from Rajni's desk

CURRENT AFFAIRS 

10 TO16 NOVEMBER 2024

Here’s a summary of major international current affairs from November 10-16, 2024:
World Urban Forum on Africa’s Urban Challenges: The 12th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12) took place in Cairo, gathering 37,000 delegates to discuss issues in urban development across Africa. The conference highlighted the continent’s rapid urbanization, which is projected to continue in the coming decades, emphasizing the need for sustainable development strategies​
​Kerala’s New Seaplane Service: Kerala launched a seaplane service on November 11, aiming to boost tourism by connecting popular destinations via Bolgatty Waterdrome in Kochi. This new service marks a significant step in Kerala’s tourism expansion, catering to both domestic and international visitors
​INSV Tarini Completes Historic Voyage: The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini concluded a 39-day voyage from Goa to Australia as part of India’s Navika Sagar Parikrama II initiative. This journey promotes gender equality by featuring an all-female crew, underlining India’s support for women in defense forces
Operation Demo2024 by Indian Navy: The Indian Navy announced a special maritime demonstration, OpDemo2024, to take place in Puri, Odisha, on December 4, aligning with Navy Day celebrations. This event, attended by President Droupadi Murmu, will showcase India’s naval capabilities​
New Concerns Over Mpox: Health officials raised renewed awareness regarding mpox, or monkeypox, with a call for continued vigilance amid concerns of recurring outbreaks. This issue remains globally relevant as countries strategize to prevent another public health emergency​
Here’s a summary of significant international political events from November 10-11, 2024:
2024 U.S. Election Outcome: The recent U.S. presidential election’s result is being closely scrutinized globally, as it will significantly impact American foreign policy. The discussions focus on how the new administration may approach relations with strategic rivals like China and allies in Europe. The election outcome will shape U.S. approaches to NATO, trade policies, and environmental commitments. Analysts are assessing the potential shifts in areas such as defense spending and climate change strategy under new leadership​
Middle East Tensions: In the aftermath of escalated conflicts in the Middle East, particularly involving Israel and Gaza, international discussions continue over long-term security and humanitarian needs. Multiple countries and organizations are engaged in diplomatic talks, aiming to stabilize the region and address the significant human rights concerns, alongside relief efforts for those affected by the conflict
.Climate Change Commitments: Following COP28 in Dubai, there’s heightened political focus on climate funding. The establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund is a critical step for addressing climate impacts in vulnerable regions. With over $700 million pledged, this fund aims to support affected countries financially, although many are calling for increased commitments to meet the rising climate-related demands​
.Global Urban Challenges: The World Urban Forum's 12th session, held in Cairo, highlighted the rapid urbanization in Africa and Asia. It brought together leaders to discuss sustainable urban planning, housing crises, and infrastructure needs in the face of growing urban populations. This forum underscored the need for international collaboration to manage the environmental and social impacts of urban growth, particularly in developing nations​
Sports
African Champions League Developments: The African Champions League group stage is set to feature an intense lineup, with notable clubs from across the continent aiming for victory. This edition sees a mix of returning champions and strong challengers, promising a competitive series.
UFC World Title Clash: In an eagerly awaited UFC event, key fighters vied for world titles across multiple weight divisions, captivating mixed martial arts fans worldwide. The event showcased intense matches with top contenders aiming for supremacy in their respective categories.

