from Rajni's Desk

CURRENT AFFAIRS

 01 NOVEMBER 2024

Headlines

--Ravindra Jadeja has reached a significant milestone, becoming the fifth-highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket. He achieved this on the first day of the third Test against New Zealand in Mumbai, overtaking Ishant Sharma's tally of wickets.

--Francis Ford Coppola, the Oscar-winning director, is set to receive the AFI Life Achievement Award at its 50th ceremony on April 26, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. At 86, Coppola is being honored following his latest film, Megalopolis, which did not perform well at the box office but underscores his enduring contributions to cinema. The event will be broadcast on TNT and Turner Classic Movies, with proceeds supporting the American Film Institute's educational and artistic programs.

--Typhoon Kong-rye struck Taiwan on October 31, 2024, leading to decisive action by the authorities. They implemented extensive safety measures, closing schools, offices, and financial markets, and evacuating thousands from areas at high risk.

--In an unusual public announcement, Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shia paramilitary and political organization, named Sheikh Naim Qassem as the new secretary-general after the assassination of Hassan Nasrallah by Israel on September 27. Qassem, with his longstanding association with Hezbollah and history of political involvement, steps into a pivotal role during a time of tension with Israel and shifting dynamics within Hezbollah's regional standing.

--The Indian Railways has renewed its Memorandum of Understanding with Switzerland's Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications to enhance technical cooperation. This renewal aims at modernizing infrastructure and improving operational efficiency, continuing a partnership that began in 2017, with a focus on areas of concern

Politics

• Brazil Exits China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): In a strategic move, Brazil has officially withdrawn from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, aligning with India in opting out of this global infrastructure project, 
  .Health and Environment

• Mount Fuji Snow Delay: Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji has yet to receive its first snowfall, marking the latest snowless date in recorded history This phenomenon is attributed to changing climate patterns and has raised environmental concerns​
  Climate and Health Africa Conference: This ongoing conference in Harare, Zimbabwe, is addressing Africa’s role in tackling climate change impacts on public health​
• Cinema and Cultural Events

• Ayodhya's Deepotsav Sets Records: Ayodhya set two Guinness World Records during its Deepotsav celebration, with over 2.5 million oil lamps illuminating the Saryu River. The event also featured light shows and cultural displays, emphasizing the city’s rich cultural heritage​
  Awards

• Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak: India awarded the Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak to 463 personnel for excellence in fields like special operations and forensic science. The awards align with National Unity Day in honor of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel​
  Discoveries and Technology