Weekly PDF November 2024: 2nd Week November 2024

Banking & Finance ● Full-service carrier Vistara, which started

flying on January 9, 2015, is a joint venture
between Tatas and Singapore Airlines,
where the latter holds a 49 per cent
shareholding.
● Singapore Airlines
● Established : 1 May 1947
● Headquarters : Changi, Singapore
● M.D. and CEO : Goh Choon Phong

3. Sitharaman Launches MSME Outreach, Expands

SIDBI in Karnataka
● Nirmala Sitharaman launched the National
MSME Cluster Outreach Programme.
1. Finance Minister launches five Nari Shakti
● She also inaugurated six new SIDBI
branches of Union Bank of India
branches in Karnataka
● Union Finance Minister Nirmala
● Reason: To enhance MSME financial access.
Sitharaman virtually inaugurated five Nari
● The programme connected 150 MSME
Shakti branches of Union Bank of India
clusters virtually and set new MSME credit
from Bengaluru.
targets.
● Aim: To empower female entrepreneurs
● Four Nari Shakti Branches were also
and strengthen financial inclusion for
inaugurated.
women across the country.
● SIDBI New Branches Locations
● Union Bank of India has opened Nari Shakti
Tumakuru, Raichur, Shivamogga,
branches in Bengaluru, Chennai,
Kalaburagi, Mangaluru, Vijayapura (all in
Visakhapatnam, and Jaipur.
Karnataka)
2. Singapore Airlines to invest additional ₹3,195
● Peenya Industries Association MoU signed
crore in Air India
with SIDBI for capacity building, credit, and
● Singapore Airlines will make an additional
knowledge-sharing for MSMEs
investment of ₹3,194.5 crore in Tata
● Nari Shakti Branch Locations: Bengaluru,
Group-owned Air India post-merger of
Chennai, Jaipur, Visakhapatnam
Vistara in November 2024.
● SIDBI
● The merger was announced on November
● Small Industries Development Bank of
29, 2022, and set to be completed on
India
November 11, 2024.
● Formed : 2 April 1990
● It will result in Singapore Airlines having a
● HQ : Lucknow
25.1 per cent stake in the enlarged Air
● Chairman and MD : Manoj Mittal
India.
 Weekly PDF November 2024: 2nd Week November 2024
4. Net direct tax collection rises 15.4% to Rs 12.1 ● 2. Blocking of funds on placement of buy
trn in April-Nov orders;
● The Indian government's net direct tax ● 3. Blocking of securities in the demat
collection grew 15.4 per cent year on year account of the client on placement of sell
to Rs 12.1 trillion ($143 billion) during the orders and pay-in (transfer of funds or
period April 1-Nov. 10. securities) blocked at the time of order
● Direct taxes, which include corporate and placement upstreamed to the clearing
personal tax, grew over 21 per cent to Rs 15 corporation.
trillion on a gross basis during the period. ● The client earns interest on the available
funds till the pay-in.

6. Oct retail inflation rises to 14-month high of

6.2%
● Spurred by: Spike in food prices
● Result: Breached the upper threshold of the
Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) target range
● The index of industrial production (IIP)
grew by 3.1% in September 2024, buoyed
by festival-driven demand, reversing a
contraction in August.
7. SEBI to Broaden Scope of Unpublished Price
Sensitive Information
5. Qualified brokers to provide clients UPI block or ● Securities and Exchange Board of India
3-in-1 trading account (SEBI) intends to broaden the scope of
● SEBI has asked qualified stock brokers Unpublished Price Sensitive Information
(QSBs) to provide their clients trading (UPSI) by including additional items like:
supported by blocked amount in the cash ● Restructuring plans,
segment using the UPI block mechanism or ● Proposed fundraising activities,
the 3-in-1 trading account. ● One-time bank settlements,
● Effective from: February 1, 2025 ● And other significant corporate actions
● The QSBs’ clients will have the option to ● SEBI has proposed that listed entities
either continue with the existing facility of disclose outcomes of board meetings
trading by transferring funds to the brokers discussing price-sensitive information
or opt for either of the facilities. within 30 minutes of meeting closure.
● The 3-in-1 trading account facility will have ● What is UPSI?
the following features. ● UPSI means any information, relating to a
● 1. The integration of the trading account company or its securities, directly or
with demat and bank accounts of the client; indirectly, that is not generally available
which upon becoming generally available, is
 Weekly PDF November 2024: 2nd Week November 2024
likely to materially affect the price of the contributing to EPFO grew by 6.6% to 7.66
securities. lakh in the same period.
● SEBI ● Arrears Collection: EPFO realised arrear
● Securities and Exchange Board of India dues totalling Rs 5,268 crore, a 55.4%
● Established : April 12, 1988 increase from Rs 3,390 crore the previous
● HQ : Mumbai, Maharashtra year.
● Chairperson : Madhabi Puri Buch ● Claims Settled: Claims settlement saw a
RBI, Sebi issue framework for reclassifying 7.8% rise, with 4.45 crore claims processed
FPI investments as FDI in 2023-24, up from 4.12 crore in 2022-23.
Sebi asks qualified stock brokers to offer ● EPFO
UPI mechanism from Feb 1 ● Employee Provident Fund Organisation
Sebi proposes interest rate derivatives for ● Established : 4 March 1952
hedging by REITs and InvITs ● HQ : New Delhi
8. LIC New Endowment Plan Age Limit Reduced to ● Organisation Executive : Ramesh
50 Years from 55 Years Krishnamurthi
● The Life Insurance Corporation of India
(LIC) reduced the upper age limit for
purchasing its New Endowment Plan
(Plan-914) from 55 years to 50 years,
effective October 1, 2024.
● LIC’s New Endowment Plan-914 is a
participating endowment policy offering a
combination of protection and savings.
● Minimum entry age is 8 years
● Types of Endowment Plans:LIC offers six
endowment products, which include:
● Single Premium Endowment Plan
● New Endowment Plan
● New Jeevan Anand
● Jeevan Lakshya
● Jeevan Labh Plan
● Amritbaal Plan
● Premium rates for most LIC endowment 10. RBI Slaps Rs 59.20 Lakh Penalty on South
products, excluding Amritbaal Plan, have Indian Bank
been increased by an average of 8-10%. ● Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a
● The sum assured for LIC’s New Endowment penalty of Rs59.20 lakh on South Indian
Plan, New Jeevan Anand, and Jeevan Bank Ltd for non-compliance with
Lakshya has been increased from ₹1 lakh to directions issued by RBI on interest rates
₹2 lakh. on deposits and customer service in banks.
9. EPFO Annual Report 2023-24 ● Established : 1929, HQ : Thrissur, Kerala,
● Increase in Contributing Members: M.D. and CEO : P. Seshadri
Reflecting employment growth, EPFO 11. India’s Industrial Output Grows 3.1% in
members rose by 7.6% from 6.85 crore in September 2024
2022-23 to 7.37 crore in 2023-24. ● India’s industrial production recorded a
● More Contributing Establishments: The growth of 3.1% in September 2024,
number of business establishments marking a significant rebound from the
0.1% contraction in August 2024.
 Weekly PDF November 2024: 2nd Week November 2024
● This growth is attributed to a strong ● Shriram Mutual Fund is launching an
performance in manufacturing, alongside industry-first Multi-Sector Rotation Fund.
modest increases in electricity generation ● It will invest in 3-6 sectors that are
and mining. expected to outperform in the near-to-long
12. ICICI Prudential Multi-Asset Fund turns Rs 10 term.
lakh into Rs 7.5 cr in 22 yrs ● The fund will adopt a quantamental
● ICICI Prudential Multi-Asset Fund has approach—a blend of quantitative and
achieved a remarkable fundamental analysis.
milestone—completing 22 years of robust ● The sectors selected will be based on:
performance. ○ The proprietary Enhanced
● With a closing Asset Under Management Quantamental Investment (EQI)
(AUM) of Rs 50,495.58 crores as of framework,
September 30, 2024. ○ Factoring in momentum,
● The fund now holds a dominant share of ○ Fundamentals,
48.29% in the multi-asset allocation ○ Macroeconomic indicators, and
category, solidifying its position as a ○ Sentiment
preferred choice for investors seeking
diversified, long-term growth.
13. Star India to Produce Web Series on the Reserve
Bank of India
● Star India will produce a web series on the
Reserve Bank of India’s 90-year journey.
● Aim: To enhance public understanding of
the RBI’s role in India’s economy and
contributing to financial literacy.
● The Reserve Bank of India was established
in 1935 and completed 90 years in April
2023.
● Budget : 6.5 crores.
● Web series will be of five episodes of
approximately 25-30 minutes each.
14. India's outward FDI rises to $3.7 billion in
October 2024: RBI data
● India’s outward foreign direct investment
(FDI) commitments rose to $3.24 billion in
October 2024, up from $2.55 billion in
October 2023.
● However, sequesntially, they declined from
$3.77 billion in September 2024, according
to data from the Reserve Bank of India
(RBI).
