13th November 2024 (Daily GK Update)

National News

MHA Greenlights CISF’s First All-Women Unit

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved the creation of the Central Industrial Security Force’s (CISF) first-ever all-women battalion, announced on 12th November, 2024. This historic move aims to promote gender equality and inspire more women to contribute to the CISF’s mission of securing the nation’s strategic assets.

International News

Alix Didier Fils-Aime Sworn in as Haiti’s New Prime Minister

Businessman Alix Didier Fils-Aime has been sworn in as Haiti’s new prime minister, vowing to address the country’s critical security issues and restore stability. His predecessor, Garry Conille, was ousted just five months into office following a power struggle with Haiti’s transitional council over ministerial appointments.

State News

New Bike Taxi Service by Delhi Metro Includes Women-Driven Rides

Delhi Metro has introduced a new bike taxi service, available for booking through the official Delhi Metro app, DMRC Momentum (Delhi Sarthi 2.0). Launched on November 11, 2024, in partnership with First And Last Mile Connectivity India Pvt. Ltd., the service also includes a dedicated bike taxi option for women, enhancing commuter convenience and safety.

Defence News

What is Project Akashteer?

In a landmark achievement aimed at strengthening India’s defense infrastructure, the Indian Army has reached a major milestone with the successful development and phased induction of Project Akashteer. This ambitious initiative, a significant part of the Army’s broader strategic transformation plans, is poised to modernize India’s air defense network, addressing contemporary aerial threats with unmatched precision and agility. Project Akashteer stands as a key element of the Indian Army’s “Decade of Transformation” and its “Year of Tech Absorption,” highlighting the country’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technologies into its military framework.

C-295 Full Motion Simulator Inaugurated at Air Force Station Agra

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command, inaugurated the Indian Air Force (IAF) C-295 Full Motion Simulator (FMS) facility on November 11, 2024, at Air Force Station Agra. The facility allows a significant part of pilot training to be conducted in a controlled environment, thus saving crucial flying hours on actual aircraft.

Economy News

Consumer Price Index (CPI) for October 2024: Key Highlights

All India CPI (General): The inflation rate for October 2024 is 6.21%, with rural areas seeing a higher inflation of 6.68%, compared to 5.62% in urban areas.

Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI): The inflation rate for food items stands at 10.87% for October 2024, with rural inflation at 10.69% and urban inflation at 11.09%.

India’s Industrial Output Grows 3.1% in September 2024

India’s industrial production recorded a growth of 3.1% in September 2024, marking a significant rebound from the 0.1% contraction in August. This growth is attributed to a strong performance in manufacturing, alongside modest increases in electricity generation and mining. However, compared to the same month last year, the growth rate has slowed from 6.4% in September 2023, indicating a more tempered industrial recovery.

PSBs Post Strong H1 FY25 Growth, Driven by Reforms and Technology

Public Sector Banks (PSBs) have shown a strong performance in the first half of FY 2024-25, with an 11% year-on-year (Y-o-Y) growth in aggregate business, reaching Rs 236 trillion. This growth has been driven by significant reforms, technological advancements, and a focus on improving governance and credit discipline.

Appointments News

NEHHDC Announces Mara Kocho as Incoming Managing Director

Mara Kocho has been recommended as the next Managing Director (MD) of the North Eastern Handicrafts & Handlooms Development Corporation Limited (NEHHDC), a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER). His appointment was approved by the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) panel on 11th November, 2024.

Indian Oil Welcomes Arvindar Singh Sahney as New Chairman

Arvindar Singh Sahney has been appointed as the new chairman of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the nation’s largest oil firm, as per an order from the petroleum ministry on 13th November. Sahney, 54, currently serves as the Executive Director of Business Development in the Petrochemicals division at IOC.

Summits and Conferences News

SATRC 25th Edition Begins, Inaugurated by Minister Scindia

India’s Minister for Communications, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, inaugurated the 25th Meeting of the South Asian Telecommunication Regulators’ Council (SATRC-25) in New Delhi. In his keynote address, Scindia highlighted India’s role as the “Voice of the Global South” and emphasized that SATRC-25 would be a vital platform for knowledge-sharing and innovative discussions on new policy and regulatory challenges.

