Daily Current Affairs and GK | 21 November 2024

Topic: Biotechnology and Diseases

1. The first indigenous antibiotic drug named Nafithromycin for resistant infections launched by Dr. Jitendra Singh.

• On November 20, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh formally launched " Nafithromycin", the first indigenous antibiotic for resistant infections, a significant step for India's biotechnology sector.
• He said the three-day treatment with Nafithromycin is a revolutionary step against drug-resistant pneumonia, which is responsible for over two million deaths annually worldwide.
• The antibiotic "Nafithromycin" has been developed in collaboration with the "Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council" (BIRAC), a unit of the Department of Biotechnology.
• It has been launched in the market by the pharma company "Wolkardt" under the brand name "Miqnaf".
• It is the country's first indigenously developed antibiotic aimed at tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
• This innovation is designed for the treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP), a serious disease caused by drug-resistant bacteria.
• It disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, as well as immune-compromised hosts such as patients with diabetes, cancer, etc.

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

2. OTT Platform "WAVES" launched by National Public Broadcaster Prasar Bharati.

• On November 20, the OTT platform was unveiled at the opening ceremony of the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.
• While catering to the growing demand for digital streaming services, WAVES aims to revive nostalgia while embracing modern digital trends.
• Waves is unique compared to other OTT platforms, offering clean and family-oriented entertainment along with other services.
• WAVES features classic shows like Ramayan, Mahabharat, Shaktimaan and Hum Log.
• The platform will connect viewers to India's cultural and emotional heritage.
• WAVES also features news, documentaries, and regional content, promoting inclusivity and diversity.
• WAVES serves a diverse audience with content in over 12 languages ​​and over ten genres.
• There will also be a live telecast of the Aarti of Lord Shri Ram Lalla from Ayodhya on the WAVES and programs like the monthly Mann Ki Baat by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Topic: MoUs/ Agreements

3. 10 agreements signed between India and Guyana to enhance cooperation in health, hydrocarbons, agriculture and other sectors.

• On November 20, these agreements were signed between the two countries following delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Guyana President Dr. Mohammed Irfan Ali in Georgetown.
• The MoUs signed on cooperation in the field of medical products, Janaushadhi Yojana, cultural exchange program, establishment of a UPI-like system in Guyana, and broadcasting between Prasar Bharati and the National Communication Network, Guyana.
• Apart from this, MoU was also signed between National Defence Institute, Guyana and National Defence University, Gujarat.
• India and Guyana also agree that dialogue and diplomacy should be used to resolve all issues.
• Guyana is engaged with various initiatives launched by India, such as the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and Global Biofuels Alliance.
• These collaborations will help both countries to strengthen their efforts towards a green and sustainable future at the global level.

Topic: MOUs/Agreements

4. An MoU signed by SECI to promote Green Hydrogen initiative.

• An MoU was signed by Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy with H2Global Stiftung to establish a collaborative framework towards promoting green hydrogen initiatives.
• On November 19, 2024, Shri Sanjay Sharma, Director (Solar), SECI and Dr. Susana Moreira, Executive Director, H2Global signed the MoU.
• Its objective is to promote exchange of knowledge on market-based processes and cooperation between India and importing countries.
• Its goal is to contribute to the global advancement of a green hydrogen-based economy.
• This collaboration will provide India an opportunity to work on joint tender design concepts, particularly the structuring of joint tenders.
• This is in line with India’s Green Hydrogen initiative and its ambition to become an export hub for its products.
• This collaboration can help advance the country’s Green Hydrogen initiative by providing valuable insights into the dynamics of the global hydrogen market.

Topic: Important Days

5. World Television Day 2024: 21 November

• World Television Day is observed every year on 21 November since 1996.
• It is observed to highlight the value of television in globalization and communication.
• The theme of World Television Day 2024 is "Accessibility."
• According to the United Nations, television continues to be the single largest source of video consumption.
• The United Nations General Assembly declared November 21 as World Television Day in 1996.
• On November 21 and 22 in 1996, the United Nations held the first World Television Forum.
• To mark its anniversary, the United Nations General Assembly adopted November 21 as World Television Day.
• Scottish engineer, John Logie Baird, invented the TV in 1924.
• TV was introduced in India on 15 September, 1959 with the assistance of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
• By 1982, the introduction of color broadcasting and satellite networks brought television closer to the masses, laying the foundation for today's diverse media landscape.

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

6. More than 1.76 crore school students from 36 states and UTs took part in Project Veer Gatha 4.0.

• The students have honoured the bravery and sacrifice of the Armed Forces officers and people by sending poetry, paintings, essays, movies, and other materials.
• One hundred winners will be chosen as part of Project Veer Gatha 4.0.
• In New Delhi, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Defence will together to felicitate them.
• A monetary prize of Rs. 10,000 will be given to each winner.
• In 2021, Project Veer Gatha was launched. The Veer Gatha Project has been carried out three times, in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
• It was established with the intention of educating students about the gallantry awardees' personal experiences and their inspirational tales of bravery, selflessness, and heroism.
• Students from all throughout the nation have been participating in the initiative more and more since it started.
• The Veer Gatha Project (Edition I) involved 8 lakh students. 1.36 crore students participated in the third edition.

