Daily Current Affairs- 2 November 2024

Daily Current Affairs- 2nd November 2024

INTERNATIONAL

India-US joint Special Forces Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR to be held in Idaho, US.

• The Indian Army contingent departed today for the 15th edition of the India-US joint Special Forces Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR, which is scheduled for tomorrow (November 2) to November 22 at the Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, US. The last edition of the same exercise was conducted at Umroi, Meghalaya, in December last year. 

India Spain to Observe 2026 as Year of Culture, Tourism and AI

• India and Spain have agreed to observe 2026 as the Year of Culture, Tourism, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This and other agreements were reached between India and Spain to strengthen bilateral ties during the visit of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to India. 

NATIONAL

ISRO launches India's first analog space mission in Leh, Ladakh

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched India's inaugural analog space mission in Leh, Ladakh, marking a pioneering step in the nation's space exploration efforts. The mission, spearheaded by ISRO's Human Spaceflight Centre, brings together partners from AAKA Space Studio, the University of Ladakh, and IIT Bombay, and is supported by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council. 

OBITUARY

Rohit Bal, one of India's biggest fashion designers, dies at 63

• Rohit Bal, one of India's most renowned fashion designers, passed away at the age of 63, Rohit Bal was an Indian fashion designer, known for his designs catering to both men and women. He began his career in 1986, founding Orchid Oversea Pvt. Ltd with his brother, and debuted his independent collection in 1990. 

APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS

Senior bureaucrat Rajesh Kumar Singh takes over as defense secretary

• Senior bureaucrat Rajesh Kumar Singh took over as defense secretary, The 1989-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre assumed charge at the South Block, where the ministry is housed. Before taking charge, Singh laid a wreath and paid homage to the fallen heroes at the National War Memorial. 

Partha Pratim Sengupta assumes charge as Bandhan Bank's new MD & CEO

• Partha Pratim Sengupta assumed charge as the new MD&CEO of private lender Bandhan Bank. Ratan Kumar Kesh, who was appointed as interim MD&CEO of Bandhan Bank after the retirement of its founder Chandra Sekhar Ghosh, will resume his role as executive director and chief operating officer with Sengupta's joining. 

Itaru Otani was named new chairman of Yamaha India.

• India Yamaha Motor has appointed Itaru Otani as the new Chairman, Otani brings over three decades of experience with Yamaha Motor Company, having held key leadership roles across global markets, including Australia, Brazil and Japan. 

IMPORTANT DAYS

International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists

• The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists is a globally recognized occasion that shines a spotlight on the dangers and violence journalists and media workers face in their line of duty. Every year, on November 2, this day serves as a poignant reminder of the vital role that a free press plays in upholding democracy and the imperative to safeguard those who uncover the truth. 

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Rodri and Aitana Bonmati bags 2024 Ballon d'Or football award

• Rodri and Aitana Bonmati of Spain won football's most prestigious Ballon d'Or award for the best male and female footballer, respectively. The 2024 Ballon d'Or award winners were announced at a ceremony held at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France, on 28 October 2024.
• The Ballon d'Or, or the Golden Ball Award, is considered one of the most prestigious awards in football and has been awarded since 1956, except in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.