Current Affairs - November 29, 2024 Current Affairs

India tested the nuclear-capable K-4 ballistic missile with a range of approximately 3,500 km from the nuclear-powered INS Arighaat submarine in the Bay of Bengal. This successful test strengthens India's nuclear deterrence capabilities, showcasing its ability to launch nuclear missiles from land, air, and undersea. The INS Arighaat, commissioned on August 29, 2024, is a state-of-the-art submarine with fully Indigenous systems, underlining India's technological advancements in defence.

The Odisha government has approved 20 investment projects worth Rs 1.36 lakh crore, spanning sectors like steel, chemicals, green energy, and power. These projects, set to be implemented across 10 districts, including Jajpur and Sambalpur, aim to create over 74,350 jobs, boosting the state's industrial and infrastructural growth. Led by the High-Level Clearance Authority (HLCA) under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, this initiative positions Odisha as a key hub for industrial investment, with strategic contributions to local economies and sustainable development.

The 12th Edition of the International Tourism Mart (ITM) 2024 was held in Kaziranga, Assam, starting November 27. The event focused on showcasing the tourism potential of Northeast India, emphasizing its cultural, natural, and biodiversity-rich offerings. The ITM serves as an important platform for both domestic and international audiences, and it facilitates collaboration among tourism professionals, media, and government agencies. The event was inaugurated by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, with key regional leaders attending, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma.

Cyclone Fengal, originating as a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to make landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram on November 30. IMD and ISRO are on high alert, monitoring the system, which is predicted to bring strong winds of up to 75 kmph and heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Alerts have been issued for several districts, and safety measures, including rescue operations and school closures, are in place. Cyclone Fengal is the third storm of the 2024 North Indian Ocean cyclone season, emphasizing the region's vulnerability to such natural disasters.

In Q2 FY 2024-25, India’s GDP growth rate slowed to 5.4%, marking the slowest growth in seven quarters. This represents a decrease from 6.7% in the previous quarter (Q1 FY 2024-25) and an 8.1% growth in the same period last year (Q2 FY 2023-24). The decline reflects a broad slowdown across various sectors, including manufacturing, mining, and utilities, despite improvements in services such as public administration and trade. The slowdown is a significant indicator of the challenges faced by the Indian economy in this period.

The Indian Army has launched "Eklavya," a digital learning platform designed to modernize officers’ training. Unveiled by General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), it aligns with the 2024 theme, “Year of Technology Absorption,” and the vision for a “Decade of Transformation.” Developed in collaboration with BISAG-N at zero cost, Eklavya hosts over 96 courses from 17 premier training establishments, offering continuous professional development while reducing the need for physical resources. It integrates with the Army Data Network, emphasizing the Army’s commitment to leveraging technology for strategic growth.

The 13th National Seed Congress 2024 is being held at the International Rice Research Institute South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) in Varanasi from November 28 to 30, 2024. Organized by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, this event brings together over 700 delegates from various sectors to discuss innovations, collaborations, and strategies for enhancing the seed industry. Key themes include leveraging biodiversity, public-private partnerships, and technology for food security and climate resilience. Important initiatives, such as the Rice Fallow Atlas, were also launched to optimize crop planning and improve food security in Eastern India.

Amit Garg, HPCL's Director (Marketing), was recommended for the CMD position by the MoPNG's Search-cum-Selection Committee. With over 35 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, including expertise in sourcing, logistics, and sales, Garg has demonstrated significant leadership capabilities. He assumed the Director (Marketing) role in December 2023 and participated in the CMD selection process, which concluded on November 13, 2024.

The 4th Foreign Office Consultations between India and Bosnia & Herzegovina took place in Sarajevo, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties in politics, economics, science, and culture. The discussions emphasized trade, investment, technology partnerships, and cultural exchanges, including student programs and tourism promotion. Both nations reviewed regional developments and global cooperation through platforms like BRICS, the UN, and NAM. Celebrating 30 years of diplomatic ties in 2025, the two sides committed to deepening their relationship and agreed to host the next consultation in New Delhi, further enhancing their strategic partnership.

IIT Guwahati, located in Assam, will host the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2024, the country's largest science celebration, from November 30 to December 3, 2024. Organized under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), IISF 2024 will focus on promoting science-society engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration. The event, being held for the first time in North East India, aligns with the government’s vision of turning India into a global manufacturing hub through advancements in science and technology.

Max Verstappen secured his fourth Formula 1 world championship during the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Although he finished 5th in the race, his performance placed him ahead of rival Lando Norris, who finished 6th, ensuring his championship victory. George Russell won the race, with Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz completing the podium. Verstappen's accomplishments have placed him among legends like Schumacher, Hamilton, and Vettel as a four-time F1 champion.

The 'Bima Sakhi Yojana,' aimed at empowering women across India through financial security and skill development, will be launched by the PM in Panipat on December 9. The initiative promotes economic participation and entrepreneurship among women by providing financial assistance, access to insurance products, and skill development opportunities. Panipat is the chosen location for this significant event.

The Supreme Court Collegium, headed by CJI Sanjiv Khanna, has recommended Justice Manmohan, the Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, for appointment as a Supreme Court Judge. Justice Manmohan, who joined the Delhi High Court in 2008 and became its Chief Justice on September 29, 2024, is set to fill one of the two pending vacancies in the Supreme Court, which has a sanctioned strength of 34 judges.