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President Droupadi Murmu visited the Indian Navy’s indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant

On November 7, 2024, President Droupadi Murmu visited the Indian Navy’s indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, marking her first time aboard Navy vessels at sea. After arriving at INS Hansa in Goa, she was greeted by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, with a ceremonial Guard of Honour in her honor. Aboard INS Vikrant, the President observed a series of naval demonstrations, including deck-based fighter operations, missile drills, submarine maneuvers, and a flypast involving over 30 aircraft.

National Cancer Awareness Day: November 7

National Cancer Awareness Day is observed annually on November 7, aiming to raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. Established in 2014, this day highlights the importance of public education on cancer and emphasizes early intervention to improve survival rates.

It coincides with the birth anniversary of Marie Curie, whose discoveries of radium and polonium have significantly contributed to cancer treatment. On this day, free screenings are offered at municipal clinics, government hospitals, and CGHS facilities to encourage early detection.

Mandeep Jangra won the World Boxing Federation’s Super Featherweight world title

Indian boxer Mandeep Jangra won the World Boxing Federation’s (WBF) Super Featherweight world title in the Cayman Islands, defeating Britain’s Conor McIntosh with a unanimous 10-0 decision on November 5, 2024. This victory makes Mandeep the first Indian to achieve a world champion title in any professional boxing category.

A Commonwealth Games silver medalist from 2014, Mandeep has had an impressive professional record, winning 11 out of 12 fights, including seven knockouts, with only one loss in his career.

Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election

On November 6, 2024, Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election, securing 277 electoral votes, surpassing the required 270 and defeating Democrat Kamala Harris. His victory, clinched with a key win in Wisconsin and other swing states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, and North Carolina, sparked celebrations among Republicans as Trump became the 47th U.S. President.

In his victory speech from Palm Beach, Florida, Trump pledged to focus on ending global conflicts, emphasizing a commitment to “stop wars, not start them.” He also reiterated his immigration policy stance, advocating for stricter border control and legal immigration pathways, and expressed gratitude to his supporters, including immigrant communities. His running mate, JD Vance, praised Trump’s win as a historic political comeback.

World leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, congratulated Trump on his win through social media platform X. Italian President Giorgia Meloni and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also extended congratulations.

India reduces tuberculosis (TB) cases with a 17.7% drop from 2015 to 2023

India’s progress in reducing tuberculosis (TB) has gained global recognition, with a 17.7% drop in TB cases from 2015 to 2023. This decline is more than twice the global average of 8.3%, according to the World Health Organization’s Global Tuberculosis Report 2024.

India committed to achieving the United Nations’ “End TB” targets by 2025, five years before the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) deadline. This progress reflects the success of India’s National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme, which has led to an 80% decrease in TB cases and a 90% reduction in TB deaths since 2015.

Four-day Chhath Puja festival began on November 5, 2024

The four-day Chhath Puja festival began on November 5, 2024, with the ritual of Nahay-Khay. Devotees started the festival by taking holy dips in rivers and performing puja to the Sun God, consuming offerings like Arwa rice and Chana dal. In Bihar, large gatherings formed along the Ganga, Kosi, Gandak, and other rivers.

On November 6, the Kharna ritual will be observed, followed by a strict 36-hour fast without water. The First Arghya, offerings to the setting Sun, will be given on November 7, and the festival will conclude on November 8 with a final Arghya to the rising Sun. Devotees will gather at riverbanks and famous Sun temples across Bihar. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar extended greetings for Chhath Puja.

World’s first wooden satellite, LignoSat was launched into space by Japan

On November 5, 2024, Japan launched LignoSat, the world’s first wooden satellite, into space to test wood’s viability as a space-grade material. Developed by Kyoto University researchers, LignoSat is made from honoki wood, traditionally used for sword sheaths.

After a 10-month experiment on the ISS, honoki was found to be the most suitable timber for space applications. Constructed using a traditional Japanese technique without screws or glue, LignoSat will orbit Earth for six months, testing wood’s resilience to extreme temperatures (-100 to 100°C) and its potential to shield semiconductors from space radiation.

