The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)

• India's NMNF, approved by the Union Cabinet on November 25, 2024, aims to promote sustainable agriculture practices like Zero Budget Natural Farming.
• NMNF aims to provide natural farming inputs to 15000 clusters across Gram Panchayats, with financial outlay of ₹2481 crore, central and state allocations.
• Experts warn that organic methods may not provide enough nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for high-yield crops, potentially leading to lower productivity.
• The NMNF integrates past initiatives such as Bhartiya Prakratik Krishi Paddhati, Gobardhan Mission, and Natural Farming Corridor.
• Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is a sustainable farming method that relies on natural resources like cow dung, urine, local seeds, and organic manure.

Indian Government has extended the Atal Innovation Mission until 2028

• The Indian government has extended the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) until March 31, 2028, launching AIM 2.0 on 25 November 2024.
• It aimed at addressing systemic gaps and improving entrepreneurial outcomes.
• AIM 1.0 focuses on establishing foundational innovation platforms, such as Atal Tinkering Labs and Atal Incubation Centres.
• AIM 2.0 aims to fill gaps and enhance ecosystem efficiency through programs like rural innovation centres, deeptech reactors, and sectoral launchpads.
• AIM 2.0 aims to increase input through vernacular innovation centres, expand Atal Tinkering Labs, improve success rate through human capital development.

Prime Minister inaugurates the ICA Global Cooperative Conference 2024

• Prime Minister is going to launches ICA Global Cooperative Conference and UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025 in New Delhi on November 25, 2024.
• The ICA Global Cooperative Conference 2024, organized in India for the first time.
• The UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025 aims to promote social inclusion, economic empowerment, and sustainable development.
• PM Narendra Modi launches commemorative postal stamp showcasing India's cooperative movement, featuring lotus, Panchatatva elements.
• Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay and Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica are among the 3000 delegates expected to attend.
• The event strengthens India's global cooperative leadership, emphasizes their role in achieving SDGs, modernizes agriculture, and empowers communities.

Canara HSBC Life has introduced OmniGen AI

• Canara Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) Life has introduced OmniGen AI on 25 November, 2024.
• OmniGen AI automates underwriting tasks, enhances risk assessment, and reduces operational costs by utilizing advanced algorithms for swift, objective decisions.
• OmniGen AI automates fraud detection and risk profiling, addressing industry challenges and ensuring a seamless customer-centric journey from policy purchase to claims settlement.
• Established in 2008, the company operates over 100 branches across India, with 51% ownership from Canara Bank, 26% from HSBC Insurance, and 23% from Punjab National Bank.

India's historic victory over Australia

• India's historic victory over Australia on November 25, 2024, broke a 47-year-old record, marking their largest Test victory on Australian soil in terms of runs.
• India's historic victory in Perth cementing its dominance on Australian soil and establishing a 1-0 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
• India's 295-run win at Perth surpasses the previous record of 222 runs in 1977, marking a historic achievement in Indian cricket.
• India's biggest wins in Australia by runs were at Optus Stadium in Perth in November 2024, Melbourne in December, 1977, Melbourne in December 2018, and WACA in January 2008.
• India's second-largest win against Australia in terms of runs was achieved in Perth.
• India's defeating Australia at Perth has been one of Australia's largest losses at home, with India causing the most runs at the venue.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi

• 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi becomes IPL's youngest signing, buying Rajasthan Royals for ₹1.10 crore in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction on November 25, 2024.
• Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a talented cricketer, began his journey at age 4 and joined a Samastipur academy at age 9.
• Vaibhav made his first-class debut for Bihar in Ranji Trophy Elite Group B, becoming the youngest Indian player since 1986.
• India U-19 selection, Rani Trophy Feat, Vinoo Mankad Trophy, and first-class debut for Bihar and scored a century against Australia U-19 are some of his achievements.

Emma McKeon

• Australian swimming legend Emma McKeon announced her retirement on November 25, 2024, ending her extraordinary career with 14 medals across three Olympics Games.
• Olympic medallist, renowned for her 7 gold medals in Tokyo 2020, holds the Australian record for most medals won by an Australian athlete.
• Emma McKeon expressed pride in her career, expressing gratitude for lessons and friendships, Australian Olympic Committee President Ian Chesterman praised her.
• Emma McKeon's retirement marks the end of a golden era in Australian swimming, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, resilience, and inspiration.

D. Gukesh

• An 18-year-old Indian Grandmaster D. Gukesh wins Federation Internationale des Echecs (FIDE) Candidates Tournament on November 25, 2024.
• Dommaraju Gukesh, born on May 29, 2006, is a chess player from Chennai, India, who began playing at age seven and received training from Velammal School.
• He is India's highest-rated player, Surpassing Viswanathan Anand in 2022, achieved numerous achievements including becoming the youngest Grandmaster.
• He also won a gold medal at FIDE Chess Olympiad 2022, and winning the FIDE Circuit 2023.
• D. Gukesh's rapid progress, consistent performance, and global inspiration have made him a standout in the chess world.
• D. Gukesh, a rising Indian chess star, joins Viswanathan Anand, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, and Arjun Erigaisi, highlighting India's growing global chess power.