Table of Contents
National News
President Murmu Witnesses Naval Operations Aboard INS Vikrant
Honorable President Droupadi Murmu embarked on her first visit to Indian Navy ships at sea aboard the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant on 7th November. During this significant event, she witnessed a series of advanced operational demonstrations, showcasing the Indian Navy’s combat capabilities and maritime prowess.
International News
Bangladesh Human Rights Commission Members Resign Amid Crisis
All members of Bangladesh’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) resigned on Thursday, shortly after the release of a critical report highlighting an increase in mob violence. The NHRC, chaired by Kamal Uddin Ahmed, along with members Md Salim Reza, Aminul Islam, Kongjari Chowdhury, Biswajit Chanda, and Tania Haque, submitted resignation letters to the president, according to BDNews24.com.
Australia to Ban Social Media for Children Under 16
Australia is set to implement a significant move by banning social media access for children under 16, starting in November. This proposed ban targets platforms like Instagram and Facebook, which have been linked to various issues such as body image concerns, cyberbullying, and mental health challenges among the youth. While this ban doesn’t block internet access, it aims to mitigate the harmful impact these platforms have on young minds. However, the question remains: Will this measure be effective in shielding kids from the digital world’s dangers?
Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki Erupts, Ash Column Reaches 6,500 Meters
Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in eastern Indonesia erupted on November 7, spewing a massive ash column over 6,500 meters high, as authorities ramped up warnings and evacuation efforts. The 1,584-meter volcano, located on Flores Island, has shown increasing volcanic activity since November 3, with eruptions causing fatalities and severe damage. Indonesia, situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is highly susceptible to volcanic eruptions, and Lewotobi’s latest eruption serves as a stark reminder of the region’s volatility.
Economy News
Govt Reconstitutes CAC to Strengthen Apprenticeship Training and Drive Industry Reforms
In a move to enhance apprenticeship programs across India, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has restructured the Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC), tasked with reforming existing rules and promoting industry adoption of on-the-job training. This reconstituted council, with a three-year mandate, is designed to bolster apprenticeship opportunities and encourage workforce development.
Banking News
SBI Unveils Innovation Hub at Singapore Fintech Festival
State Bank of India (SBI), in partnership with APIX—a global collaborative platform for financial institutions and FinTechs—has launched the ‘SBI Innovation Hub’ at the Singapore Fintech Festival from November 6-8, 2024. The hub provides a dedicated space for global FinTechs, startups, and innovators to create next-generation financial solutions that meet the digital needs of SBI’s diverse customer base. This initiative underlines SBI’s commitment to driving financial innovation, accelerating digital transformation, and promoting financial inclusion.
RBI Designates 10-Year Sovereign Green Bonds Under FAR for Non-Resident Investments
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has expanded the list of Government securities available for non-resident investment under the Fully Accessible Route (FAR) by designating 10-year Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) as ‘specified securities.’ These bonds will be issued by the government in the second half of the fiscal year 2024-25, aligning with the increasing global inclusion of Indian Government Securities (G-Secs) in international bond indices, such as JPMorgan Chase’s GBI-EM GD index, Bloomberg EM Local Currency Government indices, and FTSE Russell’s EMGBI.
Defence News
Indian Military Heritage Festival 2024: A Tribute to India’s Military Legacy
The 2nd edition of the Indian Military Heritage Festival (IMHF) is set to begin on November 8, 2024, in New Delhi. The two-day event, backed by the Ministry of Defence and several esteemed institutions, aims to bring together global and Indian think tanks, academicians, corporations, and military experts to discuss topics related to India’s national security, foreign policy, and military heritage.
India Begins ‘Poorvi Prahaar’ Tri-Services Drill After China Disengagement
India has launched a significant tri-services military exercise, ‘Poorvi Prahaar,’ beginning November 8, aimed at strengthening military readiness across the eastern front. This 10-day exercise follows the recent disengagement between Indian and Chinese troops at key friction points in eastern Ladakh, including Depsang and Demchok, and underscores India’s commitment to enhanced defense capabilities.
