National News

Khelo India Para Games 2023 Unveils Logo and Mascot 'Ujjwala':

• Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, recently introduced the logo and mascot for the inaugural Khelo India Para Games 2023.
• The unveiled mascot, 'Ujjwala,' symbolizes determination and empathy through the representation of a sparrow, reflecting the pride of Delhi.
• The spirit of Khelo India – Para Games 2023 is encapsulated in Ujjwala, sending a strong message about the diverse forms of strength and the unbreakable nature of the human spirit.
• Anticipated to host over 1400 athletes from 32 states, union territories, and the Services Sports Control Board, the event promises to be a celebration of resilience and inclusivity.

Statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Unveiled at Supreme Court:

• On Constitution Day, President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a statue of B.R. Ambedkar at the Supreme Court premises.
• Constitution Day, observed on November 26, commemorates the historic adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1949.
• Formerly celebrated as Law Day, this shift emphasizes the nation's commitment to upholding the principles laid out in its foundational document.

India's Biogas Blending Plan for Net Zero Emissions:

• The Indian government has announced a strategic plan to blend compressed biogas with natural gas, commencing in April 2025.
• The initiative aims to reduce natural gas imports, boost domestic demand, and contribute to India's goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2070.
• The phased approach involves mandatory blending starting at 1% in 2025, increasing to approximately 5% by 2028.

International News

Malaysia Initiates Visa-Free Travel for Indian and Chinese Visitors:

• Malaysia, following Thailand and Sri Lanka, has introduced a 30-day visa-free travel policy for Indian visitors, effective from December 1.
• Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim highlighted that security clearance is a prerequisite, with individuals having a criminal record or considered a violence risk ineligible for the visa exemption.
• Malaysia continues to expand its visa-free privileges, with citizens from several other countries already enjoying this status.

State News

Mumbai Street Honors Actor Vikram Gokhale:

• The Maharashtra Government announced a touching tribute to the late actor-director Vikram Chandrakant Gokhale on his first death anniversary.
• A street in Andheri West, Mumbai, adjacent to the new headquarters of Cine & Television Artistes’ Association, will be named in his honor.
• This street, leading to the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, holds special significance.

Uttar Pradesh Declares “No Non-Veg Day”:

• The Uttar Pradesh government declared November 25 as “no non-veg day” in honor of Sadhu TL Vaswani, a strong advocate for a vegetarian lifestyle.
• The announcement includes the closure of all slaughterhouses and meat shops on that day, paying tribute to Sadhu TL Vaswani's contributions beyond vegetarianism, such as advocating for women's education and liberation.

Important Days News

World Sustainable Transport Day 2023:

• In a significant move towards sustainable transportation, the United Nations General Assembly designated November 26 as World Sustainable Transport Day.
• Focused on the theme “Sustainable transport, sustainable development,” the resolution recognizes the vital role of transport in connectivity, trade, economic growth, and employment, while acknowledging its impact on greenhouse gas emissions.

National Cadet Corps Celebrates 75th Anniversary Day:

• The National Cadet Corps (NCC), the youth wing of the Indian Armed Forces, celebrates its 75th anniversary on November 27, 2023.
• NCC Day annually commemorates the core values of “Unity and Discipline,” emphasizing duty, loyalty, dedication, and self-sacrifice.
• The NCC aims to develop the physical, intellectual, and moral dimensions of individuals, molding them into responsible citizens committed to community service.

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2023:

• Guru Nanak Jayanti, observed on November 27, holds profound significance in the Sikh community.
• Celebrating the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, the festival transcends borders, uniting Sikhs in devotion.
• It serves as a reminder of Guru Nanak Dev's timeless teachings promoting love, equality, and selfless service to humanity.

Awards News

NHPC's Remarkable Achievement at PRSI National Awards 2023:

• NHPC Limited, India's premier hydropower company, secured the second prize in the 'Annual Report' category at the PRSI National Awards 2023.
• This recognition was conferred during the International Public Relations Festival hosted by the Public Relations Society of India in New Delhi from November 25th to 27th, 2023.
• NHPC, headquartered in Faridabad, holds a prestigious position as a Mini Ratna Category-I Enterprise, recognized by the Government of India for its outstanding contributions to the hydropower sector.

REC's Notable Recognition for Diversity & Inclusion:

• REC Limited, a Maharatna CPSE under the Ministry of Power, achieved a significant milestone by receiving the "Best Employer for Policies in Diversity & Inclusion" Award at the 4th Diversity & Inclusion Excellence Awards and Conclave organized by Assocham.
• This award underscores REC's commitment to fostering a workplace that embraces diversity, encourages innovation, and provides equal opportunities for all employees.
• Established in 1969, REC Limited specializes in offering long-term loans and diverse financial products for the Power-Infrastructure sector.

Paul Lynch's Victory in the 2023 Booker Prize:

• Celebrating literary excellence, Irish author Paul Lynch secured the 2023 Booker Prize for his fifth novel, 'Prophet Song.'
• The gripping narrative unfolds in an imagined future Ireland plagued by oppressive rule, civil war, and families fleeing the country.
• Lynch's achievement, surpassing London-based Indian-origin author Chetna Maroo's debut novel, adds another remarkable chapter to the rich history of Booker Prize winners.

Sports News

Anish Bhanwala's Historic Win in ISSF World Cup Final:

• Anish Bhanwala etched his name in history by becoming the first Indian shooter to clinch a medal in the men’s 25m Rapid Fire event at the ISSF World Cup Final.
• This triumph surpasses the efforts of his predecessors, Vijay Kumar in 2009 and Gurpreet Singh in 2015.
• Bhanwala secured a bronze medal in the men’s 25m Rapid Fire final in Doha, marking a momentous achievement for Indian shooting sports.

Max Verstappen's Dominance at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix:

• Max Verstappen concluded a stellar season with a commanding victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, securing his 19th win of the campaign and 54th overall.
• This triumph elevated him to third place on the all-time list of Formula One champions.
• Verstappen's feat, finishing ahead of competitors like Charles Leclerc and George Russell, solidified his status as a force to be reckoned with in Formula One.

Miscellaneous News

Bengaluru's Historic Kambala Races:

• Bengaluru made history by hosting its inaugural Kambala event, captivating over 11 lakh visitors.
• The races, featuring quarter and semi-finals, showcased the city's enthusiasm for this traditional sport.
• An LED screen replayed the thrilling matches, allowing the audience to relive the excitement and share in the triumphs of the participants.
• A special moment honored a buffalo that had accumulated over 200 medals, a consecutive winner in numerous championships, highlighting the rich tradition of Kambala in Bengaluru.