NBA Regular Season Highlights: The NBA continued its thrilling start to the season, with dominant performances by top teams and emerging players making headlines. Key matches saw notable teams display their prowess, pushing for early standings advantage in the league.
Health
WHO Pushes for Health in Climate Policy at COP29: As COP29 approaches, the World Health Organization (WHO) is urging global leaders to integrate health concerns into climate policy discussions. Recognizing that climate change poses a major threat to health worldwide, WHO emphasized the need for policies that protect vulnerable populations from climate-related health risks.
Advancements in Cancer Treatment: A new study highlights a groundbreaking approach to targeting cancer cells with precision, using personalized treatment plans to improve outcomes. This innovation may provide better-targeted therapies, reducing side effects and increasing effectiveness for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers.
Sustainable Diabetes Management Tools: A flagship AI-ready dataset for type 2 diabetes has been released, aiding in developing tailored treatments and preventive measures. This dataset is expected to support healthcare providers in creating more effective management strategies and may lower long-term healthcare costs associated with diabetes care​

12 November

1. Renewable Energy Initiatives

India has achieved a notable milestone by reaching 200 GW in renewable energy capacity. This accomplishment is part of the government’s target to achieve 500 GW by 2030, with solar power contributing nearly 90 GW to this current total. Further investments are underway to expand into green hydrogen projects, including a new ₹200-crore initiative from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy aimed at producing hydrogen through innovative, decentralized methods​
2. Sports and International Recognition
In sports, Indian shooter Uma Mahesh won a gold medal at the FISU World University Championship in the 10m air rifle team event, showcasing India’s growing strength in global shooting competitions. Additionally, former Indian shooter Suma Shirur was awarded the ‘Coach of the Year (Female)’ award at the Indian Sports Honors 2024, highlighting her influence on Indian athletics​
3. Defense Developments
The Defense sector made strides with India’s collaboration with Israel on advanced missile technology. The planned deployment of Israel’s Arrow-3 missile defense system in Germany underlines India’s strong international defense partnerships and commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities through collaboration​
4. New Appointments
In a significant appointment, E. R. Sheikh became the first Director General of India’s newly formed Ordnance Directorate, marking a pivotal restructuring in India’s defense manufacturing. This change aligns with India’s aim for increased self-reliance in defense production.
.5. Cultural and Historical Events
The day marked the anniversary of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya’s death in 1946. Known as Mahamana, Malaviya was instrumental in the Indian independence movement and is celebrated for founding Banaras Hindu University and significantly influencing Indian education and social reform​

