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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.