‘Sunflowers Were The First Ones To Know’ qualifies for 2025 Oscars Short Film category

The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) student film Sunflowers Were The First Ones To Know has qualified for the 2025 Oscars in the Live Action Short Film category. Directed by FTII student Chidananda S Naik, this Kannada short film is inspired by Indian folk stories and traditions. Earlier, it won first prize at the Cannes Film Festival’s La Cinef Selection, where the jury praised its storytelling and direction.

The film follows the story of an elderly woman who steals the village rooster, causing sunlight to disappear and bringing chaos to the community. A prophecy then forces her family into exile to retrieve the rooster and restore peace.

Sunflowers will have special screenings and events to connect with global audiences, showcasing India’s storytelling traditions and universal themes that resonate worldwide.

5th edition of Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise from 4 to 23 November at Ambala

The fifth Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise (VINBAX) 2024 began on November 4, 2024, in Ambala, Haryana. The goal of VINBAX-2024 is to strengthen the joint military abilities of India and Vietnam.

This year’s exercise is special because, for the first time, it includes personnel from both the Army and Air Force of each country. The Indian Army has sent 47 personnel, including a Regiment of the Corps of Engineers and members from other units. VINBAX-2024 will end on November 23.

Meluri becomes 17th district of Nagaland

Meluri, home to the Pochury Naga tribe, has been officially declared the 17th district of Nagaland. The state government announced that Meluri, previously a sub-division of Phek District, is now a full district.

An official notice from Chief Secretary Dr. J. Alam on November 2, 2024, confirmed that the new district will include the area that was part of Meluri Sub-Division. This decision, approved by the Cabinet on November 1, is intended to enhance governance and development in the region.

Ningol Chakkouba festival celebrated in Manipur

The Ningol Chakkouba festival, one of Manipur’s biggest, was celebrated on November 3, 2024. It is a special festival for the Meitei community but is now enjoyed by other communities too.

Ningol Chakkouba happens each year on the second day of the Meitei lunar month called Hiyangei. On this day, married sisters come to their maternal homes for a big feast and happy reunion, where gifts are exchanged. Traditionally, the brother invites his sister a week before the festival. Many Manipuris celebrate this festival even when they are living outside Manipur.

15th India-US joint Special Forces exercise, VAJRA PRAHAR, at Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, USA

The 15th India-US joint Special Forces exercise, VAJRA PRAHAR, began on September 2, 2024, at Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, USA, and will end on September 22. The previous VAJRA PRAHAR was held in December 2023 in Umroi, Meghalaya. This is the second India-US Army exercise of the year, following YUDH ABHYAS 2024, which took place in Rajasthan in September.

In VAJRA PRAHAR, each country’s contingent includes 45 personnel: Special Forces units from India and Green Berets from the US. The goal is to improve military cooperation, focusing on interoperability, joint operations, and tactical skills in desert and semi-desert environments, with emphasis on physical fitness and joint planning.

ISRO launch India’s first analog space mission in Leh, Ladakh

ISRO has launched India’s first analog space mission in Leh, Ladakh, simulating life in an interplanetary habitat to advance India’s lunar and interplanetary mission goals. Analog missions are conducted in Earth locations with conditions that mimic space environments, helping to test and solve challenges for space research. Ladakh’s dry, cold climate and high-altitude terrain resemble Martian and lunar landscapes, making it ideal for such a mission.

The month-long mission includes a compact, inflatable habitat named Hab-1, equipped with a hydroponics farm, kitchen, and sanitation, creating a self-sustaining environment. This setup offers insights into sustaining human life for long-term space missions to the Moon and Mars. Collaboratively organized by ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Centre, AAKA Space Studio, University of Ladakh, IIT Bombay, and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, the mission also leverages Ladakh’s low-oxygen, low-pressure conditions to evaluate life support systems, essential for future interplanetary missions.

Formation Day of 8 States And 5 Union Territories on November 1

On November 1, eight states and five Union Territories celebrate their Foundation Day. These include Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, along with the UTs of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Delhi, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes, recognizing their contributions to the nation.

