Typhoon Kong-rey hit Taiwan, marking the largest typhoon impact in nearly 30 years.
It made landfall on Taiwan’s eastern coast with initial winds over 200 km/h. Authorities closed schools, offices, and financial markets, evacuating thousands from high-risk areas.
Supermarkets faced shortages as residents prepared.
The storm injured over 70 people, caused one death, and led to power outages for about 500,000 households.
Severe weather conditions delayed emergency responses in affected areas.
Economic Affairs
4. What is the total gold reserve of India with RBI? – 854.73 metric tons
According to the latest report of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India’s total gold reserves with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) are 854.73 metric tons.
A significant portion of these reserves, 510.46 metric tons, is stored domestically within India.
The remaining gold reserves are kept abroad, of which 324.01 metric tonnes is kept safe in the Bank of England and the Bank for International Settlements (BIS).
Science & Technology
5. India’s first analog space mission has been launched at? – Leh, Ladakh
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has launched India’s first analog space mission in Leh, Ladakh, marking a pioneering step in the country’s space exploration efforts.
The mission, led by ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Centre, brings together partners from AAKA Space Studio, University of Ladakh, IIT Bombay.
Environment
6. Which zoological park has become India’s first zoo to earn certification from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC)? – Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park, Himachal Pradesh
Air Marshal Ajay Kumar Arora took appointment as Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance of the Indian Air Force at the Air Force Headquarters.
After assuming charge, the Air Marshal laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in honor of the armed forces personnel who have made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.
He was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering stream of the IAF in August 1986.
Important Days & Weeks
9.When is the “International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists” observed every year by the UN? – November 2
The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (IDEI) is observed on November 2, recognized by the United Nations to protect journalists and seek justice for crimes against them.
IDEI was proclaimed by the UN in Resolution A/RES/68/163, marking the 2013 killing of two French journalists in Mali.
It aims to tackle violence against journalists, crucial for freedom of expression and access to information.
The 2024 theme, “Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies,” focuses on protecting journalists in conflict zones.
Journalists in high-risk areas face violence, restricted access, and detention, creating “zones of silence.”
State Current Affairs
10. Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS), which was seen in the news, is located in which state? – Goa
An adult tigress and three cubs were recently spotted in Goa’s Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) for the first time since 2020.
Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Chorla Ghat, between North Goa and Belgavi, bordering Maharashtra and Karnataka.
The Mhadei River flows through the sanctuary, which is part of Goa’s protected Western Ghats region.
This area is renowned globally for its tiger population and is crucial for connecting tiger habitats across the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra and the Kali Tiger Reserve in Karnataka.
Miscellaneous
11.What is the theme of Vigilance Awareness Week 2024? – Culture of Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity
Vigilance Awareness Week 2024, themed “Culture of Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity,” runs from October 28 to November 3.
Central Vigilance Commissioner Shri Praveen Kumar Srivastava and Vigilance Commissioner Shri A.S. Rajeev led the Integrity Pledge at Satarkata Bhawan, New Delhi.
A three-month campaign supporting this week runs from August 16 to November 15, 2024.
A special event at Vigyan Bhawan on November 8 will feature the President of India as Chief Guest.
Ministries and departments are focusing on capacity building, systemic improvements, guideline updates, complaint resolutions, and digital transparency to enhance accountability.