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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING & FINANCE

Reserve Bank of India to Launch Cloud Services in 2025, Aiming to Challenge Global Firms' Dominance     

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plans to launch a pilot programme for cloud services in 2025 to offer local cloud data storage for financial firms at affordable rates.

Key Highlights :

• Competitors:The initiative will challenge global cloud giants like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and IBM Cloud in India’s growing cloud services market.
• Market Insights:India’s cloud services market was valued at $8.3 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to 24$.2 billion by 2028.
• Currently, the market is dominated by foreign firms.
• Target Audience:The service aims to cater to smaller banking and financial services firms unable to afford existing cloud solutions.
• Development and Funding:The project is spearheaded by the RBI's research wing, Indian Financial Technology and Allied Services (IFTAS).
• EY has been appointed as an advisor to the project.
• Initial funding of ₹229.74 billion will come from the RBI's Asset Development Fund.
• Financial firms may hold equity in the cloud service at later stages.
• Implementation Timeline:A small-scale implementation will begin in the coming months, with expansion in phases over the next few years.
• Focus on Localisation:The project aligns with the RBI’s push for localisation of financial data and payments infrastructure.
• Technology Collaboration:RBI will collaborate with local Indian IT firms experienced in building cloud solutions.
• Only Indian-incorporated companies or consortia are eligible to bid for the project.
• Data Centre Locations:Data centres for the project will be established in Mumbai and Hyderabad.
• Procurement:A procurement document was published on the IFTAS website in October 2024, inviting bids for the project.
• Background Announcement:RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das announced plans for a public cloud platform for the financial services industry in December 2023.

State Bank of India Raises ₹10,000 Crore Through Seventh Infrastructure Bond Issuance at 7.23% Coupon Rate for 15-Year Tenure   

• State Bank of India (SBI) has raised ₹10,000 crore at a coupon rate of 7.23 per cent through its seventh infrastructure bond issuance, payable annually for a tenor of 15 years.
• The instrument is rated AAA with stable outlook.

Key Highlights :

• Advantages of Infrastructure Bonds:Funds raised through infrastructure bonds are exempt from regulatory reserve requirements like the Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) and Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR).
• Unlike deposits, where banks must maintain 5% CRR and invest approximately 18% in securities for SLR compliance, the proceeds from infrastructure bonds can be fully deployed for lending activities, providing greater flexibility.
• SBI’s $500 Million Bond Issuance:SBI has issued $500 million in Senior Unsecured Fixed Rate Notes.
• The bonds have a maturity of 5 years and a coupon rate of 5.125%, payable semi-annually.
• These bonds will be issued through SBI’s London branch on November 25 and listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange and India International Exchange, GIFT City.
• Significance of Infrastructure Bonds:Infrastructure bonds are an essential funding source for banks, particularly for large-scale infrastructure projects, offering the advantage of exempting from CRR and SLR obligations.
• Use of Proceeds:The funds raised from the infrastructure bond issuance will be used for lending purposes, supporting the bank’s lending activities without the constraints of statutory reserve requirements.

About SBI :

• Founded : 1 July 1955
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Chairman : Challa Sreenivasulu Setty

State Bank of India to open 300-400 branches annually in the medium term    

• The State Bank of India (SBI) plans to open 300-400 branches annually in the medium term.
• The bank aims to increase financial service penetration in India by setting up branches in residential colonies and underserved areas.
• SBI conducted an extensive micro-market survey to identify areas lacking financial services, leading to the target of 500 new branches.
• SBI may relocate branches that are not performing well to more strategic locations, ensuring access to financial services, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
• As of September 2024, SBI has 22,640 branches, an increase from 15,870 branches in March 2014.

SBI’s Global Market Position:

• SBI is ranked 17th in the world in terms of market capitalization.
• The bank aims to be among the top 10 global banks in market capitalization within three years.
• SBI's market capitalization stands at ₹7.26 trillion ($86 billion), while HDFC Bank's market capitalization is ₹13.06 trillion ($154 billion).
• SBI aims for an annual net profit of ₹1 trillion and is targeting ₹1 trillion in operating profit for the current year.
• SBI recently concluded the centennial celebration of its main branch in Mumbai.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

Integrated QR-Ticketing System for Namo Bharat and Delhi Metro Launched

• The NCRTC (National Capital Region Transport Corporation) and DMRC (Delhi Metro Rail Corporation) have introduced a unified QR-ticketing system, enabling seamless travel across Namo Bharat and Delhi Metro services via their respective mobile apps.
• This initiative simplifies commutes in Delhi-NCR, boosts public transport adoption, and aligns with the Government’s “One India – One Ticket” vision, emphasizing sustainability and convenience.

