National News
ALT EFF 2024 Film Festival Returns to Mumbai to Ignite Climate Conversations
1. When is the ALT EFF 2024 Film Festival scheduled to take place? answer: November 22 to December 8
2. In which city will the ALT EFF 2024 Film Festival be held? answer: Mumbai
3. What is the main focus of the ALT EFF Film Festival? answer: Environmental storytelling and climate change
UN Lists Chhattisgarh’s Bastar Village as Tourism Destination
4. Which village in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district has been selected by the UNWTO for its Best Tourism Village Upgrade programme? answer: Dhudmaras
5. What is the purpose of the UNWTO’s Best Tourism Village Upgrade programme? answer: To enhance local tourism infrastructure, promote cultural heritage, and improve residents’ quality of life
International News
Brazil Officially Hands Over G20 Presidency to South Africa
6. Which country officially handed over the G20 Presidency to South Africa? answer: Brazil
7. During which event was the G20 Presidency transferred to South Africa? answer: The closing ceremony of the annual G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
State News
Karnataka to Set Up 3 Global Innovation Districts to Boost GCC Growth
8. Who announced the establishment of three Global Innovation Districts in Karnataka? answer: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah
9. In which three cities will the Global Innovation Districts be set up? answer: Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Belagavi
10. What is the primary aim of establishing Global Innovation Districts in Karnataka? answer: To attract and support Global Capability Centres (GCCs)
Defence News
Indian Army Completes ‘Sanyukt Vimochan 2024’ A Key Disaster Relief Exercise
11. What is the name of the disaster relief exercise completed by the Indian Army? answer: Sanyukt Vimochan 2024
12. Where was the ‘Sanyukt Vimochan 2024’ exercise conducted? answer: Ahmedabad and Porbandar, Gujarat
13. Who attended the ‘Sanyukt Vimochan 2024’ exercise? answer: National and international agencies, including the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi
Economy News
India’s Unemployment Rate Drops to 6.4% in Q2
14. What was India’s urban unemployment rate in the July-September 2024 quarter? answer: 6.4%
15. What was the urban unemployment rate in the previous quarter? answer: 6.6%
16. What does the decrease in urban unemployment rate indicate? answer: Positive trends in employment, particularly in urban areas
Morgan Stanley Cuts India’s FY25 Growth Forecast to 6.7%
17. What is Morgan Stanley’s revised growth forecast for India’s FY25? answer: 6.7%
18. What was Morgan Stanley’s previous growth forecast for India’s FY25? answer: 7%
19. What factors contributed to Morgan Stanley revising India’s growth forecast? answer: Weaker-than-expected economic data from Q2 and a projected slower growth rate of 6.3%
Summits and Conferences News
Detailed Outcomes of the 2024 G20 Summit: Rio de Janeiro Declaration
20. What significant declaration was released at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro on November 18, 2024? answer: The Rio de Janeiro Declaration
21. Name two core commitments emphasized in the Rio de Janeiro Declaration. answer: Taxation of billionaires and energy transition
Global Hunger and Poverty Alliance Launched By Brazil’s President Lula
22. Who officially launched the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty? answer: Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
23. When was the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty launched? answer: November 18, 2024
24. How many founding members are involved in the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty? answer: 148 founding members
Business News
Meta Fined ₹213.14 Crore Over WhatsApp Privacy Policy: Challenges Loom
25. How much was the fine imposed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Meta? answer: ₹213.14 crore
26. What year was WhatsApp’s privacy policy update that led to the fine? answer: 2021
Banking News
SBI Horniman Circle Marks 100 Years of Legacy
27. Which branch of the State Bank of India (SBI) celebrated its centenary? answer: Horniman Circle Branch
28. Who unveiled the specially minted ₹100 commemorative coin at the centenary event? answer: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
29. What did the event highlight about SBI’s transformation? answer: The bank’s transformation between 1981 and 1996, its digital presence, financial inclusion efforts, and significant role in India’s banking revolution
Agreements News
Tata Power & Druk Green Power Collaborate on 5,000 MW Green Energy Project in Bhutan
30. Which two companies are collaborating on a 5,000 MW clean energy generation project in Bhutan? answer: Tata Power and Druk Green Power Corporation Ltd (DGPC)
31. What is the primary aim of the Tata Power and Druk Green Power collaboration? answer: To harness Bhutan’s vast hydropower potential and contribute to the region’s energy security and sustainability
Awards News
Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2023: Honouring Daniel Barenboim and Ali Abu Awwad for Peace Efforts
32. Who were the recipients of the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development for 2023? answer: Daniel Barenboim and Ali Abu Awwad
33. When was the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2023 awarded? answer: November 19, 2024
Sports News
Mahimkar & Prisha Shah Clinch Double Titles at Maharashtra State Open Badminton
34. Who won the men’s singles title at the Maharashtra State Open Badminton Tournament 2024? answer: Harshit Mahimkar
35. Who won the women’s singles title at the Maharashtra State Open Badminton Tournament 2024? answer: Prisha Shah
36. In addition to their singles titles, what other titles did Harshit Mahimkar and Prisha Shah win? answer: U-17 boys’ and girls’ singles crowns
India to Host Inaugural Kho Kho World Cup in 2025
37. When will the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup be held? answer: January 13 to 19, 2025
38. Where will the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup take place? answer: Indira Gandhi Indoor (IGI) Stadium in New Delhi
Schemes News
‘One Day One Genome’ Initiative Unveiled to Unlock India’s Microbial Potential
39. Which departments launched the ‘One Day One Genome’ initiative? answer: Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC)
40. When was the ‘One Day One Genome’ initiative announced? answer: November 9, 2024
41. What is the main goal of the ‘One Day One Genome’ initiative? answer: To map and highlight India’s microbial wealth and showcase the critical role of unique bacterial species in India’s environment, agriculture, and human health
Important Days News
World Children’s Day 2024: Date, History, Significance & Theme
42. When is World Children’s Day celebrated? answer: November 20
43. What is the theme for World Children’s Day 2024? answer: Listen to the Future
20th November Current Affairs 2024
National News
ALT EFF 2024 Film Festival Returns to Mumbai to Ignite Climate Conversations
The All Living Things Environmental Film Festival (ALT EFF) is set to return to Mumbai for its 2024 edition, running from November 22 to December 8 at Liberty Cinema. Since its inception in 2020, ALT EFF has become a significant platform for environmental storytelling, highlighting global sustainability and climate change issues through cinema. This year, the festival is expanding its reach with screenings in over 70 cities across India, including rural areas, fostering wider conversations about environmental challenges.
UN Lists Chhattisgarh’s Bastar Village as Tourism Destination
Dhudmaras, a small village in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district, has been recognized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) under its Best Tourism Village Upgrade programme. This programme focuses on villages with potential for sustainable tourism development, aiming to improve local tourism infrastructure, promote cultural heritage, and enhance the quality of life for residents.
International News
Brazil Officially Hands Over G20 Presidency to South Africa
Brazil has officially transferred the G20 Presidency to South Africa during the closing ceremony of the annual G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro. This historic milestone makes South Africa the first African nation to lead the G20, with a robust agenda planned for its presidency.
State News
Karnataka to Set Up 3 Global Innovation Districts to Boost GCC Growth
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the establishment of three Global Innovation Districts (GIDs) in Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Belagavi to attract and support Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in the state. This announcement was made at the 27th Bengaluru Tech Summit, where the CM also highlighted the launch of India’s first dedicated GCC policy, aiming to foster innovation. These innovation districts will be key pillars in Karnataka’s strategy to promote research, development, and emerging industries, while strengthening its position as a global tech hub.
Defence News
Indian Army Completes ‘Sanyukt Vimochan 2024’ A Key Disaster Relief Exercise
The Indian Army has successfully conducted “Sanyukt Vimochan 2024,” a Multilateral Annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise, in Ahmedabad and Porbandar, Gujarat, on November 18-19, 2024. The exercise demonstrated India’s readiness and collaborative capabilities for disaster response, with participation from various national and international agencies, including the Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi.
Economy News
India’s Unemployment Rate Drops to 6.4% in Q2
In the July-September 2024 quarter, India’s urban unemployment rate decreased to 6.4%, the lowest level observed in recent years. This rate has dropped from 6.6% in the previous quarter and remains consistent with the rate recorded in the same period last year. This improvement reflects positive trends in employment, particularly in urban areas, indicating progress in job creation and labor force participation.
