President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated a national conference on 'Integration of Yoga in School Education System’ at Lonavala in Maharashtra on November 29, 2023 (Wednesday). It was organised by Kaivalyadhama as part of its 100-year celebrations. Kaivalyadhama is one of the world’s oldest pioneering yoga institutes. It was founded by Swami Kuvalayananda in 1924. Speaking after the ceremony, Ms. Murmu said that Yoga is an invaluable gift of India to the world community.

The Syed Modi India international badminton championship world tour Super 300 started on November 28, 2023 (Tuesday) in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the prestigious event. Syed Modi International Badminton Championships is an international badminton tournament held every year in India. The 2023 edition of the tournament is being held at Babu Banarasi Das Indoor Stadium in Lucknow, India, from November 28 to December 3.

The US State Department on November 28, 2023 (Tuesday) said that the US Embassy and its consulates in India achieved a historic milestone. According to the statement, 140,000 student visas were issued between October 2022 and September 2023, which is a record. Besides, the department issued one crore non-immigrant global visas during this period. Last month, the US Mission to India exceeded its target to process one million non-immigrant visas in 2023.

Asia’s largest open-air annual trade fair, Bali Jatra, was inaugurated in Cuttack on the banks of the Mahanadi River on November 27, 2023 (Monday). The meaning of Baliyatra is ‘voyage to Bali.’ Bali is an island in Indonesia. The event marks the day when mariners used to set sail for distant lands such as Bali, Java, Sumatra and Borneo in Indonesia and Sri Lanka for trade. This year, the festival began on the occasion of Kartika Purnima and will continue until December 4, 2023.

Christopher Luxon was sworn in as the 42nd Prime Minister of New Zealand on November 27, 2023 (Monday). New Zealand’s Governor-General Cindy Kiro swore in Mr. Luxon along with his cabinet ministers. The oath-taking ceremony was held at the Government House in New Zealand’s capital Wellington. Speaking after taking the oath, Mr. Luxon said that his top priority is to improve the economy of NZ. Interestingly, Mr. Luxon previously served as the chief executive officer (CEO) of Air New Zealand from 2012 to 2019.

India's Constitution Day is observed every year on November 26 to mark the adoption of the Indian constitution in 1949. The Indian Constitution officially came into effect on January 26, 1950. This date also marks the birth anniversary of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar. He is widely known as the father of the Indian constitution owing to his important role in its drafting. Indian Constitution Day was previously known as "Law Day.” The government made a major change in 2015 by renaming it "Constitution Day.”

The 11th edition of International Tourism Mart was held at Shillong, Meghalaya, from November 21 (Tuesday) to November 23, 2023 (Thursday). The event was inaugurated by the Union Minister of State (MoS) for the Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik. Chief Minister of Meghalaya Shri Conrad K Sangma and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion. International Tourism Mart is organised every year by the Ministry of Tourism in one of the northeastern states on a rotation basis. The aim is to create awareness about the tourism potential of the North East Region.

Justice M. Fathima Beevi, the first female Judge of the Supreme Court of India, passed away on November 23, 2023 (Wednesday). She was 96 years old. Justice Beevi was born in Kerala in 1927 and her father motivated her to study law. In 1950, she topped the Bar Council exam and became the first woman to receive a Bar Council gold medal. Justice M. Fathima Beevi was appointed as a judge of the Kerala High Court in 1983. She was promoted to a judge of the Supreme Court in 1989.

World Television Day is annually observed on November 21 to highlight the importance of the visual medium. The day also highlights television’s increasing impact on decision-making. The theme for World Television Day 2023 is 'Accessibility'. Notably, the United Nations held the First World Television Forum on November 21, 1996. It was then decided to observe November 21 every year as World Television Day. Television was invented by John Logie Baird in 1924.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 20, 2023 (Monday) congratulated Javier Milei for winning Argentina’s presidential election. In a social media post, Mr. Modi said that he looks forward to working closely with Mr. Milei to expand India-Argentina's strategic partnership. According to government data, India is the fourth-largest trading partner of Argentina. On the day, Prime Minister Modi also congratulated Luc Frieden on becoming the Prime Minister of Luxembourg. He also welcomed Luxembourg's decision to join the International Solar Alliance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his heartfelt tributes to Rani Lakshmibai on her birth anniversary on November 19, 2023 (Sunday). In a social media post, PM Modi described her as a symbol of bravery and inspiration. Rani Lakshmibai, also known as the Queen of Jhansi, played an important role in India's first war of independence. In 1858, she sacrificed her life for India’s freedom. Notably, her birth anniversary is celebrated as Martyr's Day in Jhansi.

