NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. 56th Tiger Reserve of the country notified in Chhattisgarh: The Chhattisgarh government has officially declared Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary as a tiger reserve, increasing the total number of tiger reserves in the state to four.The state’s public relations department shared the notification dated November 4 issued by the Forest and Climate Change Department defining the area of the tiger reserve. The reserve will be named ‘Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve.The tiger reserve, encompassing a total area of 2829.38 sq.kms, includes a core/critical tiger habitat of 2049.2 sq. km, comprising the Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary, and has a buffer of 780.15 sq. km.A total of 753 species, including 365 invertebrates and 388 vertebrates, have been documented from Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve by the Zoological Survey of India. The vertebrate fauna includes 230 species of birds and 55 species of mammals comprising several threatened species from both the groups.
2. CCI slaps penalty of Rs 213 crore on Meta for abusing dominant position: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has slapped a penalty of Rs 213.14 crore on Meta, the US-based firm which owns WhatsApp, for alleged abuse of its dominant position in the implementation of the messaging app’s 2021 privacy policy.In an order, the antitrust regulator said that user data was collected and shared with other Meta companies in contravention of the competition law. It asked Meta and WhatsApp to implement certain behavioural remedies within a defined timeline, on top of issuing cease-and-desist directions for these entities.The Commission has concluded that the 2021 policy update by WhatsApp on a ‘take-it-or-leave-it’ basis constitutes an imposition of unfair condition under the Act, as it compels all users to accept expanded data collection terms and sharing of data within Meta Group without any opt-out,” the regulator said in a statement issued separately.
3. NABH under Quality Council of India (QCI) signs MoU with Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India: National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH), a constituent body of the Quality Council of India (QCI), signed an MoU with the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI), to advance quality and consistency of diabetes care in India through the use of robust clinical and digital health standards.RSSDI is India’s largest professional body representing over 12,000 diabetes care providers across the country.Under the MoU, NABH and RSSDI will collaborate closely to enhance NABH’s Accreditation Standards for Allopathic Clinics for specific needs of diabetes care, and develop digital health standards for Clinic Management Systems (CMS) for better management of diabetes.
4. Sanjay Murthy to be next Comptroller and Auditor General of India: President Droupadi Murmu has appointed 1989 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer K. Sanjay Murthy as the new Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG).The appointment came two days ahead of the completion of the incumbent Girish Chandra Murmu’s tenure. Mr Murmu was appointed CAG in August 2020.Murthy is currently posted as Secretary, the Department of Higher Education, and his tenure is to end on December 31, 2024.By virtue of the power vested in her by clause (1) of article 148 of the Constitution of India, the President has been pleased to appoint K Sanjay Murthy to be the Comptroller and Auditor General of India with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office.Girish Chandra Murmu assumed office as the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on August 8, 2020. He will complete his term on November 20, 2024.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Dubai Hosts 3rd Global Freight Summit: The Global Freight Summit 2024 commenced in Dubai, marking its third edition since its inception in 2022.The three-day event, hosted by DP World, has attracted more than 5,000 industry leaders from 155 countries, representing diverse sectors of the global supply chain industry.Theme 2024 – Acting today to reach the opportunities of tomorrow The agenda emphasizes four critical pillars: the integration of AI and blockchain in business operations, strategies for navigating volatile global markets, sustainable shipping practices, and building resilient trade routes amidst geopolitical challenges and natural disasters.
The event has drawn significant participation from Indian corporations, with technology giants Wipro, Tech Mahindra, and SRM Tech to name a few, along with dozens of other corporations and entrepreneurs.
2. 19 November – World Toilet Day: World Toilet Day is observed every year on 19 November.World Toilet Day has become an opportunity to raise awareness about this issue, which affects health of people living in poor conditions.Theme 2024 – Toilets – A Place for Peace
World Toilet Day was created in 2001 by the World Toilet Organization (WTO), which was founded by Jack Sim. However, it was officially recognized by the United Nations in 2013.During the time, the Government of Singapore worked with the WTO to create the first UN resolution called Sanitation for All.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Army concludes multilateral joint exercise ‘Sanyukt Vimochan 2024’ in Gujarat: The Indian Army successfully concluded the Multilateral Annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise, ‘Sanyukt Vimochan 2024’ held in Ahmedabad and Porbandar, Gujarat.The exercise brought together all agencies involved with disaster relief efforts, signifying the necessity of a whole-government approach. Notably, there were 15 international participants from nine friendly foreign countries.Exercise Sanyukt Vimochan 2024 had successfully showcased the practical execution of rescue and relief plans through an integrated, multi-agency, multilateral disaster response while showcasing indigenous HADR equipment promoting Atmanirbhar Bharat.
SPORTS
1. Italian Jannik Sinner wins his first ATP Finals Singles Title: World No.1 men’s tennis player Jannik Sinner of Italy won his first ATP Finals title in Turin, Italy, by defeating American Taylor Fritz in straight sets in the final.Earlier, American Coco Gauff won the season-ending 2024 WTA Finals by defeating Zheng Qinwen of China.The German pair of Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz won the season-ending ATP Finals doubles title.The season’s ending ATP Finals which is the last tournament of the year in the men’s professional tennis was held in the Italian city of Turin.
