IMPROVEMENT DAYS

International Students' Day 2024 celebrated on 17 November

• International Students' Day is celebrated annually on November 17, marking the 1939 Nazi invasion of a Prague university.

• On this day, the Nazis arrested and tortured students, and many were killed for their resistance.

• The day highlights the struggles and challenges faced by students globally.

• It promotes multiculturalism and the unity of students from all cultures.

• Encourages cooperation and solidarity among students around the world.

• Unlike International Students' Day, World Students' Day is observed on October 15 in India, honoring Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

November 17 marks the 96th death anniversary of Lala Lajpat Rai, popularly known as Punjab Kesari

• Lala Lajpat Rai, known as Punjab Kesari, is being remembered on his 96th death anniversary, observed on November 17.

• He succumbed to severe head injuries inflicted by British police during a peaceful protest against the Simon Commission.

• Lala Lajpat Rai was part of the Lal Bal Pal trio, comprising Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal, pivotal leaders in the Indian freedom movement.

• The trio was known for their strong nationalist stance during British colonial rule.

• Lala Lajpat Rai's leadership played a crucial role in raising nationalist sentiments in Punjab.

• A tribute ceremony was held at his birthplace, Dhudikey, in Moga district, Punjab.• Punjab Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema led the memorial event alongside other dignitaries.

• The ceremony honored Lala Lajpat Rai as a martyr for his ultimate sacrifice in the fight for India's independence.

AWARDS

Manoj Bajpayee's film The Fable won Best Film at the 38th Leeds International Film Festival.

• At the 38th Leeds International Film Festival, Manoj Bajpayee starrer 'The Fable' won the Best Film award in the UK.

• The film triumphed at the Constellation Feature Film Competition, celebrating innovative global cinema.

• The Fable is directed by writer-director Ram Reddy.

• The film recently premiered at the prestigious Berlinale Film Festival in 2024.

• In October 2024, The Fable also received the Special Jury Prize at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival.

• Established in 1987, the Leeds festival is England's largest outside of London, showcasing films each November.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be honoured with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) award by Nigeria.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be conferred with Nigeria’s Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) award.

• He will be the second foreign dignitary to receive the GCON, after Queen Elizabeth in 1969.

• This will mark the 17th international honor bestowed on Prime Minister Modi.

• On November 16, 2024, Modi arrived in Abuja for a two-day visit to Nigeria.

• The visit is historic, as it is the first trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria in 17 years.

• During his visit, Modi was presented with the "Key to the City" of Abuja.

• The "Key to the City" symbolizes the high regard and trust the people of Nigeria have for the Prime Minister.

• The honor highlights the strengthening of India-Nigeria ties and mutual respect between the two nations.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

US authorities returned 1,440 seized smuggled antiquities to India.

• U.S. authorities returned 1,440 smuggled antiquities to India, including sacred temple statues.

• The return took place at a ceremony at the Consulate General of India, with Consul Manish Kulhary present.

• These artifacts were seized through investigations into international smuggling rings.

• Among the key figures in the smuggling networks were Subhash Kapoor (India) and Nancy Weiner (U.S.), both convicted.

• Some of the recovered items had been displayed in U.S. museums before being confiscated.

• The returned antiquities are valued at $10 million.

• Notable pieces include a Celestial dancer statue looted in the 1980s and a Tanesar Mother Goddess idol from the 1960s.

• The artifacts date from 2000 BC to 1900 AD, originating from various Indian regions.

NATIONAL NEWS

Sarai Kale Khan Chowk renamed Bhagwan Birsa Munda Chowk.

• Sarai Kale Khan Chowk was renamed to Bhagwan Birsa Munda Chowk on November 15 by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

• The renaming ceremony coincided with the 150th birth anniversary of tribal leader Birsa Munda, held in Bansra.

• Amit Shah unveiled a 20-foot statue of Birsa Munda at the entrance of Bansda and praised the restoration of a 30-acre site now serving as a bird sanctuary.

• In 2015, a plan was launched to establish 20 museums honoring tribal leaders; three are operational, with the rest set to complete by 2026.

• Birsa Munda is venerated as a "Bhagwan" (God) by tribal communities throughout India.

• Munda led a fierce resistance against British colonial exploitation, fighting for tribal rights and freedoms.

• November 15 also marks Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, a day to honor tribal freedom fighters.

• The move to rename the chowk highlights efforts to recognize the contributions of tribal leaders to India's independence.

STATE NEWS

Jauljibi Mela inaugurated by Uttarakhand CM in Pithoragarh.

• Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the Jauljibi Mela-2024, calling it a "priceless heritage" of the state.

• The fair has historically promoted mutual harmony between India, Tibet, Nepal, and border areas.

• Jauljibi Mela provides a platform for small traders, farmers, and artisans to display their products.

• The event also highlights the role of traditional medicines in the region.

• During the inauguration, the CM laid the foundation for 18 development projects valued at Rs 64.47 crore.

• The Chief Minister inaugurated 13 projects worth Rs 29.65 crore and laid the foundation for 5 projects worth Rs 34.72 crore.

• He also toured stalls showcasing products from women’s self-help groups.

• The state government has launched the State Millet Mission to promote local crops like Mandwa and Jhingoora, boosting farmers' incomes.

APPOINTMENT

Tulsi Gabbard appointed US Director of National Intelligence.

• President Donald Trump appointed Tulsi Gabbard as the new Director of National Intelligence (DNI).

• Gabbard's appointment requires Senate approval before she can assume the role.

• If confirmed, she will oversee 18 intelligence agencies and manage a budget exceeding $70 billion.

• In 2002, Tulsi Gabbard became the youngest woman elected to Hawaii's State Legislature at just 21.

• At 43, Gabbard is a U.S. Army reservist and a four-term Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii.

• She made history in 2012 as the first Hindu elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

• Gabbard represented Hawaii in Congress from 2013 to 2021.

• She is known for being a trailblazer for both women and the Hindu community in U.S. politics.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE

The 19th G20 Summit started on 18th November 2024

• The 19th G20 Summit began on 18th November 2024 at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

• PM Modi arrived in Rio de Janeiro to attend the summit.

• The theme of the summit is "Building a Just and Sustainable World."

• The first session focused on the "Global Alliance on Hunger and Poverty," a Brazilian initiative.

• Global leaders discussed the "Global Alliance on Hunger and Poverty" during the opening session.

• The second session will cover "Reforms of Global Governance Institutions."

• India's G20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant, highlighted the significance of the global alliance against hunger and poverty.

• The 18th G20 Summit was held from 9–10 September 2023 at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.