NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Dr. Jitendra Singh announces soft launch of India’s First Indigenous Antibiotic, Nafithromycin, to Combat Drug Resistance: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh formally launched the first indigenous antibiotic “Nafithromycin” for resistant infections.The antibiotic “Nafithromycin” has been developed with the support of “Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council” (BIRAC), a unit of the Department of Biotechnology and has been brought to market under the trade name “Miqnaf” by pharma company “Wolkardt”. It is the country’s first indigenously developed antibiotic aimed at tackling Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).This innovation is designed to treat Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP), a severe illness caused by drug-resistant bacteria, which disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly as well as immune-compromised hosts like Patients with Diabetes, Cancers etc.Nafithromycin marks a historic breakthrough as the first new antibiotic in its class to be developed globally in over 30 years.
2. Assam government renames Karimganj district as Sribhumi: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that Karimganj district in the state would be renamed to Sribhumi to honour Rabindranath Tagore.Over a 100 years ago, Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore had described modern day Karimganj District in Assam as ‘Sribhumi’- the land of Maa Lakshmi.
3. TRAI takes strong action to combat spam calls in India, over 13,000 entities register for message traceability measure: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has taken several measures to combat the persistence issue of spam calls and SMS. Complaints against Spam Calls show downward trend due to Stringent Measure Good Progress in implementation of Enhanced Message TraceabilityTo raise awareness about these measures and action to be taken by PEs and RTMs, webinars are organized under the aegis of TRAI. The first webinar was conducted on 12th November 2024 in association with Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd (RJIL) and was attended by over 1000 representatives from entities being regulated by RBI, SEBI, PFRDA and IRDAI The second webinar was conducted in association with Vodafone Idea Ltd (VIL) on19th November 2024 and was attended by over 800 representatives from Central and State Governments Departments and the entities being regulated by RBI, SEBI, PFRDA and IRDAI.
4. New Microbe reverting sesame flowers to vegetative state identified: Researchers have identified a new microbe responsible for a peculiar disease that has been affecting the sesame fields of Midnapore in West Bengal.Sesame, the Queen of Oil, is a primordial oilseed crop since the remnants of sesame seeds were discovered at Harappa and Mohenjodaro. Sesame oil is excellent from a medicinal point of view. It contains antioxidants, and it is perfect for heart patients. Unfortunately, we do not use it frequently as the principal edible oil. The Indian sesame varieties need improvement so that their benefits can be harnessed.The microbe is a cell wall lacking Mollicutes bacteria, called Candidatus Phytoplasma. The transmission of these pathogens takes place primarily through phloem feeder insects (leafhoppers, plant-hoppers, psyllids, and dodders), which are known to infect many commercially valuable crops like Catharanthus, tobacco, maize, and grapevine. The manifestations of the disease are disfigurement and virescence of the floral parts, giving a leafy appearance.
5. India’s 1st AI data bank to boost national security launched: The Ministry of Science and Technology has launched India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) data bank that is aimed at propelling innovation and boosting the country’s national security.The initiative will provide researchers, startups, and developers access to high-quality, diverse datasets essential for creating scalable and inclusive AI solutions. It was launched by Minister of Science and Technology Minister (Independent Charge) Jitendra Singh at the 7th Edition of the ASSOCHAM AI Leadership Meet 2024. The event, themed “AI for India: Advancing India’s AI Development – Innovation, Ethics, and Governance”, showcased India’s strategic roadmap for harnessing the transformative potential of AI.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Japan and Wales to Partner with Nagaland for Hornbill Festival 2024: Japan has been announced as the official partner country for the 25th edition of Nagaland’s renowned Hornbill Festival, alongside Wales.The festival, scheduled from December 1-10 at Kisama near Kohima, will feature Japan’s contribution in areas like cultural performances, capacity building, and workshops focusing on handicrafts and bamboo products, with renowned Japanese artists and experts leading these sessions. The Hornbill Festival is an annual cultural event in Nagaland, celebrated from December 1 to 10 at Kisama Heritage Village near Kohima. Organized by the Government of Nagaland, it highlights the vibrant cultural heritage of the state.
2. India and Sweden co-chair the Annual Summit of LeadIT, on the sidelines of UNFCCC COP29 at Baku: Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh, together with Swedish Minister for Climate and Environment, Romina Pourmokhtari, co-chaired the Annual Summit of the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT), held on the sidelines of COP29 to the UN Climate Change Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan.The LeadIT Summit brings together the country and company members to discuss the low-carbon industrial transition.The objective is to support plans that align heavy industry with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. The summit spotlighted the critical role of transforming sectors such as steel and cement.
