NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Reliance, Disney complete merger; form Rs 70,352 crore joint venture: Reliance Industries has completed the merger of its media assets with the India business of global media house Walt Disney to form a new joint venture worth Rs 70,352 crore.The JV, in which Reliance Industries has invested Rs 11,500 crore (USD 1.4 billion) for its growth, will be headed by Nita Ambani as its Chairperson.Reliance Industries holds a 16.34 percent stake in the JV, while its step-down unit Viacom18 holds 46.82 percent and Disney the rest 36.84 percent.The JV will be one of the largest media & entertainment companies in India with pro forma combined revenue of approximately Rs 26,000 crore (USD 3.1 billion) for the fiscal year ended in March 2024.Viacom 18 Media and The Walt Disney Company has already received necessary approvals required from authorities such as CCI, NCLT for the merger of the media and JioCinema businesses of media and JioCinema businesses of Viacom18 into Star India.
2. Harbhajan & Sania Mirza appointed Dubai Sports Council brand ambassador: The Dubai Sports Council has appointed former cricket player Harbhajan Singh and women’s Tennis player Sania Mirza as the Sports Ambassador.They join Russian Khabib Nurmagomedov and French football player Patrice Evra as the four sporting icons appointed by the Dubai Sports Council.As sports ambassadors, these four former players will play a vital role in enhancing Dubai’s status as a premier global sports destination. They will help strengthen Dubai’s sports ecosystem by attracting prestigious international events, nurturing local talent, and promoting sports tourism.
3. 16 November – National Press Day: National Press Day is observed on November 16 in India, which honours the establishment of the Press Council of India (PCI) in 1966.It marks the critical role of the press in a democratic society. The press is often regarded as the “fourth pillar of democracy,” which plays a vital role in holding the government accountable.Theme 2024 – Changing nature of the press The PCI was established under the Press Council Act, whose main aim is to safeguard the freedom of the press.
4. 17 November – National Epilepsy Day: National Epilepsy Day is observed on November 17 to spread awareness about the neurological disorder that affects millions worldwide.Theme 2024 – Milestones on My Epilepsy Journey Epilepsy refers to a condition in which the affected person faces frequent seizures. This chronic non-communicable disease can affect people of all ages, and each age group has its unique concerns and problems
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Nvidia And SoftBank Unveil World’s First AI-driven 5G Telecom Network: Leading chipmaker Nvidia and SoftBank Corp, the telecommunications arm of SoftBank Group, have piloted the world’s first artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G telecoms network. The network can run AI and 5G workloads concurrently, a process known as an artificial intelligence radio access network (AI-RAN). Applications for the network include autonomous vehicle remote support and robotics control.The innovative framework allows the network to handle massive data processing and real-time decision-making, elevating the potential for AI-driven solutions across telecom and enterprise sectors.
CEO of Nvidia – Jensen Huang
2. Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker appointed as chairperson of International Jury for IFFI 2024: Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker has been appointed as the chairperson of the International Jury for the 2024 International Film Festival of India (IFFI).Gowariker, known for films such as ‘Jodhaa Akbar’, ‘Lagaan’, and ‘Swades’, said he is honoured to be associated with the prestigious film festival, which will be held in Goa from November 20 to 28.
3. Valdecy Urquiza appointed new Chief of INTERPOL: Brazil’s Federal Police Commissioner Valdecy Urquiza has been elected as the new secretary general of Interpol at the global police organisation’s 92nd General Assembly in Glasgow.Urquiza will take over from the incumbent, Jurgen Stock, when the General Assembly concludes. Stock has been at the helm of the world’s largest police organisation for the past 10 years.From India, the annual event was attended by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director, Praveen Sood, and Vijayendra Bidari, joint director of the federal anti-corruption agency.
4. 16 November – International Day for Tolerance: International Day for Tolerance is observed every year on 16 November.Objective – To promote mutual understanding among various cultures and enhance tolerance among individuals.Theme 2024 – Promoting Respect and Understanding Worldwide This day was declared in 1995 to encourage global dialogue and cooperation to counter intolerance, discrimination, and violence. This declaration emphasised that tolerance is not just a moral duty but a legal and political requirement for peace and social harmony.