● Outbound FDI, expressed as a financial
commitment, comprises three components:
equity, loans, and guarantees.
15. Shriram Mutual Fund to introduce India’s first
multi-sector rotation fund
 Weekly PDF November 2024: 2nd Week November 2024
● Since 2015, the RBI has been disclosing the
names of the banks classified as D-SIBs
every year.
● Reserve Bank had announced SBI and ICICI
Bank as D-SIBs in 2015 and 2016, HDFC
Bank was classified as D-SIB in 2017 along
with SBI and ICICI Bank.
● In case a foreign bank having branch
presence in India is a Global Systemically
Important Bank (G-SIB)
● Concept issued by Financial Stability Board
(FSB), in consultation with Basel
Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS)
● The list for 2023 includes 29 G-SIBs, one
less than the 2022 list.
● A new list of G-SIBs will be published this
month.
16. RBI cancels license of Vijayawada-based Durga
Co-op Urban Bank
● The Reserve Bank of India has canceled the
license of The Durga Co-operative Urban
Bank, based in Vijayawada, due to
inadequate capital and earning prospects.
● The bank will cease operations on
November 12, 2024.
● Depositors will receive insurance claims up
to Rs 5 lakh from the Deposit Insurance and
Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).
17. RIL, Viacom18 and Disney complete merger to
create a Rs 70,352 cr JV
● Reliance Industries Limited (RIL),
Viacom18 Media (Viacom18), and The Walt
Disney Company announced that they have
completed the merger of Viacom18’s media
and JioCinema businesses into Star India
(SIPL), creating a mega joint venture valued
at Rs 70,352 crore.
● The new entity will be guided by three chief
executive officers (CEOs).
● Kevin Vaz will lead the entertainment
● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) retained
division across all platforms, Kiran Mani
the State Bank of India, HDFC Bank and
will head the combined digital division, and
ICICI Bank as Domestic Systemically
Sanjog Gupta will oversee the sports
Important Banks (D-SIBs).
operations.
● The regulator had issued the framework for
18. EU slaps Meta with 800 mn euro fine over
dealing with D-SIBs in July 2014.
'abusive' Marketplace practices
 Weekly PDF November 2024: 2nd Week November 2024
● European Union regulators hit Facebook 21. Karnataka Bank launches 2 financial products
parent Meta with a fine of nearly 800 for students
million euros for what they call abusive ● Karnataka Bank Ltd. has launched two
practices involving its Marketplace online financial products – ‘KBL Peak’, an
classified ads business. education loan with financing of up to ₹2
● The European Commission issued the crore and comprehensive coverage, and
797.72 million euro ($841 million) penalty ‘KBL Genius’, a student savings account
after its long-running investigation found featuring free cyber insurance.
that the company abused its dominant 22. SBI Seeks $1.25 Billion in 2024’s Largest
position and engaged in anti-competitive Dollar-Denominated Loan
behaviour. ● State Bank of India (SBI) is aiming to secure
19. JPMorgan sets up unit in GIFT city to develop a $1.25 billion five-year loan.
derivative products ● It would be the largest dollar-denominated
● JPMorgan Chase & Co. has set up a unit to loan from India’s financial sector in 2024.
develop derivative products in India’s ● The loan was arranged by CTBC Bank,
newest international hub, GIFT City. HSBC, and Taipei Fubon Bank
● The US bank will pitch the products to ● It will be used for general corporate
clients in Asia-Pacific and Europe, in purposes.
addition to providing support for the ● SBI’s move follows a trend of increasing
offerings developed from the Gujarat foreign currency borrowing by Indian
International Finance Tec-City, or GIFT City. financial institutions, particularly
● The GIFT City unit adds to the lender’s non-banking finance companies (NBFCs),
centers in Hong Kong and London for due to stricter domestic regulations.
high-quality product development, sales ● Despite the rising demand, India’s total
and support. dollar-denominated loan volume has
20. India’s export performance during decreased by 27% this year.
April–October 2024 shows strong growth ● Duration: Five years
● India’s export performance from ● Interest Margin: 92.5 basis points over the
April-October 2024 has shown strong Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)
growth, with an overall increase of 7.28 ● Location: Gujarat International Finance
percent. Tec-City
● The total export is 468.27 billion dollars
which is more than a 7 percent increase
from 436.48 billion dollars year-on-year.
● According to data released by the Ministry
of Commerce & Industry, merchandise
exports alone reached 252.28 billion
dollars, marking a steady growth of 3.18
percent compared to 244.51 billion dollars
in the same period last year.
● On the service exports front, the estimated
value of service exports during
April-October 2024 stands at 215.98 billion
dollars, a significant jump from 191.97
billion dollars in the previous year,
reflecting growth of over 12 percent.
 Weekly PDF November 2024: 2nd Week November 2024
● Imports grew by 3.9% in October, led by
crude oil, electronic goods, and vegetable
oil.
24. WPI Inflation Soars to 4-Month High of 2.36%
in October
● India's WPI inflation rose to 2.36% in
October 2024, a four-month high, driven by
a surge in food prices, particularly
vegetables and potatoes.
● This follows a similar spike in CPI inflation,
which hit a 14-month high of 6.2%.
● Data by: Ministry of Commerce and
Industry
25. Matrimony.com launches fintech platform to
offer wedding loans
23. India-China bilateral trade hits $10.7 billion in
● Chennai-based matchmaking service
October, contracts 0.46%
provider, Matrimony.com, has introduced a
● India’s bilateral trade with China stood at
new financial technology platform designed
$10.7 billion during October 2024,
to provide financial assistance for
witnessing 0.46 per cent contraction amid a
marriages.
slowdown in the neighbouring country
● The platform offers comprehensive loan
● The contraction was mainly driven by
solutions through partnerships with
exports as outbound shipments to China
leading financial institutions, aiming to
contracted 9.5 per cent at $1.15 billion,
simplify wedding planning and budgeting
even as India’s overall exports bounced
while prioritizing financial well-being.
back in October and saw a double-digit
● The company has partnered with leading
growth of 17 per cent.
financial institutions such as IDFC, Tata
● In fact, barring China, exports to nine out of
Capital, Larsen and Toubro Finance, to offer
India’s top 10 export destinations
a comprehensive loan solution.
witnessed a positive growth during
October.
● Countries that saw positive exports growth
are: the US (11.5 per cent), the UAE (43.3
%) ● Driven by infrastructure development and
● India’s Merchandise Exports Surge: increased consumption, the country’s GDP
● India’s merchandise exports grew 17.3% in is projected to grow between 6.5 to 7 per
October 2024, the fastest pace in 28 cent annually in the next three fiscals up to
months. 2027.
● Exports reached $39.2 billion, driven by
inventory buildup ahead of Christmas 26. A unicorn is a startup marked at USD 1 Billion
season. or more.
● Trade Deficit: ● Total Unicorns in India : 117
● The trade deficit widened to $27.1 billion in ● Latest : Money View
October due to record imports of $66.34 ● In 2024, India has seen 6 new unicorn
billion. startups
● This was 5 higher as compared to the same
period last year, with an increase of 83.33%
 Weekly PDF November 2024: 2nd Week November 2024
● Globally, India is number 3 in terms of total ● COP29 agenda - carbon markets:
Unicorns created, behind China (247 Discussions on carbon markets and
unicorns) at rank 2 and United States (997 whether nations can use carbon trading to
unicorns) at rank 1 meet Paris Agreement targets.
● Bengaluru leads the list of cities in India ● Australia and Pacific nations may host
with most unicorns at 48. It is followed by COP31 in 2026.
Mumbai (21 unicorns) and Gurugram (18 ● Venue :Baku Stadium
unicorns). ● Zones : Blue and Green Zones
International News ● COP 29 President : Mukhtar Babayev
1. Canada Cancels SDS Visa Program, Ended for ● Chief Executive Officer of COP29 : Elnur
India and 13 Other Countries Soltanov
● Context: The Government of Canada has ● Theme : "In Solidarity for a Green World."
officially announced the termination of its 3. Global City Brands Rankings
Student Direct Stream (SDS) program. ● Context: Brand Finance’s Global City Index
● Launch in: 2018 by Immigration, Refugees, released
and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ● Released by: Brand Finance
● Impact on: Students from India and 13 ● London has topped the list of the world’s
other countries top 100 “city brands” for the second
● Effective from: Immediately consecutive year.
● Reason: The closure aims to strengthen ● Seven Key Pillars for Ranking
program integrity, address student ● Business & Investment
vulnerabilities, and ensure equal access to ● Liveability
the application process, as stated by ● Culture & Heritage
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship ● People & Values
Canada (IRCC). ● Sustainability & Transport
● The 2024 policy revisions aim to cap the ● Governance
number of new study permits at 437,000 ● Education & Science
for 2025. ● Top 10 cities:
2. COP29: The Crucial Climate Summit in Baku, ● London
Azerbaijan ● New York
● Name of event: 29th UN Climate Summit, ● Paris
COP29 ● Tokyo
● Date: November 11–22, 2024 ● Dubai
● Location: Baku, Azerbaijan ● Singapore
● Focus on: Climate finance for developing ● Los Angeles
nations, specifically the New Collective ● Sydney
Quantified Goal (NCQG). ● San Francisco
● The primary goal is to secure financial ● Amsterdam
commitments to help vulnerable nations ● Dubai has best reputation among world’s
cope with climate impacts. top 100 cities
● Climate finance commitment issues: ● It is ahead of Sydney and London.
