British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sacked his Indian-origin Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, and replaced her with James Cleverly, while former Prime Minister David Cameron, in an unusual move, is back in the frontline government as the new Foreign Secretary.
Braverman was sacked as Sunak began a Cabinet reshuffle, days after it emerged that a controversial newspaper article attacking the Metropolitan Police was published without clearance from her boss.
Cameron, who is no longer an MP in the House of Commons, will have to be appointed to the House of Lords to meet the parliamentary protocol.
Cameron served as the UK Prime Minister from 2010 to 2016 and Leader of the Conservative Party from 2005 to 2016.
6th India-OPEC Energy Dialogue High-Level Meeting Held in Vienna, Austria
The 6th High-Level Meeting of the India-OPEC Energy Dialogue was held at the OPEC Secretariat in Vienna, Austria. The co-chairs of the meeting were HE Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General of OPEC, and HE Hardeep Singh Puri, Honourable Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs of the Republic of India.
SIDBI Launches 'Sumpoorn' MSME Economic Activity Index with Jocata
Jocata, a digital lending transformation platform, collaborated with SIDBI and launched a one-of-its kind MSME Economic Activity Index Sumpoorn.
For the first time ever, this MSME specific high-frequency indicator will capture the state of India's growth engine, its MSMEs, that contribute more than a quarter of the country's overall Gross Value Added (GVA) and more than 40 per cent of its total exports.
The currently available macro indices capture business expectations and rely on opinion or survey-based data.
It is a relative amplitude adjusted composite diffusion index developed using consent-led and anonymised monthly sales data reflected in official GSTN returns of more than 50,000 credit-seeking MSMEs over time.
Karnataka Signs MoU with Tehri Hydro Development Corp for Rs. 15,000 crore Power Projects
Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) and Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited (THDCL), a Central power generating entity, signed an MoU to enable accelerated development of various power projects -- including hydro, solar, and pumped storage ones, worth Rs. 15,000 crore.
The MoU was signed by Bhupender Gupta, Director, Technical, THDCL, and Gaurav Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, Energy Department. The MoU encompasses the development of a 100 MW floating solar photovoltaic plant at Kadra Dam reservoir, the establishment of 170 MW of ground-mounted, rooftop solar PV plant on the premises of KPCL plants, and the establishment of 1500 MW of pumped storage plant at Varahi.
ICC Announces the Inclusion of Three Cricket Maestros in the ICC Hall of Fame
The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the induction of three cricketing maestros into the coveted ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. The latest additions to this prestigious list included the explosive opener Virender Sehwag, Indian trailblazer Diana Edulji, and Sri Lankan superstar Aravinda de Silva. Each of these cricketing icons has left an indelible mark on the game, making them worthy recipients of this esteemed honour.
Virender Sehwag, renowned as one of the most destructive batters of the modern era, has rightfully earned his place in the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. His staggering records across formats showcase his unparalleled prowess with the bat.
Diana Edulji, a trailblazer for Indian women's cricket, became the first Indian woman cricketer to be inducted in the ICC Hall of Fame.
Aravinda de Silva, a key figure in Sri Lanka's 1996 World Cup triumph, has rightfully earned his place in the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.
ICC Suspends Sri Lanka Cricket's Membership Over Government Interference
The International Cricket Council (ICC) took a significant step by suspending Sri Lanka Cricket's membership, citing serious breaches of its autonomy and government interference. The move came in the wake of the Sri Lankan government's decision to sack the cricket board due to the national team's disappointing performance in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
The suspension follows a tumultuous World Cup campaign by the Sri Lankan cricket team, currently ranked ninth in the 10-team standings after a disappointing performance of winnings only two out of nine matches. The struggles were further exacerbated by conflicts within the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) management.
India Finishes Asian Archery Championships in Bangkok with Seven Medals
India ended campaign at Asian Archery Championships in Bangkok with seven medals comprising three gold, a silver and three bronze. On the final day, India won five medals in compound event, including three gold. In the Women's team final, Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Parneet Kaur, and Aditi Gopichand Swami defeated Chinese Taipei in a thrilling contest to win the yellow metal. Kaur also won gold in the women's individual event after beating compatriot Vennam in the final. India won their second gold medal of the day after Swami and Priyansh beat Thailand in the final of the Mixed Team event.
Asian Archery Championships is the archery championship organised by the World Archery Asia.
It has been held biannually, and since 2001 has included both the recurve and compound disciplines. The tournament began in 1980 and it was first hosted in India. Countries such as South Korea, China, Japan, and India compete, with many of the world's leading archers representing them.