Australia won the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 after beating India by six wickets in the final on November 19, 2023 (Sunday). The match was played at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Batting first, India scored 240 runs in 50 overs with the help of half-centuries from Virat Kohli (54) and K.L Rahul (66). In response, Australia reached the target of 241 runs in just 43 overs. Australia had lost three early wickets in their innings but Travis Head’s courageous knock of hundred helped his team to win the match. Virat Kohli was declared Player of the Tournament for scoring 765 runs during the ICC tournament.

Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua won the Miss Universe 2023 title on November 18, 2023 (Saturday) evening at a grand event held in San Salvador, El Salvador. With this, she became the country’s first woman to win an international beauty pageant. Miss Thailand Anntonia Porsild stood second and Miss Australia Moraya Wilson came third at the event. Notably, Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America. Managua is the capital and largest city of the country.

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated a national conference on 'Integration of Yoga in School Education System’ at Lonavala in Maharashtra on November 29, 2023 (Wednesday). It was organised by Kaivalyadhama as part of its 100-year celebrations. Kaivalyadhama is one of the world’s oldest pioneering yoga institutes. It was founded by Swami Kuvalayananda in 1924. Speaking after the ceremony, Ms. Murmu said that Yoga is an invaluable gift of India to the world community.

The Syed Modi India international badminton championship world tour Super 300 started on November 28, 2023 (Tuesday) in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the prestigious event. Syed Modi International Badminton Championships is an international badminton tournament held every year in India. The 2023 edition of the tournament is being held at Babu Banarasi Das Indoor Stadium in Lucknow, India, from November 28 to December 3.

The US State Department on November 28, 2023 (Tuesday) said that the US Embassy and its consulates in India achieved a historic milestone. According to the statement, 140,000 student visas were issued between October 2022 and September 2023, which is a record. Besides, the department issued one crore non-immigrant global visas during this period. Last month, the US Mission to India exceeded its target to process one million non-immigrant visas in 2023.

Asia’s largest open-air annual trade fair, Bali Jatra, was inaugurated in Cuttack on the banks of the Mahanadi River on November 27, 2023 (Monday). The meaning of Baliyatra is ‘voyage to Bali.’ Bali is an island in Indonesia. The event marks the day when mariners used to set sail for distant lands such as Bali, Java, Sumatra and Borneo in Indonesia and Sri Lanka for trade. This year, the festival began on the occasion of Kartika Purnima and will continue until December 4, 2023.

Christopher Luxon was sworn in as the 42nd Prime Minister of New Zealand on November 27, 2023 (Monday). New Zealand’s Governor-General Cindy Kiro swore in Mr. Luxon along with his cabinet ministers. The oath-taking ceremony was held at the Government House in New Zealand’s capital Wellington. Speaking after taking the oath, Mr. Luxon said that his top priority is to improve the economy of NZ. Interestingly, Mr. Luxon previously served as the chief executive officer (CEO) of Air New Zealand from 2012 to 2019.

India's Constitution Day is observed every year on November 26 to mark the adoption of the Indian constitution in 1949. The Indian Constitution officially came into effect on January 26, 1950. This date also marks the birth anniversary of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar. He is widely known as the father of the Indian constitution owing to his important role in its drafting. Indian Constitution Day was previously known as "Law Day.” The government made a major change in 2015 by renaming it "Constitution Day.”

The 11th edition of International Tourism Mart was held at Shillong, Meghalaya, from November 21 (Tuesday) to November 23, 2023 (Thursday). The event was inaugurated by the Union Minister of State (MoS) for the Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik. Chief Minister of Meghalaya Shri Conrad K Sangma and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion. International Tourism Mart is organised every year by the Ministry of Tourism in one of the northeastern states on a rotation basis. The aim is to create awareness about the tourism potential of the North East Region.

Justice M. Fathima Beevi, the first female Judge of the Supreme Court of India, passed away on November 23, 2023 (Wednesday). She was 96 years old. Justice Beevi was born in Kerala in 1927 and her father motivated her to study law. In 1950, she topped the Bar Council exam and became the first woman to receive a Bar Council gold medal. Justice M. Fathima Beevi was appointed as a judge of the Kerala High Court in 1983. She was promoted to a judge of the Supreme Court in 1989.

