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CURRENT AFFAIRS 01 November, 2024

 

  1. RAJESH KUMAR SINGH TAKES CHARGE AS NEW DEFENCE SECRETARY IN SOUTH BLOCK –
  • Rajesh Kumar Singh, a distinguished 1989-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Kerala cadre, officially took charge as the Defence Secretary at South Block, New Delhi.
  • Mr. Singh succeeds Giridhar Aramane, the 1988-batch IAS officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre, who retired from his service on October 31, 2024, after serving a notable two-year term in this crucial role.

 

  1. MOUNT FUJI RECORDS SNOWLESS DATE IN HISTORY –
  • Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji has yet to receive its first snowfall of the season. This is unprecedented, marking the latest date without snow since records began in 1894. The previous record was October 26, noted in 1955 and 2016. This year, warm weather has delayed the formation of the snowcap.
  • Mount Fuji typically sees its first snow around October 2. Last year, the snow appeared on October 5.
  • The absence of snow this year marks an important shift in weather patterns. The snowcap is essential for the mountain’s ecosystem and is a key feature for climbers and tourists.

 

  1. RECORD GREENHOUSE GAS LEVELS HIT NEW HIGHS IN 2023 –
  • In 2023, greenhouse gas levels reached a new high. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported a rise of over 10% in just two decades. This surge is alarming. It marks the urgent need for action to combat climate change.

The average global concentrations of key greenhouse gases in 2023 were:

  • Carbon dioxide (CO2): 420 parts per million (ppm)
  • Methane (CH4): 1934 parts per billion (ppb)
  • Nitrous oxide (N2O): 336.9 ppb
  • These levels are higher than in pre-industrial times:
  • CO2: 151% of pre-industrial levels
  • Methane: 265%
  • Nitrous oxide: 125%

 

  1. ARMENIA BECOMES INDIA’S LEADING DEFENCE EXPORT DESTINATION –
  • Armenia has emerged as India’s leading destination for defence exports. In the fiscal year 2023-24 achieved a record in defence exports, totalling Rs 21,083 crore (approximately $2.63 billion).
  • This marks a 32.5% increase from the previous year. Rising security concerns in Eurasia have prompted Armenia to shift away from its historical reliance on Russian arms, seeking diversification and self-reliance in its defence strategy.
  • Historically, Armenia relied heavily on Russia for military supplies, receiving about 94% of its arms from Moscow between 2011 and 2020. This included advanced weaponry like the Iskander missile system and Su-30SM fighter jets.
  • However, the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war revealed weaknesses in Russian support. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed frustration over Russia’s failure to deliver contracted weapons. This dissatisfaction prompted Armenia to seek alternative defence partnerships, leading to closer ties with India.

 

  1. SAUDI ARABIA BEGINS CONSTRUCTION OF WORLD’S LARGEST BUILDING –
  • Saudi Arabia has commenced construction on the Mukaab, aiming to become the largest building globally. This monumental project is located in Riyadh and represents a $50 billion investment. It is part of a broader vision to modernize the city and enhance its skyline.
  • The Mukaab will soar to 1,300 feet in height and span 1,200 feet in width. It will have enough space to house 20 Empire State Buildings. The total floor area will reach 2 million square feet, dedicated to various functions, including fine dining, retail, offices, and residential units.
  • The building will comprise 104,000 residential units and 9,000 hotel rooms, creating a vibrant downtown atmosphere. The design prioritizes human interaction, ensuring that green spaces are accessible within a 15-minute walk from any location inside the Mukaab.
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