Developed countries committed $100 ● Brand Finance was Founded in 1996 based
billion annually in 2009, but targets have in the United Kingdom.
not been met. 4. Taliban to Participate in United Nations Climate
● Climate finance for developing nations: Conference for the First Time
Estimated $580 billion needed by 2030 to ● The Taliban will attend a United Nations
cover climate-induced loss and damage. climate conference (COP29) for the first
 Weekly PDF November 2024: 2nd Week November 2024
time since taking control of Afghanistan in ● Location: Chancay, Peru, on the coast of
2021. Peru’s desert region
● COP29 is being held in Azerbaijan starting ● Peru:
on November 11, 2024. ● Capital: Lima
● This conference marks one of the most ● Currency: Sol
significant multilateral forums involving the 8. Tropical Storm Sara Hits Honduras
Taliban, who lack official recognition as ● Name of storm: Tropical Storm Sara
Afghanistan’s legitimate government. ● Location: Northern Honduras
● Venue :Baku Stadium ● Forecasts predict up to 30 inches of rain in
● Zones : Blue and Green Zones some areas, with winds of 45 mph (75
● COP 29 President : Mukhtar Babayev km/h) and slow movement at 10 mph (17
● Chief Executive Officer of COP29 : Elnur km/h).
Soltanov ● Impacted Areas: Honduras (Brus Laguna,
● Theme : "In Solidarity for a Green World." Roatan), Belize, Mexico (Yucatan
5. Australia Appoints First Anti-Slavery Peninsula).
Commissioner 9. World's First Patent Acquired for Animal
● Australia has appointed Chris Evans, a Supplement 'Pinfenon' S R
former senator and human rights official, as ● Context: Pinfenon (S) (R) – First Patent for
the country's first Anti-Slavery Canine Cardiac Disorder Treatment
Commissioner. ● Patent Name : Treatment and
● Mark Dreyfus, Attorney-General, prophylactic drug for lowering ANP in dogs
announced Evans’ appointment for a and manufacturing methods
five-year term starting in December. ● Patent Holder: Scarecrow Incorporated
● The new role aims to strengthen efforts ● Inventors: Hiroshi Okawa, Hiroshi Koie
across government, business, and society to ● Approved as a drug by the Japan Patent
prevent and respond to modern slavery. Office
6. Recent Surge of 4B Movement in the US ● This innovative product is designed to treat
● In News : recent US presidential election and prevent cardiac disorders in dogs by
has sparked important interest in the South lowering the levels of atrial natriuretic
Korean 4B movement. peptide (ANP).
● Focus : movement advocates for women to 10. GABV Member Banks Endorse Fossil Fuel
abstain from dating, sex, marriage, and Non-Proliferation Treaty at COP29 in Baku
childbirth. ● The Global Alliance for Banking on Values
● 4B movement originated in South Korea in (GABV) at the ongoing United Nations
2018. Climate Change Conference (COP29) at
● The term “4B” represents four refusals – no Baku in Azerbaijan announced that 25 of its
dating men (biyeonae), no sex with men member banks have endorsed the Fossil
(bisekseu), no marriage (bihon), and no Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty initiative.
childbirth (bichulsan). ● This marks the first collective endorsement
● Similar Movements : Escape the Corset of the initiative by financial institutions.
Movement, Gender Pay Gap. ● The treaty is a proposal for a global binding
7. China Unveils Megaport in Peru plan to end the expansion of new coal, oil
● Project: Chancay megaport project and gas projects, and manage a global
● Funded by: China transition away from fossil fuels.
● Amount: $1.3 billion investment, ● By endorsing the proposal for a Fossil Fuel
majority-owned by Chinese shipping giant Non-Proliferation Treaty, these 25 GABV
Cosco members are urging the financial sector to
 Weekly PDF November 2024: 2nd Week November 2024
take meaningful action in the fight against ● While China led the value segment with
climate change by ending finance for fossil 31% and the US followed with 19%.
fuel expansion. ● India’s average selling price (ASP) reached
National News US$ 294, nearing the global average of US$
1. ATMOS 2024: A Three-Day Tech Extravaganza 349.
● ATMOS 2024 4. Bengaluru Unveils First Digital Population Clock
● It is a three-day technical fest. at ISEC
● Location: BITS Pilani’s Hyderabad campus ● Bengaluru marked a milestone with the
● Started on: November 8, 2024 inauguration of its first digital population
● Concluded on: November 10, 2024 clock at the Institute for Social and
● This annual event brings together students Economic Change (ISEC).
to showcase their innovative skills and ● Date: November 8, 2024
compete in dynamic contests like Robot ● This innovative installation will display
Wars, Drone Racing, and Hackathons real-time population estimates for both
2. Centre Doubles Stubble Burning Penalty Post Karnataka and the entire country.
Supreme Court Directive ● Provides continuous updates:
● The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, ● Karnataka’s Population: Refreshes every 1
and Climate Change has doubled the fines minute and 10 seconds.
on stubble burning. ● India’s Population : Updates every 2
● Aim: To curb stubble burning and address seconds.
the worsening air quality in Delhi and ● Jointly developed by: ISEC and the Union
nearby regions. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
● Key Updates and Penalties for Stubble (MoHFW)
Burning ● Part of a broader MoHFW initiative to
● Revised Penalties install population clocks at 18 Population
● Farmers with Less Than Two Acres: ₹5,000 Research Centres (PRCs) across India.
fine 5. Union Minister Manohar Lal flags off Electric
● Farmers with 2-5 Acres: ₹10,000 fine Vehicles Rally in New Delhi
● Farmers with Over 5 Acres: ₹30,000 fine ● Minister of Power Manohar Lal today
● Penalties enforced through the Commission flagged off the Electric Vehicles Rally in
for Air Quality Management (CAQM) Act of New Delhi.
2021. ● On the occasion, he also launched the ‘EV as
● Rules apply to Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and a service’ program.
NCR areas in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
3. India Becomes Second Largest Smartphone
Market by Unit Volume in Q3 2024
● Report by: Counterpoint Research
● Highlights:
● India’s smartphone market has become the
second largest globally by unit volume and
third by value in Q3 2024
● In this period, India accounted for 15.5% of
global smartphone shipments, trailing
China’s 22% but surpassing the US, which
held a 12% share.
● By value, India’s market share slightly rose
to 12.3%, from 12.1% a year earlier.
 Weekly PDF November 2024: 2nd Week November 2024
● In 1895, Birsa led a rebellion against the
British.
● The rebellion, known as the Munda
Ulgulan, shook the foundations of
British rule in the region.
● Birsa was captured and imprisoned in
1900.
● He died in prison under mysterious
circumstances
6. Ministry of Coal Launches Mine Opening Eklavya Model Residential Schools
Permission Module on SWCS Portal EMRS started in the year 1997-98 to
● Context: Launch of Mine Opening impart quality education to ST children
Permission module on the Single Window in remote areas.
Clearance System (SWCS) portal EMRS cater to students from Class VI to
● Launched by: Ministry of Coal XII.
● Reason: Simplify approval for opening coal The National Education Society for
mines Tribal Students (NESTS) has been
● Key Features: Online application, real-time established to set up and manage EMRS
tracking, enhanced transparency across the country.
● About SWCS (Single Window Clearance The Centre has earmarked Rs 6,399
System) Portal: crore for the construction of Eklavya
● Launched on: January 11, 2021. Model Residential Schools (EMRS) in
● Objective: Simplifies the process of 2024-25, a 150 per cent increase over Rs
obtaining all necessary clearances and 2,471.81 crore allocated for this purpose
approvals required to operationalize coal in 2023-24.
mines. At present, a total number of 708
● Key Feature: Provides a unified platform for Eklavya Model residential Schools
applications related to coal mining projects. (EMRSs) have been sanctioned across
7. 5th National EMRS Fest Celebrates Tribal the country, out of which 405 schools are
Heritage & Birsa Munda’s Legacy reported to be functional.
● The 5th National EMRS Cultural & Literary Maximum Schools have been sanctioned
Fest and Kala Utsav, organized by the and functional in Andhra Pradesh.
National Education Society for Tribal 8. Amit Shah Greenlights Rs. 725.62 Crore for Fire
Students (NESTS), is taking place from 12th Services Expansion
to 15th November 2024. ● Union Home Minister Amit Shah has
● Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha approved Rs. 725.62 crore for expanding
● This event, is being hosted by the Odisha and modernizing fire services in
Model Tribal Educational Society (OMTES), Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and West Bengal.