Awards News
Anil Pradhan Honored with Rohini Nayyar Prize
Anil Pradhan has been awarded the prestigious Rohini Nayyar Prize for 2024, recognizing his impactful contributions to rural development in India. Known for his dedication to empowering rural communities, Pradhan’s work has brought positive change and opportunities to underserved areas.
Sports News
Arjun Erigaisi’s Climb Continues Now World’s Second Best in Chess Ratings
Arjun Erigaisi made a significant leap in the chess world by securing the world No. 2 spot in live ratings on 7th November. His victory over Alexey Sarana in Round 3 of the Chennai Grand Masters tournament boosted his live rating to 2805.8, propelling him past both USA’s Fabiano Caruana, who stands at 2805.0, and American Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura at 2802.0.
Zverev Triumphs at Paris Masters, Securing 2024 Title
Alexander Zverev, the German tennis star from Hamburg, claimed his second Masters 1000 title of 2024 with a decisive 6-2, 6-2 victory over France’s Ugo Humbert in the Paris Masters final. This impressive win not only underscores Zverev’s dominant form on the indoor hard courts but also propels him past Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz into the ATP world’s No. 2 ranking, further cementing his status as one of the top players this season.
3 Year Old Anish Chooses GothamChess Over Peppa Pig, Scores Big
Three-year-old Anish Sarkar from Kolkata, India, is defying expectations with his passion for chess, setting aside typical toddler favorites like Peppa Pig and Baby Shark for chess idols like International Master Levy Rozman and Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen. Anish has become the world’s youngest-rated player, achieving an impressive initial FIDE rating of 1555.
Ranks & Reports
QS Asia Rankings 2025: India’s Top 10 Universities and Their Growing Impact
The QS Asia Rankings 2025 recently unveiled by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) reflect India’s significant academic progress on a global scale. With 161 Indian universities included among the 984 ranked institutions across Asia, and six institutions making it to the top 100, this ranking affirms India’s expanding influence in the academic landscape of Asia. In 2025, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD) leads among Indian institutions, achieving 44th place overall in Asia. Not far behind, IIT Bombay ranks at 48th, followed by IIT Madras at 56th. These institutes, along with others in the top 100, embody India’s commitment to academic excellence, research, and global reputation.
Hurun India Philanthropy List 2024, Check Top 10 Philanthropists
The EdelGive-Hurun India Philanthropy List 2024 reveals an inspiring rise in philanthropic contributions across India. With over 200 philanthropists donating nearly ₹8,783 crore, this year’s report reflects an increasing dedication among the nation’s wealthiest individuals to drive social change. At the top of the list is Shiv Nadar, founder of HCL Technologies, who continues to be India’s most generous philanthropist. For the third time in five years, Nadar has led in donations, contributing ₹2,153 crore in FY 2024—translating to an average of ₹5.9 crore per day.
ISA Launches World Solar Report Series
The 3rd edition of the World Solar Report series was launched at the 7th Assembly of the International Solar Alliance, spotlighting key areas in the global transition to sustainable energy. This year’s release includes four reports: the World Solar Market Report, World Investment Report, World Technology Report, and Green Hydrogen Readiness Assessment for African Countries.
Important Days
World Radiology Day 2024: Date, Theme, History & Significance
World Radiology Day, celebrated every year on November 8, honours the contributions of Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, the German physicist who discovered X-rays in 1895. This monumental discovery has since revolutionized medical diagnosis and treatment by providing non-invasive ways to see inside the human body. Observing this day serves as a reminder of the importance of radiology in modern healthcare, recognizing the dedication of radiographers, and promoting a greater understanding of X-ray therapy in patient care.
National Cancer Awareness Day 2024, Date, Significance, and History
National Cancer Awareness Day is observed annually on November 7 in India, a day dedicated to increasing awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. Since its inception in 2014, this observance has aimed to educate the public on how to prevent and manage cancer—a disease that continues to affect millions of lives across the country. The day also pays homage to the renowned Polish-French scientist Marie Curie, whose work in discovering radioactive elements laid the foundation for radiation therapy, a critical tool in modern cancer treatment.