  • Andhra Pradesh was the first state created based on language, formed on November 1, 1956, after the split of Hyderabad State.
  • Karnataka, previously called Mysore, was restructured on November 1, 1956, uniting Kannada-speaking regions. It celebrates “Rajyotsava Day” with parades and cultural programs.
  • Kerala was also formed on November 1, 1956, by merging Malabar, Cochin, and Travancore, celebrating its rich heritage and literacy achievements.
  • Madhya Pradesh, known as India’s “heart,” was reorganized on November 1, 1956, with celebrations including traditional performances and awards.
  • Chhattisgarh became India’s 26th state on November 1, 2000, and is renowned as the “rice bowl of India.”
  • Haryana was carved out from Punjab on November 1, 1966, due to linguistic distinctions, honoring its legacy in agriculture and sports.
  • Punjab was restructured on the same day in 1966 to establish a state for Punjabi speakers, highlighting its vibrant culture and history.

Rajesh Kumar Singh, IAS became the Defence Secretary

Rajesh Kumar Singh, an IAS officer from the 1989 Kerala cadre, became the Defence Secretary on November 1, 2024. He replaced Giridhar Aramane, a 1988 Andhra Pradesh cadre IAS officer, who retired the day before. Before starting his new role, Mr. Singh paid respects at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.

Previously, he was the Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. He has held various key roles in the Union Government and also served as Secretary for Urban Development and Finance in Kerala.

Mansi Ahlawat won a bronze medal in the women’s 59kg category at the Seniors World Wrestling Championships

India’s Mansi Ahlawat won a bronze medal in the women’s 59kg category at the Seniors World Wrestling Championships in Tirana, Albania. She defeated Canada’s Laurence Beauregard with a score of 5-0 in the bronze medal match.

Japan’s Risako Kinjo claimed the gold medal, Mongolia’s Tserenchimed Sukhee took the silver, and Germany’s Elena Heike Brugger shared the bronze with Mansi.

Deepotsav 2024: Ayodhya sets Guinness World Records with over 25 lakh diyas 

Ayodhya set two Guinness World Records on October 30, 2024, during Deepotsav. Over 2.5 million diyas were lit on the Saryu River banks, and the most people performed a simultaneous ‘diya’ rotation.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath received the Guinness certificates, joined by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak.

Festivities Highlights:

  • The riverbanks and ghats were adorned with diyas, and the night included laser shows, Ram Leela reenactments, a drone show, and fireworks.
  • This Deepotsav was especially significant, being the first after the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of Ram Lala at Ayodhya temple.
  • A procession led by CM Yogi featured Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman, symbolizing their return to Ayodhya.
  • Eighteen tableaux showcased key events from Lord Ram’s life, organized by the Information and Tourism Departments.

Unity Day- October 31st, birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Unity Day, also known as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, is celebrated in India on October 31st each year to honor the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the country’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. Known as the Iron Man of India, Patel played a crucial role in the political integration of India by merging over 560 princely states into the Union of India.

The day is marked by various events, including the Run for Unity, where people from all walks of life participate in marathons to symbolize the unity and integrity of the nation. Government officials, students, and citizens come together to take a pledge to preserve the unity, integrity, and security of the country.

Unity Day serves as a reminder of Patel’s vision and efforts to create a united India, and it continues to inspire people to work towards national integration and harmony.

PM Modi launched the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) on 29 October 2024. This scheme provides free annual health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh for every citizen aged 70 and above, regardless of income. It aims to ease healthcare expenses for the elderly and support their well-being.

The scheme has already helped 4 crore people, and the new card specifically targets senior citizens to expand healthcare access. To use the card, beneficiaries must register through the PM-JAY portal or app and complete eKYC.

This expansion will cost ₹3,437 crore and aims to address India’s rapidly aging population. By 2050, around 19.5% of Indians will be elderly. Nearly 6 crore elderly people are expected to benefit, including those already covered by existing schemes like CGHS and ECHS.

Yashaswini Ghorpade and Krittwika Roy won the women’s doubles title at the WTT Feeder Cagliari table tennis tournament

On October 27, 2024, India’s Yashaswini Ghorpade and Krittwika Roy won the women’s doubles title at the WTT Feeder Cagliari table tennis tournament in Italy. They defeated South Korea’s Yoo Siwoo and Kim Haeun 3-1 in the final match. Earlier in the tournament, the Indian team, seeded second, won against Italy’s Arianna Barani and Maria Picu 3-0 in the first round and Japan’s Sachi Aoki and Sakura Yokoi 3-0 in the quarter-finals.

