Current Affairs - November 8, 2024 Current Affairs

President Droupadi Murmu received a ceremonial Guard of Honour at INS Hansa, located in Dabolim, Goa, as part of her official visit to the naval base. This event marked the beginning of her tour, during which she also witnessed various naval operations, including exercises involving surface ships, submarines, and aircraft. INS Hansa serves as a significant naval airbase, and the Guard of Honour is a ceremonial tradition to honour the President's presence. This highlights the importance of the naval base and the President's interest in India's naval capabilities.

The tri-services military exercise launched by India on November 8, 2024, is called 'Poorvi Prahaar.' This 10-day exercise aims to enhance military readiness across India’s eastern front, particularly following the recent disengagement of Indian and Chinese troops at key friction points in eastern Ladakh. The exercise involves the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force working together to improve operational synergy and assess combat readiness. It includes the deployment of various military units, aircraft, helicopters, and naval commandos, strengthening India's defence capabilities in the eastern region.

The Indian Military Heritage Festival 2024 will be held in New Delhi, specifically at the India International Centre, from November 8-9, 2024. This two-day event aims to bring together global and Indian experts to discuss national security, military history, and heritage. The festival will feature various exhibits, performances, and book releases, including the launch of Project ‘Shaurya Gatha’ to preserve and promote India’s military heritage. The event is backed by the Ministry of Defence and esteemed institutions, underscoring its significance in fostering dialogue on India’s national security and foreign policy.

Arjun Erigaisi achieved a remarkable milestone by securing the world's No. 2 spot in live chess ratings on November 7th. His victory over Alexey Sarana in Round 3 of the Chennai Grand Masters tournament propelled him to a live rating of 2805.8, surpassing renowned players Fabiano Caruana and Hikaru Nakamura. Currently, only Magnus Carlsen ranks above Erigaisi, with a rating of 2831.0 points. This accomplishment underscores Erigaisi's exceptional skill and positions him among the global chess elite. Notably, he also became the 16th player in history to reach 2800 rating points, demonstrating his rapid rise in the chess world.

Anish Sarkar, a 3-year-old chess sensation from Kolkata, has etched his name in history as the youngest-rated chess player. Achieving a remarkable FIDE rating of 1555 on November 1st, 2024, Anish surpassed the previous record held by Tejas Tiwari, who was five years old when he gained his rating. This feat showcases Anish's exceptional talent and potential in the world of chess. Notably, he has even had the opportunity to play against renowned Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi, demonstrating his skills against experienced opponents. Kolkata can pride itself on nurturing this young chess prodigy.

Anil Pradhan, a renowned social worker and engineer from Odisha, received the prestigious Rohini Nayyar Prize for Rural Development. This award acknowledges his remarkable contributions to rural infrastructure and education. Notably, Pradhan is also recognized for designing Asia's first university rocket team, VSLV. The prize comprises a ₹10 lakh cash award, a citation, and a trophy, symbolizing his dedication and innovative approach to rural development. This award highlights Pradhan's efforts to make a positive impact on rural communities.

Israel's Ministry of Defense has secured a significant deal with Boeing, valued at $5.2 billion, for the procurement of 25 advanced F-15IA fighter jets. This strategic acquisition aims to bolster Israel's air defence capabilities. The contract also includes an option for purchasing an additional 25 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled to commence in 2031. The F-15 jets, developed by McDonnell Douglas (now part of Boeing), will play a crucial role in enhancing Israel's national security and military preparedness. This deal underscores the country's commitment to modernizing its defence infrastructure.

World Radiography Day is commemorated annually on November 8 to acknowledge the vital role radiographers play in healthcare. This date coincides with the anniversary of Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen's groundbreaking discovery of X-rays in 1895. The day promotes awareness about the significance of medical imaging technologies, including MRI, CT scans, and ultrasound, in diagnosing and treating diseases. By recognizing radiographers' contributions, World Radiography Day emphasizes the importance of their work in improving patient outcomes. The theme "Radiographers: Seeing the Unseen" underscores their critical role in healthcare.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will host a national pavilion at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, under the theme "Accelerating Climate Action Together". This pavilion will highlight the UAE's commitment to addressing climate change through various initiatives, including climate finance, decarbonization, and innovative solutions for food systems and water scarcity. By showcasing its climate leadership, the UAE aims to accelerate global climate action and collaboration, emphasizing its dedication to Net Zero, biodiversity, and youth involvement. The pavilion will feature over 60 dialogues and programs.

The State Bank of India (SBI) has taken a significant step in driving financial innovation and digital transformation by launching the 'SBI Innovation Hub' in partnership with APIX at the Singapore Fintech Festival. This initiative provides a dedicated space for global FinTechs, startups, and innovators to create next-generation financial solutions catering to SBI's diverse customer base. The hub offers access to over 250 financial service APIs, a sandbox environment, and opportunities for collaboration, hackathons, and strategic partnerships. This move underscores SBI's commitment to financial inclusion, customer-centric solutions, and its vision for digital transformation.

National Cancer Awareness Day is observed every year on November 7 in India. This day focuses on raising awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. It was established in 2014 by Dr Harsh Vardhan, the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, to educate the public about cancer care. November 7 was chosen to coincide with the birth anniversary of Marie Curie, whose pioneering work in radiation therapy greatly advanced cancer treatment. The day highlights the importance of early screenings and lifestyle changes to reduce cancer risk.