World Television Day is annually observed on November 21 to highlight the importance of the visual medium. The day also highlights television’s increasing impact on decision-making. The theme for World Television Day 2023 is 'Accessibility'. Notably, the United Nations held the First World Television Forum on November 21, 1996. It was then decided to observe November 21 every year as World Television Day. Television was invented by John Logie Baird in 1924.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 20, 2023 (Monday) congratulated Javier Milei for winning Argentina’s presidential election. In a social media post, Mr. Modi said that he looks forward to working closely with Mr. Milei to expand India-Argentina's strategic partnership. According to government data, India is the fourth-largest trading partner of Argentina. On the day, Prime Minister Modi also congratulated Luc Frieden on becoming the Prime Minister of Luxembourg. He also welcomed Luxembourg's decision to join the International Solar Alliance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his heartfelt tributes to Rani Lakshmibai on her birth anniversary on November 19, 2023 (Sunday). In a social media post, PM Modi described her as a symbol of bravery and inspiration. Rani Lakshmibai, also known as the Queen of Jhansi, played an important role in India's first war of independence. In 1858, she sacrificed her life for India’s freedom. Notably, her birth anniversary is celebrated as Martyr's Day in Jhansi.

Australia won the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 after beating India by six wickets in the final on November 19, 2023 (Sunday). The match was played at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Batting first, India scored 240 runs in 50 overs with the help of half-centuries from Virat Kohli (54) and K.L Rahul (66). In response, Australia reached the target of 241 runs in just 43 overs. Australia had lost three early wickets in their innings but Travis Head’s courageous knock of hundred helped his team to win the match. Virat Kohli was declared Player of the Tournament for scoring 765 runs during the ICC tournament.

Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua won the Miss Universe 2023 title on November 18, 2023 (Saturday) evening at a grand event held in San Salvador, El Salvador. With this, she became the country’s first woman to win an international beauty pageant. Miss Thailand Anntonia Porsild stood second and Miss Australia Moraya Wilson came third at the event. Notably, Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America. Managua is the capital and largest city of the country.

India's G20 presidency concluded on November 30, 2023 (Thursday). Brazil will lead the G20 presidency for the next one year from December 1, 2023 (Friday). In September 2023, India, under its presidency, successfully concluded the 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi. Various global important issues were discussed by the members of G20 countries during the summit. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India undertook several path-breaking initiatives and decisions.

Takeaway: The G20 or Group of 20 is an intergovernmental forum comprising 19 sovereign countries, the European Union, and the African Union. It was founded on 26 September 1999.

President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the courage and patience of the workers evacuated from the collapsed Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand. The workers were stranded in the tunnel for 17 long days. The President, Vice-President, and Prime Minister also lauded the bravery and perseverance of the rescue personnel who successfully carried out one of the most challenging and dangerous rescue operations taken up in India. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced Rs. 1 lakh compensation each for the 41 workers.

Takeaway: A section of the Silkyara Bend–Barkot tunnel caved in while under construction on 12 November 2023. This tunnel is planned to connect National Highway 134 in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India.

President Droupadi Murmu on November 29, 2023 (Wednesday) inaugurated a national conference on 'Integration of Yoga in School Education System-Manifesting the Thought'. It was organized by Kaivalyadhama as part of its centenary year celebrations at Lonavala in Maharashtra. Kaivalyadhama is the first Yoga institute to proactively conduct scientific research to demonstrate the benefits and uses of Yoga. Speaking after the inauguration, Ms. Murmu said that Yoga is an invaluable gift of India to the world community. Since 2015, Yoga Day has been celebrated every year in most of the countries, noted the President.

Takeaway: Kaivalyadhama is one of the oldest pioneering yoga institutes in the world. It was founded by Swami Kuvalayananda in 1924.

The Government has extended the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY) for another five years from the 1st of January 2024. Under the scheme, five kg of free food grains are being provided every month to more than 81 crores of poor people in the country and Antyodaya households get 35 kg of free food grains per month. Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur said that free food grains will concurrently ensure uniform implementation of portability under the One Nation One Ration Card across the country.

Takeaway: PMGKAY is amongst the World’s biggest social welfare schemes. It is aimed at ensuring food and nutrition security at an estimated cost of 11.80 lakh crore rupees over 5 years.