The 33rd Conference of the WOAH Regional Commission for Asia and Pacific in New Delhi
In a significant stride towards advancing animal health and husbandry, India is playing host to the 33rd Conference of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Regional Commission for Asia and the Pacific. The event, slated from November 13 to 16, 2023, is unfolding in the city of New Delhi.
Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala, will lead the inauguration and conclusion ceremonies.
Adding to the dignified presence, Union Ministers of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Sanjeev Balyan and L Murugan, are actively participating in the conference.
The decision to hold this significant gathering was solidified during the 90th General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates of the WOAH in Paris in May 2023.
Under the aegis of the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, the conference is drawing delegates from 36 member countries, including India.
India Holds '2+2' Ministerial Dialogue with the US
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met their counterparts from the US government, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken respectively, for the fifth 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue held in New Delhi.
The 2+2 meetings have been held annually with the US leaders since 2018.
The 2+2 meetings signify the participation of two high-level representatives, Ministers holding Foreign and Defence portfolios, from each of the two countries who aim to enhance the scope of dialogue between them.
Having such a mechanism enables the partners to better understand and appreciate each other's strategic concerns and sensitivities taking into account political factors on both sides, in order to build a stronger, more integrated strategic relationship in a rapidly changing global environment.
The first 2+2 dialogue between the two countries was held during the Trump Administration, when then Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and then Secretary of Defence James Mattis met the late Sushma Swaraj and then Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi in September 2018.
It was also seen as a replacement for the Strategic and Commercial Dialogue, held between the foreign and commerce ministers of the two countries during the previous Obama administration.
GoI Unveils a Ground Breaking Initiative to Support Divyang Borrowers
Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India unveiled a ground breaking initiative to support divyang borrowers.
In a bid to further enhance financial inclusion and foster economic empowerment among the divyangjan, Aggarwal announced 1% interest rate rebate under NDFDC loan for timely repayment, subject to specific terms and conditions. This gesture is aimed at reducing the financial burden on divyang individuals seeking financial assistance and encouraging responsible repayment practices.
Cheques were given by Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities to 8 divyang loan beneficiaries. This step reflects the government's unwavering commitment to promoting inclusivity and ensuring that every citizen, irrespective of abilities, has equal access to financial opportunities.
Rear Admiral Rajesh Dhankhar Assumes Command of the Eastern Fleet
Rear Admiral Rajesh Dhankhar assumed command of the Eastern Fleet, a significant and prestigious position within the Eastern Naval Command. This change of command ceremony, which marked the transition from Rear Admiral Gurcharan Singh, took place at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. The Eastern Fleet, often regarded as the Sword Arm of the Eastern Naval Command, plays a crucial role in safeguarding maritime interests in the region.
Rear Admiral Rajesh Dhankhar's naval journey began on July 1, 1990, when he was commissioned into the Indian Navy.
With a specialisation in Navigation & Direction, Rear Admiral Dhankhar has accumulated an impressive array of qualifications and experiences throughout his career.
Navies of India and Bangladesh Conduct Joint Exercise
The 4th edition of bilateral exercises between the Indian and Bangladesh navies, Bongosagar-23, and the 5th edition of Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) by the two navies were conducted in the northern Bay of Bengal from November 7 to 9.
Ships and aircraft from both the navies undertook joint patrolling along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), and subsequently conducted maritime exercises to enhance interoperability.
Indian Navy Ships Kuthar and Kiltan, and Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) Dornier participated in the exercise, along with Bangladesh Navy Ships Abu Bakr and Abu Ubaidah, and MPA.
The ships undertook communication drills, surface gun-shoots, tactical manoeuvres and other exercises that culminated in a steam past.
CORPAT-23 also included the maiden Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) drills conducted by the two navies, wherein a search-and-rescue scenario at sea was done. Regular bilateral exercises and coordinated patrols strengthened mutual understanding and cooperation between the two navies.
Kedarnath Aggarwal, Chairman of Bikanervala, Passes Away
Lala Kedarnath Aggarwal, who once sold bhujia and rasgullas in buckets on the streets of old Delhi before establishing sweets and snacks brand Bikanervala, passed away. He was 86.
Kedarnath Aggarwal started his entrepreneurial journey in Delhi.
Hailing from Bikaner, his family owned a sweet shop in the bylanes of the city since 1905. The shop was named as Bikaner Namkeen Bhandar and used to sell a few varieties of sweets and snacks.
Oberoi Group Chairman Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi Passes Away
Chairman Emeritus of the Oberoi Group Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi, widely known as the doyen of Indian hospitality, passed away at the age of 94.
