WEEKLY CURRENT AFFAIRS - NOV(1-7) CUET/CLAT
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Reserve Bank of India's Diwali Initiative: Covertly Transporting 102 Tonnes of Gold from England to India
- On Dhanteras (October 29, 2024), the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) transported an additional 102 tonnes of gold from the Bank of England to secure storage facilities within India.
Key Highlights :
- RBI's Gold Holdings:As per the RBI's 43rd Half Yearly Report on Management of Foreign Exchange Reserves (April - September 2024), the RBI holds a total of 854.73 metric tonnes of gold.
- 46 metric tonnes of this gold is stored domestically, while 324.01 metric tonnes are held overseas with the Bank of England and the Bank for International Settlements (BIS).
About RBI :
- Established : 1 April 1935
- Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Governor : Shaktikanta Das
Union Minister Piyush Goyal Inaugurates ODOP Wall in Saudi Arabia
- Union Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated the “One District One Product” (ODOP) Wall at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh during his two-day visit to Saudi Arabia.
- The ODOP initiative seeks to promote unique local products from Indian districts internationally, bolstering the “Made in India” movement.
Key Objectives of the ODOP Initiative
- Promotion of Local Products: The ODOP Wall highlights distinctive products from various Indian districts, aiming to transform these regions into global “Made in India” hubs.
About the ODOP Programme
- Launched: 2018 by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.
- Purpose: To promote district-specific products as export hubs and encourage socio-economic growth.
United States, Japan, and South Korea collaborate to boost digital infrastructure development in India
- The United States, Japan, and South Korea have launched the Digital Infrastructure Growth Initiative for India (DiGi Framework) to enhance collaboration with India's private sector for supporting digital infrastructure.
Participating Organisations:
- S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)
- Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC)
- Export-Import Bank of Korea (Korea Eximbank)
Primary Focus: The DiGi Framework aims to support various ICT sector projects,
including:
- 5G networks
- Open RAN (Radio Access Network)
- Submarine cables
- Optical fiber networks
- Telecom towers
- Data centers
- Smart city projects
Rajasthan Village Advances Towards Zero-Waste with Green Technology Initiatives
- Aandhi is a small village in Jaipur district, approximately 43 km from Jaipur, Rajasthan.
- It is implementing a zero-waste model to manage waste effectively.
Technology Interventions:
- Organic Waste Bio-Methanation Plant: Converts organic waste into biogas using anaerobic digestion, providing clean energy for cooking and electricity.
- Vermifiltration Technology: Utilizes earthworms to treat wastewater, making it suitable for reuse in irrigation and landscaping.
- Constructed Wetlands: Replicates natural processes to treat wastewater and enhance biodiversity in the local ecosystem.
Capacity and Sustainability:
- The Bio-Methanation Plant has a capacity of 100 kg.
- The Vermifiltration system can treat 10 kiloliters per day (KLD).
- Constructed Wetlands can manage 20 KLD of wastewater.
Francis Ford Coppola to Receive AFI Life Achievement Award
- Legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola will be honoured with the AFI Life Achievement Award in its 50th year at a ceremony on April 26, 2025, at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre.
- At 86, Coppola receives this award shortly after the release of his latest film, Megalopolis, underscoring his lifetime of groundbreaking work in cinema.
Ravindra Jadeja Becomes India’s Fifth-Highest Wicket-Taker in Test Cricket
- Ravindra Jadeja has reached a major milestone in his Test cricket career, becoming India’s fifth-highest wicket-taker in the format.
- On the opening day of the third Test match against New Zealand in Mumbai, Jadeja overtook Ishant Sharma, who previously held the fifth spot with 311 wickets from 188 innings.
Milestone Achievement and Standing
- Fifth Position Secured: With this achievement, Jadeja now joins India’s elite group of top Test bowlers. • All-Time Top Indian Wicket-Takers: Only four Indian bowlers remain ahead of him:
- Anil Kumble
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Kapil Dev
- Harbhajan Singh
World Vegan Day: 1st November
- World Vegan Day 2024 is observed on the 1st of November 2024.
