Rafael Nadal Bids Farewell After Davis Cup Loss
Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has announced his retirement following a match at the 2024 Davis Cup in Málaga, Spain, where he suffered a 6-4, 6-4 defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands. Ending his illustrious career with 22 Grand Slam titles, Nadal decided to retire due to recurring injuries. In his heartfelt farewell speech, he expressed deep gratitude towards his fans and reminisced about his journey, hoping to be remembered for his passion and dedication to the sport.
India’s Urban Unemployment Rate Drops to 6.4% in Q2 2024
In the July-September 2024 quarter, India’s urban unemployment rate decreased to 6.4%, marking the lowest level observed in recent years. This is a drop from 6.6% in the previous quarter. The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) also reached a record high of 50.4%, indicating a broader inclusion of individuals in the workforce. The Worker Population Ratio (WPR) increased to 47.2%, up from 46% in the same quarter of 2023.
G20 Summit 2024 Kicks Off in Rio de Janeiro
Leaders from the G20 gathered at the Modern Art Museum in Rio de Janeiro, where President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva welcomed them. The summit, which will continue until November 19, 2024, will focus on several key areas of discussion, including social inclusion, global governance reform, and energy transitions. The leaders will also address pressing global challenges such as climate change, poverty alleviation, and tax reform.
Indian Army Successfully Completes ‘Sanyukt Vimochan 2024’ Disaster Relief Exercise
The Indian Army has successfully conducted the “Sanyukt Vimochan 2024” exercise, a Multilateral Annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise, in Ahmedabad and Porbandar, Gujarat, on November 18-19, 2024. The exercise, attended by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, showcased India’s disaster response readiness and involved various agencies such as the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, National Disaster Response Force, and State Disaster Response Force. The event included a Tabletop Exercise focusing on a cyclone scenario in Gujarat’s coastal region and a Multi-Agency Capability Demonstration at Chowpatty Beach, Porbandar.
Brazil’s President Lula Launches Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty
On November 18, 2024, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva officially launched the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty during the opening of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The initiative aims to connect nations with resources to tackle hunger and poverty, focusing on cash transfers, school meals, and support for farmers. The alliance has already garnered support from 82 countries, 26 international organizations, and 40 financial institutions.
Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2023 Awarded to Daniel Barenboim and Ali Abu Awwad
The prestigious Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development for 2023 was awarded to Daniel Barenboim and Ali Abu Awwad for their remarkable efforts in promoting peace and harmony between Israelis and Palestinians. The award was presented virtually on Indira Gandhi’s birth anniversary and recognized their use of non-violent tools such as music, dialogue, and community participation to foster understanding and reconciliation.
CCI Fines Meta ₹213.14 Crore for WhatsApp Privacy Policy Violation
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has fined Meta ₹213.14 crore for the controversial 2021 WhatsApp privacy policy update. The CCI found that WhatsApp, owned by Meta, abused its dominant position in the over-the-top (OTT) messaging market by imposing unfair terms on users. The update required users to agree to share their data with other Meta platforms, like Facebook and Instagram, to continue using WhatsApp. Meta has expressed disagreement with the CCI’s decision and plans to appeal the fine.