In the semi-final, they defeated Germany’s Sophia Klee and Franziska Schreiner 3-1 to reach the final. Additionally, Yashaswini Ghorpade reached the mixed doubles semi-finals with Harmeet Desai, but they lost 3-0 to Italy’s John Oyebode and Gaia Monfardini.

AIIMS Delhi starts GRASSROOT trial to evaluate advanced stent retriever for stroke treatment

On October 28, 2024, AIIMS Delhi announced the start of the GRASSROOT clinical trial in New Delhi. This trial will test the safety and effectiveness of a new stent retriever designed for treating stroke clots. AIIMS explained that this device is specifically made to address the needs of stroke patients in India.

Dr. Sailesh Gaikwad, Head of Neurosciences at AIIMS, stated that the trial aims to improve stroke recovery and set new standards for stroke care. He also mentioned that the treatment would be affordable to make it accessible to more patients in India and globally.

PM Modi and Spanish PM launch C-295 aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara

On October 28, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez inaugurated the Tata Aircraft Complex in Vadodara, India, to build C-295 military aircraft. This complex is India’s first private-sector assembly line for making military planes.

The project includes many Indian defense companies, like Bharat Electronics Ltd., Bharat Dynamics Ltd., and various smaller businesses. Out of the 56 C-295 aircraft for India, Tata will make 40 in Vadodara, while Airbus will supply 16 from Spain.

The leaders also visited the Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara and held talks. They announced that 2026 will be celebrated as the Year of Cultural Tourism and Artificial Intelligence between India and Spain.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is visiting India for three days

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is visiting India for three days. This is his first visit to India, and the first visit by a Spanish Prime Minister in 18 years. His wife, Begona Gomez, is with him on this trip.

Prime Minister Sanchez will meet with India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, for official talks. Together, they will open the TATA Aircraft Complex in Vadodara on October 28, 2024. This new facility will produce C-295 military aircraft and is India’s first private assembly line for military planes. It is part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, created through a partnership between Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus Spain.

During his visit, Sanchez will also meet with India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar. He will then travel to Mumbai to speak with leaders from business, think tanks, and the film industry. India and Spain are also expected to sign several agreements to strengthen their relationship.

Arjun Erigaisi crosses  2800 Elo rating mark in Chess; second Indian to achieve the mark

Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi reached the prestigious 2800 Elo rating milestone with a win at the European Chess Club Cup in Serbia on October 24, 2024. At 21, he became only the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to achieve this.

Erigaisi secured this rating by defeating Russian Grandmaster Dmitry Andreikin in Round 5 with the White pieces, propelling him to world No. 3 in the rankings. Elo ratings are widely used to measure chess players’ skill levels.

Manika Batra Makes History as First Indian Table Tennis Player to Reach Top 8 at WTT Champions Event

Manika Batra made history as the first Indian table tennis player to reach the quarterfinals at the WTT Champions Montpellier 2024 in France on October 27, 2024. Ranked 30th globally, she defeated Romania’s world No. 14 Bernadette Szocs 3-1 to secure her spot in the top eight, following a 3-0 win over the USA’s Lily Zhang.

However, in the quarterfinals, she was defeated 3-0 by China’s Qian Tianyi, who is ranked 21st and recently bested the world No. 4, Wang Yidi. Earlier in the year, Batra also beat Szocs during India’s 3-2 victory over Romania at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Cyclone ‘Dana’ made landfall early morning on October 25, 2024 in coastal Odisha

Cyclone ‘Dana’ made landfall early morning on October 25, 2024, between Bhitarkanika in Kendrapara district and Dhamra in Bhadrak district, Odisha.

  • Wind speeds reached approximately 110 kmph along the Odisha coast, causing damage across Kendrapara, Bhadrak, and Balasore districts.
  • Power lines were snapped, large trees uprooted, and thatched and asbestos houses and paddy crops sustained significant damage.
  • No casualties have been reported, aligning with the state’s ‘Zero Casualty Mission’.
  • Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed the situation, instructed district collectors to assess damage, and conducted an aerial survey of affected areas.
  • Roads were cleared by disaster response teams, and power restoration is expected by the afternoon.
  • Residents who took shelter in cyclone centers are returning home, and services at Bhubaneswar’s airport and railway station have resumed.
  • The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) downgraded ‘Dana’ to a deep depression as it moves further inland.

