AWARDS

PM Modi honoured with the Global Peace Award in Washington.

• PM Modi received the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Global Peace Award in Washington for his efforts in minority upliftment and inclusive growth.

• The award was jointly presented by Washington Adventist University and the newly formed Association of Indian American Minorities (AIAM).

• AIAM was launched on November 22 at the Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Maryland to support Indian American minority communities.

• The organization aims to promote unity and welfare within the Indian American diaspora.

• Sikh philanthropist Jasdeep Singh was named AIAM’s Founder and President, alongside a seven-member Board of Directors.

• The Board represents various Indian minority groups, reflecting the organization’s diverse foundation.

• AIAM seeks to strengthen the multicultural contributions of Indian Americans in the United States.

• The event highlighted PM Modi’s global recognition for advancing inclusive policies and minority welfare.

RANKING AND REPORTS

World Bank report titled ‘Jobs at Your Doorstep: A Jobs Diagnostics for Young People’ launched by Centre.

• The World Bank released the report Jobs at Your Doorstep: A Jobs Diagnostics for Young People, focusing on youth employment.

• Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Mansukh Mandaviya launched the report on November 22.

• The report explores employment trends in six states: Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Rajasthan.

• It emphasizes bridging the gap between education and employment through strategic planning.

• Key sectors and roles with high job potential for secondary school graduates are identified.

• The study analyzes the alignment of school-offered occupations with local industry needs.

• Research for the report involved primary and secondary studies across six "STAR" states.

• The report highlights the advantages of introducing skills-based education from Classes 9 to 12.

• It is part of the World Bank-supported STARS program aimed at strengthening education in India.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE

18th NCB International Conference and Exhibition on Cement, Concrete and Building Materials will be held.

• The 18th NCB International Conference on Cement, Concrete, and Building Materials will be held from November 27-29, 2024.

• The event will take place at Yashobhoomi, India International Convention & Expo Centre, New Delhi.

• It is being organized by the National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCB).

• Union Minister Piyush Goyal will attend as the Chief Guest during a special session on November 27.

• Mr. Goyal will also present the NCB Lifetime Achievement Award for contributions to the cement and concrete industry.

• The conference will gather global experts to discuss innovations and sustainability in the sector.

• This year’s theme, “Cementing the Net Zero Future,” aligns with India’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2070.

• The event will showcase advancements and strategies for a sustainable future in construction.

• Stakeholders from around the world will explore pathways to green development in the building materials industry.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

• The ICC issued arrest warrants against Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Mohammed Al-Masri.

• Netanyahu and Gallant face charges of crimes against humanity, including murder, persecution, and inhumane acts.

• The accusations include restricting essential supplies like food, water, and medical aid to Gaza civilians.

• The conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in over 44,000 civilian deaths in Gaza since October 7 last year.

• Severe shortages of basic necessities have devastated Gaza’s civilian population.

• The ICC dismissed Israel’s objections to its jurisdiction regarding the Palestine situation.

• Israel had sought a renewed notification for the investigation launched in 2021.

• Hamas leader Mohammed Al-Masri is also charged with alleged war crimes.

• The ICC’s actions highlight the accountability for atrocities in the ongoing conflict.

Bangladesh's interim government has formed a new election commission

• Bangladesh's interim government has established a new five-member election commission.

• Nasir Uddin has been appointed as the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) for the next five years.

• Other members include Md Anwarul Islam Sarker, Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Begum Tahmida Ahmed, and Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah.

• President Mohammed Shahabuddin made the appointments under Article 118(1) of Bangladesh's constitution.

• The formation of the new commission follows demands from the BNP and other political parties.

• These groups have urged for necessary steps to ensure a fair and effective Election Commission.

• The move is a key step for the interim government to oversee upcoming elections.

STATE NEWS

Bihar will host the Khelo India Youth Games and Para Games in April 2025.

• Bihar will host the Khelo India Youth Games and Para Games in April 2025, marking its debut in the Khelo India series.

• For the first time, Bihar will organize the Khelo India Para Games, following the model of the Summer Olympics.

• The Para Games will be scheduled 10-15 days after the Youth Games.

• The inaugural Khelo India Para Games were held in Delhi in 2023.

• Bihar recently hosted the Women's Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Championship in Rajgir.

• Tamil Nadu hosted the Khelo India Youth Games 2023 in January.

• Bihar has 38 Khelo India Centres and a State Centre of Excellence for athlete training.

• The state is also home to three Sports Authority of India (SAI) training centres.

‘Haryana Good Governance Awards Scheme 2024’ notified by the Haryana Government

• The Haryana Government has introduced the 'Haryana Good Governance Awards Scheme 2024' to encourage excellence in governance.

• The scheme aims to reward employees who contribute to improved governance through innovative initiatives and exceptional efforts.

• Awards are divided into flagship, state-level, and district-level categories.

• Flagship awards recognize teams driving key projects that bring significant governance improvements, with a cash prize of Rs 51,000.

• State-level awards will reward teams for outstanding governance work, with Rs 51,000 for first place, Rs 31,000 for second, and Rs 21,000 for third.

• Winners will receive a trophy, certificate of appreciation, and an equal share of the cash prize among team members.

• District-level awards will be presented by the Deputy Commissioner, with first place receiving Rs 31,000, second place Rs 21,000, and third place Rs 11,000.

• Award-winning district teams will also receive a trophy and certificate of appreciation signed by the Divisional Commissioner.

BANKING, ECONOMY AND FINANCE

India’s GDP growth is likely to grow at a faster pace in the third quarter of the current financial year

• ICRA reports India’s GDP growth is expected to accelerate in the third quarter of the current financial year.

• Preliminary data for November 2024 indicates a positive economic trend.

• Growth in electricity demand has been driven by a favorable base effect.

• Optimism is fueled by improving economic indicators and strong activity across sectors.

• Vehicle registrations surged by 32.4% year-on-year in October 2024.

• Two-wheeler production increased by 13.4% during the same period.

• Rail freight saw a 1.5% improvement, recovering from a 0.7% decline.

• Non-oil exports grew by 25.6% in October 2024, a significant rise from 6.8% in September.