November 13, 2024
Escalation in the Middle East: Israeli strikes targeted residential areas in Lebanon's Mount Lebanon Governorate, killing dozens as tensions with Hezbollah intensified. Meanwhile, forced evacuations were ordered in southern Beirut amidst rising conflict
Press Freedom Recognized Amidst Conflict: Wael al-Dahdouh of Al Jazeera received the National Press Club’s Press Freedom Award for his coverage of Gaza, despite enduring personal tragedies during the ongoing crisis.
November 14, 2024
Diplomatic Dialogues: Preparations for the APEC summit emphasized economic cooperation, with the U.S. and China discussing the effects of regional military alliances and global supply chains.
November 15, 2024
Climate and Environment: Bushfires in Australia wreaked havoc, destroying homes and livestock as emergency services battled to contain the blaze
U.S. Leadership Shifts: Controversy surrounded President Trump's defense nominee, Pete Hegseth, due to his political inexperience and controversial remarks
November 16, 2024
Tragedy in Northern India: A fire in a hospital ward claimed the lives of 10 newborns, raising concerns about healthcare infrastrture【7】.
European Diplomacy: France hosted discussions on escalating conflicts in the Middle East, with European leaders calling for a ceasefire
November 17, 2024
China School Attack: A knife attack in a school in China’s southern region left eight dead and 17 injured, highlighting growing concerns about public safety
Auction Highlights: A rare dinosaur skeleton fetched 6 million euros in a Paris auction, underscoring the growing market for paleontological artifacts
November 13, 2024
Escalation in the Middle East: Israeli strikes targeted residential areas in Lebanon's Mount Lebanon Governorate, killing dozens as tensions with Hezbollah intensified. Meanwhile, forced evacuations were ordered in southern Beirut amidst rising conflict
Press Freedom Recognized Amidst Conflict: Wael al-Dahdouh of Al Jazeera received the National Press Club’s Press Freedom Award for his coverage of Gaza, despite enduring personal tragedies during the ongoing crisis
November 14, 2024
Diplomatic Dialogues: Preparations for the APEC summit emphasized economic cooperation, with the U.S. and China discussing the effects of regional military alliances and global supply chains
November 15, 2024
Climate and Environment: Bushfires in Australia wreaked havoc, destroying homes and livestock as emergency services battled to contain the blazes
U.S. Leadership Shifts: Controversy surrounded President Trump's defense nominee, Pete Hegseth, due to his political inexperience and controversial remarks
November 16, 2024
Tragedy in Northern India: A fire in a hospital ward claimed the lives of 10 newborns, raising concerns about healthcare infrastructure
European Diplomacy: France hosted discussions on escalating conflicts in the Middle East, with European leaders calling for a ceasefire.
November 17, 2024
China School Attack: A knife attack in a school in China’s southern region left eight dead and 17 injured, highlighting growing concerns about public safely.
Auction Highlights: A rare dinosaur skeleton fetched 6 million euros in a Paris auction, underscoring the growing market for paleontological artifacts
These events reflect the broad spectrum of political, environmental, and social challenges facing the world during this period. Let me know if you'd like more details about any specific event!
Cricket
ICC Champions Trophy Tensions
India has officially refused to send its team to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, citing security concerns. Shahid Afridi urged both nations to embrace the "Olympic spirit" amid these challenges, while scheduling complications are expected for the tournament​
.T20 World Cup Celebrations
Following India's T20 World Cup victory, Rahul Dravid declined an additional ₹2.5 crore bonus, reinforcing his reputation for integrity. Additionally, Jasprit Bumrah won the ICC Player of the Month for his stellar performances​
Tennis
The prestigious tournament in Turin is underway, with top players like Jannik Sinner and Taylor Fritz battling it out. Sinner defeated Casper Ruud and is set to face Fritz in the finals on November 1
Football
India vs. Malaysia Friendly
India's football team prepares to face Malaysia, aiming to break a winless streak. Coach Manolo Marquez highlighted the need for improvement in all aspects​
Boxing
Jake Paul and Mike Tyson held open workouts, building excitement for their upcoming matches​
Darts
Luke Littler clinched a dramatic victory in the Grand Slam of Darts 2024 finals, defeating Scott Anderson​
U.S.-China Talks Yield Progress
In a high-stakes meeting between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, agreements were reached on artificial intelligence and nuclear arms control. Biden also pressed China to curb North Korean support for Russia’s war in Ukraine. This marked Biden’s final summit with Xi before Donald Trump’s transition into office

Russia-North Korea Defense Pact
North Korea ratified a mutual defense treaty with Russia, committing military support. Reports suggest North Korean troops are now engaged alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, signaling deepened ties amid global tensions.
Leaders from over 100 countries, including major players like the U.S., China, and the EU, attended the ongoing COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan. The event has spurred political commitments, particularly in reducing methane emissions, though clashes remain over fossil fuel dependency
Trump Administration Transition Moves
Donald Trump has begun forming his administration for his return to the presidency in January. Notable picks include Chris Wright as Secretary of Energy and Elon Musk to lead a newly proposed Department of Government Efficiency. These choices emphasize a shift in U.S. energy and governance policies
European Political Solidarity with Georgia's Opposition
A European parliamentary delegation visited Tbilisi, Georgia, to support opposition groups challenging election results perceived as favoring the ruling Georgian Dream party. The visit underscores ongoing democratic struggles in Eastern Europe
WHO Highlights Health Impacts of Climate Change at COP29
At the COP29 conference, the WHO Director-General emphasized the link between climate change and health, particularly its effects on vulnerable groups like women and children. Rising temperatures, extreme weather, and air pollution were cited as contributors to disease spread, cardiovascular issues, and respiratory health problems. A special focus was placed on maternal, newborn, and child health, urging integrated climate and health policies
Advancements in Cancer and Immunotherapy Research
Researchers developed a new "plug-and-play" test for evaluating the effectiveness of T-cell-based cancer immunotherapies, potentially revolutionizing treatment personalization.
A study identified selenium carrier proteins as a starting point for new cancer treatments, which could improve therapeutic outcomes for resistant cancers
Global Diabetes and Cardiovascular Awareness Efforts
World Diabetes Day (November 14) highlighted the importance of lifestyle changes in preventing Type 2 diabetes and managing cardiovascular risk factors. Concurrently, the American Heart Association focused on integrating healthy habits, such as balanced diets and regular exercise, into daily life as part of its "Eat Smart Month" campaign
Innovations in Regenerative Medicine
Scientists announced the development of techniques to transform human blood into regenerative materials, paving the way for personalized 3D-printed implants for various medical applications
Insights into Neurological Health
New research revealed critical neural circuits linked to spatial navigation and memory, providing potential pathways for addressing neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and PTSD. This could lead to more targeted interventions for memory-related conditions