Kho Kho World Cup from January 13–19, 2025, at New Delhi

The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) announced the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup, set for January 13–19, 2025, at New Delhi’s IGI Stadium, marking a significant global debut for the traditional Indian sport. Twenty-four nations from six continents will compete, with both men’s and women’s divisions hosting 12 teams each. Participating nations include:

  • Africa: Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda
  • Asia: India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, South Korea, Sri Lanka
  • Europe: England, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland
  • North America: Canada, United States
  • South America: Brazil, Peru
  • Oceania: Australia, New Zealand

Men’s Division: 16 teams will compete, including India, Pakistan, and Australia.
Women’s Division: Key teams include India, Kenya, and Germany, with Pakistan fielding teams in both divisions.

KKFI president Sudhanshu Mittal emphasized the tournament’s importance for elevating Kho Kho globally, with the official tagline, #TheWorldGoesKho, unveiled alongside an exhibition match between Team Maharashtra and the Rest of India. KKFI aims to solidify Kho Kho’s international appeal and growth through this event.

Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) celebrated its 63rd Raising Day on October 24, 2024

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) celebrated its 63rd Raising Day on October 24, 2024. This special occasion commemorates the formation of the ITBP, which plays a crucial role in safeguarding India’s borders along the Himalayas.

The day is marked by various events, including a grand parade showcasing the diverse skills of ITBP personnel, such as women contingents, ski units, mounted columns, paratroopers, mountaineering teams, and dog squads.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders extended their greetings and praised the ITBP for their valour and dedication in protecting the nation under harsh conditions.

United Nations Day, observed annually on October 24

United Nations Day, observed annually on October 24, celebrates the founding of the United Nations in 1945 when the UN Charter came into force. Established post-World War II, the UN was created to foster global peace, security, and cooperation.

The charter drafting began on April 25, 1945, with representatives from 50 countries gathering in San Francisco; it was adopted on June 25 and formally enacted on October 24. United Nations Day highlights the organization’s crucial role in international diplomacy, humanitarian aid, and global development.

2024 BRICS Summit : Key points from the Kazan declaration

The 2024 BRICS Summit, held in Kazan, Russia from October 22 to 24, focused on various global issues. Key points from the Kazan declaration include:

  1. Ukraine: BRICS emphasized the need for adherence to the UN Charter and supported peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.
  2. Middle East: The group expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, condemning Israeli military actions in Gaza, West Bank, and Southern Lebanon, and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
  3. Western Sanctions: BRICS criticized unilateral sanctions, highlighting their negative impact on the global economy and sustainable development goals.
  4. International Financial System: They advocated for reforms to make the global financial architecture more inclusive and equitable.
  5. BRICS Grain Exchange: A new initiative was launched for a commodities trading platform, starting with grain, aimed at expanding to other agricultural sectors.
  6. Cross-Border Payment System: BRICS welcomed the use of local currencies and development of a more efficient, transparent, and inclusive cross-border payment system.
  7. BRICS Clear Depository: The group discussed establishing an independent cross-border settlement and depository infrastructure to support financial market resilience.
  8. Financial Innovation: They encouraged interbank cooperation to promote innovative financing solutions, including transactions in local currencies.
  9. IMF and G20: BRICS reaffirmed their support for a well-resourced IMF and emphasized the importance of the G20 for global economic cooperation.
  10. Pandemic Prevention: They supported initiatives for early warning systems and vaccine research to prevent future pandemics.
  11. Big Cats Conservation: BRICS acknowledged India’s initiative to create an International Big Cats Alliance for the preservation of endangered big cats.

International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is a global coalition launched by India in April 2023 to conserve the world’s seven principal big cat species: tigers, lions, snow leopards, leopards, jaguars, pumas, and cheetahs. The initiative aims to prevent illegal wildlife trade, promote natural habitat conservation, and mobilize resources for protection efforts..

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