IMPORTANT DAYS

National Press Day 2024 celebrated on November 16.

• National Press Day is celebrated on November 16 every year to honor the establishment of the Press Council of India (PCI) in 1966.

• The day highlights the significance of a free and responsible press in a democratic nation.

• Theme for National Press Day 2024: "Changing Nature of the Press."

• The Press Council of India was created following the recommendations of the First Press Commission in 1966.

• PCI is a statutory and quasi-judicial body, ensuring ethical standards in Indian journalism.

• It was re-established in 1979 under the Press Council Act, 1978.

• The current chairperson of the Press Council of India is Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai.

• National Press Day serves to reflect on the evolving landscape of the press and its role in society.

International Day for Tolerance 2024 observed on November 16.

• International Day for Tolerance is observed on November 16 each year.

• The day was established by the UN General Assembly in 1996, following UNESCO’s 50th anniversary.

• The Declaration of Principles on Tolerance was adopted by UNESCO in 1995.

• UNESCO's 1995 Declaration laid the foundation for the observance of this day.

• In 1995, the UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize was created to promote tolerance and nonviolence.

• The UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize is awarded biennially on this day.

• The day highlights the importance of fostering mutual respect and understanding.

• International Day for Tolerance aims to promote peace through education and dialogue.

NATIONAL NEWS

PM Modi will go on 6-day visit to Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana on 16 November 2024.

• PM Modi's 6-day visit to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana starting 16th November 2024.

• At the invitation of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marking the first visit by an Indian PM to Nigeria in 17 years.

• India's partnership with Nigeria dates back to 2007, with over 2000 Indian companies investing $27 billion across sectors.

• Indian community in Nigeria: PM Modi will engage with the Indian diaspora during his two-day stay in Nigeria.

• G20 Summit in Brazil: PM Modi will attend the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro on 18th November, hosted by Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

• India in G20 Troika: India, Brazil, and South Africa form the G20 Troika, playing a key role in global economic discussions.

• Guyana state visit: PM Modi will visit Guyana from 19th to 21st November, the first visit by an Indian PM since 1968.

• In 2023, Guyanese President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali visited India for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.

• PM Modi will address Guyana’s Parliament and engage with the Indian community there.

• CARICOM-India Summit: Modi will attend the Second CARICOM-India Summit in Georgetown, Guyana, strengthening ties with the Caribbean region.

STATE NEWS

World's first high altitude para sports centre to be built in Leh.

• Leh will host the world's first para sports centre at high altitude, a collaborative effort between LAHDC and the Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF).

• The centre aims to boost the abilities and confidence of Indian para-athletes, preparing them for the 2028 Paralympics.

• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between LAHDC, Leh, and AMF marks a significant milestone for Indian sports on the global stage.

• Focus on Children with Special Needs: Before the facility opens, AMF will support 15 children with special needs (CWSN) from the Leh-Ladakh region.

• The centre will provide training in a variety of para sports, including archery, athletics, badminton, and more.

• Winter sports like alpine skiing, biathlon, and wheelchair curling will also be part of the training offerings.

• The facility is designed to be an inclusive space, encouraging participation in both summer and winter para sports.

• This initiative is expected to elevate India's presence in para sports on the global map, fostering greater opportunities for athletes.

Asia’s largest open-air trade fair ‘Bali Jatra’ started in Odisha.

• Bali Jatra is Asia’s largest open-air trade fair, held in Odisha to honor the region's ancient maritime history.

• The event begins on Kartika Purnima, the full moon day of the Kartika month, and concludes on November 22.

• Bali Jatra commemorates the historic tradition of traders sailing from the Mahanadi River in boats called Boitas.

• The fair celebrates Odisha’s maritime connections with distant lands, showcasing its rich trading heritage.

• Cultural performances, including Odissi, Chhau, Bihu, Mahari, and Gotipua dances, will be staged by artists from Odisha and beyond.

• The event highlights Odisha's unique tradition of boat journeys during the Kartika Purnima festival.

• Bali Jatra draws large crowds, with vibrant exhibitions, music, and dance, reflecting the state's cultural diversity.

• The fair promotes the significance of Odisha’s historical sea trade routes and its global cultural ties.

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

Special dolphin ambulance to be launched under Clean Ganga Mission.

• The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) will introduce a special ambulance to rescue injured Ganga River dolphins.

• Efforts under the Clean Ganga Mission aim to preserve the rich aquatic biodiversity, including the endangered Ganges Dolphin.

• The Ganges Dolphin, India’s National Aquatic Animal, is found in the river systems of India, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

• A specialized vehicle will be created to assist in rescuing distressed dolphins under a dedicated conservation project.

• The dolphin rescue initiative, titled ‘Advancing Rescue Systems for Conservation of Stranded Gangetic River Dolphins’, has a budget of Rs 1 crore.

• The project will include raising awareness about dolphin conservation and providing community training programs.

• NMCG also approved a project for the conservation of endangered turtles in the Ganga basin in Uttar Pradesh.

• Both dolphin and turtle conservation efforts highlight a comprehensive approach to preserving aquatic life in the Ganga River ecosystem.

MISCELLANEOUS

State Bank of India has sought $1.25 billion in India's biggest bank loan in 2024.

• State Bank of India (SBI) plans to raise $1.25 billion, marking India’s largest bank loan of 2024.

• The loan will have a five-year term and is set to be the biggest dollar-denominated loan from India’s financial sector this year.

• CTBC Bank, HSBC, and Taipei Fubon Bank are the arrangers for this loan.

• The loan carries an interest margin of 92.5 basis points above the risk-free secured overnight financing rate.

• The funds will be used for general corporate purposes through SBI’s Gujarat International Finance Tec-City branch.

• In 2024, local borrowers, especially NBFCs, have increasingly turned to foreign currency loans amid tighter domestic regulations.

• Despite the surge in foreign borrowing, India’s total dollar debt has dropped by 27%, reaching $14.2 billion this year.

• Earlier in July, SBI raised a $750 million, three-year loan.