Key Highlights

Launch Details

• Official Inauguration: Shri Shalabh Goel, MD of NCRTC, and Dr. Vikas Kumar, MD of DMRC, launched the system by booking tickets on their mobile apps.
• Digital Access:
  • RRTS Connect App: Now supports Delhi Metro QR tickets.
  • DMRC Momentum 2.0 App: Provides ticketing for Namo Bharat services.
• Unified Network: Integration connects the operational 42-km RRTS corridor with the 393-km DMRC network, creating a cohesive regional transport system.

Seamless and Sustainable Travel

1. Convenience for Commuters:
   • Ensures smooth transitions between regional transit (RRTS) and intra-city modes (Metro).
   • Reduces time, effort, and the need for multiple ticketing systems.
2. Boosting Public Transport:
   • Encourages the use of sustainable public transportation.
   • Contributes to reduced traffic congestion and lower pollution levels in NCR.
3. Support for National Vision:
   • Advances the “One India – One Ticket” initiative for nationwide, unified travel.

Broader Implications

Alignment with National Goals

• PM Gati Shakti Master Plan:
  • Promotes integrated infrastructure for seamless connectivity.
  • Enhances socio-economic development through better transport access.
• Sustainability Focus:
  • Supports environmentally-friendly goals by fostering public transit reliance.

Future Integration Potential

• Builds on NCRTC’s MoU with IRCTC for integration with national rail services, paving the way for a truly comprehensive transport network.

NTPC's Ambitious Green Energy Investment Plan: Aiming for Rs 5 Trillion by 2030

• NTPC, India’s largest energy conglomerate, is making significant strides in the green energy sector with a target of investing Rs 5 trillion by 2030.
• This vision is led by its renewable energy subsidiary, NTPC Green Energy Ltd. (NGEL), which plans to launch an Initial Public Offering (IPO) worth Rs 10,000 crore.
• These funds will support NTPC’s extensive green energy projects, including renewable power generation, green hydrogen, sustainable fuels, and energy storage

Key Investment and Expansion Plans

1. Renewable Energy Capacity Growth:
   • NTPC aims to add 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032, primarily focusing on solar power, which will constitute about 90% of the total capacity.
   • The company will invest Rs 3.25 trillion in these renewable projects, while the remaining funds will support green hydrogen, battery storage, pumped storage projects (PSPs), and other green molecules.
2. Large-Scale Renewable Projects:
   • NTPC is focusing on massive solar-wind hybrid parks, with the 7 GW park in Khavda, Gujarat being one of the flagship projects.
   • Joint ventures have been established with Rajasthan and Maharashtra for 45 GW of renewable energy projects. Similar ventures are also in the works in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh.
3. Green Hydrogen and Sustainable Fuels:
   • NTPC is making significant inroads into green hydrogen, green ammonia, and sustainable aviation fuel.
   • A major initiative is the green hydrogen hub in Pudimadaka, Andhra Pradesh, with an expected investment of Rs 1.85 trillion. This facility will be operational within three years.
   • NTPC is also pioneering a seawater-to-green hydrogen project in Visakhapatnam via its research and development arm, NETRA, aiming to reduce hydrogen production costs.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : STATE NEWS

Tamil Nadu Proposes ‘Income Distance’ Criteria for Devolution to 16th Finance Commission 

• The Tamil Nadu government has asked the 16th Finance Commission to adopt a different method of measuring per capita income, from nominal to purchase power parity, while calculating the biggest criterion for devolution of funds between the Centre and the State, namely, ‘income distance’.
• Income distance measures how far a state's per capita income is from the state with the highest per capita income.
• States with a greater income gap receive more funds.

