Daily Current Affairs 02nd November 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

Economy News

October GST Collections Surge by 8.9% Year-on-Year to Reach Rs 1.87 Lakh Crore

Gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections in October reached Rs 1.87 lakh crore, marking an 8.9% increase year-on-year. This robust collection, based on September sales, represents the second-highest level of monthly GST collections since the indirect tax regime’s inception in July 2017. The rise is primarily attributed to stronger domestic transactions, with revenue from imports experiencing slower growth, as detailed by the Ministry of Finance in data released on Friday.

Business News

UPI Transactions Reach Record High in October with Rs 23.5 Trillion in Value

In October 2024, India witnessed a record-breaking surge in digital transactions, propelled by the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Immediate Payment Service (IMPS), FASTag, and the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS). The increased adoption of these platforms highlights India’s ongoing shift towards digital payment solutions, driven in part by the festive season and growing acceptance among merchants and consumers alike.

Appointments News

Rajesh Kumar Singh Takes Charge as New Defence Secretary in South Block

Rajesh Kumar Singh, a distinguished 1989-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Kerala cadre, officially took charge as the Defence Secretary at South Block, New Delhi. Mr. Singh succeeds Giridhar Aramane, the 1988-batch IAS officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre, who retired from his service on October 31, 2024, after serving a notable two-year term in this crucial role.

Dr. Jacqueline d’Arros Hughes Appointed as Secretary General of the World Agriculture Forum

In a significant leadership development for global agricultural advocacy, Dr. Jacqueline d’Arros Hughes, the outgoing Director General of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), is set to take up the role of Secretary General of the World Agriculture Forum (WAF) in mid-November 2024. Known for her dedication to sustainable agriculture and food security, Dr. Hughes brings a wealth of expertise and experience to WAF, a platform instrumental in shaping the future of agriculture worldwide.

Praveena Rai Takes the Appointed as CEO and MD of MCX

Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX), Praveena Rai has officially taken office as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD) on October 31, 2024, embarking on a five-year term. The appointment, announced in a statement by MCX, marks the beginning of a fresh chapter for the organization as Rai brings her extensive experience in banking, payments, and transaction management to lead India’s largest commodity derivatives exchange.

Defence News

Indian Army Departs for 15th Edition of Joint Special Forces Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR with US Army

Indian Army contingent embarked on a journey to participate in the 15th edition of the India-US joint Special Forces Exercise, VAJRA PRAHAR, set to be conducted from November 2 to November 22, 2024. This prestigious exercise will take place at the Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, USA, marking a significant step toward bolstering military cooperation and tactical interoperability between the two nations. The previous edition was held at Umroi, Meghalaya in December 2023, showcasing the commitment to ongoing collaboration and shared military expertise.

Indian Army Departs for 9th Edition of India-Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24

The Indian Army contingent, consisting of 25 skilled personnel from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), recently embarked on a journey to Cijantung, Jakarta, Indonesia to participate in the 9th edition of the India-Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise, GARUD SHAKTI 24. Scheduled to take place from November 1 to November 12, 2024, this exercise is a testament to the strong military cooperation and shared strategic interests between India and Indonesia.

Obituaries News

Fashion Icon Rohit Bal Passes Away at 63, Remembering a Legend’s Creative Legacy

The fashion world mourns the loss of Rohit Bal, an iconic Indian designer known for his mastery of textile, design, and intricate craftsmanship, who passed away on November 1, 2024, at the age of 63. Affectionately called “Gudda” by close friends, Bal’s work celebrated the rich heritage of Indian culture and left an indelible mark on global fashion. His passing follows a long battle with health issues related to a heart ailment that first surfaced last year, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire designers and artists across the world.