ED Issues Guidelines for Recording Statements Under Section 50 of PMLA
- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued detailed internal guidelines for its officers on recording statements under Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), emphasizing procedural improvements and humane working hours.
- This directive follows a Bombay High Court ruling in the case of Ram Kotumal Issrani vs the Directorate of Enforcement that urged the ED to establish timing protocols for recording statements.
Key Highlights
- Timing Protocol: The guidelines stress that officers should aim to record statements during regular office hours rather than late at night. This aims to ensure better working conditions and convenience for the individuals involved.
- Extended Hours in Exceptional Cases: In exceptional situations, where there is credible information that a person may try to dissipate or hide proceeds of crime, officers are permitted to extend hours beyond office timing. However, they must document the reason and obtain approval from a deputy, joint, or additional director.
PM Modi Criticizes Delhi and West Bengal for Excluding Citizens from Ayushman Bharat Scheme
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Delhi and West Bengal governments for not implementing the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, a flagship initiative providing free healthcare coverage.
- He described this move as a "political decision" that deprives senior citizens aged 70 and above in these states of essential health benefits.
Key Highlights of the Speech:
- Ayushman Bharat Scheme:
- PM Modi highlighted the scheme's aim to offer free healthcare access to elderly citizens but noted that political hurdles in Delhi and West Bengal have left residents there without coverage.
- He described the decision by these states as "selfish" and lacking in concern for humanity, emphasizing the adverse impact on vulnerable elderly populations.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah Launches Civil Registration System Mobile App
- Amit Shah, India's Union Home Minister, unveiled a new mobile application designed to facilitate the registration of birth and death, making the process seamless and hassle-free.
- This initiative is part of the Digital India vision spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to integrate technology into governance.
Key Highlights:
- Mobile Application Launch:
- The Civil Registration System (CRS) mobile app, developed by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, aims to significantly reduce the time needed for birth and death registrations.
- Citizens can now register these vital events anytime and from anywhere, in their state's official language.
- Inauguration Details:
- Amit Shah also unveiled a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Janganana Bhawan, the office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner.
- The launch coincides with the upcoming birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, India’s first home minister, celebrated on October 31.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu Introduces Deepam 2.0 Scheme, Offers Free LPG Cylinders to Eligible Households
- Andhra Pradesh (AP) Chief Minister (CM) N. Chandrababu Naidu launched the Deepam 2.0 scheme, providing three free LPG cylinders annually to eligible families, as part of the NDA government's "Super Six" election promises.
- The scheme was officially launched in Eedupuram, Srikakulam district.
- The scheme aligns with the NDA government's election promise to support women. Self-help groups (SHGs) will also be strengthened, aiming to empower more women as entrepreneurs.
Key Highlights :
- Financial Commitment: The scheme is expected to cost the state ₹2,684 crore per year.
- Beneficiaries will receive ₹876 (excluding the central subsidy of ₹25) credited to their personal accounts within 48 hours of purchasing each cylinder.
TruAlt Bioenergy Secures Major Ethanol Contract to Support India’s Ethanol Blending Program
- TruAlt Bioenergy has recently secured a substantial contract to supply 300 million liters of ethanol to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) as part of the 2024-25 Ethanol Supply Year (ESY).
- This move supports the Ethanol Blending Program (EBP), aiming to achieve India’s target of 20% ethanol blending in petrol.
- In addition to this contract, TruAlt Bioenergy has secured 65 million liters of ethanol orders from private sector clients and 50 million liters of Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA) for diverse industry
World Health Organisation Global Report: Tuberculosis Surpasses COVID-19 as the Top Infectious Disease Cause of Death
- The World Health Organization (WHO) in its latest report, announced that Five countries, including India, account for over half (56%) of the global TB burden: India (26%), Indonesia (10%), China (6.8%), the Philippines (6.8%), and Pakistan (6.3%).