3. India drops 2 places but remains among top 10 climate performers: Report: India ranked 10th on a list of over 60 countries assessed for efforts to fight climate change despite dropping two spots compared to last ago, thanks to its low per capita emissions and rapid deployment of renewables.The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI 2025) report, released at the annual UN climate conference in Baku, leaves the first three places empty followed by Denmark (fourth place) and the Netherlands while the largest two emitters, China and the U.S., remain very low at 55th and 57th place, respectively.Published by think tanks Germanwatch, New Climate Institute, and Climate Action Network International, the CCPI tracks the progress of the world’s largest emitters in terms of emissions, renewables, and climate policy.The 63 countries, along with the European Union, assessed in the CCPI are responsible for 90% of global emissions. India ranks 10th in this year’s CCPI, remaining among the highest performers.
4. Nandan Kumar Jha named president of the International Mind Sports Association: India’s Nandan Kumar Jha has been elected as the president of the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA), a global body for the governance and promotion of mind sports.The IMSA, which has over 200 member countries, works with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other affiliate global sports federations to integrate mind sports into mainstream global sports.
5. 21 November – World Fisheries Day: World Fisheries Day is celebrated across the world on November 21 annually.It aims to draw attention to overfishing, habitat destruction and other serious threats to the sustainability of marine and freshwater resources.Theme 2024 – India’s Blue Transformation: Strengthening Small-Scale and Sustainable FisheriesThe celebrations started in 1997 when “World Forum of Fish Harvesters & Fish Workers” met at New Delhi leading to formation of “World Fisheries Forum” with representatives from 18 countries and signed a declaration advocating for a global mandate of sustainable fishing practices and policies.
6. 21 November 2024 – World Philosophy Day: National Philosophy Day is observed every year on the third Thursday of November, this year was observed on 21 November.The day promotes philosophical discourse and critical thinking, encouraging dialogue on global issues. It aims to foster intercultural understanding, promote the teaching of philosophy, and highlight its relevance in addressing contemporary challenges like social justice, ethics, and governance.
OTHER UPDATES:
SPORTS
1. India crowned champions of Bihar Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024 with 1-0 victory over China: The Indian Women’s Hockey Team were crowned at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium, following a 1-0 victory over China in the final.The game saw both teams trade blows in the first half, but India increased the intensity in the second half. A goal from Deepika (31′) ensured India defended their Asian Champions Trophy title.Hockey India announced a reward of Rs 3 lakh each for all players and Rs 1.5 lakh each for all support staff following the Indian Women’s Hockey Team’s triumphant victory in the Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024.In addition, the Asian Hockey Federation announced a reward for podium finishers for the first time in the competition’s history. India will receive a substantial USD 10,000, while China and Japan will be awarded USD 7,000 and USD 5,000, respectively.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Prasar Bharati launches its own OTT platform ‘Waves’ at IFFI: Prasar Bharati, India’s public broadcaster, launched its own OTT platform, ‘Waves’.The app, available on Android and iOS, aims to deliver diverse content under the tagline “Waves – Family Entertainment Ki Nayi Lehar.”The platform was launched by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant at the opening ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) where he called it a significant moment for the Indian entertainment industry.‘Waves’ offers content in over 12 languages, including Hindi, English, Marathi, Tamil, and Assamese, across genres such as infotainment, gaming, education, and shopping. It features 65 live TV channels, video-on-demand, free-to-play games, and even online shopping in collaboration with ONDC. ‘Waves’ will screen new films and shows during IFFI 2024, including ‘Roll No.52’ by Nagarjuna and Amala Akkineni, ‘Fauji 2.0’ starring Gauhar Khan, and Guneet Monga Kapoor’s ‘Kicking Balls’. Other offerings include music shows, animations like ‘Chota Bheem’, and crime thrillers.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Guyana, and Dominica confer top awards on PM Modi: Guyana and Dominica have conferred their top awards on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic and his exceptional contributions to the global community and efforts in strengthening bilateral ties with the two Caribbean nations.Modi was conferred ‘The Order of Excellence’ by Guyanese President Irfaan Ali. In 2021, during the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, your generous provision of 70,000 AstraZeneca vaccines became a lifeline for Dominica.
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