A luminary in the hospitality industry, Oberoi's legacy transcends borders, leaving an indelible mark on the global landscape.
Oberoi received numerous awards and accolades, including the Padma Vibhushan, in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the country in tourism and hospitality.
P.R.S. Oberoi, popularly known as Biki, was born in New Delhi in 1929.
The son of late Rai Bahadur MS Oberoi, the founder of The Oberoi Group, was the executive chairman of EIH Ltd for a long time when the group flourished.
World Diabetes Day is celebrated every year on November 14 and the day is an opportunity to raise awareness about diabetes as a global public health issue and decide the strategies as to what needs to be done, collectively and individually for better prevention, diagnosis and management of the condition.
World Diabetes Day was established by the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1991, as a response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by the ailment.
The theme for World Diabetes Day 2023 is 'Access to Diabetes Care'.
Children's Day
Children's Day is celebrated on November 14 across India every year. It's celebrated in commemoration of the birth anniversary of India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The day is celebrated to honour Pandit Nehru, who was also popularly known as 'Chacha Nehru', for his love for children and his dedication to nurturing young minds.
The theme of this year's (2023) Children's Day, 'For every child, every right', underscores the commitment to uphold the rights of every child worldwide.
UGC Picks Kerala Professor to Design Artic Studies Online Course
Anu Gopinath, a faculty member from the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), was chosen by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to create and deliver an online course on Arctic studies.
Gopinath, who serves as Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Aquatic Environment Management at KUFOS, was picked for the project through a competitive process that saw 92 proposals from educational institutions across India.
According to a KUFOS statement, Gopinath's courses will be hosted on the SWAYAM portal and will focus primarily on India's Arctic policy. This initiative, a collaborative effort between the UGC and the Ministry of Earth Sciences, aims to raise awareness among universities, institutions, and colleges about the availability of Arctic or polar studies.
New Rules Curtail Autonomy of IIMs, President Becomes 'Visitor'
The Indian government unveiled new rules that change the power dynamics in the Indian Institute of Management (IIM).
This appears in a move to tighten its grip on these prestigious institutions, which has stirred up some controversy.
As per the new regulations, the President will now function as a 'Visitor' at all IIMs across the country.
This newly assigned role bestows significant power upon the President, which includes the authority to appoint the chairperson of the board of governors, the directors, and the power to dissolve the board for failure to perform their duties accordingly.
IIT Roorkee Organises All IITs International Relations Conclave
The International Relations (IR) Conclave, a highly influential platform for all the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) is dedicated to fostering discussions on the internationalisation of higher education at IITs. This year's (2023) IR Conclave was organised at the esteemed IIT Roorkee campus.
The remarkable event of IR Conclave 2023 brought together a diverse array of stakeholders and addressed the multifaceted challenges inherent in international education collaboration. It provided a platform for thought leaders, experts, and representatives from academia and funding agencies to engage in extensive dialogues on the strategies of internationalisation within the Indian Institute of Technology system.
Ayodhya Sets Guinness Record by Lighting 22 Lakh Diyas
More than 22 lakh 'diyas' illuminated the banks of the Saryu River in Ayodhya during the seventh edition of the Deepotsav, setting a new world record for lighting a large number of lamps simultaneously at one place.
The 22+ lakh 'diyas' (earthen lanterns), 6.47 lakh more than the previous year, were lit by 25,000 volunteers at the 51 ghats of Ram Ki Paidi along the river. The representatives of the Guinness Book of World Records, using drones to count the lamps, officially recognised Ayodhya's achievement, echoing the city with triumphant chants of 'Jai Shri Ram'.
Upon receiving the certificate from the Guinness Book of World Records, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended warm greetings to the entire Ayodhya and its residents.
Central Government Notifies Transfer of Five High Court Judges
The Central government notified the transfers of five High Court judges woh were earlier recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium.
The judges who were transferred are - Justice Vivek Kumar Singh from Allahabad High Court to Madras High Court, Justice Shekhar B. Saraf from Calcutta High Court to Allahabad High Court, Justice Bibek Chaudhuri from Calcutta High Court to Patna High Court, Justice M. Sudheer Kumar from Telangana High Court to Madras High Court and Justice C. Sumalatha from Telangana High Court to Karnataka High Court.
West Bengal Advocate-General Soumendra Nath Mookherjee Resigns
West Bengal Advocate-General Soumendra Nath Mookherjee mailed his resignation to Governor Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose.
Mookherjee was appointed as the AG after Kishore Datta resigned from the post in September 2021.