Monthly Current Affairs November 2024 : Comprehensive Highlights
India’s Core Sector Growth Recovery in October 2024
India’s core sector growth registered a notable improvement of 3.1% in October 2024, marking the second consecutive month of recovery. This follows a revised 2.4% growth in September and a contraction of 0.1% in August, which was the lowest in 22 months. The core sector, comprising coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilizers, steel, cement, and electricity, contributes 40% to the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).
- Coal Production: Grew by 7.8% year-on-year (YoY), reflecting significant output from key mining areas.
- Refinery Products: Increased by 5.2%, showcasing steady capacity utilization.
- Steel Output: Rose by 4.2%, driven by demand in construction and manufacturing.
- Cement Production: Increased by 3.3%, indicating strong infrastructure activity.
- Fertilizers: Saw marginal growth of 0.4%, while electricity generation improved by 0.6%, with a cumulative growth of 5.3% YoY.
- Crude Oil and Natural Gas: Declined by 4.8% and 1.2%, respectively.
Economists predict India’s economy will gain momentum in Q3 and Q4 of FY25, supported by festive season demand and policy measures. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) projects GDP growth of 7.4% in the second half of FY25.
Ayushman Bharat Scheme Advances Senior Citizen Healthcare
The government has made significant strides in senior citizen welfare under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
- As of November 25, 2024, over 14 lakh Ayushman Vay Vandana cards have been issued to senior citizens aged 70 and above.
- Approximately 4.5 crore families, representing around 6 crore individuals, benefit from this initiative.
- Since its launch in 2018, a total of 35.89 crore Ayushman cards have been created as of October 31, 2024.
This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare coverage to vulnerable populations.
30th Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF): Spotlight on French Cinema
The 30th edition of the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) will run from December 4 to 11, 2024, showcasing films from 41 countries with a special focus on French cinema.
- Film Lineup: A total of 175 films will be screened, including works by contemporary French women filmmakers like Caroline Vignal, Celine Rouzet, and Elise Otzenberger.
- Tribute to Classics: Iconic French films will also be featured, alongside an impressive array of Indian and international cinema.
- Interactive Sessions: Eminent personalities, including Vidya Balan and R. Balki, will participate in seminars and discussions.
Australia Enacts Social Media Ban for Minors
Australia has become the first country to ban children under 16 from using social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.
- Legislation Highlights:
- Platforms face fines of up to AUD 50 million for non-compliance.
- Companies have a year to implement changes.
- Public Response:
- Advocates view this as a critical step toward protecting minors from online harm.
- Critics argue the move could lead to privacy issues and unintentional harm to vulnerable youth.
‘Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman’ Campaign
The Department of Justice launched the ‘Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman’ campaign to commemorate 75 years of India’s Republic and the adoption of its Constitution.
- Portal Launch: The Hamara Samvidhan Hamara Samman Portal, launched on July 16, 2024, serves as a repository of knowledge about constitutional rights, legal literacy, and fundamental duties.
- Public Engagement: Over 1.29 lakh citizens have participated in activities like quizzes and Preamble readings, promoting constitutional awareness across the country.
India Secures $98 Million ADB Loan for Horticulture
India has obtained a $98 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to enhance horticulture productivity and climate resilience.
- Focus Areas:
- Establishing disease-free planting systems.
- Strengthening regulatory frameworks for plant health management.
- Outcome: This initiative aligns with the Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme (CPP) to boost crop yields and quality.
Miscellaneous Highlights for November 2024
- Real-Time Billionaire List: Elon Musk, with an estimated net worth of $263.8 billion, remains the world’s richest person.
- US Elections: Donald Trump won the U.S. Presidential election, becoming the 47th President, with JD Vance as his Vice President.
- IFFI 2024 Tributes: The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) celebrated centenaries of legends like Raj Kapoor and Mohammed Rafi, with restored classics screened.
- Sustainable Leadership: Hindalco Industries was ranked the world’s most sustainable aluminum company for the fifth consecutive year by S&P Global.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What was India’s core sector growth in October 2024?
a) 2.4%
b) 3.1%
c) 0.1%
d) 7.8%
Answer: b) 3.1%
2. How many Ayushman Vay Vandana cards were issued by November 25, 2024?
a) 10 lakh
b) 14 lakh
c) 20 lakh
d) 35 lakh
Answer: b) 14 lakh
3. Which country banned children under 16 from social media platforms in November 2024?
a) Canada
b) United States
c) Australia
d) United Kingdom
Answer: c) Australia
4. Who remains the world’s richest person as of November 2024?
a) Jeff Bezos
b) Warren Buffett
c) Elon Musk
d) Bernard Arnault
Answer: c) Elon Musk
5. Which Indian state was recognized as ‘Tsunami Ready’?
a) Tamil Nadu
b) Odisha
c) Kerala
d) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: b) Odisha
6. How much loan did India secure from the ADB for horticulture productivity?
a) $50 million
b) $75 million
c) $98 million
d) $120 million
Answer: c) $98 million
7. Who succeeded Rishi Sunak as the leader of the UK’s Conservative Party in November 2024?
a) Robert Jenrick
b) Kemi Badenoch
c) Liz Truss
d) Boris Johnson
Answer: b) Kemi Badenoch