Key Highlights :

• Changes in Devolution Criteria:Vertical Devolution: Tamil Nadu requests a 50:50 split of tax pool between the Centre and State, an increase from the 41:59 split recommended by the 15th Finance Commission.
• Contribution to GDP: Tamil Nadu proposes the introduction of a new criterion — contribution to the national GDP for a fair distribution of taxes.
• Modification in Weightage for Criteria:Income Distance: Tamil Nadu suggests reducing the weight for income distance from 45% to 35%.
• Population Criterion: Tamil Nadu requests the Commission to use the 1971 Census as the base, rather than the 2011 Census used by the 15th Finance Commission.
• It also wants the population weight raised from 15% to 20%.
• Demographic Performance: The state wants the weight for demographic performance (measured by fertility rate) to increase from 12.5% to 20%.
• TN's Share of Funds:Tamil Nadu received 33.16% of the funds recommended by the 15th Finance Commission, lower than the 41% share it believes it should have received.
• The state also highlights that cesses and surcharges, which make up 16.83% of the Union's gross tax revenue, are not shared with states.
• Significance of the Proposal:This proposal is the first time a state has suggested such a change in the devolution methodology to the Finance Commission.

About Tamil Nadu :

• Governor: R. N. Ravi
• Chief minister: M. K. Stalin
• Capital: Chennai
• Dance : Bharatnatyam, Karakattam
• National Park: Mudumalai National Park, Mukurthi National Park, Guindy National Park, Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary, Karikili Bird Sanctuary, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
• Tiger Reserve: Anamalai Tiger Reserve
• Biosphere Reserve : Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve

Chhattisgarh’s Dhudmaras Village Chosen by United Nations World Tourism Organisation for Best Tourism Village Upgrade Programme 

• Dhudmaras, a village in Chhattisgarh's Bastar district, was selected for the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Best Tourism Village Upgrade programme, emphasizing sustainable tourism development.

Key Highlights :

• Global Selection:Out of the UNWTO initiative, 55 villages worldwide were recognized as Best Tourism Villages in 2024.
• An additional 20 villages, including Dhudmaras, were chosen for the Upgrade Programme.
• Programme Objectives:Villages in the Upgrade Programme will receive support to:
• Enhance tourism infrastructure.
• Promote cultural heritage.
• Improve the quality of life for residents.
• Location and Features:Dhudmaras is located within Kanger Valley National Park, known for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty.
• National Recognition:Earlier in 2024, Dhudmaras was among four villages awarded by India’s Union Ministry of Tourism in the Adventure Tourism category of the Best Tourism Village competition.

About Chhattisgarh :

• Governor : Ramen Deka
• Chief Minister : Vishnu Deo Sai
• Capital : Raipur

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Mallika Srinivasan, Chairperson of ESB, granted one-year extension beyond retirement age of 65  

• Mallika Srinivasan's tenure as Chairperson of the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has been extended by one year beyond the age limit of 65 years.
• Her new tenure runs from November 19, 2024, to November 18, 2025, or until further orders.
• Before Srinivasan, the post of PESB Chairperson was vacant for about eight months after Rajeev Kumar’s brief tenure, and before him, Kapil Dev Tripathi held the position briefly.
• PESB Role: PESB is responsible for advising the government on appointments to the highest positions in Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).
• It selects the board of directors, including the chairman, for CPSEs.
• The extension was granted by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, with an exception to the existing rule that limits the tenure of the Chairperson and members to three years or until they turn 65.
• The extension is unprecedented, as it is the first time the age limit for a PESB Chairperson has been waived for reappointment.

About Mallika Srinivasan :

• Srinivasan is the Chairman and Managing Director of Tractors and Farm Equipment (TAFE) Limited, the third-largest tractor manufacturer globally and the second-largest in India by volume.
• She is the first person from the private sector to head PESB, marking a significant shift in the leadership of the board.
• She was originally appointed as PESB Chairperson in April 2021 for a three-year tenure, which was extended in March 2024 until November 18, 2024, when she turned 65.
• She serves on the Global Board of the US-India Business Council (USIBC) and the Board of AGCO Corporation, USA.

Government expected to grant second term extension to Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das   

• The Indian government is expected to extend RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das's term for the second time, which could make him the longest-serving Governor since the 1960s.
• Das's current term, which was extended previously, ends on December 10, 2024.
• He has already surpassed the typical five-year maximum tenure in recent decades.
• If extended, Das will become the longest-serving RBI Governor since Benegal Rama Rau, who served for 7.5 years (1949–1957).
• The decision regarding the extension is expected to be announced after the completion of the Maharashtra state elections, as per the Election Commission’s rule preventing appointments that could influence voter behavior.
• No other candidates are currently under consideration for the position, and a selection committee has not been formed.
• The final decision regarding the extension is expected to be taken by the Prime Minister of India.