- Demographics: Of the individuals diagnosed with TB in 2023, 55% were men, 33% were women, and 12% were children and young adolescents.
- India's Target: India aims to end TB by 2025, five years ahead of the global target.
About WHO :
- Formation : 7 April 1948
- Headquarters : Geneva, Switzerland
- Director General : Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
- WHO is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health.
Son Heung-min Crowned Asia’s International Player of the Year for the Fourth Time
- Tottenham and South Korea forward Son Heung-min has been honoured as Asia’s International Player of the Year for the fourth time by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) during its annual awards ceremony held in Seoul
Matthew Wade Retires from International Cricket After 13-Year Career
- Australian wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade announced his retirement from international cricket, concluding a notable 13-year career that saw him participate in 225 international matches for Australia.
Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí Win 2024 Ballon d'Or Awards
- Spanish midfielders Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí were honoured as the world's best soccer players, receiving the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or awards, respectively, at a ceremony in Paris.
Vigilance Awareness Week 2024 Observed by TRAI
- In line with the directives of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), this year's Vigilance Awareness Week is being observed from October 28, 2024, to November 3, 2024, under the theme: “Culture of Integrity for Nation's Prosperity.”
Key Highlights:
- Integrity Pledge:
- On October 28, 2024, all public servants are required to take the Integrity Pledge as mandated by the CVC.
International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (IDEI) – November 2
- The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (IDEI) is observed annually on November 2.
Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto Likely as Republic Day Chief Guest for 2025
- India is likely to invite Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as Chief Guest for the Republic Day parade in January 2025.
- This invitation aligns with India’s Act East Policy and reinforces India’s diplomatic ties in the Southeast Asian region.
- Historical Visits by Indonesian Leaders
- This will be the fourth time an Indonesian leader is the chief guest for India’s Republic Day.
Previous Instances:
- 1950: President Sukarno (first Republic Day).
- 2011: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
- 2018: President Joko Widodo, alongside other ASEAN leaders.
First Asian Buddhist Summit to Explore the Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia
- The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).
- Date and Location: Scheduled for November 5-6, 2024, in New Delhi.
- Theme: Focused on the ‘Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia’.
- Chief Guest: The Hon’ble President of India is expected to attend.
Special Exhibition
- A curated exhibition titled "India as the Dhamma Setu (Bridge) connecting Asia" will be showcased, highlighting India’s role in the dissemination of Buddhist values.
Mizoram to Issue Special Ration Cards for Non-NFSA Households
- The Mizoram government is launching special ration cards for lowincome families not covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
- The initiative aims to benefit approximately 2,500 families, equating to about 1 lakh individuals with limited financial means.
Key Highlights :
Color-Coded Ration Card System:
- Red Cards: New special ration cards will be marked in red for the nonNFSA beneficiaries.
- Yellow Cards: Holders of yellow cards are part of the Antodaya Anna Yojana and are NFSA beneficiaries.
- Blue Cards: Holders of blue cards are classified as Priority Households under state eligibility criteria and are also NFSA beneficiaries.
- White Cards: Current white card holders are not covered under the NFSA.
Kemi Badenoch makes history as the first black woman to lead a major UK political party after winning the Conservative Party leadership contest
- Kemi Badenoch won the Conservative Party leadership contest, becoming the first black woman to lead a major political party in the United Kingdom (UK).
- Badenoch secured her position by defeating fellow candidate Robert Jenrick with a margin of 12,418 votes.
- She succeeded Rishi Sunak, who faced significant losses in the July general election, leaving the Conservatives with a record low of 121 seats in the House of Commons.
About United Kingdom :
- Capital : London
- Currency : Pound sterling
Max Verstappen's Stunning Brazilian Grand Prix Victory Brings Fourth Title Within Reach
- Max Verstappen is on the verge of securing his fourth Formula One title after a spectacular comeback to win the Brazilian Grand Prix from 17th on the grid.
