Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Thursday said it has signed an Implementation Agreement (IA) with Australian Space Agency (ASA) for further strengthening of cooperation in space activities between the two countries.

The IA enables cooperation between both space agencies on crew and crew module recovery for Gaganyaan missions, the country's first crewed spaceflight program, it said.

The IA was signed by D K Singh, Director, Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) on ISRO's side at Bengaluru and Jarrod Powell, General Manager, Space Capability Branch, on ASA's side at Canberra on November 20, the space agency said in a statement.

ISRO has embarked on the Human Spaceflight ("Gaganyaan") programme with an objective of demonstrating capability to carryout Low Earth Orbit in an Indian Crew Module with up to three crew members onboard, for up to three days and to safely recover the module.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch on Monday the 'United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 2025' at International Cooperative Alliance's (ICA) global conference to be held in the national capital.

First time in the 130 years long history of the ICA, the premier body for the global cooperative movement, with the initiative of IFFCO, the ICA General Assembly and Global Cooperative Conference will be hosted by India. The event is scheduled to be held during November 25-30 here.

Addressing a press conference, Cooperation Secretary Ashish Kumar Bhutani informed that the prime minister will formally launch the 'United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 2025' during the inaugural session of the event on November 25.

State Bank of India Ltd (SBI), the country’s largest lender, said it raised Rs 10,000 crore on November 18 at a coupon rate of 7.23% through its seventh infrastructure bond issuance.

"The issue attracted overwhelming response from investors with bids in excess of Rs 11,500 crore and was oversubscribed in excess of 2 times as against the base issue size of Rs 5,000 crore," said the bank in a stock exchange filing.

The total number of bids received was 85 indicating wider participation with heterogeneity of bids, the bank added. "The investors were across provident funds, pension funds, insurance companies, mutual funds etc. The proceeds of bonds will be utilised in enhancing long term resources for funding infrastructure and affordable housing segment," said SBI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Brazil. The meeting saw the two leaders strengthen the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29.

Significant outcomes include enhancing cooperation for the India Middle East Economic Corridor and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, work on migration and mobility, increase interactions for Industry 4.0 and implement the Executive Programme for Scientific and Technological Cooperation for the years 2025-27

Aware of the unparalleled potential of the India Italy Strategic partnership PM Modi and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni during their meeting at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil decided to give it further impetus through the following focused, time-bound initiatives and joint plan of strategic action.

India is set to host the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup at the iconic IGI Stadium in New Delhi from January 13-19, 2025, marking a landmark moment in the world of traditional sports. In a major boost to the tournament, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has officially confirmed its partnership with Worlthe Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), pledging unwavering support for the event. In a statement to KKFI President Sudhanshu Mittal, IOA President PT Usha expressed the association's strong commitment to elevating indigenous sports like Kho Kho. The IOA has vowed to provide comprehensive support to enhance the tournament's visibility, ensuring maximum outreach and success.

"We recognize the significance of this event in celebrating our cultural heritage and promoting traditional sports, and we look forward to collaborating with Kho Kho Federation of India to ensure the success of the tournament. Together, we aim to make this event memorable and impactful, encouraging the spirit of sportsmanship among participants and fostering a deeper appreciation for Kho Kho worldwide," PT Usha said, according to KKFI release.

On November 19, the world annually celebrates International Men’s Day to recognize and appreciate the valuable contributions of men to their families and society as a whole.

In addition, this day serves as a platform to address significant issues regarding men’s health and well-being while also promoting gender equality.

This year, the theme for 2024, Positive Male Role Models, highlights the positive value and contributions of men while also encouraging the development of positive male role models, which will transform the detrimental aspects of traditional masculinity.

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) introducesthe 'One Day One Genome' initiative to showcase the enormous microbial potentialof India. Shri.Amitabh Kant, India’s G-20 Sherpa and Former CEO NITI announced the launch of ‘One Day One Genome Initiative’ on the 1st foundation day of BRIC held in National Institute of Immunology (NII), New Delhi on 9th November 2024

'One Day One Genome’ initiative will highlight the unique bacterial species found in our country and emphasize their critical roles in environment, agriculture and the human health.Microorganisms are crucial for our ecosystem. They play an important role in all biogeochemical cycles, soil formation, mineral purification, degradation of organic wastes and toxic pollutants along with methane production. Cumulatively they help to maintain the homeostasis in our planet. In agriculture, they help in nutrient cycling, nitrogen fixation, maintaining soil fertility, controlling pest and weeds and stress responses. Microorganisms symbiotically associate with plants and help them in nutrient and water uptake. They are indispensable part of human body. There are much more microbial cells than the number of human cells in a human body. They are essential for our digestion, immunity and even mental health. All infectious diseases are mainly caused by pathogenic microorganisms on the other hand non-pathogenic microorganisms are indispensable for our defense against infectious diseases.

The Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) received a total of 6.2 lakh applications and the window for the registration of young applicants closed on November 15, said official sources.

Under PMIS, a landmark initiative aimed at boosting employability among Indian youth, more than 1.25 lakh internship opportunities are available in 25 sectors across 745 districts.

Between November 15 and 25, the offers and the applications will be matched and a shortlist would be prepared, sources said.

Uma Dasgupta, renowned for her portrayal of 'Durga' in Satyajit Ray's legendary film 'Pather Panchali', passed away on Monday at a private hospital, according to family sources.

The 84-year-old actress, who had been battling cancer for an extended period, is survived by her daughter, family sources confirmed.

Chiranjeet informed Anandabazar Patrika that he met Uma's daughter in the morning and learned that her mother had passed away. He shared, "Uma di's daughter informed me that she is no more. She was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago."

After being diagnosed with cancer, Uma Dasgupta underwent medical treatment and initially responded well. However, the cancer returned, and she was later admitted to a local hospital in Kolkata for further treatment. Unfortunately, she passed away there.

Retired Justice Giridhar Malaviya, the grandson of Banaras Hindu University founder Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, died on Monday at his house in Prayagraj. He was 88.

Manoj Malaviya said his father had been unwell since last week but did not suffer from any major illness.

Malaviya is survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son.

Malaviya served as a judge at the Allahabad High Court from 1988 to 1998. In November 2018, he was unanimously elected as the Banaras Hindu University Chancellor.

"The Banaras Hindu University is deeply saddened by the passing away of Honourable Chancellor, Justice (retd) Sh. Giridhar Malaviya ji. Our heartfelt tributes," BHU said in a post on X.