About Shaktikanta Das :

• Das was appointed as RBI Governor on December 12, 2018, for three years during a tumultuous government-regulator relationship.
• He became the 25th Governor of RBI, trusted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration.

Professional Achievements:

• IAS Officer of Tamil Nadu cadre (1980 batch).
• He held roles as Secretary in Revenue and Economic Affairs Departments in the Finance Ministry.
• He played a key role in preparing eight Union Budgets during his tenure at the Finance Ministry.
• He served as India's Alternate Governor in the World Bank,Asian Development Bank (ADB), New Development Bank (NDB) and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
• He was a former Member of the 15th Finance Commission and India’s G20 Sherpa.

K. Sanjay Murthy appointed as the next Comptroller and Auditor General of India

• President Droupadi Murmu has appointed Sanjay Murthy as the next Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) under Article 148 of the Constitution.
• A notification regarding his appointment was issued by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance.
• Murthy will replace Girish Chandra Murmu, whose tenure as CAG ends two days after the announcement.
• Girish Chandra Murmu had served as CAG since August 2020.
• Sanjay Murthy currently serves as the Secretary of the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education.
• He is an IAS officer of the 1989 batch, Andhra Pradesh cadre.
• Role and Importance of CAG:The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) is the head of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department.
• CAG is referred to as the guardian of the public purse and oversees the financial accountability of the Central and State governments.
• Constitutional Provisions:Article 148 of the Constitution establishes the independent office of the CAG.
• The CAG controls the financial system and audits all expenditures of both the Central and State governments.

Sri Lanka Reappoints Amarasuriya as Prime Minister   

• President Anura Kumara Dissanayake installed Sri Lanka’s new 21-member Cabinet after his National People’s Power (NPP) alliance won a massive mandate in the parliamentary elections.

Key Appointments:

• President Dissanayake retained the key portfolios of Defence, Finance, Planning, and Digital Economy.
• Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya was reappointed and sworn in along with the new team of Ministers on November 18, 2024.
• Legislative Composition:The 225-member Sri Lankan legislature will include a significant number of young, first-time MPs and 21 women, the highest female representation in Sri Lanka's Parliament.
• The NPP nominated Sugath Wasantha De Silva, a person with visual disability, as an MP, marking the first time in Sri Lanka’s history that a person with a disability will serve in Parliament.
• Government's Reform Agenda:The NPP government, with 159 seats in Parliament, has over a two-thirds majority, enabling it to pursue its ambitious reform agenda and rebuild Sri Lanka's broken economy.
• IMF Review and Assistance:A delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is in Colombo to review its ongoing programme with Sri Lanka.
• The IMF is expected to release the next tranche of approximately $337 million of the $2.9 billion package pledged to Sri Lanka in 2022, following the country’s default on external debt.

About Sri Lanka :

• President : Anura Kumara Dissanayake
• Prime Minister : Harini Amarasuriya
• Capital : Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (legislative), Colombo (executive and judicial,)Colombo (executive and judicial)
• Currency : Sri Lankan rupee

Burra Vamsi Rama Mohan Takes Over as Director (Projects) at Power Grid Corporation of India Limited  

• Burra Vamsi Rama Mohan, an engineering graduate with a post-graduate diploma in management, assumed the charge as project director of the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) on 13 November, 2024.

About Burra Vamsi Rama Mohan :

• Mohan brings over three decades of experience in the power and telecom sectors.
• He has distinct experience in project implementation and procurement management.
• He has in-depth knowledge of the power sector regulatory framework and was a founding member of the Regulatory Cell in POWERGRID.
• He served as the CEO of POWERGRID Teleservices Limited and played a key role in the growth of the telecom business.
• He also contributed to the initiation of POWERGRID's first Data Centre.
• Prior to this role, he served as OSD (Projects) in POWERGRID.

About POWERGRID :

• Founded : 23 October 1989
• Headquarters : Gurugram, Haryana, India
• Chairman & Managing Director : Ravindra Kumar Tyagi
• Power Grid Corporation of India Limited is an Indian central public sector undertaking under the ownership of the Ministry of Power, Government of India.