Here’s a roundup of major Indian current affairs from November 10-11, 2024, covering key events across politics, security, and social issues:

Uddhav Thackeray's Security Incident in Maharashtra
During a rally, Uddhav Thackeray, leader of the Shiv Sena, mentioned that his bags were checked by election officials. While he did not express discontent, he remarked that officials were fulfilling their duties, underscoring the heightened security atmosphere as Maharashtra prepares for upcoming elections​
Delhi High Court’s Decision on 1984 Riots
The Delhi High Court ruled to continue the murder trial against Jagdish Tytler in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. This decision reinforces judicial attention to long-standing cases from that period, showing the court's commitment to addressing historical injustices​
Encounter in Manipur
Security forces in Manipur's Jiribam district clashed with suspected militants, resulting in the deaths of 10 militants and one injury among CRPF personnel. This incident adds to the ongoing challenges with insurgency and violence in the northeastern region​
.Wayanad By-Election and Rahul Gandhi’s Challenge
With the upcoming by-election in Wayanad, Rahul Gandhi challenged his sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, to make the constituency a top tourist destination. This election marks Priyanka’s first electoral battle in the state, stirring significant attention and local support​
.Delhi’s Push for Women’s Safety
The Delhi government requested the Lieutenant Governor to make 10,000 bus marshal positions permanent as part of efforts to combat rising crime against women on public transport. This move reflects the administration’s focus on enhancing public safety measures​
Sports
India’s Hockey Triumph in Asian Champions Trophy: The Indian men’s hockey team clinched the Asian Champions Trophy with a victory over South Korea. This achievement bolsters India’s standing in Asian hockey, paving the way for the team’s preparations for future international events​
AIFF’s Strategic Partnership with Top European Clubs: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced partnerships with European football clubs to enhance training facilities and coaching standards for young Indian players. This move aims to bridge the skills gap and prepare Indian players for a competitive global arena​
Politics
Kerala's New Seaplane Service for Tourism: In a major tourism initiative, Kerala launched its seaplane service on November 11, connecting Bolgatty and other key tourism locations in the state. This is expected to boost tourism by offering a unique travel experience across Kerala's scenic waterways​
Civil Registration System (CRS) App Launched by Union Minister Amit Shah: This app simplifies the registration process for births and deaths, integrating technology with administrative services to ensure smoother and more accessible governance. The CRS app is part of broader efforts to digitize public services across India
.Health
India’s Growing Medical Tourism Sector: Recent government initiatives have positioned India as a top global destination for medical tourism. With cost-effective healthcare services and state-of-the-art facilities, India attracts patients from over 140 countries, generating substantial revenue for the healthcare and tourism sectors​
Progress in India’s Public Health Expenditure: India’s government health spending has steadily increased, especially in primary healthcare. These investments have contributed to improved maternal and infant health outcomes, with notable reductions in infant and maternal mortality rates
12 November
The merger between Vistara and Air India, both under Tata Group, is now entering a critical phase with Vistara ceasing independent operations on November 12, 2024. Post this date, all Vistara flights will operate solely under the Air India brand, marking a major shift in India's aviation landscape. This consolidation aims to streamline operations, enhance service offerings, and strengthen Air India's position as both a domestic and international airline leader.
Vistara, initially a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, will see Singapore Airlines hold a 25.1% stake in the newly merged entity, highlighting its investment commitment. The merger expands Air India’s fleet size and network reach, while integrating loyalty programs—Club Vistara will be unified with Air India’s Flying Returns, offering seamless travel benefits across the Star Alliance network.
This consolidation under Tata’s strategy will make Air India a robust global competitor and increase operational efficiency. Tata and Singapore Airlines view this as a transformative step toward making Air India a world-class airline, enhancing reliability, fleet expansion, and customer experience​on and challenges:

