Current Affairs - November 30, 2024 Current Affairs

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and first African to lead the WTO, was reappointed for a second term. This decision highlights her significant contributions and the strong support from African nations. Her leadership role represents a pivotal moment for diversity and gender representation in global economic governance. Her reappointment was expedited to avoid uncertainties linked to potential political disruptions.

India’s Core Sector growth rebounded to 3.1% in October 2024, reflecting recovery momentum after a low of 0.1% in August. The eight core industries, contributing 40% of the industrial output, play a significant role in assessing the economic health. This improvement signals gradual stabilization, although growth remains lower compared to the robust performance in the previous fiscal year.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $98 million loan agreement with India to support the Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme. This initiative aims to enhance access to certified disease-free planting materials, boosting crop yield, quality, and climate resilience. By collaborating with nurseries, researchers, and growers, the program promotes sustainable practices and addresses climate challenges in horticulture plant health management.

The Tripura Paralympics team showcased exceptional performance at the Northeast Para Games 2024, held in Guwahati, by winning a total of 23 medals, including 9 golds. In athletics, visually impaired athlete Md. Amjad Hossain secured three gold medals. The swimming team also made significant contributions with 16 medals, including 5 golds, underlining the state’s commitment to excelling in para-sports.

The ‘Seal of Authenticity’ initiative aims to certify handmade crafts from Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring their quality, traditional authenticity, and ownership. This program, announced during the 60th anniversary of the World Crafts Council in Srinagar, highlights the region's rich cultural heritage. Starting with the textile industry, it also plans to establish Srinagar as a ‘World Craft Hub’ and host an International Museum, further promoting the global recognition of J&K’s crafts.

India has been re-elected to the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission for the 2025–2026 term, reaffirming its commitment to promoting global peace and stability. As a founding member and a leading contributor to peacekeeping missions, India has deployed around 6,000 personnel across various UN missions. The country’s significant sacrifices include 180 peacekeepers who lost their lives in service, highlighting its dedication to peacebuilding efforts worldwide.

Vijay Chandok has taken over as the Managing Director and CEO of National Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL), India’s first securities depository. With a notable track record, including his tenure as MD & CEO of ICICI Securities and his role as Executive Director on the board of ICICI Bank, he brings extensive experience in financial management. His leadership comes as NSDL achieves a significant milestone of ₹500 lakh crore in assets under custody.

The Prime Minister will launch the ‘Bima Sakhi Yojana’ on 9th December in Panipat, Haryana. This initiative focuses on empowering women by enabling them to work as LIC agents and promoting financial independence and employment. Haryana has a history of hosting women-centric programs, including the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ campaign launched in Panipat in 2015. This scheme aligns with the state's legacy of championing women’s rights and reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and economic empowerment of women.

The government has approved nine One Stop Centres (OSCs) to support distressed Indian women abroad. These include shelter homes in six Gulf nations and non-shelter OSCs in Toronto and Singapore. Supported by the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF), these centres aim to provide comprehensive assistance, including legal, medical, and emergency aid, under revised guidelines from 2017. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to the welfare of overseas Indian women.

The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is observed every year on November 29. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1977, the day emphasizes the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and promotes international support for peace. This date is symbolic, marking the anniversary of the 1947 UN Partition Plan for Palestine (Resolution 181), which proposed separate Arab and Jewish states. The day serves as a reminder of the global community's responsibility to uphold justice, human rights, and international law for the Palestinian people.