Current Affairs - November 13, 2024 Current Affairs

Grandmaster Aravindh Chithambaram secured a notable victory in the Chennai Grand Masters 2024, outperforming American Grandmaster Levon Aronian. This prestigious tournament, organized by MGD1 and sponsored by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, featured two categories: Masters and Challengers. Meanwhile, GM V Pranav delivered an impressive performance in the Challengers section, remaining unbeaten throughout the competition to claim the title. Aravindh Chithambaram's win showcases his skill and reinforces his position among the world's top chess players.

President Trump appointed Elise Stefanik, a New York Representative, as the UN Ambassador, citing her strong support for Israel. Stefanik, then 40, was a loyal Trump ally and served as the House Republican Conference Chair. Her prior experience included working in the West Wing of the White House under President George W. Bush's administration, specifically in the Domestic Policy Council Staff and the Chief of Staff's office. This appointment highlighted Stefanik's rising influence in Republican politics and foreign policy.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has reported that 2024 is on track to be the hottest year on record, with global temperatures averaging 1.54°C above pre-industrial levels from January to September. This increase is largely driven by the El Niño phenomenon, which has amplified the effects of climate change. Although this temporary breach of the 1.5°C threshold does not necessarily mean failure to meet the Paris Agreement goal, it underscores the urgent need for decisive climate action to mitigate severe impacts and maintain a safe global temperature.

Vikram Misri, a seasoned diplomat from the 1989 batch of the Indian Foreign Service, has had his tenure as Foreign Secretary extended until July 14, 2026. He assumed this role on July 15, 2024, and has previously held significant positions in the Ministry of External Affairs, PMO, and Indian Missions abroad across various continents. This extension allows him to serve beyond his initial superannuation date of November 30. Misri's extensive experience in international diplomacy and relations makes him a key figure in shaping India's foreign policy.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a significant milestone with the successful maiden flight test of the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM), demonstrating its capability with a range of 1,000 km. Launched from a mobile platform off Odisha's coast, the missile showcased advanced avionics, waypoint navigation, and varying altitude and speed capabilities. This new variant of the Nirbhay missile highlights India's growing self-reliance in missile development, with contributions from DRDO's Aeronautical Development Establishment and Indian industries like Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited.

India played host to a significant regional gathering, as the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) organized a multilateral event in New Delhi. The event brought together representatives from South Asian nations, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, the Maldives, and Iran. During the meeting, TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti was appointed chair of the South Asian Telecom Regulators' Council (SATRC) for the upcoming year. The event was organized by the Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT), highlighting India's pivotal role in shaping regional telecom regulations and cooperation.

British author Samantha Harvey has been awarded the prestigious Booker Prize for Fiction for her thought-provoking novel "Orbital". Set on the International Space Station, "Orbital" explores humanity's connection to Earth through the perspectives of six astronauts. Harvey's unique blend of science, philosophy, and literary fiction earned her this esteemed recognition. Written during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, "Orbital" reflects on Earth's fragility, isolation, and the interconnectedness of life. Harvey's victory highlights her contribution to contemporary British literature and her ability to craft compelling narratives.

Australia has taken a significant step in combating modern slavery by appointing Chris Evans, a former senator and human rights official, as its first Anti-Slavery Commissioner. Evans will serve a five-year term starting in December, focusing on preventing and responding to modern slavery across government, business, and society. This move aligns with Australia's efforts to address the estimated 41,000 people living in modern slavery within its borders and nearly 50 million globally. The appointment has been welcomed by civil society groups, who urge the government to provide adequate funding and powers to the Commissioner's office to effectively tackle modern slavery.

Delhi Metro has launched a bike taxi service, enhancing last-mile connectivity for commuters. Available through the Delhi Metro app, DMRC Momentum (Delhi Sarthi 2.0), the service includes SHERYDS, a women-driven bike taxi option for female commuters, and RYDR, a general bike taxi service. Partnering with First And Last Mile Connectivity India Pvt. Ltd., Delhi Metro aims to increase commuter convenience and safety. This initiative demonstrates Delhi Metro's commitment to providing integrated transportation solutions, making travel more accessible and efficient for its passengers.

The 29th UN Climate Change Conference, COP29, has commenced in Baku, Azerbaijan. This global event brings together nations to address pressing climate issues. Notably, India is advocating for a revised climate finance goal, seeking $2.5 trillion by 2030 to fulfil its Paris Agreement commitments, as emphasized in India's Economic Survey 2023-24. The conference provides a platform for countries to negotiate and strengthen their climate commitments, with Baku serving as the host city for this significant international gathering.

Alix Didier Fils-Aime, a Haitian businessman and politician, took office as the interim Prime Minister of Haiti on November 10, 2024, succeeding Garry Conille who was dismissed by the Transitional Presidential Council. Fils-Aime's appointment comes at a critical time as Haiti grapples with escalating gang violence, deepening the country's humanitarian and security crisis. Born on November 14, 1971, Fils-Aime has a background in business and politics, having studied at Boston University. His priorities include addressing insecurity and conducting uncontested elections to stabilize the country.

Arvindar Singh Sahney, a veteran with over three decades of experience in the oil and gas sector, has taken the reins as the new chairman of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC). Currently serving as Executive Director of Business Development in the Petrochemicals division, Sahney's appointment was announced by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on November 13, 2024. His tenure as chairman is approved for five years, commencing from the date of assumption of office. With extensive experience in petroleum refining, petrochemicals marketing, and energy transition, Sahney is poised to lead IOC's green energy initiatives.