Expansion and Fleet Growth: Indian airlines, including IndiGo and Air India, are expanding their fleets rapidly. IndiGo is focused on building international connections, while Air India, under Tata Group, plans substantial upgrades, aiming to modernize its fleet and improve passenger services.

Government Initiatives: The government’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme continues to support regional connectivity, adding routes to underserved areas and making air travel accessible for more people.

Sustainability Initiatives: Indian airlines are exploring green aviation options, with Indigo and Air India evaluating sustainable aviation fuels and carbon offset programs in response to global pressures for greener operations.

Financial and Operational Challenges: Despite growth, the industry faces challenges with rising fuel costs and operational complexities, impacting profit margins.
November 13, 2024

Heavy Rains in Tamil Nadu:
Chennai and neighboring districts were hit by torrential rains, leading to waterlogging in many areas. Schools were shut, and emergency services were on high alert. The Indian Meteorological Department issued a red alert in Tamil Nadu and parts of Kerala​
Delhi Air Pollution Crisis:
Delhi's AQI reached alarming levels, with the smog affecting visibility and public health. Efforts to curb pollution intensified, but emergency measures under GRAP-III were deferred​
November 14, 2024
Maharashtra Assembly Elections Countdown:
Preparations for the assembly elections entered the final phase as political parties released their candidate lists. BJP announced its roster for the 288-seat battle​
Call for IAS Officer Reforms:
Narayana Murthy proposed integrating management school training for IAS officers to enhance governance skills. He discussed this idea with PM Modi as a step toward administrative efficiency​
Agra's Smog Crisis:
The iconic Taj Mahal was shrouded in smog, symbolizing the severe air pollution crisis in northern India. Rising PM 2.5 levels in Agra prompted renewed calls for stricter industrial regulations​
November 15, 2024
Jharkhand Polls Campaigns Intensify:
Political parties ramped up their campaigns for the second phase of Jharkhand elections. Prominent leaders, including PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi, held rallies highlighting development promises​
Delhi Mayoral Demands:
The Congress Party boycotted voting in Delhi’s mayoral elections, demanding a full-term tenure for Dalit candidates instead of a truncated term​
November 16, 2024
Flood Relief Efforts in South India:
Rescue operations continued in Tamil Nadu and Kerala as heavy rains inundated cities, causing major traffic disruptions and property damage. Relief teams provided shelter and essentials to affected families​
Tourism in Goa Thrives Despite Concerns:
Goa’s tourism infrastructure saw an upgrade with record levels of flight connectivity, although tourists expressed concerns about local policies and crowd management​
Amit Shah Attacks Congress in Jharkhand:
Home Minister Amit Shah criticized Sonia Gandhi's leadership, calling Rahul Gandhi's campaign efforts repetitive and ineffective during his Jharkhand rallies​
Technology Boost in Government Operations:
The government announced the introduction of AI tools to streamline administrative processes, emphasizing efficient service delivery and transparency​