Here’s your weekly roundup of the most important updates from November 2024! From key decisions at the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee meeting to global recognitions and new appointments in defence, we’ve got it all covered. Highlights include India’s progress in maternal health, Maharashtra’s unique initiative for desi cows, and new collaborations in the film industry with Colombia. Plus, inspiring achievements like Nepal’s Urmila Chaudhary winning a global award and the unveiling of the redesigned Lady Justice statue by the Supreme Court.
These key events and highlights are not just informative but will also be highly beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, and other competitive exams. Dive in to stay informed and inspired!
Key Decisions Taken at the 51st MPC Meeting
Recently, the 51st Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was chaired by the RBI Governor. What are the Key Decisions Taken at the 51st MPC Meeting?
- Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 6.5% for the 10th consecutive time.
- The MPC changed the policy stance to ‘Neutral’ from ‘withdrawal of accommodation’.
- The RBI has retained its Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation forecast for FY2025 at 4.5%. The RBI kept its real GDP growth projection for FY25 at 7.2%.
- The RBI has hiked the UPI 123PAY per transaction limit to Rs 10,000 from Rs 5,000.
- RBI issued a strong advisory to non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), microfinance institutions (MFIs) and housing finance companies (HFCs), to follow a ‘compliance first’ culture and take a sincere approach to customer grievances.
Global and National Recognitions
- The High Altitude Stadium in Tawang District has received the prestigious FIFA quality certification for its football turf, confirming our commitment to providing world-class sports facilities.
- Nepal’s Urmila Chaudhary wins the Global Anti-Racism Championship Award 2024. US Secretary of State, Antony J.Blinken presents the award.
- The European Parliament has awarded its prestigious Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to Venezuelan opposition leaders María Corina Machado and Edmundo González. This esteemed honor recognizes their unwavering commitment to representing the Venezuelan people in their struggle to restore freedom.
- Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia continues to shine, securing the Best Director honour at Harper’s Bazaar’s prestigious Women of the Year Awards for her remarkable film All We Imagine as Light.
- Popular film Producer, Director and screenwriter Rajkumar Hirani was given the National Kishore Kumar Award in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh on the occasion of 37th death anniversary of renowned singer and actor Kishore Kumar.
Diplomatic Visits and Honours
- President Droupadi Murmu who is on a visit to Algeria, as part of her three nation visit was conferred with Honorary Doctorate in Political Science by Sidi Abdellah Science and Technology Pole University in Algiers.
- The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has recognized India’s extraordinary progress in advancing Maternal Health and Family Planning. Commends India’s monumental efforts in reducing the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) by an impressive 70% between 2000 and 2020.
New Appointments in Indian Defence Forces
- DG Paramesh Sivamani took over as the 26th Director General of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
- Surgeon Vice Admiral Kavita Sahai, SM, VSM assumes charge as Director General Medical Services (Navy).
- Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai appointed as Director General of Military Operations.
Judicial and Cultural Initiatives
- The Supreme Court of India has unveiled a redesigned version of the iconic ‘Lady Justice’ statue, signaling a transformative step in the judicial outlook of the country. This change, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud, underscores the judiciary’s evolving identity—i.e. one rooted in constitutional principles and vigilance rather than colonial-era symbolism.
- Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath unveiled the new multi-colored logo for Mahakumbh 2025 at an event. Kumbh Mela, recognised by the UNESCO as an ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity,’ is regarded as the world’s largest peaceful gathering of pilgrims.
Government Initiatives and Announcements
- The Maharashtra government granted the status of ‘Rajyamata’ to desi cows in the state. This is the first time that such a title has been bestowed on any creature. The Indian giant squirrel is the state animal. In a government resolution (GR) passed by the dairy development department, the state specified that the status of Rajyamata will be extended only to desi cows. “These cows were called the kamdhenu and they carry scientific, religious, and economic importance,” said the GR. There are desi variants of cow such as Devani, Lal Kandhari in Marathwada, Khillar in Western Maharashtra, Dangi in North Maharashtra, and Gavlau in Vidharbha. The GR said that there has been a marked decrease in the number of desi cows in the state. A daily grant of ₹50 per cow will be given to their owners for their well-being.
- India and Columbia have signed the Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement which will enable Indian and Colombian film producers to utilize a platform for collaboration on various facets of film making. The agreement is expected to deepen the engagement between the critical sectors of the film industries of both countries thereby, unfolding a new chapter of collaboration. Colombia – 17th Country to sign Audio Visual co-production Agreement with India The agreement between India and Columbia is expected to benefit producers from both the countries in pooling their creative, artistic, technical, financial and marketing resources for the co-production. It will also lead to exchange of art and culture and create goodwill among the people of both the countries thereby boosting cultural ties.
Launch of eMigrate V2.0 Portal
- External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar inaugurated the emigrate V2.0 web portal and Mobile App in Delhi. The emigrate portal promotes safe and legal mobility channels for Indian migrants. In his address, Dr Jaishankar asserted that the launch of the emigrate V2.0 portal is a testament to the government’s efforts to create safe, transparent and inclusive mobility for Indians.
- He said the revamped version of the portal is a symbol of the government’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of Indian workers in foreign lands.
