Daily Current Affairs 11th November 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

Sitharaman Launches MSME Outreach, Expands SIDBI in Karnataka

Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, launched the National MSME Cluster Outreach Programme in Bengaluru, jointly organized by the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, and Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI). Key officials, including Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi, Union Minister for MSMEs (virtually from Gaya, Bihar), and other dignitaries were present. The programme linked around 150 MSME clusters virtually, emphasizing access to financial services and boosting MSME growth nationwide.

Kartarpur Sahib Corridor Celebrates 5 Years of Religious Connectivity

The Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, connecting India and Pakistan, marks its fifth anniversary today. The corridor leads to the Gurdwara Sri Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan, where Guru Nanak Dev Ji spent the last 18 years of his life. The corridor was inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 9, 2019, during the 550th Prakash Purb of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Over the past five years, more than 3.4 lakh devotees have visited the site. The corridor is a significant step in religious diplomacy, allowing pilgrims from India to visit this sacred site without a visa. As of today, 417 pilgrims have traveled, the highest this year.

Justice DY Chandrachud Retires, Leaves Enduring Legacy in Judiciary

Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud concluded his tenure as the 50th Chief Justice of India on Sunday, after two years marked by groundbreaking rulings and significant reforms. His leadership has left a lasting impact on the Indian judiciary, shaping its future with transformative decisions and a focus on judicial independence, transparency, and accessibility.

Hindalco Tops Global Sustainability Rankings for 5th Year

Hindalco Industries Ltd., the metals arm of the Aditya Birla Group, has secured the top position as the world’s most sustainable aluminium company for the fifth consecutive year, according to the 2024 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) rankings. The company earned a total score of 87 points, improving by 9 points from 2023, and surpassed its closest competitor by 22 points. Hindalco’s consistent efforts to raise its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards have played a pivotal role in this achievement.

International News

Rare H5 Bird Flu Case Found in Canadian Patient in B.C, Canada

Canada has reported its first-ever presumptive human case of H5 bird flu, with British Columbia confirming the diagnosis. A teenager tested positive for avian influenza caused by the H5 influenza virus, marking a significant development in the country’s efforts to monitor and manage the spread of avian diseases. The case was disclosed through an official statement on the province’s website, with health authorities calling it a rare event.

Li Quanhai Re-Elected as World Sailing President for Second Term

At the World Sailing General Assembly held in Singapore on November 9, Li Quanhai was re-elected as president for a new four-year term. The only Chinese president of an Olympic International Federation, Li’s re-election marks a significant achievement for both him and the sport. He received 55 votes, securing a decisive victory over his competitors, Rodion Luka (UKR) with 2 votes and Philippe Rogge (BEL) with 29 votes. Li’s leadership has been central to the growth and stability of World Sailing in recent years, and his continued role signals the future direction of the sport globally.

Canada Cancels SDS Visa Program Ended for India and 13 Other Countries

The Government of Canada has officially announced the termination of its Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, which was widely popular among Indian students for expedited processing of study permits. Effective immediately, students from India and 13 other countries who previously benefited from faster application handling through the SDS will now have to apply through the regular study permit system.

Appointment News

Justice Sanjiv Khanna Sworn in as 51st Chief Justice of India

On November 11, 2024, Justice Sanjiv Khanna was sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India, succeeding Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, whose tenure ended on November 10, 2024. Justice Khanna’s appointment follows the recommendation of Justice Chandrachud and is officially notified by the Centre on October 24. He will serve a six-month term until May 13, 2025, bringing a legacy of landmark judgments into his new role.

Awards News

Kunal Dalal Honored at Education World India School Rankings 2024

Kunal Dalal, Managing Director of JBCN Education, was recently honored as the Education Leader of the Year at the Education World India School Ranking Awards 2024-2025 held in Gurgaon. This prestigious recognition celebrates his visionary leadership and dedication to building a progressive network of international schools.

Summits & Conferences News

COP29: The Crucial Climate Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan

The 29th UN Climate Summit, COP29, kicked off in Baku, Azerbaijan, on November 11, 2024, with discussions set to focus on vital climate finance mechanisms, particularly the new “New Collective Quantified Goal” (NCQG). The summit, running until November 22, aims to address urgent global climate issues and secure financial commitments to assist developing nations in combating the devastating effects of climate change, caused largely by greenhouse gas emissions. COP29 has been dubbed the “Finance COP” due to its central focus on financial strategies, including a push for greater funding commitments and the role of the private sector in driving climate action.

Agreements News

India, BIMSTEC Sign Deal for Energy Hub in Bengaluru

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced the signing of an agreement to establish the BIMSTEC Energy Centre in Bengaluru, Karnataka. MEA Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumder and BIMSTEC Secretary General Indramani Pandey formalized the agreement, aiming to foster greater energy cooperation among BIMSTEC member states.

