Current Affairs | National | International | SSC | UPSC 4th November 2024

1. Himachal Pradesh’s Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park’ set to become India’s first Zoo with IGBC certification 

• The upcoming ‘Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park’ at Bankhandi in Kangra district would become India’s first zoo to receive certification from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for its sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives. 
• The project has officially been registered with the IGBC, focusing on both building and landscape certifications, which will validate the park’s adherence to high environmental standards. 
• The certification underscores the state’s priority on integrating sustainability into tourism and infrastructure development. Once completed, Durgesh Aranya will not only be a tourist attraction, but also a model for sustainable infrastructure, blending conservation with innovation. 
• The first phase of the zoological park project will cover an area of 25 hectares with an estimated cost of Rs 230 crore. It is slated to be completed by the third quarter of 2025. 
• The entire project with a total outlay of Rs 619 crore aims to establish the park as a cornerstone for boosting the tourism sector in Kangra and its nearby districts. 

2. 18-Year-Old Nepal’s Nima Rinji Sherpa Conquered World’s 14 Highest Peaks 

• At just 18 years old, Nepal’s Nima Rinji Sherpa has achieved a milestone few have accomplished, becoming the youngest climber to reach all 14 of the world’s tallest mountains, known as the “eight-thousanders.” 
• Mr Rinji’s journey culminated with the summit of Shishapangma, Nepal’s 8,027-metre peak, alongside climbing partner Pasang Nurbu Sherpa. 

3. Praveena Rai takes over as CEO and MD of Multi Commodity Exchange of India 

• Praveena Rai has appointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD and CEO) of Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX). 
• Her term as MD and CEO is set for five years. 
• With over three decades of experience, Rai is a prominent figure in India’s financial sector, notably contributing to digital and strategic advancements. 
• Prior to joining MCX, Rai served as chief operating officer at the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), where she played a key role in formulating business, operational, and technical strategies and shaping the organisation’s industry impact. 

Recent Appointment 

• Chairman of Airports Authority of India – Vipin Kumar 
• MD and CEO of Bharti Airtel – Shashwat Sharma (replace Gopal Vittal) effect from 1 Jan 
• DG of ICRISAT – Dr. Himanshu Pathak 
• Chairperson of the Board of National Pension System (NPS) Trust – Chitra Jayasimha (replace Venkata Rao Yadagani) 
• Secretary of the Ministry of Coal – Vikram Dev Dutt 

4. RK Singh takes over as Defence Secretary 

• Rajesh Kumar Singh took over as Defence Secretary. He is a 1989-batch IAS officer from Kerala cadre. 
• Earlier, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh was holding the charge of Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry from April 24, 2023 to August 20, 2024. 
• Prior to that, he held the post of Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying. 
• RK Singh succeeds Shri Giridhar Aramane, a 1988-batch IAS officer of Andhra Pradesh cadre, who superannuated from service on October 31, 2024. 

Other Important Secretaries 

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

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

• Ravindra Jadeja surpassed Ishant Sharma to become the fifth-highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket. 
• He achieved this significant landmark on the opening day of the third and final Test of the series against New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium here. 
• Jadeja went past both Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma, who have 311 Test wickets under their kitty apiece, to reach this position with a tally of 312 wickets. 
• With 312 wickets, Jadeja now stands just behind Harbhajan Singh, who claimed 417 wickets across 103 Tests. 
• Apart from this, Ravindra Jadeja has equalled Pakistan spinner Abdul Qadir in the list of most five-wicket hauls by a spinner at home in Test cricket. 
• In the list of most five-fors, Jadeja is currently joint-eighth with Qadir, who picked up 168 wickets from 40 Tests from 1977 to 1990. Both Qadir and Jadeja have 12 five-wicket hauls in home Tests.
• Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan is on top of the list with 493 wickets and 45 five-wicket hauls from 73 Tests. Ravi Ashwin, Rangana Herath, Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh, Shane Warne and Shakib Al Hasan also feature in the list. 

6. Mansi Ahlawat wins Bronze in women’s 59kg at Senior World Wrestling Championships 

• In Wrestling, India’s Mansi Ahlawat has clinched the bronze medal in the women’s 59kg category at the Seniors World Championships, in Tirana, Albania. 
• Mansi defeated Laurence Beauregard of Canada, 5-NIL, in the bronze medal match. 
• Risako Kinjo of Japan won the Gold, Tserenchimed Sukhee of Mongolia grabbed the Silver, while Elena Heike Brugger of Germany shared the Bronze with Mansi. 

7. Krisha Verma clinches Gold Medal at U19 World Boxing Championships 

• India’s Krisha Verma clinched a gold medal at the U19 World Boxing Championships in Colorado, USA. Krisha defeated Lerika Simon of Germany 5-0 to win the gold medal. 
• Chanchal Chaudhary, however, went down to Ruby White of England in the female 48kg category final as the Indian boxer was disqualified, forcing her to settle for the silver medal. 

8. 2 November – International Day To End Impunity For Crimes Against Journalists 

• November 2 is observed as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. 
• Proclaimed by the United Nations, this day focuses on addressing the urgent need to protect journalists and bring those who harm them to justice. 
• It’s a day to stand up for the right to freedom of expression and to honor those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of truth. 

9. 1 November – World Vegan Day 

• World Vegan Day is celebrated annually on 1 November, unites vegans worldwide to promote the benefits of plant-based living for individuals, animals, and the environment. 
• The day serves as an opportunity to educate the public about veganism and its positive impact on ethical, environmental, and health concerns. 
• Theme 2024- Many Lives 
• The Vegan Society, founded in England, established World Vegan Day in 1994 to mark the organization’s 50th anniversary and to celebrate the inclusion of the word ‘vegan’ in the English language. 

10. 3 November – World Jellyfish Day 

• World Jellyfish Day is observed every year on 3 November. 
• This day raises awareness about these fascinating marine creatures known for their umbrella-shaped bodies and trailing tentacles. 
• World Jellyfish Day was established in 2014 by marine biologists to raise awareness of the vital role jellyfish play in marine ecosystems. 

11. Bibek Debroy passes away at 69 

• Bibek Debroy, a renowned Indian economist and the Chief of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Economic Advisory Council (EAC-PM), passed away at the age of 69. 
• The Padma Shri awardee was widely respected for his contributions to economic policy, scholarly work, and his efforts in translating ancient Sanskrit texts.