Topic: Sports

7. Indian Hockey team won Women’s Asian Champions Trophy.

• On 20 November, India won the Women's Asian Champions Trophy in Hockey at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar.
• By defeating China 1-0 in the final match, the Indian women's hockey team won its second consecutive title.
• Deepika scored the decisive goal from a penalty corner in the 31st minute and finished the tournament as the top scorer with 11 goals.
• She was named the best player of the tournament.
• This was India's third Women's Asian Champions Trophy hockey title, equalling South Korea's tally of three titles.
• In 2016, the Indian women had won their first title and won their second title in 2023.
• Earlier, Japan defeated Malaysia 4-1 in the bronze medal match to finish third.

Topic: Defence

8. The second India-Japan Joint Service Staff Dialogue concluded at New Delhi.

• On November 20, 2024, the second India-Japan Joint Services Staff Dialogue (JSST) between headquarters, integrated defense staff (HQ IDS) and Joint Staff of Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF) concluded at New Delhi.
• Recognizing the emerging dynamics of modern war, the two countries expressed shared commitment in promoting cooperation in space and cyber technologies as important components of their defense partnership.
• IDS Assistant Head Air Vice Marshal Prashant Mohan and Joint Staff of JSDF, Major General Minamikawa Nobutaka, Director General of Defense Plan and Policy (J5), co-headed the meeting.
• The authorities held a meaningful discussion on strengthening the existing defense relations and finding new avenues of cooperation under the existing bilateral defense mechanisms.
• JSST is a platform to carry forward defense cooperation between India and Japan through regular and high -level operational discussions.
• These meetings serve as a major platform to promote close, professional cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries.
• In 2023, the first version of the Joint Service Staff Dialogue between India and Japan was held in Tokyo.

Topic: Important Days

9. World Fisheries Day 2024: 21 November

• Every year 21 November, World Fisheries Day is observed worldwide.
• This day has been celebrated by the fisherfolk community since 1997.
• It is dedicated to raise the importance of healthy ocean ecosystems and ensure sustainable fisheries across the world.
• The theme of World Fisheries Day 2024 is "India’s Blue Transformation: Strengthening Small-Scale and Sustainable Fisheries."
• The World Fisheries consortium was established in 1997. This forum is famously known as WFF (World Fisheries Forum).
• World Fisheries Day was first celebrated on 21 November 2015.
• The Department of Fisheries (DoF) celebrated World Fisheries Day (WFD) on 21 November under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy.
• The Department of Fisheries has started celebrating from 2014 to 21 November as World Fisheries Day.
• Fisheries and aquatic agriculture are an integral part of global food and nutritional security, supporting the livelihood of about 61.8 million people worldwide.
• In 2022, global production in the region reached an unprecedented 223.2 million tonnes, which outlines its important role in maintaining livelihood, economies and ecosystems.
• As the second largest fish productive country, India is also a leading producer of inland capture fish and shrimp, contributing to about 8% of global fish production.

Topic: Infrastructure and Energy

10. Tata Power Company Ltd and Druk Green Power Corporation Ltd (DGPC) entered into a strategic partnership.

• They have entered into a strategic partnership to collaborate and develop at least 5,000 MW of clean energy generation capacity in Bhutan.
• The renewable energy projects would include 4,500 MW of hydropower comprising the 1,125 MW Dorjilung HEP, 740 MW Gongri Reservoir, 1,800 MW Jeri Pumped Storage and 364 MW Chamkharchhu IV. These will be developed in phases.
• Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd (TPREL) will develop another 500 MW of solar projects. TPREL is a subsidiary of Tata Power.
• Tata Power recently paid ₹8.30 billion for a 40% share in the 600 MW Khorlochhu Hydroelectric Project as a precursor to this partnership.
• Druk Green Power Corporation Ltd is a subsidiary of Druk Holding and Investments Ltd, which is the sole generation utility of Bhutan.

Topic: International News

11. 200 million dollar policy-based loan has been approved by the ADB to help Sri Lanka in strengthening its financial sector.

• This marks the second subprogram under Financial Sector Stability and Reforms Program of Asian Development Bank (ADB) towards stabilising the Sri Lanka’s economy and manage the financial crisis started in 2023.

• The program aims to establish long-term growth by introducing structural reforms in the financial sector.
• ADB also appreciated progress of Sri Lanka in stabilizing macroeconomic conditions and improving its fiscal framework.
• One of the key reforms under the program is increased regulatory oversight by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

Topic: National Appointments

12. Justice D. Krishnakumar has been appointed Chief Justice of Manipur High Court.

• The name of Justice Krishnakumar, presently serving as a judge of the Madras High Court, was proposed by collegium on 18 November.
• Justice D. Krishnakumar is the seniormost judge after the Chief Justice in Madras High Court.
• The present Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court, Justice Siddharth Mridul, demitted office on 21 November upon attaining the age of 62.
• Justice Krishnakumar is due to retire on May 21, 2025. He belongs to a backward community.
• Manipur has been facing ethnic conflict for last few days.

Topic: Awards and Prizes

13. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will receive the highest honours from Guyana and Barbados.

• Guyana will confer "The Order of Excellence," its highest national honour.
• PM Modi will receive the "Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados" from Barbados.
• With these new awards, PM Modi has now received 19 international honours in total.
• Prior to this, PM Modi received the highest state accolades from Nigeria and Dominica.
• Additionally, Dominica announced that PM Modi would receive its highest national honour, the "Dominica Award of Honour".