Table of Contents
National News
Clean Ganga Mission Introduces Dolphin Ambulance
The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) is spearheading several important initiatives under the Clean Ganga Mission, focusing on the preservation of the Ganga’s biodiversity, particularly endangered species like the Ganga Dolphin. These efforts are part of a larger vision to restore the ecological balance of the river while protecting the flora and fauna that depend on it. One of the key initiatives in this mission is the launch of a special Dolphin Ambulance to aid in the rescue of injured Ganga Dolphins, a species vital to the river’s ecosystem.
First Bodoland Mohotsov to Be Inaugurated by PM in Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the first-ever Bodoland Mohotsov on 15th November at 6:30 PM at the SAI Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in New Delhi. The two-day festival, which will be held on 15th and 16th November, will celebrate the rich culture and heritage of the Bodoland region. The Prime Minister will also address the gathering during the inauguration.
Sabarimala Pilgrimage Gets Dedicated Weather Service from IMD
For the first time, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has introduced a localized weather forecasting system for the Sabarimala pilgrimage, similar to those used for the Amarnath and Char Dham yatras. The IMD announced the installation of three rain gauges at key locations Sannidhanam, Pamba, and Nilakkal.
PM Modi to Unveil Projects on Birsa Munda’s Birth Anniversary in Bihar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bihar on Friday to attend a function marking the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, a revered freedom fighter known as “bhagwan” by tribal communities of the Chhota Nagpur plateau. Modi will travel to a remote village in Jamui district, approximately 200 km from the state capital, to celebrate “Janjatiya Gaurav Divas”.
International News
China Unveils Megaport in Peru, but Locals Feel Left Behind
China’s $1.3 billion megaport in Chancay, Peru, majority-owned by Chinese shipping giant Cosco, promises to connect South America to Asia and boost regional trade. However, locals in this coastal desert village, where many live without basic services, express dissatisfaction, claiming the port harms their livelihoods and brings no tangible benefits. While the government envisions significant economic growth, the residents of Chancay, particularly the fishermen, see the project as a threat to their resources and environment.
Tropical Storm Sara Hits Honduras, Threatens Floods in Central America and Mexico
Tropical Storm Sara made landfall in northern Honduras late Thursday, bringing heavy rain and the threat of life-threatening flooding to parts of Central America and southern Mexico. The storm hit near Brus Laguna, Honduras, and is expected to continue its path west, impacting Belize and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Forecasts predict up to 30 inches of rain in some areas, with winds of 45 mph (75 km/h) and slow movement at 10 mph (17 km/h).
State News
Delhi’s New Mayor AAP’s Mahesh Kumar Khichi
Mahesh Kumar Khichi, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate, emerged victorious in the Delhi mayoral polls. Khichi secured 133 votes, defeating BJP’s Kishan Lal, the councilor from Shakurpur ward, by a narrow margin of three votes. This marks the conclusion of the long-delayed election for the Delhi mayor’s office.
Defence News
Successful Flight Trials for DRDO’s Pinaka Weapon System
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed a series of flight tests for the Guided Pinaka Weapon System, conducted as part of the Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) Validation Trials. This critical milestone involved three phases of testing across different field firing ranges, demonstrating the system’s operational effectiveness, precision, and advanced capabilities.
Economy News
Deposit Growth Matches Credit Amid Lending Slowdown
In the fortnight ending November 1, 2024, deposit growth nearly matched credit growth, with credit increasing by 11.9% and deposits growing by 11.83% year-on-year (Y-o-Y), according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This alignment comes after a period where credit growth consistently outpaced deposit growth since March 2022, driven by a significant widening gap that reached as high as 700 basis points. The shift reflects the impact of RBI’s regulatory measures and the moderation of credit growth, especially in sectors like unsecured loans and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).
