National News

Himachal Pradesh’s Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park to be India’s First IGBC-Certified Zoo.

• Himachal Pradesh’s upcoming Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park in Bankhandi, Kangra district, is set to become India’s first zoo to receive certification from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for its sustainable and eco-friendly design.
• The park has been officially registered with IGBC, focusing on both building and landscape certifications.
• This certification ensures that the zoo adheres to stringent environmental standards in its construction and operation.
• The initiative is part of the state's broader commitment to integrating sustainability into tourism and infrastructure projects.
• Once completed, the Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park will not only serve as a major tourist attraction but will also be a model for sustainable infrastructure, blending conservation efforts with innovative design and practices.
• The park's first phase will cover 25 hectares with an estimated cost of Rs 230 crore.
• The entire project, which aims to boost tourism in the Kangra district, will be completed by the third quarter of 2025, with a total investment of Rs 619 crore.

Union Government Launches CRS Mobile App for Birth and Death Registrations.

• The Union Government has launched the Civil Registration System (CRS) mobile app, a digital initiative designed to simplify and expedite the process of registering births and deaths across India.
• The app, introduced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, allows citizens to register vital events like births and deaths anytime and from any location using their state's official language.
• This user-friendly mobile app aims to reduce the time and hassle traditionally associated with the registration process.
• The CRS mobile app is part of the government's broader effort to digitize public services, improve accessibility, and ensure that vital records are registered more efficiently.
• By streamlining the registration process, the app will help make these services more accessible and convenient for citizens, contributing to the government's push for a more digital India.

                        International News

Nepal’s Nima Rinji Sherpa, 18, Becomes Youngest to Conquer All 14 Eight-Thousanders.

• Nepal's Nima Rinji Sherpa, at just 18 years old, has made history by becoming the youngest person in the world to summit all 14 of the eight-thousanders, the highest mountains on Earth.
• This incredible achievement was completed after he reached the summit of Shishapangma (8,027 meters) in Nepal, marking the final peak in his journey.
• Nima Rinji Sherpa’s remarkable feat, accomplished alongside his climbing partner Pasang Nurbu Sherpa, solidifies his place among the world's elite mountaineers.
• The eight-thousanders are some of the most challenging and dangerous climbs on the planet, and Sherpa’s success highlights his extraordinary skills and determination.
• His journey also showcases the strength and resilience of the Sherpa community, known for their expertise in the Himalayas.
• This milestone places Nima Rinji Sherpa in the ranks of legendary climbers, further elevating Nepal’s reputation as a hub for world-class mountaineering talent.

                       Banking and Financial

GST Collection Hits Second-Highest Record of Rs 1.87 Lakh Crore in October.

• India's Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection for October 2024 surged 9% year-on-year to reach Rs 1.87 lakh crore, marking the second-highest monthly collection ever.
• The increase was driven by rising domestic sales and improved tax compliance.
• The collection includes Central GST of Rs 33,821 crore, State GST of Rs 41,864 crore, Integrated IGST of Rs 99,111 crore, and cess of Rs 12,550 crore.
• This robust GST revenue indicates the continued strength of the Indian economy, driven by resilient consumption and trade activity.
• The highest-ever GST collection was recorded in April 2024 at over Rs 2.10 lakh crore, but October’s collection is the second-best, showcasing steady economic growth.
• The highest-ever GST collection was recorded in April 2024 at over Rs 2.10 lakh crore.

  The breakdown of the collection includes:

• Central GST (CGST): Rs 33,821 crore
• State GST (SGST): Rs 41,864 crore
• Integrated GST (IGST): Rs 99,111 crore
• Cess: Rs 12,550 crore

                         Appointments

Praveena Rai Appointed CEO and MD of Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX).

• Praveena Rai has been appointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX).
• Her appointment is set for a term of five years.
• With over 30 years of experience in the financial sector, Rai is a seasoned professional with a strong background in digital innovation and strategic management.
• Prior to joining MCX, she served as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), where she played a key role in shaping business strategies and operational frameworks.
• Rai’s leadership at MCX is expected to drive the exchange’s growth and enhance its role in India’s evolving commodity markets.
• Her extensive expertise in the financial and payments sectors positions her to lead MCX into its next phase of development.

Rajesh Kumar Singh Assumes Charge as Defence Secretary.

• Rajesh Kumar Singh has officially taken over as India's Defence Secretary.
• A 1989-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, Singh brings a wealth of administrative experience to the role.
• Prior to his new position, Singh served as the Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry from April 2023 to August 2024.
• He has also held significant roles, including Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying in the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
• Singh succeeds Giridhar Aramane, a 1988-batch IAS officer from Andhra Pradesh cadre, who retired from service on October 31, 2024.
• This leadership change marks an important transition in India’s defence administration as Singh steps into a pivotal role in shaping national security policy and defence strategies.