The Syed Modi India international badminton championship world tour Super 300 kicked off on November 28, 2023 (Tuesday) in Lucknow city of Uttar Pradesh. It has been organized by the UP Badminton Association under the aegis of the Badminton Association of India. Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the prestigious event, which will be held from November 28 to December 3. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Adityanath said that after 2014 on the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi sports activities have gained a new momentum in the 'New India'.

Takeaway: The Syed Modi International Badminton Championships is an international badminton tournament held annually in India. This tournament was introduced to the badminton circuit as a BWF Grand Prix event in 2009.

The US Embassy and its consulates in India issued a record-breaking one lakh forty thousand student visas between October 2022 and September 2023, according to the US State Department. In a statement, the department announced that it issued more than one crore non-immigrant visas worldwide during this period. Apart from this, the US embassy issued nearly 80 lakh visitor visas for business and tourism purposes, which is the highest since 2015. The US embassy and consulates issued more than six lakh student visas, the highest since 2017. Last month, the US Mission to India surpassed its target to process one million non-immigrant visas in 2023.

Takeaway: The Embassy of the United States of America (USA) situated in New Delhi is the diplomatic mission of the United States of America in the Republic of India. It is headed by the U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti.

Asia’s largest open-air annual trade fair, Bali Jatra, was inaugurated on the banks of the Mahanadi River in Cuttack on November 27, 2023 (Monday). The event commemorates the day when 'sadhabas' or mariners used to set sail for distant lands such as Bali, Java, Sumatra, and Borneo in Indonesia, and Sri Lanka for trade. This year, the festival kick-started on the occasion of Kartika Purnima and will continue till December 4, 2023. Nearly 2,000 stalls displaying various handicrafts, household goods, and foods are likely to come up on the fairground this year.

Takeaway: The literal meaning of Baliyatra is “voyage to Bali”. Bali is an island in Indonesia.

Christopher Luxon was sworn in as New Zealand’s Prime Minister along with his cabinet ministers on November 27, 2023 (Monday). New Zealand’s Governor-General Cindy Kiro presided over the swearing-in ceremony held at the Government House in the country’s capital city Wellington. Speaking after taking the oath, Mr. Luxon said that his top priority is to improve the economy of the country. The new government came to power after Christopher Luxon’s National Party struck a deal with two smaller parties – libertarian ACT New Zealand and populist New Zealand First – on Friday (November 24).

Takeaway: Christopher Luxon, 53, is the 42nd prime minister of New Zealand since November 2023. He served as leader of the Opposition from 2021 to 2023. He is the former CEO of Air New Zealand.

India's Constitution Day is observed annually on November 26 to commemorate the adoption of the Indian constitution in 1949. However, the Indian Constitution officially came into effect on January 26, 1950. This date also marks the birth anniversary of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar and this year it was his 132nd birth anniversary celebration. Mr. Ambedkar was the chairman of the drafting committee of the Constituent Assembly. He was widely acknowledged as the father of the Indian constitution due to his pivotal role in its drafting.

Takeaway: : Previously known as ‘Law Day’, the government made a significant change in 2015 by renaming it "Constitution Day." This modification was aimed to highlight the importance of a single document governing all legal authorities in India.

The 11th edition of International Tourism Mart took place in Shillong, Meghalaya from November 21, 2023 (Tuesday) to November 23, 2023 (Thursday). The event aimed to raise awareness about the tourism potential of the North East Region. The Union Minister of State (MoS) for the Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik inaugurated the event in the presence of Chief Minister of Meghalaya Shri Conrad K Sangma and other dignitaries. The three-day event provided a platform for North Eastern stakeholders to interact with their counterparts from both within India and overseas markets.

Takeaway: The International Tourism Mart is an annual event held by the Ministry of Tourism in one of the northeastern states on a rotation basis. During the event, the eight North Eastern states present updates on their new destinations as well as new opportunities in their states.

Justice M. Fathima Beevi, the first female Judge of the Supreme Court of India, passed away on November 23, 2023 (Wednesday) at the age of 96. She was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kollam, Kerala. Justice Beevi was the first woman to be a judge of the Supreme Court of India. She was also the first Muslim woman to be appointed to the higher judiciary in India. Justice M. Fathima Beevi was born in Kerala in 1927 and her father motivated her to study law. In 1950, she topped the Bar Council exam, becoming the first woman to be awarded a Bar Council gold medal.

