks for ₹5.25 crore and Deepak Chahar for ₹9.25 crore.
    • RCB: Acquired Bhuvneshwar Kumar for ₹10.75 crore and Tim David for ₹3 crore.
    • Lucknow Super Giants: Bought Akash Deep for ₹8 crore.
    • Rajasthan Royals: Signed Tushar Deshpande for ₹6.5 crore.
  • Uncapped Players:
    • CSK signed Anshul Kamboj for ₹3.4 crore and Mukesh Choudhary for ₹30 lakh.
    • Gujarat Titans brought back Gurnoor Singh Brar for ₹1.3 crore.
    • Punjab Kings added Azmatullah Omarzai for ₹2.4 crore.

The auction showcased fierce competition as teams strengthened their squads with both marquee and emerging players, setting the stage for an exciting IPL 2025 season.

75th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Indian Constitution: Campaign Tagline ‘Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Swabhimaan’

The Government of India has announced year-long celebrations, beginning November 26, 2024, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution. These celebrations, under the campaign tagline “Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Swabhimaan” (Our Constitution, Our Pride), will run until November 26, 2025, honoring the Constitution adopted on November 26, 1949, which came into effect on January 26, 1950.

A grand event will be held at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, where President Droupadi Murmu will address both Houses of Parliament. Activities will be organized nationwide, including at village and district levels, focusing on the core values of the Constitution and the contributions of its makers. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized the celebration as a collective national effort, while Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal highlighted Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s significant role and the contributions of 15 women in the Drafting Committee.

Winter session of Parliament commence on 25 November 2024

The Winter session of Parliament will commence on 25 November 2024, featuring 19 sittings over 26 days. There will be no session on 26 November to commemorate Constitution Day, with the main celebration at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan.

The session will continue until 20 December 2024, with 16 bills listed for legislative business, including the Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the Railways (Amendment) Bill, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, and the Indian Ports Bill, 2024. Additionally, discussions and voting on Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2024-25 will be addressed.

An all-party meeting was held to ensure smooth functioning, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urging cooperation from opposition parties. 42 leaders from 30 political parties participated, providing suggestions to be discussed in the business advisory committee.

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari highlighted issues for discussion, including an alleged bribery scam, the Manipur situation, unemployment, and pollution in North India. The meeting was presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, with attendance from various Union Ministers and MPs.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urged members to follow parliamentary decorum, inspired by the Constituent Assembly debates and discussions.

N Sriram Balaji and Rithvik Bollipalli won the Men’s Doubles Tennis title at the ATP Challenger Tour in Italy

N Sriram Balaji and Rithvik Bollipalli won the Men’s Doubles title at the ATP Challenger Tour in Italy. They defeated the second-seeded duo of French tennis player Theo Arribage and his Portuguese partner Francisco Cabral in the final held on November 23, 2024.

This victory marked Rithvik Bollipalli’s second ATP Challenger Tour title, having previously won the Almaty Open in Kazakhstan with Arjun Kadhe last month. For the 34-year-old Balaji, it was his first title on the ATP Challenger Tour.

North East United Football Club Becomes Champion of the 40th All India Governor’s Gold Cup International Football Tournament 2024

North East United Football Club emerged as the champion of the 40th All India Governor’s Gold Cup International Football Tournament 2024, held at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok on 24 November 2024. In a thrilling final match, they defeated the home team, Gangtok Himalayan Sporting Club, in a tie-breaker.

The match, attended by Governor Om Prakash Mathur and Chief Minister PS Tamang, ended goalless in regular time and proceeded to a penalty shoot-out. North East United FC successfully converted all four of their penalty shots, while Gangtok Himalayan SC managed to score only three out of five.

The tournament, organized by the Sikkim Football Association, featured 16 teams and included four international clubs from Nepal, Bhutan, Dubai, and Malaysia. This prestigious event returned after a five-year hiatus, with the last edition held in 2019.

BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra and JMM-led INDIA bloc in Jharkhand retained power in Assembly Elections

The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance achieved a decisive victory in the Maharashtra Assembly Elections, while the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led INDIA bloc retained power in Jharkhand.

  • Maharashtra:
    • Total seats: 288
    • BJP: 132 seats
    • Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde): 57 seats
    • NCP (Ajit Pawar): 41 seats
    • Congress: 16 seats
    • NCP (Sharad Pawar group): 10 seats
    • Shiv Sena (UBT): 20 seats
    • Others: 12 seats
    • The Mahayuti coalition includes BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP.
  • Jharkhand:
    • Total seats: 81
    • JMM: 34 seats
    • Congress: 16 seats
    • RJD: 4 seats
    • BJP: 21 seats
    • Others: 6 seats
    • The INDIA bloc includes JMM, Congress, RJD, and CPI(ML).