India’s Exports Soar 17% in October, Trade Deficit Hits $27 Billion
India’s merchandise exports witnessed a remarkable 17.3% growth in October, the fastest in 28 months, reaching $39.2 billion. This surge was driven by pre-Christmas inventory buildup in Western countries, boosting demand for goods like engineering products, electronic goods, chemicals, and garments. However, this export growth came alongside an all-time high in imports, which surged 3.9% to $66.34 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $27.1 billion, up from $20.8 billion in September.
WPI Inflation Soars to 4-Month High of 2.36% in October Amid Surge in Food Prices
India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation surged to a 4-month high of 2.36% in October, up from 1.84% in September. This rise was primarily driven by a sharp increase in food prices, particularly vegetables, aligning with the recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) data that also reported a 14-month high in retail inflation at 6.2%, spurred by a similar rise in food prices. This marks a significant shift from the lower inflation rates observed earlier in the year.
India’s Outward FDI Hits $3.7 Billion in October 2024
India’s outward foreign direct investment (FDI) saw a notable rise in October 2024, with total commitments reaching $3.7 billion, up from $2.55 billion in October 2023, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). However, there was a sequential decline from $3.77 billion in September 2024. The outbound FDI includes equity, loans, and guarantees, which showed varied trends in their respective components.
Banking News
SBI Seeks $1.25 Billion in 2024’s Largest Dollar-Denominated Loan
State Bank of India (SBI) is aiming to secure a $1.25 billion five-year loan, which would be the largest dollar-denominated loan from India’s financial sector in 2024. The loan, arranged by CTBC Bank, HSBC, and Taipei Fubon Bank, will be used for general corporate purposes. SBI’s move follows a trend of increasing foreign currency borrowing by Indian financial institutions, particularly non-banking finance companies (NBFCs), due to stricter domestic regulations. Despite the rising demand, India’s total dollar-denominated loan volume has decreased by 27% this year.
Business News
$8.5B Disney-Reliance Merger Completed for Indian Assets
Reliance Industries and Walt Disney have finalized an $8.5 billion merger of their Indian media assets, concluded on 14th November. The merged assets have been reorganized into three distinct divisions, each led by its own CEO, marking a new era for the two media giants in India.
Important Days News
Birsa Munda Jayanti 2024, Know Everything About It
Birsa Munda Jayanti, also known as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas or Tribal Pride Day, is celebrated on November 15th every year. This day marks the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, a brave tribal leader and freedom fighter. He is remembered for leading the Ulgulan movement against British rule and fighting for the rights of tribal people in India.
Jharkhand Foundation Day 2024, When and Why It is Celebrated?
Jharkhand Foundation Day is celebrated on November 15th each year. This day marks the formation of Jharkhand as the 28th state of India in the year 2000. Before becoming a separate state, Jharkhand was part of South Bihar. November 15th is also special as it is the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, a respected tribal leader and freedom fighter.
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024, Know Date, Time, History and Significance
Guru Nanak Jayanti, also called Gurpurab or Guru Nanak Prakash Utsav, is an important festival for Sikhs. It celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh guru, who taught unity, equality, and selfless service. In 2024, this special day will be marked with great respect and joy on November 15, which will be Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 555th birth anniversary.
Sports News
Tim Southee to Bid Farewell to Cricket After World Test Championship
Tim Southee, New Zealand’s all-time leading wicket-taker, has announced his decision to retire from international cricket after the completion of the current ICC World Test Championship campaign. The 35-year-old former Test captain will retire following the Black Caps’ upcoming home series against England, marking the end of an illustrious Test career that has spanned almost two decades.
‘Know Your Medicine’ App Launched to Promote Clean Sports
Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, has launched a nationwide call to action to strengthen the fight against doping in sports, urging athletes, coaches, and the entire sporting community to adopt the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) India’s ‘Know Your Medicine (KYM)’ app.
15 NOVEMBER CURRENT AFFAIRS 2024 | ALL EXAMS IMP. CURRENT AFFAIRS | ASHISH GAUTAM SIR
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