● It marks a significant moment in honoring ● The high-level committee, chaired by Shah,
the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan allocated Rs. 147.76 crore for Chhattisgarh,
Birsa Munda. Rs. 201.10 crore for Odisha, and Rs. 376.76
● Theme of event: “A Tribute to Bhagwan crore for West Bengal.
Birsa Munda & Tribal Freedom Fighters,” ● The central government has allocated a
● Birsa Munda was born in 1875 in the total of Rs 5,000 crore under the National
village of Ulihatu in the present-day Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for
Khunti district of Jharkhand. 'Expansion and Modernisation of Fire
Services' in the states.
 Weekly PDF November 2024: 2nd Week November 2024
● Proposals of 15 states with a total outlay of ● Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar
Rs 2,542.12 crore had already been inaugurated the 66th All India Kalidas
approved. Samaroh in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
9. New Fire-Resilient, Dual-Blooming Plant Species ● Kalidas Alankaran Samman for the year
Discovered in Western Ghats 2022-2023 was presented during the
● Discovery of Dicliptera polymorpha, a program.
fire-resilient, dual-blooming plant species ● A total of eight scholars were honoured in
in the Northern Western Ghats by Agharkar four genres.
Research Institute (ARI), Pune.
● Species Name: Dicliptera polymorpha
● Discovering Institute: Agharkar Research
Institute (ARI), Pune
● Habitat: Open grasslands on slopes in the
Northern Western Ghats
● Unique Traits: Dual-blooming pattern
(post-monsoon and fire-triggered); spicate
inflorescence structure
● Blooming Phases:
● Post-monsoon: November to April
● Fire-triggered: May to June

● He will attend the tour along with visiting

Nigeria and Guyana.
● PM Modi will first travel to Nigeria during
November 16-17
● This will be the first visit by an Indian
premier to Nigeria in 17 years,
● India is part of the G20 troika along with
Brazil, the current chair of G20, and South
Africa, which will host next year’s summit.
● The tour will conclude with a visit to
Guyana on November 19-21 at the
invitation of President Mohamed Irfaan Ali.
● This will be the first visit to Guyana by an
Indian premier since 1968.
11. India’s Renewable Energy sector surges by 24.2
GW
● According to the latest data by the Ministry
of New and Renewable Energy, India’s total
renewable energy installed capacity
increased by a staggering 24.2 gigawatts in
10. VP Dhankhar inaugurates 66th All India Kalidas a year, reaching 203.18 GW in October 2024
Samaroh in Ujjain from 178.98 GW in October 2023.
 Weekly PDF November 2024: 2nd Week November 2024
● Total non-fossil fuel capacity, including IITs, NITs, and the Central Road Research
nuclear energy, rose to 211.36 GW in 2024, Institute (CRRI).
compared to 186.46 GW in 2023. ● With these additions, the total number of
● The solar sector saw a remarkable increase approved projects under the mission
of 20.1 GW, growing from 72.02 GW in reaches 168, with a cumulative value of
October 2023 to 92.12 GW in October 2024. around ₹509 crore.
14. Clean Ganga Mission Introduces Dolphin
Ambulance
● Introduced by: National Mission for Clean
Ganga (NMCG)
● Key projects:
● Dolphin Ambulance for Ganga River
Dolphins
● Special ambulance for rescuing injured
Ganga Dolphins. Focus on awareness and
community training.
● Budget – Rs 1 crore
12. Website Launched for 18th Pravasi Bharatiya ● Turtle Conservation in Ganga Basin:
Divas in Bhubaneswar ● Rehabilitation of endangered turtles and
● The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) reintroduction of three threatened species
Convention will be held from January 8 to in Uttar Pradesh.
January 10, 2025. ● Budget: Rs 78.09 lakh
● Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha ● Environmental Flow Assessment
● The event will be inaugurated by Prime (Chambal, Son, Damodar, Tons Rivers)
Minister Narendra Modi, as announced by ● Assess water quality, flow systems, and
the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). biodiversity of key rivers.
● The theme for the 2025 PBD Convention is ● Budget: Rs 11 crore
“Diaspora’s contribution to a Viksit Bharat”. ● “Rag-Rag Mein Ganga – Ek Jeevan Dhara”
● The website (pbdindia.gov.in) will provide (Season 3):
information on accommodation ● Travelog focusing on ecological balance,
reservations in Odisha and details about aquatic life protection, and community
the convention. involvement.
13. Govt Invests in 12 Projects Under National
Technical Textiles Mission
● The government approved 12 research
projects worth ₹13.3 crore on 12th
November, under the National Technical
Textiles Mission.
● This decision was made by the 10th
Mission Steering Group, led by Union 15. First Bodoland Mohotsov to Be Inaugurated by
Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh. PM in Delhi
● The projects focus on strategic areas, ● Name of Mohotsov: Bodoland Mohotsov
including geotextiles, sustainable and smart ● Edition: First
textiles, and composites. ● Inaugurated by: Prime Minister Narendra
● The approved projects were proposed by Modi
prominent research institutions, including ● Location: Delhi
 Weekly PDF November 2024: 2nd Week November 2024
● Date: 15th - 16th November 2024 ● KYM App Functionality: Allows users to
● Theme: “Peace and Harmony for verify if medicines contain
Prosperous Bharat”. WADA-prohibited substances
● Key Features: Image and Audio Search:
Enables image and audio-based queries;
Sport-Specific Information
18. Centre launches PAIR programme to enhance
research in higher education
● The Centre launched the Partnerships for
Accelerated Innovation and Research
(PAIR) programme.
● It is designed to elevate research
● The Bodo are a Tibeto-Burmese-speaking capabilities in higher education institutions
ethnic group in Assam. (HEIs) across India with limited research
● Politically active and dominant in the capabilities by fostering collaborations with
Kokrajhar, Baksa, Udalguri and Chirang top-tier institutions.
districts of the Bodoland autonomous ● This follows the operationalisation of the
region in the state of Assam. programme discussed at the inaugural
● The Bodo people speak the Bodo language, governing board meeting of the
a Tibeto-Burman language recognized as Anusandhan National Research Foundation
one of twenty-two scheduled languages in (ANRF), chaired by Prime Minister
the Indian Constitution. Narendra Modi in September 2024.
● The Bodo people are recognized as a plains 19. Operation Dronagiri launched along with GDI
tribe in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian marking a milestone in the National Geospatial
Constitution. Policy
16. Sabarimala Pilgrimage Gets Dedicated Weather ● Secretary, Department of Science and
Service from IMD Technology, Professor Abhay Karandikar
● The India Meteorological Department has launched the Operation Dronagiri, a
(IMD) has introduced a localized weather pilot project under National Geospatial
forecasting system for the Sabarimala Policy 2022.
pilgrimage. ● Aim: To demonstrate the potential
● Similar to those used for the Amarnath and applications of geospatial technologies and
Char Dham yatras. innovations in improving the quality of life
● The installation of three rain gauges at key of citizens and ease of doing business, at
locations Sannidhanam, Pamba, and Foundation for Innovation and Technology
Nilakkal. Transfer (FITT), Indian Institute of
● The weather forecasts will soon be Technology Delhi, New Delhi.
integrated into the “Swamy AI Chat Bot” ● The Operation Dronagiri is part of the
app, launched by the state government. numerous efforts of DST in liberalising
17. ‘Know Your Medicine’ App Launched to geospatial data, developing geospatial
Promote Clean Sports infrastructure, geospatial skill and
● KYM (Know Your Medicine) app: knowledge as well as standards in
● Launch by: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya implementing the policy.
● Initiative Led By: Union Minister for Youth 20. SATRC 25th Edition Begins
Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya ● India’s Minister for Communications,
● Purpose: Strengthen anti-doping efforts in Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, inaugurated the
sports; promote fair play and integrity 25th Meeting of the South Asian
 Weekly PDF November 2024: 2nd Week November 2024
Telecommunication Regulators' Council Subansiri (2,000 MW) and Dibang (2,880
(SATRC-25) in New Delhi. MW)
● Organized by the Asia-Pacific ● Nuclear Power Growth: Projected increase
Telecommunity (APT) and hosted by the in nuclear capacity from 8 GW to 20 GW by
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India 2032.
(TRAI). 22. Amazon launches facility in Bengaluru to train
● In his keynote address, Scindia highlighted school students in tech
India's role as the "Voice of the Global ● Amazon India has launched a facility in
South". Bengaluru that will provide “underserved”
● India’s growth in digital infrastructure with school students free, hands-on learning in
1.2 billion telephones and 970 million robotics, computing, artificial intelligence
internet users. (AI) and 3D printing.
● India’s digital economy has expanded from ● For beginners, there are three- to four-hour
3.5% to 10% of the national economy in the programmes to learn basic robotics and
last decade and is expected to reach 20% by coding.
