Daily Current Affairs 31st October 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

International News

Sheikh Naim Qassem: Hezbollah’s New Chief Amid Tensions

In a rare public move, Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shia paramilitary and political group, announced the appointment of Sheikh Naim Qassem as its new secretary-general following the recent assassination of Hassan Nasrallah by Israel on September 27. Known for his deep ties to Hezbollah and decades of political activism, Qassem’s leadership marks a critical transition for the organization amid ongoing Israeli conflicts and internal shifts within Hezbollah’s regional influence.

Banking News

DBS Bank India: Leading the Charge for Gender Equity

DBS Bank India has been recognized as one of the ‘Best Companies for Women in India’ (BCWI) 2024 for the ninth consecutive year, an honor it shares as a member of the “Best Companies – Hall of Fame.” This award, presented by Avtar and Seramount, highlights the bank’s ongoing commitment to gender equity and diversity. The BCWI study, noted for its depth in gender analytics, evaluates organizational practices through a comprehensive questionnaire, showcasing DBS’s dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace where women represent 31% of its workforce, with a goal of increasing this to 35% within three years.

Schemes News

Mobile App for Hassle-Free Birth and Death Registration Launched

On October 29, 2024, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Civil Registration System (CRS) mobile application, aimed at integrating technology into governance and simplifying the registration of births and deaths. This initiative aligns with the government’s Digital India vision, designed to provide citizens with a seamless and efficient way to register vital events at any time, from any location, and in their state’s official language. The app is expected to significantly reduce the time required for registrations, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving public services.

Ranks & Reports News

Lahore Declared the Most Polluted City in the World Again

Lahore has once again claimed the title of the most polluted city globally, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring to alarming levels. Recently recorded at a staggering 708, the PM2.5 levels reached an unprecedented 431 µg/m³, significantly exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended annual limit by 86 times. This crisis, attributed to unchecked vehicular emissions, outdated industrial practices, and ineffective environmental policies, creates a hazardous smog that engulfs the city year-round, posing severe health risks to its residents.

Awards News

AIFF Clinches AFC President’s Recognition Award for Grassroots Football (Silver)

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) received the prestigious AFC President’s Recognition Award for Grassroots Football (Silver) at the AFC Annual Awards in Seoul, South Korea, on October 29, 2024. This achievement marks a notable improvement from last year’s bronze, recognizing AIFF’s significant strides in grassroots development, sustainability, and strong stakeholder collaboration.

Francis Ford Coppola to Receive 50th AFI Life Achievement Award

Oscar-winning filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola is set to be honored with the AFI Life Achievement Award, marking its 50th installment, at a ceremony on April 26, 2025, at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre. At 86, Coppola’s recognition comes on the heels of his latest film, Megalopolis, which struggled at the box office but highlights his ongoing contributions to the film industry. The tribute will air on TNT, with encore presentations on Turner Classic Movies, and proceeds from the event will support the American Film Institute’s education and arts initiatives.

Sports News

Sumathi Dharmawardena Named New ICC Anti-Corruption Unit Chair

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed Sri Lankan legal expert Sumathi Dharmawardena as the new independent chair for its Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU), effective November 1, 2024. Dharmawardena will take over from Sir Ronnie Flanagan, who served in the role for 14 years, and joins with a strong background in sports corruption investigations and legal representation, including roles with Interpol and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Obituaries News

Justice KS Puttaswamy, Key Figure in Right to Privacy Case, Passes Away at 98

Justice K.S. Puttaswamy, the pivotal petitioner in the landmark right to privacy case, passed away at the age of 98 on Monday. His passing comes over seven years after the Supreme Court ruled that privacy is a fundamental right. Born in February 1926 in Kolar, Karnataka, he had a distinguished legal career that included serving as a judge at the Karnataka High Court and later as the first vice chairperson of the Central Administrative Tribunal in Bengaluru. His significant contributions to Indian law, particularly regarding the right to privacy, will be remembered as a cornerstone in the protection of individual rights in India.