World Day for the Prevention of & Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse & Violence

• November 18 holds the United Nations' recognition as the "World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence."
• This occasion is a worldwide effort aimed at combating the widespread problem of child sexual exploitation, abuse, and violence that impacts numerous young individuals globally.

Japan and India are the Most Favoured Markets in the Asia Pacific Region

• According to the fund manager survey (FMS) conducted by Bank of America (BofA), Japan and India stand out as the most preferred markets in the Asia Pacific region.
• The survey indicates that Japan leads with a significant net overweight of 45 percent, while India follows closely behind at 25 percent.

Introduction of Solar-Powered 'Ramayana' Vessels Along the Saryu River

• Two solar-powered 'mini-cruise' ships will start operating in the Saryu River in Ayodhya before the inauguration of the Ram Temple in January 2024.
• Spearheaded by director Vikas Malviya of Varanasi-based Alaknanda Cruise, this innovative service aims to offer an immersive experience focused on the life and teachings of Lord Ram.
• The launch of solar-powered ‘Ramayana’ vessels along the Saryu River beautifully merges traditional elements with modern technology.

India Ranks Third in Global Unicorn Rankings With 72 Unicorn Companies

• In the global unicorn rankings, India holds the third position, boasting 72 unicorn companies.
• The United States leads the list with 668 unicorn companies, while China secures the second spot with 172 unicorn companies.
• The combined valuation of these unicorn entities is an impressive $195.75 billion, underscoring India's increasing prominence in the global startup ecosystem.

Ashok Vaswani as MD and CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank

• The board of directors has named Vaswani as the Director, Managing Director, CEO, and Key Managerial Personnel of the bank for a three-year term starting from January 1, 2024.
• Currently serving as the President of Pagaya Technologies Ltd, a US-Israeli AI Fintech company, Vaswani holds positions on the boards of the London Stock Exchange Group and the SP Jain Institute of Global Management, UK.
• Additionally, he actively contributes to several philanthropic organizations such as Pratham and Lend a Hand.

Virat Kohli’s Wax Statue in Jaipur Wax Museum

• A statue of cricketer Virat Kohli will be installed in the Wax Museum at Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur.
• This decision was taken after India's victory in the semi-finals of the Cricket World Cup and Virat Kohli completing 50 centuries in one-day cricket.
• This decision mirrors the presence of another wax statue, celebrating Mahendra Singh Dhoni, renowned as the 'Captain Cool' of cricket, already on display at the Jaipur Wax Museum.

Cyclonic Storm 'Midhili'

• The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has escalated into a cyclonic storm ‘Midhili.’
• It is expected to skim the Sunderbans before hitting the coast of Bangladesh, carrying winds reaching up to 80 kmph.
• Mizoram, Tripura, and Assam have encountered diverse rainfall intensities, causing disturbances during the inaugural day of the Meghalaya Cherry Blossom Festival.