Brazilian Police Commissioner Valdecy Urquiza Appointed as New Interpol Chief  

• Brazil’s Federal Police Commissioner Valdecy Urquiza has been elected as new secretary general of Interpol at the global police organisation’s 92nd General Assembly, currently ongoing in Glasgow.
• Urquiza will take over from the incumbent, Jurgen Stock, who has been leading Interpol for the past 10 years.
• Urquiza will assume office after the General Assembly concludes on November 7, 2024.
• Urquiza's candidature was supported by India, which has a seat on the Interpol Executive Committee.
• The 92nd General Assembly is being held in Glasgow from November 4 to 7, 2024, with around 1,000 delegates from Interpol's member countries attending.
• India is represented by Praveen Sood, the CBI Director, and Vijayendra Bidari, a joint director in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
• Updated Repository of Practice (RoP):Interpol released an updated Repository of Practice (RoP) during the General Assembly, which outlines how it evaluates member countries' requests for international police cooperation.
• The RoP ensures that requests align with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and that they are non-political, non-military, non-religious, and non-racial.
• The updated RoP includes guidelines for handling cases involving current or former politicians, terrorism, sanctions violations, and social/political unrest.

About Interpol or the International Criminal Police Organization :

• Founded : 7 September 1923
• Headquarters : Lyon, France

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh to Participate in 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus in Lao PDR  

• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh will pay an official visit to Vientiane, Lao PDR from November 20-22, 2024 to attend the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus).
• During the meeting, he will address the forum on Regional and International Security Issues.

Key Highlights :

• Bilateral Meetings:On the sidelines of the 11th ADMM-Plus, the Raksha Mantri is expected to hold bilateral meetings with counterparts from Australia, China, Japan, Lao PDR, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Republic of Korea, and the USA.
• These meetings are aimed at enhancing bilateral defence cooperation with the participating countries.
• ADMM and ADMM-Plus:ADMM (ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting) is the highest defence consultative and cooperative mechanism within ASEAN.
• ADMM-Plus is a platform for ASEAN member states and 8 Dialogue Partners (India, US, China, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand) to strengthen security and defence cooperation.
• India became a Dialogue Partner of ASEAN in 1992, and the inaugural ADMM-Plus was convened in Hanoi, Vietnam on October 12, 2010.
• Annual Meetings:Since 2017, ADMM-Plus Ministers have been meeting annually to bolster cooperation among ASEAN and the Plus countries.
• Host Country:Lao PDR is the chair and host of the 11th ADMM-Plus.

About Ministry of Defence :

• Defence Minister : Rajnath Singh
• Minister of State : Sanjay Seth

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

SpaceX's Falcon-9 Launches India's GSAT-N2 Satellite into Orbit  

• The GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20) communication satellite was launched by SpaceX's Falcon-9 rocket on November 19, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, United States (US).
• This was India's first collaboration with SpaceX.

Key Highlights :

• Satellite Purpose:GSAT-N2 is a Ka-band high-throughput communication satellite developed by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a commercial arm of ISRO.
• The satellite will enhance broadband services and in-flight connectivity across India, including Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep Islands.
• Technical Specifications:The satellite offers 32 spot beams, including eight narrow spot beams for the northeast region and 24 wide spot beams for the rest of India.
• The Ka-Band HTS (High Throughput Satellite) payload provides a throughput of 48 Gbps.
• The satellite has a liftoff mass of 4,700 kg and a mission life of 14 years.
• Technology and Features:The satellite features three parabolic 2.5-meter deployable reflectors generating the 32 spot beams.
• It carries sensors like the Sun Sensor, Earth Sensor, Inertial Reference Unit (IRU), and Star Sensor for attitude data.
• NSIL's Role:GSAT-N2 is NSIL's second demand-driven satellite. It is part of the space sector reforms initiated by the Indian government in 2020, which mandated NSIL to build and operate satellites to meet user demands.
• NSIL's first demand-driven satellite was GSAT-24, launched in June 2022, with TataPlay fully securing its capacity.
• Cost and SpaceX Involvement:The estimated cost of the launch is between $60-70 million, with NSIL paying approximately ₹500 crore for the launch.
• This mission marked the 19th flight of SpaceX's Falcon-9 first-stage booster, which had previously launched several missions, including SES-22, HAKUTO-R MISSION 1, and multiple Starlink missions.
• Launch Significance:The GSAT-N2 satellite is expected to significantly boost India’s satellite communications capabilities, especially for rural areas and underserved regions.
• The satellite’s multi-beam architecture allows frequency reuse, increasing the efficiency of the communication system.

