- National:
- Bankhandi in Himachal Pradesh will become the first zoo in India to receive Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) certification. The Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park at Bankhandi, Kangra district, is designed with sustainable initiatives. Certification was officially announced on October 30, 2024.
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- India joined the ARIN-AP Steering Committee on October 30, 2024. The Enforcement Directorate represents India, which will assume the presidency and host the AGM in 2026. ARIN-AP aims to enhance international collaboration in asset recovery.
- Banking:
- The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has set a timeline of one year to complete investigations into tax evasion by exporters and importers. This new guideline, released on November 1, 2024, aims to balance thorough investigations with the ease of doing business.
- The National Stock Exchange (NSE) added 3 crore client accounts in just eight months, reaching a total of 20 crore client accounts by October 2024. This achievement highlights the increasing investor confidence and successful digital transformation efforts in the Indian stock market.
- In October 2024, foreign investors withdrew a record Rs 94,000 crore from Indian equities. This massive outflow was driven by high domestic equity valuations and more attractive opportunities in the Chinese stock market.
- To commemorate its 30th anniversary, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) launched websites in eight additional languages (Assamese, Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Oriya, Punjabi, Tamil, and Telugu) on November 1, 2024. This expansion, along with a new mobile app, aims to enhance accessibility and inclusivity for investors across India.
- Slice, a leading fintech startup, merged with North East Small Finance Bank (NESFB) on October 27, 2024. This unification aims to enhance financial inclusion and expand reach across India, especially in the Northeast.
- HDFC Standard Life Insurance Company Ltd purchased shares worth ₹90 crore in PNB Housing Finance on October 30, 2024. This acquisition resulted in HDFC Standard Life acquiring a 0.4% stake in PNB Housing Finance, with the shares bought at an average price of ₹900 apiece.
- Economy:
- Maharashtra's share in India's GDP has declined from 15.2% in 2010-11 to 13.3% in 2023-24. This shift highlights economic challenges and rising competition from states like Gujarat. The data was highlighted by the Economic Advisory Council in September 2024.
- In October 2024, Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) invested over Rs 1 lakh crore in Indian equities, setting a monthly record. This influx came amid significant selling by foreign investors, helping stabilize the Indian stock market.
- Japan's two-year government bond yield reached a 16-year high of 0.47% on November 1, 2024. This increase was driven by speculation of a potential interest rate hike by the Bank of Japan following hawkish comments from the central bank's chief.
- MoUs:
- The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong signed an MoU with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) on October 24, 2024, at IIM Shillong. The aim is to launch the Skill to Enterprise Model (STEM) Programme, offering 18 months of entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and incubation support to foster innovative and sustainable enterprises in the Northeast.
- Sports:
- Wrestling, Cricket, Hockey, and other major sports have been dropped from the Commonwealth Games 2026. The host city, Hamilton, Canada, cited logistical challenges and cost-saving measures for the decision.
- Atanu Das won the bronze medal in the men's recurve event at the Swiss Open Indoor Archery competition held in Lausanne, Switzerland, on November 3, 2024.
- India won the bronze medal at the Sultan of Johor Cup Junior Hockey U21 Tournament on October 26, 2024, in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The event is an annual international men's under-21 field hockey tournament.
- Important Days:
- Rajyotsava Day 2024 (November 1) celebrates Karnataka's formation in 1956. The theme is "Celebrating the Spirit and Unity of Karnataka". Celebrations include cultural events, parades, and honoring notable contributions to the state.
- Haryana Day is celebrated on the 1st of November each year to mark the formation of the state of Haryana in India. It's a day filled with various cultural events, parades, and celebrations to honor the state's rich heritage and achievements.
- World Vegan Day is celebrated annually on November 1st. It marks the founding of The Vegan Society in 1944 and promotes the benefits of a vegan lifestyle for human health, animal welfare, and the environment.
- Govardhan Puja 2024 is celebrated on November 2. This Hindu festival commemorates Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect Vrindavan villagers. Devotees prepare and offer a variety of vegetarian dishes to Lord Krishna in gratitude and devotion.
- Bhai Dooj 2024 is celebrated on November 3. This festival honors the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply a ceremonial red mark on their brothers' foreheads, praying for their long life and prosperity, while brothers give gifts in return.
- Appointments:
- Rajesh Kumar Singh took charge as the new Defence Secretary at South Block on November 1, 2024. A 1989-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, he succeeded Giridhar Aramane. Singh paid tribute at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
- Dr. Jacqueline d’Arros Hughes was appointed as Secretary General of the World Agriculture Forum on 4th November 2024. Previously, she led the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT).
- Itaru Otani was appointed as the new Chairman of India Yamaha Motor on November 1, 2024. With over three decades at Yamaha Motor Company, he has held key leadership roles globally. Otani aims to promote stylish and sporty two-wheelers that meet the evolving aspirations of Indian consumers.
- MS Dhoni was appointed as the brand ambassador for the Jharkhand Assembly Election on October 26, 2024. His role is to help mobilize voters and raise awareness, especially among younger voters, as part of the SWEEP program.
- Obituaries:
- Bibek Debroy, Chairman of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council, passed away on November 1, 2024, at the age of 69. A respected economist and Sanskrit scholar, he made significant contributions to economic policy and ancient text translations.
- Rohit Bal, a renowned fashion designer, passed away on November 1, 2024, at the age of 63 from a heart ailment. Known for his unique blend of traditional and modern aesthetics, Bal was a founding member of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI).
- TP Gopalan Nambiar, founder of BPL Group, passed away at 94 on October 30, 2024. He was a pioneering figure in India's electronics industry. Nambiar's work transformed British Physical Laboratories into the renowned BPL brand.
Questions:
1 Which zoo in India is set to become the first to receive Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) certification?
- A) Alipore Zoological Gardens
- B) National Zoological Park
- C) Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park
- D) Mysuru Zoo
2 Who was appointed as the Secretary General of the World Agriculture Forum on 4th November 2024?
- A) Dr. Jacqueline d’Arros Hughes
- B) Dr. Akinwumi Adesina
- C) Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
- D) Dr. Soumya Swaminathan