2. Jyothi Surekha Vennam clinches gold medal in women’s Archery compound event at GT Open: In Archery, Reigning Asian Games champion Jyothi Surekha Vennam clinched the gold medal in the women’s compound event at the GT Open in Luxembourg.Competing in the GT Open for the first time, Jyothi played brilliantly throughout the tournament and secured the title with a 147-145 win against Sarah Prieels of Belgium.Meanwhile, in the men’s compound event, Abhishek bagged the silver medal. He fell just short of claiming gold despite scoring a perfect 150 in the final. His opponent, the legendary Mike Schlosser of the Netherlands, secured the top spot after a perfect shot in the final.
3. Men’s Senior Hockey Nationals: Odisha thumps Haryana 5-1 to win title: Odisha hammered two-time champion Haryana 5-1, courtesy of a hat-trick by Shilanand Lakra, in the final of the Hockey India-14th Senior National championship at the SDAT-Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium for its maiden gold medal.For Haryana, it was its second successive defeat in the summit clash, having lost to Punjab last time. Earlier, Uttar Pradesh beat Manipur 2-1 to bag the bronze medal.Odisha’s defenders especially the rushers Kerobin Lakra and Amit Kumar Topno along with goalkeeper Sahil Kumar Nayak showed great alacrity by disrupting the penalty corners of Haryana which had 10 in total.
4. Magnus Carlsen, Kateryna Lagno win Tata Steel Chess India blitz titles: GM Magnus Carlsen from Norway has added the 2024 Tata Steel Chess India Open Blitz title to his Rapid crown after beating GM Arjun Erigaisi in the penultimate round. The Indian star then lost the last three games, however, enabling GM Wesley So to snatch second with a six-game winning streak.GM Kateryna Lagno from Russia clinched the 2024 Tata Steel Chess India Women’s Blitz with a round to spare after earlier seeing her lead evaporate. GM Valentina Gunina caught her with five rounds to go and won their last-round encounter to ensure second place, while GM Aleksandra Goryachkina took third, sharing prize money with GM Vantika Agrawal.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Morgan Stanley trims India’s FY25 GDP forecast to 6.7%: Morgan Stanley has lowered India’s growth forecast for FY25 from 7 per cent to 6.7 per cent, on the back of weaker-than-expected high-frequency growth data for the second quarter, which is anticipated to grow at a slower pace of 6.3 per cent.However, Morgan Stanley projected that growth may rebound to approximately 6.7-6.8 per cent in the second half of FY25, driven by improved agricultural output and increased government spending.Furthermore, the financial services company also maintained its forecast for FY26 and FY27 at a steady 6.5 per cent, noting that domestic demand will remain a key growth driver in the coming years.
2. SBI raises Rs 10,000 cr through infra bond issuance: Country’s largest lender, State Bank of India has raised Rs 10,000 crore through its seventh infrastructure bond issuance.SBI raised Rs 10,000 crore at a coupon rate of 7.23 per cent through its seventh infrastructure bond issuance.
The issue attracted overwhelming response from investors with bids in excess of Rs 11,500 crore and was oversubscribed in excess of 2 times against the base issue size of Rs 5,000 crore.The total number of bids received was 85 indicating wider participation with heterogeneity of bids.The investors were across provident funds, pension funds, insurance companies, mutual funds etc. The proceeds of bonds will be utilized in enhancing long-term resources for funding infrastructure and affordable housing segments.
3. Paytm UPI goes global; app users can make payments at select international locations: One97 Communications (OCL), that owns Paytm brand, said Paytm users will be able to make UPI payments at select international locations, including popular spots in the UAE, Singapore, France, Mauritius, Bhutan, and Nepal.The move allows users to conveniently pay for all use cases including shopping, dining, and local experiences abroad using UPI through their Paytm app.“One97 Communications (OCL) that owns the brand Paytm, India’s leading payments and financial services distribution company and the pioneer of QR, Soundbox and mobile payments, has enabled Paytm users to make UPI payments at select international locations.Indian travellers can now use their Paytm app to make seamless, cashless payments at destinations where UPI is accepted, including popular spots in the UAE, Singapore, France, Mauritius, Bhutan, and Nepal.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Coal India Ltd under the Aegis of Ministry of Coal receives Green World Awards 2024 in London: Coal India Limited (CIL) under the aegis of the Ministry of Coal, has been conferred with the esteemed Green World Environment Award in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) category along with the distinguished tile of Green World Ambassador.Ministry of Coal has overall responsibility of determining policies and strategies in respect of mining of coal and other minerals in large interest of the country.This prestigious international award has been given to CIL for exemplary work in the field of CSR i.e Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojna for permanent curative treatment of more than 600 Thalassemia patients, through stem cell transplant also known as Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT).CIL, in 2017 became the first Public Sector Undertakings to take up the CSR project for curative treatment of Thalassemia through BMT operations across the country. Under this scheme, financial assistance upto to Rs.10 lakh is provided by CIL for the BMT.
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