About ISRO :

• Established: 15 August 1969
• Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka, India
• Chairman: S. Somanath

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Actor Uma Dasgupta, key cast member of ‘Pather Panchali,’ passed away   

• Uma Dasgupta, who immortalised the role of 'Durga' in Satyajit Ray's iconic film Pather Panchali passed away in Kolkata at the age of 84.

About Uma Dasgupta :

• Uma Dasgupta portrayed the character of Durga, a pivotal role in the film directed by Satyajit Ray, based on the novel by Bibhutibhusan Bandyopadhyay.
• She was 14 years old when she was cast.
• She is remembered for iconic scenes in the film, including the moment she is drenched in rain and picks mangoes with her younger brother, Apu, after a nor'wester.
• Satyajit Ray noticed her during a stage performance as a child artist at a school event, leading to her role in Pather Panchali.
• Despite the worldwide acclaim for her performance, Uma Dasgupta never pursued a career in acting and did not appear in any other films after Pather Panchali.
• Her last known public appearance was at a function related to Pather Panchali, but she had remained largely out of the public eye since then.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

Women’s Entrepreneurship Day: November 19

• Women's Entrepreneurship Day (WED), celebrated annually on November 19, honours women entrepreneurs and their contributions to innovation, economic growth, and community development.
• Founded by Wendy Diamond in 2014, Women’s Entrepreneurship Day emerged in response to the challenges and opportunities faced by women in the entrepreneurial space.
• Issues such as imposter syndrome and fewer opportunities for recognition and advancement in businesses and careers have been hurdles that many women encounter.
• The initiative aims to empower women globally by addressing these challenges and creating a supportive ecosystem for their growth.

National Integration Day: November 19

• National Integration Day is observed every year on November 19, marking the birth anniversary of Indira Gandhi, India’s first woman Prime Minister.
• The day commemorates her significant contributions to strengthening India’s unity and diversity amidst challenges of regionalism, separatism, and inequality.

Significance of National Integration Day

• Introduced in 1985 by the Indian National Congress, the day celebrates India’s cultural diversity and emphasizes the importance of collaboration for national progress.
• In a country of vast linguistic, religious, and cultural diversity, it reminds citizens of the importance of upholding unity and harmony.

Indira Gandhi's Role in National Integration

1. Leadership During the 1971 War:
   • Successfully led India during the India-Pakistan war, resulting in the creation of Bangladesh.
   • Strengthened India’s global stature and highlighted the resilience of its citizens.
2. Strengthening Federal Structures:
   • Focused on uniting people across regions and backgrounds through rural development, poverty alleviation, and access to education and healthcare.
3. Emergency Period (1975-1977):
   • While controversial, her decisiveness during this period was driven by a belief in maintaining political stability as a foundation for national unity.

National Newborn Care Week 2024: November 15–21

• National New Born Care Week is a national health care event, observed in India between the 15th to 21th of November annually, intended to raise awareness about the importance of newborn care for child survival and development

The theme for 2024:
"Safety, Quality, and Nurturing Care – Birth Right of Every Newborn"

Significance of National Newborn Care Week

• Focuses on raising awareness about newborn health and reducing preventable infant deaths.
• Highlights the critical neonatal phase (first 28 days of life), a period with the highest risk of infant mortality and a crucial time for ensuring long-term health and development.
• Aims to provide universal access to high-quality newborn healthcare, ensuring babies’ right to breathe, stay warm, be nourished, and protected from infections and injuries.

Key Statistics and Goals

• Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR):
  • Reduced from 44 per 1,000 live births in 2000 to 18 per 1,000 in 2024.
  • Target: 14 per 1,000 by 2025.
• Child Mortality Rate Goal by 2035:
  • Reduce under-5 child mortality to ≤ 20 per 1,000 live births.

Challenges During the Neonatal Period

Common health complications in the first 28 days include:

1. Neonatal infections
2. Respiratory distress
3. Lung damage from mechanical ventilation
4. Collapsed lungs
5. Rapid breathing and hypoxia

Every year:

• 2.6 million babies die within the first 28 days.
• 2.6 million stillbirths occur.

Causes of Neonatal Mortality

• 35%: Lack of physical development.
• 33%: Newborn infections.
• 20%: Intrapartum issues (e.g., respiratory arrest, hypoxia).
• 9%: Congenital deformities.

