CURRENT AFFAIRS 04 November, 2024
- FIRST ASIAN BUDDHIST SUMMIT IN NEW DELHI –
- The First Asian Buddhist Summit (ABS) is set to take place on 5th-6th November 2024 in New Delhi. Organized by the Ministry of Culture and the International Buddhist Confederation, this summit focuses on the theme ‘Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia’. The Hon’ble President of India will attend as the Chief Guest.
- The summit aims to unite Sangha leaders, scholars, experts, and practitioners from various Buddhist traditions.
- It seeks to encourage dialogue and promote understanding. The event will address contemporary challenges faced by the Buddhist community across Asia.
- RECORD HEAT IN OCTOBER 2024 –
- October 2024 was the hottest October for India since 1901. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported unprecedented mean and minimum temperatures. Delhi experienced its warmest October since 1951, with no rainfall recorded.
- One factor contributing to these high temperatures is global warming. Over recent years, temperatures have risen globally. This trend has intensified in October 2024, affecting various countries, including India.
- Western disturbances are vital for winter rainfall in northwest India. These are extra-tropical storms that originate in the Mediterranean. In October 2024, no western disturbances impacted northwest India. This absence led to a 76% decrease in rainfall compared to the norm.
- NORTH KOREA TEST-FIRES ‘HWASONG-19’ ICBM –
- North Korea announced a successful test of its latest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), named the ‘Hwasong-19.’ This development has raised concerns globally, particularly regarding North Korea’s advancing missile technology and its potential nuclear capabilities.
- The ‘Hwasong-19’ is touted by North Korean state media as ‘the world’s strongest missile.’ The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) claims it features enhanced altitude and flight duration. These improvements suggest the missile could be an important threat, especially to the United States.
- This test marks a crucial step toward North Korea’s goal of developing a nuclear-capable ICBM. Such a missile could potentially reach global targets, increasing geopolitical tensions. The KCNA has labeled the ‘Hwasong-19’ as a ‘perfected weapon system,’ indicating high confidence in its capabilities.
- INDIA-VIETNAM 5TH JOINT EXERCISE ‘VINBAX’ BEGINS IN AMBALA –
- The 5th India-Vietnam military exercise, Vinbax, started in Ambala, Haryana, marking the first time both armies and air forces participated jointly.
- Last year this military exercise between the two countries took place in Vietnam.
- The Indian Army contingent consists of 47 personnel, represented by a regiment of the Corps of Engineers as well as personnel from other branches and services.
- INDIA WINS 17 MEDALS, 4 GOLDS AT UNDER-19 WORLD BOXING CHAMPIONSHIP –
- Indian boxers claimed 17 medals, including 4 golds, at the Under-19 World Boxing Championships in Colorado, USA.
- Gold winners were Hemant Sangwan (men’s) and Krisha Verma, Parthavi Grewal, and Vanshika Goswami (women’s), with 11 medalists from the Khelo India initiative.
- The Indian squad, featuring 19 boxers, 9 men and 10 women, saw 12 athletes reach the finals.