Polling dates:

  • Maharashtra: October 20.
  • Jharkhand: Two phases on October 13 and 20.
  • Counting Date : 22 November 2024

CoP29 UN Climate Change Conference, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024

The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (CoP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to November 22, 2024. This significant global event brought together world leaders, negotiators, business leaders, young people, climate scientists, Indigenous Peoples, and civil society to discuss and advance collective climate action.

One of the key priorities of CoP29 was to secure a new goal on climate finance. The conference aimed to ensure that every country has the means to take stronger climate action, slash greenhouse gas emissions, and build resilient communities. A notable outcome was the agreement to triple public finance to developing countries, increasing it from USD 100 billion annually to USD 300 billion annually by 2035.

Despite the progress made, the conference faced challenges, including tense disagreements over climate finance and walkouts by some parties. The final deal was criticized for not fully addressing the scale, urgency, and inequity of the climate emergency. However, the conference laid the groundwork for future negotiations and highlighted the importance of continued global cooperation to tackle climate change.

First Banana Export Train from Andhra’s Tadipatri

The South Central Railway (SCR), in collaboration with the Container Corporation of India (CONCOR), launched the first Banana Export Train of the season on November 22, 2024 from Tadipatri, Andhra Pradesh. This initiative marks a significant milestone in India’s agricultural export sector.

The train, carrying a load of 980 metric tonnes of locally grown bananas, is headed to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Mumbai, from where the consignment will be exported to international markets. This move is expected to save both time and fuel, as transporting such a large consignment by road would have required around 150 trucks.

The bananas are being exported under the brand name “Happy Bananas”, and the initiative aims to enhance the productivity, quality of produce, post-harvest treatment, and packing. Farmers from the Putlur region in Anantapur and Pulivendula in Kadapa district are exporting Green Cavendish bananas to many international markets.

This development is part of a broader effort to boost fruit exports from Andhra Pradesh, with the government targeting exports of 30,000 metric tonnes of fruits from the state. The collaboration with six major corporate companies aims to provide market linkage and ensure higher prices for local farmers.

Scientists at JNCASR identify new pathway for Monkeypox detection and diagnostics

Scientists at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) have discovered a novel method to detect and develop diagnostic tools for the Monkeypox virus (MPV). They identified and characterized G-quadruplex sequences (GQs) within the MPV genome, which are unique nucleic acid structures absent in other pox viruses, pathogens, or the human genome.

This discovery holds potential for creating diagnostic tools and antiviral therapies, as these GQs can be targeted using small-molecule fluorescent probes. The Ministry of Science and Technology emphasized that this work is significant given the global concerns about MPV’s unanticipated spread, unclear transmission modes, and symptoms. The research offers valuable insights into MPV virology and aids in developing diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

82 young artists conferred with Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar

On 22 November 2024, 82 young artists were honored with the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar in New Delhi for the years 2022 and 2023. The awards, presented by Culture Ministry Secretary Arunish Chawla, recognize young talents in music, dance, drama, and folk and tribal art forms. Recipients, all under the age of 40, receive a cash prize of ₹25,000.

Awardee Yusuf Khan Mewati from Rajasthan shared his delight, while Padma Dolker expressed pride in becoming the first young artist from Ladakh to receive this prestigious honor.

55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) from 20 to 28 November 2024 in Goa

The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) kicked off with a star-studded opening ceremony at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Panaji, Goa, on November 20, 2024. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju, and festival director Shekhar Kapur were among the dignitaries present.

The festival, which runs from November 20 to November 28, 2024, will showcase over 180 international titles from 81 countries, including 16 world premieres, 3 international premieres, 43 Asian premieres, and 109 Indian films. This year, the festival has a special segment dedicated to Goan films, with 14 films being screened.

One of the highlights of the festival is the world premiere of Prime Video’s first-ever celebrity chat show, “The Rana Daggubati Show,” which will feature a dazzling line-up of guests, including Nani, Dulquer Salmaan, and S.S. Rajamouli. The festival will also host the Asia premiere of the internationally acclaimed movie “The Mehta Boys,” directed by Boman Irani].

The 55th IFFI aims to celebrate global cinema and connect filmmakers with cinephiles to explore the art of filmmaking. It provides a platform for ambitious filmmakers, cineastes, and industry professionals to access excellent cinema from across the world.

Russia has launched an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) targeting Ukraine

In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russia has launched an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) targeting Ukraine on 21 November 2024. This marks the first time such a weapon has been used in the conflict, highlighting the increasing intensity of the situation.

The missile was launched from the Astrakhan region in Russia and targeted the city of Dnipro in central-eastern Ukraine. The attack also involved the launch of six Kh-101 cruise missiles, five of which were intercepted by Ukrainian air defenses. The use of an ICBM, which typically has a range exceeding 5,500 kilometers and can carry nuclear or conventional warheads, represents a major escalation in the conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, stating that it demonstrates Russia’s use of Ukraine as a testing ground for its advanced weaponry. The European Union has also expressed concern, calling the attack a “clear escalation” and a significant change in the nature of the conflict.