India’s Efforts for Newborn Care

1. India Newborn Action Plan (INAP):
   • Launched in 2014, aligned with the Global Every Newborn Action Plan.
   • Aims to eliminate unnecessary infant deaths and stillbirths.
2. Ministry Initiatives:
   • Hosted awareness e-events under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
   • Collaboration between central and state governments to strengthen primary newborn care services.

World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) 2024

• World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) is an annual global campaign observed from 18-24 November.
• Its primary objective is to raise awareness and understanding of AMR and encourage best practices to mitigate the emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections.
• The theme for 2024: "Educate. Advocate. Act Now."

Objective of WAAW

WAAW is a global initiative aimed at:

• Raising awareness about antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
• Encouraging best practices to combat drug-resistant infections.
• Mobilizing global action across sectors, including human health, animal health, agriculture, and the environment (One Health approach).

What is AMR?

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist antimicrobial agents (e.g., antibiotics, antivirals). This resistance renders treatments ineffective, leading to:

• Harder-to-treat infections.
• Increased illness severity and death rates.
• Higher risks of disease spread.

Global Threat of AMR

1. Public Health Impact

• Infections become difficult or impossible to treat, risking higher mortality.
• Common medical procedures like surgeries and cancer treatments become riskier.

2. Economic and Social Consequences

• AMR disrupts food production, agriculture, and healthcare systems.
• Increased healthcare costs and decreased productivity strain economies.

3. Environmental Risks

• Overuse of antimicrobials in agriculture and animal husbandry contributes to resistance.
• Environmental contamination with resistant organisms endangers ecosystems.

Key WAAW 2024 Events

4th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on AMR

• Host: Saudi Arabia.
• Focuses on:
  • Implementing commitments from the 2024 UNGA High-Level Meeting.
  • Driving political leadership and financial accountability globally.

UNGA High-Level Meeting on AMR

• A platform to align global policies and financial investments for AMR solutions.

Global Action Plan on AMR (2015)

Adopted at the 68th World Health Assembly, this plan outlines five strategic objectives:

1. Raising awareness through communication and education.
2. Ensuring sustainable use of antimicrobials in health and agriculture.
3. Promoting research and innovation for new solutions.
4. Establishing global surveillance to monitor AMR trends.
5. Strengthening systems to reduce the impact of AMR.

World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence

• World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence Observed on November 18, this day emphasizes raising awareness about the widespread and devastating issue of child sexual abuse and violence.
• Date Observed: November 18
  Objective: To raise awareness, prevent child sexual abuse, and promote healing for survivors, while safeguarding their rights and dignity.

Understanding Child Sexual Abuse (CSA)

Child sexual abuse includes any sexual activity involving a minor, who cannot provide consent.

Key Facts:

• Globally, 1 in 9 girls and 1 in 20 boys experience abuse before age 18.
• 82% of victims are female.
• Perpetrators are often trusted individuals within the child’s circle, such as family members or acquaintances.

Forms of Abuse:

• Physical contact.
• Exposure to pornography.
• Online exploitation (e.g., grooming and sextortion).

Global Statistics on Child Sexual Abuse

• 120 million females under 20 have experienced forced sexual contact.
• In high- and middle-income countries:
  • 8-31% of girls and 3-17% of boys under 18 face sexual violence.
• 93% of abusers are known to the victim, with 34% being family members.

Child Sexual Abuse in India

2022 NCRB Report:

• 64,469 cases of child sexual abuse reported.
• 38,444 children raped.
• Conviction rate: Only 3% for CSA cases.
• Pending Cases (2023): 243,237 in fast-track courts.

Legal Framework:

• POCSO Act, 2012: A robust law to protect children under 18 from sexual offenses.
  • Gender-neutral.
  • Child-friendly processes for reporting and trials.
  • Mandatory reporting of suspected abuse.
• Punishments: Minimum of 3 years imprisonment, extendable to 5 years, with fines.

Implementation Progress:

• 758 Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) operational, resolving over 200,000 cases as of October 2023.

History of the World Day

Established by the UN:

• Recognized through Resolution A/RES/77/8 on November 7, 2022.
• Aims to:
  • Raise global awareness about CSA and exploitation.
  • Promote preventive measures and survivor healing programs.