Schemes News

Finance Minister Launches Union Bank’s Nari Shakti Branches to Empower Women Entrepreneurs

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated five specialized “Nari Shakti” branches of Union Bank of India in Bengaluru, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, and Jaipur. These branches aim to boost financial inclusion and support for women entrepreneurs, especially in the manufacturing and service sectors. By launching these branches, the government and Union Bank emphasize empowering women through accessible finance, skills training, and advisory services, strengthening India’s goal of gender-focused economic growth.

Sports News

FIH Hockey Star Awards 2024: Harmanpreet Singh and PR Sreejesh Shine

The FIH Hockey Star Awards 2024 ceremony, which took place on November 8, 2024, in Muscat, Oman, celebrated the top performers in international hockey. Indian hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh was named the Men’s Player of the Year, while legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh was awarded the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year. The awards are determined by a voting process that includes national team captains, coaches, experts, and fans, as well as media representation.

Tayyab Ikram Re-elected FIH President: A Triumph for Pakistan’s Hockey

Tayyab Ikram has been re-elected as the President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for a second consecutive term, a significant achievement for Pakistan’s hockey. At the 49th FIH Congress in Muscat, Oman, Ikram secured 79 votes out of 126, surpassing his competitor, Marc Coudron of Belgium, who received 47 votes. His re-election not only signifies personal recognition but also reinforces Pakistan’s growing influence in global hockey.

Important Days

National Education Day 2024: Honouring Maulana Abul Kalam Azad

Every year on November 11, India observes National Education Day to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first Education Minister of independent India. This day emphasizes the importance of education in shaping the nation’s future and serves as a reminder of Azad’s vision for an educated and empowered India. With a significant portion of India’s population under the age of 35, the importance of quality education and skill development has never been more critical.

World Quality Week 2024: Date, Theme, History and Significance

World Quality Week, an annual event celebrated globally, is taking place from November 11 to November 15, 2024. Organized by the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI), this week is dedicated to highlighting the significance of quality management in a wide array of sectors, such as manufacturing, healthcare, education, and information technology. By emphasizing the principles of quality, organizations can achieve greater efficiency, customer satisfaction, and competitive advantage. This year’s theme, “Quality: From Compliance to Performance,” underscores the vital shift from mere adherence to standards to achieving peak organizational performance.

Everything You Need to Know About World Immunization Day 2024

World Immunization Day, observed every year on November 10th, highlights the essential role vaccines play in protecting public health worldwide. This day serves as a reminder of the power of immunization in preventing diseases, saving lives, and promoting global well-being.

Obituaries News

H S Sodhi, Celebrated Polo Player, Dies at 86

Harinder Singh Sodhi, fondly known as ‘Billy,’ a celebrated figure in Indian polo, passed away at the age of 86 due to age-related ailments. Renowned for his skill and dedication to the sport, Sodhi reached a rare and highly respected handicap of plus-five at the height of his career, marking him as one of the sport’s true stalwarts in India. His legacy in Indian polo is remembered with admiration and respect.

Revolutionary Sarangi Virtuoso Pandit Ram Narayan Passes Away at 96

The world of Indian classical music mourns the loss of Pandit Ram Narayan, a revolutionary sarangi virtuoso who passed away on November 8, 2024, at his residence in Bandra, Mumbai. He was 96 years old. Renowned for his instrumental mastery and dedication, he elevated the sarangi from a traditional accompaniment instrument to a celebrated solo act in the Hindustani classical music arena. His legacy is deeply cherished by his family, admirers, and countless music lovers across generations. Through his work, Pandit Ram Narayan inspired a new appreciation and respect for the sarangi and its place in classical music.

Former Member of Parliament Mahendra Singh Mewar Passes Away

Mahendra Singh Mewar, the former Member of Parliament (MP) from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a member of the erstwhile Mewar royal family, passed away on November 10, 2024, at the age of 83. He was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Udaipur, Rajasthan, where he breathed his last after several days of illness. Mahendra Singh Mewar was an influential figure, known for his contributions to both the social and political landscapes of Rajasthan.

Veteran Actor Delhi Ganesh Passes Away at 80

Noted Tamil actor ‘Delhi’ Ganesh, renowned for his remarkable versatility in over 400 films, passed away late Saturday night at the age of 80. He died at his residence in Chennai after a brief illness, as confirmed by his family. Ganesh leaves behind a lasting legacy in the film industry and is survived by his wife and three children.

Madan Mohan Somtiya, Freedom Fighter and Member of Mewar Praja Mandal, Dies at 102

Madan Mohan Somtiya, a dedicated freedom fighter and prominent member of the Mewar Praja Mandal, passed away at the age of 102  in Rajsamand district, Rajasthan. Somtiya played a critical role during India’s freedom struggle, dedicating his life to the nation’s independence and enduring multiple arrests and hardships under British rule. He had been suffering from heart and respiratory ailments and was admitted to Shri Govardhan Government District Hospital two weeks prior to his passing. His entire family was present when he breathed his last at approximately 7:15 am.