Morgan Stanley Cuts India’s FY25 Growth Forecast to 6.7%
Morgan Stanley has revised India’s FY25 growth forecast from 7% to 6.7% due to weaker-than-expected economic data from Q2, with the economy now projected to grow at a slower 6.3%. Despite this downgrade, the firm remains optimistic about a recovery in the latter half of FY25, anticipating growth to rebound to around 6.7-6.8%, driven by agricultural output and government spending.
Summits and Conferences News
Detailed Outcomes of the 2024 G20 Summit: Rio de Janeiro Declaration
The Rio de Janeiro Declaration, released at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro on November 18, 2024, emphasizes several core commitments, including the taxation of billionaires, energy transition, and support for global climate initiatives like COP30 in Brazil. This historic declaration marks the culmination of Brazil’s presidency, led by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who outlined the achievements and progressive themes championed during the summit.
Global Hunger and Poverty Alliance Launched By Brazil’s President Lula
On November 18, 2024, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva officially launched the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty during the opening of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro. This landmark initiative, involving 148 founding members, including 82 countries and various international organizations, financial institutions, and NGOs, aims to accelerate efforts to eradicate hunger and poverty globally by 2030.
Sagarmanthan 2024: Charting India’s Maritime Future
India’s maritime sector stands as a beacon of its economic ambitions and global aspirations. With a 7,500-kilometer coastline, 12 major ports, and over 200 minor ports, the nation handles the majority of its trade via the seas, contributing significantly to its GDP. The Sagarmanthan Dialogue 2024 has reinforced India’s commitment to becoming a global maritime leader by fostering discussions on sustainability, innovation, and connectivity.
Business News
Meta Fined ₹213.14 Crore Over WhatsApp Privacy Policy: Challenges Loom
Meta has announced its intention to appeal a ₹213.14 crore fine imposed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) regarding its 2021 WhatsApp privacy policy update. The CCI accuses Meta of anti-competitive practices, including forcing users to accept new data-sharing terms, which Meta denies. The ruling could have significant implications for digital platforms balancing user privacy, competition, and business growth in India.
Banking News
SBI Horniman Circle Marks 100 Years of Legacy
The State Bank of India (SBI) celebrated the centenary of its iconic Horniman Circle Branch with the unveiling of a specially minted ₹100 commemorative coin by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The event also featured the release of the 5th edition of “The Evolution of the State Bank of India,” detailing the bank’s transformation between 1981 and 1996. From its humble beginnings with just 100 branches in 1920, SBI today boasts over 22,640 branches, with plans to expand further in FY25. The bank’s impressive digital presence, financial inclusion efforts, and significant role in India’s banking revolution were highlighted during the event.
Agreements News
Tata Power & Druk Green Power Collaborate on 5,000 MW Green Energy Project in Bhutan
Tata Power has entered into a strategic partnership with Druk Green Power Corporation Ltd (DGPC) to develop at least 5,000 MW of clean energy generation capacity in Bhutan. This collaboration aims to harness Bhutan’s vast hydropower potential and contribute to the region’s energy security and sustainability. The initiative aligns with Bhutan’s vision to diversify its energy portfolio and improve regional energy integration.
Awards News
Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2023: Honouring Daniel Barenboim and Ali Abu Awwad for Peace Efforts
The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development for 2023 was awarded to Daniel Barenboim, a world-famous pianist and conductor, and Ali Abu Awwad, a Palestinian peace activist, on November 19, 2024. This prestigious award recognizes their remarkable efforts to promote peace and non-violence.
Sports News
Mahimkar & Prisha Shah Clinch Double Titles at Maharashtra State Open Badminton
Harshit Mahimkar and Prisha Shah dominated the Maharashtra State Open Badminton Tournament 2024, clinching both the men’s and women’s singles titles along with the U-17 boys’ and girls’ singles crowns. Held at the Willingdon Sports Club, the tournament saw these two shuttlers showcase exceptional skills, bringing back memories of previous triumphs in the Maharashtra badminton circuit while setting a high bar for future competitors.
India to Host Inaugural Kho Kho World Cup in 2025
India is set to host the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup from January 13 to 19, 2025, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. This historic event marks a significant step towards elevating Kho Kho, one of India’s most cherished indigenous games, onto the global stage. Supported by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), the tournament promises to be a milestone in promoting traditional sports.
Schemes News
‘One Day One Genome’ Initiative Unveiled to Unlock India’s Microbial Potential
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) have launched the ‘One