World COPD Day: 20th November

• Every year World COPD Day is observed on the Third Wednesday of November.
• This year World COPD Day 2024 falls on the 20th of November 2024.
• This year, 2024, the World COPD Day theme is “Know Your Lung Function”.
• The first World COPD Day was held in 2002.
• Each year organizers in more than 50 countries have carried out activities, making the day one of the world's most important COPD awareness and education events.
• GOLD organizes World COPD Day every year.
• The theme of World COPD Day is decided by GOLD every year, and it changes each year, making this concept an agent of awareness and action plans for COPD.

Universal Children’s Day: 20th November

• Universal Children’s Day 2024 is observed on the 20th of November 2024.
• Children’s Day was first officially declared a national holiday by the Republic of Turkey in 1920 on April 2
• Children’s Day has been celebrated nationally since 1920 by the Turkish government and is declared as the day for children.
• However, it was decided that an official confirmation was needed to clarify and justify this celebration, and the official declaration was made nationally in 1929 by the founder and the President of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
• Though Universal Children’s Day was established by the United Nations in 1954, it wasn’t until November 20, 1959, that the UN General Assembly adopted an extended form of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child.
• Originally acquired in 1924 by the League of Nations, the UN adopted this document as its own statement of children’s rights.

Daily CA One- Liner: November 20

• The NCRTC (National Capital Region Transport Corporation) and DMRC (Delhi Metro Rail Corporation) have introduced a unified QR-ticketing system, enabling seamless travel across Namo Bharat and Delhi Metro services via their respective mobile apps
• NTPC, India’s largest energy conglomerate, is making significant strides in the green energy sector with a target of investing Rs 5 trillion by 2030.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plans to launch a pilot programme for cloud services in 2025 to offer local cloud data storage for financial firms at affordable rates.
• State Bank of India (SBI) has raised ₹10,000 crore at a coupon rate of 7.23 per cent through its seventh infrastructure bond issuance, payable annually for a tenor of 15 years.
• The State Bank of India (SBI) plans to open 300-400 branches annually in the medium term.
• The Tamil Nadu government has asked the 16th Finance Commission to adopt a different method of measuring per capita income, from nominal to purchase power parity, while calculating the biggest criterion for devolution of funds between the Centre and the State, namely, ‘income distance’.
• Dhudmaras, a village in Chhattisgarh's Bastar district, was selected for the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Best Tourism Village Upgrade programme, emphasizing sustainable tourism development.
• Mallika Srinivasan's tenure as Chairperson of the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has been extended by one year beyond the age limit of 65 years.
• The Indian government is expected to extend RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das's term for the second time, which could make him the longest-serving Governor since the 1960s.
• President Droupadi Murmu has appointed Sanjay Murthy as the next Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) under Article 148 of the Constitution.
• President Anura Kumara Dissanayake installed Sri Lanka’s new 21-member Cabinet after his National People’s Power (NPP) alliance won a massive mandate in the parliamentary elections.
• Burra Vamsi Rama Mohan, an engineering graduate with a post-graduate diploma in management, assumed the charge as project director of the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) on 13 November, 2024.
• Brazil’s Federal Police Commissioner Valdecy Urquiza has been elected as new secretary general of Interpol at the global police organisation’s 92nd General Assembly, currently ongoing in Glasgow.
• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh will pay an official visit to Vientiane, Lao PDR from November 20-22, 2024 to attend the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus).
• The GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20) communication satellite was launched by SpaceX's Falcon-9 rocket on November 19, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, United States (US).
• Uma Dasgupta, who immortalised the role of 'Durga' in Satyajit Ray's iconic film Pather Panchali passed away in Kolkata at the age of 84.
• Women's Entrepreneurship Day (WED), celebrated annually on November 19, honours women entrepreneurs and their contributions to innovation, economic growth, and community development.
• National Integration Day is observed every year on November 19, marking the birth anniversary of Indira Gandhi, India’s first woman Prime Minister.
• National New Born Care Week is a national health care event, observed in India between the 15th to 21th of November annually, intended to raise awareness about the importance of newborn care for child survival and development
• World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) is an annual global campaign observed from 18-24 November.
• World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence Observed on November 18, this day emphasizes raising awareness about the widespread and devastating issue of child sexual abuse and violence
• Every year World COPD Day is observed on the Third Wednesday of November.
• Universal Children’s Day 2024 is observed on the 20th of November 2024.