Takeaway: Justice M. Fathima Beevi was appointed as a judge of the Kerala High Court in 1983. She was promoted to a judge of the Supreme Court in 1989. After retiring in 1993, she served as a member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and then as Governor of Tamil Nadu.

World Television Day is globally observed on November 21 to highlight the importance of the visual medium. The day also aims to recognise its increasing impact on decision-making and its potential role in shaping global conversations. The theme for this year's edition is 'Accessibility'. On this day, meet-ups at local and global levels are held to raise awareness among people about the role television plays in communication and globalisation. Notably, TV was invented by a Scottish engineer, John Logie Baird in 1924.

Takeaway: On November 21, 1996, the United Nations held the First World Television Forum and decided to observe the 21st of November every year as World Television Day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 20, 2023 (Monday) congratulated Javier Milei for winning Argentina’s presidential election. In a social media post, Mr. Modi said that he looks forward to working closely with Mr. Milei to diversify and expand India-Argentina's strategic partnership. PM Modi also extended congratulations to Luc Frieden on taking over as the Prime Minister of Luxembourg. Mr. Modi said that he looks forward to working closely with Mr. Luc Frieden to further strengthen India-Luxembourg relations which are strongly rooted in both countries’ shared belief in democratic values and the Rule of Law.

Takeaway: Luxembourg is a landlocked country in Western Europe. It is surrounded by Belgium, France and Germany.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 19, 2023 (Sunday) paid his heartfelt tributes to Rani Lakshmibai on her birth anniversary. In a post on social media, PM Modi described her as a symbol of bravery and inspiration. Further, he said that the story of Rani Lakshmibai’s courage, struggle and sacrifice against the atrocities of British rule will continue to inspire every generation of the country. Rani Lakshmibai, also known as the Queen of Jhansi, played a significant role in India's first war of independence. She died in 1858, sacrificing her life for the cause of India’s freedom.

Takeaway: The birth anniversary of Rani Lakshmibai, November 19, is celebrated as Martyr's Day in Jhansi to honour the lives lost in the Rebellion of 1857.

Australia lifted the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup on November 19, 2023 (Sunday) after defeating India by six wickets in the final played at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Put into bat first, India managed to post 240 runs in the stipulated 50 overs. Australia chased the target of 241 runs in just 43 overs with a gritty century knock of Travis Head. Aussies recovered from the initial setbacks to win the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup for the record sixth time. The highlight of the Indian innings was half-centuries from Virat Kohli (54) and K.L Rahul (66).

Takeaway: Virat Kohli was named the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 Player of the Tournament. He scored a total of 765 runs, including three centuries and six half-centuries, in 11 matches.

Nicaragua's Sheynnis Palacios was crowned Miss Universe 2023 at the 72nd edition of the Miss Universe pageant held on November 18, 2023 (Saturday) evening in San Salvador, El Salvador. Palacios created history as she became the country’s first woman to win at an international beauty pageant. Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel crowned the 23-year-old Sheynnis at the grand event. Miss Thailand Anntonia Porsild was named the first runner-up whereas Miss Australia Moraya Wilson emerged as the second runner-up at the event.

Takeaway: Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America, known for its dramatic terrain of lakes, volcanoes and beaches. Managua is the country's capital and largest city.

India's G20 presidency concluded on November 30, 2023 (Thursday). Brazil will lead the G20 presidency for the next one year from December 1, 2023 (Friday). In September 2023, India, under its presidency, successfully concluded the 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi. Various global important issues were discussed by the members of G20 countries during the summit. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India undertook several path-breaking initiatives and decisions.

Takeaway: The G20 or Group of 20 is an intergovernmental forum comprising 19 sovereign countries, the European Union, and the African Union. It was founded on 26 September 1999.

President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the courage and patience of the workers evacuated from the collapsed Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand. The workers were stranded in the tunnel for 17 long days. The President, Vice-President, and Prime Minister also lauded the bravery and perseverance of the rescue personnel who successfully carried out one of the most challenging and dangerous rescue operations taken up in India. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced Rs. 1 lakh compensation each for the 41 workers.

Takeaway: A section of the Silkyara Bend–Barkot tunnel caved in while under construction on 12 November 2023. This tunnel is planned to connect National Highway 134 in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India.