  Other Key Secretarial Appointments in India:

• Finance Secretary – Tuhin Kanta Pandey (succeeded T V Somanathan)
• Secretary of Ministry of Corporate Affairs – Deepti Gaur Mukherjee (succeeded Manoj Govil)
• Foreign Secretary – Vikram Misri (succeeded Vinay Mohan Kwatra)
• Home Secretary – Govind Mohan (succeeded Ajay Kumar Bhalla)
• Cabinet Secretary – T V Somanathan (succeeded Rajiv Gauba)
• Secretary of DPIIT – Amardeep Singh Bhatia
• Expenditure Secretary – Manoj Govil (succeeded T V Somanathan)
• Revenue Secretary – Sanjay Malhotra
• Defence Secretary – Rajesh Kumar Singh
• Economic Affairs Secretary – Ajay Seth
• MoSPI Secretary – G. P. Samanta

                         Defence News

Indian Army Contingent Departs for 9th India-Indonesia Joint Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24.

• A contingent of the Indian Army has departed for Jakarta, Indonesia, to participate in the 9th edition of the India-Indonesia Joint Exercise, GARUD SHAKTI 24.
• The exercise will take place from November 1 to November 12, 2024 and aims to enhance the cooperation, interoperability, and mutual understanding between the special forces of India and Indonesia.
• The Indian contingent, consisting of 25 personnel from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), will join their Indonesian counterparts, including 40 personnel from the Kopassus (Indonesian Special Forces).
• The focus of the exercise is to familiarize both sides with each other's operational procedures and to strengthen tactical military drills.
• The training will include counter-terrorism operations, jungle warfare, and other joint special forces activities.
• This exercise plays a crucial role in improving bilateral defence relations and furthering strategic collaboration between the two nations, enhancing their combined military capabilities.

Indian Army Contingent Leaves for 15th India-US Joint Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR.

• The Indian Army contingent has departed for the 15th edition of the India-US Joint Exercise, VAJRA PRAHAR, which will be held from November 2 to November 22, 2024, at the Orchard Combat Training Center in Idaho, USA.
• This exercise is designed to strengthen military cooperation between the two nations, focusing on enhancing interoperability, jointness, and the exchange of special operations tactics.
• The Indian contingent, consisting of elite special forces, will train alongside US Army counterparts to improve their combined capabilities in executing joint special operations, particularly in desert and semi-desert environments.
• The VAJRA PRAHAR series has been a key part of the growing defence partnership between India and the United States, fostering mutual trust, improving tactical skills, and deepening military collaboration.
• This edition of the exercise follows the YUDH ABHYAS 2024, which was held in Rajasthan earlier this year, marking another significant milestone in Indo-US military cooperation.

                         Sports News

Ravindra Jadeja Becomes India’s 5th Highest Wicket-Taker in Tests.

• Ravindra Jadeja has etched his name in Indian cricket history by becoming the 5th highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket.
• On the opening day of the third and final Test against New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium, Jadeja surpassed both Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma, who had 311 Test wickets each, to reach a career milestone of 312 wickets.
• With this achievement, Jadeja now ranks just behind Harbhajan Singh, who took 417 wickets in 103 Tests.
• Jadeja’s remarkable consistency with the ball has solidified his place as one of India’s most successful bowlers in the longest format of the game.
• In addition to his impressive wicket tally, Jadeja also equaled Abdul Qadir of Pakistan for the most five-wicket hauls by a spinner in Test cricket on home soil, with both players having 12 five-wicket hauls in India.
• Jadeja’s achievement further cements his legacy in Indian cricket alongside greats like Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne.

Mansi Ahlawat Wins Bronze at Senior World Wrestling Championships.

• India’s Mansi Ahlawat has clinched the bronze medal in the women's 59kg category at the Senior World Wrestling Championships held in Tirana, Albania.
• Ahlawat delivered a dominant performance, defeating Laurence Beauregard of Canada 5-0 in the bronze medal match, securing her place on the podium.
• This achievement adds another prestigious medal to India’s wrestling legacy.
• The gold in the category was won by Risako Kinjo of Japan, while Tserenchimed Sukhee of Mongolia took the silver.
• Ahlawat shared the bronze with Elena Heike Brugger of Germany.
• Mansi Ahlawat’s strong showing at the World Wrestling Championships highlights her growing prowess on the international stage and further strengthens India’s reputation in the sport.

Krisha Verma Wins Gold at U19 World Boxing Championships.

• Krisha Verma has won the gold medal in the U19 World Boxing Championships held in Colorado, USA.
• In a stellar performance, Krisha defeated Lerika Simon of Germany with a dominant 5-0 scoreline in the final to claim the top prize in the female 52kg category.
• Her victory not only marks a major achievement in her young boxing career but also adds to India's growing success in the sport at the global level.
• Krisha Verma’s gold medal highlights her skill, determination, and potential as one of the rising stars of Indian boxing.
• The U19 World Boxing Championships provided young athletes from around the world an opportunity to showcase their talent, and Krisha’s triumph will inspire many aspiring boxers across India.

                              Obituary

Bibek Debroy, Renowned Economist, Passes Away at 69.

• Bibek Debroy, a prominent Indian economist and the Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (EAC-PM), has passed away at the age of 69.
• A respected scholar and policy expert, Debroy made significant contributions to economic thought, public policy, and development in India.
• In addition to his role at the Economic Advisory Council, Debroy was widely known for his work in economic research and his efforts in translating ancient Sanskrit texts.
• He was a Padma Shri awardee, recognized for his extensive contributions to India's economic and intellectual landscape.
• Debroy’s passing is a loss not only to the academic community but also to India’s policymaking circles, where his insights and advice played a pivotal role in shaping economic reforms.
• His work continues to inspire future generations of economists and policymakers.