- National:
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India saw a 17.7% decline in tuberculosis (TB) incidence from 2015 to 2023. This reduction surpasses the global average decline of 8.3%.
- The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) announced the First in the World Challenge on November 2, 2024. This initiative encourages innovative health solutions from Indian scientists. Inspired by the Chandrayaan-3 mission, it aims to foster breakthrough technologies globally.
- The Supreme Court of India upheld the constitutional validity of the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004, on November 5, 2024. This decision reversed an earlier ruling by the Allahabad High Court, which had struck down the Act for violating principles of secularism.
- The Madhya Pradesh government approved a 35% reservation for women in all state government services on November 5, 2024. This policy aims to promote gender equality and empower women in the state. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
- Economy:
- According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), India spent 4.1% to 4.6% of its GDP on education between 2014 and 2024. This report is part of the "World Education Statistics 2024" series and aligns with global recommendations.
- Govt. Schemes:
- The Sikkim government implemented the Odd-Even scheme in Gangtok on November 5, 2024. This rule applies to vehicles based on their registration numbers to reduce traffic congestion. Exemptions include emergency vehicles and essential services.
- The Andhra Pradesh Government launched the Deepam 2.0 Scheme on November 1, 2024, as a Diwali gift for women. It provides three free cooking gas cylinders annually to eligible women, promoting cleaner cooking energy and easing financial burdens.
- Sports:
- India has submitted a Letter of Intent to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed strong support for this bid. This marks a significant step towards potentially bringing the Olympics to India.
- Indian professional boxer Mandeep Jangra won the World Boxing Federation's (WBF) super featherweight world title on November 6, 2024, by defeating British boxer Conor McIntosh in the Cayman Islands.
- Harmeet Desai won the men's singles and mixed doubles titles at the WTT Feeder Caracas 2024 table tennis tournament in Caracas, Venezuela on November 3, 2024. He partnered with Krittwika Roy for the mixed doubles event.
- Tanushree Pandey secured a silver medal in the Under-21 Women's Individual Singles at the World Soft Tennis Championship in Jingshan, China on November 5, 2024. She faced Chiang Min Yu of Chinese Taipei in the final, narrowly losing with a score of 3-4.
- Defence:
- The Indian Army inducted 550 Asmi Machine pistols into the Northern Command on November 5, 2024. This addition enhances the self-reliant defense capabilities of India under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
- Important Days:
- The International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict is observed on November 6. This day raises awareness about environmental damage caused by conflicts. The 2024 theme is "Ecosystems for Peace: Protecting the Environment in Times of Conflict".
- Books:
- The book "Friends: India’s Closest Strategic Partners" by Prof. Sreeram Chaulia was released on November 2, 2024, during a launch event attended by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar in New Delhi. In this book, Prof. Chaulia explores India's strategic relationships with its closest partners around the world.
- Obituaries:
- Sharda Sinha, known as "Bihar's Nightingale", passed away on November 5, 2024, at the age of 72. She was celebrated for her enchanting voice and popular Chhath songs. Sinha was undergoing treatment at AIIMS Delhi for multiple myeloma.
Questions:
1 Who is the author of the book "Friends: India’s Closest Strategic Partners"?
- A) Dr. S. Jaishankar
- B) Prof. Sreeram Chaulia
- C) C. Raja Mohan
- D) Shashi Tharoo
2 Which group is the primary beneficiary of the Deepam 2.0 Scheme?
- A) Students
- B) Senior citizens
- C) Women
- D) Farmers