President Droupadi Murmu on November 29, 2023 (Wednesday) inaugurated a national conference on 'Integration of Yoga in School Education System-Manifesting the Thought'. It was organized by Kaivalyadhama as part of its centenary year celebrations at Lonavala in Maharashtra. Kaivalyadhama is the first Yoga institute to proactively conduct scientific research to demonstrate the benefits and uses of Yoga. Speaking after the inauguration, Ms. Murmu said that Yoga is an invaluable gift of India to the world community. Since 2015, Yoga Day has been celebrated every year in most of the countries, noted the President.

Takeaway: Kaivalyadhama is one of the oldest pioneering yoga institutes in the world. It was founded by Swami Kuvalayananda in 1924.

The Government has extended the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY) for another five years from the 1st of January 2024. Under the scheme, five kg of free food grains are being provided every month to more than 81 crores of poor people in the country and Antyodaya households get 35 kg of free food grains per month. Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur said that free food grains will concurrently ensure uniform implementation of portability under the One Nation One Ration Card across the country.

Takeaway: PMGKAY is amongst the World’s biggest social welfare schemes. It is aimed at ensuring food and nutrition security at an estimated cost of 11.80 lakh crore rupees over 5 years.

The Syed Modi India international badminton championship world tour Super 300 kicked off on November 28, 2023 (Tuesday) in Lucknow city of Uttar Pradesh. It has been organized by the UP Badminton Association under the aegis of the Badminton Association of India. Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the prestigious event, which will be held from November 28 to December 3. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Adityanath said that after 2014 on the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi sports activities have gained a new momentum in the 'New India'.

Takeaway: The Syed Modi International Badminton Championships is an international badminton tournament held annually in India. This tournament was introduced to the badminton circuit as a BWF Grand Prix event in 2009.

The US Embassy and its consulates in India issued a record-breaking one lakh forty thousand student visas between October 2022 and September 2023, according to the US State Department. In a statement, the department announced that it issued more than one crore non-immigrant visas worldwide during this period. Apart from this, the US embassy issued nearly 80 lakh visitor visas for business and tourism purposes, which is the highest since 2015. The US embassy and consulates issued more than six lakh student visas, the highest since 2017. Last month, the US Mission to India surpassed its target to process one million non-immigrant visas in 2023.

Takeaway: The Embassy of the United States of America (USA) situated in New Delhi is the diplomatic mission of the United States of America in the Republic of India. It is headed by the U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti.

Asia’s largest open-air annual trade fair, Bali Jatra, was inaugurated on the banks of the Mahanadi River in Cuttack on November 27, 2023 (Monday). The event commemorates the day when 'sadhabas' or mariners used to set sail for distant lands such as Bali, Java, Sumatra, and Borneo in Indonesia, and Sri Lanka for trade. This year, the festival kick-started on the occasion of Kartika Purnima and will continue till December 4, 2023. Nearly 2,000 stalls displaying various handicrafts, household goods, and foods are likely to come up on the fairground this year.

Takeaway: The literal meaning of Baliyatra is “voyage to Bali”. Bali is an island in Indonesia.

Christopher Luxon was sworn in as New Zealand’s Prime Minister along with his cabinet ministers on November 27, 2023 (Monday). New Zealand’s Governor-General Cindy Kiro presided over the swearing-in ceremony held at the Government House in the country’s capital city Wellington. Speaking after taking the oath, Mr. Luxon said that his top priority is to improve the economy of the country. The new government came to power after Christopher Luxon’s National Party struck a deal with two smaller parties – libertarian ACT New Zealand and populist New Zealand First – on Friday (November 24).

Takeaway: Christopher Luxon, 53, is the 42nd prime minister of New Zealand since November 2023. He served as leader of the Opposition from 2021 to 2023. He is the former CEO of Air New Zealand.

India's Constitution Day is observed annually on November 26 to commemorate the adoption of the Indian constitution in 1949. However, the Indian Constitution officially came into effect on January 26, 1950. This date also marks the birth anniversary of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar and this year it was his 132nd birth anniversary celebration. Mr. Ambedkar was the chairman of the drafting committee of the Constituent Assembly. He was widely acknowledged as the father of the Indian constitution due to his pivotal role in its drafting.

Takeaway: : Previously known as ‘Law Day’, the government made a significant change in 2015 by renaming it "Constitution Day." This modification was aimed to highlight the importance of a single document governing all legal authorities in India.