2026-27. 23. Ministry of Textiles approves 12 research
21. Power Ministers’ Conference 2024 projects worth INR 13 Crores under the National
● Union Minister Manohar Lal chaired the Technical Textiles Mission
Power Ministers' Conference, in New Delhi. ● The 10th Mission Steering Group under the
● Aim: To address the key issues in the power chairmanship of Union Minister of Textiles
sector. has approved 12 research projects of value
● The conference focused on operational INR 13.3 Cr. under the National Technical
performance, financial health of DISCOMs, Textiles Mission.
and the integration of renewable energy. ● The research projects were approved
● The financial gap of Distribution Companies across key strategic areas of geotextiles,
(DISCOMs) improved significantly, with the sustainable and smart textiles, composites,
ACS-ARR gap reducing from Rs. 0.45/kWh etc.
in FY 2022-23 to Rs. 0.21/kWh in FY ● The approved projects were proposed by
2023-24. eminent research bodies and institutions
● The launch of Powerthon Phase-II was a including IITs, NITs, CRRI, etc.
key highlight, focusing on integrating ● The total number of approved research
AI-driven solutions to address DISCOM projects under the Mission now stands at
challenges. 168 with a total value of approx. INR 509
● The initiative will support up to Rs. 37 Cr.
crore in financial assistance for developing ● National Technical Textiles Mission is a
40 innovative technological solutions to flagship scheme of Ministry of Textiles
improve operational efficiency. focused on developing the research and
● Renewable Energy Target: India aims for development capabilities of the local
500 GW of non-fossil fuel power by 2030. industry, especially in the areas of high
● Arunachal Pradesh’s Energy Plans: performance fibre development.
Projected 4.98% increase in energy 24. Govt sets up IICT to boost gaming, animation &
demand for FY 2024-25, with plans for 634 entertainment sectors
MW capacity addition. ● The government has set up the Indian
● Hydropower Potential of Arunachal Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) as
Pradesh State’s hydropower a national centre of excellence in this
potential: 58,000 MW; major projects like direction.
 Weekly PDF November 2024: 2nd Week November 2024
● The institute will operate under a ● Date: November 27 (Three-day poultry
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, expo)
with a 52 per cent stake held by FICCI and
CII, and 48 per cent by the Government of
India.
● the Maharashtra government has allocated
land for the setting up of IICT to provide
skill training to enthusiasts in the sector.
● FICCI
● Federation of Indian Chambers of
27. India ranked 6th in WIPO Global Patent Filings
Commerce & Industry
in 2023
● Established : 1927
● According to the World Intellectual
● HQ : New Delhi
Property Organization (WIPO) annual
● President : Dr Anish Shah
World Intellectual Property Indicators
Report 2024, global patent filing increased
by 15.7 % in 2023.
● Reason: Primarily due to a strong increase
● The focus state this year is Jharkhand while in patent filing in India.
Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are the partner ● In 2023, the maximum patent filing was in
states. China (1.64 million), followed by the United
States of America (518,364), Japan
● GCCs are offshore units of multinational (414,413), South Korea (287,954),
corporations that operate across the globe. Germany (133,053) and India (64,480).
● The number of global capability centres ● Note: India has, for the first time, has been
(GCCs) set up in India has increased to ranked 6th in the world for Global Patent
1,700 in the fiscal year 2024 ending March Filings in 2023.
25. Nitin Gadkari inaugurates 83rd Indian Roads ● For the first time, India was included in the
Congress top 10 countries of the world for three
● Name of event: 83rd session of the Indian main intellectual property (IP) rights:
Roads Congress patents, Industrial design applications, and
● Inaugurated by: Union Minister for Road trademark applications.
Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari ● WIPO
● Location: Raipur, Chhatisgarh ● World Intellectual Property Organisation
● Organised by: Indian Highway Engineers ● Established : 1967
● Aim: The Indian Road Congress is to ● Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
formulate Standards, Codes, Specifications, ● Members: 197 countries
and Manuals related to roads, bridges, and ● Director General: Daren Tang
road transport for adoption by central ● World Intellectual Property Day 2024
government road agencies to construct and ● 26th April 2024
maintain sustainable road infrastructure ● Theme : IP and the SDGs: Building our
for the country’s overall development. common future with innovation and
26. Hyderabad to host international poultry expo creativity"
from November 27 28. Union Minister Piyush Goyal announces new
● Name of event: Indian Poultry Equipment IIFT campus in Dubai
Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) ● Union Minister of Commerce and Industry
● Organised in: Hyderabad Piyush Goyal announced that a new campus
 Weekly PDF November 2024: 2nd Week November 2024
of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade ● India gifted two water-jet-propelled Fast
(IIFT) will be opened in Dubai soon. Interceptor Crafts (FICs) to Mozambique
● He announced, while virtually addressing yesterday as part of its capacity-building
the 57th convocation of IIFT in New Delhi. engagements with friendly foreign nations
29. Replica of Indian Constitution’s original of the Indian Ocean Region.
manuscript displayed at Sharjah International ● The FICs were transshipped from India by
Book Fair 2024 INS Gharial.
● The National Book Trust (NBT) of India has ● These water-jet-propelled boats have a top
showcased a prestigious replica of the speed of 45 knots and a range of 200
original handwritten Indian Constitution nautical miles at 12 knots.
manuscript. ● They can carry a crew of five personnel and
● Location: 43rd Sharjah International Book are equipped with machine guns and
Fair (SIBF) bullet-resistant cabins.
● Event Date: November 6 to 17, 2024 ● Mozambique
● The exhibit is a part of India’s ● Capital : Maputo
comprehensive literary showcase at the ● Currency : Metical
event. 3. Defence Space Agency inaugurates first-ever
● This A3-sized copy of the Constitution of space exercise ‘Antariksha Abhyas-2024’
India is certified by the Lok Sabha ● Defence Space Agency inaugurated a
Secretariat and features superior quality first-ever space exercise Antariksha
and clarity in the presentation of Acts and Abhyas-2024 in New Delhi.
Stanzas. ● Aim: To provide an enhanced
● Note: understanding of space-based assets and
● Morocco is the Guest of Honour at 43rd services.
Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) ● The exercise will have participants from the
● NBT Defence Space Agency and its allied units
● National Book Trust along with personnel from the Army, Navy
● Established : 1st August 1957 and Air Force.
● HQ : New Delhi ● Specialist branches under Headquarters
● Chairman : Govind Prasad Sharma Integrated Defence Staff, representatives
Defence from the Indian Space Research
1. India, Australia Launch Joint Military Drill Organisation and the Defence Research and
Austrahind in Maharashtra Development Organisation are also
● Name of Joint Military Drill: Austrahind expected to take part in this exercise.
● Countries: India and Australia 4. 7th Annual India-Sri Lanka Coast Guard Meet
● Edition: Third edition ● The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Sri Lanka
● Location: Foreign Training Node in Pune, Coast Guard (SLCG) held their 7th Annual
Maharashtra High-Level Meeting in Colombo on
● Date: 8th to 21st November 2024 November 11, 2024.
● Indian Contingent: 140 personnel from the ● Attended by: ICG delegation, led by Director
DOGRA Regiment and Indian Air Force (14 General S. Paramesh, and a SLCG delegation
personnel). by Director General Rear Admiral YR
● Australian Contingent: 120 personnel from Serasinghe
the 13th Light Horse Regiment of the 10th ● Focus area:
Brigade, 2nd Division. ○ Drug trafficking in the maritime
2. India gifts 2 water-jet-propelled FICs to domain
Mozambique
 Weekly PDF November 2024: 2nd Week November 2024
○ Marine pollution and measures for (IDS) and various other formations across
cleaner oceans the services.
○ Safety of mariners and rescue ● The TSTCC is an annual event hosted in
operations rotation by the Training Commands of the
○ Best practices for maritime Army, Navy, and Air Force, with the
governance objective of strengthening collaboration,
○ Capacity-building programs sharing best practices, and improving the
○ Collaborative arrangements for effectiveness of joint training.
better coordination 6. DRDO completes Flight Tests of Guided Pinaka
Weapon System
● Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO) has completed the
Flight Tests of Guided Pinaka Weapon
System as part of Provisional Staff
Qualitative Requirements (PSQR)
Validation Trials.
● The flight tests have been conducted in
three phases at different field firing ranges.
● During these tests, the PSQR parameters
including range, accuracy, consistency and
rate of fire for multiple target engagement
in a salvo mode, have been assessed by
● The Home Ministry has approved the
extensive testing of rockets.
establishment of the first all-women
7. Successful Flight Trials for DRDO’s Pinaka
battalion of CISF in a landmark decision
Weapon System
aimed at empowering women and
● Successful PSQR Validation Trials of the
enhancing their role in national security.
Guided Pinaka Weapon System by DRDO
● The proposal for the creation of all-women
● Purpose of Trials: Validation of
battalions in the Force was initiated
Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements
following the direction of Home Minister
(PSQR) for readiness of Indian Army
Amit Shah on the occasion of the 53rd CISF
induction
Day function.
