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1. Praveena Rai took over as CEO and MD of Multi Commodity Exchange of India.

On October 31, Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX) Ltd announced that Praveena Rai has officially assumed the position of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer with effect from October 31, 2024.
At the annual general meeting held on September 26, Rai's appointment was confirmed by the company's board, regulators and shareholders.
Rai's tenure as MD and CEO is for five years.
Rai is a prominent figure in India's financial sector with over three decades of experience, having made significant contributions to digital and strategic advancements.
Before joining MCX, Rai served as Chief Operating Officer at National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
Her career has also included leadership roles as Regional Head of Payments, Asia Pacific at HSBC, and prior to that she has also worked at Citigroup Global Services and Kotak Mahindra Bank.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the upcoming 'Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park' at Bankhandi in Kangra district will become India's first zoo to receive certification from the Indian Green Building Council for its sustainable and eco-friendly initiative.
Chief Minister said the project has been officially registered with the IGBC, which will focus on both building and landscape certification, certifying the park’s compliance with high environmental standards.
The Chief Minister said that this certification underlines the State's priority of integrating sustainability in tourism and infrastructure development.
He said that once completed, Durgesh Aranya will not only be a tourist attraction but also a model of sustainable infrastructure combining conservation and innovation.
The first phase of the zoological park project will cover an area of 25 hectares with an estimated cost of ₹230 crore.
It is targeted to be completed by the third quarter of 2025.
With a total cost of Rs 619 crore, the aim of the entire project is to establish the park as a cornerstone to boost the tourism sector in Kangra and its surrounding districts.

'Vajra Prahar Exercise' is being organised from 2 to 22 November at the Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, USA.
Its aim is to enhance joint capabilities and develop inter-operability in carrying out joint special forces operations in desert and semi-desert environments.
The 15th edition of the India-US Joint Special Forces Exercise will provide an opportunity to both sides to share their best practices and experiences in conducting joint special forces operations.
The 14th edition of the exercise was held in December 2023 at Umroi in Meghalaya.
This will be the second exercise this year between the Indian Army and the US Army, before this 'Yudh Abhyas' was held in Rajasthan in September.
The Indian Army contingent is being represented by the Special Forces Unit, while the US Army contingent is being represented by the US Army Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets.

The session, inaugurated at Bharat Mandapam, is being held under the presidency of India and co-presidency of France.
During the session, initiatives of International Solar Alliance (ISA) that impact energy access, security and traditions will be deliberated.
In the Assembly, ministers, mission heads, and delegates from 120 Member and Signatory Countries, along with partner organisations and stakeholders, will come together.
During this three-day assembly, the initiatives to improve energy access, security, and transition will be in major focus.
At this assembly, updates on ISA’s flagship initiatives for entrepreneurs will be presented.
Udates on ISA’s flagship initiatives for skill enhancement and capacity building, mobilising finance, and advocacy for solar as energy as a choice will also be presented.

He served as chairman of PM's Economic Advisory Council since 2017.
He was chairman of the Expert Committee for Infrastructure Classification and Financing Framework for Amrit Kaal under the Union finance ministry.
He has been a member of NITI Aayog from 2015 till 2019.
He received the Padma Shri in 2015. He was born in Meghalaya.
He was known for translating the Bhagwad Gita, Mahabharata, Ramayana and the Puranas into English.