This development follows recent updates to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, which now considers aggression from a non-nuclear state supported by a nuclear power as a direct threat to its sovereignty. The situation remains tense, with international observers closely monitoring the developments.

Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025 will be held in Bihar in April 2025

The Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025 will be held in Bihar in April 2025, followed by the Khelo India Para Games after a 10-15 day gap, adopting a format similar to the Summer Olympics. This event will host over 10,000 young athletes, showcasing their talents across various sports.

The announcement was made by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, who praised Bihar for its capability to host Women’s Asian Champions Trophy hockey championship. The games align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to expand Khelo India Games nationwide, strengthening sports infrastructure and grassroots talent development, and contributing to building a stronger nation through sports.

India Launches First Indigenous Antibiotic, Nafithromycin, to Combat Drug-Resistant Infections

On 20 November 2024, Union Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, launched Nafithromycin, India’s first indigenous antibiotic, to combat drug-resistant infections. Speaking at the launch event in New Delhi, he highlighted that the three-day treatment regimen of Nafithromycin is a breakthrough in addressing drug-resistant pneumonia, a condition causing over two million deaths annually.

Developed with support from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), under the Department of Biotechnology, the drug is marketed under the trade name Miqnaf. This Made-in-India antibiotic is a significant step in tackling Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), marking a milestone in India’s pharmaceutical innovation.

Prasar Bharati launches its OTT platform- WAVES

On 20 November 2024, Prasar Bharati launched its OTT platform, WAVES, during the opening ceremony of the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. WAVES combines nostalgia with modern digital trends, featuring iconic shows like Ramayan, Mahabharat, Shaktimaan, and Hum Log.

It offers clean, family-oriented entertainment alongside news, documentaries, and diverse content in over 12 languages and 10+ genres, including regional, women-centric, and animation content. WAVES also streams live events like Prabhu Shriram Lalla Aarti from Ayodhya, Mann ki Baat, and sports events like the US Premier League Cricket Tournament. With 65 live channels, video-on-demand, gaming, radio streaming, and e-commerce integration, WAVES aims to connect audiences with India’s cultural heritage while embracing inclusivity and innovation.

PM Modi conferred with the Dominica Award of Honour, the highest national award of the Commonwealth of Dominica

On 20 November 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Dominica Award of Honour, the highest national award of the Commonwealth of Dominica. President Sylvanie Burton presented the award in recognition of PM Modi’s contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic and his efforts to strengthen ties between India and Dominica.

PM Modi dedicated the award to the 140 crore people of India, highlighting their values and traditions. He emphasized the strong partnership between the two democracies and their role as models of women’s empowerment.

India won the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024 in hockey

India won the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in hockey on 20 November 2024 at Rajgir Hockey Stadium, Bihar, defeating China 1-0 in the final. This marked India’s second consecutive and third overall title, equalling South Korea’s record.

Deepika scored the decisive goal in the 31st minute from a penalty corner and emerged as the tournament’s leading scorer with 11 goals, earning the Player of the Tournament award.

India had earlier defeated China 3-0 in the league phase. Japan secured the bronze medal by defeating Malaysia 4-1.

India’s domestic air traffic crosses 5 lakh passengers in a single day, marking aviation milestone

India’s aviation sector achieved a historic milestone on 17 November 2024 (Sunday), with over 505,412 domestic passengers flying in a single day, surpassing the 5 lakh mark for the first time. The Ministry of Civil Aviation celebrated the achievement, describing it as a reflection of India’s growing aviation potential.

Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu credited this success to key policies such as the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN), which was launched in 2017 to improve connectivity to underserved regions, advancements in airport infrastructure, and the adoption of digital technologies. The number of operational airports in India has doubled over the past decade, supporting rapid growth in the sector.

19th G20 Summit Concludes; Next Summit in 2025 in South Africa

The 19th G20 Summit concluded on 19 November 2024, with Brazil’s President Lula Da Silva handing over the presidency to South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa. President Lula highlighted key initiatives during Brazil’s presidency, including:

  1. Launching the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.
  2. Introducing a debate on taxing and integrating climate change into the agendas of Finance Ministries and Central Banks.
  3. Approving the first multilateral document on the bioeconomy.
  4. Establishing a Women’s Empowerment Working Group and proposing a new Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) to promote racial equality.
  5. Committing to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030 and forming a coalition for local production of vaccines and medicines.
  6. Advocating reforms to make global governance more representative and engaging society through the G20 Social platform.

The summit also focused on addressing health challenges through WHO investment rounds, fostering cooperation in open innovation, and creating a task force for the governance of artificial intelligence.

President Lula noted that South Africa’s presidency would mark the completion of a leadership cycle in which all G20 member countries will have led the group at least once. The event represented the penultimate stage of a four-year sequence of G20 leadership by developing countries: Indonesia, India, Brazil, and South Africa.

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