● Launchers and Command Posts: Tata
● CISF
Advanced Systems Limited, Larsen &
● Central Industrial Security Force
Toubro
● 10 March 1969
8. C-295 Full Motion Simulator Inaugurated at Air
● DG : Rajwinder Singh Bhatti
Force Station Agra'
● HQ : New Delhi
● Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit inaugurated the
5. Chief of Defence Staff Chairs 35th Tri-Services
IAF's C-295 Full Motion Simulator at Agra
Commanders’ Conference in Kochi
on November 11, 2024
● Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan
● Aim: To enhance the pilot training
chaired the 35th Tri-services Commanders'
● The simulator allows pilots to practice
Conference (TSTCC) at the Southern Naval
critical missions like tactical airlift medical
Command in Kochi on 13 November 2024.
evacuation and disaster relief, improving
● The annual conference brought together
flight safety and readiness.
senior commanders and officers from the
● This move supports the “Atmanirbhar
Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, alongside
Bharat” initiative, with Airbus supplying 16
the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff
aircraft in flyaway condition from Spain,
 Weekly PDF November 2024: 2nd Week November 2024
while Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) ● MEA Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumder
will manufacture 40 in India. and BIMSTEC Secretary General Indramani
Pandey formalized the agreement.
● Aim: To foster greater energy cooperation
among BIMSTEC member states.
● The two-day exercise will span both in ● India’s Strategic Vision
terms of geographical reach and the ● Emphasis on maritime and digital
magnitude of participation, involving six connectivity in BIMSTEC
ministries and 21 organizations and ● Establishing Centres of Excellence in health,
agencies. food security, trade, energy, and investment
● Sea Vigil was originally conceptualized in ● Focus on skill development, capacity
2018 to validate and enhance measures building, and people-to-people connections
adopted to bolster coastal defence. ● The National Centre for Good Governance
● The exercise will involve participation of (NCGG) has successfully concluded its first
06 Ministries and 21 Organisations/ Mid-Career Training Programme for civil
agencies. servants from the Bay of Bengal Initiative
● Important Phase : Coastal Defence & for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic
Security Readiness Evaluation (CDSRE). Cooperation (BIMSTEC) nations.
● National Security Council Secretariat ● India hosted the First BIMSTEC Business
officials will also be part of Indian Navy led Summit in New Delhi from August 6-8.
CDSRE teams for the first time. ● BIMSTEC
● Sea Vigil was designed in 2018. ● Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral
● It is a precursor of Theatre Level Readiness Technical and Economic Cooperation
Operational Exercise (TROPEX), conducted ● HQ : Dhaka
biennially by the Indian Navy ● Members : Bangladesh, Bhutan, India,
MoUs Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
1. IIT KGP inked MoU for collaborative study on ● Chair : Thailand
homoeopathy project ● Established : 6 June 1997
● IIT Kharagpur & Central Council for 3. IIT Madras, ISRO Collaborate on Spacecraft
Research in Homeopathy (CCRH) signed Thermal Research Centre
MoU for collaborative research project ● Collab between: Indian Institute of
focused on integration traditional Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and
homeopathic practices with modern Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
scientific techniques. ● Reason: To create a Centre of Excellence
● The MoU focuses on clinical verification focused on research in ‘Fluid and Thermal
and employs advanced analytical methods Sciences’.
like Fourier Transform Infra-Red ● ISRO will provide seed funding of Rs 1.84
Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman Crore to establish this center
Spectroscopy for characterization and ● About ISRO:
analysis. ○ Formed: 15 August 1969
2. India, BIMSTEC Sign Deal for Energy Hub in ○ Jurisdiction: Department of Space
Bengaluru ○ Headquarters: Bengaluru,
● The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has Karnataka
announced the signing of an agreement to ○ Chairman: S. Somanath
establish the BIMSTEC Energy Centre in ○ Primary spaceports:
Bengaluru, Karnataka. ○ Satish Dhawan Space Centre
 Weekly PDF November 2024: 2nd Week November 2024
○ Thumba Equatorial Rocket
Launching Station
○ Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport
● NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship
Platform (WEP) under its award to reward
initiative, launched a pilot program with
urban company to support women MSMEs
to scale up their businesses in the beauty
and wellness sector.
States
1. PM Modi to participate in 200th anniversary
celebration of Shree Swaminarayan Mandir
● 200th anniversary celebration of Shree
Swaminarayan Mandir
4. Mines Ministry signs MoU with IEA for ● State: Vadtal, Gujarat
cooperation on critical minerals ● The glorious, multi-coloured, wood carved
● The Ministry of Mines signed an agreement Swaminarayan Temple in the old city, was
with the International Energy Agency (IEA) built in 1822 as the first temple of the
on cooperation in the area of critical Swaminarayan Hindu sect.
minerals. ● Followers believe the sect’s founder,
● This collaboration will provide India with Swaminarayan (1781–1830), was the
access to reliable data, analysis, and policy Supreme Being.
recommendations in the critical minerals 2. Assam’s New Healthcare Innovation Institute
sector, enhancing the country’s Launched
decision-making capabilities and ensuring ● The Assam Advanced Healthcare
strategic resource management. Innovation Institute (AAHII) has been
5. Jabil signs MoU with Gujarat govt, to invest Rs launched.
1,000 cr at Dholera unit ● This initiative is a collaboration between
● The Gujarat government signed an MoU IIT Guwahati and the Assam Government.
with a leading EMS company Jabil to set up ● It aims to enhance healthcare self-reliance
its electronics manufacturing services in India.
(EMS) unit with Rs 1,000 crore investment ● The inauguration included a symposium
in Dholera Special Investment Region attended by prominent doctors and
(DSIR). scientists.
● The new unit of Jabil will focus on sectors, ● The focus was on developing indigenous
including networking, capital goods, medical technologies.
automotive, and other allied industries. ● CM Sarma launched the ‘Nijut Moina’
6. Lubrizol, Polyhose sign MoU to set up medical scheme, providing monthly stipends to
tubing unit near Chennai female students from class 11 to
● Lubrizol, a global leader in speciality post-graduation.
chemicals, and Chennai-based fluid ● The first installment of ₹1,000 for higher
conveyance system major Polyhose have secondary, ₹1,250 for degree, and ₹2,500
signed a Memorandum of Understanding for post-graduation students was
(MoU) to establish a greenfield specialised distributed in a statewide event.
manufacturing unit for high-precision ● PM Modi Unveils Four Bio-Gas Units in
medical tubing. Assam
 Weekly PDF November 2024: 2nd Week November 2024
● Kaziranga Sees 86% Drop in Rhino ● The Andhra Pradesh government and
Poaching Since 2016. Reliance Group signed a deal worth Rs
● Assam's HaatiApp launched to mitigate 65,000 crore to establish 500 compressed
Human-Elephant conflicts bio-gas (CBG) plants in the state over the
● Tata Group Launches ₹27,000 Cr next three years.
Semiconductor Facility in Assam. ● Foundation for this maiden biofuel project
3. Launch of Uttar Pradesh’s First Double-Decker in the state will be laid on December 28 at
Electric Bus Kanigiri in Prakasam district
● Context: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath 6. New Bike Taxi Service by Delhi Metro Includes
launched Uttar Pradesh’s first Women-Driven Rides
double-decker electric bus ● Delhi Metro has introduced a new bike taxi
● Launched at: Aakanksha Haat Programme service.
● Reason: To address urban traffic problems ● It is available for booking through the
and promote environmental conservation. official Delhi Metro app, DMRC Momentum
● 50% discount on tickets for women (Delhi Sarthi 2.0).
passengers traveling on the new ● Launched on: November 11, 2024
double-decker electric bus ● It was launched in partnership with First
● A free travel scheme for women on heritage And Last Mile Connectivity India Pvt. Ltd.
route morning trips every Saturday. ● Platform: Bike taxi service available
● The electric bus can accommodate 65 through the official DMRC app, DMRC
passengers and is equipped with CCTV Momentum (Delhi Sarthi 2.0).
cameras, panic buttons, and real-time ● Service Types
location tracking for passenger safety. ● SHERYDS:
● The Hinduja Group is establishing an ● Women-driven bike taxi service tailored for
electric vehicle manufacturing plant in female commuters.
Uttar Pradesh, with production expected to ● Affordable pricing starting from ₹10 (₹10
start soon, supporting the state’s focus on per km for first 2 km, ₹8 per km afterward).
eco-friendly transportation. ● RYDR: General bike taxi service for all
4. Tata Power Invests Rs 550 Crore in Renewable passengers.
Energy for Noida International Airport ● The service is available at 12 metro stations
● Tata Power is investing ₹550 crore to ● Service Hours
supply renewable energy (13 MW solar + ● 8 AM to 9 PM, with 50 SHERYDS and 150
10.8 MW wind) to Noida International RYDR bikes operating within a 3 to 5 km
Airport, ensuring sustainable airport radius.
operations. 7. All India Cooperative Week 2024
● Renewable Energy Sources: 13 MW solar ● Every year, All India Cooperative Week is
power and 10.8 MW wind power celebrated from 14th to 20th November to
● Company Involved: Tata Power and Tata recognize the efforts and contributions of
Power Trading Company Ltd (TPTCL) cooperative societies in India.
