Current Affairs - November 25, 2024 Current Affairs

COP30, the next major UN climate conference, will be hosted by Brazil in 2025. This announcement follows the commitments made at COP29 in Baku, which included a $1.3 trillion climate finance goal and the establishment of a Loss and Damage Fund starting in 2025. Brazil's selection reflects its critical role in global environmental discussions, particularly concerning the Amazon rainforest and climate change mitigation efforts.

Anders Antonsen of Denmark made history by becoming the first Danish player to win the men’s singles title at the China Masters 2024. He defeated Indonesia's Jonatan Christie in straight games (21-15, 21-13) during the final in Shenzhen, China. This victory marked Antonsen’s fourth BWF Tour title of 2024 and solidified his position as the leader in the Race to Finals rankings. Christie, while losing the final, ensured his qualification for the BWF Tour Finals in Huangzhou.

The Andhra Pradesh Assembly has approved the repeal of the garbage collection tax, which was imposed on households and commercial complexes. This move aims to alleviate financial pressure on citizens and investigate alleged contractor benefits linked to the tax. The repeal of the tax is expected to benefit 40 municipalities across the state, which received a total of ₹13.9 crore per month for garbage collection.

IndusInd Bank has collaborated with UNICEF to mitigate climate risks and strengthen community resilience in five disaster-prone districts across India, including Dharashiv, Begusarai, Virudhunagar, Baran, and Bahraich. This partnership underscores the bank’s commitment to social responsibility and environmental sustainability, aligning its initiatives with global efforts to combat climate change and protect vulnerable communities.

N Sriram Balaji and Rithvik Bollipalli triumphed in the Men’s Doubles event at the ATP Challenger Tour in Italy. They defeated Theo Arribage of France and Francisco Cabral of Portugal in the final. This victory was especially significant for Balaji, as it marked his first ATP Challenger Tour title, while Bollipalli secured his second, adding to his earlier win at the Almaty Open with Arjun Kadhe.

The VISION Portal (Viksit Bharat Initiative for Student Innovation and Outreach Network), inaugurated by Dr. Jitendra Singh, aims to empower underprivileged youth through education, skill development, and sustainable livelihoods. By funding internships and fostering innovation, the portal bridges the gap between theoretical learning and practical application. This initiative aligns with Vision India 2047, focusing on inclusive growth and providing opportunities for marginalized communities, contributing to India's technological and entrepreneurial advancement.

The Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) has recommended Binod Kumar, the Executive Director of Punjab National Bank, as the next Managing Director and CEO of the Indian Bank. He is set to succeed S L Jain, who retires next month. The recommendation follows a rigorous selection process involving 15 candidates, initiated after the RBI raised concerns over the earlier nominee, Asheesh Pandey. Binod Kumar's experience and strong performance in interviews made him the top choice, with the final appointment subject to approval by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.

Punjab National Bank (PNB), India’s second-largest public sector bank, has joined the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF), demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and climate action. By adopting globally recognized standards for greenhouse gas emissions accounting, PNB aligns with the Reserve Bank of India’s draft climate risk guidelines. This initiative enhances the bank’s ability to disclose climate-related financial risks, participate in international knowledge-sharing forums, and access advanced tools and insights for carbon accounting, solidifying its role as a leader in responsible banking practices.

The 40th All India Governor’s Gold Cup International Football Tournament 2024 was held at Paljor Stadium in Gangtok, Sikkim. Organized by the Sikkim Football Association, the tournament featured 16 teams, including four international clubs from Nepal, Bhutan, Dubai, and Malaysia. North East United FC emerged as the champion, highlighting the significance of the event in promoting football in the region and fostering international sports relations.

November 25 is marked annually as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. It was officially designated by the United Nations 25 years ago and aims to raise awareness about gender-based violence, a prevalent human rights violation. The date honours the Mirabal sisters, political activists from the Dominican Republic who were murdered on November 25, 1960, under Rafael Trujillo's regime. Observances include global campaigns such as the 16 Days of Activism, advocating for policy reforms and public engagement to combat violence against women.

S&P Global retained India's GDP growth forecast for 2024-25 at 6.8%. Despite revisions for subsequent years, this figure reflects confidence in India's economic stability for the stated period. Factors influencing the forecast include high interest rates and a reduction in fiscal impetus, which may dampen urban demand. However, the retained growth rate suggests resilience in other sectors offsetting these challenges.

INSV Tarini is the vessel used in the Navika Sagar Parikrama-II expedition. This initiative aims to promote gender equality, maritime cooperation, and India’s maritime heritage. During the expedition's second leg, the vessel embarked on a 3,400 nautical-mile journey from Fremantle, Australia, to Lyttelton, New Zealand, showcasing India's maritime prowess and highlighting its global outreach.