World Jellyfish Day 2024: November 3
- World Jellyfish Day is observed on November 3 to raise awareness about the importance of jellyfish in marine ecosystems.
- Marine biologists established World Jellyfish Day in 2014 to raise awareness of jellyfish's vital role in marine ecosystems.
World Tsunami Awareness Day: 5th November
- World Tsunami Awareness Day 2024 is observed on the 5th of November 2024.
- There is a story behind World Tsunami Awareness Day celebrated on November 5.
- On November 5th, 1854, Hiromura a little village which is located in the western part of Japan started celebrating their Traditional Practice, the Burning of Rice Sheaves.
- A farmer who lived in the village anticipated that a big Tsunami would come when he noticed the lowering of the Tide and the natural decrease in the level of Well Water which is a natural sign for a Tsunami warning.
- Later the Villagers guided the entire village to the hilltop by burning rice sheaves to indicate the signs of danger. Later from the hilltop, they witnessed the tsunami destroy their village.
New Flight Connectivity Rules Allow Wi-Fi Use Above 3,000 Meters Altitude
- The Government of India clarified that Wi-Fi services for in-flight internet access will be allowed only once the aircraft reaches 3,000 meters in altitude.
- The new guideline is part of the recently updated Flight and Maritime Connectivity (Amendment) Rules, 2024, which amend the previous rules from 2018.
Wi-Fi Access Aligned with Device Use Permissions
- Wi-Fi services will be accessible when electronic devices (such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops) are permitted onboard.
- The use of these devices, however, is restricted during critical flight phases like takeoff and landing to maintain safety.
AIOCD Warns Against Rapid Medicine Delivery Partnership Between Swiggy Instamart and PharmEasy
- The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) raised serious objections to a collaboration between Swiggy Instamart and PharmEasy for 10-minute medicine deliveries via dark stores, citing potential public health risks.
- AIOCD leaders JS Shinde and Rajiv Singhal expressed their concerns in a letter to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), warning that the model could bypass critical Indian drug regulations designed to ensure patient safety.
Regulatory Risks of Rapid Delivery
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Concerns
Quality and Safety Risks
India and France Re-elected as President and Vice-President of the International Solar Alliance
- The Minister of New & Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi announced that India has been re-elected as the President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for two years till 2026.
- Besides, France also retained the post of Vice-President of the global body promoting renewable energy in least developed countries.
Indian Army Sets Off for 15th Joint Special Forces Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR with United States Army
- The Indian Army contingent departed for the 15th edition of India- US joint Special Forces Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR.
- The exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 2nd to 22nd November 2024 at Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, United States of America (USA).
- The first edition of VAJRA PRAHAR was conducted in 2010.
Indian Army Special Forces Contingent Heads to Indonesia for Joint Exercise ‘GARUD SHAKTI’
- The Indian Army contingent comprising 25 personnel departed for Cijantung, Jakarta, Indonesia to take part in the 9th edition of IndiaIndonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24.
- The Exercise will be conducted from 1st to 12th of November 2024.
International Day for Preventing Exploitation of Environment in War and Armed Conflict 2024:
6th November
- International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict is observed on 6th November 2024.
- The United Nations General Assembly declared this day in 2001.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates India’s Largest Jan Aushadhi Kendra at AIIMS, Expanding Access to Affordable Medicines
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that the inauguration of advanced medical manufacturing plants will contribute to India’s capability to produce high-quality stents, implants, and advanced medicines, strengthening the country's growth in healthcare manufacturing.
Largest Jan Aushadhi Kendra at AIIMS
- The Prime Minister also inaugurated the biggest Jan Aushadhi Kendra at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. This facility is aimed at making affordable and high-quality medicines accessible to patients receiving treatment at AIIMS
Impact of Jan Aushadhi Kendras Nationwide
- The Prime Minister highlighted that over 14,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras have been launched across India, offering medicines at discounts of up to 80%.