● Operation & Maintenance (O&M): 25 years ● The year 2024 marks the 71st edition of
of O&M services for NIA’s energy this event, with the theme for the year
infrastructure being “Role of Cooperatives in Building
● Location: Noida International Airport, Viksit Bharat”.
Jewar, Uttar Pradesh 8. Amaravati Capital Project Gets ₹13,500 Crore
5. Reliance Industries to invest Rs 65,000 crore in Loan from World Bank and ADB
Andhra for biogas plants ● The World Bank and Asian Development
Bank have granted a ₹13,500 crore loan for
 Weekly PDF November 2024: 2nd Week November 2024
the development of Amaravati, Andhra
Pradesh's capital city.
● The project will focus on sustainable
infrastructure, including roads, flood
management, green spaces, and essential
utilities.
● Budget Allocation by State : ₹3,445.33
crore (₹3,000 crore for infrastructure, ₹400
crore for annuity to farmers)
● HUDCO Loan Amount: ₹11,000 crore for
Amaravati capital city development
9. PM Modi to Unveil Projects on Birsa Munda’s
Birth Anniversary in Bihar
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit
Bihar to attend a function marking the
150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, a
revered freedom fighter known as ●
"bhagwan" by tribal communities of the Important Dates
Chhota Nagpur plateau. 1. NTPC Celebrates 50th Raising Day
● Modi will travel to a remote village in Jamui ● NTPC Ltd celebrated its 50th Raising Day
district. on 9th November 2024.
● Occasion: Celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav ● CMD, NTPC: Gurdeep Singh
Divas (Tribal Pride Day), observed since ● World’s First CO₂ to Methanol Plant
2021. launched by NTPC at Vindhyachal
● PM Modi will inaugurate and lay the ● NTPC has also developed its first
foundation stone for multiple development indigenous methanol synthesis catalyst.
projects worth over Rs 6,640 crore. ● NTPC announced successful synthesis of
Schemes CO2 captured from flue gas with hydrogen
1. Govt plans to integrate Gati Shakti portal produced from a Proton Exchange
with e-Shram database Membrane (PEM) electrolyzer, which was
● The government is planning to integrate the then converted into methanol.
e-Shram portal database of over 300 ● Methanol (CH3OH) is the simplest alcohol
million unorganised workers with the Gati and mixes completely with water.
Shakti portal to improve logistics planning 2. World Adoption Day 2024
and increase employment opportunities for ● Date: November 9
the locals. ● Observed globally, promoted by Adopt
● Launched in August 2021, e-Shram portal is Together and CARA in India
a national database of unorganised workers ● Aim: To raise awareness about adoption’s
including skilled and unskilled workers. transformative impact and encourage
families to adopt
3. International Week of Science and Peace 2024
● Date: November 9 to 15, 2024
● Aim: To promote the role of science and
technology in fostering global peace and
cooperation
4. National Legal Services Day
 Weekly PDF November 2024: 2nd Week November 2024
● National Legal Services Day is being 2. Justice Sanjiv Khanna to be sworn in as 51st CJI
observed across the country on 9th on November 11
November 2024. ● Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who has been part of
● On November 9, 1995, the Legal Services several landmark Supreme Court
Authorities Act was created with the judgments such as the scrapping of the
intention of providing legal aid to electoral bonds scheme and upholding
underprivileged and marginalized people. abrogation of Article 370, will be sworn in
● As a result of the historic law, the National as the 51st Chief Justice of India on
Legal Services Authority (NALSA) was November 11, 2024.
established on December 5, the same year. 3. Tayyab Ikram Re-elected FIH President
Since then, National Legal Services Day is ● Tayyab Ikram was re-elected as President
observed every year. of the International Hockey Federation
5. World Diabetes Day (FIH), defeating Marc Coudron in the 49th
● Date: November 14 FIH Congress in Muscat, Oman.
● Aim: To raise awareness about the ● His two-year term will complete the
increasing prevalence of diabetes, its mandate of the previous president, Dr.
impact on global health, and the Narinder Dhruv Batra.
importance of preventive measures. ● Tayyab Ikram’s Background:
● 2024 theme: Diabetes and well-being ● Former Pakistan and China hockey coach,
6. World Immunization Day 2024 ● FIH Executive Board member since 2016,
● Date: November 10th ● Elected FIH President in November 2022
● Themer 2024: Vaccines for All: Protecting 4. Li Quanhai Re-Elected as World Sailing President
Communities and Building Health Equity for Second Term
7. World Quality Week 2024 ● Li Quanhai was re-elected as the President
● World Quality Week, an annual event of World Sailing for a four-year term at the
celebrated globally, is taking place from General Assembly in Singapore
November 11 to November 15, 2024. ● About World Sailing
● Organised by the Chartered Quality ● Founded in Paris in 1907.
Institute (CQI) ● Governing body for sailing, with 137
● Theme 2024: Quality: From Compliance to national sailing associations.
Performance ● Holds leadership elections every four years.
8. National Education Day 2024 ● Li first assumed the presidency in
● Every year on November 11, India observes November 2020.
National Education Day to commemorate 5. Govt extends tenure of foreign secretary Vikram
the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Misri till July 2026
Kalam Azad, the first Education Minister of ● The government has extended the tenure of
independent India. foreign secretary Vikram Misri till 14th July
Appointments 2026.
1. Harsha Vardhan Agarwal to Take Over as FICCI ● The Appointments Committee of the
President Cabinet has approved the extension.
● New president of FICCI: Harsha Vardhan ● He assumed the charge as Foreign
Agarwal Secretary on 15th July, 2024.
● Effective from: November 21, 2024
● Replace: Anish Shah 6. Sonu Sood Appointed as Brand Ambassador and
● FICCI refers to Federation of Indian Honourary Tourism Advisor for Thailand
Chambers of Commerce and Industry ● Brand Ambassador and Honourary Tourism
● Headquarters: New Delhi, India Advisor for Thailand: Sonu Sood
 Weekly PDF November 2024: 2nd Week November 2024

1. Indian Oil Welcomes Arvindar Singh Sahney as

New Chairman
● New Chairman of IOC: Arvindar Singh
Sahney
2. NEHHDC Announces Mara Kocho as Incoming
Managing Director
● Mara Kocho has been recommended as the
next Managing Director (MD) of the North
Eastern Handicrafts & Handlooms
Development Corporation Limited
(NEHHDC), a public sector undertaking
under the Ministry of Development of
North Eastern Region (DoNER).
● Replace: Brigadier Rajiv Kumar Singh
(Retd)
3. Alix Didier Fils-Aime Sworn in as Haiti’s New
Prime Minister
7. Australia Appoints First Anti-Slavery ● Businessman Alix Didier Fils-Aime has been
Commissioner to Combat Modern Slavery sworn in as Haiti's new prime minister.
● Australia has appointed Chris Evans as its ● Replaced: Garry Conille
first Anti-Slavery Commissioner to combat Obituaries
modern slavery, including human 1. PM Modi expresses grief over passing of veteran
trafficking and forced labour. Tamil actor Thiru Delhi Ganesh
8. Amandeep Johl Appointed CEO Of Professional ● Chennai, Noted Tamil actor 'Delhi' Ganesh,
Golf Tour Of India who essayed a spectacular variety of
● The Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) memorable roles in over 400 films, passed
announced that Amandeep Johl will take away
over as its new Chief Executive Officer 2. Iconic Sarangi maestro Pandit Ram Narayan
(CEO) starting January 2025. passes away in Mumbai
9. Delhi’s New Mayor AAP’s Mahesh Kumar Khichi ● Pandit Ram Narayan, the iconic Sarangi
● New Mayor of Delhi: Mahesh Kumar Khichi maestro, passed away in Mumbai at the age
(AAP) of 96.
● Mr. Narayan, a distinguished Hindustani
musician was honoured with several
prestigious awards, including the Padma
Vibhushan and the Sangeet Natak Akademi
Award.
 Weekly PDF November 2024: 2nd Week November 2024
3. Madan Mohan Somtiya, Freedom Fighter and ● In the 2024 edition of the S&P Global
Member of Mewar Praja Mandal, Dies Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA)
● Madan Mohan Somtiya, a dedicated rankings, Hindalco was the only aluminium
freedom fighter and prominent member of company to secure the top position.
the Mewar Praja Mandal, passed away at ● The DJSI World Index comprises the top 10
the age of 102 in Rajsamand district, per cent of the largest 2,500 companies by
Rajasthan. market capitalisation in the S&P Global
● He played a critical role during India’s Broad Market Index based on long-term
freedom struggle, dedicating his life to the economic and ESG factors.
nation’s independence and enduring ● Hindalco Industries
multiple arrests and hardships under ● Founded : 1958
British rule. ● HQ : Mumbai
4. Former Member of Parliament Mahendra Singh ● Chairman : Kumar Mangalam Birla
Mewar Passes Away ● Industry : Metals
● Mahendra Singh Mewar, the former 2. India Achieves WOAH Reference Laboratory
Member of Parliament (MP) from the Status
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a member ● The Indian Council of Agricultural
of the erstwhile Mewar royal family, passed Research-National Research Centre on
away at 79. Equines (ICAR-NRC Equine) has been
5. World-renowned Mridangam scholar Varadarao designated as a World Organisation for
Kamalakara Rao passes away at 88 Animal Health (WOAH) Reference
● World-renowned Mridangam scholar Laboratory for Equine Piroplasmosis.
