Daily Current Affairs 7th Nov, 2024

Moldova’s Pro-European President Maia Sandu Secures Second Term Amid Allegations of Russian Meddling

In a closely contested runoff election, Moldova’s pro-Western President, Maia Sandu, has been re-elected, solidifying her commitment to aligning Moldova with the European Union.
The election, marked by claims of interference, intimidation, and vote-buying, underscored the country’s divided stance between fostering EU relations and preserving ties with Russia.
Sandu’s victory, with 55% of the vote against her Russia-leaning challenger Alexandr Stoianoglo’s 45%, represents a significant win for the pro-European government, which hopes this will accelerate Moldova’s EU membership journey, according to the Central Electoral Commission (CEC).

Switzerland’s “Burqa Ban” to Be Implemented in 2025

Following approval in a tight 2021 referendum, Switzerland will begin enforcing its controversial “burqa ban” on January 1, 2025.
The legislation prohibits facial coverings in public spaces, sparking substantial debate and criticism, particularly from Muslim organizations.

Zimbabwe Advances Space Programme with ZIMSAT-2 Launch

Zimbabwe has successfully launched its second satellite, ZIMSAT-2, from Russia’s Vostochny Cosmodrome, marking another stride in its space program.
Equipped with a high-resolution multispectral camera, ZIMSAT-2 will support Zimbabwe’s agriculture, resource exploration, environmental monitoring, and disaster management initiatives.
This milestone follows the launch of ZIMSAT-1 in November 2022, signaling Zimbabwe’s continued progress in space technology.

Union Cabinet Approves ₹10,700 Crore Equity Infusion for FCI

The Indian government has approved an equity infusion of ₹10,700 crore for the Food Corporation of India (FCI), aiming to reduce FCI’s reliance on high-interest loans for large-scale food distribution.
This initiative aligns with the government’s efforts to bolster food security and lessen subsidy burdens.

Deutsche Bank Commits ₹5,113 Crore to Strengthen India Operations

Deutsche Bank has injected ₹5,113 crore into its Indian branches, marking a significant capital increase in recent years.
This boost is intended to support growth in corporate, investment, and private banking, illustrating the bank’s commitment to India.
The capital infusion raises the bank’s regulatory capital for its Indian branches by 33%, bringing it close to ₹30,000 crore—a threefold increase over the past decade.
The bank aims to harness India’s role in global trends, such as digital transformation and infrastructure, to drive future expansion.

IFC Invests $400 Million in Bajaj Finance to Support Climate Goals and Women Empowerment

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has entered into a strategic partnership with Bajaj Finance Ltd. (BFL), contributing $400 million as part of a larger $1 billion initiative to boost climate finance in India.
This funding will help expand financing for electric vehicles (EVs), energy-efficient consumer products, and women-owned small businesses, aligning with India’s climate objectives and enhancing financial inclusion.

World’s First Wooden Satellite, LignoSat, Launched by Japanese Scientists

Japanese researchers have launched LignoSat, the world’s first satellite constructed with wood, marking a pioneering experiment in sustainable space technology.
Developed by Kyoto University in collaboration with Sumitomo Forestry, this satellite uses honoki wood to explore timber’s potential as a building material in space.
This mission could pave the way for future human settlements in space that utilize renewable resources.

Union Cabinet Approves PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme to Support Higher Education

On November 6, 2024, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the PM-Vidyalaxmi scheme, which provides financial support for students pursuing higher education.
Under this scheme, collateral-free loans will be available for students enrolled in 860 designated Quality Higher Education Institutions (QHEIs) across India.
With an allocation of ₹3,600 crore, the scheme is expected to benefit 22 lakh students annually, supporting their academic aspirations without financial constraints.

Manipur Celebrates Ningol Chakkouba Festival with Enthusiasm

Manipur celebrated the Ningol Chakkouba festival, one of the Meitei community’s most cherished events, with fervor.
Held on the second day of the lunar month of Hiyangei, the festival symbolizes family unity and togetherness.

Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Approves ₹3,706 Crore HCL-Foxconn Semiconductor Project

The Uttar Pradesh government has approved a significant semiconductor manufacturing project in collaboration with Foxconn and Vama Sundri Investment, a subsidiary of HCL Tech.
With an investment of ₹3,706 crore, the facility will be established along the Yamuna Expressway, aiming to bolster India’s semiconductor production capabilities.

Telangana Launches Comprehensive Caste Census

On November 6, 2024, Telangana launched a door-to-door caste census led by Backward Classes Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar in Hyderabad.
Conducted by the State Planning Department, this survey will collect detailed social, economic, political, and educational data across households statewide.

Joint Panel Formed by Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan for Cheetah Conservation

To address the migration of cheetahs from Madhya Pradesh to neighboring Rajasthan, both states have formed a joint committee to manage the cheetah corridor.
The focus will be on creating suitable habitats and facilitating the relocation of cheetahs from Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary.

Bihar’s Sultanganj Station to be Renamed Ajgaibinath Dham

Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced that the Sultanganj railway station in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district would be renamed Ajgaibinath Dham in honor of a revered Hindu shrine.
The Bhagalpur municipal council has approved the renaming proposal.

Max Verstappen Triumphs in Brazil Grand Prix 2024

Max Verstappen achieved an astonishing win at the 2024 Brazil Grand Prix, where he raced from 17th position to claim victory under challenging, rain-soaked conditions at Interlagos.
His skillful performance impressed fans and won admiration from multiple world champions, including Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso.
This victory edges Verstappen closer to a fourth consecutive world championship, reinforcing his status among Formula 1’s all-time greats.

Ramachandra Guha’s New Book, “Speaking with Nature: The Origins of Indian Environmentalism”

Renowned historian and environmentalist Ramachandra Guha has published a new book titled Speaking with Nature: The Origins of Indian Environmentalism.
This work delves into India’s unique ecological heritage, challenging traditional Western narratives and emphasizing how India’s environmental consciousness has been shaped by cultural and socio-economic factors.
Guha’s latest contribution reflects his dedication to both historical and environmental scholarship.

4th LG Cup Horse Polo Tournament Inaugurated in Ladakh

Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd), Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, inaugurated the 4th LG Cup Horse Polo-2024 Tournament at the newly built Polo Stadium in Drass, Ladakh.
Organized by Ladakh’s Department of Youth Services and Sports, the event underscores Ladakh’s commitment to promoting traditional sports and enhancing youth engagement in the region’s sports infrastructure.