- The availability of affordable medicines through these Kendras has helped save approximately ₹30,000 crore for poor and middle-class families.
India Launches ‘National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) 2024-2030’ at COP 16
- The updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) 2024-2030 was launched at the 16th Conference of Parties (COP 16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Colombia.
- Purpose: NBSAP provides a comprehensive framework for biodiversity conservation, promotes the sustainable use of biological resources, and ensures fair and equitable sharing of their benefits.
43rd International Trade Fair is Scheduled from November 14 to 27
- The annual India International Trade Fair (IITF) is a mega trade show organised at New Delhi’s Pragati Maidan (Bharat Mandapam) by the India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO).
- It provides a platform for traders, small businesses, startups, and artisans to showcase their products and services to domestic and international buyers.
- The fair is held from November 14 to November 27, with November 1418 for B2B visitors and November 19-27 for general visitors.
- The theme for the 43rd edition of IITF 2024 is "Viksit Bharat @ 2047".
Henley Passport Index 2024: Singapore Tops the List of World’s Most Powerful Passports
- Singapore maintains its position as the world’s most powerful passport in the Henley Passport Index 2024, offering its citizens visa-free access to 195 countries.
- Tied for 2nd Place: France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain are tied for second place, each granting visa-free access to 192 countries.
- United States' Rank: The United States is in 8th place with visa-free access to 186 countries, showing a slight decline in its global standing.
- India’s Position: India ranks 83rd, providing its citizens with visa-free access to 58 countries, highlighting challenges in global mobility.
Rankings Overview:
RankCountryVisa-Free Access1st Singapore (195)
2nd France (192) Germany (192) Italy (192) Japan(192) Spain (192)
3rdAustria (191) Denmark(191) Finland(191) Ireland (191)
The World’s Weakest Passports:
102nd Pakistan (33) Yemen(33) ,103rd Iraq (31) ,104th Syria (27),105th Afghanistan (26)
Sanjay Verma appointed as Maharashtra's new Director General of Police
- Sanjay Kumar Verma, a 1990-batch IPS officer, has been appointed as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Maharashtra.
- Verma previously served as Director General of Legal and Technical in Maharashtra.
- Reason for Appointment: Verma succeeds Rashmi Shukla, who was removed from the DGP position by order of the Election Commission of India (ECI) following complaints from opposition parties.
Mandeep Jangra Clinches WBF Super Featherweight World Title, Elevates Indian Boxing on the Global Stage
- Indian professional boxer Mandeep Jangra won the World Boxing Federation (WBF) Super Featherweight World Title.
- Defeated Britain’s Conor McIntosh in an intense 10-round match held in the Cayman Islands
Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana Shine in Latest ICC Women’s ODI Rankings
- India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur moved up to joint ninth in the latest ICC Women’s ODI rankings.
- Her unbeaten 59 off 63 balls in India’s six-wicket win against New Zealand in the third ODI helped her re-enter the top 10 after slipping in earlier matches.
- Smriti Mandhana’s Steady Performance:
- Opener Smriti Mandhana retained her fourth position with an impressive 100-run knock, earning the player of the match award.
- Mandhana gained 23 rating points, reaching 728 points, just five points behind Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu.
National Cancer Awareness Day: 7th November
- National Cancer Awareness Day 2024 is observed on the 7th of November 2024.
- This year's theme is "Fight cancer with hope and heart!"
Infant Protection Day: 7th November
- Infant Protection Day 2024 is observed on the 7th of November 2024
- The first three months are the crucial period for Infants. It develops certain skills like Hearing, Communication, and Vision.
Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman Birthday: 7th November
- Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman's Birthday is observed on the 7th of November 2024.
- V. Raman was born on 7th November 1888, in Tiruchirappalli.
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