Varadarao Kamalakara Rao breathed his ● This recognition marks India’s commitment
last in Rajahmundry at the age of 88. to improving its scientific and diagnostic
● He received the Central Sangeet Natak capabilities in animal health.
Akademi Award. ● The official designation of ICAR-NRC
● He was a disciple of Palgat Mani Ayer, he Equine as a WOAH Reference Laboratory
received the President Medal from the will be formally announced at the 92nd
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan during his WOAH General Session and World
college days. Assembly of Delegates in May 2025.
6. Veteran Bengali actor Manoj Mitra passes away ● Equine piroplasmosis, caused by the
● Veteran Bengali actor and eminent theatre tick-borne protozoan parasites Babesia
personality Manoj Mitra passed away at 86. caballi and Theileria equi, affects horses,
● Mitra won many awards for his acting and donkeys, mules, and zebras and poses a
writing skills. Among them was the serious threat to the health of these
much-celebrated Sangeet Natak Akademy animals, with significant economic impact.
Award for Best Playwright in 1985 and the ● World Organisation for Animal Health
Asiatic Society Award in 2005. ● Established : 25th January 1924
Awards ● HQ : Paris
1. Hindalco ranked world’s most sustainable ● Member Countries : 183
aluminium company ● Director General : Emmanuelle Soubeyran
● Hindalco Industries Limited, the metals 3. Kunal Dalal Honored at Education World India
flagship of the Aditya Birla Group, has been School Rankings 2024
ranked the world’s most sustainable ● Kunal Dalal, Managing Director of JBCN
aluminium company for the fifth Education, was recently honored as the
consecutive year. Education Leader of the Year at the
 Weekly PDF November 2024: 2nd Week November 2024
Education World India School Ranking ● Capital: Roseau
Awards 2024-2025 held in Gurgaon. ● Currency: East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
4. Veteran Filmmaker Phillip Noyce Honored with ● Prime Minister: Roosevelt Skerrit
Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award ● President: Luis Rodolfo Abinader
● Award: Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement 7. Kerr and Noman win ICC Player of the Month
Award awards for October
● Winner: Veteran Australian filmmaker ● The International Cricket Council (ICC) has
Phillip Noyce announced the ICC Players of the Month for
● Awarded at: The 55th International Film October 2024 as New Zealand’s Amelia
Festival of India (IFFI) Kerr and Pakistan’s Noman Ali.
● About 55th International Film Festival of 8. Infosys Science Foundation unveils 2024 prize
India (IFFI) 2024: winners across six major research disciplines
○ Dates: 20th to 28th November 2024 ● Prizes were announced across six
○ Location: Goa categories - Economics, Engineering and
○ Organizers: Ministry of Information Computer Science, Humanities and Social
& Broadcasting (I&B), National Film Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical
Development Corporation (NFDC), Sciences, and Physical Sciences.
Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) ● The prize for each category comprises a
○ Theme: “Young Filmmakers” – The gold medal, a citation, and a prize purse of
Future is Now $100,000, or its equivalent in INR.
5. British Writer Samantha Harvey Wins Booker ● Economics: Arun Chandrasekhar
Prize for Fiction with “Orbital” ● Engineering and Computer Science: Shyam
● British author Samantha Harvey has won Gollakota
the prestigious 2023 Booker Prize for ● Humanities and Social Sciences: Mahmood
Fiction for her novel "Orbital." Kooria
● The Booker Prize, one of the most ● Life Sciences: Siddhesh Kamat
prestigious awards in the literary world, ● Mathematical Sciences: Neena Gupta
was awarded to Harvey with a £50,000 ● Physical Sciences: Vedika Khemani
prize.
● Last Winner: Paul Lynch, an Irish writer, Books & Author
won the Booker Prize in 2022 for his novel 1. Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal Releases
“Prophet Song”. Book Titled ‘Maa-Mother’
6. Dominica to Award Its Highest National Honour ● Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram
to PM Modi Meghwal released a book titled
● The Commonwealth of Dominica has ‘Maa-Mother’ in New Delhi today.
announced that it will award PM Narendra ● The event was attended by Kerala Governor
Modi its highest national honour, the Arif Mohammed Khan and West Bengal
Dominica Award of Honour, in recognition Governor Dr C.V. Anand Bose.
of his significant contributions to the island ● The book is written by Dr. Davendra Kumar
nation, particularly during the COVID-19 Dhodawat, Additional Secretary to the
pandemic. Governor of Kerala.
● This prestigious award will be presented to 2. Book Release on Motherhood: ‘Maa-Mother’
the Indian Prime Minister by Sylvanie Launched
Burton, the President of the ● Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram
Commonwealth of Dominica, during the Meghwal launched a book titled
upcoming India-CARICOM Summit in ‘Maa-Mother’ in New Delhi.
Georgetown, Guyana.
 Weekly PDF November 2024: 2nd Week November 2024
● Author: Dr. Davendra Kumar Dhodawat,
Additional Secretary to the Governor of
Kerala ● Defence Research and Development
Science & Tech Organisation (DRDO) today conducted the
1. Allulose – The Rising Sweetener in South maiden flight test of the Long Range Land
Korea Attack Cruise Missile from the Integrated
● Allulose is naturally found in fruits such as Test Range, Chandipur, off the coast of
figs and kiwis. Odisha, from a mobile articulated launcher.
● Regulatory bodies in both the U.S. and ● During the test, all sub-systems performed
South Korea have approved its use. as per expectations and met the primary
● Allulose is reported to be 70% as sweet as mission objectives.
sugar. It is almost calorie-free, making it ● Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has
appealing to those seeking healthier complimented DRDO, the Armed Forces,
alternatives. and the industry on the successful maiden
2. New Jumping Spider Species Discovered in flight test.
Pune
● Researchers announced the discovery of a Sports
new species of jumping spider named 1. Tim Southee to Bid Farewell to Cricket After
Okinawicius tekdi on Baner Hill in Pune. World Test Championship
● The name Okinawicius tekdi is derived ● Tim Southee, New Zealand's all-time
from the Marathi word “tekdi,” meaning hill. leading wicket-taker, has announced his
● The discovery brings the total number of decision to retire from international cricket
jumping spider species in India to 326. after the completion of the current ICC
● The species was discovered by Atharva World Test Championship campaign.
Kulkarni, an MSc student from MIT-World 2. Mumbai wins its second Senior Women’s T20
Peace University, and Rishikesh Tripathi Trophy
from Christ College, Kerala ● Humaira Kazi led her Mumbai team to their
second Senior Women’s T20 trophy title by
beating Bengal
● The final of the 16th Senior Women’s T20
trophy was played at the Wankhede
Stadium, Mumbai, Maharastra.
● Mumbai, which won the Senior Women’s
T20 trophy for the first time last year,
joined Railway as the only team that
successfully defended its title.
● With 11 title wins, Railway is the most
successful team in the tournament
3. Aravindh Chithambaram Clinches Masters Title
at Chennai Grandmasters 2024
● Event: Chennai Grandmasters 2024
● Masters Category winner: GM Aravindh
Chithambaram
● Challengers Category winner: GM V Pranav
 Weekly PDF November 2024: 2nd Week November 2024
4. Mohammad Nabi to Retire from ODI Cricket

● Afghanistan’s iconic all-rounder,

Mohammad Nabi, will retire from his
illustrious ODI career, after ICC Champions
Trophy 2025.
● Nabi is one of Afghanistan’s most
celebrated players, with 3,549 runs at an
average of 27.30 and 171 wickets across
165 ODIs, making him a crucial all-rounder.
5. PV Sindhu Lays Foundation for World-Class
Badminton Centre in Visakhapatnam
● Foundation for World-Class Badminton
Centre
● Location: Chinna Gadili village on the
outskirts of Visakhapatnam
● Foundation laid by: PV Sindhu (Badminton
Player)
● Total Land Allocated: 3 acres
● Supporting Company: Greenko (energy
solutions)
● Technical Backing: Coach Pullela Gopichand
● Technologies Used: Drift control for
high-performance training
● Completion Timeline: 15 months from
commencement
6. Himachal Pradesh: World Paragliding
Competition in Bir-Billing concludes
● In Himachal Pradesh, the World Paragliding
Competition in Bir-Billing, Kangra district,
concluded.
● In the eight-day competition, Austin Cox
from the United States secured first place in
the overall category, with Ranjit Singh of
India coming in second, and Dominik
Kapica from Poland placing third.