Current Affairs - November 19, 2024 Current Affairs

Odisha made history by winning its first-ever gold medal in the 14th Senior National Hockey Championship, defeating two-time champion Haryana 5-1 in the final. Shilanand Lakra's hat-trick sealed the victory for Odisha. The team's exceptional display of skill, speed, and fitness, coupled with strategic play and relentless energy, outclassed Haryana. Odisha's head coach, Bijay Kumar Lakra, credited the win to the team's fitness and strategic execution. This triumph marks a significant milestone for Odisha in Indian hockey, showcasing its emerging talent and potential.

The State Bank of India successfully raised Rs 10,000 crore through its seventh infrastructure bond issuance, attracting strong demand from investors, including provident funds, pension funds, and insurance companies. The bonds were oversubscribed two times, reflecting market confidence in the bank. Proceeds from the issuance will support long-term financing for infrastructure development and affordable housing initiatives. This move aligns with the government's focus on boosting infrastructure growth and demonstrates SBI's commitment to supporting key sectors of the Indian economy.

India demonstrated exceptional skill and dominance at the World Pickleball Championship, securing a total of 28 medals. This impressive haul includes 11 gold medals, showcasing the country's strength in the sport. The medals were won across various categories, including singles, mixed doubles, and veterans' events. Notable winners included Sonu Vishwakarma, Isha Lakhani, Vishal Jadhav, and Nitten Kirrtane, who all contributed to India's impressive medal tally. This achievement highlights India's growing presence and success in international pickleball competitions.

National Integration Day is celebrated annually on November 19 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Indira Gandhi, India's first woman Prime Minister. This day honours her legacy of unity and progress, highlighting her significant contributions to shaping India's political, social, and economic trajectory. The observance aims to promote unity, celebrate diversity, and acknowledge the importance of working together for the nation's growth and success. By reflecting on Gandhi's leadership and vision, National Integration Day serves as a reminder of India's commitment to national unity and integration.

The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve, India's 56th tiger reserve, is situated in the state of Chhattisgarh. Spanning an area of 2,829 square kilometres, this reserve aims to conserve and protect the tiger population and its habitat. The addition of this reserve highlights Chhattisgarh's commitment to wildlife conservation. Notably, the largest tiger reserve in India is Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh, while the second-largest is Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam, demonstrating the country's efforts to safeguard its biodiversity and natural resources.

The Tata Steel Chess India Blitz tournament took place in Kolkata, where Magnus Carlsen dominated the competition, accumulating an unbeatable 13 points to claim the title. This victory marked Carlsen's second double win at the event, replicating his success in 2019. Indian players Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa, and Vidit Gujrathi delivered impressive performances, securing 3rd, 4th, and 5th places, respectively. The tournament showcased the skill and strategy of top chess players, solidifying India's reputation as a hub for international chess competitions.

International Men's Day is observed annually on November 19, providing a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of men to society, families, and communities worldwide. This day also addresses key issues surrounding men's health, well-being, and the need for positive male role models. The celebration's origins date back to 1992, when Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh proposed the idea, which has since gained global recognition. Each year, International Men's Day is marked with awareness campaigns, public discussions, and community-driven events highlighting the importance of men in various aspects of life.

West Bengal dominated the 4th National Finswimming Championship 2024, securing the top spot with an impressive 151 medals, comprising 67 gold, 43 silver, and 41 bronze medals. The championship, held in New Delhi, saw participation from 1500 swimmers from 26 states and union territories. West Bengal's outstanding performance highlighted its strength in finswimming, surpassing other strong contenders like Karnataka, Uttarakhand, and Haryana. The event, organized by the Underwater Sports Federation of India, showcased India's growing talent in this aquatic sport.

K. Sanjay Murthy, a seasoned 1989 batch IAS officer from the Himachal Pradesh cadre, has taken over as India's new Comptroller and Auditor General, replacing Girish Chandra Murmu. Prior to this appointment, Murthy served as Secretary of the Department of Higher Education and was set to complete his tenure on December 31, 2024. His appointment, made under Article 148(1) of the Constitution, marks a significant development in India's governance structure. As Comptroller and Auditor General, Murthy will oversee the auditing of government accounts, ensuring transparency and accountability in public finance management.

India's heaviest communication satellite, GSAT-N2, weighs approximately 4,700 kg and is scheduled to launch on SpaceX's Falcon-9 from Cape Canaveral. GSAT-N2 aims to enhance internet services, particularly in remote areas, with an operational life of 14 years. The choice of SpaceX's Falcon-9 over India's LVM-3 launch vehicle was due to the satellite's significant payload weight. This launch marks a shift in India's reliance from Arianespace to SpaceX for heavy satellite launches, demonstrating the growing collaboration between India and private space companies.

Punit Goenka has taken on the CEO role at Zee Entertainment, shifting from his previous position as Managing Director. This move aims to concentrate on operational objectives, strengthening the company's strategic direction. Concurrently, Mukund Galgali has been appointed as Deputy CEO, supporting Goenka in driving business growth. Goenka's reappointment as CEO for a five-year term, commencing January 1, 2025, is subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting on November 28. This leadership transition underscores Zee Entertainment's efforts to enhance its market presence and competitiveness.

India has taken the lead in the G20 with an impressive 7% GDP growth rate projected for 2024, surpassing other major economies. This growth rate is significantly higher than Indonesia's 5% and China's 4.8%. The G20 represents a substantial portion of the global economy, accounting for 88% of global GDP, 78% of international trade, and nearly three-quarters of the world's population. India's strong growth prospects are driven by domestic consumption demand and steadily improving investment demand.