Power Ministers’ Conference 2024: Advancing India’s Energy Future

On November 12, 2024, the Union Minister for Power, Shri Manohar Lal, chaired the Conference of Power Ministers of States and Union Territories in New Delhi, aimed at addressing key issues in the power sector. The conference focused on operational performance, financial health of DISCOMs, and the integration of renewable energy. In addition to the Union Minister, the event was attended by the Minister of State for Power, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, as well as representatives from multiple states, including the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, three Deputy Chief Ministers, and 12 Power Ministers.

Ranks & Reports News

Record-Breaking Heat 2024 on Track to Be Warmest Year

The UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued a “red alert” on climate change, warning that 2024 is set to be the hottest year on record. From January to September, global temperatures averaged 1.54°C above pre-industrial levels, driven by the warming effects of an El Niño event in the Pacific, according to data from six global sources.

India Secures Top-10 Position Globally in Patents, Trademarks, and Industrial Designs

India has reached a significant milestone in intellectual property (IP) rights, now ranking within the top 10 globally for patents, trademarks, and industrial designs, as per the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)’s 2024 World Intellectual Property Indicators (WIPI). This achievement underscores India’s advancements in innovation, with sustained growth across various IP categories aligning with government initiatives promoting IP development.

Important Days News

What is World Diabetes Day?

World Diabetes Day (WDD) is observed on 14 November every year to raise awareness about the increasing prevalence of diabetes, its impact on global health, and the importance of preventive measures. The day also aims to educate people about the symptoms, management, and available treatment options for diabetes, which has become one of the most widespread chronic diseases affecting millions of people worldwide.

Sports News

Who won the ICC Player of the Month for October 2024?

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has proudly revealed the winners of the ICC Players of the Month for October 2024. This month, the honors go to New Zealand’s all-rounder Amelia Kerr and Pakistan’s spinner Noman Ali. Both players were pivotal in their respective teams’ successes last month, showcasing skill, resilience, and leadership on the international stage.

Aravindh Chithambaram Clinches Masters Title at Chennai Grandmasters 2024

GM Aravindh Chithambaram made a remarkable late surge in the final rounds, winning the last two classical games to secure the Chennai Grand Masters 2024 title. Meanwhile, GM V Pranav remained unbeaten throughout the tournament to claim the Challengers title at the Anna Centenary Library on 11th November, 2024.

PM Hails Pankaj Advani’s Success as World Billiards Champion 2024

Pankaj Advani, the veteran Indian cueist, has once again showcased his mastery in the sport by securing his 28th world title. At the IBSF World Billiards Championship in Doha on November 9, 2024, he triumphed over England’s Robert Hall 4-2, marking his seventh consecutive World Billiards Championship win.

Awards News

British Writer Samantha Harvey Wins Booker Prize for Fiction with “Orbital”

British author Samantha Harvey has won the prestigious Booker Prize for Fiction for her novel “Orbital,” a thought-provoking and imaginative exploration set in the unique setting of the International Space Station (ISS). The novel, which Harvey refers to as a “space pastoral,” delves into the fragility of Earth and the profound connection humans have with their planet, using the perspective of astronauts in orbit.

Science and Technology News

DRDO Successfully Conducts Maiden Flight Test of Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM)

On November 12, 2024, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight-test of the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) with a range of 1,000 km from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha.

Books and Authors News

Book Release on Motherhood: ‘Maa-Mother’ Launched by Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal

Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal launched a book titled ‘Maa-Mother’ in New Delhi, accompanied by prominent dignitaries, including Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and West Bengal Governor Dr. C.V. Anand Bose. The event not only marked the release of the book but also highlighted the profound theme of motherhood, explored through the artistic medium of poetry.

13 NOVEMBER CURRENT AFFAIRS 2024 | ALL EXAMS IMP. CURRENT AFFAIRS | ASHISH GAUTAM SIR