Current Affairs - November 2, 2024 Current Affairs

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) commenced its trading operations on November 3, 1994, marking a significant milestone in India's financial landscape. To celebrate its 30th anniversary, NSE has expanded its accessibility by introducing its mobile app and websites in eight additional Indian languages. This move aims to increase inclusivity and cater to a broader audience, underscoring NSE's commitment to democratizing access to financial markets. Under the leadership of MD and CEO Ashishkumar Chauhan, NSE continues to innovate and enhance its services.

The Indian Army is participating in the 9th edition of the joint exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24 with Indonesia. A contingent of 25 personnel from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) has been dispatched to Jakarta for the exercise, scheduled from November 1 to 12, 2024. The joint exercise aims to enhance interoperability and sharing of expertise between the two nations' special forces. It will focus on advanced skills, weapons, tactics, and techniques, culminating in a validation exercise to integrate these capabilities. This bilateral exercise strengthens the military ties and cooperation between India and Indonesia.

The Assam Police has received recognition from the Ministry of Home Affairs for its exceptional work in anti-terror and criminal operations. Five personnel, including Inspector General of Police Partha Sarathi Mahanta, were awarded for their distinguished service. Other recipients included ASP Kalyan Kumar Pathak, Lance Naik Hemanta Kachari, Constable Rajkumar Kaibartta, Additional SP Subrata Kumar Sen, and Officer-in-Charge Amrit Kumar Singha. These awards acknowledge the dedication and bravery of Assam Police personnel in maintaining law and order and combating terrorism, showcasing their commitment to public safety.

According to the State Budget 2025 submitted to the parliament, a country is anticipated to receive significant financial aid from India, amounting to MVR 1.6 billion or approximately $104 million. This estimate is part of the total international grant projected at MVR 2.25 billion. India's contribution represents the largest share, with other countries like China, Japan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the Netherlands also providing aid. The aid highlights the strong bilateral ties between India and the recipient country.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched its pioneering analog space mission from Leh, Ladakh. This strategic choice leverages Ladakh's unique Mars-like terrain and conditions to simulate an interplanetary habitat. The mission, led by the Human Space Flight Centre, collaborates with various institutions, including AAKA Space Studio, the University of Ladakh, IIT Bombay, and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council. By replicating space habitation challenges, this mission aims to inform and enhance future space exploration endeavours, making Leh a critical location for India's space research initiatives.

North Korea successfully conducted the test launch of its Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile, demonstrating its long-range missile capabilities. The missile travelled 1,001.2 kilometres, reached an altitude of 7,687.5 kilometres, and flew for 86 minutes. The Hwasong-19 is hailed as an "ultra-powerful offensive means," marking a significant milestone in North Korea's missile development program. This test has implications for regional and global security, underscoring North Korea's military ambitions and technological advancements in ballistic missile technology.

Rajesh Kumar Singh, a 1989-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, has been appointed as the Defence Secretary of India, succeeding Giridhar Aramane, a 1988-batch IAS officer from Andhra Pradesh who recently retired. Rajesh Kumar Singh previously served as the Secretary for the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. His appointment marks a transition in leadership in the Ministry of Defence.

India and the United States are conducting the 15th edition of the joint Special Forces exercise, VAJRA PRAHAR, from November 2-22, 2024, at the Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, US. This bilateral exercise aims to enhance interoperability and sharing of expertise between the two nations' special forces. The VAJRA PRAHAR exercise is the second India-US Army exercise in 2024, following the YUDH ABHYAS 2024 held in Rajasthan in September. This collaboration demonstrates the strengthening of defence ties and cooperation between India and the United States.

India's GST collections in October surged to Rs 1.87 lakh crore, marking an 8.9% increase year-on-year. This growth is attributed to stronger domestic transactions, with domestic GST revenue growing by 10.6% year-on-year, outpacing the 3.9% growth in GST revenue from imports. The robust collection represents the second-highest level of monthly GST collections since the indirect tax regime's inception in July 2017. This rebound follows a three-year low growth rate in September, indicating a positive trend in the economy.

Praveena Rai has taken office as CEO and MD of MCX, bringing over 20 years of experience in banking, payments, and transaction management. Her expertise will guide India's largest commodity derivatives exchange through its next growth phase. Rai previously served as Chief Operating Officer at NPCI and Regional Head of Payments for Asia Pacific at HSBC. Her appointment marks a new chapter for MCX, leveraging her skills in digital payments, strategic management, and transaction processing. Rai's leadership aims to expand MCX's market presence, enhance operational efficiency, and introduce customer-centric initiatives.