5. 17 November – International Students’ Day: International Students’ Day is observed every year on November 17.Theme 2024 – Keep striving, keep learning, and keep believing in the power of education.The day is commemorated in memory of the bravery of thousands of student activists in Prague, during the Nazi attack, who fought for the right to higher education.The Nazi forces occupied the Czech Republic on November 17, 1939 and executed nine protesters without trial. They also detained more than 1,200 students and sent them to concentration camps. Only a few survived in the camp. To mark this loss of 1,200 University of Prague students’ lives, the first observance was held at London’s International Students’ Council in 1941. It was this moment that university students decided to introduce the day as International Students’ Day.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. India, Japan sign agreement for UNICORN masts for Indian naval warships: A Memorandum of Implementation (MoI) was signed at the Embassy of India, Tokyo between Govt of India and Govt of Japan, for the co-development of UNICORN mast for fitment onboard Ships of the Indian Navy. The Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN) is a mast with Integrated Communication systems that will help improve the stealth characteristics of Naval Platforms.The Indian Navy is pursuing the induction of these advanced systems which will be co-developed by Bharat Electronics Limited in India with Japanese collaboration. When implemented, this would be the first case of co-development / co-production of Defence Equipment between India and Japan.
SPORTS
1. Prajnesh Gunneswaran announces retirement from professional tennis: Asian Games bronze medal winner Prajnesh Gunneswaran announced his retirement from professional tennis.The 35-year-old Indian won singles bronze in the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games. His highest doubles ranking was 248 which he attained in 2018.Gunneswaran also competed in all four Grand Slams, bowing out in the opening round in all instances.The Australian Open was the only Slam in which he competed on multiple occasions — 2019 and 2020. He won only a title in the doubles — Egypt F25, Sharm El Sheikh (ITF Futures Tour) — 2018 with his Egyptian partner Issam Haitham Taweel
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. NASA-Microsoft’s New Earth Copilot To Enhance Understanding on Our Planet: US space agency NASA has partnered with Microsoft to develop an easier-to-access and user-friendly Artificial Intelligence-based chatbot that can help people decode scientific data about Earth.The new Earth Copilot can answer people “through plain language queries” ranging from monitoring wildfires to tracking climate change — transforming how people interact with Earth’s data.The AI model leverages Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform and comes with advanced AI capabilities that will transform how people can search, discover and analyse NASA’s complex geospatial data, which so far has been accessible only to a limited number of researchers and scientists.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. CBDT launches campaign to inform taxpayers on undeclared foreign assets: The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has launched a Compliance-Cum-Awareness Campaign for Assessment Year (AY) 2024-25 to assist taxpayers in accurately completing Schedule Foreign Assets (Schedule FA) and reporting income from foreign sources (Schedule FSI) in their income tax returns (ITR). In a statement, CBDT said informational messages will be sent via SMS and email to resident taxpayers who have already submitted their ITRs for AY 2024-25. These messages are intended for individuals identified through information received under bilateral and multilateral agreements, suggesting that they may hold foreign accounts or assets, or have received income from foreign jurisdictions These messages are intended for individuals identified through information received under bilateral and multilateral agreements, suggesting that they may hold foreign accounts or assets, or have received income from foreign jurisdictions.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Hyderabad Airport wins global recognition for digital innovations: GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL) has received international acclaim for its advancements in digital innovation, securing accolades at the ‘Airport Excellence Awards’ held during the Saudi Airport Exhibition 2024. The awards ceremony took place on November 12 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC), and celebrated leading global innovations in the aviation industry.GHIAL’s ‘Digital Twin’ secured an award in the Innovation and Technology and Facility Management categories. Another of GHIAL’s innovations, the ‘Smart Shopping Trolley,’ was recognised as the runner-up in the Airport Revenue Management category. The Digital Twin at RGIA creates a virtual replica of the physical airport. Through real-time data integration from CCTV, sensors, and IoT devices, this advanced model offers a holistic, data-driven view of airport operations, from terminal functionality to passenger flow and resource management.
2. Denmark’s Victoria Kjaer Theilvig named 73rd Miss Universe: Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark has been crowned Miss Universe for 2024, marking her country’s first win at the international beauty pageant. The 73rd edition of the pageant, which saw participation by more than 120 contestants, was held at the Mexico City Arena. Miss Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina placed second, whereas Miss Mexico Maria Fernanda Beltran came in third. Theilvig, an animal protection advocate who works in the diamond selling business, was crowned by Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua. Rhea Singha, who represented India at the 73rd edition of the competition, was called into the list of top 30 contestants. Miss Universe 2024 was hosted by Mario Lopez, Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo, presenter Zuri Hall, and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray.
3. PM Modi receives Nigeria’s second-highest national award: Nigeria has conferred its second-highest national award – the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger – on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, making him the second foreign dignitary to receive the distinction. This was the 17th such international award conferred on PM Modi by a country. Queen Elizabeth is the only foreign dignitary who was awarded GCON in 1969. PM Modi is in Nigeria on the first leg of his three-nation visit at the invitation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This visit is the first by an Indian prime minister to Nigeria in 17 years.
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