The 11th edition of International Tourism Mart took place in Shillong, Meghalaya from November 21, 2023 (Tuesday) to November 23, 2023 (Thursday). The event aimed to raise awareness about the tourism potential of the North East Region. The Union Minister of State (MoS) for the Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik inaugurated the event in the presence of Chief Minister of Meghalaya Shri Conrad K Sangma and other dignitaries. The three-day event provided a platform for North Eastern stakeholders to interact with their counterparts from both within India and overseas markets.

Takeaway: The International Tourism Mart is an annual event held by the Ministry of Tourism in one of the northeastern states on a rotation basis. During the event, the eight North Eastern states present updates on their new destinations as well as new opportunities in their states.

Justice M. Fathima Beevi, the first female Judge of the Supreme Court of India, passed away on November 23, 2023 (Wednesday) at the age of 96. She was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kollam, Kerala. Justice Beevi was the first woman to be a judge of the Supreme Court of India. She was also the first Muslim woman to be appointed to the higher judiciary in India. Justice M. Fathima Beevi was born in Kerala in 1927 and her father motivated her to study law. In 1950, she topped the Bar Council exam, becoming the first woman to be awarded a Bar Council gold medal.

Takeaway: Justice M. Fathima Beevi was appointed as a judge of the Kerala High Court in 1983. She was promoted to a judge of the Supreme Court in 1989. After retiring in 1993, she served as a member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and then as Governor of Tamil Nadu.

World Television Day is globally observed on November 21 to highlight the importance of the visual medium. The day also aims to recognise its increasing impact on decision-making and its potential role in shaping global conversations. The theme for this year's edition is 'Accessibility'. On this day, meet-ups at local and global levels are held to raise awareness among people about the role television plays in communication and globalisation. Notably, TV was invented by a Scottish engineer, John Logie Baird in 1924.

Takeaway: On November 21, 1996, the United Nations held the First World Television Forum and decided to observe the 21st of November every year as World Television Day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 20, 2023 (Monday) congratulated Javier Milei for winning Argentina’s presidential election. In a social media post, Mr. Modi said that he looks forward to working closely with Mr. Milei to diversify and expand India-Argentina's strategic partnership. PM Modi also extended congratulations to Luc Frieden on taking over as the Prime Minister of Luxembourg. Mr. Modi said that he looks forward to working closely with Mr. Luc Frieden to further strengthen India-Luxembourg relations which are strongly rooted in both countries’ shared belief in democratic values and the Rule of Law.

Takeaway: Luxembourg is a landlocked country in Western Europe. It is surrounded by Belgium, France and Germany.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 19, 2023 (Sunday) paid his heartfelt tributes to Rani Lakshmibai on her birth anniversary. In a post on social media, PM Modi described her as a symbol of bravery and inspiration. Further, he said that the story of Rani Lakshmibai’s courage, struggle and sacrifice against the atrocities of British rule will continue to inspire every generation of the country. Rani Lakshmibai, also known as the Queen of Jhansi, played a significant role in India's first war of independence. She died in 1858, sacrificing her life for the cause of India’s freedom.

Takeaway: The birth anniversary of Rani Lakshmibai, November 19, is celebrated as Martyr's Day in Jhansi to honour the lives lost in the Rebellion of 1857.

Australia lifted the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup on November 19, 2023 (Sunday) after defeating India by six wickets in the final played at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Put into bat first, India managed to post 240 runs in the stipulated 50 overs. Australia chased the target of 241 runs in just 43 overs with a gritty century knock of Travis Head. Aussies recovered from the initial setbacks to win the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup for the record sixth time. The highlight of the Indian innings was half-centuries from Virat Kohli (54) and K.L Rahul (66).

Takeaway: Virat Kohli was named the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 Player of the Tournament. He scored a total of 765 runs, including three centuries and six half-centuries, in 11 matches.

Nicaragua's Sheynnis Palacios was crowned Miss Universe 2023 at the 72nd edition of the Miss Universe pageant held on November 18, 2023 (Saturday) evening in San Salvador, El Salvador. Palacios created history as she became the country’s first woman to win at an international beauty pageant. Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel crowned the 23-year-old Sheynnis at the grand event. Miss Thailand Anntonia Porsild was named the first runner-up whereas Miss Australia Moraya Wilson emerged as the second runner-up at the event.

Takeaway: Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America, known for its dramatic terrain of lakes, volcanoes and beaches. Managua is the country's capital and largest city.